tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-66413810673060441192024-03-14T08:57:25.587-04:00Our Special Needs LifeLorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08187892007539728010noreply@blogger.comBlogger232125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6641381067306044119.post-31429674717135353152013-02-18T11:26:00.001-05:002017-10-01T21:10:31.247-04:00As the years go by...It's been almost 3 1/2 years and I still find that grief is hard. It's a daily struggle to try to come to terms with what I've been through. Right when we faced our most difficult times, I felt comforted. I felt like I had the strength to go through so many obstacles in caring for Megan and her many tasks/needs. I could feel the prayers of others lifting my feet and putting one foot in front of the other.<br />
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If I'm being honest, these days I don't feel that. It takes great effort to put my feet on the floor and one in front of the other. I feel so far away from what was and struggling to make something of what is to be now and in the future.<br />
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When you've been through what I have, hope is hard. I've heard the tape playing in my mind that, "since God didn't rescue from circumstances then, why would he do anything else now or in the future." I know it's "stinkin' thinkin.'" But it's what I am mulling over right now. <br />
Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08187892007539728010noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6641381067306044119.post-53931927565556929252012-10-08T12:53:00.001-04:002017-10-01T21:11:19.134-04:0013It's your 13th <a href="http://ourspecialneedslife.blogspot.com/2009/10/10-years-ago-today.html">birthday</a>! That sounds sooooo big.<br />
Except that it's the 4th birthday that's gone by since you <a href="http://ourspecialneedslife.blogspot.com/2009/10/megan-is-home.html">went home</a>.<br />
We're going to celebrate tonight. Daddy, Monica, and I.<br />
We all still love every bit as much as we ever did.<br />
We miss YOU like crazy!<br />
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Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08187892007539728010noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6641381067306044119.post-72834639566164542902012-10-02T11:14:00.000-04:002017-10-01T21:12:10.057-04:00The Importance of Telling Megan's StoryAt the last session of our bi-monthly grief group, we were asked to write a journal entry about why it is important for us to continue telling Megan's story to others we come into contact with for the rest of our lives. At first, I had trouble writing because I was thinking of myself and how hard it is to explain to others who didn't know Megan or the magnitude of care she required. Where do I start? How do I explain? I have so many pieces all jumbled up in my head that I get so paralyzed about what to say.<br />
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In the end, as I listened to the other people talk about why they thought it was important to tell their stories, these things popped into my head.<br />
<ul>
<li>I want others to see that special needs children are real people with real feelings, wants, needs, and desires just like the rest of us.</li>
<li>I want others to see that special needs children are a valuable gift to their parents just as any healthy child is. They are fragile treasures that are entrusted to us.</li>
<li>Yes, special needs children require extra care. But, when you are tuned into their every sound, grin or grimace, and the expressions on their faces, you realize how much they have to offer to people who take the time to get to know them.</li>
<li>I want others to know that it's NOT a big relief when they're gone. Special needs children aren't disposable people. It matters when they're gone. There's a HUGE void that is left.</li>
<li>I may not have the daily struggles of caring for Megan anymore. But, my world was centered around her needs all. day. long. And that world vanished before my eyes. I felt lost and confused about my life without her.</li>
<li>The journey to finding your next steps in life is a long process. You don't just automatically feel free to do everything you thought you wanted in life before your special needs child came into it. Life handed me something hard and scary. What if the next step I choose is hard and scary too?</li>
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Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08187892007539728010noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6641381067306044119.post-89065157577495132502012-10-01T09:42:00.001-04:002017-10-01T21:12:54.875-04:003 yearsIt's been three years
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...since we kissed your cheeks goodbye.<br />
...since we held your little hand and you squeezed our fingers.<br />
...since we sang Happy Birthday to you.<br />
...since we saw you exhale for the last time.<br />
...since we cleaned your body and got you dressed for the last time.<br />
...since we left the hospital without you.<br />
...since we smelled the fragrance in your hair.<br />
...since we cuddled on the couch. <br />
...since we read you any books, played you music, or sang to you.<br />
And we Miss. It. All. Even the parts that weren't fun and were hard work - because we still had YOU.<br />
Your amazing eyes. Your beautiful smile. Your cackley laugh. The softness in your voice. The way you made us feel when we were near you. <br />
I want to see how you are now. The way we didn't get to see you here. I want to hear you talk. See you walk and run and play. Cook with Granny. Prepare for the future together. Do everything we didn't get to do together here. <br />
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Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08187892007539728010noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6641381067306044119.post-21237553216277602952012-03-12T15:36:00.005-04:002017-10-01T21:15:59.332-04:00What helps in times like these?I've been asked recently, "What did you do to get through when times were rough and the outlook seemed bleak? How can I help my friend who is in a similar situation to yours?"<br />
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My answer isn't full of short answers that are quick and easy. It's a daily choice and lifestyle that helped our family get through the last 12 years. Here are a few of the things that I did or that encouraged me during this time.<br />
