Incest in the Family

http://hubpages.com/t/d233d

In March 2004 a 58 year old man was charged with killing nine children in the family. The children were his by various females, which is where the story becomes bizarre. According to the ReligionNewsBlog.com, Marcus Wesson is a Seven Day Adventist. The Mercury News stated in the article that Wesson attended Seventh – day Adventist church services over the years.  Information was obtained from officials at the Central California Conference of Seventh-day Adventists.  It seems that only part of the family were formally members of any congregation. It seems Marcus Wesson abused religion by practicing incest, polygamy, physical, mental, sexual abuse and now murder.

kindergarten quilt

Recently I delivered the quilt that I made last year with C’s kindergarten classroom to their teacher, after having finished it over the summer. The children did all the drawings with fabric crayons and I pieced and sewed the quilt. I’d intended for the kids to do more of the actual sewing, but time got away from us. Yet even though it isn’t everything I’d hoped for, it’s such a powerful reminder of my daughter’s wonderful classful of kids. Each drawing brings a child vividly to mind.

Kid’s artwork is always delightful, but looking at this quilt, I realize I don’t often see the work of children pieced together, at least not at home. My two girls’ drawings and paintings hang on many walls of our house, but seeing 20 different children’s work in one quilt really brings out the true meaning of the word “kindergarten” — a garden of children, bursting with color and joy.

The quilt’s not perfect. To be honest, it’s a bit trapezoidal, but to me it’s so heartbreakingly beautiful. This quirky, lovely kindergarten quilt.

The Path to Talking

I would never have guessed it, but the path to talking lies beyond the land of drinking through a straw.

In the early stages of introducing Julianna to the cup, we learned that sippy cups are Bad For Children.  They promote improper use of the tongue, chewing…I don’t remember the whole story; we had too much on our mind when Julianna was six months old to keep it straight. The important thing was that we were told to avoid them. So she learned to drink from a recessed lid cup without a valve—definitely not spillproof, but in all other ways ideal. It taught her the feeling of drinking from a real cup, and indeed, people have always been impressed how early Julianna could handle an open cup.

The only trouble was, she never learned to use a straw. So long car trips were a bit of a headache, and in the long period of time when she didn’t know how to set a cup down, we had a lot of messes to clean up. We just figured, oh well. She’ll get along without that particular skill until she’s older.

But this fall, Julianna started working with a new speech therapist, who quickly zeroed in on this missing skill, and set out to correct it. By using…you guessed it…a sippy cup! It turns out that “sippy cups are Bad For Children” is not entirely accurate. In order to create suction, you have to retract the tongue—which is an important skill to learn, because a tongue that hangs out, however slightly, is in the way of making sounds. Control of the tongue, in other words, is an important skill that my daughter can begin to learn by drinking from a sippy cup.

(More proof, as if I needed it, that God is in the middle.)

So now we are using a Playtex cup that looks like a coffee cup, with the spillproof valve removed so as to lessen the frustration quotient from Miss Shovel and Guzzle, who likes to drink a few gallons without coming up for air. Once she masters that, we’ll put the valve in and make her work a little harder, and after that, progress to a true spouted sippy, and then to a straw.

Amazing, the things that affect speech.

We’re really hitting the speech issue hard now; it’s Julianna’s most delayed area. We’re using books, which she adores, to try to get her to sign and to point—both of which show that she is processing what she sees and trying to communicate with us. Where’s the dog, Julianna? Point to the dog. The more difficult task is getting her to make sounds. To that end, we’re trying to change the way we talk to her. Up till now, we’ve said, “Julianna, say ‘dog.’” But we don’t mean say; we mean sign. Well, now we’re trying to get her to actually produce sounds: “Julianna, say “up,” with the goal of getting her to say “uh.” You can see the confusion. Is she supposed to sign or speak?

Frankly, I think my stubborn little girl knows perfectly well what we want her to do and just doesn’t want to oblige. But at least if we are crystal clear on our expectations, she can’t use our ineptitude as an excuse!

Overload (Vitamin D)

Overload (Vitamin D)
[A First Person Perspective of a Portrait Subject]

I am the obese man. I am 47 years old. Every day, I live through the same shit; the only difference is the date on the calendar in my tiny cubicle; my tiny cubicle only fits my desk and chair; I lift the embarrassment that is called my stomach in my hands and shove myself in my tiny cubicle. In my youth, my schoolmates would call me names: “Hey, Fatso!” “Hey, Blimp!” “Hey, Whale!” “Hey, Lard Ass!” I’d slowly walk home with my head hung low as the other children pelted me with the desserts left over from their lunch boxes. When I’d get home, my divorcee mother would lock herself in her room, sobbing. I’d eat away our tears. Nothing has changed since then, besides the name calling. The names are now stares. The only thing I want to do when I get home is stand in the shower — naked, exposed. HOW MUCH OF ME DO YOU REALLY SEE?

The California Water Museum - Featuring The Fluoride Deception

As I was moving out of state in July of 2009, I was driving up Interstate 5’s long uphill grade where I saw an exit and a sign saying “Pyramid Lake”. It was the middle of summer and extremely hot. Since I was in an exploratory mood with nothing but time on my hands, I decided to exit the highway and see the lake. It turned out to be a rather large reservoir that feeds the Los Angeles area. A sign pointed to a visitor’s center and I parked there. Nice view… I walked in to the center to find out about camping around the lake, and was surprised to see that the building housed what was a water themed museum. I approached the guard at the information desk and he gave me an information sheet and directions to the lake’s campground.

Out of curiosity I looked around the museum, corny as it was. For the most part, it was an exhibit explaining to me the amount of water and energy it takes to do just about everything I do in my everyday life; even how much water I waste by filling up my gas tank up with petrol. I was not amused. The atmosphere was what you might call liberal… and by liberal I mean full of propaganda and half-truths that are designed to make its visitors feel guilty for being alive and to accept the fact that water is being used for political gain and prophet through taxation at their expense… and of course that this is a good thing for the environment. The placards and hands-on installations displayed to me in horrifying illustrative and picture oriented detail (perhaps taking into consideration the high illiteracy rate in the country) how the water supply is in crisis. I was sure that none of the museums’ visitors actually stop to think about the government and its lobbying corporate partners in crime (which stand to reap huge rewards from this tyrannical water rationing and taxation) and how they created this water crisis for their monetary gains. War, war on drugs, war on terror, war on poverty, war on water… What’s next, a war on war?

What I did learn is that most of the water that flows to southern California which does not come from the Colorado River actually comes from the northern most mountainous areas of the state. It is redirected through an aqueduct system down through the whole of California. Since most of its population lives on or near the ocean line, the water is diverted to all of those cities. It is passed on to farms and ranches and smaller cities that pay for this state contracted water delivery service as well. Without this aqueduct system, Los Angeles and the rest of the cities and farmlands that are, for all intents and purposes part of the desert, would not be able to exist. It’s a fascinating accomplishment… a true story of man -vs- nature, where man doesn’t understand the impact on nature until it’s too late. Dams be damned, I say.

As I finished walking through the adult oriented yet child-like museum, I walked to the front doors preparing to leave, feeling a bit yucky. To the right of the glass doors was a display case showing other parks where I might be able to camp. I grabbed a few of the brochures and then noticed a poorly photocopied, double-sided blue sheet of paper in the corner of the display. The title had my name all over it:

Fluoridation… At A Glance.

Underneath the title was a black and white picture of several small children drinking water from a public drinking fountain. This disturbed me, as children are a tool often used in politics and advertising, usually in a deceiving way. Under that heartwarming picture was a list of the dental benefits of fluoride, as well as a quote by the U.S. Surgeon General, which stated that:

“Community water fluoridation continues to be the most cost-effective, practical and safe means for reducing and controlling the occurrence of tooth decay in a community.”

What a dick! How does he sleep at night? Does he let his children drink this rat poison?

In the ‘About Fluoride’ section, it deceivingly stated:

“Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral found in surface water (water from snowmelt, rivers, and streams) as well as ground water.”

It also had this bit of info, which was another affront to my senses:

“Fluoride helps teeth resist decay by strengthening the protective layer of tooth enamel, and can reverse newly formed cavities.”

What a crap basket! From what information I’ve read, the stuff causes bone density loss and osteoporosis. And since teeth are essentially bones…

More disturbing was the next statement that:

“Of the 50 largest cities in the United States 43 fluoridate their drinking water.”

Now… at the bottom of the page, still in the ‘About Fluoride’ section, were these two paragraphs:

“While exposure to fluoride can cause dental fluorosis, most cases in communities with optimally fluoridated water are very mild and characterized by barely visible white opaque spots on the teeth.”

“The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has not recognized claims that low-level fluoride exposure is linked to occurrences ——“

—– At that point the page was cut off! Was this an innocent mistake? I wonder. I’m guessing no. But it’s possible. I guess thinking that this was not deliberate would be called… hope.

I stood there for a moment, battling a flush of political correctness, not wanting to disturb the museum’s natural flow (pun intended). But lately, causing a scene has become my favorite pastime. I did a 180 and headed back towards the information desk. An official tour guide for the center was talking to a nice lady in her very late 50’s (maybe that’s being nice) who at one time, judging by her appearance and demeanor, must have been related to the peace and love movement. She was simply delighted at what the federally employed man was saying, and was listening intently. He (the tour guide) was a bit creepy, confident in a way that only the most ignorant and misinformed of people could be, and as unhealthy looking as most Americans appear to be these days.

I listened from across the desk patiently as he pointed to a map of California and explained how it all worked. He told the woman about water rationing and how only certain cities were actually metered, demonizing the bad people of these water suckling metropolis’. She smiled and chastised out loud that whole horrid Southern California populace, as if their use of water was less justified than hers, considering the equivalent source.

