tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-72034913870111019922022-08-17T09:21:58.731-07:00Simply Holliesolo parent on the journey of faith, and family while raising one special girlHolliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06173197714536544439noreply@blogger.comBlogger103125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7203491387011101992.post-21008540538713742392014-02-07T12:28:00.000-08:002014-02-07T12:28:00.752-08:00Simply Imagine That Day<br /><br />Can you imagine? Can you close your eyes and see it?<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Aw0rUruyTHk/UvVBGWTbO6I/AAAAAAAADFA/NfjYc6d-DQc/s1600/1970-07-27+04.44.15-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Aw0rUruyTHk/UvVBGWTbO6I/AAAAAAAADFA/NfjYc6d-DQc/s1600/1970-07-27+04.44.15-1.jpg" height="400" width="225" /></a>Can you see that day when it simply does not matter who you are, where you came from, your country of origin, your religion, your sexual orientation, your political stripes, the colour of your skin..that we treated each other well. Can you simply imagine?<br /><br />I can ...as hard as it is on days like today, when my mayor orders a Pride flag taken down, as hard as it is when some asks what is that garb on your head, as hard as it is as I monitor and witness abuse after abuse online...I can imagine.<br /><br />What will it take to get to that great day? I am unsure.<br /><br />I know for me someone who has flipped flopped and believed many things over the years, who has thought some pretty hard core things for periods of time, I am unsure. What I do imagine? Kindness, mercy, investigation, a getting to know your neighbor, an inclusion.<br /><br />So often we disconnect. We choose to brutalize each other with our tongues, with our thoughts, with our actions. It hurts. The pain is real. Then we disconnect, we don't talk, we let hate and discord fester. How about we seek connection instead. How about we imagine on that great day that nothing else matters and we can reach out in love, in mercy, in forgiveness, in kindness and seek to understand. Wouldn't that be something?<br /><br />I can imagine that day. Can you close your eyes and see it?<br /><br /><img src="http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv34/commoncentsmom/blogimages/holliesig.png" style="border: 0;" />Holliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06173197714536544439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7203491387011101992.post-30236923194494265582014-01-19T09:14:00.000-08:002014-02-07T12:11:44.552-08:00Judgement and FaithSome recent events including a conversation with a friend, it being awards season and all that goes on with it this time of year. I began to think about how quick we are to judge each other, to make unsolicited comments, to mock, to tease, and to justify not only our questioning but our own way of thinking. This happens especially in areas of religion. I remember being a Southern Baptist youth and attending classes and being taught many of other faiths were not only wrong but in cults, when they were simply finding another way, another path to God.<br /><br />Often we are more then our brother or sisters keeper we often are their judge and jury as well.<br /><br />In the Gospel of Mattew it says this<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9oP4kztYraI/Utv-QZwJOVI/AAAAAAAADEU/gYSVSwgzRVk/s1600/judging.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9oP4kztYraI/Utv-QZwJOVI/AAAAAAAADEU/gYSVSwgzRVk/s1600/judging.png" height="86" width="400" /></a></div>From the New International Version.<br /><br />Last night I was at the Canadian Sufi Cultural Center, I loved the fellowship, and was reminded of two little facts. I have been a spiritual person all of my life but that spirit has been has been one that questions, one that wonders, that wondering has lead me on many a spiritual walk. I have been blessed to have walked alongside leaders, scholars, and the average joe of many faiths and learned so much over the years as I have walked my own personal path of faith. The fact that I have been a spiritual wanderer is of little significance, it really doesn't matter. As I was reminded last night there are many paths to God, not one.<br /><br />Often we are quick to look at our differences, to judge, to question another how about instead we look for the ways we are the same. As I approach middle age for me I am finding now I can see the similarities more clearly, the ways of kindness, the ways of love. Too often we look at our differences and judge, how about trying a cloak of love, a cloak of kindness?<br /><br />Many are turning from organized religion because they see dogma, infighting and the politics of places of worship, they see judgement on those of another faith, they are turned off. I know I have been. This will not change, unless there is a change in mindset.<br /><br />One of the greatest commandments we are given no matter our faith, is to LOVE.<br /><br />You can not love, with judgement. You can not show kindness and judge, you can show compassion and love.<br /><br />I have found when I embrace compassion and love wherever and whenever I can I am a better woman, a better human. My goal is to reach out in love and kindness, to embrace differences, to seek the beauty in it all, and to remember that the individual paths to God are going to be different, but that is quite ok.<br /><br />Whether you see me at the Sufi Center, a masjid, a church, a temple, or even attending a PowWow my goal is to learn, to grow, to be a woman of faith, of love, of compassion and courage. I think that makes me pretty much on the right path for me.<br /><br /><img src="http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv34/commoncentsmom/blogimages/holliesig.png" style="border: 0px;" />Holliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06173197714536544439noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7203491387011101992.post-32475399210583621942012-08-05T15:41:00.000-07:002012-08-05T15:42:18.654-07:00On Faith, Fear and TerrorAs I sat here today watching CNN, I was again sickened by an act of terror taken out by someone who chose to enter a building of worship simply to inflict pain.