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1) Our church family has played a major role with us in encouraging and supporting us. They have prayed for us, brought us meals, helped financially when needed and encouraged us.<br />
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2) I have chosen to listen to Christian radio. There are many songs that speak to the soul and help renew your mind and feel God's heart through the music. There are many songs based on scripture, and I could look some of those scriptures up in the bible (based on keywords) and learn some of the contexts the songs are based from.<br />
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3) It's also amazing how many scriptures from my Bible quizzing memorization, that just pop into my head when I am working and going about my day. I really listen to my thoughts and the context of the scriptures and how they relate - or what God may be telling me through them. <br />
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4) I listen for the ways God is leading my thoughts and listening to His direction. I would say doing this is probably the BEST thing she could do during this time. There were days where I didn't feel like doing anything and reading the Bible was too overwhelming. I remember being invited to a bible study that was a "read through the Bible in 90 days" right after my Megan went to Heaven. I was so overwhelmed by the huge daily reading schedule that it paralyzed any attempts at all. This was short lived. But,I kept looking for something that would help me move forward in this area.<br />
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5) I read some Christian-based books that are written about other believers' struggles, even if they weren't the same struggles I had. Some of the points in those books still had the ability to speak to me. I once read a book about a person's journey through weight loss surgery and received nuggets to ponder for myself even though I have never really had major struggles with my weight. Reading about different types of struggles will also help your friend to see the struggles that others face and not be so self-consumed by her own.<br />
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6) I read blogs where other people were facing similar struggles to mine. I read about where my "blog friends" were in their journeys and how they discussed and/or passed hurdles I was experiencing.<br />
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7) I read Rick Warren's "Bible Study Methods" book. Each chapter discusses a different way to study the Bible. "12 ways to unlock God's word." I tried out some of the new ways and see how each one fits with my personal preferences. (Some people have huge opinions about this author nowadays. But, this book is excellent in finding a personal style of studying for yourself.)<br />
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8) I was always looking for God anywhere I was. If I was shopping, vacationing, reading, or watching TV. God could speak to me through anything. Small quotes, meaningful discussions between characters on TV, artwork, seeing the beauty in God's creation, things other people chose to share with me.<br />
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9) A friend gave me "The One Year book of HOPE" by Nancy Guthrie. This author experienced infant loss twice. But, her book is written in weekly subjects that I could read all at once or once in a while and pick and choose which order to read the chapters in. (I haven't read all of it yet, but I can read read a nugget whenever I feel like I can.)<br />
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10) Our family created as many meaningful memories and pictures, and anything else associated with our daughter as we could in the time we had left. Nothing is more important than that. We believed that God would provide wonderful moments for us to treasure for the years to come.<br />
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11) We discussed and prepared our daughter for the end of her life and preparation for her future in whatever means we were able. We did this by talking to our daughter, playing songs for her, enjoying our time with her, and pointing our eyes toward Jesus together. This was not an easy task, but your God gives us the strength to do what we must if we asks God for it.<br />
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12) I knew who the people in my life are that I could talk to (that will just listen and not try to fix) and let out my frustrations, fears, joys, etc. Sometimes it helps to just hear yourself talk out your feelings, emotions, etc. to bring them to the surface.<br />
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People going through tough times such as this should know that they are going to go through some REALLY HARD and DARK times. Yes, admitting that is important to get through it. Every few months I see myself revisiting issues that I thought I had already lived and resolved. Everything feeling has a life cycle of its own. This is also true for the struggles of care that people may have before the end of their child's life. Anything can cause feelings to change at any moment. We as believers know that faith is not based on feelings but on keeping our eyes on the prize no matter how you are feeling. God is the Great Physician and Great Comforter to mend our broken hearts.<br />
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In a nutshell, I would say that anyone struggling with these issues in life should surround themselves with anything that God uses to speak to them, whatever that is. Also, to keep their minds and hearts open to hearing God's voice at all times. Also, I believe that these are the keys to be in constant communion with God and being in prayer incessantly. God wants to know our struggles and frustrations when we feel them. It is ok to let Him know how we is feeling, even if it means telling Him that it feels to us like He doesn't care or isn't seeing what is going on with us.<br />