At one point, after a 5-minute history of metering in certain counties, she said intently, “I think everybody should be metered.” He smiled malevolently. It was like watching a salesman fish in a buyer, playing off of her insecurities and lack of knowledge. I just shook my head in disgust for most of the conversation, but respectfully refrained from interrupting.

The creepy guide went on… “Well, (pause for grin) soon all houses will have a meter which can be read digitally from the central station, and shut off if too much water is being used.”

At hearing this, her reply was just short of exuberance. “Oh, that’s just wonderful! There are so many wasteful people out there.”

Now, at this point I had to interrupt. I now understand what Alex Jones (infowars.com) means when he goes on one of his rants about people and how they love their tyranny, carbon taxes, and debt slavery. And also, I must give credit to Aldus Huxley for predicting many decades ago that people could eventually be made to love their servitude. She was truly exited to give up her rights. It all made sense to her in a simple way…

“Wait a minute,” I said in a slightly confrontational voice. “That’s tyranny! Surely you can’t want to be metered and taxed for your right to use water” She looked at me then, confused, possibly only noticing me for the first time. I looked at the tour guide then, and the smile slowly went away from the pushers face.

Silence…

I can really kill a room!

I asked them both if they had heard of the bill in congress that would give control of all water rights in the entire country to the Federal Government – (S. 787 – Clean Water Restoration Act). More blank stares and a cringe of hostility in the tour guide. I directed a short tirade of information towards the woman, who had a sudden look of something I couldn’t quite place, but which I guessed was the first time in a long time that she had thought for herself, outside the media box. It was an expression of the sudden responsibility of ones self, and of brief enlightenment that usually comes and goes quickly with these green, well intentioned, but ultimately brain-washed cult-environmentalist people.

By then, the salesman knew he was losing her, as if an invisible umbilical chord had been cut, and so I turned my attention to him.

“I’d like to ask a question about the Fluoridation of the water supply.” I said. He looked harshly at me, perhaps disturbed that one of the visitors to his place of worship should question the religion of water fluoridation treatment. But somehow, I don’t think I was the first to ask.

He said ‘ok’ in a regrettable way. The slave-lady was still listening, a confused look on her face. She probably thought I was a nut! I gave the brochure to her so she could follow along.

“Tell me this…” I said. “If fluoride is good for my teeth, why then is it put into the water supply to be swallowed and ingested? I mean, Fluoride is one of the most poisonous substances known to man. It’s in rat poison, and it’s the by-product of the aluminum industry. So why do we drink something that’s actually only supposed to be good for our teeth?”

His eyes visibly widened, and he paused a second before letting out a big guffaw. He laughed nervously and tried to regain his composure.

His response… “Well, everything is bad for you if you use too much of it.”

I eyed him with my bullshit meter, not knowing exactly where this was going. “Go on…” I invited.

“Look, if you drink too much water you can drown yourself. So you could say that water is bad for you just like fluoride—“

“What?” I interrupted, angered at his treating me like his usual dumbed down hive-minded idiots. “That’s the most ridiculous association I’ve ever heard! Fluoride was used in concentration camps to make prisoners compliant and calm. What does that have to do with moderation? Why are so many U.S. cities passing legislation against water fluoridation?

Why did most of Europe abolish the use of fluoride in their water supply?”

At this point, the wild-eyed green lady walked away with brochure in hand. She was not ready for this kind of antagonism towards her social religion. But I did hope that she was curious enough to at least look into the other side of the story, and not just trust that her government was doing what’s best for her and her family. She didn’t say thank you… or goodbye.

After about ten minutes of bantering with the tour guide, his sole defense being the fact that I could drink too much water and die (or anything else for that matter) and that science had proven the benefits of fluoride for teeth (guffaw), he was not quite able to grasp the fact that ingestion is quite different than application, and that the warnings on toothpaste tubes that say ‘DO NOT SWALLOW’ are there for a reason, and that no dentist in his right mind would drink even a quarter of a thimble full of pure fluoride.
I wrote down a movie title on a piece of paper. It was “The Fluoride Deception’, a very damning explanation of the fluoride industry and it’s damaging effects on everything it touches. I asked him to watch it some time. He said he’d think about it.

I asked him to watch it on the computer behind him. He refused, sighting work regulations and rules.

I suggested he watch it on his break, since it was only a half an hour long. He was visibly red in the face by then, and said something unintelligible about the restrictions with that computers bandwidth.

I asked him if he would actually watch it later, and he answered ‘If I have time’.

I smiled wryly, and asked him to promise me that he’d watch it later. He then got mad, and gave me excuses why he wouldn’t be able to watch it, none that were legitimate.

My final comments were that he couldn’t do his job correctly without knowing all of the information available, and that he was doing a disservice to his visitors by not looking into fluoride. Short of getting on my knees, I actually begged him to watch it. He made it clear then that we would never see eye to eye and that I should be on my way. Feeling suddenly unwelcome in this house of worship, I pleaded for him to watch it as I walked out the door and to my truck.

What a shill.

Interestingly though, during our banter he did give me a card with the person in charge of such things and asked me to send her the information. Of course when I asked if they would post it for people to read, he lied through his fluorosis stained teeth and gave me an unconvincing and pacifying ‘maybe’.

I sent her an email with the movie link and a few questions, but received no reply.

Some day, I hope to get back to Southern California and actually hand the center a stack of homemade brochures which state all of the facts about fluoride, where it comes from, and who actually approved it’s use for human consumption.

Perhaps I could call it: “Fluoride… More Than a Glance.”

If you’d like to know more about fluoride and its effects on your body and mental health functions, click here and watch “The Fluoride Deception”.

Authors note: Most bottled water is bottled from public water sources, which are pre-fluoridated before these water companies ever get their hands on it. The filtration methods these companies use are not sufficient to get this toxin out of the water before it is bottled. Some even add fluoride after filtration for “health reasons”. Spring water is from about as fresh of a source as your toilet bowl – and you thought your dog had bad taste! Most of the bottled water brands were created or bought by big corporations, and labeled in a way to fool you into thinking they are independent companies. Many have been sued and lost, forcing them to label the true water source. Some end up in discount stores or the dollar stores and are there for a reason… buy these at your peril. Don’t be a sheep. Read the labels. Look at the source. Buy responsibly.
The following is a list of some of the more popular bottled water brands, and the mega-corporations who produce them:

Arrowhead – The Nestle’ Corporation

Poland Spring – The Nestle’ Corporation
Perrier - The Nestlé Corporation.

San Pellegrino (Perrier’s competitor) – The Nestle’ Corporation

Calistoga – The Nestle’ Corporation

Crystal Gyser – The Nestle’ Corporation

Ice Mountain – The Nestle’ Corporation

Zephyr Hills – The Nestle’ Corporation

Ozarka – The Nestle’ Corporation

Pure Life/Pureza Vital – The Nestle’ Corporation

Deer Park – The Nestle’ Corporation

Aquapod - The Nestle’ Corporation

Nestle’ Brand – The Nestle’ Corporation

Dasani – The Coca-cola Company

Glacéau – The Coca-cola Company
Vitamin Water – The Coca-cola Company
Smart Water – The Coca-cola Company

Oasis – The Coca-cola Company

Ciel – The Coca-Cola Company

Aquafina – The PepsiCo Corporation

Propel – The PepsiCo Corporation
Evian (Naïve) – The Danone Group – a large French multinational company.

Volvic – The Danone Group

Fiji – Stewart and Lynda Resnick aquired Fiji in 2004, pumping the “green” angle.

Ethos – Bought by Starbuck’s Coffee Corporation in 2005
.
.

… So which one do you drink, my little sheep?

Are you feeling suckered yet… a victim of clever advertising perhaps?

.

Clint Richardson (realitybloger.wordpress.com)
September 28, 2009

Eulogizing a Cat

I was looking at my Flickr account when I came across Frank.  He was my cat for 13 years.  Frank was named after ‘old blue eyes’ himself, Frank Sinatra.   He was a crazy kitten that turned into a beautiful and funny cat.  I had to put him down a few years ago because of health problems.  When I did, Mr. Incredible was really bummed. Frank was our first cat together.  We brought him home just a few weeks after we were married.  Saying goodbye to him was like closing a chapter in our lives. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Of course we have four children now but Frank was such a part of our lives living on a military base.  We coined the phrase “cat baker” for an extremely hot Savannah day.  We accidently left Frank on the balcony for a few hours during an awful hot/humid day.  He survived and all, don’t worry.  But he was hysterical by the time we came home.  Frank was endlessly entertaining with a flashlight, running in circles and cat barking.  If there was a piece of paper or box in sight- no matter how small- Frank would cram himself  into it(and he was a cat of great stature).  Every now and then I find pictures of my beautiful kitty.  I took so many of  him, too.  Just thought I’d share.

Most parents won’t have kids get H1N1 flu shots

Melissa Healy
The Los Angeles Times
September 26, 2009

• A d v e r t i s e m e n t

Germ-spreading schoolchildren are expected to be the focus of a massive U.S. vaccination campaign against the novel H1N1 flu.

But if their parents are hearing the rallying cry to have their kids vaccinated, they’re not buying it, says a new national survey.

In a poll of 1,678 U.S. parents conducted by the University of Michigan’s C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital, 40% said they would get their children immunized against the H1N1 virus — even as 54% indicated they would get their kids vaccinated against regular seasonal flu.

Among those who said they do not intend to have their kids vaccinated against H1N1, almost half — 46% — indicated they’re not worried about their children becoming ill with the pandemic virus. Twenty percent said they do not believe the H1N1 flu is a serious disease.

Read entire article

URL to article: http://www.infowars.com/most-parents-wont-have-kids-get-h1n1-flu-shots/

Miss Hannah is Three!

