Little Doggy

Last week, a little doggy followed by husband around on his morning run. So, we let her in our house. She is about 12-15 lbs, 1 year old, and very good natured. We have been posting everywhere...Internet, neighbourhood, Home Owners to find her owner. We have had no luck. Today we posted to find her home,and have had one reply. I hope an pray for her to find a good home, as I think her last owners may have just dropped her off on the streets. Part of me would like to keep her, but I can barely keep up to my life now with the kids and two 50 lb dogs.

The Girl at the Supermarket

I figured out what I was suppose to give the girl at the supermarket, not sure why so I just did it. I have her a silver chain with a ATP USB charm. The charm is pink and silver with a breast cancer support ribbon.

Yesterday a friend gave me a small trunk full of baby items and gear left over from a house she rented including stroller which just needs someone who can work with the one wheel which is a little wiggly and they will have a good Evenflow stroller. I am unsure who I am suppose to give this stuff to, but hopefully I'll find out. There are a few single mom's at work, so maybe start looking there.

Spiritual Gifts

I felt the need to try a spiritual gifts test again..ok..so here are my ratings on them from top to bottom.

Score Graph of Score Spiritual Gift Statement / Response
21 ====================== Poverty 22 = 5 50 = 3 78 = 5 106 = 3 134 = 5
21 ====================== Giving 10 = 1 38 = 5 66 = 5 94 = 5 122 = 5
18 =================== Helps 12 = 5 40 = 5 68 = 3 96 = 5
17 ================== Discernment 5 = 3 33 = 5 61 = 3 89 = 3 117 = 3
15 ================ Prophecy 23 = 3 51 = 5 79 = 1 107 = 1 135 = 5
14 =============== Missionary 19 = 5 47 = 3 75 = 0 103 = 1 131 = 5
13 ============== Knowledge 15 = 3 43 = 1 71 = 1 99 = 5 127 = 3
11 ============ Mercy 17 = 5 45 = 1 73 = 0 101 = 0 129 = 5
10 =========== Faith 9 = 3 37 = 3 65 = 0 93 = 1 121 = 3
9 ========== Wisdom 27 = 3 55 = 1 83 = 1 111 = 1 139 = 3
9 ========== Pastoring 21 = 1 49 = 5 77 = 0 105 = 0 133 = 3
9 ========== Exhortation 8 = 0 36 = 3 64 = 0 92 = 1 120 = 5
8 ========= Music 20 = 5 48 = 3 76 = 0 104 = 0 132 = 0
7 ======== Celibacy 3 = 3 31 = 0 59 = 1 87 = 0 115 = 3
6 ======= Hospitality 13 = 1 41 = 0 69 = 0 97 = 5 125 = 0
6 ======= Leadership 16 = 1 44 = 0 72 = 0 100 = 0 128 = 5
6 ======= Miracles 18 = 5 46 = 0 74 = 0 102 = 0 130 = 1
5 ====== Encouragement 6 = 0 34 = 1 62 = 0 90 = 1 118 = 3
5 ====== Healing 11 = 1 39 = 1 67 = 1 95 = 1 123 = 1
4 ===== Intercession 14 = 1 42 = 1 70 = 0 98 = 1 126 = 1
4 ===== Apostle 2 = 3 30 = 0 58 = 0 86 = 0 114 = 1
3 ==== TonguesSpeaking 26 = 3 54 = 0 82 = 0 110 = 0 138 = 0
3 ==== Administration 1 = 3 29 = 0 57 = 0 85 = 0 113 = 0
3 ==== Teaching 24 = 1 52 = 0 80 = 0 108 = 1 136 = 1
3 ==== Writing 28 = 0 56 = 0 84 = 1 112 = 1 140 = 1
3 ==== Evangelism 7 = 0 35 = 1 63 = 0 91 = 1 119 = 1
1 == Craftsmanship 4 = 0 32 = 1 60 = 0 88 = 0 116 = 0
0 = TonguesInterpreting 25 = 0 53 = 0 81 = 0 109 = 0 137 = 0

The Little Things

It is true that the little things can help..Connie you are right, so far the pay it forward idea seems to multiply the best. I guess sometimes, I feel overwhelmed by the needs of everyone and the so little I have to help. In this last month I have been inondated at work with fund raisers for the Heart and Stroke Foundation...almost literally every day, someone was asking for money..ie bake sales, breakfast fundraisers, draws, etc. By the way, I told them I refused to buy bacon and eggs to support the Heart and Stroke foundation. If they put out fresh fruit, I would bite. So, the next day, they put out grapes and apples, so I bought them along with some of my supportive co-workers.

I also joined my church organization today, the United Methodist Churches movement ....here is my tasks for the week. All the prayer will keep me busy!

Abundance

I came that you might have life and have it abundantly
John 10:10

Moment of Centering and Reflection
Try to imagine living life abundantly. What does abundance include?

Now think about abundant life in terms of your health. Spend time imagining how God’s intention for abundant life might be reflected in our current health care crises. For many, abundance may simply mean a life in which one does not have to make decisions between buying food for one’s family, or buying costly health coverage.

We see where we have failed this offer of abundance in:

■High health care costs without covering everyone;
■over 45.7 million uninsured
■Racial Ethnic disparities
■Excess sickness & death
Please spend time reflecting on an abundant life and how the current proposals for Health Care Reform might bring us close to this kind of life. A life in which all are given the chance to live healthy lives.

