Only FIVE Days Left

Apr16

"Only FIVE Days Left…" By Nancy Alexander

To Help Meet Our Family Goal and Donate to the March of Dimes…

March of Dimes

Their Research SAVED Austin's Life!

There are only FIVE days left to help us meet
our family goal as we raise money for the…

The March of Dimes – March for Babies

 

For every $25.00 you donate, you have a chance to win a $200 custom wreath made by Nancy.  We will film the drawing which will be held on the day of the walk which is April 28th!

This is a cause that is VERY DEAR TO OUR HEARTS! You see, our little grandson, Austin Thomas Alexander, age 2, would not be with us today if it were not for the research and development of drugs used to save the lives of many preemies every single day! Not one little life should be lost because of lack of funds in developing these new "Life-Saving" Treatments!

Since time is running out, and you probably do not have time to mail a check, you can go to our family page on the March of Dimes website.  www.marchforbabies.org/MILESINTOMIRACLES   

Pictures From Austin's Second Birthday!

 

Here you can donate to our family team and have an option of several forms of payment.  If you do pay through our family page on the March of Dimes site, please email me:  nancy@ladybugwreaths.com, to let me know that you made a donation so I can make sure that your name is added into our drawing. 


THE DEADLINE FOR THE DONATIONS IS APRIL 21ST!

We are SO very grateful for those of you who have already made donations!  If it were not for the research and development of new drugs to save preemies such as Austin, he, and many other Sweet Little Ones would not be with us today!

 

Austin Thomas Alexander Just a few hours old:
Weighing 3 lbs., 5 oz.

 

Our sweet little baby on a C-Pap Machine

 

WE THANK YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF OUR HEARTS FOR EVERY SINGLE TINY BABY!

Overcoming Fear With Confidence & Trust in God…

Mar12

"Overcoming Fear…" By Nancy Alexander

With Confidence & Trust in God

Lately in "Best of Nancy", my Coaching Site, we have been discussing the subjects of "fear" and "confidence".

Fear keeps us from stepping out and trying a lot of things at times, doesn't it?  Well, I certainly have experienced this one, and I know that in my life fear has played a very big part of who I am vs. who I want to become as a child of God.  Fear has affected my confidence in me and my abilities.  Fear has controlled many situations, keeping me from experiencing the joy and freedom that we all want and need.  Self-confidence, or the lack of it, takes away from life and doesn't give anything back.   

Don't say it!!  I know what you're thinking.  You're thinking what many people tell me all the time.  "No…. you definitely don't have a lack of confidence!  You can't!  Just look at all you have accomplished!  You have several websites, a membership site, are well known on the Internet for your unique, and custom-designed wreaths" 

The point I'm trying to make here is that the assumptions we make of others are not always true.  It is very easy to put on a facade that hides the pain and loneliness which lies underneath.  I am not saying this to gain sympathy.  I don't want or need sympathy.  I am saying this to help and encourage the many women who contact me daily and weekly.  I am winning this battle – I am winning it with God's help!  I know that each of YOU can win this battle also!!

There are so many things in our lives which hold us back and paralyze us with fear.  Fear is debilitating.  It can cause isolation, a severe lack of self-confidence, and it can totally take over your life.  I know, because I fought many of these fears when – as a young woman of only 28 with two young children, I became sick.  We went from doctor to doctor with many different diagnosis's – such as "housewife syndrome"!  They were all totally ridiculous!  I had to reach out and depend on God to help me face my fears, as well as build confidence and self-esteem. 

Each of us in "Best of Nancy" has been discussing our fears and how we can overcome them.  I am certainly NO expert in this area, but, at the same time, I have had a lot of experience working to overcome my fears.  I have battled depression, panic attacks, lack of self-confidence, Fibromyalgia and Celiac Disease.

I overcame one particular fear after a friend and mentor, Jim Cockrum, and I were talking on the phone about how to grow my business.  He suggested that I start filming videos in order to teach my students more effectively.  Well, as I was answering him, "Yes, that would be a great idea…!", I was thinking to myself, "Absolutely not!  I cannot do that — no way!" 

God knew better!  I finally did start filming videos.  I have 19 of them for sale so far (in addition to many free ones).  Yes, at first it was hard, it was scary, but now, I totally and completely enjoy getting to welcome all of my students into my studio while I teach them how to make something exceptional!  The funny thing is, I can hardly stop talking while I am teaching — go figure!!  And…I am still totally amazed when I go to my YouTube Channel:  http://www.YouTube.com/LadybugWreaths and see that I have had over 739,000 views of my videos.

