The Bona Fide Life http://www.thebonafidelife.net Mon, 02 Jan 2012 19:20:59 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/2.0/TheBonaFideLifehttp://feedburner.google.comSubscribe with My Yahoo!Subscribe with NewsGatorSubscribe with My AOLSubscribe with BloglinesSubscribe with NetvibesSubscribe with GoogleSubscribe with PageflakesSubscribe with PlusmoSubscribe with The Free DictionarySubscribe with Bitty BrowserSubscribe with NewsAlloySubscribe with Live.comSubscribe with Excite MIXSubscribe with Attensa for OutlookSubscribe with WebwagSubscribe with Podcast ReadySubscribe with FlurrySubscribe with WikioSubscribe with Daily Rotation Cheering Like Her Nanny – Wordless Wednesday http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TheBonaFideLife/~3/4VB1vcKqL94/ http://www.thebonafidelife.net/2011/10/04/cheering-like-her-nanny-wordless-wednesday/#comments Wed, 05 Oct 2011 02:00:36 +0000 Chele http://www.thebonafidelife.net/?p=1848 I always wanted to be a cheerleader but I never made the cuts. My Mom, my children’s Nanny, was a cheerleader! My daughter absolutely loves it! I’m thankful because she was trying to follow in her two older brothers footsteps by playing soccer but I talked her into trying cheerleading. She is enjoying it . . . → Read More: Cheering Like Her Nanny – Wordless Wednesday]]>

I always wanted to be a cheerleader but I never made the cuts. :( My Mom, my children’s Nanny, was a cheerleader! My daughter absolutely loves it! I’m thankful because she was trying to follow in her two older brothers footsteps by playing soccer but I talked her into trying cheerleading. She is enjoying it much more than she did soccer! My only girl is actually doing something girly! Ha-ha!

 

For more inspiring photographs, head over to The Bona Fide Life, Better in Bulk, Shanamama, From Dates to Diapers, Not Your Momblog, The Divine Miss Mommy , High Impact Mom, BrainFoggles and Zensible Mama and link your own photo stories!

 

Link up your Wordless Wednesday post below as well!

 

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]]> http://www.thebonafidelife.net/2011/10/04/cheering-like-her-nanny-wordless-wednesday/feed/ 6 http://www.thebonafidelife.net/2011/10/04/cheering-like-her-nanny-wordless-wednesday/ Sharing – An Update http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TheBonaFideLife/~3/0IWcg1BsXQY/ http://www.thebonafidelife.net/2011/09/22/sharing-an-update/#comments Thu, 22 Sep 2011 12:12:32 +0000 Chele http://www.thebonafidelife.net/?p=1844 Hi everyone! I know it’s been awhile. So thought I’d share an update on me. Most of it is exciting and fun except this first thing.

I’ve had a lot going on these past weeks as you know. Some of you don’t know that I had to take my 15 yo to the emergency . . . → Read More: Sharing – An Update]]>

Hi everyone! I know it’s been awhile. So thought I’d share an update on me. Most of it is exciting and fun except this first thing.

I’ve had a lot going on these past weeks as you know. Some of you don’t know that I had to take my 15 yo to the emergency room last Friday for a lump on his neck and had trouble swallowing. They treated him for the symptoms, got his swelling down and sent him home. I took him to his Pediatrician on Monday and because the hospital gave him a steroid to bring down the swelling, she wants to put off more testing until next week. Steroids mask results. She did say it was his Thyroid but we don’t know what. So if you pray, please pray for him and Mama! I wouldn’t wish these thyroid issues on my worst enemy… definitely not on any of my loved ones.

I am over at Type-A Parent today talking about The Day Facebook Screwed Up, would love to hear your thoughts over there!

Speaking of Type-A… I was also asked to speak with Cecily, Anissa and Erin on the Type-A Parent Track at Blog World Expo in Los Angeles! Oh my goodness I’m excited and honored! However, that means I have to get on a plane by myself and fly from the East Coast to the West Coast (where I have never been). I’m going to LA, pass me the xanax or wine will do.

I have to add this link in here. I read this amazing post by Josh at Dad Street yesterday. It is so authentic and has got me thinking differently! Thought maybe you would like it. Now it does have a curse word in it but you’ll get over that, it’s not often through the post. Go check out If We Can’t Say, “No” our “Yes” Don’t Mean Shit.

Talk soon!

