tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-49290072810968905252024-03-28T00:35:09.789-07:00Parents with Pain<b>Momminess, Womenness, Humanness and Health:
The harsh and hilarious reality of working, parenting, and living with Autoimmune disease. </b>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04793878503614155694noreply@blogger.comBlogger48125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4929007281096890525.post-20950188127403788662016-04-06T20:37:00.002-07:002016-04-07T09:05:24.626-07:002 years since the best selling Childrens book; "Why Does Mommy Hurt?" was published!<a href="http://www.whydoesmommyhurt.com/">Click HERE to go to WhyDoesMommyHurt.com</a><br />
<br />
Two years ago, I self-published "Why Does Mommy Hurt? <i>Helping Children Cope with Having a Caregiver with Chronic Pain, Fibromyalgia, or Autoimmune Disease?" </i> It was a long process, taking almost a year of planning, writing, illustrations (by my father James Miller), and fundraising through Kickstarter. On Mothers Day 2014, the book was published and became available to the world through Amazon.com. Much to my surprise, it quickly became a best seller in its category (Chronic Pain and "Children: difficult issues," and I started receiving passionate thank you letters and emails from parents and children all over the world. <br />
<br />
I decided to write the book for my son, Jimmy, who was 3 at the time. After talking to a few friends who also had chronic pain, I realized that there was potential for the book to help some of the millions of families going through the extreme challenge of raising children while suffering from a chronic illness. I had no idea the impact it would have, or the wonderful path I'd soon embark on: writing and speaking about self-advocacy, guilt and shame, and building up the parenting-with-pain community.<br />
<br />
In the past two years, I've been contacted for interviews by dozens of newspapers, blogs, and organizations to speak about issues and concerns related to parenting with chronic illness. I also presented at two conferences; the National Fibromyalgia and Chronic Pain "TAP" conference in Washington DC, and the Hemophilia Federation of America's symposium in Las Vegas. I've met hundreds of wonderful, strong, and dedicated families, practitioners, and non-profit organizations, and been introduced to a massive community of parents with chronic illness. <br />
<br />
I started off on this journey in 2007, feeling very alone, struggling to get through each day. I now am part of a wonderful community of parents, and can't wait to continue my work on writing, speaking, and working to help support families dealing with chronic illness!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNkapn6N_D7RcOpnedkMCJixG_8E8vbTHhimdGYYVxYe8Rq9M8dmjDRSPIbyFtm29WREVK_H5HBzdB6OfJbbQAHEF9IyXl1B_Kb7JvjJgsFu4l3V1kSTpwvgQIDMhOrp-tGqKvZWIibu0/s1600/IMG_0906.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNkapn6N_D7RcOpnedkMCJixG_8E8vbTHhimdGYYVxYe8Rq9M8dmjDRSPIbyFtm29WREVK_H5HBzdB6OfJbbQAHEF9IyXl1B_Kb7JvjJgsFu4l3V1kSTpwvgQIDMhOrp-tGqKvZWIibu0/s320/IMG_0906.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Author and Illustrator, HFA Symposium Las Vegas, 2016</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04793878503614155694noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4929007281096890525.post-27012592887390426752014-12-03T06:58:00.004-08:002014-12-03T07:06:18.656-08:00Experiencing the Extremes of Childbirth; This Mom has Done it All! <div class="normal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">For
mother-of-two Jessica Utt, childbirth has been anything but typical.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her first child, daughter Lillian, was born
after 37 hours of grueling labor. Two years later, her second daughter, Evelyn,
brought her to the extreme by arriving so suddenly that she never made it to
the hospital, and gave birth to Evelyn in her bedroom. Both of Jessica’s
birthing experiences are extremely rare, according to Denita Speyer, MD, OB/GYN
of Reston Hospital</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="normal">
<br /></div>
<div class="normal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">“In my career I have treated only three or four patients that
weren’t able to make it to the hospital in time, and in each case it was not
their first delivery”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="normal">
<br /></div>
<div class="normal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">Evelyn was born
July 30th, 2014, less than two minutes after a team of paramedics arrived, and
after only an hour of intense “active” labor.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><span style="line-height: 115%;">She had her first contraction around 8pm, after attending a prenatal
yoga class.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="line-height: 115%;">They were mild, and longer
than seven minutes apart until about 1:45 am, when she suddenly experienced
what she termed a “monster” contraction that made her fall to her knees.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="line-height: 115%;">This wasn’t something she that had been
prepared for.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="line-height: 115%;">“They told me to go to the
hospital when they were five minutes apart, but that never happened!”</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="line-height: 115%;">Soon the contractions had moved from two to
one minute apart, and Evelyn was born about an hour later. Jessica recounts: </span></div>
<div class="normal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-highlight: white;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghq-r59Wx7818yhuZqLSmXB2afH898Sgl_II4qy5DKUj-QqESruBGUu6qdysuv-52OGdaIG6d8P3BEY1WawrgoOBZQHNmyqCG5tR6Y6JPA7epPRL6mA9oKFTU9xQ7nDXJ4nkGQpQ66qq4/s1600/The_Utt_Ladies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghq-r59Wx7818yhuZqLSmXB2afH898Sgl_II4qy5DKUj-QqESruBGUu6qdysuv-52OGdaIG6d8P3BEY1WawrgoOBZQHNmyqCG5tR6Y6JPA7epPRL6mA9oKFTU9xQ7nDXJ4nkGQpQ66qq4/s1600/The_Utt_Ladies.jpg" height="312" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jessica Utt with her daughters Lillian (left) and Evelyn. <br />
Photo Credit <a href="https://www.facebook.com/jackigphotography?fref=ts">Jacki G Photography, Richmond.</a> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="normal">
<br />
<span style="line-height: 15.3333330154419px;"><i>"Around 2am, I finally made it upstairs to tell my husband Tyson that I was in labor. I had a contraction and lay on the bed moaning. He said "You need to relax, we have a long way to go!" Based on what happened with our first child, he thought I was in early labor! At that point, I decided to get in the shower to try and slow things down, but I never made it. I was having contractions one on top of another, and within minutes I feel myself pushing! I had him call 911- I could feel her head! Thankfully, the paramedics arrived fast, because the baby was crowning when they walked in! The next contraction I pushed her shoulders out and there she was! </i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 15.3333330154419px;"><i><br /></i></span></span>
<span style="line-height: 115%;">Most women experience shorter labors in 2nd or later pregnancies, though
typically the difference in duration is nowhere near so dramatic as Jessica’s.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="normal">
<br /></div>
<div class="normal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">Jessica
approached her first delivery, of baby Lillian, hoping for a natural, drug-free
experience.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But as a trained Physician
Assistant at a Richmond area family practice, she was resolved to prepare herself
for anything that may come. Two years before Lillian was born, Jessica also had
the unusual opportunity to serve as a doula for the delivery of her identical
twin sister’s first child.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her nephew’s
birth had been the result of more than 22 hours of labor, so Jessica had some
suspicion that her own labor might be on the long side. However, a 37-hour
labor wasn’t even on her radar.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dr.
Speyer would have concurred, stating that “labors lasting 24-30 hours occur in
less than 5% of all births, and a 37-hour labor is extremely rare.”</span><br />
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="normal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>According to Jessica, however, the length
wasn’t even the worst part-- it was the extended, unrelenting pain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her midwife later confessed that Jessica’s
early labor contractions seemed “on par with the pain level most women experience
towards the end of active labor, which is called transition.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact, Utt had strong contractions one or
two minutes apart or less for <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">28 hours
straight</i>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She went into labor at 3am
on April 17th, 2012. She labored at home and in the birth center for almost 24
hours before her water broke and showed mecomium- a sign of fetal
distress.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was transferred to the
hospital immediately, and received an epidural as well as pitocin, but it took
an additional 13 hours for daughter, Lillian Christine, to arrive.</span><br />
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 18.3999996185303px;">Asked if she would’ve done anything differently, Jessica said that with her first, she may have tried to spend more time at home before going to the birthing center, but that she probably wouldn’t have gotten an epidural any sooner. “My contractions slowed down dramatically when I got the epidural.” With her 2nd, she admits she probably should’ve woken her husband sooner, but doesn’t believe she would’ve made it to the hospital either way. Besides, who can blame her? She was expecting another marathon labor! Jessica also has some hard-earned advice for new moms: “Babies come when they want and how they want. Accept your birth as your experience and embrace it. Labor is not easy, it's the most difficult thing a women can do, but women are strong!” I also asked Dr. Speyer if she had any advice for moms worried about either of the above scenarios happening to them: “Be prepared for both a marathon and a sprint!” </span>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04793878503614155694noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4929007281096890525.post-5665141356445047512014-09-26T17:33:00.000-07:002014-09-26T17:33:26.897-07:00Leesburg Animal Park and Pumpkin Village- Updated for 2014!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy5JQ1OpKj8wTbz2CrCc7C2yFC25felRZpLHrmK4jlGcasPKptht4JoBPjsuMY_QXhFWO9769V24EGED4JokWOLTvx2vh3tRpt6g09FfNfXDQlFewYZO9FWOb_ePi4rouzKRDqomQaRAk/s1600/Welcome.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy5JQ1OpKj8wTbz2CrCc7C2yFC25felRZpLHrmK4jlGcasPKptht4JoBPjsuMY_QXhFWO9769V24EGED4JokWOLTvx2vh3tRpt6g09FfNfXDQlFewYZO9FWOb_ePi4rouzKRDqomQaRAk/s1600/Welcome.jpg" height="238" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Welcome to Pumpkin Village!</td></tr>
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If you're looking for an alternative from traditional garden center and farm-style fall festivals, Leesburg Animal Parks "Pumpkin Village" is for you! The fabulous new indoor play areas and expansive zoo, in addition to the the gigantic fall festival area, make this festival one you don't want to miss. There are so many attractions and activities that a family could easily spend an entire day exploring.<br />
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I took my 4 year old son on a Friday afternoon. It wasn't crowded, and my son didn't have to wait to participate in any of the activities. When we purchased our tickets ($11.95 for children and $13.95 for adults), we also bought a cup of animal feed, a bit pricey at $5 a cup (they also have smaller sizes), but the large cup was worth it when entering the animal exhibits. The animals were healthy and well-cared-for, and included many beautiful and rare species; gibbons, lemurs, and sloths, in addition to dozens of farm animals. My son enjoyed feeding the many varieties of cattle, deer, and goats the interactive exhibits had to offer, and the feed was gone before we knew it. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikVywidsgnR8rtNwHNHKzOt_2_UbeFBv1R2moMi4ST59P_MELb5B27M43O7B3XAvmoq5WjD2CQZOrzf5Vf36jpwbl_wYlAvxHm2jtSikhV7SuBiWPCvBIpZW6hjsT-TbAP5802PjaWmNE/s1600/Festival.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikVywidsgnR8rtNwHNHKzOt_2_UbeFBv1R2moMi4ST59P_MELb5B27M43O7B3XAvmoq5WjD2CQZOrzf5Vf36jpwbl_wYlAvxHm2jtSikhV7SuBiWPCvBIpZW6hjsT-TbAP5802PjaWmNE/s1600/Festival.jpeg" height="171" width="320" /></a>We then ventured into the festival area, and sampled some delicious cider and apples (free) before making our grand entrance down one of the giant hill slides. First, my son jumped on the various high-quality moon bounces, which included a giant jack-o-lantern. We then checked out the camels (rides available!) before climbing up a mountain made of hay bales. One of his favorite exhibits was a kid-size maze made out of hay-bales, with a playground in the middle. He also loved racing around the go-kart track, with several high-quality and easy to use pedal-karts for children and adults alike. The hay-ride was nice and long, shaded, and passed through fun halloween exhibits. My son got a kick out of the giant, realistic T-Rex "attacking" a school bus. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv4RdhLJspd6IwChR3n0NfgZ2gHmuk9UKtpaG2KK6-U2ANCfQsMqwk872h8H723cszFvPKTUoBlt2LkXlq5jaTYb-5SpPlTTIBfpBKybMmCrDKnomGQukUwDnuIugaiSGOD2xS8RHFTnA/s1600/IndoorArea.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv4RdhLJspd6IwChR3n0NfgZ2gHmuk9UKtpaG2KK6-U2ANCfQsMqwk872h8H723cszFvPKTUoBlt2LkXlq5jaTYb-5SpPlTTIBfpBKybMmCrDKnomGQukUwDnuIugaiSGOD2xS8RHFTnA/s1600/IndoorArea.jpg" height="320" width="238" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Indoor Seating by the Playground</td></tr>
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The last thing we did was explore the inside the brand-new indoor play facility, animal enclosures, and shop, which opened earlier this year. The highlight was the modern, high-quality playground, complete with trampoline, three fun levels, and other features. An additional large play area for toddlers is located next to the playground. We also stumbled onto an arts and crafts/ educational room, where kids can use all sorts of craft supplies to make fun creations, read a book, or, like my son did, put together a giant floor puzzle. Regularly scheduled animal shows are also held in in a small auditorium inside. <br />
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Before we left, we went back outside to snag our free pie-pumpkin, and check out the farmers market. My son summed up our day nicely by saying "Mommy, can we come back tomorrow?"<br />
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Leesburg Animal Park's <a href="http://www.pumpkinfestleesburg.com/">Pumpkin Village Fall Festival </a>is open daily 9:30-6 (5pm once Daylight Savings time begins).<br />
<a href="https://www.google.com/maps/dir//19270+James+Monroe+Hwy,+Leesburg,+VA+20175/@39.0833139,-77.5967675,16z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m8!4m7!1m0!1m5!1m1!1s0x89b6166ef6b7d94f:0x850fa8c35d45a0dc!2m2!1d-77.592476!2d39.083314">19270 James Monroe Highway, Leesburg VA, 20175.</a><br />
(703) 433-0002<br />
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*I was not paid or compensated in any way for this article.<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04793878503614155694noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4929007281096890525.post-9531168004631625842014-06-22T08:55:00.003-07:002014-06-22T09:06:21.390-07:00Birthday Parties at Great Country Farm; A gift for parents and kids alike! <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinz7hyXZaP7sq9-mS7geDWC2CpUInF4NO5w5b7c_GPk2O8lxAz_6AkKnqXv65GDO9ldf3xHKICUDWgPWVX888dixx_7h3Rle6zoucudqKmhE60zsSaFYTY1vGiEodDVbtbjGf1EsCzGo4/s1600/cowtrain2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinz7hyXZaP7sq9-mS7geDWC2CpUInF4NO5w5b7c_GPk2O8lxAz_6AkKnqXv65GDO9ldf3xHKICUDWgPWVX888dixx_7h3Rle6zoucudqKmhE60zsSaFYTY1vGiEodDVbtbjGf1EsCzGo4/s1600/cowtrain2.jpg" height="246" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Everyone riding the Cow Train!</td></tr>
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<span id="goog_982804193"></span><span id="goog_982804194"></span>My son turned 4 years old last week, and for the first time in my life, I actually<i> enjoyed</i> his birthday party! We had it at Great Country Farms, in Bluemont, VA, about 30 minutes from downtown Sterling. I hosted the first 3 parties of his little life in our home; spending months planning ahead, stockpiling decorations and food, preparing my home days in advance, running around like a police chief during the parties, and cleaning up confetti, cemented blue frosting, and scraps of wrapping paper for days afterward, I decided enough was enough! I made a promise to myself; no more home birthdays! Boy did I make the right decision. They took care of everything, and we even had our own party host to help us with set up, tear down, and organization! I tried to take as many pictures as possible, some before the party in March, which explains the rain gear, but most were taken on the day of the party. Enjoy!<br />
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The kids had an absolute blast; <a href="http://www.greatcountryfarms.com/">Great Country Farm</a>s is like a beautiful, educational version of an amusement park. It has more attractions than any family could possibly hit in one day, spread out of acres of beautiful country scenery, including extensive customized<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLeqNpdJqRbxiZX1kJrf8X8F3mPuOHMv-Tn1H04wbkFAIAOJOwa02SIQbY35zt7Ugh9f5DSw8fGgu0Zow6OX8EQEx2GZ9_Kn-dHApJhR90iOHYAFR5viNZbJoDkQWagnfz9AkVKC5QJpw/s1600/butterfly.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLeqNpdJqRbxiZX1kJrf8X8F3mPuOHMv-Tn1H04wbkFAIAOJOwa02SIQbY35zt7Ugh9f5DSw8fGgu0Zow6OX8EQEx2GZ9_Kn-dHApJhR90iOHYAFR5viNZbJoDkQWagnfz9AkVKC5QJpw/s1600/butterfly.jpg" height="200" width="176" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Lifecycle of a Monarch</td></tr>
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play structures, a giant bouncing pillow, a mining sluice, petting zoo, and more! Also, wherever you look, there is something to learn. They have detailed interactive displays on the lifecycles of apple trees, butterflys, and more!<br />
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We started out in one of their two party venues; ours was the "corn crib," a beautiful historic structure covered in real grape vines, and decorated with fairy lights. Our host met us with a golf cart at the<br />
car-- no lugging decorations, cake, and presents! It was wonderful. She also brought us the pre-ordered food and drinks- kettle corn cones, home-made apple cider donuts, and a adorable tin beverage barrel filled with water, soda, and juice. Miles better than anything you will find with other kid birthday packages! They have an extensive menu, and everything is prepared on-site in their "<a href="http://www.greatcountryfarms.com/index.php/about-us/roosteraunt.html">Roosteraunt</a>," most with local ingredients. The party is <a href="http://www.greatcountryfarms.com/index.php/parties-a-events/birthday-parties.html">customizable</a> as well; you can choose from the "barnyard bash", "laser tag," or "evening bonfire." We chose the "barnyard bash," and it included a cup of animal feed for each child, to feed the animals. We also chose to include a trip on the "cow train" for each child, but the options are endless!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz83H9X7I47qIaPJ8aUVrqw8U6EbwOFjVrwMksXxrgIKZ-MaJjmyD109E3sZFwHLwMvLidABp-0kOpVW0ID21F2TMt4JQxmnQ3Rfxk4f4hyphenhyphenlTFstbB6ryYHCufrQELoVI5s6_B1OjfuU8/s1600/feedinganimals.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz83H9X7I47qIaPJ8aUVrqw8U6EbwOFjVrwMksXxrgIKZ-MaJjmyD109E3sZFwHLwMvLidABp-0kOpVW0ID21F2TMt4JQxmnQ3Rfxk4f4hyphenhyphenlTFstbB6ryYHCufrQELoVI5s6_B1OjfuU8/s1600/feedinganimals.jpg" height="178" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Feeding the goats!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7eNDVKrrRq0lGS4yj36V5hL0CXkUvxWSzQ1oadnUMrRt_yn7jynGQbKSUrwzRehX4pEcwRqJ_O-BOaDJOlu4uXEyhRSHqpDchmFo3zGjUKRGhFYc9nDRL-4W8njOBu8DdY4_XCOSB_fQ/s1600/pillow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7eNDVKrrRq0lGS4yj36V5hL0CXkUvxWSzQ1oadnUMrRt_yn7jynGQbKSUrwzRehX4pEcwRqJ_O-BOaDJOlu4uXEyhRSHqpDchmFo3zGjUKRGhFYc9nDRL-4W8njOBu8DdY4_XCOSB_fQ/s1600/pillow.jpg" height="200" width="165" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jumping Pillow!</td></tr>
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The best part about this venue was the variety. We had children from age 0-9 at the party, girls and boys, each with their own interests and developmental skills. With all of the different attractions, everyone- including the adults- found something they enjoyed. The older kids jumped on the bouncing pillow, or mined for gemstones and fossils, while the younger kids played on one of the many beautiful playgrounds*, dug up dried corn with bulldozers in the corn bin, or fed the barn animals. Additionally, the farm doesn't close until 6pm on the weekends, so although you can only use the actual party for about 1.5 hours, there is no limit to how much time you can spend exploring on the farm. The entire day was very relaxed, fun, and easy; unlike every other birthday party I've had for my son. As icing on the cake, the prices are actually CHEAPER what I spent on home birthdays; less money spent on food, decorations, and preparations, not to mention the unpaid mommy hours spent cleaning before and after the party! Thank you Great Country Farm! We will definitely be back again!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYTAMTnqoZ4dmoMiR82zT_0WNiuf20OSrMCXKVEGQuau4ANkx57cMHZQW_z7hmfxDG_aSSPqtNJqG4BCbUeYgSQkCgRfGDV0cVcFZ0lUzLd2ToXlVz0hDxkI_P1OwcyjoyUlrqGKc7u78/s1600/cornbin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYTAMTnqoZ4dmoMiR82zT_0WNiuf20OSrMCXKVEGQuau4ANkx57cMHZQW_z7hmfxDG_aSSPqtNJqG4BCbUeYgSQkCgRfGDV0cVcFZ0lUzLd2ToXlVz0hDxkI_P1OwcyjoyUlrqGKc7u78/s1600/cornbin.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Fabulous Corn Bin!</td></tr>
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*playgrounds include a giant wooden ship, wooden monster truck, spider-web, play houses, sandbox, giant tube slides, and more! See pictures below.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPr9oD3yhILo6gav2vO2Rugqi2KQiAu7Ed6C0Gx1j80-Wx88lv_X1iXFwG9DJ9i_iLl9Cz1xkdPPL8oSfeYRPAF6ojluNI8xIVE5q35v7yXpKf3F-s4nRaJVo_ODH-aRG6TsxJ4mqwjD8/s1600/playground.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPr9oD3yhILo6gav2vO2Rugqi2KQiAu7Ed6C0Gx1j80-Wx88lv_X1iXFwG9DJ9i_iLl9Cz1xkdPPL8oSfeYRPAF6ojluNI8xIVE5q35v7yXpKf3F-s4nRaJVo_ODH-aRG6TsxJ4mqwjD8/s1600/playground.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Monster Truck Playground</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMHbBUD83GuA9ZYvYm3Z4F8GliOp6STMCm0K1fJP1esimBZSHxdIWZmHnHsJ5_4stngW-odKHvBEI8VM75TGjbLcOfpwQqCZ7-dnJyG4HaXeRciagyR73z4HMsVy5VsWXY5K8sxvJisYk/s1600/playgroundhouse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMHbBUD83GuA9ZYvYm3Z4F8GliOp6STMCm0K1fJP1esimBZSHxdIWZmHnHsJ5_4stngW-odKHvBEI8VM75TGjbLcOfpwQqCZ7-dnJyG4HaXeRciagyR73z4HMsVy5VsWXY5K8sxvJisYk/s1600/playgroundhouse.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Adorable Pretend House!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY4feNrtrGIgN1x4SckEFSaSsBOugtz0VO5cnYSwEjgsKrg81UCwVBYj5F9PbC6pOTJ1tCk8MNqv6453aMo2m0Ohm_8ukuLvoWi30iwOXAEUuTrfpWkWIbN65erkAX5zpXJa3_Ddx4-eM/s1600/chess.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY4feNrtrGIgN1x4SckEFSaSsBOugtz0VO5cnYSwEjgsKrg81UCwVBYj5F9PbC6pOTJ1tCk8MNqv6453aMo2m0Ohm_8ukuLvoWi30iwOXAEUuTrfpWkWIbN65erkAX5zpXJa3_Ddx4-eM/s1600/chess.jpg" height="162" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Giant Chess Board!</td></tr>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Want to tweet this? Just copy and paste! </span></b><br />
<i>Great Country Farm birthday parties! http://goo.gl/r9qDWB @thefarmersays @potomacfallsmom #loudoun</i><br />
<i><br /></i><b>*Follow me by entering your email on the Left! </b><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04793878503614155694noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4929007281096890525.post-84533255915131093232014-06-07T12:47:00.000-07:002014-06-07T12:47:42.330-07:00Zoodles Kid Mode App; A Safe, Fun, All-inclusive Environment for your kids!<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Droid Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 22px; padding: 0px 0px 15px;">
Zoodles Kid-Mode creates a customized, secure, and easy to use environment for your children. It is a free app, with premium options, available on every device.<i></i></div>