Because we as people of faith value the promise of abundance, we pray for a health care system that is…
ACCESSIBLE

All persons should have access to health services that provide necessary care and contribute to wellness.

Spend time in prayer for…

■Those who are uninsured in our current system
■Health Care reform which includes a Public Option
Humanity

So God created humankind in God’s image, in the image of God [they were created].
Genesis 1:27

Moment of Centering and Reflection

Bring into your mind the face of a friend, loved one, colleague.

Please spend time reflecting on this person’s humanity. In that humanity, they are a reflection of the very image of God.

So too do the 47 million people in this country who are currently uninsured bear the image of God. So too must we honor them and value their humanity.

We see where we have failed to value this humanity in:

■Current structures of Corporate Power
■Deregulation
■High prices whenever one provider has sole control of a good or service -- drugs, hospital care, etc.
As people of faith we honor the humanity of all persons and our collective identity as children of the Creator.

We pray, today for a health care system that respects the humanity of all people and allows them the dignity to live into this identity.

Because we as people of faith value human dignity, we pray for a health care system that is…

ACCOUNTABLE

Our health care system must be accountable, offering a quality, equitable and sustainable means of keeping us healthy as individuals and as a community.

Spend time in prayer for…

■Those who are sick and in need of healing.
■The Health Insurance Industry. That as they encounter stories of those who go without health care in our current system that they would be challenged and moved by their humanity. 
Community

For all must carry their own loads…bear one another's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.
Galatians 6: 5,2

Moment of Centering and Reflection
Paul’s letter to the Galatians offers two distinct calls. First, we have a responsibility to ourselves, to “carry our own load”. Connecting this call to our health, we have a responsibility to keep ourselves healthy.

And then he continues that we are to “bear one another’s burdens”. Scripture clearly calls us to intentional community, connected and accountable to one another.

Reflect on how reforms in our health care system might help us to live out both parts of this call.

We see where we have failed this call to community in:

■Conversion of Non-Profits to For-Profits;
■Reduction of Medicaid funding
■Means-testing Medicare/Medicaid
■Increasing pressure on the poor and the sick to fend for themselves.
We pray for a deeper understanding of community and specifically how this relates to our commitment to one another. We pray as people of faith that we would consider this scriptural mandate to care for our community as we desire a health care system which provides for even “the least of these”.

Because we as people of faith value community, we pray for a health care system that is…

INCLUSIVE

Health care is a right and a shared responsibility that is grounded in our common humanity.

Spend time in prayer for…

■Preventative and public health education programs, by which we can be held more accountable to our own health
■An end to discriminatory regulations against pre-existing conditions
■An end to racial and ethnic disparities 
Stewardship

From everyone to whom much has been given, much will be required.
Luke 12:48

Moment of Centering and Reflection
The Gospel of Luke clearly calls people of faith to live lives of stewardship and sacrifice.

Spend time reflecting on what has been given to you. What resources have you been asked to steward on behalf of the Creator?

We see where we have failed this call to stewardship in:

■Decisions made from a "business model" where profit is the criterion for success and the rewards go to the “owners”.
■Failure of Government to provide health care: Ezekiel 34:4 - rulers have not healed the sick
Prayerfully consider how call to stewardship speaks to our responsibilities in a reformed health care system.

What could our health care system look like if we conveyed this moral imperative to our Members of Congress and asked that they join us in this call to be stewards of the resources we have as a country?

Because we as people of faith heed the call to stewardship, we pray for a health care system that is…

AVAILABLE TO ALL

Health Care must contribute to the common good by being available to all for individuals, families and society as a whole. We pray for health care that covers everyone… a public option for those who cannot pay, and affordability for those who can.

Spend time in prayer for…

■The Members of Congress who are discussing and debating the details of the legislation that will be presented to reform health care.
■Leaders of the faith community who are carrying this message into their places of worship. Pray that they may be bold in their speech and that this prophetic word would be received and lived out by those who hear it.

Career Choice

Some days in the midst of this health care crisis I wish I was a doctor or a nurse, I think then I could really make a difference. What can a Engineering Physics grad who has never worked in her own field really do? Well, my indirect manager said I could be a Medical Physicist...but somehow that is not appealing to me right now. I feel like I want to be in the trenches helping people out, but I know that wasn't the path God had for me, so then what is it it? Why do I feel so burdened by the suffering? I don't make googlies of money like the rich and wealthy, I don't even have time to volunteer at my church these days with two children and a full time job. And the tiny things I do here and there which I know are appreciated, I fell like I can't put a dent in anything, like the pain and suffering in the world is just to great. And for me, I never realized how bad it was until I moved here from Canada 5 years ago. I thought the US was just a larger version of Canada...so dead wrong. A few days ago I met this girl who was 17 years old bagging my groceries. She was hobbling along, so I asked her what was wrong, she said she fell out of a tree over a year ago, had been to the doctor, but since then had since re injured her knee a few times. She though she may need an MRI but did not want to ask her parents to foot the bill. I asked her if they had health insurance, she said she thinks they did but somehow she felt it would still cost too much money. I figure their plan may have a high deductible...so here is this girl (by the way she worked evenings and weekends while going to school full time), hobbling along...when she should be out playing with her friends or running (she said she was a runner before the injury). I just walked away and went into my car..what could I do, was I suppose to do something? I feel so helpless, and it appears that I meet someone every week is some type of chronic pain that may be fixable, if given access to medical care. But I am not a doctor...should I have been? Some days I do wish I was, and why not? Sorry to all the doctors who love their job..but my friend unnamed who just graduated from med school said most of her classmates were in it for the money only. She is one if not only one doing it for the love of being a doctor. And on the other side, I only know of nurses who love being nurses...so I am thinking maybe nurses should be doctors, because they appear to have it right. OK..now I am going crazy. Obviously, I am an engineer for a reason, I do have that crazy mathematical mind.

