A Great Life As I See It

Better then Expected!

2012-01-30T14:34:00.000-07:00

Choco-Cherry Bomb Smoothie

3 large handfuls of fresh spinach leaves
1 cup frozen sweet cherries
1 cup unsweetened almond milk
1 Tbsp raw cocoa powder

I made this for lunch today and it tasted better then I expected.
I did add 1 Tbsp. of Organic Coconut Sugar and it tasted much better.

I think next time I will try it without the spinach

Love this column from the Huffinton Post

2012-01-30T14:32:00.000-07:00

Romney, Taxes, and Tithing

by Bill Gunderson

Killing Us Softly 4: Advertising's Image of Women [Trailer] - Available ...

2012-01-30T13:51:00.001-07:00

LOVE THIS VIDEO!!
YOU MUST WATCH It AND SHARE IT!

Some Sunday Pictures

2012-01-30T13:50:00.000-07:00

Goodnight Tabitha

Camara: Love in Action - Italy 6

2012-01-29T16:05:00.000-07:00

Following Along

2012-01-28T12:06:00.000-07:00

My Friend Camara who writes the blog
Healing Anaya

She went to Italy this week to help a family who's little daughter Ginevra

also has Krabbe Leukodystrophy.

Camara's sweet daughter Anaya passed away just recently in Nov. 2011.

Camara is so inspiring to me that she just picked herself up despite her sadness and has gone out of her way to help other families.
This Italian family is not the first family she has helped since her daughters passing.

She has helped more then I can remember.

But this is extra special because Ginevra has the same Luekodystrophy that Anaya had.

So these are the video's she has made since and I have enjoyed following her.

Camara: Love in Action - Italy 5

2012-01-28T11:48:00.000-07:00

Camara: Love in Action - Italy 4

2012-01-28T11:45:00.001-07:00

Camara: Love in Action - Italy 3

2012-01-28T11:45:00.000-07:00

Camara: Love in Action -Italy 2.5

2012-01-28T11:44:00.000-07:00

Camara: Love in Action - Italy 2

2012-01-28T11:43:00.000-07:00

Camara: Love in Action - Italy 1

2012-01-28T11:41:00.000-07:00

Cold Quinoa & Veggie Salad

2012-01-17T22:52:00.000-07:00

Mom I thought YOU would like this recipe
I think I am going to try it once I get my hands on some

Quinoa

Click on the link below for recipe

Cold Quinoa & Veggie Salad

Tabitha Dancing to Dance Dance 3

2012-01-17T11:54:00.001-07:00

Sorry The Video Quality is Not very Good!
But it is Funny

This is An Interesting Article

2012-01-17T10:39:00.000-07:00

Modern Wheat Really Isn't Wheat At All

Sunday Pictures

2012-01-09T06:27:00.000-07:00

Gummy's Christmas Blanket

2012-01-07T13:54:00.002-07:00

I just wanted to show you the minky blanket I made for Gummy for Christmas.

It turned out So cute!

I has monkey's dressed like pirates on one side and then it's red/white stripes on the opposite side.

Minky blankets are generally made for babies.

So to find a large one that would be cuddly for Gummy is not easy,they do make them but they are pricey.

So this was perfect

I made it out of 2 yards of fabric per side.

So it's just the perfect size for Gummy.

A Post YOU NEED To READ!

2012-01-07T09:57:00.001-07:00

Every Mom Needs to Read Every Word of this!

So Well Said!!!

(FYI- Carpe Diem means "seize (the) Day")

Click on the link below and read one of the BEST Post's I have ever read!

Don't Carpe Diem

The Ups & Downs of the Virus

2012-01-07T09:53:00.002-07:00

So frustrating how up and down Gummy is with this stupid virus he's had lately.

He had been improving so much and then around 4:00 pm late yesterday afternoon

he started running a fever. I gave him Ibuprofen which usually works but he just kept burning up with a fever.

Then he started vomiting for no known reason and although we gave him Zofran

Which he vomited and continued to vomit all evening.

We called the hospice nurse to come out and asked her to prescribe him Phenergan Suppositories so that he didn't have medicine irritate his stomach. She did and it worked and he went to sleep finally and tolerated his Pedialyte all night. This morning we added in his formula and he has done well.

Today his issue mostly is sounding crackly in the back of he throat.

Tonight my husband did CPT and it got him coughing enough that we were able to suction a lot of it out.

This morning I took Tabitha to CRS (Child Rehabilitative Services)

To get new molds for her hearing aides. We were 20 minutes early and we waited and waited and then the office gal told me that the Dr. was running late and that she was double booked and that she was working with a child that had a Cochlear implant and maybe I could re-schedule my appointment or wait.

I said "How long do you think I will have to wait? 30 minutes, an hour, 2 hours?" and she said

"it will be awhile but it won't be 2 hours"

I said I have already been waiting a long time and i live in North Peoria so it's not a short drive for me to get here. It seems to me that you shouldn't have scheduled 2 appointments at the same time. Tabitha's appointment will only take about 10 minutes I don't know why she can't see us first since the Cochlear implant kid is going to take a very long time. I said I would wait but it wasn't right that they scheduled the way they did and that they have already wasted 45 minutes of my time and I will now have to wait at least another hour."

My complaining won out because 10 minutes later they managed to fit Tabitha in for her ear molds.

I find it amazing that they think people that have disabled children have nothing better to do but to wait and wait and wait.......I totally understand an emergency situation but not when they schedule it that way on purpose. Many kids with disabilities are on medication schedules and need to get home for their med's. I do bring med's when I know I will be cutting it close on the time but when it is suppose to be a 10 minute in and out appointment I don't bring medication. And sometimes we have to get back by a certain time for our babysitter to leave etc. there are just a lot of reasons that they should try harder to stay on schedule.

2012-01-05T19:56:00.000-07:00

Today is my Birthday!

Hannah made me this Checkerboard cake out of

Cherry-chip cake and Funfetti cake

Turned out pretty cute!

Also for my Birthday I wrote myself this epitaph

It doesn't rhyme as well as I would like so I might work on it a

little more.
I like funny epitaph's and since it's also not as funny as I would like

I might re-write it in the future.

She was Sweet and she was fair,

In the end you couldn’t tell,

Because of work from dawn to dusk,

the lack of sleep and what gravity does.

A tad bit grouchy she became

Lost her sweetness, That’s a shame.

Her last request Before she slept

Was not to Disturb The place She’s kept.

So go home Now and do not Morn.

She’s on sabbatical, So do not Grieve,

Do not sigh And do not Sob.

Only weep to water The sod.

He's On The Mend

2012-01-04T13:33:00.000-07:00

Gummy is still sounding "crackly" but doing a lot better!

It Feels Good to Do Good ~ Thanks for letting us Help

2011-12-31T12:46:00.000-07:00

Some of you might remember that in Oct/Nov Hannah did a fundraiser to raise money for a new stroller for our little friend Jasper.

Hannah raised $1200! Thanks to all of you that were so kind and generous.

Jasper will not likely get his new stroller until this spring but now they know they can afford it thanks to everyone's kindness.

Jaspers Mom sent Hannah this very sweet thank you note with an adorable picture of Jasper listening to his music. He is so adorable ♥ I really hope we get to meet him in person someday♥

Why It's a Blessing To Have A Great Older Sister

2011-12-31T12:40:00.000-07:00

Tabitha got a Donut Maker for Christmas!

So Here AWESOME Big sister is helping her make some Donuts for New Years Eve♥

Yummy!!!

Gummy Update

2011-12-31T12:38:00.002-07:00

Everyday is like a roller coaster ride when it comes to Gummy's health.

But I would say over all he is improving a little everyday.

He had me a bit concerned the first night he was home but Eric woke up throughout the night and gave him CPT (chest Physiotherapy) and breathing treatments.

He is sounding looser but still very congested.

But he is doing better at "holding his own" on his oxygen saturation on room air.

We do put him on oxygen sporadically throughout the day as needed and he has been wearing it at night.

Gummy Update ~ December 28, 2011

2011-12-28T22:09:00.000-07:00

Gummy Update - Gummy has not had a fever all day and is not vomiting the only reason he is not home from hospital yet is because some very thick Phlegm is stuck in the back of his throat obstructing his breathing causing his oxygen saturation to be in the low 80's without Oxygen.

Even with oxygen he is only maintaining at 90 and they have not been successful at moving it out.

The new treatment idea (thanks to me) Is that they are going to start giving him Mucomyst (Mucomyst is suppose to help thin and loosen the mucous) treatments along with Albuterol then use the EzPap followed by suctioning.

Then my husband will do CPT (Chest Physiotherapy) because the respiratory therapist said "she can only do CPT or EzPap

"I said why? she said "because they do the same thing"

I don't think she knows what she is talking about because they DO NOT DO THE SAME THING!

Also I told them they need to be doing the respiratory therapy around the clock they can not let him lay on his back for 8 hours and not do any therapy and think that we are going to make progress. I don't care if it's just a virus. You still have to keep doing therapy to prevent it from settling in his chest and to make it possible for him to cough.

I don't know why they have to be told this it's just common sense.

Praying tomorrow our little guy will see some huge improvements!

And Some GREAT NEWS!

Gummy has been approved for Hospice Nursing!!!

(Yes I know some people think it is weird that this is exciting but it is very exiciting when you know the details)

This is Very exciting! I have been trying to get it for quite awhile now and it's finally going to happen.

