my tiny voice in this big world

South Africa

2011-02-16T16:48:00.003-05:00

One of the students that has traveled with us on several overseas trip is doing a semester abroad - in South Africa. This is our second student to S.A. in a year, so very exciting. To learn more about what she's doing there, check out her BLOG!

Valentine's Day... just for kids?

2011-02-13T19:11:00.004-05:00

Just had a friend today tell me that Valentine's Day is really just for kids. I guess she was just trying to make me feel better? I mean... maybe that is what happens. It's the Valentine's Digression. When you're dating, it's overkill, then you get married and it maybe becomes less enthusiastic. Then you have kids and... well, it just goes downhill. I personally have always loved Valentine's Day, but that's because I wish for romance. It's rare around here.

Anyway, the interesting thing about Valentine's Day is that it's not a made up American greeting card holiday, it actually has historical roots. They may be a bit sorted, but there's no doubt that this holiday has some significance, and the love/marriage connection seems important.

Anyway, Happy Valentine's Day! You still have time to do something special for your Valentine.=)

Go!

2011-02-11T09:51:00.003-05:00

It's all I can think about right now... someday, I'm going here. I might have to go alone. Can you guess where this is?

It's on my dream list....

...made it to this list...

Oh, hello blog...

2011-02-10T19:19:00.002-05:00

I'm not promising anything, and I can see that I have a LOT of things to restore to this blog (namely by blogroll - where DID you go?). Since I'm taking this semester off, I've been pondering a few posts here and there. It may happen.... we'll see. Lately, not a lot and everything is happening! I guess I need to call on my blog master (Tony) to help me resurrect this old thing.=/

No More Single Digits in Shengrala!

2011-01-10T18:55:00.005-05:00

Happy 10th Birthday to Emily... those preteen hormones are just starting to kick in, too!

Emily, full of life and wonder, compassionate and meek,
seeking adventure but cautiously.
She knows what she wants and always has a plan,
she executes it the fastest she can!
We love her smile, her charm and fashion sense,
her sense of humor leaves us in stitches immense.=)
Where has our little princess gone? we often lament...
only glimpses left of her in childlike excitement.
She keeps us smiling with her hysterical replies
that entertain our facebook friends on the sly.
We know that God has big plans for this girl -
we think she might be heading out to serve the world!

Happy Birthday, Emma-lou... momma loves you!!

Our First Teenager!

2010-12-23T01:36:00.003-05:00

Happy 13th Birthday, Katie! I can't believe you are a teenager! And what a beautiful, intelligent (most of the time ;-)) and independent young woman you've become. I can still remember when you were two, and I heard that front door open that I had securely locked, and out you went to visit our neighbors just "because you felt like it!" So much of your life since then has had that same intentional flair. You see a door and it must be opened. And you are led not only by curiosity but by a sense of wonder, a desire to learn and an appetite to experience new things.

I pray that your teenage years are marked by spiritual growth with that same sense of wonder, that same desire to learn and an appetite for a relationship with Christ. May you continue to see the good in others, have a heart for the lost and downtrodden and a have a humble heart to serve. Along with that, I hope you never stop teaching me that there is an infinite number of ways to love. It has been an honor, a joy, and pure excitement following you around as your mommy in this life - God has richly blessed me with an amazing daughter.

Effervescent Emily

2010-01-11T21:27:00.004-05:00

OK... so I missed her birthday by a day.... but not really! We partied all weekend long.=) With my mom in town for a wedding and Em's 9th birthday, we spent the entire weekend devoted to FUN, which is exactly the kind of thing Emily loves. We first got all prettied up and went to a wedding, something Em's been dying to do for ages! My cousin's son, Jon and his new wife, Laura invited us to celebrate with them and Em enjoyed every minute of it - on the dance floor! Then Sunday, she slept in, had a daddy date at the National Zoo with her animals, then home for a dinner at Bob Evans (thanks, Mom!), presents and birthday cake. It was a full weekend. We could barely roll out of bed this morning.

I chose effervescent because that's the way Em is to our family about 90% of the time... the other 10% is the puppy dog pout! Em is the life in our family, the optimist, the lightheartedness, tenderness, emotional, imaginative, whimsical and goofy 1/4 of us. While at times frustrating for us Type A's, she reminds us each day that there are so many more important things in life than responsibilities (hahaha) and busyness. She's a "stop and smell the roses" kind of kid and I hope that she always remains that way. We would undoubtedly miss many amazing things in life if she hadn't been there to show us!

This past year has been full of challenges for her, but also full of fun! I hope that she never loses sight of the mysticism and mystery of God's creation, the joy she finds in the smaller details and her love of reading and questioning. One last year of single digit life for my baby!! Keep us bubbly!

One More 'Tween Year for Katie!

2009-12-23T08:42:00.005-05:00

Today is Katie's 12th birthday and what a year it's been! We've gone from elementary school head of the class to middle school low woman on the totem pole. While it's been a year of challenges, Katie has learned to look outside of herself and make opportunities. This has not been easy - for her or her family! But we all know God has placed her in a middle school with 6 other kids that she knows for a purpose, and that purpose is for good.

Aside from only wanting three things in life - a laptop, cell phone and a Facebook account - Katie has chosen for this birthday to serve others. Her BFF threw her a surprise party earlier this month and asked the guests to bring non-perishable items for the Salvation Army food kitchen. How many 12 year olds have friends who know their hearts? It was only days later, not knowing what her friends were scheming, that Katie came to us and wanted to host a Charity Water birthday party. Even though that has not happened, she was pleased with the final outcome! Tonight, for her birthday dinner, she will be dining with a friend of ours in DC with National Community Church who organized Wednesday evening meals and Bible study for the homeless. She is very excited to serve in this way!

Each year, I am amazed by the way God uses and develops Katie into someone He can use. It has been a privilege to watch, painful at times but extrememly rewarding. She thrives in our church's middle school program, hosts the sixth grade girls at our house every Tuesday night, has reached out to those who need a friend in a middle school where she doesn't feel like she has any friends and is constantly using her gifts and talents to serve others. Happy Birthday, to my daughter who is even more beautiful inside than she is outside. May God bless your days and may they be many! Love, Mommy.

Dell: Consumer Advocates??

2009-08-29T10:43:00.002-05:00

So... T bought me this Dell laptop last year, and I like it, but the buttons on the touchpad are a bit sketch. So sketch that, at less than a year old, the left button (the one you need to use all the time!) is busted. It still works, but it's permanently depressed. I imagine it won't be long before it's non-functional.

I decided to poke around the web to see if anyone else is experiencing a similar problem, and of course, there are a few. Some of these folks had a Dell "Consumer Advocate" reply to their posts and offer to send someone out to fix it. I decided to email one of these advocates with my issue and the response I got was an email reply with the email I sent... no message at all. It's a bit bizarre, but I'll just assume there's no such thing as a Dell Consumer Advocate and be on my merry way. I guess I'll see if Best Buy can help me.?

I also have the noisiest fan ever... I wonder what I should do about that??

Facebook

2009-08-20T09:55:00.001-05:00

It's addictive - I'll admit it! Found this article this morning - it's hilarious... but they left out one. The Consummate FB Gamer! That's me!=)

Disclaimer

2009-08-19T13:27:00.001-05:00

This is my blog and I will say what I want to,

Say what I want to,

Say what I want to,

You may not agree but it's all up to me!

Sorry!

Health Care and America

2009-08-19T12:46:00.004-05:00

I've spent a good amount of time working my way through H.R. 3200, enough of my time to know that whatever else I find in there is trumped by what I've already read. It's scary to me - it's not the kind of health care I'm interested in, and honestly, I'm surprised anyone would be.

Sadly, the idiots in Washington have allowed the passing of this bill to be dominated NOT by careful scrutiny of the facts, but instead have incited name-calling among every faction of Americans, taking the focus off of reform and onto.... well, anything they can to make Americans do less analytical decision making using their own brains!! Basically it's come down to:

1) You're a selfish, conservative, rich money-mongering Republican who doesn't care to provide entitlement to the poor.

OR

2) You're a liberal socialist who wants to rob from the rich and have the government provide for you everything that you need.

Seriously, in my opposition to this bill, I've had people tell me that I'm against health care for poor people (not true), that I am just a Sarah Palin fanatic (not true at all), that I don't think my tax dollars are worthy of being used to help those in need (couldn't be farther from the truth!) and that I don't understand government run health care (you got THAT one right, at least!).

First of all, I'd love reform in the health care industry - in fact, we need some regulation, especially of discriminatory practices, such as "pre-existing conditions" clauses. We should be putting limits on malpractice suits that make medical practitioners in turn pass along their medical malpractice insurance costs onto us. We should be issuing federal guidelines on controlling costs and profits on pharmaceutical companies, not enough to stifle innovation of new and useful drugs, but enough so that we can afford medications necessary for life. We should be assisting those in need with our federal tax dollars. We should be overhauling the already existing, imploding and poorly administered government run medical programs already in existance. If this bill addressed these (and I'm sure there are more) issues, I'd be sending nice letters to my congressman.

The fact is that this bill does little, if anything at all, to address most of the issues that we should be addressing, and instead creates a "Health Choices Commission" that scares the pants off me!! Under the guise of creating a public health "option", this commission, the head of which and over half it's members, are "appointed" by whoever is the sitting president, will include ONE doctor and will have control over every tiny detail and aspect of health care for those who "choose" to participate. Not only that, IT will create and administer the government option AND decide who can compete with it. If your private insurance chooses to abide by all it's rules, you can choose that option... with all the new, guaranteed lower prices outlined by the commission. You may not have dual coverage, you cannot have insurance AND government assistance and if you choose not to have medical insurance, you will have to pay a penalty.

It doesn't take a rocket scientist to understand that this government option is not your typical medical "insurance" company. It's not for profit because all it's expenses will be paid for by your tax money - whatever it chooses to pay it's commissioners, it's medical suppliers, it's own pharmaceutical company.... no competition, just own it all and charge a price (in a tax that they will not call a tax... that's what it says, anyway!) that you will pay. What is that price? Well.... nobody has bothered to tell us yet!! And those who want this option have maintained that it's worth "any price"..... really?? Well, if you haven't already guessed where I'm going with this, if you allow yourself to think beyond the end of this year, when this bill may pass and be put into practice, it won't be long before the competition can no longer compete, when Americans and the private companies they work for will no longer be able to afford paying for the private insurance coverage of our choice AND for the government run option tax that is not a tax.... and the private insurance industry will collapse. Along with it, millions of jobs will vanish over night. I don't really consider myself an alarmist, but I'm going to sound the alarm here. This is serious... and there's no turning back.

Once we have this "single-payer" system with no competition, then what?? That's what Americans who are "organized mobs" are asking, and the response they are getting is, "I don't answer to a mob." In fact, is anyone in Congress or the White House ever going to be expected to explain exactly what is in this bill???? or is each and every American going to have to actually read it and try to understand it on their own???? I don't hear anyone explaining it, only trying to discredit the critics. We've all been so busy accusing each other of being the unthoughtful crazy ones that we aren't asking real questions and expecting real answers.

I want reform. I don't want it this way. There has to be a better way and we need to let Washington know that we're tired of their temper tantrums when they don't get their way... we want reform and we want an American alternative... not something that we know from history isn't going to work. Along with being the "richest" nation in the world comes the understanding that we didn't get there by letting the government run everything for us - in fact, quite the opposite. We did it by being given the freedom to be creative, to be innovative, to be on the edge... I would hate to see us give up our freedom, creativity and innovation because our elected officials were busy acting like toddlers. For me... this is just infuriating. But I guess you already know that! and this is all I will say on the matter.

Looks like someone else has this on their mind today... sort of.

Half Way There!

2009-08-16T09:04:00.002-05:00

I'm just about half way to 40 and remembering my list in January of things I wanted to do in this year. I figure I might as well see how that's going, even though I'm feeling right now like there are many things on there that will remain in a dream state. For a very long time!

1. Go on a cruise. This is looking more and more likely that it'll be without T. I gave him 15 years to try it..

Yeah... this one is most likely not going to happen. Forget about going with T.

2. Take at least one graduate class. I've been dragging my feet on this one - I just don't know yet what I want to be when I grow up!

I'm all signed up for this one... now I just have to survive it!

3. Fly somewhere on whim. Is this even possible when you're married with kids? Can you just wake up and say, "I want to go to Australia!" and get up and go?? I'm not sure, but I'm putting it on my list.

Nope. It's a pipe dream.

4. Do one of each of these things daily: devotions, exercise, love on my family and learn something new. Not sure it's possible, but I think I need to try.

