children Blog

louis the cutest

2010-03-22T17:58:00.000+02:00

What a great weekend. I got to celebrate my wonderful husbands birthday, enjoy amazing spring weather, work in our yard, hang out with mom-in-law, eat lots of yummy food, hang out with fun neighbors, take photos of one of the cutest little boys ever, enjoy worship with my church family,… and did I say celebrate my husbands birthday?

Here’s some pics from my shoot this weekend. Oh my goodness, could this little guy be any cuter?!?! I was so excited to get to take his pics. He is 3 yrs. old, and such a natural in front of the camera! I couldn’t believe how easy he was to take pictures of. He was such a sweet boy, I just wanted to take him home with me!

Leslie, it was such a joy to meet you and Lois! You guys were so much fun! Your little man is an amazing model!!

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

A Good Day

2010-03-22T05:58:00.000+02:00

I’ve been through some dark times, days when I wondered if God had forgotten I existed or had simply decided to punish me for my many sins. I have faced depression and anxiety, rejection, loneliness, fear, hatred, being over-looked and discarded, and other negative emotions and experiences. I have also faced days when I thought the world was crashing in because I couldn’t meet a deadline or my laundry wasn’t done when I wanted to wear that special shirt. None of you have ever done that, right?

One day several years ago, I got frustrated over an assignment that couldn’t be completed without the input of colleagues who were not cooperating. After work I called a friend to complain. She listened to me for about 60 seconds and then told me to turn on the news. In stunned silence, I watched the end of a report on foster parents who had just been arrested for sexually abusing the children in their “Christian” home. When the report ended, my friend quietly told me that she was the social worker who had trained those foster parents and placed the children in their care. She was responsible for overseeing them. She had no idea of the abuse taking place. There were no signs. She was devastated. Can you imagine?

I’ll never forget her words to me: “This is a bad day.”

That situation taught me a lot about perspective.

During one of my darker days, I longingly remembered some good days I’d had. I had good friends and an active social life, a good job with relative calm, and there were no major problems shaking my world. But as I looked back I realized that I had not fully enjoyed nor appreciated those days. I had allowed worry over things like losing 20 pounds or not having enough money to get a facial to steal my joy.

That day I made a commitment to appreciate the good days. Using the perspective I had learned, I’d put aside temporary struggles and be thankful for the day I had been given. I would learn to declare good days GOOD. So these days I often stop in the middle of a day to evaluate how things are going. There is such joy in recognizing the good days when they come. I declare the day GOOD, thank God for it, and try to be fully present in each moment. Rather than missing the joy of that moment because I’m fretting over something I won’t remember in two weeks, I soak it in and use all five of my senses to enjoy it.

March, 2010 - In front of cabin at Carmel Retreat Center

Last week I spent the night at a spiritual retreat center. Alone in a little cabin on 225 acres in the country, I could be as loud or quiet as I wanted to be. The weather was perfect and I had nowhere else to be. It was just me and God, and He gave me a peaceful spirit. I explored creeks and woods, sat by a fire, read some good books, wrote in my journal, and prayed. I sat in the sun on my flagstone porch and listened to the sounds of nature all around me. I disciplined myself not to dwell on my problems, but to enjoy the moment. After leaving there, I got to hang out with many good friends in a relaxed, casual atmosphere full of celebration. I came home happy, tired, and satisfied.

It was A GOOD DAY.

How long has it been since you had a good day?

My "Hermitage" at the Carmel Center for Spirituality

Carmel Center - The creek I explored

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

Handsome Cutie- Brooklyn, NY Baby Photographer

2010-03-19T17:45:00.000+02:00

This adorable family was the lucky winner of my facebook contest I had a while back. They had quite a drive to get here, so little A. wasn’t too excited to be taking pictures, but just take a look at that gorgeous face and you’ll see why it wasn’t hard to get some beautiful shots of him anyway!

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

FAMILY READING HOUR

2010-03-19T05:48:00.000+02:00

by Esther Jantzen, guest poster

It’s great when children read about subjects that really interest them. Their knowledge and vocabulary expand. Kids start to read eagerly when they see their parents reading eagerly. So sit down and enjoy doing that together!

Here’s an activity to try:

1) Plan a family time when you make independent reading important (when each person reads something they choose on their own).

A weekend evening may work well, or try it on a slow summer day, after a holiday meal, on a rainy day, or when someone’s recovering from the flu and you want to keep things a little quiet.

2) Invite family members to bring what they want to read to the same room and get comfortable.

They might bring a magazine, a comic book, a novel, a newspaper, a technical manual, a cookbook, an atlas, a non-fiction work, a book about animals, a hobby manual, or anything else appropriate. Turn off the TV or radio.

3) Let everyone know that you’ll be spending at least half-an-hour together in the room, with each person quietly reading what interests them. If you have a child who is too young to read, let them look at a picture book.

4) After the quiet reading time, invite each person to talk about what they read, saying whatever they want to say. And if someone gets stuck or doesn’t know what to say, you can ask:

What’s something that you learned?

What did you notice?

What was the best thing about what you read?

5) You may want to serve a snack after the reading time.

Family Reading Hour supports the English-Language Arts Content Standards related to reading comprehension, literary response, and delivery of oral communication.

Esther Jantzen, Ed.D, is a mother, an educator and the author of Plus It! How to Easily Turn Everyday Activities into Learning Adventures for Kids available at www.plusitbook.com and the Way to Go! Family Learning Journal available through www.jantzenbooks.com

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

Sisters:: Denver Family Photographer

2010-03-17T17:43:00.000+02:00

Very excited to see these sisters again. They are the family that is jumping and playing on the bed in my “family” gallery on my main website.

Got some very playful images, including trying to share secrets when all the little one wanted was to eat her goldfish!

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

Playsam Roadster

2010-03-17T05:56:00.000+02:00

Playsam, a Scandinavian design company based in Sweden, has a charming range of toy cars crafted from wood with great finesse. The designs challenge the existing products in this category.

They say, “The aim is to engage those individuals who welcome a visual challenge, demand superb quality and crave intellectual creativity — in short, lovers of executive Scandinavian design. And during over twenty years of business, doing exactly this by inspiring individuals all around the world with artistic aesthetics and ageless designs.”

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

Antisdels Photography - Fresh and Contemporary Portraits

2010-03-15T17:49:00.000+02:00

About eight years ago, I was shooting portraits in Louisburg, KS and had a conversation with an older woman who told me that she had twin granddaughters who lived in Chicago, but flew into Kansas City to have their senior portraits done by a studio called Antisdels. She also told me how much they spent on senior portraits and as I recall, she said it was somewhere in the ballpark of a couple thousand dollars. I was in disbelief. I couldn’t believe someone would come that far for senior portraits and secondly that someone would pay that much for them. That was until I saw their work and have now come to realize who they are.

Antisdel’s Photography, located in Louisburg, KS, a suburb of Kansas City, is a portrait studio that specializes in children and senior portraits. They are also founders of Senior Portrait Artists, or SPA as they are more commonly known, an organization dedicated to art and business of senior portraits.

Antisdel’s photography to me is really what senior portraits and children / family portraits are supposed to be all about. They are bright, colorful, youthful, vibrant, fresh, new, contemporary, stylish, cutting edge, emotive and the list could certainly go on and on and on. If you haven’t heard of Antisdel’s, I highly suggest checking their work out and also checking out SPA. It will be well worth your time!

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

EASTER PORTRAITS!!

2010-03-15T05:18:00.000+02:00

It’s time for Easter Portraits. This year we will be at Tammy’s Baby Shoppe on Main St. in Manteca. Get your children in their cute Easter outfits and bring them into Tammy’s Baby Shoppe on Sat. March 20th, from 10 am – 2 pm. No Appointment Necessary!

Elle's 1st Easter!

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

Just in time for Easter - New Bunny Blanket

2010-03-12T17:47:00.000+02:00

I have been wanting to add a cute little bunny rabbit to my list of BB blankets in my ETSY shop. I’ve had the pattern done for awhile, but it always got pushed to back burner. Finally just in time for Easter, I finished my first one, soon to be followed by a second one in yellow.

Made with the ever popular MINKY fabric, this little bunny will look adorable Sunday morning in your child’s Easter basket. The front of the Rabbit is an adorable cotton print, little bunnies hiding behind tulips and Easter eggs. I’ve embroidered Easter across the little bunny’s ear and tied a cute carrot/bunny themed ribbon around it’s neck.

Easter Rabbit White Minky Blanket

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

NOYB

2010-03-12T05:47:00.000+02:00

We seem to have more issues with everyone else’s life than we do our own. Whether it involves someone we know, or don’t know, or know remotely, or wish we knew, or glad we don’t, or somewhere in between all these (it would make a very complicated Venn diagram); we want to talk and gossip and dissect whatever we know, have heard or can speculate on.

I think this is a major waste of brain power. Especially where this ability is already severely lacking in some people. You already only have a few brain cells, yet you want to waste it on other people’s lives. How about dealing with your own first? Also do you think those you want to inspect so closely really care enough about you or your life?

The main point of this rant is the prescribed life cycle of Pakistani females which primarily involves getting married and procreating. The involvement of opinion of female in question is actually not required at all. It is actually everyone else’s perception of her and what she ought to be doing which is most important. Said female may be very happy doing whatever she is in fact doing. Whether it is studying, working or even just simply enjoying whatever point she is in her life. But oh no, she obviously does not know what she needs.

Age 18 – 21 (for a single female)

“So are you still single?”

“So beta what do you do?” inquisitive questions from Aunty jees with ‘marriageable’ age sons, or Aunties who will do their best to hook you up with ‘marriageable’ age males whether you like it or not.

Age 21 – 25 (if female is still not married)

“Are you still single beta?”

“Abhi tak shaadi nahi hui…” said sadly by Aunty jees who may or may not know female in question but are of course entitled to believe that it must indeed be a sad and horrible existence to be leading without a man featuring in it.

Age 21 – 25 (if female is married without offspring)

“Bacha kab ho ga?”

“Bacha jab ho ga na…” *dreamy expression* (Probably since they have forgotten what actually happens to new parents when a kid is born). All knowing Aunty jees know what’s best for a woman and her uterus. (Said to all 21 – 25 aged females they know; which is probably countless. Thus adding to the already explosive population growth. What’s one more right?)

Age 25 – 30 (if female has one child)

“So when’s the next one coming along?” *wink* *nudge*

Oh gee I don’t know really. Wanna keep track of period cycles?

Barely a year (if you’re lucky), after child number one is born, everyone is hungry for child number two. After all no family is complete with just one child. If your first is a girl, then you must have a boy to make the family ‘complete’ and vice versa. Not entirely sure how this works but maybe they have a magical way of deciding what the gender of the next potential child will be.

Age 30 (if still with only one child)

*Sad expression* “There must be some problem.” (Whispered). After all what woman in her right mind would only want to have one child? After all what more is there to life than to produce offspring? And look after them forever and ever until you are dead or close to it?

Age 21 – 30 (if still single)

Well you don’t want to hear what’s being said. You are a waste of space. You are a non-entity until attached to a male.

What I want to know is this; why does everyone from your closest family (who you might allow to question/nag/inquire about your lifestyle/choices) to the remotest stranger who you meet once every two years want to know why you are either not married or have only one child or only have two children (“teen tu honay chahiyay na”).

Why?

Do you not have enough going on in your own lives? Do you want to forget about your own miserable existence by transferring that misery onto other people who may not be miserable in the first place? Or perhaps you want to see people suffer as you have suffered by being forced into making choices that you didn’t want to make either?

Maybe I am happy with where I am. Maybe I am not. Maybe I want more. Maybe I don’t. But either way, its really got nothing to do with you, or with what you think, or with where you think my life should be, or what schedule I ought to be working on.

I have 4 words for these people. NOYB.

None of Your Business.

Feel free to add an F in between the Y and the B if you like.

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

Open Apology To My Husband and Children

2010-03-10T17:57:00.000+02:00

I’m sorry. I am so sorry. There are just not enough words to describe what I am feeling at this very moment, about what I have done to myself, as well as what I have done to our family.

Our family is the most important thing in my life. It has come to my attention recently that I have been failing miserably at taking great care of all of you. I thought I was doing what I was supposed to, to make sure you were happy, healthy – all the good stuff in life. Trying to teach our daughters numbers, letters, manners, how to drink out of a sippy cup, how to throw things away, get dressed, etc.

You quit your job as a chef, and now sell food, so you can have more time at home with all of us. I have been in charge of our menus for the past few years, and failing miserably at anything consistent. My attempts at anything long-term in the way of meal planning have gone south rather quickly. Chaos has lived here for a while now, and is at one with our family most days! I call it “organized chaos”, since I’m pretty aware, still, of where things are, and the day still is functional. But it doesn’t all get done the way I’d like.

Our sweet Abby has had issues since she was little – some physical, some emotional (we will call them what they are: TANTRUMS). I have long suspected that what she is eating and drinking, may be playing a huge part in her troubles. It was somewhat confirmed when I eliminated milk from her diet, and her poop issue cleared up within a week. She also has less tummy bloat. Rylee seems to be exhibiting some of the same things, and I have a feeling she is needing an overhaul as well. Of course I have done so much research on their issues, and done one or two suggestions at a time, but nothing seems to be working long-term. I have come to the realization that we are in need of a lifestyle change. All of us. You and I have our own physical issues as well, and I really do feel in my heart, that they are diet related. So, with more research and understanding (but no medical degree, darn it!), I will be implementing a major change in the coming weeks and months. Since we haven’t actually talked it over before I write this, I’m not sure if you will be participating. But I believe that it will be beneficial for all of us, and I hope you join in and will want to understand for yourself, why this is so important on so many levels.

Getting Clear With The GAPS Diet

My research has led me to the GAPS diet (Gut and Psychology Syndrome). Basically it’s about FOOD and MOOD. There are several studies and testimonials to confirm what I already know – we are killing ourselves with what we currently call food. I can no longer go on living the way I have, and certainly not for the sake of our family. You all deserve better. WE all deserve better. It is my belief that my own emotional issues will be cleared up by making this change in diet. I also believe we should not have to suffer through the “terrible two’s” with either child, and that the GAPS diet will help them as well. Our society has led us to believe that kids need drugs for their out of line behavior and mental issues, when what we really need to do is take a good look at what is going into their little bodies, and what is fueling these episodes. It’s not always about control, and whining. Their bodies are responding to what they are ingesting. The same with adults! Think about all the crap we put in our bodies on a daily basis. A car would not drive with Coke in the tank, so why put that in my body?

I’m not saying this change will be easy. But it is right, and no one can tell me different. This process will take a lot of effort on my part, and I really hope you join me, honey. I could use the help and support!

My dear husband, my angel babies, I promise to do my best to make this change as easy as possible, and I also promise that while we are on this journey to living a better lifestyle, my attitude will change for the better! Who likes to be upset and tired all the time? You guys don’t like it when Mommy is moody, so I will do what I can to change that.

All I want to do is take care of my family. I love you all so much. Please accept my apology for my failures up until now (and for mistakes I make in the future). Let’s get healthy!

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

Confessions of a Dreamer

2010-03-10T05:41:00.000+02:00

To address the reasons for my long-standing abstinence from blogging would be to attempt to define the universe while riding on a broken bicycle, scrambling eggs in one hand, and sending emails with the other.

If that doesn’t make sense to you, trust me, it doesn’t to me either.

Let’s carry on as usual, then:

A friend and I had an interesting conversation earlier today about pessimism and optimism.

If there’s anything I’ve discovered recently about myself, it is that I cannot stand pessimism. I truly take it as a personal offense. I’m not sure why that is. Is it because I’m egotistical? Is it because I hate facing reality? Is it because human hope rides on a fragile train and pessimism is a brute de-railer?

In that regard, my friend tried to comfort me by telling me that pessimism and optimism are actually genetic traits, and that I really shouldn’t take it so personally when George, our microbial ecology group member, tells me that he thinks it’s a bad idea to meet up in the lobby of the library. Or that it’s a bad idea to have everyone in the group draw our organisms and submit them to the Phylomon Project. No, I maintained, I could never survive with a person who was pessimistic. Why?

“Because I’m overtly non-pessimistic.”

“Don’t you mean optimistic?”

“But I’m not optimistic. I just have a bunch of crazy ideas. I’m just -”

“You’re ambitious.”

After my friend had pronounced his diagnosis of my chronic mental state (ambitious), he then put his head in his hands and said, “Sometimes, I have so many ideas that it overwhelms me, too.”

What? “But you’re not even ambitious!” I laughed.

“I am, though. I have many ideas. I just don’t act on them like you do. I’m a lazy dreamer.”

Immediately, I thought: how many dreams did you waste?

But are dreams the same as ambitions? Do we dream as children and then have ambitions as adults? What becomes of our childhood dreams?

I think having ambitions mirrors our human desire to be constantly moving forward – most often in a well-planned, concerted – and sometimes calculated – way. Dreams, though, are different. Dreams are innocent. Dreams have no inherent direction attached to them. They are fundamental. A dream is simply the expression of possibility.

I recently watched – and thoroughly enjoyed – a Tedx Talk by Sir Ken Robinson entitled, “The Element: How Finding Your Passion Changes Everything”. I thought his conclusion, based off of a passage from Yeats, was beautiful. In it, he presented the image of children and young people laying their dreams beneath our feet – and that, as such, we must tread softly.

I am a dreamer. I’ve been a dreamer since grade school. (Looking back, I am certain that it was because I was encouraged to read and write.) And the truth is, is that I never stopped dreaming. Maybe that’s why I can’t stand pessimists. I can’t stand to have my dreams trod on. I don’t like to question possibility – I like to culture it.

HAD I the heavens’ embroidered cloths,

Enwrought with golden and silver light,

The blue and the dim and the dark cloths

Of night and light and the half light,

I would spread the cloths under your feet:

But I, being poor, have only my dreams;

I have spread my dreams under your feet;

Tread softly because you tread on my dreams.

W.B. Yeats (1865–1939)

*****************************************

P.S. Another part of the reason I’ve been holding off from blogging for so long is also because I’ve been having a lot of dreams lately. About this blog. About what I don’t want it to turn into. About what I’m afraid it is. About what I want it to be. Evolution is already on my mind, but I’ll have to bide my time until these academic chains free up a little. Until then…please let me know you are there by saying hello!

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

A Long Childhood

2010-03-08T05:38:00.000+02:00

Plain and Simple Joys

One of the best benefits my children have derived from homeschooling is the blessing of a long childhood. They don’t know it, but I do. They’re not too sophisticated for the simple things, imaginative play, and children younger than themselves. I love seeing this in their lives. The transition to youth activites has gone very smoothly and happened at the naturally appropriate time of life–around 12-13 years old. I think that having enough time with them early on has made me more comfortable and confident with this new stage in their lives. I didn’t expect this side-benefit of homeschooling, but I’ll take it!

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

The Brangelina Saga - Victim vs Vixen

2010-03-05T17:39:00.000+02:00

Posted by Irresponsibility

Poor Brad...

The press has been devoted to proverbially kicking Angelina in her perfect white teeth almost from the moment she hooked up with perennial pretty boy Brad. Not out of any personal animosity, I assumed, but because it made a nice script. Hapless ‘can’t-hold-a-man’ Aniston with her tame blonde hair and tight smile versus ex-druggy-lesbian-vamp brunette bombshell Ang whose lips pout unspeakable things. Convenient means of reinforcing jaded stereotypes while endless reprinting photos of beautiful women. Newsstand gold.

Things have taken a turn for the much-nastier in the last couple of years though. There was always an undercurrent of hostility for Angelina. She is too outre to be truly welcomed to the Puritanical bosom of middle-America. The press grudgingly played nice while she was safely pregnant and hanging dutifully on Brad’s arm all the time, but at the first whiff of imperfection it unleashed the hounds.

Striking, but not surprising, is that the carping is entirely anti-Ang. Brad is emphatically cast as the victim (much as Jen was in the initial go-round). “Brad’s Misery” shouts the cover of a recent Us Weekly. Inside, half a dozen pages are devoted to hand-wringing about a potential break-up with Angelina firmly cast in the Queen Bitch role.

“She’s a perfectionist and a control freak. She screams and badgers him about everything,” a ’source’ alleges. Her reputed nastiness extends to disagreeing with him about politics and wanting to “watch what the kids eat”. Cruel harridan that she is, Ang even “disapproves of Pitt’s penchant for spending money on art and architecture”. Que horror – “helping the poor is her biggest priority”.

I can’t help but applaud that final comment. It takes serious editorial chutzpahto cast helping the poor as a BAD THING. But standing obediently by your man is the ultimate feminine public service.

The upshot of this is that Brad is “increasingly [miserable]” — a construction which is as bizarre as it is fascinating. Brad is not a child. He is an exceedingly rich, powerful, famous, talented, grown-up 46-year-old man (12 years Angelina’s senior). Isn’t it a little insulting make him into a victim? I think so, but I don’t write for the tabloids. Angelina, on the other hand, gets almost no sympathy. There is mention that she is “exhausted and … overwhelmed” but that comment is immediately followed by “despite the stress, Jolie still wants more kids”. In other words, don’t feel sorry for her, she brought it on herself.

Even if every word of the tittle-tattle is true, which is far from certain, the construction of the story is plain vicious. If Angelina really is a tearful, screaming, controlling hellcat why isn’t the press asking about her unhappiness? Why does she get null points for being a working mother-of-six while the tabs lick Brad’s boots every time he takes the kids out for a burger?

It’s the script. Now that Angelina is no longer protected by the first flush of romance, the media has thrown its lot in with Team Aniston, cramming pages with unsubtle speculation about the golden exes possible golden future. In this particular fairytale Prince Charming was wooed away from his true love by a curvaceous wicked witch. Now with her ‘true nature’ revealed he longs for nothing more than to fly back to the chaste arms of his gold-tressed princess.

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

Josephine Grace - Welcome to the world!

2010-03-05T04:56:00.000+02:00

Today my friends Aline & Wes, who you may remember from my last post, welcomed their first baby into the world…Josephine Grace. Josie wasn’t due until the 16th of this month but I guess she decided to give her mother a break since she endured 9 very rough months of pregnancy. As if coming 12 days early wasn’t a nice enough gift to her mother, she also decided to make it a quick and easy labor. Even though I missed the actual birth (by only 8 minutes!), I am still happy I was able to grab a couple of shots of Aline and Wes enjoying the first few moments of parenthood. Congratulations Aline and Wes and best of luck to you all as you start this new and exciting chapter in your lives.

I love newborn piggies:)

Grandpa enjoying his new granddaughter.

Look at that pouty lip!

[Via http://5rings.wordpress.com]

iPod or iTouch Parental Controls- USE THEM

2010-03-03T17:57:00.000+02:00

Sitting at my desk last week, I received a fairly NORMAL receipt from iTUNES. It lists any recent music, movie or app downloads.

We gave the 10 year old daughter an iTouch for Christmas, so recent receipts also show a whole host of “free downloads” that she has installed. Good news is that iTunes requires my password to download even free apps. I haven’t given my daughter that password and I recommend you don’t either.

Together, she and I discovered that there are free are apps called:

Sex IQ
How to Kiss
You Must Choose (kinda like truth or dare)
Spin the Bottle
iLove
Truth or Dare
iGay
iGirl Meets iGuy
Pick Up Hotties
Kiss or Miss
Sex Positions Game
Sexy Dice

Guys, the list goes on and on and on and on….and I just started down the path of the free ones!

Lessons learned:

1. Do not give your kid the iTunes password.

2. Don’t allow his/her friends on the iTouch.

3. Go into the AppStore and download Mobicip Safe Browser now ($4.99). You’ll then remove Safari.

4. Go into your settings and enable parental controls.

For great step by step instructions, go here!

I had a good conversation with her about this. She underestands and respects that she cannot any longer download apps directly to her ipod, but must go through iTunes on my computer. Doesn’t mean I’ve isolated her completely, but I’ve helped protect her from these things that won’t help her self-esteem or confidence. Good luck!

