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A CURIOUS JOURNEY WITH GEORGE
Sharlene+2 |
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MOTHER'S DAY...
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May 06, 2008 09:04am (EST)
This day has mixed emotions for me.
Taylor was born in 1995, full term and healthy, making me a new mom who knew NOTHING about what that entailed. She did and still is, 12 1/2 years later, teaching me all about motherhood and life! She is my mirror image in so many ways. She was born in September, so my first Mothers Day with her was 1996, in my arms. What a great day that was for us. I was blessed by this beautiful child that I still had not fully figured out but was head over heals in love nonetheless. 
In 1998, I had two children in my arms. I had Taylor, now 2 1/2 and full of life. I had George Daniel, now 3 months old, premature, tiny, with a heart defect, and so much the other love in my life. What a day that was. I know we spent it at my in-laws but I do not remember much else, except for spending time with my kids and holding them close. That time was such a blur for me. It was only 3 weeks later that he left my arms forever...but never my heart.
I will always remember those days with him. I will always remember the smile on his face and that sweet baby smell. I will always cherish getting to meet him, hold him in my arms, hear him cry, laugh, coo, and see him smile. I will always cherish the time I "did" have.
I don't know what we'll do this Mother's Day. I know the day before I'm going with my mom and my sister on our annual Mother's Day Out doing whatever our hearts desire to get away. It's fun to get together with them and just "relax" and go to garage sales & thrift stores...and just shop!! I'm sure Taylor will take me out to lunch or make me something...as she does most years. She's so sweet nowadays I'm curious to see what I end up with from her!! 
I know I'll think of George Daniel and wish I could hold him in my arms, but I know that he is being held for me....and that brings me comfort!!
Know that if this Mother's Day, you are missing a child/children, my heart goes out to you. It is not fair that it happens that way, but know that you are not alone and there is respite in support. Try to blog about your experience/your day, it helps to get it out.
To all mothers.....God bless you this Mother's Day!!
George Daniel & I on our first and only Mother's day together:
Mommy and Me
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Posted by Sharlene+2 | Comments: (5) | Permalink
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WHAT A WEEKEND....
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May 05, 2008 06:12am (EST)
We had a good weekend, for the most part. Spent it with family, birthday parties, friends, and some "weird" ones!!
I play softball with my work team and we had our first games on Friday night. We lost both (man that other team was GOOD) and realized we need MORE practice, but had a LOT of fun. Then we took Taylor and went with my niece & nephew to see Iron Man. Good movie (what I didn't sleep through  - long day)!!
Saturday was the twins birthday party. They turned four yesterday. They are growing so fast and so funny to watch grown and flourish. Gracie was so sweet and after they opened presents, she came around and said (in her sweet SOFT voice) "thank you fow coming to my pawty evewybody" - SO SWEET!!! Callie was just happy to be there and have presents and cake. Everytime someone else showed up her & Gracie would meet them at the sidewalk to see the presents they had for them. It was so cute. It was held at an area park and the clown came out for about an hour to entertain and do face painting. Fun morning for them and I know they had a blast.
Taylor had a Girl Scout outing Saturday night at the mall. They had a bottle cap drive (part of taking care of your earth) and the patrol (her troop is so big they break up into patrols of 4-5 girls) with the most bottle caps gets a special treat. Taylor's patrol won so they got to go to the mall, have photos taken with the Aveda personnel (sponsoring this drive) and the Samaritan House lady who was benefiting from this also. I was very proud of Taylor and all this meant to her and her patrol. Afterwards they went for ice cream...always a big hit!! (pictures below)
After that, we went to hang out with some friends. Another friend of ours was there, with his new girlfriend. Let's just say, she made the weekend INTERESTING and she left Sunday night...but not by her choice. She overstepped her bounds when it came to our kids and was asked/told to leave...and NOT come back. Why can't he find NORMAL girls to date?! 
Sunday morning Taylor went with Girl Scouts to an "Earth Day" exhibit (a few weeks after the fact, but good nonetheless). She had a blast and learned a lot about her economy, recycling, and what is good for her world and how to help take care of it. She came home ALL excited about what she's learned and ready to put it to use!!