Why is this good?

1. Because we have never had a nurse stop in to check on Gummy and I think it could be very helpful to have her also assessing the situation and have her imput.

2. If the nurse thinks he needs to see the Dr. The Dr. will make a house call!!!! (Hurray!!!)

3. If the Dr. thinks he needs more specialized care instead of going to the hospital we can go to The Ryan House! Hurray!!! No more waiting in the E.R for hours before we can get into a room. And much more attention from his nurse then would ever get at the hospital.

4. His medications are sent to the house so we don't have to go to the Pharmacy!

Gummy Update Tuesday Dec. 27, 2011

2011-12-28T22:06:00.000-07:00

(These are my FB updates)

Gummy looks a lot better today.

He is mostly fighting with his secretions as they are thick and causing respiratory problems. He had a GREAT Respiratory Therapist today she gave me a lot of information that other Respirtory therapist have not and she also clarified some of the things they have said, she was great to talk with!

I asked her about giving saline to Gummy in the SVN to help thin out sec...retions (because I have heard of others doing that) She said there is nothing in saline that will break up the mucous or thin it and it could actually instead fill up his lungs and cause more problems. She told me about a drug that I could ask the Dr. about for thinning his secretions.

She told me that the Dr.'s have a bad habit of writing for only 2 puffs on an inhaler but when you are using a spacer they should be writing for 4 puffs.

Inhaler Spacer

She said they have learned that in the last 3 years but the Dr.'s have always written for 2 puffs for inhalers, so they need to be reminded that with a spacer they need 4 puffs to actually get the full amount of medicine.

So she had the Dr. change that. She also told the Dr. that Gummy needs to have his EZpap a minimum of 4 times a day to have it be theraputic and the 2x would not do that much for him so they also changed that.

Gummy started his stomach feeds today with Pedialyte and they were adding in formula late this afternoon.

I expect that they will likely release him to come home tomorrow but we will wait and see what happens.

Also Today I handed out 10 pamphlets to the nurses explaining to them about

Expanded Universal Newborn Screening.

The were shocked to hear that Arizona only tests for 29 of the 56 recommended Newborn Screening Tests!

And that our state actually tests for less of these genetic illness then most of the others states!

They were appalled to know that they could have a child that is normal and healthy at birth that could deteriorate to the state Gummy is in, In less then 6 months and then not have any options for treatment.

That is WHY Expanding Universal Newborn Screening is SO Important!

Anyone can have a Genetic illness and if you don't catch it in time there is NO TREATMENT available!

I wish people would understand Genetic defects CAN and DO happen to EVERYONE!!!

What A GREAT GIFT!

2011-12-27T17:58:00.000-07:00

For Christmas
Eric used the top of our old entertainment center to make me this

AWESOME shelf for our Family room!
I ♥ LOVE ♥ IT!!!!

A Christmas Night with MLD and Some Stupid Virus!

2011-12-26T23:08:00.000-07:00

Gummy went into the hospital on the evening of Sunday Dec. 25.

It started I think on Thursday morning when he came home from his

sleep study with lots of chest congestion and sounding really crackly in his chest and upper airway.

And also a fever

His Oxygen Saturation was dipping into the high 80's so I went to work on him giving him

Albuterol treatments, Chest Physical Therapy (CPT), SmartVest, EZpap,

And giving him Ibuprofen for the fever. His fever went away and he seemed to be improving.

On Friday night Tabitha was awake most of the night with a cough.

Then on Saturday we noticed that she also had a fever of 102 F.

Then shortly thereafter Gummy started in with the same cough and fever.

They both seemed to be doing pretty well over all until Christmas night Gummy got a fever.

It was almost 104 F we gave him Ibuprofen and Acetaminophen and it just was not going away.

His oxygen saturation was going down so Eric took him to the E.R. on his arrival Gummy vomited.

Which turned out to be a good thing because they got him into a room right away and he didn't have to wait in the waiting area at all!

The Doctor decided to admit him to the hospital for observation.

They finally got him into his room at 3:00 a.m

Then he woke up at 4:00 am and vomited again but this time it was Bile.

I got to the hospital at 10:30 a.m. and Gummy just looked awful!

He had been vomiting bile all morning!!!

And although the Dr. and written an order for

Ondansetron (Zofran) (which is an anti-nausea drug)

the nurses had not bothered to give it to him!

(My husband was with Gummy this whole time but

he thought the nurses had given the Zofran and it just wasn't working.)

So once we figured out He needed Zofran we waited about 30 minutes to make sure it was working and then we were able to get some Tylenol into him, he kept it down but his fever didn't drop much.

He then vomited again.

I told the Doctor that Gummy needs to have Acetaminophen and Ibuprofen at the same time or his fever wouldn't come down and he will keep vomiting because Gummy throws-up whenever he has even a very slight fever. She said the was fine.

(which is not what I am used to. Usually they tell me he can't have Ibuprofen because it will irritate his stomach and cause gastritis)

Gummy's Dr. today was actually just a Resident Dr. (Learning Dr.)

And she was one of the easiest Dr.'s I have ever worked with.

She respected the knowledge I have of my child, she listened to what I thought we should do, and then she gave productive thoughts/suggests that were practical!

It was like we were working as a team!!!

That doesn't always happen when it comes to a Dr. and their Ego.

So it was a really nice change.

She ordered The Respitory Therapy I wanted and they started working on him right away.

We got his oxygen saturation back up in the low 90's and he maintained it until this evening when it started dropping. But my husband who is staying at the hospital with Gummy noticed and he called for the Respiratory therapist to come work on him again.

Tabitha is doing a bit better she only had Ibuprofen once today.

Her cough was sounding tight so I gave her some Albuterol and SmartVest treatments and hopefully she will be doing a bit better when she wakes up tomorrow.

How to make a hike extra long and a little bit harder

2011-12-23T15:53:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday Calvin went on his 10 mile hike with the scouts.

This week I cleaned out his backpack and found these 

I think there was a good 25 lbs of rocks in his backpack

And quite a few of them are pretty large
I might have to mention to him to leave the rocks where he finds them ;-)

How to fix a dent

2011-12-23T15:37:00.001-07:00

My Husband scratched and dented his truck awhile ago

I just fixed it for him ;-)

Fancy Nails

2011-12-22T13:01:00.001-07:00

♥Earlier This Week♥
♥Tabitha's Wonderful Big Sister Helped her Paint her Nails♥

♥Very Fancy♥

And ready for the Holidays

This Link is Funny

2011-12-22T12:32:00.005-07:00

Florilegia

Tabitha's Christmas School Week

2011-12-22T12:25:00.003-07:00

Tabitha came home from school with a Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer Chair on Monday

And she brought with her this Butterfly in a Jar that her Speech Teacher at school gave her.

It is SO Real Looking!!!
When you tap the jar with your finger the butterfly flies around inside the jar!

When you look at the picture you can see this really fine wire,

but when you are looking at the jar it is VERY hard to see.

the lid of the jar has a battery that moves the butterfly.

Tabitha took all of her Good Friends & Helpers gifts on Wednesday

Gift cards with Chocolate
&Handsoap with a Christmas Bulb ornaments

♥♥♥♥♥♥

Yesterday Tabitha made her Gingerbread house at school and came home with a bunch of gifts from Mrs. Cindy.

Today was her class Christmas Party

& school Sing along

And she Meant Santa Clause!!!

Then she came home from her party with this bag of goods!

And her Bus Ladies gave her this great snowman Headband!

Gummy Had his Sleep Study Last Night

2011-12-22T11:43:00.000-07:00

Gummy had his sleep study last night. Eric stayed over night with him which is good because I have a hard time sleeping in strange places.
The Pulmonologist wanted the sleep study done because she is pretty certain he has sleep apnea due to his tonsils, adenoids, & tongue obstructing his breathing. She would like to have his tonsils and adenoids removed but our Pediatrician said she doesn't because his health is so fragile she doesn't think he could handle surgery.
This sleep study should give our Pulmonologist other options for Gummy's care that would not be options (because of insurance) otherwise.
That is if they get the information they wanted.

It's True

2011-12-22T11:34:00.002-07:00

Eric & His Mini Me

2011-12-19T12:22:00.000-07:00

A Few updates

2011-12-16T16:51:00.000-07:00

Here are a few updates.

Last week Hannah got a dog his name is Ollie he is a Maltese and is 6 months old

He is a very playful puppy and very sweet.

But.......His previous owner didn't train him at all and so he is not even potty trained

which is making me CRAZY!!!

Fortunately I own a carpet cleaner that is getting a lot of use.

We are scheduled to talk with a trainer next week about how to go about potty training him

Sometimes he takes his leash for a walk

Calvin is off camping with the scouts tonight.

Tomorrow they are doing a 10+ mile hike ........ Calvin is wearing New shoes which I know is a NO, No when it comes to hiking. But it couldn't be helped and I made sure he had his First Aide kit with a lot of Band-Aides.

Gummy Had a really awful morning with his muscle spasms and what looked to me like seizure activity
He had a LOT of medication today that finally kicked in around 1:00 pm this afternoon and he is sleeping soundly.
It is such a relief the sleep gives him relief from his pain most of the time.

Tabitha and Gummy were both approved for sleep studies so that will likely happen in January.

