tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-58932314300377236212024-03-14T11:29:52.539-07:00REALiTYNinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15501472187198358569noreply@blogger.comBlogger100125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5893231430037723621.post-56826394363562669882010-03-04T07:31:00.001-08:002010-03-04T07:47:16.260-08:00Do you have to be Humane to Be Human?<script language="JavaScript" type="text/javascript" src="http://pub12.bravenet.com/counter/code.php?id=401061&usernum=965241500&cpv=2"><br /></script><br />I had a thought while watching the news the other day. Do you have to possess a degree of humanity in your soul to be human? The evil ones that walk among us, looking like normal humans.... You know the murderers, the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">pedophiles</span>, the people who don't have any moral compass? Do we really need to show them the same degree of sympathy and humanity when they don't show it to the rest of us. Why do we let the evil walk among us. When we know they are likely to <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">re offend</span> we set them free, we give them another chance. We show outrage that they commit crimes again when we knew it was likely to happen. When will we start to realize that mental disease of all types is not a choice. Mental illness is a disease or defect of the brain. It can be caused by experience forming pathways that lead to bad behavior or organic problems that have developed in the brain. I have no issue with trying to "cure" people of evil intent, of lack of morality, of inhumanity....but please DO NOT let evil walk among us! <br /><br />On that note, when looking for a house, PLEASE if you have children review the database online of registered sex offenders and use this information when making a choice of what home you buy. Being forewarned is forearmed! <a href="http://www.nsopr.gov/">www.nsopr.gov</a> the search is free. You can also contact your local <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">sheriff</span> or police department. It is their duty to provide this information to help keep us safe.Ninahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15501472187198358569noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5893231430037723621.post-3093339372541814282010-03-01T19:59:00.000-08:002010-03-01T20:08:45.466-08:00When Government Works for Us....<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyskjENXl3BaXJzw2ALGkEgEfRsUM8mpTIXI9iv-l7kfMV0fvgvRV_N-JtwM2AK3LVWtuYM_CQXiexaL2WIoCB5ckC9lv9E5G5CUVZWbajOz-0sluMCpiR-CufiQWiHWutDcPqH7YWNE4n/s1600-h/congress.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyskjENXl3BaXJzw2ALGkEgEfRsUM8mpTIXI9iv-l7kfMV0fvgvRV_N-JtwM2AK3LVWtuYM_CQXiexaL2WIoCB5ckC9lv9E5G5CUVZWbajOz-0sluMCpiR-CufiQWiHWutDcPqH7YWNE4n/s400/congress.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443883479705838786" /></a><br /><!-- Start Bravenet.com Service Code --><br /><script language="JavaScript" type="text/javascript" src="http://pub12.bravenet.com/counter/code.php?id=401061&usernum=965241500&cpv=2"><br /></script><br /><!-- END DO NOT MODIFY --> When we see tangible evidence of our government working for us it is an amazing thing. With all the chaos in Haiti, our Congressman was absolutely instrumental in bringing my nephew Isaac home. Not only did he have a staff person dedicated 24 hours a day to making Isaac's homecoming happen, he actually took the time to visit my sister's family and meet Isaac himself. This was not just a "photo" op, no media was present, just family and he sat and had cookies and lemonade and talked. It is nice in this era when we all have so little faith in those in public office to see someone caring to make a difference. Someone who takes the time to meet the needs of one family and one small boy a world away.Ninahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15501472187198358569noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5893231430037723621.post-27311029030057774772010-02-28T16:11:00.000-08:002010-02-28T16:19:33.105-08:00Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes....<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMw7NGHSq8SxocJ4l9jH0iQLHqK3nl5Sx8U55twlxuEqNtjmxFl0EzyZSWsL4LDZSzIecDJnsf9-y0EbW-4kk_vJkHPJnMGb6tWRh-8a_Sq2K9wXdskEKIqU8dYhn2b3hAFDlOsNLHMBr4/s1600-h/zoeandcyder.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 315px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMw7NGHSq8SxocJ4l9jH0iQLHqK3nl5Sx8U55twlxuEqNtjmxFl0EzyZSWsL4LDZSzIecDJnsf9-y0EbW-4kk_vJkHPJnMGb6tWRh-8a_Sq2K9wXdskEKIqU8dYhn2b3hAFDlOsNLHMBr4/s320/zoeandcyder.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443453057648891714" /></a><br />I have finally made some big changes...I have moved from my old company to Connect Realty. I think this will be a great fit for me. More technology support, great people and more flexibility with my schedule. I have also moved my Diego horse to a new barn where I have more time to begin more intense training. I am still at www.newsongstables.com for training and LOVE it, but this puts Diego where I have less distractions. Dare I say this may be a great year for all things HORSE and HOUSE! On a very sad note, we had to say goodbye to two great ladies in our lives. The first (and far most important) was my dear husband's mother. She will be greatly missed. Ruth was the anchor of the family and there has been much sadness at her passing. The second was Zoe's pony Cynder-Ella. Cynder battled kidney disease for several months and seemed to go downhill pretty quickly. Zoe mourns her passing all the more intensely because it coincided with the passing of her dear Nanna. I still remember the passing of my own first pony "Flags". I hope I dealt with the situation with more grace than my own parents, but it is a very hard thing.Ninahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15501472187198358569noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5893231430037723621.post-31113251481684428202010-01-23T08:47:00.000-08:002010-01-23T08:49:35.512-08:00A Twist<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIbnYwGllLANf3UDpeEj3puS4OrFFQ_W78xVJLF8cWfwUKLFCMklOO5FZEnDo3z-wZQfwZC1y_Zz-PzwnuNpi-ycxFxaeH0x2LTdqTIUGa40TUp_pwRy2AxSx7k-WOEw1WuCShtXVDiEmJ/s1600-h/bahamashotel.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 217px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIbnYwGllLANf3UDpeEj3puS4OrFFQ_W78xVJLF8cWfwUKLFCMklOO5FZEnDo3z-wZQfwZC1y_Zz-PzwnuNpi-ycxFxaeH0x2LTdqTIUGa40TUp_pwRy2AxSx7k-WOEw1WuCShtXVDiEmJ/s400/bahamashotel.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429977954822756210" /></a><br /><br />In another bizarre twist, Bob and Issac got stuck at this lovely resort in the Bahamas....Hmmmm.....Funny how things work out! They are back in the air today and hopefully the tiny four seater plane they are on will encounter smooth air to Florida.Ninahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15501472187198358569noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5893231430037723621.post-46650062699490845642010-01-22T14:35:00.000-08:002010-01-22T14:41:33.120-08:00They are on The WAY HOME!Bobby and Isaac are on the way home. A last minute approval came through for them to get on a missionary flight out of Cap Haitian. They should be arriving in Florida sometime this evening and on a flight home to the Northwest in the morning. The road to get them home has been paved with the sweat and tears of many. Kristen at Congressman Rick Larsen's office in Washington State deserves a big hug and kudos for all of her hard work. Rick Larsen himself took a personal interest in getting Isaac out of Haiti. I will post in a separate post my rants about who of our elected officials were NOT HELPFUL, but right now it is just a celebration that after 3 1/2 years this little boy will know what it is like to have a home!Ninahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15501472187198358569noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5893231430037723621.post-4986995907803474642010-01-20T20:05:00.000-08:002010-01-20T20:23:58.090-08:00A Plan? Plan A?
