Five Tips for Hassle Free Family Travel

By: Kendra Thornton

Spending time on a summer getaway with your husband and children can be a lot of fun. And preparing well in advance for your summer vacation can help you avoid some of the stresses that always seem to accompany a family trip. Here are some tips for vacation preparation that will ensure a relaxing trip.


Book it Early!
Planning to fly to a destination with the family this summer? It's wise to book a flight that leaves early in the day. This lessens the chance that the flight will be delayed or tied up in runway congestion. Not surprisingly, a flight that is delayed can leave parents frantic for sufficient entertainment, snacks and even diapers for their little ones. Added stress of missing a connection or shuttle service can make you wish you hadn’t left the house in the first place. Of course, leaving early does not guarantee your trip will be without any hiccups. However, booking your family on an early flight can start a trip off on the right foot.

Family-Friendly Accommodations
By making reservations at a family-friendly hotel, you can save yourself a lot of trouble. A hotel with a refrigerator in each room can be extremely important for those needing bottles for traveling infants or for keeping healthy snacks like fruit, cheese and yogurt. This keeps the kids from raiding the vending machines and saves you from unnecessary sugar highs. Other family-friendly hotels have playgrounds, pools and babysitting services. If you’re looking for the full package, look into a kid friendly resort. My family stayed at the Hilton Hawaiian Resort in Oahu, ranked amongst the top hotels in Honolulu, and we were thrilled with how many options they had for every member of the family. From the exotic animals, to their luxurious spa to surf and sailing lessons, this resort truly kept my entire family engaged and entertained.

Move on Back!
Finally, if you are taking a flight, you may want to request seats in the back of the plane. In the back, kids are kept away from the noise in the mid-section of the plane. Alternatively, if they are restless, the noise is somewhat confined to that area. Plus, the back of the plane may have more room for kids to move. They are also closer to the restroom, which can be handy for potty breaks, restless little legs and quick outfit changes.

A Lift to the Hotel
After a smooth, non-delayed flight, the last thing you need is to wait in line for a taxi or at a car rental counter. Making arrangements ahead of time for a rental car or even for a ride from a friend can save parents some aggravation. Many cities also have zipcars, which just expanded to 8 additional airport locations as of May. Going straight to the hotel without delay means that the children can begin to settle in, nap and eat a full meal. Once again, preparation can save a family a lot of headaches. It can also save you money to book a car ahead of time.

Plastic Bags are a Must-Have
Unfortunately, every vacation has to end sometime. But if you plan ahead, unpacking can be a lot less painful than before. A gathering of plastic bags can prove invaluable. Plastic bags can be filled with wet bathing suits and towels as well as dirty clothing. This keeps these items away from the clean items, with less work to do upon arriving home. Most parents understand how quickly these items can get mixed up in a suitcase. In addition, if you do a load of laundry over the vacation, you know exactly what items need attention. Plastic grocery bags are ideal, but if sand is involved I recommend sealable bags. If you’re conscious of your plastic use, I recommend a reusable wet bathing suit bag, to keep the sand and chlorine at bay.

Guest Blogger Bio: Kendra Thornton: Travel advocate, TV spokesperson, PR businesswoman, proud wife and mama of 3. I am a long time travel expert who has been packing my bags and traveling the world since I was 3 months old! I've found my utmost desire in life is right here in my own home. I have taken my excitement for travel and brought it to you with some of my favorite travel tips and tricks. Enjoy!

BRCA Gene Awareness

BRCA Gene testing has been around for quite some time, every year the process becomes easier and easier. Currently in the news Angelina Jolie came forward that she had a recent double mastectomy due to being diagnosed as a BRCA 1 gene carrier. By doing this preventive surgery she decreased her risk of developing Breast Cancer in her lifetime from 87% down to 5%.

In 2005 I tested positive for being a carrier for the BRCA 2 Gene. I decided to get tested because my Grandmother passed away from Breast Cancer and my mother developed it in her mid thirties. Gratefully she has been cancer free for almost 20 years. I had to go to Yale to meet with Genetic counselors, after a  blood test my results came back. At first I was in shock. No one wants to know they are at greater risk and MAY develop Breast and/or Ovarian  and again people must be aware that if you carry a gene mutation it does NOT mean you will develop Breast and/or Ovarian cancer. It just means your risk is greater than a person who does NOT carrier the mutation.

A positive BRCA1 result gives a woman a 60% to 80% lifetime risk of breast cancer and a 30% to 45% lifetime risk of ovarian cancer. A positive BRCA2 result gives a woman a 50% to 70% lifetime risk of breast cancer and a 10% to 20% lifetime risk of ovarian cancer. * Again it does NOT mean you will develop this type of cancer.

After I was tested I had a routine Ultrasound, Mammogram, and MRI. They found a lump in my breast and after a biopsy gratefully my results came back negative. Ever since then every 6 months I get screened. Being Gene positive has allowed me to receive extensive testing as a preventive.

At first the diagnosis bothered me. Being so young every time I had any test done nurses would ask a lot of questions. I did NOT have any trouble getting health insurance but you can have difficulty getting LIFE insurance if you test positive. When I was trying to get pregnant my specialist said that some people have opted to have this Gene removed so their unborn child would not be at risk.

The crazy thing about this is I always go to my doctors appointments and testing for this so when I was diagnosed with Thyroid cancer I was so confused. I get mixed answers if being a carrier put me at greater risk of getting Thyroid cancer.

If you or a close loved one has had Breast or Ovarian cancer please speak with your Doctor about finding out if you are a BRCA Gene carrier. When I was tested I had to go to Yale, now my OBGYN does the testing in their office.

My mother left it up to my sisters and me if we wanted to be tested. I chose to and although the doctors appointments could be annoying  the thought that if I were to ever develop this type of cancer it would be early on is reassuring. Take care of your body! Learn more about BRCA Gene Testing Here*

Feel Good Song: Of Monsters and Men - Little Talks

Happy Mother's Day

As a Mother we wear many hats, sometimes it is tough, sometimes it is stressful but MOST of the time it is the most rewarding job you will ever have! Happy Mother's Day to all the great Moms and thanks for all you do!

Happy Mother's Day!

Talk....To Me!