Diet

OK, I have not written about this yet, but I suppose it's time to record my new diet in this blog. Over the last month I have completely overhauled my eating habits. I would say about 95% if my diet now consists of raw veggies, fruit, whole grains, and nuts. On very little occasion for a treat I will eat a little chicken or a snack make from milk products. I now am making most of my food from scratch as to avoid preservatives, oils, and of course the most deadly of them all...fructose...and I have given up Diet Coke and Iced Tea (except for the occasion) and substituted it with water.

It all started with me watching this video from the book "RAVE Diet & Lifestyle", and since then watching lectures from doctors at various Universities around the country, primarily those dealing with obese children. By the way, I have learned why there are so many obese 6 month old these days. Formula is typically 40% fructose and 10% sucrose. A regular coke is about 10% fructose, so we are feeding our infants 5X the amount of poison which our body does NOT metabolize the same as lactose (mommies milk).

I have to tell you, that I feel the best I ever have in a long time. I can't say I have more energy, I think only sleep could do that. However, I feel happy, almost sickly happy. Sometimes I laugh at work for no reason and it scares me. And the greatest thing, is that I don't have to count calories anymore. There is an even better place in my diet I would like to be but given that I have young children and a full time job, I don't have the time I would like to prepare food. However, I do the best I can.

The children don't always eat what I do, nor does my husband. The children do not like my homemade french fries with the skin on made from organic potatoes, so I have tried removing the skin, baking it longer, making the fries thinner, still no luck. Personally, I love them, but it will take awhile for the family to get on board. Although, some things like my salsa make from scratch tastes better then anything store bought. And of course, Costco is now my friend, when you eat so much fruit and veggies you can actually buy the Costco size at a cheap price and finish it before it goes bad.

The best thing also, is that there are a few of us at work, eating the same way, so we potluck lunch 3 times a week and encourage each other while helping out with new healthy food ideas that taste good.

I don't know how to fight the health care situation here anymore, except that I will try to do my part by not getting sick and keep the health system clear for those that need it.

Ant Update

Well, Colton has finally recovered from the ants, he still has little marks over his feet and legs so I will try to see what I can do about preventing scarring. We decided to have some professionals come in and spray the house "organic and not a pesticide" inside and out. I am unsure about the true nature of something not being a pesticide and still killing bugs, yet being safe for children but I decided we needed some help.

Ants

We just had a nightmare of an evening. Fire ants somehow got into the side of our back door and built a nest. Then out of nowhere when my son went outside, then attacked him. We didn't know about the nest..it was like they came out of nowhere. Luckily I caught my son as his legs where getting covered with ants. He sustained about 50 bites. I have him on an antihistamine (precaution) and topical relief and he seems to be fine. Poor little man, he's only 17 months old!

And me, I only got one bite while I was taking the ants off him. But the one bite caused me to swell up like crazy...more antihistamine. I feel like such a wimp compared to him, but I am the one that started with the allergic reaction on one bite!

Ugh..and later that same evening I dropped a power block on my toe and I think it's broken, it's swelling up too and I can't move it. It is finally time for this day to be over!! I got so stressed out, I started eating a ton of chocolate...

Lay Off

Our work has been going through sets of lay offs due to the economy so it has been a little tough for everyone lately. My husband and I work at the same company so of course, we have a little more to think about. Although it appears both our jobs are secure for now, it is still hard when we are friends with co-workers and know their situations, and then to see them get laid off. The last one that really bothered me was this man who just turned 60. The day after his birthday party work, he was laid off. He was an incredible man and good Christian. From what we are told his wife had medical issues (serious) and he was the only income earner for the family. I know many people in Texas are going though the same situation. (I received a letter from Kay Bailey Hutchison (Congress) who replied to one of my emails. Kay stated one in four Texans is without health insurace, higher then the national average.) I can only pray for this man in hopes he gets a job before his Cobra runs out and his wife is denied care due to lack of medical insurance. I was told by coworkers the director who laid him off said "It was nothing personal, but just business.". I think I realized then I could never be management because I could never lay someone off and walk away from it without a concisous, knowing that I could be literally giving them a death sentence. I know that may sound like an exaggeration, but it's kind of true, and if one person (family member or other) died because of my actions, I am unsure if I could ever forgive myself (even if God would). I would have to lay myself off first. So I guess I'm doomed to be a bottom feeder, but at least I can sleep at night.

Back From Canada

Today we are back, and I have to admit, there is something nice about coming home. We did have a ton of problems with our flights, but all that aside it was a good time with my family. I do appreciate our one level home though. Colton with this toddler ways, was hard to manage...I love him but it's the truth.

