Eliminated Due to a Business Decision

I am alive and I owe you an apology

2008-05-18T18:07:00.002-05:00

Hello Blogworld...I am alive and I owe you an apology. My schedule has been hectic and I don't have any excuses. This is the first year that I have had a real girl scout troop and we've been busy. We sold a ton of girl scout cookies, earned badges and I am now certified for camping. Chris has already laid down the proclamation, "NO Camping in our family". Too Bad!!

I have also taken 2 semester classes in the "Way of the Master" at church and have led someone to Christ. It was totally amazing. I also gave my testimony for the first time in my life and again it was an amazing, terrifying and emotional experience.

C is starting Kindergarten next year so we had to do an IEP which basically is what the goals are for his learning and achievement over and above being a normal Kindergartener.

I promise to write more and get over the time issue and writer's block issue.

I have also just finished reading "Wicked" and it is a great book but a little too graphic for me. My Sunday School Classmates are going to see the Broadway play in December and I can't wait for them to tell me about it.
Please accept my apology for not keeping you in the loop but life got in the way and I need to reclaim my writing.

Have a great week!!!

Beamer 319

Can you say "UH OH" in Chinese

2008-01-03T20:48:00.000-05:00

As I took the last 1/2 hour of my lunch break to catch up on the latest news on CNN, I saw an article where the global economy has hit the U.S. A. big time. It appears that China is investing its resources in our banking and stock markets to help our economy. China is aggressively investing in the U.S. publicly held companies as well as playing in our stock market. This is a bad idea.

http://www.clarionledger.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071223/BIZ/712230342/1005/biz

We are now becoming dependent on foreign countries for our economic growth. Since its less than 10% of the companies assets and they do not have stock votes, the government says its o.k. I believe this isn't good a good idea. If China invests enough in our financial situation, how can we (as Americans) be assured that China won't use it against us as a negotiating tactic?

I am not comfortable with foreigners investing in our finances or wanting to utilize a privately held coastal business where custom officials aren't allowed in.

This is the first step towards the downward spiral of dependency on foreign aide. Lets get our budget under control and be more fiscally responsible and stay the INDEPENDENT Nation that we want to be.

Beamer 319

Disney is For EVERYONE!!

2008-01-02T20:56:00.000-05:00

For Christmas, our family went to Disney and as you know we have a son who is mobility impaired to an extent. He walks with the aid of crutches and leg braces. This was our first time to Disney with the exception of Chris who has been several times. My concern as a mom was that all of the kids would have fun and be able to get around but most of all be happy.

Since we have a handicap parking pass, we were able to park at the front entrance of the park. At Magic Kingdom (which was Day 1 and this post will be about), there is a wheelchair waiting in the parking area for your use. We were able to transfer C to the wheelchair and put his crutches on the back of the chair to push him down the walkway to get to where the wheelchair rentals were. The price isn't bad. $10 day or if you rent for 3 or more days, then the rate was $8 a day. We paid for a 5 day rental.

Going to the monorail was easy. We went up the ramp with the rest of the patrons and when the cast member saw us, we were ushered to the handicap entrance where they provided a ramp for easy boarding. Once all of the wheelchairs, strollers were on, the the rest of the patrons were able to get aboard and find a place to rest for the 10 minute ride.

We went during week 50 for this year and the most we waited in line was about 10 - 15 minutes. The cast members were always polite and asked if he needed to stay in his chair or could we transfer him to the ride. We transferred C on all of the rides and he had a blast. His sisters also had a great time and enjoyed the interactions with the characters.

The characters were awesome. They would engage C and make him feel especially important. His sisters were also treated with big hugs and autographs. Since the crowds weren't huge, we were able to maneuver C around easily and he enjoyed talking to the cast members and touching noses of the characters he met.

The kids were ecstatic to meet their favorites; B - loves tinkerbell so she traded pins to collect a good supply of tinkerbell pins and she loved meeting the Princesses, K loves Cinderella and I thought she was going to pee her pants with excitement when Cinderella arrived at our table during the princess dinner. C loves Pluto. He told him "I wub u" a bunch.

We also had purchased tickets to Mickey's Merry Christmas Party. 20,000 tickets were sold and we all had to wear wristbands. We had a blast and when we arrived at the Character Dance, Chip and Dale (the chipmunks) made C's night. They took his hands and danced with him so he could be with his sisters and the rest of the kids.

A cast member came by and asked if the characters were paying enough attention to him and I said that everyone was doing an awesome job. It still brings tears of joy thinking about him dancing with the rest of the kids.

So if you are planning a trip to Disney and have mobility issues, don't worry. This is the year of a million dreams and Disney will make your dreams come true as they did for us.

Here's to your dreams,

Beamer 319

Its a New Year but the same ME!!

2008-01-01T17:36:00.000-05:00

Our New Year's Eve family blast was the usual except the kids decided to make home made confetti and we had a confetti fight at Midnight. What fun and what a mess.
We visited Chris' grandmother who has passed the 90th year of life and she is still smart as a whip and glad to have family come and visit and take watch out for her.
Its the start of the new year and I am still looking for the right job with the right attitude. I don't make resolutions as I will break them within the 1 hour mark so I don't do it. I am hoping to get more into studying the Bible to equip me to deal with life. I am finishing up my first evanglism class and will be getting ready for the second the class. Its a pretty cool class as it gets me out of my comfort zone.
I am also hoping to drop some weight so I can wear the "cool" clothes again and be the "cool" mom. I want to go a little more green so my part will include eating less gaseous foods so I won't produce too much methane gas which should help the ozone.
Since we are going into an even year I am hoping that the oddball stupid stuff that has happened to us in 07 will not happen in the wonderful 08 even year.
Did you make any resolutions? Do you keep them?
Let me wish you a happy new year!

Beamer 319

Authors are Blooming all Around

2007-12-13T18:28:00.000-05:00

My daughter's B's first grade teacher has published his 2nd book. Its in the stylings of Eragon and other Fantasy Science Fiction Reading. If you want to support a local author, he lives in Colonial Heights, and love to read, please read the description below and if you like, please purchase it through Amazon.com for $10.17

Knight Of The Dove
Publication Date: November 2007 Published By: Kerlak Publishing ISBN: 0-9788777-6-4 ISBN 13: 978-0-9788777-6-7
SynopsisAmaria Eversvale, the Knight of the Dove, is a ruined woman. Once a proud soldier and icon of the Illidor army, her life has been tragically altered forever. In avenging the brutal murder of her husband, she had called upon the dark gods and committed a massacre at Erdoth Fortress. Now a victim of the sinister god's sinister whispers, her life has become a constant struggle to ignore the temptations and promises of evil.Author's NotesStylistically, Knight of the Dove vastly differed from my previous novel, Tower of Ruin (or anything else I’d written before). In an attempt to exercise my creative muscles, so to speak, I approached this story in a manner that proved difficult, but was ultimately quite rewarding. It’s still written in typical 3rd person, but almost the entire script is viewed from a single person's perspective. I intentionally came in thinking this would be an "anti-plot driven" novel, centered exclusively on one character, that being the heroine (though calling her a hero is subjective), Amaria Eversvale. I was reaching for a wistful, almost brooding, atmosphere. I’m quite happy with how it turned out, and wouldn’t change anything. It’ll be interesting to see how the readers respond to it. People might hate it, they might not. In the world of fiction, you just never know . . .Please note that the prequel to this book, the short story “A Dove Before Dawn,” (in the Time Intertwined Anthology) is included at the beginning of the novel as a special addition.
Website design and programming by William A. Kooiker© Copyright 2005-2007

Keep Reading,

Beamer 319

Dads are Important Too!!

2007-12-11T22:33:00.000-05:00

I was reading articles on the web as I usually do and found this awesome article written by Roland Martin on CNN on the importance of fathers in black America (his words). This is so dead on.

The article stated that if fathers stepped up tothe plate when they get their girlfriends pregnant and took the responsibility, the jails would be less crowded. He also went on to say that teenagers should be looking at colleges instead of baby names. Unplanned pregnancies happen but we shouldn't shun the girl, congratulate the guy and treat it as a blue ribbon day.

As a mom, I can say that regardless of race, dad's are important. Our children look to dad for play and to see how far they can push the boundary. Daughters will look at their dad and will see what kind of husband they want or don't want based on Dad. Sons look to dad to see what kind of man they want to grow up to be. Sorry mom's but we can't be a dad. We can only do the best that we can because face it, we don't think like boys or men.

Parenting is an equal partnership. It takes two to have a baby and it takes two to raise one. Don't discount dads because they didn't give birth. Their role as provider and leader teaches the children the importance of both sides of parenting. Our children of today are our teenagers of tomorrow and adults of the future. Lets give our kids the chance they need by giving dad the credit he deserves and show the importance of their role.

If you want to read the article, here is the link: http://www.cnn.com/2007/US/12/11/roland.martin/index.html

Hope you have an awesome night!!

Beamer 319

Can you truly go Green?

2007-12-08T08:17:00.000-05:00

This past week, I have been reading a lot of articles on being green and how we can do some simple things to stay green. It may be simple but I don't believe it will truly happen. If you want to get rid of the green house effect, it will mean you will have to make a real commitment to do it. This is what the scientists are saying:

It seems that divorce is paying a huge part to the green house effect. If no one was divorced in 2006, there would be 1 million less houses which would mean a decrease in trash pick up, use of electricity, less gas being used in cars. Can people go back to the era of no divorce. That would be awesome and you would be helping the environment. I do believe in divorce where physical abuse occurs but because you changed your mind about being married because it got hard is now unacceptable. We need to save the environment. So remember the original "I do" means forever.

The second thing we need to do is not pass gas. It seems that humans, pigs, cows and sheep produce so much methane gas that it is causing the green house effect. The Netherlands produce 50% more methane gas than anywhere else in the world. So say good bye to Mexican Food and other foods that cause the production of the passage of gas or you can buy an over the counter product like Beano. The kangaroo on the other hand does not produce methane gas so they don't need to modify their eating habits. So invest in Beano or another over the counter medicine that stops gas passage. Remember to be like Roo.

So remember, if you want to help the environment, stay married and don't pass gas. Sorry husbands, but when you pass that gas under the blanket and then barricade your wife under the covers so she can get the full effect, this is counter productive to having a green environment.

Have a great weekend.

Beamer 319

I went to a Birthday Party and the Guest of Honor was Ignored

2007-12-07T17:55:00.000-05:00

I go to this birthday party every year and I wonder why people who come ignore the guest of honor. They don't wish him a Happy Birthday. People always say it was the best party of the year and what a great way to be with friends but they ignore the Guest of Honor. It truly upsets me when I see this happen so I decided to post about it to get some feed back.

Every year, people anticipate this birthday party and buy all sorts of gifts and take up the stores Christmas sales. How would you feel if people who loved you and knew it was your birthday and instead of saying Happy Birthday (insert your name), they would simply say Happy Friday or whatever the day of the week it was? People who didn't like you came by anyway just to see what was going on but didn't speak to you or accept you. How would you feel?

If you haven't guessed it, I am talking about Christmas. This is the Christian celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. Its HIS birthday. Do you say Happy Birthday Jesus on Christmas Day? During this Christmas Season, do you say "Merry Christmas" or do you take Christ out His day and say "Happy Holidays"?

If you don't believe in Christ, why do you celebrate it? I'm curious to know. It doesn't matter to Jesus, he loves you no matter what but it hurts Him to know that you reject him.

Please remember that Christmas is the time of year to Celebrate Jesus' birthday but its also a time when the world can start with a fresh beginning and we can hope for better days ahead.

Merry Christmas and please remember the true meaning of Christmas.

Beamer 319

Lessons Learned as a Wife

2007-11-29T22:02:00.001-05:00

We've been married almost eight years so we have passed the proverbial seven year itch. However, I must say that I myself usually got the itch to leave about once a year. Usually due to a nuclear catastrophe that seems to appear yearly in our marriage. However, I remember the things that I learned and stay in for the fight. This is what I have learned:

Husbands don't change their spots. When we were dating my husband had the same flaws that he has now. I chose to ignore them or thought that I could fix them. The flaws are a part of who he is so I just pray about whatever it is that he is doing that I find annoying. I can even pray out loud for the world to hear if I want to.

I am not perfect. I also have my flaws and imperfections. I didn't marry a "yes dear". I married a person and when my ugly shortcomings arise, I hope he prays for me. I have to remember that I am only one person and I cannot do it all or have it all.

When I said I do, it was a Commitment. I made a commitment for better or worse, sickness and in health. This also includes patience, understanding and kindness which I seem to run short of during times of getting ready for work and putting kids to bed. So when my husband disappoints me or hurts my feelings, I will be there for the long haul by forgiving him. True forgiveness never brings it up again and moves on. You don't forget it, you just ignore it.

Just because your married, it doesn't mean the pursuit stops. We have a monthly date night. During the date night, we don't discuss work or children. We actually try to stay connected as a couple so when the kids grow up, I won't wake up and say, Hello. Who are YOU??. Keep talking and its ok to have different opinions and a good debate.

Sex shouldn't be a reward. It should be about romance. Sex should never be about winning a bet. When it becomes a type of reward, it removes the wanting to over to the "have to" side of life. Sex should always stay in the want column.

Its o.k. to have a girls night out or a guys night out. Its important to stay connected to your friends and to have fun with them. Friends should be yours, mine and ours. Trust is what keeps you together and your friends keep you grounded. My friends knew me before I was a mom so they remind me of who I was when I get too judgemental of others.

Most of all, Love should be patient, kind, and understanding especially when you're blogging and you are interrupted by your loving husband who wants to talk about the football game with all the trimmings. Just smile and say that's great. I'm glad you had a good time.

In the eight years that we've been married this is what I have learned. I hope to learn more but more especially, I hope to beat the odds and be married to one guy for hundred years.

Have a great night.

Beamer 319

Wisdom of a 9 year old

2007-11-29T19:20:00.000-05:00

When I was in my daughters' room tonight, I came across this carefully folded piece of paper. On it was written 3 things on Love:

1. Love is a Miracle

2. Love is Important

3. Love is a wonderful thing

Wow! Don't we usually take the ones we love for granted. I know I do. I will take B's advice and remember the three things of love.

Here's to love.

Beamer 319

Special Needs Kids get Robots to Drive

2007-11-27T22:31:00.000-05:00

I was watching Art Fennell tonight and they were speaking of the latest developments for special needs kids. Having a child that didn't walk until he was 3 and being mobility impaired his entire life, it is with such awesome excitement that I learned what the University of Delaware has developed.

The focus of this important and innovative research being conducted at the University of Delaware that could have significant repercussions for the cognitive development of infants with special needs. The University is seeking candidates to use this innovative equipment which is a blessing to those parents who want their children to be independent.

Here is the article that is located on the University of Delaware Website:
"Two UD researchers--James C. (Cole) Galloway, associate professor of physical therapy, and Sunil Agrawal, professor of mechanical engineering--have outfitted kid-size robots to provide mobility to children who are unable to fully explore the world on their own.
The work is important because much of infant development, both of the brain and behavior, emerges from the thousands of experiences each day that arise as babies independently move and explore their world. This is the concept of “embodied development,” Galloway said.
Infants with Down Syndrome, cerebral palsy, autism and other disorders can have mobility limitations that disconnect them from the ongoing exploration that their peers enjoy.
“If these infants were adults, therapists would have options of assistive technology such as power wheelchairs,” Galloway said. “Currently, children with significant mobility impairments are not offered power mobility until they are 5-6 years of age, or older. This delay in mobility is particularly disturbing when you consider the rapid brain development during infancy. Their actions, feelings and thinking all shape their own brain's development. Babies literally build their own brains through their exploration and learning in the complex world.”
When a baby starts crawling and walking, everything changes for everyone involved. “Now consider the negative impact of a half decade of immobility for an infant with already delayed development,” Galloway said. “When a baby doesn't crawl or walk, everything also changes. Immobility changes the infant, and the family. Given the need, you would think that the barriers to providing power mobility must be insurmountable. In fact, the primary barrier is safety.” Therapists and parents fear a young child in a power wheelchair might mistakenly go the wrong way, end up in a roadway and get hit by a car.
“This is, of course, understandable, and is the same fear that every parent with a newly walking infant faces. It is the solution to the safety problem that is the real barrier. The current clinical practice is to avoid power mobility until the child can follow adult commands,” Galloway said. “Your parents didn't wait until you followed their every command before they let you walk--they held your hand, they required you to stay near them and alerted you to obstacles in your way. This is the way infants learn real world navigation, and it is exactly these safety features that are being built into our mobile robot.”
“Our first prototype, affectionately called UD1, was designed with smart technology that addresses each of these safety issues so that infants have the opportunity to be a part of the real world environment,” Agrawal said.