My incision is healing so wonderful on my neck and soon you will not even notice I had my thyroid out and besides my achy body nothing else really changed expect for one thing: MY VOICE!

I lost my high pitch tone, at first it really bothered me. I can not sing and my voice is very hoarse. But luckily
it does get better everyday and my surgeon said in 6-8 weeks it will be back to normal and if not I can do voice therapy.

People I meet for the first time is shocked when I open my mouth. It doesn't fit my image and to be honest I think I sound like Marge Simpson's sister or a person who smoked too much. People who know me say it is very sexy and it even sounds like a phone operator's voice.

Not the type of Operator when you hit the number 0, the other type of operator that you pay to speak with like somone in the song below. So my joke to deal with this temporary change to just tell people if I wanted I could change my profession in a silly, kind of way, ha-ha would never really do it but might as well laugh about it kind of way.

Happy Friday All!

                                          

Some Days May Be Bad...And That's Ok

I always try to have a positive outlook in life. I used to really believe "Everyday can be a Good day" I even wrote a post about about that but now that I am older and wise my new motto is "Some Days May be Bad and being angry and upset is ok but then learn to look for the Good in your day."

See we all think we are doing something wrong if life doesn't turn out as perfect as we planned. But reality is life is unpredictable. Never in my wildest dreams I thought I would be diagnosed with Thyroid Cancer while pregnant. After I wrote that post "Everyday can be a a Good day" my daughter fell down a flight of stairs. She was less than two years old. I was getting dressed, had a gate up and somehow she pushed on it and all I heard was a crash. She slide down 13 steps while holding on to the gate. I was in shock! I thought to myself I better go delete that post. She turned out fine, thank goodness, but that post was a reminder that yes you will have good days but there are bad days too and you have to learn that is ok.

All we can do is be good people, do good things, turn our bad luck around into good luck. The worst thing you can do is not deal head on with a bad situation because then you will not be allow you to move on.

Recently I woke up with the intentions that Every can be a good day and then my fire alarm went off, my dog had an accident in my dining room, I received a bill in the mail that I should have been billed for and a pen exploded in my draw and  all over my hands. I know these are all minor things but when you are home with two little ones and all this happens first think in the morning you think forget coffe I need a drink. BUT THEN I realized 5 weeks prior I had cancer in my body and knowing it was gone made me feel better.

My whole point is people have situations worse than yours and it does not mean you do not have the right to say you had a bad day. BUT deal with your bad day and move forward, move on and try to create better days!

Feel Good Song: Emeli Sandé - Next To Me

Rabbit Rabbit Rabbit...1st of the Month Has a New Meaning

The 1st of the Month will always be special to me; today marks my 1 month being cancer free and my baby girl turns 2 months old. Happy 1st of the Month!

1 Month Cancer Free, 2 Months old

Fun Craft: Make Sand

I love doing arts and crafts with my daughter so the other day I was loving the warm weather and bummed we couldn't go out since my baby doesn't have her 8 week shots yet. Then I thought if we can't go to the beach why not have the beach come to us. So we made sand and with the shells I had in our house from our last vacation to the Hampton and the Cape we decorated the sand.

To add new memories I told my daughter every time we go to the beach this summer we will get to add a shell to our collection.

What you need:

• 3 cups flour
• 1 cup used coffee grinds cooled
• 2 cups hot chocolate powder

Mix all together and pour in a nice vase or pail.  

Have your children feel the sand, the coffee grinds add the texture like real sand. Add real seashells.

 Simple, yet creative!

Spring Into Color With Pampers and Enter for a Chance to Win $5000

What would you do with $5000?

Starting on Monday, April 29th, Pampers is kicking off the season of Spring with a celebration of the ways babies color our lives! Check out their "Spring into Color" tab on their Facebook page (www.facebook.com/pampers ) for chances to win daily prizes that enhance the colorful and delightful ways in which the wonderment of babies brighten our daily lives - all including Pampers wipes and diapers.

Here's where the $5000 comes into play: each entry will also enter you into the grand prize giveaway, a $5,000 gift card. Be sure to enter before the sweepstakes ends on May 28th.

I know what I would do with $5000...buy lots and lots of diapers. Good Luck Readers!

*FTC Disclosure: Coupons are being donated to me by Pampers for my participation in this blogging program. These items were not intended as payment for any favorable opinions.*

Say Thank You Quote

"We must find time to stop and thank the people who make a difference in our lives " John F. Kennedy

Happy 110th Birthday to the 8 original Crayola Crayons!

Wow 110 years is a reason to celebrate! Just like you whenever I think of crayons these 8 original Crayola crayons come to mind:

 


8 Original Crayola Crayons

 *FOLLOW the crayons on their adventure, LEARN more about each color and enter to WIN a trip for 4 to celebrate their birthday and the Grand Opening of the all new Crayola Experience this coming May, 2013! The new Crayola Experience features four floors of new interactive exhibits and one-of-a-kind attractions that will bring the magic of color and your child's creativity to life!

Want a chance to win, then join in on the fun today! Learn More Here

* Content provided by Crayola*

Plan Ahead...Post Partum Solutions

I have a wound on my neck and a wound on my stomach and the first week I was alone with my two girls all I wanted was to make an egg sandwich. Once the baby was fed her bottle and my daughter had her breakfast, dogs went outside and I check my bandages it was time for lunch.

Don't be like me...plan ahead.

The smartest thing I did on that following Sunday was went grocery shopping alone. I came home put the groceries away and while the girls slept I made a ton of food. I made an egg frittata, chicken salad and washed lettuce. I knew that the next day was Monday and in order to have a good week I needed to plan ahead.

Monday morning came and instead of making an egg sandwich , (which sounds so simple but you have to toast the bread and fry the egg and clean the pan which is too many steps when you have two little ones needing your attention) I just warmed up a piece of the frittata. For lunch I had a salad with a scoop of chicken salad. All I had to do was plate these items. I didn't have to wash dishes or make anything. And my girls needs didn't stress me out while I was trying to fulfill mine.

Moms plan ahead. Pick a day on the weekend when you husband can watch the kids and plan for the week ahead. You are NOT SUPERWOMAN! We can not do it all and we should not have to. But if you plan ahead you can make a world of a difference in your day.

I still get my egg sandwiches, I just now get them on the weekends when my husband is home to help me make them.