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Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08187892007539728010noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6641381067306044119.post-79648957185681828112011-05-15T20:16:00.003-04:002011-05-15T20:36:25.535-04:00Today...is exactly 1 week before Monica's 10th Birthday. I love her so very much. We spent the day going through her dresser and closet and switching her wardrobe to warmer weather wear. It has been a bittersweet day. There have been many things that have reminded me that this is all the time I got to spend with Megan. We looked at so many outfits that Megan wore first. We put some away for good. Others, we put away for next fall and winter. Then, I realized we will probably have only one more season with older sister clothes to wear. Monica used to be so excited to get into Megan's new sizes. She always thought Megan had the cutest clothes and she hardly ever stained them or wore them out. <br /><br />I am so thankful that we're not having an early birthday party today because our time fell short with her. I don't think my heart could handle it.<br /><br />But, on the other hand, it's hard to wrap my mind around the fact that Monica will have surpassed her sister in age. Is she older now? Will she ask me that question and make me choose an answer? How long will it be before someone reminds me of this fact? And, will I have the grace to smile and nod? Or, will they get the brunt of my grief and pain?<br /><br /><img src="http://i793.photobucket.com/albums/yy219/SpecNeedsLife/SignatureGreen.jpg" border="0" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;" />Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08187892007539728010noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6641381067306044119.post-277492537456490062011-04-05T10:22:00.001-04:002011-04-06T15:50:49.926-04:00Thanks for the encouragementGod knows I need it. I have felt a little bit of the weight coming off my shoulders since my last post. I've been told that Social Workers are the hardest people to admit that they need help since they are so used to helping others. I should be able to fix myself, right? It's easy to see signs of mental health in others. Not so much yourself, I guess.<br /><br />I've been reading lately and am trying to come to terms with naming some of the feelings I have. Grief is hard. As soon as you think you've turned a corner, it smacks you in the face.<br /><br /><img src="http://i793.photobucket.com/albums/yy219/SpecNeedsLife/SignatureGreen.jpg" border="0" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;" />Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08187892007539728010noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6641381067306044119.post-37622217204673440562011-03-25T13:46:00.004-04:002011-03-25T14:05:01.132-04:00I'm not OK!I have been living the last year and a half of my life keeping busy and just accepting that this is the road I have to walk. This was the plan for me. I have find a way to move on and not concentrate on the past. There's nothing I can do to change it. <span style="font-weight:bold;">She's not coming back. There's no use in thinking any different. I just HAVE to accept it.</span><br /><br />When I was little and got disciplined, I would literally take what I had to in public without frowning, wincing, or shedding a tear. Then, when I was all alone in the privacy of my own space, I allowed myself to release the feelings that I needed. <br /><br />I can't hold it together anymore. I feel bad. I can't concentrate. I am tired. I can't sleep. I don't know how to name, let alone release, the feelings inside me. And it really sucks.<br /><br /><img src="http://i793.photobucket.com/albums/yy219/SpecNeedsLife/SignatureGreen.jpg" border="0" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;" />Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08187892007539728010noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6641381067306044119.post-6338815499712302682011-02-11T09:11:00.003-05:002011-02-11T09:17:42.805-05:00Devotional for the GrievingI found this 30-day devotional that is based on the book of Psalms today. It is free to download and print. You can find it at the <a target="blank" href="http://www.raisingarrows.net/2011/02/devotional-for-the-grieving.html">Raising Arrows</a> blog. It is written by a mother who lost her baby in 2008. <br /><img src="http://www.raisingarrows.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/ebookcover.jpg"><br /><img src="http://i793.photobucket.com/albums/yy219/SpecNeedsLife/SignatureGreen.jpg" border="0" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;" />Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08187892007539728010noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6641381067306044119.post-91340868274884766252011-02-08T08:31:00.004-05:002011-02-09T10:52:15.850-05:00Chad and Baby Miranda<span style="font-weight:bold;">Update 2/9/11:</span><br />Sometimes the miracle lies in the ability to understand the answer you are given, persevere, and trust that God's promises will prevail in your life. <br /><br /><iframe title="YouTube video player" width="480" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/S8Gxv9CRRVM" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />Baby Miranda went to live with her Mommy and Jesus last night. Please continue to keep Chad in your prayers. He has a tough road ahead of him. But he is still <a target="blank" href="http://sadandchara.blogspot.com/2011/02/im-home.html">praising God</a> for the strength and courage he received in the last few days - and the ones to come.<br /><br />This weekend friends of ours were in a car accident. The Lord called Sara (the wife) home to Jesus. She was due to deliver their first born child at the end of this month. Doctors were able to deliver their daughter, Miranda. She is on life support, with no brain activity. Today is the day a miracle needs to happen. PLEASE pray with me, and thousands of others, as we pray comfort for Chad in the loss of his wife, and for a miracle from God. Baby Miranda is so perfect!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_H8RNeCUNnXL65RvslXROiw7WsFHIBIhpMp3-Qn_rgicnAW7q8jPXV0X9aQ3z70fl5JsjjIo3EC6tj3To28h6LObTW2fEq-sJV9GdCnzq-AYNHz19axQbYfbggYNTPizu21aHLZ1rFveG/s1600/Baby.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_H8RNeCUNnXL65RvslXROiw7WsFHIBIhpMp3-Qn_rgicnAW7q8jPXV0X9aQ3z70fl5JsjjIo3EC6tj3To28h6LObTW2fEq-sJV9GdCnzq-AYNHz19axQbYfbggYNTPizu21aHLZ1rFveG/s400/Baby.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571311754994495250" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.sadandchara.blogspot.com/">This is their family website.