To all the men and women that serve our great country everyday and the retired service men and women I thank you from the bottom of my heart! For those in harms way my thoughts and prayers are with you and may you be home soon safe from harm. I know there are many that have injuries and those that have made the ultimate sacrifice and again you are all in my prayers.
To the rest of you enjoy your holiday weekend! I hope you have a safe and wonderful time with your family and friends in whatever way you choose to celebrate! We are just relaxing and enjoying good food and family!
Saturday, May 27, 2006
Park Day!
Here I am with the Jackson on park day! I was so happy that he let me pick him up and cuddle with him! What a cutie patootie! I have to admit he had my womb aching for another baby! I guess its a good thing while the pain of delivery was fresh in my mind from Brandon I had those tubes tied! Or I'd be telling Bob to do his duty and without any hesitation we'd be trying for baby number 5. I get those baby pangs whenever there is a baby around but my sanity and my pocket book could not handle another child. I get to be around Jackson enough to make me long for another and not long enough to remember how difficult they can be, if you know what I mean. If however by some miracle the tubes were to get undone and another baby were to makes it way into our lives you know I'd be thrilled! My love for him or her would be overwhelming as it has been for each one of mine. I just think after 22 years of marriage and mothering its time to raise the one's I have to adulthood and in the years to come have my future grandbabies to spoil and send home to my kids. Sounds fair to me!
I don't ever want to forget this day of firsts for Jackson and I! So here is another picture taken by Brandon.
This is Mollie one of my new friends! She took the first picture above. I can't tell you how happy I am to have found this wonderful group! I look forward to the next park day. Wow, I know that sounds completely boring and well like I have no life. That isn't the case of course, I'm very busy with running the office for Bob, raising my children, dealing with nursing care, homeschooling and trying to run a semi-efficient home. Not to mention taking care of 3 dogs, 3 cats, 1 rabbit and 1 bird. Yes its a zoo! Now is there any wonder why I hesitate to add to the insanity? I thought not!
This here is silly Lisa! Not fond of having her picture taken I take it! She admits to reading this blog even though she doesn't comment! She knows about things I don't talk about on park days so she must read it from time to time! Not much else to tell you today. Untill next time!
Tuesday, May 16, 2006
Obsessive compulsive disorder in children
I had a feeling for sometime that we would reach this diagnosis and yet I had hoped it was not the case. It's now official. Brandon has OCD. I hadn't blogged about it before in hopes that if I didn't it wouldn't be true. Life this last year has been increasingly difficult trying to make sense of Brandon's actions. The problem is I'm a logical type person and OCD has to be one of the most illogical disorders I've ever heard of.
Brandon is an exceptionally bright little boy that can grasp concepts that are way beyond his 7 years. However I'm unable to logically get him through any of the issues that have arisen from the OCD. I'm just beginning to learn about this disorder and I'm having difficulty wrapping my brain around it. I'm finding I need therapy to learn how to help him. I'm also finding that the answer that the medical profession is leaning to is medication. Medication and therapy. Neither Bob nor I feel comfortable medicating a 7 year old. Not our baby boy. I'd appreciate any comments from those of you that know anything about this disorder. I'd love to hear from those that either have the disorder or those that have a child with it. I'm feeling very alone and I could really use some support. I've done some surfing to find out more and so far I've found what the medical "experts" tell me to be the norm. If anyone knows of other methods that work successfully for OCD in kids other than meds please let me know about it. I'm off to surf the web for more information.
Brandon is an exceptionally bright little boy that can grasp concepts that are way beyond his 7 years. However I'm unable to logically get him through any of the issues that have arisen from the OCD. I'm just beginning to learn about this disorder and I'm having difficulty wrapping my brain around it. I'm finding I need therapy to learn how to help him. I'm also finding that the answer that the medical profession is leaning to is medication. Medication and therapy. Neither Bob nor I feel comfortable medicating a 7 year old. Not our baby boy. I'd appreciate any comments from those of you that know anything about this disorder. I'd love to hear from those that either have the disorder or those that have a child with it. I'm feeling very alone and I could really use some support. I've done some surfing to find out more and so far I've found what the medical "experts" tell me to be the norm. If anyone knows of other methods that work successfully for OCD in kids other than meds please let me know about it. I'm off to surf the web for more information.
Friday, May 12, 2006
Not even lurkers anymore.
Wow it seems I've lost all my visitors. I was thinking of having a de-lurking day but as the numbers prove that is pointless. I suppose I never started this with the intent to have any readers and its quite obvious that I can't write well enough and don't have interesting topics otherwise I'd have some readers stop by even occasionally. I'm not saying this for any pity me attention, OK maybe I am somewhat. I'm just stating the obvious. I have a boring life and I'm unable to tell any of it with any pizzaz. I know it its a fact. I guess that just the current state of depression and then the lack of any hits to this site have just brought me down even more. I'm not feeling any love.