Standing Up for Families

2011-12-09T18:51:00.004-07:00

If you want to know why I started posting some of my FB arguments it's because I get really tired of people that don't agree with another persons opinion, that they never say anything. And so all the people that have that same point of view never hear the other perspectives because others that don't agree will never say what they really think. I think that they use the excuse that everyone has a right to their opinion which is true, but I also have a right to my opinion and it is just as important to share so if they can share their opinion why can't I share mine? Mostly I think good people don't really get how important it is to say their opinion because when others hear another express their feelings they will be more bold in expressing their feelings and then you will find out that their are many others that agree with you but haven't said so before because they are afraid that no one else thinks what they think and they don't want to be ostracized from the group for a different opinion.
But it is always a risk to share a different opinion but to me it is a risk worth risking for the sake of good values.
My Facebook argument for the week

Someone on FB said-

"I'm sorry for the Duggars loss; miscarriage always sucks. However, I do believe she should not have any more children. (But who am I to say when it's time to stop. I'll leave that to someone far greater than me."

Female 1 comment: Again: the uterus is NOT a clown car!

Female 2 comment: Your body can only handle so much!

Female 3 comment: I myself think they are just media whores and the just want the attention.... I am sorry for the miscarriage BUT I think they should STOP the insanity.....JUST MY OPINION

Female 4 comment: Hope she takes that as a sign! Crazy woman!

Female 5 comment:
I am sorry for her loss also. However, this may be a sign that her body is reaching a point where childbirth can become risky, both for baby and for mom. They are happily blessed with 19 children and also some grand children. Most of us are happily blessed with one to three children. I know their beliefs do not include childbirth but it is time to think about the next stage in their lives... which is just raising the children they have
Female 6 comment: I'm sad for them. They have a right to as many children as they want and nobody should tell them they don't have that right. They are a wonderful family, with great kids, values and take care of them unassisted. Her body however maybe tired. She was quite far along and that is much worse.
Female that made the original FB comment: So true

Female 7 comment: I've always heard that everyone will have a miscarriage if they get pregnant enough times (i think that number is never expected to be 20). I'm really surprised she hasn't had more of them.

Female 8 comment:

When there are so many people on this planet and all the resources are becoming more and more strained, it seems quite irresponsible to me when people have such huge families. I know they do this in the belief that their biological processes of procreation are controlled by something or someone other than themselves. I cannot think of anything more naive or foolish not to mention inconsiderate of the children themselves, who are surely shortchanged by having to share their parents with so many. Just my 2 cents worth of opinion....
Female that made the original comment: And a highly-valued opinion it is! ♥
Female 9 comment: I think they are nuts to have that many kids when so many need adopting to have a stable home.

Female 3 comments again: I agree ..... and kids NEED so much more support these days so they don't cave into peer pressure and bullying and I'm sorry but I don't see how they can give each child the attention they need and deserve.......and I also agree ..... with so many children out there already wanting and needing love.....again just MY opinion.....

Female 7 comments again:
i think she's a factory, but i'm impressed with how far away from being crapbags they are. thay aren't on welfare, they have good kids, they don't even take up school tax dollars for the ones being homeschooled. i say rock on with their weird selves. their kids are more loved than so many. I bought my dogs from a breeder even though i knew the shelter is the right thing to do. i won't throw stones at someone who doesn't want to adopt & wants tons of kids. If they adopted 20 kids we'd love them

Female that made the original comment: Point taken! :)
Female 10 comments: God Bless the Duggers, they followed their Faith, are awesome parents!!! She had a good run!! I have 2 kids of my own, and was a surrogate for my friend twice, I can't even imagine doing that 16 more times.... Imagine their old age, they will be surrounded by 100's of grandkids!!!!!

My Comment:

Interesting discussion!
I am the 13 child of a family of 17 children. We are NoT a combined family. We all have the same set of parents and NO there were no twins. The oldest is 54 I am 36 turning 37 soon and the youngest is 28. My parents also did not use tax dollars to raise us they instead taught us how to work. My parents had 4 vegetable gardens that were acres each of them in size and we worked with them at planting, tending the garden & harvesting. There are a lot of great things about a large family I have 8 sisters that are a huge blessing to me and I wish that at least one of them lived close by but they don't. But we talk everyday and really look forward to the times which are not very often that we can get our families together.
I will admit also there are a lot of drawbacks especially when the parents do not have an income like the Duggars.
But I think those things that you learn to live without and don't get to do because you really can not afford it teach you a lot at a young age about what is important and also give you character.
I personally think it really depends on the people having the children be it a small family or a large family. It can be a good thing or a bad thing depending on what kind of parents they are.
When I got married I had decided I only wanted 1 or 2 children and after I had my oldest son I decided I wanted a large family. As it is I have had 7 children. We found out our oldest son had MLD when he was 18 months old and of course there was nothing we could do. He died after his 3rd Birthday then we had 2 healthy kids then we had our 4th child Tabitha and she has MLD but since we had her tested as a baby we knew that she needed a transplant ASAP which she did have.
Then we had twin girls but they were born early at 23 weeks because of twin-to-twin transfusion and lived less than an hour and died. And they did NOT have MLD. Then we had our last child Gummy and we had him tested for MLD and the lab said he did NOT have MLD but as he got older we noticed symptoms and we had him tested again and they said he DID in fact have MLD and of course we could not transplant him so he is slowly dying of that. It's funny how some of the things you want most in life are things that you have to fight for and are always just out of your grasp. Out of 7 children it is very likely that I will end up with 2 children since a transplant is not a cure and MLD is slowly taking away some of Tabitha's abilities.
I am happy for any family that has children and cares for them & loves them. But I am disgusted by anyone who has a child and they do not care for properly or love.

Female that made the original comment: Cindy, thank you so much for sharing! ♥

Female 11 comment: Cindy, my goodness. Thank you for sharing. As for the Duggars, I think the loss of a child regardless of someone's other life choices is something we all should mourn. I have seen so many children go to be with Christ and while I celebrate that they are in Paradise, it is sad to see loss of life. Shame on me if I cannot have sympathy for how much they must be hurting right now.

Female 12 comment: Cindy......................you are amazing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Female 8 comments again: Cindy, thank you for your experience and insight. I do not complain about the children who are born and who are here. I just think the Duggars could be more responsible about it.
Female 13 comment: enough is enough
Female 14 comment: My heart goes out to the Duggar family. I have only seen them on TV so don't know how they are off camera, but they appear to be a happy content family. I do think that for her own health, she should probably not have any more children, but it's not my call. It is up to the Lord.
My Comment:
I will say I would not have chosen for myself to have 19 or 20 children.
But I do think the Duggars are a very responsible family their children are well taken care of, taught good values, and I believe they genuinely love each other. Which is more than you can say for many families large or small.
I have never agreed with the argument about “have less children save the planet” I don’t think it is a very well thought out argument.
Societies around the world are having less and less children to the point that some countries actually give incentives to couples that have children France is one example of that. Especially in the European countries they are not repopulating themselves Italy is a very good example of that.
So if some families have very large families I do not think that the planet will be impacted in a significant way.
Yes there are starving children in the world but that is not generally due to having to many children as much as it is due to corrupt governments who steal from the people and take the aide that others countries send and to not give to the people and they are also generally war-torn societies. Which once again shows the lack of stability on the part of the government.
The planet is constantly renewing it’s own resources back in the 60’s & 70’s it was very popular to say that we will have used up all the natural resources by now and I don’t see that it has happened thus far and I really don’t believe that it will. I recycle and pick up trash and I do not endorse chemical companies dumping chemicals into oceans, rivers, streams, or ponds. But I am not at all worried that the planet will end because we are bad stewards of it.
As many people that are aging are very worried and concerned about receiving their Social Security Checks and as the government has said that the social security program is running out of money I would think most people would be happy for any family that raises a lot of children that are hardworking and are going to give back to society and thus make it a lot more likely for them to receive their social Security check when they get to that age. So I would think it would be more encouraged than not.
And lastly I think that although I would not have 19 or 20 children I am proud of them for putting themselves out in the “limelight” To show people that raising a good family and having children is important and being involved in your children’s lives is important. I know many people think their family is a “freak show” but I think that just comes from societies decline in have good strong moral standards.
The world is very much about “me” I need “me time” “what about me” “I want that” type attitude the Duggars are unique in that they are not about themselves and give up things for the sake of something better and in their case something better to them is a very large family.
Society now does not think anyone should have to give up anything for anyone else. Because “it’s all about me” and” how I feel “ and on top of that we are told it’s good for us to worry about only us!
And people buy into that because it makes them feel good about the selfish choices they make.
Anyway you can tell I have very strong opinions on this matter and I don’t mind if you disagree.

Female 15 comment: My thoughts exactly

You like someone I know!

2011-12-04T19:07:00.000-07:00

As the saying goes

"Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery"
I am very flattered.

She is such a funny girl!

