YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

If at first you don't succeed, try again! Many of you know I went for a road test hoping to get my full driver's licence March 19, 2008. And I came home depressed that I didn't get it. Everything seemed to be going so well but I didn't signal going around (passing) ice and snow on the side of the road and that all added up to a failure. Anyway, I went again today....and I passed!!!:) I now have my full driver's licence, now I can drive my kids to school, extra-curricular activities, or whatever and myself to work granted my husband doesn't need the van. Next step is now for us to find and purchase a small car that is fuel-efficient so my husband can use is driving to work and back on his full-time schedule. Yay again for me!!! :D Sorry, I know I shouldn't gloat but I was beginning to think this would never happen and I'd always just be talking about it.

"Good" Friday

Why do we call today, the day that Christ died on the cross for our sins, "Good Friday"? I've never been good with words, but another site I read and it explained the same question very well, I want to share here:

"When you read the Gospel accounts of Jesus’ final Friday, “good” isn’t the first thing that comes to mind. In Matthew’s account, for example, we are confronted with an ugly mess: betrayal, suicidal hanging, false accusations, freeing a murderer, blind anomisity, crowd-pleasing leader, mocking, beating, scourging, shame, nakedness, blasphemy, brutal crucifixion, God-forsakenness, death. Ugliness, not beauty, adorns this account.
So why do we call it Good Friday? In short, because victorious resurrection requires death, new life blooms from decay, and beauty is known only in relation to ugliness. Good Friday is also good because we realize there is a death of death in the death of Christ (in the words of John Owen).
Despite the goodness of Good Friday, this holy day brings a soberness to our spirituality. We realize that Jesus’ way is our way: a way of suffering, betrayal, and cross-bearing. In our earthly pilgrimage, we will never rise above the mess and ugliness of this Jesus way. Resurrection is a reality worked out in the context of Good Friday. Good Friday gives us reason to be sober; Easter gives us reason to celebrate. Salvation is now but not yet. Rejoice! Be sober-minded. It’s the Jesus way."

Another really good link to check out about the origin and traditions of Good Friday is:

http://www.woodlands-junior.kent.sch.uk/customs/easter/goodfriday.htm

Happy First Day Of Spring!

Today is officially the first day of spring!! :) Well, the snow isn't gone like somebody had predicted it may be. However it is defenitly melting quickly and the kids have been wearing their rubber boots in the midday as all the frozen puddles from the moring/evening are big water puddles to splash in in the afternoon. I also packed up the majority of the winter hats, scarves and mitts leaving out only a pair of each for everyone to use during the cooler times of the day. Also, today i got a package I've been waiting for since I ordered it last month. Some Winsor pilates DVD's and a body sculpting circle. I haven't been actively trying to lose weight now for a while since it was so cold until now that the day time temps with windchill averaged around -35 to -40 degrees. And someone always seemed to be sick during January and February so I was always busy taking care of my family and looking after myself (eating properly and exercising daily) just kind of happened whenever I could fit it in. Well, I'm thinking a good way to start off this spring would be to get back on the "weight loss wagon" with my new DVD's and the warmer weather. I just weighed myself and I'm still the same as I was when I seemed to stop losing weight last month - 140 pounds. On a positive note, I guess I should be glad I haven't gained. But I'm also not that surprised, as I know the concern isn't my diet but rather getting enough exercise daily to create that deficit needed to lose weight.

Happy Saint Patrick's Day!

Palm Sunday

The Sunday before Easter is known as Palm Sunday. It is the beginning of Holy Week. It celebrates Jesus' triumphant entrance into Jerusalem on the back of a donkey. Great crowds of people thronged the streets waving palm branches to welcome Him. The people shouted "Hosanna" and laid their cloaks and palm branches from nearby trees in His path.
A really cool poem I read and want to share is called The Jelly Bean Prayer:

Red is for the blood He gave
Green is for the grass He made
Yellow is for the sun so bright
Orange is for the edge of night
Black is for the sins we made
White is for the grace He gave
Purple is for His hour of sorrow
Pink is for our new tomorrow
A bag full of jellybeans
Colorful and sweet'
Is a prayer, is a promise,
Is a special treat
May the joy of Christ's resurrection
Fill your heart and bless your life.

