http://joshuaonesix.com/

Jenny McArthy's book "Louder Than Words."  It has a lot of foul language, but it tells a good story and she is a great example of a mom who won't take no for an answer.

The video "99 ballons" which you'll find at:  http://www.ignitermedia.com:80/products/iv/singles/570/99-Balloons.  Then go to the blog:  http://www.ninetynineballoons.com/

This song http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CtTcKz_bM3A  has ministered to my soul at those moments I feel I have no strength

This classic devotional, "Streams in the Desert", was published in 1925 but still applies today. It has been our food and water through this trial.  You can buy the book at any Christian bookstore, Amazon, or view it at www.backtothebible.org/devotions/classics/streams

"A Step Further" by Joni Earekson Tada.  Joni was paralyzed at 19 years of age and is in a wheelchair.  She has turned this tragedy into triumph and will literally help you see the beauty in the ashes of physical illness.  She inspires me beyond words and truly makes makes me feel that abundant life is possible even in the midst of the tragedy of a sick child.

The book, "When I Lay My Isaac Down" by Carol Kent.  This is an amazing personal story of triumph over personal tragedy. Especially powerful for those who are struggling with a child who is suffering.  But it is a must for anyone who is faced with a shattered dream.

Team Hoyt (www.teamhoyt.com)  This is a father/son team who competes in triathalons across the world.  They are my personal heroes.  They taught me that your dreams don't have to end just because you have a special needs child.  See their amazing personal story on the today show at:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oyiApzjIuzw

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NLF9iEXnBRo Amazing segment of a reality show in Britain.  Worth watching!

http://www.bebeaulait.com/ Really neat nursing covers - not the typical grandma "poncho."  LOVE them and they're affordable. 

www.sittercity.com I found my nanny through this website.  It's $40 to join but it was worth it for me.  You can do background checks - see photos - read a profile.  Much safer than Craigs list. 

AuPairs!  Type in "AuPair" on your browser and you'll get tons of info on it.  I know many parents who have opted for this.  You get a nanny from abroad who works 45 hours a week for you.  She lives with you so you supply room and board.  She's on your car insurance too and she needs the ability to take some classes at a local college. But most people have loved the experience.  If she's not a good "fit" you can swap for a new one.  You only get to interview her by phone - that is the down side - you don't meet her in person before she comes to your home.  There are lots more details and we are considering it for the future.  It's much (MUCH) cheaper in the long run than hiring a nanny by the hour here.  I believe typical rates are about $15,000 for a year - for 45 hours a week of help.

Praise Baby DVD's - these are just like Baby Einstein but with praise music.  Really soothing and mellow praise songs that kids will love - I turn one on every morning and it really sets the tone for our day. Available at any Christian bookstore or probably Amazon.com.

Find small treats for yourself.  I light good smelly candles in the house.  I buy Pellegrino sparkling water and pour it in a champagne glass with ice.  I play relaxing CD's.  For me...I don't leave the house very much except for therapies so my home can feel really confining and negative a lot of the time.  Plus, it's where I see zillions of seizures by the day.  So I try to do small things that give me a quick boost.  I have a yummy lavendar neck pillow that I lay in my bed at night.  I also splurged and bought a "Thumper" at Sharper Image. It's a hand held gigantic massager than I can lean against in the chair and get a quick boost from.  It was $60 and well worth it!  Us special needs moms should really treat ourselves well since our little ones depend on us so.  But sadly, we must always put our needs last.  It's a fact of life.  I wish we all had the time for massages, pedicures, bubble baths...the things that are truly relaxing and refreshing.  In lieu of those things that none of us have time for, choose something small.  A fire in the fireplace.  A favorite CD.  Some gormet chocolate.  We deserve it!