I'm sitting here in total contemplation. Have you ever made a decision? Maybe a decision that will not only affect you but all of those around you? This decision you have chosen is great idea to some and others are not big fans and try to persuade you other wise.
Then all those things start swimming in your head: am I doing the right thing? How will this effect the family dynamics? How will it effect my kids? How will others react?
I then come back to the thing that keeps bugging me is it faith or just plain stupidity? I know in my heart of hearts I'm supposed to exhaust the possibilities. Deeply I feel a call to see if this gift is right for us.
Your probably asking my gosh what decision is tormenting her.
Steve and I have decided to adopt this little cute boy in Haiti. Steve and I have wanted to adopt for awhile but we always said it would fall into our laps.The situation would just present itself.
Steve was on a mission trip in Haiti about three weeks ago.The minister there approached a few team members. Jeremiah is three and an American Citizen.His dad and mom want to send him to the US for a better life and to go to school here in the US. I think of this and it makes me cry thinking of the ultimate sacrifice of love.
Steve and I really aren't in the best situation or timing for another little one to come into our lives. Then I say when are you ever ready?
We have started major campaigning for funds for our tickets. We are due to go to Haiti in three weeks. Please keep us all in your prayers.
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
The invitation by: Oriah Mountain Dreamer
Reading books is not an easy task for me. As I have gotten older though it has been a great excuse not to do anything and say I'm reading.Over the coarse of the past few years there have been several books that have made a lasting imprint on my life. This is one of them.
The Invitation by Oriah
It doesn’t interest me
what you do for a living.
I want to know
what you ache for
and if you dare to dream
of meeting your heart’s longing.
It doesn’t interest me
how old you are.
I want to know
if you will risk
looking like a fool
for love
for your dream
for the adventure of being alive.
It doesn’t interest me
what planets are
squaring your moon...
I want to know
if you have touched
the centre of your own sorrow
if you have been opened
by life’s betrayals
or have become shrivelled and closed
from fear of further pain.
I want to know
if you can sit with pain
mine or your own
without moving to hide it
or fade it
or fix it.
I want to know
if you can be with joy
mine or your own
if you can dance with wildness
and let the ecstasy fill you
to the tips of your fingers and toes
without cautioning us
to be careful
to be realistic
to remember the limitations
of being human.
It doesn’t interest me
if the story you are telling me
is true.
I want to know if you can
disappoint another
to be true to yourself.
If you can bear
the accusation of betrayal
and not betray your own soul.
If you can be faithless
and therefore trustworthy.
I want to know if you can see Beauty
even when it is not pretty
every day.
And if you can source your own life
from its presence.
I want to know
if you can live with failure
yours and mine
and still stand at the edge of the lake
and shout to the silver of the full moon,
“Yes.”
It doesn’t interest me
to know where you live
or how much money you have.
I want to know if you can get up
after the night of grief and despair
weary and bruised to the bone
and do what needs to be done
to feed the children.
It doesn’t interest me
who you know
or how you came to be here.
I want to know if you will stand
in the centre of the fire
with me
and not shrink back.
It doesn’t interest me
where or what or with whom
you have studied.
I want to know
what sustains you
from the inside
when all else falls away.
I want to know
if you can be alone
with yourself
and if you truly like
the company you keep
in the empty moments.
By Oriah © Mountain Dreaming,
from the book The Invitation
published by HarperONE, San Francisco,
1999 All rights reserved
The Invitation by Oriah
It doesn’t interest me
what you do for a living.
I want to know
what you ache for
and if you dare to dream
of meeting your heart’s longing.
It doesn’t interest me
how old you are.
I want to know
if you will risk
looking like a fool
for love
for your dream
for the adventure of being alive.
It doesn’t interest me
what planets are
squaring your moon...
I want to know
if you have touched
the centre of your own sorrow
if you have been opened
by life’s betrayals
or have become shrivelled and closed
from fear of further pain.
I want to know
if you can sit with pain
mine or your own
without moving to hide it
or fade it
or fix it.
I want to know
if you can be with joy
mine or your own
if you can dance with wildness
and let the ecstasy fill you
to the tips of your fingers and toes
without cautioning us
to be careful
to be realistic
to remember the limitations
of being human.
