Happy Halloween

On Hallowe'en the thing
you must do
Is pretend that nothing
can frighten you
An' if somethin' scares you
and you want to run
Jus' let on like
it's Hallowe'en fun.

Here's my little ghoulies on their first *official* Halloween. Emile was only 13 days old on her true first Halloween so I didn't take her out for a professional photo until she was actually a year old. Brie was just 3 days shy of her first birthday when her first Halloween photo was taken. Can you tell which one is *witch*?? There's both so darned cute. It was fun thinking back to those days. Gotta run.... or should I say I've got to FLY??? My broom's a waitin'.....

HAPPY HALLOWEEN...
HOPE YOURS IS SPOOKTACULAR!!

A Cry for Help

Last night there was a terribly tragic event in our neighborhood. Just across the street and 7 doors down, a man hung himself. It was horrible hearing his wife screaming as the police tried to get her out of the house. There were 3 children in the home and it appears it was one of the kids who made the discovery. It made me take stock in what I have and what is most important in my own life. I would like to remind everyone of a few important facts. Hopefully it will make a difference.Myth: Non-fatal attempts are only attention-getting behaviors.

Fact: For some people suicidal behaviors are serious invitations to others to help them live. Rather than punishing or reprimanding someone who has expressed suicidal thoughts offer help and alternative answers. Get them to talk to a minister or counselor. Suicidal behaviors must be taken seriously. If not addressed a thought of suicide can become an act of suicide.

Myth: Only a professional can help a suicidal person.

Fact: While long term care should be handled by a professional, immediate recognition of a suicidal person or someone in need of help is up to you. By paying attention to what the person is saying, taking it seriously, offering support, and getting help you can prevent a potential tragedy. Many are lost to suicide because immediate support wasn’t offered.

Myth: Just because they talk about suicide does not mean they will actually go through with it.

Fact: Almost everyone who commits suicide has given some clue or warning. Do not ignore suicide threats. Statements like “You’ll be sorry when I’m dead,” or “I can’t see any way out”-no matter how casually or jokingly said-may indicate serious suicidal feelings.

Emile's Accomplishments

I know I've had some struggles with Emile along the way, however, there are a lot of terrific things about my beautiful daughter. She has had a few very busy months lately and I thought it was a perfect time to share some of the highlights.

First of all, regardless of differences Emile and I have on certain issues, there is one thing I would never deny. Emile has a very compassionate and generous side to her. When she sees someone down on their luck or truly in need, it really bothers her and she wants to try to help. When she was a young child, she heard a radio ad about a child in tattered clothes and no shoes, sitting on a rock. The child was cold and shivering. Emile started crying and wanted to send her clothes and money to the child. I was so impressed. I suppose it shouldn't surprise me that she's doing what she's doing now.

Right now the United Way is in the middle of their yearly campaign to raise money for the community partners they help support.Emile has stepped up and agreed to donate $5.00 from each of her paychecks. She designated that her donation should be sent to the Big Brothers/Big Sisters organization here in York. Em and Brie both had *BIGS* when they were younger (Brie still has a BIG).The amount she's donating may not seem like a lot, however, over the course of a year, it's $260.00. That's pretty good for a teenager.

The second thing Emile has decided to do is donate blood. She's doing it in memory of Lesa. I had explained how I began donating blood my senior year in high school and she thought it was pretty cool.Today she donated for the first time at the blood drive at school. She was excited to do it. YAY, Emile!!!

And finally, it appears Emile has selected a college to attend.We will be meeting with staff from Pittsburgh Technical Institute next week to turn in applications, discuss financial aide, and schedule a campus tour.If everything works out, she'll graduate in 2013 with an Associates of Applied Science in Safety and Security. That will prepare her to enter the police academy the following year. She's very excited and nervous at the same time. I know she has the ability to do great though.

There you have it. Em's growing up. I still can't believe she's already 17 and about to set out on her own life. So much has happened since her birth... some painful things, some exhilarating things. Pretty normal I suppose. In many ways it's just the beginning, isn't it?!

Monday's Magnet

Due to celebrating and posting about Emile's birthday last Monday, I did not highlight a magnet. I truly didn't forget, I just elected to skip it for a week. So here we go again.

 

I decided that in honor of Oktoberfest, it would be cool to show a magnet I received from Dave and Josi C. a few years ago. Not only did Dave serve a mission in Germany, he also took a temporary job assignment there. The entire family moved to, and traveled around Germany for 6 months or so. It seemed like an eternity for us while they were gone. Here you have it, my own personal *Beer Stein* from across the pond.

Another fantastic book from Richard Paul Evans. I have loved this author since I got a copy of his very first edition printing of The Christmas Box. I now have a copy of all but 2 of his books. I'm working on getting those too. Below is the book summery. Perhaps it will pique your curiosity. Happy reading!!

“As you read my story, there is something I want you to understand. That in spite of all the pain—past, present and that still to come—I wouldn’t have done anything differently. Nor would I trade the time I had with him for anything—except for what, in the end, I traded it for.”

