Here's to 10 years of marriage and many more!

To my wonderful husband,  

Tomorrow marks our tenth wedding anniversary. Traditional wedding anniversary gifts are tin or aluminum which represents durability and flexibility needed to sustain a loving relationship. Modern wedding anniversary gift is diamonds which represents longevity and love. The daffodil is considered a tenth wedding anniversary gift for it represents rebirth and new beginning. Daffodils are the first blooms to pop up after a long winter. Tin, aluminum, diamond and daffodils are good symbols of our first ten years. Being married for ten years is quite an accomplishment today. We have seen good times and we have seen bad times. We had times when it seemed the bleakest, but we pulled through with our faith in God and in each other.

As I look back over our first five years, I see so much that rocked us to the core, but we stood firm. We miscarried twice in the early years. We suffered our second daughter’s premature birth and death. The grief stemming from these events pulled us closer when we’ve seen other couple being torn apart from their grief. You have been a rock in those early months following her death, making sure I was okay and encouraging me as I worked through my grief. As the densest cloud of grief cleared, we were able to talk about our experience with her death and I learned how deeply you suffered from her loss too. One of the brightest spots in those early years was the birth of our daughter, Abby. A beautiful young lady who is full of life and maturity that at 7 years old is amazing. She is your little girl and buddy. You two are two peas in a pod. I look at her and see you clear as day. She loves collecting her figures and displaying them like Daddy does. She is my fellow bookworm. She loves to read and wants to review books like Mommy does.

The last five years has put our marriage to the test in ways in hadn’t been tested before. Challenges and obstacles that almost broke us. We were able to pull tighter together and rely on God’s guidance and grace to help us when all things seemed hopeless. Three more miscarriages, each one another disappointment but we were determined to keep trying. We went through turbulent financial times that we struggled through, but I feel we are finally in a place that we have learned the lesson of the past and work hard to avoid those mistakes again. You achieved one of your dream when you were promoted, and we were in a better position to buy a reliable car and move into a new home. Another bright spot and surprise of the last five years was the birth of Zoe. She has been a wonderful addition to our family and watching you interact with her truly warms my heart and makes me smile. Another Daddy’s girl in the making, I love the way she smiles and laughs with you. Even your ability to rock her to sleep when she resists falling asleep for me.

Now we look to the future. We have so many changes coming. Many of them are good and couple are scary. But I know that together we can weather any storm. I know that we were brought together by God. Even though we both have a few more gray hairs and extra pounds, I still see the man who nervously sat down on my table and asked me to a movie. I see the man who sweetly asked me to marry him. I see a fiercely loyal man who burns with anger when your loved ones are hurt. I see the man who loves his family so much that he gets up and goes to work when he’d rather sleep in. I see the man who can make me laugh. I love that we can be sarcastic with each other and still flirt after all this time. I love getting up in the morning with you, to hand you your coffee and lunch and kiss you goodbye as you head to work. Together, we are the missing pieces of each other. We know each other well enough to know when something is wrong even when we don’t want to talk about it.  

Tomorrow we are enjoying the day as a family and I can’t think of a better way to spend the day. I love the imagery of the ten-year anniversary gifts. With tin/aluminum, we have the flexibility and durability to weather the challenges that life chooses to put in our path. With diamonds, we have the longevity to push forward. And the daffodil, a beautiful flower that pushes through the cold winter into the spring. Even though we may face cold, harsh winters in the future, I know that we will be able to push to the spring of better days. I look forward to the next ten years and beyond!

I love you, 

Your loving wife

My not-so-guilty pleasures

A guilty pleasure is defined as something that one enjoys despite knowing that he or she might be ridiculed for their enjoyment. Sometimes it is something that people might think someone shouldn’t like it because its 1) so bad it isn’t worth it or 2) someone is “too old” for it or it’s considered for children. In the words of British actor Tom Hiddleston, “What’s my guilty pleasure? The thing is I never feel guilty for my pleasures.” I don’t like calling a few of my pleasures guilty ones because I don’t feel guilty enjoying them. However, the following TV shows, music, movies, and books would probably fall into this category in which I have chosen three.

