Motherhood and other ramblings

Following the Money and Other Ramblings

2009-12-07T13:13:00.004-06:00

Where did Obama get $200 billion for jobs?

Oh, I see!

Signs of desperation:

Henry Reid trying to keep his congressional seat and the EPA in trying to take over your rights by controlling the emission of green house gases despite the now erupting Climategate scandal.

The need to control large groups of people by a very few number is growing still. Wake up y'all or we will be a third world country from our own laws. I can tell you that I don't believe in man made climate change or global warming or whatever the newest political title for it is. See the Bible says that God will destroy the earth with fire. That was a promise He made at the time of the flood about not destroying the world with water again. When you start with the Bible as your world view your investigations go a different way as opposed to starting with an evolutionist world view. The Bible isn't a science book but a lot of scientific information can be found there as a starting point for more investigation. It can also relieve fears of great global catastrophes that make people crazy and cry over trees.

Yes, I think God could use man to destroy the earth, but I think He would have said so. In the Old Testament He made no qualms about telling the Israelites that He would use them to punish countries that failed to acknowledge Him. He also told the Israelites that He would use Babylon to punish the Israelites for their own betrayal and idolatry. So I don't think God would not tell us that humans will destroy the earth if He was going to use us to do so.

The thing is though that God gave no time frame about the end of the world and the bringing about a new heavens and a new earth which is the hope of the Christians around the world. He said it will happen when no one knows, so the predictions of global threat in and of themselves should have given Christians pause to say something is wrong here regarding global warming or freezing as was the concern in the 70s.

Galileo was first criticized by scientists before the church sanctioned him at the request of scientists. So maybe we in the church need to step back and not follow so closely scientific discoveries unless these discoveries first start in the Bible. I mean people found oil in the Middle East because of descriptions given in the Bible. Even George Washington Carver used the Bible as his starting point in his discoveries of all the uses of peanuts.

All that being said, we should take care of our earth but not because it gives us life or sustains us because God does that alone. He needs no help from us mere men. So now that climategate is upon us, we can smile knowing that God is in control and has our best interest at heart.
Isn't that the message of the babe in the manger and the man on the cross?

Using faulty science based in a wrong world view is damaging to us humans, so we must not take science as the be all end all, start and finish. Start with a correct world view to explore the world God gave us, and He will not hide anything from us!

Quick Clarification

2009-12-07T12:03:00.003-06:00

Thanks for the kind words and prayers offered. I want to clarify that I am not bemoaning Christmas for G. I actually purchase her Christmas early so she is done. She is not getting everything on her list because: she doesn't need stuffed animals, rock collection is not something given it is something collected, we have projects all the time anyway (but I did get her some paint for stocking stuffers, leapfrog is just too expensive, and as far as the DVDs she asked for, she is getting one one her list and one she didn't ask for but I think she will like (I <3 Dollar Tree). She was looking at her videos when she was writing the list so she doesn't really want the ones she wrote she just wants some new DVDs. She doesn't need a new camera at all; she barely uses the one she does have.

About the computer that will do 4+4=8? I did find (on sale) a V-tech computer that is basically an age appropriate (ages 5-8) newer model than the one she has now which I hope I can convince her to give to our little friend AG. And this new one is blue, her fav. color.

She is getting some board games like Chinese checkers and mancala (read cheap games) and she is getting legos purchased in January before I got laid off for Christmas actually (see I told you I buy ahead). They were actually going to be Bday presents in April, but then I had too much for her for bday so I saved back the legos 2 sets actually. She did get one set earlier this year either for bday or family day I can't remember now.

So G won't have a sad/bad Christmas as far as stuff is concerned. She really wants to go back on "bacation" to see my aunt and her dogs in Nashville. That though is so not gonna happen. Plus Christmas isn't about stuff anyway. I am just stressed to the max about not having a job that it just is going to be a very tense, high emotion holiday, AGAIN! The last three Christmases have sucked actually as far as the stress level.

I just don't want anyone reading this to think that I upset that I can't give G a good Christmas because as far as stuff goes, I can. The most important thing though like a relaxing holiday atmosphere is going to be difficult with my stress and emotions. Fun times I tell you.

