It's been 11 months since my last post.  Life has brought some amazing new things my way.  Not a day goes by that I don't miss blogging each day, and as such I plan to begin a new journey of posts.  It's no secret that I like to talk and that I like to share things.  Perhaps that is why my life has been dedicated to providing life long education to those around me.

A quick recap of the past 11 months include: a knee injury (MCL tear and cartilage tear) that left me on crutches for 3 months, a personal physical challenge of rehabilitation focusing on muscle development where atrophy had taken over, an autism diagnosis for my son in Nov, months of planning intervention and support for him, homeschooling, teaching 17 students through my online school job, working on scrapbook layouts and a few cards here and there, the passing of some family members and finally, helping people overcome personal life challenges through health and wellness.

I look forward to connecting with each and every one of you in the coming months.  Your patience and graciousness to continue following me despite my absence has profoundly touched my heart.  I still receive blog feed and have thoroughly enjoyed reading what is going on in your lives as well as seeing your incredible crafty creations.

Alli

Asking for your help.

Hello dear friends!!  I am still around just going through a busy spell with grandma moving out, yard sale, end of the school year (report cards) and another roller coaster ride for support for my son.  I am calling on the experts out there hoping to get some answers today.  For those of you who know, my son has had some exceptional challenges over the past few years.  I shared long ago what it was like for my son to have Sensory Processing Disorder.  I shared that he has had multiple assessments and diagnoses. Our journey is not over yet.  About 2+ years ago after a comprehensive assessment we were no further ahead with answers...with the exception of the psychologist's comment that I have a very complex child who would need further assessment between the ages of 8-9.  Flash forward to now.  My son will be 9 in a few short weeks. We are awaiting the autism referral.  The problem is that the previous assessments are very confusing and so his referral is "complex" too.  They are not entirely sure what to do (as in do the assessment or not)...One of the key factors in this process is Andrew's previous diagnosis of DCD (developmental coordination disorder).  The woman  from the referral team I spoke to said that if he has DCD he will not get an autism diagnosis.  I seriously do not understand how that can be.  Co-morbid conditions exist.  If you are a professional in this field or know someone who can share some insight could you please e-mail me or post below.  It frustrates me to no end that I have professionals who SEE that my son has Aspergers and yet somehow we are not getting this diagnosis.  I am a special education teacher and honestly although I cannot diagnosis him from a medical standpoint he is a child with Aspergers for sure.  He is very high functioning and yet has some significant delays, impairments, language issues, narrow interests and non-verbal communication problems (very low social skills) and more.  Thank you for reading this, sharing this with others and for your input.  I will continue to support my son in whatever ways I can...I am just tired of a system without answers.  And for a mum who has been working on this for so long, jumping through the hoops etc it would be nice to know how I can help him next.  Interestingly, my journey as a mum with special needs has certainly helped me in my role as a special education teacher.  It is always a blessing to be able to work and talk with families and help support them on their journey too.

Hugs;
Alli

One year ago ...

On June 10th, 2010 I was reviewing the last few years of my life and wondering how a 34 year old could be feeling so tired and run down.  I used the excuse that I was a busy mum, wife, paper crafter and teacher and that since I was in my 30s I was supposed to feel this way.  After recovering from the worst season of cold and flu (winter 2009-early 2010)...H1N1, adult croup, 3x strep throat and countless other things I vowed I would never take a day of my health for granted again.  What struck me as odd is that I thought I was pretty healthy.  I ate good foods, I took some vitamins, I drank water, I exercised a few times a week and all my appointments with the doctor showed that I was a typical 30+ year old.  So why was I so tired?  Why was my skin looking so blah?  Why was I having trouble getting more than 5.5 hours of sleep?  Why was my mental clarity so terrible?  Why was I gaining more inches when I eating healthy?  There were so many "why's" I was beginning to just ignore them hoping they would go away.

For those people who know me well, I have worked hard to keep my weight the same as well as make wise food choices.  But of course life gets busy and the words "granola bar" and "coffee" did pop into my life for convenience sake.  Add two kids--one special needs, a husband, a job, paper crafting, a dog, a cat, grandma living with us.  Then there were a few late nights and early mornings.  Did I mention we moved into a house with NO yard...no grass...just a hill and dirt?  Life was busy.