This is one of those times I’d like to go back and post images from photographing Miss Hannah at 2 months, 1 year and 2 years!  But instead, I want to feature the gorgeous images from this evening!  I love the relationship I have with this precious family and I continue to be humbled that they would drive all the way from Midland to allow me the honor of photographing them!

secret powers & subversive activities

Keri Smith’s blog is always an inspiring place to drop by, which inspired me to buy some of her books. Promoting her new “This is Not a Book” book she posted these illustrations on the penguingroup blog:

-

She sums up very well what sadly, is many children’s experience. It certainly reflects to a large extent what my son had to go through. I might use this in some teacher training course!

Interestingly the Austrian Minsitry of Education has recently issued an edict demanding “holistic-creative learning culture in schools” outlining how  creativity should be a guiding principle for learning across the curriculum. This is great in principle, yes, but it beats me how educational authorities think creativity can be ordered on demand. As if a whole national school system developed over centuries, designed to stifle creativity will change with the issue of a five page statement. It will take some substantial backing in the form of funding, appropriate teacher training, dedicated and supportive groups of people in key positions, well planned long term strategies, the freedom to take risks and  lots of patience to see some real change. Otherwise it will just remain one more edict which teachers, in reality, are free to ignore.

Which leads to Keri Smiths second drawing in her post on “how I discovered my secret powers: Plot to infiltrate the system.” I think hers is a very good plan – I could do with some more superpowers though

This reminds me of  Teaching as a Subversive Activity by Neil Postman and Charles Weingartner, first published in 1971. While the book sometimes is polemical and sketchy and has to be understood within the context of its time,  it is still an interesting and thought provoking read. It was also published in German, but is now out of print.

Baby "C"

After shooting Cheri and Ryan’s wedding last year, I was very honored and excited to photograph their newborn son’s portraits earlier this month.  I can’t tell you how cool it is to photograph a couple on their wedding day (and sometimes earlier!), then be there as they welcome children of their own.  What a beautiful family.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Newborns are like cats.  They can sleep anywhere and look comfy.  =-)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The model is very tired.

 

 

Name changed to protect the innocent.  =-)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Three-Legged Stool

Some days I feel like I need to go to a support group for working moms (Hi, my name is Crystal and I’m a working Mom).  I know I’m not the only one, but when you’re going through one of those really busy seasons, it can feel like you are.  And that was me for the last couple of months.  Summer activities.  Getting the kids ready to go back to school.  And then school starts and whoa, the paperwork, the meetings, the open house, join this group, sign up for that club. (deep breath) And the last two months also happened to be a very busy time at work. 

But I’m through the mad rush of activities.  We’ve settled into the school routine.  Things have somewhat calmed down at work and I’m feeling like I can breathe again.   While looking back over this busy season, I started to think about what helped me get through it.  Or better yet, who helped me through it – my wonderful support system.  As I was thinking about my support system, I was reminded of a three-legged stool and the three legs that partner with me to keep this train running include:

Quality schools and childcare- I am very pleased with the preschool and elementary schools that my children attend.  Not only are they surrounded by great teachers and support staff, but both schools also offer solid before- and after-school programs for those days when we need it.  We also have the benefit of having extended family nearby who can pitch in at a moment’s notice.

Flexible work Environment – I’m fortunate to work for a company that allows me to have some flexibility with my schedule.  I’m able to eat lunch with my children every now and then, chaperone field trips, and attend day-time school activities without feeling the pressure of having to be in the office at all times.  I also have access to email and files and can really get just about anything done remotely. 

The best husband in the world – And I’m not saying that because he reads this blog.  He really is the best.  We work together to make our household run as smoothly as possible and he has no problem taking on a little more when I have to spend a little extra time at work.  And I do the same for him.  It may not always run smoothly, but we get it done! 

Being a working mom is a choice I made.  I do not look for work-life balance.  I don’t think balance exists.  I just try to take one day at a time and do the best that I can.  And I remember to thank my support system often!   I couldn’t do it without them.

What support systems do you have in place to help get you through?

image courtesy mitchroberson

Dear Reader,

I have been feeling sort of at odds with myself lately, for a couple of reasons.  The first being my continued dismay over the direction our country is going and how our newly elected President has been  key contributor to the devastating downward spiral that it is headed in.  I find that I cannot find anything that he has done to be remotely worthy of praise.  In fact, it seems that he does everything in his power to promote, and forgive my direness, evil.  I would really love to write something uplifting about what is going on in politics.  But I am left with an empty basket to pick from daily.

Now, why am I at odds with myself?  Because, as a Christian, I feel that I should support our leaders.  But how can I support them, when everything that our majority leaders believe in goes contrary to my Christian belief.  I cannot do it.  I won’t do it.  I refuse to do it.

I have been accused of hating President Obama, not true, I pray for him everynight.  I pray that he will be safe and that his family will be kept safe.  Because I have heard a lot of whacky people saying whacky things about him.  I may not like him, but I do not wish him harmed.  But… I also pray that his eyes would be opened to what is going on around him and that he remember the Bible says in Proverbs 29:12 (NIV):  “If a ruler listens to lies, all his officials become wicked.” and that he would not surround himself with these sorts of people…however, that is all he seems to do.  In fact, he seems to have distanced himself from church altogether since the Jeremiah Wright fiasco.  What has it been, nine months since he has been in office and he has yet to find a church?  Not that the “church” makes the man, but it helps to keep him accountable.

I have been accused of being a racist.  That isn’t true either.  I find it funny that people want to toss that adjective out at anyone who disagrees with or dislikes our President.  Why, just because he is black I am suppose to not like him?  No, I can’t say I know him well enough to know whether I like him or not.  What I do know is that I don’t like his policies.  I don’t agree with his nod toward abortion.  I don’t agree with ObamaCare.  I don’t agree with his negative attitudes on school vouchers.  I don’t agree with his concept of where America should stand with Israel.  We should have her back covered.  I don’t agree with his subservient attitude to the countries in the Middle East, case in point, Saudi Arabia and Iran.  I don’t agree with cutting our military spending or nuclear missles.  I don’t agree with him that the Muslim culture cultivates a just attitude towards the United States.  Need he be reminded that they think we are all infidels and to kill an infidel is an honor?  I am not a racist, I am a realist.  If something doesn’t look right, black or white, red or yellow, I am going to say so. 

So, I have decided, through a lot of prayer and self-reflection that it is okay to voice my opinion when it appears that the direction our country is going to far from the direction our founding fathers many years ago set in writing, our Declaration of Independence, for it to go.  So, call me what you will.  I have thick skin and I plan on telling it like it is.  I hope your skin is thick enough to read it.

til later,

from the mind of…

1 Corinthians 13 for Moms

The Bible tells us to be doers of the word, not just hearers (James 1:22). This means that we should be constantly thinking of how to apply God’s unchanging word to our ever-changing lives and situations. A great example of this is Kristie Braselton’s recent post applying 1 Corinthians 13 (the love chapter) to motherhood.

If I have obedient, well-behaved children and everyone tells us what good parents we are, but we have not love, it is emptiness and means nothing.

If I get everywhere on time and no children bother me while I’m checking my email, and if I have a clean house and serve great meals and get lots and lots done in a day, but I do not love my kids, then none of it matters, and I am nothing.

If I have a vast ministry that impacts many and I accomplish great things in my lifetime, but I did not love my children, then I missed my first importance and I gain nothing.

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not wish its kids were like someone else’s when they are embarrassing or take credit for how wonderful they are when they are charming and sweet. It is not condescending and it is courteous, even to small children who won’t call you out on it. It does not hold the schedule or the to do list above the people they were meant to serve. It does not walk around like a grumpy martyr for all the things it has to give up for these people. It does not discipline in anger or feel a sense of retribution for itself, but rejoices when the truth is expounded to its children and God is honored and revered. Love holds up under the constant pestering, it gives its children the benefit of the doubt, it hopes great things for them and works to that end, and it withstands every offense. In every moment choose to love, and it will never let you down.

When We Know Better, We Do Better, Right?

by Danielle Koprowski
 
When we come into a different level of consciousness about our parenting many of us see all the ways in which we would like to be different as parents. Often times we know better. We know we do not want to yell, to be snippy, controlling or punitive yet we find ourselves doing these things anyway.

Many parents wonder why it is that now that they know better, they don’t always do better.

What if one day you learned that it was far superior to brush your teeth with your non-dominate hand. You decide to brush your teeth with your non-dominate hand for the rest of your life. How do you think you would do? Would it feel awkward? How long would it take you to be as good at brushing as you are with your other hand? How many times would you go into the bathroom, grab the brush with your dominate hand and start brushing? After the first month would you forget and go back to the dominate hand?

What we learned about parenting we learned from our parents 20, 30 years ago and it is the hard wired in our brain much like brushing our teeth with our dominate hand. I am sure with time, practice and commitment you could learn to brush your teeth with your other hand. In the process, would you question yourself about why it is so challenging? Would you judge yourself when you used the “wrong” hand?

Being the parents we aspire to be is no different. It takes time, practice and commitment. Have compassion for yourself, understand that even when we know better we are still just learning and practicing a new way.

This week, ask yourself, “Why do I have compassion for myself as a parent?”
 

Danielle Koprowski
Free To Be Parenting Support
ACPI Certified Coach for Parents and Families
www.freetobeparenting.com

The Fun Never Stops!

What a time I had keeping up with Natalie!  Such a smart and precious little lady she’s always ready for something new.  Dad helped alot by being fun guy, boy did she love that!  It’s funny to see children crack up at the silliest things!

Sweet Lucas just being a little over a week old was so alert and such a quiet laid back baby.  Just adorable!  Another fun time with the little ones.

Vine Branches

I think every parent has had that horrible moment in a store when you look down for one second and when you look up your child is gone. Last year I was in Target with Mary and TJ and they were happily looking at some costume jewelry so I walked one foot away around and end cap. I could still hear them. When I walked back around less than a minute later I realized that it was only TJ that I had heard. I called for Mary expecting her to be around the next aisle. When she wasn’t I started to get concerned and ran to the main aisle calling her name. At that point I saw a tear stained Mary being led toward me from quite far away by a nice looking lady. In the few seconds that I had been out of sight she had looked up and panicked when she couldn’t see me. The first thing that she thought of to do was to run to try and find me. She told me that she was afraid that I had left her.

