If you do food storage or just prepare in general there is a great giveaway!
http://beprepared.com/article.asp_Q_ai_E_1092&sid%3DINEM1084&EID%3DALL0811b&lm%3Demer
Saturday, September 10, 2011
Friday, August 12, 2011
New Loop Officially Thrown....
So our cute boy decided he still doesn't like to breathe at night and even at times while he's awake. So after his tough surgery at the beginning of the year and the steps to control his reflux we're right back where we started from. He will be on night time oxygen and he will have a new sleep study (that we pushed to January for financial reasons, with Dr approval of course), new scopes and possible pulmonary testing.
I've been a bit spent and exhausted today. In exploring my reasons, when it could really be worse; I think its like this: you do things thinking they will make something better. You start living life like things are good. Then something like this shows you not only is it not but somehow you missed the signs that they weren't. How can you miss it? So its like you really try to push yourself into denial because you just don't want to believe it and you think there must be some mistake and yet you are still making the phone calls and making the plans to find out what is wrong, yet its this surreal process of going through the motions but really just wanting your life and the life of your child to be "normal". To just not worry about this, to live in blissful ignorance. To just live. Sometimes that is my greatest wish of all, to just be.
Truly we've had a good few months run really, fairly uneventful; so I really just need to appreciate that. But for today and maybe tomorrow I'm going to induldge my emotion as it stands and then just pick up and move forward. Enjoy the 4 months we have before we have to worry about any tests or further intervention and just be.......
I've been a bit spent and exhausted today. In exploring my reasons, when it could really be worse; I think its like this: you do things thinking they will make something better. You start living life like things are good. Then something like this shows you not only is it not but somehow you missed the signs that they weren't. How can you miss it? So its like you really try to push yourself into denial because you just don't want to believe it and you think there must be some mistake and yet you are still making the phone calls and making the plans to find out what is wrong, yet its this surreal process of going through the motions but really just wanting your life and the life of your child to be "normal". To just not worry about this, to live in blissful ignorance. To just live. Sometimes that is my greatest wish of all, to just be.
Truly we've had a good few months run really, fairly uneventful; so I really just need to appreciate that. But for today and maybe tomorrow I'm going to induldge my emotion as it stands and then just pick up and move forward. Enjoy the 4 months we have before we have to worry about any tests or further intervention and just be.......
Monday, August 1, 2011
More Simon is Getting Healthier News-Sort of
I spoke to Simon's ENT nurse today because we were supposed to do a follow-up oximeter(sp) a few months ago but the scope and GI stuff made me forget about it. So we will have that done sometime this week and *crossing fingers* we can return his oxygen concentrator. He's been sleeping pretty great most nights, he still has moments but overall much better. Most of his sleep apnea is Central so oxygen really won't do much if his brain forgets to breathe, but he's been sleeping pretty well so hopefully the obstructive portion of the sleep apnea is resolved enough that his dips are more mild and we can just get rid of one more piece of equipment. Woo hoo!
Sunday, July 31, 2011
Family Update
Everyone is just plugging along not too much exciting going on. Joseph and Hayden both have jobs washing windows now and they are happy to have the extra money. We have added Meagan (Joseph's girlfriend) to our family as our nanny. We love Meagan and are happy to have her here with us. Simon is doing great. We had a follow up with GI Wednesday and she was so pleased with how he looks. He gained .6 grams and 4CM and is on a steady growth line. To avoid any major intervention we've decided to up his calories by switching to 1.5 calorie food and less volume so he's getting the calories but not the reflux inducing volume. She decided not to do another scope at this time and just see him in 4 months. He sounds good and looks good, lungs sound good so she felt comfortable to wait on that and we are very grateful.
Joseph, Meagan, Simon and I all went to the local pool and tried
Joseph, Meagan, Simon and I all went to the local pool and tried
Friday, July 29, 2011
Doterra is so Awesome!
