I watched the 2nd episode on the Doctors show today regarding autism, and knew as it started (along with more info. I've been recieving the past many months from other research) that I would make my final decision.
I am officially deciding to make some changes and "avoid" even more vaccinations/immunizations regarding Corben. This whole debate is unanswered and I firmly believe it's better to be safe than sorry as Autism continues to increase. Adison has been perfectly healthy and incredibly smart (amidst her public shyness :) without any trouble from her vaccinations other than a few welts where they were injected. But as Autism is more noted in boys and due to Corben's health not being quite as flawless as Adi's has been, I'm still bothered. This is an irreversible decision and I can't put my child, a human, on the line of possiblity. We can't protect one another from everything, but we do have minds with problem solving skills that shouldn't be ignored. There is no "right" or "wrong" choice here involving moral obligation, because this isn't a "moral" dilemma. It's an issue of doing what we feel is best as individuals. No one is or should be judged for choosing to follow through with our nations increase of vaccines if there is no reason not to. And we did it all with Adison, and started them with Corben as well. But also within our own case scenario here and personal circumstances, I would rather not make a choice I feel there's a chance I could regret. I am tired of being nervous about this and of course want to find peace with this whole debate. I also want to protect my baby boy from anything that's potentially questionable as to how it could affect him. It's not a lack of trust in God, but trying to use this mind of mine that He created as well as discern His guidance through this choice. I guess, unless I feel peace 100% to continue these shots (which, I don't), I'm discerning that it's ok to be cautious. Waiting until he's a little older to get what he'll skip for now, does no harm to anyone except frustrate the medical order of procedure of where no one has an answer....
It definately makes no sense to shove all these diseases into such little, new lives we treat as fragile in every other way possible. And as one doctor on the show said, defending Jenny McArthy and the link between autism and vaccines, we know how to treat these diseases we have vaccines for whereas no one really knows how to diagnose autism well let alone treat it. And if there's a link between the shots and this hard to deal with diagnosis of autism, it's really not worth trading polio, rotavirus, etc. for. They aren't life long either....
Here are some sights with interesting info.:
http://www.thedoctorstv.com/main/show_synopsis/198?section=synopsis
The synopsis above left out the heated argument that occured on live TV, as well as many other great points/thoughts.
Below, links you to many varying thoughts and opinions. Many people also list some of their own resources to support their opinions, so you can see other possible sights to check out as well.
http://www.thedoctorstv.com/forums/157-May-6-2-9-Jenny-McCarthy-on-Autism/topics/4060-Reply-ONLY-if-A-B-C-
When you read some of the personal stories from the sight up above, you have to wonder 'what are we doing to our kids!' What is causing this extreme turnaround from a normal happy baby to an unresponsive one! It's heartbreaking to think that something is affecting them and the rest of their lives, and could have possibly been prevented! And if true, why is autism more dominant in our country than all the others!? Even auto-immune disorders are becoming more common here as well. It makes you almost wonder about chemical warfare, and that it may not be as farfetched as we think.....
(I sound like a hypochondriac, don't I? :)
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
1st fevers....:(
Soooo, I've been up a LOT the past many nights within the past couple weeks due to "sickness." Between me, the kids, and a little bit of Shea, I have turned into a vampire. Maybe, for better terms, a night owl? Well, that sort of relates to the image of having "fun," a good time, or PARTY! No, I'm just a mother experiencing motherhood in one of the hardest ways for the first time. Look at me. I'm typing this @ 2:34 AM.
I have to note (for myself) that Corben got 3 teeth in a mere two weeks (he's 10 mon. with 7 teeth), and now, due to a nasty virus, he and Adison have both had their FIRST EVER fevers....:( Adison's over 3 years old, and has never had a fever. We had a good thing going there, but this bug being passed around is a true "bugger." Adison has been sick before, but never gets a fever as an average symptom. It has to be bad for her to even get slightly warm, so I suppose Corben didn't have a chance to miss out on this one. (Although he had it first.) He was so sick Fri.-Sat. that he didn't even have the strength to hold his head up or even cry. And he can normally CRY, by golly, cuz he sure has a set of lungs that aren't short of working. His fever was 103.5 on Friday, and Adison's was 103.9 tonight. I'm not a mom that constantly judges by numbers, but judges their condition by body language moreso. So, point being, I didn't take their temps. every hour, and these were the highs we took note of. It's not fun to take their temps. if they don't want you to....so unless we think they are definately overheating, us adults aren't up for the fight.
