I Corinthians 13 for Moms

If I live in a house of spotless beauty with everything in its place,
but have not love,
I am a housekeeper, not a homemaker.

If I have time for waxing, polishing, and decorative achievements,
but have not love,
my children learn cleanliness, ­not godliness.

If I scream at my children for every infraction,
and fault them for every mess they make,
but have not love,
my children become people-pleasers, not obedient children.

Love leaves the dust in search of a child’s laugh.
Love smiles at the tiny fingerprints on a newly cleaned window.
Love wipes away the tears before it wipes up the spilled milk.
Love picks up the child before it picks up the toys.

Love accepts the fact that I am the ever-present “mommy,”
the taxi-driver to every childhood event,
the counselor when my children fail or are hurt.

Love crawls with the baby, walks with the toddler, and runs with the child,
then stands aside to let the youth walk into adulthood.

Before I became a mother I took glory in my house of perfection.
Now I glory in God’s perfection of my child.

All the projections I had for my house and my children
have faded away into insignificance,
And what remain are the memories of my kids.

Now there abides in my home scratches on most of the furniture,
dishes with missing place settings,
and bedroom walls full of stickers, posters and markings,
But the greatest of all is the Love
that permeates my relationships with my children.

-Adapted by Jim Fowler

With Whom or What is your Indentification?

I am part of the fellowship of the unashamed. I have Holy Spirit power. The die has been cast. I have stepped over the line. The decision has been made. I am a disciple of His. I won’t look back, let up, slow down, back away, or be still.

My past is redeemed, my present is meaningful, my future is secure. I am finished and done with low living, sight walking, mundane talking, cheap living, and dwarfed goals.

I no longer need pre-eminence, prosperity, promotions, plaudits or popularity. I don’t have to be right, first tops, recognized, praised, regarded, or rewarded. I now live by faith, lean on His promises, walk by patience, lift by prayer, and labor by power.

My face is set, my gait is fast, my goal is Heaven, my road is narrow, my way rough, my companions few, my guide reliable, my mission clear. I cannot be bought, compromised, detoured, lured away, turned back, deluded, or delayed. I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice, hesitate in the presence of the adversary, negotiate at the table of the enemy, ponder at the pool of popularity, or meander in the maze of mediocrity.

I won’t give up, shut up, let up, until I have stayed up, stored up, prayed up, paid up, and preached up for the cause of Christ. I am a disciple of Jesus. I must keep going ’til He comes, give ’til I drop, preach ’til all know, and work ’til He stops me. And when He come for His own, He will have no problem recognizing me – for He is my Lord!

Author Unknown

The Law Of Gratitude

What does the word gratitude mean?  An online dictionary source defines it as: the quality or feeling of being grateful or thankful.

We all just celebrated Thanksgiving. A special time to spend with family and friends. A time to reflect on what you are thankful for in your life. Or at least, hopefully that is what you did. Sometimes we get so caught up in the food and the people that we forget to reflect on the deeper meaning of thanksgiving. For the ones that did reflect, I want to applaud you. You just did one of the most powerful “mind and heart”  exercises you can do. Reflecting and expressing gratitude is powerful.

But, I want to challenge you all to not stop at Thanksgiving. My challenge for you is to find at least one thing every day in which you are grateful for. If it involves someone let them know.

So many times we get caught up in the mundane chores of life that we forget this very basic expression. We get caught up in our fears, our hurts. We get caught up in blame, anger, disappointments, greed. We get caught up in stress. In a nutshell we get caught up in ourselves and how our life, business, or relationships are not treating US fairly. It is good to reflect on one self for personal development purposes. But, to get caught up in negative mind images about ourselves or our situations is detrimental to our personal development and our growth in every area of our lives.

The law of gratitude has the power to even heal your mind and body. Even the bible says for everything give thanks. Or to think on pure, lovely, good things. These all express the idea of reflecting on what we are grateful for. Their are many self help videos and books trying to bring this to light as well. When we start shifting our mental gears on what is wrong in our life to what we are grateful for things seem to fall into place so much better.