Chele

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]]> http://www.thebonafidelife.net/2011/09/22/sharing-an-update/feed/ 3 http://www.thebonafidelife.net/2011/09/22/sharing-an-update/ I Remember – Wordless Wednesday http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TheBonaFideLife/~3/a08PAQ3jXD4/ http://www.thebonafidelife.net/2011/09/13/i-remember-wordless-wednesday/#comments Wed, 14 Sep 2011 01:47:39 +0000 Chele http://www.thebonafidelife.net/?p=1829 Back on September 11, 2001 my husband and I were on our way to work, we heard on the radio that a plane had hit the World Trade Center. When we go to work and turned on the TV, it was just in time to see the second plane hit. All I wanted to . . . → Read More: I Remember – Wordless Wednesday]]>

Back on September 11, 2001 my husband and I were on our way to work, we heard on the radio that a plane had hit the World Trade Center. When we go to work and turned on the TV, it was just in time to see the second plane hit. All I wanted to do is close my Dad’s restaurant and go back to the daycare to pick up my four and five year old boys. Go home and hold them tight.

I remember and I will NEVER forget.

This weekend, my daughter had her first football game to cheer at. They held a memorial for 9/11 and I wanted to share some photos with you. The ones of the firefighters staring up at the half-staffed flag…. some with closed eyes turned my eyes to tears. It was an amazing site for me. So I decided to share these photos instead of my daughters first game.

 “For more inspiring or fun photos, check out: High Impact Mom, Better in Bulk, Shanamama, From Dates to Diapers, Not Your Momblog, The Divine Miss Mommy, Colorado Moms, Rajean Blomquist,  Brain Foggles, Resourceful Mommy and Zensible Mama and link your own photo stories”

 

 

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]]> http://www.thebonafidelife.net/2011/09/13/i-remember-wordless-wednesday/feed/ 4 http://www.thebonafidelife.net/2011/09/13/i-remember-wordless-wednesday/ Looking For The Light At The End Of The Tunnel http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TheBonaFideLife/~3/rFPAvp1QerM/ http://www.thebonafidelife.net/2011/09/13/looking-for-the-light-at-the-end-of-the-tunnel/#comments Tue, 13 Sep 2011 16:36:06 +0000 Chele http://www.thebonafidelife.net/?p=1825 WARNING! I may be a little bit woe is me but my point is to share the real stuff, how I feel and hopefully help others by me being bona fide about my life in this moment.

When life becomes difficult, how do you cope? 

How do you move . . . → Read More: Looking For The Light At The End Of The Tunnel]]>

WARNING! I may be a little bit woe is me but my point is to share the real stuff, how I feel and hopefully help others by me being bona fide about my life in this moment.

When life becomes difficult, how do you cope? 

How do you move forward again?

I’m asking these questions a lot lately.

This past year has been very overwhelming physically, mentally, and spiritually. First, as most of you know I was diagnosed with Thyroid cancer last year, had my thyroid removed, and had treatment done all within 6 months time. Then in July at a routine ob/gyn appointment I complained of a lot of pain at that time of month. They checked me with an ultrasound and found a mass in my uterus. It had to be removed because of my cancer diagnosis. They wanted it out quick. I had my hysterectomy about 5 weeks ago. The mass was NOT cancer! Thank you God!!

We also are going on about 4 years now of my husband being laid off once or twice a year which is causing some financial troubles to add to the problems we are having. It’s no fault of his, he is the hardest worker I know! We are both getting weary of it at this point especially on top of everything else. I’m also having some personal issues with attending church, I’m working on it with God’s help but it’s a work in progress. My faith has not changed but my views of church have a bit but I know God will help me through.

I’m healing slowly mentally, physically and spiritually. However, in one month’s time I’ve had my second surgery, kids starting back to school, I starting back to college and my husband’s Father passed away. It’s been overwhelming to say the very least. I had to get myself on an anti-depressant because I realized I needed it. I couldn’t get back up on my own.

Now I’m done woe is me.

I believe getting on this medicine has made for a step forward and a way to cope with all that has happened. I usually can handle things positively and pick myself back up but I think it was too much. Way too much too fast.

Like any human being (believer or not) we ask the questions “why” and “how” when we have life changing events happen. I still am asking both because quite honestly I can’t see the light at the end of the tunnel right now. I need some fun and joyful times with my husband, kids, family and friends. I need to write more. I need to be helping with the finances. I need to see the forward motion. I need to no longer cope but move on.

How do you cope when life gets so down? What about ways to move on and see that light at the end of the tunnel?

