Tag: Kim Kusiciel

Choosing the Light Side over the Dark Side is not Always Easy.

Categories blog, Personal Development1 Comment on Choosing the Light Side over the Dark Side is not Always Easy.

My oldest was off to Middle School and my youngest kids were still in Elementary School, but my life hadn't changed much. My routine was the same as it was the year before minus potential hospital stays. I was still recovering from my BRCA+ journey of multiple surgeries, but the life I had been living was about the same with maybe a little less chaos since the kids were all in school fulltime (Finally! Can I get an Amen?). However, this darkness started to consume me when I wasn't prepared. I didn't plan on having to pick a side, but the dark was drowning out the light. I felt lost and didn't know how to cope. Until an unexpected opportunity came into my life.

naming feelings

Naming Feelings for Kids with an “I Feel” Meter

Categories blog, Parenting and Kids4 Comments on Naming Feelings for Kids with an “I Feel” Meter

Naming feelings is a really important part of a child's development, no matter the communication level of the child. I promise you that your kiddo can benefit from this at home, too. Check out this exclusive content from education.com.

How to Teach your Kids Real-Life Social Skills

Categories blog, Parenting and Kids1 Comment on How to Teach your Kids Real-Life Social Skills

As this years summer winds down, I am in awe at how little we have accomplished this year. We went into the summer with grandiose plans and everyone made a list. Similar to our bucket lists of past summers. However, we never really focused on checking anything off! But you want to know what they really gained this summer? It was something I didn't plan on, but I am so glad I noticed it in action. My Kids Gained Valuable, Real-Life Social Skills.

BRCA, BRCA1, BRCA2, Breast Cancer, Mastectomy, Breast Reconstruction

Wanna be a Breast Reconstruction Expert?

Categories brca2 Comments on Wanna be a Breast Reconstruction Expert?

Over a year ago, I started my surgery journey based on my risks as defined by my BRCA2 gene mutation. It wasn't an easy set of decisions and the path was most definitely not straight. If you've been following my story, you are painfully aware of the sorrows and setbacks I encountered in the fall of 2016. Since my last update, I have had another round of reconstruction surgery and one scheduled for the fall of 2017. Here is what I have learned, hopefully it helps you or helps you help someone else. Love to all.

BRCA, BRCA1, BRCA2, Breast Cancer, Mastectomy, Breast Reconstruction

9 Tidbits to Make You a Breast Reconstruction Expert

Categories brca, family, health, previvor2 Comments on 9 Tidbits to Make You a Breast Reconstruction Expert

Over a year ago, I started my surgery journey based on my risks as defined by my BRCA2 gene mutation. It wasn't an easy set of decisions and the path was most definitely not straight. If you've been following my story, you are painfully aware of the sorrows and setbacks I encountered in the fall of 2016. Since my last update, I have had another round of reconstruction surgery and one scheduled for the fall of 2017. Here is what I have learned, hopefully it helps you or helps you help someone else. Love to all.

Brave Mom at the Pool, You are an Inspiration.

Categories blog, Parenting and Kids1 Comment on Brave Mom at the Pool, You are an Inspiration.

When my kids were younger, I barely went to the pool because I was a) ashamed of my body (for heaven's sake I birthed 3 children in the span of five years, that should be celebrated, not shamed by society standards...but that is a different post for a different day) and b) I was outnumbered 3 to 1. You better believe that I was only going to the pool if another friend was braving it with me or I dragged my husband along. But that is where looking back, I was so wrong. I should have gone to the damn pool. Today, I will celebrate the brave mommas everywhere that are doing the hard job. Suiting up and going swimming with their kids.

Brave Mom, Pool, Swimming, Inspiration

To the Brave Mom at the Pool, You are an Inspiration.

Categories human connections, kids, mom, parenting, summer break1 Comment on To the Brave Mom at the Pool, You are an Inspiration.

When my kids were younger, I barely went to the pool because I was a) ashamed of my body (for heaven's sake I birthed 3 children in the span of five years, that should be celebrated, not shamed by society standards...but that is a different post for a different day) and b) I was outnumbered 3 to 1. You better believe that I was only going to the pool if another friend was braving it with me or I dragged my husband along. But that is where looking back, I was so wrong. I should have gone to the damn pool. Today, I will celebrate the brave mommas everywhere that are doing the hard job. Suiting up and going swimming with their kids.

last time for everything

The Surprising “Last Time” That I Wasn’t Expecting

Categories blog, Parenting and Kids5 Comments on The Surprising “Last Time” That I Wasn’t Expecting

As she turned away I thought, things will never be like this, again. I know that growing up is inevitable and I know that there are wonderful opportunities in front of her. Logically, I totally understand that.  But my heart. My heart is not ready to let THIS go.

Warning: Self-Identity Crisis and How to Cope

Categories blog, Personal Development1 Comment on Warning: Self-Identity Crisis and How to Cope

Have you ever had the problem of having too many options? Having endless opportunities? Having the ability to go in any direction and accomplish any goal? I am talking about both big and small goals. It's a real problem for me. I know that sounds like I am whining, but it's really a big deal. And yes, I realize this is a total first world problem, but hear me out because you might see yourself in me. When I was a kid, I knew exactly what I wanted to be when I grew up. I had two, very specific dreams.

no bake chocolate chip cookie dough recipe, tweenager in the kitchen

Tweenager in the Kitchen: No-Bake Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bites

Categories blog, Parenting and Kids10 Comments on Tweenager in the Kitchen: No-Bake Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bites

My oldest daughter loves being in the kitchen. She also LOVES to sing and perform, create new things with fabric, glue and paint, and design fashions fit for a runway. Over the weekend, she decided to make a variety of different items.