Posts
I'll post something "real" soon, but I had to pass this on!
After I retired, my wife insisted that I accompany her on her trips to Target. Unfortunately, like most men, I found shopping boring and preferred to get in and get out. Equally unfortunate, my wife is like most women - she loves to browse. Yesterday my dear wife received the following letter from the local Target.
Dear Mrs. Samuel,
Over the past six months, your husband has caused quite a commotion in our store. We cannot tolerate this behavior and have been forced to ban both of you from the store. Our complaints against your husband, Mr. Samuel, are listed below and are documented by our video surveillance cameras.
1. June 15: Took 24 boxes of condoms and randomly put them in other people's
carts when they weren't looking.
2. July 2: Set all the alarm clocks in Housewares to go off at 5-minute intervals.
3. July 7: (too icky to repeat)
4.. July 19: Walked up to an employee and told her in an official voice, 'Code 3 in Housewares. Get on it right away'. This caused the employee to leave her assigned station and receive a reprimand from her Supervisor that in turn resulted with a union grievance, causing management to lose time and costing the company money.
5. August 4: Went to the Service Desk and tried to put a bag of M&Ms on layaway.
6. August 14: Moved a 'CAUTION - WET FLOOR' sign to a carpeted area.
7. August 15: Set up a tent in the camping department and told the children shoppers he'd invite them in if they would bring pillows and blankets from the bedding department to which twenty children obliged.
8. August 23: When a clerk asked if they could help him he began crying and screamed, 'Why can't you people just leave me alone?' EMTs were called.
9. September 4: Looked right into the security camera and used it as a mirror while he picked his nose.
10. September 10: While handling guns in the hunting department, he asked the clerk where the antidepressants were.
11. October 3: Darted around the store suspiciously while loudly humming the 'Mission Impossible' theme.
12. October 6: In the auto department, he practiced his 'Madonna look' by using different sizes of funnels.
13. October 18: Hid in a clothing rack and when people browsed through, yelled 'PICK ME! PICK ME!'
14. October 21: When an announcement came over the loud speaker, he assumed a fetal position and screamed 'OH NO! IT'S THOSE VOICES AGAIN!'
And last, but not least:
15. October 23: Went into a fitting room, shut the door, waited awhile, then yelled very loudly, 'Hey! There's no toilet paper in here.' One of the clerks passed out.
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Thursday, November 5, 2009
The last days of Saturn: "A different kind of company; A different kind of car"
Our Saturn retailer will be closing Friday. It's hard to believe J has just two days left. Saturday night as we sitting together it dawned on me that this was his last week. I said "Wow, it just hit me; you only have 5 days left at Saturn." He said "Yeah." and there was a long pause. I said "It's really surreal." to which he replied "That's just the word I was thinking of.".
I know Saturn isn't an American icon that's been around for 75 or 150 years, but it's been a huge part of our lives. August marked 15 years with the company. It is very surreal to imagine such a big change.
I also know that we have had it much better than so many people who have lost their jobs. Not only did J have an offer to stay with the company, but he had 7 other possible opportunities! We were praying fervently for direction and I know we had friends and family praying for us as well. One by one 7 of the 8 possible directions he could go in fell down the list of feasibility then dropped off all together. At the same time, one direction climbed to the top and was left as the only one. We prayed for clear direction and God granted it. We are very thankful for that.
J has offered to help with the closing of Saturn next week if he is needed. He will start his new job Monday, the 16th. It is about 7 miles further and the hours are a little longer. He will also be working on things he hasn't worked on in 15 years and some things he's never really worked on like pick-up trucks and Corvettes. He will bring a large following from Saturn which we believe will help his paycheck. It is a benefit to a GM dealer to be able to advertise they have a trained Saturn tech now. Your continued prayers are appreciated as he begins this new venture. He says he's going to be "stretched" and "out of his comfort zone". At the same time he has been very excited after his talks/interviews with the owner and the service manager.
If he isn't needed all next week at Saturn, J plans on taking a day to ride his dirt bike with his buddy and another to go catfishing with his dad. I'm hoping they don't need him much so he can have some days at home, too. It will be kind of like a vacation. He does have 7 days of vacation left that he will get paid for.
Below is a letter from the owner to Saturn customers (bolding mine): http://www.saturnoflancaster.com/MiscPage_2 What makes it sad, I believe, is that Mr. Sutliff was involved with the development of Saturn, was it's first retailer, and his 5 stores consistently ranked top.
Saturn was "A different kind of company; a different kind of car". I believe they would've remained that way and continued to profit if GM had kept their fingers out of it, but that's another story.
The letter:
GM Dealer of the Year 2007
Sutliff Saturn Inc.
Sutliff Chevrolet Co.
Dear Saturn Owner,
Perhaps you were as disappointed as we were when the news appeared that new Saturn Products were terminated.
Some of us think it was an error of judgement, some might say it was the result of errors in judgement. It is true that over the years, the Saturn product zigged when it might better have zagged.
Sutliff was involved with the development of Saturn. Business practices of Sutliff Chevrolet were, to a certain extent, models for Saturn business practices. When the time came, we were the first signed Saturn Retailer. Our five stores in Central Pennsylvania were arguably the most successful anywhere in terms of market share. Our stores ranked in the top five Saturn retailers in volume. Often when stores were ranked by percentage of objective, Sutliff Saturn stores were 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. Our new sales since opening in 1991 will reach 48,000 by this year end.
In 2008, General Motors recognized the best 1% or so of their 2007 dealers at the most recent Dealer of the Year presentation in New York City. Both Sutliff Saturn Inc. and Sutliff Chevrolet Co. were among the honorees.
Nationally, however, Saturn was not able to maintain competitive volume after the Ion was cancelled.
Sutliff Saturn will remain open in the Harrisburg area no longer than October 2010. Lancaster, York, and State College will cease operations as Saturn stores before the end of this year. Saturn technical service and parts availability will continue well beyond that time in our other GM stores in Harrisburg and State College as well as other GM stores possibly nearer to you.
Sutliff Auto Group expects to be operating GM stores in Harrisburg's East and West Shores and State College this fall, all of which will welcome Saturn owners with experienced Saturn service advisors and technicians. Our new automobile portfolio will include Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, and Cadillac as well as other brands.
Greg Sutliff
I know Saturn isn't an American icon that's been around for 75 or 150 years, but it's been a huge part of our lives. August marked 15 years with the company. It is very surreal to imagine such a big change.
I also know that we have had it much better than so many people who have lost their jobs. Not only did J have an offer to stay with the company, but he had 7 other possible opportunities! We were praying fervently for direction and I know we had friends and family praying for us as well. One by one 7 of the 8 possible directions he could go in fell down the list of feasibility then dropped off all together. At the same time, one direction climbed to the top and was left as the only one. We prayed for clear direction and God granted it. We are very thankful for that.
J has offered to help with the closing of Saturn next week if he is needed. He will start his new job Monday, the 16th. It is about 7 miles further and the hours are a little longer. He will also be working on things he hasn't worked on in 15 years and some things he's never really worked on like pick-up trucks and Corvettes. He will bring a large following from Saturn which we believe will help his paycheck. It is a benefit to a GM dealer to be able to advertise they have a trained Saturn tech now. Your continued prayers are appreciated as he begins this new venture. He says he's going to be "stretched" and "out of his comfort zone". At the same time he has been very excited after his talks/interviews with the owner and the service manager.
If he isn't needed all next week at Saturn, J plans on taking a day to ride his dirt bike with his buddy and another to go catfishing with his dad. I'm hoping they don't need him much so he can have some days at home, too. It will be kind of like a vacation. He does have 7 days of vacation left that he will get paid for.