And if you are reading this and wondering why I am explaining about Christmas? you will need to go farther down in the blog to see why this Monday has shaped up to be just one more bad day in the life that is mine and read the comments for the need to clarify.

The Santa Visit and Wish List

2009-12-07T09:19:00.002-06:00

So 5 for G is the magic number. No screaming, no worry and she talked to him!!

So this is a pic of her letter to Santa. First pic is of the leap frog hand held game she wants, next is a pic of a computer that will do math like 4+4=8, next is a rock collection. Second row has three pics of seeds to plant like sunflower for the spring, 10 projects and 5 DVDs ("D"ora, "J"asmin, "W"innie the pooh, "B"arbie, and "B"arney). Next she lists "camera," "stuffed Animal Dog." Spelling help was by mom. Next comes "Legos," sounded out and spelled by G herself. And last "Stuffed Animal and a New Cat." When asked about the "new cat" she said it is a stuffed animal too. Thank goodness, we are not adding to our household with any more living creatures! And no the letter wasn't actually shown to Santa. That is for me alone, heh.

Remember Pearl Harbor

2009-12-07T08:29:00.002-06:00

I had the honor to thank a WWII service man for his service to our country at the shop so that was good. He struck up a conversation with me when in reality all I really wanted to do was waller in my self pity and read a book. The last WWI vet died this year and it won't be too much longer before the WWII vets are gone. We need to carry on all the memories of all the wars where they fought for our freedoms and rights ~~to just sit and read a book while waiting on a broke car~~ that our glorious president and his cabinet, congress and czars are slowly eroding.

Wake up America before it is too late. Let's do away with all the PC nonsense, call a spade a spade and quit believing there is a right to not be offended! Let's stop acting like animals but act as the special creation that we are of the ONE TRUE GOD Who loves us.

The mechanic (nice transition huhn?) said what ever is wrong with my car "ain't good." But that I can drive it no more than 10 or 15 miles and need to return on Wed. when he can get to it. Apparently whatever it is he has to move a bunch of stuff off the motor. He also couldn't get it to smoke again after I brought it in. Thankfully one of the workers saw it smoke when I drove up so he knows something is dreadfully wrong.

What a day. What a year.

It Really Is a Spiritual Battle

2009-12-07T07:40:00.002-06:00

And I think I am failing. So last Sunday I committed to give the tithe to my church on income (gross) even though I am currently unemployed. I have been giving to three ministries but not the full tithe each month. So this past week my car started smelling. Apparently there seems to be a small transmission leak. I prayed that God would hold my car together until I got a job and either could afford the repairs or a newish car. I really was hoping God would hold it together for me.

This past Sunday with my tithe check written in my purse I was waiting for the children's Sunday School people to show up so I could drop off G. One of the ladies in my own Sunday School class stopped by to talk and handed me an envelope and said, "Merry Christmas." I thanked her and put what I assumed was a Christmas card only in my bag. I forgot about it. After church I rememberd the card and when I opened it there was a $100 bill. WOW! Thank You God for that grace You showed me through one of Your servants.

Turn the page now on Monday, I drop G off at the school for the bus and notice smoke coming from under the hood of my car. It stops long enough for me to get home and now I have to take it to the garage hoping the little bit of driving I am doing won't cause flames! I have no money to pay for repairs. I need a car if I ever get a job. I have no prospects on a job. I have no creative outlet or money to start my own deal. It is Christmas coming up the whole "Most Wonderful Time OF the YEAR" ya' know and I have debtors calling me up to 8 times a day. (Yes I know I owe the money and will pay what I can which is not much). Now the car I need desparately is broken with no money to pay. Yippee!

As soon as I am back home I will post the promised pictures of Santa and G. At least someone has hope, huh?

Mondays Suck!

Sunday Ramblings

2009-12-06T17:26:00.003-06:00

"333333333333333333333333333333338 nn" Direct quote from Simon, the Cat.

G just asked me if Jesus' mouth has germs. Don't you love the very random (to me anyway) questions from 5 year old brains?