Reaching Happiness Quote

"Once you reach your true happiness everything else in life becomes very simple."

Accomplish Something Big...Start With Saying Thank You

I feel like I need to accomplish something big. Since I feel like I have been given a second chance in life and my purpose isn't yet fulfilled that I need to do something big , something good for people, give back to society. So in my search of fulfilling my life purpose I had to start by saying Thank You!

Along my journey of healing I constantly thanked those who helped me, who brought me food, watched my children, helped me around my house, brought my daughter to school and drove me to appointments.  But there was one last person on my list that needed a big thank you, my  Doctor who did her job in making sure her patient got the right care, my OBGYN 

When I failed my one hour glucose pregnancy test my OBGYN insisted I see an endocrinologist. At first I asked if I could just retake it she said since due to my history of being insulin resistant she was not comfortable with me retaking it until I saw one. That's what started this all!  When I thanked my OBGYN she said don't thank me thank that baby girl of yours for coming into your life, I agreed but also thanked her again and said she was a great doctor. The expression on her face was priceless. She kissed me on my cheek and said "thank you for taking my advice and really went to see a doctor, many patients don't take my advice and you did and it saved your life!"

Saying Thank You doesn't take much effort but makes people feel so appreciative and it also makes you feel good knowing you made other people felt good. So in my quest to find my purpose I want to THANK all of YOU my readers. Thank you for coming to my blog and encouraging me to keep telling my life story and experiences. 

I also want to make this is a lesson to take your doctor's advice. If they suggest a type of treatment or to see another doctor DO IT! By me listening to my doctor and taking her advice it saved my life! 

Be at Peace Quote

"Let go of any people, place, or situation that does not let you be at peace."

Post Partum Funk...Go Shopping

For anyone who's ever had a baby I am sure you can relate to this. You have your beautiful baby and walk out of the hospital excited to be a new mom and to finally work on having your body back. Well if you are like me you don't walk out looking like you never even had a baby. Which btw I so envy those women. Anyway, if you are like me you struggle with what to wear after you have a baby, you think your body will just melt away the 40lbs you put on and look like you did before you even knew you were pregnant. You struggle if you should wear your maternity clothes because they make you look pregnant still yet your pre-pregnancy skinny jeans don't stand a chance yet. So you get into a funk and put on stretchy pants and your husband's tshirt and mope when you look in the mirror to see a pregnancy type body without a baby in it anymore. Yep, I did that alot with my first child and I was determined to NOT do that again with my new baby. Well let me tell you what helped me get out of my post partum funk, I went shopping!


The sweetest smartest thing my mom did after I had my thyroid out was handed me money and said I was going to buy you flowers but thought you may enjoy something else for yourself so go buy something nice. It was such a great gesture that came in handy for me. We had a wave of warm weather and I freaked. None of my clothes fit and I did not want to wear my maternity shirts so one day in my state of I "hate my body" I took the money and went shopping.

Round 1 in dressing room I brought shirts in the size I USED to be...they did not fit. Round 2 in dressing room I brought shirts in the size I WISHED to be... still no luck. Round 3 in dressing room I brought shirts in the dreaded size I actually WAS. Everyone argues that I just had a baby and should not be concerned yet with how I looked but I wanted my single digits back and skinny jeans and tank tops ect... The trip to the store was AMAZING for me. I did not buy expensive stuff but cute stuff that made me feel good getting dressed in the morning until I was able to shed this extra weight.

Ladies do it, go shopping, don't go crazy, but set aside $100 and buy clothes that make you feel good even though you know in a couple of months will be too big for you. I am not saying this to waste money, I am saying this because your body and mind went through so much and NO ONE expects you to look as perfect as you did before you had the baby even though that is what we want. But when you think you look good you feel good and it is worth it.


Plus I got to spend an hour to myself without my kids just to gather my thoughts and do something nice for me. For once do something nice for YOU too!

Feel Good Song: Alive By Krewella

9 Lives

I am starting to believe that Cats are not the only ones that have 9 Lives. After I received my results I was in shock. I could not believe what I had just been through and then I thought about it, it wasn't my first brush with death. Sorry I know sounds morbid but think about it. How many things have happened in your lifetime when after you thought, wow thank goodness I survived that and am still alive.

My twin sister and I are 28 minutes apart. Yes, 28 minutes, crazy I know. Well my mother never knew she was pregnant with twins until she was in the delivery room recovering from having my twin sister. See she was young, in her early 20's, it was in the 1980's, her doctor was not the brightest and thought she was having a "big baby boy." After she gave birth to my sister my father noticed a lump on the side of her stomach, that lump was me. 28 minutes later she gave birth to me. Now image 28 minutes after she was in trauma from going into labor with my sister I was still in her belly. Lucky to be alive, you betcha!

In 1986 swimming lessons at Norwalk High one of my sisters not so bright guy friends pushed me in, I did not know how to swim, I sank to the bottom. My mom's daughter's best friend saw me and dove in to get me. Lucky to be alive, you betcha!

In 2008 got onto Merritt Parkway on a rainy day and lost control of vehicle, ended up in front of a tree, my front bumper wrapped around a tree, the guard rail of my Pathfinder took the impact. I walked away without a scratch. Lucky to be alive, you betcha!

In 2013 pregnant, failed 1 hr glucose due to sugar problems doctor suggested see a specialist. Specialist felt a lump in neck, after blood tests, ultrasounds, biopsies then surgery discovered it was indeed Thyroid Cancer. As of my knowledge it took up most of my Thyroid and only 1 millimeter of tissue was Cancer free. Lucky to be alive, hell yeah.

See think about it. How many stories do you have?! I could even tell stories of family members who "cheated death." To me I like to believe that our true destiny was not yet fulfilled. We all serve a purpose here on Earth, maybe we get these "9 Lives" until we fulfill that purpose. I do not know. All I know is after the last experience I have encountered I am grateful, truly grateful to be alive.

9 Lives or Not Life is  Too Precious, Too Good and too Short, to NOT be Enjoyed! Enjoy life all "9" of them!

Yogi Tea GREAT For Thyroid Patients and Sore Throats

My sister bought me Yogi Throat Comfort Tea to help with my throat after my surgery and it really helped with the discomfort. I went through a box in 4 days. It was very soothing and even tasted great when it was cold. I HIGHLY recommend it for Thyroid Patients, when you have a sore throat or even just for Tea Lovers!