So I'm always exploring ways to help my family be healthier. I'm a coconut oil freak so I was prime to be introduced to Doterra essential oils. I've been watching a church friend just start looking better and better and knew she was into these oils because she invited me to classes I couldn't attend. Now that my work moved me back into this area I have more spare time and told her I wanted to learn more. Let's just say I was impressed and am now using oils everyday on all of us but the teenagers who don't listen to me anyway. They will diffuse though so that's something ; ) For Simon lavendar has been a great all purpose, I'm also using On-guard and Frankincense for his brain health as well and Melalluca for his stoma! For me I am using a variety of citrus and feel alive and wonderful everyday. I'm also using Frankincense and On-guard and Slim & Sassy. The hubby and a friend of mine have GI issues and have been using digestzen and they are seeing great results!
So Doterra was founded by healthcare professionals who wanted world class therapeutic grade essential oils introduced to offer a wellness alternative. These are PURE ( no additive) essential oils who's quality control is unsurpassed. I am becoming passionate about Doterra.
Here is a link to my site:
http://www.mydoterra.com/valoriedodart/
Also if after reading you're interested in a class or signing up here is some information on the best way to sign up to get your oils wholesale OR if you have ANY questions at all, feel free to contact me at valvied@yahoo.com

Essential Oils-10 ml Size of PastTense
Essential Oils-5 ml Size of Frankincense, Deep Blue.
Doterra IPC Introductory Packet
Essential Oils-5 ml Size of Purify, Deep Blue, Elevation, Serenity, Balance, Eucalyptus, DigestZen, Wild Orange, Grapefruit, Lemongrass, Marjoram, AromaTouch, Oregano, & Lime.
Essential Oils-15 ml Size of Lavender, Peppermint, Lemon, On Guard, Melaleuca, Citrus Bliss, Breathe, & Frankincense.
Fractionated Coconut Oil (4 oz bottle)



Essential Oils-1 Bottle Each 10 ml of Deep Blue
Essential Oils-2 Bottles Each 15 ml of Frankincense, Lemon, Wild Orange, AromaTouch, Balance, & Slim & Sassy.
Essential Oils-2 Bottles Each 10 ml of PastTense
Essential Oils-3 Bottles Each 15 ml of Lavender, Melaleuca, Peppermint, Breathe, DigestZen, & On Guard.
Essential Oils-3 Bottles Each 5 ml of Deep Blue


Essential Oil Blends-15 ml-AromaTouch, Balance, Breathe, Citrus Bliss, Elevation, Purify, Serenity, Slim & Sassy, Terrashield, & Zendocrine.
Essential Oils-5 ml size-Cinnamon, Helichrysum, Melissa, Roman Chamomile, Sandalwood.
Essential Oil Blends-5 ml-Deep Blue, DigestZen, On Guard, Past Tense, & Whisper.
Essential Oil Blends-10 ml-Clear Skin, & Immortelle.
Step #2 – Decide which products and oils you want to use repeatedly and share with friends. Order these items through Loyalty Rewards to earn 10-30% free product credit back. After 12 qualifying orders you will be getting 30% back (so 33 points for $100 spent), along with the wholesale 25% discount–it’s like getting the oils over half off!
Step #3 - Contact me through my website so I can help you (if you need) over the phone or go to my http://www.mydoterra.com/valoriedodart/directly and click on join to enroll yourself. Be sure to enter Valorie ID #83391 as your sponsor, and I will be happy to help you however I can.
Step #4 – Get some reference materials. If you know the alphabet, you can easily learn all about oils. Here are my favorites:
These large reference books retail for $25, but I can include shipping for that price if you want to order from me. I order these in bulk to lend out to people all the time.
Contains the same reference info as the book above without the sections on the single oils, the blends and the oil inspired nutritional supplements, it’s softcover and half the size. This one sells for $13.95. AromaTools sells these along with sample bottles, labels and many other valuable tools
So Doterra was founded by healthcare professionals who wanted world class therapeutic grade essential oils introduced to offer a wellness alternative. These are PURE ( no additive) essential oils who's quality control is unsurpassed. I am becoming passionate about Doterra.
Here is a link to my site:
http://www.mydoterra.com/valoriedodart/
Also if after reading you're interested in a class or signing up here is some information on the best way to sign up to get your oils wholesale OR if you have ANY questions at all, feel free to contact me at valvied@yahoo.com
Here are 3 ways to purchase Doterra oils
- Just buy retail. It’s easy.