My mom's church put on a play about being stuck in an airport at Christmas. I could so totally see this transformed into a made for TV movie/musical for Christmas. It is an original play with original music by one of the youth directors and the music director of the church. They have some significant talent. It was way over G's head though so Grandad took her to Wally's world and then to the gym to play basketball.

Tonight before the program started, I overheard my mom telling one of her friends that the little girl who G used to sit by on the bus told G to her face that she doesn't like her, doesn't like her skin or her hair. G did not tell me this. This happened on Friday. A while ago I had the bus driver move G from sitting by this same girl because the girl sad ugly things to G when G, per the driver's instruction, would wake her up to get off the bus.

I asked my mom what she did or said and she just told G that the girl was just not a happy person anyway and for G to just forget she said it. I so am angry at this little girl. The friend my mom told said that this girl's mom would be furious if she knew but the little girl would deny saying it so it won't be told. Besides when I G just now if anything happened at after school that I needed to be aware of she said, "no."

Then mom had the audacity to tell me I couldn't protect G forever but then I had a great idea, ziplock bags big enough to fit her in. I told my mom the truck driving thing was looking better all the time. I had suggested that I drive a big rig and take G with me to home school on the drive, heh. Now like I said, it is looking like a good thing to keep her by me and never let her get hurt.

We just returned from a fun evening of seeing Santa where G not only did NOT cry but also told him what she wanted for Christmas. She had drawn me a list so I will post it tomorrow along with the Santa pics. We also attended a hand bell choir which was really good except that G played games on the preacher's wife's Iphone. So much for cultural exposure for G. I mean really hand bells are as much a feast for the eyes as for the ears!

Call Me Sick, But This Is Funny

2009-12-05T08:06:00.002-06:00

Sorry, I just laugh everytime I see this. I am not sure why I think this is so funny but I do. You can
see more Lolcats and funny pictures by clicking the link. If you need a laugh really you must visit the Lolcats then check their extra links for the site, There I Fixed It.

Keeping Busy But Not Yet Working

2009-12-03T15:08:00.002-06:00

Here are some pics from the Thanksgiving "bacation" we took. Not sure what happened to that one pic but some others are posted on the photo blog. G really fell in love with my aunt's two dogs and still asks if I think they miss her. They were really really tired when we left and slept most of the day according to my aunt, heh. G really wore them out.

So I am still jobless, no prospect, still looking. I have been volunteering with a para-church ministry on a food giveaway which has kept me and my mom (also volunteering) busy for this week. Still volunteering at G's school when needed.

So far the sub is coming along. She said she still doesn't know where everything is so the class is a bit behind (not happy about that either) but that she will get it all done (I hope so). Still not sure if she will be the one to take over permanently until after the first of the year. G has 2 weeks and 1 day before the two week Christmas break, ugh.

Working on Christmas card list. I will send what I have (left over cards from Christmases past) until all of G's holiday (from school) pictures are gone. Hopefully, I will have a job next year and my Christmas list will be back on track and I can send more cards but this year, not so much! Praying that next year everything will be better! I am so ready to see 2009 go the way of history!

I have been really tired lately and am not sure why. I probably am having a bit of depression trying to set in, no wonder huh? Probably a spiritual battle as well as I really need to prepare Sunday school lessons each week and am almost too tired to think. Anyway, thanks for stopping by and reading here all this year whether or not you agree with my POVs or not!

Hope for America or Rather, Hope from America

2009-12-01T16:43:00.002-06:00

Seems to me that we need another more timely message about the greatness that is the USA. We need a rags to riches story after all the terrible things we hear about America from Universities who want to teach about only the oppressive America, the main stream media that looks down on the majority of Americans and from all of Obama's apologies throughout his travels.

This story of Ralph de la Vega is just that story. It is the promise that others see when they see the USA. It is about the hope held out to those stuck in countries crippled by socialism or communism. It is what makes America great. A 10 year old boy coming alone after the communist takeover of Cuba and working his way up to be the President and CEO of AT&T Mobility and Consumer Markets. What a timely message this book brings. Do you know anyone who needs hope this Christmas? This is that book. Check it out!

