Few things...all in one post

I would love if more of you would join in on my Giveaway..I am going to pick a winner this week...

And

I am going to have a few giveaways...so check back.

Speaking of giveaways...I am sending out the gifts for the last set of winners tomorrow.

If you ordered a shirt ..I am thinking they will be here tomorrow. I am going to get them sorted and mailed no later then Tuesday...I pinky promise. Deal?

If you ordered skinny dip goodies...a few have been mailed..and the others will be the minute the holidays scents get here..which should be as early as tomorrow...

Did I miss anything?

Do over...????

Over the last two week I have found myself just down. Not down about anything in particular ...just like a black cloud over myself I could not shake. A few days ago I was trying to explain to Jim that I just did not feel like myself ..and I said ..well a year ago next week my whole life changed and it seems like it is never going to go back to the way it was. It hit me without me even known what I was saying...I was struggling with the idea that last year the day before Thanksgiving I was told you need to see a surgeon and a oncologist ..and I went off to Thanksgiving thinking...wonder what is wrong..but never thinking a few days later we would get the news I had cancer. Call me naive..I had no idea. And maybe that was a blessing. So while I am not a person who builds up dates to remember hard things such as death and illness. I suppose it being Thanksgiving makes it easier to remember.

With that being said..I am digging deep. Deeper then I ever have to move forward and now look back. In truth I so wish I could go back...but where does that stop. I would do anything to go back before Jackson died...anything. I would go back to the days before I knew I had cancer. I would go back to the days where depression did not enter our marriage..I would go back to before Philip had the left side issue. I would so go back to the days before he had his stroke..and well his first brain operation. Go back and back and back.

WHERE WOULD WE STOP IF WE HAD DO OVERS?

The thing is..if I did a do over then I would not be living my life. And as tough and scary and sometimes sad and frustrating as it is..It is MY life . It is our family and our destiny to move forward and look forward not back. I would like to think Do Overs are not what God wants from us. He wants us to be thankful for what we have and make a new life and a new way..and use him to guide us along the way. He is what I call our GPS...( sometimes I think mine has a factory default..but we all know God knows best..) But boy he does not always make it easy huh?

Yes.. I have had some rough days. I have had some wonderful days. I remember many of you waiting on twitter for me to post the I am a aunt update...and when I did you all welcomed Jackson to the world. Some of the same ladies were there when the news was posted there was something so very wrong. And you prayed non stop. You held my family in your prayers when you heard our heartbreaking news. And you know who you are...you talked to me for a hour afterwards and you cried with me..and shared my hurt. I am so thankful for you and that . Thank you .

When Philip has had hard days ...operations...detoxing off meds...or simply I have felt lost as a mom. You have been the one that have lifted us up in prayers and wonderful thoughts and messages. I know one day I tweeted on my phone we were waiting on the DR to come in. My stomach was turning. I was scared and nervous. Within minutes I had emails and post and tweets with messages of love and support. I FELT them. It was one of the most odd things I have ever felt. I could actually FEEL the love and support. I just felt the love and support you had for our family but more importantly Philip.

When there was a family problem that was personal and ended up being shared without me knowing...and some of you came to me and asked. When I finally decided to just share ..so everyone would know the real details and not the ..wow did you hear details. You lifted me up high and even though many of you were frustrated by the details..( Rebel..Gosh I want you always on my side.LOL) you prayed hard for our family.

And well my cancer...what can be said about the support I have felt. I swear I am not sure what I would do without all of the support.

Do you see what I am trying to say? ( okay stop shaking your heads no..)



What I am trying to say is..If I did a Do Over...I would not have each of the blessings I have from each of you.

I am just so grateful for all your love and support you have given our family. I am not sure we could get through this walk called life without you. You have held us up when I was sacred. Cheered us on when we felt like just giving up.
I am far more blessed this year then I was the year before..I have felt more love and support this past year then I ever have.

Thank you for never giving up on our family. This Thanksgiving I am thankful for each of you..

Respect the Pilgrims...BUT...

I have been thinking..yes I have..lol

I have some Christmas giveaways..

Now I am all about respecting the Pilgrims..

But you who judges me..you know you want the Christmas goodies..

So for the first giveaway...Here is what you can do to enter..

Tell me something you did as a child that is a wonderful Christmas memory. And do you continue it with your children?

I will pick a winner very soon and get it sent so you can enjoy it for the holidays.

Wanna join me...

I am trying real real real hard to remind myself that I have so much to be thankful for. I do and I could list each and everyone of them..and trust me in my head I thank god for each and everyone of them. Lately my talks with God have changed. I just ask him to help me deal with everything..in a way that my heart does not feel so torn apart. I know he listens and I hope he will help me.