There is evidence now that when we think negatively more than we do positively that it affects our brain to the point of developing a black mass in our brain. That extends out and starts producing the diseases in our body. Whether it be low energy and fatigue to anger. Or even as something as severe as Cancer. Our thoughts and feelings are powerful. Even God demonstrates this by telling us that even to have the feeling of hate toward our brother is the same as murder. Or in the psalms where we are warned not to fear lest our fears come true. Some people speculate that 80% of our diseases are self induced by our thoughts and stresses. 

So what and who are you surrounding yourself with? If we feed on negative music, television, friends, family, books, ect. What do you think we will become? Negative. Yet if you flip that around and feed on positive music, television (or no television at all…lol), friends, family, books. What do you think you will become? Most likely more positive. Because we become like things and people we associate with no matter how strong minded or willed you are.

I am not saying you can’t ever have some anger, hurt, or a negative thought at all. You wouldn’t be human otherwise. And for everything their is a season. But, all things in balance bring harmony. And the good can outshine the bad. You just have to look for it. As a side note it is also a good idea to know what is going on in the world. Which oftentimes paints a pretty bleak picture. Just don’t let this be your motivating factor for how you spend your day.

So don’t be a Scrouge this holiday season. Look for things daily to be thankful for and express it. You will be amazed at what it can do for you, your business, and your personal relationships.

You can be sure that I am always reminding myself to practice this simple act as well. Life is just so much more enjoyable when you do. You look forward to a new day and can embrace it with enthusiasm like you never have had before.

So, I dare you to try it! Find one thing to be grateful for everyday. If you find more…more kudo’s to you. You are on your way to success that runs deeper than what you make and what people think of you. Because nothing can replace true joy! Quit blaming your upbringing, your boss, your spouse, your dog or whatever for personal choices you make in life. You have to come to the point where you realize that only you can make a choice in how you react to things. With your emotions, actions, thoughts. No one can make you do anything. The choice is yours! Which choice will you make? The choice you make will either bring you prosperity or create your ruin.

For me, I am strengthened and encouraged more by reading the Bible. And by having a personal relationship with God. This exercise becomes much more easy as I can see more clearly what all He has done for me.

So, what are you grateful for?

 

Warm Wishes,

Larissa

Memories

On July 15, 2003 my whole world turned upside down. What followed for the next couple of years was depression off and on, some health challenges, fear, more depression. It was a vicious cycle. Why is this date of significance and why am I writing about it now?

Today, November 25th (not sure why it is saying the 26th at the top, it is a day off)  would mark the 20th birthday of one of the most beloved people in my life. Dusten Ryan Williams. But, July 15, 2003 cut his life short. It was a typical day for Dusten, I imagine. I was to pick him up either that day or the next day as he was going to come stay a week with us (he was living in Texas with his mother, but came back every summer to see his father) and possibly go camping. I had decided I would probably pick him up the next day, which was Wednesday July 16th as I was very tired from a lack of sleep from my baby, Benjamin keeping me up at night. That evening, I think around 6 pm, on our way out the door to go eat, I received the most devastating call of my life. What was so weird about it is that my cousin that I grew up with called to let me know their was an accident and it involved Dusten. She didn’t have to say anymore. I knew he was dead. Although she did and her words blew a hole threw my eardrums and ripped my heart out. You see, all day I kept thinking of Dusten. It was weird, but I did. Something didn’t seem quite right, but I didn’t know what it was. I kept telling myself I needed to call him and tell him I would probably pick him up tomorrow as I was very exhausted, but hadn’t quite got to it yet. It was different the urgency I felt. I wasn’t sure if it was that I was just that excited about seeing him (I normally always was. He was a huge light in my life. I absolutely adored him and his presence) or what. I blew it off as excitement. All time froze that evening.

He was out with some friends getting ready to go swimming. His dad lives in a small town on the outskirts of Salina. He was sitting in the passenger side of the car in the backseat. From what I understand he was goofing off with his head out the window (which sounds like him, he was a very lively person) and it distracted the young driver of the car as he kept looking back at Dusten to tell him to put his head in the window. When the driver looked up he seen a tractor coming out of the drive way, obviously oblivious to the oncoming car with his forks lifted midway up. He basically panicked and slammed his breaks on (going down a dirt road) and they slid into the tractor. They all seen it coming except for my Dusten. So they ducked as the forks went through the window. Dusten never seen it coming and was nearly decapitated and died instantly.