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho-shsP646TWACuBCkPMayz7uDtF6qzK1C8tlftm59h3uST14nj29EMnl9W3j4IB8Expc2zM23vK14r7nqIFomxWw3L4YdPNKCqfqmrozi1Xf9Osc_905VEGgAjBcs3AdWnbkALHVsvyTS/s1600-h/rambo.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 117px; height: 94px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho-shsP646TWACuBCkPMayz7uDtF6qzK1C8tlftm59h3uST14nj29EMnl9W3j4IB8Expc2zM23vK14r7nqIFomxWw3L4YdPNKCqfqmrozi1Xf9Osc_905VEGgAjBcs3AdWnbkALHVsvyTS/s400/rambo.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429039554965199490" border="0" /></a>So, we will call this Plan A. It is a "by the seat of your pants" <span style="font-style: italic;">very</span> Haitian style plan. As luck would have it, Bobby (<span style="font-style: italic;">who looks a bit like Jesus)</span> sat next to some relief workers on the plane ride to Cap Haitian. They plan to hire some <span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">ARMED GUARDS <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">to escort them across the length of Haiti to Port <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Au</span> Prince (<span style="font-style: italic;">I am <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">envisioning</span> Rambo, but more likely they will look like this....)</span></span></span>
<br /><!-- Start Bravenet.com Service Code -->
<br /><script language="JavaScript" type="text/javascript" src="http://pub12.bravenet.com/counter/code.php?id=401061&usernum=965241500&cpv=2"><br /></script><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXWzInmfSGqyFOXEpfcHGIIfMTC9Aww4oHGwLvpraLE6nAefOAhFTNMV31nsuPjHBrvBnQ0VW42hZ4kgNh3iwI1E_r6yyvWstzwKzTGnaN8qH0g1nVHPtDo4VgpsEDVmMtl18vX2X4dj83/s1600-h/machete.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 91px; height: 110px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXWzInmfSGqyFOXEpfcHGIIfMTC9Aww4oHGwLvpraLE6nAefOAhFTNMV31nsuPjHBrvBnQ0VW42hZ4kgNh3iwI1E_r6yyvWstzwKzTGnaN8qH0g1nVHPtDo4VgpsEDVmMtl18vX2X4dj83/s400/machete.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429041298514750194" border="0" /></a>Not that there is anything wrong with a guy with a machete. <span style="font-style: italic;">Especially when he</span><span style="font-style: italic;"> is on your side!</span> But I would be much happier if some really tough guys were in charge of my beloved brother in law and nephews safety....Like maybe these defenders of the free world <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKKhOtb6x1pBrzLng70ngsmCJ-8G0YHDdWe7lTBJyM-k9K28kuAUIPrgjKurB1x2K7MBrXAqIszY3c_JtrbaCAcna6oTamvZHouLbZ7bYH_EQPwqV8adkUq2vp_y9s3_UXfchvS3ss-ebG/s1600-h/bush_warriors.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 303px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKKhOtb6x1pBrzLng70ngsmCJ-8G0YHDdWe7lTBJyM-k9K28kuAUIPrgjKurB1x2K7MBrXAqIszY3c_JtrbaCAcna6oTamvZHouLbZ7bYH_EQPwqV8adkUq2vp_y9s3_UXfchvS3ss-ebG/s400/bush_warriors.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429041976652124818" border="0" /></a> (snicker, snicker, snicker). Well, the least our former president can do is help get the orphans safely out of Haiti. I mean, Isaac is no longer an ORPHAN. He has a family. AS DO MANY of the waiting children. Why should an American citizen have to risk his life to get his child out of a dangerous country. A country that we have been designated "in charge of security" in this devastating time. A much better plan (or a great alternate to PLAN A) is to let Bobby and Isaac fly out of Cap Haitian to Ft. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Lauderdale</span> where Isaac's paperwork and Visa could easily be processed by <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">USCIS</span> or the Department of Homeland security. Pray to your God, Call the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">USCIS</span> or Department of Homeland security and let them know we want our children HOME NOW and home safely with a minimum of risk to human life.
<br /><!-- END DO NOT MODIFY -->Ninahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15501472187198358569noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5893231430037723621.post-48818422625492025362010-01-19T18:11:00.000-08:002010-01-19T18:13:04.634-08:00Red Tape and No Answers<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuhkv_exjUCN9BNbTHX7M4jMxCzMS8zWehG29tV1Nx5rXDB8qAwxNMZuiYiT0QH39hCrPMZOJSH4BaRQ74jD9repDKUD6U4zW2JVVcY-ZImeLFYs1UjD-q7VvS4qCamZEVxe0IWsY6PGuk/s1600-h/issac3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuhkv_exjUCN9BNbTHX7M4jMxCzMS8zWehG29tV1Nx5rXDB8qAwxNMZuiYiT0QH39hCrPMZOJSH4BaRQ74jD9repDKUD6U4zW2JVVcY-ZImeLFYs1UjD-q7VvS4qCamZEVxe0IWsY6PGuk/s400/issac3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428639257822570322" border="0" /></a><br /><!-- Start Bravenet.com Service Code --><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;color:black;"><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;color:black;"><div> </div> <div>"It is once again my job to be the barrier of bad news. Another day come and gone and no change. Despite extensive Congressional support and all of your calls to your Members of Congress we have hit roadblock after roadblock. At this point we respectfully ask that you stop contacting your Members of Congress requesting their assistance with obtaining security, transportation, and water for the location. The Department of State has not and apparently will not provide the small assistance that we have requested. </div> <div> </div> <div>Given the current circumstances, at this point we are recommending that someone from each orphanage escort the children who qualify for humanitarian parole or adoption visas to the U.S. Embassy in Port-A-Prince. We recommend that the orphanage staff arrive with the children and any adoption paperwork that has not been destroyed as early as possible in the morning in order to attempt to obtain visas or parole for the children. Please understand that this option may not be considered safe and that the U.S. Embassy did not allow some orphanages onto the premises today. Additionally, please note that it has been reported that there is no food, water or facilities for the children to use while at the Embassy. As noted during our conference call earlier today, these are our recommendations only and should not be used to replace your or your orphanage director's good judgement.