If Tomorrow Never Comes

If I knew it would be the last time I'd see you fall asleep, I would tuck you in more tightly and pray the Lord, your soul to keep.
If I knew it would be the last time I'd see you walk out the door, I would give you a hug and kiss and ask just for more.
If I knew it would be the last time I'd hear your voice sparkle, I would video tape each action and word, so I could play them back day after day.
If I knew it would be the last time I could spare a minute or two to stop and say 'I love you' instead of assuming, you would know I do.
If I knew it would be the last time I would be there ot share your day, I'm sure I wouldn't just let this one slip away.
We often think there's always tomorrow to make up for an oversight, and we always get a second chance to make everything right.
We believe there will always be another day to say 'I love you' and certainly another chance to ask, 'Anything I can do?'
But just in case we might wrong, and today is all we get, let's say how much 'I love you' how much 'I wont forget.'
Tomorrow is not promised to anyone, young and old alike. And today may be the last chance to hold your loved one tight.
So if you're waiting for tomorrow, why not do it today? If tomorrow never comes, you'' surely regret the day that you didn't take the extra time for a smile, a hug or a kiss. That you said you were too busy to give someone what turns out to be their last wish.

Assignment

Since this blog is part of my school assignments I would like to talk about my recent paper. I am writing my paper on Teen Sexual Education: Preventions and Parenting Working Together. If you all have feed back on this subject it may help me to get a better paper. I have statistics to back up why abstinence is the best at that age. Even though we want them to be abstinence we still need to talk about STDs such as how you get them. Teens think if they just don't have intercourse they will be fine. I think the condoms send the wrong messages, giving them the ok to experiment but be safe. Parents need to be involved and not be scared to talk about sex. Would you like them to learn from TV or you?

This is just the ideas of the paper. I have the rough draft almost finished and need to make it bigger for the final.

Thanks for any ideas and input!

Mom said it best

I am sure many of us can recall these famous phrases that our mom's have said at one point in time:

Take your plate into the kitchen, please.
Take it downstairs when you go. Don't leave it there, take it upstairs.
Is that yours?
I'm talking to you.
Just a minute, please, can't you see I'm talking?
I said, don't interrupt.
Did you brush your teeth?
What are you doing out of bed?
Go back to bed.
You can't watch in the afternoon.
What do you mean there's nothing to do?
Go outside.
Read a book.
Turn it down.
Get off the phone.
Tell your friend you'll call her back. Right now!
Hello, no she's not home.
She's still not home.
She'll call you when she gets home.
Take a jacket. Take a sweater.
Take one anyway.
Someone left his shoes in front of the TV.
Get the toys out of the hall.
Get the toys out of the bathtub.
Get the toys off the stairs.
Do you realize that could kill someone?
Hurry up.
Hurry up. Everyone's waiting.
I'll count to ten and then we're going without you.
Did you go to the bathroom?
If you don't go, you're not going.
I mean it.
Why didn't you go before you left?
Can you hold it?
What's going on back there?
Stop it.
I said, stop it!
Stop it, or I'm taking you home right now.
That's it. We're going home.
Give me a kiss.
I need a hug.

Delia Ephron

I think my dad may have said a few more of these lines than my mom, but it does bring me back to my childhood. Fond memories of pulling hair, long car rides, and those steps that i had to walk up and down for leaving the lights on and next time I was going to have to pay the electrical bill! Before I knew it, I turned into my mom! Most of these I am now saying to my littles. I hope this flooded you with memories and you laughed, just as I did!

You may never know

Until you have become a single mother you may never know the battles that I go through. I weep that my poor children were forced into a life like this. That I had to be so selfish and give them this life! My children deserve so much more than what I can give them. If it wasn't for my strong mouth I would be married by now. Why don't I just give in and suffer with what is not the best for me but great for my girls. Don't they deserve a daddy that is good to them even if I don't feel completed? I struggle with knowing what I should do. I do not know yet how to set aside my own misery for the better of my children. A husband could mean we would not struggle so much with bills. We would have a family vacation. For once they would here the famous phrase "go ask your dad." My children have been robbed of a dad, a great life. Now I have to struggle to make up for it.