It doesn’t interest me
if the story you are telling me
is true.
I want to know if you can
disappoint another
to be true to yourself.
If you can bear
the accusation of betrayal
and not betray your own soul.
If you can be faithless
and therefore trustworthy.
I want to know if you can see Beauty
even when it is not pretty
every day.
And if you can source your own life
from its presence.
I want to know
if you can live with failure
yours and mine
and still stand at the edge of the lake
and shout to the silver of the full moon,
“Yes.”
It doesn’t interest me
to know where you live
or how much money you have.
I want to know if you can get up
after the night of grief and despair
weary and bruised to the bone
and do what needs to be done
to feed the children.
It doesn’t interest me
who you know
or how you came to be here.
I want to know if you will stand
in the centre of the fire
with me
and not shrink back.
It doesn’t interest me
where or what or with whom
you have studied.
I want to know
what sustains you
from the inside
when all else falls away.
I want to know
if you can be alone
with yourself
and if you truly like
the company you keep
in the empty moments.
By Oriah © Mountain Dreaming,
from the book The Invitation
published by HarperONE, San Francisco,
1999 All rights reserved
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Getting your work done
Do you ever feel that no matter how much you do it's never enough. I do. Maybe because I'm an over achiever or something. I have to make a list of the things that need to get done. A lot of times I check everything off so at the end of the day I'm not focused on what didn't get accomplished. I think I put a lot of pressure on myself. Today, I have to tell myself to enjoy life don't focus on all the stuff. Take a moment and do something for you. Stop doing the dishes.Ask someone else to do them. hehehehe
Monday, May 24, 2010
Toxic Home
I received an email that changed my mind in a lot of ways. This is one of the reasons I have started selling Melaleuca a more natural way to clean and be healthy.I thought I would share it with you.
Hello Sherri
Thought I'd send you an interesting article on the health and safety of our
homes.
KNOW YOUR A.B.C's.
by Dr. Joyce M. Woods
Begin by thinking of your home as a toxic waste dump. The average home today contains 62 toxic chemicals - more than a chemistry lab at the turn of the century. More than 72,000 synthetic chemicals have been produced since WWII. Less than 2% of synthetic chemicals have been tested for toxicity,mutagenic and carcinogenic effects, or birth defects. The majority of
chemicals have never been tested for long-term effects.
An EPA survey concluded that indoor air was 3 to 70 times more polluted thanoutdoor air.
Another EPA study stated that the toxic chemicals in household cleaners are
3 times more likely to cause cancer than outdoor air.
CMHC reports that houses today are so energy efficient that "out-gassing" of chemicals has no where to go, so it builds up inside the home.
We spend 90% of our time indoors, and 65% of that time at home. Moms,
infants and the elderly spend 90% of their time in the home.
National Cancer Association released results of a 15-year study concluding
that women who work in the home are at a 54% higher risk of developing
cancer than women who work outside the home.
Cancer rates have almost doubled since 1960.
Cancer is the Number ONE cause of death for children.
There has been a 26% increase in breast cancer since 1982. Breast cancer is
the Number ONE killer of women between the ages of 35 and 54. Primary
suspects are laundry detergents, household cleaners and pesticides.
There has been a call from the U.S./Canadian Commission to ban bleach in
North America. Bleach is being linked to the rising rates of breast cancer
in women, reproductive problems in men and learning and behavioral problems in children.
Chemicals get into our body through inhalation, ingestion and absorption. We breathe 10 to 20 thousand liters of air per day.
There are more than 3 million poisonings every year. Household cleaners are
the Number ONE cause of poisoning of children.
Since 1980, asthma has increased by 600%. The Canadian Lung Association and the Asthma Society of Canada identify common household cleaners and
cosmetics as triggers.
ADD/ADHD are epidemic in schools today. Behavioral problems have long been linked to exposure to toxic chemicals and molds.
Chemical and environmental sensitivities are known to cause all types of
headaches.
