Monday, May 17, 2010

The House that Built ME

It's the title of a new song by Miranda Lambert and it speaks volumes to me as we prepare to move into our new house this week. While we are all very excited to be starting a new chapter and giving Jackson the freedom and accessibility our "old" house could never provide, this is a hard time for me for a number of reasons. First, I have a very hard time letting go---I cried when I sold my Ford Festiva! And secondly, this house holds so many memories for our journey with Jackson. This is the house my husband hand sanded the floors of his baby room in. This is the house I was pregnant in. This is the house where Jackson came home to. This is the house where he said his first word (mama), ate his first food (butternut squash), where I made all of his baby food, where he rolled for the first time, where we did OT & PT too many times to count, where he WALKED for the first time, where he fed himself for the first time, and where we all learned so many lessons. We close on our new house in just 3 days and as my hubby told me this morning "the new house will be the first one he runs in!"

It will be tough to leave, we take the memories, but this is the house that built him for the first 3 years of his life! And where I learned about being a mommy and a wife!

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

"We live by faith, not by sight"

Funny how things can catch you off guard sometimes! I am sitting here tonight, after researching Spinal Muscle Arthrophy until my eyes hurt last night just playing around and looking at shopping sites, when I ran across a necklace that said this very quote. Very funny, God! I needed that. I have faith that God led us on the path to TX Children's in our search for more answers for Jackson and our family and that He put us here today. I have faith that there is a reason there was an early opening at the MDA clinic. But sometimes, I question why, when I can't see a clear answer. Thanks, God---I needed that to remember to live by faith!

Sunday, April 4, 2010

He is RISEN!!!

What a wonderful and fulfilling Easter we have had!!!! We began our Easter weekend with an Easter egg hunt at Healing Place Church. The place was AMAZING and God's presence was felt by our family! Jackson had a blast and to see the other children willing to give him their Easter eggs during the hunt did my heart wonders! HPC even provided hair cuts for mom's and I partook in it and have a new fabulous doo!!!! On Sunday, we got up and saw that the Easter bunny had made a stop to our house and then we went to Easter mass----it is always one of my favorites, but our 3 year old did not make it through the whole service----but it was beautiful none the less! We came home and had both our families over for boiled crawfish! It was a great time shared with our family, including our "adopted" family Kodi, Brad, and Braden! Everyone got a full belly and had a blast!!! Jackson played with everyone and was in bed by 8 and asleep by 8:05!!!! What an amazing God-filled Easter weekend!!!

Monday, March 22, 2010

whew!

Today we had another visit at Shriner's in Houston with Dr. G and we received news that I was pretty sure we would get today. For the past year, we have been stretching and working on getting Jackson to "functional" point with his upper extremities---we have stretched and work from the day he was born, but over this past year, we have had intense focus to try to get him to a point to put palm to palm. Everything we have done has been successful, but Dr. G (and us) feel like we have reached a point that surgery is the only way to get closer to independence, especially in the area of self-care for Jackson.

I won't say that this is a decision that makes me or Jon happy, but it is a decision we are (well, at least for me) slowly coming to terms with. It will be tough to send my almost 4 year old back to the surgery area, when he is old enough to know what is happening, but I know in my heart that this is what's best for him.

I also take comfort in knowing that what Dr. G said today is true; "we have done ALL we can to help Jackson, the therapies, the stretching, the e-stim, etc., but the only way to give him the external rotation and range of motion is to do this surgery."

So, it is with a lot on my heart and my mind that I tell you, we head back to Houston in September to re-evaluate and get a surgery date for the first arm osteotomy. The second arm will be done about 3 months following the first one. In the interim, please pray for peace about this decision for us and strength and courage for us and wisdom for our medical team.

xo,

DJJ

Sunday, February 21, 2010

Growing Up

Wow---what a big boy Jackson has become! Ever since I went back to work, I have sat on the couch every night and held Jackson until he went to sleep, I do NOT regret one second of it, but now that he is a little over 3, I figured it was time to get him to go to bed on his own. Plus, I need some MomMe time! So, last Tuesday, we started getting ready for bed, drinking milk while reading a book and then putting him down in his bed fully awake. The way I convinced him to do it, was by setting a timer on my cell phone and letting him know that if it went off and he was still awake, I would come and get him. Well, the first few nights, he cried a little, but quickly went to sleep with his music on. Last night, he didn't make a peep, gave me and daddy kissies and headed to bed. Tonight, he gave me his milk cup and said "I ready"---kissed daddy and I put him in his bed after kisses and I love yous! And he went right to sleep. I am so proud of him! He is such a big boy!