Beth Cardall has a secret. For eighteen years, she has had no choice but to keep it to herself, but on Christmas Eve 2008, all that is about to change. For Beth, 1989 was a year marked by tragedy. Her life was falling apart: her six-year-old daughter, Charlotte, was suffering from an unidentifiable illness; her marriage transformed from a seemingly happy and loving relationship to one full of betrayal and pain; her job at the dry cleaners was increasingly at risk; and she had lost any ability to trust, to hope, or to believe in herself. Then, on Christmas Day, as she rushed through a blizzard to the nearest 7-Eleven, Beth encountered Matthew, a strikingly handsome, mysterious stranger, who would single-handedly change the course of her life. Who is this man, and how does he seem to know so much about her? He pursues her relentlessly, and only after she’s fallen deeply in love with him does she learn his incredible secret, changing the world as she knows it, as well as her own destiny.

From the New York Times bestselling author of the beloved classics The Christmas Box and The Christmas List comes a breathtaking story of the transcendent power of love.

A Big Decision

Over the past several years, I've tossed an idea back and forth too many times to count. I've thought things over... I've weighed options... I've talked myself into and out of whether to take the leap or not... and all along I've continued to get older and more at risk. So now the time of fence sitting has passed and the time for action has arrived. I am literally a ticking time bomb!I have spent a considerable amount of time these past few months thinking about my life and how much of it I have left. I decided to put things into a pro/con category to help me make a final decision. Here's what I concluded.
PRO's
1. I'm 46 years old.
2. I have 2 daughters who I love and are depending on me to be
around for.
3. I am a determined and talented person who has a lot to learn.
4. I have a lot to share with those around me.
5. I WANT TO LIVE.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
CON's
1. I have Congestive Heart Failure.
2. I have Pulmonary Hypertension.
3. I have Hypertension.
4. I have severe Sleep Apnea.
5. I am pre-Diabetic.
6. I AM MORBIDLY OBESE.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
CONCLUSION: I am in big trouble if I don't do something aggressive and do it now!I have lived by a scale since I was in my early teens. My mother was a very tiny woman. She was barely 5 ft. tall and weighed under 100 pounds her entire life. Once I weighed more than she did, I was always encouraged to lose a few pounds. I can remember buying some kind of chewable diet "candy." It was a little chocolate flavored square that was supposed to help suppress your appetite. I was probably 13 and weighed maybe 110 pounds. No, I didn't have a weight problem then. Obviously over the years, my weight has gotten out of control. I now weigh 307 pounds... although some days it's 304. Once you're over 300 pounds, what difference does it make though. I am dying a slow death... one day at a time. So I've made a decision. I am going to have Gastric Bypass Surgery.I have consulted with my doctor. He strongly recommends it because I have so many co-morbidity factors and my BMI is 54. I have selected a surgeon who I already know and trust. He was my doctor following our car accident and he is wonderful. I've verified coverage and requirements with my insurance company. I will take classes in November, December, and January. I meet with my surgeon in December and if everything goes as planned, following my last class in January, authorization for the surgery will be formally requested by my doctor and hopefully I'll be able to have the bypass in March.

I know this is a huge step, but I also know I must do this if I want to live. After years of diets, and attempts to lose weight on my own, it's time to seek professional help. I want to live a long, healthy and productive life. I am not embarrassed to admit that I am going to do this. I have the full support of my daughters (who are very proud of me and happy I've decided to do this for myself), my sisters, family members, and some very special friends. It is the right thing for me to do and now is the time to do it. It's time to get my life back.

I will continue to update my journey. I'm very excited about this. I know I have the ability to be successful with the tools I'm going to be given. Here goes....

Another Birthday

The day Emile was born was the most joyous day of my life. After losing 3 babies, I begged my Heavenly Father to allow me the privilege of becoming a mother. I was willing to try one last time. Even though my pregnancy with Em was touch and go... and there were lots of complications, including pre-term hospitalization and total bed rest from 31 weeks until her induction, I wouldn't have done anything different. When I heard Emile cry her first cry, my life was complete.Me and Emile Cele'. She was 22 days old.

Before I knew it, Em was a year old. Where did that year go? So many happy days... so many happy memories. My baby was changing before my eyes and I loved every minute of it!And now here we are seventeen years later. Emile is all grown up... and yet I still catch a glimpse now and then of my little buddy from so many years ago. I remember her trying to step out of her shadow and getting so frustrated because she couldn't. I had to take her into a shady spot to calm her down. I also remember how much fun she'd have splashing through the puddles after rainstorms... or how she loved to swing... or play in the drinking fountain at the park.. or go sledding after snowstorms... or.. Well you get the point. I have precious memories of my sweet *baby* girl.HAPPY BIRTHDAY, EMILE!
I love you with all my heart.