</div> <div> </div> <div>It is our understanding that any children processed by USCIS in Port-A-Prince are leaving on U.S. cargo jets to locations that are not often know until a hour or so before the flight leaves. At times children have left Haiti without the knowledge of their adoptive parents.</div> <div> </div> <div>This is currently the worst case scenario for the children's well-being and safety but at the moment there are no other options.</div> <div> </div> <div>As we receive more information we will continue to share it with you. While the situation at the moment is terrible I can only hope that our collective efforts produce some positive news. Despite the roadblocks Joint Council has not given up on the save haven and we continue to advocate for its creation and a more transparent and safe process in uniting these children with their adoptive families."<br /><br />Why can't we put human life first????<br /></div> <div> </div></span></span><br /><script language="JavaScript" type="text/javascript" src="http://pub12.bravenet.com/counter/code.php?id=401061&usernum=965241500&cpv=2"><br /></script><br /><!-- END DO NOT MODIFY -->Ninahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15501472187198358569noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5893231430037723621.post-9705435847461674742010-01-19T07:51:00.000-08:002010-01-19T08:04:15.629-08:00One Big Relief and the Oddness of Life....<!-- Start Bravenet.com Service Code -->I awoke this morning and immediately checked www.loveachild.com for updates on the status of the orphanage that Clepson lives in. I was SO relieved to find that they have accepted the UN in to their compound and will be continuing their ministry as the UN uses the large property to set up a hospital and recovery tents for the wounded. It is a huge blessing to know that Sherry, Bobby, Bob and Carole and the children and staff will all have good security as the conditions in PAP worsen and many people take to the countryside. <br /><br />Bobby and Sherry Burnette are two of the most optimistic people I have ever encountered. They are able to see God's blessings in the worst situations. When I received an email from Bobby that said they were living in Hell, I knew conditions were grim. I feared greatly for the safety of the people that I have come to know and love. As bad as the situation is on the news and as much as we all feel a great sadness, it is MUCH MUCH MUCH worse to know a child like Clepson is in the midst of such a huge tragedy. I worried for his safety, I worried for his health (and will continue to do so as disease spreads). To know that young, strong military men will be securing the perimeter of their compound is such a HUGE relief. Please go to the Love a Child website and read how six years ago it was predicted by their Haitian minister that this type of situation would happen.....<br /><script language="JavaScript" type="text/javascript" src="http://pub12.bravenet.com/counter/code.php?id=401061&usernum=965241500&cpv=2"><br /></script><br /><!-- END DO NOT MODIFY -->Ninahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15501472187198358569noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5893231430037723621.post-52234339522926755232010-01-18T22:47:00.000-08:002010-01-18T22:56:19.516-08:00The Adventures of Bobby in Haiti<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimIBAxCZJd07ziT82yXV6i3O0Zw6UAZrt62MIhBodhhp1bXp9WMq0lFVL7OaPmDNJ3grEqwsKcjTDc4aR_RN6f3hqU2Fk7nxh3JbrtbLl8EMdriZbf7ezVW4zfNVDEfYulLZgT-WHFrJm2/s1600-h/bobbyasjesus.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimIBAxCZJd07ziT82yXV6i3O0Zw6UAZrt62MIhBodhhp1bXp9WMq0lFVL7OaPmDNJ3grEqwsKcjTDc4aR_RN6f3hqU2Fk7nxh3JbrtbLl8EMdriZbf7ezVW4zfNVDEfYulLZgT-WHFrJm2/s400/bobbyasjesus.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428339648879557378" border="0" /></a><br /><!-- Start Bravenet.com Service Code -->My brother in law is currently en route to Haiti. He will be picking up my new nephew. You know, the one they have been in the process of adopting for the LAST THREE AND ONE HALF years! This story will be complicated.... first of all, my brother in law looks a little bit like Jesus. He is flying in to the North Coast of Haiti. He will travel by car to the orphanage and meet his son for the first time. Isaac seems to be a bright and sassy young man. I am sure they will have a lot in common. Then Bobby will travel, somehow, down south to Port Au Prince... You know, the place that just fell down. The place with stacks of decaying bodies. The place with no food, no water, and ripe for disease. Bobby travels with donated water purifing systems that will hopefully help some of the poor people of Haiti. He will hopefully stay safe, he will hopefully be coming home soon. With little Isaac Patrick.....Stay tuned!<br /><script language="JavaScript" type="text/javascript" src="http://pub12.bravenet.com/counter/code.php?id=401061&usernum=965241500&cpv=2"><br /></script><br /><!-- END DO NOT MODIFY -->Ninahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15501472187198358569noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5893231430037723621.post-50009931029723250002010-01-13T14:47:00.000-08:002010-01-13T14:54:51.008-08:00Pray for Haiti<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNipIATXw6i8Gj4OU17lRwqB09Lx-zQwrJTfU1lsL1xxbRuRbv4Nq42-NXugJZF4E9Mm6tP9i_Z8Nw2HjyGupecwqLFIlHxaOLV_Q5EtZN-W-lQqxqyMA749QZLIG0A-Rr4WfV6tYZeKOp/s1600-h/DamagedPalaixNational2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNipIATXw6i8Gj4OU17lRwqB09Lx-zQwrJTfU1lsL1xxbRuRbv4Nq42-NXugJZF4E9Mm6tP9i_Z8Nw2HjyGupecwqLFIlHxaOLV_Q5EtZN-W-lQqxqyMA749QZLIG0A-Rr4WfV6tYZeKOp/s400/DamagedPalaixNational2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426361632863127186" border="0" /></a><br /><!-- Start Bravenet.com Service Code --><br /><script language="JavaScript" type="text/javascript" src="http://pub12.bravenet.com/counter/code.php?id=401061&usernum=965241500&cpv=2"><br /></script>First, Clepson is fine. Sherry and Bobby at Love a Child were kindly very quick to respond to my email about their safety. The orphanage in Fond Parisian was spared and all the employees and children were scared, but fine. Unfortuantely, five of the older children were being housed in a home in Petionville. This was directly on a fault line. They need your prayers. Sherry and Carole (the nurse at love a child) have gone to try to find out if they are ok. No word yet. Donations should be directed to www.loveachild.com I know this organization is very reputable and will spend the money where it is most needed. 800 employees at Doctors Without Borders are unaccounted for. Their three hospitals all sustained a great deal of damage and are unusable. The Medical Advocacy Team is putting together a team of medical persons to go down and help. Email Sarah at sisters3designs@aol.com if you can help. Sarah was in the news today. For more on her story check out http://www.momlogic.com/2010/01/my_4-year-old_son_is_trapped_in_haiti.php My nephew Isaac was within Days of coming home and now must wait!<br /><!