Goodbye 2009!

I am sitting here thinking back on the past year like we all do on December 31 and I am excited for what the future holds. I am not the type of person who dwells on the past. As long as I can learn from it and move on then I figure my life will be better for it. The future always has more promise than the past. Does that also make me an optimist? Hope so!

2009 was a negative year but it was also a blessed year. My husband was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma and I spent much of the year as the primary caregiver and parent for our family. It was tough, but it was also a blessing. I got to spend many priceless hours with my family that I, otherwise, probably would not have under normal circumstances. It was a time in our lives that the Lord pulled us away and tucked us under His comforting arms and held us close. I am grateful.

I also wonder if I will be able to go back to working a 'normal' job after I have been spoiled by my time with my family for so long. I have been looking, but nothing is happening. I am praying about creative ways, conventional ways and a combination of both ways to earn a living. We really need the extra income and my options are wide open. As you read this please say a quick prayer that I will see the path that the Lord wants me to take. I am simply a vessel for His purposes and upon Him my faith will be.

2010 brings hope. It brings the hope that I will find my path and purpose.

Be blessed and be safe.

Christmas Eve 2009

Sitting here with the family watching corny Christmas specials and these memories are priceless. We have managed to bake something almost everyday this week, including our very first gingerbread house! I have made some fabulous memories with my daughters this year and my heart is big. We also got to go to the mall yesterday as a family to finish up our Christmas shopping. That was a major feat for my husband since this time last year it was a chore for him to even move from room to room with his broken back.

Every day that comes makes us realize how precious life is and we appreciate it more every day! I wish you and your family the best life has to offer and many blessing for the new year. May God bless you all.

Potato Soup

I wasn't feeling great today and the only thing that sounded good for dinner was a warm bowl of potato soup. So I thought I would share my recipe with you. This recipe will easily feed a family of 4.

1/2 lb bacon - cut up into small pieces
1 med. onion - sliced or chunked
1 clove garlic
5-6 med potatoes cut into small pieces
1 14oz can evaporated milk or half n half
4 c water
parsley flakes
seasoned salt
pepper

Brown bacon bits and then add onion and garlic. Cook until onions start to soften. Add rest of the ingredients and simmer until potatoes are soft. Season to taste and mash some of the potatoes to thicken. You can add more milk/water according to your preferences but this gives you a good base. Enjoy.

7 more days 'til Christmas

I must apologize for my absence lately. I have no excuses, just lack of motivation.

The insurance thing isn't working out so much. Its not that it isn't worth doing, it is just a saturated market and I am really not a salesman. I have been looking for full time work with little results in this economy. Its not that I am not qualified - there just isn't a lot of open positions near me but I will keep looking and praying.

I have done a lot of baking while home and I am really enjoying it. I would advertise and sell my goodies but I cannot get a license for that because of my indoor pet. It is mainly for friends and family right now. My artistic side is trying to come out and I have plenty of ideas - I guess I just need a way to sell my wares.

Christmas is in 7 days and I am not even close to being ready. I am ready for the family and time together, but I have not finished with half of the things I wanted to get done. Its not about gifts, but activities to make memories for our family.

Christmas last year was such a bummer and I just want this one to be way better all the way around. Last year, my husband was in bed with a broken back and had just been diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma. As a matter of fact, he was officially diagnosed on December 18, 2008 exactly one year from today. Since then he has nursed a bad back, had a stem cell transplant and retired from being a policeman.

It has been a busy year, but not a great one. We are ALL looking to making 2010 much better and I hope your coming year brings you much greatness and love.

Limited Income

Ok....I am really having issues with all the hype about Social Security not getting a cost of living increase this year. On one hand, an extra couple of dollars each week is not going to give anyone a more comfortable budget. Even a 2% raise totaling an average of $20 each month is not going to move anyone into another tax bracket. On the other hand, the $250 lump sum payment that is being proposed for certain groups of individuals is $10 more per year than that 2% raise everyone is complaining about not getting.

Most individuals will blow $5 each week on things they do NOT need even when they live on the tightest of budgets. That payment of $250 in a lump sum could help someone repair an appliance or a car.

I fully understand the impact of a cost of living increase. My husband's military retirement increases happen every year. And every year we laugh at those extra pennies - not that we don't want them, they just seem so insignificant. Yet, over the years they really have added up.