When she had calmed down we had a talk. I told her that I had been close enough to touch when she couldn’t see me. I said, “If you ever can’t see me and you are scared just freeze and call  ’Mama!’ I will always be close enough to hear you because I will never walk away and leave you alone. Never run away when you are scared because you will always be running farther away from me.”

We have actually practiced that and now Mary is good about freezing and calling , “Mama!” if she can’t see me.

When I think about my images of God changing and growing I don’t think only of the picture I have in my head. It is not difficult to realize that of course God is not the old man with the beard or a blond Jesus in a toga. What is harder to change is the direction in which I look for God. I am used to considering God as someone who must be sought. Like Mary I sometimes panic thinking that because I can’t see God that God is absent or I have been abandoned. I have trouble getting used to a God to says. “I am always here. Just call. I am never far away.”

The most radical image comes from Jesus who said that he is the vine and we are the branches – am image of unity with God that seems to reach too far. It says that the direction of my prayers must change – from those of a child who calls and runs in fear – to those of one who grows in silence and looks to her deepest self to find the unity with the Eternal Vine.

Seeing is believing…and I am a believer

By Kelly Demo, CFCA preacher

I have preached on behalf of CFCA for more than a year and a half now. I knew how CFCA worked and how it changed lives and transformed entire communities. I got it.

Or, at least, I thought I did until I went on a mission awareness trip to El Salvador. Only then did I truly understand the goodness, the Godliness of what is happening in our projects. I offer two examples.

On the first full day in El Salvador, our little band of travelers was taken to a small area in Santa Ana. CFCA has had a strong presence there for many years now. We were warmly welcomed by the sponsored children and their families and introduced to leaders who have risen up from the community to take on planning and visioning responsibilities. The atmosphere was one of excitement and pride. The mothers group was eager to show the skirts, purses and towels they were learning to sew. We were told about the community sewing co-op that is starting up, and children came forward to present each of us with a bag that had been sewn by the mothers.

I looked at the parents and children and saw a community of hope that was looking to the future and knowing that, while things may not be easy, there were others who were walking the journey with them.

Cut to scene two. CFCA has just entered into a relationship with the people of Chilcuyo, a town about an hour outside Santa Ana. We were the first group of sponsors to visit, and there were no sponsored children (yet!). We were again greeted by the beautiful children of the town, but there was anxiety underlying the excitement. They did not know what to expect. They had never received a group from CFCA, but more than that, there was a palpable anxiety to life in this town. There was fear. Fear of crime, of hunger, of isolation, and of the future.

When I compared these two towns, I saw clearly how CFCA is making an impact on entire communities, by impacting one person at a time. As each person develops, so develops the town, the area, the country and, in time, the world.

Poison is What Comes Out of Your Mouth

One thing parents hold in universal contempt is public swearing within earshot of children–especially young ones. So how lucky was I this past Saturday to be subject to not one but two such episodes?

The first was just a bizarre episode near downtown Ann Arbor. Driving north on Division Street (a one way street), several groups of pedestrians were crossing east-west across the traffic, even though the flowing traffic had the green light. This itself wouldn’t surprise any Ann Arbor resident. What was strange was a group of three young women, apparently college age, stepping into the traffic, and then deciding to walk in the street in the direction of the traffic,
in my lane, i.e., not moving to cross the street. I slowed down to a crawl behind them, waiting to see what they would do. They were oblivious. I honked the horn, and two of them jitter-jumped to the left. (The third one must have been so stoned to have not even twitched.) As I moved to pass, I expressed my frustration: “[I have a] green light, ladies!” To which I was met with an easily understood “A**hole.” My three daughters were in the car with me.

Later that evening, we were in downtown Brighton for dinner. Near the river walk, there is an awesome playground structure, with a pavilion and public restroom adjacent. Two of my daughters were in the restroom while I waited outside with the third. The place was overrun with high-schoolers hanging out with nothing better to do. Obviously bored, this was the best that was going on in Brighton that night. Oblivious to my young daughter standing with me, a teenage girl shouted out the same epithet noted above in conversation with her friend. She then suddenly noticed my daughter and me. A momentary stunned look was quickly followed by an insincere “Sor-ry!” As if. I said nothing but stared icily at her and her friend for about 30 seconds. She couldn’t help but notice my stare.

Not long ago I had a discussion with my two oldest about swearing. Try having a conversation about swearing without actually swearing–go on, it can be done! Among the several things we discussed was how swearing reflects on the person spewing such poison out of his mouth. If my children must be subjected to public swearing by such uncivil persons, and they have no reaction, and they have the presence to not follow up with me about the matter, I can only hope they are forming the proper (and welcome) opinions about the offending boors.

Social networking for expatriates

There’s an interesting thread that has really taken off this month on a new site for expatriates called Inter Nations.  It’s a social networking site, a bit more formal than Facebook, but not as business focussed as LinkedIn. 

I’ve no doubt that when Global Coach Margarita Gokun Silver started the thread, asking about the most common issues faced by expats, she expected maybe half a dozen replies at best.  To date the thread has over 60 responses and almost 1,000 views!  It’s a fascinating window into the expat experience with contributions from people all over the world.  Some are career expats, some are immigrants, some are TCK’s.  If you read through the comments there’s bound to be something that will resonate with you.  Here’s a taste . . .

There are some really interesting comments here, particularly about TC-kids. I’m British, met my Greek husband in Germany and we are now bringing up our children in Greece. They were born in Germany, but are clearly foreigners there. They have never lived in the UK, but feel a definite affinity to the language and culture. They love living in Greece – but do not expect to work here as the culture is still foreign to them – after 3 years. I always thought they were quite privileged having such a background – but sometimes I wonder whether they will ever have a real “home”.

How about expats being expected to answer for the decisions of their home governments?

Well I am not moving from one country to another on the regular basis but have moved once from Russia to Canada and must say that I overestimated my abilities to adapt when I was making the decision to move. It has been over half a year and I still feel the tense being involved in those little conversations you have to keep with cashiers at stores.. LoL

In order to access the site you need an invitation to join, so if you’ re interested, please contact me through Twitter or my About me page.  I’ll need your full name and email address in order to issue you an invitation through the website.

Imparting Art

I am a huge proponent of teaching children art and art appreciation. I believe children should not only experiment with art in its various forms, but also be reared in art museums and galleries from a young age. I’ve always believed art helps people grow intellectually and be more attuned to their creativity and intuition. At least that’s what art has given me.

Since I let my daughters delve into art each day, I was thrilled to receive a box of soy crayons from Clementine Art. I have never purchased soy candles before; I’m pretty much a Crayola mom. But I must say I was thoroughly impressed by the quality of the Clementine Art soy crayons and am even more impressed by how safe they are for children.

Before I even gave the crayons to my daughters I had to test them out for myself. For some reason I thought they would feel soft like pastels and be just as messy. But I was completely and utterly mistaken. Behold: the evidence:

It’s funny because I’ve known for quite a while that soy crayons existed, but I didn’t know what their quality was, so I’ve simply stuck with Crayola all my life, but it’s clearly time for a change. Not only are the crayons safe and non-toxic, Clementine Art also believes in being great stewards of our planet by using recyclable boxes that are made with wind energy. In fact, they say they use recyclable, reusable, and earth-friendly materials whenever possible. I love that more than the amount of years I’ve used conventional crayons and art supplies.

In addition to the soy candles Clementine Art carries a wide range of non-toxic art supplies including natural clay, markers, paint, and glue.

On the Net: www.clementineart.com

Saturday, the 19th of September

Our Saturday was busy and enjoyable.

We didn’t plan to attend Gogolfest intentionally. It was on our way from the state office where Konstantin got his passport for international trips to the bus stop, from where we would go to his nephew Vadik.

So, what is Gogolfest? Gogolfest is the art festival that gathers the best of the world art in Ukraine. Music, theater perfomances, art gallery, historic artefacts are presented there. Why it has such a strange name? Gogol – is surname of the famous Ukrainian/Russian writer who was known as an excentric man. ~fest – is for festival.

Sculptures in the yard

 Sculptures above are the first what you see when you enter. They are located in the yard of Gogolfest place.

My impression of the interior – “I love it!” It was something unfinished, something that can be broken in every minute, ruins in some parts! If only it had more lovely content!

Really! When I saw that (see photo below) I relized that I didn’t suppose to love modern art.

Modern art gallery

Naked bodies (of women of course, man’s body is not considered as art %/) were dominant on pictures, sculptures. If only they was beautiful! You see, I consider classic adoration to naked beauty is only natural. But I do not love when it becomes vulgar. Or another sample of art were “dead” bodies, presentation of torture … We were in a hurry to leave that modern art gallery.

Another part of exibition was about historic Ukrainian artefacts. Indeed, for me it was much more interesting! First, interior was different. It was light, straw was lying near entrance and consequently smelling.

Gallery

Second, exibit item was more convenient to me.

Artefacts

Third, video projection was presented there! and I liked it the most! unfortunately we didn’t took video-camera with us but we took a picture of video

Video projection

And that was really beautiful!

Then we spent some quality time with Konstantin’s nephew Vadik. He was sick a little but wanted so much to play on the blown slide!

VadikSlidingWe had really much fun!!! And we all regreted that we were not kids and weren't allowed to slide too!!!"Hi, mommy, uncle and aunty"

After that we bought a tooth paste. Wy would I mention that? Because it was the first time when we bought “Paradontax” and loved an annotation on it “The harbs and mineral salt give Paradontax an unusual taste, but you will quickly get used to it”.  -> “You’ve been warned!’ And taste is really remarkable, and it is so hard to wash it out of the mouth. We spent our evening watching really wonderful film of Japanese director Takeshi Kitano named “Kikujiro”. It is romantic but without love between man and woman, it is dramatic, and it has such an interesting humor I didn’t know before The film is about boy who was looking for his mother and a man who sometimes “helped” hime and sometimes really helped. We watched it in Japanese with English subtitles, I think that the original language is very important to perceive it correctly.