Labeling laws do not protect the consumer - they protect big business. The
New York Poison Control Center reports that 85% of product warning labels
were either inadequate or incorrect for identifying a poison, and for first
aid instructions.
Formaldehyde, phenol, benzene, toluene, xylene are found in common household cleaners, cosmetics, beverages, fabrics and cigarette smoke. These chemicals are cancer causing and toxic to the immune system.
Chemicals are attracted to, and stored in fatty tissue. The brain is a prime
target for these destructive organics because of its high fat content and
very rich blood supply.
The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health has found more than 2500 chemicals in cosmetics that are toxic, cause tumors, reproductive
complications, biological mutations and skin and eye irritations.
Fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, arthritis, lupus, multiple
sclerosis, circulatory disorders, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's disease,
irritable bowel syndrome, depression, and hormonal problems are diseases
commonly related to chemical exposure.
Pesticides only have to include active ingredients on the labels, even
though the inert (inactive) ingredients may account for 99%, many of which
are toxic and poisons.
The New York Poison Control Center reports that 85% of product warning
labels are either inadequate or incorrect for identifying a poison and for
first aid instructions.
Formaldehyde, phenol, benzene, toluene and xylene are all found in common household cleaners, cosmetics, beverages, fabrics and cigarette smoke. These chemicals are known to be cancer causing and toxic to the immune and nervous systems.
Chemicals are attracted to, and stored in fatty tissue. The brain is a
prime target for these destructive organics because of its high fat content
and very rich blood supply.
The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health has found more than 2,500 chemicals in cosmetics that are toxic, cause tumors, reproductive complications, biological mutations and skin and eye irritations.
Fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, arthritis, lupus, multiple
sclerosis, circulatory disorders, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's disease,
irritable bowel syndrome, depression, and hormonal problem are diseases
commonly related to chemical exposure.
Pesticides only have to include active ingredient on the labels, even though
the inert (inactive) ingredients may account for 99%, many of which are
toxic and poisons.
There ARE solutions, alternatives and ways that we can make a difference.
The MOM Team is helping families every day to live healthy lives and it's
such a wonderful group to be a part of. If you have any questions don't
hesitate to let me know.
Make it a great day!
Debra
Hello Sherri
Thought I'd send you an interesting article on the health and safety of our
homes.
KNOW YOUR A.B.C's.
by Dr. Joyce M. Woods
Begin by thinking of your home as a toxic waste dump. The average home today contains 62 toxic chemicals - more than a chemistry lab at the turn of the century. More than 72,000 synthetic chemicals have been produced since WWII. Less than 2% of synthetic chemicals have been tested for toxicity,mutagenic and carcinogenic effects, or birth defects. The majority of
chemicals have never been tested for long-term effects.
An EPA survey concluded that indoor air was 3 to 70 times more polluted thanoutdoor air.
Another EPA study stated that the toxic chemicals in household cleaners are
3 times more likely to cause cancer than outdoor air.
CMHC reports that houses today are so energy efficient that "out-gassing" of chemicals has no where to go, so it builds up inside the home.
We spend 90% of our time indoors, and 65% of that time at home. Moms,
infants and the elderly spend 90% of their time in the home.
National Cancer Association released results of a 15-year study concluding
that women who work in the home are at a 54% higher risk of developing
cancer than women who work outside the home.
Cancer rates have almost doubled since 1960.
Cancer is the Number ONE cause of death for children.
There has been a 26% increase in breast cancer since 1982. Breast cancer is
the Number ONE killer of women between the ages of 35 and 54. Primary
suspects are laundry detergents, household cleaners and pesticides.
There has been a call from the U.S./Canadian Commission to ban bleach in
North America. Bleach is being linked to the rising rates of breast cancer
in women, reproductive problems in men and learning and behavioral problems in children.
Chemicals get into our body through inhalation, ingestion and absorption. We breathe 10 to 20 thousand liters of air per day.
There are more than 3 million poisonings every year. Household cleaners are
the Number ONE cause of poisoning of children.
Since 1980, asthma has increased by 600%. The Canadian Lung Association and the Asthma Society of Canada identify common household cleaners and
cosmetics as triggers.