All in all the weekend was good, fun, and pretty relaxing.
20080503_ShapeAvedaRecycleProj (10)
20080503_ShapeAvedaRecycleProj (14)
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Posted by Sharlene+2 | Comments: (6) | Permalink
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OUR FIRST MARCH FOR BABIES....
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Apr 29, 2008 05:19am (EST)
Sunday was our first ever March for Babies! Although the name has changed, the Walk was still the same energy and excitement!!
It was a good day. It started to rain in the early hours, but stopped for the actual walk. It was a bit windy and chilly, but nothing we weren't prepared for.
We had some bumps in the road as far as our Family Team table, as my partner in crime got ill and had all the stuff at her house, but you know what...it all worked out and I have new ideas for next year with all that time I got to spend walking around the festivities and starting to Walk later than the rest.
My team consisted of a few gals from work, their kiddos, and a few of their friends and kiddos. I think we ended up with about 10 of us, which wasn't bad for the questionable weather.
At the end of our walk, the Star Wars crew was standing by greeting us. The boys walking with us were ecstatic (see photos below). Taylor also had to have a photo taken, and as you can see, she got her face painted, and as always, she does nothing halfway!! That's my girl!!
I got to see Elizabeth, her awesome kiddos, always so happy and full of life, and her fantastic "Tucker's Miracles" team (her team was so big I had to keep backing up to take their photo) Go Elizabeth!!!
I have to say, the highlight of my walk was a girl that came to the Family Team table with a "proud to be a NICU graduate" sweatshirt on. I talked to her a bit, found out she was a 23 weeker, weighed 1lb. 2oz. at birth...and unbeknowest to me, she is now 25 years old She was small for her age (I'd have guessed her at 18 maybe) but her attitude about life and how lucky she was amazed me!! I was blessed to have met her!!! What an inspiration she is to me!!
We did pretty good on fundraising, considering the way the economy is. I have to say...never lose hope...it'll all come together in the end. With three of us raising money, we've come to a total of $525 - with more money still coming in. Not a whole let, but for three of us, I think we did pretty good!! Next year I'll have a work team together and I'll get more going that way!! Looking forward to M4B09!!
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On a separate note, tornodoes hit close to home last night. Suffolk is about 30minutes from us and we have family and friends out there. My cousin was following the funnel cloud home from work to get to his kids before it hit. We're from MI and in VA there are no basements, so he threw them in the tub and put a mattress over them. Luckily, his house was spared, as was his neighbors, but the rest of his neighborhood is a mess he said.
We have not seen the full results yet out there, I'm sure we'll venture out this weekend to help where we can. Please keep this community in your prayers.
Suffolk Tornadoes
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A few blogs ago, I mentioned a friend who is newly pregnant and scared, needed prayers, as she's been through three miscarriages. She lost the baby this past weekend, she was approximately 8-9 weeks along. Please keep her and her family in your prayers!!
That's it for me folks!!
Happy Tuesday!!
Tomorrow is the Mother's Day chat at 3pm!! Calling all Mothers!!!
HPIM2034
Taylor M4B08
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Posted by Sharlene+2 | Comments: (8) | Permalink
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M4B08 VIRGINIA BEACH
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Apr 25, 2008 02:31pm (EST)
This Sunday is our walk. We've been a bit "slack" as far as fundraising goes this year, but we're getting there. It always seems to happen last minute, every year.
Our team has grown this year from about 10 to 20, which is great.
Plus, I got to talk to our human resources at work this year and we've already got plans for a new team at work next year.
So although the fundraising isn't top notch this year (I know...every DIME counts)...the awareness is going around and I've been sending out e-mails through work and personal to keep the pot a burning!!
We found out we have National Office visitors coming to our walk this year, so I think some of our office staff is a bit stressed!!
Can't wait to come here and talk all about it on Monday and share pictures!!
To all who are Marching this weekend....prayers for good weather!!
HUGS!!!
