Saturday, June 30, 2007
Friday, June 29, 2007
It's an Addiction, Really
When I was packing for our 3-week vacation here in Denver, I actually contemplated bringing my scrapbook supplies. Honestly. Now, if you've scrapbooked with me before, you know I have a TON of supplies, and so many scrapbooking tools I have outgrown the coat closet downstairs. I actually contemplated -- and then PACKED a scrapbook tote to bring with me. Practicality and common sense came through at the 11th hour, and I reluctantly left everything at home. The kicker was the TSA folks -- how was I going to get my paper trimmer through security? I'm certainly not checking my supplies (gasp!). So, I left everything at home.
BUT... BUT!!!!! This is where the sickness comes in...
I found a digital scrapbooking site where I can upload my pictures and order digital scrapbook pages online!!!! Bahhhhh hahaha. I'm truly a sick, sick woman. Paper Wishes Digital is a great beginner digital scrapbooking site (I'm a digital scrapping rookie), and it's been a great experience thusfar. I get to scrap into the wee hours of the night (like I always do!) and I'm scrapbooking and journaling our events here in Colorado.
When we're ready to go, I can order (and get volume discounts!) and have them shipped directly to our home in CA where I can easily and quickly slip them into the kids' and our family albums.
Ahhhhhh, addiction is a wonderful thing.
BUT... BUT!!!!! This is where the sickness comes in...
I found a digital scrapbooking site where I can upload my pictures and order digital scrapbook pages online!!!! Bahhhhh hahaha. I'm truly a sick, sick woman. Paper Wishes Digital is a great beginner digital scrapbooking site (I'm a digital scrapping rookie), and it's been a great experience thusfar. I get to scrap into the wee hours of the night (like I always do!) and I'm scrapbooking and journaling our events here in Colorado.
When we're ready to go, I can order (and get volume discounts!) and have them shipped directly to our home in CA where I can easily and quickly slip them into the kids' and our family albums.
Ahhhhhh, addiction is a wonderful thing.
"Pardon Me Sir, Please Stop Drop and Roll"
The formality and politeness of the British and the West is enough to make me puke sometimes. Granted, it's not much better when you have a gun-slinging cowboy from Texas running the show either. But somewhere just this side of diplomatic, yet not quite bomb-dropping is where we should be.
Joel Rosenberg -- who I affectionately call my "brother from another mother" -- has a post today about Iran's goal of creating nuclear weapons, and former ambassador Michael Bolton's grave concern for Israel's safety. The West has been so diplomatic these last 4 years, that we've lost considerable time and traction in heading off a disaster. Does anyone really believe that Iran is NOT developing nuclear weapons and they are enriching uranium strictly for energy purposes? How gullible do the Persians think we are?
And, an interesting poll of not-so-bright Palestianians, say that 58% of them support Iran's having a nuclear bomb (which we all know would be used on Israel). Hello!?! Is there no wind in Israel? Fallout not going to reach other Muslim countries? Not to mention the thousands of Palestinians that live and work within Israel's borders? The ignorance just amazes me.
Joel is an author of several best-selling books (I've read all of them). I highly recommend his fiction books -- not only entertaining, but eerily accurate in world events. And, his non-fiction book Epicenter is excellent and now has been released on DVD.
I know that the world's path has been carved by God's destiny for us all, and there's no stopping the train. But, it's my hope and prayer that more and more in the Middle East come to know the saving grave of Jesus! It's happening! People are being saved.
Joel Rosenberg -- who I affectionately call my "brother from another mother" -- has a post today about Iran's goal of creating nuclear weapons, and former ambassador Michael Bolton's grave concern for Israel's safety. The West has been so diplomatic these last 4 years, that we've lost considerable time and traction in heading off a disaster. Does anyone really believe that Iran is NOT developing nuclear weapons and they are enriching uranium strictly for energy purposes? How gullible do the Persians think we are?
And, an interesting poll of not-so-bright Palestianians, say that 58% of them support Iran's having a nuclear bomb (which we all know would be used on Israel). Hello!?! Is there no wind in Israel? Fallout not going to reach other Muslim countries? Not to mention the thousands of Palestinians that live and work within Israel's borders? The ignorance just amazes me.
Joel is an author of several best-selling books (I've read all of them). I highly recommend his fiction books -- not only entertaining, but eerily accurate in world events. And, his non-fiction book Epicenter is excellent and now has been released on DVD.
I know that the world's path has been carved by God's destiny for us all, and there's no stopping the train. But, it's my hope and prayer that more and more in the Middle East come to know the saving grave of Jesus! It's happening! People are being saved.
Thursday, June 28, 2007
Little Nuggets Build a Mountain
There are moments in the day when I just LOVE being a mom. There are other times when I struggle -- but, I really do have the best job in the world.
Today, the kids, my mom and I were driving home and out of nowhere, Gorbulas says, "Jesus died on a cross." BANG! Just like that. One moment we're talking about sausage McMuffins and then the subject moves quickly to things of REAL importance.
I said he was right, that Jesus *did* die on a cross. Then, I asked, "Do you know WHY Jesus died on the cross?" (this is where we sort of lose him -- he's 3 years and 2 months). He said, "To be closer to God." (which technically speaking, was a byproduct, yes, but not the reason).
I think "Yay! I get to share the Good News with my son today!!!!"
I don't consider myself an especially creative orator, but I came up with a great way to explain this to him (and my daughter) today. I explained that we have two parts to us: an outside (the body) and the inside (the soul). I went on to say the body will die, and that we shouldn't worry about that part, because everybody's body dies. But, we do not want our soul to die -- we want that one to live in Heaven forever. And, Jesus died to pay the penalty for our sin, so that our soul could live in Heaven forever! (yes, I know all about getting new bodies in Heaven but that's an explanation for another day).
I'm so honored to have the role of mother to my kids because I get the privilege of explaining Truth to them. These nuggets of truth my husband and I plant will, I pray, one day grow to be a mountain of immovable faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.
Please keep Gorbulas and Ruby in your prayers!
Today, the kids, my mom and I were driving home and out of nowhere, Gorbulas says, "Jesus died on a cross." BANG! Just like that. One moment we're talking about sausage McMuffins and then the subject moves quickly to things of REAL importance.
I said he was right, that Jesus *did* die on a cross. Then, I asked, "Do you know WHY Jesus died on the cross?" (this is where we sort of lose him -- he's 3 years and 2 months). He said, "To be closer to God." (which technically speaking, was a byproduct, yes, but not the reason).
I think "Yay! I get to share the Good News with my son today!!!!"
I don't consider myself an especially creative orator, but I came up with a great way to explain this to him (and my daughter) today. I explained that we have two parts to us: an outside (the body) and the inside (the soul). I went on to say the body will die, and that we shouldn't worry about that part, because everybody's body dies. But, we do not want our soul to die -- we want that one to live in Heaven forever. And, Jesus died to pay the penalty for our sin, so that our soul could live in Heaven forever! (yes, I know all about getting new bodies in Heaven but that's an explanation for another day).
I'm so honored to have the role of mother to my kids because I get the privilege of explaining Truth to them. These nuggets of truth my husband and I plant will, I pray, one day grow to be a mountain of immovable faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.
Please keep Gorbulas and Ruby in your prayers!
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Caveman Has a Point
One of the blogs I read had a very interesting post today. Check it out if you get a chance:
The Lair of the Catholic Cavemen (scroll up to view his post and others' comments).
While Caveman can be boorish sometimes, I wholeheartedly concur with his assessment. I love his mother's quote, "Why should I step down to be 'equal' to men? I like being treated like a lady."
I like being treated like a lady too.
The Lair of the Catholic Cavemen (scroll up to view his post and others' comments).
While Caveman can be boorish sometimes, I wholeheartedly concur with his assessment. I love his mother's quote, "Why should I step down to be 'equal' to men? I like being treated like a lady."
I like being treated like a lady too.
Taking it 90 Degrees
I'm in my mid-30s and have a really good life -- I've been tremendously blessed with a wonderful husband, two fabulous kids, a mother and father, brother, sisters- brothers- mother- and father-in-law, and a relatively healthy life. Our family's got a routine, and things are good right now (we all know about peaks and valleys -- we're on a nice high plateau right now). It's a fairly uneventful, predicatable and steady life. As my Dad would say: I'm keeping my head down and flying below the radar. But sometimes, just sometimes, I wonder about this path we're on and the life we're living.My parents raised me well -- I'm an educated, morally upright, God-fearing person that has a good work ethic, respect for my country and respect for my elders. In my opinion, this kind of person starts their adult life on a different level than one who does not have these qualities and privileges. I'm employed by a medium sized corporation that has its fair share of BS and inefficiency. All of these things shape who I am today.