For this review, I received a copy of this book.

Home Again, Home Again-Doing a Jig

2009-11-30T17:42:00.002-06:00

G had a wonderful time on the "bacation." She loved my aunt's dogs. She wore herself out so that by Friday afternoon she fell asleep on my lap sitting up watching a Christmas video and slept about 30 mins or so. The dogs were still napping on Saturday afternoon from her visit and playing with them. Last night G told me that my aunt would def. miss her walking the dogs with her every afternoon. G even said that my aunt would prefer to have G there walking the dogs there than to have my uncle back with her to walk the dogs, heh.

The drive home was roughly uneventful. I say roughly because G periodically complained of being car sick, except that she doesn't get car sick so ~~like any good mom~~ I ~~ignored her~~ was very concerned and rolled her window down and back up several times to get her fresh air. She did sit on the side of the car with the window and the very intense sun. So as I pulled off the interstate onto the road to take us home, G threw up. I drove us home so I pulled over and thankfully we had clean clothes to change her on the side of the road. Dad cleaned the car out when they went home.

They basically dropped me at my car so I could go get the dog and clean up the cats' expected mess. I was not disappointed in the cats; they made a glorious mess! YUCK! Oh and G said, "I can't beweeve we selled ahr dog." I said, "We didn't sell our dog, G." She said, "Well, selling is the same as giving it away and we selled hur."

Boy were all of our animals glad to see us. That night all three of them slept somewhere on top of me. Poor Simon didn't even do his usual kneading, he just plopped down on top of both G and me to make sure we stayed put, I guess.

Going back to school was very hard leading to an after school melt down. Don't ya just love those? Oh but G is ready to go back for Christmas break, heh.

Welcoming Black Friday

2009-11-27T08:47:00.000-06:00

Yeah, so I welcomed it in at around 8:00 am. I am no Black Friday girl. That will be the Santa breaker because I will not be going to get things for future Christmases that I will have to purchase on the Friday after Thanksgiving to say Santa brought it!! It is worth the extra price for me to avoid the early morning and all the obnoxious crowds, not that I mean you if you are a Black Friday shopper cause I know you wouldn't be obnoxious!

Our Thanksgiving dinner was pretty traditional but G ate Ramen noodles which was so fine by me. We had a good time helping my aunt prepare dinner and just being together. G finally got the dogs to mind her and play ball with her. A cold front came through but the house is nice and warm.

The big disappointment came with the whole going to Opryland Hotel. About 12 years ago I went to a conference for work that enabled a group of us to go to the hotel and see the Christmas lights/decorations. We had dinner at one of the restaurants and watched the light show. It was magical. But things have def. changed. First, the lights are still wonderful but the actual decorations are not what I remember, there used to be vignettes of snow villages and carolers walked around singing to everybody. Even the events were (today) closed or cost extra. Plus there was a Pentecostal youth something or other and three different shows going on so the people were everywhere. So I would not recommend anyone going unless they wanted to spend the extra money and attend a show like the rockets or what-not; then it really might be magical. For us, not so much.

We may be driving home this afternoon or tomorrow depending. I need to get the dog and had no idea a Friday night stay would be involved thus I left only food enough for the cats for 3 days not and I can't remember about the water situation. Plus I know my cats will have poo'ed on everything just to get back at me for leaving them, never mind all the puppy pads I left out for them.

Plus, I really need to pick up the dog on Saturday which by the way I failed to mention that after G and I dropped her off, G fell apart. She hasn't missed her while we have been here, but while driving home to meet my parents G was very upset. I told my mom I could never get rid of the dog even if I wanted too because G was so upset at just dropping her off for the three day vacation.

Anyway, this has been fun and I am so glad I didn't have to get up early this morning! If you did, I hope you found the bargains of your dreams easily and without a fight! I truly don't begrudge you that!

Happy Thanskgiving!