Not sure about this one, but it does run through my head.

5. Read more than one book this year - last year was pitiful. I need to read more!

LOTS of reading this year. I've enjoyed it.

6. Visit the mouse. I haven't been anywhere near Disney anything in almost 2 years. It's a little sad because it is truly one of my favorite places.

Nope. There were talks of this happening, but I'm not holding my breath.

7. Become more fiscally conscious. When we got married, I begrudgingly gave up control of any money because T really wanted the reins. I'm at a point now where, if anything happened to him I'd be lost! I need to be a little more involved. I might even use my ATM card... if I can find it!

I've asked for an ATM card, but my request has been denied.

8. Make all those doctor's appointments I dread and actually go to them. Trust me - I go enough, so the thought of adding any more is just dreadful, but I need to.

Still on my list. Happily, the ones I've had have gone well!

9. Scrapbooking - I'm so far behind, it's just overwhelming. I need a plan, I need printed pictures and I need to get this done!!

Still not happening. I think it's a mental block at this point.

10. I want to visit at least 5 new places (preferably warm beaches!) this year. That shouldn't be too hard, except that sometimes I feel marooned on this island. Get me out of here!!!

I'm pretty sure I have not visited one new place this year, even on our trip to the Grand Canyon. And no beaches. I think I'm the only one in this family who likes the beach. I'm in escape mode more than ever right now. Everyone else is hunkered down. It's a little frustrating.

It's almost 90 degrees outside, and I have a bunch of plants out back waiting to be put around the perimeter of our new patio. There are things going on here that never made it on my list - the patio being one of them!! This is why a few things will remain in a dream state until the budget recovers. The other is our basement, which is nearly finished. I can't complain! Sorry, Mickey!

Invisible

2009-08-15T12:54:00.002-05:00

I like this article, because most of the time these days I feel invisible, or like people think I'm blind, deaf and mute. Or maybe they just wish I was! I'm pretty overwhelmed these days with school starting, job starting, grad. school starting... finishing up the basement, landscaping the patio, trying to entertain my children.... most of the time, I just feel like I need help. It's kind of lonely. So... I do relate to this article, in many, many ways!

Hope everyone had a great summer!

Fresh Chicken

2009-05-28T19:32:00.001-05:00

My friend, Bonnie, is raising some chickens on her land. Read more about this adventure here!

The Choice

2009-05-09T23:15:00.001-05:00

If I had one, I'd choose the Irishman who loves Americanism over the world leader who thinks everything in America needs to change any day of the week. Bono, you rock!

Lipitor

2009-05-08T09:49:00.002-05:00

Well, I have only one more thing to say about this drug - it works for me! My total cholesterol went from 235 to 145 in three months. Liver enzymes are also now normal. I think this was the right move for a woman whose grandmother died of a massive heart attack at the age of 46. I'm glad I didn't wait any longer!

Mr. President....

2009-05-03T18:11:00.003-05:00

I don't watch the press propaganda conferences on TV, nor have I ever been one to watch speeches. It has little to do with how I feel about a president, seeing as I never watched Bush, Clinton, Bush or Obama - they just aren't my thing. I would much rather read about them when they are all over!

This week, the news was all about the "enchanted" White House question, so I did see that little blurb, and I must say, that was just a dumb question!! And it started me thinking... what would I ask if I had a turn? I'm not a press corp person, not a reporter, not even a White House official. I'm just your average part-time worker, stay-at-home mom who seriously thinks we are heading in the wrong direction on many issues. What would I ask?

1. Mr. President, do you think there is a way to improve our education system without just adding days to the year? or paying teachers based on their student's test scores? I'm not sure those two agenda items will cover the deficit you say we have.

2. Mr. President, at what point will you own the decisions you've made instead of blaming all your problems on Bush and the country you begged us to let you run?

3. Mr. President, can you please explain how we are going to gather intelligence in your future, where you see no War on Terror, or terror at all, for that matter? And how will we train our soldiers (and civilians) to endure the tactics that will be used on them, regardless of your decision to never again use anything but the Army Field Guide to gather "useful" information?

4. Mr. President, will you promise to prosecute ALL those responsible, including Nancy Pelosi, for signing off on our torturous intelligence gathering techniques, including waterboarding, cups of water in the face and caterpillars?

5. Mr. President, when will you and Mrs. Clinton stop apologizing for the "behavior" of the United States of America? And does this bad behavior include the billions of dollars in relief we have given to countries in Africa and Asia?

6. Mr. President, do you really and truly believe that marriage is between a man and a woman, just the same as Miss California? or are you scared of Perez Hilton?

7. Mr. President, how long will you continue your Wednesday night social gatherings that are costing taxpayers millions of dollars while people continue to lose their jobs daily?

8. Mr. President, is there any other solution to your proposed socialist model of health care, seeing as it's a system that will not only bankrupt our nation, but provide only nominal care? You know that's what will happen - just admit it!

9. Mr. President, what do you really think about the United States of America? I understand that nobody has ever asked you how you really feel, and I'm starting to think you don't like anything about it!

10. Mr. President, when you took our money to bail out car companies so that they would not go bankrupt, did you think that it would be OK if they really did go bankrupt?

11. Mr. President, how do you suppose my children will pay off your debt?

12. Mr. President, why have you spent $800,000 trying to thwart off questions about your "natural born citizen" status instead of just allowing the release of your official Hawaii birth certificate, complete with the hospital name, doctor who delivered you and the time of your birth? You could not even get a Maryland driver's license with the thing on your website!

13. Mr. President, please tell us... where is the transparency you promised us? and why do you have a tax cheat taking our tax money?

14. Mr. President, are you enchanted by the press corp who go so soft on you that we are thinking they are more out of touch with Main Street, USA than you are?

I'm pretty sure he wouldn't get past question #1, so no point in continuing. If only the press conferences were for real people!

Stupid Flyover

2009-04-29T17:46:00.002-05:00

For anyone who thinks that, years later, the 9/11 scars for New Yorkers are healed, think again! As with any traumatic event, the scars are not so toughened over. Especially for those who have chosen to continue living and working on the outskirts of 9/11. I am appalled that the Obama Administration is insensitive enough to think that just because they choose to forget, that others have as well. While they continue to ignore the very real possibility that another 9/11 is possible, there are millions in the New York area who will never be able to erase the horrific events of that day. For an administration that would love to make 9/11 go away, they certainly have a unique way of going about that!

Last summer, we met a family while visiting my mom who had a house in Fairfield that was their summer country beach home. They were New Yorkers with a beautiful place just blocks from the World Trade Center. They were there that morning and would only tell us that it was unbelievable. They were quick to tell us that they never talk about it because the memory is too fresh, too unbearable to speak about. In the short time that we sat with them, I got the sense that these were people who intentionally chose New York as a home for the realistic view it gave their children of the world we live in, a couple who would, in a heartbeat, move back if they felt their family could trust that place again. She a Norwegian former model, he a record producer, not unfamiliar with working hard to accomplish life's goals. Clearly, 9/11's impact on their family will not soon be forgotten.

We should be careful not to shrug off the wounds that were opened by yesterday's stunt. It's a haunting reminder that we live in an unpredictable world during an unpredictable time when the most unexpected things, like your own government scaring the heebie jeebie's out of you, can happen. Way to go, O!

Vampires and Souls

2009-04-26T13:10:00.002-05:00

Never in my wildest dreams would I have guessed a vampire saga could engross me the way the Twilight series by Stephenie Meyer did this past week. I literally could not put the books down... it too me one week to read the 4.5 gargantuan books. While they are not exactly for the faint of heart, they present an overwhelming number of themes, wonderful character development, spiritual undertones and a great storyline to boot! I was completely drawn in, and agree that the movie did not do the book justice. Some interesting things I've been pondering/processing while reading them....

The idea of losing one's soul is a common thread throughout each of the books. Obviously, in the world of vampires and werewolves this is already a bizarre theme, but it still brings up questions about the journey of the soul in alignment with the conscious choices between good and evil in respect to your "lot in life", so to speak. Intriguing!

T called me from Catalyst West to share a few thought provoking ideas, such as the suggestion by Deb and Alan Hirsch that the nuclear family is the idol of ... the Western World? (I actually can't remember if it was the western world or the evangelical church???) Anyway, I was curious about that idea and am looking forward to reading more about it in their new book... but that idea combined with this vampire stuff got me thinking.... is "human nature" also an idol for Christians? Can we not fathom life beyond earth, or eternal life, enough not to covet our life on earth? Just a thought. It's a theme that is integral to the entire series I read, as Bella appears to be the first "mortal" who will willingly choose to become "immortal"... and for love.

Also, I had to chuckle throughout the books at the amazingly adept character and group mentality development this author wove throughout the saga. I was already seeing the potential for T to be personality typing each character, guessing their strengths and analyzing how well they worked as a team. A bit of fun for those types out there!

Finally, there is a bit of a redemptive theme as well involving the character patriarch of the "good" vampires, Carlisle. The son of a minister, who hunted down evil vampires until he was struck down by and transformed into one... (Paul...?) He then spends hundreds of years perfecting the very compassionate practice of being a "vegetarian" vampire, feasting only on animals, not humans. He is by far the most compassionate and gentle of the family, always erring on the moral high road in all vampiric affairs (LOL).

There are so many other subplots and themes throughout this book, it would be impossible to share each of them. I can only say that for me, it was well worth the read. While I would love for there to be more to the story (given their immortality, ingeniously this saga could continue forever!), I'm not sure my feeble little mind can absorb much more for now. I would highly recommend this whole series for anyone who has a week where they can devote hours of time to reading. =) Such as, a week where your husbands decides to go to LA for a conference! (perfect timing!) Enjoy!

I Confess!

2009-04-20T15:18:00.002-05:00

I am in every kind of rut imaginable! You name it, I'm stuck in it. It's quite sad. I'm in a blogging rut, I'm in a bit of a spiritual rut, I'm in a parenting rut - or so it seems, I'm in a life rut. I don't remember having one this long before, but it's just really, really annoying. I was hoping Spring Break would be a great encourager of getting out of all these ruts, but it was no help at all. I'm actually tracing it all the way back to when I started taking Lipitor, so maybe it's my anti-cholesterol rut. Maybe some of us just need our cholesterol! LOL

Fortunately, I'm not in a professional rut - I like my job and I still like to go to work! =) That is a great thing, because the people I work with are about to become my advocates. It would appear that my years of feeling like Em has some kind of learning disability/processing disorder are finally translating into something that is hopefully productive. We've had a drastic turn of events for this poor child that have brought to light the possibility that we're dealing with more than a little girl who can't draw and has terrible handwriting. I can see it will be a long journey, and it's painful getting to this spot - where we had to fail something simple to get anyone's attention - but I'm praying it will pay off in the end. At some point this year, we will have an "IEP 1" meeting, or internal review, to see if we can't convince someone that she needs some kind of intervention and testing. Finally!=)

Maybe this will put me back on track... and some sunshine, maybe?

Rejuvenation

2009-04-16T10:23:00.003-05:00

UPDATE: Madi made it through surgery like a champ and everything went "picture perfectly"! She should be home by Wednesday with lots of tubes everywhere!! It's a very long recovery process, so everyone appreciates more prayer. Thanks!!

I actually think that's a better word for this season of Spring - at least in my life. It's so refreshing to go for a walk when cherry blossoms are falling, birds are chirping, the sun is glistening off the remnants of yesterdays downpour. It inspired me get my act together!

I have a million things on my mind, going on in my life, but today only one thing really takes precedence over it all: I am asking for intercessory prayer for Em's friend and our neighbor, Madi. She is leaving shortly to head over to Hopkins for some more major surgery tomorrow. This is to hopefully fix some issues she's been having since her last major surgery three years ago for a condition she was born with, bladder exstrophy. Your prayers for her and her family would be very much cherished, and hopefully in a week or so she will be home, but begin a 6-8 week recovery. As you can imagine, this will not be easy with spring upon us, all her friends out bike-riding and swimming and going to school. We are very hopeful this will be the culmination of years of preparation!

Pray for:

- Madi - that she can endure this as bravely and courageously as she has everything in her life.

- her family - that logistics, their two younger daughters and family would be supported and that everything would go smoothly

- insurance - for that past year, this has been an issue. So far, so good, but please pray that each aspect of their visit, hospital stay and after care will be covered by their insurance.

- doctors - Madi is "fortunate" to live here, as the premier doctor for this condition is at Johns Hopkins. We pray that each person who comes in contact with Madi and her family are as excellent and encouraging as they have been in the past.

- recovery - we pray for a speedy recovery and for a successful procedure!