I thought maybe we could do something to start the holiday season off fun...

Anyone interested in doing a swap?

Rules...Easy..

You join..and if you do..you follow through...( Santa is watching...)
You post to me letting me know you wanna join..
You email me your full mailing info..
You pick a nice gift or gifts that you would be excited to get. Just make it fun..it can be candles, smell good stuff...Starbucks..oh I am sorry that was my list..Ha

Gifts to be mailed by DEC 15th at the latest..

Okay who wants to join..

The winner is...

Melissa...

Posting a Christmas Giveaway package tomorrow..come back ..ya hear?

This says so much..

P

arents of children with a terminal illness are often referred to or viewed as having strength “like a rock.”
Albeit flattering, it isn’t quite true.
It is more like the strength of an egg.
An egg, you ask?
Yes! If you’ll think about it, you’ll see my point.
An egg has a polished, smooth outer appearance, with no cracks or weak spots visible. It seems almost inconceivablele that the inside might not be so smooth or solid.
Most children, at some point are shown the famous egg trick.
An egg set at just the right angle can withstand enormous amounts of pressure and cannot be cracked or broken. Yet the same egg, tapped gently at an ever slightly different angle, will break. The contents, once so neatly concealed, will come spilling out. The no longer perfect shell will be crushed. It looks so fragile that it seems inconceivablele that it ever held any strength.
A rock, on the other hand, is solid all the way through.
To break it is almost impossible.
If you succeed, you will find that there is nothing inside but more rock. It takes a lot more than pure hardness to hold the hand of hope.
Parents of [medically fragile] children are not solid all the way through. We hurt, we fear, we cry, we hope. It takes a very careful balancing act to keep the shell from being shattered. “Balancing an egg” while running a household, going for doctors’ visits and hospital stays, keeping the family together, and holding on to the constantly unraveling ties of your sanity can be very tricky indeed!
Occasionally, the angle will be off and the shell will break, shattering hope and all the neatly secured appearances of a truly fragile existence.
Unlike Humpty Dumpty, though, parents of medically fragile kids will pick themselves up and put themselves back together again.

Anonymous Anonymous

Wanted To Share..

I have the best followers...that I really think of as friends. I wanna keep you all to myself...BUT...that would be selfish...So I wanted to let you know about a new blog.

Lillie is a wonderful lady. She is a mother, a grandmother and a caregiver to her mother. She is a Hugh supporter of Spirit Jump. And most of all she is my friend.

Please hop over and show her some love. Tell her Amy B sent ya over....

If you guys do not know it...I am so very blessed by each and everyone of you. Thank you for always being here for me.

Just needed to let it all out..

I am here today to ask for prayers . I am just so frustrated and overwhelmed . I swore I would not come here and post until I had a happy go lucky or carefree post...I just feel like a wet blanket. I can not find the energy to fake it lately, And today it seems that I just feel like giving up and going away. I have to laugh when I just wrote that because where the heck would I go? If anyone know..please let me know.

I am not feeling sorry for myself. I admit things are rough in many areas of my life right now. Yet I know and feel that I am overly blessed also. But lately the blessing part seems to be buried..and no matter how hard I try to remind myself of that...It just seems like words..I need to find that feeling of knowing that..

Philip has had the worse day today. He has felt awful. He is hurting. And he is frustrated beyond any of us can imagine. But today he has been very emotional for him and the tears have flowed. It was a awful conversation that we both left upset from. He is angry and he has every right to be. And lately I am the one he shares that with. And no matter how much I understand why he does it...It hurts my feelings and sometimes just makes me think..someone shot me. ( sorry just being honest)

I have been having a really rough time these past few days with itching and also vertigo. Both are plain draining on me. I found out that my liver numbers are off and that is due to the toxins we are using to treat the dreaded cancer. My body is just not happy right now. The liver is a big concern. Scans are due in 2 weeks and now we will be adding some new test. I hope I pass. Seems that every time they look..they find something. I will just hold onto the idea that it is going to be okay.

I think the idea of this time last year..I was only days away from finding out I would need surgery and then that I had cancer. I am not one who lives with regrets..or what if's. But I look at this year and feel sad. Blessed but sad.

I am worried about the economy and how we will continue to pay these crazy medical bills. I know we will be fine. ( we will, right?)

I have been really thinking about the holidays last year. I want the kids to have a nice Christmas. Last year when we found out I had cancer...we never lit the lights again. How in the world did that happen? I know gifts are not about Christmas...yet I still worry...Do any of you worry? I remind myself we are blessed to be together and have a roof over our head.