It is late, so I will try to write more later.

Off To Canada

We will be leaving Friday for Canada and will be back in a few weeks. It's going to be a busy trip so you will probably not hear from me. Colton and Farrah are healthy, thankfully, so hopefully everything else will fall in place.

A Few Updates

Farrah has had a high fever the last two days, so I have been at home taking care of her. She finally seems to be getting better, thankfully, just in time ...we are leaving for Canada July 3rd. Thankfully, whatever she had did not spread throughout the house.

I have been trying to follow some of the health care reform proposals during my time off, so today I read the 98 page proposal. It was long an treacherous and I can't remember a lot. I do remember some one of the things that will affect me...taxes on employer benefits. If I remember correctly, my employer pays around 12K for my benefits so that would be about $3000 in additional taxes next year. I think if we were a single payer I would be "ok" with that but knowing an exec at United Health Care got a billion dollar bonus in the last year, kind of makes me a little angry. I mean, why shouldn't he take some of the burden. He may even get richer off the new plan. Well, I suppose that is life, but I have told my husband we would have to readjust our free spending to account for the loss of $250 month. Sadly probably cut back on donations (boo hoo), eat out less, and keep fixing our house up to a minimum. He laughed at me but I was serious, I mean the next time someone at work asks for a donation for the heart walk, he is to say "no". Someone is always asking for money at work for this fundraiser or that and it adds up. It's not like we won't donate anything, we always have clothes and items given to us we pass on.

My Small Car Incident

Yesterday my husband and I drove to work together, I opted to drop him off and go to get gas and money. On the way back from the gas station the front tire popped which left me driving on the rim. I pulled over from a busy intersection and after frantic phone calls (calling work and letting them know I would be late), started the process of getting my spare out. Well, in the next minute two men who could barely speak English came by and changed my tire in a few minutes. I offered them money, then would not take they said in broken English, someday someone will do something nice for me.

Now lets go back a few years.

When I was 9 months pregnant with my daughter I was driving home from work and suddenly ran over a role of carpet laying in the road. The carpet hooked onto the bottom of my car. I was able to pull over to the side of the road at the entrance of a fairly expensive community (Home probably from the 250's). In my distress between being able to find a sharp object in the emergency kit and roling back and forth over the carpet, I was able to get enough of the carpet unattached from the bottom of my car but it took a looong time. Since I was pregant, I couldn't get under the car, and I had to reposition myself around the car and stretch my arms out so hard they hurt. It is important to note that at least 20 cars drove into that community that night, maybe more. Not one person stopped to see if a 9 month old pregnant women needed some help.

OK, so yesterday I learned something. We all have something to learn from the men in the first paragraph and these men (although could be illegal) in their kindness have made living in the US a better place like the good Samaritian, while as the rich from the second paragraph offerred nothing.

The Kids and I This Weekend

Daddy needs some space this weekend so he could finish putting in the Pergo floors...or at least get most of it done. So, the kiddo's and I left the house Saturday and Sunday in search of adventure.

On Saturday, we went to Grapevine Mills Outlet Mall. I thought it wouldn't be bad to hang out there for the day and there are rides and family bathrooms/nursing stations. For the most part it was fun except we did manage to spend $25.00 and come back with nothing...mostly food and snacks which I should have packed and a few rides. The kiddo's were really tired and I had my first workout in 4 years. Why, because I did not want to pay $4.00 to rent a cart so I carried Colton for the first hour then finally gave in, or my arms gave up. It's not like he's just willing to be carried, he's a real squirmer. Later in the evening we spent time at the park.

Sunday we went to "Going Bonkers" after nap, Farrah and Colton played in the 3 and under area for the most part. I thought, hey this is a better idea then the mall and it only cost $6.00 admission for all of us, but then some older kids around 8 came into the small kid area and start throwing around large objects, hence we left quickly. I suppose I should have said something but I am not really confrontational. Later in the evening, we blew up the kiddie pool and played in the backyard.

We are back for now.

It has been awhile since I have written. We took apart the computer area in order to create a bedroom/office. So, access to the computer has been limited as well as time since I have been watching the little ones in a confined area while daddy builds the new room. So finally the room is complete, but we do have some floor in the adjacent room that we need to complete. (It's a slow process for daddy since he is only one man).

Not much has happened in the last few weeks so there is not to many updates. I did manage to donate my blood for the first time in my life. Prior in Canada I had problems, typically due to low iron. I will be going back to Canada in a month and hope to be able to donate blood again while I am back..you know there is nothing more rewarding then donating blood to a national health care system. Well...I am excited to go back, since it's been 4 years.

Colton has been teething, but that is little news to anyone..just up half the night but I do see 4 new clinkers and 2 more on the way. His chewing has improved a lot, he can eat chicken! Yeah. Tomorrow I take him to his 15 month appt so we will see what the Dr. says.

Farrah, of course is being an angel these days. She is mamma's little helper and each morning is walking Colton to the car holding his hands so he doesn't run in the road. She even wants to change his poopy diaper...I wish she was a few years older...:)

And I have one big thank you to God. There was this older man at work who was a contractor for about 1 1/2 years, he had to buy private health care insurance so with the little money he made, could not make it. So his wife went back to work with special needs teens but was beat and hurt a lot at work. Long story short, he was hired this week and will now be able to receive decent health care. This could mean that his wife may quite her job, although it will be a loss for the special need teens, she will not be beat or hit anymore. Either way, it will be her choice to work.