Below is a letter from the owner to Saturn customers (bolding mine): http://www.saturnoflancaster.com/MiscPage_2 What makes it sad, I believe, is that Mr. Sutliff was involved with the development of Saturn, was it's first retailer, and his 5 stores consistently ranked top.
Saturn was "A different kind of company; a different kind of car". I believe they would've remained that way and continued to profit if GM had kept their fingers out of it, but that's another story.
The letter:
GM Dealer of the Year 2007
Sutliff Saturn Inc.
Sutliff Chevrolet Co.
Dear Saturn Owner,
Perhaps you were as disappointed as we were when the news appeared that new Saturn Products were terminated.
Some of us think it was an error of judgement, some might say it was the result of errors in judgement. It is true that over the years, the Saturn product zigged when it might better have zagged.
Sutliff was involved with the development of Saturn. Business practices of Sutliff Chevrolet were, to a certain extent, models for Saturn business practices. When the time came, we were the first signed Saturn Retailer. Our five stores in Central Pennsylvania were arguably the most successful anywhere in terms of market share. Our stores ranked in the top five Saturn retailers in volume. Often when stores were ranked by percentage of objective, Sutliff Saturn stores were 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. Our new sales since opening in 1991 will reach 48,000 by this year end.
In 2008, General Motors recognized the best 1% or so of their 2007 dealers at the most recent Dealer of the Year presentation in New York City. Both Sutliff Saturn Inc. and Sutliff Chevrolet Co. were among the honorees.
Nationally, however, Saturn was not able to maintain competitive volume after the Ion was cancelled.
Sutliff Saturn will remain open in the Harrisburg area no longer than October 2010. Lancaster, York, and State College will cease operations as Saturn stores before the end of this year. Saturn technical service and parts availability will continue well beyond that time in our other GM stores in Harrisburg and State College as well as other GM stores possibly nearer to you.
Sutliff Auto Group expects to be operating GM stores in Harrisburg's East and West Shores and State College this fall, all of which will welcome Saturn owners with experienced Saturn service advisors and technicians. Our new automobile portfolio will include Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, and Cadillac as well as other brands.
Greg Sutliff
Saturday, October 10, 2009
A Job Update
As some of you know, GM was going to sell Saturn to Roger Penske, but the deal fell through last week. GM said it would not go back to taking bids and would shut Saturn down. When the news came out, Mr. S (the owner of the local Saturn Retailer) expressed that he would keep his store open as long as he could pay the bills, pulling cars from the other stores to sell. We knew this could mean a few weeks or a few months at most.
J was told yesterday that his Saturn store will be closing no later than the end of the year. It could be much sooner than that, of course.
There is a BMW dealer that has contacted Mr. S about buying the building to move his BMW dealership in. That could hasten the closing.
I believe Mr. S would like to buy another dealer franchise in the area, but there are none available right now. There are rumors that two local owners have been considering selling, though. If that were to happen, he could bring another franchise into the building.
J has been asked if he would be interested in staying with the company if a position were to become available in Harrisburg (Mr. S owns other dealerships). It would be a 45+ minute commute, but he would retain his tenure and benefits. He's been with the company 15 years and they've been good to him. He is valuable with more training, experience, and ASE certifications than other techs.
At this point J plans on riding it out and being "the last one to turn the lights off at Saturn". It brings tears to my eyes thinking about it. He is very sad about the closing. J admired the Saturn car since it came out. He said they were well designed and made logically so they'd be easy to work on, not complicated like other cars. When I saw an ad in the paper that they needed a tech I pushed him to go apply. For some reason, he didn't think he had a chance to get in. I said "This is what you wanted. You have to go." and he finally did. He's been with them 15 of their 19 years. It was sad when GM took over Saturn. The car changed, the company changed. It was built differently and became just like other cars to work on. But the family at the Saturn store remained. We have had good years with them and it will be especially sad for J to see everyone go their separate ways. He has said he's not worried about what comes next, just dissapointed that Saturn will be no more.
J has an idea in his head to open a Saturn service center. There are so many huge things to consider with that, but he says he just can't stop thinking about it. He would be able to buy some of the equipment from the store. We don't know if this is where God is leading, but it's on his mind.
If he stays to the end, J will be "laid off" (if he doesn't/can't go to Harrisburg). He was told that if he comes back to work for the company within a year he will retain his tenure and benefits as they are now.
Thank you for your prayers.
J was told yesterday that his Saturn store will be closing no later than the end of the year. It could be much sooner than that, of course.
There is a BMW dealer that has contacted Mr. S about buying the building to move his BMW dealership in. That could hasten the closing.
I believe Mr. S would like to buy another dealer franchise in the area, but there are none available right now. There are rumors that two local owners have been considering selling, though. If that were to happen, he could bring another franchise into the building.
J has been asked if he would be interested in staying with the company if a position were to become available in Harrisburg (Mr. S owns other dealerships). It would be a 45+ minute commute, but he would retain his tenure and benefits. He's been with the company 15 years and they've been good to him. He is valuable with more training, experience, and ASE certifications than other techs.
At this point J plans on riding it out and being "the last one to turn the lights off at Saturn". It brings tears to my eyes thinking about it. He is very sad about the closing. J admired the Saturn car since it came out. He said they were well designed and made logically so they'd be easy to work on, not complicated like other cars. When I saw an ad in the paper that they needed a tech I pushed him to go apply. For some reason, he didn't think he had a chance to get in. I said "This is what you wanted. You have to go." and he finally did. He's been with them 15 of their 19 years. It was sad when GM took over Saturn. The car changed, the company changed. It was built differently and became just like other cars to work on. But the family at the Saturn store remained. We have had good years with them and it will be especially sad for J to see everyone go their separate ways. He has said he's not worried about what comes next, just dissapointed that Saturn will be no more.
J has an idea in his head to open a Saturn service center. There are so many huge things to consider with that, but he says he just can't stop thinking about it. He would be able to buy some of the equipment from the store. We don't know if this is where God is leading, but it's on his mind.
If he stays to the end, J will be "laid off" (if he doesn't/can't go to Harrisburg). He was told that if he comes back to work for the company within a year he will retain his tenure and benefits as they are now.
Thank you for your prayers.
Seventeen Years!
At 7:14 this evening J & I will have been married 17 years. It was a 14 minute service :)
Winning the War Over Worldliness
A great sermon series from James MacDonald. It can be downloaded or listened to free- probably through the weekend.
http://walkintheword.com/Broadcast.aspx halfway down the page.
Two other awesome sermons are Reality Check for Husbands and Reality Check for Wives. So worth the time to listen to. They're $3 for an MP3 download.
http://store.walkintheword.com/p-962-reality-check-for-husbands.aspx
http://store.walkintheword.com/p-961-reality-check-for-wives.aspx
http://walkintheword.com/Broadcast.aspx halfway down the page.
Two other awesome sermons are Reality Check for Husbands and Reality Check for Wives. So worth the time to listen to. They're $3 for an MP3 download.
http://store.walkintheword.com/p-962-reality-check-for-husbands.aspx
http://store.walkintheword.com/p-961-reality-check-for-wives.aspx
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
A thousand words are worth a picture.
I can't tell you how many pics were taken on this morning! These are dresses I made for the girls. I'll have to get a full length pic of them... someday, lol! Click on the pic to make it bigger if you want a better look at the gang. Yes, SR needed a haircut. He got one, too.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Very briefly...
Let me start by saying I will try to get some pics posted very soon!
We're going camping today. It will be LG's first camping trip, not counting our camping trip on her due date ;) It's supposed to be rainy and chilly today, but nicer the rest of the weekend. We are camping next to a (very shallow) creek. Hopefully the water isn't too cold by now to wade in. Last year we went this same weekend and it was much warmer.