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

Delegating in the home

2010-03-03T05:51:00.000+02:00

Delegation isn’t a novel concept. Business executives wield its power daily to maximize results. But some parents…I daresay MANY parents…fail to execute this simple strategy where they need it most. (I did, for the longest time.) Fellow parents, we are the CEOs of our homes! And to organize and run our business (home) efficiently, we need to delegate.

EARLIER SCENARIO

Following my childhood model, I’d gather children together Saturday morning and whip up a comprehensive to-do list. Then the kids would take turns vying for their favorite (or least dismal) chores. I’d carry on with my tasks, leaving the children to slick up the house (or so I thought). Instead I’d get interrupted throughout the day. “Dad, am I done yet?” “Dad, does the kitchen look clean?” “Dad, I’m done. Come check.”

Naturally their definitions of “clean” differed vastly from mine. They’d scrub a speck or two and have me check. Then a few more and have me check again. Back and forth I went, constantly yanked in and out of the creative state of flow vital to an artist’s work.

An NSA meeting gave me the kick in the pants I needed. One of our speakers, Katharine Halpin, gave us a list of the Hierarchy of Reserves of Time. Number 7: “successful delegating think time.” Eureka! That very next Friday I set to work.

8 tips for Delegating Effectively in the Home

1. Decide what needs delegating. This step asks us to be proactive. We actually have to map out the tasks needing done. Actually it didn’t take that long: only 45-60 minutes. I roamed from room to room through the entire house writing down every single itty-bitty chore I wanted performed, from washing baseboards to cleaning toilets.

2. Chunk into short-range and long-range tasks. After writing the mammoth list I realized the kids would mutiny if I piled on too much. Yet I still wanted the entire deck swabbed–regularly. Division did the trick. In a three-tiered plan I separated each room’s tasks into (1) daily chores, (2) Saturday chores, and (3) first Saturday of the month chores. I’ll post examples tomorrow.

3. Take time to train. Effective businesses take time to train their employees, right? It makes sense we follow suit. My problem was never taking sufficient time to coach each child on their responsibilities. Now was different. Now we had a plan. One by one I showed each child their domain, be it kitchen, living room, bathrooms, or otherwise, and item by item showed them what “clean” meant.

4. Repeat. Each child swabbed their deck for a month. Then they switched. Long ago we’d switched it up weekly, but switching to monthly gave the kiddos time to dig in and take ownership of their domain.

5. Switch. Deck-swabbing gets old after a time. Since change is as good as a rest (according to the old adage) we shook things up and rotated the chores. Whoever had living room one month had kitchen the next.

6. Keep a log. We created a binder and inserted colored 2-pocket dividers. In one pocket we placed that child’s chore list. They could take out the list, run to their room, and follow the list item by item, then return and replace the list. In the back pocket we placed the kids’ goals (which we review each Sunday).

7. Expect action. I have never understood parents who say they can’t get their kids to work. Hello! Who’s the parent here? In fact, last fall our neighbor saw 4 of our boys hauling rocks into the back yard and sauntered over in surprise. ”How do you get them to work?” he inquired. ”It’s just expected in our family,” I replied. A few minutes later he brought his teenage boys across. ”Look at him,” my neighbor said, pointing to our 7-year-old. ”Look how little he is! And see, he’s hauling big rocks. I can’t even get you guys to mow the lawn!” Later, when we drove down the street, we saw his boys washing the car and tending to the yard.

8. Reward. Even though work is expected, it’s important to reward their efforts with some serious play time. Grab a donut. Run to the park. Take a bike ride. Do something FUN–together. They’ll love you for it. After all, all work and no play made Jack a psychopath. No telling what it would do to your kids.

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

Photo of the Week

2010-03-01T17:56:00.000+02:00

“Flower Girls”

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All images ©Gregg Adams Photography. All rights reserved.

[Via http://weddingeventphotoblog.com]

Stanford Who's Who Enrolls Head Principal Into The Ranks Of Prominent Professionals

2010-02-26T17:52:00.000+02:00

COMPTON, QC, CANADA, February 7, 2010 /Stanford Who’s Who/ — Brigitte Raymond has earned the recognition of Stanford Who’s Who as a result of her phenomenal work in the Education Industry. As Head Principal for Ecole Primaire Des Arbrisseaux for the past 11 years she has routinely demonstrated an extraordinary level of dedication and professionalism.

Ecole Primaire Des Arbrisseaux is a private primary boarding school for students from Kindergarten through Sixth Grade. Mrs. Raymond is responsible for all the curriculum and overseeing the administrative department.

Brigitte attained a Master’s Degree in School Administration from the University of Sherbrooke. She enjoys skiing, dancing, bike riding and camping in the time away from her busy schedule.

To view more information on Brigitte Raymond click here

About Stanford Who’s Who

Stanford Who’s Who empowers executives, professionals and entrepreneurs around the world. Our mission is to recognize successful individuals in multiple industries by providing a forum for networking, consulting, exposure and credibility to broadening one’s future success. Realizing the power of forming business and professional relationships, we have created numerous resources that our members use for a multitude of reasons. With access to thousands of professional biographies of individuals in over 100 different industries, our members utilize our database to recruit others, to announce their career accomplishments, and for lasting, valuable relationships that extend beyond our membership program.

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

More than half of all Afghan children killed are by NATO strikes

2010-02-26T05:54:00.000+02:00

The United Nations anounced that 346 children were killed in Afghanistan last year, more than half of them by NATO forces, mostly in airstrikes.

Radhika Coomaraswamy, the special representative of the UN secretary general for children and armed conflict, said 131 children were killed in airstrikes, while 22 were killed in nighttime raids by international special forces.

More than 2,400 civilians were killed last year, the deadliest for Afghan civilians since the fall of the Taliban regime in late 2001, according to the UN.

Coomaraswamy said she met with NATO commander in Afghanistan US General Stanley McChrystal, who assured her that troops “will work with the UN to ensure better protection for children.”

Sarah Chayes, a former NPR radio correspondent (who lived for years in Kandahar) now on Gen. Stanley McChrystal’s staff told CNN that she sees increasing frustration in the Afghan public over the killing of civilians by NATO and US strikes.

Pajhwok News Agency reports that the Afghanistan senate deplored the foreign airstrikes that killed 21 innocent civilians in the province of Daikundi on Sunday, and demanded that NATO avoid any repetition of this sort of error. Some senators went farther, demanding that NATO or US military men responsible for the deaths be executed. Senator Hamidullah Tokhi of Uuzgan complained to Pajhwok that the foreign forces had killed civilians in such incidents time and again, and kept apologizing but then repeating the fatal mistake: “Anyone killing an ordinary Afghan should be executed in public.”

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

Kids, New Series

2010-02-24T17:50:00.000+02:00

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

The mysterious death of Louis XVII of France - part 8

2010-02-24T05:42:00.000+02:00

The autopsy document merits a few comments.

Firstly, the tumours on the right knee and the left wrist corroborate the observation made by Barras, Harmand and Meuse on 27 February 1795, and have been used as proof that it was indeed the Dauphin who died in the Temple.

However, Barras said only that the “knees and the ankles were swollen”. As for Harmand, he wrote: “I had the idea of trying a direct order, I did this by placing myself close to the prince’s right and saying to him: “Sir, please give me your hand”; he did and I felt, by feeling his arm up to the shoulder, that there was a tumour on the left wrist and another one at the elbow; It is possible that these tumours were not painful, because the prince did not show any.

“”The other hand, Sir.” There was nothing. “Allow me, Sir, to also touch your legs and knees.” He rose. I found the same growths on both knees underneath the back of the joint.”

There seems to be a contradiction here with the autopsy report, which mentions a tumour on the left wrist. Harmand, too, says that there is one on the left wrist but, if he had been on the child’s right, it would seem logical that he would have been given his right hand, not his left. In any case, Harmand wrote his account nineteen years after his visit, which could explain a few discrepancies.

Harmand also said that the child had “growths on both knees underneath the back of the joint”. The autopsy mentions only one on the inside of the right knee. However, a tumour can appear, then disappear, be absorbed, then reappear.

The child seen by Harmand was certainly not the Dauphin because the genetic antecedents of the prince did not make it likely that he would suffer from a generalized phthisis, which was the illness suffered by the child in the Temple. Neither Louis XVI, nor Marie-Antoinette had shown any symptoms of tuberculosis, and the early death of the first Dauphin, the elder brother of Louis XVII, cannot be counted, as it was his nurse who had innoculated him with this terrible disease.

The body on which the autopsy had been carried out had arrived at the final stage of tuberculous cachexia. It was attributed to a scrofulous vice which had existed for a long time. This could in no way be the case with the Dauphin.

The doctors who wrote the autopsy report have been criticised for not having insisted more on the identity of the dead child. It could be thought that they were sure of his identity, but doubt shows in the sentence: “We found in the bed, the dead body of a child [...] which the commissionaries told us was that of the dead Louis Capet, and which two of us recognized as being the child whom they had treated over the last few days.”.

It is curious that identification had not been asked of doctors Thierry and Soupe who had treated the Dauphin at the beginning of his imprisonment and who could have definitely recognized him. Another, more serious, reproach would be that a certain number of marks which appear to have existed on the Dauphin’s body, were not mentioned by the doctors who wrote the autopsy report. Why? Apparently, because they weren’t on the body of the child who had taken his place.

The real Louis XVII had diverse marks on his body. Some were natural, like a sort of strawberry excrescence on his right breast; the sign of the Holy Spirit, formed by small veins and representing a kind of pigeon, upside down, with its wings spread, an unique mark, on his thigh; the two incisives of the lower jaw like “rabbit teeth” and which Madame Royale also had, but in her upper jaw; finally, certain neck folds, which had so impressed Madame de Rambaud, that she always said that they would be for her the infallible proof of identity, if ever Louis XVII reappeared.

The royal child also had other marks, coming from operations practised on him, or from accidents. Such as the marks of innoculation in form of a triangle, the base at the bottom, operation practised on the left arm, in front of the queen, by Dr Jouberthon, the innoculator of the children of the House of France, accompanied by the doctors Brunier and Loustonneau; the scar on his top lip, in the form of a broken chevron, from the bite of a little white rabbit, held too tightly in the child’s arms; the trace, near the eye, of a blow given by Simon via a towel; and, under his chin, a scar corresponding to the corner of a chair, which the child had hit, when pushed away by Simon.

One thing seems clear: the child autopsied by the doctors at the Temple, was not the Dauphin. However, there is an objection to this statement, which needs to be addressed before going any further.

It has been said that the doctor who practised the autopsy was perfectly convinced of the royal identity of the body because he stole the heart. Would he have done this, if he had not been sure? This act was probably a deliberate calculation on the doctor’s part. If there were to be a restoration of the monarchy, he wanted to possess something which would give him honours, and what could be more touching than Louis XVII’s heart?

If, on the other hand, Dr Pelletan was really convinced that he possessed the Dauphin’s heart, he was subsequently unable to get his conviction shared by members of the royal family. Louis XVIII, the Duchess of Angouleme, the Count of Chambord and Charles X, to whom the “Dauphin’s heart” was successively presented, all refused to accept the relic.

Damont, civil commissionary of the Northern Section, on duty at the Temple, and witnessing the autopsy as part of his job, begged Pelletan to give him a handful of hair which the doctor had just cut off to facilitate his operation. This hair was kept preciously by Damont and, when offered to the Duchess of Angouleme, was refused by her.

It must be concluded then, that the Dauphin’s death in the Temple was not accepted by the Bourbons, that they knew the secret of the existence of the son of Louis XVI, and that they were probably conscious of usurping the legitimate heir’s rights.

Ninth part tomorrow.

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

Sophia, Ava, and Thomas - Preview - Cleveland Photographer

2010-02-22T17:41:00.000+02:00

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Almost all of my sessions in Cleveland were of one baby – and sometimes the parents. While I love focusing on one child, with his/her individual personality and intimate relationship with mom and dad, it’s also really fun to photograph siblings/cousins. They are of course so comfortable around each other and are often pretty funny – and sweet.

This session was of three siblings – Sophia (5), Ava (2), and Thomas (3 months). The kids are adorable, and the whole shoot was so much fun – cooperative, super cute kids, a fun, easy-going mom, a beautiful house… what more could I ask for?

There are lots of photos from this shoot that I’m still going through, but here’s a three-image preview.

Seriously, look at these little ones… I am obsessed with the girls’ haircuts. And I want to fold up the couch and take it with me to future photo sessions:

Cassie and her baby boy, Tommy, who has ridiculously long and dark eyelashes:

And the adorable family (minus Dad – hopefully we’ll get him next time!):

More to come – some of just the girls, a few family shots, and portraits of the little munchkin.

[Via http://blog.elliepcampbellphotography.com]

The mysterious death of Louis XVII of France - part 6

2010-02-22T05:19:00.000+02:00

On 8 June, the young Temple prisoner was dead.

Immediately, a rumour started to circulate about a plate of spinach containing a slow poison. It is true that an illness that had evolved so rapidly, with symptoms such as violent colics, vomitting and cold sweating, looked suspiciously like poisoning.

People remembered that Representative Mailhe, in the name of the Legislation Committee, had ended his report on the trial of Louis XVI with these menacing words: “This child is not yet guilty; he hasn’t yet had time to share the iniquities of the Bourbons. You have to weigh his destiny with the interests of the Republic. You will have to make up your minds on the question raised by Montesquieu: “In the States which value liberty the most, there are laws which violate it… and I admit that the customs of the most liberal peoples on Earth, lead me to believe that there are situations when liberty should be veiled, the way we once veiled the statues of the Gods.”"

It was also remembered that on 1 August 1793, Barere, in a report on the attitude of Europe toward France, had cried out: “Is it our indifference toward the Capet family which has deceived our enemies like this? Well! It is time to extirpate all of the royal offspring… “

Chabot had said loudly at the Convention: “It is the pharmacist’s job to deliver France from the Capet son”. And, a few months before the death of the young king, Brival, a Convention colleague of Chabot, had said in a speech: “I think that, after having cut down the tree, we must dig up its roots, which can only bear poisoned fruit, and I am surprised that, in the middle of so many useless crimes committed, we have spared the remains of a race… “

On top of this, the death of the Dauphin helped the negotiations with Spain, which was demanding the child in exchange for peace. As soon as he was dead, the treaty was rapidly signed.

However, the Commune, which had several times obtained poison – a pharmacist having received one hundred thousand ecus for the secret of a slow, efficient poison – was not necessarily responsible for an actual poisoning .

Public rumour spread the poisoning story. The Commune and the committees were sufficiently shaken to order an autopsy, as much to quieten the rumour as to prove their own innocence.

The operation was carried out by the doctors and surgeons Pelletan, Dumangin, Lassus and Jeanroy. All of these names were highly respected at the time. Pelletan and Dumangin were hospital doctors. Lassus had been part of the Health Service of Mesdames de France, aunts of Louis XVI. Jeanroy had been attached to the House of Lorraine.

It was said that the last two had been purposely chosen by the Convention, because they had known the Dauphin as a small child. As far as we know, Lassus had never claimed to have seen him. Jeanroy admitted that he had only rarely seen him. When he was shown the portrait of the young prince, he is said to have exclaimed, while dissolving into tears: “You cannot be mistaken, it is he, and you cannot mistake him.”

However, the year of his death, the child, or the one who had replaced him, had arrived at such a degree of emaciation, that it was impossible to recognize in this skeletic body, the pretty Dauphin whom Jeanroy may have glimpsed. It seems evident that the exclamation attributed to this doctor, aged over eighty, has been invented to advance the cause.

The same could be said of Pelletan. Here is what the Duchess of Tourzel wrote about it:

“This statement was supported by that of Pelletan who, called to my home in consultation a few years after the death of Jeanroy, had been struck with the resemblance of a bust of the dear little prince, which he saw on my chimney and, although there was no sign by which he could have recognized him, he exclaimed when he saw it: “It is the Dauphin; ah! It so resembles him!” and he repeated the words of Jeanroy: “The shades of death had not altered the beauty of his face.” He added that he had not seen him very much, that he was dying, unconscious to everything, except to the treatment he was being given, for which he was still grateful.

“It was impossible for me to have the least doubt about the statements of two such respectable people. The only thing left for me to do was to mourn the loss of my dear little prince.”

Pelletan’s behaviour is rather ambiguous. He will steal the heart of the child, which leads us to believe that he thought him to be the Dauphin. On the other hand, he will be rebuked by Napoleon for having been indiscrete enough to talk about the evasion of Louis XVII, about which he appears to have had pertinent knowledge.

Seventh part tomorrow.

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

Teen Accidentally Shoots Himself Dead

2010-02-19T17:43:00.000+02:00

In Salt Lake City yesterday, a 16-year-old boy shot himself in the head thinking the gun was not loaded. He later died at the hospital. Salt Lake City police Lt. Scott White said, “[We] don’t know how he got the gun, came upon the gun, where the gun was, why it wasn’t locked, put away, separated from the ammunition; all the kinds of gun safety things that we should all try to practice.”

But don’t all those safety things negate the whole reason for owning a gun? If we are protecting ourselves with guns, then the gun has to be loaded and ready when the bad guys bust the door down – doesn’t it?

Lawn darts are banned from sale in the United States, but you can still buy a gun. Lawn darts killed three people in the USA. Have you seen my list of names for February? That’s only a fraction of the homicides for February!

The tragic story of the teen is here:

http://www.ksl.com/?nid=148&sid=9735195

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

Academy Award® Nominated: The Blind Side

2010-02-19T05:50:00.000+02:00

Posted by: Audiegrl, Geot, Bluedog89, BuellBoy and Betsy

Sandra Bullock (“The Proposal”), Tim McGraw (“Friday Night Lights”) and Oscar® winner Kathy Bates (“Misery”) star in Alcon Entertainment and Warner Bros. Pictures’ “The Blind Side,” which depicts the remarkable true story of All-American football star Michael Oher.

Teenager Michael Oher (Quinton Aaron) is surviving on his own, virtually homeless, when he is spotted on the street by Leigh Anne Tuohy (Sandra Bullock). Learning that the young man is one of her daughter’s classmates, Leigh Anne insists that Michael—wearing shorts and a t-shirt in the dead of winter—come out of the cold. Without a moment’s hesitation, she invites him to stay at the Tuohy home for the night. What starts out as a gesture of kindness turns into something more as Michael becomes part of the Tuohy family despite the differences in their backgrounds.

Living in his new environment, the teen faces a completely different set of challenges to overcome. And as the family helps Michael fulfill his potential, both on and off the football field, Michael’s presence in the Tuohys’ lives leads them to some insightful self-discoveries of their own.

The cast includes: Sandra Bullock, Tim McGraw, Quinton Aaron, Kathy Bates, Lily Collins, Jae Head, and Ray McKinnon

44D’s Reviews

Betsy

“My husband and I took our grandkids to see the movie “The Blind Side”. Our 16 year old granddaughter told me that her boyfriend told her it was a “REALLY” good movie.

I must say I’m happy that we went to see it. It’s a true story of a wealthy southern family in Memphis, TN who take in a poor homeless African American teenager. Leigh Anne Tuohy is the person who insisted that he move in with the family. She found him a tutor to help him with his school work. He ended up playing football for “Ole Miss” and is now a left tackle for the Baltimore Ravens. I’ve read many things about this movie, some I thought gave it the kind of credit it deserved, and some I thought were not so great.

This was a “feel good” movie. It was one where you laughed and you cried. I came out thinking that it would be great if everyone could do what the Tuohy’s did for this young man. Sandra Bullock was absolutely great in the movie, she played Leigh Anne Tuohy, who was responsible for bringing “Big Mike” into their home. I thought Quinton Aaron was great in the role of “Big Mike” Oher. Sean Tuohy was played by Tim McGraw.

Of course, this is my kind of movie. I would definitely go see it again.”

Did You Know?

Michael Oher was drafted 23rd overall by the Baltimore Ravens in the 1st round of the 2009 NFL Draft. The Ravens were scheduled to pick 26th overall, but traded that pick and their 5th round pick to the New England Patriots to move up three spots and draft Oher.

Both Sandra Bullock and Tim McGraw have strong ties to the South and similarities to the real life Tuohy family. Bullock’s father was from Alabama; she was born and raised in Virginia, was a high school cheerleader (like Collins Tuohy), dated a football player and attended college in North Carolina. McGraw was born, raised and attended college in Louisiana and loved playing sports as a kid even though he was unaware at the time that his biological father was a professional baseball player.

While the movie shows Collins Tuohy and Michael Oher studying together at home and school. Collins, an A student, rearranged her schedules, and dropped out of several advanced placement classes, to share more classes with Michael and help him graduate.

Two Nominations

Best Motion Picture

Best Actress ~ Sandra Bullock

Back to 44-D’s Virtual Red Carpet to the Oscars®

[Via http://the44diaries.wordpress.com]

Blind Justice?

2010-02-17T17:50:00.000+02:00

What happens to people in this country when they get to a position of power? Or do they just subscribe to the adage that power corrupts? Or maybe its as simple as living in a culture where there is no responsibility and it doesn’t really matter what you do as you will not be answerable. Even the language of power doesn’t acknowledge that doing wrong must lead to some sort of punishment. Dáil deputies cannot be called liars in the Dáil, no they tell untruths or omit to tell the truth. If we did the same we would be liars and quite rightly so. Power is facilitated in this by the lack of action by the police and the courts.

Limerick Gangster (from www.independent.ie)

Willie O’Dea told ‘untruths’ to the High Court. According to himself he forgot what he had said in a taped interview three weeks prior to the signed affidavit to the High Court. Actually what he did was perjure himself. Perjury is a criminal offence yet O’Dea has not been charged with the crime, let alone arrested for it. O’Dea doesn’t even recognise that he is further diminishing the standing of politics in this country.

The Catholic bishops of Dublin colluded with and facilitated the abuse of children in Dublin. This is another criminal act. Yet, as with O’Dea, the authorities have been silent on the issue. The bishops went off to Rome to kiss the pope’s ring (insert your own appropriate gag). They got a bit of a telling off and then listened as the weasel-faced bastard tried to blame a lack of faith for preponderance of paedophiles in the Irish institution. These bishops should be in handcuffs and chains and not colluding in writing a pastoral letter that will absolve them and put the blame back on the victims.

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

iPods, Cokes, Respect, and Sticks.

2010-02-17T05:41:00.000+02:00

Aaaand we’re back. Well, I’m back. Well, not really back ‘cuz that implies that I actually went somewhere when I indeed, did not. But here I am, like the prodigal daughter, returning to her mindspeak. It’s been a while since I’ve offered a blog to read. Even longer that I’ve taken the time to indulge myself. So here goes.

Respect. It’s a little word, but it makes or breaks everything. From a marriage to a sibling relationship, boyfriend woes to parent-teacher interaction. Without it people resort to their human nature. It’s easier to not respect than it is to make an effort. An effort in patience, to hear the other person out. An effort in changing the tone of your voice to not set in motion the wrath of dad. An effort in communication. oooo. there’s my favorite word. COMMUNICATION. Sorry, I get distracted. So, respect requires effort. Who wants to have one more thing to do? People who don’t want to alienate those they love. People who prefer to grow old with someone. People who really do care what you have to say.

So with respect we all walk around with Coke’s in our hand, animated birds singing and our life’s soundtrack playing some catchy tune from our ipod, right? YOU GOT IT! no. not really. But it can open doors. It can open hearts and doors. Respect conveys that you hold that other person in esteem, or in high regard. Simply put, it tells them you consider them, they matter. Even if it merely states that you think the other person is better than, oh let’s say a pile of sticks , AWESOME! We don’t have to love the person we respect. Heck. we don’t even have to like them. We just need to respect them as creatures made in the image of God. Wow. How’s that for perspective?

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

Cedar Breaks National Monument -- My World Tuesday

2010-02-15T17:41:00.000+02:00

My memory does not tell me why I got side-tracked last summer with presenting my summer vacation, but I did. Now is the time to finish it. (And who is going to complain about some warmer-weather pictures?)

I left you at Red Canyon, outside of Bryce Canyon. From there we went to Cedar Breaks National Monument.