Swine Flu

The flu is in our neighbour. So far the local elementary has been shut down for a week to be cleaned and our baby's daycare just informed us that they have one teacher that may have the flu. We won't find out until Friday evening. We have already called Grandma to see if she is available to look after the children.

Colton has finally recovered, no more vomitting or diahrea Yeah!

Vomiting Virus

The title is nasty, yes I know. Well, Colton was doing quite well until just a little while ago. Maybe we were pushing him too soon to recover with solids. He woke up crying, so I started to wait the usual 5 minutes he takes to settle back down, not sure why though given he's sick, so I gave in after 1 minute discovered he was covered in vomit. I did look at him, he is definitely losing weight, we have a lot of work to do when he recovers. He's starting to make his sister look fat (thought she is a very thin girl naturally).

I did manage to sort though some clothes during Colton's nap today. It's time to donate his 18 month shirts and I found some more of Farrah's 3T jeans I put away. Rick wants to donate out some toys (he is on his anti clutter tour again), so we decided on Farrah's Barbie Bike, a walker barely been used, and the activity table. It's funny though, every time Rick wants to donate the toy they play with it all day...

Virus Update

Well, we called the Dr office this morning and there is not much we can do except wait it out. Of course we are doing the BRAT diet together as much as Colton will take it. And of course the m-milk with rice cereal is about the only thing Colton is taking and digesting without throwing up but it's keeping him hydrated much better then me. I am snacking on Pedialyte Popsicles though, which he won't take.

Colton is grabbing a quick snooze this morning, so I have had chance to update, but I must get back to disinfecting the house. I am only thankful we are tearing up our carpet soon and replacing it with recycled linoleum.

Stomach Virus

Mommy and Colton were hit with a stomach virus this weekend. Luckily mommy got the worst of it. Colton manage to skip most of the vomitting for the most part. We will call the Dr today since we have both not recovered yet.

Celebrate Sleep

Yes, Colton is starting to sleep through the night again on a consistant basis...4 nights in a row. I am unsure why he was so upset the last few weeks, could be teething, or now I am suspecting allergies OR maybe a bit of both.

Colton, Some History, A False Scare

For those family and friends that may not know some of what Colton went through in his first year. I will try to give some back history.

At about 2 months old, Colton went in to have X-rays for a number of issues the Dr. was concerned about. Well, when we went to take the X-rays, my husband had to wait and get more and more done. Finally, we were told they suspected Intestinal Malrotation. I think it was his Cecum that wasn't showing up on the X-ray. After multiple Dr. opinions, they all concluded he needed surgery right away. Well, that did not feel right to me, I prayed and prayed. We decided to get yet another set of opinions but I told my husband I wanted new X-rays and a completely different place. So, my husband took Colton for another drawn out X-ray session (but this time he drank double the amount of that radioactive drink) only to find out his Cecum showed up perfectly this time. The Dr said there was no reason to operate. (Thank God!). It's always been a scary thought to think he almost had surgery for nothing at 2 months old.

Easter Continued

I spent the week eating chocolate which sounds odd because we didn't buy the children anything for Easter. I did intend to so some crafts with her..ie we were going to make crosses out of Popsicle sticks then possibly we would have gone to the park.

Papa (Rick's dad) brought one basket each with some chocolates in it and their God parents brought over some chocolate. So between the two, I think I gained a few pounds and Farrah and Colton got more then we had intended but I am not going to get that picky about things. Thankfully, all of it is now gone. Both children did get a small Easter egg hunt as school, otherwise, we may have taken them to our community Easter egg hunt. Maybe...

It's true, we do try to downplay the entire consumerism part of most holiday's. It has helped that we have traded in our Direct TV for an Antenna with Netflix added. Farrah just isn't exposed to the advertisements. She wants things that Rick and I have, not what is on TV. So yes, there are downfalls, she would love a Blackberry because Rick and I both have one from work, she thinks it's cool. (That doesn't mean she'll get one), but she does like to carry around her play cell phone.

Colton Started Chewing

This weekend was a big day for Colton who is 13 1/2 months. He started trying to chew on Honey Nut Cheerios. Given that he was 3-6 months behind in his oral development, this was a big step for us. Nonetheless, I fed him Cheerios all weekend. Yes, instead of trying to dissolve them in his month, he was actually chewing! Next thing you know, he'll be off mushy table or baby food! All it in good time I guess. The Dr. does not want to start his therapy until he's at least 15 months old lest it cause the opposite "rebel" reaction. And, given that he ate so many Cheerios, he didn't get up in the night screaming. He was whining a bit, but that is nothing compared to what we have been going through lately.

Colton is starting to show signs of personality too. He is fighting his sister over many issues. This is definitely a new era for life for us. My husband says, it's good to see he is finally sticking up for himself. I guess he has a good point, but the easy going Colton is gone.

Farrah enjoyed her simple Easter, we did not do much. Mostly because I have been recovering from sickness all weekend and needed sleep. Sadly, I did not even get to some Easter crafts with her, but that is life I guess.

Tired Again

I am tired again, Colton is getting fussy at night. I hope he is not getting yet another ear infection.