Learn More Here http://www.yogiproducts.com/products/details/throat-comfort/

Heal in Peace

I met with my endocrinologist yesterday who was able to get my results from Yale. All three nodules on my thyroid were Papillary cancer, however, all 8 lymph nodes were negative for cancer. When I heard the news it was like a rush of relief came over me. Now that I knew my cancer did not spread outside my thyroid I could now heal in peace.


I never knew how much pain I would be in. I just had a csection a month ago and still have discomfort from that and now I have my thyroid out with a neck dissection and am in pain again. My family has been great helping me at home and with the kids. My husband has been amazing with doing anything and everything possible to make me comfortable.  

I don't want to be in pain, and I don't handle pain well,  I want to get up make breakfast for my family, clean my house, cook, lift things etc without restrictions. I know this is temporary and I should just allow my body to heal but I also think my soul needs some healing. I have been through a lot these past 4 weeks and the emotional stress of not knowing what is happening in my body took a toll on me physically and emotionally.

I want to say to everyone out there who has had or has cancer or surgeries that I wish nothing but for you to be in peace. I wish away your pain and discomfort. I was lucky I had found my cancer when I did and I had my thyroid removed and after treatments and some follow up scans I can put this behind me. For the less fortunate my heart hurts for you and I wish you peace!

Thyroid Surgery...Recovery Day 4

I am glad to say my surgery on Monday went really well. Everyone at Yale were amazing. They showed compassion and understanding and did everything in their power to make me comfortable. My girlfriend works in the recovery room and I asked if she could let me sleep and thankfully she told everyone so I got to sleep alot after surgery. Once I was in a room my throat hurt so bad. It felt like a really bad sore throat, the kind that stings when you breath in cold air or even when you swallow your own saliva.

The nurses gave me ice chips, medicine, cold beverages and nothing worked. Finally we turned to tea, hot water and a throat spray. Slowly my throat started to feel better. The nurses were better than I could have imagined. They showed compassion and one went out of her way to make sure I tolerated liquids so she could put an order in for me to have real food, she gave me scrubs so I could walk around on the cancer floor to heal faster and she even shorted my IV because it was becoming uncomfortable for me in my hand well after her shift was over. She was a god sent!

 I ate soft foods and soup for lunch and dinner. I spent the night a Yale so they could monitor my calcium levels and breathing. It felt like every hour they were giving me something; pain meds, calcium, vitamin D, magnesium ect...

I had the hardest time getting comfortable. They wanted me to sleep elevated to prevent swelling, but no matter how I laid I just could not get comfortable. It was not fun and I am now on Day 4 and still uncomfortable. I feel like no matter how I turn my head the tape on my incision is being pulled. My throat still hurts a little and I try not to talk too much.  Luckily everyday I feel better.

I am relieved that my incision is only about 2 inches and next Thursday they will take the bandage off. During surgery they had a lymph node tested to check how far the needed to cut and luckily it was negative for cancer. I did have three abnormal nodules on my thyroid. 1 Big one we knew that was there and abnormal and 2 smaller ones we weren't aware of until surgery. I am thankful this surgery is finally over and every day I am feeling better. I am not allowed to pick up and walk around with my baby but I lay with her and that allow has amazing healing powers for me. I have been blessed and  have had family with me all week to help. I am very luck to have all this support in my life and know I do not have to do through this alone.

Tomorrow I get my levels checked again. I can not wait for this all to be over. I am not one to lay low and be sick, I like to be out and about and feel good. I know things will get better soon and need to be patient and heal. I saw this the day after my surgery and felt it was so appropriate. It applies to not just those who had Thyroid surgery but everyone who ever been scarred by something in their life. I know I still have a long road ahead of me but know I have to just live one day at a time and hopefully this scar will fad in time and if not it just will be a symbol of my strengthen.

Today's The Day...My Fight Against Thyroid Cancer

Rabbit Rabbit Rabbit, Happy 1st of the Month! Today is the day I have been waiting for the past 6 months, today I have my surgery for Thyroid Cancer. Today I finally get this cancer out of my body and look forward to a healthier me!





Grateful For The Support I Have

"In this journey called life it's a blessing to know that any battle we may face we do not need to face them alone."

Happy Easter!!!

How lucky am I?! :)

HAPPY EASTER!!!

Life Quote

"Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance you must keep moving." Albert Einstein 

Embrace Today

"Always embrace today and the people around you." 

Feel Good Song: P!nk Just Give Me A Reason ft. Nate Ruess .

Great Song!!!

Don't Stress Quote

"Stress does nothing but age you!"

Keep Laughing Quote

"Laughter leads to nothing but good things!"

Be Strong Quote

"Streghten isn't something anyone can give you, it's something you must teach yourself to protect yourself!"

Feel Good Song: Carry On

1 Week to Go...Thyroid Cancer Surgery

Last week I had the pleasure of going to Yale for my pre op appointment and I actually felt really good after my appointment I walked in being nervous and walked out feeling like I am so ready to get this cancer out of my body.

I am not going to lie I hate I am going through this. And it isn't so much the Cancer because for someone who just had a baby I feel great besides minor body aches and lack of rest, what bothers is that I just don't want to deal with this. I don't want to deal with all the doctor appointments and not being with my girls. I dislike having to have another surgery and being away from home.

I keep thinking maybe my pathology will come back negative for cancer even though my two biopics both came back positive for Papillary Carcinoma. See no one wants cancer even the word is horrific so even though this is the "best" type of cancer to have I just don't want any type in my body. 

I was in great shape before I got pregnant and now I have no idea what my body will be like after my thyroid is out. But am lucky to have a trainer in my family who offered to help me get back to where I want to be once surgery and treatments are over.

I know being optimistic is the way to go and trust me for the most part I have been really positive. So with a week to go I am trying to be positive. My incision should only be 2 inches, I joined a support group online and they have provided awesome tips, ex practice turning with your torso not neck since after surgery you shouldn't turn your neck, eat Popsicles for a sore throat which isn't from the removal of thyroid but from having a breathing tube in during surgery. Prepare to eat sort foods. I again am so grateful for all the support and help I have lined up to help me and my children. 

