Friday, February 29, 2008
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Just thinking a lot lately....
I got this following essay emailed to me recently. While I do not know who wrote it, I think it gets to the point on many levels. I think the moral fibers of our country are deteriorating everyday, and I worry where we will be a year from now.
I don't think being a minority makes you a victim of anything except numbers.
The only things I can think of that are truly discriminatory are things like the United Negro College Fund, Jet Magazine, Black Entertainment Television and Miss Black America. Try to have things like the United Caucasian College Fund, Cloud Magazine, White Entertainment Television or Miss White America; and see what happens...Jesse Jackson will be knocking down your door.
Guns do not make you a killer. I think killing makes you a killer. You can kill someone with a baseball bat or a car, but no one is trying to ban you from driving to the ball game.
I believe they are called the Boy Scouts for a reason, which is why there are no girls allowed. Girls belong in the Girl Scouts! ARE YOU LISTENING MARTHA BURKE?
I have the right 'NOT' to be tolerant of others because they are different, weird or tick me off.
When 70% of the people who get arrested are black in cities where 70% of the population is black, that is not racial profiling; it is the Law of Probability.
I believe that if you are selling me a milkshake, a pack of cigarettes, a newspaper or a hotel room, you must do it in English! As a matter of fact, if you want to be an American citizen, you should have to speak English!
My father and grandfather didn't die in vain so you can leave the countries you were born in to come over and disrespect ours.
I think the police should have every right to shoot you if you threaten them after they tell you to stop. If you can't understand the word 'freeze' or 'stop' in English, see the above lines.
I don't think just because you were not born in this country, you are qualified for any special loan programs, government sponsored bank loans or tax breaks, etc., so you can open a hotel, coffee shop, trinket store or any other business.
We did not go to the aid of certain foreign countries and risk our lives in wars to defend their freedoms, so that decades later they could come over here and tell us our constitution is a living document and open to their interpretations.
I don't hate the rich; I don't pity the poor.
I know pro wrestling is fake, but so are movies and television. That doesn't stop you from watching them.
I think Bill Gates has every right to keep every penny he made and continue to make more. If it ticks you off, go and invent the next operating system that's better and put your name on the building.
It doesn't take a whole village to raise a child right, but it does take a parent to stand up to the kid and smack their little behinds when necessary, and say 'NO!'
I think tattoos and piercing are fine if you want them, but please don't pretend they are a political statement. And please, stay home until that new lip ring heals; I don't want to look at your ugly infected mouth as you serve me French fries!
I am sick of 'Political Correctness.' I know a lot of black people and not a single one of them was born in Africa; so how can they be 'African-Americans'? Besides, Africa is a continent. I don't go around saying I am a European-American because my great, great, great, great, great, great grandfather was from Europe. I am proud to be from America and nowhere else.
While my personal political aspirations are nil, should I ever run for office.... my name will always be Amy Jean Kelly ...... ALWAYS!!!
I don't think being a minority makes you a victim of anything except numbers.
The only things I can think of that are truly discriminatory are things like the United Negro College Fund, Jet Magazine, Black Entertainment Television and Miss Black America. Try to have things like the United Caucasian College Fund, Cloud Magazine, White Entertainment Television or Miss White America; and see what happens...Jesse Jackson will be knocking down your door.
Guns do not make you a killer. I think killing makes you a killer. You can kill someone with a baseball bat or a car, but no one is trying to ban you from driving to the ball game.
I believe they are called the Boy Scouts for a reason, which is why there are no girls allowed. Girls belong in the Girl Scouts! ARE YOU LISTENING MARTHA BURKE?
I have the right 'NOT' to be tolerant of others because they are different, weird or tick me off.
When 70% of the people who get arrested are black in cities where 70% of the population is black, that is not racial profiling; it is the Law of Probability.
I believe that if you are selling me a milkshake, a pack of cigarettes, a newspaper or a hotel room, you must do it in English! As a matter of fact, if you want to be an American citizen, you should have to speak English!
My father and grandfather didn't die in vain so you can leave the countries you were born in to come over and disrespect ours.
I think the police should have every right to shoot you if you threaten them after they tell you to stop. If you can't understand the word 'freeze' or 'stop' in English, see the above lines.
I don't think just because you were not born in this country, you are qualified for any special loan programs, government sponsored bank loans or tax breaks, etc., so you can open a hotel, coffee shop, trinket store or any other business.
We did not go to the aid of certain foreign countries and risk our lives in wars to defend their freedoms, so that decades later they could come over here and tell us our constitution is a living document and open to their interpretations.
I don't hate the rich; I don't pity the poor.