Kikujiro

And how’s your Saturday, Sunday … ?

Arrrr.

A happy International Talk Like A Pirate Day to all o’ ye, me hearties.

The digital painting process for a surprisingly realistic cartoon. (Old-school Disney be good for that, aye.)

There’s enough for-rent storage space in the US that every citizen could simultaneously stand in it.

A brief history of Baghdad, in the form of the history of one house.

Conditional love be bad for the wee ones, yarrgh.

A Doctor Who radio adventure, featurin’ the debut o’ the bonny lass Lucie Miller.

Arrr president be in the form o’ sushi. Delicious!

Speakin’ o’ the Cap’n in Chief, it looks like he be friendly with the likes o’ pirates. Flying Spaghetti Monsterists, rejoice!

The Renaming

Evan: I think I want to name Sean.

Me: What?

Evan: I want to name Sean.

Me: He already has a name.  It’s Sean.

Evan: He needs a new name.  I’m going to call him Falleif.

Me: What?  No.

Evan: Falleif!  Let’s play cars.

Me: We’re not naming your brother Falleif.

Evan: Falleif, do you want juice?

Me: Sean, do you want juice.

Sean: Please juice!

Me: See.  He’s name is Sean.

Evan: I’m still going to call him Falleif.

Not Unto Us

On Sunday morning, our school kids will be singing a couple stanzas of Kurt Eggert’s hymn, “Not Unto Us” (CW 392). Our kids have been practicing it both at school and at home. This evening while the kids were singing I managed to record a little bit. Consider it a preview. This is Hannah (6), Andrew (5), and Lydia (3). Lydia isn’t really in school, but she always learns the songs that the big kids learn from school (Go here for another example).

O faithful love—that shepherded through faithless years;

Forgiving love—that led us to your truth.;

Unyielding love—that would not let us turn from you

But sent us forth to speak pardon and peace.

Are schools being too protective?

Now I know all about the school shootings over the years. And don’t think for a moment that I am discrediting them. However I think that schools are going to far in their goal to “protect our children”.

My daughter started high school this year. No she is not really a high school student but we live in a small town and there are not enough students to have a middle school. In the first few months of school I have been amazed at the rules that are in place “for the safety of the students.”

1. Shirts must be tucked in. In my opinion this is going to far. Now I get the principals point about carrying stuff in their waist bands. But when we think about the self esteem of our children this is one thing that can hurt that big time. One of my daughter’s friends is a little bigger than most girls her age and she is not comfortable with tucking her shirt in. Some clothing is not made to be tucked in. Kids today want to wear the styles. And some clothing is not stylish if it is tucked in.

2. No Backpacks in school. Now I remember when I was in high school and we had to change classes and we didn’t always have the ease of going to our locker between each class. Heck my 10th grade year my locker was on the “sophomore” hall and most of my classes were on the “Senior” hall. Heck I never made it back to my locker most of the time. My daughter has a middle locker and she has someone above and below her. She has 4 minutes to go to her lock, bathroom and get to class. I depended on my backpack to carry my books for me. To really top it off she has to walk to and from school. They do allow her to carry a backpack before and after school put she has to put it in her locker during the day.

3. No pants/shorts can have a waist located below the hips. I love this one and I complete support it. I can’t stand when these stupid boys wear their britches down around their knees. Come on guys.

4. No stomach showing. Another one that I love.

Now I agree with a lot of the dress code. But I think that ultimately if I am OK with what my kid is wearing than it should be allowed. Now I do know that most of the parents out there don’t give a rats ass what their kids wear. These parents need to be shot. I think that protecting our children the most important thing.

I strongly believe that if we had adults that cared about our children and stayed involved in their lives, both parents and school teachers, our kids would be in less trouble.

My parents were very involved and let me tell you I got in trouble but I was never arrested, never killed or hurt anyone. I knew I could go to my parents and they were there to help me. I did not do drugs in school or have sex. I did not get pregnant. This is all true. I was a virgin until I was 18.

I thank my parents for being so involved and I am very involved in my own kids lives.

Love Kisses and Prayers

Tasting and Seeing that the Lord is Good: Experiencing the Faithfulness of God in Kingdom Families

Here’s a great testimony about how God is truly working in the hearts of minds of men and women to bring about his plan for kingdom families. Below is an excerpt fromt the article posted on the Start Your Family blog:

“Since God softened our hearts in this area, there have been times of fear and doubting. Did we make the right decision? Is everything going to turn out OK? In response to these anxieties, God has proven to be the God of Psalm 94:18-19: “When I thought, ‘My foot slips,’ your steadfast love, O Lord, held me up. When the cares of my heart are many, your consolations cheer my soul.”

What have God’s consolations been for us? He provided me a job the day after we got back from our honeymoon, which has allowed us to build up our savings account. He has us in a church that values family and children. He recently gave my husband a new, better-paying job that will allow me to stay home with our little one.

I don’t know how many children God will ultimately give us, but whatever His plan, we are truly “tasting and seeing that the Lord is good” in allowing us to start our family when He did.”

What a truth, that God does not give gifts apart from the grace to care for them! What a comfort to know that we have a heavenly Father that cares for us and any children that he entrusts to our care! The lillies of the field don’t have nothing on the children of the King…

‘BH

Lunch Box Memories – Wanna Trade?

Kristin with Her Favorite Lunchboxes

Back to school…a time of pain (who wants to leave those lazy unscheduled days of summer!)  And a time of joy…the excitement of seeing friends, agonizing over the ‘first day of school outfit’, and the very exciting Back to School shopping trip! 

In my family, that Back to School shopping extravaganza never amounted to much since I was plagued with a mother who hated to shop, whereas I was one of the only ones in my family that lived to shop (I take after my dad I guess!).  Each year my mom would surrender to our “special day” of school shopping, making sure we hit the stores early and had a check list so there was no dilly-dallying.

Wade Going Back to Preschool

I was always front and center, with list in hand, and at the top of my list every year was the all-important NEW LUNCH BOX!  Of course every year there was the ‘must have’ lunch box…depending on the year it might be The Avengers (Marvel), My Little Ponies (Hasbro) and the ultimate – New Kids On the Block (I LOVED Jordan!)  As the years passed these ‘fashionable’ lunch boxes morphed into ‘cooler’ Igloo Lunch Bags and finally the perennial brown paper bag.  I hung on to my favorites though I kept them hidden away so my friends wouldn’t see them when they’d come over to play.

I still have two of my ‘classic’ lunch boxes – The Avengers and My Little Ponies.  During college I even pulled them out and tried to be a trend setter by using them as a hand bag!  During this year’s Back-to-School period the lunchroom conversation turned to lunchbox memories, and I discovered that I am not the only one who held on to their treasured accessory!  Sarah brought in her Candyland lunchbox for our own version of ‘show and tell’ – gathering a gaggle of excited ‘girls’, anxious to revisit their childhood memories. Here are a few of our other staff’s favorites.

Although these characters of yesteryear have been relegated to the category of ‘vintage’ – the children of today are still eagerly looking forward to the first day of school…and proudly displaying that great new LUNCHBOX!  I can’t wait until I can share in this time-honored tradition! 

What was YOUR favorite lunchbox?   Come on…share!

Do not let us say to our children

A study conducted by the British Association of Science has established the children can improve memory and intelligence play video games.

Not all video games, of course, but particularly those designated as training to train the brain and not playing something like eighteen hours a day, of course, but half an hour a day,but nine out of ten children or men undergoing an experimental program of this type by Dr. Tracy Alloway, co-author of the research have made “substantial progress” from the point of view and from that of mnemonic IQ.

The researcher is convinced that even play Sudoku, do jigsaw puzzles and even spend time on social networking site Facebook will help the memory and the ability intellittive. All this I read about the London newspaper Daily Telegraph.If they understand our children, who distracts them from most computer and Playstation? Fortunately, they do not read newspapers. Are too busy playing video games.

Football

My stepson had his first football game last night. It was a scrimmage by still very exciting. He made the starting “Monster” linebacker position. He really did good, he was in on a number of tackles and recovered two fumbles.  After the game he was really pumped… we spoke to the coach who gave us a few pointers on improvements and thoughts on workouts. We are going to start the workouts tonight if we have the time, I think we will.

Next week is the first real game. I’ll have my camera to take action shots to share with family.

Conscious Beings

I’ve been having some really crazy ideas for a future story entitled Conscious Beings.  Let me share.  I want to create something that’s never really been done before.  Not that I know of at least.  Ideas of consciousness, becoming aware, questioning my thoughts, beliefs, questioning others beliefs, studying consciousness, trying the belief system that I am consciousness itself have all been apart of my recent daily happenings.  I feel so different these days.  This past week my heart was hurting so much, but in a really good way.  Back to my ideas…

I want to create something auditory, visual, written, all into one cohesive piece.  In a sense, think of it as using your imagination as if you were a child again.  The audio will be something of the nature of a meditation, self-help podcast.  But I also want to integrate really awesome music.  So it’s like you’re watching a movie with your eyes closed.  So, you know how when you watch a movie and close your eyes for a second your hearing sense is heightened?  That’s essentially what I want to do with this part.  You are in a deeply relaxed mood.  Where you can explore your imagination filtered through the story, much like when you listen to a piece of music.  The audio isn’t necessarily meant to raise your consciousness or anything.  I don’t have the power to do that auditorily (although I wish I did).  I would say the actual story is meant to do that.  Or the story is sort of about that.  Being a conscious being.  Identifying with consciousness itself not your mind or your body.  If you want to learn more about this, just read steve pavlina or study Buddha.  So the audio will be in the vein of a self-help tape mixed with song to inflict emotional manipulation.  Don’t worry, it’s a good thing.  My friend ben told me all good songs are emotionally manipulating.  I agree with him.  Look at any piece of art, in any medium, and the ones you love are the ones that strike a chord with you.