I can't wait to put this past me and know if I can get through this and be strong then I can handle anything!

Happy Palm Sunday

Be Good to Yourself Quote

"The most important relationship you have is with yourself!"

Happy St. Patty's Day

My little leprechauns :)

Grateful in Many Ways

My cancer has affected a lot of people and I know it. I like to think I am an overall happy person. I try to look at life straight on, I used to be more of a dreamer a free soul. I am trying to bring myself back to that point, the point where laughter heals the soul, where fear isn't something I let consume me. It's harder then you think. 

One way God has blessed me is he's filled my life with a lot of amazing people, good people, the ones who truly love me. Since I had my baby my house has been filled with food, gifts, people wanting to help me, and love. Real love, real happiness. I am so grateful. After my surgery I have another group lined up yet again to help me and I am so grateful in so many ways. 

We all go through life with judging our happiness based on materialistic things but true happiness, real good people and real love can't be bought! I am grateful in many ways for all I am blessed with and when I am down I have so many people and reasons to pick myself back up!

Secret to Happiness

"The secret to being happy is to live in the moment and to not worry about tomorrow until tomorrow!"

Don't Let It Get the Best Of You

I have this amazing baby is my arms and all I keep thinking about is how could I have cancer in my body, how could this baby have been in my belly while I had cancer? It's crazy I know and as much as I try not to think about it I see my preop appointment on my calendar and My surgery date haunting me. I keep thinking this too will past but I have to admit its really taking a toll on me. I am slowly recovery from my csection and hate to have another surgery. I am trying not to let this get the best of me but the only way to deal is to feel!

Let Go to Gain More Quote

"If you let go of what's holding you back you will allow something bigger and better in."

My Girls My Life

I Fell In love for the 3rd Time

Friday morning I awoke with the fear of how could I ever love my baby girl who I would meet that day as much as I love my daughter who is 4. Let me tell you the minute I heard her first cry I knew I fell in love for the 3rd time my life, 1st time with my husband , 2nd time when my daughter was born and yet again on March 1st at 1:42 pm when I gave birth  to my 2nd baby girl. 

I must say it was very strange checking in to Maternity without being in labor, I changed into a gown and my baby was kicking away in my belly. My family came to see me with great anticipation that we were just an hour away to adding another addition to my family. Time had come and the nurse said it was time to go to the OR. I laid down and she nope get up, get up I asked why, because we are walking you into the OR. Yep, I walked myself into the OR. My husband and I hand in hand, dressed in scrubs. It was very difficult seeing all the instruments laid out. I mean I felt great no pain and within minutes I was being prepped for surgery to have a baby. Another baby, another person in my home, another baby to love forever. It was so surreal!

Once I heard her cry my fear of not being able to love her as much went away. I fell in love with her and have been memorized by her ever since. I feel like my family is now complete and will cherish this baby forever!

Feel Good Song: In My Daughter's Eyes

Final Count Down...Baby #2

It's the final count down. Baby number 2 will be here tomorrow. Sounds surreal I know! The feelings I am having are all over the place. My daughter and I are so close and I kindof thought for a while I would be ok with just one child but once we got pregnant again it was as if this baby would complete our family. I am so excited to meet her tomorrow.

My daughter is having a hard time with it, change is hard for kids, change is hard for adults, but I know the minute she meets her she will be just fine. A part of me feels like we are starting over and this time I swear I will not rush it. I will not rush her walking and talking and growing up.

You know once I was diagnosed with cancer I really felt like this baby was brought to me to save my life. She helped me cope with alot of obstacles in my life these past 5 months and I owe her a lifetime of happiness and love and tons of kisses.Whenever I was down she would kick me and I would laugh and be ok again.

She's my saving grace, both my girls are, they have helped me appreciate life a lot more and I am grateful to them for that!

Allow Peace in Your Life

I started the month of February with the mind set of looking to do some healing and allow peace in my life and I must say although I still have Thyroid Cancer I have enjoyed the last 24 days more than I have enjoyed the past 3 months. Peace is something we must have within ourselves. Life is not easy but peace helps guide you through the hard times to help you shine light upon the good times.

Focus on Peace, Focus on Love, Live for Today! No two days are ever the same, hard times make you stronger, and good times make you appreciate how you got through the hard times.

Please all be good to yourselves and allow peace in your life. Try today to really find healing, not just for health reasons but for peace of mind. Live Today, you never know how tomorrow will be.

4 Days to Go...

"There's nothing more beautiful then a love a Mother shares for her child"

Act of Kindness For Self Gratification

We all have this misconception that if we do good for someone we shall get it back and most importantly those who do good deeds should never use that against someone to receive something in return.

I always believed that if you do good, good will come back, in one shape or form, not necessary from the same source not in the same way, ex: donating money doesn't mean you will get money in return, doing good for your neighbor doesn't mean that the same neighbor will do good in return. BUT this does mean that you do goodness out of the sole purpose of the goodness of your heart, you will receive goodness back, not from the same neighbor and maybe not in the form of cash but sometimes even the satisfaction of inner gratification should be enough.

I heard this passage the other day and it made me truly think:

"Be careful not to do your ‘acts of righteousness’ in front of others, to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven." Matthew 6:1-6


Do not brag about your good deeds, do not expect people to acknowledge them right away but do know that good deeds do bring you good things in some shape or form. And the best form of an act of kindness is self gratification without having to have someone else praise you for it. Do it for the goodness of yourself!

Happy Ash Wednesday- My Inner Voice

I always loved Ash Wednesday, I am not sure why. Maybe it is because the next event it leads to is Easter which is my all time favorite holiday. 5 Years ago around this time I was involved in a really bad car accident. I was on my way to refinance my mortgage, I was currently unemployed because the company I worked off sold and my husband and I were not having any luck getting pregnant. So needless to say it was not a great point in my life.

Then bam, I was getting on the Merritt, it was rainy and my tires spun out and I lost control on my car. I kept thinking get off the Merritt, avoid any cars, just head towards anything but the other cars. And I did, I ended up in a tree, the front grill of my pathfinder took the in pack and saved my life. It was folded in half, wrapped around a tree. I walked away from that accident without a scratch and luckily everyone else involved walked away fine too.