-- END DO NOT MODIFY -->Ninahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15501472187198358569noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5893231430037723621.post-5556908047707302122009-10-29T21:40:00.000-07:002009-10-29T21:48:20.635-07:00Hard Answers to EASY Questions<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis6mDOVO1LibpRu_alhyphenhyphenQ8HMzglWfKUw2Prc5oAioth7ftDYV6qRd_VFXNFYRK_PyN7iOhdgX5-EFfsB7GB2jRaOV7G6u-kbLLx_P2_34ky2FGhX_6pCtzd0ur3TRpsVmk9BW8R03WH7cl/s1600-h/pheonixface.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 168px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis6mDOVO1LibpRu_alhyphenhyphenQ8HMzglWfKUw2Prc5oAioth7ftDYV6qRd_VFXNFYRK_PyN7iOhdgX5-EFfsB7GB2jRaOV7G6u-kbLLx_P2_34ky2FGhX_6pCtzd0ur3TRpsVmk9BW8R03WH7cl/s400/pheonixface.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398250277019099378" border="0" /></a><br /><!-- Start Bravenet.com Service Code --><br /><script language="JavaScript" type="text/javascript" src="http://pub12.bravenet.com/counter/code.php?id=401061&usernum=965241500&cpv=2"><br /></script>It is so normal for people to make assumptions in making judgments on important issues. Take for instance, Horse Slaughter.....Sounds BAD. We love horses. They are noble beasts. True, they are livestock, a bit like CATTLE, but they evoke an emotion in most people that is more akin to the family dog. For without horses our path to civilization would be far different. So we vote and petition to make slaughter of horses in the U.S. illegal.... And then, we offer no alternatives. So the horses that can no longer be cared for, the horses that people can't afford to feed. The "bad" ones have no home. We euthenize cats and dogs at our local humane society. But, what do they do with the horses. The local horses that are being turned loose in empty fields and left with no food, no shelter, no water at times. These horses become a public charge. OR they slowly die,<br /><br />yes,<br /><br />That is SO much more humane. Breeders keep breeding. At the high end they produce better sport horses that excel in many disciplines. On the low end, they produce horses that don't even sell for the minimum bid of $5 at the local auction house. Sales of even nice young horses are slow to nonexistant. It costs about $5000 per year to house and feed a young horse. And that is if nothing goes wrong. Veterinary bills mount quickly. So your bargain youngster is a big investment and must be chosen carefully. Some great breeder friends of mine have wonderful babies for sale. The prices are a BARGAIN and they are willing to house the horses at a minimal rate until they are ready to ride. If you are looking for a future star, drop me an email or comment and I will happily send you their way!<br /><!-- END DO NOT MODIFY -->Ninahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15501472187198358569noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5893231430037723621.post-19096596339924860432009-10-20T23:00:00.000-07:002009-10-20T23:11:16.918-07:00Mercy<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6k6e0GGgyEgfsp6TUCgZgE3rjaY1kucWXGYTe7OJwO8dXvWWSQPR9Gb-RydYaxg9NFp8JvIjAAmILH_7MPjlhEmKTYpkYHXRiW85xUd2J7ii9IStY_n9FTst25vEvGfb4HSr9rekDIK3k/s1600-h/mercy.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394931395088027298" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6k6e0GGgyEgfsp6TUCgZgE3rjaY1kucWXGYTe7OJwO8dXvWWSQPR9Gb-RydYaxg9NFp8JvIjAAmILH_7MPjlhEmKTYpkYHXRiW85xUd2J7ii9IStY_n9FTst25vEvGfb4HSr9rekDIK3k/s400/mercy.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>What does MERCY mean to you. It reminds me of wrestling as a kid and feeling the pain and suffocation of my cousins and siblings bearing down on my chest.... we would cry MERCY! The rush of air and coolness after the struggle, that is MERCY to me. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Mercy is also the name of a little girl. A small girl with a ragged smile. Her teeth are broken from falling. She falls because she has <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">seizures</span>. There are NO NEUROSURGEONS in her ENTIRE country. She needs help....<em>sigh</em>....she needs relief, she needs MERCY. This little girls condition is getting worse. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>My good friend Kim is holding a raffle for an <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Ipod</span> Touch to raise funds for Mercy's travel to the U.S. for lifesaving surgery. Please visit their website <a href="http://berriesnhoney.blogspot.com/2009/10/mighty-to-save.html">http://berriesnhoney.blogspot.com/2009/10/mighty-to-save.html</a>.</div><br /><br />So, if you have wanted an <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Ipod</span> Touch, are touched by Mercy's story or just feel generous, please go make a donation. I know I will! This little girl has a long <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">stuggle</span> ahead of her and a long journey from Uganda to make to find her own version of MERCY.<br /><div><br /><br /><script language="JavaScript" src="http://pub12.bravenet.com/counter/code.php?id=401061&usernum=965241500&cpv=2" type="text/javascript"><br /><br /></script><br /><br /></div>Ninahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15501472187198358569noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5893231430037723621.post-4168413737000019602009-10-13T19:24:00.000-07:002009-10-13T19:33:44.106-07:00They Could Use a little HELP people!<!-- Start Bravenet.com Service Code --><img src="file:///C:/Users/nina/AppData/Local/Temp/moz-screenshot-2.jpg" alt="" />Our local Northwest Therapeutic riding center has a great fundraiser Nov. 7. The event is called Denim and Diamonds and features a great banquet and live and silent auction. They are accepting any donations for the auction and reservations for the banquet. You can check out their website at www.NWTRC.org You can win a pony.... I know a great trainer.....<br /><br /><p class="main" style="font-size: 0.95em; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"> 2009 DENIM TO DIAMONDS AUCTION DINNER </p> <p class="main" style="color: rgb(151, 15, 0); font-weight: bold; text-align: left;"> Chincoteague pony for the NWTRC </p> <p class="main"> On Saturday, November 7, the NorthWest Therapeutic Riding Center is sponsoring the 6th annual "Denim to Diamonds" dinner/auction at the Elks Lodge, 710 Samish Way. Doors open at 5:30 PM. <strong>Audra Schroeder</strong> of the Cascade Radio Group will be the MC for the evening. <strong>Pamela Cady</strong> is the auction chair. </p> <p class="main"> "We are really excited to have <strong>Arawn</strong>, a 4 year old Chincoteague pony, to bid on at this year’s fundraiser," said <strong>Julia Bozzo</strong>, executive director of the NorthWest Therapeutic Riding Program. We are accepting qualified written bids prior to our dinner/auction fundraiser on November 7th as well as during that evening. Reserve bid begins at $2,500.00. Arawn may be previewed (by appointment) at the breeding farm, <em>Canrydd Stables</em>, <a class="external" href="http://www.canryddstables.com/index_files/Page600.htm" target="_blank">www.canryddstables.com</a>. For bid information or to preview pony, contact Julia at <a class="external" href="mailto:nwtrc@premier1.net">nwtrc@premier1.net</a>, or call 360-966-2124. </p> <p class="main"> <strong>ARAWN</strong> is