We go to this place every single summer. I have a convention every summer in Salt Lake City which is why we take these family vacations to western National Parks. The very first year we passed through Cedar Breaks, and we always return because it is so beautiful. The wildflower meadows are a place that we must get a picture of our kids each year. The times of year we have gone have varied which means the flowers have varied at lot when we have been there. But it is always a wonderful sight, and perfect for pictures of little girls.

(I must warn you that friends and a fellow blogger have been there as well and have not had the spectacular weather we seem to be blessed with. The elevation is over 10,000 feet, so weather can be unpredictable, but it has always been spectacular for us. There is a big ski resort in the area for winter visits, but leaving toward Salt Lake would scare me to death if the roads were bad.)

This is the big attraction--the "breaks." It reminds me a lot of Bryce Canyon, but not so many hoodoos. This is looking right into the area.

This is looking left in the same area.

Thankfully they had a quick Junior Ranger program here because we are always passing through. The Junior Ranger program is really a good one. It not only teaches children about the area and nature, but about being responsible with nature.

A week earlier or later and one would see completely different colors in a field like this.

I am sure these are not uncommon, but Cedar Breaks is one of the few places I have personally seen white thistle.

The wildflowers alone would be reason enough to detour here every year, but the "breaks" in the background make it absolutely spectacular. This is one of my favorite places I have ever been.

My World is a weekly meme in which participants are virtual tour guides. Go check it out and see the worlds of others. Or better yet, take a look at the guidelines, and do your own My World Post!

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

Mark your calendars!!!

2010-02-15T05:40:00.000+02:00

With Easter just around the corner, I wanted to give you a fun way to have pictures of your kiddos done. I’m going to be setting up shop in a local pasture and will have either baby chicks or a bunny, as well as brightly colored Easter eggs. I’m inviting all of you to do a mini shoot of your kids. It will be about 30 minutes in front of the camera, with some great pictures to celebrate with. They’ll make great little photo cards to send out to family and friends, as well as a cute way to remember this spring.

WHEN: March 13, 2010

COST: $50 (cost includes sitting, one 5×7 of your choosing, and rights to one jpg for printing cards)

WHAT DO I DO NOW? Send me an email to reserve your spot!

I can’t wait to set this up with you guys! It’s going to be a fun day!!!

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

Pay Attention

2010-02-12T17:48:00.000+02:00

I’m amazed at the things my children teach me about myself.

Hannah has started noticing when Nick and I don’t do a very good job with certain things. The other day I was in a hurry to get everyone out the door, and just had Hannah and Audrey put their crocs on with no socks, in spite of the fresh snow. When we arrived, Hannah had to walk through the snow and got her feet wet and cold. It wasn’t that cold out – the snow was all melting away, but good job, mommy. What I wasn’t prepared for, was her pointing it out! She just about made me cry, telling me I should have carried her or helped her put on socks! I apologized and eventually that was good enough for her, but…wow…I have some accountability at this point…

Tessa has started smiling and cooing at me all the time. She has brought me so much joy! I’ll just be doing something else, holding her in my lap, and it’s like she suddenly realizes I’m there, and proceeds to have a full conversation with me, whether I’m paying attention or not. She also gazes at me, right in the eye, and doesn’t look away. This is something my other two did not do! I find myself looking away out of discomfort while she just lovingly stares and admires her mommy. Where does my discomfort come from? Why do I get impatient so quickly? I don’t typically have difficulty looking people in the eye, but the purity of her attention and adoration overwhelms me sometimes.

Pay attention, they say to me without realizing it. Pay attention and don’t miss THIS moment. Be fully here with us. Don’t get so caught in the task to be accomplished that you miss the people who are most important. It took me forever to make peace with staying at home with my kids, but now that I have…I can’t imagine anything more fulfilling!

Technorati Tags: children,fulfilling,home

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

DIY flash cards

2010-02-12T05:52:00.000+02:00

I know not everyone has a toddler, but for those of you who do this DIY tutorial is a great one for creative parents (or perhaps as a gift as parents of toddlers are often short on time!). It shows you how to make your own flash cards that double as blocks, using your own images and a few simple bits and pieces. It’s a great way of using up design project scraps like old image source books, photos, mags etc…. and we think Charles and Ray Eames would approve. See Apartment Therapy’s Ohdeedoh blog for the complete instructions.

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

commercials cause childhood obesity

2010-02-10T17:40:00.000+02:00

Its official. A study from the University of California shows that its not the amount of TV your child is watching that predicts obesity but the content. The study shows that children who watch more commercials have a higher risk for childhood obesity. Read the NYT article here about the report.

Here’s an excerpt.

“Fred Zimmerman, the study’s lead author and chairman of U.C.L.A.’s Department of Health Services, said television commercials for sweetened cereals, junk food and fast food chains probably had an insidious influence over a child’s food preferences. The more television commercials a child is exposed to, the more likely he or she will be to try those foods and want to continue eating them, which then increases risk for weight gain.”

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

Borborygmus and Dust Bunnies

2010-02-10T05:53:00.000+02:00

from www.pops-shop.com

(fictional story written on a theme of “GRRR!” for www.faithwriters.com)

“Mommy?…”

No response. Five year old Ethan waits a minute in the dark, huddling under the covers, watching and listening.

“Mom!”

Still no response. Ethan’s eyes are wide open now, staring over at his older brother Erik’s bed, where eight year old Erik is fast asleep, breathing slow and easy.

“MOM!!!”

Their sleepy looking mother, hair askew, bathrobe barely wrapped around her, opens the bedroom door and peers in.

“What is going on? What’s wrong? It’s 3 AM, for goodness’ sake.”

“There’s something under Erik’s bed making terrible noises…. It woke me up but he is still asleep. It must have snuck in here before we went to bed and it’s hiding under there. I can hear it growling.”

She closed her weary eyes, attempting to organize her thoughts into coherence, wishing she was back snug in bed.

“Ethan, there can’t be anything under Erik’s bed. You must have been dreaming.”

“Mom! It’s real! I heard it! It sounded just like this: ‘GRRRR!’ “

“Ethan, there is nothing under Erik’s bed other than too many toys and dust bunnies that reproduce themselves.”

“Mom, get a flashlight! I think it must be a wolf! Get Dad! Do something!”

“I’m not waking up your father. He has to be up in another two hours to get ready for work. You aren’t making any sense. It was just a bad dream. Now go back to sleep.”

She closes the door and starts to feel her way back down the dark hallway.

“MOM!”

She stops. Turns around. Opens the door again and looks in.

“It just growled again! It sounds really hungry! You’ve got to get it out of there!”

She stands at the doorway, eyes closed, when she hears it.

“Did you hear it?? Now you believe me? Mom, it’s real!”

She smiled. Ethan is whimpering now.

“Ethan, you have just heard the dreaded ‘borborygmus.’ It likes to growl. That’s all it can ever do. It will never bite or hurt anyone. But you are right, it does sound very hungry…

“Mom!! Make the borbory-mus leave! PLEEEASE get it out of here!”

“Ethan, it’s just Erik’s stomach growling. That’s all it is. It must have been the pepperoni pizza we had for dinner. Let’s hope he’s not about to get sick. Now that’s something for which you can call me out of bed. Good night now, go back to sleep. ”

And she headed back down the hallway.

Ethan sat in the dark, now more annoyed than relieved, watching his brother sleeping soundly, oblivious to the rumbling growls coming from inside his tummy. Then worry snuck back and attaches itself to Ethan like Velcro.

“Mom!”

One more time, with all the patience she can muster, she cracks open the bedroom door, tempted to growl at him herself. But she is a good Mommy, so she only says in a very quiet controlled tone worthy of an Oscar winning performance:

“What is it now?”

“Mom, do you think dust bunnies bite?”

She took in a deep breath, hesitating for only a moment.

“No, but a tired Mommy certainly might if she isn’t allowed to go back to bed.”

“OK, night, Mommy. Thank you for saving me from the borbory-whatever. You are really a great Mom, you know?

And as she crawled back into bed, she knew he was right…

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

Preachers and Podiatrists

2010-02-08T17:55:00.000+02:00

Preachers and Podiatrists.

As we work with children this is an important reminder. It is a great follow up to the article on “Follow Your Calling Not Your Dream.”

Are you encouraging kids to look forward to that place God has for them to serve while here on earth? Are you lifting every job up as being a potential to serve God and to lead others to Him?

What are you laying out, if not by your words, by your actions is important to God?

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

Exploring the Guthrie

2010-02-08T05:42:00.000+02:00

I met 3-year-old Madie and her parents in the very beginning. They were my first customers that were strangers to me, who had reached out to a measly ad I posted and were interested in booking a photoshoot. From that day on, I have enjoyed every moment, and those photos were some of my favorite to date! I met them once again this past Saturday on a chilly day in Minneapolis at the Guthrie Theatre. Madie’s gorgeous and glowing long red hair was the first thing anyone saw as we passed by. She was getting compliments left and right, which I am sure happens all of the time!

As she mentioned how much she was enjoying preschool and pressed the buttons for us in the elevator, we explored the beautiful colors and architecture of the Guthrie Theatre, which is a fabulous place to visit.

Madie told me she currently had “Larry the Bunny” at home, quacked like a duck for me a few times and showed me her newly pierced ears in between photos. Such a great kid! And what an adorable family, I just love that they came back for more and I hope to work with them yet again so I can see how much Madie grows!!

[Via http://283photography.wordpress.com]

Hyper Parents and Coddled Kids

2010-02-05T17:47:00.000+02:00

Last night, CBC Television ran the documentary Hyper Parents and Coddled Kids (you can watch online if you’re in Canada). As the title suggests, it’s a look at the relatively recent trend in “helicopter parenting”, although I prefer the Swedish term discussed on the show: curling parents (they sweep all obstacles out of the way). The general thrust of the show was that this over-attentive parenting style is Bad Thing as it leaves children anxious and ill-prepared for adult life.

It’s also fairly one-sided in that the viewer is presented with extreme examples of this trend, such as a mother spending $4000 on her daughter’s first birthday. “It’s a major achievement,” she argues. Or the parents who try to get their children into exclusive $1200 per month pre-schools from the moment they’re conceived, just to give them that advantage. Or the overly-scheduled children who’ve never just played freely. Or the tales of employers having parents negotiate their child’s salary. Finally, we are presented with the tale of a young woman who was raised in this style and despite being fired from several jobs for her attitude, launching a failed business that offered women massages and daily affirmations, declaring bankruptcy, all before she hits thirty, still manages to keep her sense of entitlement and lack of personal accountability.

What you don’t hear is any sense of justification from these parents as to why they’ve chosen this path. Is this worse than the detached parenting styles of previous generations? Not that it should be an either/or question but there’s usually some kind of motivation for this sort of thing and perhaps when they reflect on their own childhood, there’s much they want to do differently.

I do agree with the points the documentary was making, in a general way. Kids’ lives do seem over-scheduled these days. Nobody seems to just send their kids out to play anymore. Playdates must be arranged. If a child kicks a ball for fun, she’s put on the soccer team.

I’m a big fan of Free Range Kids, a blog where the writer often asks why we’ve become obsessed with this perceived constant danger to our kids. I sometimes wonder if we’re so protective of children because we simply don’t trust ourselves to take the leash off once in a while. While our parents were content to send us out of the house until supper time, we think if we did the same thing, we’d do it wrong somehow and something bad would happen.

Of course, there will always be a balance between being involved in your child’s life and allowing them to fail on their own so that they can learn. I don’t think that’s unique to any generation.

The documentary also pointed out that the hyper-parenting trend is something that goes on among the middle t0 upper-classes. Many of the things parents are shown doing in this documentary simply aren’t options for us because we couldn’t afford it. In other words, spending half my take-home pay for daycare just isn’t going to happen. But I wonder if money weren’t an object, would I be much different?

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

Random old and new

2010-02-05T05:18:00.000+02:00

I have not been very busy with photos so I was just looking through some older files and was having such a good time that I have to share some. The kids change so fast I am so grateful that I have so many wonderful memories right here. Hope you enjoy them too. NJT

oh those cheeks

they are so little!

so sweet

christmas/birthday 08

birthday 09

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

The Only Study of Its Kind

2010-02-03T17:49:00.000+02:00

How much do you want to bet that the only thing some people will take away from this article is that abstinence only education works?

Even though what the study (and to a lesser degree – the article) is really saying is that it very, very slightly causes some kids to wait a year or two. So instead of having sex at 12, they’re waiting until 14. That’s…a vast improvement. Really. Now, I usually like to read the study itself rather than just the news article. But even without seeing the actual study, I do have to wonder – would these kids have waited those two or so years anyway even without the study?

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

New Phlebotomist and New Plan

2010-02-03T05:40:00.000+02:00

Today was my 7DPO blood draw to check for progesterone levels. I got poked by a new phlebotomist today. She was a talker. I’m emotional normally and add Clo-Mood to the mix and I’m a mess. She obviously saw the large, bold word “infertility” on my blood draw order and asked me, “So are you trying?” My eyeballs swelled with tears- thankfully none rolled down and I was able to regain my composure quickly. Of course I’m trying!!! Duh! “Is this your first?” Yes, it is, but there is no “first” in there yet. Then she proceeded to tell me how she had her first out of wedlock and it was difficult being a single mother and that she would like a second, but wants to find a husband first. I know she was trying to be kind. I know it. I know it. And I know she can’t fully understand my situation. She was trying to relate that she too, desired another child. I appreciate her attempt to be friendly. It was just a strange (and embarrassingly emotional) experience with a stranger.

I also spoke with my doctor’s nurse today set up a consult with my doctor to discuss a plan next Wednesday. The triage nurse was fairly adamant that I should switch over to Femera or continue Clomid next month. She thought that taking a few months off would set back the progress I’ve made so far. I am so lost in this situation. (Emotional again, open the flood gates). I wish I had someone to say do this, this, and this and you will have success! Thank you to all my regular readers for your support. I would feel so totally lost if it wasn’t for you.

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

Februrary 01, already?

2010-02-01T17:53:00.000+02:00

I can’t believe it’s already February 01. It’s been a while since my last post, quite a while. What exciting things have we to mention? Well the New Orleans Saints will be in the Super Bowl for the first time ever since their beginning. That’s very, very exciting. I fell down the stairs here at home and broke my leg. My eyes are looking really good. I can’t wait till you see the latest pictures, although my hair looks terrible, but hey, one of these days, my hair and face will look so good you won’t recognize me. What was that? Broken leg? Well, actually, foot, I broke my foot. I see the orthopedic tomorrow. I wish a camera was rolling to catch that fall because I bet it was hilarious. It hurt like crazy, I bet we’d laugh at the crying, after the fact of course, because I cried really loud, a lot, and for a long time, even at the emergency room. Thinking about now makes me chuckle. But really you guys, it hurt, it really, really hurt. When my three kids heard about it, they called me and said…..no, just kidding, they didn’t call. So when I called them, “hey did you hear I broke my foot?” nothing but, “yeah” well, okay then. I thought maybe some discussion, you know, “what happened? did it hurt? where’s it broken? how long til it’s healed? anything I can do?” no, not a word. My son, I called him and I said “hey did you hear about my foot?” “yeah, Ally (our hair stylist) told me” I thought, she told you and you didn’t think to call. My son though, he’s the only one who comes to me lately, without my asking, and hugs me, and I can’t even express in words how that feels. The thing is, if I say these things to my kids, that, no word from them makes me feel they don’t care, oh, well, then I’ve got a problem, what did my daughters call it, “borderline personality disorder.” No, they are not psychology majors, have no background in psychology. Could I review the DSM-IV and find disorders to label my children? How awful. What an awful thing to do. Both agree, but one daughter doesn’t mind being around me. The other one says no one can stand being around me. She can’t stand to be around me. Except when she needs money, of course. What did I do to her? Whatever it is, the fact lies in her heart only. It’s so depressing. I feel like she hates me. That is one horrible feeling. These are my children. All I want is for my children to be successful, I always tell them how much I admire them, they are so smart, beautiful and intelligent, Yet I would never want to be so cold. I have tried to be there for them, as someone they can talk to when they need, as someone to lift them, I’ve always been a source of someone to listen to when they need no matter the time of day. A source of financial need, when a hurricane destroyed their place I replaced furniture, found another apartment, put down the money……..yet I have a personality disorder. What is up with that. A cold, dull, stick, right in the middle of where it hurts…..

I do not claim to be the perfect mother, nor have I ever. But my my children have seen me volunteer at their schools, many, many, many times. I have gotten them into the best private schools (and it was not easy), I was not the career mom. Now that I am older, and they are older, I try more and more to be a good mom. I feel I should just give it up, forget. They do not care anyway, why try, right. One of them will wish my happy birthday, cook me mothers day breakfast. The others, not a word. One of the will borrow money, or ask for a ride to a store to buy the other parent a birthday gift. I’ll get a call for birthday from one. Nothing from another, not for birthday, mother’s day, Christmas. Really, the fact that they exist is enough, it really is. But a mother likes to feel love from her children, she loves to feel their love.

Back the the world outside of the heart. First pics of the foot, then the eyes. I have a picture of my foot which reveals only swelling and bruising. The break itself is “a chip break located in the calcaneus.”

Yeah, here’s the pics….

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

Christopher Hitchens Misses Something

2010-02-01T05:40:00.000+02:00

Christopher discusses how God owns us, supervises us and can convict us of thought crime. I hope Christopher will read what I have provided below in order to expand on his already brilliant points.

Christopher, you left out something that truly makes this God even more horrendous and it is clearly explained in the Christian KJV of the Bible.

God not only creates us but he decides exactly what we will and will not do and how we will do it. God, according to Scripture, makes each of us for specific purposes and that includes those that molest children (some Catholic Priests or some Boy Scott Leaders), those that slaughter and torture millions of humans (Hitler) and every other manner of evil (extremely immoral) behavior.

I would love to get Christopher Hitchen’s take on my points below.

Lets looks at the Scriptural evidence that proves my position about God (if he were real):

“I (That would be God) create EVIL” (Isa. 45:7)

Man can not sin or do evil if God hadn’t first created it. Obviously God wouldn’t create such a thing if he didn’t intend for it to be used. Obviously since God knows all things to including the ending then He knows the evil each exact person will commit.

“The Lord has made…the WICKED for the day of EVIL” (Prov. 16:4).

This Christian God created the wicked for the evil day to of course do evil and this God will then Judge the wicked for doing evil for which God created them to do. WTF? God is moral and righteous and just as he himself makes people do evil and then he punishes them for doing the evil he made them do? Seems we should send God to hell, if you ask me.

“…has not the Potter [God] the right… to make… one [vessel] for DISHONOR?” (Rom. 9:19-25).

As in the above Scripture, God creates each of us to do exactly what we do and then if that happens to be something of dishonor or wickedness then we are judge according to that sin even when God himself made us for that purpose to do exactly that sinful act.

“O Lord, why have You MADE us TO ERR from your ways…” (Isa. 63:17).

Has it not become obviously clear? Man has no free will as God created the wicked to be wicked, the good to be good the one for honor and the one for sin and he made each of us to ‘err’ from his ways. Yet the Christian God is so sick that he will judge man for doing the evil that God himself designed us to do.

Fact is, according to Scripture, we can ONLY do his will and we can’t do our own.

In fact,

“I am the Vine, ye are the branches: He that abides in Me, and I in him, the same brings forth much fruit, for without ME YE CAN DO NOTHING” (John 15:5).

Now isn’t that fucked up? We can do anything unless for God and that would include molesting children. We can’t believe in God if not for God making us believe and yet God will eternally punish us for not believing. This Christian God deserved to be crucified because he has no clue as to what is moral or what is righteous and or just.

This God actually decides if we believe or not and if he decides that we do not believe he then burns our flesh for a never ending eternity on a continuos basis. Holy Shit!!!

Christians worship this kind of God? They give him praise for making child molesters and for endless torture of humans to include children?

Let me help the Christian see another witness for the Scriptural FACT that no one can believe if God doesn’t decide they will believe:

“For by grace are ye saved through FAITH; and that (“faith”) is NOT OF YOURSELVES; it is the GIFT OF GOD” (Eph. 2:8).

It is funny how Christians attempt to claim us Non-believers decide to not believe when their God’s word specifically states we can’t believe if God doesn’t give us this faith. It is “not of yourselves”. Is that too hard for your Christians to understand? Is it not clear enough?

What about another witness:

“…and what have you that you did not RECEIVE….?” (I Cor. 4:7).

Yeah, that would include your FAITH and your ability to believe in God. So how is it your God will punish people for not believing when it is his choice that many will not believe?

Christians actually think they seek God or choose him of their own free will. They think they have free will to do these things when God makes it clear they don’t.

“There is NONE that seeks after God” (Rom. 3:11b).

“You have NOT CHOSEN ME, but I have CHOSEN YOU…” (John 15:16).

“NO MAN CAN COME TO ME except the Father which has sent me DRAW HIM (Greek: Drag Him) I WILL raise him up at the last day” (John 6:44).

Do you get it Christian? Everything is according to Gods will and that include if you believe or if you molest a children “and God does it”.

God is so sure that it is all of him, including the molesting of children by creating man to do it that he comes out and states it clearly.

“…so shall the Lord bring upon you ALL EVIL THINGS…” (Josh. 23:15).

“…shall there be EVIL in a city, and the Lord has not done it?” (Amos 3:6).

“What? Shall we receive good at the hand of God and shall we not receive EVIL” (Job 2:10).

“God is operating ALL in all” (I Cor. 12:6)

Wow, did you notice that Christians? You have no free will, if you sin it is because God the potter designed you to sin. In fact, Adam and Eve sinned because God the potter made them to sin, he planned for them to sin and that is why he put the tree of knowledge of good and evil in the garden and made it pleasing to their eyes.

This kind of destroys the Christian claim that man decided to sin and that it is all mans fault to include the sins we commit to this day. FACT is that God doesn’t agree with the Christian and God claims that EVERYTHING is of him.

This completely destroys the Christian story. OOOOPS…sorry about that Christians but it seems I have exposed your LIE to an even great extent.

“For OF Him, and THROUGH Him, and TO Him, are ALL THINGS…” (Rom. 11:36).

Yes, Christian, that means the molesting of children, the raping of women and the slaughter of millions is all of God and according to God’s will. The most evil and vile acts are of YOUR God that your worship, praise and call moral. The things you call moral is what we non-believers call immoral.

“O Lord, I know that the way of man is not in himself. It is not in man that walks to direct his steps” (Jer. 10:23).

What don’t you Christians understand about your God and how he plays you for fools. It takes an unbeliever like me to show you how dumb you sheep truly are, the fools you be.

“For it is GOD which works IN you both TO WILL and TO DO of His good pleasure” (Phil. 2:13).

You God planned everything, even the raping of women, molesting of children and slaughter of millions of Jews.

“Declaring the END from the BEGINNING…” (Isa. 46:10).

“…for He has appointed a time for every matter, and for every work…”

Do you Christians notice that I have just destroyed your claims about God and that it is man that decided to sin or that man has free will?

You may not like it but that is not my problem, you need to take it up with your God because those are his words, not mine. In fact, according to the Bible, even my words are not mine but are instead my words are his words. I can say all manner of vile against Jesus Christ and it is what God planned for me to say and God made me say it. I can’t change it and it is all the fault of that mother fucking Jesus Christ and his Daddy.

Wow, where did that come from? I believe, I believe because I would never call Jesus Christ a mother fucker of my own will. God, please stop making me say things about Jesus that isn’t true. I don’t think he fucked his mother so stop making me say it. You pussy!….ooops…there he goes again.

“…I have SPOKEN IT, I WILL BRING IT TO PASS; I have PROPOSED IT, I WILL ALSO DO IT!” Isaiah 46:11

“Yet ALL is of God” (II Cor. 5:18)

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

Ingenious

2010-01-29T17:43:00.000+02:00

Ingenious: I like Ingenious because it is a really fun game. You have tiles with two colors on each tile. For each identical symbol that you line up, you move one square on your score board. When you cannot place a tile on the game board, the game immediately ends. You count up your points by seeing where your color that is closest to zero. Then you go up with your finger to see what your score is. The player with the highest score wins the game! The really cool thing about Ingenious is that you can play by yourself and the more players, the wider the board gets. The best thing about Ingenious for me is that my dad can never beat me!