And I am sure I do not need to even explain to you the hurt and sadness our family feels with not having Jackson. Some decisions that are needing to be addressed and the why's are hard to not think about every minute of the day.
We miss him so very much...so so much.

I am just tired today...just really emotional and physically tired.

Please do not give up on me and or my blog. I will work on some happier post...I notice I do not have many people posting comments...I think I would run away too..LOL.

Wordless Wednesday..

Jackson with Lauren. They are both so cute..

So wish I could see his sweet smile just one more time..

I am sure one day we will..but it seems like forever away.

Tiny Souls

Once upon a special day in Heaven up above , the tiniest souls sat at God's feet, surrounded by His love. ‘The time is coming, very soon’, God said, ‘Do not be scared. Your family awaits your arrival, now let us get prepared’.

And so God looked upon these souls, in mute consideration. He knew the life each one would live, He weighed each situation.

The souls chatted amongst themselves, and wondered who they'd be. They knew the day grew closer; soon, they'd meet their family.

‘How would you like to change the world?’ God asked each soul in fun. The chance to change a soul, a heart, is held by only one.

‘I'm going to make the world laugh’, one soul said with a smile, ‘for laughter heals a broken heart, and helps us through each trial’.

‘Then take with you the brightest smile, and share your laughter well’. The soul thanked God immensely, and down to earth he fell.

‘And I'll remind the world to sing’, a sweet little soul told the Lord. ‘I have the gift of a beautiful voice; I can hit every note and every chord’.

‘You’ll have the gift of music then, a voice, lovely and strong. Share your gift with others, and let them hear your song’.

‘I will show compassion’, the next little soul raised her hand. ‘Some people only need a friend, someone to understand’.

‘Compassion is a good thing’, God said with much delight. ‘To you, I will give mercy. You'll perceive wrong from right’.

And so each soul shared every thought, their plans, their hopes, their dreams. And God explained that life, it is, much harder than it seems.

And as each soul began to leave in a scurry of laughter and fun, Heaven became quiet and still, for left was only one.

‘Come sit with me my little child’, God said with just a sigh. ‘Do you know how many you will touch, in a world left wondering why? Before your life comes to an end, you will know much strife, but you'll teach those who know you, to cherish the smallest things in life.

'And some may only know you through a simple photograph, they'll never hold you in their arms, or memorize your laugh. Some may only know you through the words they read each day, but you'll do something wonderful, you'll make them stop and pray’.

The tiniest soul raised his head up, to touch God's firm, strong hand. ‘Father, I am ready for the life that you have planned. And I will do the best I can without a word or deed. For you Lord, are the planter, and I will be your seed’.

He could already hear many praying, and although they had not seen his face, they were praying for his safe arrival, they were asking for mercy and grace.

‘What talent do I leave with Lord? What gift do you impart?’

‘All that you will need’, God said, ‘I've placed within your heart’. And so God kissed this tiny child, knowing all that he would be, and whispered as he watched him go...'You'll teach them . . . everlasting love.

Testing The waters,,,

I am working on the details of opening a store or web page to sell my smell great goodies. But I thought I would go ahead and test the waters here.

The money I make from these sales will go towards Philip's upcoming operation.

Here is some info about the product...if you have questions..feel free to email me..
amyb1569@cfl.rr.com

$13.00 for candle $ 8 unlimited shipping

$21.00 for pamper packs $8 unlimited shipping

PayPal for orders...amyb1569@yahoo.com

I already have some in stock and ready to ship now..with the awesome I skiiny Dip for Spirit Jump Label..
Cucumber Melon
Ambrosia ( just a few of these.more on order)
Candy Cane (Peppermint)
Cranberry Citrus
Feeling Flirty
Frankincense & Myrrh
Redwood & Cedar
Spiced Pumpkin

One try and you will know why I decided to sell Skinny Dip Candles.

Many of you know I am a smell spoil me attitude..Skinny Dip candles is perfect mixture of both.

Let me share some info and tips for getting the most from this product.

* Skinny Dip Candles were the first on the market to use pure cosmetic grade ingredients in a "lotion candle" or "massage candle."

* Far more than a novelty, Skinny Dip Candles are made to make a truly noticeable difference in skin elasticity and moisture. We use only cosmetic grade soy (NOT soy made for making regular candles), and we add top quality cocoa butter, shea butter, avocado butter, coconut oil, and vitamin E for their emolient, skin nurturing properties.

* Far more than a novelty, Skinny Dip Candles are made to make a truly noticeable difference in skin elasticity and moisture. We use only cosmetic grade soy (NOT soy made for making regular candles), and we add top quality cocoa butter, shea butter, avocado butter, coconut oil, and vitamin E for their emolient, skin nurturing properties.