Now, for the main reason I started this post today…  IT IS A PRAISE – IT IS A VICTORY!!

My husband, Steve and I go to NewSpring Church in Anderson.  They have around 8,000 to 10,000 in attendance on any given Sunday in our church with multiple services.  But, if you count New Spring's other locations, which also broadcast these services all over the state of SC, their total goes up to around 18,000.  In addition to this, their services are spread all over the world by pod-casts. 

One of my own personal fears has been to stand up in front of a group.  Well, Steve had been asked to join the NewSpring choir this year.  They normally only have a choir once a year.  I went to the practice with him just planning on sitting, watching, and enjoying the wonderful music.  After getting there, I was asked to sing with them.  After several excuses, I finally gave in and walked up on the stage.  The NewSpring band, and the music are a "big production" there.  I totally enjoyed that because there were no people in the audience.  We were singing to empty seats!  I knew all along that there was NO WAY that I could get up there with the church full of several thousand people.

Steve and I missed the first performance, but were called when NewSpring decided to do an encore performance at last night's Sunday evening service.  Thanks to the discussions we have been having in "Best of Nancy", I gathered what courage I had and went!  I didn't know if I would even be able to walk out on the stage, let alone sing, but I went anyway. 

Thanks to God's hand upon me and the calming of the Holy Spirit, I DID IT!!!!!  I SANG MY HEART OUT BEFORE THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE PRAISING GOD FOR ALL HE HAS DONE FOR ME. I COULDN'T STOP SMILING!  I WAS NOT NERVOUS, I WAS SOOO HAPPY!  And… you'll never guess the name of the song we sang.  It was "OVERCOME"!!

Little Austin’s Life Was Saved…

Feb22

 

March of Dimes

Their Research SAVED Austin's Life!

The March of Dimes – March for Babies

This is a cause that is VERY DEAR TO OUR HEARTS! You see, our little grandson, Austin Thomas Alexander, age 2, would not be with us today if it were not for the research and development of drugs used to save the lives of many preemies every single day! Not one little life should be lose because of lack of funds in developing these new "Life-Saving" Treatments!

 

 

Our son, Andy, and his wife, Stephanie, along with our precious grandson,
Austin Thomas Alexander (age 2) have been named the…

 

 

 

 

"Ambassador Family" for the Anderson County March of Dimes, March for Babies for 2012. 
Austin has been named the Anderson County March of Dimes 2012 "Ambassador"

 

We want Austin's story to serve as an inspiration to others by helping spread awareness of the March of Dimes and all that they do to save "little lives". We have a family team called "Miles Into Miracles", that will walk in the "March for Babies Walk". We feel every single mile walked and every dollar raised brings us closer to more miracles.

 

www.marchforbabies.org/MILESINTOMIRACLES

 

 

 

 

Our Family Goal is to raise $3,300 for the 33 days Austin spent in the NICU,
but, of course, we would be THRILLED to be able to raise much more!

 

Pictures From Austin's Second Birthday!

 

Austin's Story

Austin, born at 31 weeks, spent 33 days in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of Greenville Memorial Hospital. The March of Dimes and their research aided in the development of a new drug, surfactant, as well as other drugs which saved Austin's life.

 

 

Austin Thomas Alexander Just a few hours old:
Weighing 3 lbs., 5 oz.

 

Our sweet little baby on a C-Pap Machine

 

Austin was first diagnosed with Respiratory Distress Syndrome or RDS, a lung malfunction. He was put on a ventilator for 6 days followed by 2 days on a C-Pap machine. Austin had to receive 3 doses of Surfacant, a medicine which opened his lungs.

 

They discovered he had pneumonia as well as a hole in his heart, known as a PDA. He was given a medicine to repair that hole. This drug had side effects which could have shut down his intestines, so all feedings were stopped at that time. Andy and Stephanie got to hold Austin just a few minutes for the first time right before this treatment was started. After 23 days, test results showed that the hole had closed, and his intestines were fine. When a bottle was started, it took him 30 minutes to drink 1/2 teaspoon of milk. He couldn't breath and eat at the same time, so several times he turned blue making him have to be put back on a feeding tube and oxygen. If not for the Grace of God, and the March of Dimes, Austin would not be with us today. Our goal as a family is to raise awareness and funds for the March of Dimes.