My Opinion of Same-Sex Marriage

2011-12-01T14:36:00.007-07:00

I have been having a disagreement with somebody on Facebook -
Here is what I said

There is a video called " Zach Wahls Speaks About Family" going around FB that everyone thinks is a "powerful argument for same-sex marriage. I totally disagree with same sex marriage for a lot of reasons that I don't think many people think about.
In the video he makes the point that his lesbian parents did a good job of making a good and loving family.
I don't think the issue of gay marriage has anything to do with if a same-sex couple can raise a good & loving family.
The next point he tries to make was that he thinks that gay people are viewed as "second class" citizens and are not given equal rights.
I want to know if you make gay marriage legal where are you going to draw the line?
After that when a group that is not the "norm" for society come forward to say they want to legalize
Polygamy, & Polyandry are you going to legalize it so they don't feel discriminated against?
Is it going to be o.k. for brothers & sisters to marry? or Father's &daughters? Adult men marry to teenage boys?
The question is where do you draw the line so everyone gets what they want?
What it comes down to is that these relationships are not healthy for society.
The government "discriminates" against a lot of relationships that are not for the good of society.
And if it doesn't matter to him if the government says "your married congratulations" then why do they it need legalized?
Nobody cares if they have their relationships you can go see a lawyer and have papers drawn up that state your intentions if you are sick if you are dying who gets the estate, children etc... So why is that not good enough if the government sanctioning your marriage doesn't matter?
I don't think the issue is about discriminating as much as what is best for the whole of society.
I would really like for someone to explain how these relationships make society better?
Dennis Prager a talk show host has said this and I totally agree with it.

"Marriage is the building block of society. Changing its nature will therefore changes society. Among other things, same-sex marriage means that because sex no longer matters for society's most important institutions, it no longer matters in general.
Men and women as distinct entities no longer have significance. Which is exactly what the cultural left and the gay rights movement advocate. Most Americans who support same-sex marriage feel (and "feel" is the crucial verb here, as the change to same-sex marriage is much more felt than thought through) that gays should have the right to marry a member of their own sex. It is perceived as unfair to gays that they cannot do so. And that is true. It is unfair to gays.

But the price paid for eliminating this unfairness is enormous: It is the end of marriage as every society has known it. And it is more than that. It is the end of any significance to gender. Men and women are now declared interchangeable.
Do you believe that a mother has something unique to give to a child that no father can give to a child and that a Father has something unique to give to a child that no mother can give?"

I really think most people are afraid to disagree with same-sex marriage because they are afraid of being told they are Hateful & discriminating against a group. and they are fearful of having an opinion that is different from their friends.
I don't agree with Polygamy & Polyandry & I don't agree with same-sex marriage.

Here is his response
‎"It comes down to the fact that these relationships are not healthy for society."
A fact is indisputable - that is the definition of "fact". Are you certain that this statement is a fact? Or is it possible that this is an opinion?
It's perfectly reasonable to have opinions; even strong ones. It's another thing to represent opinion as fact - that's a lie. Even if only to yourself.
Policy might not always be able to be set by facts (facts are actually pretty hard to come by). But policy should never be set because of lies. Because no matter what they are about or how correct they seem to some (or even many), lies are never good for society.

Here is MY Response:
O.k. it maybe my opinion but it is also common sense. You can call it a lie if it makes you feel better.
Tell me why these relationships are good for society then?

Here is His response.

Yes; revealing lies for what they are does make me feel better. A central goal of my life is to reveal truth whenever possible. In this way I help to make the world a better place for everyone.

I'd like to point out that I never said that alternative relationships ARE good for society. I simply stated that it's not a fact that they aren't.
But since you've asked my opinion; one reason is acceptance. Alternative relationships, like many other modern social conflicts, require society to be more accepting of the choices others make. The ability to perceive, understand and then accept the perspectives of those around you is one of (perhaps the primary) cornerstones of building a thriving, healthy society. Whether you look around the world today or down through history, societies that are less accepting of each other are typically perceived as less successful.

"...because sex no longer matter , it no longer matters in general."
Yes; that's the idea involved for sure. Each and every human born into this world has the potential to change it in a powerful and positive way. It is, I believe, the responsibility of society to enable this innate ability and to eliminate all barriers that might otherwise prevent any person - regardless of race, economic position OR gender (or ANYTHING) - from contributing in a positive way to society.

"It is the end of marriage as every society has known it."
Marriage as a concept has been (and currently is) so variously perceived by all different types of societies that I find it hard to credit this statement with much weight. If I were to try and understand what Mr. Prager
But that's just it - the question of alternative unions is not a religious debate. It's a legal one. It is the desire to be perceived as "married" in the eyes of the law. And while, as you've so correctly pointed out, there are vehicles in place that can create some similarities, in the end they are not the same. There is no lawyer out there who could enable a same-sex couple to file the tax returns with the same options a "married" couple could.
You've likely noticed my quotes around the word married above. My intent is to illustrate that it is not marriage (as defined by the church) that is being sought; it is a civil union (as defined by the state) that is being pursued. It's unfortunate that the state elected to use the word "married" to define this union, because I think this topic would be a lot less controversial if the two ideas could be separated.

Mother/Father question:
Yes - mothers and fathers each have something to offer their children. But then, what they have to offer is not always positive. Is an abusive parent better than an absent one simply because they are there? Is a neglectful father better than a mindful second-mother? Is an alcoholic mother better than a sober second-father?
Applying that same question to other conditions, would it then be suggested that children be removed from homes where one parent is lost due to tragedy? Should children be pulled out of conditions of divorce and placed into "balanced" homes? Should single people whom otherwise are qualified and willing to care for and raise a child be denied the opportunity - perhaps relegating the child to an institutionalized upbringing - simply because they are alone?
A mother and father can each individually be powerful forces in a child's life. But they are not the only forces at work for (or sadly, sometimes against) the child. No child should ever be raised in isolation. It takes contact with many men and many women - each with their own personalities and ability to impart knowledge and learning unto a child - to form a healthy, well adjusted adult out of a child. That is illustrated quite clearly in the video above, I feel.

I agree with Mr. Prager that it is unfair to gays. So there you go - we agree on something. :-D

female 1 Said:As a heterosexual widowed foster and adoptive mom, and now a remarried biological and stepmom, I have heard my fair share of labels and stereotypes, most completely inaccurate and judgemental. If I've learned nothing else from my life's experiences, I've learned acceptance ... acceptance of others and their beliefs, cultures, preferences and lifestyles. I don't know Dave and I'm not nearly as eloquent as him, but I couldn't agree more.

Here is My response: ( I ignored female 1 and just commented on what the previous person said)

It's interesting you pointed out that my opinion was indeed not fact but yet you did not address any of my concerns for how same-sex marriage will impact society in the future if it is made legal.

And just because it is not a "fact" does not make it a lie, You have no Evidence to show that it is not correct

But people with liberal views often use the word Lie as one of their defenses since it is a strong term and puts people "on guard" since no one likes to be called a liar. (it would have been simple enough to point out that it was my opinion and not fact. but you chose to Call me A LIAR! well played, but dishonest.
The question is, Are you going to be accepting of every alternative lifestyle so someone will not feel discriminated against? Or does Society need rules and laws to be happy, just as children need rules & guidelines to be happy and safe. This is my OPINION!

I have not found that society has been made better at all by the acceptance of Alternative relationships.

Alternative relationships have been around for centuries and many famous people of past generations have had openly same-sex relationships. (if you don't know who they are you can google them and learn)

I don't think accepting alternative relationships means that we have suddenly become a better society.

As a matter of fact I think moral values have declined dramatically even in just my lifetime.

There are always people in every social class and belief that are not tolerate of something.

For example there are people that believe in same-sex marriage who can not accept that others do not believe that it is better for society and they try to make them believe as they do and actually HATE people who refuse to not believe same-sex marriage is better for society.
I also believe that "Each and every human born into this world has the potential to change it in a powerful and positive way" I don't believe that giving up your gender will have a positive impact on society. I think it will have quite the opposite in fact. I think their is more to contribute to society by not giving up your gender.
As for the Christian definition of marriage. Marriage originated as a religious ceremony.
I understand your point of a civil union but I still don't agree with it.

NO a lawyer can not let them have the same tax status. But by giving same-sex couples legality just for tax benefits and a few other fringe benefits that is a huge price to pay for the impact it will have on society in the future.

And as for the Mother/Father question:

There are abusive and bad same-sex couples as much as their are heterosexual couples.
There are same-sex couples that also do not have "balanced homes"

I really don't think you have made an argument for how same-sex marriage is better for society.

female 2 said:Thanks for the discussion all. What saddens me most is the lack of rights that gay couples have. To hear cases where a lifetime partner cannot see their partner/make decisions for their partner in a hospital because they are not a spouse or relative makes me so sad. They have committed their lives to one another, yet cannot have a simple right. Yet it's ok for celebrities who marry for 1 day or 72 days have basic rights. What a joke some heterosexual marriages are. That, to me, is what "cheapens" the idea of marriage. Clearly not all of us will ever agree. I have many wonderful gay friends and do feel bad that they don't have the rights and privileges that I, as a part of a married couple, have.

I said:
When it comes to the hospital they can have those rights they just need to go to a lawyer like anyone does that has a living will or makes up a power of attorney.
When you make a choice that the society in which you live does not agree with there are always consequences. What about a couple that marry but the families don't like each other because of economic differences? Couple who are of the opposite sex also do not have the same benefits of married couples. No one is worried that they are not reaping the tax benefits etc. The fact is if you have lived life long enough you figure out that it is not fair. And it will never be fair to everyone.

