Wednesday, April 29, 2009

Ode to the Blankie...

Life can be so hard sometimes...

Ode' To My Blankie...
My name is Turner Reese and I am as sad as I can be...
You see, my favorite Blankie has gone away from me...
It was here when I left to go to school just tucked up in the bed...
Then when I came home to find it - I found crisp clean sheets instead.
It seems the maid just must have grabbed it up... with the dirty batch.
If only I was here to save it - it would not have gotten snatched!
We asked if anyone had seen my wayward little Blankie...
They tell me "NO" and now I am so very sad and CRANKY!
I miss it so - even though - it was old and worn and torn.
It was my prized possession, since the day that I was born!
Please pray that very soon... it will find it's way back...
Cuz till it does my little life feels so very, off track.

Turner is in mourning over the loss of his Blankie. He was so very attached to it and the loss is like a death to him. I wish as his mama I could do anything to find it. He cries big crocodile tears wanting to go "on a Blankie hunt". We have talked to the housekeeping staff and they are on the lookout for it. Poor guy - he is just heartbroken!

We found the same brand online - but I am sure it will not be the same. His Blankie - after all has made it through 5 years...it has seen plenty of tears, a little blood, gone through several hospital stays, been stained and bleached, dragged through the mud...gone to Hawaii and Arizona, been used as a super hero cape, used to protect him during haircuts, trips to the doctor, gone to school in his backpack when he was 2 and a half, it has been used to create a fort, was a pillow for the puppy, and has been by his side every night since he was born.

So - all you prayer warriors - pray that Turner's Blankie is FOUND somewhere here in the housekeeping department - it will make one little 5 year old - the happiest boy on earth!

XOXO
Janean

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Tuesday, April 28, 2009

So Tired!

Oh...sleep!? Sleep is so wonderful. I am tired. I look forward to going to sleep tonight. It is great to have things to look forward to. I know that the fine art of "moving" is an art that I do not wish to engage in. Sadly I know we will have to move a time or two more. I spent the majority of the day moving the belongings that we have left from one room to another. Praise the Lord that we are now all moved into a larger space! The Ayre's Suites has been SO good to us and we are so thankful that they are letting us stay here!

I am so happy to have a bit more room to roam about and not have to share a bed with 2 other people! Trenton is overjoyed to have a bed all to himself now. It was really wearing on this 13 year old to share a bed with his 4 year old bother who kicks and squirms all night long!

Today little Trevan got his big toe sliced under the big heavy door to the hotel room. He went to pull the heavy door open with all his might and it sliced the tip of his toe and ripped his nail almost completely off. I was pretty queasy - almost passed out. There was a lot of blood and a lot of screaming. I went into "mommy mode" after having my FIRST thought - which was to call my mom. Then I realized that she would only come and pass out too. Then I thought I'll call Stace. Oh no! He would surely pass out! So mommy kicked it up a notch and took care of her baby.

I have him all bandaged and will follow up with the doctor. As it is - he has a sore throat and a bit of a fever as do I. Oink - Oink? I highly doubt it is the SWINE FLU! That is all we would need! I have not been to Mexico or handled any piggies lately - but have cleaned up after my boys who act like lil pigs at times!

Sooo if you are looking for us - we are now in room 329, at the Ayre's Suites. I am dreaming of my blissful nights sleep after a long hot bubble bath!

Until tomorrow... I am off to see what is for dinner!
XoXo

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Sunday, April 26, 2009

Do you like to talk?

The Fine Art Of Listening and knowing when to SHUT UP!
______________________________________________________

We should all know this: that listening, not talking,
is the gifted and great role, and the imaginative role.
And the true listener is much more beloved, magnetic
than the talker, and he is more effective and learns more and
does more good.
______________________________________________________

Some consider that listening is a forgotten
skill. With so many “sounds” going on
around us all day, we effectively “tune
out” often and rarely listen with great
intent.

Do you like to talk? I know I do. When I was little I was a chatterbox. I never stopped telling my brothers what to do - I was considered "bossy" and a little know it all. I see so much of myself in my little guy Trevan. He and his brother do not get along so much of the time because Trevan is too busy talking and not listening to what Turner has to say. If they could learn at this young tender age to stop and listen to each other their brotherly love would grow deeper.