Did you know there are Christian meanings for different colors. There are usually 8 colors of jellybeans.
The meanings are:
Red - The blood of Jesus that He shed
Black - Our sin, His death, the final hour
White - Pure and holy. The blood's cleansing power
Green - New life that His death brings
Purple - The royal color. A reminder that Jesus is King Of Kings
Orange - Is for the Holy Spirit Fire that glows
Pink - Is for the infilling of the Holy Spirit that your life shows
Yellow - Is for the joy and celebration that Easter brings

How Irish Are You?

You're 15% Irish

You're not Irish. Not even a wee bit. Not even on St. Patrick's Day!

How Irish Are You?

March Is Epilepsy Awareness Month In Canada - (Part 1)

For those of you who are not aware - I have epilepsy and March is epilepsy Awareness Month in Canada. Purple is the color; and lavender, the flower of epilepsy. The lavender color symbolizes the feelings of isolation and seclusion that person living with epilepsy and seizure disorders often experience. There is so much on this topic and I want to also write a bit about my life with epilepsy. So, I'm going to do this in two parts - part 1 will be general info and part 2 (seperate post) will be my experience.

General Facts:

• epilepsy is a neurological disorder - physical condition- which causes sudden bursts of hyperactivity in the brain.
• This hyperactivity produces "seizures" which vary from one person to another in frequency and form.
• epilepsy is not a disease or mental illness
• epilespy is not contagious
• a seizure may appear as a brief stare, a change of awareness, or a convulsion.
• In approximately 60-75% of cases, the cause is unknown
• There is no known cure yet. Although treatments are available to reduce the frequncy and severity of seizures.
• Epilepsy can develop at an age. However about 50% of new cases of epilepsy begin in childhood and adolescence, with the highest incidences during the first few months of life.
• It affects all ages, races, and ethnic backgrounds.
• Approximately 0.6% of the Canadian population have epilepsy.
• Each day in Canada, approx 42 people learn they have epilepsy.

Common Myths & Misconceptions:

Epilepsy comes from a Greek word meaning 'possesion'. The Greeks believed seizures were caused by demons, and regarded them as a supernatural phenomenon. The true nature of epilepsy has long been distorted by myth and fear, and people continue to hold mistaken notions about the disorder.
Twelve Common Myths & Misconceptions about Epilepsy:

Myth #1 :You can swallow your tongue during a seizure.
Truth: It's physically impossible to swallow your tongue.

Myth #2: You should force something into the mouth of someone having a seizure.
Truth: Absolutely not! That's a good way to chip teeth, puncture gums, or even break someone's jaw. The correct first aid is simple. Just gently roll the person on one side and put something soft under his head to protect him from getting injured.

Myth #3: You should restrain someone having a seizure.
Truth: Never use restraint! The seizure will run its course and you can not stop it.

Myth #4: Epilepsy is contagious.
Truth: About as contagious as a gunshot wound! You simply can't catch epilepsy from another person.

Myth #5: Only kids get epilepsy.
Truth: Epilepsy happens to people over age 65 almost as often as it does to children aged ten and under. Seizures in the elderly are often the after effect of other health problems like stroke and heart disease.

Myth #6: People with epilepsy are disabled and can't work.
Truth: People with the condition have the same range of abilities and intelligence as the rest of us. Some have severe seizures and cannot work; others are successful and productive in challenging careers.

Myth #7# People with epilepsy shouldn't be in jobs of responsibility and stress.
Truth: People with seizure disorders are found in all walks of life and at all levels in business, government, the arts and the professions. We aren't always aware of them because many people, even today, do not talk about having epilepsy for fear of what others might think.

Myth #8: With today's medication, epilepsy is largely a solved problem.
Truth: Epilepsy is a chronic medical problem that for many people can be successfully treated. Unfortunately, treatment doesn't work for everyone and there's a critical need for more research.