Monday, February 8, 2010

Believe Dat

Three years ago today, I became a mommy. I can't believe it's been 3 years already, but wow, what a journey it has been. I still remember back to how scared I was the first time I laid eyes on Jackson and the meltdown I had with my mom on the phone outside the NICU because I couldn't figure out how to change Jackson's diaper and never thought I would learn. Over the past 3 years, I have learned to put on diapers, care for cast, change braces, modify braces, fight for everything and advocate for my amazing miracle! Today, my bumblebee flies, he is fully potty trained (day & night), in school 4 days a week with the necessary supports and fully included, walks in a gait trainer and is the smartest little thing I have ever met!

I would be remised to write this post and not acknowledge those who have been with us on this journey. First and foremost our family, including those who are not our family by blood, but by circumstances and most importantly by love---our AMC family. Without y'all, I would have no one to ask all the "silly" questions to like, "how do you wipe your own butt?, how do you eat?, how did you learn to drink from a regular cup?" You have been the brightest spot for our family over the past 3 years, what an amazing bunch of women, men and kiddos y'all are! Secondly, to those who share our days with in preschool, these kids took to Jackson and they are his buddies and girlfriends---they make me so proud! Another huge part of preschool and Jackson's success there has been "Stephi, Wephi"----she helps Jackson be included and he absolutely LOVES her, even when he's tough on her!

Three years ago today, I not only became a mommy, I also became a different person, with a different life and I wouldn't change one moment---What a great 3 years it's been and I can't wait to see what the next year holds for us....


much love (& who dat!),

the heckerts

Thursday, February 4, 2010

Almost 3

I can't believe that in less than a week, my little bumblebee will be 3. Today, we had his first IEP meeting and we accomplished a lot----got everything we wanted, including being able to ask another parish to provide him services, since he is in a classroom setting in that parish. Wow! How far we have all come!? I never thought I would be so dang tough, but Jackson made me a better person and pretty dang good advocate. This weekend will be crazy and fun....we are having a birthday party, with quite a few kids from his class coming...I think I am more excited than he is!!!! Cakes to make and food to make....

Monday, February 1, 2010

More questions than answers

What an emotionally and physically tiring day! We went to see a neurologist at Texas Children's today, upon the recommendation of Dr. Hall. We wait for 6 months for this appointment and we feel like we got a lot out of today. But as we are finding our more and more with Jackson, we got more questions and not a lot more answers. Dr. Rodriguez is an amazing doctor and I can tell you I admire her and believe she will be a great guide as we continue this journey.

So what did she say, well, here it goes. She believes that Jackson possibly has Spinal Muscle Atrophy (SMA)----let me warn you before you go goggling, if this is a true diagnosis for Jackson, he does NOT have one of the more severe forms----that being said, he would still be diagnosised as having AMC, it just happens to also fall under the Muscular Dystrophy umbrella too. That could mean a number of things, some I know and others I still don't, but the good news for us is that there is another mommy to an AMCer, who also has SMA, so she and I will talk soon.

So for now, Dr. Rodriguez is ordering a MRI on Jackson's brain and spine to see if she can see any changes from the originals in the NICU and see if there was possibly any stroke(s) in utero. She has also referred us to a Physical Medicine doctor at TXCH and to the MD clinic there. All of these things will take time and we may not get into the MD clinic for 6 months - a year. Once we go there, we may have a blood test to check for SMA, nerve conductivity test, and/or EMG test. All these things together will give us a clearer picture of what the future may or may not hold. But for the most part none of this will change our plan of treatment or therapies.

One of the highest points of today was Dr. Rodriguez said "Keep doing what you are doing, it's working". So we keep chugging along on this journey with our little mystery miracle.

Friday, November 20, 2009

You are my....

Saw this on someone else's blog and I absolutely adore it....

You are my I love youby Maryann K. Cusimano
Philomel Books, 2001


I am your parent;you are my child.I am your quiet place;you are my wild.

I am your calm face;you are my giggle.I am your wait;you are my wiggle.

I am your carriage ride;you are my king.I am your push;you are my swing.

I am your audience;you are my clown.I am your London Bridge;you are my falling down.