Charity At Work

Today we all ate in at work in order to raise money for a Shelter in Arlington. I have to admit, I was impressed with the charity. Hamburgers and hotdogs were served, and any suggested donation was accepted. Someone at work actually told me they were serving free food downstairs so he made out with some of it. I was kind of upset, who steals from a Charity?

So, I was able to eat lunch with my favorite "talking" buddy. We haven't had a chance to eat lunch together since I have been working a lot of OT. We talked a lot about donating, and how sometimes people try to profit off of others good will. An example was milk donations. There is a charity organization who takes in milk donations then sells them to a profit making company, who then sells them to the hospitals who I am sure mark it up and sell it to you and I. This is why I did not join this organization in the past, however, it makes me wonder how many of us make donations and then someone else takes it and abuses a free gift.

Well..updates on the kiddos:

Colton was up a lot again last night, thankfully Daddy took another night shift, so mommy was able to sleep. I am keeping my fingers crossed for tonight, it's my shift!I gave him some Motrin before bed, I can see his teeth cutting all over.

Farrah got another nose bleed, somehow Colton smacked her in the face by accident. However, they are fighting more and more these days. Always about the same toy. Ugh.

Capitalism

Today I tried to learn more about Capitalism. The word appears to all over the news these days, and it is important for me to learn more about the country I am living in (bringing up my children into). I guess I don't understand, because the definition in wiki, the way I see people live here, and then Christianity don't match. The three ideals appear to be like three beliefs that are on opposite ends of a triangle. So, I guess I won't understand Capitalism today. I think I'll just concentrate on Christianity. I mean, why would they all relate anyway? One is of God, the other was created by ideals from men. Why can't we have a economic system called...Christialism. The word Christianism already exists so I needed to think of something new. So in this economic system called Christialism, everything would be based on biblical values and teachings, period. Hmmm...just brainstorming here, the best pastors and preachers would help lead the country, everyone would go to bible school, and instead of having a "fighting" military, we would lead a misson based fight, taking food and water into areas that need it and spreading the work of God. Can you imagine if every person in the current US military was instead working in missions? The 500 billion dollar military budget would be fun to spend promoting the word of God! Well, anyway, that would be a crazy world. Guess what taxes would be? 10% flat tax, gross, no deductions because its a flat tax. :) People would have roles in this government according to their spiritual gifts!

OK, enough of my crazy brainstorming, I hope you enjoyed it.

Colton Has Good and Bad Days

Last night, Colton slept well, then again tonight he woke up screaming. I will have to book his follow up appt (2 weeks after ear infection) for next week. It was like a tease to have old Colton back for one night...being the good boy he was for the first year. He even ate well yesterday, actually ate a piece of pizza! Today of course, he's back to mad Colton, refusing to chew.

Farrah's Creative Play

I was amused today as I looked over at Farrah and she had taken the free newspaper we received today, spread the sheets out around the family room, and marched on them making a loud noise. Colton laughing, started to imitate her marching on them as they laughed together. My first thought, was, isn't newspaper ink bad for them? Then I thought, well, for a little while they can have fun. However, I have noticed Farrah has become really good with pretend and made up play lately, especially when it comes to involving her little brother. Our children have toys, but we have tried to limit what we buy the kids, most of the toys just sit in their toy box. I felt encouraged today, that our ideas were working, the children were developing an ability to make fun out of simple things and enjoy them.

Colton, Fever, Food

Colton is still not eating well, we have managed to get him to take down a significant amount of milk with rice cereal. I think he is thinning out a little, but he is walking everywhere. Hopefully this is just more of his natural baby weight coming off. I have stopped worrying about the fact he cannot chew food, we offer him table food, but he just spits it out. The doctor said by giving him OT too early, she feels it could cause more issues then anything forcing him to eat in a way he doesn't want to. So, we continue to buy baby food, level 2. He does love his yogurt everyday, just need to make sure we buy the highest calories possible.

A little humour...Yesterday I broke down and bought myself 3 new pants. It's not something I wanted to do, but I am running out of options. I recently lost 18 lbs in January and February and went from a size 10 long to a size 4 long. It was hard work, and I was angry/hungry for 2 months. I do feel healthier now, I have very small bones, so I have a lot more energy. However, try finding a size 4 long at the goodwill. I have been looking for a month. At work I was trying to make due with the larger sizes and hold up my pants while I was walking. I suppose I need to learn how to sew belt loops or something, but then who has the time working 55 hours a week with a 3 and 1 yr old. So, everyone has had it with me, holding up my pants, talking about the Goodwill and how I refuse to buy myself a new pair of pants. I finally gave in.

Friday Gibber

Farrah and I spent some time trying out YOGA today. She is quite good at the moves, better then me I suppose.

Colton on the other hand, is still struggling with teething. He is getting short spikes of fevers that go away, he is also much more cranky. Poor little man.

Colton is Eating Again

Colton is feeling better, he ate like a horse today. We went to Colter's BBQ as a treat since we had a buy one get one free meal. Colton loves the buns!

Disturbing and Sad

Colton did not eat a lot today, probably due to his ear infections. Hopefully he will do better tomorrow. My husband had a lot of ear infections. I certainly hope this is just a co-incidence. The doctor said he had better drainage tubes then Farrah. I was hoping he had my ears.