I know pro wrestling is fake, but so are movies and television. That doesn't stop you from watching them.
I think Bill Gates has every right to keep every penny he made and continue to make more. If it ticks you off, go and invent the next operating system that's better and put your name on the building.
It doesn't take a whole village to raise a child right, but it does take a parent to stand up to the kid and smack their little behinds when necessary, and say 'NO!'
I think tattoos and piercing are fine if you want them, but please don't pretend they are a political statement. And please, stay home until that new lip ring heals; I don't want to look at your ugly infected mouth as you serve me French fries!
I am sick of 'Political Correctness.' I know a lot of black people and not a single one of them was born in Africa; so how can they be 'African-Americans'? Besides, Africa is a continent. I don't go around saying I am a European-American because my great, great, great, great, great, great grandfather was from Europe. I am proud to be from America and nowhere else.
While my personal political aspirations are nil, should I ever run for office.... my name will always be Amy Jean Kelly ...... ALWAYS!!!
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Kissing cousins....
While kissing cousins they are not, Abbie and Matt are quite good friends. Of course Matt and Charlie are cousins and best buds too (and there have been many a post about them!!) but Abbie and Matt also share a close bond. A couple of weeks ago I watched Abby while Charlie went to the doctors. We went across the street to the beach for a little walk. I wish I could have been privy to their conversations. Instead, I lingered behind, pushing Thomas and William. As evidenced by these photos, they had quite a lot to say to each other. While I never had any cousins, with whom I was very close, I think it's awesome they are all so close to each other. In particularly, I think it's nice to that Matt will have Abby as an alli of the opposite sex. Who knows?
He may reap some benefits from this -
I wonder who Abby's girl friends will be some day?!?
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Rock Star part 2...
Today Thomas was playing in his corral while I ate my lunch. He never minded being in there but lately he has not liked it so much. While for much of the day he roams around with me while playing, it is important that he go in there when I do some things around the house. Today he played happily in there. A little while later when I went in to check on him this is how he looked! Notice he is wearing one of the boy's hats. He did this all by himself! The little Rock Star that he is!Monday, February 25, 2008
A not so cool shirt and toothpaste....
Today I woke up and picked out clothes for the boys to wear to school. They were already up and downstairs. Generally they pick out their own clothes but sometimes, like today, I like to pick them out. After breakfast, I sent them upstairs to get dressed. Immediately Matthew came back downstairs. He didn't want to wear what I had picked out. He told me the shirt was not cool and that he WASN'T wearing it! Well first of all, he DOESN'T tell me what he's doing. While there was really so significance to what I picked out. It was now more the point that I was not going to take orders from a soon to be five year-old. Therefore, I marched him right back upstairs and he got dressed. He was wearing what he referred to as fancy "Church" clothes. Though they weren't fancy nor his "Church" clothes, he was wearing them, because I said so. I won this battle.
Well so I thought! About a half hour later, I instructed him to go brush his teeth. Two minutes later he came came out of the bathroom with his teeth brushed. However, his shirt was all wet with toothpaste spots. "Mom look what happened to my shirt!" Some how I knew this was no act of God. I proceeded to tell him that he better not have done this on purpose. He said no. Of course I suspected differenly. While I contemplated having him wear it anyway, I had a better idea. Well thanks to my sometimes compulsive shopping habbits, I had another shirt just like that one only in a slightly different color. I pulled it out of the closet and on him, it went. He was astonished. This was not in his plans.
Well I was successful. The battle was won. Cool shirt or not, he wore it and that was the end of the story!
Well so I thought! About a half hour later, I instructed him to go brush his teeth. Two minutes later he came came out of the bathroom with his teeth brushed. However, his shirt was all wet with toothpaste spots. "Mom look what happened to my shirt!" Some how I knew this was no act of God. I proceeded to tell him that he better not have done this on purpose. He said no. Of course I suspected differenly. While I contemplated having him wear it anyway, I had a better idea. Well thanks to my sometimes compulsive shopping habbits, I had another shirt just like that one only in a slightly different color. I pulled it out of the closet and on him, it went. He was astonished. This was not in his plans.
Well I was successful. The battle was won. Cool shirt or not, he wore it and that was the end of the story!
Now does he look like the type of kid that would sabotage his school clothes?
Moldy Peaches.....
For your enjoyment or perhaps some comic relief, check out the following video. I almost lost my pee over this one! I should for warn you this song is quite catchy.
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Ditto....
Today was repeat of yesterday. After church we headed to the hills once again. The only thing different was the sun was shining today! One other difference too, is that P.J. was a year older. We celebrated in style - sledding for the entire afternoon, followed by pizza and cake. He seemed to think the last picture was hillarious, as I had just got wrecked!
