Taking Control & Beginning to Live

Posted on August 16, 2011 by Mary Schreifels| Leave a comment

There have been times in my life when I’ve pondered what determines the paths of life that I’ve chosen to follow. Seems to me lately that the vision I have for myself depends on finding the gift I can give to the world. When we have our epiphany and chart out our destiny we find meaning in our lives. More importantly I’ve realized that my life belongs to me, and only I can ultimately determine what is right for me.
Determining our fate is a huge task not to be taken lightly…however our choosing is a journey…not a destination. There was this moment when I found I was at the beginning again, when I began to grow into myself and take charge of my life. For me mistakes, obstacles and failures are all a part of the process, pointing me in the right direction.
I’ve found confidence in my own power and ability to direct my own life. I also realize that there is a constant need to be open to opportunities and the gifts that life has to offer.
Often enough…these gifts come without pretty packaging…not beautiful wrapping paper nor fancy bow…it is up to us to recognize and take advantage of the gifts set before us!

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Posted in Family Life, Health and Wellness, Random Thoughts, The Law of Attraction

Beauty in my world

Posted on June 22, 2011 by Mary Schreifels| 2 Comments

Beauty

Lately I have been struck at the amount of beauty that this world contains. Particularly, I have been struck by the amount of beautiful people that I have in my life. I was going through it in my head when a wave of emotion just hit me. I am so blessed!!! Just look at all of these beautiful, wonderful people!!!
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Seize the moment!

Posted on May 21, 2011 by Mary Schreifels| Leave a comment

If you woke up one day…a day like every other…and discovered something so incredible…so amazing it took your breath away…something that would forever change your life because for the first time ever…you thought about life and you were in awe of the possibility of all that it holds for you…would you seize the moment?

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Kiss It And Make It All Better

Posted on April 13, 2011 by Mary Schreifels| Leave a comment

Remember those days when all you had to do was ask your child “do you want mommy to kiss it and make it all better?”  And they would always say yes…and through the tears the smile would shine!  It was like magic…and every mom has the gift.

I miss those days.  I prayed for that magic to return the first time I watched my son have a seizure.  Helpless as my child suffered and my kisses could not make it go away.  And every seizure after that…more helplessness.

Today I felt that same longing for those days again.  Because today I heard my grown daughters voice crack as she explained to me that very same feeling…helplessness.  It hurts watching my own child searching for the kiss and make it all better answer for her child.  Some days are just so sad aren’t they?

I’m praying.  I know that everything will be fine with our little Baby Joseph.  But still…these are the days when a kiss to make it all better would really come in handy.

 

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Raising a Child With Special Needs

Posted on April 7, 2011 by Mary Schreifels| Leave a comment

When you know this is your destiny life will never look the same again.  But through it all…the heartache and struggle…comes the truly amazing…the rewarding and inspiring!  My son has taught me what perfect really means.    Every day I remind myself that life doesn’t have to be perfect to be wonderful.  And let me tell you something!  My Life???  It’s pretty damn wonderful!  The moment I quit worrying about the milestones and the peer achievements I awoke to a beautiful realization.  My son will do things at different times and in different ways, but he WILL do them!  And that is what makes all the complicated stuff just melt away.  That moment when he’s achieved…his pride…my pride in him…it leaves me breathless…So in our world…perfect happens every time we look at our life and remember our blessings.  Be sure and pay attention to all of your blessings…you are surrounded by them!

I love you!

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Let’s Talk Tuesday! Celebrating Small Business With Mommy Perks!

Posted on March 22, 2011 by Mary Schreifels| 4 Comments

A  supportive Online Community: Mommy Perks

As a long-time Partner on the Mommy Perks site, I’ve met some wonderful and creative small business owners. Mommy Perks was first built as an Online retail outlet, highlighting local businesses and PERKS. Since 2009, it has transpired into a Global community of moms, dads, business owners, grandparents, entrepreneurs and more.

This didn’t happen quickly but rather after weeks, months and years of hard work and dedication to Parenting and Small Business philosophies. Members of the site are now world-wide as the traffic continues to grow and the loyal readership continues to blossom. As of 2010, Mommy Perks is now a family of seven websites providing small business and parenting information.

