IDEARAISER FOR VIRGINIA EVENT

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

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,

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Lets Talk About Sex education

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,

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It's Potty Time

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!!
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A training bra was so much easier

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.

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Those People

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!!

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Being a "Special" Parent

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.

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