Calling all psychics...

Calling those with an eye for detail and possibly the dramatic. I have below a picture of the image that my husband's flash light produces. Please look at this picture carefully and tell me just what you see. Turn it to any angle. We see several images. One is of an elderly man, another is of a woman, one is clearly an alien and a Chinese dragon head (the type you see in a Chinese parade) to name a few. Now I want to see your creativity. Do you see what I see? Copy the Image and report back to me by using Photoshop or by hand drawing over the image to bring out just what you see. I'm curious to see what you come up with. Oh and as for you psychics out there feel free to contact me with your feelings on what these images are trying to tell us!



 


OK now, send all your responses and attempts to "see what I see: to me via email: Wifeandmotherof4@yahoo.com

One smart man!

Teddy Roosevelt was one smart man! If only we had this sort of leadership today our country wouldn't be in its current state.


Theodore Roosevelt ideas on Immigrants and being an AMERICAN in 1907.

"In the first place, we should insist that if the immigrant who comes here in good faith becomes an American and assimilates himself to us, he shall be treated on an exact equality with everyone else, for it is an outrage to discriminate against any such man because of creed, or birthplace, or origin. But this is predicated upon the person's becoming in every facet an American, and nothing but an American...There can be no divided allegiance here. Any man who says he is an American, but something else also, isn't an American at all. We have room for but one flag, the American flag... We have room for but one language here, and that is the English language... and we have room for but one sole loyalty and that is a loyalty to the American people."

Theodore Roosevelt 1907


I'm first generation Cuban American and let me tell you this makes sense to me. I grew up knowing that I was an American and that I should love my country. My parents spoke English to the best of their abilities and though they spoke Spanish in their home to each other I was expected to speak English at all times. To this day I can understand Spanish perfectly but speaking it takes some effort. Some say I should hold on to my heritage. I say my heritage is American. I don't disrespect my origins but by God I know where I came from and thank God I born here!

From attempt to murder....

to this. How does an organization for our all time favorite pastime refuse to help our enlisted men/women, an organization that also resides in the city that received the most devastation on 911. Wait let me explain. You see a good friend of mine Karen Santi has been her entire life a supporter of the enlisted and of veterans. She has supported them in many ways. From letters of encouragement to fulfilling their requests for items from home and so much more. I'm sharing with you an email I received from Karen, with her permission, in an effort to fill the wish of one of the troops that she is supporting. It was a simple wish and one you would think could easily have been supplied by one of our countries richest organizations. Read on:


Hello,

Let me please start by saying I am sorry for bringing this to your doorstep, honestly I didn't know who else to turn to. I am so disappointed in Major League Baseball right now, I may never go to another game. Let me give you a very shortened version of the story. I am currently trying to help to support a deployed unit of the US Army's 4th Division. All they have actually said they would like to have is baseball gloves. These are 18 - 25 year old boys, that for the most part are out of this country for the very first time. These special young men have decided that they would like to play baseball in the very little down time that they get, it would not only give them something to do, but it would also bring them all memories of home.

As I had already asked for help from, with absolutely no response at all, the local AAA and Major League teams, (The Baltimore orioles, Frederick Keys, and the Iron Birds) I thought I would contact the MLB Players Association. Which I did; I left a voice mail for Ms. Melissa Persaud explaining who I was trying to help, and what they had requested (some old used baseball gloves). And that, while I couldn't afford to buy 20 used mitts, I'd be more than happy to pay the cost of shipping them to Iraq if she could just direct me to where she thought I could get them donated from. The very next day an assistant of Ms. Persaud called me back. She explained that Ms. Persaud was still going to be out of the office, but she wanted to make sure my call was returned. She directed me to contact Ms. Kathy Bradley in the Commissioners Office, who was a part of a program to bring baseball equipment to those that can't get it.

Today I received my return call from Ms. Bradley, almost a week later, I guess I should just feel grateful that I even managed to get one. Ms Bradley was exceedingly curt and rude. She more or less told me to get a local sporting goods store to donate the gloves to the soldiers of the 1/10th Cavalry, or I should purchase them myself. It seemed to me that she was offended in just having to return my call.
Being a former New Yorker, I was quite taken aback by her attitude; especially, since I explained who I was trying to help. Needless to say, I am currently beyond disgusted with Major League Baseball. However, while I have shared this story with you, I would never let the young men that are risking their lives on a daily basis know what has transpired.