2009-11-26T08:14:00.001-06:00

G's Thanksgiving list (as quoted to me by G):

1. friends
2. family
3. Kleenex
4. mama's love
5. earth
6. God made the earth special
7. water
8. hearts
9. movies
10. bacation
11. Jesus died on the cross
12. pilgrims
13. Indians
14. light
15. planets
16. pictures of mama (not that there are many of them around)
17. The sky because Jesus is up there
18. God
19. books about Jesus
20. poem books
21. disciples
22. animals
23. projects and colors
24. good germs
25. everything in this wuherld (aka: world) for Jesus and God

My Thanksgiving list:

1. My wonderful, fantastic daughter, G
2. wonderful parents
3. friends
4. Jesus salvation offered for free
5. vacations
6. if I have to be unemployed, now is the best time because of the extensions
7. antibiotics and sinus medicine
8. my cameras
9. Christmas coming
10. crafts
11. movies to watch with my daughter
12. books
13. for not having a serious illness
14. for living in a country (for now anyway) that is free and has the best medical care (not health care) in the world which is exactly what the world needs-medical care not health care.
15. a bed to sleep in
16. a place to live
17. clean water to shower and cook
18. shoes to wear not just to wear but to wear for style as much as protection
19. ministries that help the poor and orphaned in the world
20. a currently working car (or SUV, paid for)

It's a Bacation

2009-11-25T07:57:00.000-06:00

My very kind parents agreed to pay to board my dog so G and I could accompany them to Nashvegas to visit my mom's sister who is spending (or was) Thanksgiving alone. We are leaving today. G became very stressed about this "bacation" and truly cried because she didn't know where we would sleep (Aunt has lots of beds), with what she would play (bring some games), what she would eat (I reminded her that my aunt has a kitchen and there are grocery stores to buy her "durty wice" and mac n cheese or noodles), what about an accident (in clothes not car-take extras), what about the cats (leaving them with food/water), where is Clementine going? (to a kennel) and all other combination of kindergarten worries.

She wants to take everything including all her "thousands of toys." She said most grown ups don't like "chiwldwen's shows" so what is she going to watch? And what about K-LUB? (KLOVE the radio station). She even asked me what about the clocks? I told her we aren't moving so we don't need to pack our clocks.

So far she has packed two board games, her baby doll's clothes, the tiger that she likes baby doll to ride on, the horse she received as a bday gift, wanted to take all of her cars (ALL. OF. THEM.-I said NO), jacks, two decks of cards, 5 DVD movies, and anything else she could think of that would fit in the "here mama there is some space" part of the suitcase. I packed one suitcase for the both of us last night.

She even has an activity bag for the car. Not sure who is going to ride in the back to entertain. Probably grandad, don't feel sorry for him, he enjoys it.

So we plan on one evening visiting the Opryland hotel to see the lights and just hanging out visiting. I told G this is like her first Bacation she can remember. Literally is the first overnight for me since 2006, WOW! I almost forgot how to pack a suitcase, heh.

Nashvegas, Baby! HERE WE COME!

On a Lighter Note

2009-11-23T11:43:00.005-06:00

Or otherwise titled, "The Drama That Is Kindergarten." Sunday morning as G and I ate breakfast she very seriously looked at me and said, "Mama, C is in lub with me."

I said, "C? How do you know?"

She said, "I saw it in his face and asked him."

I said, "You asked C if he was in love with you? Did you tell him you are too little?"

She said, "Yes, and he telled me he is."

I said, "Why did you ask him?"

She said, "I wanted to know because I don't want to fall in lub with him. I hope I don't fall in lub with him. Even when I grow up I hope I don't fall in lub with him."

I said, "I hope you don't too, baby."

Later that morning she was playing with her bitty baby whom she named Gracie Leigh Jane (I think. There is def a Gracie Leigh in it.) and I asked her if she wanted me to fix her to carry her. She agreed so I fixed her to wear the baby. They were going fishing you see and Gracie wasn't wearing socks so G didn't want her to get splinters in her feet.

By the way, this is the "I really want to have my picture taken but I might be just a bit embarrassed and/or proud of what ever the reason for the picture is" look. She can't replicate it on command either, I have tried to get her too. This is pure G emotion showing!

By the way, thanks for the comments on Ms. Cate. Her memorial service was Sunday afternoon and G did not attend. I would have let her, my mom was against it and G didn't want to wear a dress. Decision made, heh.