I remember attending Mass on Ash Wed. I remember sitting there and thinking I almost lost my life when I heard a little voice say "thank you for keeping me alive." They say we all have guardian angels and after that day I totally believed we do. My inner voice, my protectors were giving thanks for a helping me stay alive.

We all have a spiritual guidance within us, we all have a connection that once it is brought out of us we are able to find a sense of peace. Unfortunately I will never forget that accident, but luckily I also will never forget that sound of that little voice that made me believe my time on earth was yet to be fulfilled.

Two weeks after this accident I started a new job and found out I was pregnant with my daughter.

Easy Bean Dip

Super Bowl is here and since it's the 2nd biggest eating day of the year I thought you may enjoy this easy 3 ingredient bean dip. 

• 1 Can of refried beans
• 1 package of cream cheese 
• 1 bag of shredded sharp cheddar cheese

 In a glass round Pyrex coat the bottom with cream cheese, next layer it with the refried beans and top wih shredded cheese. Microwave for about 3-4 mins or until cheese is melted and serve with tortilla chips. So easy yet so yummy!!!

Enjoy!

Power of Prayer: Healing of the Throats

Today in my quest of healing I attended a service at our church that was a healing for the "throats" . At first I thought it would be emotional for me but as we were waiting in line and I was up next I looked up to see my daughter smiling in my husbands arms and asking if she could do it again. 

I know children are a lot of work but my daughter is so good for my soul that it is worth every ounce of work to have her in my life. 

If you have never attended a healing service you should. My godmother actually bought me a healing mass when I was first diagnosed with Thyroid Cancer and thought it was a great gesture to let me know she was thinking of me and sending prayers my way. If you are ill and never attended one you should,  they are quick and you get this sense of peace afterwards. Really powerful yet so simple. I am going to attend another mass on Saturday that is a healing for the sick. 

My journey to healing has begun and feels really good! Start your journey today to making peace in your life wherever you most need it. 

February Month of Healing

My life is not what it was 4 months ago. My life changed a lot and I have a lot of things in my life that I set aside and never really dealt with. I chose this month to start healing my body and my mind before my baby arrives March 1st and I have surgery for my Thyroid Cancer April 1st.

See we all have a plan in the back of our mind at how we think our life will turn out and when that plan changes we have a hard time accepting it. A lot of people in my life that I never thought would hurt me have, a lot of situations I handled I never imagined I would face. See we all aren't who we think we will be, sometimes we are better sometimes we aren't.

I have a rough couple of months ahead of me and decided the best way to prepare is to do some healing, searching, acceptance of what has happened in the past and understand that people will hurt you only if you allow them to hurt you.

So I woke up on February 1st and said I am gonna take this month and be a little selfish, distance myself a little and learn to like myself more, regardless of what other people want and expect from me. I was going to take this month to heal before I needed to focus on my real healing in April.

At the end of the day this is YOUR life, you can not hurt unless you let people hurt you, stop looking for acceptance, stop expecting people to understand how you feel or cut you some slack because you have been dealt a bad hand. Do not pay so much mind to what people do to you, treat others the way you want to be treated but most importantly love yourself, accept that you will do the best for yourself regardless what others want from you.

Start today by healing and letting go of the hurt but learn the lessons and make sure to not repeat the lessons. No one is perfect, not everyone will like you but you must like yourself. Don't let people treat you any way you do not want them to treat you. Do not allow yourself to get hurt. Stand strong and in the end of the day love who you are and no matter what others want from you, put yourself first. It's your life!

Start healing today!

My Girls...

My baby girl due in 4 weeks vs my daughter when she was 4 days old.

I think these sisters will look alike!

Stop Looking For Approval Quote

"Stop looking for other people's approval, at the end of the day you need to do what will make you happy regardless of what others say!"

Enjoy Today Quote

"Enjoy what life has brought you today instead of worrying about what life will bring you tomorrow!"

Motherhood the Best Gift...

My lil one and me feeling baby girl kicking!

Amazing feeling!

January is Thyroid Disease Awareness Month

January is Thyroid Disease Awareness Month! Don't let your symptoms go unnoticed. I thought my low vitamin D and increase hair loss was due to my pregnancy until we found a lump on my throat! Listen to your body and never hold back when telling your doctor how you feel.

Thyroid cancer is one of the fastest growing cancers in America and one of the most curable.

Learn More Here: http://www.thyroidawareness.com/

Feel Good Song: Calvin Harris Sweet Nothing

Accept and Appreciate Who You Are Quote

"True strength is learning from what the past taught you and to accept and appreciate who you truly are today."

Feel Good Song: Fly by Rihanna

True Happiness Quote

"True happiness is to...enjoy the present, without anxious dependence upon the future." L. Seneca

Feel Good Song: The Lumineers -Hey

1st of the Months...Always Brings Great Things

It's official I booked my c-section for March 1st and my thyroid removal on April 1st. They say great things happen on the first of the month and I believe this year it is true!

Feel Good Song: Flo Rida I Cry

My Happiness

These two have been through a lot with me and they are my motivation to keep it together, be happy today and help me look forward to tomorrow. 

 

Thank YOU and Cheers

Happy 2013 Everyone!!! Although I have many great things to look forward to this year; a new baby, and being cancer free. I was super excited to see my blog had reach 20,000 hits!

So from the bottom of my heart I look forward to sharing the adventures of these next 12 months with you all and appreciate all your continued support!!!

Happy New Year and THANK YOU!!!

Cheers to a year we will never forget!

Happy New You!

"All of us every single year, we're a different person. I don't think we're the same person all our lives." Steven Spielberg 

Happy New Years Cupcakes!

Wishing you all sweet things for 2013!

Good Bye 2012...Welcome 2013

2012 has been a rough year for most of us. I have been through a lot  and learned a lot about life these last 12 months and feel like I am ready to learn from these lessons. Sometimes things do not always happen to hurt us.

My husband had to lose his job to gain a better one, arguments I had with people helped me see my life through a different perspective, it took me  a while to get pregnant so that when I did they were able to catch my cancer.  I am not trying to justify all the wrong and trust me its been a hell of a road for me to come to terms with these things and to still deal with them but a healthy body needs a healthy mind. In 2013 I need to let go of those things that Hurt me and made me weak so I can be strong for my family and kids and to get rid of the cancer in me. I need to have more faith in god and in myself for the decisions I make and I need to be at peace with what went wrong in 2012. 