Myth #9: Epilepsy is rare and there aren't many people who have it.
Truth: There are more than twice as many people with epilepsy in Canada as the number of people with cerebral palsy (55,000), muscular dystrophy (28,000), multiple sclerosis (39,000), and cystic fibrosis (3,400) combined. Epilepsy can occur as a single condition, or may accompany other conditions affecting the brain, such as cerebral palsy, mental retardation, autism, Alzheimer's, and traumatic brain injury.

Myth #10: You can't die from epilepsy.
Truth: Epilepsy still can be a very serious condition and individuals do die of it. Experts estimate that prolonged seizures (status epilepticus) are the cause of many deaths in Canada each year.

Myth #11: You can't tell what a person might do during a seizure.
Truth: Seizures commonly take a characteristic form and the individual will do much the same thing during each episode. His behaviour may be inappropriate for the time and place, but it is unlikely to cause harm to anyone.

Myth #12: People with epilepsy are physically limited in what they can do.
Truth: In most cases, epilepsy isn't a barrier to physical achievement, although some individuals are more severely affected and may be limited in what they can do.

Seizure First Aid:

• for Tonic Clonic Seizures (convulsive seizures):
• If necessary, ease the person to the floor.
• Loosen any tight neck wear.
• Protect the person's head and body from injury.
• Do not restrain the person.
• Do not insert anything between the teeth.
• Once relaxed, turn the person onto the side to
  ensure an open air passage and decrease risk of
  aspiration.
• After the seizure, let the person sleep if needed.
• Suggest that she/he see a physician.
• If the person has a second seizure within a few
  minutes, call a doctor or ambulance

• For Absence Seizures (non-convulsive) :
• No first aid is required.
• Reassure the person.

• For Simple Partial Seizures (non-convulsive):
• No first aid is required.
• Reassure the person.

• For Complex Partial Seizures (non-convulsive):
• Do not restrain the person.
• Protect the person from injury by moving sharp or hot objects away.
• If wandering occurs, stay with the person, gently guide them away from potential danger and talk quietly.

Types Of Seizures:

Tonic-Clonic Seizures
In a generalized tonic-clonic (grand mal) seizure, the person will usually emit a short cry and fall to the floor. Their muscles will stiffen (tonic phase) and then their extremities will jerk and twitch (clonic phase). Bladder control may be lost. Consciousness is regained slowly.After a seizure, the person may feel fatigue, confusion and disorientation. This may last from 5 minutes to several hours or even days. Rarely, this disorientation may last up to 2 weeks. The person may fall asleep, or gradually become less confused until full consciousness is regained.

Absence Seizures
In an absence seizure, epileptic activity occurs throughout the entire brain. It is a milder type of activity which causes unconsciousness without causing convulsions. After the seizure, there is no memory of it.An absence seizure begins abruptly and without warning, consists of a period of unconsciousness with a blank stare, and ends abruptly. There is no confusion after the seizure, and the person can usually resume full activity immediately. An absence seizure may be accompanied by chewing movements, rapid breathing, or rhythmic blinking. Absence seizures are short, usually lasting only 2-10 seconds. They are very mild, and may go unnoticed by parents and teachers. Because absence seizures may recur frequently during the day, a child who experiences them may have difficulty learning if they are not recognized and treated.

Simple Partial Seizures
Simple partial seizures result from epileptic activity which is localized in one part of the brain, usually the cortex or limbic system.Consciousness is not impaired: people experiencing a simple partial seizure can talk and answer questions. They will remember what went on during the seizure.Simple partial seizures take different forms in different people. They are further classified according to their symptoms:
Autonomic Seizures - These seizures are accompanied by autonomic symptoms or signs, such as abdominal discomfort or nausea which may rise into the throat (epigastric rising), stomach pain, the rumbling sounds of gas moving in the intestines (borborygmi), belching, flatulence and vomiting. This has sometimes been referred to as abdominal epilepsy. Other symptoms may include pallor, flushing, sweating, hair standing on end (piloerection), dilation of the pupils, alterations in heart rate and respiration, and urination. A few people may experience sexual arousal, penile erection, and orgasm.
Emotional and Other - Simple partial seizures which arise in or near the temporal lobes often take the form of an odd experience. One may see or hear things that are not there. One feels emotions, often fear, but sometimes sadness, anger, or joy. There may be a bad smell or a bad taste, a funny feeling in the pit of the stomach or a choking sensation. These seizures are sometimes called simple partial seizures of temporal lobe origin or temporal lobe auras.
Motor - Other simple partial seizures include (clonic, jerking) convulsive movements. Jerking typically begins in one area of the body -- the face, arm, leg, or trunk -- and may spread to other parts of the body. These seizures are sometimes called Jacksonian motor seizures; their spread is called a Jacksonian march. It cannot be stopped.
Sensory Seizures - Some simple partial seizures consist of a sensory experience. The person may see lights, hear a buzzing sound, or feel tingling or numbness in a part of the body. These seizures are sometimes called Jacksonian sensory seizures. Simple partial seizures usually last just a few seconds, although they may be longer. If there are no convulsions, they may not be obvious to the onlooker.In some children, simple partial seizures lead to complex partial seizures, or to tonic-clonic convulsions.