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While inside Zoodles, children cannot access the main operating system of your phone/tablet, which means they can’t make calls, buy stuff, or open Apps that you don’t want them too! While inside, children as young as 2 can easily navigate the fabulous kid-friendly interface to play games, draw pictures, or listen to storybooks. It also includes a “Parent Dashboard” app, where parents can customize zoodles for each child with their age and photo, block ads, allow and disallow downloaded apps, and promote subjects like reading or math.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheaNdr0Gyp1Bi5dv0E0cqAiLQVu4pq6QfzG1X3lKI2Mv9El3dQQtuVw01sBxIxSY2GUkP1QvwFzfLdOR4zfWr9vGbqacrNfnXhD3ehPvB55jWPu4DMBXk-AkmFZriL8Kv1IUTBE9C2lMc/s1600/zoodles-app.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheaNdr0Gyp1Bi5dv0E0cqAiLQVu4pq6QfzG1X3lKI2Mv9El3dQQtuVw01sBxIxSY2GUkP1QvwFzfLdOR4zfWr9vGbqacrNfnXhD3ehPvB55jWPu4DMBXk-AkmFZriL8Kv1IUTBE9C2lMc/s1600/zoodles-app.jpg" /></a></div>
Kids can’t get “out” of kid-mode! Only parents can exit the app; either by following a written instruction “draw a Z” (perfect for toddlers), entering a birthday, or entering a passcode (great for literate older children). Parents can leave their children alone with their phone or tablet without worrying about them accessing things they shouldn’t! *Note, Zoodles does not protect against spilled apple juice, broken screens, or falls ; ).</div>
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<i>There are 4 main features: Apps, Drawings, Storybooks, and Video Mail. </i></div>
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<b>Apps and Videos!</b></div>
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If connected to wifi or a network, the App tab updates with new, age-appropriate and educational apps and videos, for free! My son has been using zoodles since he was 2.. and he has never had trouble navigating. Instructions are spoken and visual, as opposed to written. It is also extremely intuitive. Children can navigate the available apps, videos and features on their own, no help needed!</div>
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<b>Audio Story Books</b></div>
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With the free version, there is one storybook included; The Three Little Pigs. Children turn the “pages” on their own, and the pages are read to them through a built-in video recording. The best part? You can record yourself reading the book, so your own voice/video is used! Perfect for business trips and military parents! With the premium version, about 10 additional books are included. All books are high-quality classics, such as Casey at the Bat, The Elves and the Shoemaker, and Jack and the Beanstalk.</div>
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<b>Video Mail (Premium only)</b></div>
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Video Mail is included as well; this allows your child to easily record themselves and send videos to allowed emails; like grandparents!</div>
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<b>Parent Dashboard</b></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Parent Dashboard</td></tr>
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When I download a new app for my son, I visit the parent dashboard, a separate app that is also included when <br />
you download Zoodles. The parent dashboard allows you to customize each environment for your children: set age, filters, security levels, and add/remove allowed external apps.</div>
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<b>Premium Features</b></div>
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The premium version of Zoodles features additional parental controls, such as time limits and violence filters, weekly reports, and more apps. Upgrading to premium costs $4.95 per month. Additionally, as mentioned above, about 10 more recordable storybooks are included with the premium edition, as well as the video mail feature. With premium, parents can also access information about their childs usage, including time, apps, subjects they’ve been focusing on, and app recommendations on their <a href="http://www.zoodles.com/en-US/home/marketing" style="color: #0094d2; text-decoration: none;">website.</a></div>
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<b>Safe, Worry-free Fun!</b></div>
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Zoodles Kid-mode is available on iTues, Google Play, or online, for your home PC!</div>
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<i>Zoodles Kid-Mode, a safe, all-inclusive environment for your kids! @potomacfallsmom #apps #parenting</i></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04793878503614155694noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4929007281096890525.post-12192854429291503992014-06-07T12:37:00.002-07:002014-12-07T19:24:22.279-08:00Quiet, fun and educational self-play activities for toddlers<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">
We've all been there. It's 7 am, you haven't had your coffee yet, and your toddler is jumping up and down, full of energy (jealous much!?), asking you to play with them or worse... watch TV (cue ominous music). You are still in survival mode, and turning on the TV sounds like a pretty darn good idea! There's nothing wrong with a little TV every once in awhile, but making a habit out of it, especially for children under three, can cause attention problems, and take time away that they could be using exploring their environment and being creative. You don't have to suffer to give these opportunities to your child; there are hundreds of options for quiet, engaging, fun, SELF-guided play for toddlers. I'm going to share a few of my favorites!</div>
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<dt class="wp-caption-dt" style="-webkit-user-drag: none;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.parentswithpain.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/playfulpatterns.jpg" href="http://www.parentswithpain.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/playfulpatterns.jpg" style="-webkit-user-drag: none;"><img alt=""Playful Patterns" by Discovery Toys" class="wp-image-277" data-mce-src="http://www.parentswithpain.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/playfulpatterns.jpg" src="http://www.parentswithpain.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/playfulpatterns.jpg" height="243" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; border: 0px none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" width="355" /></a></dt>
<dd class="wp-caption-dd" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; font-size: 11px; line-height: 17px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 4px 5px;">"Playful Patterns" by Discovery Toys</dd></dl>
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<strong>Pattern Matching.</strong></div>
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Pattern games help children learn to distinguish shapes, colors, and set the stage for learning ratios and fractions. We found "Discovery Toys" original "Playful Patterns" set at a consignment shop for $10; It has easily become MY favorite toy in the house. The set comes with 50 different cards, and 6 sets of different colored foam shapes. Each card has a picture, either abstract, or a scene, like a boat, fish, a clown, ect. The goal is to arrange the shapes to complete the image. My son is obsessed. When I'm not feeling well, I suggest he go get it and bring it to my bedroom, or sit by my recliner. While he plays, I offer suggestions, guidance, and encouragement, and praise. We are playing together, but its an activity I can do while laying down! "<a data-mce-href="http://amzn.com/B001SH7CLE" href="http://amzn.com/B001SH7CLE">Playful Patterns</a>" retails for over $50; however, Melissa and Doug have a similar set for under $20, called "<a data-mce-href="http://amzn.com/B00006JZCG" href="http://amzn.com/B00006JZCG">Pattern Blocks and Boards</a>."</div>
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<strong>Sewing cards.</strong></div>
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This an activity that, once your child gets the hang of it, they can do completely on their own. Sewing cards increase hand-eye coordination, dexterity, pattern recognition, and are the first steps to learning to sew! There are dozens of options available; gender neutral, like animals, or sets designed specifically with boys or girls in mind. I got my son a set of different local animals.. turtles, birds, cats, dogs, frogs, ect. They are brightly colored, and come with rounded shoelaces perfect for little fingers! I couldn't find the exact set I got online, but again, Melissa and Doug came though with their own <a data-mce-href="http://amzn.com/B000O7ISY4" href="http://amzn.com/B000O7ISY4">"pets" sewing cards,</a> which is fabulously priced at $9.99 and comes with a storage box!</div>
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<strong>Counting games. </strong></div>
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Anything that teaches number recognition and adding will give your child a leg-up in preschool, and set the stage for success and confidence in Math. One of my favorites is the "<a data-mce-href="http://amzn.com/B003E1AVMY" href="http://amzn.com/B003E1AVMY">Go Fish Game with tackle box</a>," by Fisher-Price. The child places cardboard fish upside down on the floor, and uses an adorable plastic fishing pole, complete with an adorable worm, with a suction cup on the end, to "catch" the fish. Each player chooses a colored boat, and "fishes" for fish that match the color of their boat. Each fish has a number on it, and after "filling" their boat, they add the numbers together to see who "caught the most fish." My son is 4, so we have an abacus to help him count the numbers together. When I'm not feeling well, he catches fish for me as well, and we add the numbers up together. This game usually is played with me sitting in the recliner with a cup of coffee, and him on the floor. It takes about 45 minutes to complete the game, and by the time he's done, my morning meds have kicked in, and I'm ready to get up!</div>
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<strong>When all else fails: educational, age appropriate tablet apps</strong></div>
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Before you succumb to turning on the TV, try educational apps! We use "<a data-mce-href="http://www.mommyhotspot.com/the-zoodles-kid-mode-app-a-safe-all-inclusive-environment/" href="http://goo.gl/KEHLMV">Zoodles Kid Mode</a>" (click the link for details and my full review). The app allows you to create an all-inclusive environment for your child on your phone or tablet. The app makes it impossible for your child to place phone calls, or purchase anything, it also prevents them from accessing anything for adult eyes only. You can customize it with apps that you've downloaded yourself. Some of my favorite apps are "Sid the Science kid Science fair," which teaches the basics of scientific research, and the "Monkey preschool lunchbox" series, which teach math, reading, and science.</div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: small; line-height: normal;">*Check out my new blog especially for parents with chronic illness: </span><a href="http://parentswithpain.com/" style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium; line-height: normal;">Parentswithpain.com</a><span style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: small; line-height: normal;">, and my childrens book on chronic pain, Fibromyalgia and Autoimmune Disease: "</span><a href="http://www.whydoesmommyhurt.com/" style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium; line-height: normal;">Why Does Mommy Hurt?" </a><br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, Bitstream Charter, Times, serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 19px;">Quiet, fun, self-play activities for toddles, when you need to rest! http://wp.me/p4Cz8M-4r @parentswithpain #parenting</span></span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04793878503614155694noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4929007281096890525.post-23543546400344059872014-05-09T12:25:00.002-07:002014-12-07T19:24:38.737-08:00Why Does Mommy Hurt? Now Available!Why Does Mommy Hurt? Helping Children Cope with having a Parent or Caregiver with Chronic Pain, Fibromyalgia, or Autoimmune Disease is now available for purchase on <a href="http://whydoesmommyhurt.com/index.html">Outskirts Press</a>! <span style="color: red;"><b>*IMPORTANT: Link goes to store, search "Why Does Mommy Hurt" to find it.</b></span><br />
The book will also soon be available for purchase on Amazon and Barnes and Noble!<br />
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Want the eBook? It is now available on <a href="http://parentswithpain.com/shop">ParentswithPain.com</a> and <a href="http://whydoesmommyhurt.com/">WhyDoesMommyHurt.com</a>. Coming soon to Amazon, iTunes, and Nook!<br />
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<a 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" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: small; font-weight: normal; line-height: 20px;">Why Does Mommy Hurt? Now available! </span></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 20px;">http://goo.gl/JFcTUs </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; font-weight: normal; line-height: 20px;">@potomacfallsmom #fibromyalgia #chronicpain #autoimmune #parentswithpain</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">**Check out my new blog especially for parents with chronic illness: </span><a href="http://parentswithpain.com/" style="font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Parentswithpain.com</a><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">, and my childrens book on chronic pain, Fibromyalgia and Autoimmune Disease: "</span><a href="http://www.whydoesmommyhurt.com/" style="font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Why Does Mommy Hurt?" </a></div>
</h3>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04793878503614155694noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4929007281096890525.post-11346214859233477142014-05-02T20:22:00.000-07:002014-05-08T18:21:27.432-07:00Great Country Farms CSA Program; Local, Fresh, and Sustainable Produce! <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvkb7384Oyi4wkuUfWns9u5Bp77aWYp-lvDn4An7BkAxFKkEiYYo7t-m0Dx_8_nqrRpYg_e_WZ7qtuI9kosUKQfoW6CGvORqaesI_15YoAwJH6Z0kOAJTYSmH2wTgovIU2RriSXs-F910/s1600/CSA+Half+Share+Websize.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvkb7384Oyi4wkuUfWns9u5Bp77aWYp-lvDn4An7BkAxFKkEiYYo7t-m0Dx_8_nqrRpYg_e_WZ7qtuI9kosUKQfoW6CGvORqaesI_15YoAwJH6Z0kOAJTYSmH2wTgovIU2RriSXs-F910/s1600/CSA+Half+Share+Websize.jpg" height="320" width="234" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A Typical CSA Weekly Box!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This week, I interviewed Jacyln Jenkins, who runs the Community Supported Agriculture<a href="http://www.greatcountryfarms.com/index.php/memberships/csa-produce.html"> (CSA) program</a> at Great Country Farm, voted "Best of Loudoun: CSA Program" this year in a poll by <a href="http://www.leesburgtoday.com/">Leesburg Today</a>! Great Country Farms also has a whole lot more to offer than just produce; it is a <a href="http://www.greatcountryfarms.com/index.php/about-us/attractions.html">fun, educational, utopia</a> for children and adults alike; Great Country Farm demonstrates healthy eating and sustainable farming through dozens of exciting and fun attractions, including pick-your-own produce, interactive exhibits, farm animals, wagon rides, a school field trip program, and more playgrounds, rides, and slides than your children could dream of! Watch for the Potomac Falls Mama's upcoming article on GCF's childrens attractions and birthday parties, coming in June, or read about why they were featured in my "<a href="http://potomacfallsmama.blogspot.com/2014/02/my-top-4-fun-and-educational-toddler.html">Best Educational and Family Friendly Activities in Loudoun</a>" post.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now, on to the fruits and veggies! Yum! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The "Great" Great Country Farm CSA Program!</span></h2>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6gKHj4aRScy2qvEGelVlUK4OF9Q5wdL4RMe_aAzWxEHSm0SjrkJPp2pKi9hmWJT0ibNl-Qggv7rAFAm6XoOs3z4ir4wE81d213dHLukLWHWKHWpjpJjycuN9YdOj81iEk5KzUaJ7fBYs/s1600/seedlings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6gKHj4aRScy2qvEGelVlUK4OF9Q5wdL4RMe_aAzWxEHSm0SjrkJPp2pKi9hmWJT0ibNl-Qggv7rAFAm6XoOs3z4ir4wE81d213dHLukLWHWKHWpjpJjycuN9YdOj81iEk5KzUaJ7fBYs/s1600/seedlings.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Berry Seedlings in the Greenhouse!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Sustainable and Conscientious</b>. Each season, 1500 local families choose <a href="http://www.greatcountryfarms.com/index.php/memberships/csa-produce.html">Great Country Farms CSA program</a> for their families produce. Although the farm is not certified organic, it is pretty close, as they use sustainable methods and minimal chemicals. It is also a conciountious program; all unsold produce is donated to <a href="http://www.interfaithrelief.org/">Loudoun Interfaith Relief</a>, which serves thousands of local families in need. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiamv9m-f8A8zsu1eHCnTks8dJRCOrJbY8xZe81Clp-y-tEZISyMj3U5yvLxbH-SLbH2IIjUR1aH7v5cbYTk0Yk_tEYbikB9CTcKHyCvLvBHW-pTcuNHKhfK4jK94NdfdS-RoHzrDnuFGs/s1600/Dairy_eggs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiamv9m-f8A8zsu1eHCnTks8dJRCOrJbY8xZe81Clp-y-tEZISyMj3U5yvLxbH-SLbH2IIjUR1aH7v5cbYTk0Yk_tEYbikB9CTcKHyCvLvBHW-pTcuNHKhfK4jK94NdfdS-RoHzrDnuFGs/s1600/Dairy_eggs.jpg" height="320" width="217" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Local Meats, Dairy, and Eggs!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Experience and Variety.</b> The GCF CSA program is now entering its 21st season, and offers over 70 varieties of fruits and vegetables, including, okra, eggplant, collard greens, apples, peaches, pumpkins, blackberries, and a whole lot more, 100% of which is grown by GCF. They also sell local meats, eggs, dairy products and honey in our farm market that are from other farms including: Ayrshire Farms, Mountain View Farm, Oakland Beef, Goot Essa Cheeses, and (my personal favorite), 7-4 Peace Gluten Free Flour! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Support Health, Community, and Local Farmers.</b> Signing up for a CSA program doesn't just help your family eat healthier, it also helps the community, the environment, and most of all, the farmers, who rely on the passionate CSA members who want to support their community!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Equal in price to tired, old grocery store produce!</b> The price of the CSA program is comparable with standard grocery store costs (<i>*delivery memberships do have additional fees</i>), with the added benefit of it being a local program, not to mention all of this awesome stuff!: </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Additional Benefits of Membership</span></h3>
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Each familiy receives a membership card granting them free admission to Great Country Farm, including all <a href="http://www.greatcountryfarms.com/index.php/event-calendar.html">Events & Festivals</a> (!!!), for the entire season! (April 5- November 25). </span></li>
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">**This benefit alone is a </span><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">tremendous </b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">value; GCF was also voted best in "Agritourism" and is a fabulous, fun, and educational experience for the whole family! Attractions include pick-your-own produce, a cow train, fossil and gemstone digging, several high quality custom built playgrounds, for all ages, slides, a giant 2200 sq ft bouncing pillow, a "corn bin," farm animials and petting zoo, 18 hole Cow Pie Putt-Putt, 100' slides, mazes, tractors to climb on, pedal carts, swings, catch & release fishing, and of course, the "Roosteraunt," serving delicious local food, including my personal favorite: "Apple Cider Donuts" (which I believe is my all time favorite food, </span><i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">ever</i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">.) (Roosteraunt open weekends)</span></blockquote>
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> A weekly u-pick bonus at no additional charge </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2 free one-time passes for visiting family or friends</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">10% off additional u-pick and in store produce</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">10% off parties. *<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">watch for my upcoming post on awesome GCF birthday parties!</span></i></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Vacation make-up options so you don't miss a week due to traveling!</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Free, exclusive wine tasting at Bluemont Vineyard after a visit to the farm</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Crop Talk weekly e-newsletter with u-pick bonus amounts, recipes, fun on the farm activities, growing news & more!</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Membership Options</span></h3>
<ol><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw9WRGv1NuvcYpJlK3R2MT-MPkUPKlx1nfK31M0Qppnk7NtvBwarPNMZ6Z-XYGhRRxfDj7bUrxUngpQlDimT5ssdmLGaxVAMn7E9058sosvAuS9mnXc3N2or2z0_XNmS0I1_5WkRzqpDI/s1600/CSA_PickUp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw9WRGv1NuvcYpJlK3R2MT-MPkUPKlx1nfK31M0Qppnk7NtvBwarPNMZ6Z-XYGhRRxfDj7bUrxUngpQlDimT5ssdmLGaxVAMn7E9058sosvAuS9mnXc3N2or2z0_XNmS0I1_5WkRzqpDI/s1600/CSA_PickUp.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Pick Up</b>. (most popular): Members come to the farm to pick up their CSA box. You can pack your own Box at a value of $419*, or have it packed for you at $449* The prices are comparable to a full season of buying your produce at the grocery store, but members get the added benefit of fresh, local produce, and several other fabulous benefits! (See below).</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Delivery</b>: Don't live close by? GCF can delivery <a href="http://www.greatcountryfarms.com/index.php/memberships/csa-produce.html">CSA</a> to your door for an additional $150 with a total of $599*- They deliver all the way to Crystal City in Alexandria!</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Group Delivery</b>. To save money, a group site delivery is a fabulous option; you can save $50-$100 this way, depending on how many members are in the group. Small groups (2-4) save $50, but if you join a group with 5 or more boxes, you save $100!</span></li>
</ol>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Each season fills up very quickly, so<a href="http://www.greatcountryfarms.com/index.php/memberships/csa-produce.html"> sign up</a> today!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ask the farmer<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<h3>
<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Why would you recommend CSA to local families? </span></i></h3>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxQWNwWSSTi3HNaQqB4uGbG9zQVb6E95jrjL97oL0oFR-7_5SBW3a2vhNdjKnUpCaBfWnSUwsDi5vbfDG2tGBm29x0frLHwz9V5w5VWp3Zb2OKyRVOVlym0mp1cwFqRY-Um_D8HIlVfRg/s1600/GCF+Fields.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxQWNwWSSTi3HNaQqB4uGbG9zQVb6E95jrjL97oL0oFR-7_5SBW3a2vhNdjKnUpCaBfWnSUwsDi5vbfDG2tGBm29x0frLHwz9V5w5VWp3Zb2OKyRVOVlym0mp1cwFqRY-Um_D8HIlVfRg/s1600/GCF+Fields.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Beautiful Fields of GCF</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Jaclyn.</i> Today, we all care more about the foods we eat, how they are grown sustainably and how it supports the communities in which we live. CSA members receive 20 weeks of seasonal fruits and vegetables varying from week to week providing diverse and healthy eating options. By committing to a CSA program, you create a partnership with the farmer accepting the risks and rewards that come throughout the season. CSA also provides the opportunity for member’s to reduce their carbon footprint, and expand their knowledge of how to harvest and preserve their harvest. If you are looking for fresh, local, seasonal produce and regular on farm adventures, then CSA membership is for you! We pick, pack and deliver produce weekly from June to October to your home or office or offer pick up at our Farm Market. So get the kids off the couch this summer and outside picking and playing on the farm.</span><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Is there anything else you think people would like to know about the GCF CSA program?</span></i></h3>