<br /><br />This isn't the first act of domestic terrorism to come to a church's doorstep in the United States, nor do I believe it will be the last. Whenever we extoll one faith as THE way, we dismiss the views of others. Often I have seen fear and misunderstanding turn to hate. Really as I watched today I was taken back to a time and place when I actually was scared because of my faith.<br /><br />Back in 1998, I was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, and lived in Ruidosa, New Mexico. During the month of May of that year, 4 Mormon churches were desecrated and the stake center ( the congregational meeting for a large geographic area) was burned to the ground. Luckily no lives were lost, but hundreds were left without a place of worship for a time.<br /><br />I remember well the damage done to my own church building, I remember the fear that was felt by members of the church, I remember well the men who decided they would start guarding the local buildings to try and prevent more damage. I remember well the gratitude when an <a href="http://bulk.resource.org/courts.gov/c/F3/237/237.F3d.1199.99-2281.html" target="_blank">arrest </a>was made. But I also remember trying to understand why someone could act in such a way, what could cause such hate.<br /><br />Then after that 911 happened and since 911 I have asked that question quite a few times as I have watched the dialogue of so many who spew hate, and when hate becomes embed it is easier to make an excuse for an act that will terrorize other, damage property and even end in death. The hate needs to stop. There needs more dialogue between those of different faiths. There needs to be understanding. If you believe in a GOD, you need to embrace the first fundamentals of any faith.<br /><br />I have yet to have found a faith that is not based on love, on kindness, on submission to God, this is the common denominator I have found in all the faiths I have encountered and studied whether Christian, Muslim, Jewish, Sikh, and Hindu. There are things that do bind all faiths, we need to embrace those more. We need to take a stand for each other, and show the love and kindness that are own faiths are built on.<br /><br />As the Sikh community tries to recover from today's tragic events, may those of us who are of other faiths step up beside them and encourage them and bless them, as we go forward how about reaching out to that neighbor who is just a little different, to that person who dresses different, prays different etc., you never know what you might learn-you may find you have many things in common. I know I have and I am thankful for that. <br /><br /><br /><img src="http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv34/commoncentsmom/blogimages/holliesig.png" style="border: 0;" />Holliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06173197714536544439noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7203491387011101992.post-82178061686081039642012-01-06T09:50:00.000-08:002012-01-06T10:13:24.766-08:00RevisitingThis week I returned to something familiar, this old blog of mine. I read old posts, and reminisced. I thought about the past few years and all the twists and turns it brought. I thought about the woman I am now, I thought about the dreams I had when I was so much younger, you know those high mountainous goals. I thought by 40, I would be married, house, kids..raising a family, working hard.<br /><br />I had another birthday last week, another year gone and those dreams of yesteryear are becoming but a distant memory. The dream of teaching, the dream of a good marriage, the dream of travel.<br /><br />Instead life through me a few curve balls, you know the kind, that no one sees coming.<br /><br />There was the rape, and the miscarriage.<br />There was a short marriage.<br />There was the fire.<br />There was the hurricane.<br />There was the cancer.<br />There was job losses and gains over the years.<br />There were 14 moves.<br />There was a daughter bullied so badly she ended in the hospital.<br /><br />There was so much one could call it craptacular.<br /><br />There were also friends found in each location who became my steady rocks.<br />There was a place to lay my head each and every night even when I was homeless.<br />There was food always.<br />There was the blessing of having a beautiful daughter.<br />There is the job I have today.<br />There were skills learned along the way.<br /><br />I have learned you can make the best of plans, dream big, and all of that, but what you do in the small moments is what counts. It is what you do when life throws you that curve ball, because each of us will have our own.<br /><br />My dreams of yesteryear may be gone, but what came along the way, the hard times, and the blessings along the way have made me who I am right now in this moment. I'm learning more and more about life in the moment. I am learning about faith, about the simple things that can bring the most joy. I have become a woman of strength, a woman who is content, and still optimistically dreaming, because the craptacular will come, but the biggest lesson learned it will also go.<br /><img src="http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv34/commoncentsmom/blogimages/holliesig.png" style="border: 0pt none;" />Holliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06173197714536544439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7203491387011101992.post-54687020559446310582010-03-17T18:31:00.000-07:002010-03-17T19:15:49.528-07:00EmotionHave you ever just wanted to curl up and have a good cry?<br /><br />That has been me this week.<br /><br />So many emotions have been weighing heavy on my heart.<br /><br />When my brother in law lost his father last week I was thrown back in time to when I lost my own dad. Even years later I am still missing him. I miss that nightly call. I miss his voice. I miss his sense of humor. I miss drinking tea with him.<br /><br />Then to top it off my best girl friend found out recently she has borderline stage 4 cancer. She has only a 50% chance of surviving this. She is only 40. This week she shared her fear that she would not make it through this. I did my best to encourage her, to give her strength all the time fearing the loss of my friend. I can't imagine my life without her being a mere phone call away.