I have learned over the past years to know when to SHUT UP and listen. REALLY listen to my friends, loved ones and people I meet. If we could all fine tune this skill we can learn so much more about how people are wired, how they truly feel and deepen our relationships in a positive way.

How do we do this - you ask - well here is a start:

Become aware of your personal filters and triggers. Each of us is a product of our upbringing, culture, life experiences and anything and everything that makes us unique as human beings. Our uniqueness can sometimes be an obstacle to being an effective listener. As you listen, try to remain open to what you are hearing and withhold evaluation or judgment. Become aware of what your triggers are in the communication process and what shuts your listening down.

Ask yourself what it feels like when someone really listens to you and when they don't. Make a list of any behaviors that you find irritating in the listening habits of other people and then examine your own listening behavior. See if you just might exhibit any of the behaviors you find annoying. Create a checklist of habits you want to change.

As listeners we think about 500 words per minute while the normal speaking rate is about 125 to 150 words per minute.~Unless you are especially gifted like my Best Friend Candie - she can think about 1000 words per minute and speak 500 words per minute! - no wonder we are Best Friends~ That creates a lot of room for communication to break down or for your mind to wander! Try to hear everything that is being said, listen to the entire message and then respond. The temptation is to fill the extra space with your own thoughts and/or responses to what is being said, but filling this space with your own thoughts or responses will take you out of the current conversation.

Listen with empathy. Empathy is an imaginative process. Empathy is emptying the mind and listening with the whole being. Empathy is a respectful understanding of what others are experiencing. True empathy is the ability to fully understand and accept another, complete with all their feelings, thoughts and opinions. It is often frustrating for someone needing empathy to have us assume they want reassurance or "fix-it" advice. Learn to listen for: What's not being said? What's in the way? What's missing? What's needed right now? What's most important to the speaker?

Create an environment for the listening to occur. Remove distractions. For example, if you are watching a sporting event on TV or are in the middle of a project at work, you probably don't have the time or space to be an effective listener. Or if you are feeling stressed, you just won't be available to hear what the speaker is saying. Let the speaker know now is not a good time and schedule a time when you can be fully present for the conversation in mind, body and spirit.

I try to improve my listening skills each day - especially where my kids are concerned. They are little sponges and have SO much to say. I do not want them to grow up thinking that I did not have the time to LISTEN - really LISTEN to what they find important in life.

If we learn to stop and really listen - we will find that there is so much in this world that we still have to LEARN.

So next time you are chatting it up with someone - stop and take the time to REALLY LISTEN and see if you come away feeling like you accomplished something! So here is your new challenge...we all have room to improve!

XOXO
Janean

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Friday, April 24, 2009

Flowers or Weeds?

Optimistic or Pessimistic?

Do you see flowers or weeds? Do you see the glass as half empty or half full?

No one is asking you to go through life wearing rose colored glasses. It is actually helpful to see the downsides in life...What is more important is to ask yourself - can I, will I, or do I appreciate the abundant blessings that life has to offer?

We all know that a positive outlook on a negative situation is better for your mental health. Acting on it is a whole different can of worms. It takes more effort to stay positive than be a negative Nelly.

I have found that setting goals, writing them down and making a "bucket list" has been helpful during my journey.
Set out to pursue your goals - remember that you and only you can and will make it happen - with a little help from God - of course! Life is a gem if left up to Him!

Make sure that you confront situations in an honest straight forward manner. Weather it be a confrontation, a job loss or financial worry - you need to engage your mind in an active problem solving mode.

Be insistent on being persistent. Positive expectations fuel motivation. It is okay to wonder IF you will actually succeed. We all have our doubts. Don't give up! Draft yourself a step-by-step plan. Ditch the old goals that are not attainable for one reason or another and set new attainable goals. Being persistent on your positive path will help you maintain a purpose in your life.

Things not working out in life? Change your perspective! Find ways to cast your worries into finding the silver lining in the situations that cause you grief, worry or strife.