So then I hear about this nutrition program and I am a little skeptical about trying something like this...after all, I eat healthy.  After 30 days on the program I feel like someone has recharged my body.  Did I feel it on day 1?  Nope.  Day 4?  I noticed very little.  Day 8?  Some weight loss.  Day 14?  Lots more energy.  Day 18?  I was sleeping better.  Day 30?  Down 11lbs and feeling amazing.  My skin was radiant and cleared up.  I continued on a maintenance program for month 2 and lost an additional 4 lbs and continued to feel even better.  By month 3, 4, 5+ my life had completely changed and I could hardly believe that it was possible to feel any better.  Not only was I feeling better, my confidence increased, I was working out more regularly and I had more energy for my kids.  12 months have passed and I have been flu and cold free for more than a year and my skin has never looked better.  I feel fantastic.  I know that I am healthy.  I am excited about life and I am more open to taking new opportunities.  What I was most excited was the specific measurable comments I received from my doctor regarding BIG improvements to my health.

Over the past year I have coached a number of people who have committed to making a change in their lives.  They committed to a full 30 day program and have been open to following up with at least 1-2 maintenance programs created especially for them.  They have also been open to my coaching, accepted phone calls and encouragement from me and even participated in my coaching group on Facebook.  Has the program been easy?  Not always.  Has this program worked for everyone?  No.  But for those who have followed through and committed to what it takes, the program has been very successful.  They key is that you have to be in a place in your life where you are willing to work through challenges OR perhaps you have already been challenged and you are looking for a new path. You have to know that you wont give up when things get tough.  The end result is very rewarding!

My journey to health has opened my life up to friendship, to energy, to exercise, to commitment, to living the life I have always wanted to live.  I am so grateful for what I have learned and experienced over the past year.  What I am most amazed by this company are the things to come.  They are committed to providing excellence and as such always make sure that all information they share is up to date and well researched.  They also make sure their product is top quality and continue to improve it so that we can get the most health benefits from it.  What I am loving the most now is that this company is moving towards a greater healthier future for humanity and I am blessed to be a part of that journey already!

If you are ready to make a change in your life...committed 100% from start to finish, I'd love to help you reach your health goals.  My one stipulation is that you must be willing to receive personal coaching from me for at least 30 days.  For more information you can visit my previous post HERE or visit my website HERE.  You can also contact me via e-mail (see the link on the side bar).

Hugs;
Alli

MFT Blog Hop and Shop

Welcome to the My Favorite Things blog hop and shop event! You should have arrived from Kim's Blog. Also you can start shopping HERE!

This month it is my absolute pleasure to share a card using the Clearly Sentimental About Friendship--a previous triple scoop set that was featured last month (May) on teaser day 5  Here is one of the samples I created last month.  This set is full of inspirational sentiments to celebrate friendship.  I have already used this set quite a bit for personal use.  Love the ability to recognize my beautiful friends and thank them for their friendship.

SUPPLIES

Stamp Set(s):Clearly Sentimental about Friendship by MFT 

Cardstock: Vintage Cream by PTI

Patterned Paper: Happy Go Lucky from Lime Twist Collection by My Mind's Eye

Ink: True Black by PTI, Berry Sorbet by PTI

Accent: Ribbon by PTI, Butterfly embellishment by American Crafts

Tools:   Framed Greetings Die-namics by MFT, Butterflies Die-namics by MFT

SUPPLIES

Stamp Set(s):Clearly Sentimental about Friendship by MFT 

Cardstock: Vintage Cream by PTI

Patterned Paper: Happy Go Lucky from Lime Twist Collection by My Mind's Eye

Ink: True Black by PTI, Berry Sorbet by PTI

Accent: Rhinestones by Zva, Flower Button by Doddlebug, Ribbon by PTI

Tools:   Well Worn Greetings Die-namics by MFT 

Thanks so much for stopping by today.  Make sure to visit Jessie next and see her CUTE card!!!

Hugs;

Alli

MFT Teaser Day 5

Here are all the important details:

• The MFT release is on June 7th at 10 PM EST. You can attend the release party from 8-10 PM EST here in the forum for fun, games, and prizes! All the new sets and dies will be available on June 7th at 10 PM EST.
• The guest designer contest is ON! Check out the forum for details on how YOU can win over $100 in stamp sets and play along with the DT for a month.
• If you'd like to see all the teasers for today, please click on over to Kim's blog NOW! Be sure to leave comments as you go for a chance to win one of two $10 vouchers being given away daily, just for leaving a comment. :) Check Kim's blog every day for the winners.