* We use ONLY skin-safe fragrance oil (not all fragrances are skin-safe) and ONLY in skin-safe quantities. (There are some who tout their lotion or massage candles as "highly scented." If a lotion candle is scented enough to be called "highly scented," it contains far more fragrance oil than what will be skin-safe.)

* Skinny Dip Candles are individually hand-poured in a commercial production facility dedicated to making our products. We use production techniques that comply with all aspects of FDA guidelines.

At just 102^o when melted, these candles are warm, not hot.
They're a candle, lotion, massage oil and body balm -- all in one!

Skinny Dip Candles are easy and fun to use. And rest assured, they will not burn you! Because of the ingredients in Skinny Dip Candles, they have a very low melt point. When fully melted they're just 102 degrees -- not even as warm as a hot tub.

Ingredients include: cosmetic-grade soy, avocado oil, coconut oil, shea butter, beeswax, sunflower oil, cocoa butter, vitamin E, and scented oils for aroma. The ingredients are not only natural, but they are extremely rich and moisturizing. A little bit will go a very long way, so please use sparingly. When you use the right amount, the melted oils will soak into your skin completely within just a few minutes.

To use your Skinny Dip Candle, simply light it and let a melt pool form. Extinguish the flame! (As you know, the flame itself is always hot so please blow it out before using.) You can dip your fingers directly into the melted oils, or you can use the little scoop that is included inside of each tin to dip a small amount out to use.

Use the warmed lotion on your cuticles, elbows, heels, or other dry skin areas on the body. You can also pour the melted oils out of the tin and use the Skinny Dip Candle for massage.

Skinny Dip Candles were formulated with the input from professional massage therapists and are used in professional practices across the U.S. Skinny Dip Candles are a fabulous alternative to traditional massage oils.

Regardless of how and where you choose to use the Skinny Dip Candle, only use the amount you need. Any unused ingredients will set up again in candle form, ready for your next use. For best results, always trim the wick to 1/4" prior to each use.

If any ingredients are not melted when you use the candle, you will start to see a well form down the middle of the candle. You can push this unmelted portion back in toward the wick so it will melt the next time you use the candle.

You can also use the Skinny Dip Candle without melting it. When "set" like a candle, use the scoop or the back of a fingernail to remove some unmelted mixture. Then simply use it as you would a body balm. It will melt very easily as you begin to massage it into your skin. This is a very quick and convenient way to experience skin moisturizing benefits when lighting the candle simply isn't possible or practical.

Skinny Dip Candle^tm
Scent Descriptions

Those scents that are all-natural are made from essential oils and are indicated by an (EO). If there is no (EO) designation, the scent also includes man-made fragrance.

Note: Colors of scents represent general color of labels. Colors are not exact.
.

Ambrosia - An exquisite tropical blend of oranges, coconut, peaches and more (note: same scent as Sex on the Beach, just a different name)

Angel Food Cake - A lovely, soft vanilla scent with deliciously sweet undertones (a best seller)

Baby Powder - Just like the real thing. . . a delicate, powdery, baby-fresh scent

Bare Naked (Unscented) - For those preferring no scent at all, this one comes sans fragrance (no scent added)

Black Raspberry Vanilla - A luscious blend of dark, juicy raspberries and rich, creamy vanilla (a best seller)

NEW FOR HOLIDAYS Candy Cane- Delicious sweet peppermint from natural essential oils.

Chamomile Neroli (EO) - A fabulous, soft scent blending chamomile with a touch of Neroli - delicious!

Chocolate Silk - A decadent chocolate for serious chocoholics - and without any calories!

Coconut Lime Verbena - An awesome blend of ripe coconut with fresh, juicy lime

NEW FOR FALL Cranberry Citrus - The sumptuous scent of cranberry blended with tangy citrus

Creme Brulee - Who can resist this incredibly rich and sinful dessert?! Now we offer the essence of it in our candle that features this amazing scent

Cucumber and Melon - A traditional favorite - the perfect blend of two terrific scents (a best seller)

Eucalyptus Mint (EO) - A fresh and zippy combination of eucalyptus and spearmint (heavier on the mint)

Feeling Flirty - A playful and flirtatious scent that smells just like Victoria Secret's incredibly popular Love Spelltm fragrance (a best seller)

NEW FOR HOLIDAYS Frankincense & Myrrh - Earthy, exotic, and exquisite. The scents brought by the Wise Men as gifts for Baby Jesus.