I was glad to run into a church friend today who told me that they don't miss not having a dad that I do so much for them and love them enough. I just wish I could feel that way on the inside. I wish I had a man that I could make joint decisions with rather than just what I want to do. My way might not always be the best.

Why to believe

Today times are ruff for us all but let's not forget someone could use help just as you were helped at once. I greatly believe it 'pay it forward.' Listen to this story and maybe you will understand a little more too.

I am a single mom. I work long hours and attend classes. I never seem to be a head of the bills and sometimes have to rob Peter to pay Paul. This week when I had gotten to work the secretary hands me a envelope where I found a fifty-dollar bill, just enough to cover the water bill that I was thinking was going to be late again. I asked Jill where the money came from as there was no note attached. Are you sure this is for me? Jill reassured me that yes the money was mine and not to worry where it came from, 'just accept it.'
"When my husband was overseas money was tight and we hit rough patches, someone from church left an envelope for me, didn't sign the card or anything. I asked the pastor who did this so I can thank them. He said if they wanted you to know they would have signed the card. God is using this person to do his work. I'm sure who ever did this feels blessed to have been able to help you. Just accept it and give thanks."

This is why I relay and why I donate my boxes to Head Start's pay it forward! We all could use a little more kindness in our lives! Time to clean out the closets!

Motivation

I lack motivation right now. Things are such a blur in my life that it is hard to concentrate on one thing and get it done. I need to make a list, but I don't know what is the most important thing to do first (once school work is done of course!) Here is a few things that I need to do:
Unpack new place.
Finish packing and cleaning old place.
Make blanket for Nicole's couch.
Make dolls to sell.

And these are just the big things off the top of my head. I can't decide what type of amigurumi doll I should make for cancer. I am thinking of either a dog, bear or angel. I have a pattern for mini bears that I thought would look cute and fast to do. This way they would be cheap and I can still donate the money to cancer. My idea is to put ribbons over their heart area of the different kinds of cancer.

I appreciate the feedback on this!

Life

Maybe the marriage I believed would last a lifetime has ended. Maybe I never married. Maybe I reached out in love and created a child. Whatever route has led me to this place, here I am, a single mom. Here can be a very good place, or a very bad one. It can be a place of intense sadness or a place of singular joy. I have likely experienced moments of both.

Being a single parent is one of the hardest things I will endeavor, as if I haven't been told that enough by peers. A married friend with best intentions says "I don't know how you do it." All I want to say, I don't have a choice, I'm all they have! Single parenting is difficult. What two parents often struggle to accomplish all weighs on me. But I look at single parenting as a privilege. I decide where we have vacation, I decide what kind of disclipine they will get, and there is no 'mom said o so ask dad.' I am the beginning and ending vote.

Moving!

I have made a decision to move to Sturtevant. I have given my notice this week to my landlord and now our adventures have begun! I spend the day packing and the nights doing homework. So far we are getting things done and I am staying ahead in school. Shelby is excited about our new place and wants to stay the night already! I told her we could have a sleep out in the living room before the furniture gets there. Now I am looking into what school I will be sending Shelby, daycare for both girls, and babysitters for the weekend in my home.

Once we are settled into our new home. I will be able to get back to my business and start making more Amigurumi dolls! My best friend Stacy was so awesome to buy me yarn and a new book of animals for my birthday! I can't wait until I have time to start a new project.

Fast-Paced Life

It's time to turn a new page in my Book of Life. It's a new term at Kaplan University and The LaFave family will be moving to Sturtevant. This is a little scary for me since we have been in this home for 5 years and Shelby only knows Union Grove as her home. I haven't decided if this will mean a new school for her or not or even who will watch the girls.