<br /><br />Then there has been my Mom who is getting ready for a grand adventure in her later years. She has packed up her home and is moving across the country to be with a man she met online. This brought up many emotions for me as I did that exact thing some 14 years ago. I want to be happy for her but I find it difficult as I know the dangers of picking it all up to start new. I know what it is to move across a country for love. I also know what it is to see it go up in flames all around you.<br /><br />The other side of mom packing up her place is that she has been giving away many things to us kids. My home now houses my grandfather's waterfall cedar chest, an old picture of my favorite family pet, my grandmother's china and mom's wedding dress( from years ago). There is also a ton of family pictures to sort through. It is like a trip down memory lane. A trip filled with memories bad and good.<br /><br />I feel drained, emotionally spent.<br /><br />Then to top everything off this week there are 3 anniversaries, dates I wish were not seared into my mind. the anniversary of my step father's death, my wedding anniversary, and my divorce anniversary. With the memory of each of these more emotion comes tumbling to the surface.<br /><br />I am trying to deal with my emotions. In the stillness of the night I find it especially hard. So many things weighing on me. Right now it is so hard not to get caught in the emotions. I am finding it hard to be present as my mind drifts to other people and how I miss them, or want to encourage them or warn them. This week I keep having to remind myself to breathe. Have you ever felt utterly caught in emotion?<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><img src="http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv34/commoncentsmom/blogimages/holliesig.png" style="border: 0pt none;" />Holliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06173197714536544439noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7203491387011101992.post-87981128597346221702009-10-13T22:07:00.000-07:002009-10-13T22:14:15.403-07:00Quest for the Perfect Leaf<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4EpCnvibPwA/StVdEki9osI/AAAAAAAAAKU/sU4uMuQZIdg/s1600-h/sspx0006.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4EpCnvibPwA/StVdEki9osI/AAAAAAAAAKU/sU4uMuQZIdg/s400/sspx0006.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392318461957219010" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4EpCnvibPwA/StVc28CTMEI/AAAAAAAAAKM/MGEYEe_10kU/s1600-h/sspx0004.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4EpCnvibPwA/StVc28CTMEI/AAAAAAAAAKM/MGEYEe_10kU/s400/sspx0004.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392318227744501826" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4EpCnvibPwA/StVdXapYaOI/AAAAAAAAAKc/zozizh2idHM/s1600-h/sspx0005.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4EpCnvibPwA/StVdXapYaOI/AAAAAAAAAKc/zozizh2idHM/s400/sspx0005.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392318785717299426" border="0" /></a>On Monday it was Thanksgiving here in Nova Scotia.<br />Family tradition is a good fall hike.<br />We ventured forth looking for the perfect leaves.<br />The tree on the bottom was our favorite<br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><img src="http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv34/commoncentsmom/blogimages/holliesig.png" style="border: 0pt none ;" />Holliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06173197714536544439noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7203491387011101992.post-24460493507306075342009-09-30T10:02:00.000-07:002009-09-30T10:05:54.045-07:00Fall is Here<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4EpCnvibPwA/SsOPxigApTI/AAAAAAAAAKE/19yonhHevrs/s1600-h/10125_171186190459_688975459_4275226_7797041_n.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 225px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4EpCnvibPwA/SsOPxigApTI/AAAAAAAAAKE/19yonhHevrs/s400/10125_171186190459_688975459_4275226_7797041_n.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387307660502672690" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4EpCnvibPwA/SsOPnbeNOdI/AAAAAAAAAJ8/IyF9IB3dJP8/s1600-h/10125_171192615459_688975459_4275386_4417740_n.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 225px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4EpCnvibPwA/SsOPnbeNOdI/AAAAAAAAAJ8/IyF9IB3dJP8/s400/10125_171192615459_688975459_4275386_4417740_n.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387307486817368530" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Can you smell it, taste it, feel it? Fall is here! Fall is my favorite time of year. I love the colors, the leafs, the crispness of the air. Are you a fall lover?<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><img src="http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv34/commoncentsmom/blogimages/holliesig.png" style="border: 0pt none ;" />Holliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06173197714536544439noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7203491387011101992.post-68276672778129494232009-09-16T04:29:00.000-07:002009-09-16T04:31:58.166-07:00Nova Scotian Sunset<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4EpCnvibPwA/SrDMQ_3QUhI/AAAAAAAAAJs/eNkHlhTCnZw/s1600-h/5693_102906081034_700526034_2774742_1880649_n.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4EpCnvibPwA/SrDMQ_3QUhI/AAAAAAAAAJs/eNkHlhTCnZw/s400/5693_102906081034_700526034_2774742_1880649_n.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382026147100906002" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">I love the simple beauty of where I live.<br />I love the color of the sky at night.<br />Can you imagine this off your front porch?<br /></div><br /><br /><br /><img src="http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv34/commoncentsmom/blogimages/holliesig.png" style="border: 0pt none ;" />Holliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06173197714536544439noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7203491387011101992.post-61569967513548079552009-09-09T08:07:00.001-07:002009-09-09T08:09:50.606-07:00What one Does In A Storm<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4EpCnvibPwA/SqfE35ryjUI/AAAAAAAAAJc/w9mEUjoK2uo/s1600-h/Wave+am+Shore+Rd+EP.