Blatently

I am nothing, if not a Pro-Life mama.  I will stand up and cry foul in the face of abortion every time.  But I simply did not realize how insidious the abortion proponents are!

A Girl Scouting tradition is in my background.  My "no time for anything" mom made time to be a leader for my troop one year.  I enjoyed the projects and camps.  But have you seen who the Girl Scouts have thrown in with?  Planned Parenthood, the abortion giant.

Look at this snippet:

Several years ago. a quarter of the Girl Scout councils nationwide admitted to partnering with Planned Parenthood, the nation’s abortion giant. When questioned about the affiliation on NBC’s “Today Show,” Girl Scout CEO Kathy Cloninger had no compunction in confirming it.

The Girl Scouts have been “pro-choice” for years, but now they’ve been caught supporting promiscuous sex for girls. The Planned Parenthood sex guide offered at that “girls only” U.N. meeting offered this advice on Page 11: “Some people have sex when they have been drinking alcohol or using drugs. This is your choice. … If you want to have sex and think you might get drunk or high, plan ahead by bringing condoms and lube or putting them close to where you usually have sex.”

Heard enough? There’s a lot more at 100questionsforthegirlscouts.org.

Earlier this month, a young Girl Scout employee, Renise Rodriguez, made the mistake of stopping by the office to do extra work on her own time in a T-shirt bearing the words: “Pray to End Abortion.” A supervisor ordered her to turn the shirt inside out or leave the office. She left, for good.

So should we all.

Cross dressers?  Boys in a girls group?  "Hot S#x" brochures?

I will not EVER let my children be involved with Girl Scouts ever again.  Period.  Not to mention that the kids' troop only get 10% of the price of a box of seriously overpriced and overrated cookies.  That $3.75 you are forking out?  The kids get 37 cents.

We The People

A Decision is Made, Part 1

I went to the baby Dr almost four weeks ago and got the shock of my life.  We had never discussed financial arrangements before and I assumed it would be like other doctors: they provide service, the insurance and/or flexible spending pays out then we are responsible for the rest. 

"Oh no, no!" says this financial lady who was oh so nice until the money came into discussion.  "We require you to pay the entire $3500 fee before you are 32 weeks pregnant."  What??

Turns out that because our baby is due in late January we are responsible for the ENTIRE deductible before the insurance picks anything up.  Hubbers thought he was doing good when he picked the insurance he thought was best for the family and included a health fund.  What he did realize is that the deductible is a whopping $3000!  Before the insurance even considers picking up the remaining 80% of the fees.  As long as they are in contract.  And not on the "nuh-uh" list that seems to expand faster than I wash socks.

Also turns out that the Dr/Midwives I picked are in a college town and lots of those irresponsible breeding like rabbits couples take off without paying for their deliveries and services.  I pointed out to the lady that we have good insurance, a good health fund AND flexible spending, not to mention we have five kids already and have lived in the area for 13 years.  Our flight risk was and is negligible. 

The demon lady at the financial office told me that I would be required to pay $800 every visit until 32 weeks to pay the required amount due before they would consent to delivering my baby.  Excuse me?  Remember those 5 kids?  And that I'm a stay home mom?  Yeah.  She wasn't impressed.

I left the office completely stunned and unsure what was the right thing to do.  The financial office told me to get a loan to pay IN ADVANCE for their services.  We don't live on credit and don't incur debt.  After seeking advice from our financial advisor we concluded that these people were deluded and no doctor should expect advance payment for delivering a baby!!

I called the Dr that had delivered my last child, a natural VBAC birth, and scheduled an appointment with them.  We have a history of paying on time and in full, so no problem.  Then I set to reading.

I ran across a statement in a book.  It said something along the lines of "I made a pretend decision to have a homebirth and then lived with it for a while."  And it set me to thinking.  Why not homebirth?  Two friends of mine had recently had homebirths with a local midwife and why couldn't I?  Poor Hubbers was out of town on this momentus weekend and I deluged him with texts about this idea.  He's such a good man that he agreed to think and talk about it with me when he returned home.

All that weekend I did lots of reading on the internet and from the outdated local library stash and had already decided before Hubs made it home that I wanted a homebirth.

To Be Continued...

The Ant and the Grasshopper

Two Different Versions.....Two Different Morals

OLD VERSION


The ant works hard in the withering heat all summer long, building his house and laying up supplies for the winter.