ADD/ADHD are epidemic in schools today. Behavioral problems have long been linked to exposure to toxic chemicals and molds.
Chemical and environmental sensitivities are known to cause all types of
headaches.
Labeling laws do not protect the consumer - they protect big business. The
New York Poison Control Center reports that 85% of product warning labels
were either inadequate or incorrect for identifying a poison, and for first
aid instructions.
Formaldehyde, phenol, benzene, toluene, xylene are found in common household cleaners, cosmetics, beverages, fabrics and cigarette smoke. These chemicals are cancer causing and toxic to the immune system.
Chemicals are attracted to, and stored in fatty tissue. The brain is a prime
target for these destructive organics because of its high fat content and
very rich blood supply.
The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health has found more than 2500 chemicals in cosmetics that are toxic, cause tumors, reproductive
complications, biological mutations and skin and eye irritations.
Fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, arthritis, lupus, multiple
sclerosis, circulatory disorders, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's disease,
irritable bowel syndrome, depression, and hormonal problems are diseases
commonly related to chemical exposure.
Pesticides only have to include active ingredients on the labels, even
though the inert (inactive) ingredients may account for 99%, many of which
are toxic and poisons.
The New York Poison Control Center reports that 85% of product warning
labels are either inadequate or incorrect for identifying a poison and for
first aid instructions.
Formaldehyde, phenol, benzene, toluene and xylene are all found in common household cleaners, cosmetics, beverages, fabrics and cigarette smoke. These chemicals are known to be cancer causing and toxic to the immune and nervous systems.
Chemicals are attracted to, and stored in fatty tissue. The brain is a
prime target for these destructive organics because of its high fat content
and very rich blood supply.
The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health has found more than 2,500 chemicals in cosmetics that are toxic, cause tumors, reproductive complications, biological mutations and skin and eye irritations.
Fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, arthritis, lupus, multiple
sclerosis, circulatory disorders, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's disease,
irritable bowel syndrome, depression, and hormonal problem are diseases
commonly related to chemical exposure.
Pesticides only have to include active ingredient on the labels, even though
the inert (inactive) ingredients may account for 99%, many of which are
toxic and poisons.
There ARE solutions, alternatives and ways that we can make a difference.
The MOM Team is helping families every day to live healthy lives and it's
such a wonderful group to be a part of. If you have any questions don't
hesitate to let me know.
Make it a great day!
Debra
Today
Today is sad as we had a family member pass last night. Steve's grandfather had passed away.Steve is trying to figure a way to get to CA. We are diligently working on the paperwork for Jeremiah talking with lawyers and getting things in the right order. The communication with the husband has been difficult,but we are making huge progress.This situation has been difficult as well as faith building. I feel like our family is like the weather wait five minutes and it will change. I am optimistic and maybe just a little crazy.Well I'm off to start my fund raising campaign.
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Chocolate
Chocolate: What kind do you like? Milk,Dark,Crunchy,Chunky,or Smooth?
I love it all. I really enjoy all kinds of chocolate but my favorite is dark chocolate.
I remember one night waking up to a horrifying call Steve, Sherri, I need some help!
At the time Steve's mom and grandma lived with us.
Grandma was getting frail in her age and had fallen a few times before.We quickly raced up the stairs to find grandma past out in her bed. We couldn't wake her and she had this stuff all over her. It looked like dried blood. Mom thought maybe the dog had gotten her.Steve and I looked a little closer and it was chocolate. She had been eating it and fallen asleep with it in her hand .The alarm for Steve's mom was awful thinking it was dried blood.If it was dried blood it looked like a horror film. Steve and I just laugh at the thought of grandma falling asleep with the chocolate in her hand and having all over everything. We took care of getting her all cleaned up and to the hospital because her oxygen was out of whack.The sight was funny and we still laugh today. Thank you Grandma May for continued laughter.
I love it all. I really enjoy all kinds of chocolate but my favorite is dark chocolate.
I remember one night waking up to a horrifying call Steve, Sherri, I need some help!
At the time Steve's mom and grandma lived with us.