UD1 robot developers (from left) Sunil Agrawal, professor of mechanical engineering, James (Cole) Galloway, associate professor of physical therapy, and Ji-Chul Ryu, a doctoral candidate in UD’s Department of Mechanical Engineering.The tiny robot is ringed with sensors that can determine the obstacle-free roaming space, and will either allow infants to bump obstacles or will take control from the infant and drive around the obstacle itself. The next prototype, UD2, will build on the current technology to provide additional control to a parent, teacher or other supervising adult.
“In this way, we can bind technology and human need together to remove barriers for movement in the environment,” Agrawal said.
Galloway said no one had ever tried using robots with babies--early experiments show that seven-month-olds can learn to operate the simple joystick controls--and he is passionate about the possible benefits to children with special needs of even younger ages.
“Infants with limited mobility play in one location while their peers or siblings go off on distant adventures all over the room or playground,” Galloway said. “With the robot, they become the center of attention because their classmates want to try it. We predict that this increased social interaction alone will provide an important boost in their cognitive development.”
The idea sprang from a parking lot conversation in which Agrawal approached Galloway, who he knew worked with babies with special needs, and said he might have developed something of interest. Agrawal is a robotics expert who had been developing a fleet of small, rounded robots that could work as a unit through a wireless network.
Galloway knew of Agrawal's successes with rehabilitation robotics for adults but admitted to being anti-robot for pediatric rehabilitation at first. Galloway was convinced otherwise within minutes of his first visit to Agrawal's laboratory. “When I saw his little robots, it was easy to envision a baby driving one,” he said. “We knew from our previous work that newly reaching infants could use a joystick to control a distant toy. This and other research strongly suggests that very young infants can be trained in real world navigation. It was a special feeling to see a potential solution to a really serious health-care gap for young kids. There was and still is a special tingle when we think of the not so distant future. “
Thus, UD1 was born. The researchers took their robot to the UD Early Learning Center, which has a wide range of infants, a gymnasium for initial training on the robot and a varied outdoor landscape to use as a test track.
“It was a relief when we saw that the children quickly grasped the use of the joystick,” Agrawal said. “If they had just sat there or cried, it would have been back to the drawing board. But over time we have seen them gradually increase their time with the robot and the amount of distance they cover.”

The tiny robot is ringed with sensors that can determine the obstacle-free roaming space, and will either allow infants to bump obstacles or will take control from the infant and drive around the obstacle itself.The project will now move on to a second generation with more than one robot. The goal is to place multiple mobile robots with special needs infants in communities throughout Delaware and to gather data to analyze how they are used and what the children learn so that the research team can continue to make modifications.
Both note that Delaware, with its mix of urban, rural and suburban communities, is a model state for a clinical project such as this. “For a real world mobility device to emerge, we have to build it for exploring the real world experienced by infants and their families, and then rigorously study its performance in that world,” Galloway said.
Both said the project will significantly expand understanding of young infants' learning capacity and provide a model for tracking the development of real world exploration with laboratory quality data.
They believe the training, robot design and new technology derived from the project will provide the foundation for the first generation of safe, smart vehicles for infants born with mobility impairments.
They want the UD1 product to be light enough for moms to stow in a car trunk, and robust enough for babies to use in the home, yard and playground, and maybe even the beach.
This interdisciplinary project is bringing together students and researchers from fields that have had little or no interaction: engineering, early childhood education and pediatric therapy.
“The research, educational and health care impact is hard to overestimate, given the critical nature of early development, the relatively short time to prepare special needs infants to enter mainstream education and the complete lack of power mobility early in life,” Galloway said. “This project has so many positives, and is of interest to so many in the community. We are encouraging everyone interested in special needs infants to get involved--from parents to policymakers. We are thinking locally and globally at the same time.”
He added, “Although there are special needs kids in every community, you have never seen a special needs child driving themselves down Main Street in Newark, and neither has anyone else in any community anywhere. They, and often their families, are hidden citizens. We predict that very soon that will change in Newark, and then across Delaware, and then who knows. But time is of the essence because there is a baby being born right now who could use this today. That is the race we are in, so back to work.”

The UD1 robot is being developed to be light enough for moms to stow in a car trunk, and robust enough for babies to use in the home, yard and playground.Agrawal, who directs the UD robotics laboratory, received his doctorate in mechanical engineering in 1990 from Stanford University, where he was a research assistant in the university's robotics laboratory. He taught and conducted research at Ohio University from 1990 until 1996, when he joined the UD faculty. He received his bachelor's degree from the Indian Institute of Technology in Kanpur and his master's degree from Ohio State University.
Galloway, who directs the UD Infant Motor Behavior Laboratory, received his doctorate in physiological sciences from the University of Arizona in 1998 and joined the UD faculty in 2000. He received bachelor's degrees in exercise science and biology from the University of Southern Mississippi in 1987 and in physical therapy from Virginia Commonwealth University in 1989.
Providing important technical support to the project is Ji-Chul Ryu, a doctoral candidate in the Department of Mechanical Engineering with expertise in the planning and control of mobile robots.
The UD Early Learning Center is a focal point for interdisciplinary research on early learning and development, prevention, intervention and education. It provides exemplary infant, toddler, preschool and kindergarten care to a diverse population of approximately 180 children, specifically targeting children with risk factors including poverty, foster care and disabilities. ELC is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children, a recognition awarded to only 5-7 percent of all child care centers nationwide. The center, which is part of the College of Human Services, Education and Public Policy, received the Governor's Award of Excellence in Early Care and Education in 2006.
Article by Neil ThomasPhotos by Kathy F. Atkinson "

Thank you University of Delaware for helping our children assimilate better in our communities.

Beamer 319

Redskins Lost, 911 called and Crabs in FEMA Trailer

2007-11-19T20:11:00.000-05:00

And that's how our Sunday ended. The Redskins lost a close game. Dallas actually earned the win as the Skins did give it their all. Shortly after the game, we had to call 911 as my husband injured his hand while doing a "honey do" list item. The crabs are in a FEMA Container as they lost their home due to the accident.

I had asked my husband to dump the sand out of the terranium so we can put in fresh sand and make the crabs happy as they have been kind of crabbie (no pun intended). While dumping the sand, he lost control of the terranium and it cut his hand. He came into the house saying "Help me, I'm bleeding". It was a mess. I couldn't tell where the cut was and Chris couldn't elaborate so I called 911. The ambulance came along with a Police Officer. The Officer showed up to make sure that I didn't do willful harm to him or he didn't try to kill himself. I told the Officer that the Redskins had lost but it wasn't worth dying over. He saw Chris and said "Hey aren't you K's dad?" You gotta love a small town. Anyway, once he verified that this was indeed an accident, he went off his merry way. The ambulance bandaged him up and off they went. Since the ambulance was there, we had one spectator and he was wearing Dallas from head to toe. I guess he wanted to make sure that it wasn't a game related injury.

The crabs lost their home so they are in a temporary container without food or water. They should be fine for today. We are getting a bigger and better home for them. Hopefully, they will enjoy their new digs since we are responding quicker than the big guys.

Chris went to Patient First and got his tetanus shot and was reprimanded for not getting stitches. The doctor loved my wrapping job since I had to rewrap his wound after putting peroxide on hit. Needless to say the One Handed Chris needs to make friends real soon so he can go to the restroom. He also golfless for awhile.

So that is how our weekend ended. Hope you had a great weekend.

Beamer 319

Women don't have rights in Saudi Arabia

2007-11-18T08:33:00.000-05:00

I was reading CNN this morning before church and came across an article regarding a rape victim in Saudia Arabia is being punished by 200 lashes and 6 months in jail. It seems the 19 year old female met with a male without an escort. Both of them were abducted and raped. The male rape victim isn't getting in sort of punishment because after all he is a male.

Her lawyer now has been barred from representing her because her case has gone public in an attempt to influence the judiciary process. As the rapists prison center increases so does the female victim.

Here is the link to the article:
http://www.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/meast/11/17/saudi.rape.victim/index.html

You thought the US has issues. Saudi Arabia is supposedly one of our allies but you don't hear much about how they treat their female citizens. What are your thoughts?

Happy Sunday!
Beamer 319

New Zealand doesn't allow FAT IMMIGRANTS!

2007-11-17T19:54:00.000-05:00

I was reading Fox News tonight and came across an article where a U.K. couple were seeking residency in New Zealand and the Immigration department denied the wife entry as she was overweight. It seems that their government funded healthcare system can't afford it.

Here is the link:

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,312056,00.html

With all of the discussion regarding immigration reform and universal healthcare, could we be heading toward the New Zealand way of thinking? My stance is clear on universal health care, we shouldn't do it as this will increase our taxes even more than what we pay and will have to wait months to see a doctor or worse yet have to travel out of our way to get medical treatment.

I, however, like the fact that New Zealand has an enforceable immigration law where we can't even protect our borders. What are your thoughts? Do you want to live the New Zealand Way??

BROWNIE TURF WARS!!!

2007-11-15T18:17:00.000-05:00

I have been told by my daughter's school teacher that a Brownie Turf War has formed in her classroom. It seems that K and her troop mate M have engaged in a bit of brownie turfdom with 2 other girls in her classroom from another troop. School yard fights now have a new twist.

When Ms. R asked for Brownies to line up, it appears that the other troop insisted that K and M were not Brownies but imitators as they were not a part of their troop. K and M not taking this too kindly told them they were in a Brownie Troop and K said my Mom's the Leader. The argument according to K went something like: Other troop, "My troop is better than your troop". "K and M's response was "My troop is doing Friends are Fun Badge and Yours isn't...NANANANA BOO BOO to YOU!!" The 4 girls are not speaking but giving each other the "look".

Who would have thought that being a Brownie would be like this. I reminded my troop that the Girl Scout Law says that we are sisters to every girl scout so we should always try and get along with them and not engage in turf wars. My troop agreed so we will have to wait to see what happens on World Thinking Day in February or closer still the Christmas Parade.

If you see on TV where Brownie troops were engaged in troop fighting, you knew about it first as you heard it here in the land of Blog. Just so you know Brownies are 1st and 2nd graders so we are not talking middle schoolers.

Hope you have a great night!!

Beamer 319

When Acorns Attack!!!

2007-11-14T23:05:00.000-05:00

My house has turned into a war zone thanks to the Oak trees and the falling acorns. If you like being pummeled by marble size acorns and walking on acorn marbles, then my house is the place to be.

We love the fall. The leaves change color and the air smells fresh and crisp. We don't love acorns. We have 2 huge Oak trees that shade the front of the house. Its wonderful during the summer time. But during the fall of acorns, we are now required to make a dash.

Acorns fall continuously and you can hear them hit the roof of the house. Its sounds like sleet. The front yard is covered in acorns. When you walk on them, it feels like walking on marbles or worse yet ice. As you strive to keep your balance walking to your car, it is raining acorns. Acorns falling on your head hurts. If you enjoy being pummelled by marbles, rocks and hail, then you would love the feel of the acorns.

The squirrels are smart as they travel from branch to branch avoiding the rain of acorns. I think secretly, this is their way of getting revenge on us for taking back our attic. You know how possessive squirrels can be. Last year they would peer through our bedroom window and give us that look of "You just wait!!"

My truck has dings on it caused by acorns. I don't have acorn coverage on the insurance so I guess I will have to live with acorn dings. Who would have thought acorns would be considered a deadly weapon. So beware when the acorns attack your house.

I hope you have a great night. I am off to sleep to the sound of acorns hitting my roof.

Take Care,
Beamer 319

Colonial Heights Gets it Right In Education

2007-11-08T22:27:00.000-05:00

Tonight was the 2nd Annual All A Recognition to all of the students who had an all A average in school for last year. Our oldest daughter has made both Recognitions. I think Colonial Heights has a lot of issues just like every where else but where we excel at is recognizing the importance of hard work and giving great award.

The award was a wrist watch. The face of the watch says Colonial Heights All A Award 2007. What a cool thing to give someone as recognition for the time that was spent in doing homework and studying for tests. The Award Ceremony is possible because of the Education Foundation which raises money all year round. We also receive donations from local businesses as well as individuals. Through a group effort, Colonial Heights is able to hold this award ceremony.

There were 479 students recognized from 5 schools. The breakdown is Colonial Heights High School, Colonial Heights Middle School, Lakeview Elementary, North Elementary and Tussing Elementary. The whole ceremony started promptly at 7 and was over by 8:10pm. We stayed for the refreshments and we were on our way home by 8:15pm. It went by efficiently and everyone had a great time.

The one thing that I did notice was that the high schoolers were dressed casual as though this was no big deal. The middle schoolers were dressed in sunday casual. The elementary students would win best dressed as they were dressed to the nines with one wearing a full on suit with tie. Its interesting how the perception of the award as it relates to the students age. B wanted to wear her Christmas dress but I was able to persuade her to save it for her holiday dance at school and she should wear the other dress we purchased that is reminiscent of the 1960s.

All the students were proud as peacocks and I can't wait until the pictures are available for purchase. As I said, Colonial Heights has its problems but when it comes to education they do excel.

PROPS TO COLONIAL HEIGHTS EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM!!!

Have a great night!!

Beamer 319

I am so Confused

2007-11-07T22:04:00.000-05:00

I am so confused on how this blogging works. Yesterday, I was skimming posts and saw a post from the editor to the Richmond Music Journal. She married the son (Bobby) of a great friend of my (Saundra). I left a comment on her blog. Did all of the steps including the keying in the crazy confirmation thing you do. I went back to her blog last night to see if she had responded to what I had written. My comment wasn't there. It was like it never happened.

Last night I started writing my blog and had to save it. My husband hops on the computer and whips out something to write about and posts it. I go back to my writing and post after him but it appears on RVA Blogs as though I had posted way ahead of him. My post appears on the 2nd page instead of the first. I don't understand.

Today at work, I stayed a few minutes late to leave a comment on a fellow bloggers writing "Godless and Proud of It". I left a lengthy comment and went back into it tonight to see if he had a response. Guess What!! No Comments. What is going on....

Am I not doing something right or is this like HEROES where I am locked in my own nightmare. Can't get it to post right.

ARRRGGGGHH!! Please help me by telling me what in the world is going on.. Why won't my comments stay??? Am I that boring or worse yet too controversial for the world?

Your enlightenment would be of great help!!

Beamer 319

This Article Broke My heart on so many levels

2007-11-06T20:25:00.000-05:00

I was reading online articles on MSN, Fox News and CNN. I came across an article regarding a girl who was a conjoined twin and one of the twins died. This little girl was born with 4 arms and 4 legs but that's not why my heart broke.

My heart broke because the village where this little girl was born in India thought of this little girl as sacred and did not support the family's wishes to let the 2 year old have surgery to remove the extra limbs. It also broke my heart that in India, the family only makes a $1 a day and couldn't afford the surgery. She is getting the surgery because of the hospital's foundation.

The village is going to build a temple so they can worship her. She is a little girl. She is not God. It saddens me that this little girl who deserves a normal happy life will be looked upon as a God and not the child she is.

It also brings to light how we take things for granted. We have Hollywood writers going on strike for more money. We complain when we have to pay bills and when we can't get a day off of work. We don't consider that we are rich compared to 2/3 of the world. Even our poorest in the United States are richer than people in 3rd world countries.

Here is the link to the CNN story in case you would like to learn more.
http://www.cnn.com/2007/HEALTH/11/06/india.girl/index.html

I hope you have a great night and remember that you are wealthy beyond your dreams.

May God Bless You,

Beamer 319

Sheetz is NOT Family Friendly

2007-11-05T21:34:00.000-05:00

My daughters play Soccer so on a Saturday morning, we stop at Sheetz to pick up a snack and water before my 7 year old's soccer game. The magazine rack is next to the snack aisle and displayed prominently on the upper rack (all 3 rows) were adult magazines. I am talking Playboy, Vixen, Nude of the Year along with the Hunting magazines. The adult oriented magazines ( I call it PORN) were in clear plastic wrap and displayed so my daughter could see it with ease.

I wrote to the corporate office describing what I saw and how dismayed that I was at the "family friendly" atmosphere wasn't so family friendly. Here is the response I got from my email concerning this issue:

"Thank you for your recent email concerning Adult Magazines. We always appreciate our customers taking the time to talk to us. While we understand that you may not care to read some of the magazines we sell, it is important you know that Sheetz does not sell pornography. The adult magazines we sell are not pornographic, as this is illegal. Understand Sheetz is committed to being a responsible retailer. Not only do we abide by the law, we take many extra steps to address the concerns you have about products ending up in the wrong hands. We have taken the utmost care with how magazines are displayed, being sensitive to the fact that families shop in our stores. We require adult magazines to be sealed in a plastic bag with only the title exposed. We also display the magazines only on the highest shelves, in the back, to limit viewing to adults only. We also restrict the sale of adult magazines to customers over the age of 18, and require identification at the point of sale to ensure the age restriction is not violated. We are in the business of providing all our customers with the kinds of quality products and services that they are looking for. It is not our intention to offend any of our customers.
Thank You,

Jim Coleman"

According to Sheetz Playboy, Hustler, Vixen are not pornography. I'm sorry but if you have to be 18 to buy a magazine because it has naked women or men then to me its pornography.

My children and I will now go to WAWA or any number of other gas stations in our area. If you don't mind your children seeing these types of magazines prominently displayed then you should go to sheetz, but, if you agree with me, please take a stand as a parent.

Hope you have a great evening!!

Beamer 319

Richmond is a dark place (Literally)

2007-11-04T08:00:00.000-05:00

After a year of watching Miami Ink, I decided that for my husband's and my date night we would go to high end tattoo parlors. I have had friends get work done and he is thinking of getting another one. So after dinner at Sage Brush, we went to downtown Richmond.

We entered Richmond from 95 at MCV Hospitals and travelled west on Broad. It was pitch black. There weren't any street lights. I was excited to see a Cold Stone Brewery and several other chain restaurants. When I attended VCU, my mother worked at Pizzini Poster and Printing beside Capital Garage. All that now belongs to VCU. There are loft apartments on the second floor and businesses on the first. Pretty cool. People were out but not to do any type of walking around because there were not any Street Lights. They were double parking there cars and running in and getting what they wanted and coming right back out due to the lack of light.

WHY????? Has Mayor Wilder gone on such a spending spree that he forgot to pay the electric bill. The new street lights are pretty but don't put out any to no light. Richmond is supposed to be revitalizing. How can you capitalize on the new businesses on a weekend night if you don't provide lighted areas for the people to feel safe. I don't get it.