The grasshopper thinks the ant is a fool and laughs and dances and plays the summer away..

Come winter, the ant is warm and well fed.

The grasshopper has no food or shelter, so he dies out in the cold.

MORAL OF THE STORY: Be responsible for yourself!


MODERN VERSION


The ant works hard in the withering heat and the rain all summer long, building his house and laying up supplies for the winter.

The grasshopper thinks the ant is a fool and laughs and dances and plays the summer away.

Come winter, the shivering grasshopper calls a press conference and demands to know why the ant should be allowed to be warm and well fed while he is cold and starving.

CBS, NBC, PBS, CNN,and ABC show up to provide pictures of the shivering grasshopper next to a video of the ant in his comfortable home with a table filled with food.

America is stunned by the sharp contrast..

How can this be, that in a country of such wealth, this poor grasshopper is allowed to suffer so?

Kermit the Frog appears on Oprah with the grasshopper and everybody cries when they sing, It's Not Easy Being Green.

Acorn stages a demonstration in front of the ant's house where the news stations film the group singing, We shall overcome.  Rev. Jeremiah Wright then has the group kneel down to pray to God for the grasshopper's sake.

President Obama condemns the ant and blames President Bush, President Reagan, Christopher Columbus, and the Pope for the grasshopper's plight.

Nancy Pelosi & Harry Reidex claim in an interview with Larry King that the ant has gotten rich off the back of the grasshopper, and both call for an immediate tax hike on the ant to make him pay his fair share.

Finally, the EEOC drafts the Economic Equity & Anti-Grasshopper Act retroactive to the beginning of the summer.

The ant is fined for failing to hire a proportionate number of green bugs and, having nothing left to pay his retroactive taxes, his home is confiscated by the Government Green Czar and given to the grasshopper.

The story ends as we see the grasshopper and his free-loading friends finishing up the last bits of the ant's food while the government house he is in, which, as you recall, just happens to be the ant's old house, crumbles around them because the grasshopper doesn't maintain it.

The ant has disappeared into the snow, never to be seen again.

The grasshopper is found dead in a drug related incident, and the house, now abandoned, is taken over by a gang of spiders who terrorize the ramshackle, once prosperous and once peaceful, neighborhood.

The entire Nation collapses bringing the rest of the free world with it.


MORAL OF THE STORY:Be careful how you vote in 2010.




I've sent this to you because I believe that you are an ant, not a grasshopper! Make sure that you pass this on to other ants. Don't bother sending it on to any grasshoppers because they wouldn't understand it anyway!

Is It Really Health Care When You Kill the Baby?

While I am not myself requesting you to give money to this campaign, I would like you to be aware of just how Planned Parenthood and other organizations benefit from the new "Health Care" bill.

Friends,

I have sent a letter to Planned Parenthood challenging them to tell you and every American taxpayer just how much they stand to gain from the health care bill and federal funding for abortion.

Planned Parenthood is the world's largest abortion provider, with an annual budget in excess of $1 billion - that's right, $1 billion - and posted an $85 million profit last year. Planned Parenthood also received $350 million in federal funding in 2007.

The number of federal government "bailouts" of private businesses over the past year is bad enough - but forcing American citizens to finance the abortion industry under the guise of "health care" cannot be accepted. The taking of human life is not health care. That's why Americans United for Life is fighting back against abortion lobbyists in the U.S. Senate. Will you join our fight today?

You can help prevent the tragedy of a dramatic increase of abortions in America -- funded by your tax dollars!

Every year, well over 1,000,000 children lose their lives through abortion in America. For decades, existing federal law has prohibited the use of taxpayer funds from paying for abortions. But now a radical change would take place if the Democrat's health care bill becomes law, our government would force pro-life taxpayers to pay for abortions.

Senate Democrats are perilously close to passing a health care bill that does not include language prohibiting federal funding of abortion; in fact, it explicitly includes federal funding for abortions and for insurance plans that include abortion coverage. If this version of the bill passes, there's virtually no way the final version will protect life when it is signed into law by President Obama.

We worked with pro-life Senators to have a mirror version of the Stupak-Pitts Amendment included in the Senate bill. But pro-abortion Senators like Barbara Boxer, Claire McCaskill, and others who have publicly stated the bill will not pass with any pro-life language prevailed and killed the pro-life amendment that would have maintained existing law preventing taxpayer funds from being used for abortion.