I feel for those living under the thumb of Social Security but I also feel for the thousands of individuals who have lost their jobs and homes. I for one am extremely grateful for all that I have.

One must sit back and question the vast intelligence of our government when they passed the "Cash for Clunkers" program. Did they actually stop and think about who might pay for it in the long run? What about all these other "helpful" programs our government leaders are rushing to pass. If we had not had "Cash for Clunkers", we might be able to give Social Security the cash flow it needs.....HMMMMM. Just thinkin' out loud.

Hope

Everyone needs hope. If you look forward to any part of the future then you have hope. Hope is what gets us out of bed in the morning and keeps us moving. Hope comes from heaven above and is a free gift if you have Jesus in your heart. Hope does not come from man or his inner strength - it is an attribute of God and His life within us. I pray for those who do not feel that they have hope and I ask that anyone reading this do the same. Many of those who suffer from depression cannot see the hope in their future and are overwhelmed by the situations in the present. God's grace is sufficient for all your needs and He loves each and every one of us without ever having to earn that love. He gives it freely.

As I begin my new career in sales (insurance), I find that hope is what keeps me going everyday. Hope is what keeps me strong because I know that no matter how bad any day or situation can be, it will not stay that way. I can have an awful day and at the end simply say, "I can't wait to see what God has in store for me tomorrow!"

This past year has been a rough one but with God's grace and strength we can all still smile and know we are loved by Him and each other. Please remember that no matter how bad a situation may seem now, tomorrow holds much promise for greatness.

I love you all and pray for you all that God's plan and love are fulfilled in you.

Faith is simple - BELIEVE!

I am getting there!

I have figured out that when you have a child with a strong personality that its a constant battle to remain in control. It doesn't have to be a battle, it just needs to be a constant work in progress. My youngest is very independent, strong and out to prove she can do it all. (I have NOOOO earthly idea where she gets that from!) There was a time when she spent a lot of time with friends this summer and it did affect her attitude. When forced to spend more time with family, she is reluctant at first but quickly returns to the goofy girl we all know. As a parent I can see how the outside influences affected her and know better where that fine line is concerning time with friends. Our neighborhood is an open place where kids play freely and with all the "stuff" we have been through this summer we allowed her to play when she wanted as long as chores were done. In retrospect we see that it may have been just a bit too much time away from family influences. This is a lesson for us as parents and we are very happy to have it earlier in her teen years than later!

I am working on finding another cool recipe to post, I just have not been real creative in the kitchen lately. I did get a bread machine and have been playing with that....its kinda cheating but it sure makes the house smell good. I may never have to buy another candle with that thing cranking out its warm goodness!

Life with TEENS

Life with teens.......its amazing that any of us ever lived past it! Our youngest has been pushing limits and has just pushed too far. She is now feeling the effects of being pushed back and isn't liking it much. She had been warned and is now regretting her decision to be rebellious. I think she was more hurt that she made dad that mad and disappointed. That is a good thing but it really is a stinky way to spend Labor Day weekend! I was very proud of both of us - we didn't even raise our voices when we laid down the law. We had company and also had to deal with this.....oh well, cie la vie.

My hubby has been cleared to do pretty much whatever he wants as long as there aren't a bunch of people around. He went to the driving range at the golf course last week and did pretty well. The golf course gave him a free round of golf for his birthday so we are going tomorrow to chase the little white ball. His doctor is very happy with his decision to start swimming and golfing again. He also said there will be no need for physical therapy at this point but he will also always have to deal with the occasional stress fracture due to his weak bones. That is just one of the things you deal with when you have multiple myeloma.

I passed my state insurance exams and am just waiting for sales school to start later in the month. So for right now, I am in limbo and just dealing with life. I do have my hands full even with the lull in the new career but am also excited to get it started.

My thumbs are better!

Ok.....I read a funny blurb today about Megan Fox's thumbs! The girl is definitely blessed in the looks department but her thumbs are not as cute as mine! She has a genetic anomaly that makes her thumbs short and wide....and so do I!

It is actually a rare medical condition called brachydactyly. That's just a fancy word for "shortness of fingers and toes" and it is genetically passed as a dominant trait. This trait was once a dominant trait in European royalty and was considered a test of the purity of the bloodline. If you have one or more shortened fingers or toes you are truly special!

So......here is a picture of my thumbs and you can click on the link below to see Megan's. You be the judge on who has the cutest "fat" thumbs!