Anyway, we went to 2 tattoo parlors (Red Dragon and River Tattoo). I was not impressed with Red Dragon. They were playing head banging extra loud music. They only had flashes to display and the customer service was not personable.

We went to River City Tattoo next. I loved this place. Not only did you have to get buzzed in but they had the tattoo artists portfolio for you to look through. They also weren't playing any headbanging music and it felt more like a cool place to hang out versus a get in and get out kind of establishment. The artwork was also very good and it left a confident feeling that you would get quality art for your money.

I hope you all had a great weekend and if you get a chance, drive through Richmond on Broad Street at night and see the darkness. It's as scary as any halloween movie.

Take Care,
Beamer 319

The Golden Compass is not for my kids!!

2007-11-03T14:48:00.000-05:00

You may already know about this, but I just learned about a kids movie coming out in December starring Nicole Kidman. It's called The Golden Compass, and while it will be a watered down version, it is based on a series of children's books about killing God (It is the anti-Narnia). From what I understand, the hope is to get alot of kids to see the movie - which won't seem too bad - and then get the parents to buy the books for their kids for Christmas. The quotes from the author sum it all up.

The author is an avowed atheist. His name is Philip Pullman and there are many quotes on the web regarding his anti christian and anti God beliefs. I usually don't condemn movies until I get the whole story. I went to snopes and it is true that the hope is for kids parents to purchase the book and support his anti christian agenda.

http://snopes.com/politics/religion/compass.asp

I can't control what people say or do. I can, however, control how I spend my money. I won't support this movie even though it looks pretty good because of the message it sends. I also don't watch any movies that Ian McKellan is in since he announced that the Bible was fiction. I hate to see Nicole Kidman in this kind of movie but sometimes we have to take a stand for the better good.

I hope that you will make a wise choice in your movie selections but as for me and my family, this is one movie that we won't see or add to our movie collection.

Hope you have a great weekend.

Saturday, November 3rd Goodwill To Others Day!

2007-11-02T21:03:00.000-05:00

In case you didn't know, tomorrow is good will to others. If you want to clean out your closets and do your community good, November 3rd is the day.

The Girl Scouts will be at the area Goodwill Stores during the month of November accepting donations. For every pound, the Goodwill Stores will donate 10 cents to families in need through a voucher system. The families can redeem the vouchers for goods that we take for granted on a daily basis like clothes and household items.

Sorry I haven't posted in a while. Life is getting busier with soccer, scouts, school, work and church, blogging seems to have become a luxury.

Take Care and get those closets cleaned out. It will do your community good.

God Bless!!

Beamer 319

Paper - The New Ear Plug

2007-09-30T15:18:00.000-05:00

I called home on Friday and my mom answers the phone oh so sweetly, "I am so glad that you called". Now, when she answers the phone like that, I know to take a breath and ask Why?

She then starts to tell me that K came home from school crying that her ear hurt. When she digs and pries into K, she discovers that K thought the bus was too loud so she shoved some tissue paper in her ear to cut out the noise.

The tissue paper was stuck in her ear so I called Chester Peds and the Nurse Practitioner says to put water in her ear to get the paper to swell to see if we can get it out with tweezers. If we can't call them in the morning and they would see her. When I called an hour later, the paper was out and K was in a good mood.

Saturday is Soccer Day in our household until 11/10. K has a 10am game and she says she is fine. Plays soccer and after the game says her ear is starting to hurt. She continues to play throughout the day and stops and says it hurts. We call Chester Peds again.

The Nurse On call asks if there is more paper in the ear and we said no. She calls in numbing drops. My mom gets a flashlight and looks in K's ears and wouldn't you know there is more paper. We call back the On-Call Nurse and she says we can go to CJW. I want to go to St. Francis. She insists on CJW.

We get to CJW at 6pm and we see the Nurse Practitioner at 8pm. They dig in her ear for 15 minutes with a tool too big for her ear and she can't hold the light in the ear to see where to get it out. K starts screaming and bellowing in pain. Chris has a hard time handling this and the nurse wants us out of the room. Chris said no way.

The nurse brings back Dr. POMPOUS. (Not a real name but a real attitude). He asks K how old she is and she says 6. He asks her why does she cry like a 3 year old. He then pulls out a tiny pair of tweezers and the nurses exclaim that they didn't know they made them that small. He is able to hold the light and use the tweezers at the same time and pulls out not a piece of tissue paper but a piece of plastic paper. Similar to a candy wrapper. K is happy and we are relieved until the doctor comes back with a little sign and tapes it on K saying that "I am 3 years old".

I am not happy about Dr. POMPOUS. I want to complain to the administrator but Chris feels its best to let it go as he did calm K down and get the paper out.

So since K has done the scientific testing for paper as the new ear plug, the results are paper is definitely not the way to go as ear plugs.

Hope your weekend was great.

Beamer 319

Time Touches More Gently Here - Boston

2007-09-30T14:10:00.000-05:00

The Swan Boats in Boston Common

On my second day in Boston, I realize its 9/11. I didn't realize, however, that 2 of the planes that crashed came from Logan Airport and therefore a lot of the tourist attractions were closed in remembrance of this tragedy. It then decided to rain at 11am for the rest of the day. I stayed inside of the hotel and slept and dried off as I didn't bring any fall clothing or rain gear. Next time, I will. On Wednesday, Chris and I went to Boston Commons and there, we found the memorial garden commemorating the victims of 9/11. These are the two pictures that I took of the memorial garden. My husband thought that it was disrespectful of me to take the pictures but I wanted to take them so I will not forget that Boston was as deeply affected by this tragedy as New York.

The inscription in the circle in the second picture and seen in the third picture reads as follows:

"Time touches all more gently here,

here is where man has said, "No:

trees, grass and flowers will remain;

where the first-born sometimes sees

his father's father's eyes

reflected in the shallow pool;

feels an ancient heart beat

in the palm of his hand

pressed against a willow;

and seeking comfort and seeking shade

lies beneath the golden leaf elm

watching swan boats glide in season.

From the Boston & Sea Poems by

Lawrence Homer

Poet Laureate - Faneuil Hall

Chris and I did take a ride on the Swan Boats in Boston Common and it was such a peaceful ride. Boston and I will always remember as will the rest of the Nation.

Beamer 319

New England Aquarium - Boston

2007-09-28T21:28:00.001-05:00

Jelly Fist Exhibit.
70 year old Turtle
Penguins

The New England Aquarium is run by volunteers. The first thing the volunteers learn is how to feed the penguins and then as they become accustomed to the habitat, the volunteers can move up in position to host information seminars on the exhibits and work in the sick ward of the aquarium.

The aquarium recycles the water from the Boston Harbor and pumps back out the water. This is environmentally sound and is more healthier for the animals. The cost to get into the aquarium is $18 and the gift shop is reasonable and is pretty awesome. I picked up my souvenir (a magnet) and the girls got bracelets.

If you are ever in Boston, you should go to the New England Aquarium as it has a lot to offer and you will be amazed at how many exhibits are there.

I went to Boston and got a FREE HUG!!!

2007-09-28T21:16:00.001-05:00

We had to catch a flight that left at 6:40am in the morning to Boston. I broke the cardinal rule of flying as I had placed a medium size bottle of my favorite perfume in my purse. Its not allowed unless its in a zip lock bag. My husband spent a whole quarter at the airport so I could keep my perfume. Thank you Al Queda for allowing zip lock to stay in business.

Chris had to spend the day in the hotel, the Fairmont Copley doing business. I went to see the area. First stop, Boston Harbor. I wanted to catch a ferry to go see Fort Warren out on St. Georges island but due to an impending storm, all ferries were cancelled. Since I was at the harbor, I ate at Joes. A wonderful American restaurant that served great food. I had the steak sandwich that would feed 2 people. I was treated nicely and was pleasantly surprised to find out that all restaurants serve ice tea unsweetened. I was in heaven. I love unsweetened ice tea. Could Boston be the Nirvanna for unsweet tea drinkers??

The New England Aquarium was at the harbor so I visited it. It was awesome. They had the first multi level tank on the East Coast. Picture a soup can that is 3 stories in height. It houses several native sea creatures including a sea turtle reaching the age of 70. He was huge. I will post some pictures from the aquarium in another blog. I spent the whole day at the aquarium.

I took the T back to the hotel. The T is the local subway. Boston had the first subway station and it is in the process of being rehabbed. Who knew that Boston was the first. Anyway, on the way walking back to the hotel, I saw these 2 girls holding a "FREE HUGS" sign. People were looking and smiling and taking pictures. I asked why they were giving free hugs away. It was national hug day. WOO HOO. I told them I could always use a hug so I took their picture and in return, I received 2 strong hugs. They were excited as I was the first hug.

Boston may have been the first to get the subway, but I was the first to get a free hug on National Hug Day in Boston.

Hug someone in honor of National Hug Day.

Beamer 319

I AM ALIVE

2007-09-28T21:13:00.000-05:00

Contrary to popular belief, I didn't fall off the face of the earth. I, did however, get to go to Boston and fell in love with my SIMS 2 game which I have been playing into the wee hours of the night and therefore not blogging.

I have decided to break my obsession of playing SIMS 2 and get back into the real world of blogging. I will follow up with my Boston trip and confirm to the VIEW Watchers that the world is indeed round.

See you in the Posts...

Beamer 319

Today was Poopy Day

2007-08-30T21:22:00.000-05:00

As I usually do, I called home to check on the kids to see how their last week of summer vacation was going. As soon as my son pushed the speaker phone button, my 6 year old said that "Today is poopy day". I asked her why and what follows is a recap of the events.

I asked why today was poopy day and K went on to explain. C pooped in his pullup and decided he didn't like the feeling of it so he pulled it out of his pants and placed it on the floor. Where my mother was at the time is a mystery. When the poop hit the floor, my 8 year old was going to the bathroom and didn't see it so she stepped in it. When she saw what she stepped in, she thought our dog, Sasha, had an accident. My mom comes to the rescue with B and sees C's hands covered in poop which has now smeared on the floor and on him. Mom gets everyone cleaned up.

I started laughing as K was the true reporter by letting me know that she only saw what happened and didn't get any poop on her. B said it was gross and K said that today is now known as "Poopy Day".

In all of the conversations that I have had with my kids and imagined to have with my kids, this one wasn't even on the map.

Hope you had a good day.

Beamer 319

Here's the latest scoop on Michael Vick

2007-08-25T12:29:00.001-05:00

Here's the latest..

It doesn't look too good...

Have a great weekend!!

Beamer 319

My girls saw a ding dong!!!

2007-08-23T17:43:00.000-05:00

When I am at work, I will call home to see what the gang is up to and to talk to them on the speaker phone. Our son has mastered pushing the speaker phone button. When I asked what they were doing, our 6 year started speaking very quickly and excitedly that she saw a boy's ding dong!! I asked my mother what were they doing?

She stated that they were watching the Once Upon A Potty for Him video so C would understand about going potty. The video shows a little boy doing all of the potty business. I explained that it was aimed a little boys and since they were girls, you have different parts which they already knew. I guess they didn't think about the potty issue. This was my first conversation with them and I guess it could be catergorized as a "sex talk".

C thought the video was gross and mom said that he was placed on the potty several times and still nothing as been deposited.

In all of my thoughts regarding conversations with my children, I never thought I would hear that my daughters saw a ding dong.

Hope your Tuesday was as just as eventful as this.

My son helps me diet

2007-08-22T21:45:00.000-05:00

I was running late today as my coworkers and I were having a discussion regarding the NAACP and Michael Vick. We couldn't believe the stance of the NAACP. The group consisted of 2 caucasion, 1 african american and 1 puerto rican. All women, so needless to say, I left work late.

When I got home, dinner was ready and I was hungry so I fixed my plate which was filled with turkey loin and macaroni and cheese. The kids had already eaten as we thought they would have church tonight but it was cancelled. So I am eating in the living room and trying to finish my book when the kids come bounding in with McDonald cookies. My 4 year old son sees me and comes over to me. He starts eating my dinner. I asked him if he ate dinner and he said yes. He loves macaroni and cheese and the next thing I know, his hands are in my food eating. I started alternating giving him a forkful and then me so his hands would stay off of my plate.

Macaroni and cheese was demolished in no time. So I start eating my turkey. The next thing I know he is opening his mouth and saying "PEASE". Again, I alternate feeding him and myself. With his help, I ate 1/2 my dinner and decided that this was his way of watching how much I ate. Once the food was gone, it was time for C to get ready for bed so off to the tub he went and off to the kitchen I went to get a cookie.

I guess I deserve not getting to eat my dinner as I was running late. When we eat together as a family, I have a 80% chance of eating my dinner without C helping me finish. I will keep you posted on how my new diet comes along. Maybe I could market this type of diet plan with Disney. They turned a $4 million dollar movie into a $2 billion profit.

Have a great night!

Beamer 319

Karma is a wonderful thing!!

2007-08-22T21:29:00.000-05:00

Today started out rather rough as I told my husband to "drop dead" this morning as he started off my day with a conversation rather than "Good Morning". I am not a morning person so asking me to make decisions or to have a discussion before I have even opened my eyes is not a good thing but good things have happened this week. Today, we received a second blessing which is awesome.

The first blessing that we had was C has season tickets to the Redskins and he gave 4 of the preseason tickets to his friend G. We had to FED EX them Thursday so G would get them Friday for Saturdays game. G's mother in law is a big Steelers fan and she is battling breast cancer so Chris sent them. Chris loves tracking items so when he discovered that the tickets shipped from Midlothian had been lost in Ashland and were supposed to be arriving in Maidens, he wasn't happy. He called FED EX who said that they would have to see what happens and couldn't do anything until Monday. Chris called FED EX field and had them reprint the tickets for G. Monday, Chris calls FED EX and FED EX is reimbursing Chris the cost of the tickets plus shipping. So in a week, we should receive about $190. We didn't put a value on the shipment but since Chris could prove the cost of the tickets, FED EX is reimbursing him. So WOOO HOOO, we have extra money coming to us. This is how God blesses us. We give without regret and receive with appreciation and gratitude.

The second blessing we received was today. C was fitted for his leg braces a few weeks ago and we will pick them up this Friday. When Chris changed jobs, we changed insurance coverage so we weren't sure what our out of pocket expense would be. Our out of pocket expenses usually are around $350. C has had leg braces since he was 6 months old so when he grows out of braces, we get him fitted for new ones so its expensive. Chris called the orthotics place today and the receptionist told us that our insurance covered 100% of the costs. This is the first time that we don't have to pay. We now have received an extra $350. God has blessed us by giving us close to $500. Its so wonderful to feel so blessed.

I wanted to share this with you so you will know that God does bless you. It may not be the way that you expect it. I am not a name it and claim it type of person. I believe you keep your heart faithful to God and when you least expect it, He shows up in the most wonderful way.

Have a wonderful night,

Beamer 319

Dept. of Justice wants Porn Stars Names

2007-08-20T21:06:00.000-05:00

I was watching Dan Abrams tonight and he was talking about how the Department of Justice wants all Porn Stars to give them their names, aliases and other information in order to help stop the Kiddie Porn industry. The interesting part of the report was that he had Ron Jeremy and a conservative whose name escapes me to be the speaking heads.

This "conservative" mentioned 10 names of porn movies during his 3 minutes of the interview. Ron Jeremy on the other hand actually was intelligent in the discussion. RJ stated that in his 30 + years in the porn industry there has only been 2 incidents of where under age girls used fake ids to get their start (Tracy Lords and someone else). RJ stated that just like applying for a job, you have to show proof of age and eligibility to work.

Mr. Conservative was so busy espousing names of porn movies , he asked RJ what does the industry do to ensure that underage kids don't get involved. RJ had already answered this question.

Here's my thought, with everything we need to get done in this country such as getting sexual offenders information updated on the Internet databases (currently some states are 6 months behind) and Homeland Security, does DOJ really have the manpower to do the research? Or do they want to look at porn on company time? Or since the porn industry is a multi billion dollar industry, are they looking to see if everyone has paid their taxes or if not, collect it?

I am not a porn advocate but I would rather have my tax dollars be more productive. The kiddie porn business can be tracked online without tapping into the Adult Porn Industry. Lets be better stewards of the tax dollars DOJ and do something more worthwhile.

Have a great night!

Beamer 319

This is crazy but I'm gonna do it!!

2007-08-20T18:58:00.000-05:00

As you know, I started this blog back in May because my position was eliminated due to a business decision. My resume is on every imaginable website. I am registered with 2 temporary agencies and I have gone on a total of 3 interviews. I want to find a permanent employer so I am going outside the box and hoping you, Internet Friends, will help me find a job. I do not want to register with anymore temporary agencies unless its for a direct hire position. I have posted my resume within this blog and if you know someone who could use my expertise, please forward it to them. Thanks for your help!!

Belinda M. Wray
belindawray2003@yahoo.com

Professional Profile
Commercial Construction Administrator, Operations Manager, Property Manager
22 years Accounting Experience
8 years commercial real estate contract experience
Enforced Insurance Requirements
Worked with Owner Controlled Insurance Programs
Managed 14 commercial buildings
Oversaw Daily Operations for Utah based Holding Company
Administered $124,000,000 in Commercial Construction Contracts
Developer Relation Skills
Professional Accomplishments
Commercial Real Estate
· Audited, prepared cash flow reporting and administered commercial industrial contracts
· Processed $4,000,000 in VHDA/HUD Commercial Loans, 100,000,000 in Construction-Perm/Tax Exempt Bond financing in multifamily housing
· Accumulated, analyzed limited partnerships, property management companies, market analyses, environmental reports to assist developers getting their loans approved and processed.
· Property Manager for 3 commercial tenants, 6 residential tenants and a retail store for out of state owner.
Management and Supervision
· Hired, trained, supervised, evaluated staff for retail store.
· Interviewed, ran credit and personal references and reviewed leases for commercial tenants
· Handled all issues regarding tenants, employees, and neighboring businesses.
· Trained, managed and inspired leaders in the AWANA Program at Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church
Contract Administration
· Initiated and review leases for commercial and residential tenants
· Enforced contract terms, conditions and requirements.
· Paid contractors based upon negotiated pricing and payment terms.
· Released retentions upon final approval on construction projects.