But sometimes, just sometimes, I wonder...what if I just said, "OK I'm done now" and did something completely unexpected? Like, what if our family picked up and moved to Germany for a year? Or, what if we both decided to become ranchers? Or, we moved to Kauai and I taught private school and Frederer did freelance body building lessons? I mean, we've all heard of stories where people said, "Enough" and got out of the rut they were in and did something completely unexpected. And, in the end, after the island/cabin fever wore off, they were usually happier for it.
I'm thinking about this because my kids are visiting a fantastic place called Club4Kids in Colorado. This is what's wonderful about a free-market, democratic, capitalistic society -- if there's a NEED for something, whoever has the resources can FULFILL that need. And, one step further, MULTIPLE entities can fill the need and create competition. Club4Kids is owned and operated by a woman who most likely said, "Enough" at some point in her career. She started something that filled a void in the marketplace (hourly, drop in, day care) and she's probably loving her role.
Who knows where we all end up. It's ideas like this one that makes me stop and say, "Huh? You might just have something here." What IF we made a 90 degree turn in our lives and said, "Heck, we're gonna rent a house in Santa Cruz and open a Club4Kids type facility there."
Is it just me, or does anyone else feel like, "I could be doing so much more with my life than spending it at Total BS Inc?" Have I just been doing this for so long that I'm just not interested anymore? Maybe I should use Club4Kids while I go to Happy Hour to think this over. :-)
Fun in the Morning
I would love to be an English teacher, if nothing else for the comedy that would surely grace my classroom. Kids are so funny! My personal favorites: #6, #9, #10, #14, and #17. _______________________________________________
Every year, English teachers from across the USA can submit their collections of actual analogies and metaphors found in high school essays. These excerpts are published each year to the amusement of teachers across the country. Here are last year's winners:
1. Her face was a perfect oval, like a circle that had its two sides gently compressed by a Thigh Master.
2. His thoughts tumbled in his head, making and breaking allianceslike underpants in a dryer without Cling Free.
3. He spoke with the wisdom that can only come from experience, like a guy who went blind because he looked at a solar eclipse without one of those boxes with a pinhole in it and now goes around the country speaking at high schools about the dangers of looking at a solar eclipse without one of those boxes with a pinhole in it.
4. She grew on him like she was a colony of E. coli, and he was room temperature Canadian beef.
5. She had a deep, throaty, genuine laugh, like that sound a dogmakes just before it throws up.
6. Her vocabulary was as bad as, like, whatever.
7. He was as tall as a six-foot, three-inch tree.
8. The revelation that his marriage of 30 years had disintegrated because of his wife's infidelity came as a rude shock, like a surcharge at a formerly surcharge-free ATM machine.
9. The little boat gently drifted across the pond exactly the way a bowling ball wouldn't.
10. McBride fell 12 stories, hitting the pavement like a Hefty bagfilled with vegetable soup.
11. From the attic came an unearthly howl. The whole scene had aneerie, surreal quality, like when you're on vacation in another city and Jeopardy comes on at 7:00 p.m. instead of 7:30.
12. Her hair glistened in the rain like a nose hair after a sneeze.
13. The hailstones leaped from the pavement, just like maggots when you fry them in hot grease.
14. Long separated by cruel fate, the star-crossed lovers raced across the grassy field toward each other like two freight trains, one having left Cleveland at 6:36 p.m. traveling at 55 mph, the other from Topeka at 4:19 p.m. at a speed of 35 mph.
15. They lived in a typical suburban neighborhood with picket fencesthat resembled Nancy Kerrigan's teeth.
16. John and Mary had never met. They were like two hummingbirds who had also never met.
17. He fell for her like his heart was a mob informant, and she was the East River.
18. Even in his last years, Granddad had a mind like a steel trap, only one that had been left out so long, it had rusted shut.
19. Shots rang out, as shots are not supposed to do.
20. The plan was simple, like my brother-in-law Phil. But unlike Phil, this plan just might work. 21. The young fighter had a hungry look, the kind you get from not eating for a while.
22. He was as lame as a duck. Not the metaphorical lame duck, either, but a real duck that was actually lame, maybe from stepping on a land mine or something.
23. The ballerina rose gracefully en Pointe and extended one slenderleg behind her, like a dog at a fire hydrant.
24. It was an American tradition, like fathers chasing kids around with power tools.
25. He was deeply in love. When she spoke, he thought he heard bells, as if she were a garbage truck backing up.
Every year, English teachers from across the USA can submit their collections of actual analogies and metaphors found in high school essays. These excerpts are published each year to the amusement of teachers across the country. Here are last year's winners:
1. Her face was a perfect oval, like a circle that had its two sides gently compressed by a Thigh Master.
2. His thoughts tumbled in his head, making and breaking allianceslike underpants in a dryer without Cling Free.
3. He spoke with the wisdom that can only come from experience, like a guy who went blind because he looked at a solar eclipse without one of those boxes with a pinhole in it and now goes around the country speaking at high schools about the dangers of looking at a solar eclipse without one of those boxes with a pinhole in it.
4. She grew on him like she was a colony of E. coli, and he was room temperature Canadian beef.
5. She had a deep, throaty, genuine laugh, like that sound a dogmakes just before it throws up.
6. Her vocabulary was as bad as, like, whatever.
7. He was as tall as a six-foot, three-inch tree.
8. The revelation that his marriage of 30 years had disintegrated because of his wife's infidelity came as a rude shock, like a surcharge at a formerly surcharge-free ATM machine.
9. The little boat gently drifted across the pond exactly the way a bowling ball wouldn't.
10. McBride fell 12 stories, hitting the pavement like a Hefty bagfilled with vegetable soup.
11. From the attic came an unearthly howl. The whole scene had aneerie, surreal quality, like when you're on vacation in another city and Jeopardy comes on at 7:00 p.m. instead of 7:30.
12. Her hair glistened in the rain like a nose hair after a sneeze.
13. The hailstones leaped from the pavement, just like maggots when you fry them in hot grease.
14. Long separated by cruel fate, the star-crossed lovers raced across the grassy field toward each other like two freight trains, one having left Cleveland at 6:36 p.m. traveling at 55 mph, the other from Topeka at 4:19 p.m. at a speed of 35 mph.
15. They lived in a typical suburban neighborhood with picket fencesthat resembled Nancy Kerrigan's teeth.
16. John and Mary had never met. They were like two hummingbirds who had also never met.
17. He fell for her like his heart was a mob informant, and she was the East River.
18. Even in his last years, Granddad had a mind like a steel trap, only one that had been left out so long, it had rusted shut.
19. Shots rang out, as shots are not supposed to do.
20. The plan was simple, like my brother-in-law Phil. But unlike Phil, this plan just might work. 21. The young fighter had a hungry look, the kind you get from not eating for a while.
22. He was as lame as a duck. Not the metaphorical lame duck, either, but a real duck that was actually lame, maybe from stepping on a land mine or something.
23. The ballerina rose gracefully en Pointe and extended one slenderleg behind her, like a dog at a fire hydrant.
24. It was an American tradition, like fathers chasing kids around with power tools.
25. He was deeply in love. When she spoke, he thought he heard bells, as if she were a garbage truck backing up.
Monday, June 25, 2007
It Helps to be a Booty-Shaker
Gorbulas, Ruby and I have been in Denver for one day now, and it's off to a wonderful start. We're hopeful and excited about the next 3 weeks, and the summer fun that awaits us. This trip is off to becoming an annual tradition! Last year, Ruby's Papa taught her how to ride a two-wheeler (with training wheels), and this year is no exception on her newly acquired skills.Grandma, the kids and I went to Toys R Us (Paychecks R Us) to buy some updated toys for their age group, and we picked up a hoola hoop! I remember just LOVING my hoola hoop and up until I was a teen, could keep it going for a long time. I wonder what's changed... pehaps this is more a math question than anything -- the ratio of waist circumference to hoop circumference. Easier for a small child than me, for sure. I think I'd have to get one Saturn's rings in order to be a successful hoola-hooper these days.
Ruby has thoroughly enjoyed it, and has taken to it quickly. I love to watch her -- she's happy, joyful, successful and proud of herself.
"Mom, watch!" she shouts and then demonstrates for the family. She's getting pretty good at it, going from 3 times around to 4...then 5...all the way up to 12 times!