Well the laundry is STILL there, and I am in desperate need of the Fly Lady.
Perhaps she will make an appearance tomorrow.
Either that or I will be very busy!
In any event, it was a day well spent!
Saturday, February 23, 2008
Slip Sliding Away....
While there were certainly plenty of other things I should have been doing today, I am glad I did what I did. Sometimes you just have to leave the regular stuff aside to enjoy moments like these. We sure did have fun!
The laundry, dishes, and vacuuming will ALWAYS be there!
These kinds of days are far and few between!
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
He's a card carrying member...
of a library card that is. Today I took the boys to the library and John got his first library card. While milestones don't happen that frequently at his age, today was one for sure. He was so excited and proud to receive his library card. He printed his full name on the form and then he received his card. Afterwards he told me that he might need a wallet to carry with him now!!! I don't know who was more silly - him for needing the wallet or me for bringing my camera for the occasion! In any event I am happy to document this day. Regarding the wallet, if it makes him happy, that's fine! Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Spring.....
it's in the air. Though the cool, crispy February wind is blowing. The days are getting longer. Soon spring will be here. Until then, it's just refreshing to be outside, even if it's only for a short time!
Monday, February 18, 2008
Sunday, February 17, 2008
A winter hike...
Today couldn't have been better. We went for a hike and it was wonderful. According to Matt, it was the funnest day he has ever had. He must have forgotten that he said that Thursday when his dad took him skiing for the first time! I think he also said that yesterday when I bought him some Jelly Bellies. Well the best thing is that almost every day is the "funnest" day for Matthew! John (little) said it was awesome to all be together and he was happy that Mom came too, for a "guys" day out! Yes, I was one of the guys today!
Friday, February 15, 2008
Taking Care of Business....
I have been slacking with respect to my homework lately!!! The other day I was tagged by Lizzy to write 6 quirky things about myself! This shouldn't be too hard to do, as I could probably list 100!
Here goes...
1. I love the smell of Pinesol. I always like the way my house smells after I have used it on the kitchen floor, sinks, and toilets. Perhaps sometimes, its' just a sensory illusion but whenever I have just cleaned with it, people will say your house is so clean! Again, sometimes I think its just an attack on the senses, people! Sometimes I just have the bottle opened on the kitchen counter and they still say it. Oh well.
2. My mood has been known to be afftected by a bad hair day! Though I have made strides to rid myself of this affliction, I should work harder. Either that or just make sure I don't have bad hair days!!!
3. I love the smell of Tide Simple Pleasure Lavendar and Vanilla fabric softener so much that I will actually rewash my clothes if I forget to put it in the washer the first time! Note I only do that on delicates that don't go in the dryer. Otherwise, I will just use the fabric sheets!
4. I do not like flourescent lighting. I won't even look in a mirror in a public bathroom if the lighting is bad. Yes this is weird, I know!
5. I absolutely have to have a blanket on me if I am watching t.v. on the couch!
6. I guess I am a utensil snob! I will only use a teaspoon to eat anything that requires a spoon, ie yogurt, icecream, soup, cereal. I will not use a regular spooon! Similarly I can only eat dinner with a dinner fork, not a dessert fork!
Additionally, I was tagged by Jessica a little while back.
Here are the RULES:
Pick up the nearest book of 123 pages or more. (No cheating!)
Find Page 123.
Find the first 5 sentences.
Post the next 3 sentences.
The book is The True and Outstanding Adventures of the Hunt Sisters by Elisabeth Robinson.
"Why didn't you write back.... or call? Let's talk later. When Mom came into relieve me at six, we went to IHOP and ate plates of syrup-sogged pancakes."
If any one else wants to participate in these game, consider yourself tagged!
Here goes...
1. I love the smell of Pinesol. I always like the way my house smells after I have used it on the kitchen floor, sinks, and toilets. Perhaps sometimes, its' just a sensory illusion but whenever I have just cleaned with it, people will say your house is so clean! Again, sometimes I think its just an attack on the senses, people! Sometimes I just have the bottle opened on the kitchen counter and they still say it. Oh well.
2. My mood has been known to be afftected by a bad hair day! Though I have made strides to rid myself of this affliction, I should work harder. Either that or just make sure I don't have bad hair days!!!
3. I love the smell of Tide Simple Pleasure Lavendar and Vanilla fabric softener so much that I will actually rewash my clothes if I forget to put it in the washer the first time! Note I only do that on delicates that don't go in the dryer. Otherwise, I will just use the fabric sheets!