Blessings to you,

Chele

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]]> http://www.thebonafidelife.net/2011/09/13/looking-for-the-light-at-the-end-of-the-tunnel/feed/ 6 http://www.thebonafidelife.net/2011/09/13/looking-for-the-light-at-the-end-of-the-tunnel/ Bona Fide Promotions ~ 8/22/2011 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TheBonaFideLife/~3/we8pVeJrMrU/ http://www.thebonafidelife.net/2011/08/22/bona-fide-promotions-8222011/#comments Mon, 22 Aug 2011 09:00:39 +0000 Chele http://www.thebonafidelife.net/?p=1823 It’s been awhile since I’ve done the bona fide promotions. Thought I should continue doing it since I love helping others the best I can! So if you have a post you would like to promote (nothing wrong with a little self-promotion!) please add it to the link up below!

Here are my . . . → Read More: Bona Fide Promotions ~ 8/22/2011]]>

It’s been awhile since I’ve done the bona fide promotions. Thought I should continue doing it since I love helping others the best I can! So if you have a post you would like to promote (nothing wrong with a little self-promotion!) please add it to the link up below!

Here are my favorite posts from this week…

  • Last week I wrote this post about some depression issues I have been having. So when I read this from my friend Amy over at Freaky Perfect, it gave me some perspective. Go check out The Rainbow Says So. Especially if you are having some down times right now!
  • Need some inspiration? I sure do! ;) My friend Ang England wrote some Inspirational Quotes for bloggers You Can Tweet or like me I use quotes for inspiration on posts a lot!
  • Kadi over at Our Seven Seeds has 140 Must Follow Moms on Twitter posted. Yes I am on that list but there are 139 others that you must follow if you are on Twitter!! If you are not on Twitter well you can find their Twitter URL too!
  • Things I Have Learned Since Doug’s Layoff was posted last week by Jodifur. I can totally relate with everything she says! Lessons can always be learned by things we consider a bad thing in life.
  • Do you have Ineffable plans and faith issues? I do! My friend over at It’s my life… shared how sometimes it’s hard to be what we want to be. Things change, sometimes our faith isn’t holding us up. Absolutely loved this post and the authentic nature of it!
  • Last but definitely not last! My friend Robin wrote a post over at Incourage this past week. It is an amazing post that anyone who is married, divorced, remarried, getting married or having a troubled marriage needs to read! So another words any woman needs to read Just…breathe…!

*Disclosure – I am doing this link up for you to promote a post of yours you would like others to read. If the material is offensive (i.e. disrespectful to others or unethical) I will delete the post from the list. The posts in the linky do NOT reflect my own opinion.

 

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]]> http://www.thebonafidelife.net/2011/08/22/bona-fide-promotions-8222011/feed/ 2 http://www.thebonafidelife.net/2011/08/22/bona-fide-promotions-8222011/ Unforgettable Memories – Wordless Wednesday http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TheBonaFideLife/~3/b8AA8QTABjs/ http://www.thebonafidelife.net/2011/08/16/unforgettable-memories-wordless-wednesday/#comments Wed, 17 Aug 2011 02:00:24 +0000 Chele http://www.thebonafidelife.net/?p=1818 My baby boy starts Kindergarten next week. I will officially have all four of my children in the school district. Bittersweet!

Here are some photos from his graduation from Preschool this past June! Isn’t he just adorable! (I’m a little bias though, lol)

However, I will always remember this moment right . . . → Read More: Unforgettable Memories – Wordless Wednesday]]>

My baby boy starts Kindergarten next week. I will officially have all four of my children in the school district. Bittersweet!

Here are some photos from his graduation from Preschool this past June! Isn’t he just adorable! (I’m a little bias though, lol)

However, I will always remember this moment right before his graduation. Priceless and precious!

This boy is so precious. Never ever will I forget this photo and this moment. I have never had a photo that I cherish as much as this one. It is an unforgettable memory!