I asked her, "How did you get sooooo good at this?"
She says, "It helps that I'm a booty-shaker."
Saturday, June 23, 2007
Excuse Me, Pardon Me, Excuse Me...
Yay! We made it safe and sound to Colorado! Our flight was uneventful, and the kids had a great time with all the sights and sounds of the airport, the plane, the pilot and the very interesting people you meet, etc.
Southwest Airlines actually gave my kids WINGS for flying! I thought that went the way of the Carmello, the Cherry Bombpop and Regular gasoline. Wings? Wow!
So, we have some time to kill before our flight, so we get a bagel, cream cheese, banana and two bottles of water ($17 later) we sit down for a quick bite. We're almost finished, and my just-turned 3 son gets this horrific look on his face... and NOT in a quiet voice says:
"Mommyyyyyyyy! The poop is coming!!!!!"
"What?!? Now?!?" I say.(wimpering) "Yeeeaaaaaahhhh"
The two men enjoying their cups of coffee behind us start cracking up, and without saying a word, motion to me that the bathrooms are out the door and to the left. Thanks guys.
Now keep in mind I am the only adult traveling with two small children. Along with those two small children come two blankets and two stuffed animals that don't fit into any bag that we have with us, so they must be carried (and dare we leave the house without *the* blankets). Then, we have my heavyass purse (which really should be classified as a tote bag), the camera bag, a roll-aboard suitcase and my rolling briefcase. And, two small children. One of which has poop coming.
I gather the kids and all the luggage and we go running down the concourse. Gorbulas has got a death grip on the backside of his shorts and he's wimpering and shouting the entire time, "Mommy.....more poop is coming!!!!! I can feel it!"
Ruby is running ahead of us saying, "Just hold the poop in! You can do it!!!!" By this time, I can only imagine what the other passengers are thinking.
We spot the Women's Restroom, and he stops. Dead in his tracks like a Pointer who just found his best friend's pheasant.
"No, no, no, no, no!!!! Mama, that one's for girls!" In hindsight, I can't believe I actually explained that since Daddy wasn't here, he had to come with me into the ladies restroom. I should have just drop kicked him into the bathroom.
We enter the restroom and OF COURSE, there's a line 8 women deep ($h!t). I throw down the suitcase, purse, camera bag, blanket #1, blanket #2, animal #1, animal #2 and my briefcase on the counter and just say, "Sorry ladies, got an emergency here" and we bolt to the front of the line.
Praise God the handicap was open (although, it was open because everyone thought the toilet was clogged, which thankfully it was not -- just "underflushed") and.....the MOMENT he gets on the toilet, all bloody hell breaks loose and there's true destruction of Middle Earth in that toilet.
Thankfully, his underwear and shorts remained unscathed and we could continue our flight in peace.
And, I'm truly thankful that there are still some understanding and sympathetic people out there, and my cutting in line didn't start some riot in the women's restroom.
This is another wonderful memory we'll look back on and laugh. Not so funny at the time, but now it brings a smile to my face.
Friday, June 22, 2007
Almost Done!
I have this *thing* about going on vacation and leaving the house a mess. It just doesn't work for me. I know it's OK for some people, because hey, you're not there anyway, why stress out over the mess? But, for me, coming HOME to a mess is the worst! And, coming HOME to piles of laundry to do (outside the vacation clothes that are coming back dirty) is even more worse.
So, I have a policy: Do not leave the house until a) all the laundry is done and put away, and b) the dishes are done, and the dishwasher is empty.
Yes, there have been many a time when we're up till 3am finishing these things and washing dishes by hand after breakfast.
But, I'm happy to say that I am -- truly -- ahead of the game this time! The kids' laundry is all done, their suitcases are packed (save toothbrushes) and are waiting at the top of the stairs. My suitcase is 3/4 done, and I'm 85% done with all of E's and my laundry! I will be 100% complete by 6pm!
I love being a planner. I don't actually execute all plans all of the time, but this time I did. Now, Frederer, Ruby, Gorbulas and I will enjoy one last night together as a family and we can go do something fun.
Tomorrow morning, the kids and I head to Colorado for 3 weeks, and we eagerly await Frederer to join up with us for the 4th of July holiday and my dad's 65th birthday party. What fun!
So, I have a policy: Do not leave the house until a) all the laundry is done and put away, and b) the dishes are done, and the dishwasher is empty.
Yes, there have been many a time when we're up till 3am finishing these things and washing dishes by hand after breakfast.
But, I'm happy to say that I am -- truly -- ahead of the game this time! The kids' laundry is all done, their suitcases are packed (save toothbrushes) and are waiting at the top of the stairs. My suitcase is 3/4 done, and I'm 85% done with all of E's and my laundry! I will be 100% complete by 6pm!
I love being a planner. I don't actually execute all plans all of the time, but this time I did. Now, Frederer, Ruby, Gorbulas and I will enjoy one last night together as a family and we can go do something fun.
Tomorrow morning, the kids and I head to Colorado for 3 weeks, and we eagerly await Frederer to join up with us for the 4th of July holiday and my dad's 65th birthday party. What fun!
Friday Fun
A friend sent this to me today and I thought it was so funny, I just had to post it. We all know those cute little computer symbols called "emoticons," right? Where:
:)
means a smile
:(
is a frown.
Sometimes they include a nose too:
:-)
:-(
Well, how about some "ASSICONS?" Here goes:
(_!_) a regular ass
(__!__) a fat ass
(!) a tight ass
(_*_) a sore ass
{_!_} a swishy ass
(_o_) an ass that's been around
(_x_) kiss my ass
(_X_) leave my ass alone
(_zzz_) a tired ass
(_E=mc2_) a smart ass
(_$_) money coming out of his ass
(_?_) a dumb ass
Thursday, June 21, 2007
SeabsLittleCutlet....Huh?
Some nicknames just stick with people, ya know? Someone recently asked me, "What gives with the nickname?" Well, here's the story:
When I worked for a private, software company in 90's, and email was just starting to get big, all of our email addresses were just our two initials (shows you a) how small the company was at that time and b) how much times have changed). The guys in the tech support department started calling me "Seabs" for short, from Seebee. So, I was Seabs for the longest time (still am, to many of them).
Our dear pain-in-the-hiney friend from Santa Rosa called my husband "Pork Chop". I was then dubbed the "Little Cutlet".
When eBay asked me for a unique nickname...SeabsLittleCutlet came into being.
Now, you know... :-)
When I worked for a private, software company in 90's, and email was just starting to get big, all of our email addresses were just our two initials (shows you a) how small the company was at that time and b) how much times have changed). The guys in the tech support department started calling me "Seabs" for short, from Seebee. So, I was Seabs for the longest time (still am, to many of them).
Our dear pain-in-the-hiney friend from Santa Rosa called my husband "Pork Chop". I was then dubbed the "Little Cutlet".
When eBay asked me for a unique nickname...SeabsLittleCutlet came into being.
Now, you know... :-)
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Happy Birthday Frederer!
It's June 20th, and that means it's a Happy Happy Day in our home! It's Frederer's birthday! He's a whopping 33 years old (young pup!) and we are thankful and thrilled to be his family and have him in our lives. So, baby: HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Birthdays are big in our house. We especially go BIG for kids birthdays. But, for him, we're having a two-day celebration! Yesterday, he and I went to Red Lobster for dinner (yummy king crab legs! Thank you, Sig Hanson and the boys on the Northwestern) and then went to see Oceans 13. Not as good as the others as far as plot goes, in my opinion, but it's just as dazzling when it comes to the heist and the cast. I thought Andy Garcia was pretty good as Terry Benedict. I didn't care for Al Pacino's role, but every time I see him -- in WHATEVER movie he's in -- I see Michael Corleone anyway. I'm tired of George Clooney and Bradd Pitt, so that part left me a bit unimpressed. But, like I said, overall it was an OK movie.
Tonight, we're having his family over for BBQ ribs and all the fixin's, cake and ice cream and presents. I gave him our family's present yesterday -- a shiny new black iPod, and he was grinning so wide he looked like a kid in a candy store. :-) It's an investment to say the least, but my Love Language is gifts, so I go all out for my hubby. (Now...where's that expense check I saw laying around?!?).
So, Happy Birthday Honey! I LOVE celebrating YOU!
Packing Up & Heading East
I am actually ahead of schedule. Truly, this is a miracle, because every other trip our family has been on, I am up late the night before, still doing laundry, packing, and cleaning the house.