Thanks for thinking of them!

Sound of Music

2009-04-15T23:26:00.001-05:00

This movie is a family favorite, as my parents were engaged just after going to see it. Every time it was on TV, we all watched it! My best childhood friend and I also used to Doe a Deer over and over. I don't think I could ever get tired of listening to it or singing it- such a classic!! Enjoy!

Sound of Music Train Station @ Yahoo! Video

Barrabas

2009-04-10T12:34:00.002-05:00

Great post by Mark Batterson.

8 year olds!

2009-04-10T10:49:00.001-05:00

Em came in this morning from riding her bike. Her best friend lives across the cul-de-sac, so I asked her if her friend was out. She said, "No. They have a note on their door not to ring the doorbell, that the girls will be out later. I knocked on the door a few times but they didn't come." Why is everything SO LITERAL?? We had a little talk about this one! ;-)

Spring Break

2009-04-10T10:37:00.006-05:00

We have had a fun Spring Break so far! We started off with a quick night in DC for the Cherry Blossom Festival and Parade. I imagine that would have been more impressive, if not for the wind storm that eliminated the large balloons. We were also sorely disappointed (and stayed until the very end!!) when the headline Mama Mia stars failed to make an appearance. That was truly a bummer! The Tidal Basin also was overcrowded - note to selves: go on a weekday next year!

After our little DC trip, we went up to Connecticut for a few days. Lots of fun, relaxing, hanging out with family and meeting up with some old friends made for a great trip. We also fit in a [freezing!] day at Mystic Aquarium. Em was really in need of some animal time and she chose that over visiting the American Girl store in NYC. We'll try that some other time! Because I forgot my camera, we had to take pictures the old fashioned way - I'm not sure when I'll be posting any of those!

We are now home, doing laundry for my family - extended family, that is. My mom's washing machine broke and she is heading down to Savannah tomorrow from here. I'm getting some clothes ready for her to take on her trip. Then we will have Uncle D here for Easter - the girls are VERY excited!!

Happy Easter, everyone!

Who Told You You Were Naked?

2009-04-01T14:01:00.002-05:00

My friend, Megan, posted this post and it's amazing. If you think you've ever believed a lie, this one's for you!

Bikers

2009-03-27T20:51:00.003-05:00

Now that Em has joined the ranks of bikers, I can't get her to do anything else. These girls just ride around and around the island in our cul-de-sac, and she spent about 10 minutes tonight explaining how tempo in music is like speed on bikes. The girls has two wheels on the brain!! I love how she thinks she's teaching the youngest in our crew how to ride faster - the one who has been riding about a year longer than her! LOL We do thank God each night for bikes. =)

Red Sea

2009-03-27T11:41:00.001-05:00

I'm not sure how I missed this, but it's a Red Sea of tree buds around here! Spring! =) I think I need to fit a walk into my nice, quiet day today.

March Madness

2009-03-27T09:21:00.002-05:00

I'm not talking about basketball, mostly because I just don't follow that at all! First up, the GE Bailout fiasco that you won't hear about in the news. Second, a commentary on CNN - finally, people coming back to reality on what's going on.

I am obviously not happy about the ridiculous amount of government spending and control, and I feel like Americans are part of the problem. It seems as though there are two views on the budget proposal: either you think it's horrendous or you just love Obama and you'll do anything he says. What's missing? The "I love Obama but this budget is terrible. Do over!" It's like Americans who supported this president are scared to admit this is going to be bad for us, and ask can you give us a more reasonable option.

I will also admit that I've had a horrible attitude about this presidency. When I step back and look at the past couple of months, it is difficult for me to find anything substantial that has been positive about it. It would appear the only world leader who thinks we are heading in the right direction economically (not foreign policy) is Hugo Chavez - that is just so telling, don't you think?

As for education, let me just say this. There are certainly things that our government can do to improve education, but can we find one positive thing to say?? We live in a country where every child is entitled to a "free" education, where that free education is provided by our tax dollars and we have a say in what happens! (local board of education - check it out!) and where the individual child, their gifts and talents, are shaped and molded by this idea of freedom. Of course it's not perfect, but we value creativity and innovation in this country. At least we always have. Instead of striving to be like some other country's overly strenuous, academically driven system, let's figure out how to make our own unique, American and top notch by our own definition. I don't want my kids in school all year from sun up until sun down - there are people from foreign countries (living in my cul-de-sac!) who have chosen to raise their children here, in American schools, where they have a life outside of academia. It's not a terrible thing! Our children deserve better than educational daycare. Period!

I guess in the end, I don't feel proud to be an American when I'm listening to this president, or his Secretary of State or his treasury secretary. I feel like an uneducated, selfish world bully, unfit to exist in this global culture of superior bullies. I'm thinking this is going to get old fast, because I don't think I'm at all alone in this feeling. That is becoming more and more clear!

Imagine

2009-03-25T22:59:00.001-05:00

Debt

2009-03-25T20:04:00.000-05:00

I just cannot believe anyone would vote "yea" on Obama's budget. On so many levels, that's just wrong.

Parents, your kids are not special!

2009-03-23T13:41:00.002-05:00

I will admit, I'm not a huge fan of Cafferty on CNN, but on this one, he hit it right on the nose!! I was just chatting with a colleague of mine about parents who seem immune to their child's bad manners, almost like they are powerless to *teach* any to them!! The word is "no" and your children use it frequently, so why not you?? It's not OK that your children are rude, disrespectful, lacking in ordinary manners, mean or bossy. Anyone who is a parent knows that at some point, even good kids resort to any of the listed behaviors above, and as a parent it's your job to address that. Kids *learn* manners, they are not innate. Do yourselves and your children and the rest of the world a favor - give your children the tools to live peaceably with their neighbors!

Annie, Jr.

2009-03-23T13:20:00.002-05:00

This past week/weekend was dominated by Annie, Jr. Kt has been involved in an elementary school production, something I would have been way too scared to do!! I was really surprised she wanted to give it a try, but so glad she did. She has always wanted to sing, act and be on stage, but everyone who has ever heard her before would agree - her singing "skills" leave much to be desired! At least until Annie, Jr!!

T and I were, of course, completely taken by surprise. We couldn't be prouder and are just so excited that Kt has finally realized a dream of hers. It speaks volumes for not discouraging your children when you fear they might embarrass you - LOL! More importantly, embarrass themselves. That is really the motivating fear for me. I tucked that away in the back of my mind because Kt is the kind of child who loves to experience and I didn't want to take that away from her, especially not in the safe confines of her last few months of elementary school. On top of it all, she had an amazing time and was so regretful that her friends missed her performance. Like good parents, we video taped it - thankfully. She's come a long way from "My Favorite Color is Rainbow" she recorded with her uncle in first grade. (We're still waiting for Uncle D to do the same with Em! =()

Enjoy!

Pastor's Wives

2009-03-18T13:45:00.002-05:00

If you are one, have one, know one, love one... you should check out this on Beth Moore's LPM Blog. I really wish as a church that we invested more in the lives of our pastors, their wives and their families, to ensure that they know they are loved. We need to take way better care of them!

Bush Legacy

2009-03-18T12:11:00.002-05:00

Here's an interesting article on the Bush legacy by Bill Frist posted on CNN.

"Future historians will also note what today's pundits ignore: total US government development aid to Africa quadrupled from $1.3 billion in 2001 to more than $5 billion in 2008. What's more, the Bush administration doubled foreign aid worldwide over the past eight years. You have to go back to the Truman years to match that."

I think the vilification of George W. Bush is one of the most disrespectful, unbecoming things in America today. I cringe every single time I read about this current administration "undoing Bush-era policy" without even the slightest hint at the good policy he enacted. Even our current president will have his own trail and good along with bad - much of that a matter of opinion. I feel like it's time to bury the hatchet and move forward (as Obama claimed he wanted to) and stop invoking past grievances. A time is coming, and sooner than later, that those claims will be hollow and he will have to justify his own actions with something more solid than trying to undo some perceived wrong.

Favorite Things

2009-03-18T11:40:00.004-05:00

Some of my favorite things are things I cannot acquire but that happen on their own. Yesterday, Em came home bouncing, smiling, very proud of herself. She quickly pulled out her homework assignment sheet and showed me a note her math teacher had written on the bottom of the page, "Emily was a Math Superstar today! =)" She was SOOOO excited about this! I asked her if this is something everyone gets, and she replied nobody had ever gotten it before. I asked if this came with some kind of reward or prize, and she said no. I have to admit, I was a bit puzzled by the lack of luster I perceived in this "amazing event" that had her squealing with delight. So, I just asked her how she pulled off this one time performance, and she said, "By working carefully, quietly and paying attention." Wow! She then told me that her teacher had come up to her at the end of the day, while all the students were lined up, pulled out her folder and homework sheet, wrote on it and congratulated her. Everyone wanted to know what the teacher wrote, and after she read it to them, one of her friends congratulated her.

It seemed so unimportant of a thing, but what a difference this made for her. It was a great reminder to me as a teacher, and more importantly as a parent, that praising our kids alone is great, praising them in front of others is a boost and just praising them, without any kind of physical reward, is sometimes more meaningful than getting a pencil or a sticker or a treat. This child was on cloud 9, and that is really one of my favorite things.

This morning at the bus stop, the girls were talking about the play Kt is in Thursday and Friday. It's our very first play and a very big deal. Kt first asked if she could be in it with her friends and told me she was hoping they would just choose her to play a tree!! In other words, she had no interest in acting or the play itself, she just wanted to participate in this with her friends. We had a little chat about her responsibility to her cast, following through on a commitment and understanding that while it may not be important to her to do well, it would be important to others that she do well. She has done amazingly well, memorized all her lines and is even singing two solos!! She just told me that today, and when I asked her to sing them for me, she said she wanted them to be a surprise tomorrow night. Now my interest is really sparked!! I love it when my kids are proud of their accomplishments.

Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing

2009-03-16T15:33:00.002-05:00

Come, Thou Fount of every blessing,
Tune my heart to sing Thy grace;
Streams of mercy, never ceasing,
Call for songs of loudest praise.
Teach me some melodious sonnet,
Sung by flaming tongues above.
Praise the mount! I’m fixed upon it,
Mount of Thy redeeming love.

Here I raise my Ebenezer;
Here by Thy great help I’ve come;
And I hope, by Thy good pleasure,
Safely to arrive at home.
Jesus sought me when a stranger,
Wandering from the fold of God;
He, to rescue me from danger,
Interposed His precious blood.

O to grace how great a debtor
Daily I’m constrained to be!
Let Thy goodness, like a fetter,
Bind my wandering heart to Thee.
Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it,
Prone to leave the God I love;
Here’s my heart, O take and seal it,
Seal it for Thy courts above.

O that day when freed from sinning,
I shall see Thy lovely face;
Clothed then in blood washed linen
How I’ll sing Thy sovereign grace;
Come, my Lord, no longer tarry,
Take my ransomed soul away;
Send thine angels now to carry
Me to realms of endless day.

I love this hymn. The first three stanza are by Robert Robinson. I don't know about the last. From the 1700's. I love words, sentiments that are timeless.

"Prone to wander" is the part of this hymn I relate to most. I've been wandering around for the past few months, here and there and everywhere. I surely feel the tug of the Spirit on my heart. I feel like I'm finding my way a bit better.

We just spent a really nice weekend up in Connecticut, Em and I. T took Kt to NYC for the weekend on a missions type thing. They loved it. I tried to spoil Em, although she was more interested in a weekend in DC and a stay at a hotel. Someday! She had some fun times with my mom, even told my mom's good friend that she is "good at farting" - where do kids come up with these things?? She has never mentioned this "gifting" to us before, so nice of her to share it with one of my mother's friends! Oh, and she got to sleep with my mom and then proceeded to throw up all over her rug. Spoiling Em has it's negatives!!

This week is incredibly busy, and it's making me feel more like myself. This is my first breather of the day. I had work, then a run to the Salvation Army thrift store for a costume for Kt, then off to the grocery store, then unload from grocery store, then off to school to deliver said costume, back home to get Em off the bus and get her ready for piano, which is happening right now. This is a day I'm more used to, and the rest of this week is shaping up to be much of the same. Kt will be in her first play this Thursday night, my mom is coming to enjoy that. We have activites every day and night, not a moment to breathe. Just like old times!

Come, thou fount of every single blessing....