So if you have ever wondered what I think on this topic now you know

Gingerbread replica of Salt Lake Temple on display in Norway | ksl.com

2011-11-30T12:28:00.001-07:00

Gingerbread replica of Salt Lake Temple on display in Norway | ksl.com

Our Gummy Guy

2011-11-30T10:01:00.002-07:00

Why Me?

2011-11-27T19:48:00.000-07:00

Our Christmas Snowman,Santa,Wreath

2011-11-26T22:51:00.005-07:00

I saw one of these here on the net so I did my version of it.
I won't say this was a cheap wreath because although I purchased all my wreaths for 1/2 off
at Joanns I also had to buy the scarf and gloves

The gloves cost $1.00

Scarf $10.00

Wreaths $43.49 + plus sales tax which I think is 9%

So for this wreath I paid the price of one nicely decorated wreath that is full price at Joann's

But at least it is a little unique.

I think it turned out cute!
I'm going to dig through my Christmas stuff to find some Gold Decor to add to the bottom wreath so it looks more "pulled together"
Here is the inspiration picture
Yes the original looks better than mine but ignore that

Here is the link to some REALLY cute
Advent Ideas

30 Days of Blessings

2011-11-26T19:53:00.000-07:00

11/26/2011
I am thankful for my husband for being a guy that knows how to do a little bit of almost everything.
He just finished building me this entertainment center/storage space out of old office furniture he bought off of craigslist. His creativity is a blessing and so is having this new storage space!

11/25/2011
‎ I am thankful for my sweet baby girls Eden & Olivia that i meant for a short time
on Nov. 25, 2006

Finished Project!

2011-11-25T17:56:00.001-07:00

Today Eric finished up the details of our entertainment center that he made out of old office furniture he bought off craigslist. What a genius he is!

It turned out GREAT!!!
Sorry the picture is blurry I will post a clear picture after I put up some Christmas decorations

So glad it's done it's great to have storage space

Happy Thanksgiving & 30 Days of Blessings

2011-11-24T09:52:00.000-07:00

11/24/2011
Today on Thanksgiving I am Thankful for a holiday that remindes us of all the things we have to be greatful for. To think on the Greatness of God and his goodness & tender mercies over the past year/s.
And of course the blessing & joy that my family brings me. I am sad for people that do not know the joy & fulfillment that a family, or a caring and kind extended family can give you. I wish everyone would be blessed with good family.

11/23/2011
‎I am thankful for food!!! I LOVE food. I am a food addict. Some people don't notice if they miss a meal. I Do. I am really looking forward to tomorrow's food!

11/22/2011
Today I am thankful That http://www.ostlerfamilydental.com/ gave me a quote of $856- to fix my most important dental problems. A huge price difference compared to the $2702- Another dentist quoted me!

I am also thankful to Bonnie Norton Maughan my mother-in-law that came over today And took Gummy for a walk, made my ironing pile smaller, did my dishes!!!! Thank YOU!!!!

11/21/2011
I am thankful for my husband for being a great cook! We ♥love♥ it when he cooks!

11/20/2011
I am thankful for God's watchful care over our family. We have never gone without anything. We have had to make do at times but have never been without. We have always been blessed with what we need and even with many of our wants. God has just always been mindful of our circumstances and has helped us through and guided us no matter what we are struggling with. I... know God loves us and I am thankful for that.

11/19/2011
I am thankful for my husband and how much he loves his children.

He is a really wonderful father to our children.

11/18/2011
I am thankful for My Mom & Jones Berry Lemonade~ I love it~ it's my favorite soda!

11/17/2011
I am thankful that Tabitha eyes improved a little since her last eye test in July.

Hurray!!!

11/16/2011
I am thankful for Tabitha having the Best School Aide and Friend!

11/15/2011

I am Thankful for Tabitha's Good friend & physical therapist Teri

Tabitha's Physical Therapist is the BEST! I wish she could work with Tabitha daily!

11/14/2011

Thankful for my husband helping Calvin with his last minute school project!

11/13/2011

I am thankful that if we do our best to live a good, Kind, loving & charitable life that we will be with the ones we love after we pass from this life.♥

Our Laundry Lady

2011-11-15T14:42:00.000-07:00

When Tabitha comes home from school she Loves to fold the laundry while she watches T.V.

She is a GREAT Helper!!!

"Pain reminds this heart That this is not our home" ~ Beautiful Song

2011-11-15T12:26:00.001-07:00

Lyrics & Song by Laura Story
Blessings
We pray for blessings
We pray for peace
Comfort for family, protection while we sleep
We pray for healing, for prosperity
We pray for Your mighty hand to ease our suffering
All the while, You hear each spoken need
Yet love us way too much to give us lesser things

'Cause what if Your blessings come through raindrops
What if Your healing comes through tears
What if a thousand sleepless nights
Are what it takes to know You’re near
What if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise
We pray for wisdom
Your voice to hear
And we cry in anger when we cannot feel You near
We doubt Your goodness, we doubt Your love
As if every promise from Your Word is not enough
All the while, You hear each desperate plea
And long that we'd have faith to believe

'Cause what if Your blessings come through raindrops
What if Your healing comes through tears
What if a thousand sleepless nights
Are what it takes to know You’re near
And what if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise

When friends betray us
When darkness seems to win
We know that pain reminds this heart
That this is not, this is not our home
It's not our home

'Cause what if Your blessings come through raindrops
What if Your healing comes through tears
And what if a thousand sleepless nights
Are what it takes to know You’re near
What if my greatest disappointments
Or the aching of this life
Is the revealing of a greater thirst this world can’t satisfy
And what if trials of this life
The rain, the storms, the hardest nights
Are Your mercies in disguise

Laura Story : Blessings

2011-11-15T12:21:00.000-07:00

Saturday Night Fun

2011-11-14T18:45:00.002-07:00

On Saturday Eric & I went to Disson Skating Partnership with Pandora Skating Series.

It was really fun. This show was the taping that they will show on NBC on November 27th

David Archuleta was there and performed as did the Mannheim Steamrollers who are always amazing!
A great cast of skaters they were

Brian Boitano

Naomi Lang & Peter Tchernyshev

Ekaterina Gordeeva, Yuka Sato, Steven Cousins, Michael Weiss

Douglas Razzano

Rachel Flatt

Kimmie Meissner

It was a lot of fun.

Sad for her Family

2011-11-14T18:27:00.001-07:00

Sad news...Last week Anaya's lungs shut down.

She was on life support until her father & sister could make it to the hospital Sunday morning.

Early Sunday morning Anaya's Mom Camara wrote this touching message.

Good morning. Do you think today is a good day to meet God? I guess any day is a good day for that!

Brent has not yet arrived. I hope he gets here soon. I cuddled Anaya in her hospital bed last night. She needed to be given ativan as she was having seizures. Now she is sleeping it off. Ativan makes you really sleepy.

So because of her lungs being unable to keep themselves expanded the doctors say it's life support or bust. We always promised our little angel that we wouldn't keep her here past her time and put her through the pain and discomfort of that. I can't stand seeing her in the mask right now. Her eyes are leaking tears of discomfort, even asleep.

So I'm going to cuddle here some more and wait for Brent to get here and then he will probably cuddle her for a while and then...we will likely take the mask off and hold her to our hearts and carry her over the rainbow bridge together.

That later that morning they arrived and they said their goodbye's and Anaya passed over the rainbow bridge at 2:44 p.m. pacific time.

Pray for the family to feel at peace be comforted at this sad time.
They are such good people.

My Fashion Photoshoot By My Talented Daughter

2011-11-14T18:11:00.002-07:00

So my pictures were shot by my daughter.
This is the proof that anyone can look Amazing (Yes I like to think of myself as Amazing) with the right make-up wig & photoshop.

I would show you a before picture of how I look without make-up , hair & photoshop but I don't think I should shatter the illusion that you have of me from my amazing pictures ;-)

Next Time I Might Comb My Wig

30 Days of Blessings

2011-11-14T18:03:00.000-07:00

30 Days of Blessings~
I am thankful that if we do our best to live a good, Kind, loving & charitable life that we will be with the ones we love after we pass from this life.♥

I HATE LUEKODYSTROPHY!!! ~~~ But with that said I have meant the some of the best people I could ever want to know because of this HORRIFC illness.
You are an amazing group of people and like ...Lina Graziano Sereno said once "This is where I wished we all lived in a small community so we can be near eachother- even if was just to sit on the couch and not say a word but be there for one another."

‎30 Days of Blessings----On Veteran's Day I think it would be most appropriate to express the deep sense of gratitude I have for all of the military that have served still serve &have died for our freedoms. Also my thanks to the families of our military who sacrifice time missed with their military loved one and the stress they endure when they are gone. You are all real life superhero's to me!

‎30 Days of Blessings~
11/10/2011
I am thankful for medicine~I can't do much to help my kids but am thankful that I have medicine to make them as comfortable as possible. It actually makes me sad to think of all the past generations that did not have the medicines that we have now and how much suffering the6y endured because of the lack of good medicine.