Complex Partial Seizures
A complex partial seizure occurs when epileptic activity spreads to both temporal lobes in the brain. A complex partial seizure often occurs after a simple partial seizure of temporal lobe origin. Complex partial seizures are experienced most by children. In some children, they lead to tonic-clonic seizures. A complex partial seizure does not involve convulsions, but consciousness is impaired. Someone experiencing one will no longer respond to questions after the seizure starts.A complex partial seizure often begins with a blank look or empty stare. They will appear unaware of their surroundings and may seem dazed. The seizure may progress to include chewing movements, uncoordinated activity, or sometimes performing meaningless bits of behaviour which appear random and clumsy. These automatisms may include actions such as picking at their clothes, trying to remove them, walking about aimlessly, picking up things, or mumbling. Someone experiencing a complex partial seizure may become frightened and try to run and struggle. Following the seizure, there will be no memory of it.A complex partial seizure usually lasts about 2 to 4 minutes. It may be followed by a state of confusion lasting longer. Once the pattern of seizures is established, it will usually be repeated with each subsequent seizure. Complex partial seizures sometimes resist anticonvulsant medication.

Living With Epilepsy:

• Most people with epilepsy look and act like the rest of us and have a normal lifestyle.
• You cannot drive if you have uncontrolled seizures.
• However, if you've been seizure-free for atleast 12 months and the anti-seizure medication doesn't cause drowsiness or poor coordination than one with epilepsy may get a driver's licence.
• One of the most challenging problems faced by people living with epilepsy is employment. Approximatley 50% of people with epilepsy experience difficulty finding and keeping a job.
• Research has shown that people who lead an active life experience fewer seizures.
• Epilepsy can affect the various stages of puberty to menopause differently for a woman with epilepsy. The hormone levels during menstration and pregnancy can lead to increased seizure activity, birth control meds may be impaired by anticonvulsant medications. Approx 50% of all woman with epilepsy have increased seizure activity during pregnancy. research has shown that seizure activity usually decreases and may even disappear during menopause. There much more information in this article about the various concerns of a woman with epilepsy and how it relates to the various stages of life.

Links For More Information:

http://www.epilepsy.ca/ - The Epilepsy Canada Website. An excellent source of general information, guides for children and teens with epilepsy, and so much more even crosswords for adult and pediatric epilepsy.

Actor Finds Inspiration Being The Father To His Hero - This is an intersesting article about an actor an the show "Heroes" who has a son with epilepsy and his experiences raising a child with epilepsy.

Time For A Party

It is time for the 2nd annual Ultimate Blog Party hosted by 5 Minutes For Mom. This is my first time participating. I rarely go to parties but this one looks like it is going to be lots of fun. It is an all-girls only party where we get to meet new people, see new blogs and what would a party be without prizes!

Now, without further ado, let me introduce myself. My name is Rachael. I live in friendly Winterpeg (Winnipeg), Manitoba and I'm a part-time nurse and full-time mother of three beautiful redheads ages 2, 4, and 6. I'm a recently new blogger, almost 5 months. Wow, time sure flies when you're having fun and becoming obsessed with the blogosphere. I have to be careful I don't get too carried away sometimes. I read about the 11th commandment on another blog and have to be careful to abide by it:
"Thou shalt attend to the needs of thy family and to the needs of thy household before satisfying thy blogging addiction."