These words still sting. I hate it. I don’t deny it. It sucks. Truly SUCKS! I loved him dearly. I think because of the age difference what I felt for him was almost motherly. It reminds me of what I feel for my kids. I have often asked why him? Why then? Why didn’t I get a chance to say bye? Why on the day I was supposed to pick him up? Why didn’t I just pick him up? Why did he have to be goofing off?  Why didn’t the driver just ingore him? Why was the driver of the tractor driving illegally with the forks in mid air? Why didn’t the land owners have the tree’s cut down when it was recommended to them a long time ago because it created a blind spot? Why, why, why? So many why’s? And really no answers.

Dusten was a beautiful person. He really was. His love for life, people, and animals was unsurpassed. He had the most radiant smile ever. He was BEAUTIFUL. He later suffered from asthma. And I always thought he was going to kill himself because he couldn’t resist cats, which would trigger his asthma. I remember when he came to stay with us one summer while I was still at home and we had a ton of cats (I think about 17…we lived out in the country) he couldn’t stay away from them….like all day long! I kept telling him he was going to induce an asthma attack. But, he couldn’t stay away. Later that night when I went to bed, Dusten was already sound asleep in my bed. I crawled in bed next to him and he was heaving badly. So badly it was shaking the bed. His rib cage would slowly rise high and then collapse. I woke him and and told him he needed to wake up because he couldn’t breathe. He had forgot or deliberately left his inhaler behind (not really sure). His dad lived about 20 min from us and it was in the middle of the night. I felt kind of panicky. Wondering why he had to play with those cats! I went upstairs to wake mom up and was wondering if we should attempt to call mark (his dad, my step dad) or the ambulance. He was heaving badly. And the rattle sounded awful. But, I decided to give him an herb that I had on hand from my then occasional asthma, called Lobelia. He was better within 5-10 min.

This was his beauty.  He didn’t care about himself. He was passionate about other life and he wasn’t going to let anything stand in the way of that.

I never want to forget him.  I still remember his smile, the sound of his voice. The way his unique laugh was. I remember those beautiful eyes. I remember his vibrant energy. I hardly seen him when he was NOT laughing or smiling. I am not saying he was perfect. Nobody is. He had his own shortcomings to. But, he was definitely special. He was the first person to get my 3 month old son to laugh. Genuinely laugh. I was in the kitchen one day when I heard the cutest little LONG laugh occur. I turned around and seen it was Benjamin. Dusten adored babies. And he was holding Benjamin for the first time that December. Dusten had a hat on and a necklace. He was engrossed with Benjamin. He simply was saying “get you, get you, get you” as his face moved in closer to Benjamin’s. Benjamin thought that was a trip! It was a beautiful memory. I wish I could have captured it on film.

I am so glad that I talked with him on the phone before he died as well. I was able to capture his “maturing” voice for the first time. How so much can change in a few months time! I was so stunned by his changing voice, that I didn’t even say I loved him at the end of the conversation like I always did. For some reason I guess I just thought since he was going through puberty maybe he didn’t want me to talk like that to him or something…lol. Especially since distance had seperated us a bit. But, I will forever remember his last words to me. I had just told him bye and that I would call back and let him know when I would pick him up. He said ok. As I was getting ready to let him go, he said “hey” (kind of jokingly), I replied “yes?” He paused and said “I love you.” Those three words coming from him warmed me like nothing else. And now they are mine to treasure.

Although it has been hard dealing with his death and the memory of him, That memory that you don’t want to forget (yet brings you happiness mixed with a lot of pain….bittersweet memories), I can honestly see God’s hand in it. I remember having the instinct in me that I would never see Dusten grow up. I wasn’t sure why. Was it his asthma? Was I going to die? I didn’t know if the feeling was real or made up. But, I had it for awhile. Dusten also came to love God when he was about 11. Although, I don’t think he was actively attending a church or anything upon his death, I remember being told by his grandma that he kept asking his mom if they could go back to church. He loved Sunday school classed. And I have his painting that he did for me in my hand made pottery. I wasn’t done with it. I was pinch potting a tea pitcher. When he came to visit one summer he asked me if he could paint in and on it. I had to think for a min. because I kept thinking that I would love to finish that one day. But, I finally said yes. That is now one of my greatest treasures! He painted an angel and a cross and some other things like hearts and whatnot. Also God gave me a son before Dusten’s death. I definitely wanted a boy as my first. And He gave me Ben at a time when I probably needed him most. Not really for a replacement, but I was able to turn and nurture him now. I think it would have been even harder to deal with without my son.

