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Written by Mary Beth
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Sunday, August 29, 2010 |
Most parents work hard with their children to teach them and coach them to take turns and to share. I would go so far as to say that some parents go almost blue in their face or can carry around a tape recorder (Don't know what that is? Really? You don't? Don't make me explain it to you.) with a pre-recorded message with the encouragement to their offspring to do so.
I would venture to say that there are some exceptions in which we would prefer that our children do not take turns and do not share. Within the family or outside.
Stomach bugs to name one arena.
Keep 'em to yourself. Just get rid of 'em. Go ahead. Waste 'em. (Other areas, no? Trying to get them not to waste and to complete things they started. I say, "Go ahead! Lose it baby! Be a slacker when it comes to a stomach bug.")
Tex (aka "Frodo") got a fever tonight. Oh, I praaaaaaaay that his tummy stays strong. Stay strong baby. Stay strong!
- it's blahg! mb
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Written by Mary Beth
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Friday, August 27, 2010 |
Hey Jill!
Baby Blue had a fever all day today but didn't need the sick bucket and acted more and more like herself throughout the day. So far no one else is sick (I'm hoping that the Tummy Tune-up does the trick in keeping the rest of us from getting it) but if we follow tradition this could take a couple of weeks before we know we're out of the woods.
I struggled a bit with disappointment today. We had the opportunity to go on a double date with Dan's bro and sis-in-law but since Baby Blue was still sick (and we didn't want to get the Texas Branch sick) we didn't get to go. Ultimately, it's not the end of the world by any means.
Tonight (I just looked at the clock and realized I should say "last night") we ran out to Sonic to get their $0.99 sundaes and then the grocery store. I never dreamed that I would think that the low-80's at night was cool. We even opened up our windows in the car on the drive back and opened up the condo for a bit. Quite the contrast to the two other times earlier when the kids and I went outside to walk around and get the wiggles out. One thing nice about the heat is how fast it can wear out some hyper kids who are stuck in a little condo.
The complex we are staying at has been almost a ghost town all week until today. It's the weekend and it's party time! I shudder to think what this place is like during peak season or spring break. It hasn't been all that bad so far just hootin' and hollerin' here and there. As long as no one wakes up my babes the partiers will be safe.
Tonight (last night- whatevah) I made Irish Boy's patch that he gets to wear over his right eye. Nothing like my friend Lois has done for her son (especially since I had to sew it by hand) but I think it'll do the trick.
I should probably get to sleep since who knows what later tonight or tomorrow will bring in way of illness or fun.
- it's blahg! mb
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welcome to texas - blech! |
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Written by Mary Beth
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Thursday, August 26, 2010 |
Welcome to Texas. Grab your "sick bucket".
Sigh. Deep sigh (since we're deep in the heart of Texas and all). Baby Blue (3 1/2 yo daughter) has a fever tonight and got sick to her stomach. Before she needed the "sick bucket" we knew she wasn't feeling well (beyond her fever) when we handed her a peach milkshake from Chik-Fil-A (affectionately called "The Cow House" by her) and she didn't want it. Hmmm. Should have thought then to give her the sick bucket. Live and learn.
Poor baby. She's currently laying on the living room floor under surveillance. Any little moan warrants a quick move from Mama to make sure she's okay. I'm debating about whether we should just sleep out here or not. I was going to go to bed early but my greek god is trying to get some more work done and since this is the only room he can work in besides "his office" (some people call it a bathroom --- seriously, sometimes that's the only place he can work . . . besides the garage, at home) I can't really go to bed early.
The dude is pulling the "only about 4 hours of sleep a night" routine lately. I'm not sure if he'll listen to me and get some sleep one of these days. But that's a blahg post for another time. Back to my sick little girl.
I've never seen her so sick and lethargic. I'm hoping a good night's sleep is all she needs.
Please pray that she gets well quickly and that the rest of us don't get this. We started taking "Tummy Tune-up" before we left home in hopes of warding off our special welcome gift from Texas (that we've received on both of our other trips here over the last few years).