Ginger, Sage & Lemongrass (EO) - A delightful, light citrus mix containing three exquisite essential oils - a very "gender neutral" scent

Grapefruit Bergamot (EO) - This light, refreshing scent became a favorite right away .... a sweeter grapefruit with a touch of bergamot to make it truly divine

Honey Almond (EO) - An exquisite, rich blend of essential oils that create an amazing almond and sweet honey scent (a best seller)

Jasmine & Sandalwood (EO) - A robust floral mix of jasmine with an undertone of sandalwood - rich and exotic

Lavender (EO) Reformulated - A very smooth and ultra-relaxing essential oil blend of english lavender with soft vanilla (a best seller)

Mandarin Patchouli (EO) - An awesome, exotic blend of mandarin orange and sensual, earthy patchouli

Mango Papaya - A delightful, delectable, tropical blend of mango and papaya

Montana Huckleberry - A wonderfully unique, high country wild berry fragrance (caution: do not use this scent in bear country - we're serious!)

Peppermint Thyme (EO) - A lively, mint lover's blend - the peppermint is lovely and not too heavy (and feet love it!)

Pink Sugar - A heavenly sweet, sugary scent -- This scent is also a specialty scent -- We donate $1.00 from each retail sale to breast cancer research. (a best seller)

Pomegranate Fig - Hard to describe, but an absolutely incredible scent! -- a rich, exquisite fragrance (a best seller)

Raindrops - An exceptionally clean and fresh scent

NEW FOR FALL Redwood & Cedar - A smooth earthy scent that exquisitely blends two popular woods

Seduction - A sexy and sultry scent that combines french vanilla, amber and musk

Sex on the Beach - Just like the drink of the same name (same scent as Ambrosia, but with a more provocative name :) (a best seller)

So Sexy for Him - An incredible scent just for men, it's a fabulous and masculine cologne type scent! Our #1 best-selling scent for several months in a row! (a best sellar)

NEW FOR FALL Spiced Pumpkin - Back by popular demand. A delectable spa inspired pumpkin scent that's perfect for fall!

Spring Lilac - An exquisite floral fragrance that spells exactly like fresh, blooming lilacs. (We've never smelled a lilac scent so true!)

Strawberries & Champagne - What's more romantic than a blend of sensuous strawberries mixed with sparkling white wine? Truly lovely.

Sweet Orange & Cucumber (EO) - A fabulous and light essential oil blend of succulent sweet oranges and gardenpicked cucumbers

Sweet Pea - The delightful floral scent of sweet pea blossoms

Wedding Cake - Sinfully sweet, rich, and delicious vanilla . . . and perfect for bridal showers, bridesmaids' gifts, and honeymoon surprises

White Lily & Amber - A lovely, soft floral blend with subtle amber undertones

What's a Pamper Pack?

They're an attractively priced gift set! Each contains a full-size Skinny Dip Candle, a 2 oz. Dead Sea Bath Salts, and a tube of our Barely There Lip Balm -- all presented in "gift ready" organza bag packaging!

Pamper Packs are convenient "grab and go" gifts that are ready for quick, creative gift-giving. Skinny Dip Pamper Packs are perfect for Thank You gifts, Thinking of You gifts, teacher gifts, girlfriend gifts, Secret Santa gifts and many other gift-giving occasions.

Each Pamper Pack features a full size Skinny Dip Candle - an exquisite body candle that forms a rich, warm, moisturizing lotion as it burns. Made with premium natural ingredients like cocoa butter, shea butter, avocado butter, and cosmetic-grade soy, the Skinny Dip Candle melts at just 101^o making the melted lotion warm, never hot. It's fabulous on cuticles, hand, feet and dry skin anywhere on the body. The incredibly rich and emollient lotion can also be used as a warm massage oil.

Each Pamper Pack includes the following:

Skinny Dip Candle - our full-size 6 ounce tin

Dead Sea Bath Salts - 2 full ounces

Barely There Natural Lip Balm - a full-size tube

Organza Bag - to present it all beautifully

What's a Pamper Pack?

They're an attractively priced gift set! Each contains a full-size Skinny Dip Candle, a 2 oz. Dead Sea Bath Salts, and a tube of our Barely There Lip Balm -- all presented in "gift ready" organza bag packaging!

Pamper Packs are convenient "grab and go" gifts that are ready for quick, creative gift-giving. Skinny Dip Pamper Packs are perfect for Thank You gifts, Thinking of You gifts, teacher gifts, girlfriend gifts, Secret Santa gifts and many other gift-giving occasions.