Try to keep in mind that things can always be better and can always be worse. Find a way to replace your negative thoughts with positive ones instead!

I am no expert, but I have found that with the grace and glory found in each NEW day - there are many opportunities to carry us through, smile and the world is more likely to smile back!

Remember there is always another way - another path - another journey to be found. How you choose to get there is entirely up to you!

XOXO
Janean
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Thursday, April 23, 2009

What a day!

WHAT...A...DAY!

Ever have one of those days?

I am sure you have. Today - I had one.

I arose with visions of grandeur. I had a "to do" list a mile long and just knew in my feeble mind that I would be successful at at least accomplishing HALF of them.

I started my list making - answering emails - reviewing text messages - and things were clicking right along. Trenton was up ON TIME for once - showering and getting ready for school. He went down to get me coffee and I was off to a great start. We loaded the 2 sprouts in the van and off to school we went - getting Trenton there just in time.

I came back to the hotel room - determined to start on some of my "projects". I got my "office" all set up on my bed. Then...Trevan decided that HE would prepare breakfast for he and his brother unbeknownst to me.

Now how he started doing all of this as we are in a 400 sq ft room without my taking note - I'll never know. He opened a box of Cinnamon Toast Crunch - took the plastic bag containing approximately 1253 individual pieces of cereal and in one mighty pull he proceeded to open the plastic wrapper while at least 1153 pieces flew all over the immediate area in which he was standing. He let out a yell as did Turner. I looked just as I saw it raining Cinnamon Toast Crunch all over the bed and the floor. As you can imagine - I was less than thrilled.

As I was in the midst of cleaning it all up - Taylor calls wanting me to pick him up so he could come here and apply for jobs online. I explained that I was in the midst of a mess and that I had no intentions for leaving at that very moment. He has a very hard time being patient. He expressed a bit of displeasure as we ended our call.

As I then prepared to bathe the little guys so that I could get Turner off to school, I noticed that I could not find a single pair of clean undies for them. I grew increasingly frustrated by the mound of laundry that is reproducing in the corner. I decided that with 6 people in one room - we should get a petition to all go back to wearing fig leaves or loin cloths! I NEVER have cash to change into quarters for the laundry machines - so it seems that the clothes pile is taking on a life of it's own.

I found clothing for them to wear bathed them then dressed them. As we brushed their teeth Treven filled a glass way too full tripped getting off the step stool and literally threw water all over me and the marble floor! So that no one would slip and break a bone I quickly mobilized the "drying task force". Turner and I wiped the floor as Trevan perched vicariously upon his step stool growing impatient.

As we were rushing out to get Turner off to school, Taylor called and wanted me to pick him up.
He wanted to apply for more jobs online (with my help) today. I quickly got the kids into the van, noticing that I forgot my cell phone. I took 3 flights of stairs two at a time - thinking this was at least some good exercise for the day.

I retreived my cell phone and headed back down the stairwell only to trip and almost knock myself out - I'll take the elevator for sure next time!

We got Turner off to school, picked Taylor up and then rushed off to get Trenton as he had a minimum day. Trevan was starving and just going on and on wanting "just a little bit of chicken nuggets". I had time to kill so I drove through Burger King.

We have only eaten out since living in the hotel - at places in which we have a gift card or gift certificate. Well, today we had nothing for Burger King. I placed my order and handed the man at the window my debit card. He looked at me in awe and said - "DECLINED". I sat in shock and dismay. How could my debit card get DECLINED for a single order of chicken nuggets?! I told him there must be a mistake and he ran it again - "NO! DECLINED..." he said once again.

Scrambling through the van to scope out any spare change that my be hiding under a floor mat, in the crack or crevice here or there - I was not able to scrape up enough for chicken nuggets!
Explaining this to a 4 year old with a "growlie tummy" did not bode well.

We then sat in the "line" to get Trenton. Taylor and Trevan growing more impatient by each passing moment. I do not know why the Lord skimped on the patience gene when it came to the boys in my clan! Trying to pacify them my stress mounted.

