So my internet is back up and running.
I confess. I felt alone and out of touch and disconnected without my internet. I'm glad it's back.
***********
After church, Matt asked me if I would turn on the heat. I am a cheapskate so I've have not turned it on yet. We have an electric fireplace and that will warm up the living room, but our bedroom (and especially our bathroom) are at least 10 degrees colder than the rest of the house. Brrrr.
So have you turned on your heat yet? Or am I the last hold out?
**************
And since this post is random and short....here is a video for you. It was taken last March when we visited Matt's parents. Maddy loved to jump down the stairs and it's hard to believe just how tiny and small she was then....and now just a few months later...here she is 4 years old, such a big girl. I just can't believe how much she has grown!
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Abortion WILL affect YOU!
Slate's Melinda Henneberger, after clearing her throat over what she considers the US Catholic bishops' overheated rhetoric regarding the Obama presidency and abortion, points out that if Obama makes good on his campaign promise to sign the Freedom of Choice Act, he could force the closing of every Catholic hospital in America. That's one-third of all hospitals. Excerpt:
If the Freedom of Choice Act passes Congress, and that's a big if, Obama has promised to sign it the second it hits his desk. (Here he is at a Planned Parenthood Action Fund event in 2007, vowing, "The first thing I'd do as president is, is sign the Freedom of Choice Act. That's the first thing I'd do.") Though it's often referred to as a mere codification of Roe, FOCA, as currently drafted, actually goes well beyond that: According to the Senate sponsor of the bill, Barbara Boxer, in a statement on her Web site, FOCA would nullify all existing laws and regulations that limit abortion in any way, up to the time of fetal viability. Laws requiring parental notification and informed consent would be tossed out. While there is strenuous debate among legal experts on the matter, many believe the act would invalidate the freedom-of-conscience laws on the books in 46 states. These are the laws that allow Catholic hospitals and health providers that receive public funds through Medicaid and Medicare to opt out of performing abortions. Without public funds, these health centers couldn't stay open; if forced to do abortions, they would sooner close their doors. Even the prospect of selling the institutions to other providers wouldn't be an option, the bishops have said, because that would constitute "material cooperation with an intrinsic evil."
The bishops are not bluffing when they say they'd turn out the lights rather than comply. Nor is Auxiliary Bishop Robert Hermann of St. Louis exaggerating, I don't think, in vowing that "any one of us would consider it a privilege to die tomorrow--to die tomorrow--to bring about the end of abortion.''
Whatever your view on the legality and morality of abortion, there is another important question to be considered here: Could we even begin to reform our already overburdened health care system without these Catholic institutions? I don't see how.
This is one campaign promise Obama had better not think twice about breaking.
If the Freedom of Choice Act passes Congress, and that's a big if, Obama has promised to sign it the second it hits his desk. (Here he is at a Planned Parenthood Action Fund event in 2007, vowing, "The first thing I'd do as president is, is sign the Freedom of Choice Act. That's the first thing I'd do.") Though it's often referred to as a mere codification of Roe, FOCA, as currently drafted, actually goes well beyond that: According to the Senate sponsor of the bill, Barbara Boxer, in a statement on her Web site, FOCA would nullify all existing laws and regulations that limit abortion in any way, up to the time of fetal viability. Laws requiring parental notification and informed consent would be tossed out. While there is strenuous debate among legal experts on the matter, many believe the act would invalidate the freedom-of-conscience laws on the books in 46 states. These are the laws that allow Catholic hospitals and health providers that receive public funds through Medicaid and Medicare to opt out of performing abortions. Without public funds, these health centers couldn't stay open; if forced to do abortions, they would sooner close their doors. Even the prospect of selling the institutions to other providers wouldn't be an option, the bishops have said, because that would constitute "material cooperation with an intrinsic evil."
The bishops are not bluffing when they say they'd turn out the lights rather than comply. Nor is Auxiliary Bishop Robert Hermann of St. Louis exaggerating, I don't think, in vowing that "any one of us would consider it a privilege to die tomorrow--to die tomorrow--to bring about the end of abortion.''