So the title says disturbing and sad, yes it was a disturbing day. I don't know how else to make it sound good but here is what happened. Today a guy hung himself outside of our work in the park beside our building. Some people noticed around 8:00a.m. that he was there. There were police but they didn't move him until the coroner came at 10:30. We don't think we know who is is, but I am sure we will find out soon, although I do not think it is anyone from work. Please pray for this family and friends.

The Doctor's Diagnosis

We found out today, Colton has an ear infection in both ears. This is his first one since he's been born. I actually thought we were going to get away with no ear infections. The clogging of his ears was causing drainage to his throat which was causing him to cough.

Farrah has been unaffected, she has a ton of energy, so much energy, it's getting hard to contain. She never sleeps...or so it seems. We put her to bed at 8:00 and she lies in bed until 9 or 10 wide awake. She gets up around 6:15 for daycare. I've tried putting her to bed later, but nothing works. Since she was a baby, she has never needed sleep. It's hard to explain, she can just keep going and going like an energizer bunny. Farrah is up now, eyes wide open, lying down waiting for sleep to come. What I would give for a little extra sleep here an there.

Colton's Little Cough

Poor little Colton has had a bad cough all weekend. It seems to be getting a bit worse so daddy is going to take him the doctor tomorrow, just in case. Also because he will stay home with Colton so he can get the TLC he wouldn't get at the daycare.

It was a busy weekend, my husband painted his shed, and then the garage floor. It looks really good except, we didn't really get very much else done and by the end of the weekend, I was exhausted. I had been up at night listening to Colton cough, worrying about him. (As mother's do.)

Farrah and I talked about donating to the SPCA this weekend, so we donated a quick $25.00. It's not my style of donation to just go monetary, but it's something we do once in awhile. Farrah was excited to know we were giving money to help feed 8 dogs for one day. Now daddy did throw out all her markers this weekend as a point because she wouldn't pick them up. I rummaged through the garbage and took the good ones so I could either mail them to people with children, or to give them to her Godmother for when she comes over. They were expensive Crayola markers her Godmother & Godfather gave to her for Chistmas.

Finally It's Friday

Another busy day at work, and it's finally the weekend. I just realized I forgot to send in my weekly report. I think that counts against me during raise time..opps. It will be another weekend of working. At the rate of my OT, I don't see an end in sight. I am thinking maybe at the end of 2009? Thankfully I am getting some of the OT paid, so we are paying down our second mortgage. Either way, I try to be as diligent and productive I can at work. I remember reading in Proverbs about it years ago.

Colton was crabby all evening, I think his molar's are coming in. Poor little man, he's finally asleep. No worries Mom, he is eating "ok". I think he's actually starting to pork up again.

So the big talk today at work was about the taxation on the executive bonuses. Most people at work were really happy with the bill. I mean some said that AIG should not have gotten the bailout money to begin with and of course blame Obama for the recession. Whatever!? The odd person felt the government was trying to take down the rich people. ?? What is with that? And others say the non wealthy have already lost the war of class welfare, there are tens of millions of people in this country without health care. I don't know the truth, but I do know one thing, they will all be held accountable. I think we can only continue to do what we know is right, continue to be the loving Christians we are, helping people, and putting God first.

Colton and His Night Terrors

Colton sometimes gets up in the middle of the night screaming. It's a odd scream like he's being attacked or is hurting really bad. Wednesday night, was on of those nights. We usually can't wake him up from his screams...like he's sleeping the entire time. Somehow we are eventually able to get him to take a sippy cup since he will auto suck and that calms him down. It does take a few tries though, he sometimes gags a bit from the start. After he's done, we put him back down to bed, sleeping the entire time.

Congressman Against Healthcare

The rest of the day with Farrah was relatively relaxing until I started getting urgent calls from work. Tons of crazy problems, luckily Farrah was napping for the most part. The plan is she will go back to school tomorrow.

Colton on the other hand came home upset. He wouldn't leave his mommy's side without pitching a fit. Then last night around 11:00 he did his odd wake up in his sleep crying like someone was stabbing him. I fed him his bottle (sippy) while he is still sleeping and he eventually calmed down then went back to bed. The entire time his eyes are glued shut. It's almost like he's sleep crying and eating instead of "walking".

This is for my nanny who when for so long without health care while in Texas...

Sorry, just have to post this because it makes me mad to think a Christian congressman is so blind sighted here. Being I am from Canada, I know what it is like to have the national health care, live and work in the country. He is wrong, the people without health care in the US are A LOT worse off so a few can have his perceived "premium" health care he is referring too. Of course Medicare can't afford it, not when insurance, hospital, and other execs need to make millions in bonus's...sorry I meant 100 million dollar bonus'. OK enough of my health care rant for now, he was voted in for something. Although, I wish I could challenge his family and him to go without health insurance for 2 years and see how he feels about it then. Maybe I am wrong, maybe I am not, something in my Christian upbringing tells me we need to take care of the sick and step out and be the Samaritan. It's our Christian duty and somehow leaving the less fortunate and sick to suffer is against everything I stand for.