 

 

Our Personal Goal

As my husband, Steve, and I were thinking about what we could personally do to raise the much needed funds we have pledged to the March of Dimes, I came up with an idea. I decided to give each of you who donates a minimum of $25.00 to our March of Dimes team: "Miles Into Miracles", two FREE gifts along with having your name entered into a drawing. The winner of this drawing will have a chance of receiving a $200 Custom Wreath designed especially by me.  

Drawing for a Custom Wreath

As you probably already know, Ladybug Wreaths' Custom Designs are VERY SPECIAL!
So, I want to GIVE AWAY one of these Very Special, Custom Designed Wreaths!

 

 

This is just ONE of the ways Steve and I can contribute by raising much needed money for the March of Dimes – March for Babies!  Ladybug Wreaths will be holding the drawing on April 28, 2012, on the day of the "March For Babies" walk.

 

 

And…That's Not All!

FREE WITH MINIMUM $25.00 DONATION

"Yard Sale Treasures" E-Book ($37.00 Value)
"Be My Valentine" How-to Video ($19.00 Value)

 

 

 

 

The Information is as Follows:

  • For every $25 donation, your name will be entered into our drawing. For example: If you donate $75.00, your name will be entered THREE times, etc.!
  • Checks must be made out to "The March of Dimes"
  • In the subject line put: For: Miles Into Miracles Team
  • Checks must be mailed to: Ladybug Wreaths, 203 Regent Road, Anderson, SC, 29621
  • All Checks must be received BEFORE April 21, 2012
  • The drawing will be held on April 28, 2012… the day of the walk.
  • We will film my grandson, Austin, and I drawing the name for the "Lucky Winner"
  • The Winner will be notified by email as soon as possible, after the walk has ended.
  • Also after the walk, each of you who have made a donation of at least $25.00 will be sent the download links to the e-book and video!

 

A Lucky Winner Will Receive a Brand New
Custom Designed Wreath Valued at $200.00

(shipping included)



 

You can click on the link below which will lead you to my Etsy Store to see more
Spring and Summer Wreaths which are for sale right now.

 

http://www.etsy.com/shop/LadybugWreaths

 

CHECKS ARE ALREADY COMING IN. DON'T FORGET FOR EACH $25.00 YOU DONATE, YOU RECEIVE A CHANCE AT A $200 CUSTOM WREATH IN ADDITION TO YOUR TWO FREE GIFTS FROM LADYBUGWREATHS!

   

“Austin’s Story Cont.” Contest For a Custom Made Wreath

Feb11

"Austin's Story!" By Nancy Alexander


Ladybug Wreaths is Hosting a Contest for:

A CUSTOM WREATH Designed Especially for ONE LUCKY WINNER!

YOU can enter a drawing for a chance to win a CUSTOM DESIGNED WREATH just for you.  Your wreath could be similar to the one below…or totally different.  It is YOUR choice! The wreath you will win is valued at $200!  I will even pay the shipping costs!  It will be designed especially for YOU in any color, style, or design that you wish!  You may ask, "Why are you doing this?"  I am doing this to raise money for "THE MARCH OF DIMES; MARCH FOR BABIES", an organization which holds a DEAR SPOT IN MY HEART!"


 

The winner will receive an extra large wreath similar to the one above.  I know a lot of you support worthy causes, and this is certainly one of those.  For a minimum donation of $25.00 to the march of Dimes, your name will be entered into the drawing once.  For every $25.00 you donate, your name will be entered into the drawing, i.e. for a $75.00 gift, your name will be added three times.

The little boy below, our grandson, Austin Thomas Alexander, now 26 months old, is the reason this charity has changed our lives. You see, Austin would not be with us today if not for the work of the March of Dimes!

 

Austin, born at 31 weeks, spent 33 days in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of Greenville Memorial Hospital.  The March of Dimes and their research aided in the development of a new drug, surfactant, as well as other drugs which saved Austin's life as well as the lives of many other preemies.

If you wish to read more about "Austin's Story", you can see it in this blog at:  http://nancysramblings.com/austins-story/

I would like to thank you all in advance for your generous gifts, knowing full well that other children will be saved through your generosity.