I am so excited to share this super awesome set...perfect for Father's Day and an adorable title too.  I love you mower!!!

SUPPLIES

Stamp Set(s):I love you mower by MFT

Cardstock: Vintage Cream by PTI, Enchanted Evening by PTI

Patterned Paper: Summer Picnic by Pink Paislee

Ink: True Black by PTI, Vintage Cream by PTI

Accent:Ribbon by PTI, Button, Twine by PTI

Tools:Copic Marker, Sewing Machine

Thanks so much for stopping by today!  Make sure you check back for a post later in the evening.

Alli

MFT Teasers Day 3

Here are all the important details:

• The MFT release is on June 7th at 10 PM EST. You can attend the release party from 8-10 PM EST here in the forum for fun, games, and prizes! All the new sets and dies will be available on June 7th at 10 PM EST.
• The guest designer contest is ON! Check out the forum for details on how YOU can win over $100 in stamp sets and play along with the DT for a month.
• If you'd like to see all the teasers for today, please click on over to Kim's blog NOW! Be sure to leave comments as you go for a chance to win one of two $10 vouchers being given away daily, just for leaving a comment. :) Check Kim's blog every day for the winners.

 As you know, I am very partial to the Pure Innocence line!  I just love those sweet faces and as such couldn't resist playing with two of the newest images.  First up today is My Little Firecracker.  A perfect collection to celebrate the 4th of July.  I love the sparkler she is holding not to mention the star in her hair!

SUPPLIES

Stamp Set(s):Pure Innocence--My Little Firecracker by MFT

Cardstock: Vintage Cream by PTI, Enchanted Evening by PTI

Patterned Paper: Summer Picnic by Pink Paislee

Ink: True Black by PTI, Vintage Cream by PTI

Accent:Ribbon by PTI, Rhinestones by Zva, Flower Accent by American Crafts

Tools:Copic Markers, Scallop Ribbon Die-namics

Second up today is the adorable Wedding Flower Girl.  This is the cutest stamp set ever.  I love how beautiful the floral arrangement is and how it ties into her hair piece.  It actually reminds me of when my daughter was a flower girl for my brother's wedding last year.

SUPPLIES

Stamp Set(s):Pure Innocence--Wedding Flower Girl by MFT

Cardstock: Stamper's Select White by PTI,

Patterned Paper: Pink Paislee

Ink: True Black by PTI

Accent:Ribbon by American Crafts, Rhinestones by Zva, Misc clear flower

Tools:Copic Markers

Here is a photo of my son, my brother and my daughter from last August!  

Have a super day.

Alli

MFT Teaser Day 2

Here are all the important details:

• The MFT release is on June 7th at 10 PM EST. You can attend the release party from 8-10 PM EST here in the forum for fun, games, and prizes! All the new sets and dies will be available on June 7th at 10 PM EST.
• The guest designer contest is ON! Check out the forum for details on how YOU can win over $100 in stamp sets and play along with the DT for a month.
• If you'd like to see all the teasers for today, please click on over to Kim's blog NOW! Be sure to leave comments as you go for a chance to win one of two $10 vouchers being given away daily, just for leaving a comment. :) Check Kim's blog every day for the winners.

I have two cards to share with you today.  First up is a card using the fabulous Jolinne--I Love You this Much.  I absolutely fell in love with that string of hearts Jolinne is holding, not to mention the sentiments that come with this set.

SUPPLIES

Stamp Set(s):Jolinne--I love you this much by MFT

Cardstock: Vintage Cream by PTI, Dark Chocolate by PTI

Patterned Paper:Summer Picnic by Pink Paislee

Ink:Ribbon by American Crafts, Pin by Fancy Pants

Accent:Buttons by PTI

Tools: Copic Markers

The second card was made using the Pretty Pocket stamp set.  I decided to do something out of the ordinary and use everything but that pretty pocket (boy was that a challenge...that pocket is pretty cute!).  I really love the doodle feel to this set--so many possibilities.

SUPPLIES

Stamp Set(s):Pretty Pocket by MFT

Cardstock: Vintage Cream by PTI, Scarlet Jewel by PTI

Patterned Paper:Summer Picnic by Pink Paislee

Ink:Wood button, thread

Accent:Buttons by PTI

Tools:Copic Markers


Thanks for stopping by today.  I will be back with two more cards tomorrow!!


Hugs;
Alli