Darlene Owen – my beautiful mom

There will be times in your life when you must face unwelcome challenges…moments when you realize what lies ahead and it just takes your breath away. My mom recently faced such a moment when she was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer this past December.

It’s amazing how resilient the human spirit can be. Upon hearing this news, we were all in quite a state of shock and disbelief. How could this happen to our beautiful mother? How is she possibly going to get through the next year of intense treatment? My mom, and all of us really, have been understandably very emotional during the past few weeks. We were devastated. Then, something amazing happened. My mom’s beautiful, positive, strong spirit emerged.  She will not let cancer define her. She is going to fight.

Yes, she has a rough year or so ahead of her. Mom started her first round of chemotherapy today. Three separate chemo drugs were introduced into her body. The drugs are now coursing through her veins ready to kill all of the bad (and unfortunately, many of the good) cells in her body. This treatment will cause her hair to fall out quickly. It will cause extreme tiredness and possible nausea. It will make her body very weak. But, it is a necessary evil, because it will also (hopefully) shrink the 9 x 7.5 cm tumor that has invaded her breast. Yes, those are some of the things that breast cancer will do to my mom.

More importantly, here are the things that breast cancer will not do. Breast cancer will not diminish Mom’s positive outlook on life and  her cheerful, easy-going demeanor. It will not shake her faith and belief in God, as these are the very things that will help her get through this. Breast cancer will never stop her laughter or wipe away her smile. It will not destroy her courage or fighting spirit. Breast cancer will not prevail.

But, it will change her. It will change us too. But, I believe most of the changes will be positive. We will be careful to not take anything for granted, allowing us to fully appreciate our lives and loved ones. We will have a renewed faith in God, as we are lifted in prayer by our family and friends. Our outlook on life and positive attitudes will undoubtedly be strengthened, as we look for ways to make this journey easier for my mom. Our relationships will be stronger and we will become even closer. Watching my mom go through treatment will be a constant reminder of the fragility of life, so we will spend more time with our loved ones. We will become more patient and kind, forgetting about petty, insignificant things. We will take notice of life and not let opportunities pass us by. We will free ourselves from worry, as we realize that it will do nothing to influence the outcome of our circumstances.

A life-altering diagnosis really makes you realize what’s important in life. My family is a very positive, close-knit group. Mom’s breast cancer will only serve to strengthen this bond and bring us even closer.  We will use humor, as we always have, to help us get through the difficult times.

Mom’s diagnosis is also a reminder of the importance of early detection. Ladies, please get your mammograms and encourage loved ones to do the same. Be vigilant about self-breast exams and report anything suspicious to your doctor.

My mom is a strong woman. She always has been. She will face this challenge head-on. She will draw strength from her family and friends as she begins this battle. She will emerge from this stronger than every before, physically and emotionally. My mom is a fighter.

I love you Mom!

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/darleneowen 

Christy Burke Christy is a freelance graphic designer, full-time mommy, positive thinker and part-time blogger.

There may be a time in your life when you feel like crawling into a hole and never coming out. Now is not that time. You may feel like the weight of the world is on your shoulders, and all you want to do is crumble to the ground and roll up into a little ball. Now is not that time. There will be a time when you feel like giving up or giving in, a time when you feel there is no fight left within you. I can assure you, now is not that time.

You cannot afford to sit back and let life happen to you. Take control and make things happen. It’s up to you. Now is the time for you to say, “It’s all or nothing!” And you will give it everything you got, because you’ve got a lot at stake. Now is the time to surge ahead and create the life you want.

Surround yourself with people intent on building you up. Let go of anyone who wants to tear you down. You are worth so much more than that. Now is the time to lean on your friends and family and find strength and inspiration in all of those who hold you up, as they will not allow you to fall down. Now is the time to empower yourself and realize how strong you are!

Don’t be afraid of changes. There will be many times when things do not go as planned. You can either sit back and feel defeated or create a new plan. You have the power to control your reactions and create the life that you want. Now is the time to embrace change and welcome new beginnings, as you carve out a new journey for yourself.

You are an amazing person. Believe it and your options will be limitless. Now is the time to be YOU and all that you are meant to be! Now is the time to defy the odds, take a risk and dive right in. Your greatest successes will be realized when you are not afraid to fail.

We all have weaknesses, but our strengths are where our passions lie. Exploring these strengths will open up a world of possibilities you never knew existed. Now is the time to recognize your strengths and build on them, for it is then that you will truly shine, becoming the person you are meant to be.

Yes, your time is now! Whatever you’ve been putting off…do it now. Crawl out of that hole. Get up off the ground. Whatever you do, never ever give up.  Now is YOUR time!

Christy Burke

Christy is a freelance graphic designer, full-time mommy, positive thinker and part-time blogger.