Three of her classmates were there with their moms. The little neighbor girl, P, and her family sat with us. I ended up holding her as she fell asleep in my lap, too much perhaps? Her little legs were jumpy. I told her mom, L, that she was chasing rabbits, heh.

The next big step will be cleaning out the classroom. They are not going to make a decision until after Christmas. Another Ms. C will be the permanent sub to help the principal make a decision.

November 20, 2009, RIP, Mrs. Carol Cate

2009-11-20T16:49:00.003-06:00

Glenys' kindergarten teacher passed away this morning. She was pronounced DOA at the hospital but more than likely she was already gone when the ambulance arrived. Due to the swelling caused by the tumor it appears that the fluid may have caused a stroke.

The school called all the parents of the kids in her room or told us as we dropped off children at the school. I was called as G usually rides the bus. I arrived as the principal was still talking to the kids.

I had actually gone back to bed feeling rather poorly due to the sinus infection. When I got the message I immediately left the house to get to the school without having had ANY coffee. By noon my head was hurting so badly, and I HAD NO clue as to the reason. The no coffee thing didn't occur to me until after 2pm as I was taking G to spend the night with her grandparents. Two aleve didn't relieve my headache so my dad made me coffee at 4pm, and that is helping (not that you are asking). I love my dad.

Anyway, Mrs. Cate's husband and children will need MUCH prayer to get through this time. The photo is deceiving, as she was much younger than she looks. The cancer unbeknownst to any of us at the taking of the picture was already growing. Services are this Sunday. Thanksgiving is next week.

The little neighbor girl who was also in her class (I will just call her P) will need lots of prayer as well. She lost her dad last Christmas to cancer, and Mrs. Cate was like a second grandma to her.

Pray for the kindergarten kids who will have an indefinite sub for the time being (probably until after Christmas). There will be a time to revisit the loss when someone removes all of Mrs. Cate's things from that room which will make the room itself look different.

Pray for the sub as she is coming in mid year needing to pickup and not lose any of what has already been learned. This is going to be a tough year.

This picture was on the first day of school.

Pssst! Hey You, YES, YOU!

2009-11-19T13:40:00.002-06:00

Wanna chance to win a Target gift card? Then hop over here to Shanti's blog for the rules and chance to win. ~~Or don't go giving me a much better chance to win myself.~~ I am sharing this info because I do not want to be known as a stingy blogger, heh. Good luck on the win too.

Welcome to the Home of Hack and Spit

2009-11-18T08:36:00.002-06:00

Cough and wheeze. We both have a sinus infection. YIPPEE! The sounds at bedtime made by G and me are interesting to say the least. G is on antibiotics for ten days as well as flonase before bedtime and a codeine based cough medicine for night only. I am on the self prescribed sudafed which will take longer but will still clear me up. Sleep here is short and tempers for us both are shorter.

I kept G home yesterday because I felt she needed the rest to heal but she didn't rest. I did. I took a morning nap from 8 to 10:30 while she interrupted not much and played with her legos. Then she brushed her teeth and washed her face by herself without my help at all. She said she even used hot water to wash her face. I usually get her wash cloth ready for her to wash her face and then I put toothpaste on her brush for her but in the a.m. she brushes her own teeth.

G is in school today even though she was quite grumpy this morning too and told me she didn't want to be absent yesterday! Well, sorry babe, won't happen again for a long time if I can help it. She complained about all the work she will have waiting for her, heh. She said, "I only wike to play!" And that was said with the head moving side to side, hmmm, wonder where she learned that?

G has a desperate need to control and it is in controlling the little things that cause the battles to rage between us. They all seem to be such minor battles but built on top of each other creates many tears and really bad attitudes for us both. Hard to explain as no one really sees it outside of our house so therefore no one believes it or understands how it is not good to be that controlling as a child. It shows a lack of trust and not very good attachment. How do you explain to someone who isn't experiencing it or doesn't want to see it?