</a> They waited for a long time to get pregnant and have blogged about their journey to meeting their baby. <br /><br /><img src="http://i793.photobucket.com/albums/yy219/SpecNeedsLife/SignatureGreen.jpg" border="0" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;" />Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08187892007539728010noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6641381067306044119.post-18867716296510795662011-02-01T12:22:00.005-05:002011-02-02T15:42:46.302-05:00Free PrintablesI am finishing up on some forms for special needs families to use for various medical issues needed. The links to these free printable forms will be available shortly. They include:<br /><br /><ol><li>Medication Lists - both detailed and compact</li><br /><li>Daily routines</li><br /><li>Packing lists for day outings, school, vacations</li><br /><li>Observations/issues to be discussed at the next doctor's appointment - collecting raw data</li><br /></ol><br />I am currently working on getting the .pdf hosting that I want to use ironed out since I can't upload a .pdf file to blogger.<br /><br />Are there any other types of forms that you would use or find useful that you would like to see?<br /><br /><img src="http://i793.photobucket.com/albums/yy219/SpecNeedsLife/SignatureGreen.jpg" border="0" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;" />Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08187892007539728010noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6641381067306044119.post-62879859900362029182010-11-21T21:12:00.003-05:002010-11-21T21:18:28.019-05:00Hello!It's been a busy, busy November for my business, Dolly Outfitters. I have been sewing doll carriers non-stop and am currently listing my last batch for Christmas delivery.<br /><br />This is my second year of awesome-ness (Is that a word?) at holiday time. Last year, I was busy all the way up to the shipping deadline and was very pleased. This month I will surpass the volume of both November and December of last year. WOWSERS!!!! <br /><br />So, I am going to try to post on here more often. I haven't fallen off the face of the earth. <a href="http://ourspecialneedslife.blogspot.com/2010/01/junk-out-2010-my-second-week.html">I've buried myself in my sewing room, LOL</a>! No - It's not that clean anymore either :(<br /><br /><img src="http://i793.photobucket.com/albums/yy219/SpecNeedsLife/SignatureGreen.jpg" border="0" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;" />Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08187892007539728010noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6641381067306044119.post-37446246281492867422010-11-09T17:59:00.003-05:002010-11-09T18:07:00.362-05:00Scribblish Winner!I almost forgot to announce the winner of the Scribblish! game winner from Halloween weekend. <br /><br /><center>The winner is: Deb Postma!</center><br /><br />Congratulations! E-mail me your mailing address and I'll get you registered for your free Scribblish! game.<br /><br />You can view a demonstration of how the game is played <a href="http://www.hasbro.com/play/details.cfm?guid=62B95BFC-19B9-F369-10FE-5DCE4267E8B2&src=endeca">here</a>.<br /><br /><img src="http://i793.photobucket.com/albums/yy219/SpecNeedsLife/SignatureGreen.jpg" border="0" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;" />Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08187892007539728010noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6641381067306044119.post-75642821512433950752010-11-03T14:41:00.007-04:002010-11-03T15:27:50.003-04:00Halloween crafty-nessFor my second posting for the Halloween Party to win this <a href="http://www.thesitsgirls.com/2010/10/halloween-party/">awesome camera</a> on the SITS girls blog is to show a craft you've made for the holiday. I have two crafts to share. <br /><br />A few years ago, I made my daughter and another friend mermaid dresses to wear trick-or-treating together. I was really into making costumes and this was the third year in a row. I waited until the last minute so that the girls could put them on right after they got back from school. The skirts were too long. The girls had to hold them up to walk everywhere. One of them came back from trick-or-treating without a hem because it tore when she tripped on it. So, a word to the wise -- make sure to give yourself enough time to measure the proper length (or at least fix the length) of a skirt before it's use is needed. Sigh.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgGGdmgqboTKSMYcywjO2P_RNY7qfzvzUiOt1nTDA3zeQXxebe2AgEOStrQdmiYH3FhDawqLnq0H8BPa5tpZQOoZZNVJ59Ex0MtqWq7IvXUVli4B6RaC0OTTm86JM6CRVgY-gOF5Pibsof/s1600/My-Mermaid-Dresses.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 217px; height: 350px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgGGdmgqboTKSMYcywjO2P_RNY7qfzvzUiOt1nTDA3zeQXxebe2AgEOStrQdmiYH3FhDawqLnq0H8BPa5tpZQOoZZNVJ59Ex0MtqWq7IvXUVli4B6RaC0OTTm86JM6CRVgY-gOF5Pibsof/s400/My-Mermaid-Dresses.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535406958999660178" /></a><br />The second project is also a large glass of lemonade. I was going to make my husband this gorgeous Halloween scrub shirt for work. He likes to wear printed shirts at work and there aren't any masculine printed shirts at the scrub shop. This was the second scrub shirt I was making since starting my sewing classes. <br /><br />I decided to save some class time and cut the pattern pieces ahead of time. When I got to sewing class and showed my instructor what I had done. She was both surprised and a little disappointed. I had perfectly cut the pattern just like I was supposed to with one little detail left out. I had cut all my pattern pieces from the fabric with the gorgeous print UPSIDE DOWN! <br /><br />So, instead we decided to make this great drawstring candy bag. My daughter has used it to trick-or-treat every year since. Did you notice it in the photo of the girls above too?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil62mdG0ic04isQv-59ieZKoo3VNzdSybECe6wZY8uP9TVzG4BLzo5F7e6zTR6gUImBVhi8uDxYD9UpkgTw29um2EQa8QcAApdeLPbpQ2tax2hUylc3Dx7ir6Hsx_AEu4QyIko_Zmta0FG/s1600/Halloween-Bag.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 321px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil62mdG0ic04isQv-59ieZKoo3VNzdSybECe6wZY8uP9TVzG4BLzo5F7e6zTR6gUImBVhi8uDxYD9UpkgTw29um2EQa8QcAApdeLPbpQ2tax2hUylc3Dx7ir6Hsx_AEu4QyIko_Zmta0FG/s400/Halloween-Bag.