"What are we gonna eat for lunch?!" Trevan asked. "Is Trenton out YET?!" he griped from behind my seat. "WHERE the heck is he?" grumbled Taylor.

I tried to explain that we were a bit early - and this required them to just "chill out" for a few.

Trenton eventually came sauntering up to the van a good 15 minutes after school let out. He was talking and hanging with friends and just did not see the need for expiedience. I would have been able to call his cell phone - but he does not have one!

We then headed to the bank to see what state my account was in - and as was attempting to pull into a spot someone chose to speed in front of me and cut me off. Lovely - I muttered under my breath. Trevan yells from the back "Damn Guy!" I found a parking space and tried to explain to my 4 year old that talking in that fashion was NOT acceptable. He argued that TAYLOR says bad words so why can't he?

I went to the machine to insert my debit card to do a balance inqury only to find the machine - Temporarily Out Of Service. Can things get much easier?! Just then I felt a thud on my head. I was a bit stunned - not sure what had just landed on me. I then felt a warm sensation and as I looked up there was a rather meaty pigeon pearched on the light fixture above me. He had decided that at that very moment he could no longer take his intestinal fortitude and chose to release his movement on my head! WOW...

I did my inqury - retreated to the van only to find not one single wipe, napkin or spare anything to wipe the pigeon poop from my hair!

We headed to the hotel. I went upstairs using the elevator as to not injure myself. I cleaned my pigeon poo, grabbed the EBT card so we could go to the grocery store and get some food that we could make for lunch.

With 3 of my 4 boys in tow we hit the store. This one wanted this - that one wanted that. Whatever - I told them we could only get food that we can consume that very moment as we do not have freezer or fridge space. By this point I was growing very hungry as I had not eaten dinner the night before or breakfast this morning. I wanted to grab some things and get "home" to eat.

We checked out - and then Taylor hits me with - "Can you drive me to a friends house - after you take me to Nikki's so I can drop my food off at her house?" I lost it - "NO - NO - NO!" I lashed out and told him that I have a ton to get accomplished - I work the next 3 days at the hospital and only have an hour before I needed to pick up Turner. He is my child that has never liked the word NO. I knew as soon as the words slipped from my lips I was in for a battle royale.

He and I proceeded to banter back and forth as I drove quickly to the AIM Mail Center in the same parking lot. This is where our PO Box is located. I was waiting for a check to come and prayed that it was there so I could get my bank ledger back into the black.

I looked for the keys to my mailbox and sure enough they were in my other car. Hassle. What a hassle.

I decided to just get back and get these kids fed. Taylor proceeded to argue with me and I could not take another minute. I pulled over - and told him to "Get OUT!" - I was going to make him walk. Afterall he is 18 - the big adult. He got out and slammed the door. I got us "home" just as the sweet cleaning lady was coming in to clean our room.

I always "clean" before she cleans. We stashed our groceries in the hall and I made like the tasmanian devil. I swept through the room picking up toys, blankies, laundry - etc.

We waited for her to clean - ate our frozen foods - then headed BACK to the van to pick up Turner. As I was getting in the van Stace called to ask why his debit card was declined at the DMV. He was attempting to get his CA License and Jeep Renewed. He was there NOW and needed to be able to pay NOW. I went up to the room and got a check that I had been saving to put toward our "new place fund". I told him to hold tight since I was now going to be late getting Turner! We got to the school without a speeding ticket. Since I looked less than desirable I sent Trenton up to get him.

All the kids came out - but NO Turner. I was growing more worried when I saw him finally emerge. He had been on the playground, hiding under a slide and had refused to come into the classroom. He was upset and would not tell me why. As he got into his seat crying and carrying on I made my way BACK to the bank.

I arrived and realized that I had left my purse with the debit card in it in the hotel room!! I had to go in - looking a total mess - pigeon poop residue in my hair and to make matters worse I was BAREFOOT! I looked like one of the Beverly Hillbillies hitting the Credit Union in the O.C.!

Oh yes, people stared at me. I smiled back. I made my deposit and the woman asked if she could do anything else to serve me today. I touted back - "You can get me a babysitter, treat me to a day at the spa, buy me airline tickets to somewhere tropical and tell my husband I'll send him a postcard!" At least the people staring in the bank got a laugh!