The beauty of it all is that I now know that he is at home with God and probably as happy as can be. That is what I take comfort in. And knowing that one day, I will reunite and meet up with him again. And I am greatly looking forward to that! The mercy and grace in it all on my part is that when I was feeling the most down about not saying bye, God graciously gave me closure through a dream. And then I had a series of dreams about him. Since their was a series on the same matter, I personally feel it was from God, meant to comfort. 

As I was a fairly silent griever, not really allowing others to tap into what I was feeling (save a few times when breaking down in front of David after the major breakdown of the news of his death) I feel this is what led me to some health problems. I am sure that combined with a few other things. But, I truly feel that stress is a big factor in health. But, I can say that through God’s help I have been healed and seen His love more clearly. And come to experience what He can do for me. What He will also do for you. If we but let Him. 

Anyhow, I will be posting some of Dusten’s pictures on my myspace sight as well. He was and always will be a big part of my life. He brought the sunshine wherever he went.

Till we meet again.

 

Larissa

My Day Was Awesome!

Well, the title says it all. I had a great day! (Friday, 21st. I am typing this late!) I went to an all day Reading Readiness Workshop put on by the Fundamental Learning Center in Wichita.

Despite the bigger city driving in rush hour, not getting good sleep (my son slept with me last night and he kept bumping into me, digging his elbow into my back, getting up and going to the bathroom, and waking me up!), and feeling sad initially for leaving my kids all day (okay, I am a baby. But, I am just not used to leaving them all day and going by myself. Left so early I didn’t even get to get them breakfast or say bye. So I left a morning letter for them instead.  I mean if it was a date with my husband I would be like, bring it on BABY! lol. But it was just me, myself and I and it just didn’t seem appealing).

At first I wasn’t sure if it was going to work out to go as my mom is still pretty sick and wasn’t able to take the kids. David is working overtime tonight so he needed to sleep this afternoon and would need to leave before I got home. But, I finally found a babysitter. (only a couple of people I trust with my kids which doesn’t always make for great availability). But, boy I am glad it did work out! It was a good use of $125. I got a full day of training on working with dyslexics to teach reading skills. As well as a complete curriculum. A lot of hands on learning as well. Visuals, research to back it up. It was just great. It was great to hear stories from other teachers and mothers that I could relate to. I am really looking forward to implementing this reading program with Benjamin. It is multi-sensory based. So they combine almost all the senses (save smell) to teach them reading and writing skills. Very creative. They combine songs, games, finger work, and traditional work. I think he is going to love it! And the great thing is they have been able to verify that after time using their program that the left side of the brain will light up as it is receiving and using language information. Whereas previously it wouldn’t light up in dyslexics.

The statistics are that if you use their methods everyday for 15 min. you can retrain a younger child’s brain in phonological awareness in 6 weeks. But if you wait until they are 10 or older to try to work through their problems it would take 2 hours a day over the course of 9 months to retrain the brain and show that area lighting up. So it really is crucial for dyslexics and other learning challenged kids to receive proper retraining while they are younger. It will be so much easier for them. It will greatly boost their self esteem especially if they are in a full classroom setting where they are comparing themselves with other kids.

For anyone in the Kansas or surrounding states area (as they do have people from some surrounding states travel for this program) who would be interested I would HIGHLY recommend the Reading Readiness Program through the Fundamental Learning Center in Wichita. Their website and course descriptions can be found at: www.funlearn.org It would even be an awesome program to implement with your “normal” kids.

I have seen, heard, or reviewed many different phonics programs out their and this by far is the best I have seen. They go beyond just standard phonics. And the multi-sensory approach makes it a blast!

I am really looking forward to going through their extensive two week course. I just loved it!

Larissa

Update on Ben

I am still here and still plugging away. The last week has been spent updating youtube, trying to get myspace going and learning some other nitty gritties around both of them. Been busy around here lately!