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535403908748373106" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8UIDKDrnDyqEgd5txYJaFokDiMDU47G4mXr89z-SBPDeydvzrG7HRjTce_cDo8uYWwc_aCz3ioYj_LhmyyBupfsYTKb5xOV0_pRnsIEGjjkWudtRsuOCt3Zl4AJQhCyOeGoIZPIoETSDQ/s1600/Halloween-Bag-2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 325px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8UIDKDrnDyqEgd5txYJaFokDiMDU47G4mXr89z-SBPDeydvzrG7HRjTce_cDo8uYWwc_aCz3ioYj_LhmyyBupfsYTKb5xOV0_pRnsIEGjjkWudtRsuOCt3Zl4AJQhCyOeGoIZPIoETSDQ/s400/Halloween-Bag-2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535403903635169954" /></a><br /><br /><img src="http://i793.photobucket.com/albums/yy219/SpecNeedsLife/SignatureGreen.jpg" border="0" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;" />Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08187892007539728010noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6641381067306044119.post-70554271343711709512010-10-30T12:31:00.004-04:002010-10-30T12:40:05.190-04:00Last Halloween...Monica was Ariel. This is a picture of her and a friend. They dressed alike for the Trunk 'N Treat held at the school's parking lot. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiMhcCBw9T-0FWTYyvBd9tS3cIw36t7oMw9R-PseVvotfMLbYtX0mySkyyqetvJdb09Qyhdh7SEN0tYgY4BYQiWYeuvndk3pV9MCttWWe0527FSidbqSWuqRKsCv3z9cJavbnPh0qf2Rkl/s1600/Monica-Ariel.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 256px; height: 350px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiMhcCBw9T-0FWTYyvBd9tS3cIw36t7oMw9R-PseVvotfMLbYtX0mySkyyqetvJdb09Qyhdh7SEN0tYgY4BYQiWYeuvndk3pV9MCttWWe0527FSidbqSWuqRKsCv3z9cJavbnPh0qf2Rkl/s400/Monica-Ariel.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5533878038249590978" /></a><br /><br />This year, she is excited to be another Princess, of course. I'll tell in another post!<br /><br />This post is being linked to the <a href="http://www.thesitsgirls.com">SITS girls blog</a> for an AWESOME giveaway prize. Join us and find out what it is!<br /><img src="http://i793.photobucket.com/albums/yy219/SpecNeedsLife/SignatureGreen.jpg" border="0" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;" />Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08187892007539728010noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6641381067306044119.post-11510184316960791162010-10-27T20:17:00.005-04:002010-11-09T18:04:26.708-05:00Do you play games?<span style="font-weight:bold;">This giveaway is now closed!</span><br /><br />I have a fun holiday weekend giveaway to start today! My Blog Spark and Hasbro have teamed up to provide a lucky reader with the game Scribblish!<br /><br /><center><img src="http://www.myblogspark.com/s/9823/images/Scribblish_Package_Final.JPG" height="400"/></center><br /><br />It's kind of a cross between the historic "telephone game" and pictionary. The players are each given a phrase to draw. Then, they switch drawing papers and have to guess the phrase based on the drawing from the person who handed them the paper. Then, they switch again, and the next round has to give a new phrase to the drawing. At the end, players vote on which final drawing and phrase was the one they started with and which one turned out to be the funniest transition from the original phrase.<br /><br />I hope this makes sense. I'll post game play pictures after the long weekend so you can get a better understanding of what the game is about. If you want to enter to win your own Scribblish! game, just tell me in the comments what your favorite game was growing up or what your favorite game is now!<br /><br /><img src="http://i793.photobucket.com/albums/yy219/SpecNeedsLife/SignatureGreen.jpg" border="0" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;" /><br /><br />The fine print: Hasbro provided me with a free game, information, and the prize pack to the winner through <a href="http://www.myblogspark.com">MyBlogSpark</a>.Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08187892007539728010noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6641381067306044119.post-3568751562541899312010-10-25T12:00:00.004-04:002010-10-25T12:42:53.988-04:00Water and Diet Coke don't taste the same!I know. I know. We already knew that, right? <br /><br />My taste buds have definitely been shell shocked because I took some of the greatly needed advice that you guys left me last week. Thank you all so much for your comments and suggestions.<br /><br />I don't have Diet Coke in my house anymore. I had my last one last night.<br /><br />I have only had ONE 12-pack since my last post on <a href="http://ourspecialneedslife.blogspot.com/2010/10/im-addict.html">Wednesday</a>.<br /><br />I have been drinking more water in between my caffeinated beverages, coffee and diet coke - which I no longer own stock in, LOL!<br /><br />I do have some coffee left. I have only been drinking about half a pot of that a day though.<br /><br />My taste buds don't like water as much as diet coke.<br /><br />On the bright side, I think I saved an extra roll of toilet paper over the weekend with my lessened intake of liquids.<br /><br />What did you do this weekend?<br /><br /><img src="http://i793.photobucket.com/albums/yy219/SpecNeedsLife/SignatureGreen.jpg" border="0" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;" />Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08187892007539728010noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6641381067306044119.post-87889479477920773032010-10-20T10:42:00.006-04:002010-10-20T11:34:47.289-04:00I'm an addictIt began as a light desire for what tasted good. <br /><br />Yes, I admit that I just "liked" coffee and Diet Coke. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgKa3ciV-ITVE5oYW6C4_HoggMSrkCOrwK-wYflWUJoZqEIsTIF1l42nHgoPkXvXHmRAkVd4wFf4TI4WGWwTSd5yaUAlpwXf1-lJBdb_zoVeXa0clm_ZcrrNs-wBkcaDLEe30lzUMUN4Ex/s1600/diet-coke.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 217px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgKa3ciV-ITVE5oYW6C4_HoggMSrkCOrwK-wYflWUJoZqEIsTIF1l42nHgoPkXvXHmRAkVd4wFf4TI4WGWwTSd5yaUAlpwXf1-lJBdb_zoVeXa0clm_ZcrrNs-wBkcaDLEe30lzUMUN4Ex/s400/diet-coke.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5530150134657645730" /></a><br /><br />It's not such a problem when you have a regular schedule to keep and you can't have one of those two items on you at all times. You just enjoy it while you can.<br /><br />That changes, though, when you don't keep a schedule and you <span style="font-weight:bold;">are</span> able to have one of those two with you at all times.<br /><br />It starts off all innocent. Oh, I finished my last one? Better get another.<br /><br />Then, it became a part of me. It went from being on the table next to me, to my hand, to an attachment on my purse that goes everywhere I do.