TV shows can be the most popular within the guilty pleasure category. First, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, and it’s spin off, The Equestria Girls. I started watching this program with my, then 3-year-old, daughter, and now I enjoy watching it as much as she does, sometimes more. It’s fun and engaging with life lessons about embracing our differences as the spice of life and being friends. It is currently in its ninth and final season. Second, Catfish (2012-present) is a MTV show based on the 2010 documentary of the same name. The show follows hosts, Nev Schulman and Max Joseph, as they help individuals confront others who catfished them. Catfishing is when a person creates a fake personal profile on social media sites, usually using fake pictures and false biographical information. The intention for the catfisher is usually to trick an unsuspecting person into falling love or have some form of online relationship with no physical contact. I usually don’t watch a lot of reality tv, but this show captured my attention and I couldn’t help but watch. I was always interested in how people were fooled, what tipped them off that something wasn’t right and how they end up confronting the individual in real life. Viewers can usually learn what not to do when it comes to online contact and signs to be weary of. Third, I love the TLC reality shows, Say Yes to the Dress and Say Yes to the Dress: Atlanta. The drama surrounding weddings is inevitable and its fun to see who causes what. And they usually have a tear-jerking, heart tugging, survival against all odds stories too.

When most people think of guilty pleasures, I think they think of music. Sometimes we like music we probably feel we should not be listening to or even like because it is beyond our age demographic or it isn’t our usual genres. However, a great song is still a great song. First, I love listening to Miley Cyrus’ Wrecking Ball (2013). Disturbing video aside, the song is quite catchy and relates to a relationship falling apart. Even though the song specifically references a romantic relationship, I think that the deterioration of some friendships can relate to the song. Two lyrics stand out to me, “Don’t you even say I just walked away” and “I never meant to start a war.” Second, Eminem’s Lose Yourself from the 2002 movie, 8 Mile. The song won the Academy Award for Best Original Song in 2003 and it’s the first (and possibly only) rap song to do so. While I’m not a big rap fan, and I’ve read online that some people don’t even consider this song rap, I enjoy the rhythms of the song. As well as its message of never giving up, never letting an opportunity to follow your dream pass by. Third, Wake Me Up Before you Go Go by Wham! Was a hit in 1984. Although I was only 4 years old when the song was released, it is one of my favorite 80s songs. I will always crank it up and sing along when it comes on the radio, which is quite often considering the stations I listen to in the car. I never get tired of hearing it.

Movies are often a common guilty pleasure too. Movies usually so bad that most people wouldn’t give it another thought. First, I love the Fantastic Four (2005) and Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer (2007). I love Chris Evans as Johnny Storm. He was funny, sarcastic and the banter between Johnny and Ben Grimm (played by Michael Chiklis) is great. While the movies themselves are campy and overall poorly done, I have a special place in my heart for Rise of the Silver Surfer as it was the movie my husband and I saw on our first date. Second, Never Been Kissed (1999) is one of my favorite Drew Barrymore movies. I could relate to her character, Josie, although I wasn’t as socially awkward as she was, I can relate to being smart and not really a part of the popular crowd. And I didn’t receive my first kiss until I was in my late 20s (and it was special that I wouldn’t want it any other way. I love the song, The Beach Boys’ 1964 Don’t Worry Baby, which plays as Josie receives her first kiss on the baseball diamond. Third, Nacho Libre (2006) is a corny comedy which my husband introduced me too when we were dating. Jack Black plays Ignacio aka Nacho, a man who was orphaned as a boy and becomes a monk at the orphanage. He gets the idea to wrestle as a masked luchador in order to buy better food and other provisions for the orphans. It is a fun nonsense movie to watch for pure entertainment. It has mild rude humor with wrestling action/violence but there is no excessive cussing, if there is cussing at all. 

Normally books are not a guilty pleasure for me. However, there is one series that is so outside of the usual books I read that its fun to call it a guilty pleasure and a little forbidden. It is the Highland Series by Karen Marie Moning. It is a series of 8 books, although I have only read 7 of them. I stopped reading the series after the 7^th book when I felt the quality of the author’s writing had fallen. The books are a mixture of modern, historical, and mythological. It figures time travel, magic, dangerous fairies and, of course, erotic love scenes. The characters are typical for romance novels. The handsome hunky hero and the sassy heroine who resists the hero’s advances until she can’t anymore. The Scottish Highlands has become a very popular setting for romance novels. Some authors use the setting well and others use it because it’s popular. Ms. Moning using the Highlands mystic and the Celtic culture and imagery to her advantage and does it well. This series remains one of my favorites. Books that I can keep up for a fast read to kill time or just to get a fix of the fantastical.