Here are just a few of the terrific small businesses you’ll find on the Mommy Perks site:

Body By Vi 90 Day Weight Loss Challenge:

I am so excited about ViSalus and the Body by Vi™ Challenge!  I struggled with weight my entire life.  At one time I was up to 295 pounds and knew that I needed to change my life!  I decided to become a Challenge Promoter on January 1st, 2011 and 28 days later I earned my free BMW while helping people lose weight and meet their fitness goals!  Join in March and I’ll teach you to do the same!

The Challenge is about people like us transforming our bodies over the next 90 days. Whether we have a certain weight we’d love to reach, want to live a more active lifestyle, or are more fitness focused, ViSalus is challenging us to set a personal goal and make our health a priority for at least 90 days!  For a little extra motivation, the Body by Vi™ Challenge is giving away over $100,000 a year in prizes like free cruises & Hollywood makeovers to those with the best transformations.

I love it because it’s SIMPLE! All you have to do is set a 90 day goal, use 1 of 4 ViSalus Body by Vi™ Challenge Kits, and let the products do the rest! Because each kit is centered around the Vi-Shape meal replacement shake, we won’t be adding any additional cost to our budgets. All we’re doing is taking the money we’re currently spending on eating out and grocery bills and putting it toward a simpler, faster, and much healthier option!

Most people who start the Challenge end up sharing it with others—kind of like I am doing right now! :) Saving money on your food bills is already a great deal for all, but it gets even better. They have a program called Refer 3 get your next month Free! Simply refer 3 others to the same or greater Challenge Kit as you, and they’ll ship your next kit for free! Maintain 3, and your products is always FREE! Who do you know right now that may want to lose a few pounds, build some lean muscle, or maybe just focus on their health with you for 90 days? I bet you know more than 3… so you can earn your product for FREE!

The Boy’s Store:

An Online boutique dedicated to all-things BOY. There are countless Online stores that highlight girly products but what about the boys? The Boy’s Store is passionate about stocking quality and lasting clothing/accessories for boys. They also offer books and toys with an educational focus.

abcteach:

abcteach.com has been Online now for ten years. With a full staff and over 40,000 website members, abcteach.com has set itself apart from other educational websites. Built primarily through word-of-mouth, the site offers more than 35,000 printouts and clip art images for parents, teachers, nannies and home schoolers. Every few months, Mommy Perks gives away a membership to abcteach.com.

Freckles Crafts:

March is National Craft Month. What better time to promote Freckles Crafts, right? Are you a mom or teacher who loves crafts but doesn’t have the time to put the items together? Freckles sells pre-packaged craft kits, ready to go and use. No waste! Terrific idea for home use, parties or for Preschools and Day-Cares.

KBTeachers.com:

Celebrating ten years Online, KB Teachers offers a membership based site for teachers and home schoolers. From science and social studies to seasonal ideas and theme related print-outs, this site is utilized by thousands. Mommy Perks often gives away memberships to this site so keep your eyes open for that!

Boutiques and gifts, educational sites and books/toys… Mommy Perks offers numerous choices for shoppers of quality goods and services. Stop by soon and support a small business!

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Posted in Body by Vi 90 Day Weight Loss Challenge, Health and Wellness, Random Thoughts, Social Media Mystery, The Law of Attraction

Believe in yourself and your dreams…

Posted on March 22, 2011 by Mary Schreifels| Leave a comment

Just one defining moment in your life…that very moment when you let go of everything that’s holding you back and reach for it with all your might!  Stand on tip toes to reach it and if that doesn’t work then grab a chair and stand on it!  You have to get to that place inside you where you know that you cannot fail if you give it everything you’ve got!

Believe in the power you have within you to make it happen for you!  When you do then you are there…you are in THE place.  You are ready to go out and share your gift with the world.  Help others.  Love them unconditionally and see in them what you’ve found in yourself.  Help them find that belief within and then nurture it to the finish line!  It’s not about YOU…it’s about WE…it’s about taking the first step to making it all come true…for everyone.