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3OO8u4pp5i-En5LgGknqkoSlyL4_dz2DNyxZCqXZK0fYnrA_1v5kNgjacohn5MI5UiBiSyFmgwHayeAhZ9pSuOi7zc3U2f5RqQNq_XtTjgg-zZh7CCfIQlfmf-2OWc0Y2bybBIoqoD9qV/s1600/DietCokeBottles.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 248px; height: 248px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3OO8u4pp5i-En5LgGknqkoSlyL4_dz2DNyxZCqXZK0fYnrA_1v5kNgjacohn5MI5UiBiSyFmgwHayeAhZ9pSuOi7zc3U2f5RqQNq_XtTjgg-zZh7CCfIQlfmf-2OWc0Y2bybBIoqoD9qV/s400/DietCokeBottles.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5530150560265930130" /></a><br /><br />When I put it somewhere and I couldn't find it, I got another one out. When I finished that, I got another one out. When I found one I left somewhere and didn't know where it went, I combined it with the one I was currently drinking. (Notice the container size difference?)<br /><br />It's a big joke when you finally realize just how much you consume. It doesn't affect you personally. And, it's a very socially acceptable addiction. After all, I'm not smoking or doing something <span style="font-style:italic;">really</span> bad for me or anyone else.<br /><br />It isn't a joke, though, when you realize that Diet Coke has become <span style="font-style:italic;"><span style="font-style:italic;">half of your grocery budget</span></span> and you only buy it when it's on sale. You say to yourself, I should stop consuming so much of it, right?<br /><br />So, I bought more coffee. After all, it's cheaper to make yourself. <br /><br />I was talking with my husband recently. I asked him what I should do. He said, "You should just start weaning yourself off of it." Then, I asked him how I should go about doing that. He said, "You should just limit yourself to, like, <span style="font-weight:bold;">one a day</span>."<br /><br />"Um, Honey, I don't know if you've really been paying attention to what I am telling you. But, when you (I can't believe I'm typing this!) consume a <span style="font-weight:bold;">12-pack a day</span>, only having ONE is like going COLD TURKEY!"<br /><br />What am I going to drink the rest of the day? I always have something with me. Stitch a seam. Take a drink. Stitch another. Take a drink. Make a blog post. Take a drink after each paragraph. Um, does anyone know how many paragraphs are in my blog posts? A lot. (And all you readers thought I just know that breaking up long posts is easier to read on a computer screen - insert scary, sarcastic laugh here.)<br /><br />Have you noticed the tension I have in writing about this subject today? It's taken a lot of anxious energy to write this one, LOL! (Just count the number of paragraphs here.) A whole <span style="font-style:italic;">giant cup</span> of coffee has been consumed already in the time I have written this. I am currently out of Diet Coke. Coffee is my back-up caffeine. <br /><br />Yes, this is a real addiction. It has taken years of habit formation. I have real symptoms when I don't consume any for a few hours - really.<br /><br />In light of the subject of my last post about <a href="http://ourspecialneedslife.blogspot.com/2010/10/why-is-my-eye-twitching.html">eye twitching</a>, I have decided that I need to do something about this addiction. I am starting to wonder if this addiction is part of the cause of my brain not being able to settle down at night to sleep. Although my sleeping issues started last year, for obvious reasons I hope, I can't help but wonder if the caffeine is compounding the problem. Both of these symptoms are causes of eye twitching - fatigue or lack of sleep and the over consumption of caffeine. I can't help but wonder - is this my wake up call? <br /><br />I do have a doctor's appointment in early November and will be discussing this issue there as well.<br /><br />Until then, I am asking you lovely readers, what would you do in this situation? How do I go about weaning my caffeine consumption? Do you know anyone who has been in this situation before?<br /><br /><img src="http://i793.photobucket.com/albums/yy219/SpecNeedsLife/SignatureGreen.jpg" border="0" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;" />Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08187892007539728010noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6641381067306044119.post-2309086113854517682010-10-14T14:28:00.001-04:002010-10-14T14:29:50.089-04:00Why is my eye twitching?Or, better yet, why won't my eye stop twitching? That's the question that's been bugging me the most. It hasn't seemed important so I've been trying to ignore it the last few weeks.<br /><br />Then, I caught <a href="http://theblogfrog.com/104191/forum/58252/twitching-eyelid.html">this thread on MckMama's forum</a>. She was wondering why her eye was twitching too. Then I realized there were, like, 5 pages of responses from people who had the same problems and links to common sources to the eye twitching problem.<br /><br />Here are the most common sources of the problem according to <a href="http://www.eyecarebasics.com/eye-care-articles/eye-twitch.htm">Eye Care Basics.com</a>.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Why Does My Eye Twitch?</span><br />Eye twitches can be triggered by a variety of different factors. Some of the conditions that cause eye twitches are environmental, some are physiological, and some are psychological in nature. Below is a list of some of the more common causes of eye twitch:<br /><br /> * Fatigue or lack of sleep<br /> * Over consumption of caffeine<br /> * Physical or emotional stress<br /> * Anxiety or phobias<br /> * Brain damage or other neurological disorders<br /> * Associated with temper tantrums (especially in children)<br /> * Eye stress associated with extended viewing of the computer screen<br /> * Epilepsy<br /><br />The only two I can't really identify with are neurological disorders and epilepsy (in myself, that is, because I have extensive experience in this area of physical ailments). Of the other 6 reasons, I deal with one of them daily from my daughter and the rest pretty much have. me. pegged. That must be the reason BOTH my eyes have been twitching this week! <br /><br />(Plus, maybe the fact that I tried to post this on my business blog rather than this one. I hope I got it deleted before anyone saw it!)<br /><br /><img src="http://i793.photobucket.com/albums/yy219/SpecNeedsLife/SignatureGreen.jpg" border="0" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;" />Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08187892007539728010noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6641381067306044119.post-78690787339385347112010-10-08T14:37:00.008-04:002010-10-08T15:50:51.690-04:00Today is a special day!First of all, today is Megan's birthday. Happy Birthday, Meggie Meg! Mommy loves you!