TJ is doing great with his math. He just gets so excited to do it he doesn't want to stop for the day. He's also doing well with reading, though I haven't kept at it like I wanted to. I wanted to be finished with "the book" before starting kindergarten. He started his new class in church this past Sunday and he's so excited. We gave him his own bible and if you know him, you can picture how he was bouncing around with excitement. Nothing holds that boy down!
This weekend both TJ and AB got the training wheels off their dirt bikes. They were all riding for HOURS on Labor Day! I can't believe they can ride that long. I'm afraid we're going to wear the grass down to dirt in some spots.
LG is growing, smiling, trying her best to talk. I could just eat her up. She is in a wonderful routine now. She's going to bed about 10:30 and usually waking between 6 and 6:30 to nurse, then going right back to sleep 'til 10:30! I always go back to sleep, too. The other dc have been sleeping 'til 8:30 this summer. This morning I was awake at 6 and LG wasn't... and still isn't at 8:00! She's never slept this long! I'm sure she won't sleep quite so well this weekend while we're camping!
I've been sewing some things the last 6 months. First I sewed the girls some matching dresses. I'm attempting to modify some of my dresses so I can nurse in them, and I've played around at sewing a dress for myself. Last week I made TJ some flannel pajama pants. He had picked out the fabric quite a while ago. It's got helicopters on it. He was SO excited. Of course he wanted to wear them all day. I've got enough fabric to make another pair, plus I have some race car flannel to use. Saturday I decided to make a dress for LG to match the other girl's dresses. I went for simplicity... I took a little summer top that buttons over the shoulders and traced it on some big paper. I lengthened it to be as long as one of her gowns. I cut out my own pattern and managed to make a dress that can go over a onsie. I didn't have time to make button holes (I wanted to put it on her for Sunday) so I just put some hook and eyes on the shoulders for now. I'll go back and put buttons on the shoulders and trim to match the other dresses. I was happy with it, though it's no professional job. I'll post some pics of everyone... soon, I hope!
We're going camping today. It will be LG's first camping trip, not counting our camping trip on her due date ;) It's supposed to be rainy and chilly today, but nicer the rest of the weekend. We are camping next to a (very shallow) creek. Hopefully the water isn't too cold by now to wade in. Last year we went this same weekend and it was much warmer.
TJ is doing great with his math. He just gets so excited to do it he doesn't want to stop for the day. He's also doing well with reading, though I haven't kept at it like I wanted to. I wanted to be finished with "the book" before starting kindergarten. He started his new class in church this past Sunday and he's so excited. We gave him his own bible and if you know him, you can picture how he was bouncing around with excitement. Nothing holds that boy down!
This weekend both TJ and AB got the training wheels off their dirt bikes. They were all riding for HOURS on Labor Day! I can't believe they can ride that long. I'm afraid we're going to wear the grass down to dirt in some spots.
LG is growing, smiling, trying her best to talk. I could just eat her up. She is in a wonderful routine now. She's going to bed about 10:30 and usually waking between 6 and 6:30 to nurse, then going right back to sleep 'til 10:30! I always go back to sleep, too. The other dc have been sleeping 'til 8:30 this summer. This morning I was awake at 6 and LG wasn't... and still isn't at 8:00! She's never slept this long! I'm sure she won't sleep quite so well this weekend while we're camping!
I've been sewing some things the last 6 months. First I sewed the girls some matching dresses. I'm attempting to modify some of my dresses so I can nurse in them, and I've played around at sewing a dress for myself. Last week I made TJ some flannel pajama pants. He had picked out the fabric quite a while ago. It's got helicopters on it. He was SO excited. Of course he wanted to wear them all day. I've got enough fabric to make another pair, plus I have some race car flannel to use. Saturday I decided to make a dress for LG to match the other girl's dresses. I went for simplicity... I took a little summer top that buttons over the shoulders and traced it on some big paper. I lengthened it to be as long as one of her gowns. I cut out my own pattern and managed to make a dress that can go over a onsie. I didn't have time to make button holes (I wanted to put it on her for Sunday) so I just put some hook and eyes on the shoulders for now. I'll go back and put buttons on the shoulders and trim to match the other dresses. I was happy with it, though it's no professional job. I'll post some pics of everyone... soon, I hope!
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Meaningful...
We sang this on Sunday.
"God of My Days" from Gateway Worship
You awaken my heart from slumbering
Meet me in mourning, and You speak to my grief
You're the light in my darkness, the delight of my eyes
The hope of the daybreak when the sun's slow to rise
I trust that every moment's in Your hands
You're the God of my days, the King of my nights
Lord of my laughter, sovereign in sorrow
You're the Prince of my praise, the love of my life
You never leave me, You are faithful, God of my days
You unveil my eyes, help me to see
The arms of my Father encircling me
You're a constant companion, I am never alone
Your love is the banner that's leading me home
I trust that every moment's in Your hands
You're the God of my days, the King of my nights
Lord of my laughter, sovereign in sorrow
You're the Prince of my praise, the love of my life
You never leave me, You are faithful, God of my days
My eyes are on You, my hope is in You
My faith is in You
My eyes are on You, my hope is in You
My faith is in You
God of my days, the King of my nights
Lord of my laughter, sovereign in sorrow
You're the Prince of my praise, the love of my life
You never leave me, You are faithful God of my days
Here's another song that's really meant a lot to me.
Blessed Be Your Name by Matt Redman
Blessed Be Your Name
In the land that is plentiful
Where Your streams of abundance flow
Blessed be Your name
Blessed Be Your name
When I'm found in the desert place
Though I walk through the wilderness
Blessed Be Your name
Every blessing You pour out
I'll turn back to praise
When the darkness closes in, Lord
Still I will say
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your name
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your glorious name
Blessed be Your name
When the sun's shining down on me
When the world's all as it should be
Blessed be Your name
Blessed be Your name
On the road marked with suffering
Though there's pain in the offering
Blessed be Your name
You give and take away
You give and take away
My heart will choose to say
Lord, blessed be Your name
I think these songs have special meaning to me because of my miscarriages. As the second song says, "there's pain in the offering". I want to offer all my children to God for His service. J and I have left our childbearing in God's hands, and there has been pain in that offering. I know others have experienced far worse pains in their lives, but for me, this is the worst I know so far. He gives and takes away... and I will bless His name.
I remember the first time we sang Blessed Be Your Name. We sang the first lines:
Blessed be Your name
When the sun's shining down on me
When the world's all as it should be
Blessed be Your name
and I thought, "Yes, God is good".
Then we sang the second lines:
Blessed be Your name
On the road marked with suffering
Though there's pain in the offering
Blessed be Your name
and after a pause I realized how often we forget to praise Him in our suffering.
I CAN praise Him because I KNOW he is good and faithful and he will work my suffering for good.
"God of My Days" from Gateway Worship
You awaken my heart from slumbering
Meet me in mourning, and You speak to my grief
You're the light in my darkness, the delight of my eyes
The hope of the daybreak when the sun's slow to rise
I trust that every moment's in Your hands
You're the God of my days, the King of my nights
Lord of my laughter, sovereign in sorrow
You're the Prince of my praise, the love of my life
You never leave me, You are faithful, God of my days
You unveil my eyes, help me to see
The arms of my Father encircling me
You're a constant companion, I am never alone
Your love is the banner that's leading me home
I trust that every moment's in Your hands
You're the God of my days, the King of my nights
Lord of my laughter, sovereign in sorrow
You're the Prince of my praise, the love of my life
You never leave me, You are faithful, God of my days
My eyes are on You, my hope is in You
My faith is in You
My eyes are on You, my hope is in You
My faith is in You
God of my days, the King of my nights
Lord of my laughter, sovereign in sorrow
You're the Prince of my praise, the love of my life
You never leave me, You are faithful God of my days
Here's another song that's really meant a lot to me.