   

We love these wonderful journals by Journals Unlimited, Inc.

With over 65 titles to choose from, you will love keeping track of your precious memories, thoughts, and events.

We really love Me-A Personal Journal, Guest-The Visitors Journal, and Out of the Mouths of Babes

These journals make a very thoughtful gift.

As stated on their site:

The “Write-it-Down!” series is printed in our home state of Michigan in the good ole’ USA using soy based ink on acid-free recycled paper. The journals have a durable hard cover design and handcrafted look. They are available in two cover styles – Natural Kraft and the Color Collection.Be sure to check out the “between me and you” journals (they make wonderful keepsakes for your family) as well as our line of notepads, which are sure to keep you organized.Our poem to the left is printed in all of our journals and pretty much sums it up!

To purchase, go to JournalsUnlimited.com

Sometimes life gets so busy that we neglect to tell our children things they really need to hear. Yes, you know your kids are great, but do they know this? And, do they believe it? Part of our job as a parent is helping our kids develop a strong sense of self. We do this through our actions. But, we also do this through words. What children hear coming out of our mouths on a daily basis can have a profound effect on their self-esteem and what they believe about themselves.

My beautiful daughters – Lexi and Hannah

Here are 10 things that you should say to your children:

1. I love you

Do you tell them this every day? Yes, you show them through everything that you do for them. But, they actually need to hear it too. Parents tend to say this to their children when they are putting them to bed, when they are leaving to go somewhere, or when they are saying goodbye to them on the phone. Try to sneak it in other times throughout the day as well. When they wake up in the morning, say “Good morning! I love you so much!” My daughters often catch me looking at them, and they’ll say “what?!”  I respond, “Nothing. I just love you!” I always get a big smile from them. I know they know that I love them. But, I tell them as often as I can, just to be sure.

2.  Thank you

Our expectations of our children are high, which they should be. We expect them to do their homework, to keep their rooms clean, to be nice to their siblings, to do chores. How often do you thank them for everything that they do? Yes, we expect certain things to happen on a daily basis, but let your children know how much you appreciate them. A simple “thank you for being such a great big sister” will let them know that you notice their behavior and that you truly appreciate everything they do.

3. You are so beautiful!

I tell my daughters this a lot. I let them know that they are so beautiful, but that they shine on the inside as well. I tell my girls that the most beautiful people are the ones with a kind heart. I let them know that their empathy towards others and their willingness to help others makes them genuinely good people and so much more beautiful inside and out.

4. You are doing a great job!

Children need to know that you are proud of them. If you tend to let them know everything that they do wrong, they will soon believe that they can’t do anything right. Albert Einstein said, “Everybody is a genius. But, if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will spend its whole life believing that it is stupid.” How accurate this is! When focus on your children’s strengths, talents, and abilities, it empowers them. It makes them believe in themselves. When they believe in themselves, they will excel and do great things. You’ll see!

5. I’m sorry

Sometimes we get a little overwhelmed with what comes our way. Occasionally we may take it out on our kids. Yes, sometime it seems as though they deserve it, but it’s okay to admit when you were wrong too. So, there may come a time where you lose it and scream at your kids. Maybe they did something to make you angry. But, once you’ve calmed down. Don’t be too proud to go to them and tell them you are sorry. After all, you are the adult here. Let them know that you are sorry that you got so upset. Then you can calmly explain the reasons behind your rant.  This might lead to a good conversation about what they did and why you were so angry about it. Apologizing also shows them how to be the “bigger” person. It shows them that you are not perfect, and that you make mistakes sometimes too.

6. What’s wrong?

When it is obvious that something is troubling your child, find out what it is. Let them know that you are always there for them no matter what. But go a step farther. Sometimes they are too embarrassed or afraid to talk to you about what is going on. Just because they know that you are there for them doesn’t mean that they will volunteer any information to you. You have to ask. It’s so important to keep the lines of communication open. Start this at an early age. Since they will be used to talking about the small stuff, when it’s time for the big stuff, they will feel comfortable opening up to you.

7. I will never give up on you

There’s a song by Jason Mraz, called I Won’t Give Up, that I just love. I told my daughters that this song reminds me of them. I let them know that, no matter what happens throughout their lives, I will never give up on them. This becomes especially important as your kids enter their teen years. You might often feel like you can’t take any more and that you don’t know if you can deal with them any longer. During this period, they may seem like they want nothing to do with you and even start to push you away. Don’t give up on them. It is now that they need you more than ever.  Be there for them. If they are heading in the wrong direction, steer them back where they need to be. They might rebel. They might seem like they don’t appreciate a thing that you are doing for them. But now is not the time to let go. They need you, whether they realize it or not. Don’t give up. Be there. Stay strong. Do everything possible to let them know that you will not give up on them. Ever.