So in 2013 I wish you all amazing things, wonderful opportunities, happiness, wealth and most importantly great health!

Goodbye 2012 and Welcome 2013!!!

Healing the Body & Mind Quote

"If you want to heal the body you must start by healing your mind" 

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas Everyone!!!

I hope today and everyday you surround yourself with the people you love

and those who love you for exactly who you are!!!

Be Happy Today Quote

"Being happy today means you are not allowing your worries of tomorrow to get in your way!"

Have More Faith! Prayers for Newtown CT!

I encourage all my readers to take a moment and pray for all those affected by the horrific act that took place in Newton Connecticut on Friday. The Sandy Hook Massacre is a reminder that there are so many people out there filled with so much hate that it is scary they live among us in our society. We need to have more faith in our lives, we need to have more compassion for other people, we need to value life a little more.

The shooter had no right to take away anyone's life and destroy a community. It is unthinkable to image how one human being could cause so much unnecessary pain. My heart continues to ache for those families that lost a loved one and being a mother I can not comprehend how anyone could harm a child. Those poor babies who lost their life and those who witness such drama is a way of telling society to WAKE UP! Have more Faith, I highly doubt the shooter had any relationship with a higher power, I doubt he believed that one day he would step foot in front of God to confess his sins. I am not a advocate for religion but I do believe that those who do not have any faith in any type of religion seem to forget the meaning of life.

We are born to help one another, to leave a mark in this world. A POSITIVE mark. We were not born to harm others. We need to be there for our children, remind them how evil should not be a part of our life. That shooter had to be filled with so much hate and evil to not care who he hurt, because today I feel like our whole nation is affected by the evil acts caused by one single individual.

Have faith, believe in God, look for guidance in rough times. Life is not easy, life can be hard, but we do not have the right to cause another living being pain because we are in pain and do not know how to handle or control our pain. My prayers go out to the living who have to deal with this pain, and my prayers go out to those who lost their lives that their souls will one day live on.

Fat-Ass Fudge Coupon

Know someone who LOVES chocolate? Need an idea for a holiday gift? Then check out Fat Ass Fudge, yep the same Fat Ass Fudge that has been seen on Shark Tank.

Get $5.00 off  with  coupon code "facebook"  Order now for the Holidays!

Happy Eats :)

Happy Holidays!!!

Wishing you and your family a WONDERFUL Holiday!!!

Feel Good Song: Imagine Dragon- It's Time

Remember NO MATTER what your life experiences make you who you are! Don't let hard times break you!

Happy Turkey Day!

The Best Thyroid Cancer Surgeons in Connecticut

I met with one of the best Thyroid Cancer Surgeons in Connecticut yesterday at Yale New Haven Cancer Center and he and his staff were amazing! At first walking in there it felt pretty impersonal, it is huge. But once I met with the nurse and chief resident I knew I was in good hands. The surgeon explained everything in great detail and made my husband and I very comfortable with our decision to wait to get my thyroid removed until after the baby is born.

After my appointment they sent me for another ultrasound to recheck if anything was suspicious and I was sent to Hammers Healthcare Imaging where the radiologist and staff were great! They saw one lymph node suspicious and did another biopsy just to make sure it did not spread.

The reason I am sharing my story is that you MUST be comfortable with the decisions in life you make. I went to Yale with the intentions of calling a family Oncology to get a second opinion after I left there. However, once the staff took care of me as if I was like family I knew I was in good hands. Luckily I caught this when I did and now will deal with what I have to deal with but please if you are dealing with any health issue be sure to only make a decision when you are 100% educated and feel comfortable with the doctors you are dealing with.

This is YOUR life, you need to be happy and I HIGHLY recommend anyone diagnosed with Thyroid Cancer to go to Yale New Haven. They do at least 12 surgeries a week on this. They are educated, experienceed and very personable. This is your life. Everyone told me no matter what the surgeon who will do your surgery will determine the type of future you will have. Luckily not only are these surgeons the best in Connecticut they are suppose to be the best in the Nation!

I have two lil girls and I need to be there for them every step of their lives. I need to live to be 90 and trust the surgeon who will be helping me will help me achieve that goal! Be good to yourself and body!

Next Steps...

I am meeting with one of the highly recommended Thyroid Cancer surgeons in Connecticut at Yale New Haven Hospital tomorrow. The nerves are starting to set in.  I think I am more worried about what he is going to say then when I first found out I had cancer. I spoke with his nurse when I made my appointment and she said we would have options. One major one is having surgery now vs. waiting until the baby is born. 

At this point in my life I know it sounds silly but I do not have time to deal with these kind of things. I am a mom, I want to be there for my little girl and eat ice cream on the couch at night and fulfil my pregnancy cravings. Not worry about having cancer and surgery and the recovering period. I know it sounds crazy but once you are a mom your focus isn't on yourself anymore and now it has to be.

Of course I did what everyone told me NOT to do. I read online and forums about people going through this and it is super scary but also highly curable.

Cancer is cancer. It is crazy to feel good but yet know there is cancer in my body! I have a ton of questions and glad my husband will be with me at this appointment. I am keeping positive and have a great support system already. One thing I need to remember is that: No one ever got anywhere feeling sorry for themselves! Positive attitudes will bring positive outcomes!

Feel Good Song: Swedish House Mafia - Don't You Worry Child

Dinosaur Party for My Little Girl

With the chain of events that has been going on I came very close to canceling my daughter's 1st kid birthday party but then thought a Party is the best thing for us now. It was a great distraction and made me feel really good to see my little one happy!

She turns 4 in a couple of weeks and she kept asking for a kid party. I never did one previous to this because I did not think it was necessary. We are blessed to have so many people in our lives that it made it difficult when creating a birthday list because I wanted to keep it to a reasonable amount of people. Turned out we had 38 people come, 19 kids, 19 adults. I decided to only invite family and those kids who invited her to their birthday party this year-yes we attended a lot of kid parties. The turn out was great.

I ended up doing a Pizza Bowl at the AMF Bowling lanes. I rented three lanes, ordered 6 pizzas, brought brownies and cake and had a great time. The price included shoe rentals and the kids got to bowl as much as they wanted for two hours. It was a great offer and there was plenty of food to keep everyone happy.