<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jaclyn. Know that your produce is grown with minimal chemicals, or none at all using sustainable growing practices. We are NOT a certified organic farm, but feed our own family daily from the farm so we care very much how our produce is grown. We grow our CSA garden without adding any synthetic, chemical fertilizers or herbicides, and we use extensive composting and worm cultivation for enriching our soils. We are constantly researching and implementing steps to use only sustainable growing practices to care for the land with which we have been blessed to farm.</span></i><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.greatcountryfarms.com/index.php/memberships/csa-frequently-asked-questions.html">CSA FAQ page</a></span><br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs-AbFmY-7knl64aD263cKocx7CJJBDyJ77vbuTCsMEMQ4wcx4fjzjTx2JUmGOZT4QEhdjljIycAQVSMkeWW0132OHmbH6CcUZppzeSLL0Ct6eKiP1103MpLDD9eHNaXxKQHVazp9B93E/s1600/shop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs-AbFmY-7knl64aD263cKocx7CJJBDyJ77vbuTCsMEMQ4wcx4fjzjTx2JUmGOZT4QEhdjljIycAQVSMkeWW0132OHmbH6CcUZppzeSLL0Ct6eKiP1103MpLDD9eHNaXxKQHVazp9B93E/s1600/shop.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">GCF; offering much more than produce!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In addition to produce, Great Country Farm has a large market which carries many local and hand-made items, including farm-made furniture! They also offer tons of educational toys, gifts, and jams, jellies, sauces, and their famous kettle corn... nom nom nom!</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">About your CSA Program Manager!</span></b></h3>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: left; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdzg32b-ReTsyUe5_UANNiCVzBrO_6acgUltK21ECTAWMDLLW3hyEfMtfHGY9eGm3j8y2mv2Mxd9f4H73oTCw0JowCdJlY_gp-Fc255iCkE-Q4ltT0bqmJXvFvkVvTrO-TpwGewjeU4o0/s1600/Jaclyn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdzg32b-ReTsyUe5_UANNiCVzBrO_6acgUltK21ECTAWMDLLW3hyEfMtfHGY9eGm3j8y2mv2Mxd9f4H73oTCw0JowCdJlY_gp-Fc255iCkE-Q4ltT0bqmJXvFvkVvTrO-TpwGewjeU4o0/s1600/Jaclyn.jpg" height="200" width="199" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jaclyn Jenkins</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Jaclyn</i>. I grew up here in Loudoun County and have 2 young children. I have been here at Great Country Farms for 4 years Community Supported Agriculture "CSA" program by assisting members with questions about having healthy, local produce be delivered right to your door.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For our School Field Trip Program, I have developed new educational material for tours, trained staff and spent hours teaching students about the importance of farming. I help book birthday parties to create a fun filled day, as well as coordinated corporate parties and weddings. I have planned Annual Festivals each weekend bringing new ideas and adventures to the farm and received Visit Loudoun’s “Event of the Year” in 2013 for the Bluemont BBQ Bash. Now I am focusing on our e-newsletters, social media posts and updating the website to inform our followers with current news on the farm.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.greatcountryfarms.com/index.php/memberships/csa-produce.html">Sign up</a> for the Great Country Farm CSA Program before space runs out this season!</span><br />
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" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-weight: normal; line-height: 20px;">Great Country Farm CSA Program! </span></span><span style="color: #333333; font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 20px;">http://goo.gl/g721uv </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: small; font-weight: normal; line-height: 20px;">@thefarmersays @potomacfallsmom</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Follow! </span>Enter your email on the left, or follow me on twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/PotomacFallsMom">@Potomacfallsmom</a>!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Parents with chronic pain and illness may also be interested in following me <a href="https://twitter.com/ParentsWithPain">@parentswithpain</a>, and checking out my new <a href="http://www.whydoesmommyhurt.com/">childrens book</a> on chronic pain and fibromyalgia!</i> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>Tags: Loudoun, Ashburn, Sterling, Leesburg, Reston, CSA, local, sustainable agriculture, community supported agriculture, farm, kid-friendly, pick-your-own, produce</i></span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04793878503614155694noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4929007281096890525.post-42103377354830524082014-04-24T21:23:00.000-07:002014-12-07T19:25:45.938-08:00Save A Spoon! Tips for Parents<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1OsnjnxqIhkFlPqniNWK5q2Nlb0oZuCseOMhaq0kuQHAyHexoCD4UmDDVE7MyMiSvMfVA8Tkc7yqD5DndQyraPf3PKB-i_H03kWmY5cxWBijFT8-d7eXAKj68DGRvdC2QJOSsKm4kj6s/s1600/spoon_hoarding.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1OsnjnxqIhkFlPqniNWK5q2Nlb0oZuCseOMhaq0kuQHAyHexoCD4UmDDVE7MyMiSvMfVA8Tkc7yqD5DndQyraPf3PKB-i_H03kWmY5cxWBijFT8-d7eXAKj68DGRvdC2QJOSsKm4kj6s/s1600/spoon_hoarding.jpg" height="320" width="181" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://thepillowfort.co.uk/">The Pillow Fort</a> is an awesome<br />
community for young people suffering<br />
from chronic illness!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Parenting with chronic illness is the single most challenging undertaking of my life. I often want to give up... but my sons smiles, laughter, joy, and love have become my medicine. He exhausts me, but he is also what keeps me going. What doesn't kill you makes you stronger... I didn't understand the true meaning of this word until I actually believed I <i>would</i> die from the direct effects of being a <a href="http://www.butyoudontlooksick.com/wpress/articles/written-by-christine/the-spoon-theory/">spoonie</a> mom. Now, I am stronger than I ever was during my "healthy" period of life, and I know that if I believe in myself, I can do ANYTHING! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">However, I'm well aware of my limitations, and will do anything to save just a little bit of energy! In this post, I've compiled things you can do to reduce the tremendous toll that parenting takes on energy and pain levels, so you can save some "<a href="http://www.butyoudontlooksick.com/wpress/articles/written-by-christine/the-spoon-theory/">spoons</a>" for later! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Housework!</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Train your kids to help out around the house! If they can walk, they can help. At first, it might take extra energy to teach them, but your patience will pay off in spoonie spades in the long run! Here are some ways younger kids can provide real help around the house:</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8ytyrnp7uuUSQB6RehJ-FCHjAS6rqmZM4CV24F7zVU-uU7EaQdZCFqaGyy3ERthlcwJOWwMREfWDh141Xkg4IROlyisq5awlOSmWJSqA-xjYVJFkC2ad173jD5OFdGq_3qeXwP0_mqWs/s1600/laundry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8ytyrnp7uuUSQB6RehJ-FCHjAS6rqmZM4CV24F7zVU-uU7EaQdZCFqaGyy3ERthlcwJOWwMREfWDh141Xkg4IROlyisq5awlOSmWJSqA-xjYVJFkC2ad173jD5OFdGq_3qeXwP0_mqWs/s1600/laundry.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Laundry.</b> My son started helping me transfer laundry from the washer to the dryer when he was 2. Now that he is almost 4, he knows how to sort lights and darks [we set up 3 baskets, and play laundry "basketball" to sort! He loves it]. He also knows how to fold towels and match socks. He also puts his own clothes away! </span><br />
<a href="https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcT7N3vamakALfGp-xir9BEcJvNVfPSt8202_sKxvGjes9keccTY5w" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcT7N3vamakALfGp-xir9BEcJvNVfPSt8202_sKxvGjes9keccTY5w" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /><b>Dishes. </b>Kids over age 3 can hand you dishes from dishwasher, and even put things away, like tupperware, pot lids, and spoons (hahaha.) No more bending over! Start with plastics; use your own judgement of your child's coordination when asking them to help with breakable dishes and plates; and of course, leave the knives for yourself!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Picking up. </b>This one is a no-brainer, but here are some tips to make it more fun, and "energy-efficient." From an early age, teach children <i>where </i>each toy/item belongs. Have a place for everything. That way, they'll begin to grasp the concept of "a place for everything, and everything in it's place," and when it's "cleanup time," you won't have to specify exactly where to put each plastic hamburger, toy car, and dress-up item! Again, it takes a little patience in the beginning, but its worth it! We have open-topped bins and large buckets, each a different color. I also use stickers; a car sticker for the "car" bin, a "superman" sticker for the action figures bin, and so on! As children learn to read, you can label the bins with a peel-off label, which can be modified as their interests and toys grow with them. </span><br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeFv0uhuABHXi9NT_ZeuqHWOy5p8ijSFuy-IWfL9eZ99sHXnzx9vXMRVQ2HEg37yldm66nL3ZzKLJXk6qC9ZXRqFWMDqyHIzd6dBEZHMfhGVappac4cW9qNfJvDBPxwEQvMTOOnqKL3_c/s1600/legos.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeFv0uhuABHXi9NT_ZeuqHWOy5p8ijSFuy-IWfL9eZ99sHXnzx9vXMRVQ2HEg37yldm66nL3ZzKLJXk6qC9ZXRqFWMDqyHIzd6dBEZHMfhGVappac4cW9qNfJvDBPxwEQvMTOOnqKL3_c/s1600/legos.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><u><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/168040629820894213/"><span style="font-size: small;">See it on Pinterest</span></a></u></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Plan before you play. </b>Lay out a sheet BEFORE you pull out the legos/ rainbow loom/puzzles/lite-brite. When they're done playing, pick up all four corners of the sheet, and pour them away in one simple step! Sure beats trying to pick them all up by hand, especially if you have joint pain! It's also awesome NOT to step on legos in the middle of the night, which, if you haven't experienced it, is on a pain level akin to childbirth. You can also buy an actual lego storage mat, which is basically a circular cloth with a string; store and play all-in-one!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Other messes.</b> Lay out a plastic <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Jeep-90130-Protective-Floor-Mat/dp/B001IYQ7QS/ref=sr_1_1?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1398397473&sr=1-1&keywords=under+high+chair+mat">"highchair" mat</a>, or plastic sheet, under the craft table before messy projects, or the dinner table, before messy meals. Instead of scrubbing and sweeping for an hour post-mess, pick up the plastic sheet, shake it out, and rinse! Ta Da!</span><br />
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<b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Cooking!</span></b></h3>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I don't know about you, but when my body is "done" with the day, I don't have the energy to <i>eat</i>, let alone cook! One little problem... our children deserve great nutrition, every day. Darn them! Ain't nobody got spoons for that! Here are some tips: </span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Add a nutritious boost to meals when you don't have time to make home-made meals.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></b><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQmXKYqZeFurBJcGVVCIAL6ZBDjLP2LqtMk36HjwMIWZbbxDm-S66EchqzNG8hfx635dGDi75uYrQ0r-ZxmERYANLmfXmMbgDgfGSUsoC8J2y4JYq0y7Ksk-n-EHukQN4weoEGSsfe53w/s1600/puree.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQmXKYqZeFurBJcGVVCIAL6ZBDjLP2LqtMk36HjwMIWZbbxDm-S66EchqzNG8hfx635dGDi75uYrQ0r-ZxmERYANLmfXmMbgDgfGSUsoC8J2y4JYq0y7Ksk-n-EHukQN4weoEGSsfe53w/s1600/puree.jpeg" /></a><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Freeze ice-cube trays with pureed vegetables (squash, avocado, carrots, sweet potatoes, spinach, ect.) Store in gallon-size freezer bags. When you're too busy to cook, drop cubes of frozen veggies in canned soup, spaghettios, taco meat, refried beans, stews, pasta sauce.. anything! Also great for picky kids (and spouses of course!)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Invest in a crockpot.</b> Seriously. That is all. <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/potomacfallsmom/crock-pot/">Click here</a> for my own personal collection of awesome crock-pot recipes! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Feel good? Plan ahead.</b> If you're having a good day and do cook, make enough for 2 meals. Freeze the 2nd portion for a night when you're not feeling so awesome! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Quick and Healthy Meals. </b> "PFM Dip": Mash 1 avocado, and mix well with equal parts greek yogurt and plain hummus. Serve with gluten-free grain or corn chips. It literally takes 2 minutes to put together, and is delicious, full of protein, vitamins, fiber, calcium... what's not to love? </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd_i-JkA7hG6fgKXJAPnufTF7MGPyCdxAHDpo6VtJgEzS5Cn9EDH7So6AhlVbiYBIEGYORHnrwieeOtlvcH9OG1R_ErEza8_bqHvZTmLWzkq1i4w9nBPiJ3hMSCBt5JRRTLVF18y6fqQM/s1600/muffin-tin-eating.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd_i-JkA7hG6fgKXJAPnufTF7MGPyCdxAHDpo6VtJgEzS5Cn9EDH7So6AhlVbiYBIEGYORHnrwieeOtlvcH9OG1R_ErEza8_bqHvZTmLWzkq1i4w9nBPiJ3hMSCBt5JRRTLVF18y6fqQM/s1600/muffin-tin-eating.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">http://www.dinneralovestory.com/muffin-tin-tapas/</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Toddlers love a "buffet."</b> I got this tip from the book "Super Baby Food." Don't cook! Take out a muffin tin, and fill each cup with a finger food... sunflower seeds, carrot sticks, apple slices, bits of cheese, chicken, yogurt, raisins, hummus, nut butters, grain crackers... anything! To make it a complete meal, be sure to include protein and veggies! Serve with milk. So easy. So fast! </span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Got kids? Check out "<a href="http://www.whydoesmommyhurt.com/">Why Does Mommy Hurt</a>? <i>Helping Kids Cope with having a Parent or Caregiver with Chronic Pain, Fibromyalgia, or Autoimmune Disease</i>." Now available!</span></b><br />
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**Check out my new blog especially for parents with chronic illness: <a href="http://parentswithpain.com/">Parentswithpain.com</a><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Want to Tweet this? Just copy and paste!: </span></b></div>
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" /></span></a></div>
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<i style="font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Energy saving tips for parents! "Save a Spoon!" </span></i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><i>http://goo.gl/YH2hrb</i></span></span><i style="font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> #fibromyalgia #chronicpain #lupus #mecfs @parentswithpain</span></i></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04793878503614155694noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4929007281096890525.post-87677689727805768452014-04-13T11:12:00.001-07:002014-04-13T11:22:57.206-07:00Nail Citi, Dulles Town Center; A Pedicure/Manicure Diamond in the Rough! <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMLAoJNhJ_14SFZ9w0Nf_0fE4GnusLei4qQ0wYcL3crpSSUGsRJGkVCzJ4ofHpeqgjDnPmOdoYA7b0DMD-vMo2nLQsRGUK6Z0D5Ui-ieT3EKyflLTy9bXkDoSJnrtEdFt3kP23SCJYjG0/s1600/nail-citi-outside.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMLAoJNhJ_14SFZ9w0Nf_0fE4GnusLei4qQ0wYcL3crpSSUGsRJGkVCzJ4ofHpeqgjDnPmOdoYA7b0DMD-vMo2nLQsRGUK6Z0D5Ui-ieT3EKyflLTy9bXkDoSJnrtEdFt3kP23SCJYjG0/s1600/nail-citi-outside.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Outside the salon</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I was born in Chantilly VA, and now live in Sterling. As a working mother, with chronic illness, I have very little time and energy to do my nails. Thus, I have visited dozens of nail salons in the region. My favorite? <a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/nail-citi-sterling">Nail Citi,</a> in Dulles Town Center. Not only are the prices amazing, but the service is unmatched, the staff is phenomenal, and the nail art is beautiful!<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIuU6TtBzckrqS8bNg-gAiD7W0ZfzcBXM9JGPdLxQuwtZxTnfnrDruTvZU5Xbhyf3Mqo0ojZIcrFrO3YP6AFVbj-QhA9bfM3zcvhEeLIW_x3RQJJQ2Ul8l7LmOmzFHldMZxx0rtF3Y1_I/s1600/nailciti-deal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIuU6TtBzckrqS8bNg-gAiD7W0ZfzcBXM9JGPdLxQuwtZxTnfnrDruTvZU5Xbhyf3Mqo0ojZIcrFrO3YP6AFVbj-QhA9bfM3zcvhEeLIW_x3RQJJQ2Ul8l7LmOmzFHldMZxx0rtF3Y1_I/s1600/nailciti-deal.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Great Deals!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The first time I went to Nail Citi, It was because the "fancy" nail salon in the mall was full. It didn't look so awesome from the outside (retro neon sign, didn't scream "awesome" to me), but I was desperate. I<br />
quickly overcame my reservations when I was greeted by at least 3 friendly staff persons, who quickly ushered me to the most comfortable massage chair I've ever sat in. I *never* have to wait at this place! It was a Wednesday evening, so I got a fabulous pedicure, for $25! There "basic" pedicure beats most salons "spa" pedicure package, and includes extensive massage, attention to detail, and expert polish work. The "basic" takes about 30 minutes, and is heaven! When I have time, and am need of stress relief, I go for the "spa" pedicure, which is out-of-this world. The first time I received a spa pedicure, I was 9 months pregnant. I went into labor the next morning, and I credit the fabulous, extensive massage that I received at Nail Citi!<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAFPBKtP0p1o0LrB_t-Qdld6C0apg857zalLpe9EBwGB4X02dZw9W5mPPEbloNTxlzklw8xQZ0evpbg72SLZOkZlM70rjQSl17rRDNAvWLyyc6eJdW0nS8mnCnse6rX7LSk_rzkZZDo24/s1600/nailciti.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAFPBKtP0p1o0LrB_t-Qdld6C0apg857zalLpe9EBwGB4X02dZw9W5mPPEbloNTxlzklw8xQZ0evpbg72SLZOkZlM70rjQSl17rRDNAvWLyyc6eJdW0nS8mnCnse6rX7LSk_rzkZZDo24/s1600/nailciti.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
I'm more of a pedicure girl, but on special occasions, I go for the manicure as well. Their manicures last for weeks... they do an amazing job, so even nail-biters like myself can expect to have long-lasting, glossy, and beautiful nails!<br />
<br />
<b>Nail Art: </b><br />
Several of the technicians are also beautiful nail artists, you can get nail art for just a few extra dollars, and it's totally worth it. Whenever I get a manicure, I get nail art.... and a day doesn't go by when random strangers stop my to comment on my beautiful nails!<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhieEYbsOnK3SidkaWPipwgGY24_tzjc6jyJYbVxiqjKCZvkOc2dwpBedQPcJU8c3c_2b4FOkFWQOH8ryL0hMUxnaoSG2BYMQDiO403UR7TXgLk5E-VFj8vyLSYijI2A75Ayl5cTAB-qmw/s1600/nailart2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhieEYbsOnK3SidkaWPipwgGY24_tzjc6jyJYbVxiqjKCZvkOc2dwpBedQPcJU8c3c_2b4FOkFWQOH8ryL0hMUxnaoSG2BYMQDiO403UR7TXgLk5E-VFj8vyLSYijI2A75Ayl5cTAB-qmw/s1600/nailart2.jpg" height="146" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fun Nail Art!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Here are two shots of nail art that I've received (apologies for the blur; I was <br />
A) using my one hand and <br />
B) using my camera phone, which at the time, wasn't very high quality.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
The art below was for a formal Christmas party I attended; it is still the most beautiful french manicure I've ever received. The nail art lasted for an entire MONTH!<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUncZWJ8M9bbhRyUcvMPd0Zz2OaWTHMf782hjbr5BI00m5PFsWocFBquY5RzcXSBNvNSX5q9dgKcqXvgRWEbUcajNyfFcF8DT_KaBEqx6sngIB6eu5GKyuDKqTK80s-3nHwctgvjE7SDc/s1600/nailart1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUncZWJ8M9bbhRyUcvMPd0Zz2OaWTHMf782hjbr5BI00m5PFsWocFBquY5RzcXSBNvNSX5q9dgKcqXvgRWEbUcajNyfFcF8DT_KaBEqx6sngIB6eu5GKyuDKqTK80s-3nHwctgvjE7SDc/s1600/nailart1.jpg" height="134" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful french manicure with gemstone</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The next time you're at Dulles Town Center and want to pamper yourself without spending a lot of money, go to<a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/nail-citi-sterling"> Nail Citi!</a> It's near Nordstroms and Sears, on the top level.<br />
<br /><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 20px; text-align: right;">21100 Dulles Town Cir Ste 200 </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 20px; text-align: right;">Sterling, VA 20166</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; line-height: 16.1200008392334px; white-space: nowrap;">(703) 421-7888</span><br />
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*Images from yelp.com<br />
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" /></a><br />
<i>Best Nail Salon in #Loudoun and #nova http://goo.gl/908Kqs @potomacfallsmom</i><br />
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">tags: nail salon, pedicure, manicure, dulles, northern virginia, spa, best nail salon, beauty </span></i><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04793878503614155694noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4929007281096890525.post-27357978045135552792014-04-04T20:10:00.003-07:002014-12-07T19:24:52.597-08:00Best of "Fill in the blank: You know you have [insert your chronic illness] when ______ "You have to take a break in the middle of washing your hair.<br />
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You are overjoyed to finally go to bed... but still awake 1 hour later.<br />
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People give you advice like "Eat more blueberries"<br />
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You feel like you have a computer virus in your brain, because its so slow to respond!<br />
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You make a million plans when you feel good, then end up canceling all of them<br />
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Your pharmacist is on speed dial<br />
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<span style="font-size: 17px; line-height: 22.463998794555664px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">When you become a human pinball, walking in and out of all the rooms in the house trying to figure out what you were looking for in the first plac</span></span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 17px; line-height: 22.463998794555664px;">e - <b>AmyIrl </b>(inspire.com)</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">You're a "Comfort One Shoes" reward member</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 22.463998794555664px;">You often find yourself walking in circles because you can't remember what you were about to do < <b>Mandr2220,</b> inspire.com</span></span><br />
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You have more than 4 pillows on your bed (YOUR pillows.) Bonus for wedges, memory foam, or U-shaped!<br />
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You have more than 3 prescription bottles on your bedside table<br />
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You have to give yourself a awe-inspiring pep-talk just to get out of bed in the morning<br />
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When you finally get out of bed, you go lay on the couch<br />
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You can predict the weather better than meteorologists<br />
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You have no idea what you were about to say<br />
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<span style="font-size: 17px; line-height: 22.463998794555664px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">You know you have fibromyalgia when your mind does not just wander, it sometimes leaves completely. < <b>Madmarion</b>, inspire.com</span></span><br />
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You have no idea why you walked into that room...<br />
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You refuse to schedule anything before noon, unless its absolutely necessary<br />
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Your perfect Saturday night includes a heating pad, celebrex, and a comfy couch<br />
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You get a lot of strange looks, because when you try to talk, jibberish often replaces the clear, concise thought you had<br />
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You can watch a movie or read a book a million times.. and its always new!<br />
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A trip to the grocery store requires stretching in advance, mental preparation, and the endurance of a marathon runner.<br />
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<span style="font-size: 17px; line-height: 22.463998794555664px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">You know you have fibro, when you love this post, but can't think of a good reply to post after reading it. -<b>2592sc</b>, inspire.com</span></span><br />
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<b>You understand what the word "struggle" truly means. </b><br />