Blessed Be Your Name by Matt Redman
Blessed Be Your Name
In the land that is plentiful
Where Your streams of abundance flow
Blessed be Your name
Blessed Be Your name
When I'm found in the desert place
Though I walk through the wilderness
Blessed Be Your name
Every blessing You pour out
I'll turn back to praise
When the darkness closes in, Lord
Still I will say
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your name
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your glorious name
Blessed be Your name
When the sun's shining down on me
When the world's all as it should be
Blessed be Your name
Blessed be Your name
On the road marked with suffering
Though there's pain in the offering
Blessed be Your name
You give and take away
You give and take away
My heart will choose to say
Lord, blessed be Your name
I think these songs have special meaning to me because of my miscarriages. As the second song says, "there's pain in the offering". I want to offer all my children to God for His service. J and I have left our childbearing in God's hands, and there has been pain in that offering. I know others have experienced far worse pains in their lives, but for me, this is the worst I know so far. He gives and takes away... and I will bless His name.
I remember the first time we sang Blessed Be Your Name. We sang the first lines:
Blessed be Your name
When the sun's shining down on me
When the world's all as it should be
Blessed be Your name
and I thought, "Yes, God is good".
Then we sang the second lines:
Blessed be Your name
On the road marked with suffering
Though there's pain in the offering
Blessed be Your name
and after a pause I realized how often we forget to praise Him in our suffering.
I CAN praise Him because I KNOW he is good and faithful and he will work my suffering for good.
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
I am really tired of the word "sexy".
Now we have a toilet paper commercial where a puppy is talking about being sexy!? What does that have to do with tp and why do the advertisers think it necessary?
We're trying to teach our daughters that they don't need to wear make-up, jewelry and perfume or dress in the latest fashions and hair styles to be beautiful. Everywhere they're bombarded with the opposite.
There is almost nothing on television that we allow our children to watch. Something we think is safe suddenly takes a turn and we don't know it's coming. When we do allow them to watch something we always turn it off during commercials.
There are a few shows J & I watch, but when I see things that I would not want my children to see it's hitting me harder and harder. It's too easy for them to walk in the room and see something I don't want them to. Some days I want to get rid of the tv all together. We do have some uses for it, though, so I doubt we'll ever get rid of it.
We're trying to teach our daughters that they don't need to wear make-up, jewelry and perfume or dress in the latest fashions and hair styles to be beautiful. Everywhere they're bombarded with the opposite.
There is almost nothing on television that we allow our children to watch. Something we think is safe suddenly takes a turn and we don't know it's coming. When we do allow them to watch something we always turn it off during commercials.
There are a few shows J & I watch, but when I see things that I would not want my children to see it's hitting me harder and harder. It's too easy for them to walk in the room and see something I don't want them to. Some days I want to get rid of the tv all together. We do have some uses for it, though, so I doubt we'll ever get rid of it.
I'm an information junkie.
That can be a bad thing, of course, but I love learning about things. Well, certain things anyway.
I just got a few new books that I'm reading through: Mother Food: A Breastfeeding Diet Guide with Lactogenic Foods and Herbs - Build Milk Supply, Boost Immunity, Lift Depression, Detox, Lose Weight, Optimize a Baby's IQ, and Reduce Colic and Allergies http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0979599504/ref=ox_ya_oh_product, and The Vaccine Book: Making the Right Decision for Your Child http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0316017507/ref=ox_ya_oh_product.
They have been very interesting and informative so far.
I also got The Breastfeeding Mother's Guide to Making More Milk, which I haven't started yet http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/007159857X/ref=ox_ya_oh_product.
I've got plenty of milk for LG and she's gaining very well, better, I think, than my other babies did. But while my babies have always been content, they seem skinny compared to some. I'm not looking for a fat baby, but I have seen that when I pump there's not a lot of fat on top of the milk. The book I'm reading addressess that.
TJ got some money for his birthday and he wanted another Where's Waldo book. They don't print them any more so I ordered him a used copy along with my books. He is really into I Spy books, too. I found several new I Spy books at a closeout store and gave them to him for his birthday. He was thrilled. He wanted to get the next Waldo book, too. He can look at them for an hour it seems. It's a rare time that he isn't moving! I'll have to get a picture.
I just got a few new books that I'm reading through: Mother Food: A Breastfeeding Diet Guide with Lactogenic Foods and Herbs - Build Milk Supply, Boost Immunity, Lift Depression, Detox, Lose Weight, Optimize a Baby's IQ, and Reduce Colic and Allergies http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0979599504/ref=ox_ya_oh_product, and The Vaccine Book: Making the Right Decision for Your Child http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0316017507/ref=ox_ya_oh_product.
They have been very interesting and informative so far.
I also got The Breastfeeding Mother's Guide to Making More Milk, which I haven't started yet http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/007159857X/ref=ox_ya_oh_product.
I've got plenty of milk for LG and she's gaining very well, better, I think, than my other babies did. But while my babies have always been content, they seem skinny compared to some. I'm not looking for a fat baby, but I have seen that when I pump there's not a lot of fat on top of the milk. The book I'm reading addressess that.
TJ got some money for his birthday and he wanted another Where's Waldo book. They don't print them any more so I ordered him a used copy along with my books. He is really into I Spy books, too. I found several new I Spy books at a closeout store and gave them to him for his birthday. He was thrilled. He wanted to get the next Waldo book, too. He can look at them for an hour it seems. It's a rare time that he isn't moving! I'll have to get a picture.
Friday, July 31, 2009
Here she is!
If you just want pics, skip to the end. It looks like you have to click on the pics that look like there's only half there to see the whole pic. For those that like to read birth stories proceed :)
We went to the church camping weekend June 18th-21st . We had a great time. Everyone there thought I was nuts for camping on my “due date”, but I’ve never had a baby on or before my edd so I wasn’t worried at all. I joked that I just needed two days afterwards to get all the camping laundry done. It had rained and it was muddy so in addition to the usual extra dirty camping laundry there were lots of towels and extra wet and/or muddy clothes.
I got my two days: exactly two days! I actually got the laundry started Sunday evening after we got home and finished on Monday. Tuesday I got some other loose ends tied up.
Wednesday morning I was awakened at 7am by a contraction. I had been having Braxton Hicks, which I had never had before, for a week and a half. This one was real, though. I went back to sleep until 8:30 with two more contractions during that time.
Contractions continued all morning and afternoon, but they were very mild and I was only having about four an hour. I finally called my mw, Pam, around 2:00 and she sent the birth assistant, Debby (another mw,) out to check me. I think Debby got here about 2:30-2:40 and she said I was at 5cm. I was shocked! Pam has a student mw (Heather) working with her right now so Debby called her to come out, too. She got here sometime after 3:00. This is the time I always feel silly; I have these ladies in my house just waiting for me to do my thing. I feel like I’m wasting their time, though I know it’s their job. Debby or Heather would check my blood pressure and the baby’s heart beat every half hour. Other than that they were taking care of paperwork, eating their supper, reading a book, or catching a little nap. The children and I were carrying on our business.
About 4:30 the contractions started coming more frequently, but they were still very erratic; 5, 8, 12, even 20 minutes apart. It stayed like that all the way to delivery- very odd. They never got very strong either.
I’m not sure what time Pam got here. She had been at a hair appointment earlier and would call in to see how I was progressing. I think she got here around 6:00, but I wasn’t really paying attention!