8. I forgive you

Throughout their lives, your children will mess things up…a lot. Don’t ever hold a grudge against them when you are upset with them. If you are disappointed in your children, then you can bet that they are even more disappointed in themselves. Don’t hesitate to tell them that you forgive them. This can open up a dialogue about how everyone makes mistakes. Discuss what they can do better next time. Don’t let a bad decision on your child’s part be a defining moment for them. Let them believe in 2nd chances.

9. Let’s spend time together

Your kids need to spend time with you away from your iPhone, laptop, TV, or iPad. They need your undivided attention every day. Try to set aside time each day to spend with your children. This shows them that they are an important part of your day. As a graphic designer, I must spend a large amount of time at my computer. My daughters know what I do for a living. Since I work from home, I am often on my laptop working on a logo or website or some other project. But, it’s important that they see me shut down my computer during the day, so that we can spend time together. Yes, I can multi-task, but it takes on a whole different meaning for them when I unplug and just spend time with them. So give it a try. Set aside some time each day to unplug and rediscover your family time.

10. No!

Don’t be afraid to say no to your kids. There are going to be times where you must do what is in the best interest of your child. Don’t ever sacrifice your family values because your son or daughter will be upset if you don’t allow them to do something. If that means that they are the “only ones in the whole class” that won’t be at the party, then so be it. There are many decisions that will come their way that they are just not mature enough to handle on their own. By saying no, you actually take the pressure off of them, so that they don’t have to worry about making these tough choices. You are being a good parent by saying no when you know that saying yes could result in some unfavorable consequences.

Christy Burke

Christy is a freelance graphic designer, full-time mommy, positive thinker and part-time blogger.

   

Grilled Salmon With Fruit Chutney

Don’t like Brussels sprouts? This recipe just might change your mind about these mini-cabbages.

INGREDIENTS

1 pint Brussels sprouts
5 slices thick-cut bacon, cut into pieces
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
1 tablespoon butter
Salt and pepper, to taste

INSTRUCTIONS

Wash and dry the Brussels sprouts. Trim off the ends of the sprouts, remove the outer leaves. Place in a pot of boiling water and let boil for 4 minutes. Set aside.

Heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the bacon until crisp. Remove the bacon from the pan with a slotted spoon and place the pieces on a paper-towel-lined plate to drain. (You can also cook bacon in the microwave.)

Add remaining tablespoon of olive oil and butter to the pan. After the butter has melted, add the sprouts and cook for 3 minutes, just until the sprouts have started to brown. Add the bacon back to the pan and toss gently. Season, to taste, with salt and pepper.

The soldiers came upon the baby, who they have named Pola, after Poland, wrapped in a towel on Wednesday while they were checking a route near their Waghez military base for safety, Defense Ministry spokesman Janusz Walczak told The Associated Press.

The group of soldiers was first suspicious when they discovered the baby, as there is a risk of hidden roadside bombs across Afghanistan.

It is still unclear who left baby Pola on the side of the road. The AP reported that there was no one found in a mile radius of where the baby was discovered.

After the troops found her, she was brought to a medical center at their base. The soldiers then bought the girl baby formula, a bottle and a bib.

Welcome to week 3 of the fitness challenge!

I hope you are starting to understand what makes up a healthy meal or snack. Some of you have mentioned that you are not sure what to make for lunch. Well, here are some lunch options to change things up a bit:

 
If you have any questions or need meal suggestions, please send an email to christy@alittlepieceofsunshine.com

Make sure you are continuing to exercise. Try to get in 20-40 minutes of high intensity cardio 3-6 times per week. Train abs 3x per week. Resistance training is also very important. You can effectively train all of your body parts with 3 sessions per week.

by Mandie Carsten

Self esteem is the best thing to have but the hardest to keep. With life’s many roller coasters, it’s hard to maintain that state of mind where you can say to yourself “Okay, I’m happy with who I am”.

People judge left and right, whether or not they know you. But you need to be a step a head, move forward and don’t feed into it. Keep your head up, automatically think of all the pros of just being you, the wonderful opportunities you have been able to have. You can have goals, but make them small and easily achievable, then build on them until you reach your main goal. That way you’re not putting yourself down, but showing yourself that “hey I can do this”!

Being a teenager that moved across the country and  thrown into a high school of 3,000 other teens, I can honestly say I was at a total loss. My world flipped upside-down. I was told many hurtful things. It took me a long time to figure out whose judgement is really important. It’s not the people who put you down everyday, it’s not your acquaintances, and it’s not your 500 friends on facebook. It’s you! That’s why its called self-esteem. It’s something you have the ability to control, so don’t let someone take that away. Don’t be the person to take it away either. There’s always a better way to deal with things that doesn’t create more  problems.