I ended up ordering a really amazing Dinosaur Cake. People were shocked when they heard it came from Stop & Shop Grocery store. It was fresh and the decorations were so cool!

I ordered dinosaur items online for goody bags and Party City sold dinosaur silly bands. It was a great day and she had a really good time and seeing all the kids super happy made me super happy!

What Doesn't Kill Us Will Make Us Stronger

I believe in life we all have a story to tell, a situation we faced that made us who we are. Some people have more than others, some people let the bad things or unfortunate situations alter who they are. They say things all happen to make us stronger. I believe at times this is true. But we never really acknowledge our strengthens until months, or even years that the bad event or experience has passed.

This week I am 24 weeks pregnant and learned I have Thyroid Cancer!

Writing it and reading it is scarier than I feel. I mean I do not feel sick and I won't know how bad it is until I meet with a Surgeon but just the word Cancer is scary enough. I have yet to come to terms with it, which I expect since I just found out this week, but I do know everyone I know has had their share of rough times and now it's my turn! So if you are going through a rough time, you are not alone, but remember in the end "What doesn't kill us, truly will make us stronger!"

Feel Good Song: Alicia Keys- Girl On Fire

What Life Has Taught Me...

November hasn't been a great month for me. It's funny because something goes wrong and I think I can get through it and then something else happens and I am like ok no problem by the time the next thing goes wrong I can't help to think life is trying to play tricks on me. Nope no tricks. It's just life. Some things Life has taught me:

*Children are a lot of work but so good for our soul!

* Never ever say never.

* Working for family or close friends NEVER works!

* Be good to others always, you never know who will end up helping you at the end.

* Cancer is horrible and will and can affect everyone of all ages. 

* Crying is good! Don't always try to be strong for everyone.

* Have faith in God.

* At your lowest point still try to be grateful. Someone out there is dealing with something harder than you are.

* Live for TODAY stop thinking so ahead you never know what you'll end up having to deal with tomorrow!

* You can never tell someone you love them too much.

* Be true to yourself .

* Pray and have faith to believe that whatever you are dealing with shall pass!

Life can be glorious and sometimes life can really suck. But at the end of the day life is life. We need to take it one day at time. 

Get Out and Go VOTE!

As Americans we have the right to vote, although we may not always get the President we chose at least we can say we gave it a try. You can NOT complain if you chose not to VOTE so please take the time today and GO VOTE!

It's A Girl...

We found out we are having another girl! We brought our lil one to our appointment yesterday and found out the little munchkin in my belly is a girl. All along my daughter knew it was a girl. When the sonographer said girl my lil one whispered to my husband and I" See I told you it was a girl" I'm so excited because I really wanted my daughter to have a sister. I have two and think it's great to have sisters. We made cupcakes filled with pink frosting and when we saw our parents they had to eat a cupcake to find out what we were having. It was a great day!!!

It's a Girl!

Pumpkin Pie Tip...

I LOVE Pumpkin pie, I could actually eat it year round. Here's a little tip that I use when making my pumpkin pie, which I must admit is pretty darn good :)

When adding the spices use a Marble Mortar and Pestle to blend well together then mix with your sugar. It really makes a difference and helps break down the clove flavors too.

Daddy's Little Girl

In four days I get to find out what I'm having. I can not express the excitement. With my first I knew we were having a girl long before the doctors confirmed. This time I keep going back and forth. The great thing about having a girl is you have a little me walking around. I adore my daughter and although we have a GREAT relationship she absolutely adores my husband. So this morning I was laying in bed. Still dark out and everyone was all asleep when I hear this little voice:

"Momma momma" My lil Ones voice melted my heart. 

"yes baby" I reply as I'm about to climb out of bed to get her 

" I mean pappa I need pappa"

Yep that's when I knew there better be a little boy in my belly! Soon enough I'll get to know for sure if I get my little buddy or another daddy's little girl!

Feel Good Song: Bruno Mars: Locked Out of Heaven

Great Song! Makes me wanna sing :)

Candy Candy Fun Facts for Halloween

I remember trick or treating with my sisters and coming home to us trading the stuff we liked and didn't like with one another. The funny thing is that after a week the candy phase is over and you are left with a bunch of candy and no one interested in eating it.

Below are some Fun Candy Facts:

• How Long Does Candy Last? Milk chocolate is good for no more than 8 to 10 months, while dark lasts up to two years. Hard candy will also keep in a cool, dry place for about a year. Store soft candies in a covered dish away from direct heat and light. Enjoy them within six months. *
• How Much Candy is Sold During Halloween? A whopping 90 million pounds of chocolate candy is sold during Halloween week** That's a whole lot of candy and I bet dentist love it!
• Candy Corn: Candy Corn was invented in 1880 and is most popular and known around Halloween, however they also make Reindeer Corn  (red, green, and white), Indian corn (it's chocolate and vanilla flavored), Cupid corn for Valentine's Day (red, pink, and white) and Bunny corn for Easter (pastel-colored). ***

  Sources:   *http://shine.yahoo.com/shine-food/halloween-fun-facts-277322.html ** http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/10/28/halloween-candy-facts-statistics_n_1062687.html#s438293&title=Biggest_Candy_Sales *** http://www.hauntedbay.com/history/candycorn.shtml

Best Place in CT for Pumpkin Picking Is...

Every year we go pumpkin picking, some years we get lazy and just head to Stew Leonard's. Since we had our daughter we love taking her pumpkin picking where we can go on a hay ride and get pumpkins in a patch. This year I was determined to try something new and wanted to get pumpkins from a real field. After some research we decided to try Jones Family Farms in Shelton and I must say it was AWESOME.

The place is huge! There are huge tractors and a ton of people but they have it organized so well that you really aren't waiting in line too long for a hay ride. Hay rides are $2 a person and they take you out to these fields where the pumpkins were grown and you pick your pumpkin. Or if you do not want to do the hayride they have plenty of pumpkins to pick from right in the main area. They had green, gray and even warted pumpkins. They have a little farm with pigs, they sold cider and cookies. They had little play houses for the kids to play in. For the adults they had a wine tasting. This place was perfect for families, couples and kids

So if you are looking for the best place to go pumpkin picking I highly recommend Jones Family Farms.