a 2005 black-bay gelding. He has an exceptionally nice temperament and is a fantastic mover. He is handled daily, has been backed, lounges very well and goes nicely over poles. Arawn should mature at 14.2, and has potential to develop into a wonderful performer at any discipline. He’ll make a gentle, quiet companion and willing partner for a child or adult. </p> <p class="main" style="font-size: 0.8em;"> <img src="http://www.nwtrc.org/graphics/misc/arawn_head_oval_web.jpg" alt="Arawn" style="float: right;" width="160" border="0" /> <br /><br /><br /> <strong>Breed:</strong> Purebred Chincoteague Pony <br /> <strong>Registration:</strong> Can be registered with the NCPA <br /> <strong>Height:</strong> 14.1 hands <br /> <strong>Foaled:</strong> 4/6/05 <br /> <strong>Color:</strong> Black bay with star and small snip on muzzle <br /> <strong>Health:</strong> Excellent; all shots and worming current <br /> <strong>Training:</strong> 5 months professional training <br /> <strong>Prospect:</strong> Suggesting hunter/jumper </p> <p class="main" style="clear: both; padding-top: 30px;"> Tickets for the November 7 event are $50. <br /> Please contact Julia Bozzo, <br /> 1884 Kelly Rd., Bellingham, WA 98226 <br /> 360-966-2124 <br /> <a class="external" href="mailto:nwtrc@premier1.net">nwtrc@premier1.net</a>. </p><br /><script language="JavaScript" type="text/javascript" src="http://pub12.bravenet.com/counter/code.php?id=401061&usernum=965241500&cpv=2"><br /></script><img src="file:///C:/Users/nina/AppData/Local/Temp/moz-screenshot.jpg" alt="" /><img src="file:///C:/Users/nina/AppData/Local/Temp/moz-screenshot-1.jpg" alt="" /><!-- END DO NOT MODIFY -->Ninahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15501472187198358569noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5893231430037723621.post-30972485474197923882009-10-10T20:37:00.001-07:002009-10-10T20:41:17.587-07:00The Horse Othewise Know as 4....?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7RYrF_bESd0QzGs84DjysLx23wCET6Y3CJ4ormWJzfXq4kTxGAnwk5G1gbfDH10fnDRDZFxYW0vDRGv9Yl7KW-wfSHRdGRszNV_YeW72_kz5xgJDTuRMFWqgNRmn150kgP-hFA7V99_hl/s1600-h/diegohome+039.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7RYrF_bESd0QzGs84DjysLx23wCET6Y3CJ4ormWJzfXq4kTxGAnwk5G1gbfDH10fnDRDZFxYW0vDRGv9Yl7KW-wfSHRdGRszNV_YeW72_kz5xgJDTuRMFWqgNRmn150kgP-hFA7V99_hl/s400/diegohome+039.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391181759691661826" border="0" /></a>If you look at my boy Diego you will notice that he has a big 4 on his right shoulder.....it has been there since birth. I guess it is some sort of birthmark. As he becomes WHITER by the day, the 4 stands out more clearly. It dawned on me today that maybe he is like "the artist formerly known as Prince" and would like to be known as 4.....What do you think? Is it a SIGN?<br /><!-- Start Bravenet.com Service Code --><br /><script language="JavaScript" type="text/javascript" src="http://pub12.bravenet.com/counter/code.php?id=401061&usernum=965241500&cpv=2"><br /></script><br /><!-- END DO NOT MODIFY -->Ninahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15501472187198358569noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5893231430037723621.post-65630272523625534732009-10-10T20:24:00.000-07:002009-10-10T20:36:19.036-07:00When we Need Help...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1ryR2dDK5fPQQSzeAlGSCq_SSbt7ULT-pzp-iSefOaWZoUQGm8UD9j7MjqM3S4H1tR43jJos_aIVZbe5r3t_AINX85b2iUwofVHPE2vxH82kJDr0jfh1kQ_LfEm3edDzooyp4q2xVgJ52/s1600-h/zoe1.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1ryR2dDK5fPQQSzeAlGSCq_SSbt7ULT-pzp-iSefOaWZoUQGm8UD9j7MjqM3S4H1tR43jJos_aIVZbe5r3t_AINX85b2iUwofVHPE2vxH82kJDr0jfh1kQ_LfEm3edDzooyp4q2xVgJ52/s400/zoe1.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391181007967750530" border="0" /></a><br /><!-- Start Bravenet.com Service Code --><br /><script language="JavaScript" type="text/javascript" src="http://pub12.bravenet.com/counter/code.php?id=401061&usernum=965241500&cpv=2"><br /></script>http://nieniedialogues.blogspot.com/ I have a secret pass-time... I read blogs that I find inspirational. Blogs that make me feel <span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);">small<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-size:100%;">. Blogs that make me wonder what the purpose of my life is. Blogs that make me want to slow down, look at my children's faces. Enjoy the moments.<br /><br />Have you ever had a moment so perfect that you stopped. You stopped and thought...REMEMBER ...the feel of the sun, the wind, the smell, the look of your loved one's expression.....I want more of these moments in my life. I wish I was a mom who took more pictures. Who carried my camera and captured those moments in more than my ever fading memory.<br /><br />I every mom would reach out to others and ask for the help they need. Where did we all decide that we are failures if we ask for a hand. I have BEEN there. We ALL have been there. It is not failure to reach out and take help that has been offered. It is a cultural <span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">WIERDNESS<span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"> that Mom's want to do it all themselves. We often need help, we seldom ask for it. ASK ME IF YOU NEED A HAND, I will be happy to help and I will then feel open to <span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">Ask you to help me.......</span></span></span><br /><br /><br /></span></span></span></span><!-- END DO NOT MODIFY -->Ninahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15501472187198358569noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5893231430037723621.post-11006211193594432702009-10-02T18:04:00.000-07:002009-10-02T18:16:48.461-07:00I Never Wanted to Be That Girl....<!-- Start Bravenet.com Service Code -->That girl who didn't have her act together. That girl who struggled. That girl who didn't make this world a better place. <br /><br />When we dream of what we will be when we grow up it all seems so easy. It seems like we just have to follow a straight path from A to B and the world will bend to our will. It hasn't really happened that way for me! <br /><br />I grew up as the "smart one". I was the middle sister. Smack between the Sporty one and the Pretty one. Our family also included the number one, and often-times prodigal son. We were all raised to believe we could have it all. <br /><br />I wanted to be a doctor. DEFINITELY not a lawyer or God Forbid a REALTOR or HORSE TRAINER (that is definitely a hobby, not a profession). I wanted 12 kids (the Pretty one ended up with all the kids;) I wasn't sure I needed a husband. My father had failed in the husband area, so I couldn't at that time see what value a husband brought to a family (I have since learned and LOVE having a lifepartner).<br /><br />I definitely wanted to go to an Ivy League School. Better yet, one of the Seven Sisters. I apply myself in high school. I graduate 3rd in my class. I interview, I SAT and I get into my school of choice. I also fill out an application to Purdue.....It was free.....and get a scholarship....My parents tell me I am going to Purdue.... Where the HECK is Purdue? INDIANA????? NO WAY..... Off to cornfields and cows I go....