So sad....:(
I'm going to "try" to get to bed for the first time tonight. ~
I have to note (for myself) that Corben got 3 teeth in a mere two weeks (he's 10 mon. with 7 teeth), and now, due to a nasty virus, he and Adison have both had their FIRST EVER fevers....:( Adison's over 3 years old, and has never had a fever. We had a good thing going there, but this bug being passed around is a true "bugger." Adison has been sick before, but never gets a fever as an average symptom. It has to be bad for her to even get slightly warm, so I suppose Corben didn't have a chance to miss out on this one. (Although he had it first.) He was so sick Fri.-Sat. that he didn't even have the strength to hold his head up or even cry. And he can normally CRY, by golly, cuz he sure has a set of lungs that aren't short of working. His fever was 103.5 on Friday, and Adison's was 103.9 tonight. I'm not a mom that constantly judges by numbers, but judges their condition by body language moreso. So, point being, I didn't take their temps. every hour, and these were the highs we took note of. It's not fun to take their temps. if they don't want you to....so unless we think they are definately overheating, us adults aren't up for the fight.
So sad....:(
I'm going to "try" to get to bed for the first time tonight. ~
(I'll write more later, and post their little sick pics. I took with my cell phone.)
Thursday, April 16, 2009
More than just an "issue".....
(Here is an email I sent out to many local friends and acquaintances regarding another email or daily thoughts/devos. I get in my inbox. It's also regarding a topic that seems to be hitting home a bit more to many these days, so I thought I'd share it on here as well.....)
"Ok, so I'm reaching from the depths of my heart to express myself on a very recent and common issue we are dealing with....sorry.
Here is a great piece of "Insight" for many to read regarding the issue of suicide that happened to be in my inbox today. This is incredibly fitting to read, as suicide keeps itself proven to be dominant in the Mission Valley. And some research proves it's worse in this area we live in more than others. I have strongly wondered 'why' the past few years as I've been to many suicide funerals, even spoken at one, and helped sort through the aftermath of many situations involving it. As we've recently lost another sweet victim to this problem, I can't help but wonder if there's something in the air here, or something that's quite dominant and that maybe we can help lessen if we take the chance.
I can honestly admit that this topic is so close to my heart because these past few years have been the hardest years of my life, and I have felt the same empty, and hopeless feelings that so many victims I know have felt, but without the same end results.
I guess I don't feel that depression is the result of those who are "lost" or "backsliding" or lack a closeness to God. God is still with you in the desert, but the desert is still the desert. Just because we know He is there with us, doesn't mean that flowers just start growing and water starts springing up from the sand. Christian or not, and as you read the info. below, all types of people are affected and overwhelmed by the feelings of inadequacy or innability to connect with "life."
As I worked in a hospital with so many people at the end of their ropes, living the last days of their lives not exactly how we'd all like to go out, and witnessing so many good, tender, sweet, talented, smart, and adored people decide they've had enough, I think there's an evident problem.
There is a lack of "true" relationship or "genuine body life" as Swindoll quotes at the end of this post. Where's the support of struggle, instead of judgment or the need of "masking" how one is truly feeling? Where's the "listening ears" of those who don't just "pretend" to care, but actually DO care? Why do people feel they have to put on their fake smiles and act as if things are great in their lives, because they feel like failures or can't express how they really feel due to not believing anyone will listen or care? Many don't want to be "drug" down by truly listening to those around them so they avoid what they can. This only leads to shutting people out, or even "down," as well as not dealing with what needs to be dealt with in order to get over this major hurdle. If people can't truly express how they are really feeling, they will never sort through it. We are to stand up for the weak, not make them feel inadequate or worthless! Plus, another major component we forget to be informative about, is that it's "normal" to be weak. EVERYONE is weak at times, and has weaknesses. We are all there....