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 166px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4EpCnvibPwA/SqfE35ryjUI/AAAAAAAAAJc/w9mEUjoK2uo/s400/Wave+am+Shore+Rd+EP.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379484744573685058" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">What does one do when under a hurricane warning??<br /><br />Recently the Halifax area got hit by two storms so what do many of us do?<br /><br />Go and watch the waves.<br /><br />We get some wicked white caps right here in the harbour.<br /></div><br /><br /><br /><img src="http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv34/commoncentsmom/blogimages/holliesig.png" style="border: 0pt none ;" />Holliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06173197714536544439noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7203491387011101992.post-69134447771062734632009-06-17T04:06:00.001-07:002009-06-17T04:12:28.006-07:00Low Tide<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4EpCnvibPwA/SjjPH3LQqVI/AAAAAAAAAJQ/_4x61iNgPl4/s1600-h/Sping08038.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4EpCnvibPwA/SjjPH3LQqVI/AAAAAAAAAJQ/_4x61iNgPl4/s400/Sping08038.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348252291479677266" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Have you ever seen the Bay of Fundy?<br />This is what happens at low tide every day.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Nova Scotia is known for high tides and low tides.<br /></div><br /><br /><br /><img src="http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv34/commoncentsmom/blogimages/holliesig.png" style="border: 0pt none ;" /><input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden"><div id="refHTML"></div>Holliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06173197714536544439noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7203491387011101992.post-51527045637799884802009-06-16T09:22:00.000-07:002009-06-16T11:24:06.808-07:00Breaking the CycleToday I stumbled upon a blog that well that I am thankful I found. <a href="http://violenceunsilenced.com/">Violence <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">UnSilenced</span></a> is a blog that allows women to post about domestic abuse in relative safety. It gives women a voice. Right now it is up for an award at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">BlogHer</span> during the <a href="http://www.socialluxelounge.com/blogluxe/"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">BlogLuxe</span> Awards</a>. I think this blog deserves to win for what it does for so many women.<br /><br />Why is it so much on my heart?<br /><br />You see I know firsthand what domestic abuse is, and what it can do to a woman. You can say I have been there and walked that road. As have other family members.<br /><br />When I was a child I watched as my mother was beaten black and blue so badly that she was left disfigured for weeks. I watched her run bleeding barefoot from an apartment into the street just so she could get away. I watched and learned, and knew this is not what I wanted for me.<br /><br />Maybe this is why I was ( still am) so careful when it came to men? Maybe to this day it is why I have walls up all around me.<br /><br />Maybe after watching my mom live through hell, it is why I ended up 7 1/2 months pregnant at a Battered Woman's Shelter. I was never hit. I can say that about my ex. I did live through months of emotional hell though. I saw the signs and got out. I think I was lucky.<br /><br />Many women do not get out. Many women go back time and time again. Many women choose the same kind of men. These are all facts.<br /><br />Breaking the cycle of domestic violence takes hard work. It takes time, patience and working on your own issues. It is not easy. It is often a very lonely path. With that said it is something that can be achieved. I know that for I am breaking that cycle every day.<br /><br />Please do vote for Violence UnSilenced as every woman needs to have a voice and the stories of courage, and strength on this blog will inspire others to leave and find safety.<br /><br /><img src="http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv34/commoncentsmom/blogimages/holliesig.png" style="border: 0pt none ;" /><input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden"><div id="refHTML"></div><input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden"><div id="refHTML"></div>Holliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06173197714536544439noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7203491387011101992.post-66910791551205228202009-06-14T17:57:00.000-07:002009-06-14T18:29:49.396-07:00Bad Mom Good MomOver the last few weeks there have been many posts out there in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Bloggerville</span> about "good" moms and "bad" moms. About the different styles of parenting, about the how <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">to's</span> and how not to.<br /><br />For me many times by many people I have been labeled a bad mom while on other days I have been labeled a good mom. Personally I am just another mom. I don't think I am a bad mom but I know I am not that "good" mom either. Please just call me mom.<br /><br />With that said I am a mom. I have been a mom for a long time now. I have been <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Roo's</span> mom for almost 12 years now and before her I was step mom to 3 very terrific kids who here on this blog I will refer to as my 3 Musketeers, as they were always together when they were little. I was also mom to Sam my babe who has been in heaven for 17 years now. I think that gives me a bit of mom experience.