- it's blech! mb
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Written by Mary Beth
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Wednesday, August 25, 2010 |
I know. I know! I didn't do a very good job blahging about our trip here. Go ahead. Open the can o' whoop . . .
I need to be brief since sleep is beckoning me but I'm probably going to ramble on and on and be random. Bear with me.
*Special note to all you English majors/teacher-types . . . Sorry for what's to come! If I don't just get this down, it ain't gonna ever get written down . . . and to find time to proofread, etc . . . again, sorry.*
We got to the San Antonio area on Saturday evening to our brother & sister-in-laws house (affectionately called "The Texas Branch") and spent the rest of the weekend with them. Due to the fevers some of our kids still had, while traveling, we missed out on staying with some friends along the way but we were grateful to find a motel to stay at and that the kids were getting better and were well by the time we got here on Saturday. We got into our condo on Monday afternoon and got some much needed stocking up done (not totally done but we can at least eat & function for a bit until I get my act together).
God has provided a nice little home for us and we are grateful. Definitely different than we are used to.
Just name a few things that are different for us:
- We're on the second floor so there are people below us (and, actually, above us).
- Our dog can't do the stairs very well and we've had to use the elevator a couple of times for her (she actually fell a bit tonight just as we reached the top)-- did you catch that? we've had to use an elevator for our dawg! That's something to write home about.
- Letting the dawg out to do her business entails getting all of the kids together just so she can go out and do her thing (if the greek god isn't here).
- The kids can't just go out and play (due to no yard and the heat).
- It's a two bedroom so we're being creative on sleeping arrangements.
- The DVD player works. (Yehaw! - not that we've used it much but . . . Yehaw!)
It's been really fun to get to hang out with the Texas branch and see them more than once every two years. I was over there today watching most of their kids while Dan & his bro went to their training for their new business and while my sister-in-law went to Austin to kick some bureaucratic hiney (I don't know if that's really an accurate statement but I think it sounded cool). I managed to stay sane while having a house full of 11 children (ages 12 and under . . . some of the kids being just about the same age). Since I didn't get much sleep last night I was beyond exhausted. Once all of the other adults came home we went to dinner at a cool restaurant along the river (well, it wasn't really cool because we are in Texas and all).
Speaking of the heat . . . umm, it's hot here. I keep exclaiming (loudly) when we're out in public, etc. about how cold it is here. Burrrrrr. Mind over matter, right? Riiiiight!
At early-seven-something this morning, as we piled our kids in the car to get to the Texas Branch's Haus, it was already hot and muggy. Even the kids commented on that.
It has been an extra special blessing getting to be here for the sake of Irish Boy. One of his cousins is about 8 months younger than him but they are like two peas in a pod. A couple of years ago, when were out here, this cousin of his brought out an Irish Boy we'd never seen before. He's never been the same since. It's hard to explain but it was a really good thing. Irish Boy just grew and flourished those few weeks back then so it's fun to get the two together again.
Irish Boy got his first pair of glasses. He looks totally cute in them (they kind of look like they have animal print on them). I still need to make a patch for one of his eyes. He has loved his glasses so far. He doesn't like to wear them all the time and I don't blame him.
Alright. I need to stop for now. Must. Get. Sleep.
Thanks for checking in.
- it's blahg! MB
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Written by Mary Beth
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Friday, August 20, 2010 |
We're at our half way point in our journey to the San Antonio area.
We left late Wednesday morning and after a long day driving met up with our eldest and his foster mom for a quick visit in Southern California. We won't be here next month for his 15th birthday so we stopped to give him his present early after hanging out at park for just a bit so the little ones could stretch their legs. After our visit with him we had another 40 minute drive (plus a stop to Walmart for milk and food for dinner). We finally got into our motel at around 11pm and ate dinner and got everyone to bed by 12:30am (I think it was that early). Most of the little ones didn't sleep well (therefore neither did Mommy or Daddy). We got another late start yesterday morning since sleep is a priority.