I am your carrot sticks;you are my licorice.I am your dandelion;you are my first wish.

I am your water wings;you are my deep.I am your open arms;you are my running leap.

I am your way home;you are my new path.I am your dry towel;you are my wet bath.

I am your dinner;you are my chocolate cake.I am your bedtime;you are my wide awake. (ain't that the truth)

I am your finish line;you are my race.I am your praying hands;you are my saying grace.

I am your favorite book;you are my new lines.I am your night-light;you are my starshine.

I am your lullaby;you are my peekaboo.I am your goodnight kiss;you are my I love you.




Monday, November 16, 2009

I never knew....

There are a many things I never knew until I had a child, especially one who is differently abled, most of the things I have learned along the way are happy things, like sheer joy and a love like I never knew before. But today, I learned something I thought I knew before, but really didn't. Today, I learned what a true broken heart felt like.

When I went to pick Jackson up from school, his teacher told me he was sad at recess, when she took him aside and asked him if he was sad, he responded "yes". She asked him why he was sad, to which he responded "Because I want to play like the other kids"---meaning he wanted to climb and run with his peers. Right then and there, my heart smashed into a million pieces, I was so sad and taken aback, I thought we had a couple of years before we enter this phase---guess I was wrong. But I am eternally grateful for his teacher, who helped to glue parts of my heart back together when she told me that she took him and helped him climb with the other kiddos. It's nice to know that she knows the importance, not only to Jackson but to his mommy!

My heart is still broken, but not my spirit and neither seem to be bothering Jackson, he has been his rough and tumble self all evening. I know in the end, it will all be fine and Jackson will continue to amaze me and all those around us.

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

A Promise Kept

Today a promise made was a promise kept. Jackson ran after Dr. Accousti in his walker. It was one of the proudest moments thus far on this journey! And from the look on Dr. Accousti's face, it was a pretty proud moment in his life too. We are so fortunate to have a doctor who believes bumblebees can fly to---in their own way and in their own time, but they fly. What a great day!!!!

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

A Promise Made

Ever since we started going to New Orleans to Children's Hospital when Jackson was just a month old, I have told Jackson and his medical team there, including Dr. Accousti, that on the day that Jackson could walk, I would let him chase them down the hall. I told him this every time they cast his feet, every time time they stretched him and every time we made the trip. I knew that one day he would chase them down the hall and tomorrow he WILL!!!! I told him tonight while getting him ready for bed that I would let him chase Dr. Accousti and the cast team down the hall, it was a promise I made to him long ago. And Jackson told me he was going to chase them fast, "like a helicopter". I can't wait to see it and in the words of Jon, I will probably stand in the hall and cry like a baby, but I don't care---my bumblebee just keeps flying!

Thursday, October 8, 2009

When Life Hands You Lemons...


I recently received this award from a parent of another beautiful little girl with Arthrogryposis (http://addymills.blogspot.com/). The lemonade award is to honor those people who show great attitude or gratitude, hence "When life gives you lemons, make lemonade."

This award comes with rules and here they are:

1. Put the Lemonade logo on your blog or within your post.
2. Nominate at least 10 blogs with great attitude or gratitude.
3. Link the nominees within your post.
4. Let the nominees know they have received this award by commenting on their blog.
5. Share the love and link to the person from whom you received this award.

Here are the nominees:

1. http://baby-braden.blogspot.com/
2. http://oliversmiracle.wordpress.com/
3. http://fortheloveofdani.wordpress.com/
4. http://donnamurray.blogspot.com/
5. http://rudderfamily.blogspot.com/
6. http://fromthetrenchesofadoption.blogspot.com/
7. http://forabby.com/
8. http://babystoffer.aboutmybaby.com/ (Adison)
9. http://daddymurad.blogspot.com/
10. http://www.theresalucas.com/

Take a minute and check out these awesome kiddos and adults, each and everyone of them have changed our lives!

xo,

djj

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

Update from our trip to Houston

Two weeks ago, we took a trip to Houston for a regular appointment with Dr. G, our uppers doctor. When planning for this trip, we had talked with Dr. Hall, who also wanted us to see a geneticist, so we found Dr. P at Texas Children's. We were able to schedule them on the same day and went down few days early to spend time with my sister, Cathy. It was a wonderful weekend and I can't even begin to tell you how much I enjoyed hanging out with my sister and watching Jackson play with his "Cappy", as he affectionally called her! And Jackson even got to meet his great uncle Sam and his great grandmother.