The written will be the story more or less.  I don’t know exactly how I’ll do this but I have some ideas.  One idea is to simply write the story as I see it.  Not sure if it’ll be in a children’s book format which would be kind of cool actually, or more novel-y.  So when you read and listen it inflicts even more emotion out of you.  Not sure how this will work with timing and everything.  Maybe I could just write the audio.  So it’s like a book on tape.  That actually sounds like a good idea to me.  The drawings will be however I envision the story to be played out.  It’s more of like a guideline to let you see how I view things.

Anyways, I’m excited about these ideas because it sounds like something new.

{Sweet Cate}

The other day my sister and I went up to my new studio (yes I am working on getting pictures up asap!) with her two kiddos so I could practice on some of the props I have and see how things would look. Well, Cate highly disagreed with what we had planned, and she decided that she would NOT be sitting still or cooperating at all inside the studio, therefore… we had to take it outside where she would run and play & follow her big brother around.

Although we didn’t shoot quite where we had planned…only my sweet niece Cate could make us laugh & allow me to capture some adorable images of her playing outside the studio building. Enjoy the little love of my life Cate!

Happy Monday!!

The Midwest Connection

A four-day road trip is more tiring than I remembered, but we made it in one piece. Our accomodations are comfortable, weather considerably cooler than AZ and family is nearby.

I will be working with my publisher and publicity group to get out the word that my book, A Child’s Grief Surviving the Death of a Parent, is coming soon! Comforting others through loss and adversity is difficult and sad. With some knowledge and inormation, we can ease the pain of healing, and help those in mourning toward new life.

Plans are in the making for visits and outings with family while we’re here. Grandchildren manage to grow even while we’re away, and time spent together enriches all around. There’s much to see and do in the Twin Cities, indoors and out. Lakes, parks, science museums, art galleries, and big back yards for sitting and playing.

Leaves are starting to turn-something I’ve missed since moving to AZ. Have a great fall season wherever you are.

Please check out my website, www.judystrong.com for news about my book and other ideas for Living By Design.

Judy

A DIVORCE STORY - MAN WOMAN and CHILD

MAN WOMAN and CHILD

[Fiction Short Story]

by

VIKRAM KARVE

“She can take the flat, but I want custody of my son,” the man says emphatically to the marriage counselor in the family court.

“No way,” shouts the woman, “he can keep his flat, his money, everything. I don’t want anything from him. I just want my son.”

The marriage counselor looks at the eight-year-old boy and asks him lovingly, “Dear boy, tell me, what do you want?”

“I want both of them,” the boy says.

“Both of them?” the counselor asks looking a bit puzzled.

“Yes,” the boy says emphatically, “I want both my mummy and my daddy.”

“I think you both should give it a last try, at least for your child’s sake,” the counselor says to the man and the woman.

“No. I’ve had enough. It’s over. We can’t stay with this man!” the woman says.

“We?” the man asks incredulously, “What do you mean ‘we’…Well you are most welcome to go wherever you want, but my son is staying with me. I am his father!”

“And I am his mother!” the woman pleads anxiously to the man, “Listen, I don’t want anything from you – maintenance, alimony, nothing! Just give me my son. I can’t live without him!”

“He’s my son too. I love him and I can’t live without him too!” the man says.

“See,” the counselor appeals to the man and the woman, “You both love your son so much. I still think you should try to reconcile.”

“No. I want out,” the woman says.

“Me too!” the man says.

“Okay, let’s go in,” the counselor says, shrugging her shoulders, “Since you two have agreed on everything else, the judge will probably ask you the same things I asked you, he will talk to the child, and then, considering the child’s age, let him stay with his mother and grant the father visiting rights.”

“This whole system is biased in favor of women! I can look after my son much better than her,” the man says angrily.

“My foot!” the woman says, “You’ll ruin his life. It is better he remains away from your influence!”

“Please don’t fight inside,” the counselor advises, “You want an amicable mutual consent separation, isn’t it?”

And so, the man and the woman separate, a step towards the death of their relationship.

Since their son is a small boy he goes with his mother.

After the six month long separation period is over, the man and woman assemble in the family court for their divorce.

“I want to tell you something,” the woman says to the man.

“What?” the man asks.

“Well I don’t know how to tell you this, but I’ve been seeing someone.”

“And you want to get married to him?”

“Yes.”

“That’s great. Go ahead. Good Luck to you!” the man says, “and who is the lucky guy?”

“Oh yes, he is indeed a lucky guy – He’s a childhood friend. Now he lives in the States and is here on a vacation.”

“So you’re off to the States?”

“Yes. Once all this divorce business is through.”

“Good for you.”

“It’s about our son…” the woman says awkwardly.

“What?” the man asks suspiciously.

“I want to leave him with you. As a gesture of goodwill, let’s say as a parting gift.”

“Goodwill? Parting Gift?” the man asks dumbfounded.

“We thought we should begin life afresh, without the baggage of the past.”

“You call our son the baggage of the past? How dare you? He is your son!” the man says angrily.

“And he is your son too!” the woman says, “He needs a father, especially now.”

“You’ve told the boy?”

“No,” the woman answers.

The man says nothing.

There is silence.

And then the man hesitantly says to the woman, “A friend of mine has just moved in with me. Actually she’s more than a friend. She’s going to live in with me for some time, to get to know each other better, and then we’ll decide. I don’t think it’s the right time for the boy to stay with me. I think you better keep our son with you – as goodwill, a parting gift, from me!”

Strange are the ways of life.

First the parents fought bitterly for his custody and now no one, not his mother nor his father, wants to keep him any longer.

And so the man and the woman each find their new life-partners and live “happily ever after” and their darling son is packed off to boarding school.

Sad, isn’t it, when children become hapless innocent victims of broken marriages.

MAN WOMAN and CHILD

[Fiction Short Story]

By

VIKRAM KARVE

Copyright © Vikram Karve 2009

Vikram Karve has asserted his right under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 to be identified as the author of this work.

http://vikramkarve.sulekha.com

vikramkarve@sify.com

Meltdowns

I hardly classify myself as an expert mother.  I fail with my kids.  Every day.  Bad.

But I have observed something about my kids lately that I wanted to share.  My daughter had been throwing many tantrums as of late over ‘not getting what she wants’.  She is starting to assert (and by ‘assert’, I mean scream) “I don’t WANT to!” several times per day.

What are your thoughts on that?  Because that kind of temper tantrum can bring down even the strongest, most educated of parents.  When my kids start down the familiar path of defiance – I find myself processing the usual emotions:

• Denial – “Are you REALLY throwing a tantrum over this?”
• Anger – “You will NOT talk back to me!”
• Self Pity - “WHY do you always do this to me?”
• Guilt – “I must be the WORST mom ever to make you be like this.”
• Blame – “WHO taught you how to do this?”
• Self Righteousness – “I am the mom!  Just do what I SAY!”
• Depression – “I can’t take this anymore, just do what you want.”
• Rage – “You will do what I say or I am gonna BEAT the crap out of you!”
• Compromise – “Well what about this instead, honey?”
• Passiveness – “I am so sorry sweetie!  What would you like to do?  ANYTHING to keep you happy, darling!”

I also have been known to, once or twice, blame God, himself, for my kid’s behavior.  I would love, more than anything, to make the claim that these are all hypothetical; and that I, myself, have never felt or said any of these things towards my children.  But I shamefully confess that I have.

The million dollar question is not only “How do I, as a mother, stop these patterns in myself?” but also, “How do I put an end to the meltdowns to begin with?”

This morning Vivienne’s dad asked her to wear  a dress to church.  You would have thought he asked her to set herself on fire and at the same time walk across red hot coals.

Share with me your thoughts.  Be honest with how you handle these situations.  How would you like to?  As moms – let’s be here for each other.  Let’s share and work these things out together.

[Via http://nerdsavant.wordpress.com]

I & I Agency ~ Talent Shoot

Had a fun time today shooting for I & I Agency.  Met at Mark A. Jones (Owner of I & I) house and met some amazing people!  Here is a look:

Meghan

Gabe

Victoria

Andrea & Andrianna

Patricia

Meghan

Gabe

Victoria

Andrea & Andrianna

Patricia

Meghan

Gabe

Victoria

Andrea & Andrianna

Patricia

[Via http://livingmomentimages.wordpress.com]

Who the health cares?

I’ve tried to stay out of the political debate on health care over here in the US. No one will be surprised by my position on this one. I’m not going to comment on the Obama speech or even the stupidity of Wilson. No, I won’t. I want to scratch a little bit deeper here. Deep down to a little thing known as personal responsibility…

So you are against universal health care. Or the government option – or whatever the hell you want to call it. Let me get this straight…

You are against government providing health care to those who can’t afford it or those who the private insurance companies deem as too costly to cover. Better to let them die, right?

Look, the current system isn’t working – we can all agree to that. The problem is that your proposal doesn’t address any of the fundamental challenges of the system – covering the poor and those in need. If I lose my job today then I lose my health care coverage as well. Except if I have the money to pay through my neck for it while I don’t have any income. Doesn’t sound right, right?

Let’s agree on one thing before I rant – cut some of the crap being covered by health care. Obesity? Stop eating crap. Obesity isn’t a disease. Cancer is a disease. Way too much shit is covered by health insurance. Plastic surgery? 90% are crap. Only those with facial defects and burn victims should be covered. A new boob job because you want bigger boobs doesn’t count. Whiter teeth? Go British I say. Cut the fat off coverage and only cover stuff that is really pushing people to their death.