<br /><br />Somewhere along the way I fall in love. I get married before graduation and move to KANSAS...<br /><br /><br />You get the picture... My life has not been a straight path from A to B. The road has many bends and turns. It is a good life....<br /><!-- END DO NOT MODIFY -->Ninahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15501472187198358569noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5893231430037723621.post-38365458187294574372009-09-29T20:46:00.000-07:002009-09-29T21:03:11.347-07:00What is REALiTY?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj31trtjOeMfBymHCW3C0zn6mBeR7Ef1gDwXnRTcMZJwGR2_tKTazygKqA20R14RGAOA1SbnJ7bAPE21V2ljdYoCfe6eb-P18EX1Qd-vB_HmjWi0VEQEoN7y-Mx3K5Qo2H7hMDqeQEanO0_/s1600-h/divadiegomirror.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387106080364824642" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj31trtjOeMfBymHCW3C0zn6mBeR7Ef1gDwXnRTcMZJwGR2_tKTazygKqA20R14RGAOA1SbnJ7bAPE21V2ljdYoCfe6eb-P18EX1Qd-vB_HmjWi0VEQEoN7y-Mx3K5Qo2H7hMDqeQEanO0_/s400/divadiegomirror.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><br /><br /><script language="JavaScript" src="http://pub12.bravenet.com/counter/code.php?id=401061&usernum=965241500&cpv=2" type="text/javascript"><br /><br /></script><br />I have four fabulous horses to ride every day right now. <span style="color:#990000;">One of them is MINE MINE MINE. </span><span style="color:#333333;">I am one lucky lady. </span><span style="color:#330033;">I also have two wonderful children who are </span><span style="font-size:180%;color:#ff6600;"><strong>brilliant</strong><span style="font-size:100%;color:#660000;">. I think they have GOOD GENES! LOL! <span style="color:#333333;">I have frustrations. Many Frustrations. They are of my own making. </span></span></span></div><br /><p>Sometimes I do not know what to say. I hate to admit when I feel things that are less than wonderful. I have no room to <span style="font-size:180%;color:#ff0000;"><strong>complain</strong><span style="font-size:100%;">. <span style="color:#333333;">Yet, I find things to natter on about on and on and on. </span></span></span></p><br /><p>I wish I could DANCE or SING or had a TALENT.....</p><br /><p>I envy the MORMANS.... In an odd sort of way....their sense of community. The way they pull together in joy and suffering...HMMMM</p><br /><div><br /></div>Ninahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15501472187198358569noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5893231430037723621.post-55829992369006434002009-09-23T06:48:00.000-07:002009-09-23T07:06:07.484-07:00Check Out This LinkIn a typical Democratic or even <em>REPUBLICAN</em> manner, our country, the great old USA is having a DEBATE about health care. If 87% of the <span style="color:#ff0000;">people</span><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="color:#ffffff;"> want something, you would think that the debate would be short lived. After all, isn't our government based on the idea of</span> </span><span style="color:#33cc00;">MAJORITY RULE</span><span style="color:#000000;">? <span style="color:#ffffff;">It is somewhat confusing. I mean, I wasn't a Political Science major in college, I am</span> </span><span style="color:#ff6600;"><em>just a lawyer</em><span style="color:#000000;"><em> <span style="color:#ffffff;">which in no way qualifies me to actually interpret</span> </em></span></span><span style="color:#ff0000;"><strong>LAW</strong></span><span style="color:#ffffff;"><strong>, </strong>but, seriously, this seems pretty easy.....<br /></span><br /><a href="http://pol.moveon.org/insurance_execs/?rc=fb.6">http://pol.moveon.org/insurance_execs/?rc=fb.6</a><br /><br /><span style="color:#ffffff;">But then, I guess we are a country for the gullible, the</span> <span style="color:#33ff33;">EASILY DUPED</span><span style="color:#000000;">, <span style="color:#ffffff;">a country that reads the</span> </span><span style="color:#ff0000;">National Enquirer</span><span style="color:#000000;"> and </span><span style="color:#3366ff;"><em>BELIEVES</em><span style="color:#000000;"><em>. </em><strong>We are a country based on freedom of religion, as long as you are <span style="color:#66cccc;">the </span><span style="color:#ff6600;">RIGHT</span><span style="color:#66cccc;"> kind a' </span><span style="color:#33cc00;">Christian......</span></strong><span style="color:#000000;"><strong> <span style="color:#ffffff;">"</span></strong></span></span></span><span style="color:#ffffff;">Mighty White" of us! After all, Christ wouldn't have wanted to protect the vulerable, serve the less fortunate, or make sure that all people are entitled to health care.....</span>Ninahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15501472187198358569noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5893231430037723621.post-70397355069303852222009-09-15T19:23:00.000-07:002009-09-15T19:51:13.585-07:00Clepson is In the HOUSE, Finally....<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUYY08dnMypejLMXiKQgaVbIxdYU-hVQLNFpgdf8_CX4ItDJTMqPl2KVa5S16aZR_26lMntqK6Z-1o3uaHOQ8lnrAVBK0G9JGjtfxsdtH9to-erxeXRbJa1h5MZCb5-QsXrQsBXxqefIvK/s1600-h/clepson.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381888643007874898" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUYY08dnMypejLMXiKQgaVbIxdYU-hVQLNFpgdf8_CX4ItDJTMqPl2KVa5S16aZR_26lMntqK6Z-1o3uaHOQ8lnrAVBK0G9JGjtfxsdtH9to-erxeXRbJa1h5MZCb5-QsXrQsBXxqefIvK/s400/clepson.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>After much planning, preparation and anxiety (on the part of the adults mainly!) Clepson departed for home . His trip home was orchestrated by MAT with help from us and the Airline Ambassadors (super organization!) </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>We ended up driving Clepson to Seattle to meet his first of three volunteer airline chaperones. Clepson was dressed in his very best clothing and looked surprisingly "Haitian" in a dress shirt, vest and suit coat. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Clepson was excited to be leaving but had been anxious since getting his eye. I like to think he will miss us and not just "Hannah Montana"! Clepson seemed to withdraw from us over the last few weeks of his visit. It was like he had accomplished his goal in getting well and having such a super transformation with his prosthetic eye. He asked daily about how many more days until he would go home and started watching more "Love a Child" programming on the Internet. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>It is my hope that he is truly glad to be back at Love a Child and has grown in a positive way from his stay in the U.S. I know that he is a physically healthier boy, but I hope he is emotionally and spiritually well too. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>While we will miss Clepson's joyful laugh and spirit, it was not a very hard thing to let him return to Love a Child. Our family knew that Clepson would return home. Clepson has a wonderful home in Haiti. It has been MUCH harder for me to see some of the babies return to Haiti that live in squalid conditions without the resources that Love a Child provides to Clepson. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I believe in the power of education and think that Haiti's problems will one day be solved by Haitian children that have been gifted with education and world knowledge. I hope that Clepson has taken from his visit that with hard work and determination anything is possible and that we can't rely on charity and handouts to get by in life. I think a "hand up" is so much more valuable than a "hand out". When Love a Child educates and nurtures it's orphans it gives them the ability to work to change their country. My belief that this is so important made it easy for me to "let go" of Clepson and encourage his return to his own country.<br /><br /><script language="JavaScript" src="http://pub12.bravenet.com/counter/code.php?id=401061&usernum=965241500&cpv=2" type="text/javascript"><br /><br /></script><br /><br /></div>Ninahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15501472187198358569noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5893231430037723621.post-29539668921242317952009-09-10T07:12:00.000-07:002009-09-10T07:17:49.697-07:00Plans<!-- Start Bravenet.com Service Code --><br /><script language="JavaScript" type="text/javascript" src="http://pub12.bravenet.com/counter/code.php?id=401061&usernum=965241500&cpv=2"><br /></script>We have been busy and buzzing with plans around here. Getting Noah and Zoe ready for school, getting Clepson ready to return to Love A Child in Haiti...It has been a bit crazy around the household. It seems like Clepson has been with our family forever. He has been eagerly waiting to return home and the wait seemed to drag on and on and Now time is FLYING by and we will be lucky to get haircuts and school shoes and small gifts packed for the other children at Love a Child. <br /><br />Clepson has been distracted and a bit sad for the last few days. I know he is frightened to possibly spend the night in PAP when he arrives in Haiti. He is frightened to fly also. Tonight we are going Ice Skating with the cousins and he will get to spend some time with them tomorrow too.<br /><!-- END DO NOT MODIFY -->Ninahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15501472187198358569noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5893231430037723621.post-29791426671753733572009-09-08T13:46:00.000-07:002009-09-08T13:57:11.234-07:00First Day of School 2009<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhGaiCs_riGNcDDxdK_VxuvShf_W_cml4B6mVFYfzV1h5BK1HQDuY_uJfCe1bRjZEJEV05jT9k8UZdqPyMhwgqbJJzkByJwxB1KSqOCEkk-Jj6zoxmCRdFuZD8MpislUA3d2Bv7-Qmsq6b/s1600-h/firstdaycollage2009.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379201134130268802" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 250px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhGaiCs_riGNcDDxdK_VxuvShf_W_cml4B6mVFYfzV1h5BK1HQDuY_uJfCe1bRjZEJEV05jT9k8UZdqPyMhwgqbJJzkByJwxB1KSqOCEkk-Jj6zoxmCRdFuZD8MpislUA3d2Bv7-Qmsq6b/s400/firstdaycollage2009.jpg" border="0" /></a> Today Noah and Zoe went back to school. This summer has been very chaotic and from the first day of vacation I thought I wouldn't be able to make it until they returned to school. Trying to juggle another child in the house with medical needs and working two jobs with summer fun isn't for the weak at heart! The experience of hosting a medical needs child has shown my entire family things they did not know about themselves. Since Zoe was born, Noah has felt that he would be much happier sharing his parents and home with a brother instead of a little sister. He learned this summer that he just isn't into sharing;) That brothers can be just as annoying as sisters. Zoe has become much more self sufficient. She has learned that having two brothers makes twice the fun and twice the teasing. She would like to never hear the words "Zoe be quiet" again. I have learned that maybe I am a strict parent. Maybe my expectations are high and that my children are really good people.<br /><br />In July, our adult nephew and godchild (Danny) moved in with us too. We have had a full house and are so glad that Danny has found not one job but two and is working and saving to go back to school. Danny has been a lifesaver this summer in helping with childcare and making the adults schedules a little more flexible. <br /><div> </div><div><br /><br /><!-- END DO NOT MODIFY --></div>Ninahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15501472187198358569noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5893231430037723621.post-63988506658621605672009-09-06T19:16:00.001-07:002009-09-06T19:28:21.912-07:00CAKE BOSS<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho1v2Xq_-qSYmhoDHo4JTAIJkXdmwWJgqWgL71JtIsqGZV_4Vp8aNkfFduUMxALIsFC5qneJH48o_yM2gFmoIV3RsTmHPlqO5z72PZLofH4ow39gDhKxX9wx1D-_R6UtxXNnSey9tH0ihA/s1600-h/cakebosshaiti.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho1v2Xq_-qSYmhoDHo4JTAIJkXdmwWJgqWgL71JtIsqGZV_4Vp8aNkfFduUMxALIsFC5qneJH48o_yM2gFmoIV3RsTmHPlqO5z72PZLofH4ow39gDhKxX9wx1D-_R6UtxXNnSey9tH0ihA/s400/cakebosshaiti.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378543880821509490" border="0" /></a>There are very few television shows that Noah, Zoe and Clepson all like to watch that I can bear to watch (PLEASE NO SPONGEBOB!) A few weeks ago we all sat for hours watching a Cake Boss marathon. The kids were amazed at the creations and amused by the "Cake Boss's" yelling and flamboyant attitude in the kitchen. We decided to make our own "Cake Boss" creation. The kids drew pictures and we discussed and ultimately had to put off making the cake because the fondant, modelling chocolate etc... were a bit involved and we needed ample prep time to pull off the cake successfully. We also needed a group of folks willing to eat our creation... So, Clepson's "going home" party was the perfect time to create. We settled on a Haitian flag (made by Clepson, with help from Nina), an American flag (by Noah, on the other side of the cake), a pizza (by Nina) and a hand (originally waving goodby, then just taking the pizza, by Zoe). It all came together pretty well and was DELICIOUS! The cake was white chocolate cake with almond white chocolate frosting, marshmallow fondant and white modelling chocolate. If you would like any of the very, very, VERY messy recipes, just shoot me an email or comment and I will get them to you. <br /><br />Clepson is very excited to be going home at the end of the week. He is desperate to see all of his friends at the orphange and Sherry, Bobby and Carole (the directors and nurse at Love a Child). He is a very confident boy who will hopefully be just as respectful as he was when he came to stay with us! <br /><!-- Start Bravenet.com Service Code --><br /><script language="JavaScript" type="text/javascript" src="http://pub12.bravenet.com/counter/code.php?id=401061&usernum=965241500&cpv=2"><br /></script><br /><!-- END DO NOT MODIFY -->Ninahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15501472187198358569noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5893231430037723621.post-87660569691408121502009-09-04T07:19:00.001-07:002009-09-04T07:31:10.735-07:00Health Insurance Debate?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3LHS2vK47GiTRi5gzyk3WlgFLXJCHCJMF8f0aG-24cJ-hh3v71mjL0kso9KBTtT-K_vgIp17E7IupHmfrf_z6IsPT80E2-4MQn5MVRsv5QmlYva_AWQUx1Tt2djOhk8xK_KUqFIqbdIy3/s1600-h/diegohome+012.