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UZOLtczzKKktmS4FZ5XyDUUhOkYXx80kYJaR0jFq62H6jF8Mi/c42f6XJO8Tv/TNRxmP22DrIHgVujqMUuUkc+WmzR5xfgcaj95H3m7163uPuXlHjc5e1+GONR+8j7zd6b3H3Lyidzl7X4Y41H7yPvN3pvcfcvKI3OXtfhjjUfvI+83em9x9y8onc5e1+GONR+8j7zd6b3H3LyiNzl7X4Y41H7yPvN3pvcfcvKG5y9r8Mcaj95H3m703uPuXlDc5e1+GONR+8j7zd6b3H3Lyidzl7X4Y41H7yPvN3pvcfcvKG5y9r8Mcaj95H3m703uPuXlEbnL2vwxxqP3kfebvTe4+5eUNzl7X4Y4zH7bD1OB+y8y1GKPOSPcdNmlyi/BtckZDqKsjRMLY+eR4IaB0DFyxZvqMVwxq/wDZvwfS5N3kdL4LNzfyJHRR3Ga3n8bzi4/sOhciUnJ7UuZ2oQjCKjFcDaLyeggCAIAUB45slQPNr4YnHpaCgPlyFS/Dw9xu5AOQqX4eHuN3IByFS/Dw9xu5AOQqX4eHuN3IByFS/Dw9xu5AOQqX4eHuN3IByFS/Dw9xu5AOQqX4eHuN3IByFS/Dw9xu5AOQqX4eHuN3IByFS/Dw9xu5AfWHJMDDayGJp6GAID1gICUAQBAf/9k=" /></a><br />
<i>Funny! Best of "Fill in the blank: You know you have chronic illness when ___" </i><a href="http://goo.gl/A8asgo" style="background-color: white; color: #1155cc; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;" target="_blank">goo.gl/A8asgo</a> <i>#spoonie #mecfs @potomacfallsmom</i><br />
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<b>Follow me on <a href="http://goo.gl/KLPYxN">Facebook</a>, <a href="http://goo.gl/qOh2hA">Twitter</a>, or by entering your email in the "follow me" box above! </b><br />
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**Check out my new blog especially for parents with chronic illness: <a href="http://parentswithpain.com/">Parentswithpain.com</a>, and my childrens book on chronic pain, Fibromyalgia and Autoimmune Disease: "<a href="http://www.whydoesmommyhurt.com/">Why Does Mommy Hurt?" </a><br />
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Thank you to my twitter friends<br />
@CourtneyPagh, @sweetpbnj, @georgelaryssa, @spoonieproblems (and anyone else I missed!); inspire.com Fibromyalgia group, and Reddit.com/r/Fibromyalgia And the Facebook groups:"CHRONIC FATIGUE SYNDROME/ FIBROMYALGIA" , Pillow FIghters Club,<br />
Autoimmune Mamas , and "Fibro Oh No!"<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04793878503614155694noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4929007281096890525.post-85429212384355829872014-03-29T15:55:00.000-07:002014-12-07T19:26:03.318-08:00Rain & Pain: an opportunity to relax and reflect<br />
Today, we are having a hard spring rain. The air is thick with the scent of spring.. earth, moisture, flowers.. a beautiful smell! The atmosphere is also thick, with a pressure system that is absolute torture for those of us with chronic pain, fibromyalgia and autoimmune disease. <br />
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I describe the feeling this way: It is like having little bits of dark matter, covered with needles, weighing down on every joint in my body. The feeling of being weighed down is constant, but I can live with it. <i>Moving</i> is the real problem. I can't move my fingers, wrists, feet, hips, knees, neck... (ect.) without feeling sharp pain and stiffness. So, that sure makes things "difficult." This morning, I couldn't even squeeze my toothpaste tube; I had to smash it with my palm on the counter. Luckilly, I have an electric toothbrush (GET ONE! It saves a surprising amount of energy). <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEAsUwKeo2p25pgHpe31LS_vUC8YyAFlv6LXUv_rh2BcxMBc7ZY3Pz-GTaiWpOC-su_Jynwg9g1vDOjyPaNTSLmeEh5OIvdBIa8j5dRv8hbYSoe0dkAKRkPKMiWt-IndWqL9iFTDv8NHE/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-03-29+at+6.51.24+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEAsUwKeo2p25pgHpe31LS_vUC8YyAFlv6LXUv_rh2BcxMBc7ZY3Pz-GTaiWpOC-su_Jynwg9g1vDOjyPaNTSLmeEh5OIvdBIa8j5dRv8hbYSoe0dkAKRkPKMiWt-IndWqL9iFTDv8NHE/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-03-29+at+6.51.24+PM.png" height="197" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Beautiful and Strong little Birdie! </b><i><br />Thank you HD Wallpaper Mania</i></td></tr>
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Things in my life have been nothing short of madness-<i> March Madness</i> <i>perhaps</i>? sorry, couldn't help myself! I'm publishing the childrens books "Why Does Mommy Hurt?," which is the single most difficult and challenging thing that I have EVER done, in my entire life. I believe the extreme challenge exists because in addition to the book, I have (obviously) chronic pain, a 3.5 year old, and a real job! Anyway, my first thought this morning was along the lines of "NOOOO! Not Rain! I can't handle this!" Then, I realized that I had an amazing opportunity.<br />
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I decided to spend the whole day on the couch relaxing, no housework allowed! I was going to play the adult version of "hot lava" - can't touch the floor! It has been a much needed respite from my achieving, perfectionistic brain- a brain which tells me that nothing is ever good enough. That I CAN do one more load of laundry. That I CAN take on one more project. That I CAN walk a mile to the playground; all while my body is screaming "please, please, let me rest!" So, today, I am! My son and I are listening to mozart and building puzzles, its a good day :)<br />
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I have accepted that I will be in pain when it rains; when it snows, when its cloudy, and even when its GOING to be cloudy. Now I see clearly that I have been seeing these days as inconvenient and depressing, when they really are an opportunity to relax, reflect, and let go! (Well, at least on the days I don't have to go to work!)<br />
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I don't remember the last time that I've let myself lay on the couch for hours, surrounded my my messy home, and my messy life, without trying to "fix" something. It's absolutely wonderful.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFssgkv_fbVg_5s7RJNffR_KR2HTANv5i9lUxFmAS0yWaecNzFDRB-97L8QjB17m9iTQwpVJnNiG1s9GGHzPW5Q-URLNkcJoW-duNhJSnc93CKNynkQ_6RLjcCg6U0e8Pxo1e810_UiiE/s1600/rain+ninja.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFssgkv_fbVg_5s7RJNffR_KR2HTANv5i9lUxFmAS0yWaecNzFDRB-97L8QjB17m9iTQwpVJnNiG1s9GGHzPW5Q-URLNkcJoW-duNhJSnc93CKNynkQ_6RLjcCg6U0e8Pxo1e810_UiiE/s1600/rain+ninja.jpg" height="200" width="198" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My rain ninja!</td></tr>
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My son and I gave up and went outside around 8pm. We put our boots and raincoats on (left the umbrellas inside, however kiddo insisted on bringing his pretend ninja sword). We stomped in the puddles, ran around, and had a blast! Jimmy fought the rain, he fought the trees, he fought all of the pretend enemies he could! We walked around for a 1/2 hour, getting soaked, but loving every minute!<br />
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Here is kiddo, fighting the rain! I like to think he's fighting for mommy :)<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/1ynWF8m9oQ8" width="420"></iframe>
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**Check out my new blog especially for parents with chronic illness: <a href="http://parentswithpain.com/">Parentswithpain.com</a>, and my childrens book on chronic pain, Fibromyalgia and Autoimmune Disease: "<a href="http://www.whydoesmommyhurt.com/">Why Does Mommy Hurt?" </a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04793878503614155694noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4929007281096890525.post-66686216723739384252014-03-28T20:12:00.004-07:002014-04-25T16:42:40.667-07:00Support "Why Does Mommy Hurt?"<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 17.940000534057617px;">Great News today! The Kickstarter campaign for my childrens book:</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 17.940000534057617px;"><a href="http://goo.gl/CDeFJl">"Why Does Mommy Hurt? Helping kids cope with having a parent with chronic illness, Fibromyalgia, and Autoimmune Disease"</a></span></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 17.940000534057617px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 17.940000534057617px;">... was 15% funded, the first day! [Update: we reached out $1,000 goal in just 6 days!] I am overwhelmed with the amount of support and positive encouragement that I get every single day, from friends and family, but also from complete strangers. To all of you who have supported me, whether through your words, or otherwise, THANK YOU! </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 17.940000534057617px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="color: #0000ee; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 17.940000534057617px;"><i><u><a href="http://goo.gl/Arsrzg">Read the full story of "Why Does Mommy Hurt?"</a></u></i></span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwKbNzTR76UTvqsOVQbfTOmk9KekYht8ygGflz7qOVNaLOfO-L8ogd7uYl9e3_8pAirUs491w57p1XCSNlTcOeqGdMTOs9GnkZDOCugsvD2JUYz7IL3HgTeNB8BjRJrt5OH_qD4ohiz4o/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-03-28+at+10.40.45+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwKbNzTR76UTvqsOVQbfTOmk9KekYht8ygGflz7qOVNaLOfO-L8ogd7uYl9e3_8pAirUs491w57p1XCSNlTcOeqGdMTOs9GnkZDOCugsvD2JUYz7IL3HgTeNB8BjRJrt5OH_qD4ohiz4o/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-03-28+at+10.40.45+PM.png" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 17.940000534057617px; text-align: start;">Please</span><a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/111512999/why-does-mommy-hurt" style="line-height: 17.940000534057617px; text-align: start;"> support</a> me!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 17.940000534057617px;">Kickstarter rules stilpulate that the project must be 100% funded in order for me to receive funding, So, every single dollar helps. If you can spare a dollar, please support this book today! If not, no worries! Please share the link below with your friends, family, and social networks. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 17.940000534057617px;">A portion of the proceeds from "Why Does Mommy Hurt?" will go to the </span></span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="line-height: 17.940000534057617px;">National Fibromyalgia & Chronic Pain Association, </span></span>whose president, Jan Chambers, has supported me every step of the way. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>My little guy and I - Surviving Together!</i></span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 17.940000534057617px;"><b><u>This is the most challenging thing I've ever done.</u></b></span></span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 17.940000534057617px;"> </span></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 17.940000534057617px;"> I used to wonder why I was writing the FIRST childrens book on Chronic Pain and Illness, but now I know why... It's exhausting! Raising a child while dealing with severe chronic pain (I have MCTD/lupus and fibro) is hard enough, so I really must be nuts... but I'm not going to give up! I refuse to give up. I'm doing this for all of the parents out there who can't, and the kids out there who have to live with this, along with their parents, every. single. day. </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 17.940000534057617px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 17.940000534057617px;">Please<a href="http://goo.gl/CDeFJl"> support </a>and share my project today! </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 17.940000534057617px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 17.940000534057617px;">Kickstarter Campaign Site:</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/111512999/why-does-mommy-hurt" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 17.940000534057617px;">https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/111512999/why-does-mommy-hurt</a><br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 17.940000534057617px;">Thank you, </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 17.940000534057617px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 17.940000534057617px;">Elizabeth Christy</span></span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04793878503614155694noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4929007281096890525.post-15554180196091786252014-03-16T11:25:00.002-07:002014-03-16T16:24:33.234-07:00Have a Nature Scavenger Hunt with your Kiddos to Welcome Spring!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
One Wonderful Saturday...</div>
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My 3.5 year old son turned to me and said "Mommy? I want to learn about Science." The words I have been dreaming to hear since I learned I was pregnant! I'm a Science-a-holic myself, and my first career was in Cognitive Neuroscience at the Georgetown University Medical Center, I LOVE BRAINS. *Not Zombie*</div>
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When I was a kid, my dad had "Science Sundays" for my identical twin sister and I. We dug up fossilized leaves. We made volcanoes. We searched for bugs in the backyard. We made wonderful MEMORIES! and most importantly, we both developed a life-long love of Science. My twin sister has gone on to become an extremely successful Physicians Assistant, and specializes in the background science of disease. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kiddo showing off a seed he found</td></tr>
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2.7 milliseconds after uttering those words, I grabbed my son, a backpack full of gear, and some fruitsnacks/water, and headed to our local park, <a href="http://www.loudounwildlife.org/Great_Places_Claude_Moore.htm">Claude Moore, in Sterling VA</a>. Miles of beautiful trails, lakes, streams, and even an historical area, this is our favorite place to spend a sunny day; and a perfect location for a Nature Scavenger Hunt!</div>
I made a simple 10 item list: 7 "easy" items and 3 "maybes":<br />
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<li><b>Something red</b></li>
<li><b>A bug with 6 legs</b></li>
<li><b>An oak tree</b></li>
<li><b>A fish</b></li>
<li><b>A red bird</b></li>
<li><b>A feather</b></li>
<li><b>A seed</b></li>
<li><b>A pinecone</b></li>
<li><b>A squirrel</b></li>
<li><b>An earthworm</b></li>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpKZ9S62q8y3EHpRMTq8StnDUhVnrMxU2P5-1Yag1qUmNFl63togiOH_XbDRIe3Yai6K8SgfUf2Faola0jw8m69kyYoho6dASh-ArmltuyT8ihn3kf1emiskHLeKJIuR5C42Hu8s-TMUA/s1600/binoculars.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpKZ9S62q8y3EHpRMTq8StnDUhVnrMxU2P5-1Yag1qUmNFl63togiOH_XbDRIe3Yai6K8SgfUf2Faola0jw8m69kyYoho6dASh-ArmltuyT8ihn3kf1emiskHLeKJIuR5C42Hu8s-TMUA/s1600/binoculars.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kiddo spots a Cardinal - Check!</td></tr>
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We started down a trail, he was thrilled, all decked out with books, binoculars, a net, and a magnifying glass (all found at the local toy store when he was barely 6 months old- mommies can dream!)<br />
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He loved using the binoculars-- after he finally looked through them the right way of course ; )<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Off to look for some fish</td></tr>
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As a boy, his favorite activity was getting muddy and wet in the stream, looking for fish, tadpoles, and other interesting things. I literally had to drag him away from the water to go on to the next item on our list. But we ended up back in the water anyway! (BRING BOOTS!)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWQyTsp9MpnDaWFPwzJdPbOTN5OPYIx7vYc4gbSL3b2-ngMNwlDJugKkYBHPImE0f_0zIIgrIEIcTRf8Ao2Vu_VlK9TQLZXXEWe_fxzmNO3heCqcCTwjVVHwP2KQ-HgsRUsPb9sNQ19jc/s1600/net.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWQyTsp9MpnDaWFPwzJdPbOTN5OPYIx7vYc4gbSL3b2-ngMNwlDJugKkYBHPImE0f_0zIIgrIEIcTRf8Ao2Vu_VlK9TQLZXXEWe_fxzmNO3heCqcCTwjVVHwP2KQ-HgsRUsPb9sNQ19jc/s1600/net.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a><br />
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We collected some of the items (pinecone, seed, feather), but left most things there. Like the red bird and squirrel of course!)</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kiddo running to the water, holding his bag of goodies.</td></tr>
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The hunt took about an hour, he had a BLAST! We talked about the science behind each item... how seeds grow. How to distinguish an oak tree from other trees, what pinecones are, and what types of birds and animals eat them (there are seeds inside!). We talked about what types of animals live on land, water, or both. We discussed why birds have feathers while squirrels have fur. He was loving it, and learning, all at the same time!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yum!</td></tr>
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After we found everything on our list, we found a lovely spot with a bench near the water, and celebrated with fruit snacks, while looking over our collection. (**After liberally applying hand sanitizer of course! A must if you're going to be playing in a stream or lake!)<br />
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It was a wonderful day, and one I will never forget; and hopefully one he will remember as well.<br />
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What did we do next?<br />
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We went to the library of course! We checked out books on animals, trees, and DINOSAURS! <br />
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Check back next week for our "Make your own fossil adventure!"<br />
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Want more now? Check out this <a href="http://www.sciencekids.co.nz/experiments.html">great list of kiddo-friendly science experiements</a><img alt="Have fun with science experiments for kids!" src="http://www.sciencekids.co.nz/images/experiments/beakers100.jpg" /><br />
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Thanks for reading! I blog on educational childrens activities, as well as living and parenting with chronic pain and disease. Follow me by entering your email in the upper left hand corner where it says "Follow by Email", you will receive a notification from "feedburner," so click the link in the email to confirm your subscription. Or, follow me on <a href="http://goo.gl/ASEsLJ">Twitter!</a><br />
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<i>tags: science, kids, experiments, children, activities, education, toddlers, nature, sterling, claude moore park, parenting, parenting tips</i><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04793878503614155694noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4929007281096890525.post-74785095979430280122014-03-08T22:24:00.002-08:002014-09-21T12:16:29.004-07:00Turning Suffering and Pain into Joy and Hope; for Children. <div dir="ltr" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 17.25px; white-space: pre-wrap;">The children of people with invisible illness suffer quietly. As soon as my son, now 4,</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 17.25px; white-space: pre-wrap;"> began to communicate, I tried to explain, in words that he could understand, why mommy was unable to play as much as he wanted me to, why I couldn’t stay awake longer than a few hours, and why I grimaced from pain so frequently. How can one explain to a young child, when this is his “normal," that I wish things could be different for him? That he has done nothing wrong when I am crying. That sometimes, I desperately want to get down on the floor and play blocks, but I literally CAN’T.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 17.25px; white-space: pre-wrap;">The guilt of raising a child under these circumstances is overwhelming. I often force myself to smile, play, and be strong for him. To walk him a mile and a half to the playground and back, only to lock myself in my room in tears of exhaustion upon arriving back home. To play catch, legos, playdoh, color… all of the joys of childhood, joys that take so so many “spoons”. After putting him to bed, I once left his room and immediately laid down in the hallway and cried; exhausted and overwrought with guilt. “I'm not doing enough. I can't do enough. I will never be good enough for him."</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 17.25px; white-space: pre-wrap;">In order to help my son cope and understand my illness, I searched the far reaches of the internet for a childrens book on Fibromyalgia, chronic pain, or even just having a sick parent in general. I found absolutely nothing. Shocked and appalled at the void, I chose the obvious solution; I wrote my own! At first, the plan was just to write this new book solely for my son. However, I could not stop thinking of the millions of other children in the same situation, and the other parents, as desperate as I was. I knew something had to be done to help those families. Thus began the saga of “<a href="http://whydoesmommyhurt.com/">Why Does Mommy Hurt</a>?”</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5jwmghhYS9mVd_UBRf1gk_clIrYbSa1lTdZDNSMkHT9UUZMgzO2Pupdd_I4wc4Uwzx7JS973Eloteo3y35r7cc3s6OBsmB3sIjRk88nMSNIwyEb64Q4oknyVqzv8t89_be0b3pQhqhbM/s1600/WDMH_Final_Cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5jwmghhYS9mVd_UBRf1gk_clIrYbSa1lTdZDNSMkHT9UUZMgzO2Pupdd_I4wc4Uwzx7JS973Eloteo3y35r7cc3s6OBsmB3sIjRk88nMSNIwyEb64Q4oknyVqzv8t89_be0b3pQhqhbM/s1600/WDMH_Final_Cover.jpg" height="320" width="318" /></a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 17.25px; white-space: pre-wrap;">The words came easily to me; I finished the text in a few days, but the illustrations… they haunted me. I. Cannot. Draw. I came up with a few pathetic sketches of stick figures, then moved on to the animal kingdom; bunnies, bears, and even turtles. In a last ditch attempt, I even tried to illustrate the book with “cute” monsters. They were not cute. They would've haunted any reasonable childs dreams. My illustrations were left crumpled in a pile on my desk, under a damp layer of “FAIL” tears. Then I remembered my father. I had seen his sketch book as a child and marveled at the detail of his work, and his obvious natural ability to draw. I was overcome with love and joy when he literally jumped at the chance to help me. He began working on the book immediately, and created beautiful digital illustrations for my book; inspired by the actual features of my son and I. The book was coming to life! </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 17.25px; white-space: pre-wrap;">At that point, I decided that I WAS going to do this. One thing I’ve learned in my years with invisible illness is this: goals are my life-energy. They feed my hunger to stay alive; a hunger that often fades when faced with a never-ending stream of suffering. I have also learned that I can achieve anything I want to, as long as I don’t give up. My invisible illness has done something I would've never anticipated; it has made me stronger than I ever thought possible. I can now tolerate extraordinary levels of stress, pain, and suffering, suffering that would have left me in the fetal position as a “healthy” person. </span></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A potion of the proceeds will benefit NFMCPA</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 17.25px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 17.25px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Last year, I managed to arrange a lunch meeting with Jan Chambers, President of the<a href="http://www.fmcpaware.org/"> National </a></span></span><a href="http://www.fmcpaware.org/" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 17.25px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Fibromyalgia and Chronic Pain Association, </a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 17.25px; white-space: pre-wrap;">showed her the book, and pledged to donate a portion of the proceeds to the organization. Jan is an amazing woman; who also happens to suffer from FM. She loved the book, and has supported me ever since. “Your book will help millions!” she said. Emboldened by her words, I began a networking and promotion plan which continues to this day. Just last month, we learned the wonderful news, PUBLICATION! “</span><a href="http://potomacfallsmama.blogspot.com/2014/03/why-does-mommy-hurt-coming-summer-2014.html" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 17.25px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Why Does Mommy Hurt</a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 17.25px; white-space: pre-wrap;">?” will be available on Amazon and Barnes and Noble as early as Summer, 2014. Dreams do come true; especially the dreams of those who truly know their value; those of us with invisible illness. </span><br />