In conclusion, I enjoy all the TV shows, music, movies and books without any real guilty. They are a fun way to sit back and be entertained. Honestly, we shouldn’t feel guilty for the things we enjoy. I don’t like watching TV shows or movies or listen to music or read a book similar because it’s popular. Sometimes the hidden gems are in the ones that most people would reject. We never too old to enjoy children’s tv or movies. If we are entertained by TV shows, movies, music and even books, who’s to say we must feel guilty? What are some your “guilty pleasures”?

Whiskey and Gumdrops and Rum and Raindrops: two romance novels that leave a lot to be desired

Today’s review will be a double review. I read the first two books in the Blueberry Springs Sweet Romance series by Jean Oram.

Whiskey and Gumdrops is the first book in this series. It is the story of Mandy Mattson who lives in the small town of Blueberry Springs. She watches from outside a church as her ex-boyfriend, Oz, marries her rival, Beth. While she hides in the bushes, she is sprayed by a skunk and she runs to her best friend, Frankie Smith, for help. Frankie is her best friend, but he has always wanted more, and Mandy keeps him at arm’s length because she doesn’t want to jeopardize the one relationship she relies on the most. One day, Mandy gets the idea to open her own business and soon she is in full swing. She meets with Seth Freedly, CEO of Wrap It Up, a healthy fast food restaurant and signs on as a franchisee. Soon, major hurdles are in her way, both professionally and personally. Will she be able to finally open her business? Will Frankie finally convince her to take their relationship to the next level? Will she allow herself the risk for love?

Whiskey and Gumdrops was a good book. It moved along at a steady pace; however, the plot was a bit predictable with no real shocking twists or reveals. There was no real emotional impact for me. I didn’t really care for Mandy. I found myself siding more with Frankie. All the characters were likeable, and I could envision these people existing in the real world; but there was no real wow factor. The conflicts didn’t seem like conflicts at all but inconveniences that the characters are able to find a solution rather quickly. Overall, the book was not bad. I enjoyed it but it wasn’t a book I will probably read again. I would consider this book a beach book that you could easy read and put down without any urgency to finish.

Whiskey and Gumdrops

is available in paperback and eBook

Rum and Raindrops is the second book of this series. It is the story of Jennifer “Jen” Kulak, a woman who is running from her past while trying to rebuild her life in Blueberry Springs. She is the local nature guide. The story opens with the small town being threatened by forest fire that seems to have been started by Jen when she was camping the days prior. Rob Raine is the fire investigator who has been sent to determine the cause of the fire. Sparks fly immediately between Jen and Rob but the two need to remain distant as the investigation is still on going. They are thrown together when Rob and his sister, Dina, are a part of her weekend canoe trip. Dina and Jen become friends and she becomes more and more open about her past as it seems that her past is trying to find her. Will Jen be cleared from suspicion? Will they catch the fire starter? Will Rob and Jen ever find a timing to begin their relationship?

Rum and Raindrops was a better story than the first book, but it still had it’s cringe worthy moments. There were conversations between women that were stereotypical women talks about orgasms and “banged so good you’ll forget your own name.” Ugh, really?!?! Not all women speak like this! That aside, the tension between Jen and Rob was much better. The conflict of interest added with the undeniable sparks made for a good story. However, the plot was once again predictable and some questions that were raised in the book were not answered. Maybe they will be answered in future books. Overall, this book, like the first one, is a quick beach read that doesn’t require too much effort or emotional investment.

Rum and Raindrops

is available in paperback and eBook

My first kiss: why some memories are stronger than others

Do you remember your first kiss? Do you remember where you were? Who was it with? What details stand out about the moment and what details have been lost to time? This year has been a great year for milestone anniversaries. In a few days, my husband and I will celebrate ten years of marriage. And I started to think about our journey together. My first ever kiss was with the man who became my husband. As I was his first ever kiss. We were “late bloomers” in life and we found in each other a soul mate. Our first kiss was quick, sweet and one of the best moments of my life. I was curious why certain aspects of that day were remembered better than others.