Dr. P is an amazing and through doctor, who is very interested in Jackson. She met with us for over 2 hours and did extensive visual examinations of all of us. During our appointment, she asked me questions, I have been asked several times, "why do you want to know and why are you interested in this information?" These are two questions I have "struggled" with ever since Jackson was diagnosed. I've said it before, the whys don't matter, they won't change how much we love Jackson, how much we advocate for him or anything else. But the whys do matter as a mother, as his mom, I deserve to know why this happened, will it happen again and for him the whys matter because some day he may want children of his own. Dr. P also asked another question I have heard a million times over, "do you want more children?" The short answer to that question is yes. But the more complex answer deals with the whys. If the doctors and testing could guarantee without question that Jackson's Arthrogryposis is not genetic and there is the 1 in 10000 chance that we will have another child with Arthrogryposis, then sure we would have another child, but if the answer is as we suspect, not so cut and dry or if the cause is definitely genetic, then we will likely not have more children and will explore adoption. Would I have Jackson all over again? ABSOLUTELY!!! But it's not fair to any of us to go into a situation knowing it could be so much worse and that we might not be so blessed next time or to hinder Jackson or another child. We got our miracle and for that we are forever thankful!

Dr. P is running a genetic microarray test and it will hopefully give us more answers. Our appointment with Dr. G went well and she sent us home with some more stretching and will see us back in 6 months.

In other news, Jackson is back riding horses and we are getting set to participate in the International Acadian Festival Pageant again this weekend.

Thanks for checking in on us,

the heckerts

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

WOW---It's been a while

So I haven't posted in a while, but things have been crazy here. I got a double ear infection, which seems to be starting a trend of being annual, gosh I sure hope not! Jackson had what we believe is an allergic reaction to soy. And, Jon had a terrible reaction to sulfa drugs and ended up in the hospital for 2 days, but he's all better now. So, now you see why it's been so long!?

Tonight, I want to write about something I have only dreamed of for a very long time. About a month ago, my little miracle started school. I don't have a desire for my child to grow up too fast, but school has always been a milestone I hoped we would accomplish and on the first day, that little miracle WALKED to class and was FULLY INCLUDED.

Many of you know the struggles I faced with trying to find a place that would fully include Jackson with his peers. We heard all the logic about safety and accommodating his needs, we were offered "baby rooms", no access and many other irrational things along the way. But God always has a plan and out of the blue I found First Presbyterian in Baton Rouge. They were more than willing to take on a "challenge", invited us to see their facilities, see if what they had would work for us and if they could accommodate Jackson. We went toured, interviewed and fell promptly in LOVE. They offered us a full scholarship if we agreed to find a shadow and pay them. The search began and we found another God send in Nici, she loves Jackson and he loves her. She is a true angel on this Earth and we could not have asked for a better fit.

Jackson has been in school for about a month now and absolutely LOVES it. He has made friends, the kids are so accepting and melt my heart everyday, from climbing off a toy to sit on the floor and play with Jackson to climbing in the sand box to play with him---he's a ROCK STAR and the girls wait for him to walk to class with them! Just tonight he was telling me and Jon that "all the kids want to play with me!" He's learning his ABCs, numbers, months, prayers, etc., working on potty training, and being fully included with a little help. His teachers are AMAZING and everyone there loves and spoils him! It is a perfect fit!

This weekend, we leave for appointments in Houston, first a Texas Children's with a geneticist, which I am a little nervous about and then to Shriner's to see Dr. G----it will be a fun weekend as we will be staying with my (half) sister, I can't wait to just sit on the porch with her and a big glass of tea! Please pray for safe travels and valuable information from our medical team---I'll keep you posted.

All our love,

the heckerts

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

My "Other Family"

About 2 years ago and when Jackson was not even 6 months old, Jon and I loaded Jackson in the car and drove 6 hours to Dallas, Texas for the 2nd Annual Arthrogryposis Multiplex Cogenita Convention; it was our first meeting of many families I had talked to on the internet since Jackson's diagnosis in utero. Tomorrow, we will board a plane and head to the 4th Annual AMC Convention in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. If you know me, you know I hate to fly, but I couldn't miss seeing my other family and the opportunity for Jackson to excel at something different---in the past 2 years at conventions, Jackson has learned to hit a ball with his head, throw a ball, straighten his right leg and drink from a sippy cup.