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Posted by Sharlene+2 | Comments: (6) | Permalink
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200 BLOGS...WHAT IT ALL MEANS
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Apr 15, 2008 10:49am (EST)
I realized my last blog (well..it was pointed out to me...thank you Darcy) was my 200th!
I was going to attach to this blog my M4B newsletter for my work, but decided it would be more appropriate to explain what Share really means to me and how far I've come since I found this amazing site.
The date was...April 11, 2005 (approximately 3 years ago)...was the first day I logged onto Share as a new member. I'm not sure how I got directed to Share, but I'm so glad I did.
My first blog was August 4, 2005 How it all started...
200 blogs and 3 years later...here is what I've learned about Share and the peole it emcompasses.
Three years ago, as I journeyed onto Share, I was broken, lost, confused, looking for support, looking for answers, looking for someone who had been where I was to talk to
I found healing in reading others stories and sharing mine
My clouds of darkness cleared up to sunny skies
I found support, people who understood the pain I felt on a daily basis
I found answers....so many that I didn't even know I needed, but found healing through them regardless
I found people who had walked in my shoes...who knew my pain...my daily struggle...and were with me every step...every day...to help me see the rainbow that was waiting for me after the rain cleared away.
I found friends
I found close friends
I found real genuine people
I found a system of support set up by the March of Dimes that I am forever grateful for
I found education, awareness, and encouragement
I found my home away from home...a place I cannot wait to come to - to share my day...my ups, my downs, my inbetweens...for I know it will all be welcomed with open minds...open hearts...and open arms!!
If you are struggling today...with a rough pregnancy, loss, premature baby, birth defects...I encourage you to reach out to Share and hold on tight...you are in for the healing and supportive ride of your life.
We are here
We are Share
We welcome you with open minds...open hearts...and open arms
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Posted by Sharlene+2 | Comments: (7) | Permalink
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WHAT A WEEKEND!!
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Apr 14, 2008 06:02am (EST)
I wish I could come here and say what an awesome and relaxing weekend I had. But it was FAR from that....relaxing, maybe a little, but not awesome. 
I've not wished for a Monday in quite some time.
Will had his competition on Friday (no plumbers crack involved...I think belts were required... - I know what you were thinking Page & Karen [and secretly Kelly]). They started with 5 contestants. One guy dropped out after a few hours and realizing he had really messed up. The other 4 finished. Awards dinner came around, Will was convinced he didn't place in the top three...I wasn't convinced. He came in 4th place (out of 4 remaining). That started off a WEIRD and confusing weekend!
He's a male (no foul intended)...they have high egos to attain to. Getting 4th (and being beaten by a girl) really takes it's toll when it's something you do EVERY day. I tried all weekend to explain to him how great he is and he tried his best, and how talented he really is. To no avail.
THANK GOD for good friends!! I was talking to my best friend last night and she had a great idea about calling on someone who he looks up to to intervene to make him feel better!! THANK GOD for good friends!!! She is SOOO smart...one of the many reasons I love her and we get along so well!
So...since Will was at his uncles for a few hours, I placed a call to the ONE person I know he looks up to...without question....his boss. He & his boss have a great relationship and he really admires him and what he represents. I adore his boss also, and when I placed the call, and explained the situation, he felt so bad for NOT calling Will before this. He promised to call back in a few hours to talk with him (without him knowing that I called).
After he called and Will talked with him.....things looked a LOT different at my house. I could instantly tell he felt better about himself. His boss told him that he was proud of him for even going out there and competing...and finishing. That was a big deal. He apologized for not making it out Friday as he got tied up in the office. He told Will over and over how proud he was of him for trying his best...and that everyone fails sometimes...the important thing is to get back up and keep trying. What a guy!!!
So last night got better but I'd like to forget this whole weekend if I could!!
Hope this week only gets better from here!!
Ever felt like something was "wrong"?! Yep...that was the feeling!!
Please keep my friend here in your thoughts & prayers. She just found out (hasn't told anyone but me) that she is pregnant and has had two previous miscarriages at 12 weeks. She has a 5 year old from her previous marriage, but this would be their first (third pregnancy) with her current man...who is going to make a GREAT father!! She's worried and excited all at the same time!! I can't reveal her name here for obvious reasons!! God knows who she is!!!