I'm the driver on this trip so that my greek god can work. I just about diiiiiiiiiiiied due to exhaustian yesterday. If you were driving on I-10 yesterday somewhere in Arizona and you saw a woman driving a minivan making funny faces and bouncing around . . . it was probably me. Trying to stay awake. Thanks to Skittles and Piper (sounds like a band, huh?) I was able to sit looking like a normal person for awhile (notice that I said "looking" like a normal person?).
We managed to get to eat dinner 3 hours earlier last night! Woo-hoo!
I slept about 8 hours last night and people are just starting to wake up in here. We'll get another late start this morning but like I said earlier . . . sleep is a priority.
Tex is the last to get the fever and he still had it last night but slept through the night so that's good (he's currently babbling in his tent). My greek god took Miss Frizzle and Irish Boy swimming last night while the other kids went to bed (kind of hard to explain to a 5 & 3 year old why they have to go to bed while the other two get to go swimming but that's life and I'm sure they'll survive . . . they were so tired that they didn't put up too much of a protest).
Gotta get movin'
- it's blahg! mb
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Written by Mary Beth
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Wednesday, August 18, 2010 |
The adventure is just beginning.
We're almost ready to get in the car to head to TX.
Yehaw!
- it's blahg!
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Written by Mary Beth
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Friday, July 30, 2010 |
I'm thinking about changing my blahg name to "Dear Jill".
Any guess as to why?
- it's blahg! mb
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Written by Mary Beth
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Friday, July 30, 2010 |
I'm a movin' and a groovin' to "Ahhhhh freak out!" (in my head).
In about two and a half weeks our lil' fam will be temporarily moving to Texas. Two. and. a half. weeks. Gulp.
This is an exciting and scary time. Totally uncharted territory.
My greek god and one of his bros (slash business partner) are starting a new business venture out in the San Antonio area. This new business venture may require Dan to be out there a lot over the next year. We are planning on trying to stay together as much as possible. Our first leg of this new venture will be three months.
Three months away from home is a looooong time.
Packing a minivan that does not have a roof rack or a trailer hitch for three months worth of belongings for five kids, two adults, and a dog sounds . . . fun. In a sick way. I wonder if my wheat grinder, crock pot, and bread maker will make in there. The other day I made back-of-the-seat organizers that the kids think are fabulous (and they think I'm pretty cool). Well worth the time. I'll have to post pictures under the title "Sew Not Perfect but works for me!" or something.
To add to the fun of it all we'll be staying in a little two bedroom condo. With five kids and a dog (the dog is thankfully old and mellow). Um, ya. But perspective is everything sometimes. This little condo is huge. HUUUUUGE! compared to our 27 foot motor home (which we originally thought about living in . . . in the heat of TX). That lil' condo will feel like a mansion. Whenever I remember to compare the two.
We're all going to be together. And THAT's what matters.
I'm thinking about having another blahg that my greek god would have to build for me . . . "Going Crazy. Texas Style" (since everything is big in TX).
I'll keep you posted!
- it's blahg! mb
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Written by Mary Beth
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Friday, July 23, 2010 |
Well, sure I have a blahg why do you ask?
- it's blahg! mb
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Written by Mary Beth
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Saturday, July 10, 2010 |
I'm wondering if a map making company's clearance section would have a globe that's flat.
Bah-dum bum-cha!
Oh, I crack myself up.
- it's blahg! mb
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charity carnvial . . .you gotta go! |
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Written by Mary Beth
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Wednesday, June 23, 2010 |
 Whatcha doin' this Saturday (June 26, 2010) from oh, say 10 am and 3 pm?
What was that? What would I suggest? Well, I'm glad you asked!
I say head on over to Riverbend Ranch Charity Carnival!
For the past few years the really cool Kjeldgaard family has put on a charity carnival. Last year our family was able to attend. Super neat good ol' fashion family fun. The atmosphere is great at their ranch but what's really wonderful is why they do it.
This Saturday the charity is Drawn From Water. Lisa Kjeldgaard told me about this ministry earlier this year and I think it is awesome. They " . . . are passionate about rescuing and providing for tribal children in Africa who are facing culturally mandated infanticide."
If you live within a few hours of Oakdale, CA I strongly encourage you to head over to the Riverbend Ranch Charity Carnival.