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<a href="http://whydoesmommyhurt.com/">WhyDoesMommyHurt.com</a></h3>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 17.25px; white-space: pre-wrap;">The PFM is a blogger living in Potomac Falls, VA, and is devoted to creating a world-wide community of parents living with chronic pain, fibromyalgia, lupus, and other autoimmune disorders. Follow her by entering your email in the "follow by email box" on the top left, on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/potomacfallsmama?ref=hl">Facebook</a>, or<a href="https://twitter.com/PotomacFallsMom"> Twitter. </a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 17.25px; white-space: pre-wrap;">*I am also pleased to report that there will soon be another childrens book available on chronic pain; "Foggy Frog and the Pain Gang", written by my friend in Australia, Megan S! Here is a link to her<a href="http://mychroniclifejourney.wordpress.com/"> blog </a>and <a href="http://bit.ly/FoggyFrog">Kickstarter campaign.</a> </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 17.25px; white-space: pre-wrap;">If we have to suffer; lets not bring our children with us! </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 17.25px; white-space: pre-wrap;">New childrens book on #chronicpain and #chronicillness! "Why Does Mommy Hurt?" </span><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 17.25px; white-space: pre-wrap;">http://goo.gl/0iFGvr @parentswithpain</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04793878503614155694noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4929007281096890525.post-49933399555530438272014-03-04T21:20:00.001-08:002014-12-07T19:27:50.097-08:00Why Does Mommy Hurt? Coming Late May 2014!<div style="text-align: center;">
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Why Does Mommy Hurt?</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span></b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Helping kids cope with having a parent or caregiver with chronic pain, Fibromyalgia, or autoimmune disease<br /><div style="text-align: center;">
<i style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">all rights reserved, copyright 2014</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>copyright 2014, Elizabeth M. Christy </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">By: Elizabeth M. Christy</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Illustrated by: James G. Miller</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="text-align: justify;"><i>"This is a beautifully illustrated book which helps children understand the experience of their parents' chronic illness or pain. This book helps open up communication about some of the most common problems for those with a chronically ill parent-child relationship, including fatigue, forgetfulness and frustration. I advise it for all of you parents of small children out there with Fibromyalgia or chronic pain!"</i><br /> </span><b style="text-align: right;">-Dr.Kent Smalley, <span style="text-align: start;"><span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://mychronicpain.com/">Mychronicpain.com</a></span></span></b></span><br />
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<i>"This book will help millions!"</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><b>- </b></i><b>Jan Chambers, President of <a href="http://www.fmcpaware.org/">The National </a></b><b><a href="http://www.fmcpaware.org/">Fibromyalgia and Chronic Pain Association (NFMCPA) </a><u> </u></b>*A portion of the books proceeds will benefit the NFMCPA!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://whydoesmommyhurt.com/">WhyDoesMommyHurt.com</a></span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Living with chronic pain or illness is hard enough, but how do you explain it to children? This beautifully illustrated book is a joyful, yet honest, portrayal of family life burdened with the problem of chronic illness. This is a delightful story told from the point of view of a young boy learning to understand and cope with his mother’s Fibromyalgia and chronic pain. The story is told in a way that creates natural opportunities for the family to talk about both the symptoms of chronic illness (such as pain, frustration, fatigue, and memory problems) and how they affect family life. Even more importantly, this story puts power into the hands of the children in these families by validating and giving a voice to their feelings, explaining chronic pain in a way they can understand, providing a model for thinking and acting positively, and showing them how they could help a loved one afflicted by chronic pain. This book is appropriate for the families of young children who have a parent or caregiver experiencing any of a wide-variety of illnesses associated with chronic pain, such as: Lupus, Lyme Disease, ME, CFS, Fibromyalgia, Arthritis, Autoimmune Disease, Multiple Sclerosis and many others. It also includes a helpful "tips & resources" section for parents, which provides information and urls to support parents, like <a href="http://inspire.com/">inspire.com</a> and <a href="http://myinvisiblelife.net./">myinvisiblelife.net.</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My son talking about his mommies new book!</span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The paperback is $9.95 on <a href="http://amazon.com/">Amazon.com</a>, and the eBook is $3.95. Both also available on <a href="http://parentswithpain.com/shop">parentswithpain.com/shop</a></span><br />
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" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-weight: normal; line-height: 20px;">New childrens book on chronic illness "Why Does Mommy Hurt? </span><a class="twitter-timeline-link" href="http://goo.gl/ZUYlz5" role="presentation" style="background-color: white; color: #b3007a; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-weight: normal; line-height: 20px; text-decoration: none !important;">w</a>hydoesmommyhurt.com<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-weight: normal; line-height: 20px;"> </span><a class="twitter-hashtag pretty-link" href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23fibromyalgia" role="presentation" style="background-color: white; color: #b3007a; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-weight: normal; line-height: 20px; text-decoration: none !important;"><span style="color: #d166af;">#</span>fibromyalgia</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-weight: normal; line-height: 20px;"> </span><a class="twitter-hashtag pretty-link" href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23chronicpain" role="presentation" style="background-color: white; color: #b3007a; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-weight: normal; line-height: 20px; text-decoration: none !important;"><span style="color: #d166af;">#</span>chronicpain</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-weight: normal; line-height: 20px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #d166af; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-weight: normal; line-height: 20px; text-decoration: none !important;"><a class="twitter-atreply pretty-link" href="https://twitter.com/potomacfallsmom" role="presentation" style="background-color: white; color: #b3007a; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-weight: normal; line-height: 20px; text-decoration: none !important;">@</a>parentswithpain</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Thanks for reading! Follow me by entering your email in the 'follow by email' box in the upper left hand corner, or on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/potomacfallsmama">Facebook! </a></span></span></div>
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**Check out my new blog especially for parents with chronic illness: <a href="http://parentswithpain.com/">Parentswithpain.com</a>,<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Tags: fibromyalgia, chronic pain, invisible illness, childrens book, self-publishing, kickstarter, meCFS, lyme disease, autoimmune disease, MCTD, UCTD, spoonie, FM, parenting</i></span></span><br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04793878503614155694noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4929007281096890525.post-74680540130179406872014-03-02T17:58:00.000-08:002014-05-01T20:25:13.678-07:00Spoonie Mom (and Dad!) Survival Guide: Toddler Edition<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Raising a toddler is a full time job. For those of us with a chronic illness, it can be exhausting. If you're also balancing a full or part time job on top of your parenting duties, it can become overwhelming! Here are some tips and resources to help you cope.</span><br />
<span style="line-height: 18.399999618530273px;"><br /></span>
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<h3>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.15; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Make a “Painy (or Rainy) Day” list of fun, relaxing activities you can do at home with your child:</b></span></h3>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/7c/c5/f7/7cc5f7121d761d7e3dfa5146a0303ceb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="how to get the kids to give you a back massage :)" border="0" src="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/7c/c5/f7/7cc5f7121d761d7e3dfa5146a0303ceb.jpg" height="149" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Free back massage!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.15; white-space: pre-wrap;">Read or color together
</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.15; white-space: pre-wrap;">Play “Simon Says”, “I Spy”, or board games
</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.15; white-space: pre-wrap;">Party! “movie and popcorn”, pajama, tea, ect.!
</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.15; white-space: pre-wrap;">Get a free massage! Give your kids some toy cars, and tell them your back is a race track! works every time ; )
</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.15; white-space: pre-wrap;">"<a href="http://www.zoodles.com/en-US/home/marketing">Zoodles Kid Mode</a>" for iPhone, Droid, Mac or PC is a
great all-in-one tablet/phone environment for children. They can play educational games, draw, listen to story books, and more; all without being able to access your phone, make purchases, or otherwise "mess up" your phone/tablet.
</span></li>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://assets.babycenter.com/ims/2011/04aprb/tired-mom.jpg?width=153" height="154" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="200" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">photo credit: babycenter.com</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.15; white-space: pre-wrap;">More ideas:<a href="http://www.babycenter.com/0_40-ways-to-entertain-your-kids-while-lying-down_10350158.bc?scid=mbtw_post20m_3w:1259&pe=MlV5blFFQnwyMDExMTEwMw"> 40 Ways to Entertain Your Kids While Lying Down!</a></span></li>
</ul>
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<h3>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.15; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Make your child feel important and special by letting them help you with age-appropriate work. If they can walk, they can help:</b></span></h3>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18.399999618530273px; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://blog.myjobchart.com/wp-content/uploads/sweeping.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://blog.myjobchart.com/wp-content/uploads/sweeping.jpg" height="120" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Kids Love to Help! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">mychorechart.com</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<ul><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18.399999618530273px; white-space: pre-wrap;">
<li><span style="line-height: 1.15;">Picking up/organizing toys, books and clothes</span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 1.15;">Using baby wipes or spray bottles filled with water to clean surfaces</span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 1.15;">They can help hand you clean dishes: fill a sink with soapy water and give them a sponge and some plastic dishes. Have them hand you dishes from the dish washer; no more bending over!</span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 1.15;">Laundry: Have them get a step stool and stand in front of the washer. As you sort, hand them what you want to wash, and they can throw it in; my son LOVES this. Less moving for me! Later, have them stand in front of the dryer; hand them the wet clothes and have them "throw" it into the dryer". They can even fold. My 3 year old can fold towels, and even match socks!</span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 1.15;">As your child grows, they will be able to help more. </span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 1.15;">Be sure to reward them well, with hugs, kisses, thank yous, and special treats!</span></li>
</span></span></ul>
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</span></span>
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<h3>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.15; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Explain your condition to your child using simple language</b></span></h3>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.15; white-space: pre-wrap;">Discuss how some things are “invisible”, like pain. Even though you can’t see it, you can feel it. (Other examples: wind, cold, heat)
</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.15; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">If you are unable to fulfill a promise due to your condition; apologize, and explain that your condition makes it hard for you to be active. Make sure they understand that</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-style: italic; line-height: 1.15; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> its not their fault. </span></li>
</ul>
<h3>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.15; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Safety Tips</b></span></h3>
</div>
<div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/f/ff/Poison_Help.svg/220px-Poison_Help.svg.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/f/ff/Poison_Help.svg/220px-Poison_Help.svg.png" height="200" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Use Mr. Yuck Stickers</span>!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.15; white-space: pre-wrap;">Always keep all medications out of reach from your children. My 3 year old son managed to open a "child proof" bottle of Vitamin D "gummi bears". These things are dangerous! They look and taste like candy. Keep them out of sight and reach!
</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.15; white-space: pre-wrap;">Be sure to discuss WHY medication is dangerous, and tell your child to tell you immediately if they see any medication lying around. </span></li>
</ul>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></span></span></div>
<h3>
<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Join a play group</span></b></h3>
<div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.examiner.com/images/blog/EXID28420/images/playgroup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.examiner.com/images/blog/EXID28420/images/playgroup.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Playgroups!</span><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">examiner.com</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You will not be able to make all of the events and play dates, but you WILL make wonderful friends, gain support and resources. Joining a group helps stress, and may motivate you to get out of the house. In addition to having fun, moms groups will give you the opportunity to connect with other adults going through the same things you are. I have made several wonderful friends on "Meetup.com" and Facebook groups. You will have resources and help when you need it, from other moms you trust!</span></div>
<div>
</div>
<h3>
<div>
<h3 style="font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">
<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/02/27/mom-let-it-go_n_4867780.html?&ncid=tweetlnkushpmg00000041">Let Go. </a> <Best funny let it go parody ever.</span></b></h3>
<div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; font-size: medium; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.wildmind.org/images/posture01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.wildmind.org/images/posture01.jpg" height="200" width="132" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Meditate!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">credit: wildmind.org</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="font-size: medium;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: normal;">This tip was in my original "newborn" survival guide, but its true at every age. Toddlers are messy, disorganized, tornado-like beings. Your house will be a mess. You will forget to pay bills, you will run out of milk. Breathe. Put it in perspective, and <u>Let Go</u> of control! </span></div>
<div style="font-size: medium;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-size: medium;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: normal;">A wise woman once told me <i>"I only really gained control when I realized I had none in the first place."</i></span></div>
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Learn <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diaphragmatic_breathing">diaphramatic breathing</a></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Practice mindfulness meditation</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">When you feel overwhelmed, sit down, close your eyes, and breathe. Chances are, things won't feel so urgent when you get up.</span></span></li>
</ul>
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<div style="font-size: medium;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: normal;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div style="font-size: medium;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;">Got kids?? Check out my new </span><a href="http://goo.gl/4paESu">childrens book on Chronic Pain and Fibromyalgia!</a></div>
<div style="font-size: medium;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: normal;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div style="font-size: medium;">
<div style="font-weight: normal;">
<b><br /></b><b><span style="font-size: large;">Want to Tweet this? Just copy and paste!: </span></b></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal;">
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" /></a></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal;">
<i>Spoonie Parenting Survival Guide: Toddlers!</i> <a href="http://goo.gl/ezbnJk" style="background-color: white; color: #1155cc; font-family: arial; font-size: small;" target="_blank">goo.gl/ezbnJk</a> <i>#spoonie #mecfs #chronicpain #fibromyalgia @parentswithpain</i></div>
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<b>Thanks for reading! </b></div>
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Joyful and pain-free days to all! ~PFM<br />
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Tags: Fibromyalgia, Spoonie, Lupus, MCTD, UCTD, mother, mom, baby, infant, newborn, survival, anti-inflammatory, flare, PPD, postpartum depression. </span></i><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04793878503614155694noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4929007281096890525.post-84985210984222400012014-02-26T17:48:00.001-08:002014-12-07T19:23:30.772-08:00Spoonie Mom Survival Guide; what to expect the first 12 months, and how to cope! <a 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" 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" /></a>Being a new mom is hard, but being a new<i> Spoonie</i> mom can be HELLISH. For those already struggling with fatigue and chronic pain first 3 months are especially overwhelming. In this post, I will share my own experience as a brand-new Spoonie Mom, some of the Science behind its extreme suckage, and most importantly, how to cope!<br />
<br />
<b>Fourth Trimester</b><br />
After my son was born, I was so exhausted that I was functioning at only the most basic levels. I remember several occasions where I literally fell asleep on the floor while my newborn son was playing in his "jungle gym", or laying on a blanket next to me. I wound up sicker than I'd ever been in my life, and almost inevitably, developed PPD (Postpartum Depression). I think I cried more than my son did! And why not? On top of typical new mom stuff (hair falling out, pimples, extra weight, ect.), I had the extra burden of Fibromyalgia. Due to my PPD, I do not have many pleasant memories of those first 3 months; I just remember being exhausted, anxious, and overwhelemed. As he grew older, and began smiling and engaging with me (and sleeping more!) it got much easier. <a href="http://babycalmblog.com/2012/07/06/the-fourth-trimester-aka-why-your-newborn-is-only-happy-in-your-arms-30/">The fourth trimester; why the first 3 months are so hard.</a><br />
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<b>Postpartum Flare</b><br />
When I began to wean my son after about 11 months, my health took another downward spiral. My Fibromyalgia symptoms became severe, and on top of that, I developed Mixed Connective Tissue Disease (MCTD) and Autoimmune Hepatitis. Like many spoonie moms, I was experiencing the "postpartum flare." Hormones released during pregnancy and nursing are often protective in AI disease; progesterone can suppress your immune system, thus suppressing autoimmune disease. But when pregnancy or nursing stops, so does the progesterone, this abrupt change commonly causes a flare in women with AI disease. After dropping just ONE feeding, my symptoms took an extreme nosedive. The next morning, I awoke with joint pain so severe I could barely walk.<br />
<br />
<b>Nursing complications</b><br />
Nursing, however, has its own drawbacks for Spoonie moms. While nursing, antibodies are transferred through breast milk to the baby, which is great for the baby of course, but can be problematic for those with weakened immune systems. Additionally, making milk takes a massive amount of energy and bodily resources, which cause further weakening of the immune system. While my son was under 6 months old, I didn't have problems with nursing, but he grew- a lot. Our "Oversized Novelty Baby," was off the charts for both weight and height, while I had shrunk to about 110 pounds, less than my pre-pregnancy weight. Nursing during months 6-11 depleted my immune system to such an extent that I was sick almost perpetually for the entire 4-month period. Finally, my doctor advised my to stop nursing for my own health. Thus, I traded one hell (perpetual colds and infections), for another (postpartum flare).<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Adorable Immune System Nuke-let</td></tr>
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The massive changes undergone by our bodies during pregnancy and nursing often exacerbate, <a href="http://www.nbcnews.com/id/43155988/ns/health-pregnancy/#.Uw6O4vldVl0">and even cause autoimmune disease.</a> Quote from linked NBC article<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">: "<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24.06399917602539px;"><i>Of the approximately 1 million (women) investigated, 25,570 developed autoimmune diseases." </i></span></span><br />
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How to survive the double-punch of having a child and having Autoimmune Disease or Fibromyalgia? Well, now that my son is almost 4, I have made about a million mistakes, and have learned quite a few things along the way. Here are my most valuable gems of advice for new Spoonie Mamas:<br />
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<b>Don't wait for help; ask for it. </b></h3>
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Get all the help you can. Don't feel guilty; don't feel lazy. You are sick, and you both need and deserve help. I was extremely lucky; both my mother and mother-in-law are within 20 minutes of my home. Most people, however, don't have that luxury. <br />
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<li>One option is a <a href="http://www.dona.org/mothers/faqs_postpartum.php">post-partum doula.</a> These wonderful women will stay at your home after your baby is born for the sole purpose of making YOU comfortable and healthy. They will help care for the baby, but they will also help care for you. They do, however, cost money. </li>
<li>Request a "meal train" from your friends. Each friend signs up for one meal, and the meals are delivered nightly, weekly, bi-weekly-- however you'd prefer. </li>
<li>Ask your family, friends and neighbors for help; most people are just waiting to be asked, and would gladly lend a hand. If you need a nap, if you're struggling and exhausted, if you need help with housework or shopping... don't suffer alone! Call someone. And let me reiterate: Do Not Feel Guilty. </li>
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<b>Join a mothers group or new moms support group</b></h3>
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Not joining a new moms group is one of the biggest mistakes I made, looking back. While my husband was at work during my maternity leave, I spent most days alone, at home, with my son. I was exhausted and depressed, and I didn't have anyone that I could relate to; I was the first of my friends to have a baby, so I didn't know anyone else in my situation. Just sitting in a room with other exhausted moms, (even non-spoonie ones!) will make you feel less alone, happier, and more understood. It will also give you a chance to have FUN and make friends. <a href="http://meetup.com/">Meetup.com</a> is a great place to look for mothers groups, or if you're a brand-new mom, ask your hospital about support groups.</div>