My husband and I were on a date to Knott’s Berry Farm in Buena Park, California, an amusement park which seems to be a standard day to spend together for new couples. We were in line for the roller coaster, GhostRider. It is the longest, tallest, and fastest wooden roller coaster on the West Coast. It stands 118 feet and is 4,533 feet in length. It can reach speeds of 56 mph and lasts 2 minutes and 40 seconds. I love roller coasters and while we were in line, we talked as people do. I realize now that as we got closer and closer to the front of the line, my husband got more and more nervous. And as we sat in the coaster, waiting for the ride to take off, he leaned over and quickly kissed me. And before I could react, the ride took off! I don’t remember much of the actual ride. I remember replaying the kiss in my head for the brief ride. When the coaster came to a stop, and before we were released from our seats, he leaned over and kissed me again. I always joked he kissed me first as a “Hey I may die on this, so I might as well go for it.” And he kissed me the second time was “Thank God, I survived!”

Looking back on that first kiss, I find it funny what details I remember and which ones I don’t. I remember it was July 7, 2007. The weather was pleasant considering it was summer and Southern California. GhostRider was the first ride we went on when we got there. I don’t remember what we were wearing, and I don’t remember much of the day after that. I don’t even remember what other rides we went on, if we did at all. The one moment of the whole day is that one ride and those kisses. Although I do remember the kiss goodnight. Why do we remember some details and forget others? According to psychologist, Dr. Shahram Heshmat, the answer is our emotions. Our emotions act like a highlighter and enhances certain aspects of events and more them more memorable. Emotions can bring more clarity and attention to certain aspects. “Nothing focuses the mind like surprise” (Shahram, 2015). Nothing is more surprising then being kissed on a roller coaster! Emotionally charged events focus the attention and enhance the consolidation of a memory due to the stress hormones epinephrine and cortisol (Shahram, 2015).

Sometimes our memories are connected to sights, sounds, and smells. Memories can be connected to a physical location; they are reminded of times long past. Sometimes being in the physical location brings up the memories and sometimes it is just the mention of the location can invoke strong memories. Music is connected to us in many ways and the strongest connection is with our memories. Most of us can recall how old we were when a certain song plays. “Oh, when this song was released, I was [insert age].” Songs which reminds us of childhood or teenage memories. Kenny Chesney sings about it in his song I Go Back (2004). Smells is also another strong connector with memories. When someone smells a certain perfume or cologne, they may be reminded of a loved one that is no longer around. One of the reasons real estate agents put out freshly baked cookies, when trying to sell a house is, they want to invoke childhood memories of home and help potential buyers envision themselves in the home.

In conclusion, the memory of my first kiss is strong with certain details and fuzzy in others. I even asked my husband what he remembers of that day. Either he doesn’t remember much, or he didn’t want to tell me what exactly he remembered because he didn’t tell me anything. Emotions help enhance details of our past and helps store memories. Times of stress and high emotions enhance the brain’s ability to store memories in long term storage. It is why we often remember where we were and what we were doing during major world events. Other factors help enhance and store memories, including physical locations, music and smells. Do you remember your first kiss? What do you remember most about that day? What locations, sounds or smells can help bring up the memories?

                                                                     References

Heshmat, Shahram. “Why Do We Remember Certain Things, But Forget Others?” Psychology Today. www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/science-choice/201510/why-do-we-remember-certain-things-forget-others. October 8, 2015. Retrieved June 20, 2019.

Knott’s Berry Farm. GhostRider. www.knotts.com/play/rides/ghostrider. Retrieved June 20, 2019.

Parenting: an important job and responsibility

Raising a child is a very important responsibility. Parents are very important figures in a child’s development. Not just physically so they grow up healthy; but also, mentally and emotionally so they grow up to be mature and responsible adults who pass on the same lessons to future generations. Parents shape the future with every action, reaction or even inaction. The decision to have children should not be made lightly as it is a huge life altering event in your life. The Bible has a lot to say about parents and child. Discipline is an important part of parenting and often the most controversial. What exactly does the Bible say about discipline? What are my thoughts on parenting? Should everyone become parents?