<br /><br />What I hate most about what I have seen on many blogs is how we can look down on each other, how often we are quick to judge one other. It seems each mom thinks they know best as we often do. We are quick to comment, to correct, while instead is is not inside us to do the right thing. Sometimes that right thing, is silence is you disagree with what is being said. You know that old saying"if you can not say something nice, do not say anything at all". I am not saying there is not a time or place for disagreeing but really some of the comments I have read do nothing for moms as a whole.<br /><br />You see over the years I have been a mom who has been judged as often happens with the moms of special needs children. We are given unwanted advice, told how to better parent, told in some ways we are responsible for how our child behaves when that behavior is part of a medical disorder that does exist. Over the years I have been told to give her more time-outs, to <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">discipline</span> her more, make her try <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">different</span> things and the list goes on and on. I have even had well minding people call Children's Aid on me more then once ( each time to have the file closed within 2 weeks).When does it stop?<br /><br />Over the years I have heard every kind of comment from the peanut gallery that make up those that are in my life. Some of the comments have lead me to question myself, to doubt, to wonder, but then I wake up and smell the coffee and realize that no mom is perfect, and sometimes even moms hide behind masks to purely exist and pretend all is well.<br /><br />I know what that is like from first hand experience, I used to be that kind of mom. Then along came <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Roo</span> and the mask had to come down and down fast for I realized if I was going to parent solo style I needed a community behind me. I am glad that people came into our lives at the right time to encourage, to bless, to befriend when needed.<br /><br />As for what style of parenting is best, what works best, my <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">philosophy</span> is now this let your gut lead you. Let is lead me. There will always be experts telling us the how to and how not too but I think we can get too caught up in all that is out there that we can forget what is important and that is being a mom who is <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">their</span> in their own way for their child.<br /><br />For me as a blog <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">commenter</span> I try to remember what is really important, not all the mumble jumble that makes up the parenting world but us and our kids. I think as <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">blogger</span>s and as moms we can do more of that but then I am the sappy mom who wants diversity and respect. Is that too much to dream of?<br /><br /><br /><br /><img src="http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv34/commoncentsmom/blogimages/holliesig.png" style="border: 0pt none ;" /><input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden"><div id="refHTML"></div>Holliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06173197714536544439noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7203491387011101992.post-40262599486892475652009-06-12T12:55:00.000-07:002009-06-12T13:08:33.705-07:00Witnessing MiraclesA long time ago, I was married to who I thought was my forever guy and when were married I got blessed to be a step mom. Really I wasn't that wicked step mom. I was a pretty nice one, well most days I think.I got to be apart of 3 wonderful kids lives for a blip. The time I was married to their dad. When I fell for him I feel for each of his kids too, very much so, they were apart of me just like my daughter Roo is apart of me.<br /><br />When we got divorced there was alot of meanness and I wont say I wasn't part of it. I was. What hurt most though was the fact that ties to the kids, Roo's older siblings were cut. She has had no real meaningful contact with her big brothers and sisters for years at their dad's choice.<br /><br />Well guess who are now of age and can chose for themselves? Her siblings. Today I witnessed a miracle Roo talking to her big brother via video chat. He lives in Arizona. It was great for me to watch Roo get to know her big brother a bit. He even commented on one of her charcteristics being a family trait. It was so great to be apart of. Roo has always wanted to know them, maybe now that they are older they will want contact with her. I think Roo's life will be richer having them it but know what. They are at an age where they can choose. For me though today was the answer to years of prayer. I prayed that Roo at some point would be connected to each of her siblings. I was very glad to witness today. Got to say it left me with tears in my eyes.<br /><br /><img src="http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv34/commoncentsmom/blogimages/holliesig.png" style="border: 0pt none ;" /><input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden"><div id="refHTML"></div>Holliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06173197714536544439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7203491387011101992.post-86548894394435347072009-06-09T21:53:00.001-07:002009-06-09T21:58:49.295-07:00My Little Athlete<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4EpCnvibPwA/Si88jUDzDZI/AAAAAAAAAJI/cQLabFENe4o/s1600-h/IMG00239.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4EpCnvibPwA/Si88jUDzDZI/AAAAAAAAAJI/cQLabFENe4o/s400/IMG00239.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345557860089793938" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Roo is quite competitive. She takes after me like that.<br />This week was the town track and field meet. Roo competed in long jump<br />and the 100 m race. She placed 5th in long jump and she raced well as well and<br />showed great sportsmanship , which was the goal of the day.<br /></div><br /><br /><br /><img src="http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv34/commoncentsmom/blogimages/holliesig.png" style="border: 0pt none ;" /><input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden"><div id="refHTML"></div>Holliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06173197714536544439noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7203491387011101992.post-20468404510941288842009-06-08T05:03:00.000-07:002009-06-08T05:20:38.650-07:00Best FriendsDid not realize that yesterday was best friends day. Over the years of my life I have been blessed to have some great girlfriends. Many of time were for a certain time period in my life yet I am thankful for each one of them.