Megan's Thumbs or MY THUMBS

New Fiscal or Physical Year?

Today is my hubby's 56th birthday and he has deserved a celebration. As he so eloquently puts it, "55 was hell and I can't wait to get it over with!" So we have decided that his birthday should be the start of a new year for our family. He is still recovering from his stem cell transplant and doing very well (day +66). This morning he is joining a friend for a swim at the new recreation center we have nearby. I hope he has a good time with some 'new' physical activity. His back still bothers him but he is gaining more and more mobility.

We don't have any specific plans other than we all took him out for the all-you-can-eat shrimp special at Red Lobster on Saturday. We are starting to plan a getaway weekend sometime this fall to celebrate both our birthdays together. Still looking at destination ideas....more to come later.

The girls are getting used to being back in school. The hardest part is getting up at 5 am with my oldest to make sure she is getting around. She does pretty well but that is still VERY early for a teenager to catch the bus before 6am. I am starting to enjoy the quiet time in the mornings again and I am getting a lot done, including studying for my insurance exams tomorrow.

This week should be a lot cooler too so yard work is in my plans....the heat has kept me from doing some much needed weeding! We have so many trees that need to be removed and some bushes that need to be planted....It is going to be a busy fall. Fall is my favorite time of year and our new beginning offers a new start, a new career, and lots of hope.

"Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us. -Romans 5:1-5

Bodie Island Lighthouse, North Carolina - October 2008

BAD cell phone policy

School is in session and all seems to be going well. I still have issues with the cell phone policy at the middle school but all I can do is voice my opinion. Last year they started the school year with an out-of-sight and out-of-mind attitude towards cell phones. That lasted about 1/2 the year and some kids were doing some less than desirable things with their phones. You are gonna have that no matter where you are or what age. The school changed their policy mid-year and banned ALL cell phones on school grounds during school hours. The students are not even allowed to have them in their lockers/backpacks turned off. If they are caught in possession of one they will be written up.

I agree that cell phones have no place in school, especially for middle school kids. But I will have to say that for students with after school activities they are a useful tool. I disagree with the ruling that a student cannot even possess a cell phone even if it is turned off. If a student is searched, PROPERLY, and a cell phone is found and is ON, then write them up. But if the student is complying and keeping the device off, please don't punish them.

We experienced this last year. Our youngest daughter had an old cell phone she was using because her other one died. Well this phone died too and was still in her backpack. It was not even a functioning cell phone at the time a search was performed of her backpack. The teacher soon learned that it didn't even turn on and when they found out it was not functioning that teacher proceeded to throw it away right there in the classroom. That should never have happened! Our daughter was written up for having the phone in her possession. It didn't bother me as much then as it does now since I have had a chance to think on it.

I believe the policy should allow for devices as long as they are out-of-sight and OFF. If a student is caught during school hours with a device ON, then punishment should be in order. This is an age where kids are starting to find their identities and earn trust from their superiors. How can they earn a little bit of trust if they are never given a chance. I don't believe that the school is doing any favors by treating these kids like they are guilty before they ever have a chance of going anything wrong. Maybe punishment for offenders, especially when doing something undesirable, needs to be more harsh but let them have the chance to prove themselves....It has worked for the high school and they are managing 2300 students!

School Starts 2009

It's official...the kiddos started school today. They were understandably excited, anxious and even a little scared. My freshman is starting a school with nearly 2300 students - the largest she has even seen. She told me that her school was larger than the mall and that was just wrong! My 8th grader is headed back to rule the school and was excited about seeing all her friends. I am just happy to have my house back during the day! They have been driving each other crazy all summer and it will be interesting to see how they react to each other now that they head in opposite directions every day.

I have one more night of insurance class and then time to study before I schedule my state exams. I am preparing to enter the mighty world of insurance and am excited for this change as well. This is a whole new thing for all of us but I know I can do it and am ready for a career. This will also allow me to set my own schedule so I am not a slave to a cubicle and I can be available for the kid's activities.

My husband is preparing for a little more alone time but since the Dr. said he can get out more I am also expecting him to get a life again. We have several neighbors that are home during the day and they always have a "project" going on and some trips to the community center and pool could be good for him too.

We are hoping to get back out to the coast again soon. Maybe a trip down to Wilmington since I have not been there yet. This photo was taken in New Bern, NC spring break this year when we stopped for lunch downtown. We were only traveling thru but hope to be back next summer for their 300th anniversary. There was a lot of construction going on to prepare but it is one very cool town....its also the birthplace of Pepsi Cola. Check out the official website for the celebration.
http://www.newbern300th.com/

Football season is here!