Blame the pharmaceutical companies for lobbying for crap to be covered. They create “medicine” that will address these social “diseases” and then lobby the hell out of (mostly) Republicans for these to be covered. Why? Not because they want to address the real health issues but because they want to make a bigger profit from growing some hair over that bold spot of yours or magically make your beer and Mickey D laden fat go away.

While I’m on obesity. Yes, we carry the burden of that in the US and most developed countries. Stop eating crap and start going outside. If you get a heart disease because of your diet? Make sure you have good funeral coverage. I’m sick and tired of people being covered by health insurance for things that they do to themselves. Over and over again.

You shot yourself in the foot with your own gun? That’s stupid so pay up yourself. You want to carry a gun them suffer the consequences…

Back to the point though. So who will care for those who lost their jobs and can’t afford health care insurance? Or those who the insurance companies judge as too risky or too sick to cover? Let me give you an alternative to the government option.

You.

Yes, you. I’m talking to you Mr and Mrs I’m-Against-The-Government-Option. You should be paying for it.

Why? Because you claim to be on the side of America and the Christian right. That’s just stupid. It’s not an answer it’s just empty words of fake patriotism. America and Christianity is about solutions and not just about shooting your mouth off.

You can’t open your mouth without giving some form of solution. The health care system in the US is a failure. No one can argue against that. We all know it and we all accept it. Private industry is not the answer. I would love for them to be the answer but, in this case, they are not. They are generally the best answer when it comes to making cars (huh?) or computers or televisions or other crap we don’t need to survive. Oh they can make the medicine and medical equipment we need better than any government. But they have proven to be a complete failure when it comes to dealing with our actual health coverage. Especially when it comes to the poor and those in need.

So what alternative are you offering here? Some wishy-washy plan that will NOT result in those people being covered? I’m not interested in making your insurance any cheaper. (Or mine for that matter.) I’m interested in how we deal with those in need. Let’s assume for a minute that we won’t go for the government option. Let’s think of a plan that will help those people in need in another way.

And this is where you come in…

You can’t be American (or anything else) without taking some level of responsibility. You can’t open your mouth against something if you aren’t willing to offer up some form of solution. You do this way too often.

You are against abortion. But you are not willing to take in the unwanted kids. Or those born with disabilities. Or those born with alcohol syndrome. Or those born through rape. Or where the mother died because of the birth. I don’t see you rushing forward and claiming these babies. You shout from the side and walk away when someone holds up the results of your actions and stupidity. Here is my advice to you…

Man up or shut up…

I’m sick and tired of us having to pick up after you. I am sick and tired of having to clean your mess. You spew stupidity and we liberals have to live with the mistakes of your actions and empty words. Yes we do – why do you think those who work for charities looking after unwanted babies, HIV/Aids patients, battered women, the environment, animals etc are almost always a bunch a liberals? Because someone has to fix the crap you created. And I am sick and tired of cleaning your mess.

Shut up or pay up.

You are big enough now. Time for you to take responsibility of your own empty words and actions.

You want abortion to be banned? Then fine. You take care of the unwanted babies. The sick babies. The disabled babies. Because remember, you don’t want government to interfere either now…

You want to carry a gun in the open or hidden? The fine. You take care of those kids and innocent people getting shot by their mates by accident. You take care of what your actions resulted in. Remember, you don’t want government to intervene…

You want to stop people suing others because of defects in stuff they bought or doctors who didn’t do their jobs properly? Then fine. You take care of those people who lost their jobs and income when they got injured and hurt. Remember, you don’t want government to interfere…

You want to be able to cut down every forest to dig for oil and coal? You want to be able to dump your crap anywhere you please? Then fine. You take care of the… oh wait. We are all going down on this one. Here’s my solution. We’ll take that gun you like to carry so much and shoot you. I’ll even dig your grave myself. Hell, you are busy digging mine with your policies and actions. That way we can claim our bit of oxygen left as you wasted yours with hot air – in more than one way.

Man up or shut up.

You can’t just spew stupidity without coming up with a workable solution. You can’t be anti everything. Not when what we are trying to fix is all fucked up. You are either part of the solution (any solution) or you are part of the problem. It’s not working stupid. Fix it. And it you don’t like my plan then come up with a better one. Take responsibility for your stupidity.

It’s easier to say what is wrong with a specific part in a proposal than come up with a workable solution yourself. But it doesn’t solve the big problem standing like an elephant in the corner waiting to walk all over all of us. Someone is going to get hurt and I will be damned if it is me and my kind again.

Let me put it this way.

If we had to write into law the current state of health care. Guess what. We will all be against it – you and me. The current system doesn’t work and what is proposed by the Big O is better. Not perfect but at least better. And if you don’t like it? Then either come up with a better plan or take responsibility of your own position and stupidity.

Man up or shut up. Own up or pay up.

Until then – grow a pair of balls and stop shouting from the sidelines. 

…

And one more thing…

This Christian thing you claim to have going on your side…

God stood for very few basic things. Actually, it all comes down to a single concept – love for all (remember that bit? You should love others like you love yourself and as much as what you love God blah-blah-blah…) Dammit you must hate yourself a lot if that part is true. And I believe it is true.

Because if you did love your neighbor… Let me ask you this. Letting a person die because they can’t afford to pay for health care and you knowingly supported them NOT getting any help. Is that the way God will want you to love? Letting someone die from cancer because they lived in a community where some mining company dumped their crap and now they can’t even afford their health care – and you knew about both of those. Is that the way God would want you to love?

So stop giving me the Christian crap. I think we might be serving a different God here. My God is ashamed of you. I know my God actually cares about everyone and cares for everyone. Ask yourself this before you open your mouth – What would God do? Would he be proud? Would he help those who needs help? Or would he walk away? If you pick this last one – here’s something to think about… He walked away from you a long, long time ago…

Own up or pay up. Man up or shut up.

I’m not cleaning your mess anymore.

[Via http://angryafrican.net]

How many chances??

So my stepkids Mom called me today. She wanted to ask me if I called CPS on her.

……I didn’t……..

I have in the past called for her boyfriend giving the kids cold showers and I admitted it to her when asked. That was 5 years ago. I did not do it this time.

Apperently someone other than myself and my Husband has a problem with the crap she does wit the kids.

My stepkids were pulled out of class today and questioned. According to the Biomom my stepdaughter asked her if it was ME who called AGAIN. First I want to say that I am sick and freaking tired of always being scapegoated and being blamed for this womans problems. Second I want to say that my stepdaughter was only 5 the time I called and she has NO REASON to know that it was ME (and frankly should NOT even know) and third…. she never said anything remotely about ME calling to Husband when he talked to her this afternoon.

Anyway, the person that did turn her in had a problem with her leaving the kids home alone before and after school, their pets being in BAD condition (something I would NOT know) some abuse going on (which I sorta know some things about but nothing solid. BUT one thing I would have mentioned (and yet another reason I can PROVE it was NOT me) not one thing was stated about stepson and his medical issues that she ignores and will not admit. I WOULD have mentioned that to CPS had I been the one to call….

I guess Biomom had to run around her house and clean it like a mad woman before the lady came to the house to interview oldest Stepson13. We do not know what is going to happen, the CPS Lady said she would finish her investigation on Monday and let Biomom know.

This is the third time in 5 years that CPS has been called on her. And all the times they came out the issues WERE shown to be true issues but they worked with biomom to fix the issues. (Medical neglect… they made her take them to the doctors/dentist ect and the kids LIED and told the Lady that that the cold showers had occurred but not in a looooong time (which was a total lie) CPS ruled that cold showers is unusual punishment but NOT illegal. So you mean to tell me that you cannot spank your children in the state we live in but you can throw them into a cold shower?? STUPID.

Anyway, this as I said was the third call. And I do not hold any hope that anything will be done this time either. How many chances will this person get before she loses these kids?

And while Biomom believed me that it was NOT me who called, I still see that being honest ONE time with her has gone and really slapped me int he face. My stepdaughter will blame me every single time now. Obviously, even when it was NOT me.

[Via http://momto3ofherown.wordpress.com]

The List - Children who died of H1N1 infection after going to school

A recent CDC report discussed the number of children who died after being infected with the new H1N1 virus. However, this report did not include any children who died since August 8, 2009. That’s unfortunate because some schools started to open at about that time.

The result?

Children died.

The following list is based on informati0n compiled by Homebody at PFI_Forum

Date school started – date of death – age of child – location

• July 30, 2009 – September 4, 2009 – 5 year old – Honolulu, Hawaii
• August 3, 2009 – August 27, 2009 – age of child unknown – Hamilton, County, Tennessee
• August 6th, 2009 – August 20, 2009 – 7 year old – Ellijay, Georgia
• August 6, 2009 – August 27, 2009 – 13 years old – Hancock Co., Mississippi
• August 11, 2009 – September 9, 2009 – 13 years old – Memphis, Tennessee
• August 11, 2009 – September 9, 2009 – 12 year olds – New Orleans, Louisiana
• August 12, 2009 – September 18, 2009 – 18 years old – Valley, Alabama
• August 14, 2009 – August 31, 2009 – 11 years old – Scottsboro, Alabama
• August 14, 2009 – September 2, 2009 – 5 years old – Davidson County, Tennessee
• August 14, 2009 – September 5, 2009 – 19 years old – Baton Rouge, Louisiana
• August 17, 2009 – September 5, 2009 – 10 years old – Fairbanks, Alaska
• August 18, 2009 – August 31, 2009 – 12 years old – Midlands, South Carolina
• August 19, 2009 – September 7, 2009 – 6 years old – Hot Springs, Arkansas

The longer schools are left open, the more children will die.

It is obvious.