“For more inspiring or fun photos, check out: High Impact Mom, Better in Bulk, Shanamama, From Dates to Diapers, Not Your Momblog, The Divine Miss Mommy, Colorado Moms, Rajean Blomquist and Zensible Mama and link your own photo stories”

 

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]]> http://www.thebonafidelife.net/2011/08/16/unforgettable-memories-wordless-wednesday/feed/ 14 http://www.thebonafidelife.net/2011/08/16/unforgettable-memories-wordless-wednesday/ Where I Have Been… http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TheBonaFideLife/~3/UFkC7qg4hio/ http://www.thebonafidelife.net/2011/08/15/where-i-have-been/#comments Mon, 15 Aug 2011 14:43:22 +0000 Chele http://www.thebonafidelife.net/?p=1814 The past few weeks have been really rough for me. Not only was I dealing with an upcoming surgery, the surgery and the aftermath but in all honestly… I broke down. Literally locked myself in the bathroom and cried for two hours. For a year now, I’ve wanted others to think I didn’t lose . . . → Read More: Where I Have Been…]]>

The past few weeks have been really rough for me. Not only was I dealing with an upcoming surgery, the surgery and the aftermath but in all honestly… I broke down. Literally locked myself in the bathroom and cried for two hours. For a year now, I’ve wanted others to think I didn’t lose my positive attitude, my strength… but I did. The only thing I know I did NOT lose is my faith. I love being the person others look to for these things and the encouragement I know I’m known for. I realized I can’t be all of that when I am so down. I cannot be the person I want to be for others when I’m not dealing with my own demons.

I love to write and share with you. Hoping to encourage you in the things life brings! Lately, I have felt empty and had some major writers block. I wasn’t dealing with my own weakness or questions on why my loved ones and I have to go through this cancer and another scare. I was fighting a depression that I’ve dealt with before. I thought I could fight my way through it, I have many times. However, this time it got the best of me. It was time to take a break to deal with my emotions and this is where I have been.

I actually took two whole weeks offline and it felt great! I read 12 Linda Lael Miller books (no I am  not exaggerating!) I have had conversations with God. Spent quality time with my children and my husband. Much needed time to heal me. I know there are some out there that think because I have not gone to church regularly since my surgery on my thyroid, that I have lost my faith. I should not have to prove this to you… however I will tell you that I am closer to God now than I have ever been. I have realized what He wants from me. And in all honestly, it’s not to spend all of my time at church. Yes I need to go back and plan to but I also know that God doesn’t need me at church 24/7. That is not where He is calling me to. And of all people, the church should understand that I am obeying what He has for me to do.

With all of that said and in the open. I am still dealing with the depression. I know that depression takes time to get out of. God is helping me and holding me through it all. Right now there are his footprints in the sand with one extra foot. I’m getting there.

The last thing I want is pity however prayers and good thoughts are always an encouragement! Thank you to those who have been with me through this whole journey. Those who do not care if I am a Christian or not or not caring if I’m going to church or not. Just caring for me as a human being. For that I am forever grateful.

Especially my Social Media Moms Group… thank you for being true friends and always being there for me! Never have I had such amazing friends. It’s awesome that God has given me such beautiful people to share my life with. Half of you I’ve never met face to face and I feel like I’ve known you all forever! It’s a true blessing to know you have friends backing you up and encouraging you like you all have for me. From the bottom of my heart, thank you!!

Blessings to each of you,

Chele

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]]> http://www.thebonafidelife.net/2011/08/15/where-i-have-been/feed/ 33 http://www.thebonafidelife.net/2011/08/15/where-i-have-been/ They Make Me Laugh – Wordless Wednesday Link Up http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TheBonaFideLife/~3/rAPU2hhDgnU/ http://www.thebonafidelife.net/2011/08/09/they-make-me-laugh-wordless-wednesday-link-up/#comments Wed, 10 Aug 2011 02:00:34 +0000 Chele http://www.thebonafidelife.net/?p=1771 I love that we have a lot of laughter in our family! Laughter is SO healing.

While looking through photos I realized how much they do to make me laugh. I love that my family has humor and it has helped me through my cancer journey. So I chose a few to share with . . . → Read More: They Make Me Laugh – Wordless Wednesday Link Up]]>

I love that we have a lot of laughter in our family! Laughter is SO healing.

While looking through photos I realized how much they do to make me laugh. I love that my family has humor and it has helped me through my cancer journey. So I chose a few to share with you.

Sitting in the car waiting on the bus is when this little boy gets crazy!

He leaves stuff like this laying around while at school.

 

He makes me laugh, the biggest positive to our relationship!

 

Showing me it's him. :)

 

My oldest having fun with a shark jaw!

 

My husband, my oldest and my youngest always keep me laughing. Love it! Do you have a sense of humor? I sure hope so, it’s so healing!

“For more inspiring or fun photos, check out: High Impact Mom, Better in Bulk, Shanamama, From Dates to Diapers, Not Your Momblog, The Divine Miss Mommy, Colorado Moms, Rajean Blomquist and Zensible Mama and link your own photo stories”

If you enjoy The Bona Fide Life please consider subscribing for free by RSS or Email.