We just got back from a nice day at my parents house for a Sukkot “party.” It was nice. Reminds me how much I really miss being out in the country going back to their house. *Sigh*.

Anyhow, I just wanted to give you all an update on Benjamin and possible dyslexia. When I got the evaluation back from the Multi-Sensory Literacy Instructor lady it didn’t seem to be quite as bad as I had expected. So, I sent her an e-mail with some other questions. She can’t technically diagnose him. But, she can refer me onto another lady who can. Sinse I know the gal who did it, I just asked her to give me an off the record evaluation diagnosis. Does she think he has dyslexia or is he just a little behind on some things? She called me back and I talked with her extensively. She said that he does have dyslexia. She is at least 90% sure of it. I can go get the actual diagnosis if I want as their are different degree’s of dyslexia. But, she just reiterated on the recommendation to go to Wichita for the Reading Readiness Program through the Fundamental Learning Center. We talked in much more detail. But, long story short is I am going to go Nov. 21st. My mom and step dad is paying my way, of which I am grateful. It is only 1 day all day. And it is $125. It gives me a lot of material. And a lot of detailed specifics of working especially with dyslexics. The gal that evaluated him told me not to worry about getting a lot of extra add ons that build around the core curriculum because she has a ton of stuff that, I guess encompass different senses that I can borrow. So, I am thankful. I need to start saving for next years extensive 2 week program that builds on the reading readiness. I am going to go this route because it will give me time away from the kids and everyone for an entire day and then a week to get what I need to know underway, instead of relying on mere books (although I will still do a lot of reading on it myself as I tend to be a researcher) that may take a month or so to finish around them and our busy schedules. She told me to remember that dyslexics can be worked with are normally average or above average in IQ, but he is just going to have a different way of looking at life. I like uniqueness. So, I guess I have it in my son. I just need to remember that when I want to feel discouraged about it.

David got to talking to a guy and my step dad in detail about hydro fuel cells for cars this afternoon.  For those of you who don’t know a hydro fuel cell device simply allows for better fuel effeciency of your car by breaking down regular water by means of electrolysis into a hydroxy or Browns gas. The hydroxy gas then goes into the engine airflow and mixed with gasoline which then undergoes a full combustion cycle. Undergoing a full combustion cycle simply translates into better fuel efficiency. They say that only about 20% of gasoline fuel is actually burned completely. The rest just creates heat and harmful emissions. The hyro fuel cell device can supposedly increase fuel efficiency by about 50% depending on your car. Anyhow, my step dad is trying to make his own. And David was getting down to the core with the chemistry of what really takes place with the conversion process. The one guy then turned toward David and asked why he is at a factory making batteries. He has a gift with his mind that he needs to use. (although he is no longer making batteries…he orders parts now). I totally agree with the guy. And I hope it inspired David not to give up on his dream of a metal recovery business. Their has been another door that has possibly opened for this. So time will tell.

Well, I guess that is it for now. I just wanted to let you all know that I am still here!

 

Best Wishes,

Larissa

Learning Difficulties

Well, today my son had a screening for possible dyslexia. Benjamin is very bright and mechanical. But for sometime I have wondered if their was something “different” going on in his little brain.

The lady who screened him is going to give me a summary via e-mail tomorrow morning as she didn’t want to talk in front of Ben. But, she basically told me that I should invest in this seminar that is centered specifically around working with dyslexics and teaching them to read. She said it would be of good benefit. She then told me he reminded her of her son, which had learning difficulties and she had to “rewire” his brain, from my understanding. So, I think the verdict is going to be pretty clear. I think he has dyslexia. Also, David we are pretty sure has it, but it went undiagnosed. David has a mind that retains information like one I have never seen before. He is sharp. Very intelligent. But, when he goes to write his spelling doesn’t look much past 3 or 4th grade level sometimes (not always). He also was a poor reader, but that has improved immensely in the time we have been married as I am an avid reader and would always read out loud  to him, and then he started reading a lot of things like bible commentary, world news, and a lot around metals (as he wants a business in that).  He also informed me he still gets d’s and b’s mixed up and it helps him to remember his name….d for David. He told me he always got certain letters mixed up and had difficulties with certain things in school. But, I guess it went undetected back then. They say dyslexia can run in families. Supposedly genetic. I don’t understand it all the way.