Whatever your view on the legality and morality of abortion, there is another important question to be considered here: Could we even begin to reform our already overburdened health care system without these Catholic institutions? I don't see how.
This is one campaign promise Obama had better not think twice about breaking.
Monday, November 24, 2008
Thankgiving fun
You Are The Stuffing |
 You're complicated and complex, yet all your pieces fit together. People miss you if you're gone - but they're not sure why. |
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Since I was uploading anyway.....
This is a completly random post about a bunch of stuff. I wanted to upload a picture from my cell phone and I figured I'd load some more fun stuff up too.
In no particular order.....Today we went to Olive Garden for lunch. Connor and Maddy loved the fact the cheese pizza was very very cheesy. Check them out!
Next up. A photo of Madeline playing in Lake Superior on Aug 1st. It was the morning of my baby sister Julia's wedding and we were "having an adventure". It made me miss living in the UP. I miss clear, clean water and the beauty of the north. (But I don't miss the cold!)
And here is my love with his brothers. A great group of guys......I love 'em!
Maddy likes to dress up and pretend. She spent a week as a bunny. She would even hop through the school to pick up Connor. She has gone to school as a princess, a fairy, a bunny, Little Red Riding Hood, a ghost and a secret agent.
Just for the fun of it...my love and his GTO. 'nuff said. He is hot and his car is cool. (BTW, that reminds me...you should go see Twighlight.-Sorry Janice!)
Allison and Maddy from last summer....they are good friends...actually, I think the phrase was "bestest of all friends". Of course, Maddy says that about Maya and Sophia too!
Maddy's birthday was yesterday. I'll be posting pictures, but since I was uploading some other stuff from my cell phone, here is this. She was so tired after the party that she passed out in the car when we went to get Connor from school!
And in other good news.....I won the Chipotle's Weekly drawing for 10 burritos! Janice, Trish and Christina were there to help me rejoice, so they are automatically invited to a girl's night out next week. (Dinner is on me!) If you want to come, there are 5 burritos left. Leave a comment to reserve your deliciousness!
In no particular order.....Today we went to Olive Garden for lunch. Connor and Maddy loved the fact the cheese pizza was very very cheesy. Check them out!
Next up. A photo of Madeline playing in Lake Superior on Aug 1st. It was the morning of my baby sister Julia's wedding and we were "having an adventure". It made me miss living in the UP. I miss clear, clean water and the beauty of the north. (But I don't miss the cold!)
Maddy likes to dress up and pretend. She spent a week as a bunny. She would even hop through the school to pick up Connor. She has gone to school as a princess, a fairy, a bunny, Little Red Riding Hood, a ghost and a secret agent.
Just for the fun of it...my love and his GTO. 'nuff said. He is hot and his car is cool. (BTW, that reminds me...you should go see Twighlight.-Sorry Janice!)
Allison and Maddy from last summer....they are good friends...actually, I think the phrase was "bestest of all friends". Of course, Maddy says that about Maya and Sophia too!
Maddy's birthday was yesterday. I'll be posting pictures, but since I was uploading some other stuff from my cell phone, here is this. She was so tired after the party that she passed out in the car when we went to get Connor from school!
And in other good news.....I won the Chipotle's Weekly drawing for 10 burritos! Janice, Trish and Christina were there to help me rejoice, so they are automatically invited to a girl's night out next week. (Dinner is on me!) If you want to come, there are 5 burritos left. Leave a comment to reserve your deliciousness!
Monday, November 17, 2008
Keep a Secret for me!
I can't take it anymore. I confess. I'm sneaking around.
I'm hiding a big secret from my husband.
I even made my kids swear not to tell on me.
Promise not to tell?
I'm listening to Christmas music. I know, I know, It's not Thanksgiving yet, but I've waited as long as I could. I broke down and pulled out my case of Christmas music. I had to do it.
I've tried to put it off as long as possible. I have been trying to sneak it in by listening to Handel's Messiah (my favorite Christmas music) but I finally broke out the fun stuff this morning.
It's a mixed cd. I love it.