Homecoming 2010

Tonight Emile and David went to Homecoming. They looked so nice. The theme of this year's homecoming was .... A Night at Sea. To save money, a group of kids got together at Laura's house and had dinner together. Laura's mom cooked a lovely meal and everyone seemed to have a good time from what I heard.
Of course, what would homecoming be without pics? Here is the crew... first the guys, then the gals.Then it was off the the dance. You never know who you may run into.... You can be sure it will be a friend.Before all of the night's events, Em and David had to ham it up for the camera.When all was said and done, both Emile and David said they had a really nice evening. I'm glad Em's last high school homecoming was such a success and that she enjoyed the evening with her special young man.

Miracles Do Happen

Over the past 24 hours the world has watched as a true miracle has taken place. It all began on August 5th at the San Jose mine in Copiapo, Chile. A collapse occurred leaving 33 men trapped nearly 2,300 feet below the surface. It was 17 days before rescuers and loved ones discovered that a note attached to a drilling device.The note said... "We are okay in the shelter, the 33." Hard to believe that they had made it that far. Now hopes were high and the entire world watched as day after day drilling continued in an attempt the free these men.Supplies were sent down. Food, water, medical items, Bibles, items to help the men pass the time (games, cards, etc.), and other things to help the men.The effort to rescue these men was daunting. There were 3 different drill teams all trying to reach the men. No one was willing to give up and all the hard work finally paid off. The rescue "tube" finally reached the men, a medic stepped out and prepped the first miner to be sent up.Starting October 13th... 69 days after the collapse occurred, the first man was brought to the surface!What an incredible moment. This is the only time in the history of mining that any human has been rescued from such a depth. Thanks to technology and the hard work and tenacity of men who wouldn't quit, all 33 men were brought to the surface.The rescue exceeded expectations every step of the way. Initially, officials said it might be December before the men could get out. Once the drill that opened the escape shaft pierced the men's subterranean prison, they estimated it would take 36 to 48 hours to get everyone out.

The actual time: 22 hours, 39 minutes. Indeed.....
MIRACLES DO HAPPEN!

Monday's Magnet

In honor of Columbus Day, I will share a magnet that was given to me by my nephew, Michael and his wife, Sarah. Michael is a Spanish teacher. A few years ago he and Sarah, along with some of his students had the opportunity to go to Spain for an educational trip. How cool is that? This is what I got. Not too bad.

 

While Christopher Columbus was born sometime between the 25th of August and the 31st of October 1451, in what is now known as Italy, he died May 20, 1506 in Valladolid, Crown of Castile, which is present-day Spain. So there you have it. A little tiny bit of history along with today's magnet.

By the way, Espana is Spanish for Spain.

What I'm Up Against

This afternoon my Home Teacher came to see our little family. He is an awesome Home Teacher and has been a wonderful example of love to us. He has really made a difference for us. As many of you are aware, we've had some issues with water leaking into our house. Not just a little water... a lot of water. When Bro. Miles was here today he had me walk him through the house and show him exactly what needed to be addressed before winter set in. This is what we're up against in the kitchen.Just lovely, isn't it? I'm a little frustrated as I get deeper into the discovering how extensive the problem really is. As I take "wallpaper" off, I find that there is literally masking tape behind it... AND it's not actually wallpaper. It's more like contact paper. Grrrrrr! I've found several things "rigged" just enough to get by. It frustrates me that the previous owner did stuff like she did. Oh well, I can't change that part now. I suppose part of it is just what you'd expect of a house that was built in 1900. We have to correct it the right way this time.

The goal is to get a group of men together to do a day of repairs before the cold weather sets in. I'm truly grateful to Bro. Miles for caring enough for our family to get this organized. I couldn't do it without him and the other members of our ward. More updates on the progress to be posted at a later date.

Red Lion Sound Spectacular

Last Saturday evening I met up with Cindy, Anya, Morgan, Kathy, and Tina at Red Lion High School's Horn Field, to watch the 27th Annual Sound Spectacular. It was fantastic! After days of heavy rain and high humidity, we had a perfect evening with cool crisp temps. There were bands from all over York County (9 or 10 in all) and for the first time Lower Dauphin performed.Tara A. on left; Emile on Right.

Well Done
BULLDOG BAND!!

Dig Pink

Yesterday was a "pink out" at the middle and high schools. Wearing Dig Pink T-Shirts, students "pinked" in support of the Dig Pink Volleyball Charity Event. Obviously the proceeds are for breast cancer awareness and treatment. I think it's pretty cool that students are willing to step up and help out any way they can.With a kid like Brie, you must know you will be in for a 100% effort. Brie seldom does anything half. With her it tends to be all the way or nothing at all. I've got to admit, from head to toe (yes, her toenails were pink) she did look mighty cute.
DIG PINK!!!

Monday's Magnet

This morning I woke to the sound of rain. I love mornings like this; it makes me want to snuggle deeper into my bed and hibernate the day away. Or perhaps read a good book. It also makes me think of cooking something warm and spicy... Days like today are perfect for Jambalaya! All of this leads me to today's magnet pick.

 

This particular magnet was a gift from Brent S. As he has traveled to various destinations to run marathons, he has picked up several magnets for me. This one is a cutie. What's better than a friendly crock that can cook? Thanks, Brent.