I was kind of playing the waiting game on whether or not to call my mother-in-law to come down and hang out with the children. The way things were going I didn’t want to give her a heads-up call and have her wait for hours in worry for the “come now” call. It turned out we were able to put the children to bed shortly after 9:30. Sometime after 10:30 I was finally at 9.5 cm and I told Heather, the student mw that she could break my water. The contractions didn’t come much quicker, but they were stronger. I had three painful contractions and then one big LONG push. Baby’s shoulder was stuck and I had to pull my legs way up then she was out. Daddy caught her and rubbed her back until she started to cry.
LG was born at 11:10pm, June 24th. She weighed 9 pounds, 9 ounces, just like her oldest sister, whose shoulder also got stuck. She was 21” long. Her head was 14”, her chest 14 ½”, and her shoulders 16 ¼”.
We discovered another thing in common with her oldest sister; she has a deep dimple in one cheek! She has big hands like TJ had and long toes like Daddy’s. Later we were to also discover that she was a "power pooper" like SK was! Oh, the joys.
I get to hold her for a few minutes before everyone else tries to steal her!
The weigh in
"The girls"
This is like 6am the next morning. No one knocked on the door or anything, they just bursted in to see Laura! SR hadn't met her yet. Notice TJ in the red shirt. He just has this look about him like he's thinking "Hey, this is really cool!". After 5 min. I sent them out so I could go back to sleep! I didn't pose this shot at all, this is just how they came in and checked her out.
SR would always ask before touching her. Then he'd stroke her cheek and say "He's nice. He's a nice sister." LOL!
Sunbathing for her jaundice
And one funny one!
We went to the church camping weekend June 18th-21st . We had a great time. Everyone there thought I was nuts for camping on my “due date”, but I’ve never had a baby on or before my edd so I wasn’t worried at all. I joked that I just needed two days afterwards to get all the camping laundry done. It had rained and it was muddy so in addition to the usual extra dirty camping laundry there were lots of towels and extra wet and/or muddy clothes.
I got my two days: exactly two days! I actually got the laundry started Sunday evening after we got home and finished on Monday. Tuesday I got some other loose ends tied up.
Wednesday morning I was awakened at 7am by a contraction. I had been having Braxton Hicks, which I had never had before, for a week and a half. This one was real, though. I went back to sleep until 8:30 with two more contractions during that time.
Contractions continued all morning and afternoon, but they were very mild and I was only having about four an hour. I finally called my mw, Pam, around 2:00 and she sent the birth assistant, Debby (another mw,) out to check me. I think Debby got here about 2:30-2:40 and she said I was at 5cm. I was shocked! Pam has a student mw (Heather) working with her right now so Debby called her to come out, too. She got here sometime after 3:00. This is the time I always feel silly; I have these ladies in my house just waiting for me to do my thing. I feel like I’m wasting their time, though I know it’s their job. Debby or Heather would check my blood pressure and the baby’s heart beat every half hour. Other than that they were taking care of paperwork, eating their supper, reading a book, or catching a little nap. The children and I were carrying on our business.
About 4:30 the contractions started coming more frequently, but they were still very erratic; 5, 8, 12, even 20 minutes apart. It stayed like that all the way to delivery- very odd. They never got very strong either.
I’m not sure what time Pam got here. She had been at a hair appointment earlier and would call in to see how I was progressing. I think she got here around 6:00, but I wasn’t really paying attention!
I was kind of playing the waiting game on whether or not to call my mother-in-law to come down and hang out with the children. The way things were going I didn’t want to give her a heads-up call and have her wait for hours in worry for the “come now” call. It turned out we were able to put the children to bed shortly after 9:30. Sometime after 10:30 I was finally at 9.5 cm and I told Heather, the student mw that she could break my water. The contractions didn’t come much quicker, but they were stronger. I had three painful contractions and then one big LONG push. Baby’s shoulder was stuck and I had to pull my legs way up then she was out. Daddy caught her and rubbed her back until she started to cry.
LG was born at 11:10pm, June 24th. She weighed 9 pounds, 9 ounces, just like her oldest sister, whose shoulder also got stuck. She was 21” long. Her head was 14”, her chest 14 ½”, and her shoulders 16 ¼”.
We discovered another thing in common with her oldest sister; she has a deep dimple in one cheek! She has big hands like TJ had and long toes like Daddy’s. Later we were to also discover that she was a "power pooper" like SK was! Oh, the joys.
I get to hold her for a few minutes before everyone else tries to steal her!
The weigh in
"The girls"
This is like 6am the next morning. No one knocked on the door or anything, they just bursted in to see Laura! SR hadn't met her yet. Notice TJ in the red shirt. He just has this look about him like he's thinking "Hey, this is really cool!". After 5 min. I sent them out so I could go back to sleep! I didn't pose this shot at all, this is just how they came in and checked her out.
SR would always ask before touching her. Then he'd stroke her cheek and say "He's nice. He's a nice sister." LOL!
Sunbathing for her jaundice
And one funny one!
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Judge orders homeschoolers into public district classrooms
I could say I'm speechless, but if you know me, you know that's not possible ;) I think the statement near the end of the second article sums it up well by saying the judge conceded his guiding principle required him to put his judgement in place of the mother's.
I think I'll just intersperse my comments...
http://worldnetdaily.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=91397
Judge orders homeschoolers into public district classrooms
Decides children need more 'focus' despite testing above grade levels
Posted: March 11, 200911:25 pm Eastern
By Bob Unruh
© 2009 WorldNetDaily
A North Carolina judge has ordered three children to attend public schools this fall because the homeschooling their mother has provided over the last four years needs to be "challenged." Who is he to say what these dc have been taught needs to be "challenged"? Does he know everything they've learned? Does he order public school parents to "challenge" the state schools' teachings at home in the evenings?
The children, however, have tested above their grade levels – by as much as two years.
The decision is raising eyebrows among homeschooling families, and one friend of the mother has launched a website to publicize the issue.
The ruling was made by Judge Ned Mangum of Wake County, who was handling a divorce proceeding for Thomas and Venessa Mills.
A statement released by a publicist working for the mother, whose children now are 10, 11 and 12, said Mangum stripped her of her right to decide what is best for her children's education. One example of the "nanny" state. The governement will tell you what is best for you and your family.
The judge, when contacted by WND, explained his goal in ordering the children to register and attend a public school was to make sure they have a "more well-rounded education." Again, does he know everything they've learned over the last years? Is he an education expert? Who is he to determine what "well-rounded" is?
"I thought Ms. Mills had done a good job [in homeschooling]," he said. "It was great for them to have that access, and [I had] no problems with homeschooling. I said public schooling would be a good complement." A complement would be public school in conjuction with homeschool. He has ordered it in exclusion to homeschool. Why didn't he order online public school courses be taken in addition to the mother's homeschooling? Should I answer that...
The judge said the husband has not been supportive of his wife's homeschooling, and "it accomplished its purposes. It now was appropriate to have them back in public school." "Appropriate" is his opinion.
Mangum said he made the determination on his guiding principle, "What's in the best interest of the minor children," and conceded it was putting his judgment in place of the mother's. Yes, it was.
And he said that while he expressed his opinion from the bench in the court hearing, the final written order had not yet been signed.
However, the practice of a judge replacing a parent's judgment with his own regarding homeschooling was argued recently when a court panel in California ruled that a family would no longer be allowed to homeschool their own children.
WND reported extensively when the ruling was released in February 2008, alarming homeschool advocates nationwide because of its potential ramifications.
Ultimately, the 2nd Appellate District Court in Los Angeles reversed its own order, affirming the rights of California parents to homeschool their children if they choose.