30 Days of Blessings
11/9/11
I am thankful for good people that use their talents in good ways.
This is a picture of Tabitha holding a balloon bouquet that was given to me by Pamela she was someone I went to church with that didn't know me very well.
When she found out that our twin girls were born early at 23 weeks and that they had died a shortly afterwards she came to my house and gave me this balloon bouquet she had made. It was so cheerful looking and unique it brought a smile to my heart. And it made me want to learn how to make balloon things. But I haven't yet... It's on my "Bucket List"

Toddlers & Tiaras with Tom Hanks

2011-11-09T10:48:00.000-07:00

30 days of Blessings

2011-11-09T10:43:00.000-07:00

11/8/2011
I am thankful for Good People with kind hearts♥
Such as the really, really, wonderful lady that gave us Gummy's new stroller.
She didn't have to give it to us she could have sold it and made some money.
But instead she gave it to us! And it will make getting Gummy around a whole lot easier!!! I Thank God for Good People! ♥

30 days of Blessings

2011-11-07T16:07:00.001-07:00

11/7/2011
I am thankful I was taught as a child how important it is to know how to work.
My parents kept us all busy with chores everyday. As children we all cooked, cleaned, washed laundry (when I was small we had a wringer washer I remember getting my hair caught in the wringer), Hung the laundry to dry out on the clothes line, cut wood, stacked wood, carried wood to the house, Helped butcher cows, chicken's, geese. Helped plant, weed & harvest our parents 4 huge gardens. Feed chickens collect eggs. My brother's & some of my older sisters helped Dad cut hay, bale & stack it. I helped stack it sometimes. (I never had to milk cows since I was afraid of them) We washed window's & walls. I really enjoy working (just not when I get interrupted literally every few minutes which I do theses days)
Work is a blessing in my life. I find it very therapeutic.
“You can't plow a field simply by turning it over in your mind.”

― Gordon B. Hinckley

11/6/2011
I am thankful to my parents who experienced very difficult things in their life.
And showed me through their example you can survive difficult things and have a happy life despite them.

“The only way to get through life is to laugh your way through it. You either have to laugh or cry. I prefer to laugh. Crying gives me a headache.”
― Marjorie Pay Hinckley

11/5/2011
I am thankful for the beauty of the earth. For the joy a beautiful sunset brings, puffy clouds, rainbows, thunder, lighting, rain, snow, hoar frost, the color of changing leaves, grass, trees, sandy beaches, what my Mom refers to at "magic light", flowers, especially lilacs, daffodil's, Irises just a few of my favorites I love flowers. Mountains, tall grass, short grass, oceans, stars, the moon. I love it all.

11/4/2011
Today I am thankful for prayer.
Prayer is a direct line to God. All you have to do is pour out your heart in sincerity
I know God hears us. He many not answer our prayers the way we want but he does answer our prayers knowing what the bigger picture is and what the end result will be. Not much is life is fair & for many of us it is not pain free. But I know God ...will make it all right in the end.

I know God hears me when I pray, and I know I have felt of his love during very
difficult times.

“Get on your knees and pray, then get on your feet and work.”
― Gordon B. Hinckley

11/3//2011

I am thankful for our babysitter Andrea who when she comes over to my often very messy house never makes a face or shows any disgust that my house is in such a state. She will hold Gummy for the whole time she is here if that what he wants. She will help Tabitha with her puzzles and encourages Hannah in whatever creative plan Hannah comes up with. And she has only been late 1 time. She is a kind & good soul.

Anaya's Angels

2011-11-03T22:54:00.003-07:00

This is the story of Anaya

she has Krabbe Leukodystrophy

Please Read her Story

I think most people spend at least $10 dollars a week on something they don't need.

A few examples would be

Pedicures

candy bars

movies

book fines at the library

soda's

take out

sporting events

Halloween candy

costumes

Thanksgiving decorations

crafting supplies

I think you get the idea.

Your $10 could really help this family.

If you are someone who really does not have $10 to spare then please "like" them on Facebook and share their story.

Maybe one of your friends can help even if you can not.

I know some people will not contribute to a RV because they have made the judgement in their mind that it this is a frivolous expense and it would be a bad idea for them to live in an RV.

And that they need to go back to Canada and live in a rental house and take care of Anaya.

That they should not ask for help for their expenses and they should both get jobs.

Well I disagree for a lot of reasons and here are a few.

1. Canada is very cold in the winter which means Anaya will be stuck indoors for 9 months of the year because in Canada Winter in almost year round.

2. In the Canadian climate she is more likely to be sick

3. She loves to be outdoors and if they are in CA then her mom can take her outside during the winter

4. Anaya deserves the care of her parents and not to have to live in a hospital.

Anaya will get much better care by her parents than she will in the hospital.
And caring for a child with an illness like this is a 24/7 job thus she needs them both.

5. They deserve to spend as much time with Anaya as possible her life expectancy is very short. Yes some Krabbe children live to be 6 years old and a little older but not many.

6. Everyone deals with the sadness in their lives differently. They choose to use Anaya's life to let other know of this rare illness so money can be raised for research of this illness.

I think this is very therapeutic to them and also important that they can make others aware of rare genetic illness that gets very little research.

Anaya's Story

http://healinganaya.blogspot.com

www.facebook.com/theanayainitiative

www.healinganaya.com

30 Days of Blessings

2011-11-03T18:09:00.000-07:00

11/3//2011

I am thankful for our babysitter Andrea who when she comes over to my often very messy house never makes a face or shows any disgust that my house is in such a state. She will hold Gummy for the whole time she is here if that what he wants. She will help Tabitha with her puzzles and encourage Hannah in whatever creative plan Hannah comes up with. And she has only been late 1 time. She is a kind & good soul.

30 Days of Blessings

2011-11-02T08:38:00.002-07:00

My Cornucopia of Blessings

This month in honor of Thanksgiving I am going to list daily something I am grateful for.

1/1/2011 ~I am thankful for my Husband he has been an amazing provider for our family for all 17 years of our marriage. I have never had to worry about working to bring in an extra income because of how important it is to him that I am home to mother our children. Everything we have ever had & do have is do to his hard work.

1/2/2011 ~ I am Thankful for all of the really wonderful people that I have meant that deal with Leukodystrophy~ My LD family is very dear to me and been an inspirations, a comfort, & a great source of information which is so needed when even the Dr.'s are lost and don't know what they should do. I know that someone in my LD family has already or is dealing with the same thing and they have such helpful suggestions that have made all the difference!

Handsome little Man!

2011-11-01T23:01:00.001-07:00

Eric always does such a great job cutting the boy's Hair!

A Cupcake For YOU!

2011-11-01T08:33:00.000-07:00

It was so sweet of Mrs. Cindy to give Tabitha this Cupcake necklace for her Birthday♥

Tabitha's Trick-or-Treat 2011

2011-10-31T20:06:00.000-07:00

Calvin wanted to stay home and scare kids instead of going Trick-or-Treating.
So Eric took Hannah & Tabitha Trick-or-Treating. When they got home from
Trick-or-Treating Tabitha had collected a Big Bag of Candy!

Hannah said "Tabitha got more candy than anyone else because people feel sorry for her for being in a wheelchair!" So Hannah left to do more Trick-or-treating.

Hannah isn't really to upset about it because Tabitha doesn't eat candy and she knows Tabitha will let her have it tomorrow.

Eric said EVERYONE knows Tabitha and so all the kids were saying "hi" to Tabitha

Tabitha's Aide at school as always said how much the kids love her and like to help her. ♥ Very heart warming

The Very Scary Ghost!

2011-10-31T20:02:00.000-07:00

Tabitha's Bus ladies were so sweet. They gave her this ghost balloon and wished her a Happy Halloween! and she told them she "doesn't like the balloon"! she said it was "scary" Tabitha is so funny & always 100% Honest about everything ;-)

It's My Birthday Shout HURRAY!

2011-10-30T15:50:00.001-07:00

I'm 8 Ain't That GREAT!

Big Sister Hannah made Tabitha her cake♥

Tabitha does not eat anything by mouth but she ♥LOVES ♥to blow out the candles

Western Day At School

2011-10-28T15:47:00.001-07:00

Glamorous Cow Girl Tabitha

So YOU Think YOU Can Dance?

Calvin & Hannah Dancing like they've never danced before

Wer'e not city kids we can dance like were from the country

Yee-Haw This isn't our first Rodeo!
We know how to dance at a Hoedown!!!

And I can Dance Like an Egyptian

Go Away Paparazzi!!!

Yea, Go Away Paparazzi or I'll shoot you with my AirSoft Gun that I don't know how to load!

It's Your Birthday Shout HURRAY!

2011-10-28T15:39:00.002-07:00

It's Wacky Day at School Today!

2011-10-27T08:39:00.000-07:00

I think Calvin is a Wildman/Clown

Hannah-Darth Vader's Grandma (Sorry the pic is blurry)

A Wacky Idea~ Tabitha Said NO!

Tabitha Off to School Sporting her Whacky Look

Wal-Mart Halloween bags of candy funny new 2011 tv commercial

2011-10-26T23:49:00.001-07:00

Just Play'n In the Rain

2011-10-26T23:49:00.000-07:00

For the Neighbor Because she's Nice!

2011-10-26T14:39:00.002-07:00

Spirit Week at School

2011-10-26T10:33:00.001-07:00

Today is 80's Day at School so here is Hannah sporting her 80's ensemble

fluorescent green shirt

Belt

Mini Skirt

Leggings

Side ponytail w/bow

I think she looks more 80's than I did in the 80's

And it wouldn't be complete without her fingerless gloves and bangles
And an Egyptian dance pose

Tabitha is also Sporting her 80's look with

Leggings

Long Shirt

Belt

Side ponytail w/bow

and a fluorescent bracelet

But as you can see Tabitha's look is very versatile

Just add her big bug eye sunglasses and she looks very 2011 trendy!