<br /><br />When I was little, there was my bestest friend Carolyn. She lived real close to me. We often played together and really we got into a lot of mischief together as well. For all my elementary years Carolyn was there and I am thankful that I have her as my childhood best friend.<br /><br />In my teen years we moved to Winnipeg and there was the gang from church. We were always all together in a group hanging together, and doing stuff together. I had a good group of friends for these years as well.<br /><br />During my university years I counted on my sisters, sorority sisters that is. The sisters of Apha Phi were the best. They kept me out of trouble many a day.<br /><br />In my early twenties after I became a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints I had a great circle of friends as well. When I lived in Halifax the young single group was the best, then when I moved to Toronto again I meet sisters that well became my best friends.<br /><br />When I married and moved to Carlsbad, New Mexico I was thankful to have Lynette and Gayln come into my life especially. They were my rocks especially as divorce hit.<br /><br />Then when I moved back to Ontario, I was blessed with Anne Marie, Yvonne, Sharon, Jennifer, Ruby and Jennifer. Each brought something unique into my life and I am forever thankful for there presence.<br /><br />Now that I am here in Nova Scotia I feel a certain loss as I don't have that best friend or great circle of friends here yet, but I know it will come with time.<br /><br />I am thankful though because of being online I have been able to connect and reconnect with many old friends and that has been such a blessing in itself. So if you have a great girlfriend don't forget to celebrate that friendship for they truely are a blessing.<br /><br /><img src="http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv34/commoncentsmom/blogimages/holliesig.png" style="border: 0pt none ;" /><input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden"><div id="refHTML"></div>Holliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06173197714536544439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7203491387011101992.post-38518675396184079882009-06-05T15:17:00.000-07:002009-06-05T15:22:55.076-07:00Have You Discovered Diane Birch?This week one of my friends sent me to You Tube to watch this video of a song called<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DnoUhtygXQ4"> Fire Escape.</a> I feel in love with the artist. I think you will love her too.<br /><br />What I like most about her, she is an artist who gives back to the community. If you buy her album $1 goes to help one of six charities. If you buy it from the widget on this blog you help raise money for Autism Speaks.<br /><br />I don't do alot of fund raising on my blog but thought this was too good not too support and I hope you will too.<br /><br /><img src="http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv34/commoncentsmom/blogimages/holliesig.png" style="border: 0pt none ;" /><input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden"><div id="refHTML"></div>Holliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06173197714536544439noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7203491387011101992.post-29997309404539504982009-06-03T07:16:00.000-07:002009-06-03T07:24:53.558-07:00Wordless Wednesday-Coal Mining<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4EpCnvibPwA/SiaHaH8Yu6I/AAAAAAAAAJA/zNZpH8Q5P8o/s1600-h/2949_101972740459_688975459_3098329_2610236_n.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4EpCnvibPwA/SiaHaH8Yu6I/AAAAAAAAAJA/zNZpH8Q5P8o/s400/2949_101972740459_688975459_3098329_2610236_n.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343106890800348066" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: right;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4EpCnvibPwA/SiaHHKAIH5I/AAAAAAAAAI4/QnImMdqrNZQ/s1600-h/2949_101971805459_688975459_3098321_977308_n.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4EpCnvibPwA/SiaHHKAIH5I/AAAAAAAAAI4/QnImMdqrNZQ/s400/2949_101971805459_688975459_3098321_977308_n.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343106564935393170" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">I had never seen a coal mine until I moved here.<br />Nova Scotia has a history that is rich in mining.<br /><br /></div> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden"><div id="refHTML"></div><input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden"><div id="refHTML"></div>Holliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06173197714536544439noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7203491387011101992.post-79273458598702773372009-06-02T08:32:00.000-07:002009-06-02T08:43:40.834-07:00Scared Stiff!OMG! I know I am good at my job. The awards and accolades over the years have told me so. But here I sit a nervous ninny! I started being a work at home mom last night with the onboarding (that means loading your computer with a heck load of tools that you need for work).<br /><br />But we ran into a huge problem. They didn't not get my ID number into their system, which means when I got to get access to the server tonight I may not get in. They have told me this will be resolved by my start time and I pray it is.<br /><br />I am also nervous because for my company I am one of a handful of agents being allowed to take calls from home. My great customer service skills got me here(OK, I am a good bs'er.).They goal will be to grow the program.<br /><br />I am also nervous because my daughter Roo will have to keep it down to a dull roar, is that an okay expectation of a tween who loves music? I have bought her headphones so I should be okay in that department. Will she think she can interupt mommy at work? I have given her rules and guidelines and I hope she gets it. Time will tell. I am hopeful. I want this to work!