The abortion industry does not need a government bailout! I cannot think of a greater, more important fight than to keep taxpayer funds away from the abortion industry. I can't even imagine how many more children will be killed each year if we allow our tax-dollars to be used to end innocent lives.

We must continue this fight and get this message out to as many people as possible. Please follow this link immediately to give as generously as you can, then forward this message to friends, family, colleagues - everyone you know.

We are not powerless in this fight. We can choose to have our dollars used to protect life, not end it. So I hope I can count on your support today.

Hazardous to Your Health - Fascist

http://www.snopes.com/politics/soapbox/janda.asp

This is a good link to go to checkout the original Health care proposal being debated in the House. I checked the link and the bill is 1018 pages long. I can’t believe that Obama wants it passed so quickly. It’s big bill and people need time to review and check the impact/cost of implementation of its provisions.

__________________________________________________

THE ONE WORD TO DESCRIBE OBAMACARE

Written by Dr. Dave Janda
Thursday, 23 July 2009

As a physician who has authored books on preventative health care, I was given the opportunity to be the keynote speaker at a Congressional Dinner at The Capitol Building in Washington last Friday (7/17).

The presentation was entitled Health Care Reform, The Power & Profit of Prevention, and I was gratified that it was well received.

In preparation for the presentation, I read the latest version of "reform" as authored by The Obama Administration and supported by Speaker Pelosi and Senator Reid. Here is the link to the 1,018 page document:
http://edlabor.house.gov/documents/111/pdf/publications/AAHCA-BillText-071409.pdf


Let me summarize just a few salient points of the above plan. First, however, it should be clear that the same warning notice must be placed on The ObamaCare Plan as on a pack of cigarettes: Consuming this product will be hazardous to your health.

The underlying method of cutting costs throughout the plan is based on rationing and denying care. There is no focus on preventing health care need whatever. The plan's method is the most inhumane and unethical approach to cutting costs I can imagine as a physician.

The rationing of care is implemented through The National Health Care Board, according to the plan. This illustrious Board "will approve or reject treatment for patients based on the cost per treatment divided by the number of years the patient will benefit from the treatment.."

Translation.....if you are over 65 or have been recently diagnosed as having an advanced form of cardiac disease or aggressive cancer.....dream on if you think you will get treated.....pick out your coffin.

Oh, you say this could never happen? Sorry.... this is the same model they use in Britain.

The plan mandates that there will be little or no advanced treatments to be available in the future. It creates The Federal Coordinating Council For Comparative Effectiveness Research, the purpose of which is "to slow the development of new medications and technologies in order to reduce costs." Yes, this is to be the law.

The plan also outlines that doctors and hospitals will be overseen and reviewed by The National Coordinator For Health Information and Technology.

This "coordinator" will "monitor treatments being delivered to make sure doctors and hospitals are strictly following government guidelines that are deemed appropriate." It goes on to say....."Doctors and hospitals not adhering to guidelines will face penalties."

According to those in Congress, penalties could include large six figure financial fines and possible imprisonment.

So according to The ObamaCare Plan....if your doctor saves your life you might have to go to the prison to see your doctor for follow-up appointments. I believe this is the same model Stalin used in the former Soviet Union.

Section 102 has the Orwellian title, "Protecting the Choice to Keep Current Coverage." What this section really mandates is that it is illegal to keep your private insurance if your status changes - e.g., if you lose or change your job, retire from your job and become a senior, graduate from college and get your first job. Yes, illegal.

When Mr. Obama hosted a conference call with bloggers urging them to pressure Congress to pass his health plan as soon as possible, a blogger from Maine referenced an Investors Business Daily article that claimed Section 102 of the House health legislation would outlaw private insurance.

He asked: "Is this true? Will people be able to keep their insurance and will insurers be able to write new policies even though H.R. 3200 is passed?" Mr. Obama replied: "You know, I have to say that I am not familiar with the provision you are talking about."

Then there is Section 1233 of The ObamaCare Plan, devoted to "Advanced Care Planning." After each American turns 65 years of age they have to go to a mandated counseling program that is designed to end life sooner.

This session is to occur every 5 years unless the person has developed a chronic illness then it must be done every year. The topics in this session will include, "how to decline hydration, nutrition and how to initiate hospice care." It is no wonder The Obama Administration does not like my emphasis on Prevention. For Mr. Obama, prevention is the "enemy" as people would live longer.