Dwelling on issues for years and years isn't the answer either, but it's definately ok to be able to say things really stink, when they really do stink. It's ok to be honest and say you're having a bad day when you are really having a bad day. Shoving it all in only leads to "detachment" which in the end many times leads to the end of a life. We cannot judge how one heals or how much time it takes for some to heal either. We freely allow time to elapse or run it's course for those to allow God into their lives, or be "saved" as Christians call it. We know that some may accept God in their dying moments or that it took their whole lives to commit to Christ. But it seems, to me at least, that people aren't allowed as freely to heal from pain, emotionally, spiritually, etc. This is a process many tend to rush, and we all know that some people don't fully recover "physically" or at least as quickly as others if they've been injured in an accident. We allow swelling to go down, or a scar to form, bleeding to stop, or rest to occur. So what about "emotional" accidents? Emotional, physical, mental, social, environmental, etc. are all varying aspects to our health created by God, and they all interconnect or affect each other's health. Really, one is not more important than another. Some people may honestly take years to heal from the loss of a loved one, or even less tragic circumstances or more tragic circumstances. Not everyone is affected the same, nor do we all heal the same.
I can't help but feel that something is wrong. Maybe it's just me, and I know I haven't been myself the past couple years living in P-town. But I hope this insight from Swindoll speaks to you as well, considering this topic seems to be a dominant part of this community."
April 15, 2009
Ultimate Rejection by Charles R. Swindoll
Psalm 147:2-3
A number of years ago, on Valentine's Day, a couple was enjoying a romantic drive along a wooded section near Belle Chasse, Louisiana. Something white, shimmering in the trees, caught their eyes. Their investigation led them to a dead teenager hanging from a limb, a white bedsheet knotted tightly around his neck. A farewell note, laced with despair, was near the trunk of the tree. It was addressed simply to "Mom and Dad."
"I never did develop into a real person and I cannot tolerate the false and empty existence I have created. . . . What frustrated me most in the last year was that I had built no ties to family or friends. There was nothing of lasting worth and value. I led a detached existence. . . . I am a bomb of frustration and should never marry or have children. It is safest to defuse the bomb harmlessly now . . . simply cremate me as John Doe."
Authorities circulated the youth's description and fingerprints to police across the country. He was later buried---unidentified and unclaimed.
Grim and gripping though they are, such scenes and words are not that unusual. Our nervous age seems on trial for its life, and the fuse on the powder keg is becoming shorter by the day! Contrary to popular opinion, people who threaten suicide often mean it. The old myth "those who talk don't jump" is dangerously false. Threats should be taken seriously.
Suicide, the ultimate rejection of one's self, plays no favorites and knows no limit. In my files and memory are unforgettable cases that span the extremes: a successful banker, a disillusioned divorcée, a runaway, the son of a missionary, a mother of three, a wealthy cartoonist, a professional musician, several collegians, a Marine, a retired grandfather, a medical doctor, a middle-aged playboy, a brilliant accountant, a growing number of teens who were in junior and senior high schools. These individuals struggled with feelings of loneliness, worthlessness, insecurity, a lack of hope, intense perfectionism, alienation from meaningful relationships, and a tragic sense of feeling unloved and unlovely.
In all of this darkness, there is one beacon of light. People considering suicide usually want to be rescued. They leave clues that read, "Help me!" They drop hints, consciously or unconsciously, that announce their intentions.
Sensitive, concerned observers ought to be alert to the signals. Here are a few: (1) talk about suicide; (2) a sudden change in personality; (3) deep depression; (4) physical symptoms---sleeplessness, loss of appetite, decreased sexual drive, drastic weight loss, repeated exhaustion; (5) actual attempts; and (6) crisis situations---death of a loved one, failure at school, loss of a job, marital or home problems, and a lengthy or terminal illness.
These, of course, are not "sure signs," but anyone that seems unusually suspicious warrants your time and offer of help. Occasionally, all that is needed is someone to step in and be a friend . . . a listening ear . . . a support to lean on . . . a shelter in the time of storm. That's genuine Body life! That's Romans 15:1 in action:
We who are strong ought to bear the weaknesses of those without strength.
Certainly you should contact your physician or ask advice from your local suicide prevention hotline if you become reasonably concerned. A close friend, a professional counselor, a church officer, or a pastor might also be of valuable assistance. Don't hesitate to seek advice.
The need is urgent . . . and always great. During the time it took you to read this, numbers of people in America attempted to end their lives.
Excerpted from Come Before Winter and Share My Hope, Copyright © 1985, 1994 by Charles R. Swindoll, Inc. All rights reserved worldwide. Used by permission.