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

And so it begins...

2010-01-29T05:41:00.000+02:00

I got the call the other day. I knew it would come. What do I say? How do I respond? Truthfully didn’t expect it this soon. Not sure if it is a good sign or a bad sign.

I have made a mental note to call my dear friend who lost her mother at the beginning of the year everyday. Most days they are quick calls, most times it is “I am dealing, thanks for calling”. This week they have been a little longer. This past weekend was the first weekend she faced it. Her boyfriend was not there for the weekend, I was not there, the family was there. The entire family was there…except..

They decided to go through some things at the house. A day that was going to have to happen sooner or later. It was just a dent into her stuff from what she said. But the dent brought on the anger, hurt, pain and deep sorrow. She cried to me, she cried to her boyfriend, and i am sure she cried to herself that night. She said she just wanted to pick up the phone and discuss her thoughts and feelings with her mom. That is who she worked things out with. Her mom was her sounding board for all the things in life that didn’t make sense.

What do I say? This does not make sense! We can only trust that God knows what HE is doing and HE is in control. We know that God is sovereign. We have been taught sovereignty from an early age. We have seen it in other people’s lives and circumstances. But when it is your own situation it is ALOT harder to see His sovereignty.

So when I hung up with her that night, I knew we were on the onset of the hard stuff. The stuff that really sucks. The stuff that makes us question our Almighty Maker. The stuff that if we are not careful Satan will use against us. At the same time, the stuff that needs to be dealt with and expressed..not bottled in. The stuff that hurts. The stuff that NO ONE can give you an answer to.

Got the second call tonight. She was in her parents home alone. Doing some laundry. Doing some random things around the house for her dad while he was away. Then it hit her. It’s been almost a month since she spoke to her mom. She has never gone this long without seeing or talking to her mom. We both have special relationships with our mothers. In college, I think that was one of the things that helped our friendship develop. We both looked to our moms but were still independent of them. Tonight’s call I actually expected sooner. In college, every finals time she would make herself sick. It was her thing! I expected her to be sick already, impressed that she hadn’t been thus far. Then tonight happened.

Again, what do I say? I can’t hug her. I can listen, but what do you do when there is silence and tears on the other end of the call? Oh Lord, give me the words to say and the patience to listen to the tears. There are more to come..sooo much more to come!

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

Hayden and Carson-Tampa Children's Photographer

2010-01-27T17:34:00.000+02:00

These two were so much fun on Sunday! Hayden was a ham for the camera the whole time, while Carson was pretty shy-for about 20 minutes! Once I had him hi-five me, he was all smiles-he even hugged me! I had a great time with these adorable little guys!

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

Our Minds WIll Carry Us Through Out The Universe And Assist In Finding Our Souls

2010-01-27T05:48:00.000+02:00

Today is a rainy day and I would like to thank the universe for all its glory and for all that it has to offer us if we only see it and ask for whatever we want. Sometimes we overlook the beauty of the world around us and we lose track of our thoughts and we must take control of them and make sure that they do not control us.

With that said let us continue with a great meditation to look forward to the day to come;

“She became for me an island of light, fun, wisdom where I could run

with my discoveries and torments and hopes at any time of day and

find welcome.”

- May Sarton

What a beautiful quote.

News;

Substitutions, schedule changes at NFL Pro Bowl rankle many on the sidelines Substitute-heavy rosters are set for Sunday’s Pro Bowl, the set-up of which doesn’t seem to leave many people satisfied.

I believe now for sure that the games are just like the rest of the pros fixed;

Vikings had the game and so many professionals on the field including the coaches would lose the game for the Superbowl common people. Tell me it was not a fix and yet the fans go and give their hard-earned money.

New Orléans had that game lost so many times. The calls that were made were literally BS.

I will still watch but not as football but as entertainment like wrestling.

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

Umizoomi

2010-01-25T17:52:00.000+02:00

quote of the day: (on the new show)

“man.. it blew me away.. its better than avatar.. and just like the avatar effect.. i want to commit suicide in hopes that it will transport me into umi-land”

those of you who have kids, or those who don’t … watch it!

Series starts Jan. 25-29 @ 11:30 a.m. on Nick

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

Week 1 Article 1

2010-01-25T05:31:00.000+02:00

Headline: Children Awake? Then They’re Probably Online

Author: Tamar Lewin

Date: 1/20/2010

Publication: The New York Times

This article first caught my attention because the title featured young people and technology- topics that I figured would more than likely pertain to my life. The article sites sources from the main study conducted by the Kaiser Family Foundation to “a pediatrician at Children’s Hospital Boston” to quotes from parents whose children were involved in the study. The story remains for the most part unbiased, siting sources and quotes and refraining from any personal comment. The article also includes a graph with the published results from the Kaiser Family Foundation study which is actually a great thing when an article is primarily facts and statistics. Overall I liked the piece and there’s really anything I would’ve changed.

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

HUMILITY

2010-01-22T17:54:00.000+02:00

While working in Egypt in 1963-64, I wanted to go to a particular “black hill” I had been told about because the hill had blackish geckos living on it, and I wanted to study them. The hill was in the desert about 300 miles southwest of Alexandria. The desert in this part of Egypt is flat and sandy with vast areas of desert pavement that stretch for hundreds of miles in all directions.

We had traveled by jeep a couple of miles when my Bedouin guide told me to steer about three inches to the right. This sounded ridiculous. What difference could three inches possibly make? He didn’t even have a map!

Nevertheless, I was finally persuaded to make this “insignificant” correction when my guide suddenly yelled: “Stop! Land mine!” That got my attention because there was scattered evidence of long-hidden mines scattered throughout the miles of desert in the form of shattered camel skeletons.

Three days later we were at the black hill, and my guide told me to get my map. I spread the map on the hood of the jeep and learned about humility. My guide drew a triangle and showed me that a correction of three inches near Alexandria had saved us about 50 miles worth of fuel and water on our way to the black hill–fuel and water we didn’t have to spare.

If we had gone my way, we would either have had to stop short of the black hill and turned back, or our bones would still be bleaching somewhere under the desert sun. And so I learned that the further we predict into the trackless future, the more conscious and clear we must be of our vision, goals, objectives—and our data.

All available data must be used, and planning, which is done in the invisible present, must be carried out far enough into the future to show the probable consequences our actions have set in motion, as exemplified by my trip to the black hill. Else, we leave the future blindly to the future.

In this sense, we talk about our responsibility to the future, but that is not enough. We also need to act in such a way that we ensure, to the greatest extent humanly possible, that all generations of the future have the ability to respond to the legacy of options we leave them. It’s therefore imperative that we understand and account for the short-, mid-, and long-term ramifications of our decisions, which can only be done by taking them seriously in thought, accounting, and action.

True, we cannot foresee all the cumulative effects of our actions, and we cannot wait until everything is known before we act. But there definitely are some potential affects that can be projected, based on available data, which we all-too-often persist in stubbornly ignoring.

If you want to contact me, you can visit my website. If you wish, you can also read an article about what is important to me and/or you can listen to me give a presentation.

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

Haiti

2010-01-22T05:46:00.000+02:00

I’m so heartbroken by the tragedy that occurred in Haiti recently. The worst part was to see the suffering of so many children who’ve not only been bruised physically but many have suffered unimaginable psychological trauma from seeing death all around them. My sincerest prayers go out to all Haitians and especially to all the children affected by this tragedy. God is with you as he is always.

Here’s a list of ways in which you can help. There’s also a way to give through iTunes. Please give generously.

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

Oh my Goodness!!

2010-01-20T17:30:00.000+02:00

Wow. I am getting really good at managing my life. I think the purchase of a “mom’s two year planner” was one the best decisions I have ever made. Really! I can now controll my spending…(Dont’ let me near stores with fitness wear…I can’t help myself) and it really makes you stop and think when you have to stop and think about each penny you have spent, or are about to spend. I have definately improved on regularly updating my blogs, not so much on this one unfortunantly. With the others I am doing fabulously. Then again they are for business so I guess that makes it much more of a nessacity. Business seems like it is finally starting to get somewhere…Classes are officially starting and I am getting some good responses. Found a fantastic lady ( who teaches at the local gym) who is going to let me “hijack” some of her classes in order for me to learn the dynamic of really teaching in group situations. I am really looking forward to it! Starting tomorrow evening.

Well, got more “businessy” stuff to do now.

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

Bible in a Year--Day 20

2010-01-20T05:37:00.000+02:00

First and foremost, let’s take a moment to celebrate 20 days together in God’s Word! Woohoo! I’ve heard that if you do one thing every day for three weeks, it becomes a habit. Well, friends, tomorrow is our three week mark together. And, whether you were already spending daily time with God, or if this is just an addition to your routine, I’m excited that we are going through this journey together. Let’s jump in to today’s Word.

Today’s scripture reading: Genesis, chapters 25-27

God told Abraham back in chapter 21 that "it is through Isaac that your offspring will be reckoned" (21:12, NIV), so even though he had other children from his concubines, Abraham left everything he owned to Isaac (25:5, NIV). I wonder if familial hierarchy was such then that Abraham’s other children didn’t feel slighted, or if it was much like now where being cut out of the inheritance would really hurt. There’s no further mention of it, and what it does mention is pretty matter-of-fact, so I guess it’s more of the latter???

Abraham breathed his last and died at a good old age, an old man and full of years (25:8, NIV). I imagine that Abraham had a real peace about him, particularly in his final years on earth. He and God had a true relationship, and I would even venture to say that I imagine Abraham knew when he was going. I bet he was among the "lucky ones" with no pain, he just faded into a peaceful sleep, never to wake. Wouldn’t that be the way to go? To die at a good old age…full of years, and memories, and love, and contentment, and secure knowledge of exactly what heavenly place he was going to next.

Now, Abraham and Isaac interest me in one particular way. Both had beautiful wives; apparently the kind of Miss America wives that every man drools over. The father and son, when travelling, told their wives to say that they were siblings so as to spare the lives of the husbands. And, both said these things to a ruler named Abimelech. Now, I would love for someone to clarify this point for me. In Abraham’s case, in chapter 20, Abimelech is king of Gerar (20:2). Later, in Isaac’s life, in our current day’s reading, Abimelech is king of the Phillistines (26:8). I have never had a mind of geography or history, so this matter is a double-edged sword for me. Is this the same Abimelech? Gerar is mentioned later in chapter 26, so I questionably assume this is the same king, just another generation older.

This is one of those times when I may just be obsessing over something that really makes no real difference, but these similarities strike me as so odd. There is no mention of God instructing either Abraham or Isaac to lie in order to save their lives. So, why would these protected, God-fearing, God-abiding men feel the need to do anything manipulative? Don’t they know by now that God is going to protect them no matter what? I suppose this is proof that even Abraham and Isaac were only human. That’s kind of a comforting thought for me, as I tend to think I have to do this and that in my own human way, when it’s something God can easily handle and He really doesn’t need my help. In fact, like with Abraham and Isaac, our human ways usually end up throwing added wrenches into the gears of God’s plan.

Further, if Abimelech, king of Gerar is the same as Abimelech, king of the Phillistines, is the same man…just how dumb was this guy? At what point would he learn his lesson? And, as much as oral history was critical in the times before computers, styluses, and notebooks, wouldn’t Isaac have heard the story of the time he lied to a king and said he was his wife’s brother? Don’t our parents tell us of the stupidity of their youth so we won’t repeat the same mistakes? In both cases, God had to keep the king from consummating things between Abimelech and each of the wives. Like I said before, so often He has to fix the messes that our human errors make.

My pastor often says how much easier it is for us, as Christians, to forgive a "sinner" for doing something wrong than for us to forgive the "saved." It’s the "he didn’t know any better’s" vs. the "he should have known better’s." But the truth is that we are all sinners, we all make human errors. At some time in our lives, we all make errors that make the Lord sad, but no matter what His mighty grace saves us. Just as Isaac returned to the land of Abraham and began working to re-dig the wells that his father had dug, you and I must return to the safety and direction of our heavenly Father’s care. Maybe you were raised in the church like I was, maybe you’ve never really had a time when you didn’t know of God, and didn’t know the stories; but that doesn’t mean that, just like me, you didn’t stray. Friends, I fell off the path of righteousness with God, but I am here to tell you that I crawled back onto the path and I don’t ever want to fall away from Him again. Maybe you have never known God until recently, maybe you were raised under a different set of guidelines or maybe you were never raised with training in any religion at all; if this is the case in your life, this is where your path begins. As the munchkins said to Dorothy, "Just follow the yellow brick road." No matter what your past experiences are, today is a new day in God’s house and today can be the day that you make Him priority over even your earth-bound world. We are building our foundation, and this is a great opportunity for us all to start fresh and leave all of the mistakes of our sinful past behind us. Are you with me?

Tomorrow’s scripture passage: Genesis, chapters 27-29

Make it a great day,

Marilyn

Dear God, I praise You! I think back on the countless, awful, sinful, cruel things I have done, thought, and believed in my past and I wonder how You can even still call me Yours. But You do! You forgive and truly forget, and now, please, help me to do the same. Help me to brush off the dust of the old road and start fresh on the road leading straight to You. Lord, I thank you for having mercy on me. I praise You forever. Amen.

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

IVF-Mothering and Avatar.

2010-01-18T17:21:00.000+02:00

Science is amazing. We had our miracle child in 2000. Fitting for the beginning of a new century.

Yesterday we saw Avatar. The scene of the Avatar embroyos made me think about the child, our child sitting next to us. She was a “test tube baby”. Our little Avatar? Well she wasn’t part of the indegenous tribe of Pandora but she was a creation of science. She was not conceived to understand nor infiltrate the human race for our purposes. But she was conceived so our family grow and live on.

While not conceived in the same natural way, she is human. She is connected to all of humankind. Just as the tree of souls she possesses the hopes, instincts of humankind. She is a kindly child. Filled with wonder and deep sensitivities. Does her psyche hold different conceptual memories? Does she connect with the world and nature differently? Will these manifest in her life?

These are questions which will perhaps have answers far into the future. In the meantime, we parent her and love her and cultivate her interests and deep longings. My hope is that she has the fortitude and instincts portrayed by the Avatar. We see her.

[Via http://joanfrances1.wordpress.com]

Summer in Australia

2010-01-18T05:49:00.000+02:00

Living in the sub tropics of Australia might be the ideal life for some. The thought of all year ’round sunshine must be very appealing, when you are knee-deep in snow. But every summer, I have the same complaint. I really dislike the summer where I live! So, what am I doing, living here? I ask myself that same question, every single year.

It really is an excercise in futility, contemplating the why’s and the wherefore’s, though. I know why I’m living here. My family loves the summer! Yes, I have a family of beach-loving, heat loving, summer clothes loving people.

We had very little winter last year to speak of. While I was patiently waiting for the winter coldness to kick in, an early spring arrived. And spring felt like summer! Here it is now, mid-January, and even Sam and Amelia, the two biggest heat lovers of all, have had enough of the heat! Rosie is convinced she is about to melt and Oliver has spent so much time in the salt water at the beach, he says he’s pickled!

There are so many advantages to living in a cooler climate. It’s just that those living in the snow have probably never experienced the extreme heat that the summers in Australia can, and usually do, bring.

For the first thirteen years of my life I lived in a mountainous area, where we enjoyed four seasons each and every year. Although there was no chance of snow where I lived, we only need travel about 20 minutes further into the mountains for the snowy areas. Summer was a time when the weather warmed up quite a bit, so we went into summer clothes for a maximum of about three months. There was the occasional hot day, but probably only 3 or 4 days of unbearable heat. And I thought those 3 or 4 days of heat were tough to cope with!

Then my parents came up with the bright idea of moving north…the weather would be much nicer, they said. We moved in late September. In early October I had started at my new school. At the end of the first week at school, there was an athletics carnival. I remember the day well. I was saved from having to compete in any other event than one running race, due to my recent arrival at the school, so I spent a very enjoyable day sitting on a grassy hill overlooking the events, chatting to all of my new found friends.

By lunchtime, my legs were starting to itch in a way that I had never felt before, like a burning feeling.

One of my friends asked me if I was wearing sun screen. After my new-found friends had kindly educated me on what exactly sun screen was (!) they then went on to tell me that I had sunburnt legs! Can the sun actually burn your skin, I asked? Children can, at times, be very cruel. I was extremely lucky to have come across a great bunch of kids, who didn’t ridicule me for being so clueless about the sun!!

Needless to say, after my crash-course on the effect of the suns’ rays, during that sunny October day many years ago, I have since always owned a tube of sunscreen!

I miss the autumn leaves. I long for the days of walking through the yellow, orange, red, crimson and purple leaves, when they have fallen from the Liquid Amber, Japanese Maple or Golden Ash trees. Cooler autumn days, turning into colder winter nights, snuggled up under a cosy rug in front of a blazing fireplace, reading my latest book discovery. Spring in September, bringing with it the new buds of growth on the bare tree branches, with a promise of beautiful sunny days and a kaleidoscope of coloured flowers in the garden, warming up even more to lazy summer days at Christmas time, spent with friends and family. The four seasons are just divine!!!

Well, for now I have to stay put. My children love their schools. They have friends here. So, for now anyway, I will continue to sit or stand in front of a fan, dreaming of the cooler days to come.

And next summer? I might just visit England!

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

Help Yourself!

2010-01-15T17:53:00.000+02:00

I’m livid right now and I mean LIVID! I’m trying to comprehend how some people can be so cold-blooded. I was sitting at work and I overheard a coworker talking about the catastrophic earthquake in Haiti. When most people talk about the earthquake they are saying “what can I do”, “how can I help” or “I can’t imagine that happening to my family”. She’s not the nicest person so I knew none of those words were going to come out of her mouth but at the same time I didn’t expect what I heard. I only caught bits and pieces of the conversation, but it was enough to piss me off to the point where I had to walk out. (It was either walk out or go off and possibly lose my job) On my way out the door I ran into another one of my coworkers who actually heard the entire conversation and she too had to walk out. This heartless, poor excuse for a human had the audacity to say the people of Haiti are sitting around waiting on “Handouts” and they should “Help Themselves”. I’m floored right now….seriously, what human, forget race, could look at those pictures, see all those bodies in the road, see the devastation and still say they should “Help Themselves”? HOW? They’re already doing everything they can just to stay alive. But I guess that’s not enough in her eyes. Oh, so I suppose they asked for the earthquake? Yes that’s it, they wanted their homes destroyed, and they wanted to lose their family and friends, just so they could get a “Handout”? She can’t be serious….

I honestly can’t believe the nerve. I’m still trying to figure out how when one of my other coworkers recently lost her brother and her mother less than a week apart she (the heartless one) was running around here, like a chicken with its head cut off, trying to get us to give donations to the other coworker “because it’s so sad and tragic”, but Haitians just want “handouts“????? Hmmm so let me get this right… when two people in one family unexpectedly die its “sad and tragic” and we should “do what we can to help”, but when thousands of people die we shouldn’t do anything because they just want “handouts”? Yeah, that makes perfect sense….NOT! I’m trying not to make this an issue of race but in all honesty that’s what it boils down too. Had this happened in a place that was predominately white I don’t think, matter fact I know, she wouldn’t have said anything like that. She would have been the first one sending out emails asking for donations, ooohing and ahhhing over the photos, acting like she’s so heartbroken by all the little helpless kids that have lost their parents.

I need ya’ll to pray because I’m about 5 seconds away…Matter fact I’ll pray…Lord please give me the strength to make it through this day without going off on her. I’ve ignored several of her other racist comments. When she said that she told her daughter it was okay to call a black person a n****r if that’s how they were acting I was still cordial towards her (Only because I didn’t actually hear it myself). When she stated that people that went to Fayetteville State University probably couldn’t even spell “soccer”, I bit my tongue…Then I wore my North Carolina Central University T-shirt to work, hoping she would say something about my school…Lord, I don’t want to be the token black chick, the one that’s quick to go off or that’s overly sensitive about issues related to race, but this woman has pushed every button I have. My parents said I have one “get out of jail free card” I just may end up using it on her. I can’t take much more of her ignorance.

Wooo Sahhhh Ok ya’ll I just did something that made me feel 10 times better. I had ordered some Girl Scout cookies from her daughter but I sent her an email which stated “In wake of this tragic earthquake I would like to do my part and send as much money as I can to the Red Cross and other relief agencies. With that being said, I have to cut back in areas that aren’t necessities.” I doubt she responds but in my eyes her daughter is just someone who wants a handout and she’s sitting around waiting on her mommy to sell her cookies. I can hear ya’ll now, Rachelle you can afford cookies and to donate…you’re right, I can…but I think I’ll take my business elsewhere!

I choose not to include any pictures from this devastating earthquake because I can’t bare to look at them.

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

Children

2010-01-15T05:49:00.000+02:00

Children look so beautiful: because they are yet full of hope, full of dreams, and they have not yet known frustration. Old people start looking very very dead. Hopes have leaked out, by and by, and only frustration — a very bad taste on the tongue. Experience makes people bitter. Experience makes people lose their innocence, lose their hope, lose their trust. But it is not experience really — because they wanted to make their dreams real, that’s why. Otherwise you could remain as innocent to the very end of your life as in the beginning — in fact, even more — because the innocence that happens in childhood is just natural. It has not been tested against fire; it is very fragile. It has no crystallization in it. It is just a gift; it has not been earned. But when an old man is childlike, innocent, then nothing can destroy it. Then it has a solidity to it, then it is substantial; he has earned it.

Children are careful watchers, observers of what is happening all around. Of course, their senses are very clear, unclouded. They see the truth immediately. You cannot cheat a child; he knows it immediately, intuitively. And he is so innocent that it is impossible for him to be formal. But he has to be formal to survive. And man’s child is very helpless. It is because of man’s child’s helplessness that our whole civilization exists. We can manage, mold the child in every possible way, whatsoever way we want.

The moment you are born, conditioning starts, from your very first breath; it cannot be avoided. The parents will condition you, the children you play with will condition you, the neighborhood will condition you, the school, the church, the state. And consciously not much conditioning is being done, but unconsciously the child goes on and on accumulating it. The child learns by imitating. So don’t be worried. This is the normal situation in the world: everybody is conditioned. And everybody has to come out of the conditioning. It is difficult. It is not like undressing — it is like peeling your skin. It is hard, it is arduous, because we have become identified with our conditioning.

We go on forcing children to go to sleep when we think it is time. But sleep is not to be manipulated by time, sleep is something inner. When the child feels sleepy he will go to sleep, but mother and father go on forcing the child to go to sleep, as if sleep can be ordered. Children must think that you are foolish, they think that something has gone wrong in your mind. How can a child force sleep? He can pretend, so when you are there he can close the eyes and when you have gone he can open the eyes, because sleep cannot be forced. Nobody, not even you, can force sleep. If you don’t feel sleepy how can you go to sleep?

But this is how society destroys.

In schools children are sitting for five or six hours — by and by they are dulled, their intelligence is lost. Every child is born intelligent and almost ninety-nine per cent of people die stupid. The whole education dulls the mind — and you can do it yourself also.

Psychologists have come across a very significant fact: that if small children are left to themselves, they always choose the right thing to eat. You put everything around, you leave it on the dining table, don’t force anything, and don’t say what to eat and what not to eat. It has been a tremendous discovery that children eat only the right thing in the right time. If a child is suffering from something and a certain thing is needed which will be helpful for it, he will choose to eat it. By the time that suffering disappears he will stop eating that. We confuse them. We tell them to eat this and don’t eat that. Then by and by, their natural instinct functions no more.

If you miss your youth, you will miss your old age also — remember. not saying become old while you are young ,saying be whatsoever you are; let that moment be your totality. When a child, be a child; never enforce your wisdom on any child because that is a crippling thing. Don’t try to make a child old before he is old, don’t crush him. That’s what has happened in the world: old people are dominating children, and they want to pull them out of their childhood faster than nature allows. They kill and they crush — the child loses something forever. And when a child was not a child when he was a child, he will not be young when he is young. Something will always go on missing. He will always be late in life — he will miss the train.