Now go on!  Get out there and DO good!  You have what it takes to change the world into a better place.  Don’t hide from it!  Embrace it and move mountains!

An inspiring video to start out the day in a beautiful frame of mind is just a click away….CLICK ME :)

Big love!

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Posted in Body by Vi 90 Day Weight Loss Challenge, Random Thoughts, The Law of Attraction

Treating ADHD with diet instead of drugs?

Posted on March 14, 2011 by Mary Schreifels| Leave a comment

 

 

 

Wow…right?  I mean who would ever think to treat with a non-pharmaceutical first?  Yeah…that would be me!  The mom that says NO to automatically assuming my son’s doctor knows best.  The mom that will research and try the alternative to introducing an unnecessary drug into my child’s body.  I’m sure for some that may be the only answer.  But until I know that’s the ONLY option…I say let’s try a natural alternative first!

This is a great article about another option for kids with ADHD.

http://www.npr.org/2011/03/12/134456594/study-diet-may-help-adhd-kids-more-than-drugs

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Posted in Body by Vi 90 Day Weight Loss Challenge, Family Life, Health and Wellness, Random Thoughts, Special Needs

100 Random Things About Me! Tell me about you!

Posted on March 4, 2011 by Mary Schreifels| 1 Comment

36 hours no work…no stress…Doctors orders!  So…time for some random fun to keep me from going insane ;)   Oh wait…no…it’s okay…no really I’m not insane…quirky maybe but not insane!

I’m ready for some interaction from everyone here so…I decided to come up with 100 random things about me and hope you’ll share some random and quirky things about you too!  I’d love to get to know you better!

1.  I love to go to the dentist and brush my teeth excessively!

2.  I hate being alone.

3.  Many nights I sneak into my sons room…just to make sure he’s okay

4.  I’m deathly afraid of the dark & avoid being alone in the dark at all costs!

5.  I love life and the people I’ve been blessed to have in mine!

6.  I love being a mom more than anything in the world.

7.  I believe that believing in yourself is the key to making any dream reality.

8.  Spiders make me scream!

9.  I trust people & believe in the goodness in everyone.

10.  I hate to fold socks!

11.  I’m an extremely sensitive person & my heart hurts seeing others in pain.

12.  I like to jump on the bed with my kids!

13.  I wish I could eat 10 bananas a day…I love them!

14.  I hate when people judge a book by it’s cover!

15.  I have a special needs child and I’m so thankful to God for making him mine.

16.  My husband is the piece of me I’d been missing for so many years.

17.  I love to inspire people and help them reach their goals!

18.  I used to weigh 295 pounds.

19.  I’m an extremely empathetic person.

20.  I absorb the emotions and moods of others like a little Mary sponge.

21.  I’m not an openly religious person-my religion is very personal to me.

22.  I love to snowmobile…I love getting as much air as I can as fast as I can!

23.  My cat hates me and bites me everyday and yet…I can’t let him go.

24.  I’m a sympathetic crier don’t start bawling in front of me or I’ll lose it too!

25.  My son’s “eyes water” when he sees someone crying…I love that about him.

26.  I’m a grandmother and I feel younger than ever!

27.  I am a very loyal friend.

28.  I smile at everyone I meet.

29.  Someday I’d like to be crowned for something…don’t care what it is :)

30.  I am very respectful of the views and beliefs of others.

31.  I don’t care what your dream is…if you want it I want it for you!

32.  My favorite sound in the whole world…a child’s laughter.

33.  When I dance the rest of the world goes away…I feel fabulous there!

34.  I am fascinated by the power we all have within.

35.  Bully’s make me angry…their parents refusal to intervene makes me CRAZY

36.  My oldest daughter is an introvert…likes animals more than people.

37.  My second oldest daughter is a social butterfly…loves everyone!

38.  My oldest son still tells me he loves me in front of his friends…he’s 17!

39.  My stepdaughter has an incredibly beautiful soul.

40.  My youngest son makes me laugh everyday!

41.  I hate public restrooms…they are disgusting!

42.  I’ve been called a MILF…and I liked it!

43.  Sometimes I worry I’m not lady like enough…who cares right?

44.  I love dressing up.

45.  I cry when I’m sad and sometimes when I’m happy.

46.  I think picnics are cool but only if someone else brings the food.

47.  The first time I drank wine as an adult I threw up all night!

48.  I earned a BMW in 28 days and I’m proud as hell of myself!

49.  If I can inspire or make someone smile everyday…mission accomplished!

50.  100 Random things is a lot of things!