So what sings "Christmas" to you? What song puts you firmly in the Holiday mood? For me it's The Beach Boys. Nothing says Christmas like listening to the harmonies of the Beach Boys. I remember listening to that record every year as we decorated the tree...yeah, record. I don't know if my kids even know what that is. But I listened to it on my Cabbage Patch record player.
Grr. There are a few really horrendous songs on this cd. I can't stand the adults trying to sing like a lispy kid to be "cute" AAAHHHHH! I'm off to put something else on.
So what is your favorite Christmas music?
I'm hiding a big secret from my husband.
I even made my kids swear not to tell on me.
Promise not to tell?
I'm listening to Christmas music. I know, I know, It's not Thanksgiving yet, but I've waited as long as I could. I broke down and pulled out my case of Christmas music. I had to do it.
I've tried to put it off as long as possible. I have been trying to sneak it in by listening to Handel's Messiah (my favorite Christmas music) but I finally broke out the fun stuff this morning.
It's a mixed cd. I love it.
So what sings "Christmas" to you? What song puts you firmly in the Holiday mood? For me it's The Beach Boys. Nothing says Christmas like listening to the harmonies of the Beach Boys. I remember listening to that record every year as we decorated the tree...yeah, record. I don't know if my kids even know what that is. But I listened to it on my Cabbage Patch record player.
Grr. There are a few really horrendous songs on this cd. I can't stand the adults trying to sing like a lispy kid to be "cute" AAAHHHHH! I'm off to put something else on.
So what is your favorite Christmas music?
Friday, November 14, 2008
Did you know?
Did you know that turning right on red is legal?
Did you know that if your tires are past the white line, then you are technically running a red light before you stopped?
Did you know a ticket is $75?
This public service message brought to you by Dana Stone and her (now-lighter) wallet.
Did you know that if your tires are past the white line, then you are technically running a red light before you stopped?
Did you know a ticket is $75?
This public service message brought to you by Dana Stone and her (now-lighter) wallet.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Veterans.
I read a lot of really amazing posts on Veteran's Day. It's a very important day for me. I have a lot of emotion wrapped up in what the day means and what it represents. So I wanted to write a blog about how strongly I feel about the soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines that serve or have served their country.
I ususally start off by listing who has served in my family. Me, both my parents, both my grandparents, my sister, my brothers AND their wives, my husband, his father, his grandfather, a couple cousins on both sides, an uncle or two and a few great grandfathers.....b
This is also the year when many nations lost the last remaining WWI vet. The ones I grew up thinking of as "veterans". The last of "the Greatest Generation" is leaving us. The USA only has one left now. He is 107 and may not be around next year.
But somehow in the mess of life, I spent more time getting teary eyed over other blogs....and i can't seem to put my thoughts about all of this into words. I wanted to write about the vets of today vrs vets of WWI. I thought about adding up all the years of service in my family. I wanted to write of my pride in our soldiers. But I can't get it out. It doesn't help when my daughter keeps running in the room yelling, "It's popsicle day! We should eat popsicles! Hooray!" She really is distracting.
The Sunday leading up to Veteran's Day was a tough day. At church we were discussing the bonds between a husband and wife. We talked about how to keep a marriage strong when one partner is gone (deployed). But all I could think about was my friend. It breaks my heart that she no longer has that bond here on earth. Yeah, I know that after this life we can be reunited, blah blah blah. But the fact of the matter is, he isn't coming home. He went off to serve his country. He sacrificed time with his family, knowing that he may not return. It's tough having a soldier leave. It's even harder to know that there are so many who will never come home, that they are leaving family behind. A wife who has to be strong and faithful on her own.
I don't know. Being married to a soldier is hard and it takes a strong, trusting bond to hold them together even when apart. I'm not saying this right, but it just hurts to know that someone doesn't have that.
So in addition to all the other things that I was thinking about veterans day....I was grieving for a friend. Grateful for the willingness to support our nation, but hit hard by the loss. I know the names of too many widows, too many soldiers who sacrificed for our nation.
May our country never forget them.
May they be honored and remembered.
May the widows be remembered for their service and support of thier husbands. While they may not have worn the uniform, they sacrificed for the United States as well.