I rest my case. The ObamaCare Plan is hazardous to the health of every American!

After I finished my Capitol Hill presentation, I was asked by a Congressman in the question-answer session: "I'll be doing a number of network interviews on the Obama Health Care Plan. If I am asked what is the one word to describe the plan what should I answer."

The answer is simple, honest, direct, analytical, sad but truthful. I told him that one word is FASCIST.

Then I added, "I hope you'll have the courage to use that word, Congressman. No other word is more appropriate."

Dr. Dave Janda, MD, is an orthopedic surgeon, and a world-recognized expert on the prevention of sports injuries, particularly in children.

Breastfeeding and Swine Flue

The CDC has issued guidelines for pregnant/breastfeeding mothers regarding swine flu. I have cut and pasted the breastfeeding portion below.

Most of the document is regarding pregnant women. To read the full document, please visit http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/clinician_pregnant.htm

Breastfeeding considerations

Infants who are not breastfeeding are particularly vulnerable to infection and hospitalization for severe respiratory illness. Women who deliver should be encouraged to initiate breastfeeding early and feed frequently. Ideally, babies should receive most of their nutrition from breast milk. Eliminate unnecessary formula supplementation, so the infant can receive as much maternal antibodies as possible.

If a woman is ill, she should continue breastfeeding and increase feeding frequency. If maternal illness prevents safe feeding at the breast, but she can still pump, encourage her to do so. The risk for swine influenza transmission through breast milk is unknown. However, reports of viremia with seasonal influenza infection are rare.

Expressed milk should be used for infants too ill to feed at the breast. In certain situations, infants may be able to use donor human milk from a HMBANA-certified milk bank External Web Site Policy.

Antiviral medication treatment or prophylaxis is not a contraindication for breastfeeding.

Instruct parent and caretakers on how to protect their infant from the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like H1N1 (swine flu):

* Wash adults’ and infants’ hands frequently with soap and water, especially after infants place their hands in their mouths.
* Keep infants and mothers as close together as possible and encourage early and frequent skin-to-skin contact between mothers and their infants.
* Limit sharing of toys and other items that have been in infants' mouths. Wash thoroughly with soap and water any items that have been in infants' mouths.
* Keep pacifiers (including the pacifier ring/handle) and other items out of adults' or other infants' mouths prior to giving to the infant.
* Practice cough and sneeze etiquette.

It's No Fun

BB has thrush. And since he has thrush, so do I. We're the sharing type and breastfeeding sure does share the thrush along!

Thrush is an overgrowth of yeast in the baby's mouth and can be painful. BB doesn't seem to be in pain, but the thrush on my most sensitive areas is a bit itchy and bright red. NOT fun, to say the least.

We did the expected thing: called the doctor. As expected he called in a prescription for Nystatin to "swish and swallow" and for me to apply to the areas used for breastfeeding. He had blisters on his lips at 7 days from the thrush such that I took him in to see the doctor. I was told to continue using the solution on both of us for another week and then for two to three days after that.

It's been 10 days and the poor thing is STILL not better. I'm taking things into the realm of natural medicine. I purchased some pure grapefruit seed extract to make a spray solution for use on baby and myself. I found (through a great friend - thanks Anne!) a website about this natural treatment and wanted to share it here. I will also have to go on a yeast free diet - which will be good for my waistline but I'm so not "into" doing.

I sincerely hope you never EVER have to deal with thrush. And if you do, God speed your healing..

Breastfeeding 1-2-3 ~ Thrush - Bliss Tree
Identifying and Treating Thrush (with GSE) - Dr. Jay Gordon
Thrush Resources - Kelly Mom

CPSIA and Home Businesses

I know that many of us like to make and give or sell handmade children's items. In case you aren't aware, the CPSIA has recently mandated required lead testing on every product intended for use by children under 12. That means that I, as someone who sells on etsy and elsewhere, will be required to test my products for lead before distributing them. Prohibitive costs aside, that's just not right.

If you would like to know more about this and how to have a poorly written law removed/revised, please visit some of the sites I list below.

On Obama's site:
Repeal CPSIA
Exempt Home Businesses
Save Cottage Industries

A blog entry I found: The Common Room

The CPSIA site summary.