Here is the exchange of notes:

Dear Dr. Burgess,

I write in support of HR 676, the Single Payer, National Health Care bill. There are numerous reasons for your co-sponsorship of this bill, especially since you are a medical doctor. As an obstetrician and gynecologist no one in the House can know better than you do the importance of prenatal care and the shameful, third world ranking of the United States in infant mortality. As a hospital administrator you better than anyone in the House know the challenges of hospital operations and care giving in an adversarial atmosphere of private insurance company profiteering on human misery.

This bill brings the United States into a better competitive position relieving the the enormous health care cost burden on American products in world markets dominated by nation states that have already done so.

A single payer system as proposed in this bill also enhances efficiency in administration since Medicare has a proven history of administrative cost superiority over private insurance with Medicare at administrative costs of about 3% where private insurance administrative cost is as high as 60%.

Then there is the simple humanitarian reason for this change. Can we as a people use any excuse to continue to allow Americans, especially children, to die because either they can't afford private insurance or the carrier they have decides not to cover their medical condition?

I appeal to your business sense, your professional experience, your Christian duty, and your humanitarian concern. Our country needs you to act now.

Sincerely,

Jay B Swindle

From: Congressman Michael Burgess [mailto:imatx26@mail.house.gov] Sent: Thursday, January 15, 2009 4:24 PMTo: jbswindle@sbcglobal.netSubject: From Congressman Burgess


Dear Mr. Swindle:

Thank you for expressing your interest in H.R. 676, The United States National Health Insurance Act (or the Expanded and Improved Medicare for All Act). I appreciate hearing from you on this important matter.

H.R. 676 was introduced by Representative John Conyers, Jr. [D-Michigan] on January 24, 2007. The bill would establish a national health program for all Americans. The program would offer the following benefit services: (1) primary care and prevention; (2) prescription drugs; (3) emergency care; and, (4) mental health services. While I agree that more Americans need health coverage, I disagree with the approach taken by this legislation. I am an opponent of a single payer, government-run program because I do not believe that it will increase positive health outcomes. It is also worth noting that we don't yet know how to sustain the Medicare coverage that we currently have, much less a Medicare program for the nation.

Supporters of a single payer, government-run health care system often times fail to recognize or choose to ignore the problems faced by the programs in other countries. In countries that have adopted this model of care, their citizens do not have access to the most modern medical technology and the distribution of health care is far from equal. The poor, the elderly, members of minority groups and residents of rural areas are the special victims of national health insurance programs.
As a member of the U.S. House of Representatives, I am working hard to initiate market driven reforms to the health care system that will decrease the uninsured, lower the cost of health insurance and medical services, and provide consumers with the tools to make rational decisions about their health care needs.

Again, thank you for taking the time to contact me. I appreciate having the opportunity to represent you in the U.S. House of Representatives. Please feel free to visit my website (www.house.gov/burgess) or contact me with any future concerns.
Sincerely,Michael C. Burgess, M.D.Member of Congress

Farrah's Sick Today

Today as I was driving to work I received a call from Farrah's day care. She was running a fever so we drove back home and I picked her up from school. She does not look sick at all, but I heard from one of the mom's a strange high fever is going around with no other symptoms. She said it will last about 2 days then go away. So today, Farrah and I are spending the day together. So far she has watched "Mickey Mouse" reruns and finger painted.

I think we will run to the post office later today, I am long overdue to send out some surprise gifts to people I know. Usually these are clothes I have been donated to from other families. I have a pile to sort and mail. Thankfully my husband is being patient with the mess of donations since he is hard core anti-clutter. My daughter was excited to help in spite of her odd fever.

Ist Day, Goodwill Industries

Today I took my daughter and we had a blast at Goodwill. I went to look for pants for myself and for her, but we ended up buying a ton of other fun items. (One pair of pants for me.) I did splurge and bought myself a new purse. This is unlike me, I use the same purse everyday until it's warn out or my husband buys me a new one. Today somehow in my head I justified it because the money goes to a good cause. For those of you who haven't been, I strongly encourage you to not only donate but to shop at the Goodwill. You are not only recycling (being good to the earth God has given you) but the Goodwill does a ton of good things for society as a whole. You can google them and read about it yourself. It's WIN WIN for a Christian. Also, there is nothing more exciting then using those hunting and/or gathering instincts for hours on end looking for hidden treasures. So today, there were a few treasures, including a new pair of $150 work shoes which I purchased for $3.00. About a month ago, I purchased a pair of shoes for $3.00 that would retail new for $300 in almost mint condition. It is also important for me for my daughter to learn how to thrift shop while we connect as mother and daughter!

First Blog, for Connie

OK, I have finally decided to start a blog. I am unsure what I am going to write about on my first go but those of you who know me, know there is one thing I am passionate about.

1. Being a real Christian

Not just one that goes to church on Sunday then hides behind Capitalism as an excuse for being greedy and uncaring. Although, it is easier for me to say this, since I grew up in a country with Nationalized Health care. I grew up believing you shouldn't get rich of some one's bad health in spite of whether you are Christian or not. Health care is a right, not a privilege. This was not just part of my upbringing, but part of my society as a whole.

So for today, I suppose I need to get out some of the hurt I feel for many people here in the US. It scares me having two young children who are American, that they too may be a statistic one day...unemployed, or with limited health care like so many Americans today.

It was clear in the new testament that "Love thy neighbour" did not mean a lot of things that I am finding we all live by today. Maybe for me, this blog will be a journey of self discovery, or maybe it will turn out to be nothing.