The court, which earlier had opined that only credentialed teachers could properly educate children, Good grief, how were children educated in the past? How in the world did this country's founders manage to get anything done without "credentialed teachers", was faced with a flood of friend-of-the-court briefs representing individuals and groups, including Congress members. Who better qualified to teach a child than his parent that is actually taking the time and effort to do so; and to meet his individual needs. Who is more invested?
The conclusion ultimately was that parents, not the state, would decide where children are educated. Thank you.
The California opinion said state law permits homeschooling "as a species of private school education" but that statutory permission for parents to teach their own children could be "overridden in order to protect the safety of a child who has been declared dependent." Ah, "permission"... back to the nanny state.
In the North Carolina case, Adam Cothes, a spokesman for the mother, said the children routinely had been testing at up to two years above their grade level, were involved in swim team and other activities and events outside their home and had taken leadership roles in history club events.
On her website, family friend Robyn Williams said Mangum stated his decision was not ideologically or religiously motivated but that ordering the children into public schools would "challenge the ideas you've taught them." Already addresses this.
Williams, a homeschool mother of four herself, said, "I have never seen such injustice and such a direct attack against homeschool."
"This judge clearly took personal issue with Venessa's stance on education and faith, even though her children are doing great. If her right to homeschool can be taken away so easily, what will this mean for homeschoolers state wide, or even nationally?" Williams asked.
Williams said she's trying to rally homeschoolers across the nation to defend their rights as Americans and parents to educate their own children.
Williams told WND the public school order was the worst possible outcome for Ms. Mills, who had made it clear she felt it was important to her children that she continue homeschooling.
According to Williams' website, the judge also ordered a mental health evaluation for the mother – but not the father – as part of the divorce proceedings, in what Williams described as an attack on the "mother's conservative Christian beliefs." We can't know, of course, if the judge would've handed down the same decision if the mother was a secular homeschooler. By some of his comments about "challenging" what the children had been taught it would seem that teaching Christian world views is his hang up.
According to a proposed but as-yet unsigned order submitted by the father's lawyer to Mangum, "The children have thrived in homeschool for the past four years, but need the broader focus and socialization available to them in public school. The Court finds that it is in the children's best interest to continue their homeschooling through the end of the current school year, but to begin attending public school at the beginning of the 2009-2010 instructional year." Why did the judge order attendance in public school? Why didn't he simply order the children into a brick and mortar school; private, Christian, or public? Someday I'll have to post about the myths of socialization.
The order proposed by the father's lawyer also conceded the reason for the divorce was the father's "adultery," but it specifically said the father would not pay for homeschooling expenses for his children.
The order also stated, "Defendant believes that plaintiff is a nurturing mother who loves the children. Defendant believes that plaintiff has done a good job with the homeschooling of the children, although he does not believe that continued homeschooling is in the best interest of the children."
The website said the judge also said public school would "prepare these kids for the real world and college" and allow them "socialization." I'm screaming...
Williams said the mother originally moved into a homeschool schedule because the children were not doing as well as she hoped at the local public schools. SO LET'S PUT THEM BACK THERE! NOW THAT'S IN THE BEST INTEREST OF THE CHILDREN!!! Way to go, judge.
...continues on WND site.
Four days later:
http://worldnetdaily.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=91843
Mom will fight judge's order against homeschooling
'I couldn't believe how he overlooked all the facts to legislate from the bench'
Posted: March 15, 20091:45 am Eastern
© 2009 WorldNetDaily
A North Carolina homeschooling mother, ordered to stop teaching her children at home and send them to public school, said she will appeal the judge's ruling.
"I couldn't believe how he overlooked all the facts to legislate from the bench," said Venessa Mills of Wake County District Court Judge Ned Mangum's ruling that it would be in the "best interests" of her three children, ages 12, 11 and 10, to be placed in public school, even though two are learning at two grades above grade level while the third is at grade level. Yes, he overlooked facts. The children are doing BETTER than they were doing in public school, but they would be better off back in public school.
As WND reported, the judge's action came in the divorce proceeding between Mills and her husband, Thomas.
At a court hearing last week, Mangum conceded the children are "thriving" under Mills' instruction but said they need to be exposed to the "real world." Still screaming!
"It will do them a great benefit to be in the public schools, and they will challenge some of the ideas that you've taught them, and they could learn from that and make them stronger," the judge said. You know, not all Christian parents or Christian homeschoolers keep their children from hearing about any conflicting beliefs. Some of us actively teach our children what other people believe and how to determine truth for themselves! THAT makes them stronger!
Mangum, when contacted by WND, explained his goal in ordering the children to register and attend a public school was to make sure they have a "more well-rounded education."
"I thought Ms. Mills had done a good job [in homeschooling]," he said. "It was great for them to have that access, and [I had] no problems with homeschooling. I said public schooling would be a good complement."
The judge said the husband has not been supportive of his wife's homeschooling, and "it accomplished its purposes. It now was appropriate to have them back in public school."
Mangum said he made the determination on his guiding principle, "What's in the best interest of the minor children," and conceded it was putting his judgment in place of the mother's.
In her court filing, Mills said her children already interact with other children at organized homeschool activities.
"These kids are doing well," she told the Raleigh News & Observer. "That's why it's such an injustice. It was an injustice for the kids." Yes, it's an injustice for the children!
Mangum's ruling and reasoning sparked public outrage after WND's story, reported the News & Observer – including an organized campaign to have the judge removed from the case. District court officials received more than 25 calls Thursday complaining about the decision while other court offices also reported being contacted.
Even Alan Keyes attacked Mangum's ruling in a column on his website: "If his idea of socialization includes the need to challenge the Christian ideas their mother has taught them, then he not only interferes with her natural right to raise up her children, he tramples on one of the most important elements of the free exercise of religion."
Mangum said that while he expressed his opinion from the bench in the court hearing, the final written order had not yet been signed.
I think I'll just intersperse my comments...
http://worldnetdaily.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=91397
Judge orders homeschoolers into public district classrooms
Decides children need more 'focus' despite testing above grade levels
Posted: March 11, 200911:25 pm Eastern
By Bob Unruh
© 2009 WorldNetDaily
A North Carolina judge has ordered three children to attend public schools this fall because the homeschooling their mother has provided over the last four years needs to be "challenged." Who is he to say what these dc have been taught needs to be "challenged"? Does he know everything they've learned? Does he order public school parents to "challenge" the state schools' teachings at home in the evenings?
The children, however, have tested above their grade levels – by as much as two years.
The decision is raising eyebrows among homeschooling families, and one friend of the mother has launched a website to publicize the issue.
The ruling was made by Judge Ned Mangum of Wake County, who was handling a divorce proceeding for Thomas and Venessa Mills.
A statement released by a publicist working for the mother, whose children now are 10, 11 and 12, said Mangum stripped her of her right to decide what is best for her children's education. One example of the "nanny" state. The governement will tell you what is best for you and your family.
The judge, when contacted by WND, explained his goal in ordering the children to register and attend a public school was to make sure they have a "more well-rounded education." Again, does he know everything they've learned over the last years? Is he an education expert? Who is he to determine what "well-rounded" is?
"I thought Ms. Mills had done a good job [in homeschooling]," he said. "It was great for them to have that access, and [I had] no problems with homeschooling. I said public schooling would be a good complement." A complement would be public school in conjuction with homeschool. He has ordered it in exclusion to homeschool. Why didn't he order online public school courses be taken in addition to the mother's homeschooling? Should I answer that...
The judge said the husband has not been supportive of his wife's homeschooling, and "it accomplished its purposes. It now was appropriate to have them back in public school." "Appropriate" is his opinion.
Mangum said he made the determination on his guiding principle, "What's in the best interest of the minor children," and conceded it was putting his judgment in place of the mother's. Yes, it was.