Your Federal Tax Dollars

2009-03-09T11:31:00.003-05:00

In the thousands of pages of federal spending bills recently passed through Congress, signed by our new president, there are bound to be many things I'd prefer not to pay for. Chances are, I won't even know what most of those things are. At the same time, there's a good chance I will benefit in some small way as well, and not even realize it. I mean, there's money in there for parks, water fountains, roads, textbooks... you name it, it's in there. Confusing, not so controversial. There are things, however, in there or in executive orders, that I don't care to spend my tax money on, and they are extremely controversial. Things like abortion, embryonic stem cell research funding and abortion in nations other than our own. Why? Because I cannot bring myself to agree that unborn children don't deserve our utmost attention, a voice in the world and that God is begging us to defend those who cannot defend themselves. While I realize it is the plight of millions who have disabled or disease-ridden loved ones to do anything, at any cost, to find a cure, I just think we are called to be ethical and reasonable in our response - and also loving. If we asked for federal tax dollars to print the word God on a building, we'd probably be taken to court. If we ask for federal tax dollars to enact "population control" in developing countries through abortion, we're awarded. There's just something wrong with that.

Realistic view on embryonic stem cell research, which has never been banned - only the funding of creating new embryonic stem cell lines was banned.

The door is now open to the business of embryonic stem cell research... and the implications thereof. It's a sad day indeed.

Growing Up

2009-03-09T10:51:00.003-05:00

Today is a bittersweet day. Yesterday, Em FINALLY really learned to ride her bike. T taught her last summer, but she has been extremely reluctant to continue riding, instead choosing to woefully watch all her friends ride around the circle outside or try to keep up on her scooter. Through tears and tantrums, T forced her to learn yesterday. On the way to the bus stop this morning, she turned to me and said, "I really would rather ride my bike than go to school today!" So much can change with a little confidence!

Today also marks the end to our outdoor swingset. My mom bought it for our girls when we moved in here. It was the largest set we could fit in our minuscule backyard and provided hours of entertainment for a long time. It had a fort for caterpillar races, a sandbox that the girls only used when they were preschool age, swings that the boys next door nearly tipped the entire fort swinging on and swings the girls loved to swing on. The reality, though, was that it took up our entire yard and they weren't using it much anymore. We have a park we can walk to, bikes to ride in the cul-de-sac, pools we now go to in the summertime and we are all antsy about having a patio with a table to eat off, barbeque for our steaks and zucchini and a nice chair swing to swing on. I guess we're growing up.

I was thinking earlier that Em would miss the swingset the most, but I really think it's me. I have grown attached to the thing, to being able to send my kids out back to a safe place and to actually having kids who love to swing! It's almost like the beginning of having to say goodbye to childhood in this house. Kt is off to middle school next year, Em is entering the world of the tween and there are no little tikes left here. So sad! I attempted to pass that swingset along to my neighbor, just so I could see it every once in a while, but she refused. =( Fortunately, we found a sweet widow with two adopted children from Guatamala who happily took it off our hands. It's at least nice to know that it will be put to good use by two little kids who have a lot of child left in them. Now it's time for me to grow up!

The Hamlet Administration

2009-03-06T21:52:00.002-05:00

This is an interesting take on the current administration of our country. If you like Shakespeare, you will appreciate at least the attempt at the comparison!

Restore Respect at School Act

2009-03-06T12:59:00.002-05:00

Recently, I signed up to receive a newsletter from a Maryland Senator and I'm finding it very interesting!! He's not actually my senator - mine are both Democrats, and while I've signed up on their sites, I guess they don't offer any type of news about what they are doing. This guy is a Republican who sends out this weekly agenda of what they covered legislatively. I don't know why the others don't do this, but in the past week I've learned that there are new death penalty standards being voted on in MD, new education initiatives, and a plethora of other information. Including this:

Restore Respect at School Act
Student conduct, homework completion, and classroom
attendance receive attention in the Restore Respect at
School Act (HB 630). According to the bill, a parent or
guardian who is eligible to claim either the State tax
credit or subtraction modification under the State income
tax for household and dependent care expenses for any
dependent might be denied these tax benefits should a
student under their care:
· be unlawfully absent for more than 20% or more of
their school term;
· not complete the minimum amount of homework
required; or
· earn more than one expulsion or suspension for
disrespect, insubordination, or classroom disruption.
The bill allows for parents to regain the tax credit should
they attend a parent conference at the school prior to a
dependent's readmission and provide evidence that the
child has completed a community resource program. An
individual with a federally adjusted gross income of
$41,001 or less will not be denied the tax credit.

I have to say, I was all for this initiative, until I got to that last sentence. On average, I think any educator in any city in Maryland would tell you that a majority of students that fall into the above category come from low income families. This fact, of course, almost negates the effectiveness of this type of legislation. Then it makes me wonder if the approach is all wrong. I think there's a huge gap here between the way a legislator's mind works and the way the rest of the general public operates. Maybe they ought to ask some teachers how to to solve this problem!!

Because I Am...

2009-03-03T11:03:00.002-05:00

"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
Isaiah 41:10

"... before I was born the LORD called me; from my birth, He has made mention of my name...
See, I have engraved you on the palm of my hand."
Isaiah 49:1, 16

Only God can orchestrate these circumstances. Who would have thought? or known?? Today is the day I remember losing someone who was so important to me to something so wrong: cancer. I've rejoiced when others, friends included, have overcome the odds to which my father succumbed. But still, today is my day to remember and to mourn.

Last Friday, Kt lamented to T and I about what a creeper her new bus driver is, solely based on the fact that he knows and calls her by name. I didn't think it too creepy, but she was totally creeped out, which led me to question just how creepy this guy really was!! It also caused me to lament on how much I missed Mr. Zach, the former Navy Seal bus driver, who we haven't seen since before Christmas. Our new bus driver explained that Mr. Zach has stomach cancer and likely would not return this year. In a very small way, this was devastating to me. I didn't cry or get all emotional or anything (I mean, I'm an INTJ, for heaven't sake!), but it was grievous for me.

This morning I waited in subfreezing temps with the kids up at the bus stop. As the bus rolled up, I was waving to our friends who were already on the bus and was pleasantly surprised by Mr. Zach's smiling face! I was actually shocked, and so, so happy!! I knew instantly that this was a gift to me from God. Some might write it off as a complete coincidence, but I honestly have no idea why I even bothered to go out to the bus stop on this coldest morning of the year, considering I haven't waited out there since sometime in December. This was way more of a coincidence for me - it was a true God moment for me.

I am thankful today that He remembers me, that he hears my cry (albeit, a soft one) and that my heart is not forgotten. He reminds me that my name is engraved on his palm. And so is yours!

Miss you, Daddy!

2009-03-03T03:33:00.003-05:00

This past year has been full of deep places for me. I have posts that I haven't dared posting, places I wish I'd never been, depths I never want to return to and loneliness unlike I've ever experienced before. It's all so ironic, because this was our year off! Lately I keep hearing the last thing my father said to me, "Keep busy!", and I am wondering if there was some wisdom in those words. Recently, this song has kept me on my feet, reminded me that the only One I can count on is Jesus. He's better than.... and someday, in His time, I'll be with him, too.
'Til then, miss you, Daddy!

C.R.A.P.

2009-03-02T22:03:00.001-05:00

In Like a Lion

2009-03-02T00:17:00.002-05:00

It's the first day (now the second) of March, and it appears it's in like a lion! Our first "real" snowstorm of the season since our last was ice. The girls are quite excited, but still went to bed unsure if we're really going to end up with a snow day. We're on the fringe. I'll let you know tomorrow if it's' real!

Peanut Allergies

2009-03-01T19:53:00.002-05:00

Just before we hopped on our last flight home from Florida, I quickly stopped in a news stand and bought my mom and myself a pack of Resees Peanut Butter Cups. I had originally intended for us to eat them before we got on the plane, but thought better of having to buy them for my girls and saved them. Once on the plane, I had this nagging thought that it likely was not the best place to open up peanut butter! Having friends who have children with this particular allergy, I've listened to hours of them lamenting about restaurants, school cafeterias and one of the scariest places to deal with any medical emergency - thousands of feet in the air in the confined space called an airplane! So... we held off on our little treat until we were safely home!

Tonight, I read this super article on food allergies and the "hysteria" that they have created. I have such mixed feelings about this topic, but I really appreciated the information in this article. It did not go overboard, portraying parents as crazed fanatics, nor did it belittle them for their fear. It presented where we are now with these allergies and some experimental treatment that seems to be working in some cases on making some children allergy tolerant. Very interesting! And for real, it's a small sacrifice to make, keeping airplanes peanut free. =)

Honk

2009-02-26T23:06:00.003-05:00

I saw this on FB tonight and couldn't resist putting it up here. The Tennessee Republican Party is selling these bumper stickers in response to the astronomical spending that is going on in Washington. I cannot fathom how any of it will really help and worry about how this will impact the quality of life for my children and grandchildren. Our country needs a massive amount of prayer.

On an even more grim note, I was reading a blog about the CPAConference going on in DC and a roundtable discussion on abortion. Did you know that, since the inception of the ultrasound, which can indicate the sex of a child, over 100million girls have been aborted in China? Just let that sink in. Heartbreaking. I've always said that if T and I ever adopted, we'd try for a boy, but in the past year or so I've had a heart change with a bent towards girls. Why so undervalued?

Lockdown Drill

2009-02-24T15:47:00.003-05:00

I just got this little eschoolnewsletter a few minutes ago:

This afternoon we had our second lockdown drill of the school year. During a lockdown drill the students sit quietly on the floor of their classroom with all the lights off. Mrs. McN and I went around and checked on all the classes and the students did a wonderful job during the drill. At the end of the drill I got on the PA system and complimented the students for doing such a great job. I also told them that it was a drill and there was no emergency. I know that lockdown drills can be scary to some students, but we do them to make sure everyone is prepared if an incident that required an actual lockdown ever took place. If you have any questions, please feel free to call me at school or email me at

I can't wait to hear what the girls have to say this time! I always hear the funniest stories after days like this. The kids have NO IDEA why they are doing these. Of course, the absence of doors on the classrooms might lend itself to some funny answers if they really knew!! Thank goodness they will be fixing that security issue this summer with the final renovations. Next year, these drills might actually have more of a purpose. Now, I'm just thankful they are only drills.

Birthdays and Beaches

2009-02-23T21:21:00.005-05:00

Just got back from a short birthday trip to Daytona Beach. It was cold but fun, hurried but relaxing, short but significant. Sort of like the birthdays. Mine was Friday, my dad's was yesterday... of course, we don't celebrate his anymore, although we did have a little fun remembering him on our trip! While I was a bit chilly, I enjoyed a walk on the beach, the heated pool, hot tub, time with my family, seeing St. Augustine again and visiting with old friends and new. I can't think of a better way to spend a birthday - other than on an island somewhere hot!!

Fun in the Sun

2009-02-18T10:02:00.002-05:00

I am pretty much packed and ready to head down to Florida for a couple days. While it's not expected to be the best weather or even hot, it's snowing here. Need I say more? And we'll be right on the beach. I've loved beaches all my life, every season of the year. I'm so excited to get away for a bit - a much needed escape. And my mom is coming along - yay!

Clarity

2009-02-15T14:27:00.003-05:00

Today's sermon was the conclusion of Jonah. Great series, love the lessons, insight. On the conclusion of this book, Chapter 4 of Jonah, probably one of the "lamest" endings to a book ever. It begs so many questions, but today we saw it from the perspective of clarity - comparing God's concern over Jonah's (or ours) concerns. Some good, thought provoking clarity.

Of course, I've been following the process of this "bail-out" and am entirely underimpressed with the process, the misrepresentations and the conclusion of this economic event. It was flawed from the start, but I don't need to get into any of that because every political pundit has beat me to it!! Instead, I decided to meander through the bacon of the bill to see if there is anything for me in it. I found one item that caught my attention: tax rebate for energy efficient windows or insulation. Intriguing, since we are just about to collect on our refi of this house, taking some money out to make some home improvements. I decided to research the qualifications of such a tax break, so I googled "energy efficient window tax breaks" which sent me to this site.

Imagine my surprise at finding a list of MANY energy efficient items you, too, can receive a tax break on. Of course, they don't have anything to do with the bail-out, as they were signed into effect by Bush back in October. Naturally, this begs the question.... why is it in the bail-out bill??? Or does it. I mean, I think we understand now that most of that bail-out bill was thrown together with nary a thought for anyone but a lobbyist! It will be signed by Obama, who will claim to have made all these wonderful improvements... or did he?? Wow. Politics.