Exhausted I made it back to the hotel. I started to finally do my "work". I grew increasingly sleepy and started nodding off in my holel office that happens to be in a King Size Bed. I was fighting back the sleep when I told the boys - I am gonna lay my head down for a 20 minute cat nap.

I had fully intended to take a power nap - drink some coffee and shower - all before dinner.
Stace came in - saw me asleep and took the kids down to the dinner room. My 20 minute nap lasted 2 hours...that is why I am now up at 12:30am! At least I am getting my work accomplished as I listen to the hummmm of the air conditioner, the snoring of my husband and the sound of HGTV. The only bad part is I need the light on - and it keeps waking "the others".

I think I am off to take a hot shower - brush my teeth and pray that tomorrow will not be "ONE OF THOSE DAYS!"

Calgon ----- Take Me Away!

XoXo
Janean
...Just Janean

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Wednesday, April 22, 2009

Getting Grounded...


I LOVE the OCEAN and everything about the sea. I feel so relaxed and amazed at the sights and sounds when at the beach. One day I will live near the ocean - my dream would be to have a little quaint beach cottage. I was thrilled to see these pelicans when we went to Laguna Beach to shoot Chloe's Senior portraits. I does not take much to get me excited when I am near the sea smelling the salt air and warm then cool sand beneath my feet.

The boys had a blast searching for shells and being chased by the surf. It warms my heart to see them so very excited about being in such a tranquil place. I hope that we will have wonderful days spent exploring at the seashore this summer.

The past days I have been a bit unsettled and stressed. I am not sure what is going on - but I know I need to take the peace and tranquility found at the beach and infuse that into my soul. I get excited for the successes of others and was so thrilled to see my friend's daughter on FORBES.com -

image
Haley Schmidt on Forbes.com

Way to go Haley - you are such a sweetheart and I am blessed to know you! Keep up the good work! She is ONE TO WATCH that is for sure! I miss you all! xoxo

Be sure to vote for my friend's TWINS - Kenny and Hannah - they are just precious - you can vote once a day ...They are #27 and #28...
Tears Of Joy Baby Contest

Also vote for Sara's Reusable Bag - in the Kroger Contest - she could win $1000!
Help Sara Win!

Be sure to send me your postal address if you are interested in learning about my new business. I can send you a DVD - it is amazing!
Send your address to:
waioranatural@me.com
My site it:
Waiora Natural

Till we meet again!
XOXO
Janean

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Tuesday, April 21, 2009

"bungle" bee...


My niece Bailee has always called bees - "bunglebees" - now Trevan does too... It is so adorable!

Many people do not know that when I was first told that I would never have children and that I was infertile - I stumbled upon THE LEGEND OF THE BUMBLEBEE...

I adapted that way of thinking or perhaps just got a boost from reading it - as I suspect that the tenacity is a bit ingrained and infused into my God given personality...

Today as I was frustrated and a bit down I had to remember that story that I read over 18 years ago...here it is:

The Legend of The Bumblebee

According to the greatest minds of science, bumblebees should not be able to fly.
The size of the bee's body in relation to it's topple wingspan should make it impossible for it to do so. Aerodynamics says it is impossible. Statistics and studies all across the world have all come to the same conclusion, it can't fly.

The bumblebee may or may not know this. The bumblebee does not care...as we know it just goes ahead and "flies anyway".

I have a tattoo...one I got when I was battling infertility wanting another baby after having had 8 miscarriages - but 2 successful pregnancies - that resulted in Taylor and Trenton. I knew I was meant to have more kids. I got a "bungle-bee" tattoo on my hiney!

I was and am determined - don't tell me I can't fly...because I will go ahead and fly anyway!

:o)
xoxo
Janean
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Monday, April 20, 2009

Arghhhhhh!

Mama told me there would be days like this! Don't you wish that when the world gets too much to bear we can just put our hands over our ears and scream?!
Well - I guess we can - but that does not accomplish much!