- Get wholesale prices with a $35 membership, or get the membership free when you enroll with an enrollment kit.
- Get an enrollment kit and membership. You will quickly discover that you use up some oils faster than others and develop favorites. Replenish these and try new products on Doterra’s Loyalty Rewards Program. Get an additional 10%, increasing to 30% back in free products (greatest value even with shipping). For every order over 50VP you receive points back for free product and you can change your order every month. You can cancel at anytime, but make sure you redeem your points first! You can earn up to $100 a month in free products on this generous program!
How to get your oils for free
- Invite friends to try Doterra’s Loyalty Rewards and pay for your own oils (easy).
- Actively share Doterra and supplement your income by $1,000-$3,000 a month (not hard to learn how).
- Replace your income entirely. Doterra has the highest retention rate in the industry at 65% and their compensation plan is phenomenal and more generous than most network marketing companies (I can teach you to duplicate a pattern of success. Are you determined?).
Essential Oil Kits
All of the following kits include enrollment.CLEANSE & RESTORE KIT $150 100PV
Kit Includes:
- Lifelong Vitality Pack
- GX Assist
- PB Assist+
- Lemon
- Doterra IPC Introductory Packet
FAMILY WELLNESS KIT $250 200 PV
Kit Includes:
- Lifelong Vitality Pack
- PastTense (10 ml)
- Fractionated Coconut Oil
- Family Physician Kit-26 Page Info PDF - 5 ml bottles of lavender, lemon, peppermint, melaleuca, oregano, frankincense, Deep Blue, Breathe, DigestZen, & On Guard.
- On Guard Foaming Hand Wash and Two Dispensers
- Doterra IPC Introductory Packet
FAMILY PHYSICIAN AND SLIM & SASSY KIT $150.00 110 PV
Kit Includes:
- Family Physician Kit-26 Page Info PDF - 5 ml bottles of lavender, lemon, peppermint, melaleuca, oregano, frankincense, Deep Blue, Breathe, DigestZen, & On Guard.
- Slim & Sassy
- Doterra IPC Introductory Packet
HOME ESSENTIALS KIT $250.00 220 PV
Kit Includes:
Essential Oils-15 ml Size of Lavender, Lemon, Melaleuca, Oregano, Peppermint, Breathe, DigextZen, & On Guard.Essential Oils-10 ml Size of PastTense
Essential Oils-5 ml Size of Frankincense, Deep Blue.
Doterra IPC Introductory Packet
WELLNESS COMPLETE KIT $520 400 PV
Kit Includes:
- Lifelong Vitality Pack
- TerraZyme
- Family Physician Kit-26 Page Info PDF -5ml bottles of lavender, lemon, peppermint, melaleuca, oregano, frankincense, Deep Blue, Breathe, DigestZen, & On Guard.
- Essential Skin Care Kit with Invigorating Scrub
- AromaTouch Technique Kit- 5ml bottles of Balance, lavender, peppermint, melaleuca, wild orange, AromaTouch, Deep Blue, & On Guard.
- Lotus Diffuser
- Doterra IPC Introductory Packet
PREMIUM ESSENTIAL OILS KIT $500 400 PV
Kit Includes:
Essential Oils-5 ml Size of Purify, Deep Blue, Elevation, Serenity, Balance, Eucalyptus, DigestZen, Wild Orange, Grapefruit, Lemongrass, Marjoram, AromaTouch, Oregano, & Lime.Essential Oils-15 ml Size of Lavender, Peppermint, Lemon, On Guard, Melaleuca, Citrus Bliss, Breathe, & Frankincense.
Fractionated Coconut Oil (4 oz bottle)
- Lotus Diffuser
- 5 Introduction to Essential Oils Audio
- Wooden Doterra Storage Box
- 5/8 Dram Sample Vials (15 Vials)
- Doterra IPC Introductory Packet
LOYALTY REWARDS OPTIONS
MONTHLY VITALITY $160 150 PV
Kit Includes:
- Lifelong Vitality Pack
- TerraZyme
- PastTense 10 ml
- On Guard
HEALTHY INSIDE & OUT $180 155 PV
Kit Includes:
- Lifelong Vitality Pack
- Essential Skin Care Kit with Invigorating Scrub
OIL SHARING KIT $1150.00 1000 PV
Kit Includes:
Essential Oils-1 Bottle Each 15 ml of Coriander, Grapefruit, Oregano, Citrus Bliss, Elevation, & Serenity.Essential Oils-1 Bottle Each 10 ml of Deep Blue
Essential Oils-2 Bottles Each 15 ml of Frankincense, Lemon, Wild Orange, AromaTouch, Balance, & Slim & Sassy.