If you aren't close enough or cannot go don't feel like you have to completely miss out on the fun! They have raffle prizes available, too. So head on over whether in reality or virtually.
NEWSFLASH! This just in: Thursday, June 24th from 9 am to 9 pm they are having a 12 hour sale on pre-purchased carnival tickets.
- it's blahg! mb
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Written by Mary Beth
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Monday, June 21, 2010 |
We're heading out to go camping with our eldest. We're praying for a fun time and great memories. Also, my greek god and I have injured backs (this morning we weren't even sure we'd get to go but we've got some movement so we're goin' for it) so that's going to be interesting.
- it's blahg! mb
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Written by Mary Beth
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Saturday, June 19, 2010 |
Yesterday a passing of the baton from one generation to the next took place. Her five children now carry the baton. A very large family, begun by two people many a year ago, gathered as Dan's Grandma Neff was buried and remembered. Her children, many grandchildren, great grandchildren (the great-great-grandchildren did not attend) along with spouses of said offspring along with friends took time out of the rat race of society to reflect upon a woman who was very dear to many. I think her most important role was one she and her late husband (Grandpa Neff) played together by leaving a christian heritage. One I hope will continue through further generations. I pray that the hope of being in the presence of Jesus Christ will be one carried by all.
- mb
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i hear yosemite calling my name . . . |
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Written by Mary Beth
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Tuesday, June 01, 2010 |
. . . and. I. Must. Answer.
- it's blahg! mb
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Written by Mary Beth
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Sunday, May 30, 2010 |
This story of a 100 year old practicing obstetrician amazes me. He's been practicing for 63 years. He no longer delivers baby since his eye sight and hearing are diminishing but he makes his rounds, etc.
- it's blahg! mb
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Written by Mary Beth
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Sunday, May 30, 2010 |
Ten years ago today my eldest daughter made her debut. I was going say "grand entrance" but then I realized I don't really know if it was "grand" or not. I don't know if it was an easy delivery or difficult. But someone else does. And I mourn for her.
Actually, I don't know what I was doing on this day 10 years ago (except fostering an 8 month old girl). I was definitely clueless that in three days I would have a beautiful black-haired smiley black-eyed baby girl enter my life.
My precious gift from God turns ten today. I got to celebrate with her, along with the rest of our lil' family, extended family, and friends, at her birthday party yesterday. Today, I get to watch her delighted face and sparkling eyes as she opens the gifts her daddy and I got her. We know what she likes. Someone else does not. And I mourn for her.
I have an ache in the depths of my innermost being (and until now I don't know if I've ever felt that depth before). I feel as though I might burst into uncontrollable sobs due to an unexplainable loss. But it is not mine. It is my daughter's birth mother. The woman who carried my daughter in her womb and birthed her. I've tried writing this next sentence several times but words fail me. Deep, anguishing loss is what I feel right now. How is she feeling right now? Oh, how I mourn for her.
And, yet, I am so thankful to the Lord for giving us our eldest daughter. What a precious gift indeed. I, absolutely, cannot even begin to imagine our lives without her. Again, I'm speechless. The Lord has greatly blessed our family with her as a member and I pray that she will know and embrace that truth all of her days.
Bittersweet day, indeed.
-mb
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Written by Mary Beth
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Monday, May 17, 2010 |
We be illin'
Wish we were chillin'
Have had vicious fevers
Wish we were dancing like beavers
Many a hard night
Does the end of this tunnel have a light?
Tex hadn't slept more than a two hour stretch
Until last evening did he get almost a full night sleep fetched
Hallucinations were had by Irish Boy
Sword fighting guys bouncing on walls and shelves might bring a bit of joy (if it weren't so freaky)
Lil Miss Frizzle along with da boyz endured the fevers and pink eyes
Now that she is feeling a bit better she's helping so much, she's such a prize
Mama has fallen ill
Making more work for Daddy to fill
Praying that Baby Blue, Bling, and my greek god stay well
Don't want them to endure this bit of . . . um, discomfort
Wish we were chillin'
But we be illin'
- it's blahg! mb
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Written by Mary Beth
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Saturday, May 15, 2010 |
I am currently up way past my bed time. Don't ask me why.