<br /><br />Next, today I am officially announcing that a portion of my new e-book, <span style="font-weight: bold;">Creating a Back-to-School Handbook for Your Special Needs Child</span>, is available. I wrote this book because when I think about sending a special needs child to school, there is a lot of preparation that's necessary for a smooth transition. When I wrote <a href="http://ourspecialneedslife.blogspot.com/2010/09/starting-school-with-special-needs.html">this</a> post with tips for starting the school year off right, I thought the main thing I could do to help people prepare is tell them what I did every year when Megan started a new school year. Then, I got an even bigger idea. And, my thoughts turned into writing a book. I wrote most of the text for this guide on Megan's first eternal birthday, October 1, 2010.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Creating a Back-to-School Handbook for Your Special Needs Child</span> tells parents of special needs children how to organize the information that the school needs to know about their child. It tells parents what information to write about their child's personality, their medical needs, their daily schedule, and also what the school should do in the event of an emergency. This book is written so that no instructions to the school are left out. The teachers and aids know exactly where to turn when they have a question before they pick up the phone. And, they know which phone numbers to call depending on where the parent may be during the day when it is truly necessary.<br /><br />Having this tool for your child and the school creates a "win-win" situation. The teachers and aids know exactly what your child needs. They are trained to work with your child specifically. And, you and your child are more comfortable (and less anxious) with the care he or she receives while at school.<br /><br />This guide is for you if:<br />1) You are a parent looking for a way to help you organize the information you have to send your child to school.<br />2) You know a family who could benefit from this guide.<br />3) You work with a special needs student and their family and want to help them make the best transition to school as possible.<br />4) You are a school system looking for information to help your staff members learn how to care for special needs children.<br /><br />To download a copy of <span style="font-weight: bold;">Creating a Back-to-School Handbook for Your Special Needs Child</span>, just fill out the form on the left sidebar of this blog and you will receive a link to download Part 1 of the e-book in your welcome e-mail. Your e-mail address will not be shared with anyone. I will only be letting you know when Part 2 of the e-book is available and when other great e-books are ready. (I have several ideas in mind to be written over the next few months. They all pertain to helping parents with special needs children.)<br /><br />Part 1 details everything a parent needs to know to write their own handbook for their child's care. <span style="font-weight: bold;">It is 11 pages full of helpful content!</span><br /><br />Part 2 of the e-book is a sample handbook. And, it isn't just a bunch of words. It is the actual handbook for the care of my Megan that we used when we sent her off to school for the day. And, in case you're wondering, it talks about her personality and social needs, her medication and changing schedule, operation instructions for her medical supplies and equipment, and what to do when a piece of equipment isn't working right. This sample handbook is a lot more than 11 pages and may even save a parent some work if they use any of the same equipment that Megan needed. Because of the extent of the personal information and time-saving value shared, Part 2 will not be a free resource. However, it will totally be worth the price!<br /><br />So, please sign up to receive Part 1 of this awesome tool! If you don't think you can personally use the guide, please Tweet or "like" this post on Facebook using the buttons below to let everyone know that this resource is available. This resource is awesome and could help parents, special needs children, and school officials start a strong relationship with one another.<br /><br /><img src="http://i793.photobucket.com/albums/yy219/SpecNeedsLife/SignatureGreen.jpg" style="border: 0pt none ! important; background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent;" border="0" />Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08187892007539728010noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6641381067306044119.post-44617995841277063502010-10-05T21:06:00.004-04:002010-10-05T22:09:08.880-04:00In case you noticed the formThere is a new form in my left sidebar. It is for receiving free resources, tips, and advance notice of events that are sponsored on Our Special Needs Life. It is also the mode of delivery I have chosen to offer the free portion of my new ebook, "Creating a Back-to-School Handbook for Your Special Needs Child." <br /><br />I am not quite finished with all the details. However, if you want to know what I've been up to before the "official" post - you can sign up to receive the information and get the link to the ebook now. There may or may not be an attachment showing on the e-mail system emails. You don't have to click it - I'm trying to figure out how it got in there in the first place, LOL! The link to the ebook file is in the body of the "Welcome Email" and not in the header where the paper clip shows. I've spent <span style="font-weight:bold;">a lot</span> of time on this today and it's late now. I'm headed to bed. Maybe I'll dream about how all this is going to work in the future and my problem will be solved by morning - a girl can dream, right?<br /><br /><img src="http://i793.photobucket.com/albums/yy219/SpecNeedsLife/SignatureGreen.jpg" style="border: 0pt none ! important; background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent;" border="0">Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08187892007539728010noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6641381067306044119.post-74850693336851327662010-10-01T14:08:00.004-04:002010-10-01T14:28:45.446-04:00Today is day 365!If you look down to the left sidebar at the Twitter feed you'll see that it has been 365 days since my Megan went Home! She was rare! treasured! priceless! I have been getting by emotionally lately by not thinking about the fact that today was coming. But, the last couple of days I have been thinking about how I can make today turn into the best that it can for our whole family.