While you are here, stay a while and peruse my humble abode and before you go don't forget to leave a comment . Afterall, what would a party be without some conversation and then I can come visit you at your blog.

101 Things About Myself

1. I was born in New Zealand



2. We moved to Canada when I was 2 months old



3. I've never been back, until......



4. I'm going to New Zealand this summer to celebrate my Aunt & Uncle's Anniversary



5. I have a half-brother and a half-sister, each of whom I've never met



6. Each of the above came from seperate parents of mine during their relationships prior to marrying one another. (My father and my mother, respectively)



7. I grew up with my father and mother for the 1st five years of my life in Alberta



8. My dad remarried to our housekeeper



9. The rest of my years at home were spent in a blended family



10. I attended grades 3-12 in New Brunswick



11. When I was 21, I moved to Winnipeg to live with my birth mother whom I had not seen since I was 8 years old



12. I attended university at the University Of Manitoba



13. I received my Bachelor of Nursing in 2000



14. I met my husband in nursing



15. We both graduated and were married in 2000



16. Our first child (son) was born in 2001



17. My son is the 7th generation of first born males to have his name



18. I was pregnant 5 times, and have 3 kids



19. I helped assist and teach French at a local Christian school during my grade 12 year



20. I personally completed 63 P.A.C.E.'s



21. I spent one year in Seoul, Korea teaching at a Christian school



22. I spent 3 months in Paraguay homeschooling a Korean family (2 kids)



23. I still don't fully understand how God took care of me during a trip to Japan to renew my visa



24. After I graduated, I nursed in Palliative Care



25. Now I work/nurse in a Long-Term Personal Care setting



26. I have never been to Europe



27. Both my husband and I would like to tour there sometime



28. I enjoy flying



29. I am 34 years old and never held a full driver's licence



30. I have epilepsy that is controlled with daily medication



31. I have been seizure free for 3 1/2 years



32. I attended French Immersion in grades 7-12



33. Although I was bilingual when I graduated, I know I'm not now



34. I am right-handed



35. I've never worn braces but probably should have



36. In grade 3, I had to take speech therapy for "s" and "th" sounds



37. We drive a mini-van



38. My son is in soccer, so I guess that makes me a soccer mom



39. I memorized over 2000 Bible scriptures in 2 1/2 years



40. When I sing, I make a "joyful noise"



41. I sang in a church choir and during the Easter Cantata...in Korean



42. I enjoy arts and crafts



43. I think I'd like scrapbooking if I could ever find the time



44. I'm a packrat



45. I'm stubborn; I like to say I'm tenacious ("stubborn in a good way")



46. I don't have just one favorite color



47. The colors in my wedding were peach & teal



48. I like to wear green's, brown's, and earth tones



49. My mom's husband nicknamed me Toad



50. I had frogs on my wedding invitations and cake



51. I collect frogs



52. My upstairs bathroom is decorated with frogs



53. My main bathroom is decorated with Winnie The Pooh



54. My kitchen & dining room are decorated with ivy



55. I've never broken a bone



56. I have no food allergies



57. I'm allergic to penicillin



58. My husband is also allergic to Penicillin



59. My maiden name is the same (pronounciation but not spelling) as my husband's mother's (mil) maiden name



60. My birthdate is the same date as my mil & fil's anniversary as well as my husband's brother & his wife's anniversary



61. I've been to the top of the Calgary Tower but not the CN Tower



62. I dislike snakes



63. I don't like raw onions



64. But I cook with onions as long as they are cut up small....



65. I like ham and green olive pizza, thanks to my hubby



66. I didn't go to my high school prom



67. I'm currently practicing to get my full driver's licence and now understand why they say it is easier to get when you are younger