Work History

Operations/Property Manager
Wellotson Holdings, LLC, Fruit Heights, UT 84037
11/2005-4/2007
Construction Auditor
Accountemps, Richmond, VA 23219
9/2003-11/2005
Administrative Assistant
United Dominion Realty Trust, Richmond, VA 23219
8/2000-11/2001
Executive Office Assistant
General Services Corporation, Richmond, VA 23225
9/1999-8/2000
Education
Junior Level
Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA

References
References are available upon request.

If you accept the challenge, I would be highly appreciative.

Here's to happy hunting,

Beamer 319

I don't know how, but we survived last night

2007-08-18T06:47:00.000-05:00

I don't know how we did it. If you have younger kids (middle school and below) then you know that last night was the debut of High School Musical 2. Disney had started a 24 hour countdown the day before. Disney was counting its money last night. Here comes the second round of money maker items.

The first High School Musical CD was the best selling CD in 2006 beating out all other artists. Disney also put on a High School Musical, the concert and this fall Richmond will host High School Musical the ice show. My daughters attended the concert in Charlottesville and my husband won tickets to the ice show.

Now for High School Musical 2, it takes place during the summer vacation of their Junior Year of High School . Its full of teen angst and without the cursing and sexual innuendo which is a blessing to us. The movie was cute but the first one was better. Its filled with most of the songs that you've been listening to on Radio Disney.

B's Girl Scout leader purchased a wide screen TV and hosted a High School Musical sleepover. At our house, we a mini party with K and C. We went out to Friendly's and had an ice cream sundae toast to the show. We then had home made cupcakes to eat during the 1/2 way point. K got to stay up until 10pm and she was excited about that. This morning K and C said that High School Musical 2 was COOL!!!

Overall, there were plenty of High School Musical parties going on through out last night. We survived watching it and trying to remember those high school years of looking for college money, scholarships and buying our first car while trying to hold on to our "true love".

Here's to your high school memories. May it bring music back to you.

Beamer 319

Have you heard about Hilliard House?

2007-08-17T18:28:00.000-05:00

I found out about Hilliard House and wanted to share about this wonderful place located in the east end of Richmond. I grew up in east Henrico (Highland Springs) and its nice to see that there is such a cool place out near where I grew up.

Hilliard House is a “House Full of Potential” that offers holistic and is a unique housing program, they offer homeless women and homeless women with children the opportunity to live in a supported environment while transitioning from crisis to stability. Located on Nine Mile Road at Dabbs House Road across from the government complex in eastern Henrico County, this thirty-bed facility was once the Hilliard family farm. I remember this farm and thought it was such a cool place that had been abandoned. This is so wonderful.

The Henrico Board of Supervisors was very supportive of the idea of Hilliard House from the beginning. Supervisor Jim Donati suggested the property at 3900 Nine Mile Road. The property belonged to the Hilliard families who lived in the 1920’s vintage farmhouse. It remained in the family until the County purchased it in 1993. HCHC leased the property from the County, raised $1.5 million and built the campus-like facility incorporating the house and stable that was on the property.

Ellie Meleski and Karl Bren, long known in the Richmond community for advocacy for affordable housing and services to the homeless, were the driving force behind this effort.
After renovating the farmhouse and adding 10 bedrooms, meditation room, children’s play area, and light filled living space, Hilliard House opened in October of 2000. Since then they have served over 135 individuals half of whom are children. From a pool of many nominees, Hilliard House was privileged to receive a HUD Virginia Best Practices Award in 2000.
Who do they help? The residents come from Henrico County(30%), Richmond City (35%), Chesterfield (15%), Petersburg/Hopewell area( 15%), and the rest from Central VA. Their homelessness is caused by eviction due to financial difficulties (job loss, loss of partner), domestic or family violence; substance abuse issues or incarceration. Many live doubled up with friends or family members before being on the street or seeking emergency shelters.

They could use your help!!! This month, the financial institution that I am working at is collecting household items such as trash bags, laundry detergents, etc. If you want to be a help to an organization that helps people who live in your community, please click on the link above and contact them. I'm sure they would love to hear from you.

Here's to a great weekend!!

Beamer 319

Bright Beginnings does your soul good!!

2007-08-17T05:43:00.000-05:00

Every year the YMCA teams up with Bright Beginnings. Bright Beginnings is a national organization that helps children at risk, low income families and homeless families get the training and education they need. This year, I got to be a part of it first hand and it was truly an eye opening experience for me.

First the YMCA had requested backpacks filled with school supplies for boys and girls ranging from Kindergarten to Fifth grade. Where I am temping, they promised to fill 40 backpacks. When the collection was finished, they had 50 backpacks to donate to the YMCA. The surprise and appreciativeness of the YMCA made everyone feel blessed.

The second thing the YMCA requested was for volunteers to help children pick out school clothes for school. These children don't have a lot of clothes and the families can't take on the added burden so I volunteered as well as 40 others.

We met this past Monday night and I was partnered with an 8 year old little girl who laughed at all of my silliness and who truly appreciated the shopping experience. She was bright and bubbly and loves the color pink so for this blog, I will call her Pink. Pink told me all about her family, she was one of 7 children ranging from 11 years old down to toddler. Her gramme has a big dog who likes to play and she works at the YMCA. Her Auntie works at Target and her mother stays home until all of the kids are enrolled in school.

We were given a $100 budget and shopping at Target we were able to get her the things she wanted and needed. She found 3 pairs of pants, a Jacket, 3 shirts, a package of underwear and socks as well as a pair of brown tennis shoes trimmed in pink. She was thrilled to get the clothes. She never complained about trying things on and she knew what she liked in a nice and precocious way.

After our shopping experience, we were treated to a hot dog dinner and we sat and enjoyed our conversations. We had our picture taken together and for the group picture she sought me out as she said that I was her buddy and she hoped that we could be friends. When I left her, my heart was full of happiness as she brought more blessings to me than I could have imagined. I was with a child who didn't have much but was truly content in her circumstances.

She was bright and happy and she ended up being my dessert for the day as it felt great to do good for someone else. If you ever have the opportunity to volunteer for Bright Beginnings, I highly recommend it. That night we helped 26 Richmond area school children who were smart and appreciative of everything.

Hope you have bright beginning to your day..

Beamer 319

September Dawn brings Controversy

2007-08-15T17:18:00.000-05:00

If you haven't heard, an independent production company named Black Diamond Productions is releasing a movie called September Dawn. This movie is about a massacre that occurred on September 11, 1857 in an unspoiled valley of the Utah Territory—and in the name of God—120 men, women and children were savagely murdered.

The production company says that its based on actual historical events. September Dawn is a feature length drama that depicts the tragic encounter between a party of innocent settlers and a fanatic Mormon militia believed to be backed by the highest religious figures of the Mormon movement during that time. The religious terrorism depicted in the film happened 150 years ago. The advertisement is trying to tie it to the modern day terrorism of today. I don't believe that you can compare religious terrorism.

I find it interesting that Hollywood is helping to promote this movie but when another independent movie was released, Amazing Grace, which is based on the life of antislavery pioneer William Wilberforce, who, as a Member of Parliament, navigated the world of 18th Century backroom politics to end the slave trade in the British Empire. Hollywood did not do very much in promoting this remarkable movie.

I don't believe in coincidence in life or happenings so I wonder if the release and the Hollywood backing of September Dawn could have anything to do with the fact that there is a Mormon running for President. Hollywood is known for its liberalism. Dare I say, could this be a liberal conspiracy against a Mormon conservative who happens to be running for the highest office in our country? I wonder.

I loved Amazing Grace and I love independent movies so I will probably go and watch as its historical fiction which is another love. But, I won't let a movie help me to decide on my vote during the election of any official.

Let me know your thoughts and here's to the movies.

Beamer 319

Do you love Historic Fiction? If so, read me

2007-08-14T21:30:00.000-05:00

As I said in a previous post, I have rediscovered my love of reading. I belong to a writing group and it was encourage to read books for the genre that you would write for. Well, I couldn't find any interesting personal stories of special needs kids. My husband is currently reading the Short Bus and as soon as he's finished then I will read it.

In browsing books at the library, I stumbled across a historical fiction book called the "The Last Kingdom" by Bernard Cromwell. Its the 3rd book in the series regarding King Alfred The Great. The only king to be called "The Great". This takes place in 860 ad before England is formed and the continent is divided into different fiefdoms. The Danes who are land hungry and worship Thor, Odin and the other pagan gods come to conquer. King Alfred was a christian king who womanized when he was younger and scholars now believed that he developed Crohn's disease and due to the disease the womanizing stop. He also expected that his Chief Warriors could read so they would be able to read his orders and not depend on word of mouth which is a very astute way of thinking during that century.

The story is told by the protagonist's point of view, Uhtred Ragnarsson. He was born in Northumbria (a fiefdom England). His father and mother died and his Uncle assumed the Lord position of Bebbanburg. The Uncle then tried to have Uhtred murdered at the age of 10 so he could have Bebbanburg unchallenged. The Danes save Uhtred and he is raised in the Danish way of life. At the age of 20 (which is considered to be getting old and when you are 40, you are considered ancient), he is "rescued" by priests and given to King Alfred of Wessex. Now, he must fight for King Alfred. Uhtred is torn between the love of the Danes and the patriotism of being Saxon.

Its beautifully written. All of the characters are multi dimensional. The story is fast in action. The details of the fights are great but not gory. Nothing in the book is salacious. The best part of the book is that after you read this great story, he has a historic note section where he explains to you where everything is in comparison to what we know now as England and he reveals the more interesting parts of his research regarding the names of the characters which a lot are actual people.

If you love a good read and historical fiction, I highly recommend the King Alfred Series: Book 1 - The Lord's of the North; Book 2 - The Pale Horseman, Book 3 - The Last Kingdom and Book 4 will be released in January 2008 (I can't wait) Sword's Song.

Here's to reading and writing.

Beamer 319

A Special Surprise at Barnes and Noble

2007-08-14T21:21:00.000-05:00

I apologize for not writing for a while but my husband has been writing things in his blog that I had wanted to. I also have fallen in love with reading. Its a great surprise to myself, but this post isn't about my reading. We have a friend who has been in the hospital. His colon ruptured and abscessed. He was not doing well. Today he felt better so we decided to go and visit. I went to Barnes and Noble on Midlothian at lunch time and that's where I found my great surprise.

I was walking around looking for the magazine section. I walked around and around and then I noticed a new section in the bookstore. It specializes in special needs books. There were guide books from everything from Aspberger's to Down Syndrome. There were also books written by people who were personally affected by special needs. I couldn't believe it. I can't tell you the number of times that I have been to books a million and Borders looking for special needs books. I was so excited. There weren't any books on hydrocephalus but that's OK. There were helpful books regarding ADHD and the teenage kid, twilight syndrome, sensory issues, gross motor delays. You name it and it was there.

If you know someone who is looking for a book regarding special needs, I highly recommend Barnes and Noble.

Have a great night..

Beamer 319

A Trip To Holland

2007-08-06T20:44:00.000-05:00

We had dinner last night with friends for Chris' birthday. We had a wonderful meal at Texas De Brazille located at Regency Square. The conversation turned to me wanting to write a book and not knowing how to begin. She told me about this poem regarding special needs, " A Trip to Holland". I want to share this with you as its a wonderful illustration of how I feel about special needs.

Welcome To Holland
by
Emily Perl Kingsley
c1987 by Emily Perl Kingsley. All rights reserved.

I am often asked to describe the experience of raising a child with a disability - to try to help people who have not shared that unique experience to understand it, to imagine how it would feel. It's like this......
When you're going to have a baby, it's like planning a fabulous vacation trip - to Italy. You buy a bunch of guide books and make your wonderful plans. The Coliseum. The Michelangelo David. The gondolas in Venice. You may learn some handy phrases in Italian. It's all very exciting.
After months of eager anticipation, the day finally arrives. You pack your bags and off you go. Several hours later, the plane lands. The stewardess comes in and says, "Welcome to Holland."
"Holland?!?" you say. "What do you mean Holland?? I signed up for Italy! I'm supposed to be in Italy. All my life I've dreamed of going to Italy."
But there's been a change in the flight plan. They've landed in Holland and there you must stay.
The important thing is that they haven't taken you to a horrible, disgusting, filthy place, full of pestilence, famine and disease. It's just a different place.
So you must go out and buy new guide books. And you must learn a whole new language. And you will meet a whole new group of people you would never have met.
It's just a different place. It's slower-paced than Italy, less flashy than Italy. But after you've been there for a while and you catch your breath, you look around.... and you begin to notice that Holland has windmills....and Holland has tulips. Holland even has Rembrandts.
But everyone you know is busy coming and going from Italy... and they're all bragging about what a wonderful time they had there. And for the rest of your life, you will say "Yes, that's where I was supposed to go. That's what I had planned."

And the pain of that will never, ever, ever, ever go away... because the loss of that dream is a very very significant loss.
But... if you spend your life mourning the fact that you didn't get to Italy, you may never be free to enjoy the very special, the very lovely things ... about Holland.

Thank you M for sharing this wonderful poem with me.

May you enjoy your trip to wherever you land.

Beamer 319

Kids = Love + Joy

2007-08-03T21:24:00.000-05:00

I often take things for granted and forget about the little things in life that bring out smiles. How often, I have eaten ice cream and enjoyed the taste but without the enthusiasm of a 4 year old. I also have been to the pool and sometimes forget how exciting it is to go to the deep end where your feet can't touch the bottom. Its these small things that bring delight in my children and remind me how wonderful the little things are.

We took C out for ice cream last night. He had to go see his Orthopaedic Doctor for his 6 month check up. While waiting in the waiting area for 1-1/2 hours, the TV was playing Madagascar. C watched TV and drew pictures. Every once in a while he would ask where's the doctor. Once Dr. T saw him and checked out his legs, ankles and knees, we took C to get an X-Ray to check his spine. He was born with a small curvature which he has now outgrown. Dr. T asked him his favorite ice cream and C said chocolate. Then C wanted ice cream for dinner. Since this week is Vacation Bible School during the night, Chris and I took C out to Friendly's for dinner and ice cream. We ate dinner and ordered ice cream. When it came, C's ice cream was topped off with whip cream and a cherry. After C ate all of the whip topping, he noticed that he had chocolate ice cream. He screamed in delight, "Look Mommy, choclate ice cream". I looked at the sheer delight in his face and the enthusiasm of finding his "surprise". I had forgotten how fun it is to find the ice cream.

Our daughters, B and K, participate in the Recreation Departments daily activities. Every Friday, they go to Pocahontas State Park to swim. They were so excited about teaching each other on how to wear a life vest so they could go to the deep end of the pool. B enjoys diving and touching the bottom of the pool. The enthusiasm in their voice while explaining all of this was contagious. How I wished I could remember those fun times.

Our kids bring joy to me and to others. Tonight was the last night of vacation bible school and C's teacher told us how much she and her family have enjoyed him. They said that he was always happy and full of joy in everything they did which ranged from crafts to playing sports. His picture made the Progress Index today. He was playing basketball and the sheer joy in his face shows how he is happy with everything. We are supposed to be joyful in everything and C certainly shows it. The girls coaches and huddle leaders told me how wonderful the girls were and how they will be missed. It is such a joy to me to hear positive things about our kids from other people. It reassures me that we must be doing something right with our kids.

We tell our kids I love you before they go to sleep. Even when its a hard night in getting them to settle down, they know that we love them. The smile of happiness when they hear us tell them that we love them reminds me that we are not to take their child hood for granted and to appreciate the small things in life.

My kids remind me of Joy and happiness. I may not always be joyful in all things, but I am sure glad that they are here to remind me.

May you have a joyful and happy weekend.

Beamer 319

I found a Throne for my Prince!! Will it help?

2007-07-30T18:34:00.000-05:00

In training C, I find its much harder than with the girls. While researching the Internet for ideas, I found his throne. Its cheaper than the one I purchased but I really want it. Do you think this will encourage my little prince to go wee wee into the potty or will it make not a difference.

He sits on the potty for 2 minutes and says, "I went potty". I tell him that he didn't pee pee or pooh pooh into the potty and he claims emphatically, "YES I DID!!". What is a mother to do?

The girls were so much easier, in 2 weeks, they pee peed in the potty and doing the #2 business was harder. C only holds it until he can't anymore and then goes into his pull up.

Any suggestions would be great. I think I may have to get my prince a throne and maybe he then can be King of the Potty.

Hope you had a great weekend. I am off to accept the potty challenge once again.

Beamer 319

I am going to defend Lindsey Lohan in this incident

2007-07-27T21:34:00.000-05:00

I can't believe I actually watched Nancy Grace but after reading the 911 tape and seeing the tmz.com interview with the 3 guys in the GMC truck, I believe the media has it wrong. The woman on the phone doesn't answer police questions due to her fright. She kept saying "HE" and not she. "HE got out of the car"; "He had a gun or was pulling something out", "Oh my God, what is HE doing". Not once did she say "She".