This law is to take effect and be RETROACTIVE on 10th February. Please consider contacting your state reps and the president elect. This is a poorly written, overly broad law that will hinder, not help.

sara

Mortality and Pets

We have two cats. Big, fat, beautiful Joon and smaller, fluffy beautiful Benny. They have been with our family for 7+ years. They are so integral to us that none of us can imagine a house without them.

Yesterday I came upon 12 yr old Joonie drooling and in pain. He's got bad teeth - a fact we've known for a while. He was in the middle of losing one that morning and "talking" to me looking for relief. I didn't quite know what to do for him so I called the vet and dropped him off for an evaluation.

Turns out that Joon has such bad teeth that they must all be extracted. The hitch is this: $350 - 700 to proceed. Where would we come up with such money? Yes, they would space out payments for me, but that's $700 I can't use to feed or cloth my kids, to build my home business, to improve or repair our home/car/life.

In the end, we made the decision to put him to sleep. I would take the kids to say goodbye in the morning. That was today, Friday. We arrived en mass and they brought our baby out to us. We loved on him, took pictures, cried. Then I stepped into the hall to speak with the nurse.

I just couldn't do it. I couldn't let go of this little life that has so much love for us and us for him. I brought him home.

He still hurts, I'm sure. The vet described him as an old, sick cat. He told me what I need to watch for and that I will know when it's time to let go. The girls, especially Curly Girl, are relieved. Joon has spent much of the day on my lap, purring and rubbing his sore face on my arm.

I told the kids that it's only a short matter of time before he needs to be put out of pain. So we'll love him while we can and make his life as easy as possible.

And still I wonder - did I do the right thing?

CPSIA Law Overly Broad

I didn't vote for Obama, but if he will make these changes, I will feel better about his presidency. I think.

Regardless of what my politics are, please write your congressional reps and the president about the upcoming CPSIA law. Here's a snippet from the summary:

"Anyone who produces or sells any of the following new or used items will be required to comply with the law: toys, books, clothing, art, educational supplies, materials for the learning disabled, bicycles, and more.

Any uncertified item intended for children under the age of 12 will be considered contraband after February 10, 2009. It will be illegal to sell or give these items away to charities, and the government will require their destruction or permanent disposal, resulting in millions of tons of unnecessary waste, and placing an enormous strain on our landfills."

Not to mention the pocketbook.

I'm all for the safety of children's goods and toys. But an overly broad law does nothing but stifle the rights of the people to give, share, donate, make.

Oh No You DIDN'T Just Say That to ME?!

My van refused to start this past Wednesday afternoon so I had it towed over to the gouge me, I mean fix it shop. It left in good condition, towed from the front bumper no problems. I picked the car up Friday morning and it has received numerous dents in the lift back and gouges in the bumper!

I called the shop and asked, the correct way if you notice, if they knew what may have happened. Oh no, they don't know what happened! Actual quote: "When people get their cars back from the shop they notice all sorts of things that were already there." (snort of derision)

'Scuse me? Are you saying I'm so dumb that I didn't notice the dents and gouges, nor did my husband, before it was brought in to you to fix the starter?

Anyway, it's dented up now and not too pretty. No paint missing, but dented noticeably, none the less. My only theory is that someone hit it while it was sitting in the shop parking lot overnight. I just don't know what else it could be!

The irony is that I love the back of my van - it's got a Choose Life magnet on it, as well as some fishies that Hubbers made to signify our family - 2 big ones and 4 small ones. A ghost image of one, for Michael, and I'm still waiting for him to make the one for DJ. The point of me telling you that is to say I absolutely KNOW that there was no damage there when it left my house.

Oh well. It's just a vehicle to transport me. It's not made to stay perfect I guess.

My favorite quote today:

Live your life in such a way that when your feet hit the floor in the morning,
Satan shudders and says... "Oh sh*t.... she's awake!!!"

Edwina Froehlich

Dear Friends,

It is with the deepest sadness that we share with you that Edwina Froehlich, co-Founder of La Leche League International, passed away on June 8, 2008 at Northwest Community Hospital in Arlington Heights, Illinois, USA, after suffering a stroke on May 25. Edwina is survived by her three sons, three daughters-in-law and nine grandchildren as well as her many friends and the organization she helped found.