Each Pamper Pack features a full size Skinny Dip Candle - an exquisite body candle that forms a rich, warm, moisturizing lotion as it burns. Made with premium natural ingredients like cocoa butter, shea butter, avocado butter, and cosmetic-grade soy, the Skinny Dip Candle melts at just 101^o making the melted lotion warm, never hot. It's fabulous on cuticles, hand, feet and dry skin anywhere on the body. The incredibly rich and emollient lotion can also be used as a warm massage oil.

Each Pamper Pack includes the following:

Skinny Dip Candle - our full-size 6 ounce tin

Dead Sea Bath Salts - 2 full ounces

Barely There Natural Lip Balm - a full-size tube

Organza Bag - to present it all beautifully

Our Dead Sea Bath Salts contain course and fine grain sea salts directly from the Dead Sea, the finest and most therapeutic source of salt in the world. Each Pamper Pack contains a 2 ounce bag of freshly made Dead Sea Salts, enough for a luxurious bathing experience. Salt scents are the same as the Skinny Dip Candle scents.

Our Natural Lip Balm is exquisite. Made from all natural ingredients like cosmetic-grade soy, beeswax, cocoa butter, shea butter and vitamin e, it has a silky soft texture that will leave lips incredibly smooth and moisturized.

I'll package your Pamper Pack in a lovely silver organza bag. It will be sent to you ready to give as gift.

New Way To Help...

Many of you know that over the last year my life has taken many twist and turns.

My son Philip is in a battle to deal with ongoing medical issues that have now left him with 19 brain operations, 21 orthopedic operations and a stroke. Earlier this year Philip started having severe pain in his left arm. Before we even had a chance to try to treat it he began to lose some function in it. This has been very difficult in so many ways...but the fact he has no use of his right side and now his left side is losing function. Philip has had six operations this year and is facing two more in the upcoming months.

Last Thanksgiving I went for a routine DR appt and left with a appt to see a oncologist and a Surgeon. On Dec 10th we were shocked to hear that I had cancer. Eight operations later , I have been fighting hard to make sure cancer knows I WILL BEAT THIS.

So with all that said...I am sure you can imagine we have overwhelming medical bills. I have been so blessed with the fundraisers and online parties to help support us during this rough time. But it is a ongoing battle that I know I need to find a way to try to help our family win. I think I have found a way...

Would you take a look at this amazing product I am going to sell. I am pretty sure I could not of picked anything I love more then smell good candles and body product.

I also am a big supporter of Spirit Jump. Not only is it a wonderful organization. I happen to adore the founder and one of my sweetest friends. Meaghan. I have found a way to help support our family and blessed Spirit Jump also. I think you will be excited to see what we have planned.

One try and you will know why I decided to sell Skinny Dip Candles.

Many of you know I am a smell spoil me attitude..Skinny Dip candles is perfect mixture of both.

Wordless Wednesday..

A daddy and his son. Love this picture of Derek and Jackson...

Thankful Tuesday????

Let's see how many people can do this. Every day this month until Thanksgiving, think of one thing that you are thankful for and post it as your status. "Today I am thankful for..." The longer you do it, the harder it gets!

Will you share your answers here?

Today I am thankful for many things. Funny how when I stop and really make myself thing of it...I can list so many.

Yet this morning I woke up feeling sad..sick and very stressed about many things.

I think this will be good for ALL of us..

Will you join in...and share here?


Today I am thankful that my sweet sister called me . She never calls so early and I knew she needed to talk. I am thankful that she feels I am a person she can talk with. And I am blessed to her sister.

Took a bite ...

Do you see how cute she is? She looks real sweet huh?

Did I mention that I have had Miss Mia for a few weeks now....

I borrowed her from Meaghan ...miss Spirit Jump while she is off working hard to make Spirit Jump a wonderful organization to help cancer patients.

So Miss Mia and I are buddies..we cuddle..we love to snuggle and well I love her. I thought she loved me too...

UNTIL

She bit my butt...yes you read that correct. Miss Mia decided to take a bite out of my butt.

Now let me explain..I was messing with Emily. Emily was joking around and squealing...we were wrestling...I leaned over to show Emily who was BOSS.


Know who was the boss? MIA

Mia was...she took a bite out of my butt and when she bit me..she bite me and held on for dear life.

I was jumping around...trying to shake her off my butt.

Everyone is laughing and I am running around with Mia on my butt.

Miss Mia..was saving Emily from me...and my butt has paid the price.

I still love her..and she loves me..but I think she loves Emily best...

I called Meaghan and I tell her..and she is trying to hard to ask me if I am okay..but she is laughing too hard to say it like she means it..

And yes I made Emily look at my butt to see if I would live.

LOL

Two Quickies..Giveaway

I am having a quick giveaway with a little bribe. Yep I am going to try to bribe you guys. And I am telling you before I even do it..Kind of cool huh?