Again this afternoon I read the headline, "Obama to End the Ban on Stem Cell Research", once again, very misleading. You see, there is currently, nor has there ever been, a ban on any kind of stem cell research here in the US. That's right - you are reading this correctly. If you want to, you can go out tomorrow and collect as many embryonic stem cells as you wish and go ahead and start researching them and you are well within the laws of the land. What you cannot do, however, is ask for federal tax payer dollars to do this. Some states, like Maryland!, will you give you money and any private institutions who would like to support you may do so. The only thing you cannot do is use tax payer money. So... is Obama going end the ban on stem cell research? Nope. He IS going to use MORE and MORE of the taxpayer's money to fund something controversial. Because, I mean, he's working with a surplus! At least until Tuesday!

Clarity is something I have a real issue with, so like Jonah, I think I need to step back and ask myself what I think God's concern is in these cases. I'm thinking God probably doesn't care so much if Obama or Bush gets the credit for giving us back some tax money for improvements on our home. I think He probably has more at stake with the possibility of spending money to create/take away life for research. Of course, He cares about the heart of those making important decisions, and He commands me, and you, to pray and support those making them. So.... pray. For the many who hold the power to make changes that concern the heart of God.

Facebook Fun

2009-02-13T20:06:00.003-05:00

I've been having the best time on Facebook, hence my blog absence! My college friends, who are scattered about the US, are hysterical and it's so wonderful catching up with everyone. It's great to laugh at ourselves and remember all the sillyness that was college, roomies, really bad food, boys, MONET, '80's.... just pure fun!

This past week, my sister has finally joined the fun that is Facebook. She has resisted the movement for over a year, but she finally caved!! Tonight I chatted with her for the first time, and I was crying I was laughing so hard. I can't wait until we're all older and sit back and laugh at the things that irritate us now. It will be like looking back at college. Here's a sample of our chat:

De

katie just came up here to ask if she could watch the movie "House Bunny"

Stef

never heard of it

7:33pmDe

it's a movie about an ex-Playboy bunny!

she's all mad that Tony said no, because we're the most uncool parents EVER!!

Stef

OH NO!!

Does she know that's what it's about?

7:34pmDe

no, she doesn't

she only cares that we said no

we are now "stupid, dumb" parents who make her go to bed too early, don't give her enough money and never let her watch anything!

remember when our parents were exactly the same thing?

Stef

well tell her it's not appropriate

hmmm... I can't see Katie thinking that - SWEET SMART KATIE???

7:35pmDe

someday she'll thank us! LOL

Stef

Not MY niece!!

7:36pmDe

oh, you should hear her!!

Stef

Remind her that she's been to Europe TWICE!

7:36pmDe

her best friend called here at 10:15 the night of the Super Bowl - we let her talk to her and after about 5 minutes, we told her she needed to get off and go to bed

she yelled into the phone, "My stupid parents are making me go to bed, CAN YOU BELIEVE IT!"

she got in pretty big trouble for that one!

Stef

WOW!

I dont' believe it

But I see Skyler in her - in the not too distant future

7:38pmDe

well, when she came home, as she does most days, to tell me, "Guess what so and so gets..." I said, "Well, so-and-so also does a lot of chores around the house... How about I call and find out what they have to do and we'll make it really even!"

yup... you're in for it! trust me!

Stef

I already am

7:38pmDe

yeah, she's a smart one!

Stef

Mine quit Tai Kwon Do b/c of the outfit. Where did she get her fashion sense?

I'll have to post that on my "status bar"

7:39pmDe

I'm totally laughing, as is Tony

that's hysterical

they wouldn't let her do it in her ballet clothes?

Stef

We dressed her all up in her outfit which WAS a bit big, but I took karate - it's so they can MOVE in it and do their kicks and such

Well, no, no, no... we got to the dojo and I wrapped her belt (the proper way) and just before we walked in, she burst out in tears

she said, "It's too big!" Plus, she doesn't like shirts that go below her waist and this one, of course, goes below her butt

7:41pmDe

i'm crying i'm laughing so hard!

Stef

I said, "They won't get you do it if you don't wear this." Last week, she got a few free classes and for simply trying out, got to wear her sweats and favorite shirt

So standing outside the dojo, watching all the other moms walking in with their little Pre-Kers wearing their outfits, I pointed out to her that everyone's were too big

That didn't do. So I told her if we left, we would never come back. I couldn't even pull her inside so we turned around and drove home.

She cried all the way home. She wanted to somehow shrink it. I said that wouldn't work. Well, she saved me from paying for 6 months of it at $800 (which I was going to do that night!)

7:43pmDe

wow - that's a lot of dough

Stef

I had to talk to the owner, who called me last night after not seeing her and had to explain that she simply didn't like the outfit and that we'd return it and try again next year. He said he understood as he also has a 5 year old who he said has clothing issues, too.

No kidding. I was hesitant about it - it's a HUGE commitment from the parents at 2 nights per week, but she just LOVED the classes she took last week and I thought it would be great for her confidence

7:45pmDe

awww... it's too bad they make them wear that - but still, mucho buckeroos!

My neice - she's a funny one!

4 in 10

2009-02-12T09:52:00.003-05:00

That's it? You'd think with all the hoopla over the necessity of teaching the theory of evolution that more people would have a stake in it! This article is interesting, worth reading. Still shocking that only 39% of Americans even believe in this theory that is widely taught as truth.

Per Kathryn's comment, here is another very interesting article about how non-religious groups and atheists have "hijacked" Darwin's ideas and theories. Interesting.

Blog Slacker

2009-02-12T08:07:00.002-05:00

That's what I am. Lately, I haven't thought of much to write here besides what is going on in the world of politics, so I've been keeping my mouth shut! I also enjoyed a bit of beautiful weather here yesterday - 70 degrees! =) A global warming event I actually enjoyed.

I've spent a few days taking care of the travel details for our trip next week to Daytona Beach. The weather could pose a problem here - snow! Down there, only in the 60's, but no snow!! Especially not on my birthday. Last year, T and I got stuck out in the snow on my birthday, so I'm happy we're not having a repeat of that event. Maybe I'll get stuck in the sand.

As for the mess our country is in right now, I have so many opinions, but it's really all summed up by this guy... on CNN, of all places. While I think we're on the edge of making a mistake that our children and their children will pay dearly for, it is comforting to know that God is so much bigger than this. He is in control and right now, I'm His audience. And every once in a while, he sends some nice weather my way to take my mind of this mess. ;-)

Australia

2009-02-10T13:47:00.002-05:00

It's heartbreaking, the news out of Australia these days. Fires in the south, flooding... we met a couple this summer, Deb and Alan Hirsch, who are from Australia. Deb posted this site on Facebook yesterday - devastating. I also have a friend from high school youth group who moved his family to pastor a church in Australia last year, Kevin Butterfield. Some of his church body have lost their homes in these fires. I'm joining them and many other who are lifting up that country in prayer - for safety, for comfort and for an end to the horror. I can't even imagine.

Good Laugh

2009-02-06T21:06:00.002-05:00

I watched this on Facebook tonight and seriously - I was crying I was laughing so hard.

Enjoy!

Hopeless

2009-02-04T16:36:00.002-05:00

I think we've all felt desperate or hopeless at times, but the feeling I'm thinking of can't possibly be what those who have taken their own lives have felt. We had such an occurrence this past week and it's heartbreaking. If we can't offer hope as a body of believers, we're completely missing the point.

I love this organization, To Write Love on Her Arms, and the many links they offer. I just wish it was enough - but we need to be Christ in the world - we can't leave that up to a website! And pray... for hope and peace.

First Child Syndrome

2009-02-03T17:24:00.002-05:00

I think I've always suffered from First Child Syndrome, or at least various forms of it. I can remember being so overly compliant as a child that I was in shock when my sister dared to do anything rebellious, such as not do her homework (intently!), stay out later than her curfew and not really care what my parents thought or her being able to hide a tattoo for weeks and months without my parents ever finding out. My brother was even better at deception, which I'm sure began in his early years, but I wouldn't really know because I was too busy obeying to even notice! Call it naivety or just plain goodie-two-shoesness, I am just completely stunned when I find out people get away with things that I was sure I'd be punished for - lock me up and throw that key far away.

Thus it has been for me this past week. Do people really get away with not paying thousands upon thousands of dollars in taxes?? Can they really break the law and not be penalized?? On top of that, will they then, after being publicly lashed with a wet spaghetti noodle, still receive the job of making sure all us little folks pay our taxes?? For sure, I do not understand politics or the economy... but I recognize a criminal when I see one!!

Thankfully, God is much more merciful with me than I am with other. As another side effect of First Child Syndrome, I have this insatiable need to practice mercy and grace with others instead of my knee-jerk reaction, which is justice and revenge! God is patiently teaching me to leave those things to Him, and to practice those virtues which I lack as was portioned to me by my birth order.... confounded by my need to always be right. Someday, attitude and all, each of us will have to account for our actions and reactions. We will all want grace where we are concerned. As for the others, I plead the 5th!

Super Bowl

2009-01-31T21:46:00.002-05:00

There's going to be a Super Bowl party at the White House. Let's crash it! I'll admit - this is new and different. I don't believe there's ever been a president who used a Super Bowl to host a fun get together in the White House while trying avert the most catastrophic economic crisis of our lifetime... two wars with scores of our men in danger... and thousands of Americans out of work, unable to afford a Super Bowl party of their own. Wow. What a cool guy... I'm starting to believe in this. It might just work. Now, if he can just get them all to sit down and do their tax returns while watching the game, we might actually get something accomplished!

Did You Know?

2009-01-31T15:09:00.001-05:00

What does this mean for our kids?

Transparency

2009-01-31T13:17:00.005-05:00

I am really struggling these days with the hypocrisy of the Obama administration. Oh, how I wish I lived far away from Washington, D.C., where national news is my local news... get me out of here!! I see nothing new happening in Washington, just the same old corrupt politicians being given more and more control over my life, bad decisions being made on a the whim of trying to look "new" and a general reluctance to accept any constructive criticism.

Closing Gitmo?? Why?? The only reason I've seen come up over and over for closing Gitmo is because it's a "blemish" on America. Really? Who says? Human rights groups (who say that about any prison), terrorist groups (who would love to embarrass America if it means we go easy on them AND they get their key players back) and Americans who don't believe in war (but don't want another 9/11.... by negotiating, not fighting, with terrorists). My question: if you are embarrassed by the Bush Administration and feel like what happened in the White House for the last 8 years is a blemish on our country, should we shut down the White House??? Move it to, say, Chicago? Duh. Don't close Gitmo - it's absolutely strategic for us to keep these high profile terrorist enemy combatants off our shores. Change the way it's run - YES!! But why close it?? I'm not understanding the necessity here.... As for giving up our land on Cuba.... no way. Too strategic, but Obama certainly has opened up a can of worms with this executive order!

Fund Abortion Internationally for Population Control?? Even Bill Gates knows this is no solution. Not to mention, this is NO change... it's Clinton regurgitated. No thought, no ethic involved in this one.

Waivers for Lobbyists? Don't make an executive order and then turn around and abuse your power with it. No waivers... just follow your own rules. It's that simple. You can find someone who is better suited and not look hypocritical while doing so. I have zero tolerance for inconsistent, unapologetic arrogance.

Meanwhile, we're cutting defense spending once again... because we're not involved in two wars and weapons proliferation or anything. I mean, if we want to keep America safe, by all means cut the spending where defense is concerned. No red flag there! Just a big old white one!

I need a vacation. A long vacation!

School Days

2009-01-30T09:31:00.002-05:00

Last night, Em and I finished up her Frindle project, which turned out really cute. She had a great vision for this project (once I steered her away from the song she wanted to sing... which consisted of one line!) and really did a super job. I just hope she's as happy with it when she comes home today.

Kt is in a spelling bee today. This was supposed to be on Tuesday, but with all the snow delays and ice, they rescheduled it for today. I'm a bit uncomfortable about this one because I really didn't help her at all with this, and I feel really guilty about it!! Kt is an overachiever, who is always busy doing something. She rarely asks us for help, organizes all her own work and only occasionally "messes up", or forgets something. Our last big mess up was when she missed a deadline to submit an essay for a scholarship - and you would have thought it was the end of the world!! I assured her that, as a fifth grader, there would be many, many more opportunities to do these extra projects.... Anyway, she and another classmate won the class spelling bee, so today is the spelling bee to send a student on to the county wide spelling bee. If she wins today, I promise to be a better mom and actually help her. If she wins today, she will officially be the most over committed fifth grader I've ever met!

As for me, I'm really enjoying my job, although for the past two weeks, I've only worked one day weeks! Last week, I had MLK birthday off and inauguration day off. This week, I went in on Monday, then had two snow days. Of course, that gave me time to do my midyear student reviews, which took quite a lot longer than I'd anticipated!! Next week, my first graders will be on a field trip one day.... I'm actually looking forward to an uninterrupted Feb and March! I need some consistency with these kids!