Funeral and memorial arrangements are pending. Please visit www.llli.org/edwina.html for more information and to leave a message at the online memorial to Edwina.

Sincerely,

Jane Tuttle, Chairman of the Board
Barbara Emanuel, Executive Director

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Letter from Edwina's Family:

From Pete Froehlich on Sunday, June 8, 2008

Friends,

Edwina passed peacefully at 5 am this morning at Northwest Community hospital in Arlington Heights. Edwina has donated her body to the Anatomical Gift Society, to be studied at the University of Illinois medical center. Her body is not available for us to wake, however, the family plans on having a celebration of her life at a venue in the northwest suburbs, at a time and place still to be determined. If any one has pictures or videos of Edwina you would be willing to supply for her celebration, please communicate to me.

Thank you for the emails, hospital visits, flowers, cards and messages. Your support was wonderful! Edwina's spirit continues to live on in her three sons, three daughter-in-laws, and nine grandchildren. We will communicate the arrangements for her CELEBRATION as soon as they are determined, and Edwina's family sincerely hopes you are able to attend.


Pete Froehlich

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord, and may perpetual light shine upon her. May she rest in peace.

Harsh, but Necessary

Today CurlyGirl had a friend over to play. Before the rain started, they went outside to play along with RooBoo. J, the friend, comes back in after a bit and tells me that Rascal, the dog, has jumped on her white shirt and left muddy foot prints!

I was astounded, since Rascal lives up the street and around the corner and the kids were firmly told to stay in the yard! Turns out that CurlyGirl made the decision to walk up and around the corner, truly not very far but out of sight, with J and RooBoo to pet the neighborhood dogs. It's relieving that TheBoy didn't tag along after them outside that time. My heart is already pounding with worry for what might have happened to the girls!

It was a good thing it was almost time for J to go home as I told CurlyGirl that she was grounded for at least a week and we'd talk with her father. The house was quite tense after that. I think that J was afraid to talk!

After a bit of private consultation, it was decided that CurlyGirl would lose her favorite computer game (Howrse), friend/play dates, and parties for the next month. I feel so bad to do this to her, but she simply must be punished in a way that is memorable. Roo was also punished but since she was the follower, she only got a week.

As Curly went off to bed, she trailed the obligatory "It's Not Fair!" down the hall. I guess the point we tried to make of getting seriously hurt, stolen, and never coming home again (her, sister, or J) didn't hit home for her.

Hubbers suggested we get a copy of the 1983 TV movie Adam, about the murder of Adam Walsh to share with her. Netflix doesn't carry it. eBay didn't have it. I don't know where else to look, but I will be showing her that Wikipedia page about his loss and the terrible pain for his family.

The New Girl was having an Ask the Internets parenting post the other day so I'll post my invitation to your responses here. Too harsh? Too easy?

I'll say this: It's a very good thing that God gives each of us 2 parents. One of us (the mom, me) is the wimp, the other is the enforcer. That old saying "Wait till your father comes home!!" is just too true.

Talk About Arrogant!

Hillary Clinton - even just her name makes my blog dirty! It's no secret that I'm a Republican and don't think much of Bill and Hill.

Imagine my LACK of surprise to read these following quotes that personify arrogance from the Hill herself:

"I'm having a great time being the Pres..., I mean Senator from New York."

New York has it's own presidency? When did this happen?

"I'm not going to have some reporters pawing through our papers. We are the president."
-- commenting on the release of subpoenaed documents

We are?

All righty, then. Arrogance documented. Again.

These quotes are well documented and actually spoken by Hillary. Do a Google search if you'd like and find out more. I saw these in my local newspaper.

The Verdict: Jury Duty Scams

This has been verified by the FBI (their link is also included below). It is spreading fast so be prepared should you get this call. Most of us take those summonses for jury duty seriously, but enough people skip out on their civic duty, that a new and ominous kind of fraud has surfaced.

The caller claims to be a jury coordinator. If you protest that you never received a summons for jury duty, the scammer asks you for your Social Security number and date of birth so he or she can verify the information and cancel the arrest warrant. Give out any of this information and bingo; your identity was just stolen.

In recent months, communities in Florida, New York, Minnesota, Illinois, Colorado, Oregon, California, Virginia, Oklahoma, Arizona, and New Hampshire reported scams or posted warnings or press releases on their local websites. In August, the federal court system issued a warning on the scam and urged people to call their local District Court office if they receive suspicious calls. In September, the FBI issued a press release about jury scams and suggested victims also contact their local FBI field office.