]]> http://www.thebonafidelife.net/2011/08/09/they-make-me-laugh-wordless-wednesday-link-up/feed/ 2 http://www.thebonafidelife.net/2011/08/09/they-make-me-laugh-wordless-wednesday-link-up/ Just Chillin – Wordless Wednesday Link Up http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TheBonaFideLife/~3/zFeCLcuM7gE/ http://www.thebonafidelife.net/2011/07/19/just-chillin-wordless-wednesday-link-up/#comments Tue, 19 Jul 2011 22:00:25 +0000 Chele http://www.thebonafidelife.net/?p=1799 These are the kinds of things that make me question what some people think. This was on a major highway ( I-40 in NC). They were driving at least 50 mph with no railings or anything, just chillin! Oh yes my husband and I were laughing the whole time passing them! I am speechless.

. . . → Read More: Just Chillin – Wordless Wednesday Link Up]]>

These are the kinds of things that make me question what some people think. This was on a major highway ( I-40 in NC). They were driving at least 50 mph with no railings or anything, just chillin! Oh yes my husband and I were laughing the whole time passing them! I am speechless.

“For more inspiring or fun photos, check out: High Impact Mom, Better in Bulk, Shanamama, From Dates to Diapers, Not Your Momblog, The Divine Miss Mommy, Colorado Moms, Rajean Blomquist and Zensible Mama and link your own photo stories”

 

If you enjoy The Bona Fide Life please consider subscribing for free by RSS or Email.

]]> http://www.thebonafidelife.net/2011/07/19/just-chillin-wordless-wednesday-link-up/feed/ 3 http://www.thebonafidelife.net/2011/07/19/just-chillin-wordless-wednesday-link-up/ Cancer is Cancer No Matter What Type You Have http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TheBonaFideLife/~3/f2HNnFz_1Bw/ http://www.thebonafidelife.net/2011/07/19/cancer-is-cancer-no-matter-what-type-you-have/#comments Tue, 19 Jul 2011 09:00:17 +0000 Chele http://www.thebonafidelife.net/?p=1778 Last year when I was diagnosed with Thyroid cancer I was told this “If you are going to have cancer, this is the best kind to have.”  There are many problems with this statement for me. However, I have learned one thing that cancer is cancer, no matter what type you have!

 

. . . → Read More: Cancer is Cancer No Matter What Type You Have]]>

Last year when I was diagnosed with Thyroid cancer I was told this “If you are going to have cancer, this is the best kind to have.”  There are many problems with this statement for me. However, I have learned one thing that cancer is cancer, no matter what type you have!

 

From the Breast Cancer 5K in June

Back in June, I took part in my first 5K. I was honored by my friends for my fight with thyroid cancer. However, I was a little taken back about it because the 5K was for breast cancer not thyroid or even cancer in general. It felt kind of weird to have it in honor of me. I was still grateful for their love for a friend they just met last year. This is one reason I had trouble saying I will participate. I know breast cancer is growing rapidly. I actually have family and friends that have had issues with breast cancer or scares. The problem I have with this whole cancer thing is that my type of cancer is growing rapidly and killing people too. It’s just not in the news, yet.

 

I had to put in my head that cancer is cancer no matter what kind you have!

 

Quite honestly, I was jealous. I was jealous that my cancer was not a big deal in the public eye, when it’s such a big deal to me and my family. I want the world to know that my cancer is deadly too. That my cancer is absolutely important and my cancer fight is just as scary as any other cancer. As my post last week shows, my journey is still continuing.

 

The statement that my cancer is the one to have if I’m going to have cancer, means nothing to me. It only angers me. I will be fighting this for the rest of my life. My family has been affected. My children will now have to write on their medical forms that their Mom has cancer and they will most likely be tested occasionally as well. They now have the same scare for the rest of their lives. This whole statement made me feel like I should not be sharing how I feel about it because they made it sound like it was not a big deal. I struggled for at least 9 months now with allowing myself to feel all the emotions of cancer. All because of a statement all doctors use when it comes to thyroid cancer.

 

Any cancer is scary. Any cancer can kill you. All cancers give the person and their families the same emotions. And, we all continue to fight every single day.

 

I have now learned cancer is cancer no matter what type you have!! It has taken me a long time to accept this very thing and to realize we are all in this together! I am NOT alone.

Just being bona fide,

Chele

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