Ledbetter Law

2009-01-30T00:23:00.003-05:00

Obama signed a law today for equal pay for women who do equal work for me. He added his little caveat about how fitting it was that his first law signed into action was based on a premise he ran his campaign on, that we are all created equal. In the back of my mind, I kept remembering an article I read during the campaign about the way Obama paid his staff while in the Senate... and it's not exactly congruent with his words today. In case you want to read that as well, I found it... he may need a waiver so he can continue his payroll practices after signing his first bill today!

Rice

2009-01-29T17:33:00.002-05:00

This is not my favorite food, but for many in the world, it's a staple of life. This article today demonstrates an amazing persistence to help feed the world in a way that was sustaining, rewarding and specialized. We need more people like this:

"I feel a great sense of gratitude that I was able to contribute in this way," she (Pamela Ronald) said. "But the farmers have asked us, 'Can you develop varieties that are drought tolerant, salt tolerant? Can you develop varieties that are insect resistant?' There are always more things to work on."

It's a great read... hopefully inspiring to those who have talent, vision and a heart for the world. There are always more possibilities.... limitless!

Is Obama Really Black?

2009-01-27T16:25:00.002-05:00

Sounds really racist, huh?? Well, it's a question I've heard of late with the silly explanation that, because Obama's mother was white, he was raised by his mother and his mother's parents that he's more white than black.... and I think the whole idea is absurd!! What I find even more offensive is that people tell me this not really taking into consideration that, while my children are not black, they are half Asian. I haven't been brazen enough to say this, mostly because these conversations take place in public, but if given the opportunity to say this in private, without embarrassing them, I will ask... then what are my children?

I have always told my girls they are Chinese and American, and we don't really give that a percentage. In truth, I'm 1/4 Scottish, 1/4 British, 1/4 Austrian and 1/4 Swedish.... and my mother always said, "You're American!!" My favorite was when Kt, at the age of 5, told her kindergarten class that she was half Chinese, half Connecticut! The truth is, they can choose what they would like to be listed as on their silly standardized tests, but they are free to choose how they identify their "nationality". If they want to say they are part Asian and they are American, that's fine. If they want to say they are part Scottish and American, that's fine as well. Who cares?? But to say they aren't Chinese.... would be absurd.

I don't know if I find the reasoning offensive, however, as much as I find the hatred infused in the wording of this claim. When I see the first family, I have no doubt in my mind that I see and African American family, no matter what they wear or who their parents are. To try to convince me otherwise would be a difficult thing to do. What will stand out to me about the first family and my own is that we are Americans, and our heritage is something we should be proud of, we should strive to educate our children to be proud of it and we should not be using it offensively. I'm sensitive here because for me, it's my kids you're talking about, too!

Snow!

2009-01-27T16:11:00.002-05:00

It has finally arrived - lots of snow! Well, a humble amount measuring around 3-4 inches. Unfortunately, there is more on the way that will switch to sleet, then freezing rain and then rain tomorrow as the temperature supposedly goes up to 40 degrees.

I've enjoyed the day inside! =) Em has been out with her friends, shoveled half the driveway and is now goofing off with the other hibernating creature in our house - Kt! The older I get, the less excited I get about weather events, cold, wool, fleece and hot chocolate. Crazy, I know. I've got my eye set on white sand beaches, pina coladas and sun, sun, sun!!!

Still, every time I've driven by a half frozen pond, fond memories of ice skating as a kid at our local park and sledding down the big church hill we lived on pop up in my old head. It was kind of fun as a kid being able to do all that so close to home. I also recall that my parents did not join us!! Well, maybe for ice skating, but not for long. So I don't feel guilty about not running around, making tiny snowmen or sledding. Just not my thing. They'll have to wait until their dad is home! =)

Looks like round two has begun, ahead of schedule. More snow and sleet on the way. Stay warm, everyone!

Belly Buttons

2009-01-25T14:17:00.001-05:00

Who knew?

You Are Puzzled Over

You are quirky, complicated, and brilliant. You tend to feel a bit misunderstood by everyone, and that troubles you.

It's likely that you will have four or more children... whether you use birth control or not!

You are easily effected by the world around you. You are emotional and even a bit moody.

You are a bit lazy. You sometimes don't shower or brush your teeth all day.

You are quite conservative. You are neither a flirter or a flaunter.

What Does Your Belly Button Say About You?

Carbon Footprint

2009-01-23T12:02:00.000-05:00

I thought this blog post was kind of interesting....

Funding Abortion Internationally

2009-01-23T10:59:00.003-05:00

Obviously, I'm against this. I have many reasons that I won't get into, but I really think my biggest reason is that abortion in African countries is not a solution... or anywhere for that matter. There is an epidemic, HIV/AIDS, malaria, civil wars, extremist government takeovers.... killing off newer generations, sometimes we actually call that genocide, will not keep Africans from having more children. Why? Because 1) Africans covet children. Children are their life-blood. We can learn from them. 2) The reason they have so many.... is because only a few will survive. They are not interested in killing them before they are born. That's a crazy Western mentality. Doesn't work there.... but you'd have to actually want to solve a real problem to understand that. Let's put our money, our hard earned tax dollars, on things that matter in international countries instead of once again trying to impose "our" beliefs, that HIV/AIDS babies are better off dead (not my personal belief!), on them!

What Does that Mean?

2009-01-23T08:55:00.003-05:00

The girls and I were having a conversation this morning that left me puzzled. See if you can follow along....

Me to Em: Next year, when you go back to school, there will be a new library! (They are going to finish the building renovations...)

Em: I know!

Me: And all the pods (clusters of classrooms for each grade) will look like the third grade pod.

Kt: You know what I hate about the third grade pod? The floor in front of it is tile, so when it rains...

Me: Well, we know from Mom's school that tile is better than carpet. It doesn't hold mold, which makes you sick.

Kt: I know...

Em: You know what makes ME sick at school? The markers.

Me: What do you mean?

Em: When I smell those Expo markers, they make my nose run. I think I'm allergic to them.

Me: You know, you're not supposed to just smell them - that's bad for you.

Em: I know! (with her mischievous giggle)

Kt: You know, if you smell those markers you can die.

Em: I KNOW!! (giggling some more)

I'm not sure what to make of that....

in a manner that is consistent with our values and our ideals

2009-01-22T13:43:00.002-05:00

I guess this is where everything gets a little fuzzy between Obama and I. I have no idea what he thinks OUR values and ideals are. Somehow, the thought has occurred to me that they are a little different. I guess it would have been good to have that clarified before Nov. 4, but nobody wanted to make him do that, or answer many other difficult questions. Now we're just left to wonder. As the president is signing our federal tax dollars away....

Mr. Previs

2009-01-21T15:54:00.003-05:00

I wrote a post a while ago about my (and many other's) all time favorite principal ever. As a teacher, he's really an ideal for me. I've never met anyone who is like him in leadership style, temperament, devotion to kids and staff and intelligence as an elementary school principal. Unfortunately, he left our beloved elementary school with the stain of scandal on his reputation, but a scandal that was not proved nor accepted easily by those who knew him. Why? Because the thought of this man doing something so ridiculous as changing test scores on Standardized tests, lying about it (and passing lie detector tests which indicated that he did not do this) and then resigning to protect his staff against an internal investigation.... just didn't add up. To this day, there is an active facebook group of former students who believe he is innocent. Every once in a while I check that group and just love the comments people leave that help me to remember why we loved him!! Here are some quotes:

~ "What other elementary school principal would sub for gym class ... and knowingly try to kick your a** in dodgeball????"

~ "MR. NOREN ... PLEASE REPORT TO THE CAFETERIA ... WITH A MOP!!!!" (This was a frequent announcement made by Mr. Previs, who was our only lunch aide all the years he worked at our school. He monitored the lunch room while helping kids finish up schoolwork at back tables.)

~ "Don't forget about juggling, intramural basketball, and after school roller skating, AND of course, unicycling!!! :)" (I was one of the unicyclers.... and there was clowning, double dutch jumproping....)

~ "He was one of the best people I have ever met, only cared for the kids, he was very humble, not at all showy, the absolute last person who would do something dishonest. And only people who don't know him would think otherwise. My four brothers and I all went to
Stratfield, and we are all very grateful it was when Mr. Previs was there!! We feel we are better people for having known him. If we had a The Western Onion right now I would send him a secret note to say, "Mr Previs, we all KNOW that you are the best!!"" (Every spring, we would have a school fair and the Western Onion was a little station where, for a ticket, you could write a note to someone. All afternoon and evening, we could hear it at my house!!, names would be announced.... "Deanna Lovegren, will you please come to the Western Onion!" and you'd know there was a secret note for you!!"

~ "He not only cared for all his kids, after we graduated, he kept up on all of us. He knew his kids' names and faces even after they graduated from college." (So true... he never forgot me, I was always welcome to visit, and he even offered me a job right out of college without a teaching certificate in my hand. I already had one, so I regretfully declined. That was only a year or two before this mess....)

~ "the rule of eating 2 items....what principal is there now that is that attentive to his/her students?" (He was a genius, probably the only person I ever met with a photographic memory - at least I'm pretty sure that's what it was!)

~ "Remember that slide show with the John Denver music that Mr. Previs used to play at the end of every year!! haha!" (Send in the Clowns.... he'd put together a slide show every year for the 6th grade graduation...)

~ "Of course there was always the Memorial Day parade, and to this day, the kids at Stratfield still do the "parade of the States"! That awesome tradition started with the 1986 parade...."

~ " And also had the opportunity to learn LOGO (okay NOW i'm really dating myself here) on a Apple II computer (yup, REALLY dating myself here!), and that was back in 1983-84! Oh yes, and the famous Stratfield fair in the spring....and getting free popcorn if we helped to clean up afterwards! Ahhhhh those were good times...." (I learned LOGO as well... with that little turtle!)

~ "I recall him saying that there's more than one way to solve a problem (I was part of "Operation Mind Stretch in 5th grade, plus was also part of the trial run of Odyssey of the Mind). I still have my Iowa Test Scores from when I was at Stratfield (CT Masterys did not happen until after I left there) and I believe those were *not* tampered with at all....I know my abilities, and believe in them....it still hurts after a number of years that a principal who was so good w/ the students and teachers at Stratfield was forced to resign over "Erasergate"." (I was in PACE (Personal Achievement Creative Enrichment) and OMS (Operation Mind Stretch) as well.... run by Mr. Previs himself!)

~ "he used to play dodgebll with us!
and if u were the last one and didnt get hit 3 times he bought u an ice cream!"

~ "Roger Previs remembers every name and face he ever encountered in his tenure as principal at the Stratfield School for growing children." (True, indeed... I'm not sure any of my girls' principals can say the same...."

~ "anyone remember the after school rollerblading game where he threw hard balls at us while we skated in circles and tried to avoid a broken leg?
awesome. best principal.
live. love. roger previs."

~ "I remember getting in trouble probably 3 times a week and having to write letters of apology saying what i did and why it was wrong. THe letter had to be signed by my parents and Mr. Previs. I forged both my parents and Mr. Previs' signature. I didn't care that i forged my parents signature, but the look on Mr. Previs' face after seeing what i had tried doing is still too much for me to handle. I'm sorry Mr. Previs! I'm sorry!" (So classic....)

Of course, there are those who think he might have actually changed those test scores... but I've never seen the proof. Someone did, I just don't think it was him! My greatest challenge was trying to make Mr. Previs laugh, something he rarely did. From all the quotes here, there was no doubt he was amazing and while we all feared him as a principal, it was only because we loved and respected him and wanted him to be proud of the students he gave 100% to. Incidentally, he never had any children of his own, which to me only makes his story more remarkable. I hope he realizes that he is still loved in the hearts of those whose lives he invested in. Thanks, Mr. Previs!

Does It Feel Different?

2009-01-21T14:01:00.003-05:00

I don't know about you, but today doesn't really feel any different than yesterday. I don't feel any more or less hopeful about the future of America, I don't feel like much has changed quite yet and I'm still wishing it was summer! =) I'm a little sad the Bushes are gone, kind of happy there are two beautiful First Children the same ages as my own girls. It just kind of feels the same.

Yesterday afternoon I finally made my trip to the grocery store. While there, I ran into a woman who announced she was from South Carolina (which was why she didn't have a discount card) so I took a stab in the dark and asked her if she was in town for the inauguration. She was African American and I've wondered if I were, I would think yesterday would have been a very significant day. She replied that she had gone and it was FREEZING! In fact, I was a little surprised she was out of the city already!! I asked her if she was able to see anything and she said only on a big screen from far away - she actually kind of sounded disgusted with the whole experience. I wished her well and reminded her that at least she could say she was there! Hmmm....