OK...I love football but since moving to NC I have had a little difficulty enjoying it so much. It isn't easy when your favorite teams are on the opposite coast. I like the Carolina Panthers and all but I have been a fan of the Seattle Seahawks since I was a little girl. My other favorite team is whoever is scheduled to play Dallas that day!!! I have always disliked Dallas to an extreme, mostly because the owner is a less than savory character in my book. The new stadium is a pure example of how somebody's large ego won out over common sense. Those huge video screens are so low that a tall person would feel compelled to duck when walking under them. They are obviously in the way of normal play and will have to be moved much to the chagrin of the proud owner. O well!

Only 2 more days until school starts and I know I am ready. We did enjoy a very nice day yesterday as a family. We went up to the state's Farmer's Market, walked around and indulged in treats that we don't normally see. We don't get to drink Nehi sodas and snack on homemade pecan sandies every day and that was nice. It was also nice to see that smiles among the feuding sisters did start to emerge fairly early and didn't go away. We brought home some giant peaches, snap beans and blueberries and I can't wait to eat them.

My husband did very well walking around and we managed to find him places to sit to rest on a regular basis. We also went to church in the evening since the crowds are smaller in the Saturday night service. He also managed to get in his regular trip around the neighborhood with the dog.....and he was feeling great! I cannot tell you how proud of him I am since only 6 months ago he was bed ridden with fractured vertebrae and he is only 60 days out from a stem cell transplant.

We still take each day at a time but there are many more good days than bad ones now and that is a blessing from above. We praise our Lord, Jesus that he has been healed and his cancer is in remission.

More Freedom!

After a trip to Duke University yesterday we have good news. The Dr. has cleared my husband to do more activities than before. He can now go to public places and be around more people. We still have to use some discretion but he can do things like pool therapy to rebuild his back and take some classes at the community center to keep him busy. His immune system is still barren but his blood work came back normal and there is NO sign of the M protein that causes Multiple Myeloma. He is in remission!!! Praise the Lord - The stem cell transplant worked!

His birthday is at the end of the month and this one will be worthy of a party! It has been a rough year for all of us but we are thankful that we had each other. Our family motto is: "We may not have it all together, but together we have it all."

What to do?

My husband's biggest battle right now is boredom. I am trying to help him by pointing out small projects and he is grateful but I am running out of things too! Now if I could just make him see the dirty dishes, unfolded laundry and unmade beds.....Wives from all over would pay for that if I could figure it out! We tackle the new heating element for the clothes dryer today......ooooo fun.

We find out on Wednesday what the Dr. thinks of his progress and if he can do more public activities. Our daily walks down to see one of our neighbors has been the extent of his social life and he looks forward to it. I know he is doing well and will be able to do much more with the Dr.'s permission.

Summer is coming to a close for the kids but it is my favorite time of the year. I love the cooler evenings, crisp mornings and being able to watch the colors of fall come in. The seasons change and many people resist the change. I say its a waste of energy to fight the change....embrace it. Live it! Change is inevitable. Everything changes so why do humans hate it so much? Because it moves us from a place of comfort. Its nice to be comfortable, but it should never be a lifestyle.

Obama promised change and his eloquent words were full of hope. But you cannot force people to change against their will no matter how much hope it has. The human race resists change and President Obama is finding that out. The change he is proposing must happen in stages. Our health care system is sick but treatment will be a process not a shot in the butt! Much like my husband's illness, it will take a lifetime of care and maintenance.

Dealing with the Bureaucracy

Do you have any idea how difficult it is to prove that a 7 year old was in a certain place at a certain time over 48 years ago! And to top it all off, the time window is 30 days during the summer months so school records don't really count.

That is what we have been facing since we found out my husband's diagnosis of Multiple Myeloma. He qualifies as a "Downwinder" from the nuclear testing our wonderful government did in the 50's and 60's in Nevada. The government is responsible and they admit it.....we just have to PROVE IT! Multiple Myeloma is a cancer proven to be directly related to the radiation exposure.

http://ruralhealth.hrsa.gov/radiationexposure/

We are getting closer, but its amazing in this day and age of "information" that it wasn't really that important 40 years ago to keep every bit of "information" and we survived! The IRS doesn't even keep information that long - I know because we tried. The last bit of information we need just may be in finding his parent's employment records if they exist anywhere.....wish us luck because we will need it!