HUGS AND LOVE ALL AROUND!!!
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Posted by Sharlene+2 | Comments: (7) | Permalink
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TGIF!!!
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Apr 11, 2008 12:37pm (EST)
I love Friday!! I really do. Especially after traveling for work two days out of the week.
I'm back from Chicago. It was interesting. I've only ever driven through Chicago, so it was interesting to see parts of Chicago I've never even driven through. It's just tiring flying in one day, and out the next, with layovers.
But, I'm back...and truly, there is NO PLACE like home!!
Will is in a plumbing competition today (I know...weird...I know) but he was pretty excited and nervous about it. There were only 5 people competing (apprentices) and the top 2 go to Nationals in Atlanta, GA. There is an awards dinner tonight in the hotel it was held at, a nice local waterfront hotel. The sponsors of this event paid for my dinner tonight and a hotel room for us for tonight. We are SO excited. We need this night alone, in a nice hotel. Cool thing is this is where they held my work Christmas party and they had some nice blues music playing downstairs in the bar area. We're really looking forward to that, especially with me just coming back into town.
I commend you that do it a lot. I am not a big traveler. I don't mind it, but HATE being away from my family. Taylor cried (I was gone one night) and I had to sing her to sleep on the phone. Will was lonely. I was lonely. It was miserable. What's a girl to do?
Anyways, I'll let you know how this weekend goes. Not a whole lot planned after tonight but family time. Took Taylor to see Nim's Island last weekend! GOOD MOVIE!! More for the older (7+ crowd) but good!!
Have a good weekend!
Congratulations to Patty & Nelson on their new "expected bundle"!!
HUGS!!!
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Posted by Sharlene+2 | Comments: (5) | Permalink
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FUN AT EASTER
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Mar 26, 2008 05:58am (EST)
I realized in my last blog I didn't mention how much FUN Taylor had.
She's at that ripe age of 12 where she's stuck between the little kids and the teenagers...she is by every stretch of the word...a pre-teen. So she helped "hide" the Easter eggs then delighted while she helped the little ones "find" said Easter eggs. She TRULY is a mother hen!!
12. It brings SO much with it. She'll be 13 in less than 6 months...I am SO not ready for that. I don't think she is ready for that. She enjoys being a pre-teen. She's so good at it. The attitude alone is enough to make me pull my hair out. We're working on that...while I still have hair. I WILL NOT have an out of control teen. I'm funny, right?! Like it's up to me!!
We went to my sisters on Saturday to color eggs with the twins - as it's always more fun with other people. Taylor had a blast coloring eggs, drawing on them, helping the girls color their eggs and make them all different color creations.
I have to say, when it comes to little ones, she is awesome with them. She wants to work with animals when she gets older (she's not the best with them) but I think her gift is with children, she has a HUGE heart when it comes to children (she's now a pre-teen so she no longer falls in the "children" category - according to her). 
Although she is 12, she still requested that the "Bunny" hide her basket (hide your eyes little ones...she no longer believes)!! We hid it so good it took her a good 15 minutes to find it.
For Easter, she did get candy, but she also got a new book (she's already started reading it), a magazine (yep, she's at THAT age), some cool pens, and some fun paper for those cool pens. It's a hard age to buy anything for...but she loved her basket.
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This week is spring break and she is spending it with my sister and the twins. The girls have been sick off and on but Taylor has been a big help to my sister. Callie currently has pneumonia and an ear infection. Please keep her in your thoughts and prayers. Gracie had a double ear infection last week. Poor girls can't catch a break!!
School (when it's not spring break) is going well for Taylor. Once her teachers and I really understood each other, it helped us to better understand how to help her to succeed. She's far from a straight A student, but she is doing her best and that is what makes us proud.
Happy Wednesday...we're halfway to Friday (unless you're Denise and today is your Thursday...stinker  )
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Posted by Sharlene+2 | Comments: (5) | Permalink
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