Lord, Give Caleb a Miracle

I was standing at the nail salon counter, paying for my pedicure when I looked over and saw a sign that said "Support the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society". Because this has hit close to home with me with Caleb, my friends son, I put some quarters in to fill the sign. Not 5 minutes later I get a text. It's from my friend, and it wasn't the news I expected or wanted to hear after learning he was in remission just 10 hours ago. His tests came back this afternoon from when he was first diagnosed, this determined what his plan would be.
I read the text, and tears started rolling down my cheeks. Caleb's leukemia is very high risk. I am not even going to say what that could mean. Lord, please. Caleb needs a miracle. And he needs it right now.

Wait for the LORD; Be strong, and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait for the LORD.

Be Still and Know that I Am God...

Grad school- survey of research methodology, standards-based curriculum and instruction, intense research papers, discussion posts, Applied Behavior Analysis course number one, flashcards, quizzes, videos, sunday night online live classroom at 10pm, final exams, teaching special needs kindergarten, classroom management, planning, instruction, muffins with mom, end of the year festivities, behavior plans, BCBA supervision meetings, work meetings, private clients, babysitting, tutoring, pilates, mentoring friends in need, being a friend and a peacemaker, bible study, teaching special needs sunday school, church. PHEW!! I think I am done...

Have you ever felt like you have taken on the world? Big or small. From the smallest tasks to the largest tasks, somehow and someway you have felt overwhelmed. I can truthfully say that this week it has hit me, I am in over my head. Don't take this as a negative feeling because it's not- all the things I have going on are all things I WANT to do, or NEED to do. But just look at that list above. I mean really, come on. This is my life right now and I am TIRED. I haven't let any one of those items listed above fail- nor have I fallen behind. But that takes dedication, and hours of prayer that I WILL be Still and know that He will not give me more than I can handle. I have 4 weeks until summer break and I just have to Trust in His word..."Be Still and Know that I am God"

Ballet and Plie' Trouble

My friend Michelle and I ventured off to Winter Park last Sunday to take a class at Barre54. I had been wanting to take a class for awhile since finding out one of my past parents from First Baptist Mom's Day Out was the studio manager. Back in the day I used to babysit for her daughter and triplets! I was excited to see her and also find out what this Barre exercise buzz was all about!

When Michelle and I got there we walked into a pretty brick building with lots of windows, it was so bright and had a fresh, vibrant feel to the studio. I was a little nervous because I didn't know what to expect. I do Pilates regularly but this is entirely different. The first thing that came to my mind was that my ballet training days that I took at Rollins better come back quickly!...

I put on my special black socks and got all my "stuff" ready- weights, mat, and the orange ball. I knew I was in for a treat...yea. 

Class begins and everyone knew what they were doing- they obviously are veterans of the Barre method. Not me of course, I am trying to follow everyones lead and try to look like I knew what I was doing. The class moves pretty quickly and I felt rushed at times. I am used to the slow movements of Pilates and I was out of the comfort of The Pilates Loft that I have become to know so well. 

Class lasted 54 minutes and that was long enough! My legs burned, and I definitely felt like I did some ballet work. 

But for now I will be sticking to Pilates until I get the courage to run back to the ballet bar head- I mean feet on!

Sharing the Love of Organics- Breakfast

Sharing the Love of Organics- Breakfast

Love love love this bread! Rudi's Organic Bakery makes bagels, breads, and english muffins just to name a few. I have tried many different breads of Rudi's but my favorite is Honey Whole Wheat. Makes fabulous toast and yummy sandwiches! Spread a little organic butter on your toast and grab a piece of fruit in the morning and you are ready to start your day on a healthy note, without high fructose corn syrup or hydrogenated oils!

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I Love Organics!

I'm all about organics these days, and have really decided that I need to stay on the bandwagon this time around. I fell off for awhile not because I wanted to, but because it is so expensive! I am slowly stocking back up on my organic food, body care and household items. I think it is so important to take care of your body and what you are putting in it, on it, and also what you are inhaling in your home on a daily basis.I am going to start sharing a lot of my favorite natural and organic products here on my blog so if you are also interested in organic living, you can get some product info right here! I'll start today by sharing one product I have never strayed from, and that's organic milk! I usually try to buy whats on sale (if it ever is) and those two brands are either Horizon Organic or Organic Valley and they cost around $4.20 for a half gallon of 0% fat fat free milk.

And here is one of my all time favorites! Organic Valley Reduced Fat Chocolate Milk! This stuff is better than a milkshake! Yumm- It's so addicting and I try not to buy it too often :)

Fear not, For I am With You

It was just another Wednesday, rushing out of school to get home, change clothes and get ready to go babysit. I do this every week and this day shouldn't have been any different. When I got to the house to watch the kids, I got a phone call from a close friend. "Caleb has leukemia" my friend said as she was crying. I didn't know what to say, this could not be happening. Just a few days prior he was having some issues with his arm and leg, and we all thought it was just from a minor injury at soccer.

I was supportive and told her that I will get up there as soon as I could. I visited Arnold Palmer the very next day and everyone was in a complete fog. I still didn't believe what I was hearing, my heart ached for the family, and for little Caleb.

His chemo began very quickly after the diagnosis and the hospital gives him beads of courage and each time he gets any kind of treatment, he receives a bead to add to his necklace. This is a great way to help kids cope with their cancer.

It still hurts me to think that this is true, and I know that my friend is opening up a whole new chapter in her life that is any parents nightmare. But just like I told her, you have to trust in Jesus, He is the only way to see the light. He is the ultimate healer.

I will continue to pray for Caleb and his family. I know everyone else is praying too.

‎"Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand" Isaiah 41:10

NYR Organics

Today I had the pleasure of gathering some friends over at my house for an organic skin care party! I had been interested in this line of skincare after hearing some talk about it and then found out that someone I had known for years was selling it.

I immediately wanted to try the products, so I held a girls afternoon of pampering.

We started out by exfoliating our hands, followed by our own facials. We were introduced to so many products, but the beauty sleep concentrate was definitely my favorite!

Many people do not realize that the products you use on your body is just as important as what you put inside your body. For those of you who know me well, know that I am a huge advocate for organics. If I could buy everything organic I would, but that takes a lot of funding :)

There has been so many links between parabens leading to cancer and this is what is in most of the "average"skin care products. NYR, Neal's Yard Remedies is free off all things articifial and I will gladly support this brand. I cannot wait to start using these awesome products!