And he said that while he expressed his opinion from the bench in the court hearing, the final written order had not yet been signed.
However, the practice of a judge replacing a parent's judgment with his own regarding homeschooling was argued recently when a court panel in California ruled that a family would no longer be allowed to homeschool their own children.
WND reported extensively when the ruling was released in February 2008, alarming homeschool advocates nationwide because of its potential ramifications.
Ultimately, the 2nd Appellate District Court in Los Angeles reversed its own order, affirming the rights of California parents to homeschool their children if they choose.
The court, which earlier had opined that only credentialed teachers could properly educate children, Good grief, how were children educated in the past? How in the world did this country's founders manage to get anything done without "credentialed teachers", was faced with a flood of friend-of-the-court briefs representing individuals and groups, including Congress members. Who better qualified to teach a child than his parent that is actually taking the time and effort to do so; and to meet his individual needs. Who is more invested?
The conclusion ultimately was that parents, not the state, would decide where children are educated. Thank you.
The California opinion said state law permits homeschooling "as a species of private school education" but that statutory permission for parents to teach their own children could be "overridden in order to protect the safety of a child who has been declared dependent." Ah, "permission"... back to the nanny state.
In the North Carolina case, Adam Cothes, a spokesman for the mother, said the children routinely had been testing at up to two years above their grade level, were involved in swim team and other activities and events outside their home and had taken leadership roles in history club events.
On her website, family friend Robyn Williams said Mangum stated his decision was not ideologically or religiously motivated but that ordering the children into public schools would "challenge the ideas you've taught them." Already addresses this.
Williams, a homeschool mother of four herself, said, "I have never seen such injustice and such a direct attack against homeschool."
"This judge clearly took personal issue with Venessa's stance on education and faith, even though her children are doing great. If her right to homeschool can be taken away so easily, what will this mean for homeschoolers state wide, or even nationally?" Williams asked.
Williams said she's trying to rally homeschoolers across the nation to defend their rights as Americans and parents to educate their own children.
Williams told WND the public school order was the worst possible outcome for Ms. Mills, who had made it clear she felt it was important to her children that she continue homeschooling.
According to Williams' website, the judge also ordered a mental health evaluation for the mother – but not the father – as part of the divorce proceedings, in what Williams described as an attack on the "mother's conservative Christian beliefs." We can't know, of course, if the judge would've handed down the same decision if the mother was a secular homeschooler. By some of his comments about "challenging" what the children had been taught it would seem that teaching Christian world views is his hang up.
According to a proposed but as-yet unsigned order submitted by the father's lawyer to Mangum, "The children have thrived in homeschool for the past four years, but need the broader focus and socialization available to them in public school. The Court finds that it is in the children's best interest to continue their homeschooling through the end of the current school year, but to begin attending public school at the beginning of the 2009-2010 instructional year." Why did the judge order attendance in public school? Why didn't he simply order the children into a brick and mortar school; private, Christian, or public? Someday I'll have to post about the myths of socialization.
The order proposed by the father's lawyer also conceded the reason for the divorce was the father's "adultery," but it specifically said the father would not pay for homeschooling expenses for his children.
The order also stated, "Defendant believes that plaintiff is a nurturing mother who loves the children. Defendant believes that plaintiff has done a good job with the homeschooling of the children, although he does not believe that continued homeschooling is in the best interest of the children."
The website said the judge also said public school would "prepare these kids for the real world and college" and allow them "socialization." I'm screaming...
Williams said the mother originally moved into a homeschool schedule because the children were not doing as well as she hoped at the local public schools. SO LET'S PUT THEM BACK THERE! NOW THAT'S IN THE BEST INTEREST OF THE CHILDREN!!! Way to go, judge.
...continues on WND site.
Four days later:
http://worldnetdaily.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=91843
Mom will fight judge's order against homeschooling
'I couldn't believe how he overlooked all the facts to legislate from the bench'
Posted: March 15, 20091:45 am Eastern
© 2009 WorldNetDaily
A North Carolina homeschooling mother, ordered to stop teaching her children at home and send them to public school, said she will appeal the judge's ruling.
"I couldn't believe how he overlooked all the facts to legislate from the bench," said Venessa Mills of Wake County District Court Judge Ned Mangum's ruling that it would be in the "best interests" of her three children, ages 12, 11 and 10, to be placed in public school, even though two are learning at two grades above grade level while the third is at grade level. Yes, he overlooked facts. The children are doing BETTER than they were doing in public school, but they would be better off back in public school.
As WND reported, the judge's action came in the divorce proceeding between Mills and her husband, Thomas.
At a court hearing last week, Mangum conceded the children are "thriving" under Mills' instruction but said they need to be exposed to the "real world." Still screaming!
"It will do them a great benefit to be in the public schools, and they will challenge some of the ideas that you've taught them, and they could learn from that and make them stronger," the judge said. You know, not all Christian parents or Christian homeschoolers keep their children from hearing about any conflicting beliefs. Some of us actively teach our children what other people believe and how to determine truth for themselves! THAT makes them stronger!
Mangum, when contacted by WND, explained his goal in ordering the children to register and attend a public school was to make sure they have a "more well-rounded education."
"I thought Ms. Mills had done a good job [in homeschooling]," he said. "It was great for them to have that access, and [I had] no problems with homeschooling. I said public schooling would be a good complement."
The judge said the husband has not been supportive of his wife's homeschooling, and "it accomplished its purposes. It now was appropriate to have them back in public school."
Mangum said he made the determination on his guiding principle, "What's in the best interest of the minor children," and conceded it was putting his judgment in place of the mother's.
In her court filing, Mills said her children already interact with other children at organized homeschool activities.
"These kids are doing well," she told the Raleigh News & Observer. "That's why it's such an injustice. It was an injustice for the kids." Yes, it's an injustice for the children!
Mangum's ruling and reasoning sparked public outrage after WND's story, reported the News & Observer – including an organized campaign to have the judge removed from the case. District court officials received more than 25 calls Thursday complaining about the decision while other court offices also reported being contacted.
Even Alan Keyes attacked Mangum's ruling in a column on his website: "If his idea of socialization includes the need to challenge the Christian ideas their mother has taught them, then he not only interferes with her natural right to raise up her children, he tramples on one of the most important elements of the free exercise of religion."
Mangum said that while he expressed his opinion from the bench in the court hearing, the final written order had not yet been signed.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Pro-Lifers: The Red Envelope Campaign to President Obama
Below is an email message originally from Christ (rhymes with wrist) John Otto. This campaign is growing. I'd like to help it along.
"Dear Friends and Intercessors:
This afternoon I was praying about a number of things, and my mind began to wander. I was deeply distressed at the symbolic actions that President Obama took as he began his presidency. Namely, that he signed executive orders releasing funds to pay for abortions, permission to fund human stem cell research, and federal funding for contraception. I have been involved in the pro-life movement for nearly 20 years, and it pained my heart to see a man and a political party committed to the shedding of innocent blood. This man, and this party lead our country, but they do not represent me or the 54% of Americans who believe that abortion is wrong and should no longer be legal. As I was praying, I believe that God gave me an interesting idea. Out in the garage I have a box of red envelopes. Like the powerful image of the red LIFE tape, an empty red envelope will send a message to Barack Obama that there is moral outrage in this country over this issue. It will be quiet, but clear. Here is what I would like you to do: Get a red envelope. You can buy them at Kinko's, or at party supply stores. On the front, address it to
President Barack Obama
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Ave. NW
Washington, D.C. 20500
On the back, write the following message:
"This envelope represents one child who died in abortion. It is empty because that life was unable to offer anything to the world. Responsibility begins with conception." I would use the word "fertilization".