But back to Benjamin. He didn’t really talk much until he was 3 was one sign. But, he has had other signs related to Spectrum Disorders. I knew he wasn’t autistic, but I have wondered if I would have vaccinated him if that would have thrown him overboard into the world of Autism.

Most of you know we homeschool. So, when I really started trying to school him a couple years ago I noticed some fine motor skill problems with his hands. He hated coloring and writing (still does and still has some fine motor skill problems with hands). And it really seemed as if he literally lacked the fine motor skill to control his hand in a free style way. He always seem tight and very controlled when he does these activities. Well, this year I started making him try to write his name. Thinking was plenty old enough he should at least be able to write his name. After all, seems like his IQ is fine and always above his age group, so why shouldn’t he be able to write his name?

Well to my horror, within minutes of attempting to write his name (he is also ambidextrous still doesn’t seem to favor one hand over the other, but I think he does a bit better with his right hand) he would be in tears and I was about ready to pull my hair out. I am a peace loving fanatic so I didn’t want our school days to be spent in frustration and decided for the most part for now to throw the pencil out the window so to speak.

Instead we still have been going over letters and phonics and I still have him do letter writing in other ways. Such as finger paint writing, putting salt in a casserole dish and having him write with his finger, painting on poster board and then taking glue and gluing on black eyed beans in the form of lower case and capital letters. As well as the Delight Directed method of education where I follow his interest and we do a  lot of hands on stuff or whatever he may be interested in. I have read and done a little bit of research that with dyslexics you kind of have to throw the pencil out for a bit and retrain the brain with the fingers. It has to do with information literally getting stored in the wrong region of the brain (with language and writing skills) and it can be demonstrated with modern technology.

My personal opinion is back to diet. I read an interesting book awhile back ago, called Gut and Psychology Syndrome by Dr.Natasha Campbell. She is a doctor in the UK that actually reversed her sons severe autism with a nutritional protocol. In a page or two of her book she mentions dyslexia and ties that in with the state of the gut as well. But she didn’t really go into it much. Also as many of you may very well know,  Jenny McCarthy’s (Actress and girlfriend to Jim Carey) son also developed autism after receiving routine vaccinations. She has effectively reversed his autisim with a nutritional protocol and wholefood diet as well. You can check her awesome sight out at: http://www.generationrescue.org/ . She even has a program where you can donate and become a rescue angel for those who can’t afford natural treatments in reversing spectrum disorders as well as a listing of people in your area who have recovered their kids from autism.

You may say what does autism have to do with dyslexia? Well, from my understanding and what I have been finding is that they tie into this whole arena of full spectrum disorders that can include one or many different things that also encompass ADD, ADHD, schizophrenia, autism, disgraphyia, dyslexia, ect. And it goes back to how the mom nourished her and her baby while being pregnant and then how she then set the childs gut up the way it is. Your next question might be then, “well, I thought you were a health fanatic and your son has inspired you to be a health “nut” so why might he be struggling with dyslexia if it can be influenced by diet?”

My answer to that would be I only did what I knew to do at the time. I pretty much ate a diet of salad (ice berg lettuce is all I knew of then it seems), chicken, eggs, and a lot of MSG foods like ranch dressing, any gravy or soup base had a lot of MSG in (a neurotoxin that can affect brain development). I also had morning sickness very severely from about 2 1/2 months until I delivered Ben and therefore Mylanta was like by preference for a drinking beverage. I later found out that mylanta has a lot of aluminum it. Aluminum is a heavy metal that can store in body tissue and cause problems. I also was a lot more stressed out with Ben, first pregnancy and all. They say that the adrenal response of the flight or fight mode (which happens when you are under stress) that you live in while pregnant can affect the adrenals of the baby. Weakened adrenals can even cause immune system problems like auto immune, cancer, ect. Well, Ben has allergies (which some classify as an auto immune disorder). So, I am just starting to see a connection. Also, when you check into the biomedical approach that Jenny McCarthy used on her son for autism there information also includes dyslexia in it.