Yummy Fig Appetizer

Fresh figs, halved
Almonds
Honey
Balsamic Vinegar
Sour Cream

Ok, so if this seems like a weird combination of ingredients....it is! But it works.

Place the figs cut side up on a baking sheet and place a whole almond or several almond slivers inside. Place under the broiler for just a few minutes until the almonds get toasty and the figs are warm. Let them cool a few minutes and place them on a serving plate. Drizzle them with a little honey and balsamic vinegar and place the sour cream on top or on the side if you wish.

R-E-S-P-E-C-T

Sorry its been a few days since I last left any thoughts but I have been having technical difficulties with my internet. All is solved and I have had extra time to ponder this topic. Respect is not something deserved, it is earned. Respect is the product of a mutual relationship involving communication and understanding. A married couple has to work at all of these to maintain their relationship and so do parents with their children.

I have noticed that the respect breaks down soon after the communication does. This happens especially fast when teenagers are involved! Teenagers, at least mine, require constant communication. When there is any waivering of the parent's ability to remain consistent or to maintain the communication, the teenager tends to replace it with things from the outside world. I am NOT saying that we, as parents, must hover over them every moment. I am saying that the ideals and morals that we expect them to live by must be reinforced constantly.

Teenagers like to do things on their own - Don't we all. But when expectations are cloudy the result may be less than desired. When the rules are not clear there will always be loopholes. Respect for their parents comes when a teen is held accountable for living by those rules set forth. Teens are living their lives trying to push limits just to see what will happen and this undeniably causes them a little stress. If they don't have to push the limits within their own home and they know what is and is not allowed it reduces stress at home for everyone.

This is an observation I am making as a new parent of teenagers and my husband and I are far from perfect at it. We are trying. We are communicating. We are setting limits. We do it with lots of love. Our end result......It will be good. If their hearts are full --- Their lives will be full.

Proverbs 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.

National Debt

I have another video to share!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P5yxFtTwDcc

This video gives a visual presentation that puts our National Debt into perspective. It goes back in history and it is very informative. Enjoy!

My two cents....Usually to really clean house you need to tear it up a bit and reorganize. When you are done with the job, the house looks better and you can find what you're looking for! The same goes for business. Sometimes it makes sense to spend a little cash so you can increase your business and cash flow. Advertising works but it costs but in the long run it is worth it.

The same concept now applies to our government only we need to CLEAN HOUSE not SPEND MONEY! Granted, cleaning up that big house will probably require a little spending for organization and more cleaning supplies but if properly organized we should be able to find everything!

Our government does not need to subsidize healthcare. It simple needs to include healthcare in a giant, countrywide housecleaning! Our healthcare system is sick but our government does not have the cure. It just needs to reorganize so it can run more efficiently. America's free enterprise system needs to be FREE to recover on its own as it always has. History has proved that the more a government controls the systems within it, that collapse is inevitable!

Tomorrow I will have a recipe to share and who knows what else....maybe a bit on RESPECT and teenagers.

Happy Anniversary

We had a wonderful anniversary yesterday! My husband has Multiple Myeloma and is 37 days past his stem cell transplant. That means that his immune system is non-existent and he cannot be in public places. This only means that we need to get creative if we want to go places and do things! I managed to find a very nice golf club with a nice restaurant. We got to eat outside on the screened porch in the rain and it was wonderful. There was a nice gentle rain with a cool breeze. We had to whole place to ourselves and had a wonderful time! It was the first date we have had since before his diagnosis last December 2008. It has been a rough 8 months but it has been a wonderful 13 years.

Thank you my love and I look forward to many more! Research has come a long way and they continue to make new strides every day. If you want more information about this incurable cancer of the plasma cells check out this forum. http://www.myelomaforums.com/. At this point it is only treatable with chemotherapy and stem cell transplants. This really only buys the patient time. It is not curable.

Introduction to Slavery

This passage came to me via email and I am not sure of its origin but it is worthy of sharing with all.

Sermon from a church in Virginia recently --- Genesis 47: 13-27

So we see that economic hard times fell upon Egypt , and the people turned to the government of Pharaoh to deal with this for them. And Pharaoh nationalized the grain harvest, and placed the grain in great storehouses that he had built. So the people brought their money to Pharaoh, like a great tax increase, and gave it all to him willingly in return for grain. And this went on until their money ran out, and they were hungry again.