Well I just wanted to let someone know how very wonderful, and patriotic, our "National Pastime" participants are. I will be taking my next paycheck to buy 20 used mitts, and ship them to Iraq. I have the support of my husband and children in this. For at least they think those that stand in harms way to protect our freedoms are more important than their own needs. I can honestly say that my family and I shall never walk into a baseball stadium again. Perhaps the 30+ people I have sent this to will feel the same.

Sincerely,
Karen Santi

I of course along with many others on Karen's email list offered to help in whatever way possible. She of course refused the help but did allow me to share her e-mail with you all in an effort to let you all know just how easily and quickly some in NYC have forgotten what happened on 911. How the very men that are asking for some gloves, balls and bats to enjoy what little down time they have are the same men or I should say boys as most are so very, very young risking their lives to protect us from that same sort of action.

I'm wondering if , MM or any of you with any pull or knowledge of how to persuade this organization or any others to support these men I'd appreciate any help you can offer. MM, I don't mean to put you on the spot my friend I just know how very persuasive you can be and I'm sure you feel the same way I do about these young men and women risking life and limb for the general population. Even something as simple as some kind words for the troop would be wonderful. I'm sure Karen will gladly forward them on to those in need of a reminder that we are behind them. I don't know about you, but it is my belief that no matter what your stance is on the war we have to be behind these men and women. Many of them don't believe in the war but do their jobs to protect us regardless. They all deserve our respect and our support.

I'm not now nor never have been a baseball fan nor of any other organized sport so suffice to say I won't be going to any baseball games now nor in the future. What you can be sure of is that I will tell anyone and everyone willing to listen this story. I talk a whole lot and many will hear this story. I hope you too will pass it on.


For some reason I'm unable to make the link above for MM's site to work for me today. So for those that want to go there... go to www.masthead.blogspot.com copy and paste that in your web browser.

Attempt to murder?

Today in my surfing I came across this horrific story. I'm in complete shock. How can the doctor, hospital or insurance company justify cutting off life support on a person that is able to tell you they wish to keep on living? Isn't that murder? I see this as completely different from the Shivo case and I hope you all do as well. There is still hope for this woman and because of cost the insurance company wants to end her life. I'm too furious right now to write more. I just hope you take the time to read it and help in whatever way you can.

April 19

The birthday girl 


I'm late in posting this as I had left it in draft form but let me tell you that I had not forgotten.

My second born is now officially legal! She is 18 and though I find it hard to believe that 18 years have passed since that day in 1988 when I gave birth to the most beautiful baby girl. She's brought me so much joy over the years. Yes we have had our ups and downs and she isn't perfect but I have been so very blessed to have her. She is beautiful from the inside out! She has so much love and compassion for others. I love my fellow man but I can tell you she didn't get her deep concern from me. Her's goes much deeper than mine.

I only wish my beautiful girl had as much love for herself as she does for others. I pray for her to gain some confidence and love for herself in this her 18th year. I pray she finds her place in this crazy mixed up world we live in. I wish I could stop the world today and not let my family grow any older and just live in this moment. I know I can't have that and that is partly why I keep this blog. To be able to look back and capture the moments of my life.

Here is a picture of my happy birthday girl with her present from all of us.
 


And yes that was a spidey cake. Jackie loves spider man. spidey cake 

Yeah as a matter of fact the bathroom that Jackie and Brandon share is decorated in Spidey. I asked them to agree on a theme and that worked well.
I decided to make entertaining simple and decided to go with a latin flair. Chips and salsa and some quesadillas. Mmmmmmmm mmmmmmmm good.
18th birthday with some Latin flair 


And here is my gang all together for a birthday photo. I am truly blessed.
 

Homeschool get together

This week for our weekly homeschool group get together Debbie brought all sorts of goodies for the group to enjoy! Not only did she bake this delicious cake of a bunny but she also had an Easter egg hunt for the kids, goodie bags for each and the best tuna salad, chicken salad and egg salad sandwiches I think I've ever had. I wish I had a tiny bit of the talent this woman possesses in the kitchen.

 


Nickie was able to attend her very first meeting. The weather was fantastic and she absolutely loved seeing all the kids. She even enjoyed playing with the action figures while looking on at Brandon and Andrew, who were doing the very same thing.
 

 


LeeAnn had to get down to the girls level to check out what they had found.
 