Also, the 3 guys are not small guys. They are lanky with height. How did Lindsey overcome ALL 3 guys. No matter how much you drink, someone who weighs 100 lbs tops, can't fight off 3 guys with average weight of 180 lbs (I'm guessing). I am sure they knew she was Lindsey Lohan and she had run ins with the police. They were probably thinking they could add this to their notch belt of being really cool.

This is the synopsis of what I believe what occurred:

Her assistant invited her boyfriend who brought 2 friends to a party that she was attending with Lindsey. Her and Lindsey got into a fight. Assistant quits. Calls her mom and leaves the party. Lindsey runs out to try and stop her. Mom drives off. Lindsey looks for her transportation. The guys say, "Come on we'll take you". The car was sitting at the assistant's house when mom pulls up. Mom didn't recognize the vehicle. Guy gets out. Mom freaks out and leaves. Chase pursues. Truck finds assistant and mom calls police. The guys freak out when the police arrive and claim to be innocent. Police zero in on Lindsey. Boys see "Money coming for potential lawsuit". Call my agent. Media knows that they can get ratings by running the "Lindsey did it again".

One of the guys said that she ran over his foot. The bandage and boot looked homemade. If a hospital did that poor of a job wrapping it, then they should go back to nursing school.

Don't get me wrong, Lindsey isn't perfect but she had a lot of enablers to help her to get to where she is now. Bars allowing under age drinking going on and the ABC Board doesn't pull there alcohol license. Her mom is more interested in being popular than being a mother who should have put her foot down. A dad with a drug and alcohol problem who I believe may have straightened himself out. Her friends are "yes men" and no one wants to rock the cart. After all Lindsey picks up the tabs and she gets into all the "hot" places. Whose gonna to tell her to grow up.

Before, we jump to conclusions, lets everyone take a lie detector test to get to the truth. Yes, she had cocaine on her. I believe its hers. She should take accountability for what she does and not blame the paparazzi. She needs a parent with a backbone.

Normally, I don't get involved in celebrity issues but this one has too many loopholes.

What do you think?

Have a great weekend.

Beamer 319

Richmond SPCA said it best regarding Michael Vick

2007-07-27T18:41:00.000-05:00

Robin Starr has stated what I have a hard time doing regarding Dog Fighting (in general) and the circus regarding the Michael Vick Case. For this reason, I copied it from my email from the Richmond SPCA to share with you.

On July 26, a group of us from the Richmond SPCA waited for hours in the heat to be present in the Federal District courtroom for the arraignment of Michael Vick and his co-defendants on dog fighting charges. It was worth the wait.
The proceedings were predictable and dignified in nature although you would never use those adjectives to describe the scene outside of the courthouse. There were hundreds of people there to mourn the dogs and to make the world aware of the unspeakable cruelties they have suffered. There were also Vick supporters present who seemed to reject the idea that he had committed the wrongs of which he is charged and even a few that disparaged the premise that dog fighting is a heinous crime. There were also some people who tried to make this out to be a racial issue.
As long as we have worked to make the public aware that dog fighting is a widespread underground activity of organized crime and brutal gangs, it was rewarding to me to see these men being brought to justice. While they are only the tip of the iceberg, the enormous amount of attention being paid to this matter gives me hope that the public’s outrage will translate into real progress in stopping this barbarism.
I am offended at the effort to make this out to be a racial matter. This is a matter of cruelty, nothing else. If the horrific allegations prove to be true (and the prosecutors indicated that there would be more to come), there is no excuse that can be made for these crimes. Animals are our companions and our friends who share this earth with us. They love us regardless of our color, class, religion or any other factor. They do not deserve to be brutalized and our society does not deserve the effects of such brutality. Let’s all acknowledge this sadism for what it is and, if these men are convicted, let the court know that the maximum sentence is the only appropriate response.
I will be writing a series of commentaries on the animal welfare issues related to the Vick prosecution for the Richmond Times-Dispatch editorial pages as the case progresses. Please be looking for them over the coming few months. Thank you so very much for helping the Richmond SPCA to protect the well-being of the animals who need us.
Sincerely,

Robin Robertson Starr

Thanks Robin for speaking my thoughts so eloquently.

Beamer 319

I'm in First Place

2007-07-24T21:05:00.000-05:00

A few weeks back, my husband was asked to help out with a class held by a mutual friend. He thought it would be a great idea. He asked me to come and support them and thinking that it would be a great thing for us to do together. So, I did and that's how I ended up in First Place which came at a perfect time as August is a stressful time for me.

First Place is a bible study series that focuses on putting God in First Place in your life to help everyday victory for everyday people regarding weight loss and becoming healthy spiritually. I thought well, I can always lose weight as it would make me healthier and a great excuse to stay in my Bible which I seem to neglect at times. I don't want to be a Sunday only Christian but an every day Christian.

One of the reasons that August is so stressful for me is because its the time when C usually meets with his orthopaedic doctor. I want C to walk without aids and to run as any 4 year old. C's doctor mentioned on one occasion that we may have to do surgery. I'm not a big fan of that as when C had surgery at 9 days old, he didn't come out of the anesthesia for 24 hours. It was a terrifying time for me. So, when we see Dr. T, I get nervous. Also, since C is growing that means we need to get sized for bigger braces to accommodate his feet. This is usually expensive. Our out of pocket expenses usually range around $500 which is what the insurance doesn't cover.

So this bible study came at a great time. During the second week of the bible study, we work out of a workbook and it struck me in an interesting way that we were studying the following verse:

2 Samuel 9, 1-13: David and Mephibosheth
3 The king asked, "Is there no one still left of the house of Saul to whom I can show God's kindness?" Ziba answered the king, "There is still a son of Jonathan; he is crippled in both feet."
4 "Where is he?" the king asked. Ziba answered, "He is at the house of Makir son of Ammiel in Lo Debar."
5 So King David had him brought from Lo Debar, from the house of Makir son of Ammiel.
6 When Mephibosheth son of Jonathan, the son of Saul, came to David, he bowed down to pay him honor. David said, "Mephibosheth!" "Your servant," he replied.
7 "Don't be afraid," David said to him, "for I will surely show you kindness for the sake of your father Jonathan. I will restore to you all the land that belonged to your grandfather Saul, and you will always eat at my table."
8 Mephibosheth bowed down and said, "What is your servant, that you should notice a dead dog like me?"
9 Then the king summoned Ziba, Saul's servant, and said to him, "I have given your master's grandson everything that belonged to Saul and his family. 10 You and your sons and your servants are to farm the land for him and bring in the crops, so that your master's grandson may be provided for. And Mephibosheth, grandson of your master, will always eat at my table." (Now Ziba had fifteen sons and twenty servants.)
11 Then Ziba said to the king, "Your servant will do whatever my lord the king commands his servant to do." So Mephibosheth ate at David's [a] table like one of the king's sons.
12 Mephibosheth had a young son named Mica, and all the members of Ziba's household were servants of Mephibosheth. 13 And Mephibosheth lived in Jerusalem, because he always ate at the king's table, and he was crippled in both feet.

It struck me that the Bible Study led me to this verse regarding crippled feet. This brought comfort to me for I realized that God will look after C no matter what happens.

In Sunday School Class, this past Sunday, we were doing our bible study in Acts. This was the verse that we studied that made sit back and say to myself. God, thank you! I know that you will answer my prayers in your time.

Acts 14 : 8In Lystra there sat a man crippled in his feet, who was lame from birth and had never walked. 9He listened to Paul as he was speaking. Paul looked directly at him, saw that he had faith to be healed 10and called out, "Stand up on your feet!" At that, the man jumped up and began to walk.

I don't believe in coincidence. I believe everything has a reason. I am glad that my Faith is what is keeping me sane in this world and God does hear our prayers. Sometimes the answer is no and sometimes its a yes. I am starting to keep a prayer journal so I can see the yes' and nos. I remember a lot yes' in my life and quite a few nos.

I am so glad that I am in First Place. Now , maybe I can go through August without my normal stress and nervousness. Time will tell as C sees Dr. T on August 2 and gets fitted up on August 3rd, Chris' birthday.

Here's hoping you receive your daily blessing~

Beamer 319

Potter Puppet Pals in

2007-07-20T19:02:00.001-05:00

This should keep you entertained while we wait for the release of Harry Potter. My husband just "loves" this..NOT!!

Have a Hogwarts Night,

Beamer 319

I'm sorry kids, Spongebob died last night!

2007-07-19T20:38:00.000-05:00

Last night at 11:13pm, Spongebob died. We don't know the cause but its still sad the same. When I called home today, I told the kids how sorry I was about Spongebob. They took it pretty well. The girls were happy that it wasn't there hermit crab. It was Cs.

We've had the crabs for almost a week and Spongebob never did move a lot and it appeared that he rested in one place while the others were natural gymnasts. Chris took the C and K to Pet Smart to pick out another hermit crab. Pet Smart was real nice and let them get one of their choosing for free.

We haven't named this one yet but he appears to be another gymnast and is getting along well with his room mates. I will miss Spongebob. His shell was painted blue with Spongebob on his back. He was big and came out when I tsk! tsk! him.

Rest In Peace Spongebob and may you have a great night

Beamer 319

My kids made me proud

2007-07-18T21:18:00.001-05:00

Yesterday why I was at work, one of the fuses blew in the house. Yes, we still have a fuse panel in our house. With the fuse blown, and we were out of fuses, there wasn't any air conditioning on the first floor of the house. We have oscillating fans that are 4 ft tall that help with air movement. When I called home to check on the kids they didn't complain about the temperature of the house. My mom was the one to tell me that the fuse was blown and we needed more fuses.

B was reading her book. She wants to read 12 books this summer so she can get a book award from her soon to be 3rd grade teacher. Her Magic Tree House book starts with a riddle and she wanted to know my guess so she could write it down to see who the winner was. The riddle is dark and hard as a rock but deep inside you will find beauty. What is it? So I gave her my answer.

K was working in her 1st grade math workbook. She wants to do well in school so she thought she would try and do 1st grade math. She said she was having fun and was glad that she had the book.

C was in his room and playing with his assortment of trucks and cars. He loves his trucks and cars. He was making them go crash and go on trips.

Instead of complaining, they were entertaining themselves and having fun. The TV was off and the house was quiet which is rare for us. When the kids were doing their own thing, I can tell you that I was amazed and proud to be their mom. I'm sure I would have complained and made Chris go to Home Depot to get the fuses.

We can learn a lot from our kids if we just sit back and watch. I hope you have a cool day tomorrow and remember to be thankful in all circumstances.

The answer to the riddle: an oyster.

Beamer 319

The Legacy Ended Today

2007-07-18T21:00:00.000-05:00

Well, today was the final day. The kids had fun. Mom was hot. Hopewell had a chance to shine as the kids visited Weston Manor and St. Dennis Church.

First up, Weston House, B learned that George Washington was the hero of his day. Society at that time looked at George Washington the way many today look at Hollywood Stars. The girls also learned about the architecture of the house and that by not having as a deep of a fireplace as was the standard, the fireplace actually produced enough heat to warm the house.

C's favorite part was the bulldozer that was outside knocking down the tree that was causing some issues with the house. Because the height of the tree shaded part of the house, the house was unable to ward off dampness from the walls causing some of the wallpaper to peal.

K's favorite part was the gift shop and the toys from George Washington's day. She got to see a playhouse made out of a shipping crate that was actually still in pretty good condition. She thought that it was pretty cool to make something from an old crate that you could play with.

The next stop was St. Dennis Chapel. The Chapel was beautiful but is now a museum that houses the variety of Hopewell China that was produced between 1920 - 1945. The kids weren't thrilled with the plates except for 2 pieces. One featured children where the plate looked like a portrait was taken and made part of the plate. The 2nd plate was one with children's rhymes on it which they thought were way cool.

The kids got to visit Hopewell and learn that even though there is a lot of history in Richmond, which is where we originated, the Petersburg Tri Cities has a lot to offer. They now appreciate what they have now because of where our ancestors came from.

Here's to the past have a great night.

Beamer 319

The Music Made Me Do IT!!!

2007-07-16T19:57:00.000-05:00

Today, I met my husband for lunch at Jersey Mikes for our weekly meeting of the minds. We usually will have a discussion where we agree or disagree on a particular item. Today we agreed. After leaving Jersey Mikes to head back to work, I was flipping through the radio stations (Radio Disney - please no more!!, AFR - Talk Radio, I want music, K95, same old stuff, then I found Lite 98). AHHH!

I hate when I can hear music from other cars. I appreciate all types of music except I really hate lyrics that use curse words in them. I believe there is enough words in the English language including slang to use without the use of curse words. As I said, I found Lite 98 and I had my windows down. The first song I heard was Kool and the Gang singing "Celebration". Something really bad happened. I turned up my radio, started doing the car dance (you know the dance, all upper body movement) and singing with the song. I was having a blast. Kool and I were having our own "Celebration".

Next up, ABBA "Dancing Queen". This is when I really got cruel. I cranked up my radio as loud as I could stand, did my car dance and in my off key, tone deaf voice, I sang ABBA and I liked it. The cars next to me were looking at me like I was a loon. I didn't care. I kept on singing. The red light must have been like nails on the chalkboard to the guy sitting next to me.

I have to admit I love ABBA and the songs from the 70s and 80s. I had a blast. I know it was cruel to expose my lack of singing ability to the other commuters, but sometimes, you gotta do what you gotta do. So I did. I was cruel and I liked it.

Here's to your favorite song and car dance.

Beamer 319

Popcorn Can Kill YOU!!!

2007-07-15T13:17:00.000-05:00

We went to the movies last night to see the latest Harry Potter and was eating my popcorn. It was pretty good and then my mind went to a friend of mine whose daughter died from eating popcorn. I haven't seen Nicole in about a year. Her husband was transferred to Tacoma Washington and Hailey was 9 months old.

Our church has a website for prayer requests and my husband was looking at it when he told me that he some bad news. His next words were so surreal, Nicole's daughter, Hailey died because a piece of popcorn got stuck in her throat and they nor the paramedics could get it out. I am so saddened about this. Haily was a few months shy of turning 2 years old. Nicole has 3 boys that are all boys and when Travis was about 2, she discovered that she was pregnant. She prayed for a girl. God blessed her with this beautiful baby girl and now she's gone.

Who would have thought popcorn could choke you. I know I never did. I knew it got stuck in my teeth but not in my throat. So if you have little ones, please be careful and not to feed them popcorn.

My prayers are with Nicole, Casey, Michael, Justin and Travis. I know that you are truly devastated and my heart goes out to you.

We love you!!

Beamer 319

I hope they don't get naked!!

2007-07-14T21:49:00.001-05:00

I have never received a phone call like this at work and after today I hope I never will again. I was having a wonderful day at work when my mother called to let me know that she was having problems with our stressed out hermit crabs. It seems that when they get stressed out due to lack of water, they climb out of their shells and run around shell less. She was in a panic and didn't know what to do. I told her how to prepare the water and she said that she would call me back. 20 minutes later she calls me back and the hermit crabs (Spottie and Dottie) were relaxing in the water and climbing back into their shells. A few months later they died.

That was 2 years ago. Today, my husband decided that we would try the hermit crab thing again. Instead of 2, we got 3 (Charlotte, Christie and Spongebob). We prepared the habitat and so far so good. I keep thinking about that naked phone call and my hopes are that I won't forget to keep them watered and fed. These are bigger with hand painted shells except for B's. Hers has a natural colored shell. She likes to keep it real.

The kids promise me that they will help take care of them. Our first go around with the crabs, C wasn't too thrilled. Today, he sat in a chair and watched them for about an hour and every time one moved, he got excited. You know the type of excitement that starts with a gasp, hands to face and as loud as you can say"LOOK!!!". It was that type of excitement. It was pretty cool. This time he picked a sponge bob decorated shell over a spider man painted shell. I guess he wanted to get back in touch with his first love.

As I said, I hope these crabs keep their shells on as naked hermit crabs aren't good for you and its hard to keep a straight face when your co-workers are laughing at you.

Have a great night!!

Beamer 319

She's Got A Brand New Boyfriend..

2007-07-13T20:47:00.000-05:00

I came home from work and found my oldest daughter writing a letter. I thought how sweet that she's writing one of her grandparents a note. She then informed me that she was writing to AH. I was shocked and then my heart saddened as I started to really like her boyfriend of 5 years. The first time I met LB, he had a blond rat tail which I thought went out with the mullet.

They were 3 years old and met in preschool and became inseparable. They were also the same height. When I saw LB again in Kindergarten, the rat tail was gone but the pierced ear arrived. So I am figuring that he will get his first tattoo by 5th grade. LB is really a nice boy. The last time I saw the two together was at the 2nd grade dance and he came up to B's shoulders. He is really a sweet boy in a kind of Wally Cleaver way.

Anyhow, when I asked her why she was writing AH, she said that she just wanted to. AH lives around the corner and goes to our church. He is a cute little boy. I should have seen this coming when I caught them holding hands at the picnic. They see me coming and they both looked like they were just caught stealing a cookie out of the cookie jar. I see the hand holding and before I could say anything, B looks over at AH and says "Busted. What now?". I let it go and told her to go play on the playground where her brother and sister were. AH is a nice boy but he reminds me of Eddie Haskell. You know the type. Real nice on the outside but inside, he's a bad boy.

LB started out as a bad boy but I guess at the ripe old age 7, he's mellowing out. B has always had a heart for the bad boy. Her first hairdresser was a guy who had piercings on his brow, lip, nose, and tongue and he was tattooed in all seeable areas. He worked at Hair Cuttery and she loved him and would only allow him to do her hair. Unfortunately, when we moved to Colonial Heights, we had to say good bye to tattoo guy. Now she can't wait to grow up so she can get painted like him.