Grandma was getting frail in her age and had fallen a few times before.We quickly raced up the stairs to find grandma past out in her bed. We couldn't wake her and she had this stuff all over her. It looked like dried blood. Mom thought maybe the dog had gotten her.Steve and I looked a little closer and it was chocolate. She had been eating it and fallen asleep with it in her hand .The alarm for Steve's mom was awful thinking it was dried blood.If it was dried blood it looked like a horror film. Steve and I just laugh at the thought of grandma falling asleep with the chocolate in her hand and having all over everything. We took care of getting her all cleaned up and to the hospital because her oxygen was out of whack.The sight was funny and we still laugh today. Thank you Grandma May for continued laughter.
Boundaries
Boundaries: I love to push my boundaries! Don't you? Well, just recently with my children I felt like the kids were just not listening anymore. I had to take a look at myself and say why aren't they listening. I came up with the boundaries being a little grey instead of really clear. Mom's if your having a hard time with the children take a time out! Renew your self then take an assessment of your self. Get the lines clear and move forward. The whole world depends on you. It won't run with out you. (Laughing)
Motherhood has definitely been my greatest challenge and greatest joy.
Motherhood has definitely been my greatest challenge and greatest joy.
Steve's trip to Haiti
Recently,Steve my husband has ventured on a few trips to help in Haiti. The first trip he went with about 23 other nurses and Dr.'s. They saw approximately 1056 patients and saved a few lives.The second trip he went on went to Masada Haiti. They built the boys dorm of an orphanage.
We have the opportunity to adopt a little boy who is a American citizen. The family has a father, mother, older sister who is 12, a three and a half year old who is able to be adopted,another little one is about one year. The mother and the twelve year old were in the US for the 12 yr old's cornea transplant. Mom delivered the 3 yr. old in Miami FL.
I have many thoughts running through my head in the situation. We have talked with immigration and the embassy.Everything looks good on our side as long as all the paperwork is filled out in Haiti properly. The lawyer on our side will be contacted on Monday.The opportunity to give someone a different life has excited our family. We also have gone through fear and many concerns.
I have many feelings such as why and how can a mom give up a child? How is the child and siblings going to feel? How will my own children feel with another one demanding my attention? How will we afford another one? I cried for two days thinking of giving up one of my children.
Then when it's really quite I ask my God what should we do? The answer I get is: LOVE just LOVE. I'm waiting anxiously to hear from correspondence from Haiti. Steve and I are getting prepared to do some major fund raising for our flights to Haiti. Please pray for clear lines to follow in this process.
We have the opportunity to adopt a little boy who is a American citizen. The family has a father, mother, older sister who is 12, a three and a half year old who is able to be adopted,another little one is about one year. The mother and the twelve year old were in the US for the 12 yr old's cornea transplant. Mom delivered the 3 yr. old in Miami FL.
I have many thoughts running through my head in the situation. We have talked with immigration and the embassy.Everything looks good on our side as long as all the paperwork is filled out in Haiti properly. The lawyer on our side will be contacted on Monday.The opportunity to give someone a different life has excited our family. We also have gone through fear and many concerns.
I have many feelings such as why and how can a mom give up a child? How is the child and siblings going to feel? How will my own children feel with another one demanding my attention? How will we afford another one? I cried for two days thinking of giving up one of my children.
Then when it's really quite I ask my God what should we do? The answer I get is: LOVE just LOVE. I'm waiting anxiously to hear from correspondence from Haiti. Steve and I are getting prepared to do some major fund raising for our flights to Haiti. Please pray for clear lines to follow in this process.
Friday, May 21, 2010
The eye doctor
Today, I went to the eye Dr. Trust me it was quite uneventful, but it reminded me of the time Samuel told us all he needed glasses. We were at a middle school parent teachers conference when all the teachers were making comments that May was doing much better now that she could see the board. Samuel piped up and said, "well I can't see the board." "What?" The next week we were in to see the eye Dr. He received glasses also. Well, last week we go in and the eye Dr. asked Sam if he was having any trouble seeing. He said no,but the teachers are using fuzzy markers. Oh my! Well his new glasses came in today. Lesson of my story: get the kids eyes checked out at least once a year so they can see the fuzzy markers.
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