So when they went to Pharaoh after that, they brought their livestock - their cattle, their horses, their sheep, and their donkey - to barter for grain, and verse 17 says that only took them through the end of that year.

But the famine wasn't over, was it?

So the next year, the people came before Pharaoh and admitted they had nothing left, except their land and their own lives. "There is nothing left in the sight of my lord but our bodies and our land. Why should we die before your eyes, both we and our land? Buy us and our land for food, and we with our land will be servants to Pharaoh. "So they surrendered their homes, their land, and their real estate to Pharaoh's government, and then sold themselves into slavery to him, in return for grain.

What can we learn from this, brothers and sisters?

That turning to the government instead of to God to be our provider in hard times only leads to slavery? Yes. That the only reason government wants to be our provider is to also become our master? Yes.

But look how that passage ends, brothers and sisters! Thus Israel settled in the land of Egypt, in the land of Goshen . And they gained possessions in it, and were fruitful and multiplied greatly. "God provided for His people, just as He always has! They didn't end up giving all their possessions to the government, no, it says they gained possessions!

But I also tell you a great truth today, and an ominous one. We see the same thing happening today - the government today wants to "share the wealth" once again, to take it from us and redistribute it back to us. It wants to take control of healthcare, just as it has taken control of education, and ration it back to us, and when government rations it, then government decides who gets it, and how much, and what kind.

And if we go along with it, and do it willingly, then we will wind up no differently than the people of Egypt did four thousand years ago - as slaves to the government, and as slaves to our leaders.

What Mr. Obama's government is doing now is no different from what Pharaoh's government did then, and it will end the same. And a lot of people like to call Mr. Obama a "Messiah," don't they? Is he a Messiah? A savior? Didn't the Egyptians say, after Pharaoh made them his slaves, "You have saved our lives; may it please my lord, we will be servants to Pharaoh"?

Well, I tell you this - I know the Messiah; the Messiah is a friend of mine; and Mr. Obama is no Messiah! No, brothers and sisters, if Mr. Obama is a character from the Bible, then he is Pharaoh.

Bow with me in prayer, if you will.

Lord, You alone are worthy to be served, and we rely on You, and You alone. We confess that the government is not our deliverer, and never rightly will be. We read in the eighth chapter of 1 Samuel, when Samuel warned the people of what a ruler would do, where it says "And in that day you will cry out because of your king, whom you have chosen for yourselves, but the LORD will not answer you in that day." And Lord, we acknowledge that day has come. We cry out to you because of the ruler that we have chosen for ourselves as a nation. Lord, we pray for this nation. We pray for revival, and we pray for deliverance from those who would be our masters.

Give us hearts to seek You and hands to serve You, and protect Your people from the atrocities of Pharaoh's government.

In God we Trust!!

That pretty much says it all! Have a great Sunday!

Unsung Heroes

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bB9-NcunsKc

Please watch this video! It is narrated by Paul Harvey and its cute and poetic. As the wife of a police officer this hit me particularly strong but it puts a new light on what they really do.

They also do NOT get paid enough for what they do! An experienced Administrative Assistant can make more than most officers. I don't really think that baseline is fair considering they put their lives on the line everyday for total strangers. They live in glass houses and their every movement is analyzed. They are forced to be the moderator in the face of many people's worst moments and are expected to do it with grace. It is one of the only professions, besides lawyers, that a few bad seeds have tainted the entire future of the profession. You don't find people trash talking all stock brokers just because Bernie Madoff got busted!

As far as I am concerned, President Obama did not even need to comment on the recent event regarding a certain professor being detained for breaking into his own home. He was not there and only knew what he was told. Sometimes you really need to be THERE to understand a situation fully. His intervention was not needed or required and the fact that he chose to single out that individual instance to comment proves that he is willing to play the race card when he wants to. There are far more controversial issues that take place every day and our President says nothing on those. President Obama needs to take some lessons on keeping his mouth shut and realize that he now holds a very powerful position - One that shapes the world. I think he has enough on his plate without worrying about civil matters between individuals.

Awesome Frozen Java

This is a great frozen coffee treat!

1 c strong coffee
1/3 c sugar or sugar substitute
3 c crushed ice
2 c vanilla ice cream or fat free frozen yogurt
1/4 c milk

Dissolve sugar into the coffee and add all ingredients to a blender and mix it up. Makes about four 12 oz. servings.