Anyhow, I am not an expert on this. I really don’t know. But, I do know that when we followed a very “pure” wholefood diet with ample healthy fats from coconut oil, fish oil, free range and grass-fed meats, Ben’s focus was so much more keen. He had a very calm type of energy. I don’t know if diet alone can reverse dyslexia. Seems to me that their is now a wire crossed in the brain with it and that is why educational approaches work at retraining the brain as well. But diet helps with that as it helps them to focus better and the healthy fats contribute as they are brain food.

We have been in a crunch financially lately. With the recession and all it isn’t getting easier. So, I am a bit concerned about having the finances to go back to the whole foods and supplementation as well as the education that this lady wants me to take starting in November. If I don’t start it in November it will be 6 months before I can take it. She said it wouldn’t be good to wait that long. I think this one is only $125 dollars and a couple days to one week long (I have to check the site out). But, when he starts reading and for next year the follow up is $1400 and two intensive weeks of training. The location is an 1 1/2 down the road. My mom has offered to pay for next month. But, then that leaves the nutritional stance left a bit unanswered. And next year for the more expensive program?? I really am very grateful for moms willingness to help, but I kind of feel bad about it too.

So, my business WHY has officially expanded even more. It has been centered around my kids and more family time together with David home as well as many other reasons. But, now it encompasses specifically a campaign to help Ben. I really want to gift him with retraining that brain sooner than later. He has so much to offer this world. And he will be able to do it better if he can effectively learn to read and write.

I actually didn’t take what she told me to hard. Although at one point I was fighting back some tears. I think mostly because I have suspected a little something for a little while now and have done some research. When I was doing the research on dyslexia I was feeling more discouraged then. That was weeks ago. So, I guess I have had some time to prepare and give it to God. Some of it is guilt. I wish I would have known more then about even healthier eating. Although I ate relatively healthy with him, there are still some things that I was putting in my body on a daily basis (ex. mylanta, msg ranch, ect) that I feel greatly contributed. My little man, is quite the instigator at educating his mama.

I would highly recommend for all that is interested to not only read the book I mentioned above, but also, Russell Baylocks book. Excitotoxins, the Taste That Kills. He is a brain surgeon who goes into more detail on MSG, Aspartame, ect. and what this can do to our brains. Their are other good books out their that cover this, but these two would give you in excellent start. Also, the Makers Diet by Dr. Jordan Rubin. He is the Kosher version of the first book, as we are kosher eaters. 🙂

Best Wishes,

Larissa

Reflections

Well, I haven’t been able to do anything with my blog until now, as today was Yom Kippur for us.  I love the fall Feasts (Holidays) that we participate in.

In fact the feast are partly responsible for the name and subtitle that I came up with for my blog (past name and subtitle, everything changes…sometimes even blogs!), and for my motivation and direction that I have been going through lately in life. You see the fall biblical feast emphasize reflecting on your life and evaluating your stance before God. So, the past few weeks I have been doing tremendous inventory with relationships and with myself. It has all been very good, even if a bit challenging at times. But, these deep reflections and challenges help us to gain new ground and to move forward with more determination and inspiration in our daily life.

Our New Year (Rosh Hashannah) was actually 9 days ago. Leading up to it I intuitively started doing mass reflection. Some of that took me through some down times. But, going through them has been healing and rewarding and now I feel ready more than ever to move on. I have many goals with this year. I have started a new routine in the morning, where I strive to get up, read the bible, exercise, and do my hydrotherapy shower (more on that later through my Uri blog) before my kids are even out of bed. We have a new routine for our school and for my business. It is good to be on a slight schedule as that helps one to focus. So, now I am ready to move forward in every area of my life which encompasses, spiritual, physical, and emotional priorities starting first thing in the morning! It is amazing how energizing this can be and how it sets your focus right for the day.

Some say it isn’t good to do everything at once. One new thing at a time. But, I don’t feel complete unless I am focusing on new growth that encompasses all 3 of those aspects. I guess, I am a do it all or nothing type of girl. I just do better going all out. I think small steps allow room for too many excuses. But, I understand that some people do better with small steps and that is completely fine. The key is is to find something to improve upon in your life. Change is good. If you are doing it for the right reasons. It will help you to grow into a more compassionate and productive person. So, don’t stay stagnant! If you want change, get up and embrace it. Set goals and do activities that will move you closer to those goals everyday!

Best Wishes,

Larissa