51.  I love to scrapbook but often get lost in the memories…

52.  I want to advocate and volunteer for special needs children full time.

53.  Video games bore me.

54.  I want ripped abs someday.

55.  I hate when I feel like I can’t be myself around certain people.

56.  I love ladies night out with my bff’s!

57.  I haven’t eaten ice cream in 8 years.

59.  It took me 42 years to find my Soul Sister…but I found her so it’s okay now.

60.  I love inspirational quotes…if we’re friends on facebook you already knew :)

61.  I refuse to let my friends call themselves fat.

62.  I stand in front of the mirror naked everyday and tell myself I’m beautiful!

63.  Learning to be healthy and teaching others to be healthy is important to me.

64.  I’ve started to write 2 books…someday I’ll finish and get them published.

65.  I’m extremely unorganized.

66.  I love storms and jumping in puddles when the storm has passed.

67.  I hate pork…even the smell of it cooking is gross!

68.  A smile can make me melt…and kind eyes.

69.  I wish more people cared about making the world a kinder…gentler place.

70.  I love to sing…I sound terrible but my kids never complain.

71.  I’m excited to go to Hawaii someday.

72.  I take my camera with me everywhere I go.

73.  I love watching people…and how they interact with the world.

74.  I think iCarly & The Witches of Waverly Place are funny as heck!

75.  I don’t mind growing up…but I’ll never grow old.

76.  My dream vacation is a hammock in the middle of nowhere with nobody.

77.  I like to fish and I’m not afraid to bait my own hook.

78.  I love to swim but too scared to jump off the boat without my life jacket on!

79.  I love what I do…helping people reach their healthy goals is so incredible.

80.  I have made amazing friends via facebook.

81.  I’m going to finish this tonight and need something else to do tomorrow!

82.  When I found socks I loved…I bought 50 pairs.  I love new socks :)

83.  I think sexy is a state of mind…and wearing stilettos helps that state of mind.

84.  Hugging is my favorite way to say hello…and goodbye.

85.  I tell  everyone I love that I love them as often as I can.

86.  I have a 5 pound hula hoop and I’m not afraid to use it!

87.  I love bubble baths.

88.  I want to get my tongue pierced by my husband hates the idea…

89.  I start a lot of crafty things…and sometimes don’t finish them.

90.  There’s a little girl inside me that gets hurt by mean people still today.

91.  Speaking of which…mean people suck!

92.  I want to help as many people as I can.

93.  I want a hot photo shoot but I laugh at myself whenever I try!

94.  I really want to skydive someday.

95.  Sad because we no longer share the same interest friends have walked away.

96.  I am thankful always for the blessings and beauty in my life.

97.  I mess up a lot…but always work hard to make things right.

98.  I drink water like I’m going to be stranded in the desert!

99.  I want a boob job!

100….I absolutely love you for reading this entire list!

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Posted in Body by Vi 90 Day Weight Loss Challenge, Family Life, Health and Wellness, Random Thoughts, Social Media Mystery, Special Needs, The Law of Attraction

Never Give Up…

Posted on March 2, 2011 by Mary Schreifels| Leave a comment

Went to bed a little sad…woke up a little sad…wallowing in self-pity?  Not really…just feeling it for a bit and that’s okay…a girl has to feel sad sometimes too…then I get a message…makes me cry…from a Packer fan of all people!  But she made me pick myself up and realize it’s a new beginning!  That all you can do is give it your all, all in with all your heart.  

Today I set the goal with more intention…because it was meant to happen this month!  I don’t believe in giving up or letting go of a dream so now it’s time to make it happen!  What about you?  Remember…Never, ever give up!

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Posted in Body by Vi 90 Day Weight Loss Challenge, Random Thoughts, The Law of Attraction