Mocha version: reduce sugar to 1/4 c and add 1/4 c fudge topping or chocolate syrup
Caramel version: reduce sugar to 1/4 c and add 1/4 c caramel topping

This tastes wonderful and can be as fat free or indulgent as you really want depending on your preferences!

Cash for Cars? HA!

My two cents.....Ok, this whole Cash for Cars thing sounded great but our incompetent government has run out of money for it in less than a week! Seriously, what were they thinking?!? I heard somewhere and I don't remember where, that they mighty government only expected about 12 individuals to take part in the program per participating dealer. What they got were several hundred per dealer! I think someone will be rethinking their figures.

Honestly that is what we get for expecting our government to be our heros. Government has gotten so large that it is no longer a true democracy. We moved out of that after the Great Depression. All those programs introduced did help people but it also created a dependance upon our government that will never be broken. I know that the numbers that are kicked out to the public as information on the national debt, GDP, GNP, etc are not accurate....How on earth could they be? There are parts of the government infrastructure that spend money that nobody sees and they like it that way. They feed us the information they think we want to hear and it placates the majority.

I actually cringe at the thought of our government managing an entire healthcare system! I have experienced large hospitals and very small hospitals and received the same care from both whether it be good or bad. I have worked for large companies and small ones and have seen the pros and cons of each. It is true that it is harder to get things approved when you have to go through a longer chain of command. Our government creates chains that resemble circles rather than straight paths to a goal.

I personally believe that if they take the free enterprise system out of our healthcare choices they will take the FREE out of our country. If people don't have to work for something and it is just handed to them it creates dependance. Our country was not founded on the government running the people. IT WAS FOUNDED ON THE PEOPLE RUNNING THE GOVERNMENT!

Switching gears...Everything seems pretty calm right now in our house. Which makes me conclude that life is fixing to get crazy and change all that. I have managed to organize a few things and am even contemplating shampooing the carpets...I know, don't rush things! My husband tells me to pace myself but when I'm on a roll I just want to keep on going because it feels good to get all this done. I just have so many things I want to do and when I have time to do them it seems logical to bust out and get busy!

School will be starting soon as well. I has seemed like such a short summer to all of us that I really avoid mentioning that 6-letter word. I am trying to come up with fun things to do that aren't too far from home. My husband can't join us for most things but I am trying to be creative. It does help that the two teenagers have plenty of friends in our own neighborhood and I don't have to shuttle them around. They are happy to be hanging out with their friends after being at "The Grandparent's House" for a month.

I plan on spending part of today to find a nice outdoor cafe to take my hubby to for our anniversary tomorrow. He can't be inside public places yet, but an outdoor setting would be okay! I am excited to be planning our 13th Anniversary dinner together. We have been through a LOT in those years and we will probably face much more....but together we can do anything!

THE Best Blueberry Muffins

1/3 c sugar
1/4 c butter or margarine, softened
1 egg
2 1/3 c flour
4 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 c milk
1tsp vanilla extract
1 1/2 c fresh or frozen blueberries
STREUSEL TOPPING:
1/2 c sugar
1/3 c flour
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 c butter or margarine, softened

1. In a mixing bowl, cream the sugar and butter. Then add the egg and mix well.
2. Combine the flour, baking powder and salt.
3. Add flour mixture to the sugar mixture alternately with the milk.
4. Stir in the vanilla and fold in the blueberries gently.
5. Fill 12 greased or paper lined muffin cups 2/3 full.
6. Make streusel topping by cutting in all ingredients until the mixture is crumbly and then sprinkle over the muffins.
7. Bake 375 degrees for 25-30 minutes or until lightly browned.

These are the best muffins I have ever had and I can't take all the credit. We will just say that my kitchen was a test kitchen and the proper credit goes to Mary Anne McWhirter from Pearland, TX. This recipe for Blueberry Streusel Muffins was submitted to www.allrecipes.com and is wonderful!

I do have to tell on myself a bit....I did something while making these muffins that I have never done. While preparing the streusel mix I dumped the flour right on top of my entire sugar container instead of into the mixing bowl. I just sat there and stared at it for the longest time not believing what I had just done. I then proceeded to fish out the flour VERY carefully and transfer it to the mixing bowl. Needless to say the sugar didn't get measured very properly but it came out great. I hope you enjoy it.