Essential Oils-2 Bottles Each 10 ml of PastTense
Essential Oils-3 Bottles Each 15 ml of Lavender, Melaleuca, Peppermint, Breathe, DigestZen, & On Guard.
Essential Oils-3 Bottles Each 5 ml of Deep Blue
- Lotus Diffuser
- Opportunity Brochure (10)
- Product Guide (10)
- 5/8 Dram Sample Vials (72 Vials)
- Cap Stickers for Common Oils (5 Sheets)
- Fractionated Coconut Oil (4 oz)
- Sample Keychain
- Doterra IPC Introductory Packet
EVERY OIL KIT $1500.00 1400 PV
Kit Includes:
- Every Doterra Essential Oil
- Fractionated Coconut Oil (4 oz)
- Canvas Bag
- Lotus Diffuser
- Doterra IPC Introductory Packet
DIAMOND KIT $2150.50 2000 PV
Kit Includes:
Single Essential Oils-15 ml of Basil, Bergamot, Cassia, Clary Sage, Clove, Coriander, Cypress, Eucalyptus, Frankincense, Geranium, Ginger, Grapefruit, Lavender, Lemon, Lemongrass, Lime, Marjoram, Melaleuca, Myrrh, Oregano, Patchouli, Peppermint, Rosemary, Thyme, Vetiver, White Fir, Wild Orange, Wintergreen, & Ylang Ylang.Essential Oil Blends-15 ml-AromaTouch, Balance, Breathe, Citrus Bliss, Elevation, Purify, Serenity, Slim & Sassy, Terrashield, & Zendocrine.
Essential Oils-5 ml size-Cinnamon, Helichrysum, Melissa, Roman Chamomile, Sandalwood.
Essential Oil Blends-5 ml-Deep Blue, DigestZen, On Guard, Past Tense, & Whisper.
Essential Oil Blends-10 ml-Clear Skin, & Immortelle.
- 2 Each of the Lifelong Vitality Pack.
- 1 Each of the Fractionated Coconut Oil, Intro to Essentials Kit, Aroma Touch Kit, Family Physician Kit, Canvas Bag, Lotus Diffuser, On Guard Protecting Throat Drops, On Guard Hand Sanitizing Wipes, On Guard Foaming Hand Wash with 2 Dispensers, Essential Skin Care Kit with Invigorating Scrub, PB Assist+, GS Assist, 5/8 Dram Sample Vials (15 vials), SanoBella Protecting Shampoo and SanoBella Smoothing Conditioner, Hand and Body Lotion, Trim Shake Chocolate, Trim Shake Vanilla, Citrus Bliss Invigorating Bath Bar, Serenity Body Calming Bath Bar, TerraZyme, Zendocrine.
- 10 Each of the Product Guide, Slim & Sassy Booklet, Introduction to Essential Oils Audio CD & Booklet, Family Physician Audio CD, Essential Skincare Product Brochure and Doterra Opportunity Brochure.
- Doterra IPC Introductory Packet.
Recipe For Success with Doterra Oils
Step #1 – Select a kit so you have more than one oil or product to draw upon when needs arise.Step #2 – Decide which products and oils you want to use repeatedly and share with friends. Order these items through Loyalty Rewards to earn 10-30% free product credit back. After 12 qualifying orders you will be getting 30% back (so 33 points for $100 spent), along with the wholesale 25% discount–it’s like getting the oils over half off!
Step #3 - Contact me through my website so I can help you (if you need) over the phone or go to my http://www.mydoterra.com/valoriedodart/directly and click on join to enroll yourself. Be sure to enter Valorie ID #83391 as your sponsor, and I will be happy to help you however I can.