Your checks need to be mailed to me and received before April 21st.  They should be made payable to The March of Dimes.

My address:

Nancy Alexander
203 Regent Road
Anderson, SC 29621

In the subject line of your check, add our family team name:  "Miles Into Miracles".

The drawing will be held the day of the March of Dimes – March for Babies Walk In Anderson, SC, on April 28, 2012.  At the walk, we will video me, along with my grandson, Austin, drawing the name of the lucky winner of this $200.00 custom wreath.  Then all of the checks will be turned into the March of Dimes that same day.

If you would like to view our personal family page on the March of Dimes website, click on the link below:

www.marchforbabies.org/MILESINTOMIRACLES

“He Touched Me”

Feb9

"He Touched Me" By Nancy Alexander


God Answered My Prayer This Morning…

God blessed me this morning in such a way that I have to share it with you.  I have talked before about how fibromyalgia is such an awful, insidious disease.  It precipitates all manner of problems and I believe I have probably experienced them all.

I have also shared with you that I am getting well, I am being cured.  As a matter of fact, I am so much better that I have a totally and completely different life than I had for over 30 years! 

I can travel, which means we have been able to take some wonderful vacations during these last three years.  Before that, I went for so many years without a vacation, that I can hardly remember how long.  I can do things with my family and grandchildren that I would only have dreamed of before.  I can work many hours a day at my Internet business, selling wreaths and teaching so many of you how to set up an "online presence", so you can sell your products.

How did God touch me today?  Well, for the last four days, I have felt really bad.  I felt like I had gone back in time with my body and my mind.  I was afraid.  As a matter of fact, FEAR is so very strong in the hearts and minds of those who suffer from this.  It was so disheartening to me, knowing I have experienced the joy of revival and renewal in my mind, body, and spirit – I could NOT go back there!  I did everything I knew to do to figure out why… the relapse?  I prayed this morning for God's help, His peace, His leading in what I should do, and how I should handle this.

I take a lot of supplements.  Those vitamins and minerals have made such a difference in my life.  I fill week-long containers with them in advance, because I take so many.  This morning, as I got out my supplements, along with one prescription drug, I counted.  They numbered nine, instead of ten.  I wondered what could be wrong, and then I saw!  The most important prescription that I needed to take was not there.  I checked the other compartments for each day of the week; and it was missing from every single morning dose.  

This drug is one my doctor put me on ten years ago right after having surgery.  He actually switched me to it in the hospital without my knowledge, or consent.  It is Xanax.  After I got used to it, I found that it did help the pain.  It helped all of the fibromyalgia/celiac symptoms, so I kept taking it – not knowing that it is meant to be a short-term drug, and not taken for nearly as long as I have.  No one ever told me.  No one ever cautioned me — that is until I saw the wonderful nutritionist that I am seeing now.  She has been telling me for a while that this is detrimental to my health and has to go.  It does not mix well with many of the vitamins and minerals which I need to take every day to keep my body healthy and strong.  So, that is the next thing in my doctor's plan for me — to get me off Xanax.  It has to be done slowly and carefully since I have been on it for so long. 

So, back to my story…as I noticed what was missing from my morning supplements, I was overjoyed.  The fibro/celiac was NOT returning like I had feared.  My body was NOT regressing.  I was NOT going back into the life I had led for so long.  I was going through withdrawal after leaving Xanax off for 4 days.  Please… if you are taking drugs like this, talk to your doctors.  Maybe they can help you find something healthy you can take, so you won't get caught in the trap that I did!  But, don't try to do this alone; don't EVER try to do this alone!… only with your doctor's help.

After my discovery this morning, I sat down in my kitchen to eat break fast praising God for answering my prayer.  As I did, the sun rose over the hill in front of our home.  It was brighter and more beautiful than I ever remember it being from that spot sitting at our kitchen island.  As I tried to watch it, I was blinded from how bright it was.  I saw it shining through the antique stained glass windows which I have propped in my window sill. 

I knew this was a sign – a sign from God.  I ran and grabbed my camera.  I am posting a couple of the pictures here – but no matter what setting I turned my camera to, I just could not capture the majesty of that particular sunrise this morning.

God had really answered my prayer.  And now, only a few short hours later, I can feel my body coming back to where it should be. I know without a doubt, HE WILL ANSWER YOUR PRAYERS, TOO.