Today, Wednesday, the house is picked up, and the laundry is about 80% done. I've packed Gorbulas' suitcase, Ruby's is almost done, and I'm already half packed! Truly, this is amazing. Maybe I'll just take tonight, tomorrow and Friday to chill? Start up again around 9pm Friday night?
I have a book on traveling to Colorado with children, and in true task-oriented fashion, I've highlighted and dog-eared the activities we want to do with kids. We're excited to see old friends, new friends and extended family. I'm going to be working from Denver for the next couple of weeks and I've booked appointments with local customers. And, it's my Dad's 65th birthday! For an "old man", he sure looks good, is really active and sets a high bar (as he does with just about everything!). The good news is, I know my Dad doesn't read this blog, so that quip will be our little secret...
My goodness! I'm ahead of schedule! I almost don't know what to do with myself!
Today, Wednesday, the house is picked up, and the laundry is about 80% done. I've packed Gorbulas' suitcase, Ruby's is almost done, and I'm already half packed! Truly, this is amazing. Maybe I'll just take tonight, tomorrow and Friday to chill? Start up again around 9pm Friday night?
I have a book on traveling to Colorado with children, and in true task-oriented fashion, I've highlighted and dog-eared the activities we want to do with kids. We're excited to see old friends, new friends and extended family. I'm going to be working from Denver for the next couple of weeks and I've booked appointments with local customers. And, it's my Dad's 65th birthday! For an "old man", he sure looks good, is really active and sets a high bar (as he does with just about everything!). The good news is, I know my Dad doesn't read this blog, so that quip will be our little secret...
My goodness! I'm ahead of schedule! I almost don't know what to do with myself!
Well.... Hallelujah!
For all the Non-Catholics out there...your Catholic bretheren extend the olive branch and acknowledge that, while your Protestant faith is "deficient", belief in Jesus' sacrifice and resurrection is enough for your salvation. Who knew?Decree on Ecumenism: Unitatis Redintegratio
The "Decree on Ecumenism: Unitatis Redintegratio" (1964) is one of nine decrees of Vatican II. It deals with Ecumenism, which the Catholic Church defines as the reuniting of all Christian faith groups under the authority of the pope (is it too much to hope he said these things from his infallibility chair?). This includes Eastern Orthodox churches, the Anglican Communion, and Protestant denominations -- those who "came to be separated from full communion with the Catholic Church." Section 3 deals with "separated brethren" -- followers of Christian denominations which The document repeats the belief that the Roman Catholic church is the only true Christian church -- the only denomination which "has been endowed with all divinely revealed truth and with all means of grace." Other Christian denominations are considered deficient. But the document does recognize that salvation is possible for followers of those separated faith groups. It recognizes other denominations as fellow Christians:
"The children who are born into these Communities and who grow up believing in Christ cannot be accused of the sin involved in the separation, and the Catholic Church embraces upon them as brothers, with respect and affection. For men who believe in Christ and have been truly baptized are in communion with the Catholic Church even though this communion is imperfect. ...it remains true that all who have been justified by faith in Baptism are members of Christ's body, and have a right to be called Christian, and so are correctly accepted as brothers by the children of the Catholic Church."
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Ruby's Progress
We had a follow up visit with Dr. Felix Conte, Ruby's pediatric endocrinologist at UCSF Medical Center. She's still taking Humatrope injections each day and the results are really paying off. Little princess is 99 centimeters (why do they make me convert this?) which, for the rest of us is approximately 38 1/2" tall. Yay! Old enough for the Dumbo ride at Disneyland!
She's 36.5 lbs, is very healthy and wearing size 4T and 5T! Praise God! She's in the 4th percentile and she's actually NOT the shortest one in her preschool class. There were two boys and one little Asian girl that were her height or shorter. Dr. Conte was right -- by the time she'd hit Kindergarten she'd be in the "black" on the growth charts. 4th percentile? Hey, I'll take it!
As we were driving over the bridge, I couldn't help but reflect on the wide, frequent and intense emotions that I've had over the last few years in having her Growth Hormone Deficiency first diagnosed. It was about when she was 6 months old and I was in denial for about a year. I just couldn't fathom having to give her daily injections. Then, I had to show strength and control all the while being terribly fearful inside when she had to have general anesthesia at 13 months for the MRI, and then the utter sadness I felt when I heard the final news that she had a "malformed pituitary gland that does not secrete growth hormone." Daily injections of replacement hormone would be required until she's 18ish or when her bones fuse. Now, I'm hearing that she'll probably be on some form of hormone replacement her entire life. Welcome to the endocrine-deficient family young one. Several members of my family -- and now friends -- have thyroid and endocrine issues.
The summer of 2004 is when we started her on the injections, and it was difficult at first. I was so nervous giving her the injections. So scared. Even if the needle was 32 gauge and was as small as a mosquito's beak? needle? nose? whatever. In time, just as everyone predicted, shots became routine, and now it's no sweat at all. It's more trouble battling the insurance company ever year to get her reapproved for the medicine than it is getting her to sit still for a shot. What? Like her pituitary gland will somehow just grow overnight and poof! she's now secreting growth hormone and won't needs the meds anymore? Please.
So many wonderful people along the way have made this journey easier -- Elise Vogel from Eli Lilly & Co, Dr. Conte, the Humatrope Reimbursement Center who gave us free medicine for months while the insurance company fumbled with their thumbs in their orfices, and of course supportive family & friends who've been praying for her (and me) over the years.
Anyway, our peanut is a healthy, happy, strong, growing little girl who's as bright as they come. She's absolutely ready for Kindergarten, intellectually, emotionally and now...physically. We couldn't be happier. The Dr. just loves her, dotes on her and tells her she's the posterchild for Growth Hormone Deficiency. He has 8 grandchildren from 2-12 and offered to take her home if she didn't want to live with us anymore. Thankfully, she declined the offer.
She's 36.5 lbs, is very healthy and wearing size 4T and 5T! Praise God! She's in the 4th percentile and she's actually NOT the shortest one in her preschool class. There were two boys and one little Asian girl that were her height or shorter. Dr. Conte was right -- by the time she'd hit Kindergarten she'd be in the "black" on the growth charts. 4th percentile? Hey, I'll take it!
As we were driving over the bridge, I couldn't help but reflect on the wide, frequent and intense emotions that I've had over the last few years in having her Growth Hormone Deficiency first diagnosed. It was about when she was 6 months old and I was in denial for about a year. I just couldn't fathom having to give her daily injections. Then, I had to show strength and control all the while being terribly fearful inside when she had to have general anesthesia at 13 months for the MRI, and then the utter sadness I felt when I heard the final news that she had a "malformed pituitary gland that does not secrete growth hormone." Daily injections of replacement hormone would be required until she's 18ish or when her bones fuse. Now, I'm hearing that she'll probably be on some form of hormone replacement her entire life. Welcome to the endocrine-deficient family young one. Several members of my family -- and now friends -- have thyroid and endocrine issues.
The summer of 2004 is when we started her on the injections, and it was difficult at first. I was so nervous giving her the injections. So scared. Even if the needle was 32 gauge and was as small as a mosquito's beak? needle? nose? whatever. In time, just as everyone predicted, shots became routine, and now it's no sweat at all. It's more trouble battling the insurance company ever year to get her reapproved for the medicine than it is getting her to sit still for a shot. What? Like her pituitary gland will somehow just grow overnight and poof! she's now secreting growth hormone and won't needs the meds anymore? Please.
So many wonderful people along the way have made this journey easier -- Elise Vogel from Eli Lilly & Co, Dr. Conte, the Humatrope Reimbursement Center who gave us free medicine for months while the insurance company fumbled with their thumbs in their orfices, and of course supportive family & friends who've been praying for her (and me) over the years.
Anyway, our peanut is a healthy, happy, strong, growing little girl who's as bright as they come. She's absolutely ready for Kindergarten, intellectually, emotionally and now...physically. We couldn't be happier. The Dr. just loves her, dotes on her and tells her she's the posterchild for Growth Hormone Deficiency. He has 8 grandchildren from 2-12 and offered to take her home if she didn't want to live with us anymore. Thankfully, she declined the offer.
Bye Bye MSN...Hello Blogspot!
Hi all! You made it to my new blog home!
I made the change for a couple of reasons. My old blog, had my full name in the address (duh...rookie mistake). Second, I referenced our family's names and third, the technology at MSN wasn't robust enough to do what I wanted -- even simple stuff like adding photos and links to other websites (like CWO).