Parents shape the future. Parents shape the world’s future by the way they shape their children’s values. When you show and teach your children to love and cherish the people in their lives, to help those in need and live responsibly and rightly, children will grow up to do the same. We need to steer children toward Christ by our example, our words and our acts of kindness. However, on the flip side, if you teach your child it is okay to cheat, lie and even hurt those around them, they will repeat those actions. In Genesis 26:7-11, Isaac lied about Rebekah being his sister just like his father, Abraham, lied and presented his wife, Sarah, as his sister. Not just once but twice (Genesis 12:10-14 and 20:1-4)! Our actions affect our children. Exodus 34:7 states that the punishment of sins will affect the third and fourth generations. This means that the consequences of sins will be felt and spread to future generations. When parents teach the sins of greed, selfishness and other destructive behaviors, the cycle continues into future generations. Parents are responsible to teach their children about God, teaching His Word. We are to teach them about God in everything we do and everywhere you go. Psalm 22:30-31 says “Posterity will serve him; future generations will be told about the Lord. They will proclaim his righteousness to a people yet unborn-for he has done it.” If we want our children to know the Lord, we must teach them. We cannot leave it to the church, and Sunday school teachers. Just like with their education in school, everything starts and continues with parents. Church, Sunday school teachers and education teachers are only added to the team to instruct children; however, parents are the first and most important teachers.

Parenting is an awesome and scary responsibility. Discipline is an important responsibility in parenting as it is used to mold and shape our children. It is also one of the most difficult tasks to do and follow through. The Bible has a great example: King David. 2 Samuel 14:33 demonstrates David’s halfhearted approach to parenting led to sad situations. David didn’t punish Ammon for his sin against Tamar nor did he decisively deal with Absalom’s murder of Ammon. This indecision would lead to David’s undoing and turmoil in the kingdom following his reign. However, some parents take it to extreme and are too strict that they stifle their children. Many people quote Proverbs 13: 24 “He who spares the rod hates his son” to justify corporal punishment. However, they forget or ignore the second part, “but he who loves him is careful to disciple him.” Parents need to exercise their authority with caution and grace. Actions speak louder than words. Children learn values, morals, and priorities by observing how their parents act and react every day. The “Do as I say and not as I do” cliché doesn’t work. They cannot and should not be beaten into behaving. Sometimes, despite our best effort, our children will choose the wrong path. For example, in 1 Samuel 8:1-3, As an old man, Samuel appointed his sons as judges; however, these men were corrupt and did not serve as their father did. The Bible does not tell us if it was Samuel’s parenting that led to the men’s corrupt behaviors. However, it is an example to us parents, that when your children are grown, we must realize that our control and influence over them can dwindle. All we can do is pray that they return to God and the path we tried to teach them.

As I have mentioned in previous posts, I have always dreamed of having children. I dreamed of my children and even had their names picked out before I even close to being married. My journey to motherhood has been a rocky one and despite my desires to be a mother, I was not prepared for the demands a child has on you physically, emotionally and mentally. However, I learned quickly, and I take my job as a mother very seriously. I’m lucky that I have a husband who is equally committed to his job as a father that we are often on the same page when it comes to the demands of parenthood. Even though I grew up around babies and young children and my husband was even used to being around young children, it is very different when it’s your own child. You find yourself filling with doubt at every decision. Breastfeeding or formula? Vaccinations or not? This diaper or that one? Is the baby too warm? Too cold? Preschool or not? Is my child ready for school? Will she fall behind? Am I doing enough to prepare her for the challenges she will face in the future? Parenting is more than just putting food on the table, providing clothes and shoes. When people think of children, they think of the physical provisions. How many of you had a parenting class in high school when you carried around a sack of flour or the doll that cried like a real baby? What did it teach you? It taught you the physical demands of a child. But people often forget or are unprepared for the emotional and psychological needs of a child. This is where the high school programs fail too. Parenting is also being there when the child needs encouragement, instruction and celebration. It is taking an interest in what your child likes and helping her understand why something is inappropriate.

When I was searching for images to include in this post, I came across a quote from Jessica Valenti, an American feminist, from her book, Why Have Kids?: A New Mom Explores the Truth About Parenting and Happiness (2012). She says, “The cultural insistence that parenting is the ‘most important’ job in the world is a smart way to satiate unappreciated women without doing a damn thing for them.” At first, I was angry at this quote. Parenting is a very important job in the world! However, as I thought about it, I realized that she is right. The key word is “most.” While parenting is an important job, it is not the only job a woman can do. All jobs are important in our world, no one job is more important than another. I also realize that when most people think of parents, an image of a mother flashes in their minds. How many products are marketed to women as the parental decision makers? “Choosy moms choose Jif?” Diaper commercials? The Luvs marketing campaign comes to mind. Fathers are often pushed aside when it comes to parenting. And while most fathers gladly take a sideline to raising their children, there are a growing number of men who realize their role as parents and are fighting against the tradition. Raising children is not just the job of the mother. It was designed to be a job for two people. While there are times, I am the main one in charge of certain tasks, for the most part, my husband and I are truly parenting partners. I may make it sound too perfect and I don’t mean to. There are days when I get frustrated and overwhelmed. I’ve learned that I need to say, “hey I need your help!” That is a lesson many mothers need to learn. Asking for help doesn’t mean you are a bad mother. It helps your children learn that it is okay to ask for and receive help when it is needed.