Step #4 – Get some reference materials. If you know the alphabet, you can easily learn all about oils. Here are my favorites:
Friday, July 1, 2011
The All Natural Face Review
I am so not good at this blogging thing but wanted to share a discovery that I've been keeping to myself for the last year or more. The all natural face at http://theallnaturalface.com/index.html
I was having some problems with itchy eyes and red splotches on my face and was talking about it around one of Hayden's friends. She suggested the all natural face and said I could get samples for a great prices and I should try it. So I ordered the sample kit and man she sent a little of everything for such a good price and then once I tried it?! I was hooked. I've been a loyal customer for well over a year, year and a half. Its all vegan makeup. I don't have problems with my eyes using any of it and she makes the funnest colors of eyeshadows and eyeliners that I've been having a blast. The foundation covers so completely and well and again such a good price with specials running every month on top of already great prices; there is just no going back for me. I've tried almost everything she makes LOL. The other funny thing is because of her I am hooked on coconut oil. LOVE it! I use her hair tea about 5 times a week and use low sulfate for off days. I have started dyeing my hair with henna and love the results (its a commitment). We just received their sunless tanning lotion and I thought because of the lack of chemicals it wouldn't be very potent so I just was kind of liberal with it; no need, it worked fast and well. Overall what I can say about The All Natural Face http://theallnaturalface.com/index.html is I have not tried one product that I was disappointed with and for a sensitive skinned person for me its been a life changer!
I was having some problems with itchy eyes and red splotches on my face and was talking about it around one of Hayden's friends. She suggested the all natural face and said I could get samples for a great prices and I should try it. So I ordered the sample kit and man she sent a little of everything for such a good price and then once I tried it?! I was hooked. I've been a loyal customer for well over a year, year and a half. Its all vegan makeup. I don't have problems with my eyes using any of it and she makes the funnest colors of eyeshadows and eyeliners that I've been having a blast. The foundation covers so completely and well and again such a good price with specials running every month on top of already great prices; there is just no going back for me. I've tried almost everything she makes LOL. The other funny thing is because of her I am hooked on coconut oil. LOVE it! I use her hair tea about 5 times a week and use low sulfate for off days. I have started dyeing my hair with henna and love the results (its a commitment). We just received their sunless tanning lotion and I thought because of the lack of chemicals it wouldn't be very potent so I just was kind of liberal with it; no need, it worked fast and well. Overall what I can say about The All Natural Face http://theallnaturalface.com/index.html is I have not tried one product that I was disappointed with and for a sensitive skinned person for me its been a life changer!
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Back to Blogging Though Things are a Bit Hectic
I work full time and Simon had two doctor's appointments last week, and I helped lead a parent's hour at the hospital and Joseph has prom coming up so I had to go tux renting with him. Needless to say things have been busy.
So the new scoop on Simon, sort of. His upper GI showed a distended esophagus, hiatal hernia (that is new) and reflux. The evidence of the GI bleed during his surgery and the distention suggests that he has had long-term reflux, though 3 years ago it was minimal. He has a malrotated colon but the GI did not think it was showing signs of symptoms so we're not worrying about that unless the surgeon said something. The surgeon ended up not being in town so she couldn't have him pop in like she had hoped. So we were waiting for his input and then would schedule the scope and biopsy and do the PH probe.
So I get a message from the surgeon's nurse that said he did not need to see Simon YET. So, like the patient person I am, decided to wait to hear from Dr. O'Gorman to tell me what he said and when to schedule the other tests. No phone call. Not like her. So I called today and left a message. She is in clinic the last couple of days but I'm anxious to know whats going on.
Two things she mentioned was for children like Simon are usually considered with these symptoms; a nissen or a GJ tube. We didn't make a decision or discuss it more because until the other tests are done we don't know exactly what we're dealing with. But I did start my GJ research because I naturally thought no surgery, we'll just do a GJ, problem solved. Well, there are things that make me uneasy about the GJ and now I'm not sure. So I've decided to stand back, wait for the tests to tell us what they need to, what they plan to do or consider and then so some real praying and soul searching for the best solution. Quiet meditation is how Simon and I communicate best so I wait for him to send me the mommy this is best vibe and the Dave to give his opinion.