I ususally start off by listing who has served in my family. Me, both my parents, both my grandparents, my sister, my brothers AND their wives, my husband, his father, his grandfather, a couple cousins on both sides, an uncle or two and a few great grandfathers.....b
This is also the year when many nations lost the last remaining WWI vet. The ones I grew up thinking of as "veterans". The last of "the Greatest Generation" is leaving us. The USA only has one left now. He is 107 and may not be around next year.
But somehow in the mess of life, I spent more time getting teary eyed over other blogs....and i can't seem to put my thoughts about all of this into words. I wanted to write about the vets of today vrs vets of WWI. I thought about adding up all the years of service in my family. I wanted to write of my pride in our soldiers. But I can't get it out. It doesn't help when my daughter keeps running in the room yelling, "It's popsicle day! We should eat popsicles! Hooray!" She really is distracting.
The Sunday leading up to Veteran's Day was a tough day. At church we were discussing the bonds between a husband and wife. We talked about how to keep a marriage strong when one partner is gone (deployed). But all I could think about was my friend. It breaks my heart that she no longer has that bond here on earth. Yeah, I know that after this life we can be reunited, blah blah blah. But the fact of the matter is, he isn't coming home. He went off to serve his country. He sacrificed time with his family, knowing that he may not return. It's tough having a soldier leave. It's even harder to know that there are so many who will never come home, that they are leaving family behind. A wife who has to be strong and faithful on her own.
I don't know. Being married to a soldier is hard and it takes a strong, trusting bond to hold them together even when apart. I'm not saying this right, but it just hurts to know that someone doesn't have that.
So in addition to all the other things that I was thinking about veterans day....I was grieving for a friend. Grateful for the willingness to support our nation, but hit hard by the loss. I know the names of too many widows, too many soldiers who sacrificed for our nation.
May our country never forget them.
May they be honored and remembered.
May the widows be remembered for their service and support of thier husbands. While they may not have worn the uniform, they sacrificed for the United States as well.
Thursday, November 6, 2008
The economy and your house...what you need to know
Are you concerned about the state of the housing market? Are you confused by what the effects are going to be? Go check this out.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
VOTE
Voting is a privilege!
Less than 90 years ago women were getting jailed for wanting to vote. Less than 140 years ago African Americans were not allowed to cast a ballot, and it wasn't until 1965 that the Voting Rights Act was passed. Curageous people fought for OUR right to vote. If you are a citizen of the US, please exercise this right today.
Announce to the world that you are part of the greatest nation in the world......and that you take an active part in the future!
VOTE!
Less than 90 years ago women were getting jailed for wanting to vote. Less than 140 years ago African Americans were not allowed to cast a ballot, and it wasn't until 1965 that the Voting Rights Act was passed. Curageous people fought for OUR right to vote. If you are a citizen of the US, please exercise this right today.
Announce to the world that you are part of the greatest nation in the world......and that you take an active part in the future!
VOTE!
Monday, November 3, 2008
Halloween
We had a wonderful time at the ward trunk or treat. Connor was one of many Harry Potters, but I think he was the cutest one! Maddy was adorable as Little Red Riding Hood. Mom made an adorable costume and Becky suprised us with a bunch of bright red bows that morning!
My favorite part of the night is when my costume came true! I wore wings and a tag that said, "Need cash? Ask me about my payment plan!" The big pliers were the best part. The kids all realized that I was the Tooth Fairy right away. I kept teasing them...promising a dollar to the first kid to let me pull a tooth...telling them to eat more candy to their teeth would rot! There were a few kids who were tempted but nobody was brave enough...until Chole ran up! She actually lost her tooth on her own a few moments before....but she played along with me and gave me her tooth. She wanted that dollar! All the other kids fell for it and thought that I really was pulling teeth!
We only went to 2 houses for trick or treating, but the first house was 100% decorated and enthusiastially manned by 6 people. The kids had fun and we managed to make it home without too much junk food!
We only went to 2 houses for trick or treating, but the first house was 100% decorated and enthusiastially manned by 6 people. The kids had fun and we managed to make it home without too much junk food!
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