In conclusion, parents are the first important people in a child’s life. They are the first people they looked to for help, guidance, love and comfort. It is an immense responsibility. Everything we do affects our children which is why it is important to be diligent and informed. Parenting is an important job in your life. It is not the only or most important job. Not everyone is destined to be parents and if you don’t think you can meet the demands and challenges that children bring to your life, then you probably aren’t ready for children. It’s okay. I know people who have chosen not to have children, few have regretted that decision while others to not. When deciding to have children, please listen to your heart. Don’t let the opinions of others decide for you.

Wind Chime Cafe: a beautiful story of starting over

Wind Chime Café by Sophie Moss is a story of healing, overcoming and finding new life. Annie Malone and her 8-year-old Taylor are new Heron Island in the Chesapeake Bay. They need a fresh start from the horrors they left behind. Will Dozier grew up on the island but left to join the Navy. He left without looking back. Now he’s back on the island to sell his grandparents’ property and leave the island forever. When they meet, Annie makes it clear she wants nothing to do with Will and Will is looking for a fling. However, when he learns an awful truth about the buyer for the property, he decides another course of action which keeps him on the island a little longer. Slowly, their stories come to light. Every painful memory and every recurring nightmare. Annie slowly opens her heart to Will, but he is determined to leave and someone from her past comes arrives to threaten everything Annie has tried so hard to build. Will she be able to overcome these challenges? Can she find the stability she and her daughter so desperately need? Can Annie and the other islanders convince Will to stay?

Wind Chime Café is a beautiful love story set in a beautiful location. A small island community where everyone comes to know everyone and their secrets.  I loved every character, even the villains which we are supposed to loath. Will is a man running from grief. Annie is a woman running from horrors her daughter experience and wants her to find a place to heal. Together they start to heal each other. I love the older woman/mentor character in Della. There is so much I loved about this book; however, I can’t discuss them as it will spoil the reveal in the story. And the reveals are so worth it! I highly recommend Wind Chime Café and I look forward to any future books featuring Heron Island!

Wind Chime Café

Is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

Anti/Vax: an attempt to clear up the controversial vaccination debate

Anti/Vax: Reframing the Vaccination Controversy by Bernice L. Hausman is an attempt to make sense of the wild debate around vaccinations. Ms. Hausman is very honest about her attempts to present both sides with honest examination of the issues and she tries her best to stay neutral. She presents a lot of information, both scientific and anecdotal. No vaccine is 100% safe, just like nothing in medicine is 100% safe or effective. Even over the counter medicines has side effects and warnings. Vaccination concerns have been around as long as there have been vaccinations. “Anti-vaxxers” are nothing new, they are just more visible now due to social media and the speed at which information is shared. Ms. Hausman presents a brief history of vaccination concerns since the 1980s. In the 1980s, there were 7 vaccines for: diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, measles, mumps, rubella and polio. By the end of the 1990s, it had ballooned to 16 different diseases including hepatitis B and varicella (chicken pox). She also explores the current feelings toward vaccinations are not just are they safe but the implications of government overreach in our personal lives and choices.

Anti/Vax is a wealth of information which is beneficial for bother pro-vaxxers and anti-vaxxers to read. It presents the good and bad side of vaccines and the various reasons why there are skeptics. I have learned it is okay to be skeptical of the vaccines; however, we need to do our due diligence in seeking information before making our decisions to vaccinate ourselves and our children. There is so much information available that we cannot and should not blindly follow a doctor’s recommendations as well we cannot completely dismiss those recommendations. My only issue with Ms. Hausman’s books is sometimes she takes away too long to link information she is presenting to the topic at hand and she often repeats herself to assure the reader she is not taking sides. However, I highly recommend reading Anti/Vax. It may help clarify the vaccination debate and help you in your decisions about your overall health, not just vaccinations.

Anti/Vax

is available in hardcover and eBook