I will have to get better pictures next time but here is one of most of the kids playing together. It is taken from a distance so you can't see them well but I have to tell you this is one good looking bunch of kids.
 


I was so happy that Jackie was home for spring break and I was able to introduce her to the group. Jackie had her school friend, Amanda, spend the week with her and though Jackie hates it when I take her picture I just had to snap one anyway. So of course she had to keep her hair in her face to lesson the trauma I put her through... Geez teenagers are a pain!
 

Amanda, however seems to love the camera.
Here is little Jackson who I so want to just pick up and cuddle. He however has his reservations about me. I wanted to help him up on this dinosaur but he would have no part of it.  

Of course I think he was quite capable of handling it all on his own but well he's just as cute as a button and since there will be no more little ones in my household, till grandkids arrive, and that better not be anytime soon, I wanted to give that cutie some hugs and kisses. Perhaps he will let me someday. I tell you I feel so blessed to have met this group.

Lunch!

On Friday I had lunch with a fellow blogger! Like the not so great blogger I am I totally forgot to get some pics of Diane so that I could post them here. I also didn't ask her if I could do that but I will try to remember to stop talking so much that I take some pictures and ask permission to post them as well. Ms Diva Drip and I
met at the Target shopping center on Forest Hill Ave. in Richmond's southside and she was even so kind as to give me a ride through the lot over to our lunch destination, Jason's Deli. Ms. Diva has an adorable baby blue mini. I'd never been in a mini before so I jumped at the chance for a quick ride in one.

I was pleased at how easily we talked. Lunch was over much too quickly. We hope to get together again for lunch sometime in the near future and I look forward to getting to know her much better. As promised she brought along a box filled with action figures that her husband decided to part with. It is quite and eclectic army.  
TY Mr. Diva Drip! I had thought they were all toys from his childhood but ummmmmm I found this  


Laura Croft figure and if memory serves me that hasn't been around that long. Jackie and I got a laugh out of that one wondering what a grown man was doing with a Laura Croft action figure and then I realized, she was played by Angelina Jolie and it all became all too clear! This next one scares me! I don't know what she is supposed to represent but the skulls over the private areas, well, what is that about?
 

I don't know who this is but I have a feeling that beautiful smile might be a guise to make you trust him. What do you think?



Note
Diva Drip I hope you don't take any of the puns above seriously! I just wanted to have a bit of fun. Brandon was so surprised and thrilled to get that box of goodies he even took some to our homeschool weekly meet on Wed.

I need your good vibes

My friends, I'm asking that you all send your good vibes, mojo, prayers whatever you believe in our way. Last night Rusty ran away. I can't find him anywhere. The children are heart broken.
He's been sick with an upper respiratory infection and I set him outside to clean up the floor from his constant cough and inevitable phlegm that he was coughing up. So now he is wondering the streets and not getting his much needed medication. I'm sure with y'all sending your well wishes and keeping him and the children in your thoughts, will help us to get through it. Thanks.

Update Rusty was returned home to us 2 days after his disappearance. We were all so happy to have him back. He seemed happy to be back but I'm not taking any chances with him now he's either inside or on a chain till we get the fence up.... I hope that will be in just a few short weeks. Thanks for your good thoughts and wishes.

He's home!

I picked up our newest family member this morning. He was neutered on Monday and he's still feeling under the weather. He's so calm and that is a good thing. Introducing him to the other animals went so smoothly I was so happy to see that. I'm not so sure it will continue to be so easy when he is feeling better. If he is nearly as playful and active as he was when we went to meet with him, well it could go either way I think. So far the other dogs have sniffed him out and gone to their respective corners.

I haven't found a name for him yet, though I call him "Buddy" for now till we decide what fits him best. Not one of y'all have offered any suggestions, you probably thought I hadn't noticed that didn't ya? That's OK I know who my friends are and apparently I either have none or they don't come here. I'm not feeling the love. I suppose it is up to us to come up with a suitable name.

Brandon and I had to skip our weekly play date with the other homeschoolers in order not to leave "Buddy" alone on his very first day home. Well he wouldn't be alone with 3 cats, 2 dogs, 1 rabbit and 1 bird, but I don't know how they will all act if I leave. So as much as I hate missing my one day a week of scheduled adult banter, I couldn't go.


He sure looks comfortable here, don't you think?




UPDATE: We all decided on the name Rusty. I think it fits him and he seems to have taken to it well!