"Ok, so I'm reaching from the depths of my heart to express myself on a very recent and common issue we are dealing with....sorry.
Here is a great piece of "Insight" for many to read regarding the issue of suicide that happened to be in my inbox today. This is incredibly fitting to read, as suicide keeps itself proven to be dominant in the Mission Valley. And some research proves it's worse in this area we live in more than others. I have strongly wondered 'why' the past few years as I've been to many suicide funerals, even spoken at one, and helped sort through the aftermath of many situations involving it. As we've recently lost another sweet victim to this problem, I can't help but wonder if there's something in the air here, or something that's quite dominant and that maybe we can help lessen if we take the chance.
I can honestly admit that this topic is so close to my heart because these past few years have been the hardest years of my life, and I have felt the same empty, and hopeless feelings that so many victims I know have felt, but without the same end results.
I guess I don't feel that depression is the result of those who are "lost" or "backsliding" or lack a closeness to God. God is still with you in the desert, but the desert is still the desert. Just because we know He is there with us, doesn't mean that flowers just start growing and water starts springing up from the sand. Christian or not, and as you read the info. below, all types of people are affected and overwhelmed by the feelings of inadequacy or innability to connect with "life."
As I worked in a hospital with so many people at the end of their ropes, living the last days of their lives not exactly how we'd all like to go out, and witnessing so many good, tender, sweet, talented, smart, and adored people decide they've had enough, I think there's an evident problem.
There is a lack of "true" relationship or "genuine body life" as Swindoll quotes at the end of this post. Where's the support of struggle, instead of judgment or the need of "masking" how one is truly feeling? Where's the "listening ears" of those who don't just "pretend" to care, but actually DO care? Why do people feel they have to put on their fake smiles and act as if things are great in their lives, because they feel like failures or can't express how they really feel due to not believing anyone will listen or care? Many don't want to be "drug" down by truly listening to those around them so they avoid what they can. This only leads to shutting people out, or even "down," as well as not dealing with what needs to be dealt with in order to get over this major hurdle. If people can't truly express how they are really feeling, they will never sort through it. We are to stand up for the weak, not make them feel inadequate or worthless! Plus, another major component we forget to be informative about, is that it's "normal" to be weak. EVERYONE is weak at times, and has weaknesses. We are all there....
Dwelling on issues for years and years isn't the answer either, but it's definately ok to be able to say things really stink, when they really do stink. It's ok to be honest and say you're having a bad day when you are really having a bad day. Shoving it all in only leads to "detachment" which in the end many times leads to the end of a life. We cannot judge how one heals or how much time it takes for some to heal either. We freely allow time to elapse or run it's course for those to allow God into their lives, or be "saved" as Christians call it. We know that some may accept God in their dying moments or that it took their whole lives to commit to Christ. But it seems, to me at least, that people aren't allowed as freely to heal from pain, emotionally, spiritually, etc. This is a process many tend to rush, and we all know that some people don't fully recover "physically" or at least as quickly as others if they've been injured in an accident. We allow swelling to go down, or a scar to form, bleeding to stop, or rest to occur. So what about "emotional" accidents? Emotional, physical, mental, social, environmental, etc. are all varying aspects to our health created by God, and they all interconnect or affect each other's health. Really, one is not more important than another. Some people may honestly take years to heal from the loss of a loved one, or even less tragic circumstances or more tragic circumstances. Not everyone is affected the same, nor do we all heal the same.
I can't help but feel that something is wrong. Maybe it's just me, and I know I haven't been myself the past couple years living in P-town. But I hope this insight from Swindoll speaks to you as well, considering this topic seems to be a dominant part of this community."
April 15, 2009
Ultimate Rejection by Charles R. Swindoll
Psalm 147:2-3
A number of years ago, on Valentine's Day, a couple was enjoying a romantic drive along a wooded section near Belle Chasse, Louisiana. Something white, shimmering in the trees, caught their eyes. Their investigation led them to a dead teenager hanging from a limb, a white bedsheet knotted tightly around his neck. A farewell note, laced with despair, was near the trunk of the tree. It was addressed simply to "Mom and Dad."
"I never did develop into a real person and I cannot tolerate the false and empty existence I have created. . . . What frustrated me most in the last year was that I had built no ties to family or friends. There was nothing of lasting worth and value. I led a detached existence. . . . I am a bomb of frustration and should never marry or have children. It is safest to defuse the bomb harmlessly now . . . simply cremate me as John Doe."