Around the World by Noon

2009-11-14T16:52:00.002-06:00

We traveled all through Europe this morning seeing works of the Masters all before noon today. One of the art museums had a free admission today with some art projects like making a postcard or a picture frame as well as the Masterworks exhibit as a scavenger hunt. They arranged the paintings so that each room was a different country like Italy, Spain, Netherlands etc. One of the theaters even performed several songs from Narnia play/musical being performed in our area this season.

It was kind of fun but taking a 5 year old to see some of the Renaissance paintings, you know, with the women not truly clothed like in Susanna and the Lecherous Men painting, or Venus holding her exposed breast, well, let's just say we had to talk a lot about the body today. Of course lots of the Biblical paintings with Christ on the cross were difficult for her too. She knows the story but really hadn't seen or thought about what would that look like. As we looked through the paintings I talked about them with G so much so that one lady stopped me and said, "I thought you were a curator." I wasn't sure if it was a compliment or an accusation.

Then it was back near home for a bit of horse riding at a birthday party for one of G's classmates. I had to tell G she would never ever get to ride a horse if she didn't take the chance and do it today. She had told me she wouldn't ride it at all then when she did she rode it twice saying it was fun. Sometimes the whole battle is in getting her to try something new.

A Picture of a Picture

2009-11-13T15:54:00.002-06:00

If one pic is worth a 1000 words then a picture of a picture must be worth 2000 or would you half that? Just kidding. Anyway, this is G's kindergarten picture. The first time they took the pic G had molluscum on her face so I waited for the re-take. We got the pictures back Tuesday and I was so pleased. The colors and her smile, I just love the pic.

Kindergarten Teacher Update

2009-11-13T14:29:00.002-06:00

Ms. C does indeed have cancer. She has an aggressive (apparently) lymphoma but she didn't say it was non-Hodgkin's or not. She did say her doc is very pleased with whatever it is because of his belief that chemo and radiation will wipe it out. Ms. C is being wiped out by the cancer already. She has decided that she is going to take off Mon-Wed(her oncology appt) because she is so tired. She is wearing support hose to help with the swelling in her legs. Ms. C has really aged in these three months of school even.

G was trying to explain them to me last night and got frustrated for me not understanding what she said; although, I did understand or figured I knew what she had and I was right. G had to ask her today what they were and Ms. C gladly showed them and let her touch them. She said that G touched them like they would bite her, heh.

Yes, I did go again this week (non-intentional third time) to have lunch with G and was asked by the distar teacher to come visit them when I am there next week (she knows I go once a week for the whole day). I haven't gone to sit in on G's distar group because I wasn't sure how G would react or if she would participate with me there. She can be very funny about participating when I am around.

Today I met the pre-school teacher, Ms. E, there to introduce her to the principal and Ms. C so Ms. E can use her break time to tutor some and try to get a job there soon. The principal said next fall there would be openings as they are adding 4 new classes onto the building. I appreciate Ms. E's faith in me to help her get a job there but really I don't have a job so how does she think I am going to help her?

Ms. E is going to have to quit the daycare in order to get into the district, first as a sub then as a teacher. While she waits her two weeks out she is going to volunteer on her break to help some of the more behind kids. Her hubby wants her to quit but she is the reluctant one. I think she thinks it won't keep her busy enough nor pay well enough. On the pay she is right but the busy she is wrong. They always ALWAYS need subs. And no I don't want to sub.

Thanks, Tartan Marine

2009-11-12T05:33:00.000-06:00

When The Ta-Li-Ban Come Back
When the Ta-Li-Ban come back,
Then we girls will quit the school
For the acid they would throw
Would our faces burn away.

When the Ta-Li-Ban come back,
Women will not doctors be,
Jobs are not for such as us,
Worthless creatures owned by men,
They may beat us as they please.

When the Ta-Li-Ban come back,
I will marry old Rashid,
I must make a good third wife,
For I’m nine and just the age
Of the Prophet’s youngest bride
When she graced his marriage bed.

Peace should be upon his name,
He is perfect in all things.
Baby-wives obey and serve,
Keeping tears from off our cheeks.

When the Ta-Li-Ban come back,
Women then will know their place,
Mother must the burka wear,
Never show a man her face,
Father must go out with her,
Or they’ll whip her in the street.