I read this afternoon that Obama has already frozen the salaries of White House staffers who make over $100,000/year. I wonder if that includes him? Imagine being on your job for one day and having your salary frozen? EEK!! Personally, I'd much rather have had the millions of dollars spent on the past three days of inaugural festivites used to pay hard working Americans their due than to have spent all that money on parties... just a thought!

Fortunately, I'm not the president. If I were..... we'd have no booing at official, historical ceremonies (just demonstrates a certain disrespect among this newer generation of Americans),
we would not plan days of lavish parties whilst campaining on economic devastation ranking up there with a Great Depression, we'd expect, at some point, to receive the same respect/disrespect we'd shown towards the office we now hold. But, I'm not the President. I don't have the advantage of doing things my way! ;-) And I'm sure you are all happy it is the way it is.

One thing that does feel a bit different to me is the prospect of having to wonder about my safety again. Under Bush, I really felt a sense of protection and well-being that I no longer feel. Maybe if I lived in Timbuktoo I'd feel that way, but being 30 miles from the White House, 10 miles from NSA.... I'm not feeling that so much anymore. I hope and pray this uneasiness goes away soon!!

So, do you feel any different today?

Midyear Review

2009-01-20T23:36:00.002-05:00

I've been told I don't have to do this, but for my own evaluation and assessment, I'm working reviews of each of my students. Eventually I will write up something to send home with each of their packets of work from the last quarter. I thought that writing down daily notes on each student would help in this effort, and in many ways it has.... but it is also making my overly detail oriented mind possibly be over analytical.

This type of midyear assessment was laborious when I was a teacher, but now that I am a parent, I can see the value in it even more. I think to myself, on most occasions, "If I were his/her mom, what would I want/need to hear...." The students I work with only come to me because they are identified as needing my help. I just pray my help is really making a difference and really what they need! The only way to determine that is do what I'm doing!!

It's laborious, but someone's gotta do it!

Inauguration

2009-01-20T13:25:00.002-05:00

I watched history in the making today. I don't know that my thoughts are that interesting, but here they are....

~ I'm proud to be an American. I'm proud that these two presidents today demonstrated what distinguished America from so many other nations, and they did in a very unprecedented way. We know from inaugurations past that it did not have to happen so smoothly, so warmly or so openly. But it did, and I'm thankful to both the Bush family and the Obama family for being so visible in their warm relationship.

~ I wonder if the oath, the fumbling of words the press needled Bush about for years but somehow jumped the barrier of presidents, was the realization of the task that lies ahead moment for Obama. Even John Roberts seemed flustered by the moment - when the eyes of the world were upon them. I do know this: Obama's tween daughter will never let him live that down! I've got one - and I know... they can be brutal!

~ Does Obama know the Lord's Prayer? (That is just a thought that popped into my mind, as Rick Warren began that, I was thinking that I wish I were there to hear 2 million people recite/listen to that!) Oh, I'd give more than a penny for Obama's thoughts... I'm not even sure he realized they were saying that!

~ I'm hoping for a scandal free presidency. I'm hoping the warmness that we witnessed between these two families is an indication that we can count on strong, non-scandalous family unit to spend some time in the White House. I think it's so important for us as a nation to have that.

~ I don't want to see our President fail, not in any area of his life. Yes, his connections, friendships, advisors make me more than nervous. The state of the nation makes me concerned. The climate of world powers and their relationships with us make me uncertain. I hope and pray for this man and his family - that they stay safe, that they make decisions based on wisdom and honor and that they remain true to the God the chose to invite to this inauguration.

~ I want Americans to recognize that this does not mean the end of racism, but the beginning of an era of reconciliation, healing and continued effort to promote equality among all individuals, regardless of race. To think we have reached an end would be premature and detrimental to the slow progress of equality among all humankind. It's an amazing day for Americans, a moment that we can finally say, "We're ready!" We should not think of it as reaching that goal just yet, though.

I, for one (of few?), am very sad to see the Bushes depart the White House. Today only solidified for me that the man who has served us for the past 8 years can put aside vicious attacks, unkind words, unfair assessment of his convictions, and look ahead and embrace the beauty of our country and it's rich history. He is a great example, I believe, to all of us and has forged a way for all Americans to work together for the common good. His grace and resolve will be sorely missed!

OK, time to get back to real life. I got some groceries to pick up!

What Do You Think?

2009-01-20T08:48:00.002-05:00

I was just watching a live interview with a black woman on the mall from the UK. She was talking about how she came here to witness the first African-American president being sworn in because it's "like the end of racism in the US." She goes on to say, "Well, you know, in the UK we don't really have a problem with racism anymore...." Really??? I'm just trying to wrap my mind around that stunning statement... On one hand, she seems to be saying that the end of racism is equivalent to have the highest office held by a person of another race. Then again, she seems to think there is no racism in England, where the office of Prime Minister is.... held by a black person??? Has ever been held by a person of another race??? Where the Royal Family will ever be anything but white??? I'm not understanding the thinking here. What say you?

FOCA

2009-01-20T08:17:00.001-05:00

Just a little info about this bill.... wake me up in four years! YIKES!

Change that is Regurgitated

2009-01-19T23:30:00.003-05:00

In the final hours of President Bush's leadership, CNN is reporting that the change that's coming could include a Clintonesque repeat... not the kind of change I was hoping for, but one I naturally assumed we'd see. I'm very disturbed by the prospect of my tax money being used to promote, facilitate and fund international abortion. It's one thing to legislate free choice for American citizens. It's a completely different thing to use federal tax payer dollars to support something so morally offensive, but to support and encourage that beyond our borders.... I'm repulsed. I pray for a concience for our new leaders. There is nothing "new" or anything I believe in happening in this one.

UPDATE: And here it is... your tax dollars to fund non-governmental agencies abroad to counsel and perform abortions..... I am firmly against my money being used this way.

Disney World

2009-01-19T10:03:00.002-05:00

Anyone who knows me knows I LOVE Disney World. I just really believe it's magical and I'm a sucker for the white glove treatment!! When friends of our are planning a trip, I often get asked for "the email" that I send out. It's a little easier than reading through the whole Fodor's book. I also like to gather info from our friends who return because, truthfully, it's been 2 full years since I've stepped foot in the park. =( I'm becoming a Disney dinosaur.

This week, because it's a short school week AND people who live around DC are finding any and every excuse not to be around, a friend of ours was heading to DW and asked for my email. In that email I referred her to another mutual friend who has been going to DW about 2-3 times a year recently!! My first friend just called me this morning from DW (while it was snowing here... how depressing!) to tell me that she never did call these other friends, but had a dream last night that they ran into her in the park. She was calling to tell me that her husband had just texted from somewhere else in the park and he had just run into them!! She thought I would like to know their funny story!

After I got off the phone, T said, "I'm going to email all your friends and tell them 'NEVER call my wife at home if you're actually IN Disney World'"! I'll add to that... especially on a day off from school, in the middle of the winter, when it's snowing!!

Tyrants and Such

2009-01-18T20:00:00.002-05:00

I read this piece today on just how history may treat Bush. It is intriguing.

Interestingly, I find it perplexing that Obama seems to align himself and his presidency with Lincoln's or Roosevelt's, both staunch Republican presidents. I'm actually kind of astonished, but time will tell. We'll just have to wait and see how it all plays out.

Also, my mom sent me some interesting Thomas Jefferson quotes today, the president who was Bill Clinton's "hero". Do these guys even know who their heroes really were?? Mind-boggling. Just a really good indication that I have no idea when it comes to politics. I'll just leave it all here for you to ponder! Enjoy:

When we get piled upon one another in large cities, as in Europe, we
shall become as corrupt as Europe.
Thomas Jefferson

The democracy will cease to exist when you take away from those who
are willing to work and give to those who would not.
Thomas Jefferson

It is incumbent on every generation to pay its own debts as it goes. A
principle which if acted on would save one-half the wars of the world.
Thomas Jefferson

I predict future happiness for Americans if they can prevent the
government from wasting the labors of the people under the pretense of
taking care of them.
Thomas Jefferson

My reading of history convinces me that most bad government results
from too much government
Thomas Jefferson

No free man shall ever be debarred the use of arms.
Thomas Jefferson

The strongest reason for the people to retain the right to keep and
bear arms is, as a last resort, to protect themselves against tyranny
in government.
Thomas Jefferson

The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood
of patriots and tyrants.
Thomas Jefferson

To compel a man to subsidize with his taxes the propagation of ideas
which he disbelieves and abhors is sinful and tyrannical.
Thomas Jefferson

Very Interesting Quote

In light of the present financial crisis, it's interesting to read
what Thomas Jefferson said in 1802:

'I believe that banking institutions are more dangerous to our
liberties than standing armies. If the American people ever allow
private banks to control the issue of their currency, first by
inflation, then by deflation, the banks and corporations that will
grow up around the banks will deprive the people of all property until
their children wake-up homeless on the continent their fathers
conquered.

Lost in Conversation

2009-01-17T20:16:00.003-05:00

I have no concept of how a man's brain "works", if you can call it that! Tonight's perfect example:

3:30pm
T: How about we go out to Outback tonight with those gift cards.
Me: OK.

T falls asleep and doesn't wake up (on a Saturday night) until 6:30.

T: What do you want to do for dinner?
Me: Well, I know you said Outback, but I'm so warm here, how about fajitas from La Palapa??
T: Um, well, is that what you want?
Me: I could really use some chips and salsa.
T: So, do you want to go out or stay in.
Me: If you really want to go, I guess I could get myself out of this nice, warm bed, but I'd rather just stay in.
T: (yelling downstairs) Em, do you want to go to Outback tonight?
Me: Well, OK.... I guess I'll have to drag myself out of this warm bed and go out at 6:30 on a Saturday and wait for Outback...
T: What? Did you want to do something different?
Me: Did you listen to any of the conversation I just had with you?????

30 minutes later, we get to Outback. There is a line to pull into the parking lot. I suggest we quickly pick up our stuff we need at Target and head down to the other Outback.... after realizing even Pizzeria Uno is completely full. While in Target, T is nowhere to be found... then we see him walking towards us with his phone in hand, I mean on his ear.

Me: Who are you talking to?
T: Outback. I'm calling to see if I can get a table reservation for us.
Me: But there's no place to even park there.
T: I'm sure there will be parking by the time we get there. (It's in the same shopping center as target and we're next in line).
T: (on phone) Hi, can I make a reservation? We're about 20 minutes.... 3 of us.... oh, really? Uh, OK.
T: (to me) They can't give us anything until 7:50.
Em: Can we just go to McDonald's????
Me: Well, that's just too late.
T: How about we just order from La Palapa.
Me: And not drive to the other Outback?
T: Well, that would take us just as long.....
Me: ..................................................

I just don't understand. Nothing registers? Processing issue?? Anyway, I ended up having to go out when I didn't need to - I can process that pretty easily! Especially when it's 23 degrees outside!!

MRI

2009-01-16T16:21:00.002-05:00

So, it's great news. Better than I'd anticipated! Nothing new to report other than I have no masses or tumors on any of my abdominal internal organs (weird, but relieving to know). I have some new meds to try to reduce the cholesterol my body so vigorously attempts to retain - so we'll see how that goes. Otherwise, I have no reason to visit the doctor again until July! I'm in shock. (I usually go every 4 months). I was even home by 4, which is unheard of. I guess there's something to be said for Friday afternoon doctor visits - nobody wants to stay long! =)

Today's the Day

2009-01-16T10:05:00.003-05:00

Sometimes there is just nothing worse than sitting around all day waiting for a doctor's appointment. That's what I'm doing today. Today I find out those MRI results and my appointment is at 3:30! UGH! So... just finding things to do to bide my time. Impossible to keep it out of my mind.

Lunch yesterday with some neighborhood friends was fun. Water aerobics last night on one of the coldest nights I can remember!! I'm leaning towards staying in bed today on this now 15 degree morning, but instead I'm heading down to that treadmill, which has actually proven to be a good motivator in many ways. Then over to school to drop off a paper that KT left home... deja vu. It's my once a week trek for that girl!