. Children are not supposed to say things that they know. They know much more than they ever tell you. They pretend to be innocent because you don’t want them to know more than is taught in the school, than is taught by the preacher, than is taught by you; and they certainly know more. They move in society, in life, with keen, alert senses. They are watching everything, whatsoever is happening all around. But they learn one thing sooner or later: that they have to be diplomatic — with the grown-ups you can’t be true, honest, sincere

Very few people are accepted as creative: A few painters, a few poets — one in a million. This is foolish! Every human being is a born creator. Watch children and you will see: all children are creative. By and by, we destroy their creativity. By and by, we force wrong beliefs on them. By and by, we distract them. By and by, we make them more and more economical and political and ambitious

If there exists in the future any possibility of a real human society, the first thing, the basic thing that will have to be done is this: don’t make children automatic. Even if it takes a little longer to make them efficient, make them efficient with awareness; don’t make them machines. It will take longer, because two things have to be learned: the efficiency and awareness. A human society will give you awareness, even with less efficiency, but efficiency will come by and by. Then when you are alert you will be able to be efficient with alertness.

Children are trusting, but by and by there will be experiences in which they will be deceived, in which they will get into trouble, in which they will be opposed, in which they will become afraid. By and by they will learn all the tricks of the world. That’s what has happened to everybody, more or less

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

Kynande Bennett missing since Sept 29, 2002

2010-01-13T17:54:00.000+02:00

Endangered Missing

KYNANDE BENNETT

DOB: Aug 24, 1998

Missing: Sep 29, 2002

Age Now: 11

Sex: Female

Race: Black

Hair: Brown

Eyes: Brown

Height: 3′10″ (117 cm)

Weight: 90 lbs (41 kg)

Missing From:

WHITEVILLE

NC

United States Age Progressed

Kynande’s photo is shown age-progressed to 11 years. She was reportedly last seen in the company of her mother at a Kmart department store in Whiteville, North Carolina. Kynande has pierced ears and a birthmark on her right arm. When she was last seen, Kynande had braids in her hair and was wearing a grey “FUBU” shirt and blue jeans. ANYONE HAVING INFORMATION SHOULD CONTACT

National Center for Missing & Exploited Children

1-800-843-5678 (1-800-THE-LOST)

Whiteville Police Department (North Carolina) 1-910-640-1428

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

The neatest thing is happening!

2010-01-13T05:03:00.000+02:00

Years ago, maybe 15 years ago, a group of moms at my childrens’ school were on the PTSO and also on a committee to find space solutions for the overcrowded elementary schools in our community. Not so creatively, we referred to ourselves as “The Space Committee”, which led to all sorts of spinnoff names – ending with us calling ourselves “space-cadets” – again not so clever, but endearing.

We did wonderful work together and when our solutions for the schools were put into place and our terms on the PTSO ended, we missed each other.

In time someone came up with the bright idea of forming a book club! We are all bright, thoughtful, well-read women — it was a natural. Plus, we love to eat and chat. For about three years we met fairly regularly.

Then life changed for many of us. Some changes were those in the natural course of life – children off to college, our parents needing our time and care. And some changes were the sort that each of us dreads – illness, divorce, overwhelming sorrows.

While we were a serious book club at the beginning, after a while the book talk lasted about 20 minutes each time we met, as catching up on each other’s news became more important and lasted two to three hours. For our final gatherings, we wouldn’t even bother to read a book! We just wanted to be together. So, we’d talk about books we were reading, mixed and mingled with girl talk – our children, our mothers, menopause. And we’d laugh, a lot.

I think it’s been nearly two years since the group has met. But I’m sure we’ve all kept our “Book Club” email group in our contact lists. And today, I pulled up my list and sent an email to them, telling them about my book, with the hope of enticing them out into the winter cold some night soon for shared company, shared food, and lots of hugs.

My day has been sprinkled with delightful replies to my email. Like springtime bulbs breaking through the soil, each of the women has popped up in my inbox with a message that matches the color of her personality. And with great excitement we are tossing out potential dates for our gab fest, er, book discussion.

It looks as if we will be meeting again, and soon. I cannot wait! Yay!

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

Proposed Medicaid Reduction Puts Children with Special Needs and Public School Systems Across the State in Serious Jeopardy

2010-01-11T17:48:00.000+02:00

January 11, 2010 (ANSON COUNTY, NC) — In Anson County, North Carolina, one of the most economically challenged areas of the state where the nearest town of any size is at east an hour away, 66 very young children with special needs are receiving free developmental intervention services at the Anson Children’s Center, the only five-star Community Based Rehabilitative Services (CBRS) Center for children birth to preschool (0-3) in Anson County. These early intervention services enhance the children’s cognitive, physical, behavioral, self-help, social-emotional, and language skills – essential skills these children must have before they enter the state’s public school system. Their parents or guardians are also receiving training so that they know how to care for and assist their children with special needs.

Because of this service, these children will require less special education and other treatment and habilitative services in school, they will be retained in their school grade less often, and in some cases they will become indistinguishable from their classmates.

But all of that could go away this summer. The NC Division of Medical Assistance (DMA) has decided to delete Community Based Rehabilitative Services as a Medicaid payable service as of June 30, 2010 – a move that follows NC General Assembly directives. That means Medicaid will no longer reimburse the cost for the special therapists and other staff that work in community-based centers such as Anson.

Without Medicaid reimbursement, the Anson Children’s Center and 252 other centers like it across the state are in jeopardy of closing, according to Sam Hedrick, president of RHA Howell, Inc., the not-for-profit organization that operates the Anson Children’s Center. And the effect on the public school system will be devastating, she added.

“If centers like Anson stop operating, the public school system will have to dramatically increase programs to assist these children who will be coming to them with none of the skills they learn in community-based, early intervention programs,” Hedrick said. “This is clearly a case of penny wise and pound foolish.” School systems are struggling financially now. They simply will not be able to afford to try to catch all of these children up. “

Millicent Williams, director of the Anson Children’s Center, pointed out specific children who receive services, such as Damarion, who is autistic; William, who is developmentally delayed in speech, language, cognitive and gross motor skills; Aaliyah, who needs help with gross motor skills and balancing; and Tanasia, who is blind, deaf and unable to walk. These children are two years of age or younger.

“I am extremely devastated about Medicaid’s decision,” she said. “What will happen to our infants, toddlers, and preschoolers at Anson? Has anyone really stopped to think about the wellbeing of these children? Who will provide the safe, nurturing and quality care for all of the children being affected across the state?”

A petition to the NC Division of Medical Assistance, NC Department of Public Health and NC Children’s Development Services is currently circulating, written by Brianna Kelley an early intervention therapist in Pender County. It has received nearly 800 signatures thus far.

The opening statement reads:

“The recent decision made by the Division of Medical Assistance (DMA) to delete Community based rehabilitative service (CBRS) as a reimbursable service effective June 30, 2010 is a travesty. This decision demonstrates a total disregard for what is in the best interest of disabled individuals, families and the public school systems in the state of North Carolina.”

Hedrick, Williams and other members of the RHA Howell team are working on strategies to combat these cuts before the June 30 deadline. They’re also planning to team up with other organizations that operate community-based rehabilitative services center across the state.

Hedrick said she is aware that some state representatives are opposed to the Medicaid cuts, referring to an email from Representative Pryor Gibson. Gibson represents Anson and Union counties. In his email he pointed out that state Senator William Purcell, a retired pediatrician from Laurinburg, “was raising Cain about the cuts during the budget fight in [the] July conference report…. but we could not get any more money designated…fyi it is going to be some worse in ‘10….”

“The good news is that we are getting through to Senator Purcell,” Hedrick said. “The not-so-good news is that he predicts further budget cuts in 2010.”

The Raleigh News & Observer recently reported, “State officials must figure out a way to replace the service despite the elimination of federal money, because federal education laws require states to help disabled children. So any future program would likely be trimmed to narrow the kinds of help provided and serve fewer families.”

To the families of these children and the people across the state who serve them, including the staff at Anson Children’s Center, this is unacceptable.

THE FACES BEHIND THE ISSUE: HOW TWO CHILDREN HAVE FLOURISHED THANKS TO COMMUNITY BASED REHABILITATIVE SERVICES

by Becky Lansing, M.ED, Corporate Education Specialist, RHA Howell, Inc.

Coleman

No one plans to have a child with special needs. But having a child with a disability is a reality for families throughout the state of North Carolina, across the country, and around the world. Families everywhere face the challenges of meeting the unique needs of their child, beginning with where to turn for help.

Coleman has Down’s Syndrome. His mother talked about how they coped with his needs.

“It was very overwhelming — even though we knew, before he was born, there was a small chance he would have Down’s. We knew he was going to need more than a normal child. I was so lost. But the hospital referred us to the CDSA (Children’s Developmental Services Agency). He started getting Community Based Rehabilitative Services (CBRS) when he was 3 months old.”

Now an active 3-year old who runs, climbs, talks and is “into everything,” Coleman has no difficulty keeping up with his same-age peers. Coleman’s family credits the individualized services Coleman received through CBRS. Collaboration with his teachers and therapists kept everyone focused on the skills Coleman needed to practice.

There is still ground to be gained, but Coleman’s mother is proud of the progress her son has made. She reports that he walked at two years of age, and still may be a little behind—but not much.

“I hate that the (CBRS) services might be discontinued,” she said. “There are so many children that need these services.”

Without CBRS, she believes Coleman would need far more support than he does now.

Destinie began receiving CBRS as an infant with medical and developmental concerns. Now 3

Destinie

years old, her family and support team agree that she has made good progress as a result of the services she’s received.

Destinie attends an inclusive education program where it is reported that she is “happy and confident.” Her great-grandmother recalls that as an infant, Destinie was content to just sit, and would not try to do anything. She was delayed in language and motor skills.

Now, her participation and socialization skills are appropriate for her developmental level, and she continues to make progress with school readiness skills.

“She walks, and talks, and sings her ABC’s and counts,” reports her great-grandmother, her primary caregiver. ‘We are so grateful for the services she received.”

Without CBRS, it is unlikely that either Coleman or Destinie would have had educational services until their third birthdays—three years of missed opportunities to make a difference in their lives.

About RHA Howell, Inc.:

RHA Howell is a not-for-profit 501 (c) (3) organization that has been helping people with disabilities and special needs, and their families, make choices to live more independently for more than 35 years. Integrity, high standards for quality, hard work are at the core of every RHA Howell disability assistance program. Proven leaders in caring for people, RHA Howell, Inc. is a pioneering force in the field of human services, particularly supporting infants and children. For more information, go to www.rhahowell.org.

[Via http://kjw27612.wordpress.com]

It'd be a shame to waste it

2010-01-11T05:37:00.000+02:00

With the weather being so nice and warm (above freezing) and the back yard ice in decent shape, we took advantage of it as a family and had a blast. My second son is blowing me away with his ability to catch on so quickly as this was only his second time on ice skates. Yesterday was his first. We had a blast. This my friends, is what family life is about. Getting off the couch, getting outside, and take it all as it comes. Looking back tonight, I begin to realize even more the fun that we shared today. These things will live on in the lives of our children and they will remember these days for the rest of their life. So will I.

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

Swollen Eye!

2010-01-08T17:41:00.000+02:00

I have a really bad habit of not taking my contact lenses out before heading to bed and it got even worse after I went on bed rest. I would keep telling myself I would take them out the next day. Well here we are about 3 months later and I had the same pair of contacts on. I know terrible idea.. But who has time to remember to take them out when they are on bed

rest and about to go into labor??? I really don’t think my contacts were the first thing on my mind.

I finally took them out yesterday morning because my eye was starting to hurt. I put my glasses on and figured the pain would go away since the contacts were no longer sucking the moisture out of my eye. Well the pain was certainly gone but now I have a lovely swollen eye. I saw it this morning while I was gettign ready to shower and I was so mad at myself for waiting this long to take them out! Oh well hopefully it will go away soon..

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

Challenges at two

2010-01-08T05:53:00.000+02:00

Henry is two.

You know what they say about two year olds right? This is the ‘terrible two’s’. SO FAR, they haven’t been that bad. However there are some instances where I feel like it might be just beginning. Take for instance tonight…

…We are having dinner. On the menu is Chicken drumsticks, carrots and ranch and some garlic bread triangles. Henry has eaten all that with no issues before. Low and behold, tonight he wasn’t having any of the chicken. All I asked was that he take just one bite. I think that one bite of everything being served is a reasonable request when someone makes a nice meal. Nope. Not a chance. (If you get queasy, you may want to stop reading. I’ll try not to be too graphic.) Henry has this disgusting behavior he sometimes pull when he doesn’t want to eat what we are serving. He will take a bite, no matter how small, and gag. He does it so much that he looses his dinner. I find this repulsive and unacceptable. I’m at a loss as what to do. Yes, I could just not worry about him eating it. If he doesn’t, then he doesn’t eat period. No making a second dinner here. On the other hand I feel that just one bite isn’t asking too much when someone makes a nice meal. I’m at a loss.

Another challenge is Henry’s independence. I’m better at handling these but it is getting tricky the older he becomes. Henry will flat-out tell you ‘No’ to something or ‘I don’t like it.’ As if, kiddo, you were the ruler of the roost. I don’t think so. You don’t call the big shots around here. Sometimes you don’t get to choose those things. I try to give him many choices as possible, even the silly ones, as encouraged by the ‘Parenting With Love and Logic’ model. However, there are times where children have to learn they don’t always get to choose. I’m totally in sync with this, but it doesn’t make getting the job done any easier when your child disagrees with your choice. An example would be when we have to change Henry’s diaper. We let him choose how he wants to go upstairs. Usually it’s ‘ Do you want to walk or do you want Mommy to carry you upstairs?’ I’ll change it up with; fly, hop, bark, etc… . He doesn’t want to go at all and so we choose for him (carry him). None the less, when he doesn’t want to go and we choose to carry him, he will still make it difficult to get the job done. The boy has some wicked squirming skills that would put worms to shame.

Lately he has the way of getting the ‘mean Mommy’ out who has to be the bad guy. You know, that’s the Mommy that has the lowered stern tone, ‘the look’, the one that will follow through no matter how long it takes on the naughty mat until he apologizes. No one likes to do that job of parenting, but the older the children get, the more mean Mommy has to appear. I know that my main job is not to be his friend. It’s to parent to give him the tools that he needs as an adult to make sound decisions. It sucks. I’d rather snuggle on the couch and watch Curious George or play trains with him.

Parenting is always evolving with the childs growing needs. It’s not an easy job because once you think you have it figured out, your child changes developmentally, thus your role with them as well.

What worries me is what happens at the age of three. One day at a time, one day at a time. (repeat) *wipes the sweat from her brow*

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

One of life's little questions

2010-01-06T17:50:00.000+02:00

Why do i love The Sound of Music so much?

Could it be the cracking songs? Well, i’m sure they’re part of the reason but the fact is i’m not generally a fan of musicals or that type of music: too contrived and controlled for me.

Could it be the beauty of the landscapes? Stunning indeed, but in these post-BBC nature documentary days there are plenty of other opportunities to see panoramas as lovely as the those in the film.

What about the romance between the Captain and Fräulein Maria? Definitely a factor. Christopher Plummer and Julie Andrews are magical together and it’s a great shame they haven’t worked together more frequently.

All these things contribute to my enjoyment – as do the moments of humour and the nail-biting chase at the end – but, on reflection, i realise they aren’t critical to it. No, for me it’s the joy and genuine sense of family that the kids, especially the younger ones, bring to the film which raises my spirits. They shine out from the television, obliterating the wintery greyness outside. That same joy also renders me oblivious to the movie’s obvious sentimentality.

Bottle it and you could make millions. And of course that’s exactly what the film makers, if not the children, did.

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

A Streamlined FAFSA by Dr. Jill Biden

2010-01-06T04:59:00.000+02:00

posted by: Audiegrl

Secretary of Education Arne Duncan, Dr. Jill Biden, Senator Jack Reed join students and guidance counselors from Banneker Senior High School to discuss the FAFSA, January 5, 2010.

Dr. Jill Biden~~I know first-hand as a parent and as a former high school and current college instructor just how challenging and overwhelming all of the financial aid forms and paperwork can be – and it was great to see how the current forms have fewer questions, easier navigation and are more user-friendly. I spoke with students at the computer lab who expressed relief to be working on the more user-friendly FAFSA.

President Obama has challenged the nation to have the highest percentage of college graduates by 2020, and simplifying the FAFSA form is a huge step toward removing barriers to financial aid and access to higher education for all.

If you are considering applying for financial aid, you can learn more here: www.fafsa.ed.gov

[Via http://the44diaries.wordpress.com]

2010 -The New Year-The New You

2010-01-04T17:47:00.000+02:00

Happy New Year! At the beginning of a new year I find it helpful to look back at all the accomplishes personally and professionally I have made in the previous year. I highly suggest this to all of you, you will be surprised at how far you have come! At Sama Baby, last year, our press coverage made a huge leap! We really managed to get our product out there, to all of you wonderful mommies who were in need of organic clothing. We reached out to some great online and print sources, including Vanity Fair! We have had great responses and feedback on our product and are looking forward to putting the final touches on a new collection. This year we are ready to get a fresh start and introduce some new items to our growing brand. Please check out a summary of our press coverage at the link below. its a great way for you to figure out which Sama products are right for you. Find out what other people are saying about us, and choose wisely what products are the best fit for your little bundle of joy. Lets continue our eco friendly lifestyles with determination this year and really do our part to keep our enviroment clean for our healthy happy babies!

And don’t forget to do your reflecting on 2009, take the good pieces with you into 2010 and leave the ones you can do without behind. We grow by learning from our experiences and holding tight to those lessons in the future!

To check out Sama Press click here: http://www.samababy.com/SearchResults.asp?Cat=48

To shop for Sama Items go to http://www.samababy.com

Calmness, Balance, Serenity, SAMA

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

beauty and strength

2010-01-04T05:17:00.000+02:00

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

Beware, the Kids Are On Facebook

2010-01-01T17:48:00.000+02:00

Plenty has been written about the dilemma of embarrassed kids whose stodgy parents befriend them on Facebook. But much more disturbing are the Facebook-fanatical parents who forget that their own children are privy to every snide comment and raunchy picture they post.

Parents are bragging online about their weekend partying, complete with photos of themselves boozing it up and hanging all over complete strangers or sometimes even stripper poles. They’re buying rounds of cyber cocktails for their friends via Facebook apps.

Little Suzy reads that Mom thinks her dad is a low-life asshole and that she thinks her life overall is complete shit. Little Bobby follows his dad’s conversation about all the hot bitches he’s hooked up with.

Who knows, maybe these people speak and act this way right in front of their kids too. But I suspect that when even these parents are in the same room with their children they censor themselves at least a little bit. On Facebook however they seem to fall victim to a sort of peer pressure that persuades them to put their worst selves on display to try to impress their so-called friends.

Parents want to be Facebook friends with their children so they can monitor who they’re talking to and what they’re saying. But a consequence of that cyber relationship is that the kids can monitor their parents as well. Apparently this light bulb hasn’t come on yet for a good many parents.

If you wouldn’t say it to your kid at home then please don’t say it anywhere on Facebook. If you wouldn’t put it in your family photo album then please don’t display it on Facebook. And if you’re not a parent, please remember that I am and don’t post any of that crap on my wall.

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

Girlie Girls

2010-01-01T05:49:00.000+02:00

The outfits that these stylin’ three year old twin girls were wearing were so adorable I couldn’t get over them! Red in the spirit of the holidays with white embroidered details. They also had matching white furry coats to match! Patent black shoes, but of course! And, red sequined hair pieces by the ears. Oh-la-la! They were such happy little love bugs and I had a really great time with them on the Peninsula with their family. It was my last shoot of 2009 which was bittersweet since 2009 was such a bang of a year for me and sad for it to be over, but I had to end it somehow, right?! Happy to finalize it with this family they were a delight! I was chatting it up with them at the end for way too long and finally I told them I had to go because my husband was probably wondering where I was, ha! Enjoy!

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

It Is Written

2009-12-30T17:11:00.000+02:00

Predictions.

When crap journalists can think of nothing else to write about, and editors have nothing sexy with which to filll their pages, we are left with long and exhausting lists of predictions for the coming year. Here at The Sharp Single things are no different. So read this and you need not read another til, ooh, next week I should imagine.

2010 and all that.

In January David Tennant becomes Dir Gen of the BBC, narrowly edging out the twin-bid from Mathew Horne and James Corden. It’s believed that the board said they didn’t want too much hilarity during important meetings, and yet they still plump for Tennant. Peter Andre marries himself. Katie Price explodes. Her life has gone tits-up.

The recession ends in February. Then it starts again a week later for those of us under £150,000-a-year when the government raises income tax to pay for a Champagne and Crayfish bar at the 2012 Olympic Equestrian stadium.

Following another attempted rectum-launched terrorist attack on an airliner, all passengers are now asked to remove their underpants through customs. John Prescott and Amy Winehouse are exempt. In the third week of February, due to an administrative error there is no sale on at DFS. Early march sees Hazel Blears join the Tory Party, and Peter Mandelson join the Brownies. Boris will say nothing sensible or vaguely relevant all year.

I lose 20 lbs by the end of March, in preparation to put on 25 by late June. In an astonishing turn of events, Jude Law continues to receive offers of work. In April, a virulent strain of Gnu Flu sweeps through Fleet Street and Sky News studios. Some people are almost likely to very probably have a tickly throat. The epidemic is expected to last until a proper news story breaks.

A Briton wins the first seven races in the F1 Championship. Meanwhile, in sport, Chelsea win the Premiere League by one point from Arsenal when, in the Blues last game three late deflected off-side penalties are allowed by the ref, a Mr S.Wonder, apparently. (By the end of the year, each match will be officiated by 7 refs, 2 linesmen, a sheepdog and The Met Police.) Alex Ferguson is finally pickled and displayed in the Man Utd museum for all eternity. United appoint Victoria Beckham as their new coach.

Gordon Brown loses the election and takes his seat in the upper chamber as Lord Thankgoditsallover. Fox hunting is re-legalised by the new Tory Government, as is hanging, public masturbation and child chimney-sweeps. Charlton Athletic make the play-offs only to lose to Millwall, 3 fan deaths to 1 (Duckworth/Lewis method).

In late May, the newly-appointed Minister for War, Mr Liam Fox, announces the Government’s new big push in Afghanistan. Plans are made to enlist every first-born child from labour-voting households (that’ll teach ‘em). June 16th, fifty-three women in Florida, California and St Andrews simultaneously give birth to babies of mixed-race and a smashing set of choppers. The women, all blonde, rather soiled-looking, hotel cloakroom attendants immediately sign contracts with The Mail on Sunday. Gillette sales plummet. Or soar. July 21st, a string bag full of lemons is seen being delivered to The Crown public house, Blackheath. But no ice.

By the beginning of August, after a summer of riots and general discontent, Police officers are allowed to carry machetes while on crowd-control duties. All fingerprints and DNA of police officers are removed from the system, to be replaced by those of mortgage-defaulters and lollipop ladies.

Brazil win the World Cup. By now, England have already been roasted by the West Germans, Capello is poached by Portugal and grilled by the press. Then he goes and gets smashed.

Andrew ‘Freddie’ Flintoff is seen urinating up against the Grace Gates at Lords after a particularly convivial lunch during the One Day International vrs Australia. The press dub it ‘Gategate’.

In late September after a ‘leaked’ press release it is widely reported that this year’s must-have toy for Christmas will be Mattel’s Stoat Family Fortunes (David Tennant Edition). A week later all stocks are sold out. Individual members of the Stoat family change hands on eBay for up to £300, except the very popular ‘Piper Stoat’ which you can’t get for love nor money.

In October I turn 40 years old for the seventh time running. Later that month armed police from the crack ‘Arrest Innocent People Squad’ raid a flat believed to be the HQ of a sleeper cell of Al Qaeda, responsible for the alleged underpants plot earlier in the year. Yet again, their information is found to be shoddy: Having forced their way into the premises, all they find is a derelict, uninhabited shit-hole, of no use or interest to man nor beast. And that’s not this years’ only connection with Wales: After a particularly wet autumn at Celtic Manor Golf Club, play is suspended during the foursomes on the opening day of The Ryder Cup when US player Stewart Cink’s caddy is tragically drowned while replacing a divot. Organisers pledge never to attempt to hold the event in Wales again, at any time of the year.