When the Ta-Li-Ban come back,
Girls must not report a rape.
Lacking four Believers who
Testify it was by force,
They would scream beneath the stones,
Dying for adultery.

When America goes home,
And the Ta-Li-Ban come back,
We will know to thank you for
Living as our mothers lived,
All subservient to men,
Thirteen centuries ago.
~Robert A. Hall, Former SSgt, USMC Permission to publish this blank-verse poem is granted to anyone with the courage. But remember Theo van Gogh and the Danish cartoonists.

From the Bottom of My Heart

2009-11-11T06:47:00.001-06:00

A Million Thanks and Deep Gratitude for those men and women who have sacrificed their lives for our freedoms.

Thank you, men and women of the military for your service.

Thank you to the families for your sacrifice as well.

Tell me, Have you thanked a soldier today?

Linda's Random Dozen

2009-11-11T05:04:00.003-06:00

1. What was the last song you listened to? How He Loves by David Crowder Band

2. Have you ever had “buyer’s remorse” over anything? Everything and I have not-buyings remorse over a skirt that I didn't buy when I should have. I think that is worse, heh.

3. What is something in your life that you are thankful for now that you didn’t think you would be at the time of the event? (Something that seemed ill-timed, inconvenient or hurtful which turned out to be a good thing) I am not sure I wish to think that deeply today, in a bad situation right now can't see the light yet.

4. Do you watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade every year? If so, do you have a favorite float or balloon? Yes every year. Underdog I think is my fav.

5. Share a quote, scripture, poem or lyric which has been an inspiration to you lately. Jermiah 29:11-12 I am clinging to that right now.

6. This is meant to be a fun question, and this is a G-rated blog, but please share a “guilty pleasure,” something that you enjoy that’s probably not the most edifying, time-worthy or healthy thing you could be indulging in. Did I mention--G rating? reading blogs, they are better than books!

7. What Thanksgiving food are you looking forward to? I have never liked traditional Thanksgiving foods. My grandmother then mom makes different foods for me (not because I ask because I don't) but fried chicken with mashed potatos and sawmill gravey and bisquits was my grandmother's treat to me and mac n cheese with shake and bake pork chop is my mom's treat

8. What is your favorite book to read to children, or what was your favorite childhood book? just about all of them as I read them to my daughter. I do really love Olivia books too though.

9. Do you collect anything? (Feel free to post a photo.) I collect precious moments, coffee mugs and museum books of places I have been. I relatively new collection is Santas of the world but I think I have missed most of those. I would like to have the Santas of the places I have visited though.

10. Gift bags or wrapping paper? what ever is easiest or I have in the closet.

11. Share an after-school memory from when you were younger. What was your routine like on an average day? we would walk home to my grandmother's home to wait on my mom to get off work. On Fridays she worked late so we all ate dinner at my grandmother's home and watched Donny and Marie Osmond. I remember literally rolling on the floor laughing at that show. I was roughly kindergarten or first grade.

12. True story: Once, in a job interview, I was asked this question and told there would be no clarifying; I simply had to answer the question: “When you’re fishing, do you feel for the fish?” So what about you? When you're fishing, do you feel for the fish?? yes I feel very sorry for the fish who die a slow death but I don't fish and I don't like fish other than fried catfish and not the meat but the fried crust part mostly and tarter sauce.

We Should NEVER Forget

2009-11-10T11:01:00.002-06:00

The victims of communism lest we become those victims now. This week was also the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin wall. Thanks in large part (all part) to Ronald Reagan who never was honored with a Nobel peace prize. Maybe we should come up with an alternative prize the Ronald Reagan Prize for World Peace and Justice because military strategy will keep the world at peace and not communism. That is a failed (over and over and over again) government system that the Obamas of the world want to force on their own people. We must stand up to big government to stop the tyranny of the world.

Time To Do Away With Unions

2009-11-10T10:18:00.001-06:00

I had to post this from Instapundit's site. Very important to understand the dangers of big government! Stand up and call your senators and congressmen to stop big government. It is for the very future of our country.