When school let out, she and LB informed us that they were getting married in the year 2036 because they had to go to college first. LB's parents were more shocked at the fact that LB mentioned going to college versus the getting married part. I thought that it was really funny that they were planning on the future. And now, she is writing to AH.

I hope that this is only summer love and when school starts LB will return to the mix. I have asked B if AH knew that she had held hands with LB? After blushing profusely, she said that she told him and he wasn't happy about it but as she puts, "He got over it". I can't believe my 8 year old is introducing me to the angst years of teenagerdom before I'm ready. What happened to Barbie Dolls, watching Full House, and playing with dolls?

She's got a brand new boyfriend and I am getting a glimpse into my future teenager. Please tell me it will be OK.... I'm not ready for this. Today 8 years old, tomorrow Teenager Wannabe.

Here's to the future,

Beamer 319

No Shirts Allowed

2007-07-12T21:26:00.000-05:00

Our children were invited to a pool party at Pocahontas State Park. We were amazed that the pool is pretty clean but were disappointed with the rules of the pool. Our little man can't swim and is fair skinned so we always use precautions with him. Our girls (with the use of sunscreen) tan pretty well and are natural sun bunnies.

We had placed a t shirt on C so he wouldn't get too much sun as he is fair skinned and a red head which is not a good combination for fun in the sun activities. The pool policy is no shirts allowed regardless of the reason. They state that the dyes from the clothing affects the chemicals in the pool which I feel is bogus. We've been to plenty of pools and never had a situation come up where we were told that no shirts were allowed. With Pocahontas being a STATE PARK, you would think that they would be more flexible and understanding when it comes to fair skinned people.

Another issue that we had was C was wearing floaties on his arms to help him keep his balance. This is OK to wear in the kiddie pool but once you go to the larger pool where the cool stuff is, the floaties have to come off. The life guard couldn't give us an explanation. They only stated that it was the pool policy. So if you have any physical disabilities and require aid from devices for support, I guess you need to stay in the kiddie pool. I don't think floaties have ever caused a child to drown as the purpose is to keep them floating. Again, we've used the floaties at another pool and that wasn't an issue with the life guard even when we were in 4 1/2 feet of water with him. We never leave C alone in pools or around water as a safety precaution.

The pool was nice and clean and we didn't mind paying the $4 parking fee, however, it was a birthday party and the hostess had paid admission to the pool for the party guests. The admissions person charged us to get in as she stated that the host had already paid for the party and we weren't included. The host took our ticket and was able to get a refund. The host did pay for us ahead of time so she didn't understand why there was a misunderstanding. I hope communication gets better so other hosts won't have to deal with the confusion.

The kids had a great time and overall the experience was fun. Just remember at Pocahontas Swimming Pool no shirts are allowed and floaties need to stay in the kiddie pool.

Have a great night,

Beamer 319

Our son has 6 legs

2007-07-11T19:46:00.000-05:00

I thought that I would let you know how we get C involved with others. He's a 4 year old boy who is leaving behind the world of Spongebob and has entered into the realm of Spider Man. He loves spider man. He also loves to sing. C goes to church every Sunday and he is in the same classroom as his piers. Its great for him to be around children his age as it enables him to work on his speech and he gets to play with kids who thinks he's cool because he has 6 legs. His walker has 4 wheels and then his 2 legs = 6 legs. The kids think that its great.

He also loves to sing so he is in the cherub choir at church. He loves to sing. He always has a song. Whether its 1-2-3 like a burd I fwring or its na na boo boo your sooo rude. He's either singing or calling for me. I am now looking for a potty video done to music hoping that it will encourage him to want to go potty.

C also goes to special ed preschool during the school year where the bus comes and picks him up. This year he will go to "regular" preschool 3 days a week in order to assimilate with his classmates for Kindergarten. The goal in school is to get C as ready as possible for Kindergarten. This will be his 3rd year in the program and they are marvelous.

We also expect C to pick up his toys when he's done playing and he gets to choose the clothes and PJs that he will wear. This will help him to make decisions and develop his likes and dislikes. We did this with the girls and now they have opinions whether we like it or not.

The only issue that I have with C is when we go to playgrounds. The only boundless playground (handicap accessible) is in Chesterfield alongside the dog park. We like going there but its a drive. I am working with the Special Education Advisory Committee in getting a boundless playground in the schools. So far, Wesley Preschool is going boundless as well as C's preschool. Tussing Elementary is redoing their playground and I have spoken with the PTO Board regarding making some equipment accessible since they were replacing some of the equipment.

The best thing we do for C is that we keep him normal. No special privileges. He gets time out when he pinches, pokes or throws books when he gets mad. My expectations are the same for him as it would be for any other 4 year old. We also are open to suggestions and believe in working with his teachers for the common goal which is the success of C.

So when you see a 6 legged child, just remember, he's just like you and me except that he has additional legs.

Take Care
Beamer 319

Can you cross the line in Blogging?

2007-07-10T21:27:00.000-05:00

My husband and another blogger have been commenting back and forth regarding their differences. During the heated exchange, the blogger decided to bring our son into his argument. Accusing us of using our son's circumstances to get empathy from bloggers. This isn't true and it crossed the line in my opinion.

If you don't deal with special needs kids, I guess its hard to understand that often times we feel isolated from the normal world. We deal with issues that families with normal children do not face on a daily or hourly basis in some instances. I use my blog to help others know that they are not alone. When I was 33 weeks pregnant and was told that my child has suffered a serious condition and that the prognosis is unknown and the game plan is to do major brain surgery on your unborn baby, it can be pretty disconcerting. I also know that I felt alone and searched for someone to guide me. I found help on the Internet by finding the Hydrocephalus Association and a Yahoo News Group for Hydrocephalus. Now, I am passing on the favor in my own way.

So back to my question, can you cross the line in blogging? In this instance yes. If you cannot stand on your own in arguing/debating your side of the topic, then please be a man/woman and keep our children out of the argument. When I read the comments section on this blogger's post and the blogger dragged my innocent child into an adult conversation, this truly removed my respect for the blogger. I will no longer read anything that is written from this blogger and will pray for the person.

As a parent and fellow blogger, I am respectful of your opinions and enjoy a good debate but I am mature enough to stand on my own without bringing your family or lifestyle into the equation. I also understand that by blogging about my family, I have opened up the door for comments regarding them. I am also hoping that we are adults and support each other without being a bully.

Tonight was a disappointing night in reading the comments. I respectfully request that we leave our children out of adult discussions and be mature individuals.

Take Care,
Beamer 319

South Park Mall has a new Theatre

2007-07-09T21:14:00.000-05:00

The new 16 screen movie theatre at South Park Mall had a soft opening yesterday where all movies were $2 and drinks and popcorn were $1 each. We stood in line for about an hour (12:30pm to 1:30pm) and we decided to go to a 7pm movie. The seats are great. It consists of stadium style seating with the option of having an armrest between you and your date or you can sit "Love seat" style.

The customer service was awesome and Regal has started a new rewards program. Every time you purchase tickets and refreshments, they will scan your "crown rewards card." You will get free stuff once you reach the magical level. Lines were horrendous but moved quickly. We were behind a representative for a church who ordered 15 buckets of popcorn and 15 drinks. They were friendly and patient. While waiting, I met a teacher from Prince George who said that Prince George is always looking for substitutes teachers. The pay for substitute teachers are higher than Colonial Heights so I will work on my application this week. The proceeds from Sunday's shows supported the Ft. Lee Community Outreach Center which is a great reason to go and see a movie. It was sponsored by Channel 8.

The kids and us saw Shrek 3 and it was pretty good. We always enjoy Puss N Boots. The kids had no problems seeing the movie or hearing it. We had such a great time last night, that we went back tonight and watched Nancy Drew. Again the movies were $2. Tonight the proceeds went to help reading programs in the Richmond Area and was sponsored by the Richmond Times Dispatch. The movie was pretty cute and the girls enjoyed it. Now hopefully, I can get my 8 year old to try and read a Nancy Drew book.

Overall, if you want to enjoy a new movie theatre that has great customer service, go to South Park Mall. The grand opening is this Wednesday. I'm not sure what specials will occur so check the listings.

Eat Popcorn and enjoy the show!!!

Beamer 319

I want a Do Over

2007-07-08T09:45:00.000-05:00

We are back from Atlantic Beach. We had a wonderful time even though we were involved in a double decker bus accident and saw an island catch on fire due to the fireworks.

Atlantic Beach is fun, clean and most importantly family friendly. We stayed at a time share called A Place at the Beach. We had a first floor room which was nice. We had the use of a ramp or stairs which again was nice. We took C's crutches and walker so the ramp came in handy. We also saw a wheelchair that was beach ready. I'm not sure if they provided it or not. I think the APATB owned it. We will check next year when we return. The pool included a 150 foot water slide. C stayed on the slide with dad or me holding him. I crashed continuously and he didn't care. I did as I hate to go underwater. However, after finding out that this is one of the best places to go scuba diving, I believe I will look into getting certified so I can go and see the sunken ships from years past.

The weather was awesome and we found oodles of shells. K found a sand dollar on Sand Dollar Island and it survived its way back to Virginia in a cheez it box that was placed in a book bag. Miracles do happen. The water was calm and the girls learned how to boogy board. Everyone got along and it was simply Nirvana. Sunburns occurred on Friday but it we still loved being out there.

We took a double decker bus tour in Beaufort. We got to see the oldest houses and the history of the town. Its also where the notorious Blackbeard lived. We were looking at his house when the bus backed into a parked car. It wasn't good for the car owner as it happened to be a 2007 Honda with all of the bells and whistles. No one was home so they left a note and we got to see more of the house.

On the 4th, we took a boat ride out onto the Atlantic Ocean and was able to see all of the fireworks shows from Ft. Macon to Beaufort. They were beautiful. Unfortunately, Sugar Island caught on fire and no one could get to it. The fire was a bright orange and the flickering flames were pretty. While on the boat, we got to see Shackleford Island which is the home to wild horses which are descendants from the horses left during the Spanish American War. They were beautiful. They have adapted to living in the marsh and have a high salt diet. Next year, I am going on the Shackleford excursion to get a better view of the horses and wildlife on the island.

We went to the NC Aquarium and got to see sharks, jellyfish, stingrays and an assortment of fish. The aquarium gets it water pumped in from the ocean so the habitats are natural. The water goes through a filtration system to get the debris out and then pumped into the various tanks. What a great way to recycle water. B was selected to participate during the live animal show which showcased alligators and crocodiles. B was transformed from an 8 year old girl to a mean alligator in front of about 100 people. She loved it. The kids then got to pet a baby alligator which they thought was "way cool".

No trip would be complete without a little American History so we visited Ft. Macon. This Fort was utilized through World War II. Its a living museum and it has great views of the ocean. The defense structure is amazing considering that it was built during the civil war. It was also where the first African American General took post. Its pretty cool to see how they lived and to hear the letters from the soldiers during the different wars that it participated in.

Overall, the group had a great time. We ended up purchasing a timeshare there which was at a reasonable price for a red week. We were also able to reimburse the owners maintenance fee for this year so we can utilize it this year for Disney.

If you are ever in North Carolina and want to go somewhere fun, clean and happy, visit the Crystal Coast. We did and we want a redo. PLEASE!! CAN WE DO IT AGAIN!!! You betcha.

Hope you had a Happy 4th.

Beamer 319

I Give Up...

2007-06-29T20:44:00.001-05:00

I give up. I am up to my eyeballs in stuff to do....I can't imagine that this really happened...Again!!

I am getting the family ready to go on our first real 1 week vacation ever. The girls are packed and our son is packed. Now its time to pack for Chris and myself. I have started the first load of clothes in the washer and have a 2nd load. If it doesn't get washed, we aren't taking it. I cannot believe the amount of clothes you need to take for 1 week. When you are at home, it doesn't seem to be that much in clothes until you pack. And Again, I wait until the night before to get everything done. I should have started it Wednesday but I had to watch So you think you can dance. I should have been doing the laundry as the laundry fairies are currently on strike at my house.

The kids are packed and ready to go thanks to my mom. When we load up the Jeep tonight (hahaha), I will have to make sure that its loaded correctly. I need to have room for the luggage, a stroller, C's walker and of course Chris' golf clubs. Chris is the brawn and I'm the organizer. Its a great match. The family we are going with were nice enough to share their timeshare so Chris is going to take his buddy golfing. His buddy has never swung a club in his whole life. Better him than me. I don't have the patience to put that stupid ball into that ridiculous hole. When I played putt putt on Midlothian turnpike, by the 9th whole I want to chuck the putter right onto Midlothian. I have even argued with my husband that he touched my ball and that's why I'm not playing well. He still wants me on a golf course. He is NUTS!!!

Anyway, we will also have to take sleeping bags for those of us sleeping on the floor (kids). We have never been to the Crystal Coast so I am looking forward to some sun time and relaxation. I will be taking my journal with me to write since I won't have access to a computer and therefore won't be able to blog. BOOO HOOOO!! I love writing.

Well as I said, I give up. Who knew there was so much to wash, pack, repack, load and unload to go on a vacation so you can relax....

Have a Happy and Safe 4th of July!!!!

Beamer 319

The 11th Summer..What a great time it was

2007-06-28T19:49:00.000-05:00

Do you remember the summer when you were 11 years old? Was it a positive one? I just finished reading "The Eleventh Summer" by Sarah Norkus. Its her true story filled with hope, love, and unconditional love during the summer of 1965 when she was 11 years old.

She was the daughter of an alcoholic mother who was verbally and mentally abusive. Her faith in God and the unconditional love of her dad and nanny made life bearable. Its a very moving book and an easy read. Its 122 pages and I read it in 3 days during my lunch break at work.

She does an excellent job in drawing you into the world of an 11 year old forced to turn away from childhood fantasies in order to keep her family together and to look out for her 3 siblings. I just can't say enough about it.

I will let you know that she currently lives in Colonial Heights and I met her through a writing group that she has opened her house to. I now admire her for her triumphs over trials and now I know that my childhood may not be as bad as I thought it was.

If you want a quick, good read for the beach, I highly recommend it.

Take Care,
Beamer 319

We've lost your tax return, may we have another?

2007-06-27T20:36:00.000-05:00

There has been a lot of talking regarding the US going to a Universal (Social) Medicine Program. I don't agree with it. The IRS has proven my point on why.

My mother received a letter from the IRS. The letter states, " We lost your tax return. Could you please send us another copy?" This is why government doesn't need to get involved with health insurance. They need to fix the current issues they have. Do you want to get a letter saying, Dear Mr. Smith, we lost your medical files, could you please update us with how your doing? I don't think so.

Social medicine sounds great in a Utopian Society but we don't live in Utopia. WE live here in the real world. A friend of mine is from Colombia. Colombia has social medicine. Her mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. Due to the back log of patients that the country has, she had to wait 5 months for surgery and travel 60 miles to the closest doctor and hospital. You could be dead in 5 months with cancer. At least here, you would get diagnosed and treatment well before 5 months was up. Your doctor and hospital are in your neighborhood. Do you want to travel from Richmond to Charlottesville or Fredericksburg for an appointment?

Also, how is it going to be paid for? They are going to raise our taxes. I don't know about you, but currently I am giving to Social Security which we won't have when we retire ( a government ran program); I am also paying into Medicare, and paying state and federal taxes. Our insurance premium is approximately $180 a month for family coverage. I don't want an increase in taxes and am happy with the insurance program that WE CHOSE to suit our needs.

You are offered private insurance. Blue Cross/Blue Shield also offers reasonable rates to insure yourself and if you are low income, you can get insurance based upon your income to cover your children. Hospitals will take indigent patients as its part of the Hippocratic Oath. No patient is turned away at the hospital.

The government form of insurance is Medicaid and Medicare. Have you ever tried to use it? My mother and brother are on Medicare due to disability issues. They don't cover medicine even the generic. Her doctor completes the forms for her but the doctors don't get paid in a 30 - 60 day turnaround. Its more like 90 - 120 days.

Also, the US has produced more vaccines and cures than other countries due to capitalism. The first one who produces a safe vaccine, gets it patented and approved by the FDA (a government organization) and the next thing you know, you have a cure and the pharmaceutical agency has profit. Take the competition away and do you think we would get any more vaccines or cures like for cancer or HIV under a government reign? I don't think so. My son has a VP shunt which was developed in the US. Without it, he would die before he reaches the status of teenager. I want capitalism in with my health care.

As I stated earlier, if the IRS can't hold on to a tax return, how in the world can I expect the government to keep my health care straight?

I hope you have a blessed night.

Beamer 319

I got a free ticket and its his fault

2007-06-26T20:22:00.000-05:00

We are getting ready to go on vacation next week. I decided that the kids needed a hair cut so I went to our one and only south park mall located in wonderful Colonial Heights and that's when the fun began.....

Since I had all three kids, I parked in the handicap space so C. wouldn't have far to walk. My wonderful golfing husband was probably sinking his first hole for the evening when I got to the mall. What should be dangling from his rear view mirror but the handicap placard in all its glory.

We went to hair cuttery and put our name on the list. 30 minute wait. So we grabbed a quick bite at Chic Filet and had a great time. We arrived back to hair cuttery just in time. The hairdresser had B first. She wanted her hair to be shorter in the same style. While she was getting her hair done, B decided to let the hairdresser know her entire life story. What kind of hair she had and what she wanted. While she was getting her hair cut, I noticed something quite funny. She makes the same face that I do when I get my hair cut. A stern look with clenched jaw and her eagle eye purveying every dropped piece of hair. Hoping that she won't end up bald, she is estimating how much hair has been cut using her 2nd grade math. Luckily, the hairdresser did a great job so B didn't give her the evil eye anymore. B said "excellent. Its what I always wanted."