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3LHS2vK47GiTRi5gzyk3WlgFLXJCHCJMF8f0aG-24cJ-hh3v71mjL0kso9KBTtT-K_vgIp17E7IupHmfrf_z6IsPT80E2-4MQn5MVRsv5QmlYva_AWQUx1Tt2djOhk8xK_KUqFIqbdIy3/s400/diegohome+012.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5377617362057711554" border="0" /></a>Diego has health insurance..... Major medical ($250 deductable) and mortality insurance run me about $400 a YEAR. I am glad that I can afford to insure him because I don't want to face large medical bills that I can ill afford. I have personally had YEARS that I was without medical insurance. I did not get medical help when it was prudent to. We could not afford it. Do I think it is basic human right for people to have access to health care without facing poverty? YES. Do I think people in our rich country that I pay HUGE amounts of taxes should die because of lack of access to health care. NO. I wish people would open their eyes and see that we are already paying more in health care per capita in this nation than most industrialized countries do. We are also one of the ONLY countries that does not have some form of national health plan. Does this make them all SOCIALIST countries....NO....Does this make them less effective at health care than the US.... absolutely not. IN FACT, we have less satisfaction with our health care, higher costs and the highest infant mortality rate of all industrialized nations....WOW, we should be so proud! I have personally bought veterinary medicine that is THE SAME as the human medicine because the cost was one tenth of the cost for the human prescription....MANY things need to change here, pharmaceutical companies and HMO's are running our health industry. Fear of liability causes most of the doctors to make decisions that are unreasonable. Not only do we need a national health care plan, but we need to limit malpractice and crack down on the drug companies.... IN FACT, I think the government should insure doctors and other health care providers for malpractice......that should stir things up!<br /><!-- Start Bravenet.com Service Code --><br /><script language="JavaScript" type="text/javascript" src="http://pub12.bravenet.com/counter/code.php?id=401061&usernum=965241500&cpv=2"><br /></script><br /><!-- END DO NOT MODIFY -->Ninahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15501472187198358569noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5893231430037723621.post-80633301859286603152009-08-26T20:32:00.000-07:002009-08-26T20:32:09.569-07:00Looking Fabulous and Feeling Fine!<div style="MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; TEXT-ALIGN: center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibjdg5VTvZU43oK1mxsaKq5yYu6j-jkQYVc1z03Xcp9iKhNF31fRyX3DHHhRqEjE83uoiVs_k16YpLFE7pF4160F1O_IldhWm9IC4Yhkzon7qbS9q-Gy_ht9ULpyy4yafuV5rYkTpONqVk/s1600-h/IMG_4454+08262009.jpg"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibjdg5VTvZU43oK1mxsaKq5yYu6j-jkQYVc1z03Xcp9iKhNF31fRyX3DHHhRqEjE83uoiVs_k16YpLFE7pF4160F1O_IldhWm9IC4Yhkzon7qbS9q-Gy_ht9ULpyy4yafuV5rYkTpONqVk/s320/IMG_4454+08262009.jpg" border="0" /></a> </div><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Clepson</span> has been waiting, and waiting and waiting for this day to come. Today he got to spend the day with Todd <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Cranmore</span>, a wonderful and generous Oculist who made <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Clepson</span> his wonderful prosthetic eye. For a boy who has never looked like other children, this is a HUGE day.... For a boy who has been shunned because his eye appeared different this is an <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">INCONCEIVABLE</span> wonder. To look in the mirror and see a normal eye! <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Clepson</span> can't wait to get home and show his friends at Love a Child his new look. I think he looks older and more outgoing than when he arrived. I think everyone will be SHOCKED!<br /><br /><br /><!-- Start Bravenet.com Service Code --><br /><script language="JavaScript" src="http://pub12.bravenet.com/counter/code.php?id=401061&usernum=965241500&cpv=2" type="text/javascript"><br /></script><br /><!-- END DO NOT MODIFY --><div style='clear:both; text-align:CENTER'><a href='http://picasa.google.com/blogger/' target='ext'><img src='http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif' alt='Posted by Picasa' style='border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial;' align='middle' border='0' /></a></div>Ninahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15501472187198358569noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5893231430037723621.post-65612893043085057672009-07-31T20:40:00.001-07:002009-07-31T20:57:22.740-07:00Happy Birthday Clepson!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFOKmwAG34taLiyhbZAcjUYcNl0lSxCxMx98t_kr9ORzYXsuM_ib4JFFhNH6mSedZkzYRoE3RmCtDgGmYAX4PG3NlPoCdONFxTJOb1satGe1Yq-bTzBhehYDmwYEA5R94ddnsAUQ3QtdLT/s1600-h/chuckiecheese"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364836332472579970" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFOKmwAG34taLiyhbZAcjUYcNl0lSxCxMx98t_kr9ORzYXsuM_ib4JFFhNH6mSedZkzYRoE3RmCtDgGmYAX4PG3NlPoCdONFxTJOb1satGe1Yq-bTzBhehYDmwYEA5R94ddnsAUQ3QtdLT/s400/chuckiecheese" border="0" /></a> Excuse the grainy photo, it was taken on Terry's phone! Clepson had a "traditional American" birthday party at Chuckie Cheese. Clepson enjoyed the video games, cake, pizza and giant mouse (really a rat according to Zoe). Terry enjoyed the party more than the kids! It was a fun time and a great way to spend a hot Thursday afternoon. We were able to keep a "soccer" theme to the presents and Clepson was thrilled with his new soccer ball and clothes which will be entirely appropriate for his life at Love a Child. Sarah did get Clepson a cheap CD player and made a couple Christian Rock CD's for Clepson and a Micheal Jackson CD which he has desperately been wanting;) <br /><br />According to Noah, Clepson thinks I am very strict.<br /><br /> I find this somewhat humorous as I am known as the total pushover parent of my family. I have been working really hard this summer to instill a sense of "we work hard for what we have" in both my own children and Clepson. Both Terry and I work very hard to provide for our family (which I believe is true for most U.S. families). I am dedicated to my clients (horse and house). Noah and Zoe are old enough to take on larger responsibility for chores around the house. Clepson is helping right along side them. Hopefully the biggest gift we have given Clepson is the realization that the U.S. is a wonderful place where you can achieve great things if you <em>work REALLY hard!</em> I hope he will return to Haiti with the determination to <em>work hard and achieve great things</em>. Clepson is a very bright and kind boy that has been given an incredible opportunity by the Love a Child organization to be a person of great influence in his own country. <br /><br /><br /><script language="JavaScript" src="http://pub12.bravenet.com/counter/code.php?id=401061&usernum=965241500&cpv=2" type="text/javascript"><br /><br /></script>Ninahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15501472187198358569noreply@blogger.com1