The photo above is so typical of my two little guys Trevan age 4 and Turner age 5. They seem to fight more than anything. I have had more than my share of days where I felt like screaming!

When God chooses to "simplify" your life - often against your will - you wanna scream! After Taylor's accident, Stace's accident, losing our home, and living in one room with all these guys - I want to scream many days!! I have learned to replace that feeling by refocusing my attention on other things. I have learned a lot about "me" through this process and one of the things I keep coming back to is how much I love friendships. I know God made us relational and I think that it is easy when we have been hurt or let down by people we have cared about, to go inward.

People tend to become like turtles and go inside their shells. Withdrawing from friendships, curling up and not letting others help them along. I have been so blessed to have had so many people care and share with me through this journey. I am sad that Taylor was injured and also sad that Stace was hurt. It was painful to watch and live through. Losing our home and basically giving all that we had away was also not easy. But I think the lessons learned and the personal growth that has come is so valuable.

I have learned to have no expectations - and feel sad for those who live expecting so much from the world and people around them. Once you come to the place where you know that only YOU can make YOU happy - your life is so much easier!

I have really come to have a strong disliking for negative people who have nothing better to do with their time than to spew negativity about. What a waste of a person's life!

I have said it before and I will say it once more - FIND the JOY in each DAY...it is there for the taking - all you have to do is look for it!!

Now... off to be productive and find some nuggets of joy in my day!
XoXo
Janean
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Saturday, April 18, 2009

Simple Things To Live By...




Life isn't fair, but it is still good.

Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
Don't take yourself so seriously, no one else does!
You do not have to win every argument... agree to disagree.
Make peace with your past so it won't spoil your present.
Do not compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey has been.
No one is in charge of your happiness but YOU!
Forgive everyone for everything.
What other people think of you in none of your business.
God heals everything in HIS time.
However good or bad a situation is... it will change.
Envy is a waste of time... you already have all you NEED.

XoXo
Janean
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Friday, April 17, 2009

If...

Do You Have A Love For Life?


If you died tomorrow would all those who have touched your life know what an impact they have had on you?

Reach out and make the effort to tell others that you care.

Follow your heart and follow through. Do not be a "flaky" friend as this makes the person feel not as important as you may hold them in your heart.

We all have a personal story - do not be afraid to share yours with others...you never know how impactful it could be.

Be honest with your feelings - others will grow to see integrity in your soul.

If you know what it is to "be hungry" remember that feeling and do what you can to help someone in the future not to be where you have been.

Reach out - make the time - to give of yourself to others in life. A simple email, phone call or card in the mail can make more of a differnce than you may ever know...

Most of all - love with all your mind, all your heart and all your soul - love others as you love yourself.



XoXO
Janean
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Thursday, April 16, 2009

Celebrate...

Come help me REDISCOVER my LIFE!

Today is my Birthday - and no...I am not telling how young I am!

Come help me by attending a ONE hour Meeting about my new business!

If I win by bringing the most people to come listen - I get $1000 and FREE DRINKS for my friends and Birthday Cake!

TONIGHT from 7:30 to 8:30pm

HOLIDAY INN
25205 La Paz Rd
Laguna Hills, CA 92653
off the 5 freeway at La Paz

If I get the most guests to just LISTEN to help me network - I will win $1000! You know I need that! If YOU come and bring 3or more friends I will share my wealth and pay you $100!

What have you got to lose? Nothing to buy - no obligations - come listen -
do it for me?
This can change the lives of our family!

XOXO
Janean

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Tuesday, April 14, 2009

Sweet Easter...









Our Easter Celebrations were filled with Joy, Laughter and Delight!
Thank you to Kerri and Matt and my Mom and Dad for having us over
to each of their homes!
The kids had a great time! I so enjoyed watching all the kids hunt for eggs - their sweet faces - filled with the delight of the "sonshine" that the Lord provides on this special day. Hope you enjoyed some of my "favorite" photos from the day...

I pray that your Easter was Blessed and enjoyable~
XOXO
Janean
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Thursday, April 9, 2009

JOBS!?!