What Does Your Vehicle Say About You?

2011-10-25T09:45:00.000-07:00

I drive a SUV that is a gray, money guzzling machine, dented, with a cracked windshield.
So I guess I might be an expression of me but It & I didn't start out that way ;-)
(My car is even dirtier than normal because it rained last night)
It would be fun to hear how your vehicle expresses your personality

What A Weekend.....Glad it's Over!

2011-10-25T09:17:00.004-07:00

What a fun weekend it was!
Tabitha was sick on Friday, and I don't think she is fully recovered but she wanted to go to school today so I let her.
Hannah was sick on Saturday and is fully recovered
Gummy was admitted to the hospital on Sunday night because he was not able tolerate any of his med's and he started throwing up blood. So we didn't really have a choice but to give him his med's via IV.
He came home last night and seems to be doing well so far.

Calvin went camping with the scouts on Friday he forgot his sleeping bag.

I called his leader cell phone but he didn't answer & so called the leaders wives to find out where they were camping so I could take him his sleeping bag but they didn't return my call till the next day.

So when Calvin came home I asked him what he slept in and he said they gave him a tarp, a rain poncho, a fire blanket to wrap himself in. I asked if he was cold. He said he felt like his toes had frost bite. But he did manage to get a little sleep. He came home at 3:00pm on Saturday he went and took a shower and slept until 9:30p.m. and only woke up because I went in his room to put his clothes away.

I must admit I'm proud of him for being so manly about it. I wouldn't have been! I do think they should have let him sleep in the vehicle though since the leaders didn't give up their sleeping bags.

I honestly think If I were a scout leader and one of the kids forgot their sleeping bag I'm pretty sure I would have let them have mine if there were no extras.

But he survived.
I have been on a diet for 2.5 weeks I was finally making progress so I was really excited about that.
But this weekend left me needing my favorite drugs ~Sugar, Butter, Bacon, Bread
So I totally crashed my diet and have to say I don't think I have the energy or strength of mind to go back to it. So I feel like a failure at that once again.
Calvin's Birthday is coming up this Thursday he is turning 12.
Tabitha's Birthday is Sunday she will be 8
And then Halloween in Monday.
And I need to follow-up with the Dr. about the sleep study for Tabitha
Also I need to talk to the medical supply company about Gummy's Ez-Pap machine
I need to find Calvin a really good Speech Therapist that specializes in Fluency (Most of the really good therapist work in the East Valley so this will not be easy)
I also need to find a location for my Hunter's Hope Walk I am hosting next Spring
(If you didn't know about that read this post)
Plus all the catch-up I need to do because I couldn't get anything done over the weekend with everyone being sick.
I am seeing that I don't know that this week will be much better than the weekend.
And Yes I am still VERY TIRED!
Well I guess I should quit whining and start working.
(I don't whine this much when I'm not tired)
On The Bright Side our neighbors just had a Woodfire Pizza Oven built in their backyard
When I came home last night she was at my door with this really YUMMY freshly baked Pizza

I really need to get to know her better she is really one of the nicest people I have ever meant

Gingerbread Pumpkin Bars

2011-10-24T08:14:00.003-07:00

This is a really YUMMY recipe!
Note: I made it without the drizzle on top and it is great without it.
Makes a GREAT Breakfast!
Go check out the pictures of it at
Culinary Concoctions By Peabody

Gingerbread Pumpkin Bars
For the bars
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon fresh grated nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
16 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1/4 cup molasses
1/3 cup rolled quick oats
For the filling
6 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 3/4 cups mashed pumpkin
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon fresh grated nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
2 large eggs
For the drizzle
1 cup confectioners’ sugar
1 tablespoon butter, softened
1/4 teaspoon vanilla
1 to 2 tablespoons milk

Preheat oven to 350
To make the bars
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and cloves.
In a large mixing bowl, beat together butter, sugar and molasses until creamy. Add dry ingredients and mix just until combined. Reserve 3/4 cup of this mixture and place in a small bowl. Scoop the remaining mixture into a 10″ x 15″ baking pan lightly coated with nonstick spray.
Add the oats to the reserved mixture and mix until combined – set aside.
To make the filling
In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add pumpkin, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and cloves – mix until well combined. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing just until combined. Scoop the mixture over the uncooked base and use an off-set spatula to evenly spread the mixture over the top. Crumble reserved oat mixture over filling.
Bake until the topping is a golden brown, about 25-30 minutes. Remove and place on a wire rack to cool completely.
To make the drizzle
In a small bowl, mix together confectioners’ sugar, butter and vanilla. Mix in just enough milk until the mixture will easily flow from a spoon – drizzle over cooled bars.
Adapted from Land O’ Lakes and found on Culinary in the Desert

Here is another Pumpkin Recipe I want to try looks really delicious
Pumpkin Spice Magic Bar Mini's

Funnies

2011-10-14T13:55:00.004-07:00

Both are Beautiful But Different

2011-10-13T08:48:00.000-07:00

Lake Como Italy

WELCOME TO HOLLAND
byEmily 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.

The Things I read!

2011-10-12T19:55:00.003-07:00

Calvin said this Mr. Potato Head joke is "NOT APPROPRIATE" & he might be right but it is funny!

The Entertainment Center Project

2011-10-11T12:08:00.001-07:00

This is the best picture I could find to show what we used to have for an entertainment center

As you can see in the picture it used to be for our old tv which was a large freestanding t.v.

But when we moved into this house the large freestanding t.v. broke!

So it was replaced with a large flat screen t.v.

As you can see in the picture the t.v. is sitting on top of a coffee table that had a glass center

(which also broke)

The T.V. is balancing over a large hole where the glass used to be in the coffee table.

So it was a bit of a precarious situation.

And it didn't offer much in the way of storage which I really need.

SO Eric

bought some old office furniture on craigslist and is in the process of revamping it into a

Entertainment Center!

So this is the base which is NOT finished

In the end I hope it looks just as good if not better than this

Pottery Barn Entertainment Center

Sad But True.....

2011-10-11T10:44:00.002-07:00

My Sweet Tooth & Sweet Friend

2011-10-11T10:10:00.002-07:00

On Saturday I had a wonderful surprise from my friend Dorthe that lives in Farum Denmark

She sent me a selection of candy's from Danmark

The fruit flavored candies were good! I liked the Lakrits. But my delicate American tongue could not handle the Djungelvral (salted licorice) or the Tyrkisk Peber (licorice mixed with pepper)
I plan on returning the kindness by sending her various American made candy

So far this is what's on my list.

Pop Rocks ~ Cherry & Watermelon

Mary Jane

Cow Tales

Good & Plenty

Suger Babies

Candy Buttons

Mike & Ike

Sour Patch Kids

Nerds

Candy Corn ~ Fall Mix

Lemonhead

I have been avoiding sending chocolate because they have hands down better chocolate in Europe

But I thought they should try the

Junior Mints

The only other candy that I thought I might send that I haven't purchased yet is

Cinnamon Bears

So do you have any great ideas of what kind of candy I should send?

And if you know if they already have any of this candy in Denmark you should let me know so I don't send something they have already tried.

Blog Love

2011-10-09T18:32:00.001-07:00

A Mime in Times Square

Kristy Crow

That's How it Happened ;-)

2011-10-05T22:03:00.000-07:00

Silly

2011-09-29T16:18:00.001-07:00

The 3000 Club

2011-09-29T16:14:00.001-07:00

This is a great deal!!!

60 lbs. of fruits & vegetables for $10.00!

Here is what they are about.

Market on the Move (MOM)

The Market on the Move was created to enable the supporters of The 3000 Club distribute free produce to the hungry and the needy.

The 3000 Club is a group of like-minded individuals, small business owners, volunteers and non-profit agency(ies) and organization(s) who contribute either $100, $500 or $1,000 per year or $10 per month in order to help rescue the millions of pounds of fresh fruits and vegetables that would be thrown in the landfill in Nogales, Arizona and distribute it instead for free to the needy and hungry families, especially their children.

Due to the challenging economy we are currently experiencing, thousands of families have lost their jobs. Men and women, especially the children are at risk of getting Type Two Diabetes for lack of fresh, nutritional fruits and vegetables in their diets. The people who need the free produce may very well be your next door neighbor or your close friend who are undergoing transition in their current lifestyle.

Market On The Move provides a Farmers’ Market atmosphere at locations throughout the Phoenix and Tucson Metropolitan areas where partners and supporters of this program can come on a regular basis to not only pick up the free produce for distribution but also to acquire health education on Diabetes and Cancer Prevention as well as many other health issues.

The volume of produce being thrown way exceeds our ability to rescue and distribute it to the needy thereby creating a need for thousands of partners and supporters to join with us in our food rescue efforts.

We need your support and encourage you to join us in meeting our goal this coming produce season to distribute over One Million pounds or $1.5 Million of free produce thru Market On The Move!

The 3000 Club.org

So EXCITED To SHOW YOU OUR NEW PROJECT & BLOG!

2011-09-28T11:39:00.001-07:00

Please go check out my new blog!!!

A Good Deed!

Go find out what it is about!
Thank YOU!

Just Funny!