So, thanks for making the move with me, and I'll write this afternoon on Ruby's visit to the UCSF doctor this afternoon.
As a reminder, we're adopting Hobbit names to somewhat protect our identities while our family is "out there" for all people (wonderful to wacko) view our lives. Please take heed when responding with comments to protect our little ones!
Thanks,
Frederer, Daisy, Ruby and Gorbulas Proudneck
PS: My alias is Seabslittlecutlet -- so if you see comments with this name, it's me!
I made the change for a couple of reasons. My old blog, had my full name in the address (duh...rookie mistake). Second, I referenced our family's names and third, the technology at MSN wasn't robust enough to do what I wanted -- even simple stuff like adding photos and links to other websites (like CWO).
So, thanks for making the move with me, and I'll write this afternoon on Ruby's visit to the UCSF doctor this afternoon.
As a reminder, we're adopting Hobbit names to somewhat protect our identities while our family is "out there" for all people (wonderful to wacko) view our lives. Please take heed when responding with comments to protect our little ones!
Thanks,
Frederer, Daisy, Ruby and Gorbulas Proudneck
PS: My alias is Seabslittlecutlet -- so if you see comments with this name, it's me!
Ruby-isms
I had a great day with the kids today. Our nanny, Angel, is on vacation this week, so Nana came over to watch the kids this morning before their 2pm dentist appointments. I took the afternoon off work, and we headed to Fairfield for the appointments (which came back perfect btw, our little brushers did an excellent job!)
After the appts, we head up to Vacaville to meet Daddy for dinner at Amici's pizza (THE best NY style pizza outside NY). To kill some time beforehand, the kids and I stop in at the Nut Tree Family Fun center for a little amusement. As we exit our wonderfully air-conditioned rig, we immediately begin to melt in the 98 Vacaville weather. It's 4:30!!! The SF Bay Area is really mild, and our home is 1 1/2 miles from a bay, so we have awesome weather. Vacaville, not so much. It's in a valley, and it's terribly, terribly hot. Ninety-eight degrees at 4:30pm isn't fun, no matter where you are, let alone at an amusement park.
We're making our way through the old-fashioned amusement park -- you know, the kind with actual tickets per ride (hellaciously expensive -- $.85 a ticket and it takes FOUR tickets per person to ride the 2 minute train?!?). Anyway, we're walking around and we see an open space with about 15 old fashioned rocking horses (yes, big enough for adults) so the 3 of us go over so we can all ride. And, much to our delight, there are WATER MISTERS all over the place!!! Yay! Relief! Ruby climbs aboard a red horse. She leans wayyyyyy back, lets her hair fall down her back, soaks in the mist falling all over her face and -- with head tilted -- looks at me and says, "Ohhhhh yeah Mamma, now that's what *I'm* talking about..."
After the appts, we head up to Vacaville to meet Daddy for dinner at Amici's pizza (THE best NY style pizza outside NY). To kill some time beforehand, the kids and I stop in at the Nut Tree Family Fun center for a little amusement. As we exit our wonderfully air-conditioned rig, we immediately begin to melt in the 98 Vacaville weather. It's 4:30!!! The SF Bay Area is really mild, and our home is 1 1/2 miles from a bay, so we have awesome weather. Vacaville, not so much. It's in a valley, and it's terribly, terribly hot. Ninety-eight degrees at 4:30pm isn't fun, no matter where you are, let alone at an amusement park.
We're making our way through the old-fashioned amusement park -- you know, the kind with actual tickets per ride (hellaciously expensive -- $.85 a ticket and it takes FOUR tickets per person to ride the 2 minute train?!?). Anyway, we're walking around and we see an open space with about 15 old fashioned rocking horses (yes, big enough for adults) so the 3 of us go over so we can all ride. And, much to our delight, there are WATER MISTERS all over the place!!! Yay! Relief! Ruby climbs aboard a red horse. She leans wayyyyyy back, lets her hair fall down her back, soaks in the mist falling all over her face and -- with head tilted -- looks at me and says, "Ohhhhh yeah Mamma, now that's what *I'm* talking about..."
Cedric the Entertainer -- Herbal Elements
OK, for those who find sexual comedy not funny... you are hereby forewarned not to proceed with the video. (But, for the record it's clean).
E and I saw a Cedric the Entertainer video clip a while back (I think SNL) and we about just peed our pants it was so funny (at least, we thought it was funny at the time). Do you remember those horrible Herbal Essence shampoo commercials? I mean, seriously, can those commercials be any worse?
E found the clip for me, and I again, I just laughed. What sent me over the edge was the very last part -- the guy sleeping! Anyway, happy viewing and mocking to the Herbal Essence people.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=oxTyuFBPJsk
E and I saw a Cedric the Entertainer video clip a while back (I think SNL) and we about just peed our pants it was so funny (at least, we thought it was funny at the time). Do you remember those horrible Herbal Essence shampoo commercials? I mean, seriously, can those commercials be any worse?
E found the clip for me, and I again, I just laughed. What sent me over the edge was the very last part -- the guy sleeping! Anyway, happy viewing and mocking to the Herbal Essence people.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=oxTyuFBPJsk
Friday, June 15, 2007
Mom's Summer Reading Program
My sister-in-law's post on the family's summertime activities inspired me to do the same for our own family. The kids are enrolled in our local Summer Reading program, but since they don't read, it's actually Mom's Summer Reading Program. Our calendar is full of days at Discovery Kingdom, Nut Tree Family Amusement Park in Vacaville, a month of swiming lessons, weekly "Mini-Track" for 4 Saturdays, followed by "Mini-Baseball" for another 4 Saturdays, free summer movies on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at the theater, preschool/day camp on Tuesdays and Thursdays, Grandparents Storytime on Fridays and Bilingual Storytime on Wednesdays. There are a couple "big" days of the Exploratorium in SF and the Bay Area Discovery Museum on both of their free family days.
The summer looks like its off to a good start, and provided my brother and his family don't excommunicate me and the kids, we'll be seeing a lot of them over the next few weeks when we go for a Colorado visit. I'll be working from Denver, and we'll have lots of afternoons and evenings to explore the sights and sounds of my old stompin' grounds, and have some quality family time with grandparents and cousins.
My summer reading list includes:
A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini -- just finished it. It's FANTASTIC
Like Dandelion Dust by Karen Kingsbury -- also just finished it. It's good, but not as good as Splendid Suns (not that I'm comparing...)
The Blue Bottle Club by Penelope J. Stokes
The Foreign Correspondent by Alan Furst
Epicenter by Joel C. Rosenberg (see my blog list)
The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini
It's so funny to think of myself as an avid reader, because when I was growing up, I absolutely could NOT sit down and read a book. I never, NEVER read any of the book lists from my high school English class (yes, bought the cliff notes). It wasn't until Lillian Jackson Braun and her darling two Siamese cats, Koko and YumYum endeared themselves to my heart that I actually began to read. And, as my husband will now attest, I am a READER! In fact, once I get started, I can hardly put books down.
Any other good reads out there that I should add to my list?
The summer looks like its off to a good start, and provided my brother and his family don't excommunicate me and the kids, we'll be seeing a lot of them over the next few weeks when we go for a Colorado visit. I'll be working from Denver, and we'll have lots of afternoons and evenings to explore the sights and sounds of my old stompin' grounds, and have some quality family time with grandparents and cousins.
My summer reading list includes:
A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini -- just finished it. It's FANTASTIC
Like Dandelion Dust by Karen Kingsbury -- also just finished it. It's good, but not as good as Splendid Suns (not that I'm comparing...)
The Blue Bottle Club by Penelope J. Stokes
The Foreign Correspondent by Alan Furst
Epicenter by Joel C. Rosenberg (see my blog list)
The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini
It's so funny to think of myself as an avid reader, because when I was growing up, I absolutely could NOT sit down and read a book. I never, NEVER read any of the book lists from my high school English class (yes, bought the cliff notes). It wasn't until Lillian Jackson Braun and her darling two Siamese cats, Koko and YumYum endeared themselves to my heart that I actually began to read. And, as my husband will now attest, I am a READER! In fact, once I get started, I can hardly put books down.
Any other good reads out there that I should add to my list?
Look Mommy...a big ship!