OR
"There is no God who condones taking the life of an innocent human being. This much we know." -- Barack Obama at today's National Prayer Breakfast I think I'll write both on my envelope.
Put it in the mail, and send it. Then forward this email to every one of your friends who you think would send one too. I wish we could send 50 million red envelopes, one for every child who died before having a chance to live. Each one counts. Maybe it will be used to change the heart of the president.
Warmly,
Christ John Otto"
"Dear Friends and Intercessors:
This afternoon I was praying about a number of things, and my mind began to wander. I was deeply distressed at the symbolic actions that President Obama took as he began his presidency. Namely, that he signed executive orders releasing funds to pay for abortions, permission to fund human stem cell research, and federal funding for contraception. I have been involved in the pro-life movement for nearly 20 years, and it pained my heart to see a man and a political party committed to the shedding of innocent blood. This man, and this party lead our country, but they do not represent me or the 54% of Americans who believe that abortion is wrong and should no longer be legal. As I was praying, I believe that God gave me an interesting idea. Out in the garage I have a box of red envelopes. Like the powerful image of the red LIFE tape, an empty red envelope will send a message to Barack Obama that there is moral outrage in this country over this issue. It will be quiet, but clear. Here is what I would like you to do: Get a red envelope. You can buy them at Kinko's, or at party supply stores. On the front, address it to
President Barack Obama
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Ave. NW
Washington, D.C. 20500
On the back, write the following message:
"This envelope represents one child who died in abortion. It is empty because that life was unable to offer anything to the world. Responsibility begins with conception." I would use the word "fertilization".
OR
"There is no God who condones taking the life of an innocent human being. This much we know." -- Barack Obama at today's National Prayer Breakfast I think I'll write both on my envelope.
Put it in the mail, and send it. Then forward this email to every one of your friends who you think would send one too. I wish we could send 50 million red envelopes, one for every child who died before having a chance to live. Each one counts. Maybe it will be used to change the heart of the president.
Warmly,
Christ John Otto"
Saturday, January 31, 2009
A Quick Update...
to prove I'm not completely neglecting my blog.
SK turned 9 last week. WOW! Her last year before the double digits. That is hard to swallow. We had a great bday week. She got a ton of books (I couldn't narrow the list down any further). She got a new wallet, since she's lost two. I won't buy her another one, though. She also got a math game, some puzzle/game books, a small cross stitch kit, sewing pattern book, and a painting book. That was what we gave her, anyway. Her grandparents (3 sets!) gave her a museum membership, Little House dvds, and a shopping trip to her favorite store where she got lots of crafty things. Her stocking was filled with chocolate (to share), gum, pencils, and a marble. The dc like to collect marbles. They're only 10 cents at the store I mentioned.
TJ bought her a pack of mints and AB, with my help, bought her a little doll that matches the doll she's taken to this last year. SK has never been a doll person, but when AB was born she was given a Gund Sweet Dolly with her name embroidered on it. I always wanted SK to have one, too, and I got her one when she turned 8. She named hers Madelyn and now carries it everywhere. She even bought the doll a bday gift since she is now one! Anyway, this little doll AB gave her is almost identical, just much smaller. SK had seen it in the store and really liked it. She was so surprised to get it. I love to see the dc pick out gifts for each other and never balk at spending their own money for them.
SK's desserts of choice this year were blueberry muffins with crumb topping and chocolate chip mint ice cream (the green kind... that's important). Of course, there was no green kind the day Daddy went shopping, but she was quite content with white!
J turned 42 yesterday. We celebrated at Shady Maple Smorgasbord where you get a free dinner on your bday. You MUST visit there if you're ever in Lancaster County. (Dad, they had a special prime rib weekend.) The girls made him some kind of gifts. I'm not sure what they were. One was a colored tissue "hanky". I gave him two Rush cds. We have 4 more days to celebrate. Today I'll have to make his chocolate pecan pies. I didn't have a crust yesterday, my bad. But we were going to Shady Maple anyway!
Hmm... what else?
For those that don't know we're expecting a new baby late June. I'm getting close to half way. The dc are excited.
School is going very well. SK's cursive is beautiful imo. I must learn to write in cursive! So many of the past generations have beautiful penmanship. It's a dying skill. We started more formal spelling with Spelling Power and we're really enjoying that. AB is reading better. It's not her strong suit. She's very good at math, where SK struggled. Her handwriting is also getting better and both the girls are enjoying the new border sheets used in A Reason for Handwriting where they get to copy a bible verse (or a thank you note) on a page with a border picture then color the picture in. It's added incentive to do their best. I started teaching TJ to read. He was showing an interest. So far he is whizzing along. We'll see if it continues that way. I'm using Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons like I did with the girls. It has worked well for us so far.
I think I'll stop there. I could ramble on, but who's still reading by now, anyway???
I've got a new computer (thank you, Dad!) and I need to figure out all the picture stuff and then I'll post some pics from the last year.
SK turned 9 last week. WOW! Her last year before the double digits. That is hard to swallow. We had a great bday week. She got a ton of books (I couldn't narrow the list down any further). She got a new wallet, since she's lost two. I won't buy her another one, though. She also got a math game, some puzzle/game books, a small cross stitch kit, sewing pattern book, and a painting book. That was what we gave her, anyway. Her grandparents (3 sets!) gave her a museum membership, Little House dvds, and a shopping trip to her favorite store where she got lots of crafty things. Her stocking was filled with chocolate (to share), gum, pencils, and a marble. The dc like to collect marbles. They're only 10 cents at the store I mentioned.
TJ bought her a pack of mints and AB, with my help, bought her a little doll that matches the doll she's taken to this last year. SK has never been a doll person, but when AB was born she was given a Gund Sweet Dolly with her name embroidered on it. I always wanted SK to have one, too, and I got her one when she turned 8. She named hers Madelyn and now carries it everywhere. She even bought the doll a bday gift since she is now one! Anyway, this little doll AB gave her is almost identical, just much smaller. SK had seen it in the store and really liked it. She was so surprised to get it. I love to see the dc pick out gifts for each other and never balk at spending their own money for them.
SK's desserts of choice this year were blueberry muffins with crumb topping and chocolate chip mint ice cream (the green kind... that's important). Of course, there was no green kind the day Daddy went shopping, but she was quite content with white!
J turned 42 yesterday. We celebrated at Shady Maple Smorgasbord where you get a free dinner on your bday. You MUST visit there if you're ever in Lancaster County. (Dad, they had a special prime rib weekend.) The girls made him some kind of gifts. I'm not sure what they were. One was a colored tissue "hanky". I gave him two Rush cds. We have 4 more days to celebrate. Today I'll have to make his chocolate pecan pies. I didn't have a crust yesterday, my bad. But we were going to Shady Maple anyway!
Hmm... what else?
For those that don't know we're expecting a new baby late June. I'm getting close to half way. The dc are excited.
School is going very well. SK's cursive is beautiful imo. I must learn to write in cursive! So many of the past generations have beautiful penmanship. It's a dying skill. We started more formal spelling with Spelling Power and we're really enjoying that. AB is reading better. It's not her strong suit. She's very good at math, where SK struggled. Her handwriting is also getting better and both the girls are enjoying the new border sheets used in A Reason for Handwriting where they get to copy a bible verse (or a thank you note) on a page with a border picture then color the picture in. It's added incentive to do their best. I started teaching TJ to read. He was showing an interest. So far he is whizzing along. We'll see if it continues that way. I'm using Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons like I did with the girls. It has worked well for us so far.
I think I'll stop there. I could ramble on, but who's still reading by now, anyway???
I've got a new computer (thank you, Dad!) and I need to figure out all the picture stuff and then I'll post some pics from the last year.
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