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<b><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/02/27/mom-let-it-go_n_4867780.html?&ncid=tweetlnkushpmg00000041">Let Go. </a> <Best funny let it go parody ever.</b></h3>
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Your house will be messy. You will forget appointments, to pay bills, to wash the bibs and burp cloths, and you may wear the same sweatpants for a week. But if you need to rest, you need to rest. I did not heed this advice; Although I did take naps with the baby, I also spent several hours a day frantically cleaning and organizing, desperate for control. What I didn't realize is that you're more in control when you learn to let things go. Eventually, I learned to use <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diaphragmatic_breathing">diaphramatic breathing </a>and<a href="http://altmedicine.about.com/cs/mindbody/a/Meditation.htm"> mindfulness meditation</a> to relax and learned to let things go. It also helped me focus on what was important; my child and my health; not the dishes in the sink. </div>
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<b>Call your doctor right away if you don't feel well, physically OR mentally.</b></h3>
If you develop new symptoms, your symptoms get worse, or you develop signs of PPD, get help ASAP.<br />
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<li>PPD sucks. There are tons of treatment options and support resources available for women with PPD. It is extremely common, and more so for those with chronic illness. Don't wait!</li>
<li>If you experience a flare or other problems while you're nursing, don't wait to call your doctor. Chances are, they will be able to do something to make you feel better. </li>
<li>Don't feel guilty if you can't nurse, or have to stop nursing to take medication. It is OK. No one will blame you (and if they do, ignore them.) Plenty of perfectly healthy and intelligent children were never nursed at all. Yes, nursing is a wonderful bonding experience, but if its a matter of your own health and well-being, it's a no-brainer. </li>
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Eat Well.</h3>
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During this period, I ate terribly! Lots of frozen stuff and junk food. It can be difficult to focus on diet while you're a new mom, especially when you can't even make it to the grocery store! But food should be made priority number 2: (#1 is Sleep!). Food is medicine. Especially if you're nursing and cannot take <i>actual</i> medicine! I love this<a href="http://www.drweil.com/drw/ecs/pyramid/press-foodpyramid.html"> anti-inflammatory food pyramid</a> by Dr. Weil. I have also had luck with a gluten-free diet in relieving my fatigue and inflammation. <a href="http://potomacfallsmama.blogspot.com/2013/09/deliciousness-so-much-effective.html">Here</a> are some more great anti-inflammatory diet tips and delicious, easy and (fast!) recipes.<br />
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Sleep as much as humanly possible. </h3>
No Brainer!<br />
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Good luck and remember, you will survive! I am <i>living</i> proof ; )</div>
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**Check out my new blog especially for parents with chronic illness: <a href="http://parentswithpain.com/">Parentswithpain.com</a>, and my childrens book on chronic pain, Fibromyalgia and Autoimmune Disease: "<a href="http://www.whydoesmommyhurt.com/">Why Does Mommy Hurt?" </a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Want to Tweet this? Just copy and paste!: </span></b></div>
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" /></a></div>
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<i>Spoonie Parenting Survival Guide: Infants!</i> <a href="http://goo.gl/b87KsG" style="background-color: white; color: #1155cc; font-family: arial; font-size: small;" target="_blank">goo.gl/b87KsG</a> <i>#spoonie #mecfs #spoonie #fibromyalgia @parentswithpain</i></div>
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<b><i>Follow me by email by entering your email in the 'follow by email' box on the left of the blog, or on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/potomacfallsmama?ref=hl">Facebook. </a></i></b><br />
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Joyful and pain-free days to all!<br />
~PFM<br />
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Tags: Fibromyalgia, Spoonie, Lupus, MCTD, UCTD, mother, mom, baby, infant, newborn, survival, anti-inflammatory, flare, PPD, postpartum depression. </span></i><br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04793878503614155694noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4929007281096890525.post-62680193940639965322014-02-24T16:38:00.004-08:002014-03-05T20:07:35.627-08:00How Are You Feeling? A Fabulous App to Track Pain, Depression and More!<br />
I have been using the (Free!) App <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.readyrickshaw.hayf&hl=en">How Are You Feeling</a> for Android for over a year. I originally downloaded to track my chronic pain from my various autoimmune diseases, because whenever my doctor asked me "So, how have you been feeling?" I really could only remember the last week or so. I wanted something that was easy, visual, and would allow me to easily see how I was feeling during a specific time range. This app does all of that, and much more.<br />
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<b>Quick and Easy</b><br />
<a href="https://lh6.ggpht.com/IXr5tGJCqg0Rc2VWf4CScmVWSWFdGE7r3Qk907cNP4hU3gyg_5r12dHaS-_k15CX3LU=h900" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh6.ggpht.com/IXr5tGJCqg0Rc2VWf4CScmVWSWFdGE7r3Qk907cNP4hU3gyg_5r12dHaS-_k15CX3LU=h900" width="192" /></a>My favorite feature is the widget that can be installed on your home screen. I have a terrible memory, which is totally fine for this app! Every day when I turn on my phone, the color bar is right there for me. I just choose the color of the day (or hour, or week; its highly scalable), and enter a comment if I so desire ("Started new prescription today" or "still getting over that cold"). You make as many, or as few, entries as you want. I usually make one entry in the morning, and one in the evening, as the way I feel is highly variable throughout the day. Thus, I can determine at what time of day my symptoms are worse, or better!<br />
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<b>No More Guessing. </b><br />
When I start a new therapy, treatment, or medication, I no longer have to guess as to whether its working or not; I have actual data to analyze. For example; I recently started a new homeopathic treatment for Autoimmune disease, and I can clearly see, based on the increased number of light blue and green days, that I DO feel better. In the past, I would have to trust my gut, or use my highly faulty fibro-brain memory- not a great data tool!<br />
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<b>Customizable and Scalable</b><br />
<a href="https://lh5.ggpht.com/67LtbmsQFQdjN8DjDTEUBl6LnFCTciHizELovn_OyIojjSMbxjw2oLt7n7lcPGvLMTZ7=h900" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh5.ggpht.com/67LtbmsQFQdjN8DjDTEUBl6LnFCTciHizELovn_OyIojjSMbxjw2oLt7n7lcPGvLMTZ7=h900" width="192" /></a>You can use this app to track anything; pain, mental illness, stress levels, I can see it working for almost anything that can be tracked. I even recommended it to a developer once; to track how his application was performing; was it slow that day? was it crashing? or was it running smoothly? Plus, it can be applied to short-term problems like a broken bone, or chronic diseases/problems. For those using it for pain, you can choose to specifically track "pain levels" instead of just how you're "feeling". The best part, its free!<br />
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<b>Data is truth. </b><br />
When it comes time to analyze or look back at the data, its easy; you just zoom out and scroll to go as far back as you want; or you can choose to view each entry in a list format.<br />
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<img height="320" src="https://lh4.ggpht.com/tMGPBgevscZ9y84tFYUfPl7YtqX5LIZ53TTnH8Woe-MgS2P39KopUc64f7IEnnyEelo=h900" width="192" /><br />
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I recommend this app to anyone who is struggling to get a handle on any problem, be it health, emotions, stress, or otherwise. Once you have the data; you have the power! <br />
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Thanks for reading!<br />
<b>Follow me! You can enter your email in the upper left-hand corner of the blog, where it says "follow by email", Or follow me on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/potomacfallsmama">Facebook</a>. </b><br />
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<b>Got kids? Check out my new <a href="http://goo.gl/4paESu">childrens book on Chronic Pain and Fibromyalgia!</a></b><br />
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wishing joyful and pain-free days to all!<br />
~The PFM<br />
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<i>tags: chronic pain, fibromyalgia, autoimmune, lupus, mctd, uctd, depression, anxiety, bipolar, apps, treatment, symptoms.</i>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04793878503614155694noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4929007281096890525.post-48292892660340919382014-02-20T19:05:00.001-08:002014-05-02T19:22:23.225-07:00My Top 4 Fun and Educational Toddler-Friendly Destinations in Loudoun!Loudoun County is a mothers dream. On top of the fabulous schools and employment options, it is a gorgeous place to live, and full of educational, fun, and high-quality activities for children. <br />
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<i>Featured: The Loudoun Heritage Farm Museum, The Loudoun Water Museum, Loudoun County Government Activities, and Great Country Farms. </i><br />
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1) <a href="http://www.loudounmuseum.com/"> </a><a href="http://www.greatcountryfarms.com/">Great Country Farms</a><br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><img height="239" src="https://scontent-b-iad.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc3/n1/304534_10151125603727138_1218380818_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">The "Corn Bin"</td></tr>
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Imagine the biggest, coolest backyard in the whole world. Playgrounds, tube slides, barns, animals, Corn "sand box", giant water tower for hot days... the list goes on! In addition to the seemingly endless offering of activities, it is working farm that offers pick-your-own everything... Strawberries, asparagus, apples, potatoes... you name it!<br />
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There is no end to fun things to do at Great Country Farms. There are acres and acres of organic produce that you can pick, hay rides, a wonderfully well-stocked general store, a delicious restaurant (can you say "apple cider donuts?"). There is a large field by the restaurant where they regularly have live music. Down the hill, they have farm animals and even some exotic animals (like an Enu). There is also a pretend mine where children can sieve for "gems.", a "Corn Bin" which is like a giant sand box, but with corn (its covered... great for hot summer days!) They have about 4 separate playgrounds, a couple of tricycle race tracks, a giant mister for hot days, and one of those giant bounce-on pillows. I could go on and on!! Takeaway? We love this place.<br />
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<tr><td><img height="240" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/n1/1013361_10153436178095624_75466562_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">The "Cow Train"</td></tr>
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2. <a href="http://www.loudounmuseum.com/">Loudoun Heritage Farm Museum</a><br />
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I have lived in Loudoun County for 7 years. For the first 5.5 years, I drove past a sign for the museum every day on my way home from work, and I was never tempted to go. A farm museum?! No thanks; couldn't possibly be of interest to a suburban girl like me! One day, my son and I were exploring Claude Moore Park. We took a walk by the beautiful lake, and saw some historic buildings in the distance and went exploring. Beyond the historic buildings, my son spotted some huge tractors, and we were off! There, we stumbled upon the museum. It was starting to rain, so I begrudgingly decided to go in. It quickly became my absolute favorite activity in Loudoun!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn2/t1/1797484_10203053034311894_2104381890_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn2/t1/1797484_10203053034311894_2104381890_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Batman at the original historic cash register</td></tr>
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This is a diamond in the ruff of Northern Virginia; and easily one of the best childrens museums in the area. <br />
The museum is packed full of organized, educational, and imaginative exhibits that teach children about historical farm life while they play. The best part is the full historic general store, which is an original store that was moved into the museum. It is large, and full of historic products, tons of realistic, chronologically accurate food, a mail room, scales, and cash register. My son had to be pulled from the store after playing for over an hour. It is FABULOUS. <br />
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There is an indoor barn where children can collect eggs, dress up like a farmer, milk a cow, and ride/care for pretend horses. Additionally, there are several high quality child-size tractors with a large open space for playing. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Having a blast with the animals</td></tr>
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The main museum is also phenomenal. It is full of interesting artifacts and information. In the back of the main museum section, there is another surprise for kids; a replica of a turn-of-the-century kitchen. It is a hands on exhibit where children can experience what kitchen life was like circa 1920. <br />
The price is a steal; $3 for kids and $5 for adults. I have taken my family again and again. It is perfect for rainy/cold days, as there is plenty of space for running around and playing. The staff is attentive and considerate. Outside the museum, you will find a historic town with several original buildings, which is also fabulous There is also a very nice gift shop with educational toys and locally made products. On Sundays (11:30), Mr "Knick Knack" is there as well!<br />
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This is the highest quality childrens museum in the area. I honestly have no idea why they don't market it as a childrens museum (like on that sign!) The national childrens museum at the National Harbor is abysmal and other museums are over an hour away. You will have a much better time here, and spend less money, while learning about local Loudoun history and farming. Enjoy!<br />
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3) <a href="https://webtrac.loudoun.gov/wbwsc/webtrac.wsc/wbsplash.html">Loudoun County Government Sponsored Childrens Activites</a><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Easter Bunny Event at Claude Moore Community Center</td></tr>
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This isn't technically a destination, but there is no better resource for childrens activities. Loudoun County is rich. This year, it is listed as the richest county, with the median income at $ 119,000. What does that mean for us? Fabulous government-sponsored activities! And I mean Top Notch. The Community and Recreation Centers are state-of-the art and offer an amazing variety of classes, from Tai-Chi to Cooking. For kiddos, there are a huge variety of high-quality CHEAP classes. The prices are magnitudes lower than similar classes offered by the business community. Toddlers can take art, sports, music, and everything in between. In addition, they offer regular, very fun, special activities like moon-bounce parties, balloon parties, carnivals, ect. My favorite offering is called "Parents Night Out", which entails dropping your kids off for 3.5 hours to have fun with moonbounces, games, and pizza, while you date your spouse; for $14!<br />
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4)<a href="http://44865%20loudoun%20water%20way%2C%20ashburn%2C%20va%2020146/"> Loudoun Water Museum</a><br />
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Lately, Jimmy has been asking lots of questions like "Who is making the rain come down?" and "Where does rain come from?" He has a book on the water cycle, and we've explained it a billion times, but he still wanted to know who, exactly, was making the rain. Then an idea popped into my head.. of course! The<span style="color: cyan;"> <a href="http://www.loudounwater.org/News-You-Can-Use/A-Day-at-the-Aquiary/">Loudoun Water plant has a childrens exhibit</a></span>, best of all, its free! I visited once before he was born, and remembered a lot of interesting, hands on fun for kids. So on a rainy afternoon, I packed him into the car and off we went.<br />
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First, we said hi to all of the beautiful fishies. The 2 fish tanks at the museum are filled with 'reclaimed' water; as are the faucets and toilets in the facility.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-T6ShrKCeWVM/Ug7K1DOk_gI/AAAAAAAAJzI/X0B2LLtzcp0/s1600/13+-+7" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-T6ShrKCeWVM/Ug7K1DOk_gI/AAAAAAAAJzI/X0B2LLtzcp0/s1600/13+-+7" height="240" width="320" /></a> For older kids and adults, there is a large exhibit on the first floor that explains the entire process of reclaiming and cleaning Loudouns water supply. Jimmy enjoyed the model Loudoun Water facility, which shows the potomac river, aquaries, and all of the cleaning and processing facilities. He also loved the "Whats under the ground" display, which showed cross-sections of all of the different pipes buried in our ground; electric, phone; cable; sewage (it was a nice 'pee pee' yellow color haha, reclaimed water, fresh water, and a few others. He, of course, liked the 'pee pee' water the best. Wonderful side note; after that exhibit, he was practically begging me to go to the potty!<br />
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Upstairs, kids can explore a home, stripped to show the water pipes and appliances in the home. Again, the potty was his favorite. He followed the pipe from the potty all the way out to the sewer line.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jCog91P4KvE/Ug7K1BWN1rI/AAAAAAAAJw8/nVOvbjZ0_q0/s1600/13+-+2" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jCog91P4KvE/Ug7K1BWN1rI/AAAAAAAAJw8/nVOvbjZ0_q0/s1600/13+-+2" height="240" width="320" /></a> The largest display, upstairs, follows the water from its first entrance to the facility from a sewer line, all the way to nice, fresh, potable water (ending with a fish tank). Each step has interactive visual displays, buttons, and demonstrations of the filtration processess, which the kids can spin. In this picture, he is pushing the 'grit cleanser' button for the 40th time. It shows how rocks and debris are literally spun out of the water. I think the staff was getting annoyed, because it sounds like a dirt devil on steroids.</div>
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<i> "VROOOOOOOOOM!!!" </i></div>
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My favorite exhibit teaches kids about how THEY and corporations use water in their daily lives. There is a game where kids can guesss things like "How many gallons of water does it take to grow beans for one cup of coffee? (35), or how many gallons of water does it take to produce one car? (32,000!). There is also an educational exhibit on dangerous chemicals (bleach, paint, cleaners, ect.), and exactly what happens when you pour them down the drain.. </div>
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The best part of the day was that when we left, Jimmy asked "mommy, can you play a water song?' (He often requests random songs on the radio. I said "umm, sure!" and put on Pandora. I almost crashed when "in the sea" came on. The lyrics were about waves crashing in the Ocean. One line was "I dreamed this song for you." Coincidence? Maybe, but it was a fabulous finishing touch to the outing. On the way home, we stopped at a local park (<a href="http://activefamilyservices.com/blog/2008/06/28/ashburn-dinosaur-park/"><span style="color: cyan;">Ashburn/"Dinosaur" Park</span></a>), for some real life water experience. We hiked and threw rocks in the stream. Jimmy blew my mind by proudly explaining how the stream water would turn into clouds soon to make rain, and how all of the tree roots he was tripping over let the trees 'drink' water. He wasn't the only proud one :) Well, until he jumped into the stream up to his knees, in some brand new sneakers. Sigh. You can take a 3 year old to a Water Museum, but you can't make him think. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSVhoPccQdzLMmXGxyUKZtiFj6kCqq15pXGSrVYxwdLhcx0QJ6yY88Nf7LAd-ktWrBan3rbv6fcxrdHEWQPLEVf2EZWl72MEndM2NBQwObjSXY2FimzzBQMuaCCye4BMlA1j8_rWiVBAg/s1600/rocks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSVhoPccQdzLMmXGxyUKZtiFj6kCqq15pXGSrVYxwdLhcx0QJ6yY88Nf7LAd-ktWrBan3rbv6fcxrdHEWQPLEVf2EZWl72MEndM2NBQwObjSXY2FimzzBQMuaCCye4BMlA1j8_rWiVBAg/s1600/rocks.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://44865%20loudoun%20water%20way%2C%20ashburn%2C%20va%2020146/">Loudoun Water</a> is located at <span style="line-height: 16.796875px;">44865 Loudoun Water Way, Ashburn, VA 20146</span></span></div>
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....I don't believe I will ever be leaving Loudoun County; its too awesome!<br />
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Want to tweet this? Just copy and paste!:</h3>
Top educational and family friendly activities in #loudoun! http://goo.gl/3Zi2UV @potomacfallsmom<br />
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<b><i>Want more? Follow me by email, upper left hand corner of blog! </i></b><br />
<b>Got kids? Check out my new <a href="http://goo.gl/4paESu">childrens book on Chronic Pain and Fibromyalgia!</a></b><br />
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~PFM<br />