My dear friends, please keep us in prayer as we go through this experience and try to stay on top of things with school and a new business!

Struggling

Life is so busy right now I don't know what to do first. School is important to me but after being sick for over a week I found it hard to apply myself again. I am giving it another go. I just got positive reinforcement from my academic advisor that there is still a chance that I can pass my classes. This week is going to be crazy with Survivor Reunion dinner, policy council meeting, zumba-thon, work, and dress shopping! I hope the girls are good at night when I have classes, they haven't been going to bed nicely at night. Shelby is starting to get less time to watching TV and has to play with JAKlynn. They seem to fight less if Shelby actually pays attention to her.

So time to give it another go round and pull it off in the end!

Outline Time!

My outline is due at the end of this week, which in school is Tuesday night. I have started it and I am going to keep updating this post the more I get done. I need your feedback. All comments, critical or not, or very welcome!

Teen Sexual Education: Preventions working together

I. Many teenagers are still sexually active resulting in sexual transmitted diseases (STDs) and/or pregnancy.
A. In 2007 the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimated 19 million new cases of a STD occur each year, almost half of them are between the ages of 15 to 24. (Trends)
B. In 2006, more than 440,000 births were to teenager (USDHHS).
1. Between 2005 to 2007 there has been a 5% increase in teen pregnancies. (Hamilton, Martin, Ventura
C. Multiple sexual education programs have been taught across the nation's school system, but they seem to be lacking effect in decreasing teen pregnancies and STDs.
1. We need a better education program not only for the teens but the parents and teaching staff as well to explain the benefits of abstinence and the possible risks and outcomes to early sexual activity.

Happy Birthday Mom! and Happy Engagement Nicole!

My mom is turning 50 in a few days. On Saturday we had a surprise birthday party for her, she claimed she knew something was up. Shelby, my 6 year old, made caramels for the party and sold them to raise money for our relay for life event. The money goes to American Cancer Society. She was such a good salesperson! She made over $12! Let's just say the grown-ups partied it up that night. I enjoyed time in the hot tub with my brother, Chris, and his girlfriend, Michelle.

Nicole gave me great news this week. I get to be a bridesmaid! I cried and so did she. I am so excited about planning her bridal shower that I can't wait! I worry though, she plans to get married the end of October but hasn't made to many real decisions on what she wants such as flowers and where it is going to be. I hope she can get everything she wants by the time she wants. It usually takes a good year to plan a wedding but I think she is keeping it small like only 100 guests. I have asked a friend to design a dishcloth that I could knit and give to guests at the bridal shower. I can't decide what kind of design to put along with their name. It is a fall wedding.

Any suggestions?

Happy Moments

I have a backwards kid. Most girls pee on the toilet first, my daughter will poop and then get off the toilet and pee right next to it! Backwards kid, I know. She is learning thought, she sits in front of Dora a good portion of the day on her little seat. I am proud of her efforts and no more diapers, pull ups for here on out!

My sister, Nicole, got engaged this weekend. I am so happy for her. She has finally made a life for herself, a nice new car, a career job, and now soon a hubby. Now if we could just get her to change diapers we could add kids into the mix!

I had a down week on my workouts. I don't drink as much soda as I use to and it is mostly caffeine free. I still have lost week. I am down 6 pounds. My dead line is fast approaching to be down 10 pounds. I have one week to kick butt and get rid of it! I can't go to Zumba class tonight but I spent 30 minutes on the wii this am. Hopefully I can get more time in tonight. Zumba is an hour long and I would sure still like an hour today even if it isn't all at once. I think I hear Bob and Jillian calling my name!

The business is going slow. I need to get more things made and I seem to be at a road block on it. I am currently making things for my mom's 50th birthday so that makes business things take a back burner. I don't know of any area craft fairs this summer so I might have to wait unit closer to the holidays to be at one. I am going to start a collection of dishcloths for the sale as well. My fingers sure will be busy!!