I am almost speechless...Stace starts on a project for a company in San Juan Capistrano on Monday! I am also busy training and preparing marketing pieces for WAIORA. Check out my site: WAIORA NATURAL

- I am so excited to start using the products, introducing people to the business and more importantly helping to make my family healthy and stress free! Email me at:
waioranatural@me.com to find out more!

I have a built in test panel - Stace with his injuries, Taylor with his Brain Injury, Turner with his Autism, Me with my STRESS, Trenton with his lack of concentration and loss of energy and Trevan with too much energy and recurrent colds and flu bugs!

I am so excited to get a panel of people together to try WAIORA and rediscover your life! Lots to try and tons of positive benefits! Not only a change in our health - but also our wealth! When you are at the bottom there is no other place than up! Diamond in the rough? Perhaps - but watch me chisel myself into a bright shining stone!

I'll keep you posted on our progress - one foot in front of the other . . . that is all we can do.
One day at a time - minute by minute.

The only investment that never fails is investment in bettering yourself for YOU and no one else!


XOXO
Janean
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Tuesday, April 7, 2009

Oh, to be a cat...

While photographing my friend's precious little baby I snapped some shots of their cat. It has been years since I have gotten to enjoy the company of a feline as Stace is very allergic to these fascinating animals. As I got to watching him I realized that cats really do have a pretty cool existence!

They are aloof when they choose to be and no one is critical...it is just their "cat" personality. They can be playful and people sit back and "ohh and ahhh" at how cute they are being.

They can jump on furniture in a single bound, laze in the sun and eat when they please. They have a built in bathing system, choose to talk when they want and demand affection on their terms.
Oh to be a cat!

Unfortunately as people we are not afforded these luxuries. If I tried to be aloof I would be called a bad word beginning with "B" and ending itch. When I am playful people think I have lost some of my marbles or think I have gone crazy...finally! If I jumped on the furniture in a single bound I would probably break something - either the sofa or my leg! I am not allowed to laze in the sun - as I am too busy dealing with life! If I started to lick my self in an effort to bathe I would surely be locked up in a mental hospital! I do not have the luxury of deciding when to talk to people or demand affection on my terms...therefore I am definitely NOT a cat!

At any rate I enjoyed watching his cat behavior and had an appreciation for how God made him and his feline counterparts. I think that my kids are very often cat like and wish that they could meow instead of yell and fight!

It is Spring Break - Trenton is enjoying a visit to his Uncle's house and being with his cousins. We have loved the beautiful weather and have enjoyed new friendships. We were treated to dinner by Gary and Jamie last night and met all their kids. I am thankful for the Lord's blessings by providing new people in our lives and making new friendships. To me this is one of the things I cherish most about this whole experience...the friendships and relationships that we have made and old friends that we have re-connected with.

I am off to enjoy the day - be productive - then have a bit of fun with my little guys. You have to enjoy each minute as it comes, deal with each day and find the rays of sunshine each step of the way!

Blessings to you!
Janean
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Saturday, April 4, 2009

So blessed...


Look at it as nothing but joy whenever you find yourself surrounded by the various
trials of life.
Be assured that the testing of your faith will lead you to the power of endurance!

I have have trudged through what seems like an endless desert with no water in sight.
I have kept my faith even when I felt like giving up and giving in.

I have learned that if you are going to ask for the Lord's blessing through prayer - you have to BELIEVE.

As iron sharpens iron - the Lord is doing a mighty work in our family.
I am trying to be an example to my kids, friends and strangers.
I make it a goal to be content - no matter the circumstances.

I thank all the ANGELS that have blessed us weather it be a year ago, a month ago, or today.
I am in awe at the blessings that are being poured out on our souls.

I will have to say that we are experiencing a peace that surpasses all understanding.
This is from the help, love and support from strangers, friends and family.

I thank the Lord for all who have chosen to walk on this path with us, come along side us
in this journey.
I pray that I will be able to be a blessing to many others as others have been to us.

Again I say "Thank You"
even though I do not feel those words alone can express
the deep love and gratitude that has filled our hearts.

I have been lead to write a book of our journey to hopefully inspire,
enlighten and encourage others!