2011-09-28T09:58:00.000-07:00

So funny you can see the reflection of the person taking the picture in the Tea pot

Pat Lang Faith Story

2011-09-26T14:48:00.000-07:00

Sleepy Boy

2011-09-25T22:04:00.000-07:00

Gummy & I

2011-09-25T22:00:00.000-07:00

Just a Reminder

2011-09-20T13:00:00.000-07:00

It's At Walmart!!!

2011-09-20T12:56:00.001-07:00

I Thought it was very IMPORTANT that you know that they now have Nutella &GO!

I think that this is likely one of the best things in life next to toilet paper & disposable diapers!
FYI- I think they should replace the little bread sticks with pretzel sticks

NOW GO ENJOY!

The Man Without a Facebook Trailer

2011-09-17T13:10:00.000-07:00

Smartphone pictures pose privacy risks

2011-09-10T10:43:00.000-07:00

Donut Eating Contest

2011-09-05T20:23:00.002-07:00

Calvin & Hannah thought they should celebrate Labor Day by having a

Donut eating contest

Calvin ate 5 Donuts. Hannah ate 5 1/2 Donuts then she spent the rest of the evening boasting over her victory and supreme gastric system.

Catch It Up Time!!!

2011-09-02T00:39:00.003-07:00

Wow!! have been so busy since my last post I don't even know where to start my update!

So I will start first by apologizing for not doing my "better eating soup diet" as well as I should have. As a matter o fact I think I only lasted 4 days or so.
July started out with Hannah & Gummy having Birthdays

Hannah had a bowling party (the pictures are not very good)

And she made herself this Birthday Cake

Gummy's Birthday

Calvin Helping Gummy open his Birthday Gifts

Loves his Bubbles

Near the end of July we went to my nephews wedding in Utah

And then drove on to Montana for a wonderful weekend at a cabin on the Yellowstone river!

It was so relaxing!!!!! I miss the smell of fresh Montana air and many other things there. It was wonderful to spend time with family and make many wonderful memories.

The Cabin

View from the loft

loft with the treacherous stairs

Cute rustic looking kitchen

I want this table

Fire ring just off the back deck

View from the back deck

Bird House

Off to the river

Add caption

Then we came home and that weekend Gummy became sick and his Oxygen levels kept dropping into the 80's so he was admitted to the hospital and was there for 3 0r 4 days and we brought him home with breathing issues that have never cleared up and they sent home oxygen.

Then August started which means that it was time to get the kids ready for school and they started school on August 15th

The kids have been very busy with school

Eric took the kids to our church camp out

Hannah had a LOT of Fun at the Camp out ~~~Calvin thought it was boring and went to bed early

We did some swimming

We took a short break from school this week.

Tabitha &Gummy stayed at the Ryan House on Tues & Wed.

And we left on Tues. Afternoon and took Hannah & Calvin out of school and went to California

Flowering tree with Orange Flowers

Cute Table at the Danish Bakery

Add caption

And NOW I Think I have caught this blog Up!

Another great buy

2011-07-17T15:21:00.000-07:00

I found theses adorable flats at Stein Mart for $13.00! They also have them on clearance at

Famous Footwear for $15.00

Some Good Things

2011-07-15T11:47:00.001-07:00

I bought these cute shoes at Kohls last night for $9.97!

Not a bad deal!

F.Y.I. Lasagna Sandwiches are Really GOOD!

Another great Read

2011-07-14T16:20:00.000-07:00

Description from Amazon.com
WITHOUT A WORD is a riveting memoir that blends remarkable achievement with passion, sacrifice, love, pain, and human interest. It takes the reader into the lives of a celebrity couple, Pro Football Hall of Famer Jim Kelly, and his wife, Jill, to reveal the Kelly family's private struggle and how eight and a half years with their severely disabled, terminally ill, with Krabbe their son, Hunter, unfolded in a redemptive and transforming manner. The light of Hunter's love through his brief and silent life shone into the shadowed corners of Jill and Jim's lives resulting in Jill believing that Jesus Christ was authentic, her learning to forgive Jim of past indiscretions, and finally resulting in Jim's seeking and finding God. Lessons gleaned from Hunter's life and death, and Jim and Jill's struggle to save their marriage during tumultuous times, make this a compelling and inspiring read. (2010)

Diet Update

2011-07-13T11:39:00.001-07:00

Here is an update on my soup diet.
I am starting day 3 and it's going pretty well! I was surprised at how full soup makes me feel even when low-calorie. I really haven't been getting to hungry between meals but I know I am only in the beginning phase so that could change. So far my pattern is
1 cup of soup for breakfast & a piece of fruit (generally an apple).
2 cups of soup for lunch.
Snack: fruit.
Dinner is usually 1 cup of soup with some fruit.
I haven't been good at giving up my sweets but I have cut back on them. At the end of the day I have had about 4 tootsie rolls rather than 1/2 a package huge improvement! And I haven't been able to give up my scale, I think I need the scale so I can see if I am making progress daily which I have thus far. I am averaging about .5 lbs. a day. I am also doing well at drinking 8 glasses of water per day and I started walking/jogging on my treadmill for 20-30 minutes depending on how much time I have.

For Lunch yesterday I made this Lemon soup recipe I found on Allrecipes.com

Lemon Soup

1 (48 fluid ounce) can chicken broth

2 egg yolks

2 egg whites

1 lemon, juiced

1 cup uncooked orzo pasta

salt & pepper to taste.

Directions

1. Pour chicken broth into a large pot, and bring to a boil. Add orzo pasta, and simmer for 10 minutes, until tender.

2.In a medium glass or metal bowl, whip egg whites to medium stiff peaks. Stir in egg yolks and lemon juice. When the pasta has finished cooking, gradually ladle about 1 cup of the soup into the egg mixture while stirring gently. This will heat up the eggs so the will not be shocked by the boiling liquid. Pour the egg mixture into the soup pot, and stir until well blended. Season with Salt & Pepper, Serve immediately.

NOTES:

The recipe calls for a whole juiced lemon. Only add a little Lemon juice at a time and taste it or it might taste to tart or lemony.

This soup NEEDS Parmesan Cheese So grate some and add a good portion to the top. You might want to try other types of cheese but it does need something.

A Great Life As I See It

Better then Expected!

Love this column from the Huffinton Post

Killing Us Softly 4: Advertising's Image of Women [Trailer] - Available ...

Some Sunday Pictures

Camara: Love in Action - Italy 6

Following Along

Camara: Love in Action - Italy 5

Camara: Love in Action - Italy 4

Camara: Love in Action - Italy 3

Camara: Love in Action -Italy 2.5

Camara: Love in Action - Italy 2

Camara: Love in Action - Italy 1

Cold Quinoa & Veggie Salad

Tabitha Dancing to Dance Dance 3

This is An Interesting Article

Sunday Pictures

Gummy's Christmas Blanket

A Post YOU NEED To READ!

The Ups & Downs of the Virus

He's On The Mend

It Feels Good to Do Good ~ Thanks for letting us Help

Why It's a Blessing To Have A Great Older Sister

Gummy Update

Gummy Update ~ December 28, 2011

Gummy Update Tuesday Dec. 27, 2011

What A GREAT GIFT!

A Christmas Night with MLD and Some Stupid Virus!

How to make a hike extra long and a little bit harder

How to fix a dent

Fancy Nails

This Link is Funny

Tabitha's Christmas School Week

Gummy Had his Sleep Study Last Night

It's True

Eric & His Mini Me

A Few updates

Standing Up for Families

"I'm sorry for the Duggars loss; miscarriage always sucks. However, I do believe she should not have any more children. (But who am I to say when it's time to stop. I'll leave that to someone far greater than me."

Female 1 comment: Again: the uterus is NOT a clown car!

Female 2 comment: Your body can only handle so much!

Female 3 comment: I myself think they are just media whores and the just want the attention.... I am sorry for the miscarriage BUT I think they should STOP the insanity.....JUST MY OPINION

Female 4 comment: Hope she takes that as a sign! Crazy woman!

Interesting discussion!

You like someone I know!

As the saying goes

"Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery" I am very flattered.

She is such a funny girl!

My Opinion of Same-Sex Marriage

Here is His response.

Yes; revealing lies for what they are does make me feel better. A central goal of my life is to reveal truth whenever possible. In this way I help to make the world a better place for everyone.

So if you have ever wondered what I think on this topic now you know

Gingerbread replica of Salt Lake Temple on display in Norway | ksl.com

Our Gummy Guy

Why Me?

Our Christmas Snowman,Santa,Wreath

30 Days of Blessings

Finished Project!

Happy Thanksgiving & 30 Days of Blessings

Our Laundry Lady

"Pain reminds this heart That this is not our home" ~ Beautiful Song

Laura Story : Blessings

Saturday Night Fun

Sad for her Family

That later that morning they arrived and they said their goodbye's and Anaya passed over the rainbow bridge at 2:44 p.m. pacific time.

My Fashion Photoshoot By My Talented Daughter

30 Days of Blessings

Toddlers & Tiaras with Tom Hanks

30 days of Blessings

30 days of Blessings

Anaya's Angels

30 Days of Blessings

11/3//2011

30 Days of Blessings

Handsome little Man!

A Cupcake For YOU!

Tabitha's Trick-or-Treat 2011

The Very Scary Ghost!

It's My Birthday Shout HURRAY!

Western Day At School

"Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery"
I am very flattered.