I have to honestly say, I wish Simon was done with "issues" it really seemed like a honeymoon period for awhile. But this proverbial slap in the face of reality has kind of ticked me off. Simon rarely shows strong evidence or symptoms of illness for some reason. His fevers don't get extremely high, even with RSV and pneumonia simultaneously. His reflux he seemed to have a handle on. I'd see him swallow hard sometimes and get tense but it wasn't constant vomiting like when he was younger or even spit up problems or the old aspiration type holding breath and panicked look he used to get. It was an innocent general question about adenoids that started all this and it feels like a return to when he was born; "we'll fix this and then you'll just go on like normal." It wasn't true then and isn't proving to be true now. Its exhausting not quite feeling like you know what's coming next.
If not for his smile, his giggles, his quiet moments of reassuring wisdom connecting with my spirit, I'd be a bumbling idiot by now. Shut up Dave! LOL If not for the support of my husband and partnership as a family with Joseph and Hayden, so helpful and such good big brothers who do nothing but treat Simon as a brother and with love, I would be lost. Without my shaky faith, but a Heavenly Father that in the midst of my fits lets me know I'm never alone, I would fall.
I love my family. I am thankful for them. But the worrier in me and the need to know what's coming so I can run through at least 50 scenarios to make a decision does not like these surprises they like to throw at me. I'm sure its a character builder, but I'm enough of a character!
So the new scoop on Simon, sort of. His upper GI showed a distended esophagus, hiatal hernia (that is new) and reflux. The evidence of the GI bleed during his surgery and the distention suggests that he has had long-term reflux, though 3 years ago it was minimal. He has a malrotated colon but the GI did not think it was showing signs of symptoms so we're not worrying about that unless the surgeon said something. The surgeon ended up not being in town so she couldn't have him pop in like she had hoped. So we were waiting for his input and then would schedule the scope and biopsy and do the PH probe.
So I get a message from the surgeon's nurse that said he did not need to see Simon YET. So, like the patient person I am, decided to wait to hear from Dr. O'Gorman to tell me what he said and when to schedule the other tests. No phone call. Not like her. So I called today and left a message. She is in clinic the last couple of days but I'm anxious to know whats going on.
Two things she mentioned was for children like Simon are usually considered with these symptoms; a nissen or a GJ tube. We didn't make a decision or discuss it more because until the other tests are done we don't know exactly what we're dealing with. But I did start my GJ research because I naturally thought no surgery, we'll just do a GJ, problem solved. Well, there are things that make me uneasy about the GJ and now I'm not sure. So I've decided to stand back, wait for the tests to tell us what they need to, what they plan to do or consider and then so some real praying and soul searching for the best solution. Quiet meditation is how Simon and I communicate best so I wait for him to send me the mommy this is best vibe and the Dave to give his opinion.
I have to honestly say, I wish Simon was done with "issues" it really seemed like a honeymoon period for awhile. But this proverbial slap in the face of reality has kind of ticked me off. Simon rarely shows strong evidence or symptoms of illness for some reason. His fevers don't get extremely high, even with RSV and pneumonia simultaneously. His reflux he seemed to have a handle on. I'd see him swallow hard sometimes and get tense but it wasn't constant vomiting like when he was younger or even spit up problems or the old aspiration type holding breath and panicked look he used to get. It was an innocent general question about adenoids that started all this and it feels like a return to when he was born; "we'll fix this and then you'll just go on like normal." It wasn't true then and isn't proving to be true now. Its exhausting not quite feeling like you know what's coming next.
If not for his smile, his giggles, his quiet moments of reassuring wisdom connecting with my spirit, I'd be a bumbling idiot by now. Shut up Dave! LOL If not for the support of my husband and partnership as a family with Joseph and Hayden, so helpful and such good big brothers who do nothing but treat Simon as a brother and with love, I would be lost. Without my shaky faith, but a Heavenly Father that in the midst of my fits lets me know I'm never alone, I would fall.
I love my family. I am thankful for them. But the worrier in me and the need to know what's coming so I can run through at least 50 scenarios to make a decision does not like these surprises they like to throw at me. I'm sure its a character builder, but I'm enough of a character!
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