Wednesday, May 10, 2006
Lisa Welchel
You remember her! The beauty from "The Facts of Life." Well for those of you that don't know she is a homeschool mom. I found that out a few years ago when I was homeschooling Shaun, Jackie and Nickie. I hadn't visited her website in a few years now and I tell you the woman is inspiring. She has 3 teenage children and I have to tell you it is wonderful to read she struggles with the same issues us regular folk struggle with. I was doing a little reading in her journal and the last entry struck a real chord.
I know all too well how difficult the teen years can be. I still have two teens at home and one that will reach that difficult time in 5 years. I have great children I really do but we all have those moments that we doubt our abilities to make it through. Heck, I have to admit I've had flashes of doubt and wonder why I ever thought I could handle this mom thing. I can only hope and pray that I've not completely screwed them up. I would like to have the faith that Lisa has in God that all will turn out. I am more like the Israelites and forget often how He has gotten me through so many other times. I complain, I curse, I rant and I rave. Right now I'll pray that He helps me through all the difficulties I'm going through today and that I will figure out just what His plan is for me. I also hope that His plan will help me to find a stable form of income that will give my wonderful husband some relief from his back breaking work.
Bob is depressed and has been for sometime. He hates what he does but he is self employed and really has no other options at this time. He has no retirement plan and he doesn't make enough money to start one either. We have no health insurance and can't afford to get any. We hope and pray that we stay well and don't need a doctor for any reason. Each day he gets up to do what he despises because there is no other recourse. I spend my days and nights trying to figure out what it is that I can do to help. I'm not able to work a 9-5 job as nursing for Nickie is so unpredictable. So I've looked endlessly for legitimate work from home jobs to bring in even just a few extra dollars to ease Bob's burden.
Outside of what I do now which is manage his office I haven't a held job outside of home since before Nickie's birth. I worked at a local bank back then and now I feel I haven't a marketable skill. I know that my job as a mom, homeschool teacher, office manager and wife is important and I believe I'm good at those jobs. They don't however add to the income of our household. I'm tired from all the years of trying to figure a way out of this. Bob is frazzled and at times I think he is losing his mind from the knowledge that he has no other way out.
I've prayed on this subject over the years and thus far there has been no solution. I'm open to suggestions if you have any. Please pray for us. If you don't pray send some good mojo. Do a ritual dance, anything.
I know all too well how difficult the teen years can be. I still have two teens at home and one that will reach that difficult time in 5 years. I have great children I really do but we all have those moments that we doubt our abilities to make it through. Heck, I have to admit I've had flashes of doubt and wonder why I ever thought I could handle this mom thing. I can only hope and pray that I've not completely screwed them up. I would like to have the faith that Lisa has in God that all will turn out. I am more like the Israelites and forget often how He has gotten me through so many other times. I complain, I curse, I rant and I rave. Right now I'll pray that He helps me through all the difficulties I'm going through today and that I will figure out just what His plan is for me. I also hope that His plan will help me to find a stable form of income that will give my wonderful husband some relief from his back breaking work.
Bob is depressed and has been for sometime. He hates what he does but he is self employed and really has no other options at this time. He has no retirement plan and he doesn't make enough money to start one either. We have no health insurance and can't afford to get any. We hope and pray that we stay well and don't need a doctor for any reason. Each day he gets up to do what he despises because there is no other recourse. I spend my days and nights trying to figure out what it is that I can do to help. I'm not able to work a 9-5 job as nursing for Nickie is so unpredictable. So I've looked endlessly for legitimate work from home jobs to bring in even just a few extra dollars to ease Bob's burden.
Outside of what I do now which is manage his office I haven't a held job outside of home since before Nickie's birth. I worked at a local bank back then and now I feel I haven't a marketable skill. I know that my job as a mom, homeschool teacher, office manager and wife is important and I believe I'm good at those jobs. They don't however add to the income of our household. I'm tired from all the years of trying to figure a way out of this. Bob is frazzled and at times I think he is losing his mind from the knowledge that he has no other way out.
I've prayed on this subject over the years and thus far there has been no solution. I'm open to suggestions if you have any. Please pray for us. If you don't pray send some good mojo. Do a ritual dance, anything.
Tuesday, May 09, 2006
Heart of VA Festival 2006
Saturday brought Farmville's heart of Virginia festival! I snapped some pics from the festival to share with you here. Above is from left to right, Frank, my father in-law, Patty, my mother in-law, Bob my handsome hubby and of course in the foreground my cutie patootie, Brandon.
There were a few kiddie rides that Brandon though technically too tall to ride, he just couldn't resist! There were some inflatable bouncy thingies, and slides and trains and a spinning ride. See my little ham in action!
Friday, April 28, 2006
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
OK now, send all your responses and attempts to "see what I see: to me via email: Wifeandmotherof4@yahoo.com
Thursday, April 27, 2006
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!
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.
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.
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