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<i>Tags: loudoun county, ashburn, reston, herndon, sterling, toddler friendly activities, indoor activities for kids, children</i><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04793878503614155694noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4929007281096890525.post-89802509058188382522014-02-16T19:18:00.000-08:002014-04-06T09:58:11.042-07:00Puppets: The magical tantrum solution!<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We are all familiar with the uncanny ability of toddlers to completely tune out their mothers voice, or respond to requests with explosive melt-downs. Requests that he use the potty or go to bed are especially chaotic. Tonight, I tried something new, and it has blown my mind.... Puppets, my friends. Puppets.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img src="http://spunkyplushandstuff.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/plush-hallmark-elephant-andy-blue-baby-dots-floppy-soft-stuffed-animal.jpg" height="300" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Elephant That Saved Bedtime</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Lately, he's been lugging around an adorable stuffed elephant, which he simply calls "Elephant." This evening, when I said "its almost time for bed honey!" He burst into tears. My mind went into overdrive- I was exhausted. It was Sunday night, and I had a couch and book waiting for me. <i> Please... not tonight! </i><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 17.25px; white-space: pre-wrap;">From the recesses of my ancestral mommy brain, a wonderful spark ignited. I grabbed the nearest stuffed animal, increased the pitch of my voice, and began. Enter Mr. Elephant: </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Mr. Elephant</i>: "Oh boy! I can't wait to see your room! Can you show me?"</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Child</i>: "OK!, Come on! I have a race car bed!"</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Mr. Elephant</i>: "You DO!?!?! WOW!!! COOL!!"</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Child: </i> "Yeah, its really cool." (walking up the stairs, with none of the typical sobbing)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Elephant</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">: "I’ve never brushed my teeth before, have you?"</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-162aac3c-57c9-e7e3-8525-e555059d54eb"><br /><span style="font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><span style="font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Child</span><span style="font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">: "YES!, Come on! I have superhero toothbrush!” (</span></span>Child continued discussing superheros with the elephant as I surreptitiously applied toothpaste to the brush and began brushing his teeth)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Child</i>: "Sometimes I don't like when my mom brushes my teeth." (Whoa! He's confessing to the elephant! This is solid gold.)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Mr. Elephant</i>: "Oh, I'm sorry! Your mommy told me that brushing your teeth makes them clean, and prevents yucky cavities. Cavities hurt!"</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Child: </i> "Yeah, cavities are really bad!" (done brushing, rinsing, no tears so far. Inner goddess beaming)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Mr. Elephant</i>: "Is THAT your Potty?!? Cool! I wish I knew how to use the potty!"</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Child: </i>"I'll show you! Its easy! I can pee standing up!" (Holy Jesus, this is insane.)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Mr. Elephant</i>: "Wow! You're good at that! Let's wash our hands!"</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Child</i>: "Ok! you have to use soap to get rid of the germs." (LOVE how he's giving advice to the elephant)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Mr. Elephant</i>: "Can I see your room now?!"</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Child:</i> "OK! come on! I have monster truck pajamas!"</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Mr. Elephant</i>: "Wow they are awesome! Can you put them on by yourself?!"</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Child:</i> "Yes! This is what people wear to bed." (He proceeded to explain each step to the elephant)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Mr. Elephant</i>: "Can I sleep in your cool bed tonight?!"</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Child: </i>"Yes! You can sleep on my monster truck pillow!"</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Mr. Elephant</i>: "Oh boy!"</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Daddy entered at that point to read him a book. My son was beaming with pride at all that he accomplished, and how much he had taught his new friend. He owned bedtime, for once in his life. He showed someone else how the big kids do it, and he did it right. His eyes were glowing, and he went to sleep with a smile on his face, clutching the magical elephant.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am still in shock at the power of imagination; the joyful innocence of it all. The magical way in which his belief in the elephant gave HIM control at bedtime, and allowed him to feel like the "Big one". Which is all toddlers really want. They want control and power, just like adults. They want to<i><b> be heard. </b></i></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Puppets are a useful tool for all tantrum-inspiring moments of toddlerdom, not just bedtime; Leaving the playground, meals, naptime, sharing, sibling rivalry, anytime, you name it. Puppet awesomeness example #2: </span></span></div>
<b id="docs-internal-guid-162aac3c-5799-f922-a28d-cde669fb7895" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></span></b>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Scene: Dinner. Tired and hungry child refuses to come to table unless allowed to bring each and every one of his 18 monster trucks with him. </span></span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></span></b>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mood: Fear permeates the air. Parents heart rate begins to rise. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Child:</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> “I wanna eat dinner with my trucks! no!!!!” (as we attempt to pick him up and put him in his seat.) </span></span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></span></b>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The monster-jam obsessed kiddo was in a full fledged, red-faced, limb-swinging tantrum. Desperate, I grabbed the only stuffed animal in my line of sight. Enter Mr. Teddy and the magic of puppets. Dinner thus progressed magically, wonderfully and without further incident. Just the way I like it. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /><span style="font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><span style="font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Boo-yah.</span></span><br />
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<b><u><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Resources and Tips for Using Puppets with your Toddlers</span></u></b><br />
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<tr><td><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_MMF8GzTvpO0/S2JZs4EvlsI/AAAAAAAAAxQ/pGqpiJ5LD1M/s200/IMG_1378.JPG" height="150" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="200" /></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">TeachPreschool.com</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A great article on why puppets work, and how to use them well: (<a href="http://www.teachpreschool.org/2010/02/using-puppets-in-the-preschool-classroom/">Source: TeachPreschool.com</a>)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">More tips: </span><br />
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<ol>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Choose a puppet or stuffed animal that your child loves. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Change your voice enough so that its easier for the child to imagine they're talking to someone else. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Use a different personality; innocent, curious, excited, and fun. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ask questions to make your child feel in control like "How do you do that?" "What is that?" ect. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Talk to the puppet yourself, "Would you like a carrot too, (puppets name)?"</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The puppet should require that the same household rules be followed as you, and the puppet should always listen to mommy/daddy as well.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If your child doesn't respond, try again! Different puppet, different voice, different setting. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Children under the age of 5 are most likely to respond to puppets. </span></li>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Want to Tweet this? Just copy and paste!: </span></b><br />
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UZOLtczzKKktmS4FZ5XyDUUhOkYXx80kYJaR0jFq62H6jF8Mi/c42f6XJO8Tv/TNRxmP22DrIHgVujqMUuUkc+WmzR5xfgcaj95H3m7163uPuXlHjc5e1+GONR+8j7zd6b3H3Lyidzl7X4Y41H7yPvN3pvcfcvKI3OXtfhjjUfvI+83em9x9y8onc5e1+GONR+8j7zd6b3H3LyiNzl7X4Y41H7yPvN3pvcfcvKG5y9r8Mcaj95H3m703uPuXlDc5e1+GONR+8j7zd6b3H3Lyidzl7X4Y41H7yPvN3pvcfcvKG5y9r8Mcaj95H3m703uPuXlEbnL2vwxxqP3kfebvTe4+5eUNzl7X4Y4zH7bD1OB+y8y1GKPOSPcdNmlyi/BtckZDqKsjRMLY+eR4IaB0DFyxZvqMVwxq/wDZvwfS5N3kdL4LNzfyJHRR3Ga3n8bzi4/sOhciUnJ7UuZ2oQjCKjFcDaLyeggCAIAUB45slQPNr4YnHpaCgPlyFS/Dw9xu5AOQqX4eHuN3IByFS/Dw9xu5AOQqX4eHuN3IByFS/Dw9xu5AOQqX4eHuN3IByFS/Dw9xu5AOQqX4eHuN3IByFS/Dw9xu5AOQqX4eHuN3IByFS/Dw9xu5AfWHJMDDayGJp6GAID1gICUAQBAf/9k=" /></a><br />
<i>The Magical Tantrum Solution: Puppets! <a href="http://goo.gl/atST1s" style="background-color: white; color: #1155cc; font-family: arial; font-size: small;" target="_blank">goo.gl/atST1s</a> #parentingtips #toddlers #parenthood @potomacfallsmom</i><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thanks for reading! </span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">wishing joyful and pain-free days to all! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">~The PFM</span><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tags: Parenting, parenthood, son, toddlers, children, bedtime, potty-training, puppets, parenting tips, tantrums</span></i><br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04793878503614155694noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4929007281096890525.post-65887057715757795712014-02-15T14:47:00.002-08:002014-12-07T19:26:20.905-08:00My favorite products to reduce PAIN and feel better, today! Hello fellow spoonies and CP'ers! I have been living, and parenting, with chronic pain due to autoimmune disease for over 8 years. I have tried pretty much everything. Here is a list of my favorite, tried & true methods for pain reduction and relief. Some temporary, some for long-term relief. I hope some of them work for you as well! Wishing many pain-free days (or at least minutes) to you all! ~PFM<br />
<h3>
1) <a href="http://www.spoonkspace.com/">Spoonk </a></h3>
While traveling in San Francisco, an interesting spa product caught my eye. It promised reduction in pain, insomnia, and other things. It is designed to be an acupressure mat, and claims to stimulate multiple acupressure points at once. <i> </i> For me, it has become an ideal "emergency" pain reliever. <i>Why it works: </i>It increases blood flow to the areas being stimulated, and the multiple pressure points block all other nerve signals-- like PAIN! <br />
<a href="https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQXQbsB9uLAtarX_9ffgxHJPn-8IaSuY0DsRhsWQG6Cc3TCQ63Tvg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQXQbsB9uLAtarX_9ffgxHJPn-8IaSuY0DsRhsWQG6Cc3TCQ63Tvg" /></a><br />
The Spoonk hurts, but only at first! After about 5-10 minutes, you drift into a dream-like state of blissful comfort. When I am having a BAD pain day, and can't sleep, I lay on my spoonk for about 20-30 minutes. I lay with my knees under a pillow, with direct skin contact on the spoonk. Usually, I fall asleep within 15 minutes. Technically, you're not supposed to sleep on it, but remove it before drifting off. But when I do fall asleep, I wake up after about an hour, the effect wears off and the pressure points become painful again. If that happens, I just remove it and drift back to sleep. I. LOVE. THIS.<br />
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<h3>
2) <a href="http://www.dreamessentials.com/product-22/comfort-u-body-pillow">Comfort-U pillow</a></h3>
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RE0NXEo68S6kacwR1mVwrZyZUuqlhqBlOrVsuPj6c+3VMv+p/8RbXTn+86Nf5zzPEe0KloCTyyVm9eUi0PaDUv2aLnPL4cx5To/8AXGOW669Gxu1ghUXN7gnI+ksKO0UIvcWOlyBPNqG08ViTxLhgL5Eu4VQPJdZf4PY9ZiOOtwL+WkoHq7gn0tCbfPorg1q7RQg9r/bd8YwyPfiZ7dwHLvJuZGwOzadP4QSerEs3qxlisfztL4wtGio0HykykkZSSKYhAl4YZyVI2HGcky4kQhCMCEIQAhCEAJX7aH4Y/UPvLCQNtfy/+Q+8AqEEfQRmlJNMRkeSPLG0jojIjTwb/tA4nixWGojMpSZrDM/iOFH/ANc95fSeINhxj94azntUsJYd3FRsgB/9Quf+MmqjU7j7ujC4VEYDjI4n/W2bemnlNRh8MLWtFprEx+0EoLdjnyHMxeJ5p+b4h1qCW7QFh1tlMdvXisPW7FNAxH/iaW/RbM/TxjO09qPXJubL+UaefWQLTi3fkd8YuvVo55yQ6GBRPhAF9TzPiecm0xE4J0qWnJzrr6m0EBkodnMSuOI4RI745jkAZU5Er5MXYXj3/eZbsjnlKPBYGtWNlFgMyx7KKBqWaSsM6USTxcR/Na2XcOU1ny559Cct8KrbO7tEYovwiz9ojlxaHLvOfeTLjZuzKY0QegufHoO71vIVSr7+qGHwrlfkSehl9hEsJph5c23kqZQo6fQSbTW0YpAySgm8c9OJH6YjaLJCLKhHKYkqmIzSWSUEqJP0Y/GqQjsqEIQhGBCEIAQhCAEr9uA+77OZDA+WcsJA2y9kB/uH3gFFRrXFxyk/D1Awv5ech1MP2g6aN8Q6HrOqN1JuLBtel+RjJagTomR0rWsDzykfaO0lp65sRkO7qe6FshzG28hreTa4w2HqVj/QhIH5m0UeZIHnPP8A2Y7MNHDtWq51cS5qMefDc8PqSzf85M3uqnFotMuVUNxNzLEfCOVgLk262kMVnCLTU8KqoUW1sBbXynNnvnXRjovF9tbb60gVTtN8h4zK1cW1Rizkk9/0HdGKq5wBnLs23N069UxPqYGoBrJGC2RXqnspwj8z9keQ1M0WD3OpZGqWqHoSVW/6Qc/O8WGnPL6PPbhiy+GcubU1Zz/apb1tp5y8wO7lepm4WmO88R9Bl85ssHg0QBVUKByAsJORJ1Y/jT7cuX5NvpmcNuZT/rqO36eFR9CfnJdPcrDA3tUJ76jEehmiUQZpvNWE+mN2ZX7ZvejZbjCsmHIBFjw6AqDmLj18phsPsN73qkkdBa3nf4hPTNr4js8A1bXw/wA/vKClR4exy1X7iY7cJcutNezKY8QsNhQgHCBwn8otblppJ6Ue/wCUUUeXX5HqI+ik+I9DFJwreinTPX6R9EPWKiXkhFlyJJTWSaawppJCJLkIqLHkWIqx5FjJ2gncQRZRCEIQAhCEAIQhACV+2x+H/wAh95YSu26fw8vzD7wCrwr8OXKTVEg0zcXEm0jKSbxoCgN0Mx20MXx1HY/p/wDbkfK9/WavblbhpEnln5jSYg24T8pzb79Or8efaFXS8C2WcQVAoJY5SiXaj4mt7jDqTn235KvUnl3Tj828jr8SeViaL1G4aSlje19FX9TcvrNbu9sEUl4nYPUOpGg7lHLx5/Kd7Kwfu0CgXtzGX/XxltQpAZ2I87zq1aZPN9uTZut8T0k0qckos5px1ROnjntOIsfQRpI+kpLoSHtJmUBltlrccrH72k0SJtBuyRFfRs7RuVBOvPxJ1nbrfPmM4/TpaCdpSzt3Tn40N8Gh6xz3Wd47TpZW6SQtKVIDapHqa90dWnHlpyuF1yiR0LOgscVYyCrHAIARYyEWEIwIQhACEIQAhCEAJX7aPYH6h9DLCVG8tcJTQnT3qj1DQCqpdh+H+ltPGWFE2lfihofAiS6FS8pKj3zx4ASjzY38hf72lFjHVEz6SHvTtpf45g2QQBR45sfr8pktubbes4o0s2c2AHUzh25dy5Ho6sfjhLS4zF1MVVGHofE2pJyUDUnum/3b2GmEpBEBuc3e1yzcyf2lXuVu1/CqXqWaq+pHIclH1mtp1OQmmrX8Y59uz5VJQ3kmlIqSRTM3jGpaR5ZGptH1aUhIUx5IwkdUxg4ZDxeYksmMlb3iy9HPaGKU7FLOS/dTsU5nxfUZaUeWnHgk7CR8I2qRwLOwsW0ZEVZ1CLACEIQAixIsYEIQgBCEIAQhCAEyntJrcOFU/wDnL/8AF5q5lvaOE/g+2QB7xbX62b/MKGa2JvGCAlXTkek0XEPiU3W087wpo5BeJ26ICx+UvEwWONFhQpcFxl717HyHLzilJiN8ldsZwU2HFVOnMDSaDY+wKOHswXiqDVzmbnW3SZDZQdMeTiwy1lutm5E9O6batj0Fs730A+sxmM71vdlskW1CsdbyXTqjrM2uMZjrwqOnOS1r5ZTSM60FOvnJgfSZ2li7Dvk9MYCnF5ecuJq6V5IR5TjFA2IOv0kuhiMgZSVvTMfUyrw1ezFSfDzlijQB68XDrcX7422kl0EAUW6RU4TgnQWd2hJNzwxbRYhgBFiRRACEIQAiQJgYAoixBFjAhCEAIQhACEIQAjWJQEWIBz5i8IQCP7pRoAPAATgwhETy32y4VFbD1lUCozFSw1KgXAMymy2LOS2eUITPL2cXSmSUY2hCVFVHxNQ8evKWmGY+5J7z9DCEqe0/R7AueAZyzDnhOehH0hCVCqRi3PDxc7pnL5mPBfnaEIySeI8IllQ+EeAhCLI4ciQhJMRBCEAIsIQAiGEIBynOKsSERu1iwhKIQhCAEIQgH//Z" 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E0NXEo68S6kacwR1mVwrZyZUuqlhqBlOrVsuPj6c+3VMv+p/8RbXTn+86Nf5zzPEe0KloCTyyVm9eUi0PaDUv2aLnPL4cx5To/8AXGOW669Gxu1ghUXN7gnI+ksKO0UIvcWOlyBPNqG08ViTxLhgL5Eu4VQPJdZf4PY9ZiOOtwL+WkoHq7gn0tCbfPorg1q7RQg9r/bd8YwyPfiZ7dwHLvJuZGwOzadP4QSerEs3qxlisfztL4wtGio0HykykkZSSKYhAl4YZyVI2HGcky4kQhCMCEIQAhCEAJX7aH4Y/UPvLCQNtfy/+Q+8AqEEfQRmlJNMRkeSPLG0jojIjTwb/tA4nixWGojMpSZrDM/iOFH/ANc95fSeINhxj94azntUsJYd3FRsgB/9Quf+MmqjU7j7ujC4VEYDjI4n/W2bemnlNRh8MLWtFprEx+0EoLdjnyHMxeJ5p+b4h1qCW7QFh1tlMdvXisPW7FNAxH/iaW/RbM/TxjO09qPXJubL+UaefWQLTi3fkd8YuvVo55yQ6GBRPhAF9TzPiecm0xE4J0qWnJzrr6m0EBkodnMSuOI4RI745jkAZU5Er5MXYXj3/eZbsjnlKPBYGtWNlFgMyx7KKBqWaSsM6USTxcR/Na2XcOU1ny559Cct8KrbO7tEYovwiz9ojlxaHLvOfeTLjZuzKY0QegufHoO71vIVSr7+qGHwrlfkSehl9hEsJph5c23kqZQo6fQSbTW0YpAySgm8c9OJH6YjaLJCLKhHKYkqmIzSWSUEqJP0Y/GqQjsqEIQhGBCEIAQhCAEr9uA+77OZDA+WcsJA2y9kB/uH3gFFRrXFxyk/D1Awv5ech1MP2g6aN8Q6HrOqN1JuLBtel+RjJagTomR0rWsDzykfaO0lp65sRkO7qe6FshzG28hreTa4w2HqVj/QhIH5m0UeZIHnPP8A2Y7MNHDtWq51cS5qMefDc8PqSzf85M3uqnFotMuVUNxNzLEfCOVgLk262kMVnCLTU8KqoUW1sBbXynNnvnXRjovF9tbb60gVTtN8h4zK1cW1Rizkk9/0HdGKq5wBnLs23N069UxPqYGoBrJGC2RXqnspwj8z9keQ1M0WD3OpZGqWqHoSVW/6Qc/O8WGnPL6PPbhiy+GcubU1Zz/apb1tp5y8wO7lepm4WmO88R9Bl85ssHg0QBVUKByAsJORJ1Y/jT7cuX5NvpmcNuZT/rqO36eFR9CfnJdPcrDA3tUJ76jEehmiUQZpvNWE+mN2ZX7ZvejZbjCsmHIBFjw6AqDmLj18phsPsN73qkkdBa3nf4hPTNr4js8A1bXw/wA/vKClR4exy1X7iY7cJcutNezKY8QsNhQgHCBwn8otblppJ6Ue/wCUUUeXX5HqI+ik+I9DFJwreinTPX6R9EPWKiXkhFlyJJTWSaawppJCJLkIqLHkWIqx5FjJ2gncQRZRCEIQAhCEAIQhACV+2x+H/wAh95YSu26fw8vzD7wCrwr8OXKTVEg0zcXEm0jKSbxoCgN0Mx20MXx1HY/p/wDbkfK9/WavblbhpEnln5jSYg24T8pzb79Or8efaFXS8C2WcQVAoJY5SiXaj4mt7jDqTn235KvUnl3Tj828jr8SeViaL1G4aSlje19FX9TcvrNbu9sEUl4nYPUOpGg7lHLx5/Kd7Kwfu0CgXtzGX/XxltQpAZ2I87zq1aZPN9uTZut8T0k0qckos5px1ROnjntOIsfQRpI+kpLoSHtJmUBltlrccrH72k0SJtBuyRFfRs7RuVBOvPxJ1nbrfPmM4/TpaCdpSzt3Tn40N8Gh6xz3Wd47TpZW6SQtKVIDapHqa90dWnHlpyuF1yiR0LOgscVYyCrHAIARYyEWEIwIQhACEIQAhCEAJX7aPYH6h9DLCVG8tcJTQnT3qj1DQCqpdh+H+ltPGWFE2lfihofAiS6FS8pKj3zx4ASjzY38hf72lFjHVEz6SHvTtpf45g2QQBR45sfr8pktubbes4o0s2c2AHUzh25dy5Ho6sfjhLS4zF1MVVGHofE2pJyUDUnum/3b2GmEpBEBuc3e1yzcyf2lXuVu1/CqXqWaq+pHIclH1mtp1OQmmrX8Y59uz5VJQ3kmlIqSRTM3jGpaR5ZGptH1aUhIUx5IwkdUxg4ZDxeYksmMlb3iy9HPaGKU7FLOS/dTsU5nxfUZaUeWnHgk7CR8I2qRwLOwsW0ZEVZ1CLACEIQAixIsYEIQgBCEIAQhCAEyntJrcOFU/wDnL/8AF5q5lvaOE/g+2QB7xbX62b/MKGa2JvGCAlXTkek0XEPiU3W087wpo5BeJ26ICx+UvEwWONFhQpcFxl717HyHLzilJiN8ldsZwU2HFVOnMDSaDY+wKOHswXiqDVzmbnW3SZDZQdMeTiwy1lutm5E9O6batj0Fs730A+sxmM71vdlskW1CsdbyXTqjrM2uMZjrwqOnOS1r5ZTSM60FOvnJgfSZ2li7Dvk9MYCnF5ecuJq6V5IR5TjFA2IOv0kuhiMgZSVvTMfUyrw1ezFSfDzlijQB68XDrcX7422kl0EAUW6RU4TgnQWd2hJNzwxbRYhgBFiRRACEIQAiQJgYAoixBFjAhCEAIQhACEIQAjWJQEWIBz5i8IQCP7pRoAPAATgwhETy32y4VFbD1lUCozFSw1KgXAMymy2LOS2eUITPL2cXSmSUY2hCVFVHxNQ8evKWmGY+5J7z9DCEqe0/R7AueAZyzDnhOehH0hCVCqRi3PDxc7pnL5mPBfnaEIySeI8IllQ+EeAhCLI4ciQhJMRBCEAIsIQAiGEIBynOKsSERu1iwhKIQhCAEIQgH//Z" /></a></div>
I bought this when I was pregnant and still use it every night; my son is almost four. What else can I say? This thing is amazing. You can adjust it in any way you want to support whichever parts of your body you need. Sometimes I prop up my knees and neck, sometimes I sleep on my side. When I'm sick, I pull up the two legs against the backboard, and have a comfortable "nest" to read, check email, or maybe write a blog post ; )<br />
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<h3>
3) <a href="http://www.voltarengel.com/consumer/default.aspx">Voltaren gel</a></h3>
This is a prescription gel which is basically topical ibuprofen (advil). It is amazing in so many ways... you just have to put it where it hurts, it does not upset your stomach, and it works fast! I rub this on my lower back, shoulders, joints, ect., and it cuts the pain in half. Obviously, ask your doctor about this one!<br />
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<img src="data:image/jpeg;base64,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" /><br />
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<b>4) Epsom salt bath with <a href="http://www.amazon.com/NOW-Foods-Eucalyptus-Oil-ounce/dp/B0019LRZ2A/ref=sr_1_1?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1392500179&sr=1-1&keywords=eucalyptus+oil">Eucalyptus essential oil</a></b></h3>
Instantaneous pain relief and relaxation. You can get bags or cartons of epsom salt at any grocery or pharmacy, it is very cheap! I usually run a hot bath, pour in 2 cups of epsom salt, and 1/2 tsp of eucalyptus oil. <br />
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<a href="http://yourlifetube.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/EpsomSalt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://yourlifetube.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/EpsomSalt.jpg" /></a><i>Why it works</i>: Epsom salts increase your potassium and other natural salts, which are critical to proper muscle function. Eucalyptus oil causes a cooling sensation and helps block pain signals, and the warm water relaxes your muscles. <br />
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*Be sure to use LOTS of moisturizer after the bath (My favorite is<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Johnsons-Baby-Aloe-Vitamin-Ounces/dp/B000056JOM/ref=sr_1_2?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1392500420&sr=1-2&keywords=johnson+baby+oil+gel"> baby oil gel</a>)<br />
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</h3>
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</h3>
<h3>
5) <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Garden-Life-Oceans-Beyond-Softgels/dp/B00280M11Q/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1392501124&sr=8-1&keywords=omega+3+raw">Omega 3</a></h3>
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3 is the magic number! Lets start with Omega: </div>
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We have all heard that Omega 3 fatty acids are good for us; but people with chronic pain, arthritis, and other inflammatory conditions can benefit more than others. I take Omega 3 every day, and if I miss more than 2 days, there is a noticeable increase in my joint pain. My favorite is <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Garden-Life-Oceans-Beyond-Softgels/dp/B00280M11Q/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1392501124&sr=8-1&keywords=omega+3+raw">"Garden of Life"</a></div>
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<a 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" 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" /></a><i>Why it works:</i> Omega 3s interact with your cellular proteins, stimulating a range of antioxidant and, more importantly, <b>anti-inflammatory </b>effects. (source:<a href="http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/05/100502173503.htm"> Science Daily</a>) </div>
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6) <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Garden-Life-Vitamin-Multivitamins-Count/dp/B005JAT318/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1392501185&sr=8-1&keywords=d3+raw">Raw D3</a></h3>
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<i>Why it works: </i> Vitamin D does 2 important things for people with autoimmune disease; It gives your immune system a huge boost, reducing infections, colds, and viruses that can leave us bed-ridden. Additionally, recent, highly-publicized research has shown that Vitamin D can reduce pain and fatigue in Fibromyalgia, Lupus, and other autoimmune diseases. (Source: <a href="http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/01/140117090504.htm">Science Daily</a>)<br />
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<a href="https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTcjNfcBbru2pS0Pz7Haa8OD0WR09MbnVVGz9mCzDgMidmmug8aUQ" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTcjNfcBbru2pS0Pz7Haa8OD0WR09MbnVVGz9mCzDgMidmmug8aUQ" /></a>"Vitamin Code" Garden of Life raw D3 is amazing. It is made from dozens of vegetables, fruits, herbs, spices, and other plants to create the perfect blend of food-based, easily absorbable D3. I don't go a day without my D3. I used to get a cold or other virus about once a month, which lasted 2 weeks, thus I was sick 50% of the time, on top of my FM and MCTD, ugh. After starting D3, my infection rate has been cut in 1/2.<br />
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7) Heating pad/Stick on heat</h3>
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<i>Why it works: </i> Heat relaxes your muscles, while blocking pain signals at the same time. (Your brain is busy processing the feeling of heat, and the pain signals are less likely to get through).<br />
<a href="http://i01.i.aliimg.com/wsphoto/v0/1049791653/Pet-cat-font-b-dog-b-font-sofa-font-b-pad-b-font-cotton-nest-font.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i01.i.aliimg.com/wsphoto/v0/1049791653/Pet-cat-font-b-dog-b-font-sofa-font-b-pad-b-font-cotton-nest-font.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a><br />
When I have a long car trip, bad day at work, or have to fly, I use those stick-on heating pads available at pharmacies, like "<a href="http://www.amazon.com/ThermaCare-Lower-Wraps-Large-XL-2-Count/dp/B001G7QUXW/ref=sr_1_fkmr1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1392501808&sr=8-1-fkmr1&keywords=stick+on+heat+patch+thermacare">Thermacare</a>".<br />
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<i>For back pain: </i><br />
Lay the heating pad on a firm pillow, length-wise to cover your neck, shoulders, and back (Big dudes may need 2 ; ). Prop yourself up so you're sitting up and leaning against the heating pad (You should not lay on a heating pad). Put another pillow under your knees.<br />
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8) <a href="http://www.apma.org/Learn/FootHealth.cfm?ItemNumber=988">Proper shoe inserts</a></h3>
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If you have back pain, proper shoe inserts are crucial! I have "high arches" as well as as chronic back, hip, and knee pain. I recently bought arched supports (and a pair of cute ankle books :)) at Comfort One, a shoe store that caries <u>Healthy </u>shoes for back/foot/hip/knee pain. Ask your doctor for a recommendation. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://www.healthyblackwoman.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/red-patent-leather-pump-high-heel.jpg" height="278" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No, these are not "Healthy" shoes ; ) </td></tr>
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<i>why it works: </i> Proper inserts help align your spine, and provide proper back, foot, knee and hip support to reduce joint pain. </div>
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9) Start an<a href="http://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/features/anti-inflammatory-diet-road-to-good-health"> anti-inflammatory</a> and/or gluten-free diet! </h3>
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<span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">Gluten, as well as sugar and saturated fat can do the opposite of what we want; they INCREASE inflammation. Skipping or reducing these foods can greatly improve pain, and reduce fatigue. </span></h3>
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<a href="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2009/09/21/article-1215116-06884FD1000005DC-677_468x373.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2009/09/21/article-1215116-06884FD1000005DC-677_468x373.jpg" height="255" width="320" /></a>I live by this anti-inflammatory <a href="http://www.drweil.com/drw/ecs/pyramid/press-foodpyramid.html">food pyramid by Dr. Weil.</a> You can also view<a href="http://potomacfallsmama.blogspot.co.uk/2013/09/deliciousness-so-much-effective.html"> other blog posts</a> I've written on my own (wonderful) experiences with an anti-inflammatory diet. </div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Thanks for reading! I hope that some of these tips and ideas will help you in your own quest to reduce pain, fatigue, and inflammation. </span><br /><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I hope everyone feels like her now ; ) Good luck! </td></tr>
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<b>Follow me! You can enter your email in the upper left-hand corner of the blog, where it says "follow by email", Or, follow me on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/potomacfallsmama">Facebook</a>. </b></div>