<br /><br />Have you ever been excited, nervous and scared stiff? How did you handle it? I think I have jumped off the bridge and I am just waiting for the landing.<br /><br /><img src="http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv34/commoncentsmom/blogimages/holliesig.png" style="border: 0pt none ;" /><input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden"><div id="refHTML"></div>Holliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06173197714536544439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7203491387011101992.post-71127893109689861072009-05-30T16:26:00.000-07:002009-05-30T16:31:44.325-07:00Fat Mommy Needs Help<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4EpCnvibPwA/SiHA8BbhlgI/AAAAAAAAAIo/LTfZ9LXjmLI/s1600-h/n527920906_2772049_861000.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4EpCnvibPwA/SiHA8BbhlgI/AAAAAAAAAIo/LTfZ9LXjmLI/s400/n527920906_2772049_861000.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5341762770446685698" border="0" /></a><br />This fat mommy needs help!<br /><br />I am admitting I have a problem and I need to get healthier! I need to get fitter!<br /><br />I want to be fit and fabulous!<br /><br />I have tried every diet under the sun and don't really know what to do next.<br /><br />It has to be Frugal.<br /><br />It has to help me break bad habits.<br /><br />I want to walk a few blocks without pausing for a breath. I want to chase and play with Roo.<br /><br />I know I need help!<br /><br />What is working for you as you get fit, firm and faulous?<br /><br /><br /><img src="http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv34/commoncentsmom/blogimages/holliesig.png" style="border: 0pt none ;" /><input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden"><div id="refHTML"></div>Holliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06173197714536544439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7203491387011101992.post-78546045714954118272009-05-27T17:30:00.001-07:002009-05-27T17:32:20.749-07:00Wordless Wednesday -Another View of Nova Scotia<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4EpCnvibPwA/Sh3bVUc2Z8I/AAAAAAAAAIg/4A1jtaUXolk/s1600-h/n527920906_1573216_8101.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4EpCnvibPwA/Sh3bVUc2Z8I/AAAAAAAAAIg/4A1jtaUXolk/s400/n527920906_1573216_8101.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340665892444727234" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">This is one of my favorite shots and this was taken not far from home.<br />Can you say I live in one beautiful part of the country.<br /></div><br /><br /><br /><img src="http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv34/commoncentsmom/blogimages/holliesig.png" style="border: 0pt none ;" /><input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden"><div id="refHTML"></div>Holliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06173197714536544439noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7203491387011101992.post-41717877941056474282009-05-25T06:17:00.000-07:002009-05-25T06:33:13.112-07:00Bullying RevisitedRemember how I wrote awhile back about Roo being bullied. Well the saga continues. First about 10 days ago I wrote a letter to the editor of of local paper, it was published on Friday. Really I do believe we as parents can do better for our own children and those around us. You can read it <a href="http://www.ngnews.ca/index.cfm?sid=253490&sc=51">here</a>.<br /><br />Then on Wednesday evening there was a knock at the door. I thought it was my landlord returning as he had just been at my residence to fix a pipe that was leaking. It wasn't him. It was two of the mothers of children who have been bullying my daughter. One was accusing me of trying to run her daughter down with my car. She then assaulted me. I was hit several times on the face, arms and body. She left as my 11 year old daughter ran and grabbed the phone and called 911.<br /><br />Funny thing is, I don't own a car and I don't have a driver's license. I was assaulted because I have been filing police reports about the bullying I believe. The woman was charged with unlawful entry and assault. She has been released from custody already and that does scare me a bit, but she has conditions she can not come near me or my child or have any indirect contact. I am concerned for my own safety as well as that of my child.<br /><br />But something needs to be done to stop the bullying here in town and if it takes me taking a stand then so be it.<br /><br /><br /><br /><img src="http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv34/commoncentsmom/blogimages/holliesig.png" style="border: 0pt none ;" /><input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden"><div id="refHTML"></div><input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden"><div id="refHTML"></div>Holliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06173197714536544439noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7203491387011101992.post-91565235061588377302009-05-20T02:21:00.001-07:002009-05-20T02:25:30.254-07:00Wordless Wednesday: The Birds of Pictou County<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4EpCnvibPwA/ShPL7N11_iI/AAAAAAAAAIQ/ZNMsc9DMcDw/s1600-h/Ron+and+June%27s+Fall+Trip+to+Nova+Scotia+135.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4EpCnvibPwA/ShPL7N11_iI/AAAAAAAAAIQ/ZNMsc9DMcDw/s320/Ron+and+June%27s+Fall+Trip+to+Nova+Scotia+135.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337834201552387618" border="0" /></a><br />These Birds can be found just off the causeway going from Pictou to New Glasgow.<br />They are a sight I look forward to as I drive from my house to my mom's<br /><br />ps. Sorry I havent posted in the last week. I got sick and am now just finally starting to get better.<br /></div><br /><br /><br /><img src="http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv34/commoncentsmom/blogimages/holliesig.png" style="border: 0pt none ;" />Holliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06173197714536544439noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7203491387011101992.post-9650630904563724842009-05-13T04:30:00.001-07:002009-05-13T04:38:57.461-07:00Wordless Wednesday: I Would Rather<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4EpCnvibPwA/SgqvhcTB-DI/AAAAAAAAAIA/lWs3exOBaL8/s1600-h/winter+08+09+186.