November 2nd and the Google Street View van finally visits my street, when it catches me stealing my next door neighbour’s wheelie bin, to replace mine which was stolen the week before

Thursday Nov 25th, Brisbane: Australia finish the first day of the first Ashes test on 431-1 (Ponting 230no, Katich 125no. Swann 1-250). Ian Botham arrested pending inquiries into an alleged incident in the bar afterwards which leaves 6 members of the Aussie press corps needing treatment. Four (empty) cases of Shiraz and a cricket stump are bagged and sent to forenics.

December: Keith Harris and Orville win Strictly Come Dancing, beating Clare Balding in the final, watched by 48 million catatonic viewers. On a visit by my children, mid-month, I resume the mantle of ‘Best Dad in the World’ – the first time I’ve held the title in 12 months. Their Christmas lists are then handed to me.

On Dec 23rd, a new supply of Piper Stoats arrive on the docks in Liverpool. Massive queues form and14 people are crushed in the ensuing riot when it’s announced sales are limited to one buyer each. Dec 29th: Mattel recall all sets of Stoat Family Fortunes due to a massive, dangerous design fault. Hundreds have been maimed by Piper’s sharp protruding teeth. Richard Branson makes an aggressive takeover bid for the company. Awaiting details of the photocall.

Happy 2011 to both of you

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

With the trees, if you please... :)

2009-12-30T05:24:00.000+02:00

Thanks for the fun! Hope you enjoy!

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

The Empty Nest

2009-12-28T17:47:00.000+02:00

Go forth into the world, oh my children

and when you do — go with your wits about you.

Also take your God giving smarts with you as well.

Do not fall for some fast talking Charlatan. Like

a Svengali who will promise you the moon with a fence

around it. Because it’s all smoke and mirrors.

So I say my children be diligent in whom you place your trust

For you are as unprepared as sheep among wolves.

So heed my words for they are words of wisdom.

This is my legacy to you my children.

By Ronald Coolbeth

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

What are we, barbarians? Late Sunday readings

2009-12-28T05:42:00.000+02:00

Un-desmadred… er… re-madred…. er — the word went out from Cesar unto the world, or at least the tekkies around these parts, and found me a motherboard to replace the flaked out one. A few random late night Sunday posts…

Who was represented at the Copenhagen Climate Summit?

On one side, the victors of a mercantile and utilitarian civilization, in other words, the “civilized” who for so long have forgotten “being” and have blindly chosen an increasingly insatiable “having”.

On the other side, we “barbarians” who remain committed to believing in, and therefore fighting for, a radical change in logic through which the well-being of humanity can be maximized while environmental and ecological impacts are minimized; barbarians who maintain, … that it is not possible to defend human rights if we do not first defend the rights of Mother Earth; barbarians who act with a firm commitment to leaving the planet and the future to our descendents.

(Famous barbarian, Hugo Chavez, translated by David Brookbank. Posted at Machetera).

Santa’s got your number:

Marisa Treviño (Latina Lista) on one Nashville, Tennesee’s response to a demand by the Salvation Army that children attending a party show social security numbers (presumably to weed out, not naughty from nice children, but undocumented, from documented, aliens):

A few weeks ago, it was discovered that some Christmas charities were excluding needy children from their gift lists because their parents didn’t have the proper identification papers — in other words, they might be undocumented.

The biggest organization guilty of this practice was the Salvation Army with its Angel Tree program.

…

The chamber invited dozens of children to a special Christmas party were food, Santa and a gift was given to each child — no questions asked.

“I think that we understand there may be some rules that will keep some people out of the equation, but I think that’s what we are here for,” said chamber president Yuri Cunza. “That’s why other neighbors, other members of our community are here, and they are stepping up to the challenge. We are very proud of that.”

Santa, who was not reached for comment, is said by reliable sources to be preparing lumps of coal for some “charity” organizers.

Everything’s coming up roses…

Porter Corn, Mexican Trucker:

In honor of the 200th anniversary of Mexican independence and 100 years since the country’s revolution, the Mexican government is sponsoring its first Rose Parade float in over 40 years. “With this float we’re going to tell 40 million people watching on TV that it’s Mexico’s birthday,” said Juan Marcos Gutierrez-Gonzalez, the Mexican consul general in Los Angeles. “There’s no better way to do it.”

[Via http://mexfiles.net]

PRETTY GIRL POSES IN PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND

2009-12-25T17:36:00.000+02:00

A very pretty girl poses for the photographer at the studio of William Mills and Son in Providence, Rhode Island. This side-view pose is reminiscent of the typical pose assumed by famed actress, Sarah Bernhardt. The subject of this photograph has a very interesting and attractive profile making this particular posing position a good choice. There is no identifying information accompanying this Cabinet Card and it is not clear whether the subject is a teenager or adult woman.

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

A light Meditation From Symeon The New Theologain -Children Of Light Four

2009-12-25T05:32:00.000+02:00

A Light Meditation from Symeon the New Theologian

lessed are they… who have received Christ coming as light in the darkness {Jn 1:5,12}, for they are become sons of light and of day {1 Thes 5:5}.

The following meditation is a ‘Hymn to God’ which came to Symeon as light from his appreciative heart. Symeon was a tenth-century Christian, who came to be known as The New Theologian. He wrote about his inner experiences more freely than any previous Christian known to us. He also wrote with great love about his spiritual master, Symeon – the Pious, whom Symeon, the New Theologian, acknowledged as the essential key to his own enlightenment.

“Then as I was meditating, Master, on these things, suddenly you appeared from above, much greater than the sun and you shone brilliantly from the heavens down into my heart:

O what intoxication of Light,

O what movements of Fire,

Oh, what swirling of the flame in me,

miserable one that I am.

Coming from you and your Glory!…

I fall in adoration before You…

You appeared as light, illuminating me

completely from your Light,

and I become Light in the night.

I who was found in the midst of darkness.

There was poured into my soul in unutterable fashion

a great spiritual joy and perception.

And a sweetness surpassing every taste of visible objects.

Together with a freedom and forgetfulness’

of all thoughts pertaining to this life…

Thus all the perceptions of my mind and my soul

were wholly concentrated on the ineffable joy

of that Light.

¤ º ¤`•.¸.•´¤ º ¤ •.¸¸.•´¯`•.¸¸.* ♥

thank you for the light.

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

Track Santa via Internet and Mobile Media

2009-12-23T17:44:00.000+02:00

Even Santa is going digital and mobile. I had nearly forgotten about the “Santa Tracker” by NORAD. But when I saw it pop up on a Google search, I quickly clicked over to the official site to see how things were going with Santa and his 2009 trip. I had never really paid close attention to the various components of the site until today, so I felt compelled to share with you how even Santa is utilizing emerging media to keep people up-to-date with his activities.

This official “Santa Tracker” is filled with a variety of digital and even mobile media forms of marketing. On the home page, you instantly see the huge countdown to the big trip in days, hours, minutes and seconds. (It’s clicking away fast!!). Santa is using a lot of “flash” to give you an inside look at the North Pole. If you click on the Kid’s Countdown link at the top, you’re taken to a virtual tour of Santa’s hometown and what all the elf’s are up to in preparation of the big trip. As you explore, there is beautiful Christmas music playing in the background.

Other emerging media components include sending Santa an e-mail, YouTube videos of news releases, 2008 trip highlights and more. You can also join Santa on Facebook and Twitter to get constant updates of the preparations and the actual trip. You can download text updates on your mobile device and Santa even gives you the internet address of the mobile device website for viewing. You can download Google Earth for free and watch the trip of Santa and his eight tiny reindeer. You can also download the iGoogle gadget to personalize your homepage to watch videos and track Santa’s position.

I’m glad Santa is so tech-savvy. It’s exciting to be a part of the fun. Won’t you come and join me??

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

Weet-Bix TV commercial from a couple of years ago

2009-12-23T05:48:00.000+02:00

I know this is pretty old news but this ad always sticks in my mind as complete BS and I thought it was worth bringing up.

As many food products do, Sanitarium Australia has cleverly made their Weet-Bix cereal sound much more healthy and appealing than it really is with a clever sentence construction.

Unfortunately I was unable to find a copy of the ad online but the tag-line was about how children that eat Weet-Bix for breakfast are going to be 30% more alert at school than children that don’t eat breakfast. Now this could well be a fact but where it’s misleading is that you could also say… “Children that have a Big Mac meal for breakfast are going to be 30% more alert at school than children that don’t eat breakfast” and this could just as easily be true. In other words, something is better than nothing at breakfast time.

Surprisingly this ad was nominated by Parents Jury for the “2005 Children’s TV Food Advertising Awards”. See an extract below…

Nomination 3: Sanitarium Weet-Bix:

Parents comments:

TV advertisement is great because it shows a child doing well at school because he

has eaten a good breakfast. It promotes the benefits of eating a healthy breakfast to

staying 30% more alert during the day.

FACT:

This is a high fibre breakfast cereal.
Low in fat and salt.
Low in sugar.
Contains no artificial flavourings or colourings.

Download full report:2005_Awards_Project_Report

[Via http://marketingbullshitblog.com]

Navajo Evangelical Lutheran Mission in Rock Point, AZ thanks the Grace Lutheran Church in Libertyville, Ill for supporting "Box Tops for Education" labels

2009-12-21T17:49:00.000+02:00

The Navajo Evangelical Lutheran Mission in Rock Point, AZ thanks the Grace Lutheran Church in Libertyville, Ill for encouraging its congregation to support the mission though “Box Tops for Education” labels in their Nov. 2006 GraceLine newsletter.

Message of Page 6 of 8 page .pdf

KEEP SAVING THOSE BOX TOPS !

Please continue to save the “Box Tops for Education’’ coupons (not the UPS code).

You will find them on General Mills cereals, Betty Crocker products, refrigerated Pillsbury products, Kleenex brand tissue, Totino’s Pizza Rolls, Yoplait, Nature Valley Granola Bars, Hamburger Helper, etc.

We send the box tops to the Navajo Evangelical Lutheran Mission in Rock Point, Arizona.

They receive 10 cents for each coupon from General Mills.

The Social Ministry team will match the value of the coupons that are collected.

Related Navajo Evangelical Lutheran Mission (NELM) Links:

NELM on facebook

NELM on wordpress blog

NELM on Blogger

NELM on Zimbio

NELM on myspace

NELM on bliptv

NELM on youtube

NELM on photobucket

NELM on Twitter

The History of Christmas at the White House (1953-1977)

2009-12-21T05:50:00.000+02:00

President Dwight Eisenhower and First Lady Mamie Eisenhower 1953-1961

As General of the United States Army and Supreme Allied Commander during World War II, Dwight D. Eisenhower easily became a well-liked man on domestic soil due to his military triumphs overseas. With the campaign slogan, “I Like Ike,” Eisenhower captured the majority vote in a landslide victory during the election of 1952, becoming the 34th President of the United States of America.

During his first Christmas in the White House in 1953, Eisenhower referred to Hallmark President Joyce C. Hall for assistance with his first official Christmas cards as the President of the U.S. An artist himself, Eisenhower painted a portrait of Abraham Lincoln while waiting for news on a Korean armistice. For inspiration, he used a photograph of Lincoln done by Alexander Gardner in 1863. Eisenhower ordered 1,100 white keepsake folders from Hallmark, each containing a reproduction of his Lincoln painting.

Signed card was sent by President Dwight D. Eisenhower and First Lady Mamie

All of the folders were embossed with the official Presidential Seal. Over 500 of the reproductions were given to White House staff members at the annual Christmas party. Each folder was accompanied by a gift enclosure Christmas card imprinted with the words “Season’s Greetings” in gold.

Unlike other Presidents who distinguished political from household staff, the Eisenhower’s brought both together, more than 500 in all, for a Christmas party each year. For the White House staff, Mamie purchased gifts in area department stores, personally wrapping each one to save money.

Mamie Bangs gift enclosure Christmas cards design from 1957

As a gift from the American Public Golf Association, a putting green was installed on the South Lawn of the White House grounds for the President to enjoy. Echoing this gift, Hallmark designed a red and green accented “Mamie Bangs” personal gift enclosure Christmas card depicting the President and First Lady in a golf cart loaded with a Christmas tree and gifts. The First Family had 400 of these gift enclosure Christmas cards printed to send to close friends and relatives.

The 2005 Secret Service Eisenhower Executive Office Ornament

Christmas of 1958, Mamie pulled out all the stops in decorating the White House. She had 27 decorated trees, carols were piped into every room and greenery was wrapped around every column. Eisenhower Christmas trees in the White House were decorated with electric candle lights, glass balls and large amounts of tinsel. We have decorated our tree in pink because by 1955, “First Lady Pink” had become a bona fide color for hats, gloves, dresses, and nylon curtains as well as many other things

The Eisenhowers holding Christmas dinner in 1960

1960 marked Eisenhower’s last Christmas in the White House, and he wanted it to be the most memorable Christmas ever. A 75-foot Douglas fir cute from Oregon was used for the National Community Christmas Tree. The President’s Christmas message made mention of putting an end to prejudice because it puts “a blot on the brightness of America’s image.” He ended the night by saying, “For the last time as a part of this lovely ceremony, I wish you a Merry Christmas and a very, very happy New Year – all of you.”

President Eisenhower’s Christmas Wishes From Space 1958

Having launched its first space satellite in January 1958, the United States launched an unique communications satellite on December 18, 1958 for the Christmas season. The recorded voice of President Dwight D. Eisenhower expressed the wishes of the American people for peace and goodwill.

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President John F. Kennedy and First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy 1961-1963

John F. Kennedy was a Massachusetts senator when he declared his intent to run for President for the election of 1960. Defeating Hubert Humphrey for the democratic candidacy, Kennedy ran against Republic Richard M. Nixon, who was also the Vice President of the lame duck Eisenhower administration. During the first ever televised U.S. presidential debates in late September, less than two months before the election, Kennedy trumped Nixon with his poised, relaxed demeanor and handsomely tan appearance. Nixon, who was sporting his perpetual five o’clock shadow, appeared tense on camera and was 20 pounds underweight due to a serious leg injury from which he was recovering.

1961 Christmas gift from the Kennedys to their White House staff

For the Kennedys’ first Christmas in the White House in 1961, as a Christmas gift to their staff they gave a photograph of little Caroline Kennedy’s ducks in the fountain on the South Lawn with the White House in the background. Caroline, who was only five-years-old at the time, had raised the yellow-beaked white ducks from baby ducklings. After several months of trying to keep the Kennedy’s terrier, Charlie, from eating her fine-feathered friends, they were transported to safer grounds in Rock Creek Park located in northwest D.C. Before the ducks’ transfer, the President’s personal photographer, Cecil Stoughton, snapped the memorable picture of the ducks in the fountain.

First official White House Christmas cards from President Kennedy in 1961

For the President’s official White House Christmas cards, Hallmark produced a design similar to the ones from Eisenhower’s presidency. The 1961 White House Christmas cards featured a wide green silk screen ban on a smooth white stock accompanied by the official Presidential Seal and the sentiment “Season’s Greetings 1961” engraved in gold. The imprint read: “The President and Mrs. Kennedy wish you a Blessed Christmas and a Happy New Year.” Kennedy ordered 800 official Christmas cards from Hallmark. Additionally, since the President was sending Christmas cards to leaders around the world, he ordered 100 cards with a general New Year’s imprint that did not make any mention of Christmas.

Caroline Kennedy's attention as she inspects it before a party for White House employees given by her parents, December 1961

In 1961, First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy began the tradition of selecting a theme for the official White House Christmas tree. She decorated a tree placed in the oval Blue Room with ornamental toys, birds and angels modeled after Petr Tchaikovsky’s “Nutcracker Suite” ballet. Mrs. Kennedy reused these ornaments in 1962 for her childrens’ theme tree. Set up in the North Entrance, this festive tree also featured brightly wrapped packages, candy canes, gingerbread cookies and straw ornaments made by disabled or senior citizen craftspeople throughout the United States.

2004 American President Collection John F. Kennedy Ornament

On December 20, Vice President Lyndon B. Johnson lit the 75-foot Washington state Douglas fir, initiating the first Pageant of Peace during the Kennedy administration. The President could not be present at the ceremony because the Kennedy patriarch, Joseph P. Kennedy, suffered a stroke and the First Family flew down to Palm Beach, Florida to be with him. Johnson delivered the official Christmas message to the American people. He spoke of the nation’s dedication to seeking world peace, comparing that dedication to Christ’s quest for unity.

The President and Mrs. Kennedy at the White House Staff Christmas reception, 12 December 1962.

Edward Lehman, an advertising illustrator, was commissioned to sketch some renderings of the rooms for the home furnishings section of the Philadelphia Bulletin. The First Lady took a particular liking to Lehman as well as his artistry, and at his request, he was invited back to the White House to paint a 20 x 30-inch watercolor of the Red Room for the Kennedys. The President and First Lady were so impressed with Lehman’s watercolor that they had it reproduced for their 1962 Christmas gifts to their White House staff.

The official presidential Christmas cards from 1962

The official White House Christmas cards were a bit different than ones from designs of recent years past. Instead of a formal design featuring a “Season’s Greetings” sentiment and the Presidential Seal, the President’s official Christmas cards from 1962 featured a photograph taken by Cecil Stoughton of a snow-covered White House lawn. With the executive mansion in the background, the foreground depicted Mrs. Kennedy sitting with John Jr. in a one-horse open sleigh being led by Caroline’s pony, Macaroni.

President Kennedy had almost 2,000 official White House Christmas cards produced by Hallmark with varying imprints. Most said “Christmas Greetings and Best Wishes for a Happy New Year” and included an imprint of the President’s signature. The other imprints were non-Christmas oriented and only some of these included the President’s signature imprint.

John F. Kennedy and Jacquelyn Kennedy celebrate the season around the Christmas tree with their children Caroline and John Jr., the former First Lady's sister Lee Radziwill, her husband Prince Stanislaus Radziwill and their children Anthony and Ann Christine and two of their furry friends in 1962

Before his untimely death, the President and First Lady decided upon a Christmas gift to give to their executive staff members, which Mrs. Kennedy also proceeded in bestowing. The gifts were mounted reproductions of the President’s favorite William Henry Bartlett engraving, The President’s House, From Washington, which hung in his office. Each reproduction was signed by the President and First Lady: “With deepest appreciation, John F. Kennedy, Jacqueline Kennedy.”

The 71-foot Norway red spruce from West Virginia was lit on December 22, marking the end of the 30-day mourning period after the President’s assassination. During his Christmas message to the American people, President Johnson said, “Today we come to the end of a season of great national sorrow, and to the beginning of the season of great, eternal joy. We mourn our great President, John F. Kennedy, but he would have us go on. While our spirits cannot be light, our hearts need not be heavy.”

President Lyndon Johnson and First Lady Claudia (Lady Bird) 1963-1969

The Lyndon B. Johnson Administration began during a time of great uncertainty. In November 1963, the assassination of President Kennedy had stunned America. New First Lady Claudia “Lady Bird” Johnson certainly felt a desire to help the nation heal. She chose comforting and nostalgic holiday decor during her White House years.

President Lyndon Johnson, Lady Bird Johnson, and Yuki, the White House dog

After President John F. Kennedy’s assassination a month of mourning was declared. But on the evening of Dec. 22, Johnson lit the National Christmas Tree behind the White House, and the next morning the black mourning crepe that had been draped over White House doorways and chandeliers was replaced with holly, wreaths and mistletoe. Lady Bird Johnson later wrote, “I walked the well-lit hall for the first time with the sense that life was going to go on, that we as a country were going to begin again.”

Her 1965 and 1966 Blue Room Christmas trees were decorated in an early American theme. They featured thousands of small traditional ornaments, including nuts, fruit, popcorn, dried seedpods, gingerbread cookies and wood roses from Hawaii. A paper mache angel graced the tops of the trees. For the 1967 holiday season, Mrs. Johnson added silver balls, silver stars and round mirrors to the previous years’ ornaments.

Lynda Bird Johnson Robb in front of White House Christmas tree with infant daughter.

Lyndon and Ladybird Johnson spent four of their six presidential Christmases in Texas rather than Washington. Each year it seemed President Johnson faced a different crisis, so he liked to return home to his beloved ranch on the banks of the Pedernalas for Christmas to relax and renew his spirit. However, the holiday season in Washington begins long before December 25th and the Johnsons loved to entertain, so they didn’t miss out on Christmas in the White House. Whenever dignitaries were lucky enough to visit the the President and First Lady during the holidays, they were entertained with traditional elegance using a Christmas theme, including a decorated tree such as this one, patterned after a gingerbread theme once used by Lady Bird Johnson.

When President Johnson was in office the theme for that year was An American Past.

The Christmas of 1967 was special for the Johnsons because their daughter, Lynda, was married to Charles Robb in the White House on December 9th with 650 guests in attendance. The celebrating continued during Christmas week and the First Lady decided, over her husband’s objections, that they would spend that Christmas in Washington, the first time in seven years.

The Johnson’s final Christmas in the White House in 1968 was a time of reflection for them and the opportunity to say goodbye to their friends. On December 23rd, President Johnson sent Christmas greetings to the American troops in Southeast Asia, which included his two sons-in-law. In Drew Pearson’s syndicated column, he noted that Christmas at the White House for the Johnson’s was “not as gay this year as last.”

1967 Presidential Christmas cards from the Johnsons depicting the White House Christmas tree in the Blue Room

Six Christmases passed while the Johnsons lived in the White House. While the President found himself spending ever more of his energies on a war in Vietnam that would not go away, the First Lady committed herself to the beautification of America and the planting of trees. Except for their unplanned first Christmas in the Executive Mansion, all the cards and gift prints of later years were to feature trees.

These included trees planted by Presidents, trees surrounding the South Portico, trees on the South Lawn as viewed from the South Portico, and the Blue Room Christmas tree. The artist in each case was American Greetings watercolor painter Robert Laessig, with whom the Johnsons were to have a long, productive relationship. The gift prints were reproduced on textured paper 14 by 18 inches in size; to accompany each print, the First Lady enclosed a personal message penned on parchment.

On the bitter cold evening of December 16, President Johnson lit his last National Community Christmas Tree. At the touch of a button, the 74-foot Engelmann spruce from Utah lit up with 4,000 blue and green lights. During his last two years as President, Johnson’s credibility began to slip. With the Vietnam War still going strong and with no end in sight, Americans began to question their President’s motives. And with the Civil Rights movement on the rise, urban riots broke out across the nation. In his final Christmas greeting to the American people, Johnson prayed for peace in Southeast Asia and reconciliation on domestic soil. In his departing words he said, “We cannot say that we have triumphed in this endeavor. But we have begun at long last.”

President Richard Nixon and First Lady Patricia 1969-1974

After serving as Eisenhower’s veep and then losing the election of 1960 to John F. Kennedy, Richard M. Nixon retreated from executive-level politics until 1967, when he decided to again run for President in the election of 1968. Appealing to the “Silent Majority” of socially conservative Americans as well as promising peace in Southeast Asia, Nixon beat out Hubert Humphrey and George Wallace to become the 37th President of the United States.

For President Nixon and First Lady Pat Nixon’s first Christmas in the White House in 1969, they began a tradition of gifting Presidential portraits to their staff members. That year they gave reproductions of Gilbert Stuart’s famous portrait of George Washington (the same portrait that Eisenhower used for inspiration to paint his 1954 Christmas gift print).

In 1969 Mrs. Nixon had the White House tree decorated in beautiful velvet and satin balls that represented the 50 States.

The 1969 “American Flower Tree” stood in the North Entrance. For its decoration, First Lady Patricia Nixon arranged for disabled workers in Florida to make velvet and satin balls featuring each state’s flower. For the 1970 Blue Room tree, she added 53 “Monroe” fans made by disabled workers in New York. Gold foil angels joined the trimmings in 1971. Mrs. Nixon took her 1972 Christmas theme from two White House collection paintings by Severin Roesen: Still Life with Fruit and Nature’s Bounty. The tree featured 3,000 pastel satin finish balls, the state flower balls and 150 gold Federal stars. A 1973 “gold” theme tree honored James Monroe, who bought gilded tableware for the White House in 1817. Gold bead strings and balls enhanced its natural beauty.