My sweet friend Brandy had a wonderful party earlier this year and donated her commission to Philip's medical fund. What a wonderful blessed she was to offer that. I told her I would have a holiday party for her...and guess what..we are there. Have you felt the fall in the air? It is that time.

Would you be willing to do a lil holiday shopping at my online party? Please go to https://bpainter.scentsy.us/Home and LOOK ON LEFT SIDE BAR and order under AMY BRIGGS

The end date will be soon..so we can get your items sent ASAP

When you do order..remember to do it under my name on side bar. Also please put Amy Briggs in the order form ..so my name will get the credit.

There is also a awesome giveaway...

So here is what you need to do.

To have a chance to win a wonderful Plug in warmer and a brick scent of your choice.

To enter you must go to https://bpainter.scentsy.us/Home and post what you like from her store.

For entry..come back and post what you like from her shop.

For a sec entry...Blog about this giveaway.

For a third entry...tweet about this giveaway.

For a fourth entry. order something from her site UNDER THE NAME AMY BRIGGS ONLY

let me know you did this and you will fer 5 extra chances.

I am sorry..

I would like to apologize that it has taken me so long to get the shirts ordered. As many of you know...I needed 36 to place the original order. I thought I had that many a few times and was ready to order..and when it came time to pay...all of the sudden...well you know..I did not have the 36..

Then as you know..I was away for a week staying with my sister.

BUT I have placed the order and I am excited to say. I will have them to you the minute they arrive. PROMISE.

Can you help me..if you ordered a shirt...email me you FULL and CORRECT mailing info..

I want to have the packages ready ...

I do not know how to thank each of you. How very blessed I am..we are..our family.

Important message and Fake it winners..

My fake until you make winners are....

Nicole

April


Congrats ladies...
Please send me your mailing info ASAP.


Have you ever met someone and thought..WOW . In the Internet world we meet tons of people ..some of them stand out in your mind and heart. This is one of the strongest ladies I know. And I am so proud to call her my friend. We can all take a lesson from Tabitha.

Can you help Tabitha do what she does best..Help others.

Blessings To All,My name is Tabitha and I was born in New Orleans, La. The first three years of my life were spent living in Children's Hospital due to birth abnormalities. I was born without a right arm and at 9 months old my right leg had to be amputated. My left arm is half the length of a normal length arm, but none of this has ever STOPPED me.

My family raised me just as any other kid in my family. The labels cripple or handicapped were never used to describe me...EVER!I started this organization two years ago as a way of giving back. I know it is God's will that I live my life uplifting those in need. The blessing for me is I have my family standing right by my side daily

.We are currently gearing up for our 2009 Christmas give!! Each year we donate over 800 goody bags to 4 hospitals & 1 homeless shelter that we've partnered with. You can help make this a huge success by purchasing the needed items and having them shipped directly to us via Oriental Trading . Even if you can only afford just one item it will make a huge difference and we'd be forever grateful.

Items Currently Needed:IN 70/1902 Frog Tattoos - $3.49 72 Piece(s)25/2923 Monster Tattoos - $4.99 72 Piece(s)IN-37/850 Egg Magnets - $4.99 48 Piece(s)IN 24/1084 Daisy Bead Bracelets - $3.95 Per DozenIN-24/1933 Spring Bug Dog Tag Necklaces $4.99 48 Piece(s) IN-39/1388 Mini Smile Face Buttons - $4.99 48 Piece(s)IN-12/3189 “High Five!” Ribbons - $3.49 Per Dozen

With Your help we can brighten up the lives of many kids who'll be hospitalized on Christmas Day!!

Thank You!! Tabitha & FamilyAfiveoh4uplifting.

Wordless Wednesday..

Wordless Wednesday.

A beautiful mom ..with her baby.

Today has been one of the hardest days yet.

Please continue to pray for my sister....her heart is broken .

Fake It Till We Make It ...Giveaway

Fake it till we make it...How many of us do this ? I know for me it seems to be what I am doing more often then not...

You know fake it not always a naught word.

And I am doing a giveaway to show just that...

I bet you have no idea what I am saying...huh?

This giveaway is a smell good giveaway..it is something really cool and I think you will like it.

If you love smell good body products...and believe that sometimes fake can be FUN....Jump in and join.

One entry...follow my blog...and if you already do..comment saying that.
Sec entry...Blog about this giveaway...leave comment telling me you did.
Third entry...tweet about this giveaway..leave comment telling me you did.

Are you excited?

Did you win? And a New Giveaway

I decided to do 5 winners for my giveaway...

Why? Because ya'll are so good to me ...