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wishing joyful and pain-free days to all! </div>
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~The PFM</div>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">**Check out my new blog especially for parents with chronic illness: </span><a href="http://parentswithpain.com/" style="font-size: medium;">Parentswithpain.com</a><span style="font-size: small;">, and my childrens book on chronic pain, Fibromyalgia and Autoimmune Disease: "</span><a href="http://www.whydoesmommyhurt.com/" style="font-size: medium;">Why Does Mommy Hurt?" </a></span></h3>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Tags: Fibromyalgia, Spoonie, Lupus, inflammation, arthritis, chronic pain, health, gluten-free, anti-inflammatory, diet, lower back, pain. Multiple Sclerosis, Crohns, Ulcerative colitis. Mixed connective tissue disease. </span></i></span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04793878503614155694noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4929007281096890525.post-57872373858661194372014-02-06T21:54:00.003-08:002014-03-05T20:08:40.167-08:00Helminithic Therapy: It works!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I can hardly believe it has already been 8 months since I started my helminithic therapy journey; In the briefest terms possible, it has been the more dramatic, mind-blowing, and wonderful decision of my life. In more extensive details... well, read on!<br />
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8 months ago, I infected myself with parasites; hookworms to be exact. Its one of those things that makes people say "If someone told me I was going to do this 2 years ago, I wouldn't have believed them." I, like more Americans, believed parasites were disgusting, dirty, horrible organisms that should be destroyed at all costs.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I want to be your friend!</td></tr>
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Now, I am in awe of the power of parasites, the ways in which they can (and do) live in symbiosis with their host, and the complex ways in which they have evolved along with their hosts. I now consider my hookworms (about 45 to be exact), to be a part of my body; as critical and vital to its function as any organ, and as welcome as my own blood. They have completed my physical being, like a long-lost friend. They are helping my broken immune system to heal; they are giving me a hope that I had abandoned years and years ago, when I realized that my conditions would be life-long, the treatments barely effective, and the prognosis grim. <br />
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2 weeks ago, I received my final (at least for the next few years) dose of hookworms, bringing my count up to the 'therapeutic' level of 30-45. In actuality, I began to notice the crippling symptoms of my autoimmune diseases fading about 1 month after my second dose in October. However, it is a slow process, obvious in the title of this post. The treatment is not without side effects; I am currently in a "flare" caused by the latest hookworm infection. My autoimmune diseases (MCTD/lupus, Fibromyalgia, Raynauds, and Autoimmune hepatitis), have been exacerbated by the introduction of the latest dose, as it was with each previous dose. This has not dettered me however; the flare usually only lasts a few weeks; and what follows is a blissful state of NORMAL. I. Feel.<i> Normal</i>. Read: hardly and severe, debilitating, mind-numbing, exhausting, unrelenting P.A.I.N. Energy levels on par with other people my age, as opposed to narcoleptics and flu-patients. The ability to get up in the morning without wanting to cry from the pain, dizziness, and crippling fatigue. The ability to think and speak clearly. <i> The ability to play with my son, do the laundry, brush. my. teeth. </i>Basically, all things I completely took for granted before I got sick, and which I had waved goodbye to for good, so I thought.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Normal"</td></tr>
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Last night, I was unable to sleep, due to extreme pain. The entire left side of my body was on fire. I started sobbing uncontrollably. Something I had never really done before. Because I know what its like now to feel well, and thus, this flare is bitter and intolerable. It reminds me strongly of the 2-hour period before I received my epidural while in labor with my son. I had been fighting for over 15 hours, in such extreme pain that all I could do during contractions was stare at a wimpy sapling out the window and be "inside" the tree. When I knew that relief was coming, my courage faltered, as did my stamina and pain tolerance. So now, as I wait for this flare to abate, and wait for my "hookworm-i-dural", I have also found that I'm less tolerant of the pain.<br />
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Side effects; yes. However, the side effects of helminithic therapy are pathetically mild when compared to any other drug used to treat autoimmune disease; they don't cause cancer, wild mood swings, loss of vision, liver damage, ect. They just make you feel your disease for a few weeks, and maybe get a mild rash and stomach ache. But unlike the drugs, the rash/stomach ache and flare are temporary!! =D Then, you just get well. It's like getting married; at first it might be a little rocky when you move in together, but you learn to live with eachother. Eventually, you realize your spouse is actually your rock. They complete you; they support you; they inspire you to do things you'd never had the courage or motivation to do before. You are a part of them, and they you. Just like my lil' buddies. Just like falling in love, I see the world in a whole new light. I see possibilities and hope where I once saw nothing but blackness and despair. My new love affair with life has begun.<br />
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I encourage anyone with Autoimmune diesase, especially Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Crohns Disease, severe allergies and Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) [These are the most highly-researched diseases with extremely high rates of remission (upwards of 90%)*] to look into this treatment; it might be a good option for you!. There have also been success stories with Autism and dozens of other autoimmune (or suspected autoimmune) disease. I have a rare disease, thus I'm basically it when it comes to research, thus I am a sort of guinea pig. But I decided to try it based on all of the amazing results that people with other AI diseases have had, and it is working for me. There IS hope. Besides, if it doesn't work, all you have to do is eat some canned whipped cream! Yup; hookworms are intolerant to nitrous oxide. kills em. Thus my biggest issue with the lil rascals is that I can't get my favorite frappucinos with whipped cream anymore *cry*. But its worth it.... it is SO freaking worth it!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Good thing you can make whipped cream at home ; )</td></tr>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><u>Original Post: "They work! They work! (Helminithic therapy) </u>12/13</span></b><br />
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Sorry for the masssive delay in posting... but I have very fabulous news today! The results are in... the hookworms WORK! My dream has come true! I'm actually only 1/2 way through my helminithic treatment, with 15 more to go in January, at the moment I have between 15-20 hookworms, so I can't wait to see the results of my full dose.<br />
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I'm going to keep it short for now (you'll why understand soon), and write more later.<br />
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I stopped taking my celebrex a month ago, and cut my Imuran (immunosuppresant) in half. A few times, especially recently, I get out of bed without noticing that I didn't take my tramadol (pain med) and adderall- formerly REQUIRED in order to function just enough to get myself and my son ready in the morning. The changes were so subtle, slowly improving every day, that I hardly noticed. Then, this happened:<br />
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A couple of weeks ago, my family got sick, and we didn't get better. Turned out that we all had strep-pneumonia and were prescribed 2 courses of intense antibiotics. Unfortunately for me, antibiotics suppress the function of hookworms.... they don't die, but they apparently 'go to sleep'. Today is my 3rd day on this antibiotic (a sulfa). At 6 am, I woke with an intense, horrible, and searing pain in my joints. My fingers are swollen, so much so that the creases on some of my knuckles have disappeared. It even hurts to type, thus why I'm keeping it short. I can't even bend a few of them. My knee is so painful that I can't walk without a pronounced limp. My neck, lower back, shoulders... everything hurts!<br />
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It was such a shock that I immediately assumed I was dying or had some horrible reaction to my medicine. I almost called 911. Then, I realized it was raining, with a massive cold front coming in (not a good forecast for joint pain!), and it hit me: "OMG, the hookworms... the antibiotics.... they work! This is how I used to feel, almost every day. This was my life, not 6 months ago. How in Gods name did I manage to survive?" I immediately began weeping tears of joy... THEY. WORK.<br />
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Now this "song" is in my head:<br />
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Go Hookworms! go go! Go Hookworms! go go! its ur birthday, go go! , its ur birthday!! I think I made it up, but maybe it was implanted in my brain by the little guys. Parasites, you never know what they're up to!<br />
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The most unfortunate aspect of this is that the antibiotics can make them sleep for up to 8 weeks, Cry. Back on my Celebrex and Imuran I go, sadly, but also with joy. I now know that the pain is temporary, where I used to see nothing but bleakness and struggle in my future. I can't wait for the best Christmas present of all, which will be arriving in January... some more hookworms!! What more could a girl want?<br />
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"This American Life" did an episode on hookworms, and interviewed the original guy who started autoimmune therapies. VERY interesting story! I think its act 3 or 4<br />
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Resources:<br />
Search "Helminithic therapy" on<a href="http://clinicaltrials.gov/"> clinicaltials.gov</a> to find peer-reviewed research articles (US research)<br />
<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Helminthic_therapy">wikipedia page</a> on helminithic therapy<br />
<a href="http://autoimmunetherapies.com/">Autoimmunetherapies.com</a><br />
<a href="http://www.healthline.com/health/crohns-disease/hook-worms">Healthline article</a> on heliminithic therapy and Crohns<br />
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And to all of you, I hope you have a pain-free, energy filled day, and life! (parasite host or not ; )<br />
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Thanks for reading!<br />
<b><i>Follow me by entering your email in the upper left-hand corner of the blog, where it says "follow by email", Or follow me on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/potomacfallsmama">Facebook</a>. </i></b><br />
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<b>Got kids? Check out my new <a href="http://goo.gl/4paESu">childrens book on Chronic Pain and Fibromyalgia!</a></b><br />
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Tags: fibro, chronic pain, spoonies, hope, fatigue, lupus, autoimmune, connective tissue disease, hookworms, helminithic, worm therapy, alternative health, homeopathic, fibromyalgia, parasites, hygiene hypothesis</span></i>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04793878503614155694noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4929007281096890525.post-46267053833859581642014-02-03T21:06:00.001-08:002014-02-14T22:56:00.687-08:00Some silly Haiku; For laughter or eye-rolling; It's my best I swear. :o)<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">I thought of one today while working, and now my brain can only communicate through Haiku. I think I may need a Psychiatrist. But that is tomorrow. Today, please enjoy the neurotic outpourings of brain owned by one PFM. </span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b><i>On house work: </i></b></span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Why does it seem that</span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">My house regurgitates every</span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Mess that I pick up</span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">A Womens work, it's</span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">never done. Ain't that the truth.</span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">The circle of strife</span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b><i>On Parenting: </i></b></span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">My son has ears but</span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">They are able to block all</span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Words that Mommy speaks</span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Tornado child</span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Hurricane boy who tears through</span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">The world he loves so</span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">His eyes so brightly</span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Bring forth a joy I can't</span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Begin to fathom</span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b><i>On Autoimmune disease/Fibromyalgia: </i></b></span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">I love happy dreams</span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">But waking up a nightmare</span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">I can't move my knees.</span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b><i>On Narcolepsy/Extreme fatigue: </i></b></span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Occasionally</span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">My entire body can</span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">No longer work, sleep. </span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b><i>On Raynauds Phenomenon:</i></b></span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">When there's a slight chill</span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">My feet disappear</span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">I stomp them to check</span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b><i>On life. You know, in 'general'. </i></b></span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Exhausted but strong</span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Full of light and depression</span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Sometimes I'm confused. </span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b><i>On the most important lesson of my 30-something years. </i></b></span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Superman, hello? </span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">When does my rescue squad show?</span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Oh, I guess its me. </span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b><i>On Haiku</i></b></span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">I learned this in school</span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">When I was about seven</span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">I strongly felt hate.</span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">But now I'm thirty</span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">and I have an obsession</span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">with making you laugh</span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Oh lord, when will it end? I will be dreaming about cherry blossoms and Iambic pentameter tonight. </span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Follow me by email: Upper left hand corner of blog. By spam-free "Feedburner"! Thank you!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><i>Tags: fibromyalgia, autoimmune, lupus, crohns, multiple sclerosis, fatigue, parenthood, funny, poetry, moms</i></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04793878503614155694noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4929007281096890525.post-14550377005758304682014-02-03T18:00:00.000-08:002014-02-03T18:00:02.695-08:00Kindermusik of Ashburn, VA; The best music class for babies and toddlers in Northern VA! <div style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMhCHPFiGbLUclNz8ooJ8HaMISvoIsfsxphenol3_NJavOF8gdt1yjBPv675uK_i3yiUdPMZljfIP8DaheEVpIMb5CrUciOM8gBoxUfIPsD3I36wWVyPFP7CoLFcoBS18f3qdAmTaMtMk/s1600/group2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMhCHPFiGbLUclNz8ooJ8HaMISvoIsfsxphenol3_NJavOF8gdt1yjBPv675uK_i3yiUdPMZljfIP8DaheEVpIMb5CrUciOM8gBoxUfIPsD3I36wWVyPFP7CoLFcoBS18f3qdAmTaMtMk/s1600/group2.jpeg" height="281" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Teacher engaging the kids</td></tr>
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I have taken my son to several music classes for toddlers; all purporting to enrich cognitive development, encourage musical awareness, and engage the child in a fun environment, some of which have been extremely expensive. The ONLY class that has managed to achieve all three, while still being affordable, has been<a href="http://www.kindermusik.com/"> Kindermusik</a>. Founded by Amy Copley in Winchester a few years ago, the business has now opened a new location in Ashburn! (yay!) They are now enrolling (see below). </div>
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We learned about Kindermusik when one of the instructors reached out to my moms meetup group, <a href="http://www.meetup.com/Potomac-Falls-Moms-for-a-better-community/">Potomac Falls Moms for a better Community</a>, and offered a free demo. I was skeptical at first, imagining crazy toddlers running around, screaming, and banging on very loud, very annoying instruments. I was very, very wrong! </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiYvOjhhxt8SheWpaLtBCpR_4th-OU4H4O1bnLhZDQFl97TlQBMEgZf0-wJlPf8Zn54h82cSYh2h6EL8iwAFbOP6mc8qBvZ70PP4uvCJIUS4UVlf-mWOqx1A8fW9ethu6d47RDSeH9lJc/s1600/music-supplies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiYvOjhhxt8SheWpaLtBCpR_4th-OU4H4O1bnLhZDQFl97TlQBMEgZf0-wJlPf8Zn54h82cSYh2h6EL8iwAFbOP6mc8qBvZ70PP4uvCJIUS4UVlf-mWOqx1A8fW9ethu6d47RDSeH9lJc/s1600/music-supplies.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Very organized, lots of cool stuff!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoPMLHFZs6KBwlzlwAhhInGUTJHmpBDHR3QrKQQ_NLvSSLQMt81s74T3ky0PxsH2mzDg-5Bjj28zgBmQGW-bSmKI_eNAv7l8qyiWRUecoZsWKDlTjBkKgm8oXxzrtEZzVl15Nm60Zt3NE/s1600/music-binder.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoPMLHFZs6KBwlzlwAhhInGUTJHmpBDHR3QrKQQ_NLvSSLQMt81s74T3ky0PxsH2mzDg-5Bjj28zgBmQGW-bSmKI_eNAv7l8qyiWRUecoZsWKDlTjBkKgm8oXxzrtEZzVl15Nm60Zt3NE/s1600/music-binder.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Well thought out lesson plans</td></tr>
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The class is very structured, and the instructor knew exactly how to engage, focus, and entertain the children, while teaching them valuable musical/cognitive skills at the same time. Each activity was 1-3 minutes, [perfect for a toddlers attention span!] and focused on a different cognitive/musical skill. The instructor explained the cognitive skill being taught before each activity for the parents, then clearly explained the activity to the children. There was circle time, marching, learning different beats (whole notes, half notes ect.), and sing-a-longs/dance time. For each activity, there was a new instrument or toy for the children to use; shakers, bells, and even little trains and cars for a 'choo choo train" song! When a child was shy or didn't want to participate, the teacher gently engaged them without pressuring too much. She was fabulous! </div>
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All of the instructors are very well educated musically and can play a variety of instruments. I have a piano and our instructor played an amazing rendition of the Charlie Brown theme song! More importantly, they also all have valuable experience working with young children. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRW6pRMw8Ie7Zamc_My_iXh6LQCap3R8IAz3n99OL8O6197QZKVOQmP9gmJtey6TtWOdYcUwRK_LGA_qohA8vxrqAYekHChX4OWU8bSaMl-ldDQ6tRvkP4R-53DH1eUz7jzr0hvNoikgE/s1600/piano.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRW6pRMw8Ie7Zamc_My_iXh6LQCap3R8IAz3n99OL8O6197QZKVOQmP9gmJtey6TtWOdYcUwRK_LGA_qohA8vxrqAYekHChX4OWU8bSaMl-ldDQ6tRvkP4R-53DH1eUz7jzr0hvNoikgE/s1600/piano.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Teacher skillfully playing piano</td></tr>
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My favorite part was the "calm down/cuddle time" at the end. During this period, she played a quiet song and instructed the children to cuddle with their parent. My son laid down next to me, closed his eyes, and cuddled with me for the entire song; it was amazing and wonderful. (He generally does not stop moving from the time he wakes up until the moment he falls asleep). </div>
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For more information or to enroll, see the information below. <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg271ZBC_GigW6n1x6eq-bAyUNC_qxdhnzGB3B3550ibZa5EJd86CavXmdHQdIAvezTcQ0R4JMPniEI7oR1Y1Nw4L5PKleygyE8Y5_X4s_MID97d8bbE9KRMUVn1zsCwNvG-xlIG_kKdvY/s1600/G-clap.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg271ZBC_GigW6n1x6eq-bAyUNC_qxdhnzGB3B3550ibZa5EJd86CavXmdHQdIAvezTcQ0R4JMPniEI7oR1Y1Nw4L5PKleygyE8Y5_X4s_MID97d8bbE9KRMUVn1zsCwNvG-xlIG_kKdvY/s1600/G-clap.jpeg" height="320" width="283" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fun for all!</td></tr>
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<b style="color: #00d900; font-size: 36px; text-align: center;">Where: </b><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 36px; text-align: center;">Willams Martial Arts & Fitness</span><b style="color: #00d900; font-size: 36px; text-align: center;"> </b></div>
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<tr><td style="color: #222222; line-height: 1.24; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" valign="top"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-large;">43930 Farmwell Hunt Plaza, Ashburn, VA 20147</span></td></tr>
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<b style="color: #00d900; font-size: 36px;">Cost: First Class is always FREE </b></div>
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<b style="color: #00d900; font-size: 36px;"> </b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Then $73 per month </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Please RSVP so instructor knows you are coming</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">(FREE gift if you sign up after class on 2/4/14)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 36px;"><b style="color: #00d900;">Future Classes:</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Mondays <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_152859020" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">10:45-11:30</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_152859021" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Tuesday 1:30-2:15</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Call if you are interested in any of these times</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 36px;"><b style="color: #00d900;">Where Music and Learning Play</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">From dancing with your baby to hearing the notes of your child’s first composition, Kindermusik is that one special place where you and your child can play, sing, dance, and giggle together. A trained, licensed Kindermusik educator joyfully guides the class from one activity to the next and helps you understand what your child is learning musically, cognitively, and developmentally.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #00ca00; font-size: 36px;"><b><a href="http://www.kindermusik.com/">www.kindermusik.com</a></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #00ca00; font-size: x-large;"><b>Contact Ms. Amy <a href="mailto:msamybville@gmail.com" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">msamybville@gmail.com</a> </b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #00ca00; font-size: x-large;"><b><a href="tel:%28571%29%20224-2507" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank" value="+15712242507">(571) 224-2507</a></b></span></div>
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