Blessings -
Janean

Thursday, April 2, 2009

Thoughts...



I am so honored to have people actually interested in me and my life lately. First the OC Register, now the LA Times. I have started to write a book that is a culmination of my creative portraiture and my thoughts. It will be titled: PERSPICUOUSLY
Watch for my book launch! I'll keep you posted!

I was sent an email today from a writer that read about my desire to write a book. She asked me some thought provoking questions in an effort to get to know me better.

Here were the questions she asked, I thought I would share...

Who do you feel you really are?
I feel that I am no better or worse than anyone else. I feel I am a kind, sensitive individual and hate to see others in pain or suffering.


How you you changed from the person you were 20 years ago?
I have become stronger, confident in who I am, less jealous, less possessive, more honest, more compassionate. Most importantly I feel that I am more beautiful on the inside.

Has your outlook on people in general changed for the better or for worse in these trying times?
I have been blessed by strangers, friends and loved ones. Far more kindhearted souls than negative mean individuals. The sad mean people I come across I feel sorry for and pray that they will find their way to happiness.


What is your greatest source of strength that you draw from?
My greatest source of strength is my relationship with the Lord. I have a great faith that he will not leave me or forsake me. He abundantly blesses all of us in HIS time.



Do you pray? If so, where and when? What do you pray for?
I pray all day. I love to pray on the way to work, alone in my car or in the shower. I mostly thank the Lord for the blessings and simple beauty that I see in nature. I ask for protection and direction.


How have the challenges you have faced change you for the worse?
I have become more cautious and have learned to build walls around my heart for protection.


How have the challenges changed you for the better?
I have learned what being humbled means. I have learned to find pleasure in simple things in life and to live without expectations - therefor there will be no disappointment.


How do you define a "true friend"?
A true friend is one who loves you for who you are, offers support in many ways, listens when you need them to listen and has compassion for you. A true friend can see and read your heart, and know how to comfort you when you need it most.


Since losing your "home" what is the one material personal possession you miss?
Silly as it seems - I miss my soft fuzzy warm robe! I had to donate so much and my robe got donated - I miss it!!


What is a modern convenience that you wish you did not have to go without?
TIVO - having a DVR was sheer heaven to our family! We loved being able to tape shows, pause and fast forward commercials!

Describe your life with 5 words.
Blessed. challenging, character building, loving


Describe yourself with 5 words.
Passionate, Resilient, Strong, Caring, Humble

If you had one wish - even a selfish wish what would it be?
I love to have fun! I would want to make a memory by going on a trip with many friends and loved ones. I would love to laugh and enjoy a good time with friends old and new. I cherish time spent with those I care about - after all we only live once!

XoXo
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Wednesday, April 1, 2009

Tickled Pink

Today we moved.

We moved down the hall from room 309 to 306. Every month or so the hotel deep cleans the rooms to maintain their high standards. I will tell you that this move was a breeze compared to moving from our home!

It was kind of fun actually - we can set up a new camp in a new room. This room is the same - just laid out a bit different and has a BONUS! I was so tickled pink when I saw it had a jacuzzi bath tub!


I told you simple things make me the happiest and holy tomato sauce - I love jacuzzi tubs! I can't wait tonight to lock EVERYONE out and take a nice hot bubble bath!

Speaking of being tickled pink - we have BIG NEWS here at the Lindner Suite. Turner discovered that he has his very own honest to goodness first wiggly tooth!

He is due to lose his first baby tooth any day now and he is just so overjoyed. He is so worried that he will swallow it. We tried to tell him it would be okay but he remembered the story of his big brother Trenton swallowing his first wiggly tooth when he was eating pizza.


Curious little Trevan of course has to flood you with 1001 questions like "where does the tooth fairy live?" "how old is she?" "how can she get in our room without a room key?" "does she really fly?" "are her wings attached to her back or does she take them on and off?" "what color hair does she have?" "how tall is she?" "what is her REAL name?" and on and on...

Oh - the simple things in life - jacuzzi bath tubs and wiggly teeth - I am content - I am happy - I am tickled pink!

XOXO
Janean
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