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZd3H435Puqg62uOtPfhsOEarW2_KkUBZJWGzrIX0Ip8rduStrTNJY7RyZtj9-slCJ2_AfcVowaF8ydGRplvJ-_ovrugRuqIPgeFB5970PjulHDrRe_EkoJ__bHENmTVCT3bPxusYLEftp/s1600/Twitterfeed.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 139px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZd3H435Puqg62uOtPfhsOEarW2_KkUBZJWGzrIX0Ip8rduStrTNJY7RyZtj9-slCJ2_AfcVowaF8ydGRplvJ-_ovrugRuqIPgeFB5970PjulHDrRe_EkoJ__bHENmTVCT3bPxusYLEftp/s400/Twitterfeed.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5523146099758025090" /></a><br />Ken is working today and Monica is attending school. I have been here in my studio working. The only project I have been working on today has been to finish writing the Back-to-School Handbook for Special Needs Children. This handbook is turning out to be <span style="font-weight:bold;">really awesome</span>. I haven't released it yet because its a bit more than I was expecting it to be. I think it is really going to help people who have a special needs and/or medically fragile child start an awesome conversation with the school and keep the lines of communication open, honest, and enjoyable.<br /><br />I am using today to start contributing to my daughter's legacy rather than choosing to succumb to the personal stagnation that grief can create if we allow ourselves to be overcome by it. I am choosing to take each step as I feel led to offer inspiration, help, and hope to those who are living the amazing struggle of caring for their children in unfathomable ways. I can't wait to show you what I've been up to!<br /><br />"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!"<br />Philippians 4:13<br /><br /><img src="http://i793.photobucket.com/albums/yy219/SpecNeedsLife/SignatureGreen.jpg" border="0" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;" />Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08187892007539728010noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6641381067306044119.post-85311406723646446732010-09-28T09:21:00.009-04:002010-10-13T17:31:23.159-04:00Awesome!This is a really powerful video. The speaker is an abortion survivor and tells what happened to her. But, she also has something to say about the beauty of people with special needs and a call to action for men and women to do what is right in the name of Jesus.<br /><br /><object width="400" height="265"><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true" /><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /><param name="movie" value="http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=9200962&server=vimeo.com&show_title=1&show_byline=0&show_portrait=1&color=d43628&fullscreen=1&autoplay=0&loop=0" /><embed src="http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=9200962&server=vimeo.com&show_title=1&show_byline=0&show_portrait=1&color=d43628&fullscreen=1&autoplay=0&loop=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" width="400" height="265"></embed></object><p><a href="http://vimeo.com/9200962">Gianna Jessen, abortion survivor | Gianna Jessen, supravieĊ£uitoare a avortului</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/provita">provita</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>.</p><br /><br /><img src="http://i793.photobucket.com/albums/yy219/SpecNeedsLife/SignatureGreen.jpg" border="0" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;" />Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08187892007539728010noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6641381067306044119.post-45596664971749688622010-09-22T15:31:00.003-04:002010-09-22T15:36:06.187-04:00I am working...I am working on some printable guides for making sure you have all of your paperwork and medical information in order when your special needs child (or medically fragile child) begins school for the first time or just begins a new school year. It has taken me longer than I thought it would. But, I am steadily reaching that goal! My next blog post will be the presentation of this guide. I am hoping that it will be available on Friday - but it might be Monday (I hope not, LOL!)<br /><br /><img src="http://i793.photobucket.com/albums/yy219/SpecNeedsLife/SignatureGreen.jpg" border="0" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;" />Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08187892007539728010noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6641381067306044119.post-55787093996197785802010-09-16T16:57:00.005-04:002010-09-17T15:26:16.993-04:00Totino's Prize Pack Winner!The winner of the Totino's back to school prize pack with bonus Box Tops and free pizza coupons is.......<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHOOQ0Z2qCxGOdPcZG0uaoGdo6Nd9UDlFDc3HVytQRXqqob6YCCr5GzFOd2aI7z114gFgBcFcQIhhfVAXL1RZGHIO7Pm2rryM2R6QirOS4a-FFnw5rNmK5UK0wYQSLlbacr5x1m25xO503/s1600/RandomTotinos.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 198px; height: 204px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHOOQ0Z2qCxGOdPcZG0uaoGdo6Nd9UDlFDc3HVytQRXqqob6YCCr5GzFOd2aI7z114gFgBcFcQIhhfVAXL1RZGHIO7Pm2rryM2R6QirOS4a-FFnw5rNmK5UK0wYQSLlbacr5x1m25xO503/s400/RandomTotinos.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517962487971011986" /></a><br /><center>Jenna Wood!</center><br /><br />I will be contacting you shortly for your mailing information so you can get your prize.<br /><br />Now, look at all these ideas for things to do while snacking on Totino's Pizza...<br /><br />1) Watch TV.<br /><br />2) Have Family Talk Time.<br /><br />3) Color.<br /><br />4) Sort through school papers and place the ones that go back to school in a special spot to grab quickly when packing the school bag for the next day.<br /><br />5) Have a sock puppet show.<br /><br />6) Share with the neighbors - AWESOME!<br /><br />7) Read a book.<br /><br />and, lastly,<br /><br />8) Surf the web and read e-mail and/or blogs!<br /><br />All of these sound really fun! Thanks for sharing everybody :)<br /><br /><img src="http://i793.photobucket.com/albums/yy219/SpecNeedsLife/SignatureGreen.jpg" border="0" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;" />Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08187892007539728010noreply@blogger.com1