I need each of you to email me your FULL Mailing info to

amyb1569@cfl.rr.com

Mrs.444

Annonandon

Shawn

Dysfunctional Mom

Erin

Who is ready for a new giveaway? This one is called Fake it while you make it. Details tomorrow morning..

What We Call Miracle Day

This year is different for me ...in so many ways. As most of you know this past year has been hard . I had no idea last year when I posted Philip's Miracle Day post how much things were about to change.

In the year that post was written..I have been diagnosed with Cancer and Philip's health has become a daily battle. He has had many operations this past year...and now has a pain pump ...and a special machine that pumps meds straight into his spine and brain. While all of this has been really difficult. The hardest of all is my sweet nephew dying a few weeks ago.

Yesterday I could not stop the tears...just a few weeks ago I was so excited to have him dress up in his Halloween outfit I had gotten him. Looking forward to pictures. And so looking forward to seeing him and spoiling him rotten over the holidays. Yesterday was the start of so many first without our Jackson . Once again I ask you to keep my sister and Derek in your thoughts and prayers. They miss their baby .

So I hope you will not mind if I just copy the story from last years post and add a few thoughts. For me it is such a important special day. We were so very blessed that day. And yet today I just can not dig deep and re live it to tell the story the way I would want to. I am pretty sure you all understand why. It is just painful right now....and yet we are so thankful.

When I look at this picture I get such a mix of emotions. For those who are new to the who and what and why. I would love to take this chance to share a little bit about the sweet boy in this picture Philip and how blessed I am everyday to be his mother.

This picture was taken the day before his "Miracle Day". When my first son Philip was born I knew that I had to be the most blessed women in the world, and sure enough I am. After three Miscarriages I just feared in my heart I would never be a mommy. God blessed me with a baby who we named Philip James. The very first time I saw him I just KNEW God handpicked Philip to be my son.

A few weeks after Philip was born he became very sick . We spent weeks trying to find out what was wrong with him. After being airlifted to a out of town hospital it was found that Philip had a mass in his brain. Philip had his first brain operation at six weeks old. While I felt a little worn as a mother, I felt blessed that we had put this behind us and could now enjoy being a new family. Or so we thought.
Philip's brain mass came back and at the age of six months it was decided that the only choice we had was to have another brain operation on Philip and this time not only try to remove the mass but to place a shunt. While we were scared we felt somewhat prepared having been through it before. This operation was nothing like the earlier one.
Philip celebrated his first Halloween at Arnold Palmer Hospital dressed in a cute pumpkin diaper cover. Philip hooked up to a IV pole got to go to his first party to see the older kids dressed up on the floor. And something that I always remember. If you look close in this picture, Philip had his first Popsicle on his first Halloween , hours before our lives would change forever.

The next morning we handed our sweet son to the surgeons and trusted like before that after a few weeks in ICU on the vent and some time on the peds floor. We would put this behind us and move on being a "normal" family.
After five hours in the operating room the nurse called to tell us that things got tricky. I think back to what I must of thought when she said that. I have a feeling I was not as aggressive with the questions as I would be today. Us moms of children with medicals issues learn fast to speak up and demand answers.
After thirteen hours Philip's team of doctors came out and told us....we just do not think he will live through the night. The DR said it was like cutting through a jungle and he just could not be sure what he cut through. If he does he will not wake up and decisions will need to be made. There was more...and I admit that after hearing the first part I probably did not listen too closely.

For months and months we lived in ICU. I lived in the waiting room with two chairs pulled together , scared to leave him in case something bad happened. Philip was blind for 17 days after his operation and we waited in a MRI room waiting to see if they had cut through his optical nerves. Thank God they had not and it was severe swelling. After being weened off the vent Philip had to learn to nurse again due to suffering a stroke on his right side. The list goes on and on. And in truth the list is still going on.
The idea behind this post is simple. The picture above was taken the day before our lives changed forever. But that picture does not make me sad. Okay ...it does some days. But most days it makes me smile. Wanna know why?

The picture above was taken the day we were blessed with our Miracle. Philip's life. Philip lived and he still lives.
I often say I wish I had known ....if I only knew what was going to happen. Thank you God for not letting me know. Thank you for allowing me to have that first Halloween with Philip and watch him have his first Popsicle. Thank You God for sparing me the knowledge that here we are years later dealing with almost 20 brain operations, 2 shunts, stroke, over 25 painful orthopedic operations, seizures and the recurrences of the brain mass. If I had known all that in advanced I might of missed enjoying the sweet simple things worrying about all the big scary things.
our special day ....we call Miracle Day..every Nov 1st. Philip lived and he still does. Thank you God for blessing us.