4. I do not like flourescent lighting. I won't even look in a mirror in a public bathroom if the lighting is bad. Yes this is weird, I know!
5. I absolutely have to have a blanket on me if I am watching t.v. on the couch!
6. I guess I am a utensil snob! I will only use a teaspoon to eat anything that requires a spoon, ie yogurt, icecream, soup, cereal. I will not use a regular spooon! Similarly I can only eat dinner with a dinner fork, not a dessert fork!
Additionally, I was tagged by Jessica a little while back.
Here are the RULES:
Pick up the nearest book of 123 pages or more. (No cheating!)
Find Page 123.
Find the first 5 sentences.
Post the next 3 sentences.
The book is The True and Outstanding Adventures of the Hunt Sisters by Elisabeth Robinson.
"Why didn't you write back.... or call? Let's talk later. When Mom came into relieve me at six, we went to IHOP and ate plates of syrup-sogged pancakes."
If any one else wants to participate in these game, consider yourself tagged!
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
I am stepping up....
onto my my soap box, that is. The is a particuliar situation with regards to John's school that utterly pricks my side. I really tried to ignore it and that's why I haven't posted about it previously but with Valentine's Day tomorrow, it has surfaced again. The issue is regarding the school's new wellness policy that came into effect last month. I wish I saved the notice outlining it, but I was trying to just forget about it so off to my recycle bin it went. We were asked to sign and return it. In summary it states that do to the ever increasing obesity epidemic (yes that was the word!), no items containing flour or sugar could be sent in for holiday celebrations at school! Can you believe we were asked to sign and return it, as well. Well like I said it was filed in the bin!!!
Additionally the principal requested that items such as cheese, vegetable trays, and fruit trays be sent into school school for school festivities. It is not as if they are celebrating daily, albeit consuming cakes, cookies, and chocolate. Couldn't these sugary treats, then be reserved for parties? Though the statistics for childhood obesity levels are alarmingly high, is this really the way to deal with it?
This policy is infuriating. Wouldn't it be more prudent to emphasize moderations and portion size to children when teaching them the food pyramid, which by the way changes with virtually every political administration (that is a post for another day!!!) I am all about healthy snack choices, and we pretty much stick to this daily, but in times of celebration does one really want to celebrate with a cube of cheese and a carrot stick? Serioulsy, give me a break! Let me be responsible for what my child eats, thank you very much!
I view this action as yet another example of government infringing on our daily lives. It's a control thing. It's going to get worse, far worse. Sooner or later we as parents will be told what we can and can not pack for lunches.
I feel this edict is actually discrimminatory. Historically, home-made confectionary items have been considered special. They are comforting. Traditionally, home-made sweets have been something you make for others and they symbolize giving. It is also something one can do when they can't go out and actually buy a present for someone. Similary, these items are part of our culture - chocolate chip cookies and apple pie! That means no more cupcakes too! Now they no longer have a place in schools, so we have been told.
In today's world too much is taken away from our childrens' childhood. For reasons out of their control, they are growing up much too quickly. I say just let them be little. If it means having some sugary foods once in a while so be it. Then let them run around and burn it all off, like we did.
I just want to shout it, LET THEM BE LITTLE!
Additionally the principal requested that items such as cheese, vegetable trays, and fruit trays be sent into school school for school festivities. It is not as if they are celebrating daily, albeit consuming cakes, cookies, and chocolate. Couldn't these sugary treats, then be reserved for parties? Though the statistics for childhood obesity levels are alarmingly high, is this really the way to deal with it?
This policy is infuriating. Wouldn't it be more prudent to emphasize moderations and portion size to children when teaching them the food pyramid, which by the way changes with virtually every political administration (that is a post for another day!!!) I am all about healthy snack choices, and we pretty much stick to this daily, but in times of celebration does one really want to celebrate with a cube of cheese and a carrot stick? Serioulsy, give me a break! Let me be responsible for what my child eats, thank you very much!
I view this action as yet another example of government infringing on our daily lives. It's a control thing. It's going to get worse, far worse. Sooner or later we as parents will be told what we can and can not pack for lunches.
I feel this edict is actually discrimminatory. Historically, home-made confectionary items have been considered special. They are comforting. Traditionally, home-made sweets have been something you make for others and they symbolize giving. It is also something one can do when they can't go out and actually buy a present for someone. Similary, these items are part of our culture - chocolate chip cookies and apple pie! That means no more cupcakes too! Now they no longer have a place in schools, so we have been told.