Life after the Transplant

My husband was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma last December and is now 34 days past his stem cell transplant. For now he is just concentrating on recovering. He fractured a couple of vertebrae in Nov 2008 and that is how the tests were done to find out what was wrong. He was on bed rest for a few months and taking Revlimid which is a type of maintenance chemo. That prepared him for the stem cell transplant in June. All is looking good and only time will tell. We plan on enjoying as much time as we can together. Life is too short. He cannot go anywhere public as there is too much risk for his immune system which has been stripped. We limit his exposure to friends and strangers just to be safe. After all we have been through these last 8 months it wouldn't be worth it to do something stupid now and give him the flu or something! We just deal with it.

He was a 55 yr old police officer when all this happened. I was a housewife with a small part-time job. He is not sure what his career holds now and we won't find out for a few months yet. I am looking to go back to work. If he stays home he will get to be the one to shuttle girls after school and thats okay too.

Like I said in the header, my role in life has changed several times the last year and it continues to change. I just take each day as it comes and don't do much planning at this point. I think the kids are starting to realize that their parents don't actually have their lives planned out moment by moment. We don't predict the future but how we react to it molds our children. Only God knows what will happen and its very liberating to just let everything go and let Him have control. God is in the small stuff and He has proven over and over that he cares and loves us very much.

I am a very proactive personality. I would rather plan for the variables than have to react to them. This whole year has turned that personality trait on its ear! I have not reacted with despair at the thought that my husband may not be around in a few years. I react with hope that research has come so far in just the past few years. Hope is what I have.....It comes from God - NOT Obama.

Sara P Duke Gardens, Durham NC

The beat goes on

Headlines this week have been interesting. Terror suspects arrested in North Carolina...actually about 30 miles from my home. Don't really know much at this point and the news is very vague so I guess we will see. They proved Obama's birth certificate is authentic and he really was born in Hawaii. Nevermind the fact that he spent most of his life living somewhere else. His parents could have easily been on vacation visiting family there and his birth was just timely. Just think of how many people around the world are born in countries other than where they live out their entire lives. If any of those people were born in the US, they are eligible to be President...Hmmmm. That fact alone could reshape world politics as we know them and we all know something needs to be done.

As for family, we are doing great. Husband is slowly returning to normal activities and getting very bored just being around the house. Teenage daughters are well......Teenage daughters. My 14 yr old is fighting off some kind of virus and we keep her away from her daddy which isn't exactly easy for a child that has a habit of touching everything she passes in each room. She has always been what we call our "flibberdegibbit." My 13 yr old continues to push her limits and my patience but thats what they do at that age. We are trying to be consistent but that is one of the hardest tasks I have found as a parent. She is strong willed just like her mother and at times we expect her to be tough. She always delivers on that point but we also know there is a little girl in there just wanting to stay daddy's little girl.

I tried a new recipe the other day to get rid of all those tomatoes I am accumulating from neighbors gardens. So simple and so good.

Grilled tomatoes - Use any disposable or grillable square pan or even muffin tins. Cut tomatoes in half lenthwise and place cut side up in pan. Sprinkle with salt and pepper and even a little garlic or Italian seasoning if you wish. Drizzle olive oil over the tomatoes and place Provolone cheese on top of them. Place on a top rack in your grill and keep an eye on them. Once the cheese starts to bubble they are done and this will depend on how hot your grill is. Enjoy!

Let's start this thing!

I am excited to start this chapter of my life. My husband is recovering from a stem cell transplant and my kids are full swing into summer. Life is good considering all we have been through this year. We, as a family, are really at a crossroads. My husband is facing an earlier retirement than what he originally planned and I am facing re-entering the workforce. We have one daughter entering high school and one in middle school. I have been thinking about starting a blog for a while now and really didn't know what to say but I saw a Luna Moth the other day and it kind of inspired me with its simple beauty....blogging is so simple and I was afraid to jump in and just do it. That is why the Luna Moth is my mascot! I have always been the kind of person that is not necessarily shy but not really willing to stand in front. I prefer the background and have pretty much always kept to myself but I have spent the last couple of years trying to force myself to nurture relationships. My husband is my best friend but I also need other friends and for many years I didn't really have any close friends. It takes work to be a friend. I never really tried to work at it I guess but that is changing. Please check back and check on my progress and I'm sure there will be some interesting thoughts along the way.