This swindle is particularly insidious because they use intimidation over the phone to try to bully people into giving information by pretending they are with the court system. Federal courts do not require anyone provide sensitive information over the phone. Most federal court contact with private citizens is done by mail.

Check it out here: http://www.fbi.gov/page2/june06/jury_scams060206.htm
And here: http://www.snopes.com/crime/fraud/juryduty.asp

Bye, Grampa!

Yup, Grampa on the farm went home today after a 6 day visit. I'm missing him something AWFUL, as are the kids. CurlyGirl had an especially wonderful visit with him and feels his leaving very much.

The kids did so much stuff with him! Dad, you ARE a fireball. Made homemade books, cooked with Grampa each day (and thought it great), cleaned (and thought it FUN!), walked the neighborhood, went shopping. looked for Christmas lights in the neighborhood, hung out, sung Christmas carols, practiced sign language, and bought a Christmas tree yesterday.

When I tried to get one to cook with me tonight, I was turned down flat. Rats. Little Man came to help me after a sister was rude to him, but his help consisted of eating the cheese for the turkey quesadillas, after stacking it neatly in a pile.

I know he must have missed his wife, Gramma on the farm, and is glad to get back home, but I sure wish they lived closer. See, we live in SE Idaho and they live in SE Iowa. It's a 2 day drive straight through. Thankfully, we had some frequent flier miles and were able to buy a ticket for $10 for Grampa's visit.

We did get to talk a bit about having the big girls visit over the summer sometime, but we're not sure how to do that yet. The good news is Grampa and Gramma are thinking of coming out again this summer.

We can't wait.

The Church of the Holy Innocents - Shrine of the Unborn

he Shrine is dedicated in Memory of the Children Who Have Died Unborn.

Often children who have died before birth have no grave or headstone, and sometimes not even a name. At The Church of The Holy Innocents, we invite you to name your child(ren) and to have the opportunity to have your baby's name inscribed in our "BOOK OF LIFE".

Here, a candle is always lit in their memory. All day long people stop to pray. On the first Monday of every month, our 12:15pm Mass is celebrated in honor of these children and for the comfort of their families.

We pray that you will find peace in knowing that your child(ren) will be remembered at the Shrine and honored by all who pray here.

The shrine also offers Certificates of Life.

The Church of the Holy Innocents

Thank you

The outpouring of love and hope, prayers and well-wishes is so helpful, buoyant. I cannot thank all of you enough for your support during this hard time.

I feel so much more at peace today and I suspect that it may continue this way for a while. A holding pattern, to be sure, but better than before.

Again, thank you is not enough to express my gratitude. You are all such a blessing to me.

Hurting, Sorrow... Healing

It hurts so very, very much, this loss of someone I didn't even know yet. My body is still sharing his space, but he's very much gone. Today is better than the shock of yesterday. I feel more at peace but know there is a long road ahead.

I have post-partum depression quite badly after the birth of my children, starting with #3. I take meds that are so helpful and receive therapy when it's very bad.

When I was so sick after #3 (RooBoo) was born, I was advised to check into the hospital or go be cared for by someone capable. I chose to spend the two weeks it took for my meds to kick in staying with my mother-in-law. She cared for me and all my children while I recovered. After the birth of TheBoy (#4), she came and spent a week with me, helping me settle into my own house.

So now, when the hurting is so bad, when the anxiety is ramping up, when I can't bear to be away from home without nearly going out of my skin, my blessed mother-in-law will have us stay again. She will love and care for me as if I were her own child and not the stranger who married her last son.

We had planned to visit next week already. The kids enjoy spending a week with Gramma and Grampa attending vacation bible school each summer. But this time, we're all staying.

Hubbers. He is hurting, too. I feel such sorrow at his pain, wishing I could ease it. He is here for me, just to hold me, whenever I need. We've spent much of the past two days telling each other of our love, and how it will be okay. He needs to spend some time at Gramma's house, too, soaking up her loving reassurance.

I had prepared a number of posts for the week we were to be gone, and will post them daily. They're my normal, hopeful self.

Hubbers and I will heal, in time. There may even be another baby somewhere waiting for us. Whatever comes, our little one will be looking down from heaven, awaiting OUR arrival.