My mother recently replaced a pair of beautiful, well-tailored, Made in the USA slacks that replaced the ones she's had for FIVE years. That's quite a wonderful return on investment! Maybe it's a St. John's brand...maybe it's Michael Kors. I don't know...I just know they were pricey. I suppose one could go to Macy's and pay $50 for a pair of pants that were made in China, Sri Lanka or Bangledesh and that'll wear out in 2 years (or, in my case won't FIT in 2 years), in which case the return won't be as great. But it got me thinking (AGAIN) about how dependent we are on China for all the $h!t in our homes.
We are so fortunate to live in the Bay Area, and we took a wonderful SF Bay Cruise for Mother's Day. It was wonderful. It was an evening of cocktails, dancing, a nice sit-down dinner, and of course, a view to die for. I've included a few pictures above. Notice what's different about the two pictures? Which one do you think is headed INTO port? and which is headed OUT of port?
My son was so excited to see the ships passing us. "Look! Mommy! It's a big ship", he says.
"Yes, sweetheart, that's a huge ship! And, it's got a lot of stuff packed on top," I say.
Another ship passes, and he comments again. I am bitter, so I just reply..."Yes, son, that's another ship -- a living, breathing, eyeful example of our trade deficit in action." The ships come into port with all sorts of cheap, throwaway consumables from Oriental Trading Company, and the container ships unload and leave EMPTY heading back to the far east for another load of crap headed to the good, ole, US of A.
We are so fortunate to live in the Bay Area, and we took a wonderful SF Bay Cruise for Mother's Day. It was wonderful. It was an evening of cocktails, dancing, a nice sit-down dinner, and of course, a view to die for. I've included a few pictures above. Notice what's different about the two pictures? Which one do you think is headed INTO port? and which is headed OUT of port?
My son was so excited to see the ships passing us. "Look! Mommy! It's a big ship", he says.
"Yes, sweetheart, that's a huge ship! And, it's got a lot of stuff packed on top," I say.
Another ship passes, and he comments again. I am bitter, so I just reply..."Yes, son, that's another ship -- a living, breathing, eyeful example of our trade deficit in action." The ships come into port with all sorts of cheap, throwaway consumables from Oriental Trading Company, and the container ships unload and leave EMPTY heading back to the far east for another load of crap headed to the good, ole, US of A.
Thursday, June 7, 2007
I think I'm Gonna Cry! *sniff*
Have you ever received an email chain where you're supposed to answer various questions and send it back to the Sender and other people? I received one recently and it asked, "When was the last time you had a really good cry?" Well, I thought today would have been my day, but no dice...I was too happy.
My darling daughter, my BABY, my sweet 8lb. 10oz, 17.5" little blueberry, just graduated from Pre-K!!!!!! *sniff* Yes, I admit, I cried (a little). Yes, I was a freak and yes, I videotaped the entire thing.
First thing's first, my DD is the cutest one of the bunch. No, really, SHE IS! I'm not just saying that!!!!! Virtually everyone agrees (she's got such good genes you know). Her teacher called each child by name, and of course, left our DD for last -- everyone on the planet knows you save the best for last.
One of the highlights of the ceremony was the group song. Sung to the tune of "Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes" it goes like this:
Kindergarten here we come (here we come)
Kindergarten here we come (here we come)
So long preschool, it's been fun,
Kindergarten here we come (here we come)
Know my letters, ABCs (ABCs)
Know my numbers, 123s (123s)
I can even write my name with ease,
Aren't you very proud of me?
Of course, I grinned like a Cheshire cat the entire time.
After the 30 minute ceremony (Thank God! a SHORT graduation ceremony! I remember both Frederer's and my college graduations where the speakers just droned on, and onnnnn, and onnnnnnnnnnn. Did anyone actually pay attention to what was said?), we had a classroom award ceremony where our precious one received the Leadership/Intercessory Award for always being the one who stood up for others, and made sure that justice was served (heh! sound like anyone we know?). After that, two hours at the End of Year BBQ/Field Day, and one horribly overcooked hamburger later, we decided to pack it up and head home.
In light of my ranting post from yesterday, I am pleased to report there is NOTHING on her Kindergarten curriculum that raises any red flags. We met her Kindergarten teacher, and Ruby is beyond excited to get her uniforms and school supplies all set for next year. Jumping the gun a little bit, IMO, but hey -- I LOVE school supplies and the apple doesn't fall far from the tree.
My darling daughter, my BABY, my sweet 8lb. 10oz, 17.5" little blueberry, just graduated from Pre-K!!!!!! *sniff* Yes, I admit, I cried (a little). Yes, I was a freak and yes, I videotaped the entire thing.
First thing's first, my DD is the cutest one of the bunch. No, really, SHE IS! I'm not just saying that!!!!! Virtually everyone agrees (she's got such good genes you know). Her teacher called each child by name, and of course, left our DD for last -- everyone on the planet knows you save the best for last.
One of the highlights of the ceremony was the group song. Sung to the tune of "Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes" it goes like this:
Kindergarten here we come (here we come)
Kindergarten here we come (here we come)
So long preschool, it's been fun,
Kindergarten here we come (here we come)
Know my letters, ABCs (ABCs)
Know my numbers, 123s (123s)
I can even write my name with ease,
Aren't you very proud of me?
Of course, I grinned like a Cheshire cat the entire time.
After the 30 minute ceremony (Thank God! a SHORT graduation ceremony! I remember both Frederer's and my college graduations where the speakers just droned on, and onnnnn, and onnnnnnnnnnn. Did anyone actually pay attention to what was said?), we had a classroom award ceremony where our precious one received the Leadership/Intercessory Award for always being the one who stood up for others, and made sure that justice was served (heh! sound like anyone we know?). After that, two hours at the End of Year BBQ/Field Day, and one horribly overcooked hamburger later, we decided to pack it up and head home.
In light of my ranting post from yesterday, I am pleased to report there is NOTHING on her Kindergarten curriculum that raises any red flags. We met her Kindergarten teacher, and Ruby is beyond excited to get her uniforms and school supplies all set for next year. Jumping the gun a little bit, IMO, but hey -- I LOVE school supplies and the apple doesn't fall far from the tree.
Wednesday, June 6, 2007
Another Reason Confirming Private School
I am conservative. There's no doubt about it. I'm conservative fiscally. I'm conservative morally. I'm conservative socially.
Having said that, I think our society and charities should care for the poor. We should have an immigration policy (albeit a tight one) and we should have not-for-profit health care. After all...the Fire Department is in the business of saving lives and they don't turn a profit. And, we have some of the most excellent fire apparatus and skilled firemen in the world. We won't lose our edge health-care-wise if we take care of everyone (heck, Australia and Britain have great healthcare and they're universal). That's not the topic du jour for today, but I will definitely comment on it in a later post.
Topic du jour is the silly, silly notion that the parenting of our children should actually be left up to the PARENTS (and not the schools -- and PUBLIC school at that). I admire and try to support the Pacific Justice Institute in protecting the family unit (be it from CPS, School Boards, whomever). If you haven't checked them out, please do so and consider getting involved.
Liberalism has reached even the farthest of our states -- Alaska. This article this morning pissed me off something fierce, and I just had to vent. I see myself socially conscious to "diversity" (Chinese food is pretty good, as is Mexican), sympathetic (I'm sorry your home country treats you like crap) and generally a "live and let live" kind of person (you stay on your side and I'll stay on mine), I find myself struggling to even put words to the feelings I have toward this particular school board (and public schools in general), that would instruct a child as young as FIRST GRADE in alternative lifestyles. Won't they be aware of this by the time they're adults? We have it here in our public school system as well, but this one struck a nerve.
"Parents in the capital city of Alaska are urging school board members to respect their values when it comes to sex education and alternative lifestyles, even as one board member has claimed that allowing parents to exempt their children from objectionable curricula would be unconstitutional."
WTF? Since when is protecting your own family values (and, up until a few years ago, the entire country's set of values) unconstitutional?
"The school board is considering a new policy under which parents would be notified when their children are to receive instruction in the areas of (1) Puberty/Sex Education; (2) Child Safety/Abuse; and (3) Family Configurations. However, some proposals would give principals complete discretion in deciding whether to grant parents' requests to opt their children out of school instruction on these controversial topics. Parents are particularly concerned about curriculum labeled "Family Configurations," which appears to be a cover for pro-homosexual instruction. Current drafts of the district's health curriculum would teach acceptance of "all families," including homosexual, bisexual and transgender "families," beginning in the first grade."