So, tomorrow, we will load our amazing 2 year old on a plane and head to what has become our annual trip to see all those who inspire us over and over again. I can't wait to see them and to see what Jackson learns this year. There will be tears shed, but there will be more happy than sad. 


Wednesday, June 3, 2009

Advocate Second Only to Mommy

This morning my dear friend Wendy (P.J.'s mom) sent me to read this on the Huff Po website. I was upset at best and words not appropriate for a family friendly blog at worst. After reading the editorial and several other post on Julia's site, I had to do something, so I wrote the following and sent to the Huffington Post:

To whom it may concern:


Let me start off by saying I am extremely pro-choice and a Christian. I have said it a million times over abortion was not the right choice for my family and our situation, but I do understand it is may be for others and their situations. This morning a very dear friend of mine sent me a link to the Huffington Posteditorial concerning the doctor who was killed over the weekend in Wichita, KS. But our story starts way before today. In September 2006, we went in for a routine 20 week ultrasound, in a whirlwind situation, we were sent to a perintologist.   He did the ultrasound and found that our baby (we did not want to know the sex) had clubbed hands, clubbed feet, and arms stuck in extension.  These along with many unknowns were presented to us. On that day, we were given a diagnosis of Distal Arthrogryposis. We were also told and I quote “Some parents choose to terminate”. My immediate response was “I do not.” While I would never judge another mother for making this decision, as I said before, it was not the right decision for me.

All this to say the choice that Julia made was indeed a very personal one and I will not hold that against her, but what I do take issue with is her justification for terminating and her description of Arthrogryposis.

Here is a little of our story:

 Jackson was born on February 8, 2007 at 8:14 a.m. via C-section, because he was breeched. When my O.B. came back, she asked them to have the neonatal team ready, as we knew that Jackson had been given a diagnosis of Distal Arthrogryposis (meaning he would have club foot and hands) and that sometimes children with Arthrogryposis can need a trache. So they proceeded with the section and when Jackson was born, they all yelled "It's A Boy!" I heard him screaming and that was all I needed! Well, they whisk him away and we don't see him again! This being my first section, I didn't think it was that much out of the ordinary. So they fix me all up and tell me that they are going to take me out to see Jackson. And we wait and wait until finally my nurse comes back in and tells us that Jackson has some tubes and wires, but they are helping him, then they roll me out to see him. What a shocker! We later learned that Jackson had to be "bagged" to help him breath, as he had swallowed amniotic fluid on the way out and possibly had some lung weakness. Shortly after his birth, Jackson was given a diagnosis of Amoplyasi, but now they are not sure that is correct---all we know is that he has a form of Arthrogryposis. But hearing those first cries, I knew our Jackson would be a fighter, always was and still is!

Arthrogryposis is not a death sentence; it is not a painful condition, there are no cramping that we have ever heard about from any doctor, therapist, or adult with the condition. Yes, those with the diagnosis are more likely to develop arthritis at an earlier age, but in and of itself, Arthrogryposis is NOT painful—all of the adults I have met will tell you that. They will say that therapies (physical, occupational, etc.) can be uncomfortable, but NOT PAINFUL. Julia states “He would never be able to walk or stand; never grasp anything, never be able to hold himself upright. He wouldn't even be able to suck his own thumb for comfort.” My son, Jackson is now 2 years old, to this day, he does not stand or walk, without assistance. When he was born, we were not sure if he would grasp things, today he does grasp, but cannot feed himself, and it took a very long time before he could hold himself upright. But I am here to tell you that he leads a very happy and fulfilled life. Our “normal” includes therapy 3-5 days a week, several trips to the doctors across 2 states, but it doesn’t mean that life is not worth living for him or for us.

Jackson’s life and living it with him has changed mine and my husband’s. One very bright light through all of the struggles we face everyday has been AMC Support, Inc. This non-profit organization runs a support group board at www.amcsupport.org. I found the site just a few hours after Jackson’s diagnosis inutero.  I found there, parents and grandparents whose lives were forever changed by their amazing miracles---their children and grandchildren with Arthrogryposis. I also met several adults with Arthrogryposis, they are simply some of the most outgoing, helpful, & open people I have ever met. And everyone we have met tells us, they would not change one thing about themselves and especially not take away their Arthrogryposis, because it makes them who they are!