The best part about today is remembering I only have a one day work week next week! Monday is off and Tuesday my school has off for Inauguration Day! Whoopie! I'm looking forward to that, just not looking forward to this afternoon! =(

Hearing, Ears and Such

2009-01-14T15:32:00.002-05:00

I recently had to do this Random 25 Things about me that's going around Facebook. It was kind of funny. My old elementary/junior/high school friends really put a lot of detail into their lists. We could write books about what people shared! One of my random things was that I've had a hearing loss pretty much all my life. The assumed cause is the rolling down someone's basement steps with no railing and slamming my forehead on the stone slab at the bottom of it. The next day, most likely due to the disorientation caused by the previous days trauma, I fell down our front steps and repeated ending above on the sidewalk. I have a picture (gotta find that!) and a bump on my forehead to this day to prove it!

From that point on, I was tested for this residual hearing loss. Of course, there was no mention in here of the hereditary factors (like my grandfather being nearly deaf!) that might have played a role in such a handicap. Instead, the conclusion was drawn that I should 1. avoid playing the violin, since I am unable to hear super high frequency sounds and other super low ones. 2. avoid all rock concerts (yeah, right!). and 3. understand that sound discrimination would be an issue, especially as I get older. Well, they were right. If there is noise of any kind, I can't hear you!

I shared a portion of this being sure to add that if anyone yelled to me, either in the hallway at school or at the overly crowded 20th reunion and I appeared to be ignoring them, chances are I couldn't even hear them. It's difficult enough for me to hear a person in a crowded room yelling into my ear! As I think about it, though, there are other instances when I've been an embarrassment to my friends and family.

For example, for each of our birthdays senior year of high school, a small group of my friends and I would set up elaborate celebrations - or scavenger hunts, or kidnappings.... For mine, my friends kidnapped me, which entailed a very tight blindfold that covered my ears (mistake of utmost importance!) and took me to one of our favorite restaurant, Sidetracks. Once inside, I "announced" that I knew we were in Sidetracks, removed my blindfold and was looking at 6 very redfaced friends. They were totally quiet, looking around... until one of them finally said, "You didn't have to scream it!" Honestly, to this day, I don't recall screaming anything, but clearly I did!

Another remembrance that comes to mind, as I gather my things to head down to the basement, is the MP3 player. My husband kindly tells me to "keep it down" when I have that thing on, and he does not mean the volume! He basically told me "Don't even whisper!" Truthfully, it's embarrassing to be yelling when I don't even realize I'm yelling. When I have nothing over my ears, all anyone ever does is complain how softly I speak or that they can't even understand me. It's such a dichotomy there can only be one explanation - this hearing thing!

So, let this be a warning to you... if you see me, tap my shoulder. If you see me with headphones on, don't listen. It is sure to be a doozy!

Midyear

2009-01-14T13:29:00.003-05:00

Since this is my first year back doing anything teaching related, this is my first midyear review stuff. It's so time-consuming, even with just 8 students teaching them one subject. Of course, it's a bit more detailed, anecdotal and specialized/individualized. I'm looking back over months of instruction and seeing a lot of progress and really enjoying the students.

Today's funny moment.... one of my groups is reading a story entitled "An Elephant's Trunk" all about the things an elephant can do with it's trunk. On the back cover is a short poem about the difference between and elephant's trunk and the kind you "pack" clothes in. One of my first graders read "pick" instead of pack clothes in the trunk, so I asked him if that sounded like it made sense. Without hesitation, he replied very confidently, "No, that doesn't make any sense. That's because it's FICTION!" After I recovered, I thought to myself, "These kids are smarter than I give them credit for!"

Nothing

2009-01-12T21:23:00.002-05:00

I have nothing to write about today. I haven't heard anything about my MRI but should know sometime around Friday at 3:30. I had an uneventful Monday morning with my sweet reading group today. I hit the grocery store. My house needs a good, thorough cleaning - any volunteers? The girls were beat after school today. So much homework, no energy. Winter. My living room looks naked without Christmas in it anymore. So does the rest of my house. I'm thinking about decorating for Valentine's Day this week so my house isn't naked anymore. I love Valentine's Day. That's all my nothing for today! =)

I Don't Want to Turn Into my Grandmother!

2009-01-11T13:31:00.002-05:00

I had a very early meeting this morning - 7:45. I'm sure that's not early for many, but for me that's enough to send me to bed for the rest of the day!! And that's where I am, with little motivation to do anything. Then this thought/memory/frightening awakening popped into my head. All growing up, what I remember most about my grandmother is that she rarely moved. She would either stay in bed all day or sit at her craft table or I could find her sitting at the bar in her house eating cheese and crackers. I don't want to do that! I need to move!!

Happy Sunday, all!

Servant Leadership

2009-01-11T12:01:00.002-05:00

Here's a congressman I'd listen to - has decided to sleep on a cot in his office to save on housing in DC. I wonder how long he can pull that off?? I do think he has a few points here: saving during an economic crisis, being fiscally conservative before a spend it all congress, pointing out that he serves servicement in Iraq and Afghanistan who sleep in much worse conditions than his and that he's got a family back home to take care of. Why can't all politicians be as practical? Anyway, an interesting read on how one man chooses to demonstrate his leadership skills as a servant.

Happy Birthday, Em!

2009-01-10T11:19:00.002-05:00

Today, at 3:05pm, Em will be 8. I always thought that time was appropriate as for the years I taught, that was when I was free!! And free is exactly the way Em is. Free spirited, free (strong) willed and freely engaged... if that makes any sense at all. Em is a contact person - she has to feel it all before she can process anything. From the time she was tiny, she would constantly be tugging away from us to touch... trees, walls, animals... Which brings us to a true passion in her life - animals! If there is anyone who I know that is most like Noah, it's Em. She would LOVE to be told to build an ark to save the animals - forget the people!!

It's truly a privilege and honor to be the parent of such a unique child. It's hard to believe she's 8! Em has shown us this past year her interest in traveling - but only to places that don't require shots! - and her cautious love for adventure. She has tried many new things, or let her sister try them first!! She loves math, her teachers, her classmates and most of all her sister. I'm sure somewhere in there she loves her parents as well. Last, but not least, he best friends in the world are her doggies. This year, she has trusted in God more than ever and is still processing through what it really means to believe. Her prayer life is astounding to me and she often shares with me what she has prayed and how God has answered her. Oh, to have such childlike faith!!

Wishing you, Emma-lou, a wonderful 8th year!!

Dare I Say....

2009-01-09T18:43:00.001-05:00

Leon Panetta has about as much intelligence experience as Obama has executive experience. Should make a fine duo! There... I said it. Now I'll run back into my corner and continue observing from the sidelines. Quite the circus we have going on in politics these days!

Do It All Again?

2009-01-09T12:30:00.002-05:00

Uh, one word. Noway! Something drastically crazy has happened with my MP3 player. Fortunately, it still plays my music, with tiny battery capacity, but enough to get me through two treadmill walks! Today, however, I glanced down and realized that according to my music box, I am still in the womb! (Breech, I might add... and was actually delivered that way... but that's my ADD interjecting!) The date of today according to my Rio is January 2, 1970. Funny. And while there are MANY things I'd love to repeat all over again, there are just as many I'd rather not go through. So, I guess I either figure out how to fast forward the date on this thing or try to ignore it! =)

Hypochondria

2009-01-09T10:57:00.003-05:00

I'm convinced that if my doctor told me tomorrow that my totally functioning left leg had a tumor in it, I would not be able to walk on it by sometime next week. Mind over body? Ever since my doctor told me my unsymptomatic liver is leaking, it's been figuratively burning a hole in my body. I mean, I'm not in any real pain, but I can pretty much feel a liver where I felt nothing before. It's strange to have someone make you actually think about a bodily organ in a way you never have before!!

I think this does nothing to help my OCD tendencies. I sometimes find I have hypochondria of the mind... any crazy suggestion made to me is dwelt upon until there is nothing left to be dwelt upon! I have a few of those going on all at once in my life right now, and this morning I finally took some time to clear my head of a few of these things. It was a much needed quiet time and I'm feeling a bit better, other than the occasional pang of my liver... LOL. Now, onto another much needed break - treadmill. Then birthday wrapping, quick shopping trip for that one last gift and then, if I have time, the depressing job of undecorating my house. I hate it when Christmas is over - yes, I used "quiet time" and "hate" in the same paragraph.

In my quiet time, I read about the circumsicion, redemption and blessing of Jesus and how his parents offered a sacrifice accepted from those in poverty - two doves. Very intriguing. I'm going to "hypochondriac" and OCD that thought as long as I can!

MRI

2009-01-08T12:27:00.002-05:00

So, I now know that "with contrast" means and IV, some crazy stuff in your veins and an awful taste in your mouth. Ick. At least that part is over, and I'm imagining there are far worse things to have to endure. The results should be in by Monday so I won't know anything until next week.

Yesterday I was walking on the treadmill for the first time in a very long time and listening to a song I must have loaded on my MP3 player ages ago, but when you have 100 songs on there, it takes some time for them to come up. Anyway, I love old hymns and this one is a favorite. Love this version by the David Crowder Band. I had hoped they had their own video of it, but someone else's will have to do. Enjoy!

Healthcare pt 2

2009-01-07T12:49:00.003-05:00

This has nothing to do with Obama... yet! I receive far too much healthcare these days. Tomorrow I head over to the American Radiology facility for my very first MRI. I've known about this for a couple weeks, which only gave me more time to think up a myriad of ailments that might be revealed by such a test. I'm just praying for peace, a good report and some kind of doable solution to the issue - "slightly elevated liver enzymes" - to bring down those numbers. They've actually come down on occasion, so I know it's possible. Should Obama takeover the entire healthcare industry, I don't know what that means for this regular consumer of doctor advice!

Weather

2009-01-06T16:58:00.001-05:00

Tomorrow it will be 79 degrees and sunny in Key West, Florida. Have I mentioned how much I'd love to live on a island?? Dream on! (At least that's what T tells me!)

Healthcare

2009-01-05T21:20:00.003-05:00

I've been following this healthcare issue because I felt it was one of the bigger campaign issues. I am not a fan of the Obama plan and now I know why. I'm sort of hoping for a Hillary kind of flop on his part because if he really does this, we're all in trouble! I'm not saying our existing healthcare is any better, I'm just saying this doesn't look like a better alternative to me.

Icky Weather

2009-01-05T18:51:00.003-05:00

So, it looks like we're finally in for it. I'm not going to say anything to the girls so as not to disappoint them should nothing transpire, as has happened many, many times! Wintry Mix beginning at 6am. I always hate that start time. It means that our transportation dude (who is in the doghouse with me right now... school bus issue) will not do anything, buses will head out, kids will be picked up and by the time our bus arrives at 8:50am the roads will be a mess and we'll all be wondering if they will make it to school. Then a bunch of buses will skid off the road, everyone will be calling in to find out why the dude didn't call off school and the local newspaper will be all over it!

Transportation dude calls off school, even though there's not a flake in sight!! We all sit back and wait, and wait, and wait.... and wonder why in the world he believed the weatherman, who is always wrong. Was he remembering the bus accidents last year when, during this same scenario, he decided not to call off school? Was he just wanting an extended New Year holiday?? Who knows, but now we are all thinking about that day we have to make up in June, and for what? Nothing!

The preferred parental option... rarely used by transportation dude because... he's not a mom! Call a late open, see if there is actually anything going to happen. If nothing happens, we don't have to make up a day and we only miss 2 hours. If something does, then call off school and we're all fine with it - had to happen, nothing we can do about it. This rarely happens... because the transportation dude is not a dudette! ;-/

A Nutty Situation

2009-01-05T08:03:00.002-05:00

I've blogged in the past about reactions to peanut restrictions in schools, churches, etc. Here is a very interesting article about nut allergy panic or hysteria. Good information, reasonable responses to nut allergies based on age groups. I like that the researchers mentioned either have children with nut allergies or are allergic themselves. Lends a bit of credence to the article. Enjoy!

What I Will Miss Most

2009-01-04T23:41:00.003-05:00

Tomorrow I have to go back to work, the girls have to go back to school, T will return to work knowing that everyone else has to as well! Here's what I will miss most:

1. Not having to make lunches at 8:30.
2. Sleeping in.
3. Christmas
4. My family.... doing my dishes. =) Thanks, Jackie!
5. Shopping.
6. No doctor's appointments.
7. No agenda.
8. No stress.
9. The big turkey meal.
10. Time.

Oh, and my family. I miss them! Oh, and wearing jeans every single day!

Is there anything I won't miss?? Sleeping on an air mattress in my living room. I'd gladly do it again, but I don't miss it for a minute! And that one strand of blinking lights outside - what an embarrassment, eyesore and headache. I'm throwing that strand away if it doesn't cooperate!

Bye, fun Christmastime. I will miss you ever so much!