The article goes on to say that even one school board member likened parents who wish to opt-out of this clearly-politically-charged sex education curriculum the same as "racists who fought desegregation during the civil rights movement." I find this comment abominable. Where are we going to draw the line at indoctrinating our children at these sinful, deviant, worldly, alternative lifestyles? I mean, is beastiality next? I can just see it now... "You know, Sam, I really enjoy sticking it to the Farmer John's horses and sheep every now and again -- hey, here's an idea, let's take it to the school board and start teaching our Kindergartners that this is an acceptable alternative lifestyle."
My heart breaks -- absolutely breaks -- for the children who are pawns in the political games being played out and how they are being deliberately led astray like sheep to the slaughter. Shame, shame, shame on these school board members (and anyone) who misleads a child from true morality and opens them to a life of sinful behavior. Matthew 18:6 says, "But if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a large millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea." (For the unitiated, a millstone was one of two huge stones -- like 2 tons each -- that were used to crush grapes and olives to make wine and olive oil. Try having that around your neck). Proponents of alternative lifestyles would say, "Yeah, but that's YOUR religion and not mine." I'd retort, "Well, let's just see who's right, shall we?" (I'm fresh out of grace today).
Personally, I think alternative lifestyles are totally deviant behavior and should absolutely, without question, NOT be taught in the public schools -- or any school for that matter. (As an aside....hehehe....I love the word "deviant" which actually sounds much much worse than the actual definition, which is simply: deviating or departing from the norm. But, it sounds just soooo slimy and icky).
Morality -- outside of the "treat others the way you want to be treated" mentality -- should be left up to the parents to train and teach their children. I thank God that He's shown Frederer and me truth, and that we, in turn, teach our children God's truths, confidently refute wordly confusion and lies, and protect our little ones as much as possible from the world. They'll have plenty of time to be in the world once they're older. As adults, they'll deal with worldly people, worldly viewpoints and worldly actions of those around them. As Kindergartners and young children, they need our protection and guidance on what is RIGHT, not what is alternatively "acceptable."
(Whew! I'm done venting now.)
Everybody, have a nice day now!
Having said that, I think our society and charities should care for the poor. We should have an immigration policy (albeit a tight one) and we should have not-for-profit health care. After all...the Fire Department is in the business of saving lives and they don't turn a profit. And, we have some of the most excellent fire apparatus and skilled firemen in the world. We won't lose our edge health-care-wise if we take care of everyone (heck, Australia and Britain have great healthcare and they're universal). That's not the topic du jour for today, but I will definitely comment on it in a later post.
Topic du jour is the silly, silly notion that the parenting of our children should actually be left up to the PARENTS (and not the schools -- and PUBLIC school at that). I admire and try to support the Pacific Justice Institute in protecting the family unit (be it from CPS, School Boards, whomever). If you haven't checked them out, please do so and consider getting involved.
Liberalism has reached even the farthest of our states -- Alaska. This article this morning pissed me off something fierce, and I just had to vent. I see myself socially conscious to "diversity" (Chinese food is pretty good, as is Mexican), sympathetic (I'm sorry your home country treats you like crap) and generally a "live and let live" kind of person (you stay on your side and I'll stay on mine), I find myself struggling to even put words to the feelings I have toward this particular school board (and public schools in general), that would instruct a child as young as FIRST GRADE in alternative lifestyles. Won't they be aware of this by the time they're adults? We have it here in our public school system as well, but this one struck a nerve.
"Parents in the capital city of Alaska are urging school board members to respect their values when it comes to sex education and alternative lifestyles, even as one board member has claimed that allowing parents to exempt their children from objectionable curricula would be unconstitutional."
WTF? Since when is protecting your own family values (and, up until a few years ago, the entire country's set of values) unconstitutional?
"The school board is considering a new policy under which parents would be notified when their children are to receive instruction in the areas of (1) Puberty/Sex Education; (2) Child Safety/Abuse; and (3) Family Configurations. However, some proposals would give principals complete discretion in deciding whether to grant parents' requests to opt their children out of school instruction on these controversial topics. Parents are particularly concerned about curriculum labeled "Family Configurations," which appears to be a cover for pro-homosexual instruction. Current drafts of the district's health curriculum would teach acceptance of "all families," including homosexual, bisexual and transgender "families," beginning in the first grade."
The article goes on to say that even one school board member likened parents who wish to opt-out of this clearly-politically-charged sex education curriculum the same as "racists who fought desegregation during the civil rights movement." I find this comment abominable. Where are we going to draw the line at indoctrinating our children at these sinful, deviant, worldly, alternative lifestyles? I mean, is beastiality next? I can just see it now... "You know, Sam, I really enjoy sticking it to the Farmer John's horses and sheep every now and again -- hey, here's an idea, let's take it to the school board and start teaching our Kindergartners that this is an acceptable alternative lifestyle."
My heart breaks -- absolutely breaks -- for the children who are pawns in the political games being played out and how they are being deliberately led astray like sheep to the slaughter. Shame, shame, shame on these school board members (and anyone) who misleads a child from true morality and opens them to a life of sinful behavior. Matthew 18:6 says, "But if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a large millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea." (For the unitiated, a millstone was one of two huge stones -- like 2 tons each -- that were used to crush grapes and olives to make wine and olive oil. Try having that around your neck). Proponents of alternative lifestyles would say, "Yeah, but that's YOUR religion and not mine." I'd retort, "Well, let's just see who's right, shall we?" (I'm fresh out of grace today).
Personally, I think alternative lifestyles are totally deviant behavior and should absolutely, without question, NOT be taught in the public schools -- or any school for that matter. (As an aside....hehehe....I love the word "deviant" which actually sounds much much worse than the actual definition, which is simply: deviating or departing from the norm. But, it sounds just soooo slimy and icky).
Morality -- outside of the "treat others the way you want to be treated" mentality -- should be left up to the parents to train and teach their children. I thank God that He's shown Frederer and me truth, and that we, in turn, teach our children God's truths, confidently refute wordly confusion and lies, and protect our little ones as much as possible from the world. They'll have plenty of time to be in the world once they're older. As adults, they'll deal with worldly people, worldly viewpoints and worldly actions of those around them. As Kindergartners and young children, they need our protection and guidance on what is RIGHT, not what is alternatively "acceptable."
(Whew! I'm done venting now.)
Everybody, have a nice day now!
Sunday, June 3, 2007
Officially Initiated
Officially Initiated
I'm declaring us officially initiated into the next phase of parenting. Where's my trophy?
We had to take Frederer's car to the shop this evening, so the whole famn-damily caravanned about 20 minutes to the Ford dealer. Frederer bought a Ford Focus a few months back as a commuter car, and it's working out great. Anyway, I notice that I forgot my cellphone and I think, "Oh I won't need it." HA! Murphy always strikes when you least expect it! And, as is true with any of Murphy's Laws, something will go wrong if given the chance, right when you don't need any hassles.
Background Info: we just upgraded the kids' carseats to boosters. And, the boosters these days are pretty cool, I must say. They come with their own cupholders and snack tray! HA! How much more should we cater to America's children, I ask you? Well, just a bit more actually. So, the kids are watching a DVD in our Expedition (Care Bears -- and if you've ever listened to a Care Bears DVD you can feel my pain). We're almost on the bridge, and I hear DD (darling daughter) say, "Mooooommmmmmmm? Ummm, Mini-Man put a Yogo in his nose."
WHAT?!?
His NOSE?
If you're unfamiliar with Yogos, they are the latest Kellogg's fruity snack. They're small and round (like Skittles) and fit perfectly into various orfices of a 3 year old boy. I wonder if the Marketing people at Kellogg's actually test market these items with parents. Or, do they just invite children to their focus group sessions?
I scramble to find the elusive cell phone. No dice. So, I speed up, honk at Frederer and motion for him to follow me. We pull over on the highway and cars, vans, semis, motorcycles, RVs, tow trucks and every other vehicle imaginable are all coming home from Tahoe and usually maintain a steady 80 mph on our highways. Ever so cautiously, I exit my rig and run back to inform my husband of what's happened. I freak out thinking, "Great, it's Sunday night at 6pm! Now we have to go to the ER and wait for hours on end, or worse yet I'll have to dig it out with tweezers!"
Risking life and limb, we open DS's (darling son) door, and I ask him what happened.
He points to his sinus cavity and says, "Yogo."
"Did you put a Yogo up your nose?" I ask.
He nods.
I think maybe if I gently stroke from the bridge of his nose down that it'll pop out. No such luck.
Crap! I can't even SEE it! However, I DO see the pink and blue yogurt slime that has melted off the Yogo which is now dribbling out his nostril and onto his lip. (Of course, he licks it).