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4EpCnvibPwA/SgqvhcTB-DI/AAAAAAAAAIA/lWs3exOBaL8/s320/winter+08+09+186.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335269697640331314" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">I would rather not post a picture of a bullied child.<br />When will bullying stop?<br /></div><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4EpCnvibPwA/SgqwYOOrzlI/AAAAAAAAAII/MrJG92j43js/s1600-h/Ron+and+June%27s+Fall+Trip+to+Nova+Scotia+144.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4EpCnvibPwA/SgqwYOOrzlI/AAAAAAAAAII/MrJG92j43js/s320/Ron+and+June%27s+Fall+Trip+to+Nova+Scotia+144.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335270638756810322" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">I would rather post pictures of a daughter that is happy.<br />Here with her hat creation.<br /><br />More and more I think parents need to stand up, and press for reform when it comes to the amount of bullying that can be found in schools today.<br /></div><br /><br /><img src="http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv34/commoncentsmom/blogimages/holliesig.png" style="border: 0pt none ;" />Holliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06173197714536544439noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7203491387011101992.post-6715071597031086992009-05-11T19:58:00.000-07:002009-05-11T20:07:33.473-07:00What Will It Take?What will it take?<br /><br />What will it take to put a stop to the bullying that goes on in schools everywhere everyday day?<br /><br />What will it take for a bullied child to get the protection and services they need?<br /><br />What will it take for the the bullier to get the help they so desperately need as well?<br /><br />What will it take for children to understand that every other person deserves respect?<br /><br />What will it take for a child to come home happy from school?<br /><br />What will it take in your community and mine?<br /><br />The facts speak for themselves. Each year more children are hurt at the hands of other children each year, little is done. Each year teens commit suicide because of the words and actions of other teens. Little is done. School boards may have anti violence policies on paper but do little with it. What will it take?<br /><br />When will we stand up and say enough is enough?<br /><img src="http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv34/commoncentsmom/blogimages/holliesig.png" style="border: 0pt none ;" /><input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden"><div id="refHTML"></div>Holliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06173197714536544439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7203491387011101992.post-60693097366624374572009-05-09T17:56:00.001-07:002009-05-09T18:20:20.972-07:00MotherhoodThis year is my 12 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">th</span> year of celebrating Mother's Day as a mom. My very first one I was living in Carlsbad, New Mexico. I had just become step mom to 3 little ones all under 8. My 2 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">jedi</span> warriors and one little princess. I was also glowing well because Miss <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Roo</span> was growing inside me.<br /><br />For me it was a perfect simple day. Little did I know what motherhood would come to mean in the years since then. You see I got to step parent 3 amazing kids for just short of a year when my short marriage shattered around me and I was not allowed to have contact with the my warriors or the little princess.<br /><br />I was a mom who has done it all solo style since day 1. I can remember holding <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Roo</span> that first night and being absolutely terrified. I am grateful one of my really great girlfriends at the time was with me, she had coached me through the whole labor and really was my godsend in those first hours as a new mom.<br /><br />You see when I became a mother for the first time I was homeless. I was a mother who was struggling, my marriage had just ended and I was staying at a Home for Battered Women. Mostly it was my soul that had been battered, that and my heart.<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Roo</span> was my healing ointment. She loved unconditionally and allowed me to do the same. She was my saving grace, she became teacher, friend, child, wise one all wrapped up in one.<br /><br />In the years since there have been many twists, turns, triumphs and struggles as I am sure come with the role of being mother. For me the day I was told that <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Roo</span> has <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Asperger's</span> was a day that sent me into a different mode. I think when you find out that you have a special child, you come to realize you have to become a different kind of mother.<br /><br />In the last 5 years I have had to be mom, advocate, friend, coach, <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Sargent</span>, doctor, resource finder, and the list really <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">doesn't</span> end. For me, my daughter became my teacher. She allowed me to see the world in a very different way and because of that I have been forever changed. She makes be a better mother and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">nurturer</span>. I am forever grateful that she is mine and I get the chance to raise her.<br /><br />For all the mother's out there I want to wish you a Happy Mother's Day!<br /><br /><img src="http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv34/commoncentsmom/blogimages/holliesig.png" style="border: 0pt none ;" /><input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden"><div id="refHTML"></div><input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden"><div id="refHTML"></div>Holliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06173197714536544439noreply@blogger.com1