1971 White House Christmas Cards from the Nixons featuring a painting done by N.C. Wyeth in 1930

Christmas celebrations during the following years were not much better. In 1969, the train bringing the National Tree from South Dakota to Washington was twice derailed and a surprise storm on December 6th that year blew the tree down! In 1972, the Pageant of Peace was embroiled in legal controversy over the use of religious symbols. The nativity scene that had always been part of the pageant was no longer allowed. And in 1973, an air of gloom hung over the White House as the Watergate investigation continued.

At Christmas, the First Lady delighted in opening the White House for candlelight tours as well as nationally televised specials. It gave her and the President great pleasure to share with the nation at Christmas the rare and authentic acquisitions for the State Rooms. An admirer of his great predecessors, the President surprised no one when it came to holiday cards and gift prints. Each card was a rendition of the White House, which, for the last three Christmases, was an historical view by a well-known artist. Each gift print, invariably, was the portrait of a great President rendered by a celebrated portrait painter.

President Richard Nixon and First Lady Pat with Frosty

In celebrating the 50th anniversary of the National Community Christmas Tree-lighting ceremony, President Nixon lit the tree on December 14 with the help of a Boy Scout and a Girl Scout. For the first time since 1954, a live tree was planted on the Ellipse. The 42-foot Colorado blue spruce from Pennsylvania was donated by the National Arborist Association. With a major energy crisis taking place, the White House reduced the energy consumption of lighting the tree by almost 82%. Instead of using thousands of lights, the tree was decorated primarily with garlands and balls.

In his Christmas greeting to the American people, President Nixon talked about the impending energy crisis. He said, “This year we will drive a little slower. This year the thermostats will be a little lower. This year every American perhaps will sacrifice a little, but no one will suffer.” Unfortunately for Nixon, he wouldn’t stay President for much longer to make sure no one would suffer. Due to the Watergate scandal, which resulted in Nixon’s loss of political support and near certainty of impeachment, he resigned on the evening of August 8, 1974.

President Richard Nixon Tapes: “Merry Christmas, Operator“

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President Gerald Ford and First Lady Betty 1974-1977

Immediately following Richard Nixon’s resignation on August 9, 1974, Gerald Ford was sworn in as the 38th President of the United States. He nominated former New York Governor Nelson Rockefeller to fill his vacated position as Vice President, and Rockefeller was officially confirmed several months later. Perhaps one of Ford’s most controversial decisions – one that he made only weeks after taking the Presidential Oath of Office – was pardoning Nixon for all the crimes he may have committed during his presidency. Nixon’s pardon might have been the best Christmas present he ever received.

In 1976, First Lady Betty Ford looks over decorations and presents

Handmade crafts set the theme for First Lady Betty Ford’s 1974 Blue Room tree. Emphasizing thrift and recycling, Mrs. Ford used ornaments made by Appalachian women and senior citizen groups. Swags lined with patchwork encircled the tree. She kept this quaint feel in 1975 for her “old-fashioned children’s Christmas” theme. Experts from Colonial Williamsburg adapted paper snowflakes, acorns, dried fruits, pine cones, vegetables, straw, cookies and yarn into ornaments. In 1976, Mrs. Ford expressed the “love that is the spirit of Christmas” by trimming a Blue Room tree in a variety of entirely natural ornaments made by members of the Garden Club of America.

President Gerald Ford and First Lady Betty's 1974 Blue Room tree.

In the 1970’s, the old-fashioned Christmas–turkey dinner, pumpkin pie, popcorn strings, and patchwork ornaments–was at odds with changes taking place in America. The topic of Christmas at the White House didn’t even get discussed until November because the Fords didn’t take office until late summer. Both the Kennedys and the Johnsons took their Christmas ornaments with them when they left the White House and the Nixon ornaments were not Mrs. Ford’s style. She preferred homemade or sentimental ornaments. Mrs. Ford’s idea for a Christmas tree was that it should be warm and personal. In 1974, she asked specific groups to make the tree ornaments using a patchwork theme. The homemade patchwork tree emphasized thrift and simplicity in this time of recession. Mrs. Ford encouraged Americans everywhere to make their ornaments in order to save money. She even offered a White House pamphlet on how to make patchwork Christmas tree ornaments.

Gerald and Betty Ford brought to the Executive Mansion an informality that reflected their unique style and personality. The ambiance of the Ford White House was warm and folksy, simple and low-key. Mrs. Ford described it as kind of “down-home-like.” Especially at Christmas, the First Lady was able to define her independence and leave the distinctive mark of an old-fashioned Christmas on the White House, a tradition the Ford family had always enjoyed.

Final White House Christmas cards sent by President and Mrs. Ford in 1976

The President and Mrs. Ford liked the works of George Henry Durrie, so it was no surprise that they selected another one of his paintings for the design of their third and final White House Christmas cards. The painting, entitled Going to Church, depicted a white New England church with a pointed steeple in a bucolic setting with parishioners making their way to the door. The Fords had Hallmark produce 25,000 Presidential Christmas cards, each card bounded with a blue foil border.

For his final Christmas greeting to the American people, President Ford spoke about peace as “…more than absence of battle. It is also the absence of prejudice and the triumph of understanding.”

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[Via http://the44diaries.wordpress.com]

Holiday Gift Guide (in no particular order)for the ‘Groms’ and Beyond

2009-12-18T17:07:00.000+02:00

1. Club Penguin! – on line game subscription. Easy to navigate for the young ones, fun and very cute! http://www.clubpenguin.com/

2. Bring Back the 80s Fad - …it’s six o’clock on a Swatch Watch http://www.swatch.com/

3. Indo Board http://www.indoboard.com/

4. Book Series by author Rick Riordan – book one Lightning Thief http://www.rickriordan.com/

5. Step Into Liquid surf video

6. Ipod Boom box – I want this for me from urban outfiiters http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/urban/catalog/productdetail.jsp?itemdescription=true&itemCount=60&startValue=61&selectedProductColor=&sortby=&id=14769103&parentid=A_MEDIA_ALL&sortProperties=+subCategoryPosition,+product.marketingPriority,-product.startDate&navCount=24&navAction=poppushpush&color=&pushId=A_MEDIA_ALL&popId=APARTMENT_MEDIA&prepushId=

7. Charitable gift and teach kids the true meaning of giving check out heifer.org http://www.heifer.org/site/c.edJRKQNiFiG/b.183217/#

8. Savings Bonds stay with classics gift giving http://www.treasurydirect.gov/indiv/planning/plan_gifts.htm

9. Skull Candy Headphones the big ones!

10. Movie Passes go extra and buy Imax http://www.imax.com/

[Via http://justaddh2o.wordpress.com]

Stir-fried Okra

2009-12-18T05:41:00.000+02:00

Crispy stir-fried okra

Sometimes when I am in the kitchen, the strongest association that I have with the food, in this case okra, is the memory of a two-and-half year old Agastya hovering around, helping in some way or just getting involved in the vegetable that we are making. My mother has always claimed that all little children love okra, called bhindi in Hindi, and Agastya has been no exception. He loves eating stir-fried okra on his own, fingers eagerly cramming the crispy green circles into his mouth. I do not ever need to follow him around with a plate of food that holds okra to bribe or tempt him to eat a morsel. This means that when I tell him that I am about to make okra, his little body comes expectantly into the kitchen to inspect what I am doing. He demands to be placed on the counter while I chop. Agastya excitedly fingers the okra, examines its shape and texture, and counts the chopped pieces that emerge from my board. He finds it fascinating that I cut off the “heads” and “tails” of the okra, and that the okra has several names such as bhindi and lady’s finger. His excitement reminds me of how I always imagine chopped bhindi tails are in fact the fallen tails of house lizards that reside in practically every home in India. I make a quick mental note that I must point out house lizards to Agastya when we next visit India.

It is very hard to find good bhindi here in the greater New York metropolitan area. The Indian stores in Jersey City always carry okra, but they are frequently old, fibrous, hard, and nearly impossible to cook. Another source is an organic store called Sobsey’s here in Hoboken that occasionally carries very fresh okra imported from Mexico. And for a short while during the summer, local Jersey-grown okra makes an appearance in the farmers’ markets, and these are just the opposite of the ones in the Indian stores: they are a bright emerald green, glistening, thin, fresh, small and very tender. While holding a basket of these delectable treasures, I will often have a quick daydream that someone has handed me a paper cone with crisply fried whole tiny green okra, tossed with a generous sprinkling of salt and red chilli powder. Sometimes I am transported to a sleepy afternoon on the Greek island of Hydra where my husband and I stumbled upon a restaurant that brought us small whole okra cooked in a tomato and onion sauce. Agastya had proceeded to eat the entire plate, savoring each bite. We had watched on, relieved that our son had found something to satisfy his tummy.

The best way to enjoy okra’s natural rich earthy flavor is to simply cut fresh okra (washed and thoroughly dried) into 1/4″ inch rounds. Heat a generous quantity of oil in a non-stick pan on medium heat, say about 3-4 tablespoons of oil for 2 pounds of okra, and throw in the chopped vegetable when the oil becomes hot. There will be a sizzling sound as the okra hits the hot oil. Cook uncovered, stirring every few minutes, until the okra browns, becomes soft and starts looking crisp at the edges. This takes a little while, and it is important to not add any salt until the okra is done. Covering the okra while cooking and adding salt both cause water to be released from the vegetable, and this hampers the cooking process leaving the okra raw. After the okra is cooked, add salt and a generous sprinkling of turmeric. Cook for just a minute or two and the dish is ready to eat. Note that okra shrinks down to an alarmingly small quantity after cooking. For instance, 2 pounds of fresh uncooked okra will only serve 2 adults and one or two small children.

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

Byzantine Madonna with Child

2009-12-16T17:43:00.000+02:00

Pattern Name: Madonna with Child

Pattern Price: $3.99

Stitch Count: 158 stitches wide x 190 stitches high

Size in inches: 11” x 13.5” (29 cm x 34 cm) on 14 count fabric

Colours used: 50

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

...lilli...

2009-12-16T05:32:00.000+02:00

I remember the first time I had a session with Lilli, she reminded me so much of my little Maggie. She was this sweet little blonde haired girl who had these big blue eyes that would just melt your heart. When her mommy sent me a request to do her 2 year pictures I couldn’t wait to see how much she had grown in a year! We scheduled to shoot down in Nashville at the Parthenon again to take advantage of the grounds and the architecture. Sure enough, Lilli was just as sweet as ever and she has gotten so big now! Just have a look…

I love how her mommy and daddy snuck a quick kiss in while we were waiting for her to come back around the column!

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

2009-12-14T17:47:00.000+02:00

WHO ARE WE AS A CULTURE?

Chris Maser

Who are we culturally—now, today? This is a difficult but necessary question for people to deal with because a vision is the palpable nexus between a fading memory of the past and the anticipation of an uncertain future. The people of a community must therefore decide, based on how they define their present cultural identity, what kind of vision to create. A people’s self-held concept (individual, cultural, and universal) is critical to their cultural future because their personal and cultural self-image will determine what their community will become socially, which in turn will determine what their children will become socially.

The question of who we are culturally may be more important today than in the recent past because there are times in history when two eras run parallel to each other, when one is dying while the other is struggling with its infancy. This can be a deeply disturbing, confusing, and divisive time as different worldviews, cultural patterns and assumptions, and predominant means of livelihood compete with one another in an effort to give meaning and direction to life.

Such a time of raw chaos and naked transition can be terribly frightening and thus lead people to retreat into the simplistic solutions often associated with fundamentalism. Fundamentalism (which can ensnare both the political right and left or the spiritual and secular) is characterized by a rigid, impervious belief system, which relentlessly widens the polarity between the safe “us” and the dangerous “them.” Because it is founded in fear (which is always divisive) and becomes the embodiment of fear, which feeds on itself, fundamentalism is not only incapable of tolerating diverse views and backgrounds but also far less capable of creatively asking new questions and discovering new answers within a context of dynamic complexity.

Fundamentalism, which is so prevalent in today’s political discourse, is simply not up to the challenge of our times. Instead, the next stage of cultural evolution must focus inward, into each person’s consciousness, because this is the only realm out of which can grow creative, self-organizing innovations that offer sustainable ways of living.

Cultural evolution, like all evolution, thrives in a context rich in diversity and complexity, wherein myriad opportunities for interaction exist. Self-organizing innovations can emerge out of such a setting as people search for ways to live consciously and sustainably in every sense of the word. These innovations draw us out of the chaotic soup into further experimentation with conscious living.

The most powerful innovations are those that respond to people’s basic requirements for survival and to their deepest yearnings for such things as connection, meaning, and transcendence, all of which add up to personal wholeness. When these values resonate among large numbers of people (a critical mass), society shifts, but people must first be aware of them amid the flotsam and jetsam of change in which the decay of the dying era seems to overwhelm the formative one, at least momentarily.

Of course, there initially is a multitude that, preferring the devil they know to the devil they don’t, steadfastly swear allegiance to the passing era by clinging tenaciously to old views and old ways of doing things. But there is also an expanding group of younger people who find the present ripe with possibilities. And it is here, in the present, that small choices and actions can have major, albeit unpredictable, effects in determining what comes next and how it manifests.”1

And somewhere among the millions of choices and thousands of experiments with conscious living is the possibility they will coalesce into a new society founded on the precept of true community, while endowing life with real meaning. For such a society to be viable, however, it would have to be anchored on the bedrock value of social-environmental sustainability in all its myriad aspects.

Thomas Jefferson gave good counsel on values: “In matters of principle, stand like a rock. In matters of taste, swim with the current.” To identify those principles and/or values on which we stand firm, we can ask ourselves: What are the fundamental principles that I believe in to the point of no compromise? What values are central to my being?

CATEGORIES OF VALUE

The Ch’an masters, who carried Zen to Japan, brought Confucian ethics with them. In discussing these fundamental values as a guide to personal behavior, Confucius said, “If a man will carefully cultivate these in his conduct, he may still err a little, but he won’t be far from the standard of truth.”2 When we, as individuals, clearly understand what our highest personal values are and can explicitly articulate them, then—and only them—can we live in their presence. Let’s consider three categories of value: universal, cultural, and individual.”3

Universal Values

Universal (or archetypal) values reveal to us the human condition and inform us of our place therein. Through universal values, we connect our individual experiences with the rest of humanity (the collective unconscious) and the cosmos. Here, the barriers of time and place, of language and culture, disappear in the ever-changing dance of life. Universal values must be experienced; they cannot be comprehended. Can you, for example, know a sunset? Fathom a drop of water? Translate a smile? Define love?

Universal values are the eternal truths brought to different cultures at various times throughout history. “Even as the hands of a clock are powered from the center, which remains ever still, so the universal values remain ever at the center of human life, no matter where the hands of time are pointing—past, present, or future.”4

These are the truths of the human condition toward which people aspire (such as joy, unity, love, and peace); of these the sages have spoken in many tongues.

Cultural Values

Cultural (or ethnic) values are those of the day, and are socially agreed upon. They are established to create and maintain social order in a particular time and place, and can be highly volatile. Cultural values concern ethics and human notions of right and wrong, good or evil, in terms of customs and manners.

In culture, we see reflected the ideas and behaviors that a society rewards or punishes according to their perceived alignment to its values. Hence, cultural values are a “mixed bag” for an individual, especially in a highly complex society, like that of the United States, which has lost its sense of family, community, and mythology, where there is much that may resonate with an individual and much that may not.

Every culture is a person in a sense, and like people, there is the potential for creative interaction and/or conflict when cultures meet. Although we are all too familiar with cultural conflicts and the destruction they have wrought, it is well to remember that a meeting of cultures also triggers tremendous explosions of creativity in such things as language, ethics, education, law, philosophy, and government.

Individual Values

Individual (or personal) values are constituted by the private meanings we bestow on those concepts and experiences that are important to us personally, such as marriage vows or spiritual teachings. These meanings are in large part a result of how we are raised by our families of origin and what of our parents’ values we take with us in the form of personal temperament. These meanings may change, however, depending on our experiences in life and how much we are willing to grow psychologically and spiritually as a result of our experiences. As such, individual values are reflected in such things as personal goals, humor, relationships, and commitments.

Thus, how well a people’s core values are encompassed in a vision depends first on how well the people understand themselves individually and as a culture, which means how well they understand their core values, and second on how well that understanding is reflected on paper, where there can be no question about what has been stated and how. By way of example, let’s consider the First Canadians.

THE FIRST CANADIANS

The First Canadians have departed from their old culture because they have, against their will, been forced to adopt European-Canadian ways, which means they have given up or lost ancestral ways. Yet they have not, by choice, totally adopted white culture and want to retain some degree of their ancestral culture. Thus, the three questions they must ask and answer are: (1) Which of our ancestral ways still have sufficient cultural value for us to keep them? (2) Which of the white ways are we willing to adopt? and (3) How do we put the chosen elements together in such a way that we can today define who we are culturally?

In 1993, I was asked to review an ecological brief for a First Nation in western British Columbia, Canada, whose reservation is located between the sea and land immediately downslope from that which a timber company wanted to cut. The problem lay in the fact that the timber company could only reach its trees by obtaining an easement through the reservation, which gave the First Nation an active voice in determining how the upper-slope forest would be logged, the results of which would affect their reservation for many, many years.

By virtue of the required easement, the First Nation was in a strong position to exert control over company behavior as it logged the upper-slope forest. Had the company not been required to pass through the reservation, it could easily have become the uncontrollable cancer that would have destroyed the cultural values of the First Nation for many generations.

Before meeting with the timber company, the First Nation’s chief asked for some counsel. My reply was:

Before I discuss the ecological brief I’ve been asked to review, there are three points that must be taken into account if what I say is to have any value to the First Nation. What I’m about to say may be difficult to hear, but I say it with the utmost respect.

Point 1: Who are you, the First Nation, in a cultural sense? You are not your old culture because you have—against your will—been forced to adopt some white ways, which means you have given up or lost ancestral ways. You are not—by choice—white, so you may wish to retain some of your ancestral ways. The questions you must ask and answer are: What of our ancestral ways still have sufficient value that we want to keep them? What of the white ways are we willing to adopt? How do we put the chosen elements together in such a way that we can today define who we are as a culture?

Point 2: What do you want your children to have as a legacy from your decisions and your negotiations with the timber company? Whatever you decide is what you are committing your children, their children, and their children’s children to pay as the social-environmental costs of your decisions unto the seventh generation and beyond. This, of course, is solely your choice, and that is as it should be. I make no judgments. But whatever you choose will partly answer Point 3.

Point 3: What do you want your reservation to look like and act like during and after logging by the timber company? How you define yourselves culturally, what choices you make for your children, and the conscious decisions you make about the condition of your land will determine what you end up with. In all of these things, the choice is yours. The consequences belong to both you and your children.

WHAT ABOUT YOU, THE READER?

Who are you today?

We each change personally as we grow in years and experience. So do our respective communities. Each community that wishes to create a vision for a sustainable future must therefore ask of itself: Who are we today in a cultural sense? Then, based the answer, each community must ask: Who do we want to be or to become?

These are important questions and must be clearly answered on paper for all to see, because how they are answered will determine the nonnegotiable constraints that set the overall direction of a community’s vision and thus the legacy inherited by its children. To answer these questions one must honestly evaluate one’s own set of values and then determine to live by their highest potential.

ENDNOTES

The preceding discussion is based on the excellent ideas presented by Sarah van Gelder. 1997. Out of Chaos: Finding Possibility in Complexity. YES! A Journal of Positive Futures, Winter:27.
(1). D.T. Suzuki. 1959. Zen and Japanese Culture. Princeton University Press, Princeton, NJ. and (2) Lin Yutang. 1938. Wisdom of Confucius. Random House, New York, NY.
The discussion of values and aspects of vision is based on: Laurence G. Boldt. 1993. Zen and the Art of Making a Living. Penguin/Arkana, New York, NY.
Ibid.

I spent over 25 years as an active research scientist in natural history and ecology in forest, shrub steppe, subarctic, desert, coastal, and agricultural settings. Today I am an independent author as well as an international lecturer, facilitator in resolving environmental conflicts, vision statements, and sustainable community development. I am also an international consultant in forest ecology and sustainable forestry practices.

I Have Lived, Worked, Consulted, And/Or Lectured In: Austria • Canada • Chile • Egypt • France • Germany • Japan • Malaysia • Mexico • Nepal • Slovakia • Switzerland • and various settings in the United States.

If you want to contact me, you can visit my website. If you wish, you can also read an article about what is important to me and/or you can listen to me give a presentation.

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

How to Grade for Learning, K-12, O’Connor

2009-12-14T05:50:00.000+02:00

A friend who writes an education blog (he is a retired teacher and a member of our local school board) suggested a book: How to Grade for Learning, K-12, by Ken O’Connor Published by Corwin Press, and now in its third edition, copyright 2009. The author describes a grading policy for Standards-Based Education.

I was struck by two things in the book. The first is that the creation and issuance of grades by teachers in the K-12 range is a very complex procedure. This is especially true because of a lack of any kind of regional let alone national consistency in grading practices. The second concept that struck me was that Mr. O’Connor has a very clear, though complex, formula for a system of creating grades at all levels of school.

I am not a professional educator, nor do I have any Education college classes under my belt, but I see here a fine system that should be considered by all school districts and state boards of education in our country.

A prudent shopper can find a new copy of the book (I looked on amazon.com) starting at around $30.00. I was even more prudent and acquired the loan of the book through an Inter-Library Loan at my local library.

Any person interested in education and grades, or has children in school, or is a professional teacher, you can benefit from the ideas in this book. If nothing else it will get you thinking about the grading procedures. You may even become an advocate for Mr. O’Connor’s theories.

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

The Kids are Alright

2009-12-11T17:40:00.000+02:00

flickr

One of many great things about Cambodia was that the people were so friendly, and therefore by extension easy to photograph. The kids especially so. I have put up a series of photos of them on flickr in my Travel set. I photographed these children as they played, relaxed and lounged on the forecourt to a village temple. That day we had been out at one of the more isolated temples, Boeung Melea. I wish I could go back there soon!

[Via http://aegallerie.com]

being born, dad's brain

2009-12-11T05:46:00.000+02:00

I was born to be parented by this man. I was born to be the sister of my brother and the Aunt to his children. If ever you’ve thought about adoption, have adopted, or are thinking of it… then know this. This IS my father, he is the reason I was born. My mother died when I was young. My brother, my father and my Aunt? They are the reason I am still alive and breathing in the world.

Now that is settled. This is my father 6 days after a severe brain injury that almost killed him. He is 75 and not ready to die… My brother and I are too scared to hope this is going to continue… he is doing SO well. My brother and I have not ever had amazing results. We’re usually the ones left in the waiting room with bad news. I think my father knows that and he is refusing to be the bad news…

When you see these, realize you are viewing one of the great loves of my life.

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

I have seen this timely message before.

2009-12-09T17:48:00.000+02:00

When things in your life seem, almost too much to handle,when 24 Hours in a day is not enough,

Remember the mayonnaise jar and 2 cups of coffee.

A professor stood before his philosophy class

and had some items in front of him.

When the class began, wordlessly,

He picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar

And proceeded to fill it with golf balls.

He then asked the students, if the jar was full.

They agreed that it was.

The professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured

them into the jar. He shook the jar lightly.

The pebbles rolled into the open Areas between the golf balls.

He then asked the students again if the jar was full. They agreed it was.

The professor next picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar.

Of course, the sand filled up everything else.

He asked once more if the jar was full. The students responded with a unanimous ‘yes.’

The professor then produced two cups of coffee from under the table and poured the entire contents into the jar, effectively

filling the empty space between the sand. The students laughed.

‘Now,’ said the professor, as the laughter subsided,

‘I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life.

The golf balls are the important things – family,

children, health, Friends, and Favorite passions –

Things that if everything else was lost and only they remained, Your life would still be full.