Hubby jumps in... "Hey babe, look for a Kleenex." At this point, I need something -- anything -- to keep calm. This is no laughing matter! Food products and other items in nature do not belong anywhere in our bodies (except our tummies).
My husband is a genius I tell ya...a genius!
"Hey buddy," he says, "how hard can you blow your nose?"
Just as I'm rifling through the console looking for a Kleenex, DS takes a deep breath and puts all his mighty-might into blowing his nose -- WITHOUT A KLEENEX ON MY LEATHER SEATS!
Pop! Out comes the Yogo, which thankfully has now shrunk to half its size.
After a good scolding to never, never, never, ever, ever, ever put anything in your nose or ear (except your finger!), we resume our drive. Heck I'll take booger eating any day over this one.
For the remainder of the journey, I implement the Clark Griswold Rules of Car Travel -- No More Eating in the Car...EVER! Yeah, that'll last oh, about a day.
But for now, tragedy averted! No ER visit for our family tonight and no more Yogos.
I'm declaring us officially initiated into the next phase of parenting. Where's my trophy?
We had to take Frederer's car to the shop this evening, so the whole famn-damily caravanned about 20 minutes to the Ford dealer. Frederer bought a Ford Focus a few months back as a commuter car, and it's working out great. Anyway, I notice that I forgot my cellphone and I think, "Oh I won't need it." HA! Murphy always strikes when you least expect it! And, as is true with any of Murphy's Laws, something will go wrong if given the chance, right when you don't need any hassles.
Background Info: we just upgraded the kids' carseats to boosters. And, the boosters these days are pretty cool, I must say. They come with their own cupholders and snack tray! HA! How much more should we cater to America's children, I ask you? Well, just a bit more actually. So, the kids are watching a DVD in our Expedition (Care Bears -- and if you've ever listened to a Care Bears DVD you can feel my pain). We're almost on the bridge, and I hear DD (darling daughter) say, "Mooooommmmmmmm? Ummm, Mini-Man put a Yogo in his nose."
WHAT?!?
His NOSE?
If you're unfamiliar with Yogos, they are the latest Kellogg's fruity snack. They're small and round (like Skittles) and fit perfectly into various orfices of a 3 year old boy. I wonder if the Marketing people at Kellogg's actually test market these items with parents. Or, do they just invite children to their focus group sessions?
I scramble to find the elusive cell phone. No dice. So, I speed up, honk at Frederer and motion for him to follow me. We pull over on the highway and cars, vans, semis, motorcycles, RVs, tow trucks and every other vehicle imaginable are all coming home from Tahoe and usually maintain a steady 80 mph on our highways. Ever so cautiously, I exit my rig and run back to inform my husband of what's happened. I freak out thinking, "Great, it's Sunday night at 6pm! Now we have to go to the ER and wait for hours on end, or worse yet I'll have to dig it out with tweezers!"
Risking life and limb, we open DS's (darling son) door, and I ask him what happened.
He points to his sinus cavity and says, "Yogo."
"Did you put a Yogo up your nose?" I ask.
He nods.
I think maybe if I gently stroke from the bridge of his nose down that it'll pop out. No such luck.
Crap! I can't even SEE it! However, I DO see the pink and blue yogurt slime that has melted off the Yogo which is now dribbling out his nostril and onto his lip. (Of course, he licks it).
Hubby jumps in... "Hey babe, look for a Kleenex." At this point, I need something -- anything -- to keep calm. This is no laughing matter! Food products and other items in nature do not belong anywhere in our bodies (except our tummies).
My husband is a genius I tell ya...a genius!
"Hey buddy," he says, "how hard can you blow your nose?"
Just as I'm rifling through the console looking for a Kleenex, DS takes a deep breath and puts all his mighty-might into blowing his nose -- WITHOUT A KLEENEX ON MY LEATHER SEATS!
Pop! Out comes the Yogo, which thankfully has now shrunk to half its size.
After a good scolding to never, never, never, ever, ever, ever put anything in your nose or ear (except your finger!), we resume our drive. Heck I'll take booger eating any day over this one.
For the remainder of the journey, I implement the Clark Griswold Rules of Car Travel -- No More Eating in the Car...EVER! Yeah, that'll last oh, about a day.
But for now, tragedy averted! No ER visit for our family tonight and no more Yogos.
Saturday, June 2, 2007
Dreams 101
Dreams 101
I had a vivid dream last night in which I was flying. I remember running down the runway, spreading my arms wide and taking off. In one snapshot, I glided along at a low altitude, but on the most pronounce dream, I ascended very very quickly, almost like the earth had no gravity. I glided among the clouds for a short time and then landed again.
I am not even an amateur when it comes to understanding dreams. Normally, I don't even remember my dreams, but last night's was quite vivid. Because I wake up early on the weekends, and have about an hour to myself, I did a bit of searching online for an interpretation of the elements of my dream.
This article was very interesting and is a good read. Unfortunately, there's no widely accepted dictionary of dream interpretation terms, but it's generally considered that flying represents self-concept and self-esteem. This makes sense -- that I was flying high yesterday considering our day's activities.
My former boss invited our family to an event yesterday, we went and a great time. At the event, I saw another former co-worker, Rosie-Posie, who I had always admired, but never felt a connection to her, that she liked me or that I had ever earned her respect. I recall how I felt awkward around her and generally quite intimidated.
But yesterday, our family walked into the reception and she saw me first, immediately came up and greeted me. She introduced us to the entire group and recalled how she knew I was going to be a star from the moment she interviewed (and hired) me. WOW! She has two boys slightly older than our Ruby and Gorbulas, and the kids all played really well together. In fact, her eldest took a liking to our Ruby and they played together most of the afternoon! She and I chatted for a long, long time about all sorts of things -- and she seemed genuinely interested in my life these days, our family, our kids, motherhood, and in the fond memories of the past company for which we both worked.
It was a wonderful afternoon, so it's no wonder my dream was about flying -- and flying HIGH no less. The visit with her, 7 years after working with her, obviously had an impact on my self-concept and self-esteem at a subconscious level at the least.
It also makes me think about how much our words (or lack thereof) can tear people down or build people up. I'm so guilty of destructive thoughts and words. But, even a small kind word can lift a person to new heights. Proverbs is full of such wisdom, and 12:25 says, "An anxious heart weighs a man down, but a kind word cheers him up." And, so it does!
I'm good enough, I'm smart enough, and doggone it, people like me! :-)
I had a vivid dream last night in which I was flying. I remember running down the runway, spreading my arms wide and taking off. In one snapshot, I glided along at a low altitude, but on the most pronounce dream, I ascended very very quickly, almost like the earth had no gravity. I glided among the clouds for a short time and then landed again.
I am not even an amateur when it comes to understanding dreams. Normally, I don't even remember my dreams, but last night's was quite vivid. Because I wake up early on the weekends, and have about an hour to myself, I did a bit of searching online for an interpretation of the elements of my dream.
This article was very interesting and is a good read. Unfortunately, there's no widely accepted dictionary of dream interpretation terms, but it's generally considered that flying represents self-concept and self-esteem. This makes sense -- that I was flying high yesterday considering our day's activities.
My former boss invited our family to an event yesterday, we went and a great time. At the event, I saw another former co-worker, Rosie-Posie, who I had always admired, but never felt a connection to her, that she liked me or that I had ever earned her respect. I recall how I felt awkward around her and generally quite intimidated.
But yesterday, our family walked into the reception and she saw me first, immediately came up and greeted me. She introduced us to the entire group and recalled how she knew I was going to be a star from the moment she interviewed (and hired) me. WOW! She has two boys slightly older than our Ruby and Gorbulas, and the kids all played really well together. In fact, her eldest took a liking to our Ruby and they played together most of the afternoon! She and I chatted for a long, long time about all sorts of things -- and she seemed genuinely interested in my life these days, our family, our kids, motherhood, and in the fond memories of the past company for which we both worked.
It was a wonderful afternoon, so it's no wonder my dream was about flying -- and flying HIGH no less. The visit with her, 7 years after working with her, obviously had an impact on my self-concept and self-esteem at a subconscious level at the least.
It also makes me think about how much our words (or lack thereof) can tear people down or build people up. I'm so guilty of destructive thoughts and words. But, even a small kind word can lift a person to new heights. Proverbs is full of such wisdom, and 12:25 says, "An anxious heart weighs a man down, but a kind word cheers him up." And, so it does!
I'm good enough, I'm smart enough, and doggone it, people like me! :-)
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