[Via http://monotreme1000.wordpress.com]

Roald Dahl Day - Sunday 13th September

It’s Roald Dahl’s birthday on Sunday and children all over the world are celebrating Roald Dahl Day to remember the storytelling genius that he was.  There are lots of things you can do to celebrate:

1. Read some of Roald Dahl’s books, such as Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, The Twits, Revolting Rhymes, or Fantastic Mr Fox.

2. Eat lots of chocolate (pretend you’re Charlie and you’ve just been given a whole chocolate factory!).

3. Watch a movie based on a Roald Dahl book, such as James and the Giant Peach, Matilda or Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (the musical version starring Gene Wilder).

4. Make some revolting recipes.  You could use the Revolting Recipes book for some ideas or just make up your own.

5. Take a test to see what Dahl character you are or colour-in The Twits.  These activities can be found on the Roald Dahl Day website and we also have some that you could do if you come into Central Library at the weekend.

Whatever you do, just have fun and be as wacky as you can.

[Via http://cclblog.wordpress.com]

Infomercial!

Our infomercial is set to air this weekend and for the following days thereafter.  Please check to see when you are able to view it.  It is great!

National

WETV          WED,  16-Sep @ 6:30 AM

FIT-TV        TUE,  15-Sep  @ 5:00 AM

Regional

FOX SPORTS NET SOUTHWEST         MO, 14-Sep @ 9:00 AM

Local Market

PHILADELPHIA - WMCN   FRI, 19-Sep, 10:00 PM

MILWAUKEE - WMLW   SUN, 13-Sep, 7:30 AM

DES MOINES – WOI  SAT, 12-Sep, 6:30 AM

DALLAS - KFWD   SUN, 13-Sep, 10:00 AM

BEND - KBNZ   SAT, 12-Sep, 4:30 PM

HARTFORD - WTXX   SAT, 12-Sep, 11:00 AM

LOS ANGELES - KHIZ   SAT, 12-Sep, 2:30 PM

NEW YORK - WRNN   SAT, 13-Sep, 1:30 PM

CHICAGO - WJYS   SUN, 13-Sep, 10:30 AM

FT. MYERS - WZVN   SUN, 13-Sep, 6:30 AM

BOSTON - WBPX   SUN, 13-Sep, 9:00 AM

DALLAS - KTXA    SUN, 13-Sep, 11:00 AM

HOUSTON - KTBU   SUN, 13-Sep, 1:00 PM

SALT LAKE CITY - KPNZ   SUN, 13-Sep, 9:30 AM

TAMPA – WTSP    SUN, 13-Sep, 6:30 AM

FARGO - KVRR   SUN, 13-Sep, 9:30 AM

BANGOR – WABI  SUN,  13-Sep, 8:30 AM

[Via http://parkerhealthsolutions.wordpress.com]

Jay-Z + Tyler Perry = What To Do This Friday Night

So of course you know about the Jay-Z concert happening at Madison Square Garden on Friday September 11th. This benefits concert is to help the families and firefighters that were affected by the attacks eight years ago. Proceeds from the concert, titled “Answer the Call,” will go to the New York Police & Fire Widows’ & Children’s Benefit Fund, a charity to support the families of police officers and firefighters who have died in the line of duty. If you are not going to the concert you can go see the next best thing at the movies theaters with the release of Tyler Perry’s new movie ‘I Can Do Bad All By Myself’

I thought I would mention these events because 2009 has been a year of  highs and lows including the inauguration of our first Black president Barack Obama and the death of the first black artist to have their music video played on MTV Michael Jackson. I don’t know what you are doing this 9/11, but whatever you do MAKE IT POSITIVE AND BE THANKFUL!

[Via http://ankevents.wordpress.com]

Having a Catch

The joy of a spirit is the measure of its power.

~ Ninon de Lenclos (1620 – 1705)

So yesterday I felt all kinds of depressed after watching the movie Sideways. Possible even a bit coliary. If neither of those words float your boat, my thesaurus tells me I might also have been feeling “blue, dejected, desolate, dispirited, down, downcast, downhearted, dull, dysphoric, gloomy, heavy-hearted, low, melancholic, sad, spiritless, tristful, unhappy, and wistful.”

Even though the story has a relatively happy ending, the first 100 minutes are enough to drive us moderately creative wannabe intellectuals to the nearest bottle of just about anything that will drown our sorrows. I am drawn to these types of movies, about people who hit bottom somewhere in midlife and yet eventually, almost entirely against their own misguided wishes, learn to find a grain of happiness in the smallest and most unrecognizable of circumstances. But before they do, there is the inevitable, universal impulse to throw a pity party and invite others to wallow along with them.

Leave it to Pat. Like all great callers of bullshit, she cuts beneath what seems apparent and exposes the murky underbelly. To wit, her response to yesterday’s intentionally vague post:

O, for God’s sake! Go ahead, indulge your dark side more, why don’t you? Seriously, Brian. Have you no inner radar when enough is enough? Words matter and unlike raw sewage (what I learn on blogs, I tell ya’) they don’t always float out to sea for treatment They can be more, well, more like those feminine hygiene products that clog the equipment.

Read [Bukowski] when you are back working and not a moment before.

That, my friend, is both cold water to the face and a soothing balm for the soul, conveniently wrapped in pixels.

So today I share the flip side, proof that the unrecognizable is there, awaiting the willing grasp: As a family, we recently sat down and watched Field of Dreams. Twenty years on, this movie still touches in me something that refuses to die.

We went, like the great throng winding its way through the corn at the end of the movie, to Dyersville, Iowa, where the movie was filmed, back in the late 1990s. For my part, perhaps I felt a drawing, an itch in my spirit that needed scratching. We played in the corn . . .

. . . sat on the bleachers . . .

. . . walked on the manicured outfield . . .

. . . and basked in an idyllic world so far removed from the mundane busyness of everyday life.

For a moment in time, all distractions ceased. None of them mattered. I lingered, smelling the field, soaking it all in, hoping that a portion of it all would find a fertile spot in my soul and bloom like some great perennial, upon which I could gaze for years to come, among which I could skip and play when lowering clouds broke on the horizon.

And you know what? It worked. It’s still there. I felt it, like a gentle touch from a welcomed friend, this morning . . .

. . . as me and my two youngest had a catch before they hopped on the bus. Having a catch before school has become a tradition. Amid the very real rocks and weeds, completions and fumbles and two-hand-touches, resides a metaphor, a reminder to reach out and grab that which seems to tarry just out of reach.

The field has changed, but the dream remains. I will get through this. And I choose to do it without Bukowski. He can wait until his words can be read for what they are, and not for what they may impart . . .

[photo credit]

[Via http://thecheekofgod.wordpress.com]

It's all about nothing

Where do I start?

It was a better day today.  Since breakfast and lunch were digested normally.  The cure today was tortillas.  Yummy, fresh from the factory here in town tortillas.  Yup.  I have a lot of weight to gain if I want to hit the 200 mark again.

But then I did something disastrous.  I brushed my teeth.  While it’s a pain in the ass to feel like your doing your day under the influence of Nyquil, it’s easier than wondering when, what, and how much you’re going to hurl.  And we had to go to Costco or else I would be sewing diapers from rags tomorrow. 

My parents took the opportunity to spend quality time with the boys and me, and it provided the perfect opportunity to annoy and perhaps embarrass their youngest offspring at work.  Not to mention, they needed to make a return.  My parents are very efficient this way. 

As my mother made the return, my dad took over the pushing duties, giving the boys a tour of toys, Christmas stuff (Is any one else slightly disturbed by the fact Christmas stuff is out?), Halloween treats, and costumes.  My dad took great delight in trying to convince the boys that they should be Snow White or Cinderella.  That made it so much easier for my mom to find us by following the screams of protest.  After that, I took the wheel so that we could be finished before closing.

My mom’s big plan was to kidnap my children and send me home to rest and clean.  But the fatal flaw in her plan was that she bought me a pizza.  I had been craving one the day before, hoping that my baby brother had not demolished the Sunday one.  (Yes, my parents go to Costco every Sunday and always pick up a pizza.  One doesn’t understand why the baby brother waits until Sunday when he could buy one any day of the week.)  Unfortunately my other little brother had been there, and he HAD demolished the pizza to fulfill the ultimate desire for meat that he lovingly sacrificed for his bride.  Yesterday my mom had tried to satisfy my craving by offering a piece of cheese and bread, since those were ultimately what I wanted.  Yeah.  I laughed too.  I wish I could go back in time and offer her a glass of milk during her daily ice cream sundae cravings.

So I sat munching on pizza as my mom whisked the boys to bed after they nibbled on their lunch.  I listened to my dad rail about the problems of a nagging wife, a non-listening son, and the fears that my mother’s sister and husband would want to join us on the Alaskan cruise in 2011. 

After an hour, I found my eye lids dropping, realizing it wasn’t safe to drive home.  Since the boys were in my old bed, the other guest bed was stripped, I curled up on my parents bed to promptly go to sleep.

But I am blessed and cursed with the ability to sense when someone enters the room I’m sleeping in.  No matter how deep I sleep (and I assure, I sleep deep), I wake up if some one just pokes his/her head into the door.  I think it’s to make sure that if some crazy serial killer enters the room, he won’t be able to wrap his fingers around my throat while I sleep.  Instead I’ll be able to grab the phone or lamb and bash his head.  It also comes in handy when The Husband tries to insist he came home at midnight instead of 2:30 when the bars closed.

So my parents walked in and out of their room numerous times, but I played dead, knowing that if the boys woke, my parents would take care of them.  By the time I woke for good, I was in no hurry to run home and back.  Instead I watched the farming channel with my dad who is obviously suffering from a late mid-life crisis as he learns all about owning his own farm.  Then my mom and I watched Dr. Phil, and I was able to congratulate myself on being an excellent parent as Sean snuggled up to me.

So basically that was my day.  Oh, and some one else cooked me dinner.  So what did you do?  (And damn I can write a lot about nothing.)

[Via http://faemom.wordpress.com]