Falling Behind

I am sorry to say, but I am falling behind in both classes. I started doing poorly on my Anatomy and Physiology tests and things seemed to spiral from then on. It's time to say good bye to the games on facebook and start spending more time in school work. I even gave up a shift or two at work to get things done. I am recommitting myself. I want to pass these classes this time around and not have to retake them.

Same rat race.

Today was a good day. I was audited at work and I passed with just the need to do a better job cleaning. Any one that knows me knows that is the one area that lacks in my own home, but I am trying to change that. So maybe I can do this Team Lead position. I was starting to think that I should step down, just be an event specialist with less hours and a pay cut and really have to depend on selling my items. Now I have the inspiration to do a great job at work and still do the handmade items and a fun thing. The money from the items is to go towards a Disney trip for me and my girls! It has been a few days since I have made anything, but the homework is piling up. Hopefully Monday I will have most of the homework done and I can make a few new friends. I need an idea on what I should make next.

So inputs are appreciated. What would you buy for your loved ones of any age? My patterns are endless I just never know where to start!

May need to do some rethinking

This is my Cindy Angel. I am selling her for $6. I have made a few changes to the original pattern. Here is the link to the original. http://www.lionbrand.com/cgi-bin/patternView.fcgi?itemKey=1922244053

This is my sweet little lady bug selling for only $3. I don't recommend this one for small children as the eyes can come off. I can make another one with different eyes. It took me sometime to find eyes that would work. Here is the link for her.http://www.lionbrand.com/cgi-bin/patternView.fcgi?itemKey=1922243352

I have been trying to get things together for my Handmade Hugs business. I started making a few amigurumi creatures. Amigurumi is a japanese term for crocheted (or knit) doll. The dolls turned out really neat and I can have one done in a day or so depending on the size. It makes it seem like the blankets take forever. I was thinking of making a bunch of creatures to have on hand for craft fairs and hold off on the blankets for now. I enjoy doing the quick things, it makes it seem like I am getting a lot more done when I have a doll finished by the end of the day. So please leave feedback.

April Fool's Day but this is no joke!

I was recently was watching an episode of Ruby. Her therapist told her to choose 5 things that she wanted to change about her life to help her with reaching her weight loss goal. It's time to let go of that baggage. What better way for me to get motivation than to do this and tell you all my five things. They are already a struggle but it is a new month and time to put all of the complaining aside and just do it!
1. No soda unless having a caffeine withdrawal and then I may have 12oz.
2. Work out daily for at least 10 minutes.
3. Clean for at least 30 minutes each day.
4. Plan meals encouraging me to eat better.
5. Look in the mirror often.

The last one is straight from her show. An addiction specialist told her group that we don't see our true selves. I believe this 100% I never noticed how big I had gotten until I saw my daughter's preschool graduation pictures. Ruby hung mirrors at all levels through out the house and especially by the dining room table. I think I will get a full length mirror and find an open home for it. Ruby lost 10 pounds in one week from the changes that she was making. i just hope to start loosing weight!

College Composition Paper

I am taking classes at Kaplan University. I enjoy these classes. Right now I am taking a college composition class. I have a topic idea and subtopics and today is the first day of the semester. Please share with me your ideas and advice on this paper to help it be the best it can be!

My topic: Condoms or abstinence. What is the best approach for our teens?
Subtopics:
1. Effectiveness of contraceptives
2. Benefits to abstinence
3. STD s

Thesis statement: Abstinence is the best plan for teens to prevent teen pregnancy and STDs instead of relying on a contraceptive.

First Day of My Blog!

Hi everyone! My name is Heidi. I am a single mother of two beautiful girls, JAKlynn and Shelby. We live in Wisconsin where most of the time it is cold. I had started to make blankets for my family and friends and decided to share with the rest of you my talent. On this blog I would like to share my day to day battles of this business and give you the opportunity to have your very own Handmade Hug! Thanks for joining me on this journey and all the comments and advice.