68. I don't know my blood type



69. I really like Victorian style homes - turrets & wrap-around verandahs



70. I don't have one, but like to dream that someday...



71. I've always thought I'd like a spiral staircase



72. I enjoy gardening



73. I've been blogging for almost 5 months now



74. I'm shy



75. I value my friends



76. I tend to have a couple close friends, rather than many fairweather friends



77. In high school my favorite subjects were math and science



78. My highest grade in high school was in grade 12 calculus



79. In high school I took a course in computer programming



80. I enjoy learning new languages and cultures



81. I can speak some Korean, Spanish, and of course, French



82. I've had my ears pierced 2 different times but let them grow over both times as they'd get irritated



83. I don't have any other body piercings



84. I know how to cook, but don't enjoy it



85. I love to help people



86. When I get a pet, I'd like a dog



87. I don't like cats (for my pet) but I tolerate other people's cats



88. I love to get "real" mail and/or email



89. I have good intentions but I'm not very good at writing/sending mail to others



90. I have a terrible sense of direction



91. I am not a morning person



92. I don't like having my picture taken



93. People tell me I'm naive



94. I used to always want long hair, now (with kids) I can't seem to keep my hair short enough



95. I used to not be able to stand the taste of alcohol but now I drink some coolers/wines upto 6% alcohol



96. I breastfed all my babies for the first year



97. The only make-up I wear is mascara...sometimes



98. I'm a fan of disney movies - animated and not



99. I bite my nails and despite trying to quit many times...I've never yet :(



100. I hate making decisions...I guess because I'm a "people-pleaser" (so I've been told).....actually even when others aren't involved I tend to be very indecisive.
     



101. I still have all my wisdom teeth

My Sister's Keeper

Wow, I finally finished this book and what a good book it was. The fact it took me so long to complete had absolutely nothing to do with the story. Rather that I just couldn't find enough hours in the day to just sit and read. If I could, this is a book you can't put down and want to read cover to cover. This a a thought-provoking book looking at a moral dilemma and ethical issue as it relates to real people and family relationships. I really liked how you got to see each person's point of view as the author used five different voices to tell this story I must admit I never would have guessed the way the plot takes a twist in the end. I have never heard of the author, Jodi Picoult, before but would really like to read her current book as well as other past novels that she has written. There are many sites that review this book but one that I recommend looking at has discussion questions and even an excerpt from the novel you can read.

What Color Crayon

Who who have guessed? I had a list of questions emailed to me to answer about myself. One of the questions was, "If you were a crayon,what color would you be?". I really don't know so thought I'd try this quiz for fun and see what it said. As I said, I would have never guessed to result:

You Are a Yellow Crayon

Your world is colored with happy, warm, fun colors. You have a thoughtful and wise way about you. Some people might even consider you a genius. Charming and eloquent, you are able to get people to do things your way. While you seem spontaneous and free wheeling, you are calculating to the extreme. Your color wheel opposite is purple. You both are charismatic leaders, but purple people act like you have no depth.

What Color Crayon Are You?

I have only one doubt about this result as I'm definitly NOT a leader.

Road Test

Well, today I just finished my tenth of ten driving lessons. According to my instructor, he thinks he can't teach me anymore re. driving. The rest just comes with experience. Today we practiced parallel parking. Actually it was quite easy once you know the "tricks" and of course if you find the optimal parking spot in the real world, like the precisely measured poles on the test. Anyway, my news is that he booked my road test for the morning of March 18th. On one hand I'm excited that I'm so close to getting my Full driver's licence but on the other hand I'm worried, "Am I good enough to pass the test with a tester who's main job is to find a reason not to give you a licence?" Hopefully I will have lots of opportunities between now and then to practice and get up my confidence. I'm not one to begin with with an abundance of self-confidence. Any tips from you experienced drivers as to how to relax and not screw up?

Another Pregnancy

Now I have your attention...LOL! Honestly, how many of you were getting excited (?) thinking that title meant I was physically pregnant again!? What I was referring to was the status of my last post. If any of you went to the TopMamma site to check out my pic/blog and didn't see my pic you were prob like me. I keep checking and haven't seen it yet! ...so what's happening? Well apparently, according to their FAQ- "Why Is It Taking So Long For My Pic To Show Up?"....Their response is that they want to give you as much time as possible on the front page, so they only publish a couple pics every day. So, it's entirely possible that it may take a couple days, even weeks, for your blog to show up. In other words, consider it my "Top Mamma Pregnancy"- except without the stretch marks and constant need to pee...and the additional weight gain! Now that's a pregnancy I like!