Next up was C. Since this was a new hairdresser, I did the normal explaining. C has a shunt which is located on the right hand side of his head. If you bump it, smash it, its OK. I've had some hair dressers freak out when they felt it so I now have to do the introduction to C's hair. C. loved getting his hair cut and he enjoyed sucking on his orange sucker. Whew! He's done and its even and he still looks like a little boy and not a future marine. Thank goodness she knows how to use scissors instead of that dreaded clipper. C exclaimed "I'm cute"

Finally, K is up. She wants curly hair and she wants to be cute. Her hair is naturally wavy and grows fast. The hairdresser wets her hair and begins to cut. All of sudden, K has the "FACE". She looks like she is about to have a major tantrum. Her arms are clutched and her face is locked into the position. This is the face that says, I am determined to get my way and you better watch out face. I smiled at her and she tried not to smile back but couldn't help but smile. The hairdresser came through the 3rd time. Her hair is as cute as a button. K gave it a 2 thumbs up.

We decided that we would celebrate with ice cream. We headed back to the car and what do my eyes see but a lovely ticket indeed. My wonderful ticket says I have 5 days to appeal or its a $100 fine. After 5 days, its an additional $125. Just what I always wanted. A ticket.

I called my wonderful golfing husband and said guess what. I have a ticket. May I please have the placard. His response was yes dear and you are right dear. So I am assuming since he was so nice regarding my yelling tone voice that he must be with the boys. The more perturbed I got, the nicer he got. With frustration in hand, I hung up the phone. He came home complaining that he didn't feel good. So he got my empathy vote.

So if you want a free ticket from Colonial Heights, please feel free to park in the handicap zone.

Dinner $20
Haircuts $30
Ticket to park $100

Who knew parking at the mall was so expensive. I guess I better get going on writing my appeal.

Have a great night!!

Beamer 319

A Challenging Day

2007-06-22T20:38:00.000-05:00

I hope you all had a wonderful week and are looking forward to a great weekend. If you think you've had a day full of challenges, I want you to think about life in different terms.

Imagine that you are 4 years old. Remember that time of life, full of exploration and wanting to do things for yourself. If you can't remember that far back, look at the next child you see and just observe them. Think of all of the running and walking that you did. The love of the outdoors. The catching of fireflies. Sliding down the sliding board. Climbing on the jungle gym. Life is good.

Now imagine that in order to walk, you have to wear plastic leg braces that cover your feet and go up to your calf. Velcro straps keeps them on your feet. Since the braces are plastic, you will have to wear socks with them as well as shoes to cover them. Think of how that would feel. Think about the weather that we've been having. 90 degree days. Do you feel a little warm with sandals on. Try wearing your winter boots to get the same feeling as the braces. You also have a metal walker with plastic grips to assist you wherever you want to go. The walker is a part of you. It even comes with a flip down seat.

Since you are 4 years old and need help, whenever you want to go outside, you have to have someone with you in case you fall. You want to ride your trike but can't get your legs to cooperate. Do you feel challenged yet? Staying indoors when you want to go out becomes a daily challenge.

Remember always asking your parents why? Wanting to know everything about everything. But now when you speak, you have a hard time pronouncing words. Instead of saying I love you. You say " I wub u". Saying Outside becomes Out IDE. People have a hard time figuring out what you are saying. You struggle to get the answers you want but you don't always get the answers you seek.

These are the kind of days that our son has. Does he complain? No. Does he cry? Yes, but only when he can't get his way or he's tired. Is his life terrible? Absolutely not. He carries enthusiasm and he is joyful in everything. He doesn't have a bad day. At least not yet.

If you really want to challenge yourself. Try going to the bathroom by standing on one leg (your weaker one) and go. Remove whatever you need to do to do the business at hand. C is learning how to remove his clothing and getting on the potty. In order to do this, he has to figure out how to brace himself in order to accomplish the task without having an accident. He does this with laughter and he doesn't show frustration.

I wrote this post so you will see that no matter what kind of day you've had, it probably wasn't as bad as you thought it was. Be joyful and thankful. C. is.

Be like C. No matter what life gives you, smile, say I love today and keep on moving. I know I certainly can take some lessons from him.

Have a great weekend.

Beamer 319

Chester has a Secret

2007-06-21T20:41:00.001-05:00

Last Saturday, I took the kids to go visit the Citie of Henricus in Chester. This was before the full blown flu hit the house.

The Citie of Henricus was founded in 1611 and its a little Jamestown. Actually, people left Jamestown to live at the Citie of Henricus because it had better drinkable water and people weren't getting sick like in Jamestown. The residents of Jamestown drank brackish water which made them lethargic or sick.

Residents of Citie of Henricus enjoyed the good life in Colonial Times until the death of Chief Powhatan. After his death, the Algonquin Indians had enough and killed everyone. Years later, the citie was revitalized again until the next Indian raid.

When you visit Henricus, you pay a small fee. The cost for 5 of us was $24. 2 adults and 3 kids. Not a bad price. We received a one on one tour with the interpreter who showed us how the Indians actually lived. Then we went to the other side and saw how the colonials lived.

After the tour, we walked around and got a beautiful view of the James River. We looked at the monuments and sat down and enjoyed a nice visit while sitting on the benches. It was way too cool.

Part of the Jamestown movie was filmed in the Citie of Henricus. The kids enjoyed taking the fur off of a dear with shells. They also pretended to churn corn and wore the armament of colonials. The metal was heavy and solid. They also learned games that the children played when they weren't working in the herb garden or farming.

I never knew what the Citie of Henricus was about so I am glad that we are doing the Virginia Traveller. We are having such a blast that you need to start doing this.

Time with my kids are priceless. I am sorry that my husband missed out, but, he had a fun time playing golf.

Get off the couch and get out of the house and go visit these places. They are awesome.

Take Care,

Beamer 319

Petersburg Who Knew...

2007-06-21T20:12:00.000-05:00

Well, the house has finally said good bye to the stomach flu. Life is so much more nicer now without the 2am sick call. Whew!!

The kids resumed their Virginia Legacy travel today and they decided to go to Petersburg. The first stop......

The Petersburg Visitor's Center where they purchased a block ticket which paid their entrance to the Siege Museum, Centre Hill Mansion and Blandford Church. Children 7 and under are free and kids ages 8 and up, pay $9 and adults are $10. Seniors pay $9. For a total of $18, a family of 4 visited the following:

The Siege Museum, a great place to learn about the Civil War. Joseph Cotton, a former Petersburg native, narrated a movie regarding the Civil War. Then the kids were given a scavenger hunt to do throughout the museum. What was going to be a 1/2 hour visit turned into an hour of fun and delight. They had such a blast that it was a good portion of our dinnertime discussion.

Next Stop......

Centre Hill Mansion. This is a wonderful gem hidden in the midst of the city. Centre Hill receives a grant to help with the upkeep and use the entrance fee as well. They do not have the knowledge or the staff to search out grants to keep this mansion going and depend solely on their own. They would love a benefactor or someone with grant writing knowledge to help donate their time. Centre Hill Mansion belonged to a descendant of Pocahontas and they boast of actual ghost sightings. The life size portrait of Pocahontas is on loan until the end of the year. The children enjoyed the furniture and life style of this federal style house. Our kids are 8, 6, and 4. They enjoyed talking with the tour guide and learning about the underground tunnel that runs throughout the grounds. They also learned that the only source of heat was the fireplace which was generally lit when they had guests. Otherwise, they would live in the attic which is the warmest part of the house. They really enjoyed listening to the tall tales of the house and want to go back again. The last owners of the mansion made bad investments and had to sell the surrounding land in order to survive. He donated it to the Federal Government with the provision that it be used as a museum. The Federal Government later gave it to the City of Petersburg with a provision of their own that the mansion would reflect how people during the civil war actually lived.

The final leg of the tour today......

Blandford Church. The children weren't too thrilled driving through the cemetery but they did see a headstone marked 1702 and got excited. Once they go into the church, the guide told them the history of the church and they marvelled at the stain glass windows. The windows, I am told, were amazing as it has a 3 D effect. They enjoyed talking and learning about the church and the area.

My mom and kids enjoyed their day. They left the house at 11am and didn't return until 4pm. Having spent a short time having lunch. They couldn't stop talking about it and can't wait until their next adventure.

If you want something fun to do with your family, go to Petersburg and see these sights. You won't be disappointed and you will be treated like the rock star you wanted to be.

Take Care,

Beamer 319

Our Special First Day of Summer..

2007-06-15T19:08:00.001-05:00

Colonial Heights School let the kids out yesterday so today is the first day of summer vacation. Our 8 year old was going camping with her girl scout troop but she woke up with vomiting and diarrhea at 1:30. Her system started calming down and I began to think that she had over indulged yesterday. She had breakfast in her class, lunch at home, a snack and at her request, CI CI's pizza to celebrate her and her sister's straight A year.

I had to go to work. When I called home, I was told that her throat was soar, glands swollen and she had spots in her mouth. Sounds like Strep to me. The first thought was poor baby. I hope she can still go camping. The second thought was I hope our son doesn't get it as I don't want to spend days at MCV. It's not fun and this is supposed to be Summer Vacation. With C having a shunt, if he gets a fever, virus or an infection, the doctor requires a stay at the luxurious MCV Pediatric Wing until all symptoms are gone. Not fun for us but it is part of having a child with hydrocephalus.

My mother took B and the other 2 kids to the doctor and she was diagnosed with the stomach flu. YEAH!!! It's a 24 hour thing. Of course, the 24 hours start after she last vomits so the count down has begun. We are now a hands washing family and a no sharing of the toys family for now. B requested chicken noodle soup for dinner and it better be Campbell's. I guess Progresso isn't good enough. So I made another trip to Ukrops and this trip was uneventful. YEAH! She ate 3 bites of her soup and now she is sleeping upstairs content with the world.

B missed her camping trip with the girl scouts. K has finished her melt down as she thinks B ruined her weekend. K, C, and myself will still go to Henricus Park tomorrow if the weather is nice. C. is just happy that he got to play in his room with his dinosaurs today and he got gold fish for his snack.

If this is how summer vacation has started, I hope it will be sick free for the rest of season.

Happy Summer!!

Beamer 319

My Underwear is falling and I can't keep em up

2007-06-14T18:53:00.000-05:00

That's how I started my day today. It all started at Ukrops. How embarrassing. Lets start at the beginning..

2 weeks ago, I get an email saying that the 2nd grade teachers want the students to have breakfast for the last day of school. I ordered breakfast pizzas from Ukrops and my husband came with me to help in exchange for gas in his car. I was in the card aisle at Ukrops looking for thank you cards. Ukrops doesn't sell thank you cards individually. Then it happened.....

Where I am temping allows females to wear long dresses and skirts without hose. Yeah for me as it saves me money. My $5 hose gets a run in it on the first day of wearing. It gets expensive. So I get dressed this morning and my underwear was a little tight so I decided to get another pair that was more comfortable. That was my first mistake. I put on a skirt (no hose) and blouse and head to Ukrops.

In the card aisle I begin to fill it slip. First off of the left hip, down the stomach and oh my gosh, please let my thighs keep them up. I find a hiding place in Ukrops. Thank goodness it was 7am this morning. I hike em up and hope that's the end of it.

It wasn't. At work today, every time I got up, the slippage began. My mile walk to the restroom became a paranoid walk of whose around and how long is this skirt anyway. The slippage, the thigh prayer and then a place to hide to hike them up became my speed walk challenge. Get to the restroom before my underwear hits the floor. I gave myself so many wedgies today, I may be ready for thong underwear. My husband will probably say "WOO HOO".

My prayer was please lord keep em up and thighs do your best. Then I wondered if there was any duct tape around. None to be found in the bank. Then, it struck me, I could use safety pins but to no avail, there wasn't any available. The wedgie would have to do until I get home.

The lesson I learned today was its better to be a little tight than a little loose.

I hope you had an awesome Thursday.

Beamer 319

Hey Can You Dumb it Down Please!!!

2007-06-12T20:02:00.000-05:00

My last position was eliminated due to a business decision. I went to a head hunter/recruiter to help me get new employment. I spoke with him today as he had a potential opportunity for me. I want to work in commercial construction as an accounting manager. I have 22 years accounting experience with 8 being in commercial construction. I also am 8 classes short of my degree in business. Put those two things together and the companies either love me or they are not sure of me.

Anyway, this company is looking for an office manager/bookkeeper and they are a commercial construction firm. The Recruiter said that I was over qualified and would I mind "dumbing down my resume". My resume is professional and I am proud of my accomplishments. I have never heard of dumbing down a resume. I've heard of people exaggerating but never dumbing down. So how do you make a resume dumber?

I don't want to lie on my resume and I don't want to make it appear that I haven't had the experiences that I've had. In the work force women make around $0.80 to a man's $1 to start with. So, if I dumb down my resume, will I get the same opportunity as men?

What has my career come down to, "Excuse me please, but can you dumb it down?" I believe I will reply, "No sir, I can't. My roots are natural and have grown over time and I don't believe in changing now."

Wish me luck in looking for real work with my natural resume.

Beamer 319

IDEARAISER FOR VIRGINIA EVENT

2007-06-12T20:01:00.000-05:00

You are invited to an

IDEARAISER

Hosted by Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling
and the
Area Chambers of Commerce

Wednesday, June 20th
1:30-3:00p.m.

at

Union Train Station
103 River St
Petersburg, VA 23803

100 Ideas for the Future of Virginia is an initiative by Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling to enter into a candid conversation with fellow Virginians about the future of our Commonwealth. Our Founding Fathers designed our nation and Commonwealth as participatory democracies in which the citizens interact with their legislators and let them know the road to follow. Through 100 Ideas for the Future of Virginia, Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling, legislators, and community leaders from all corners of the commonwealth are asking citizens to attend "Idearaisers." These "Idearaisers" are small, informal gatherings conducive to candid conversation about the best course for Virginia over the next 5 to 50 years. The Lieutenant Governor asks everyone to come prepared with their ideas for the Future of Virginia.

For more information, please visit 100IdeasVA.com.
Please RSVP to Jeremy Greenfield:
804-225-2481 or
Jeremy.Greenfield@ltgov.virginia.gov

The Science Museum of Virginia - Its not just science

2007-06-09T21:56:00.000-05:00

Today, my 6 year old and I went to the Science Museum of Virginia. She is interested in sea animals and we've signed up to be Time Travellers. Its an awesome program where if you go to six places listed in the brochure, you will get a certificate signed by the Governor. My kids are totally stoked about this. Anyway, we went to the Science Museum of Virginia and it was awesome.

I haven't been there for about 6 years so it was a nice return to the museum. I have to tell you, she was thrilled with all of the hands on things to do. She discovered about space, electricity, dinosaurs, the human body, etc. She kept saying, "Mom, this is what I call Science." We started our visit by going to the IMAX theatre and watching the movie regarding the Coral Reef. It really enlightened me on how important the reefs are and how they are an intricate part of nature. K at first was totally overwhelmed by the size of the theatre. I told her it was just like going to a regular movie theatre just bigger. Once she picked out the sits and the movie began, her mouth stayed opened. She fell in love with the beauty of the coral and the bulldozer shrimp. She thought they were very cool and smart. These shrimp are near sighted so for protection from predators, these shrimp live with the "safe" fish that live in the coral. They "bull doze" all the trash and unwanted rocks from the burrow. The fish hangs out and when a predator comes, it darts into the burrow. This alerts the bulldozing shrimp and they hide in the burrow behind the fish. It was pretty cool.

We investigated all 4 floors and the next favorite of hers was going into Lab 2. Lab 2 inhabits the snakes. She got to pet a corn snake which was "way cool" and she watched them feed the snake. A frozen dead mouse that they thawed out in a cup of warm water. She intensely watched the snake eat the whole mouse and she said he must have been hungry as she can see the mouse inside of him and he was still pushing it down.

And finally, she had to watch the rats play basketball. We did this in Lab 3. The rats had a great time and she kept score. When it was over, she was there rubbing and loving the rats. This is a child who is afraid of mosquitos but she loves these things.

We did get to see the Savage Seas travelling exhibit and that was pretty awesome. They have displayed the jaws with teeth that can swallow a human whole and have plenty of room left. It reminded me of Jonah and the Whale. Many people have said that it was a tale and couldn't happen. You should check out the jaws on this fish and we can begin our debate from there.

She can't wait to go back and she said that when she gets to be a teenager, which to her is the epitome of childhood, she wants to work there. I'm glad that we got to spend some one on one time together and that she had a blast.

If you are looking for something cool to do and your tired of the latest movies and hullabaloo, I recommend spending the day at the museum. We had fun and I got souvenirs for three kids and spent under $20 so price isn't an issue.

2 Tickets to the Museum and IMAX $34
Souvenirs $17
A day with my daughter, PRICELESS.

Take Care,

Beamer 319

Lets Talk About Sex education

2007-06-09T07:00:00.000-05:00

I have been reading some blogs this morning regarding the abstinence before marriage legislation. I am all for education. I also know what is the parents responsibility and the school's responsibility. Back in the day of dinosaurs when I was in 5th grade (1975), my parents signed a permission slip for me to attend an after school program regarding sex education.