Authorities circulated the youth's description and fingerprints to police across the country. He was later buried---unidentified and unclaimed.
Grim and gripping though they are, such scenes and words are not that unusual. Our nervous age seems on trial for its life, and the fuse on the powder keg is becoming shorter by the day! Contrary to popular opinion, people who threaten suicide often mean it. The old myth "those who talk don't jump" is dangerously false. Threats should be taken seriously.
Suicide, the ultimate rejection of one's self, plays no favorites and knows no limit. In my files and memory are unforgettable cases that span the extremes: a successful banker, a disillusioned divorcée, a runaway, the son of a missionary, a mother of three, a wealthy cartoonist, a professional musician, several collegians, a Marine, a retired grandfather, a medical doctor, a middle-aged playboy, a brilliant accountant, a growing number of teens who were in junior and senior high schools. These individuals struggled with feelings of loneliness, worthlessness, insecurity, a lack of hope, intense perfectionism, alienation from meaningful relationships, and a tragic sense of feeling unloved and unlovely.
In all of this darkness, there is one beacon of light. People considering suicide usually want to be rescued. They leave clues that read, "Help me!" They drop hints, consciously or unconsciously, that announce their intentions.
Sensitive, concerned observers ought to be alert to the signals. Here are a few: (1) talk about suicide; (2) a sudden change in personality; (3) deep depression; (4) physical symptoms---sleeplessness, loss of appetite, decreased sexual drive, drastic weight loss, repeated exhaustion; (5) actual attempts; and (6) crisis situations---death of a loved one, failure at school, loss of a job, marital or home problems, and a lengthy or terminal illness.
These, of course, are not "sure signs," but anyone that seems unusually suspicious warrants your time and offer of help. Occasionally, all that is needed is someone to step in and be a friend . . . a listening ear . . . a support to lean on . . . a shelter in the time of storm. That's genuine Body life! That's Romans 15:1 in action:
We who are strong ought to bear the weaknesses of those without strength.
Certainly you should contact your physician or ask advice from your local suicide prevention hotline if you become reasonably concerned. A close friend, a professional counselor, a church officer, or a pastor might also be of valuable assistance. Don't hesitate to seek advice.
The need is urgent . . . and always great. During the time it took you to read this, numbers of people in America attempted to end their lives.
Excerpted from Come Before Winter and Share My Hope, Copyright © 1985, 1994 by Charles R. Swindoll, Inc. All rights reserved worldwide. Used by permission.
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Adison turned 3...
This is a bit late, but here are a few pics. from Adi's 3rd b-day the end of Feb. We had just a few people over, and had a "princess" party. The past year, Adison has been into dressing up, and all the princess/"married" dresses and characters. Her mother tried to stear clear of the whole Disney princess scene, but it became matter over mind. That battle was lost....:) We did it. We threw a pink and purple party. Tinkerbell was last year, so that couldn't save us this year. :)
Robyn attempted cake fondant for the first time, thinking it would be easy. Not quite. Even with Shea's help, she ended up nearly throwing the entire cake away after hours of many failed attempts. With the final attempt, and thoughts of ordering an ice cream cake from DQ, the cake turned out edible. (I said "edible." Not pretty. Or at least what it was supposed to look like in my perfectionist and yet scattered mind.) With the pink and purple sherbert, all was well. Betty Crocker's cream cheese frosting underneath the fondant, saved everyone from having to eat the rubber layer, although Shea actually "liked" the fondant. Go figure...I suppose maybe it was a good thing I flavored it...:)
This was before everyone arrived...
Corben became a "camo-princess" in due time..
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Here we are!
These pics. are from Corben's dedication....
(He was so sick, and broken out on his poor little face during this time. :( )
Hello!
Well, here we are once again updating our existence in yet another form of modern communication for anyone who has time to waste. :) Since most family and friends are on Facebook, though, we'll see how beneficial this one will be in addition. The exclusiveness and organization of this site is already more appealing. ~
Well, here we are once again updating our existence in yet another form of modern communication for anyone who has time to waste. :) Since most family and friends are on Facebook, though, we'll see how beneficial this one will be in addition. The exclusiveness and organization of this site is already more appealing. ~
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