Wornoutwoman

Recently I posted here about the anaphylaxis campaign and my friend, John , and his life-changing experience.  I posted to promote the awareness of allergies and the use of Epipens .  I relate to his story all too well, in that my husband has had life-threatening anaphylactic attacks, and my son had serious allergies as a toddler. Thankfully my son outgrew his egg allergy when he was four and has only suffered from overzealous external allergies... until now. Tuesday, his lip swelled up twice its size, and he felt some tingling along his mouth and eventually in his throat. To make a long story short - my EpiPens were expired and we dialed 911. I didn't want to waste precious seconds in a car traveling to the ER.  I immediately administered Benedryl and waited for EMSA and the fire department to arrive. I could tell my lil guy was trying hard to stay calm. He could feel his chest getting tight and kept clearing his throat, all the while asking me if he was goi...

Every year seems to fly by at an alarmingly increasing rate. I know they say time flies but seriously wasn't it just December 2013?  There have been a lot of ups and downs in this last year, as I'm sure it was the same with most of us, but overall I consider myself truly blessed. As this year passes in just a few hours, I want to express my thanks to those of you, who supported me with such sweet words and acts of support, with your emails and purchases of all three of my books.  As I look back to count my blessings from this year, I include my family and my friends, whom I include my readers. In the coming year, I wish you nothing but peace as you forge forward into a new year.  

At bedtime, on Christmas Eve, I was getting my son settled, which means bedtime prayers and end of the day revelations.  I usually ask things like, 'what are you thankful for today?' or 'What happened in your world that was good?' Sometimes I'll ask him if he could change something from today, what would it be?' That last question allows me insight to any stresses he might be dealing with that wouldn't normally unfold on their own. As we were chatting on Christmas Eve, I was internally reflecting on my life and how blessed I was to have such a tender-hearted kid who is also so stubborn and strong. He's a pistol when he wants to be but always sweet and kind to the core.  That night, I told him that I must have done something wonderful in my life to deserve a kid like him. He smiled, grabbed my face with his hands, and said, "Oh, Mom. You could have done nothing to deserve it. That's how God's grace works. He blessed you because He want...

Search for 'The Good Lie' online and you will find a ton of images of Reese Witherspoon. Although she is vital to the storyline, as she is the lifeline and the first introduction to America to three Sudanese refugees, the real story lies behind the journey of Theo, Mamere, Paul, and Jeremiah as they search for their sister and their way. IMDB's synopsis for this movie will reveal a simple statement, saying ' Sudanese refugees given the chance to resettle in America arrive in Kansas City, Missouri. where their encounter with an employment agency counselor forever changes all of their lives'. However it is so much more, so please don't sell this movie short and don't enter empty-handed ... meaning have a tissue box in hand. As I've lived overseas, I feel like every American should experience another culture abroad, as it will teach you how blessed we are in the United States.  Seeing yourself from an outside cultural perspective does everyone good....

Sixth grade has been such a big year.  Middle school started out rough with deadlines for papers, more responsibilities, and no room for excuses for teachers.  My kid struggled for a while as he'd always had grace periods when things were late... until this year.  This year his teachers show tough love while pushing them to be better and expect better of themselves. Now mid-year, he gets all his homework done at school and remembers most of his projects.  Hey - he's not perfect.  He's still my silly forgetful kid, but he's grown leaps and bounds with his responsibilities at school. At home, I've also been trying to cut the cord so to speak.  It's been a big transition and my kid is such a softie.  He still wants me to walk him into school.  He still lovingly reaches to hold my hand.  And - he still will hug me in front of his friends without a care who sees.  And although I don't discourage his affection, as I never want him to feel...

I met Will Wilson this past summer when I found his page on Facebook for his Indie Book Show . His show centers around up and coming Indie Authors, such as myself and numerous others.  It was an honor to be his guest on his weekly BlogTalkRadio show this past Friday. For anyone that cares to, I'm posting the link here  for your listening enjoyment.  He asks some insightful questions, but be warned as I was having some allergy and breathing problems.  Please excuse me when I sound out of breath. http://www.blogtalkradio.com/indiebooks/2014/11/14/indie-books-show-61

My kiddo has had a crush on the same girl since 2nd grade.  On the first day he saw her, his smile lit up his face and he instantly began chatting her head off.  She was shy and was unsure about her new school and he made it his mission to befriend her and give her a great first year. In third grade, (I'll never forget this) I was rushing him out the door for school.  He was dawdling ... like he always does ... and his face transformed from everyday kid to a starstruck dreamer.  He smiled and stared out to nothing at all and said, "You know mommy ... I'm going to marry that girl someday and carry her over the threshold in her wedding dress.  I even know who my best men are going to be."  I blinked twice unsure of how to answer, told him that he was very sweet, and continued rushing him out the door for school. In fourth grade, he wanted to start buying her gifts for birthdays, Christmas, or practically any other reason he could think of.  We'd arr...