The pebbles are the other things that matter like your job, house, and car.

The sand is everything else –The small stuff.

‘If you put the sand into the jar first,’ He continued,

there is no room for the pebbles or the golf balls.

The same goes for life.

If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff,

You will never have room for the things that are important to you.

So…

Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness.

Play With your children.

Take time to get medical checkups.

Take your partner out to dinner.

There will always be time to clean the house and fix the disposal.

‘Take care of the golf balls first –

The things that really matter.

Set your priorities. The rest is just sand.’

One of the students raised her hand and inquired what the coffee represented.

The professor smiled.

‘I’m glad you asked’.

It just goes to show you that no matter how full your life may seem,

there’s always room for a couple of cups of coffee with a friend.’

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

Seven reasons to give photography this Christmas

2009-12-09T05:44:00.000+02:00

So, do you still need convincing that photography gift vouchers are a great present? I hope one of these reasons will change your mind!

1. It’s original. Well, it’s not another Boots spa kit, or another M&S jumper. Or socks, again. This is something diferent, that will definitely surprise whoever gets it.

2. It’s exciting. Everyone loves photoshoots, don’t they?

3. It’s fun, fun, fun! Having a photoshoot is like a great, fun family day out, except you have something to remember it by in the end.

4. It’s NOT giving something for them to pay for. Unless they want to, of course. We don’t do high pressure sales, so if all they want is the print(s) they got with the voucher, that’s what they’ll get. And no, there’s no catch.

5. It’s money saving. At first glance, it might not look like it but if instead of giving each family member a cheap present you give the family a photography voucher, it’ll definitely come out cheaper (unless you’re buying presents from Poundland! )

6. It’s time saving. You’ve got enough to do without having to think about everyone’s Christmas presents. So drop us a line telling which one you’d like to purchase, pay us using PayPal and we’ll deliver it to you either by post or in person (you can also pay cash or cheque if we’re delivering in person). And it’s beautifully packaged too!

7. It lasts forever. What else can you give that will last a lifetime? In 50 years time, they will look at those pictures and say “remember when uncle gave us this for Christmas? That was a great present!”

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

I'm dreaming of a white... birthday?

2009-12-07T17:43:00.000+02:00

On Saturday, my youngest daughter celebrated her 6th birthday.

She was so excited to show me how old she was on her hands. “Look mommy, I need BOTH hands now!!!”

no mistaking it... she is 6!

The morning started with some homemade pancakes. Let’s just say I will not be posting the recipe that I used. Blech. The birthday girl took a few bites and then politely asked for some frozen Aunt Jemima pancakes. Smart girl. The 7 year old ate them all. When I asked her if she liked them… she replied with, “no, I was just being nice.” Hm… maybe this kindness thing IS wearing off?

By 9 am, the snow started. What are the chances… snow, on the 5th of Dec – the ONLY day that I have a party planned. Thankfully the roads stayed clear and all of her girlfriends from Kindergarten were able to make the party. We went to a kids haircutting place that throws parties. They did hair, makeup and nails. Ten little girls in girly girl heaven.

freeze dance

limbo time

tea and manners...

When we got home, it was time for party number two. My parents and sisters family braved the weather to help celebrate some more. This time cousins ran around punching ballons, eating pizza and cake and finally the birthday girl opened her presents. She told me later that night, “Mom, I had the best day ever. Thank you for today.” (pause) Exclaiming: “I had FOUR parties. First during Thanksgiving at Mimi’s house, then on Friday we celebrated at school and my class sang happy birthday to me, and now today two parties.”

You deserve it! I am so blessed to have you in my life. Happy Birthday sweet little one.

Happy new born! Dec 5, 2003

Happy Birthday! Dec 5th, 2009

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

Christmas Gifts for Children

2009-12-07T05:27:00.000+02:00

Grandpa Ron and I went shopping for gifts for the grandkids today.

I was going to write about the experience but then I couldn’t get on wordpress tonight! So, I couldn’t write a blog! Now it is after the magic midnight somewhere (it is only a little after 11 pm in CA where I’m in front of my computer!) and I was able to finally get on! But then it didn’t work right…. So no blog for Saturday but here’s one for Sunday:

I found several websites that have good information about buying Christmas/Holiday toys for kids that are right for their age! That is so important when you don’t want something bad to happen because the kid did something you never dreamed that they would try! Here are the sites I found:

From Kidsafe Australia:

“Age guides for toys are linked to safety and to child development – they are not a measure of intelligence. Although it is tempting to think a child is smart enough for toys suited to an older child, it is safer and wiser to follow the age guides.”

dentalplans.com – a very nice, short, comprehensive blog about choosing safe toys

Hot100ChristmasToys.com by age

topchristmastoysthisyear.com Top Board Games

coolchristmasgifts.net by age

Best Toys Guide.com

fatbraintoys.com by age

Check out my other blogs on https://mygrandmasue.wordpress.com too!

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

The Hateful Things People Say When You Can't See Them

2009-12-04T17:42:00.000+02:00

Today I was reading a news article about 6 year old Jasmina Anema. She has leukemia and the Make A Wish Foundation arranged for her to meet the president. He met with her and her mother in the Oval Office. People familiar with this organization know they grant the wishes of terminally ill children. So when I finished reading the story I started reading the comments and I was struck by one in particular the writer responded to the article by writing “one less nigglet.” I was struck by this vile hateful response to the story, but what we see is people will say practically anything under the cloak of anonymity. I have been writing this blog for almost 2 years and people will write some incredibly disrespectful things that they would never have the courage to say face to face. When you write a political blog some dissent goes with the territory, but even here there are some things so incredibly vile that I would never post them, but to respond with such hatred toward an innocent child is not expressing an opinion it is just expressing hatred.

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

Mark, Meghan, & Harper

2009-12-04T05:51:00.000+02:00

Last week while I was in Maryland I photographed Mark and Meghan and the newest addition to their family, their 3 month old daughter Harper. Harper is an absolute doll, as you can see from the pictures and she did such a great job during our session. She was all smiles for most of the session.

Mark, Megan, and Harper thank you for spending your morning with me!

Harper was just waking up from her morning nap when I arrived. So we did a quick wardrobe change and started our session.

We headed outside for a few shots but it was pretty chilly and super windy so after just a few shots we headed back inside to finish the session.

Oh hi Morgan! One of the most well behaved dogs I have ever seen!

She even gives hi fives!

This was one of the last shots I took at the session and it is one of my favorites. Sweet Harper:)

[Via http://5rings.wordpress.com]

Peyton's 1st Thanksgiving!

2009-12-02T17:36:00.000+02:00

Thanksgiving is defined as an act of giving thanks; an expression of gratitude, especially to God. Just like the Plymouth Colony Pilgrims celebrated Thanksgiving in October of 1621 in appreciation of their first harvest, much in part to the assistance from members of the Massasoit tribe (End of history lesson)…..we celebrated with our family and wonderful friends, Peyton’s first Thanksgiving! He knew from the beginning this was no normal day…fancy clothes, camera flashing, laughter everywhere, smiling faces, and a strange popping noise heard repeatedly then followed by the words, ”more anyone?”

The roll call for dinner was long and distinguished…Joe, Deb, Caitlin, Tim, Kristy, Seth, Areil, Mark, Allison, Ron, Wally, Sarah, Logan, Grayson, Meghan, Peyton, and Me. If you counted Nittany…it totaled 18!! To converge upon Hermitage Road we came from all parts..Atlanta, New Orleans, Seattle, Pine Haven Street, and Ivy Lane with one goal in mind….turkey and champagne! With such a daunting culinary challenge most would run from the kitchen screaming….not Deb and Kristy. They weaved an intricate balance of holiday design and festive fare that would make Paula Dean stand up and shout….”You go girls!”.

With our stomachs full and spirits high we laughed and took the traditional walk….Mark and Peyton’s first together….no day could have been more perfect for us. It was our first Thanksgiving as parents, we welcomed many new friends into our lives, and added more wonderful memories to look back on and smile. To everyone..Joe, Deb, Caitlin, Tim, Kristy, Seth, Areil, Mark, Allison, Ron, Wally, Sarah, Logan, and Grayson…thank you for making our first Thanksgiving with Peyton so wonderful!!

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

Why are all the dragons sleeping?

2009-12-02T05:48:00.000+02:00

Too many people think children’s books shouldn’t contain anything alarming nowadays

Painting by Thomas Cooper Gotch

—

Children may grow up to be hedonists anyway and maybe they are lucky for it

As I am alloy, so are you

Thomas Cooper Gotch

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

[CASP]: Javakhk Distributions Made

2009-11-30T17:40:00.000+02:00

The most recent distribution for CASP beneficiaries in the Javakhk region was held last month. An interesting feature of the Javakhk region distribution is that it happens during the harvesting season, when many of the beneficiaries are quite busy cultivating potatoes. Therefore, the children and their families are available to receive their CASP stipends only after the workday is complete.

Father Tatev with CASP Beneficiaries

of the Soorp Khatch Church

Credit: FAR Staff

Vicar Father Babken Salbian from the Javakhk church, Father Armash, Father Tatev and CASP’s Javakhk Program contact Lusine Muradyan were responsible for the 99 cash stipends distributed to the CASP beneficiaries. FAR thanks these individuals, as well as our generous donors, for their ongoing support.

Father Babgen and Father Armash with CASP Beneficiaries

Credit: FAR Staff

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

Christmas Shopping: Done

2009-11-30T05:46:00.000+02:00

As you can tell by my last post, my gift-giving ability was not in top shape on Black Friday. Fortunately for me – and really lucky for the fam! – I found inspiration in the Cyber Monday Deals on Amazon.

I opted to buy board games for most of the 13 members of my shopping list. I like themes. I think that by narrowing it down to a specific category rather than being overwhelmed by every possible thing that I could get people, I was able to really focus on what people would like within that genre. So the games took care of the kids and then for the adult women, I am making a goody basket around the theme of cookies. I got a 3 tier cooling rack for $10, cookie scoops for free, and a special baking sheet for $12, then I am going to buy a package of cookie mix and throw it all together. I figure that it would be the best bang for my 25 buck(s). And for the men, I bought sporty outdoor stuff. They’re not too picky, so I’m not either. It is definitely a relief to have it all done. Now, I just have to wait for them to arrive and buy some wrapping paper at Target.

While I was doing my browsing, I came across a few great gifts that would be perfect for someone…just not anyone on my particular list.

Here are a couple of my favorites:

I know that there are many fans of The Office and I count myself among them. I think that this would be a hilarious and fun gift for a fan. Unfortunately, none of my family members even watch the show, and I guess this isn’t the kind of thing that I would buy for myself. But if I find out that someone I know gets it for Christmas, I will be over to play it with them in a hot second.

I also found this really neat (and I suppose nerdy) item while searching for kids’ toys. It’s called Moon in my Room, and you hang it on the wall of the child’s bedroom and it will go through all of the moon’s phases.

There is also Rainbow in my Room which is probably what I would have chosen as a child.

Something that I did end up buying that is so very, very cool is something called IlluStory. My 5 year old cousin loves books and drawing, like most kids do, so this is a really great gift someone like her. The way it works is the child will write a story and illustrate it, then they send it to the company who will then produce a hard cover book of the story. There is even an About the Author page where you can put the child’s picture. I would have loved something like that when I was her age. Actually, I think it would be pretty fun nowadays, too!

I am also in love with all of the Alex Toys. I can’t wait to have my own kids and buy them all of those adorable toys!

Switching gears from happy children’s stuff to the most disturbing item I found: Terrorist Target Practice. I would NOT recommend buying these for anyone. Yikes.

They come in a 25 pack, and I guess look like that.

On that darker note, I will end this post. I am just so happy and relieved to have my Christmas shopping done. And it wasn’t so bad after all. Yay! I am back to being the benevolent, selfless giver that I know that I am!!

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

No Urgency -- but Bloody Hurry up!

2009-11-27T17:48:00.000+02:00

The past fortnight has found me in a suitably strange little place. Uncharacteristically, I have on the one hand felt very laid-back, comfortable in the knowledge that I’m well on schedule with all my projects (even taking into account the unexpected stay in hospital and its aftermath) and quite content to “potter” with bits and pieces of editorial work. On the other hand, however, I’ve started to feel that old, familiar twitchiness — the restless need to get back to my writing.

Briefly, a few days ago, I managed to convince myself that, you know, Christmas is almost upon us and, frankly, well, returning to As Morning Shows the Day (my half-finished work in progress) this side of New Year would be pretty silly, wouldn’t it?

And maybe it would… I don’t know… but, the way things are going, I’ll probably be writing again during December. Just can’t help myself, guvna.

Getting my final draft of Children of the Resolution off to Legend last week kind of underscored my need to return to my work. Still not completely back to full health but needing something to do, I’d worked through the manuscript steadily and methodically, falling back into that other world I had in part created. The autobiographical aspect of Children resonated even more, given my recent illness (you’ll see what I mean when you read it), and even as I found it cautionary I yearned to get back to shaping my characters and fictional vistas. And so, once this project was delivered, I returned to As Morning Shows the Day — merely reading through it at this stage, listening to the voice, familiarising myself with it.

Yes, I still occasionally manage to convince myself that this is merely my way of preparing for starting back on it in January… but I’m fooling no one, least of all myself.

In other news, the electronic version (for Kindle, Sony Reader etc) of If I Never is now available here. Pretty excited about this. I’m not a huge fan of electronic books but I know a growing number of people are — and having seen the finished product, I’m beginning to understand why! Looks great… but don’t take my word for it, check it out for yourself! (Free readers are also available for PCs.)

A sample chapter of If I Never can be read here.

To buy your copy of If I Never, please click here.

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

Little Kessler

2009-11-27T04:59:00.000+02:00

This is one of my favorite potrait shots of Kessler and it was taken by Rachel. All colours are in alignment to the warm coloured tone. Then green goes really well and added some contrast to the overall picture. Well, the orange background is the colour of my feature wall and the green is the high chair.

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

"Having Faithful Children" in Titus 1:6

2009-11-25T05:37:00.000+02:00

While Dave Mallinak approaches the third rail of fundamentalist politics, I will seek my own source of theological voltage, what has been called the “qualifications of the pastor,” as found in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1. I’m going to focus on only one little phrase in the Titus 1 listing as found in verse six—”having faithful children.” If we are going to guard the truth of God’s Word and our churches, then we better have an understanding of what are these characteristics of pastors and whether they are required in order for a man to have, fulfill, and then continue in this office. I’m afraid that often men approach the traits outlined in the pastoral epistles with too many personal situations or hypotheticals in view. Instead, we should understand these qualities and then conform our practice to them, rather than adapting them to something that will preserve our own job or someone else’s. The two chapters are bigger than any one man or group of men.

Qualification or Disqualification or Both?

Before we think about what “having faithful children” means, I want to consider some points about these pastoral character traits in general. In conversations I have had with others, I have heard this type of statement about these two lists: “They are qualifications, not disqualifications.” In other words, we might agree that men should fulfill these traits in order to be appointed to the office of the pastor, but once a man is into the office, he can’t be removed based upon a characteristic violation of one or more of these attributes. I’ve never seen them that way, but maybe you agree.

1 Timothy 3:2 reads—”A bishop then must be. . . .”—after which are the characteristics listed. Titus 1:6 begins, “If any be. . . .” In both cases, we have present tense forms of the being verb, communicating continuous action. The verbs do not refer to a point in time, but an ongoing activity. Someone in that office must continue to live according to these descriptions. Even before “faithful children” in v. 6, we see “having,” which is a present active participle, again expressing continuous action. These traits must remain the lifestyle of the man in the office.

Someone might argue that both passages are talking about the commencement of a man in the office. 1 Timothy 3 describes him as desiring the office and Titus 1 as being ordained and appointed to the office. In other words, some might say that these are attributes that need only be fulfilled when a man first starts as a pastor. The present tense verbs do not lend themselves toward that view, that these are only qualifications, but not disqualifications. A few more items, I believe, work against this idea to reveal it to be false.

The works of the man of God are produced by the gospel. Gospel produced works (Eph 2:8-10) will not stop being performed. Whatever is happening in the life of a believer will persevere, but it is God who conforms the believer into the image of His Son (Rom 8:29). God will continue to cause the characteristic works of a Christian until his day of redemption (Philip 1:6).

We also know that a pastor can disqualify himself by his actions. Paul certainly wasn’t speaking about losing his salvation in 1 Corinthians 9:27, when he talked about being a “castaway.” In the various usages of the Greek word translated “castaway” (adokimos), we see it to saying “disqualified.” He was motivated to keep his body under subjection by the threat of disqualification from some type of Christian ministry. I believe that 1 Timothy 5:19-20 lays out the procedure that should be followed in bringing disqualifying types of accusations against a pastor.

Besides two Scriptural arguments, I believe some God-given common sense comes in play here. We understand by reading the qualifications that they were for the purpose of keeping the testimony of God and His church, to set apart the church as a unique institution on earth, unlike merely natural organizations. “Blameless” as a characteristic relates to reputation. It isn’t saying, “sinless.” That’s not possible. It is “blameless,” because when there is enough violation to ruin the reputation of the pastor, he can’t be one and should be disqualified using the ordained process in 1 Timothy 5. After he is removed, then no man should lay hands upon him suddenly (1 Tim 5:22). He could prove himself again to fulfill the qualifications if he has not permanently disqualified himself. Some of the traits in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1 seem to be permanent.

Who Are Faithful Children?

The word “faithful” (pistos) always refers to believers, saved people, in the New Testament. It is never an unconverted person. It couldn’t be referring to some kind of well-behaved, disciplined unbelieving child. Certainly it can be used of someone who is loyal or trustworthy as a saved person, but it is always a believer and always someone who is faithful with the truth. The word is actually a simple one that in its essence means “believing,” the opposite of which is “unbelieving.”

How “faithful” is used in Titus 1:6 is how it is used in Ephesians 1:1, “Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints which are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus,” and Colossians 1:2, “To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ which are at Colosse.” The faithful servant of Matthew 24 and Luke 12, the good and faithful servant of Matthew 25 and Luke 19, the faithful person of Luke 16, the faithful mother of Timothy (Acts 16:1), the faithful stewards of 1 Corinthians 4, faithful Timothy (1 Cor 4:17), the faithful ministers of Colossians 1:7 and 4:7, faithful Onesimus (Col 4:9), faithful Moses (Heb 3:5), faithful Silvanus (1 Pet 5:12), and faithful Antipas (Rev 2) were all believers. To take “faithful” out of the believing context, isolate it as if it only meant submissive to the father’s leadership without believing what the father taught, would be to distort the word.

The Greek word for “children” (tekna) refers to offspring, not necessarily young. BDAG says that it is “an offspring of human parents” or “descendants.” The word doesn’t mean children in the home. There are words that do mean that, and they could have been used by Paul in Titus, but they weren’t. If Paul wanted to talk about little children he could have used teknion. If he wanted to talk about babies he could have used brephos, that means infants. It’s not an issue of the age of his children, but that his children believe without dissipation or rebellion, whatever age they are in life.

1 Timothy 3:4 requires that children of a pastor be in submission and that looks like it refers to kids that are still at home. A pastor’s children must operate under the direction of their parents. They can’t function in rebellion against their pastor parent. Children of a pastor as a lifestyle must be obedient to him. Titus 1:6 brings more information to the parenting of the pastor by including that his children must show that they have been obedient by showing their faithfulness to his preaching of the gospel.

The Problems Some Have

Some do not like the idea of having the qualifications of the pastor sort of dependent on other people. In other words, another person, the pastor’s child, could put him out of his office. Some of this relates to belief about salvation itself. Calvinists, for instance, would see a pastor as not having any ability to ensure that his child will receive Christ. A child’s salvation in many Calvinists’ view is up to the foreordination and predetermination of God regardless of what a pastor does in the way of parenting. It seems to give trouble to the Calvinist outlook, giving too much to the influence of the leadership of the pastor on his children. They seem to see a pastor as helpless as to whether his children will be converted or not. He must wait to see if his children were elect before the foundations of the world.

However, this idea that the conversion of one’s children is so much out of one’s control clashes with so many scriptural texts that relate to human influence on the salvation of sinners. Matthew 5:16 teaches that you can live a kind of life that results in people glorifying God. As a consequence of the lifestyle of the first church in Jerusalem, according to Acts 2:41-47, the Lord added to the number that were being saved. In Romans 11:14, Paul writes that his desire in preaching to the Gentiles was somehow to move to jealousy his fellow countrymen to be saved, so that what he did would have a direct impact on the salvation of others. In 1 Corinthians 9, Paul said he would become as weak to save the weak, a clear implication that the way he dealt with people would directly relate with whether men would be saved. Then at the end of chapter 10, he didn’t want to give an offense to a Jew or Grecian, so that his life would lead people to salvation. In Philippians 2:15 Paul speaks of being above reproach as a light in a wicked world so that in the day of Christ he could find out that he got some salvation impact out of his life. He says in 1 Timothy 4:12-16 that Timothy’s conduct would ensure salvation to some of those that heard him. Peter says the same kind of thing in 1 Peter 2:11, when he says that good behavior among unbelieving pagans would result in their glorifying God in the day of judgment. He instructs women with unsaved husbands in 1 Peter 3:1-2 that their husbands could be won by their own chaste conduct.

We also have texts such as these that apply directly to the parent-child relationship and salvation. In 1 Corinthians 7:12-14, Paul says that one Christian parent could sanctify a home to the degree that the children would become no longer unclean but holy. Paul intimates that a woman doing proper child training could offset the harmful stigma of the curse on women (1 Tim 2:15). This is exactly what we see was done by Lois and Eunice with Timothy (2 Tim 1:5) with the holy scriptures they taught him as a child (2 Tim 3:15).

Scripture does not teach a fatalistic approach to child rearing without proper consideration of the impact of a godly life or the responsibility for evangelism. Salvation comes to people through the faithful witness and godly example of other believers. All through Scripture we are continually taught that a godly life leads people to salvation. Election is the issue with God and the issue by which we give Him glory but it is not some explanation to embrace as an explanation for why a pastor’s child didn’t receive Christ.

I don’t apologize for viewing Proverbs 22:6 as a promise to parents:

Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.

If he departs from it, what is our conclusion? The parents didn’t train up the child in the way he should go. I’m not saying that every son will be a pastor or missionary. The qualification is “faithful.” A pastor must have children who are saved. I would expect his children to show the behavior fitting of conversion. If they don’t, he should not be in that office.

What About When They’re Young?

“Are you saying if your children aren’t old enough to be saved you can’t pastor?” No. When they’re young, they’re under control and they are being taught to be faithful to the Word of God. They are guided by a faithful pastor to be faithful themselves to what he is faithful to. And some day that blooms into saving faith. The church ought to be able to look at that man’s life and see that process taking place, see those little children affirming, believing as much as their simple hearts can believe, progressing toward a saving faith. When it comes to the point that they’re old enough to believe, they are to be faithful to the truth they have been taught.

In many ways, this becomes an inane game played by those who want to discredit the qualification. I believe this is why the word “faithful” is used, however. The children don’t have to be converted. They must be faithful to the truth until they end in where everyone does who is faithful to God’s Word—conversion.

So What If a Pastor’s Child Doesn’t Receive Christ?

If the pastor must have faithful children in order to be a pastor, then his children must receive Christ. They must give evidence they are headed that direction until they actually do believe in Jesus for salvation. A pastor who has a child who rebels against that teaching should not continue in the office. He has been disqualified because he has not ruled his house well. His children did not submit to what he taught. If they had, then they would have received Christ.

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

What are your Christmas traditions?

2009-11-23T17:24:00.000+02:00

That time of year is creeping up, too quickly for many I’m sure, lol.

I started thinking of the things we used to do as kids, leading up to and for Christmas. Some, we didn’t even realize till our later years that they were ‘traditions’. Our traditions.

Do you remember some of your traditions? What are they?

Have you continued them with your family?

Have you created new ones?

Have you lost your traditions? If so, why do you think that is?

Some traditions bring back many great memories for people. What are some of your favourite memories? I’d love to hear about them!