In today's world too much is taken away from our childrens' childhood. For reasons out of their control, they are growing up much too quickly. I say just let them be little. If it means having some sugary foods once in a while so be it. Then let them run around and burn it all off, like we did.
I just want to shout it, LET THEM BE LITTLE!
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Monday, February 11, 2008
Anything going on out there?
Oh my fury friends, you aren't missing anything out there today. As one of my fellow bloggers said a little while back.... it's colder than a well diggers ass!!! This is how Matt placed his "friends" (aka Webkinz) before he went to school today.
Have a great Monday, and I hope to have a worthwhile post one of these days soon. Until then....
Friday, February 8, 2008
The power of prayer and "blog" angels
Blogging has opened my eyes to a vast array of people. Each person with her own story. Though in our own areas, we may be be exposed to happy and sad times daily, through blogging I have learned about so much joy and heart ache that I otherwise would not know. What amazes me is how blogging has opened up lines of prayer. Through learning other peoples' stories, it solidifies the need for prayer. No longer am I just praying for my family, friends, neighbors, world leaders, etc. (and I emphasize that these are all still VERY important to me) but additionally, I am now praying for my blogging friends. It seems that daily, someone else pops up who could benefit by prayer. To some this may sound silly. For me it is real. For behind every story is a name, and behind each name is a person..... a real life person. One might think, well just prayer for the whole world. Of course, I do but there just seems to be something so much more powerful when you are really praying for someone and when that someone has a name and a story.
Having said all this, have you ever noticed that there are people who always leave such nice comments? They may not post often or even ever, but they always have something special to say in your comments. We all know people like this. I call them blog angels! A special thanks goes out to these individuals.
Now shouldn't we all feel good today knowing there is a lot of prayer spreading around and blog angels? What could be better?
Having said all this, have you ever noticed that there are people who always leave such nice comments? They may not post often or even ever, but they always have something special to say in your comments. We all know people like this. I call them blog angels! A special thanks goes out to these individuals.
Now shouldn't we all feel good today knowing there is a lot of prayer spreading around and blog angels? What could be better?
Thursday, February 7, 2008
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Back in the olden days....
While it's Wednesday, Charlie came home from school with us because Abby had dance lessons. I had just made the boys lunch when Charlie requested to eat on the floor in the family room. I vetoed his plan and told him and Matt that they had to eat their sandwhiches at the kitchen table. To Charlie's dismay he replied, "back in the olden days you use to let us eat on the floor and watch t.v." He was correct. The olden days, however, ended last week when I came to the realization that my family room rug has seen better days! I would love a new rug but I must retrain these guys that the olden days have passed. The future is here and it's time to eat at the table. I am sure they will catch me at a weak moment and those olden days will be once again... the golden days! Until then, all meals will be consumed at the kitchen table!
Monday, February 4, 2008
Taking Care of Business....
Last week, I received a couple more accolades! I am so not use to this attention, as I am quite humble. Lisa and Mary, wouldn't you agree? With that being said, I received the True Blue award from Zoe. Again, if you haven't already visited her blog, you should stumble or jog on over! She is one fantastic blogger. Without a doubt, she has a way with words!
Without further adieu, I am passing on the torch, infact it's a two for one deal tonight. Here goes girls.....
Mary - Happenings Today
Kim-D - Life After
Amy at Caffinated Cropper
Kimmy - Tales of a Blender Kimmy
Hallie - Wonderful World of Weiners
Nicole - Driving With the Brakes On
Shay - Speilmoms Family Ramblings
girlymom - The Red Door
Lizzy - Life According to Lizzy
Heidi - Viking Conquest
Additonally, I received another commendation from Jamie. It's called the Spreader of Lover Award. Though I am a newbie to Jamie's blog, it is one that I visit regulary and very much enjoy. She also has a great music selection on her music player that I just love.
Without further adieu, I am passing on the torch, infact it's a two for one deal tonight. Here goes girls.....
Mary - Happenings Today
Kim-D - Life After
Amy at Caffinated Cropper
Kimmy - Tales of a Blender Kimmy
Hallie - Wonderful World of Weiners
Nicole - Driving With the Brakes On
Shay - Speilmoms Family Ramblings
girlymom - The Red Door
Lizzy - Life According to Lizzy
Heidi - Viking Conquest
maria - mommy of four
Sunday, February 3, 2008
Saturday, February 2, 2008
We've got a winner!!!!
Last night was the father/son cake decorating contest for John's Cub Scout Pack. All the decorating had to be done by the males of the family (no help from mom!!!). John (little) came up with the theme and ideas for the design and his Dad helped him put in all into motion. It took about 3 hours to decorate yesterday afternoon. They finished just in time for the meeting.
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