The class was held in 2 locations. One for the boys and the second one for the girls. I don't know what went on with the boys as they never spoke of it. But I would like to share with you my experience. We girls sat in the cafeteria and we watched a video regarding the menstrual cycle and the purpose of the cycle. We also discussed hygiene during this time of the month and the different products that were available to us. We also discussed sex. How a child was conceived and the different types of sexually transmitted diseases. How you got the disease and what the disease will do to your body and if there was a cure. This was before the time of AIDS.

It taught me a lot. It taught me that working together (parents, schools and children), you can learn a lot. My mother's talk to me regarding sex was, "Its not like it is in the movies so don't bother with it". This was after I saw a Star is Born with Barbara Streisand and Kris Kristofferson (Rated R). My mother purchased the tickets for us at the Henrico Theatre as the owner wouldn't sell to anyone under the age of 16 regardless of who you were.

In High School, I knew of some girls who got pregnant. The school's policy was that once you began to show, you had to go to night school as they didn't want other girls to get encouraged on getting pregnant. Listening to one of my friends who got pregnant complain about the discomfort they were in and later the pain of childbirth was the decision factor for me. One girl kept her baby and went on to marry her boyfriend and the other one became a single mom and didn't finish school. My parents had instilled in me that if you want it plastered on the front page of the newspaper go ahead and do it but if you don't want it known then you shouldn't do it. Parents need to raise their children and install morals. Do I believe that we have perfect parents? As a parent, I am far from perfect but I am doing my best.

I have seen where it has been written that contraception works. No, it doesn't. My 8 year old is here and she's a condom baby. I can't take the pill as it makes me extremely nauseous while I was taking it so that's out. My 6 year old was using the rhythm method. Again, didn't work. I miscalculated the 'hot' time. My 4 year old was conceived because it was meant to be. After the 3rd pregnancy, my husband was "volunteered" to be fixed. That's the only guarantee I know of and that is sterilization or don't do it at all.

My point is this. Teenagers will do what they want but its up to the parents to teach them the truth about sex, smoking, drugs, alcohol and most important, being true to oneself. I tell my kids that if someone says if you do this, I will be your friend. I tell them then they aren't your friend to begin with. A true friend likes you for you. Maybe that's what we should be teaching our kids. Be true to yourself. If You love God First and YOU Second, then a lot of issues wouldn't be issues at all.

Take Care and God Bless,

Beamer 319

It's Potty Time

2007-06-07T18:24:00.000-05:00

As I mentioned, we have a special needs child and he is now 4 years old. I am beginning to start his potty training. Before I get feed back stating that he should already be trained, please let me give you the scenario he is in. C. cannot stand or walk without leg braces or his walker.

A few months ago, I went to a medical equipment store and purchased a pediatric handicap potty. They do exist. I paid $125 for this wonderful item. The side rails are the same height as his walker so he can transition rather easily. The bucket that fits into it looks like a paint bucket so it makes it easier to dump and keep clean.

Starting this past Sunday, C. has shown a lot of interest in it. He pulled his pants down and sat down on it. He actually hasn't deposited anything yet but I am glad that he wants to do this as he's been watching me and the rest of family doing our business.

The dilemma that I am having his since he's a boy, I am training him to sit like a girl on the potty. It just makes sense to me. I've asked my husband, Especially Blessed, to help out and give me some suggestions. He says he doesn't know much about potty training. I wonder how he learned. MEN!!

Anyway, I will keep you posted on how its going and if you have any suggestions, please let me know as I can't wait until he's trained. I then get a big pay raise. NO more PULL UPS or SWIMMERS!! YEAH!!

Maybe I should find the Poop Book. It was a cute book that I found in the Nature Store a long, long time ago.

I hope you have a great night. Its time for me to cruise the blogs.

God Bless!!
Beamer 319

A training bra was so much easier

2007-06-05T18:13:00.000-05:00

As I mentioned in my previous post, my position as an Operations Manager was eliminated due to a business decision. I am now working a temporary assignment in the real estate closing department. Yesterday, I was trained on doing certificates for closed 2nd mortgages. Today, I get the same stack for the 3rd time in a row. A record for me as I am usually a quick learner. When did training get hard? Is it because I am older? I started wondering this at work today and began thinking when did I start the training process. And it occurred to me. The first time I heard the word training was when my mother took me to Thalhimers to fit me for my very first training bra. The fit was perfect and it felt like a t shirt. I had no complaints.

Now, 30 years later, I have to wear a bra with wires that dig into your side because my breasts are now in a race to see which one will get to my feet first. I didn't sign up for this when I started training back in my preteen years with my first bra. Well, what did I expect after having 3 children and I enjoy my comfort food. Women who get breast implants, I don't get it. I would be glad to donate. Just sign me up. Research should look into breast tissue donation for the implant patient instead of silicone. Its all natural after all.

Well, back to my painful training that I have received in the last 2 days. After getting this stack of 30 packets back, I was ready to run for the border and I'm not talking Taco Bell. After my trainer sat down with me today and I got it all straight, I started to relax and then it hit me again. I now live in cubeville. What in the world has happened to my career.

Just a few short months ago, I was outside attending to my commercial tenants, buildings and the company's independent antique store. I got fresh air, bottled water and the feeling that I belonged to this wonderful community. My supervisor was in another state. It was NIRVANA!! Now, due to a business decision, I have been relocated cubeville.

I have the typical cube neighbors. One is the very supportive type but then she gossips about what she hears. Then I have the barbie next to me. Her first response (every time) is "OH MY GOD!!". I'm thinking is she from the valley or a cheerleader that hasn't matured.

Well, training is painful. Living in cubeville is painful. The people are nice and most of the work is easy. But, its not like my first training bra. Simple, comfortable and easily wearable.

I hope you had a great day.

Beamer 319

Those People

2007-06-04T21:16:00.000-05:00

I have been reading several blogs recently and noticed that a lot of bloggers refer to "those people". Well, at some point in time, we are all "those people". It just depends on what side of the line you are on. I consider myself to be one of those people who is an unashamed Christian. Does this mean that I am homophobic? NO. Does it mean that I think I am perfect? NO. Does it mean that I sit in judgement of you? NO.

Being a christian, first and foremost, its a sin to hate. I may not like the decisions that you make, but I won't hate you for it or impress you with guilt. I will, however, get on my knees and pray for you. I will let you know that I don't agree with you and we may have to agree to disagree. I have known gay people (both women and men) and we are/were friends. I have known women who have had abortions and remained friends with them. I didn't shun them. I loved them (in a christian sense).

So, when you go bashing those people, don't lump us together. You wouldn't want us to lump you together. Christians are people who first and foremost know that they are not perfect. We know that we are sinners. If you have ever told a lie or taken a pen from your office, this is a sin. I am a good person, a great friend, and a loving mother but I am a sinner. Being a good person doesn't get me into heaven. Believing that Christ died for us and that he is the son of God does. Developing a relationship with God by studying his word and trying to live by his word will not get me into heaven. Only God's grace will. He blesses those that bless him.

I believe that All have sinned. I Believe that Christ died on the cross for us. I confess my sin to God. When was the last time you sat down and thought about what you have said and done? Have you confessed your sins?

I am one of those people but then again so are you. We may just be on a different side of the line.

Take Care and May the blessings of God be on you!!

Beamer 319

Being a "Special" Parent

2007-06-03T14:18:00.000-05:00

I wanted to give you, the bloggers, a glimpse of what it means to be a parent to a special needs child. This isn't a pity party blog as I actually feel blessed to have our son. I hope this will enlighten your concept of us "special" parents. Our son has hydrocephalus also known as a water baby. His brain produces too much spinal fluid in the brain area so he has a VP Shunt to siphon out the excess fluid and dumps it into his perinea area (abdomen). This was discovered during an ultrasound at 33 weeks. I was being monitored monthly through ultrasound as he had developed bladder reflux while in utero. His bladder when emptying will back fill into his kidneys. Not a good thing since the bladder is the garbage dump for your body. During this, the neonatologist discovered the hydrocephalus. We don't know how it happened even though they took enough blood from me to do a hundred or more tests.

At 36 weeks, they performed an emergency c-section because his head had grown too much in one week. He stayed in the NICU for five days and came home for 2 and went to MCV at 9 days old to be shunted. He hasn't had any revisions or failures. Since his shunt was placed in the worst area of the hydrocephalus, it affected his speech and gross motor skills. He has been in therapy (speech and physical) since he was 6 months old.

Now on to the present. C is now 4 years old and walks with a walker along with leg braces. He has the brightest red hair and the bluest eyes I have ever seen. His speech is at a 3 year old level and he comprehends at a 5 year old level. He is an awesome child. He is joyful in everything and always has questions. He attends a special needs preschool in Colonial Heights and they are awesome. When he started the program at 3 years old, he was at a 17 month old speech level and crawled to get from location to location. In one year, he has grown so much developmentally.

As a parent, I want to assure you that we always prepare for the worst and hope for the best. We don't have a cookie cutter life. We get the roller coaster life. When he gets sick and has a fever, it usually means a stay at the hospital to ensure that the infection doesn't get to the shunt. He won't play anything that could cause head trauma so no football scholarships in our future but I don't think Bill Gates ever played football and he didn't turn out too bad.

When you see a special needs child, its ok to ask questions. Its ok to look and its ok to accept. We don't mind educating people and we love to hear about your kids too. We have 2 older children ages 8 and 6 who are able bodied and are considered to be bright children. They have learned compassion and they encourage others to do better. They are truly encouragers.

If you have a special needs child, feel blessed. God chose you over everyone else because you have the unique ability to bring your child to his fullest potential. I will also tell you that if it wasn't for the hydrocephalus group on yahoo, I would have been a basket case. They were enlightening and encouraging. I met online people who had children with hydrocephalus as well as adults who were either born with it or developed it due to a head trauma. No one had the same results. Its all dependent on the type of person you are and the medical treatment that you receive. The Hydrocephalus Association also led us to our neurosurgeon and now that he is retiring, I look forward to continue working with his replacement as he has been with our son since C. was born.

I will sometimes look at families and see them with "healthy" children and I admit at times I feel sorry for myself because I have never experience that in my entire life. Its God's wish that I have C. and I now understand why. I've been trained since birth to be able to handle being a special needs mom. My brother who is 1 year younger than me had a stroke while being born and due to that he is mentally retarded.

Being a "special" parent is a rewarding and sometimes frustrating life but you know I wouldn't trade it for a "Barbie and Ken" family. It just wouldn't be the same.

Beamer 319

Memorial Day, its not just another day to me.

2007-05-31T22:01:00.000-05:00

Well, its another Memorial Day memory for me. Memorial Day is supposed to be a day to remember war veterans, people who serve or who have served our country, cook outs and special days with Friends. For me, Memorial Day is the saddest day for me. I usually don't go out but try and stay home. You see Memorial Day and I have a special relationship that's unique to other people. Let me explain.

When I was in high school, my parents took me to get a puppy for my birthday. It was the first time, I got to go and pick out a dog. My pets were usually strays as the neighborhood knew that if you didn't like your pet, drop it at her house and it will have a new home. So I picked out this beautiful little dachshund and named her Cassie (short for Cassiopeia). I got her in January and she was the cutest and best dog. My sophomore year in high school my dog was hit and killed by a car after having her for only a year. She died on Memorial Day. I was so sad that I didn't get another dog for about 6 months and I went to the pet store (as we had them back in my day) and picked out the cutest little terrier mix who lived to be 22 years old after being hit by a car. She got pins in her knees and a plate in pelvic bone and was fixed. I used my student loan for my Spring Semester of my freshman year of college to pay for it. I've been working at finishing my degree ever since but I digress.

I graduated high school and my friends went off to college. I stayed home and went to VCU. I had a great first year until Memorial Day. One of my friends from high school was killed along with her brother in law, niece and nephew. They had decided to go to Nailers Beach for the day. The steering mechanism broke on their van and the van drove off of the bridge and they drowned. From my understanding, the bystanders just stood there and watched. My friend's boyfriend got out of the van and he came up for air and went down into the murky water to try and save them. He got tired quickly and she and her family perished.

Memorial Day has spared me for over 20 years until this year. My family was invited to go to Virginia Beach. My children (ages 8,6,4) have not been to the beach. My oldest went when she was 2-1/2 but she doesn't really remember it. We had an awesome time and I was glad that we did something fun. We all had a blast.

We went to work on Tuesday and my husband checked out our church's website, Mount Pleasant, to see the latest happenings. He discovered that a dear man to me and our son, Mark Mingea, had suddenly died. It seems that he wasn't feeling good on Memorial Day and coughed up some blood. His wife went to get a rag and some aspirin. When she returned, he had died. She tried to revive him on the way to the hospital but he didn't revive. His death was a great loss to me. See, he was my son's first Sunday School Teacher. Our son has hydrocephalus and Mark took to him especially strong. He always referred to Casey as his boy and his little man and Casey would always smile at him and give him a big hug. No matter where we were or what was going on, Mark would always make sure that Casey knew that he was loved by him. So this was an especially hard loss for me as I love people who love my children. He is going to be missed. I still have tears when I think of what the world is going to miss but again Heaven has gained a wonderful soul.

So, as you can see, Memorial Day and me have a special relationship. Memorial Day is truly a day to memorialize those you love and remember. People say things happen in 3s and this was the third thing. Maybe Memorial Day will now be a day that I can look forward to enjoying with family and friends. I certainly hope so.

I hope you had a hot dog, hamburger filled holiday and that you remember to think of those who mean something to you and let them know why they are still here because your time could be up in a blink of an eye.

God Bless!!

Beamer 319

I Found a Hidden Treasure - Prairie Grain Bread Co.

2007-05-31T21:38:00.000-05:00

Last week, I started working for a temporary agency and they placed me with a bank working in the real estate closing department. I have been brown bagging it since day one and since my daughter and son had field trips, I had to relinquish my brand new lunch bag from Kroger. (Secretly YEAH!!).

I called my husband to see where I could go to eat and we decided to meet at Old Buckingham Station Shopping Center on Midlothian Turnpike. (Its a 10 minute drive there from where we both work). We decided to meet at the McDonalds (GROSS!!). Before I met him, I drove through the shopping center to see what was there. Several restaurants and then I saw it, the hidden treasure.....

The Prairie Grain Bread Company. They bake their bread on site so its fresh without preservatives. They have a wide selection of breads (9 grain, wheat, white, herb, etc.). Each day of the week, they have a "bread of the day". Thursday is banana nut bread. It was awesome. Not too much banana and it was a firm but soft bread with a pleasant taste. My husband and I ordered a turkey and cheese sandwich combo with the works. You can pick what you want and how you want it. We chose the whole sandwich (2 slices of bread). You can also choose 1/2 sandwich, 1 slice of bread divided into two. The combo included a bag of chips or soup. We chose chips. The soup was a baked chicken noodle soup. It sounded good but it was 90 degrees today so we opted for chips. You also get to choose either a bottle or fountain drink (same cost). Our bill totaled $12.16. Not a bad deal for two people having lunch.

The lady at the counter was so friendly, we felt that we were in our grandmother's kitchen as she explained the sandwiches and gave us a lot of information since we were so inquisitive. She also gave us a card. For every loaf of bread we purchase or sandwich, she will mark the card. After 12 purchases, we get either a loaf of bread or lunch for free. You can't beat that with a 10 foot stick. We wrote our names on the card and she offered to post it on their community board filled with cards. We had to promise to come back and remember where our card was.

I can't tell you enough how good the food was and we got it in less than 5 minutes. The atmosphere is great. We had a nice conversation and didn't feel the pressure of the hustle and bustle of Midlothian. The place was spotless so the 10 second rule could be expanded to 30 seconds.

If you want to check out a great place to have lunch and spend a quiet one with friends or spouses, this is the place to go. Also, my husband did buy a loaf of banana nut bread (and he usually hates it).He was going to bring it home today. HMMMMM!!! I haven't seen it. I guess it didn't make it home.

So remember to check out the hyper link to Prairie Grain and let me know if you liked it as much as we did.

Beamer 319

Position Elimated Due to a Business Decision

2007-05-27T20:44:00.000-05:00

My husband started a blog a few weeks ago and so I decided to follow in his footsteps. The first thing he said I had to do was come up with something to say. So let me tell you why my blog is named eliminated due to a business decision. It seems my whole 22 year career has been awesome but my positions usually end with the statement, "your position has been eliminated due to a business decision."

I tell ya, I have gotten so used to hearing those words that when an employer tells it to me and then they say we are giving you a great send off package, I sit back and compare it to the other packages I have received through my career. What happened to the days of our grandparents. In their day, companies rewarded hard workers with loyalty. The worker/employer relationship depended upon loyalty and honesty. Today, it always comes down to the bottom line. Companies let go employees after 20 or more years because their salaries have gotten too high. They are eliminated due to a business decision. Then its decided a few months later, that they really needed the position and hire someone straight out of college and are paid a less amount.

In Danville, VA, there is a section of the town filled with shanti's (little 1 bedroom houses) that were owned by the manufacturing plant and their employees lived there as long as they worked as part of their compensation and when they retired, they got the house. The good ole days I say.

Today, companies look at the bottom line and decide that the company needs to go a new direction in order to keep up with the Jones'. My position gets eliminated and I have to defend why my resume looks like I leave after 2 years of employment. Its a jungle out there. I don't mean to belly ache. I am only saying that I wonder what will happen in our children's time of employment.

I think that on my next interview, I will ask, " what is the percentage that this position will be eliminated due to a business decision?". I wonder what the response will be. I definitely know that my epitaph will read, "Life eliminated due to God's decision" as he truly is the one in charge.

I consider Him to be my true employer, however, I wish that my position wouldn't be eliminated after two years.

Well, I think that's how I will end it for today. I hope you have a happy Memorial Day and that your position isn't eliminated due to a business decision.

Beamer 319