In closing I will say that every day is not all rainbows and sunshine, there are days when it rains, but our lives, including Jackson’s, are nothing short of wonderful and beautiful. I have taken 2 pay cuts since Jackson’s birth, so that I could take him to therapies, doctors, etc. It is tough financially to raise a child, especially one who is differently-abled. Insurance is a battle, every new therapy is a battle, carrying around a 26 pound child who can’t hold on to you is a battle; but everyone of these battles make me a better mother, a better daughter, a better wife, a better friend and our family that much better. And I have done things I would have never done before Jackson and I have met people I would have never met---one of those people is my very dear friend who sent me this article. Do I want life to be “easier” for Jackson? Yes. Do I want him to walk NOW? Yes. Do I want him to feed himself efficiently? Heck, yeah. But would I ever change anything about him or my life since him? HECK NO!

Sunday, April 19, 2009

25 Things

I have learned a lot in the past 2 years in this journey, here is the 25 things that I have learned and for all of them I am blessed and thankful:

1.  Just when you think you have hit your low, Jackson will brighten your day.

2.  A simple milestone means the world.

3.  Believing takes on a whole new meaning.

4.  There are people who are our “family” who we would have never known if not for Jackson.

5.  Every scoot, every roll and every step took a team effort and for that we are so proud.

6. Two year old “arguing” was never so pleasent to the ears.

7. Eating Cherrios is a life skill, not to be underminded by playing with household utensils.

8. It’s okay to stop and remember there is more in this world than the daily hussle and bustle.

9.  Digging in the cabinets is a welcome activity!

10. Things other kids get in trouble for are considered therapy.

11. We can and do negoiate with a 2 year old - “if you put on your braces and walk, you can have the chip”.

12. Doctors don’t always know best.

13. It’s okay to cry---happy tears, sad tears, tears of shear exhaustion----they all have a place in our lives.

14. Rolling around the house leads to many new obstacles.

15. Everything happens for a reason.

16. Eating dinner can bring smiles to our face.

17. 2 year olds are amazing comedians, especially when we need it the most.

18. Road trip takes on a whole new meaning.

19. Hero takes on a whole new meaning and no we are not heroes, we are just parents doing what other parents do, caring for our child.

20. Disability does not define a person.

21. Watching Jackson grow by how big his braces get everytime makes us smile.

22. I always wanted to be a teacher, now me and Jackson get to teach many aspiring doctors and therapist.

23. Every milestone REQUIRES a camera no matter how “mundane”.

24. Having Jackson has made me more of a fighter for what I believe.

25. I am a better person EVERYDAY because of Jackson.


We travel to New Orleans tomorrow, please pray for us in our travels and that we have a productive and uplifting trip.

Saturday, March 21, 2009

Headed to Houston

With house renovations, starting a new job, and lots of things going on I haven't had a lot of time to post. I still need to get birthday pictures up and lots more. But for now, here is the latest update. We are heading to Houston for a second opinion on Jackson's lowers and for an evaluation on his uppers. We are going to Shriner's there, as they have an Arthrogryposis Clinic. We will see an OT, a PT, a neurologist, a geneticist, an uppers orthopedic and a lowers orthopedic. It will be a long day on Monday, we leave tomorrow, as our appointment is at 8:30 a.m. Please pray for us as we travel, a good day, and lots of knowledge and wisdom for our medical team there. I promise updates are coming, it has just been crazy here! 

xo,

the heckerts

Monday, February 2, 2009

Exciting News

I started my new job today---lots of details to follow, but suffice it to say I am in LOVE.

In other news---I wanted you to know about this publication I’m a part of called Serious.Life Magazine. They just published the February issue today, and I am in their Featured Blog Directory. It’s a very high quality magazine… you’ll really like it.

The magazine includes a lot of great content from bloggers you’ll appreciate, as well as great features, photos and other content. The magazine is owned and published by a family who have seven kids, three adopted and one who has Leukemia (www.riggsfamilyblog.com). The magazine gives away a bunch of ads to charities and ministries. Besides great articles on interesting people, there is a lot about family, adoption, personal finance, spiritual life, humor… all sorts of “life” topics.

Again, the subscription is free, and I know you’ll enjoy the magazine, so take a minute to check it out and sign up to get future issues. www.seriouslifemagazine.com

Happy Monday and details to follow about my new job.

xo,

Doris