My youngest is talking to himself and should be sleeping. The poor little baby is so very sick. I must say that him humming and talking to himself is much more preferable to crying and being miserable. Although, as I write this his humming is turning to whining . . . which will likely turn to crying . . .
This has been a very vicious fever. What. Is. This. Thing?!
It has attacked a couple of the other kids so far. I was very sick at the beginning of the week with a cold-thingy but I don't recall a fever but in the midst of that I started feeling very weak and dizzy. The last half of today is the first time I could stand up without feeling like I might fall over. Thank You, Lord!
I think I'll go offer him a nice cold one. His "beverage of choice" is code for "bottle" but Shhhhhhhhh! don't say that out loud . . . he'll get upset because I'm not getting it to him fast enough.
Watch, when I show it to him . . . he'll start sucking his tongue. Totally adorable.
I guess that's why I'm up late.
- it's blahg! mb
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Written by Mary Beth
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Wednesday, April 28, 2010 |
Sick, sick, sick. Sad, sad, sad. That's how I feel when I read stories like these.
A precious 22 week old little boy survived a botched abortion for two days. Inside the womb the ending of his life is considered a "choice". Outside the womb his death may be considered a "homicide". Outside the womb he was considered to be an Italian citizen with equal rights to others. But in the womb? Where is the disconnect?
- sick and sad! mb
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Work Pants and Floral Skirts |
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Written by Mary Beth
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Monday, April 26, 2010 |
For some reason I had an overwhelming need to put on make-up and a floral skirt after mowing our back yard Maybe it had something to do with wearing my greek god's work pants while doing his job?
- it's blahg! mb
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God's Grace, Mercy, and Kindness |
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Written by Mary Beth
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Thursday, April 15, 2010 |
God has been so amazingly gracious, merciful, and kind to our family in the past few days in particular.
Dan had to have his appendix taken out on Monday evening. His pains and not feeling well began on Sunday early afternoon (they weren't too bad until that evening). Over the weekend our family went camping with our eldest. After dropping him off where he lives Dan drove us home (I'm so glad we didn't decide to camp another night!) in a great deal of pain.
Apparently, the appendix is supposed to look like a line on the scan. His looked like a sausage. The doctor told me, after the surgery, that it had not burst . . . yet. She also fixed his herniated belly button saving him a surgery in the future (I didn't even know he had a herniated belly button). Two for the price of one! We're all about frugality around here!
After two days in the hospital he was able to come home last night. Now we just have to convince the children that just because Daddy is home doesn't mean he can do anything. It's hard for the little ones to understand that. But he's home. Phew! We had some wee little ones who were afraid their daddy would die, were exhibiting anger, and of course, the whining, etc. because they didn't know what else to do.
God provided meals, people to care for our kids while I got to be at the hosptial for awhile, me getting to see Dan just before he went into surgery (we had dropped him off at Urgent Care and went home to wait to see what was going on), etc. Yesterday my sister-in-law came over at the drop of a hat because I just needed to go see Dan and five minutes before I walked out the door our pastor's wife dropped off a hot meal which I was able to take with me to the hospital to eat (I had the kids fed, but I forgot to eat). Two families were totally flexible in when to watch my kids. My mom came over to "just" sit with kids who may need to "just" be held while Mama ran around like a chicken with her head cut off. And people prayed. Etc. etc. etc.
We've had offers for meals from people who live 1 1/2 to 2 hours away and to even stay out in the country with some friends while Dan recuperates. People called at the exact time I needed when I was just about to break down. One of my neighbors decided to just come hang out with me during Dan's surgery. Dan's mom and sister were able to be there while we waited for him in recovery and then while he was taken to his room. They ended parking right next to me and we left at the same time late that night so I didn't have to walk to my car by myself.
My aunt died on Saturday and Dan and I had seriously considered driving out to Oklahoma with the kids to go to her funeral. But on Monday we found out the funeral was the next morning. We'd never make the drive. So we looked into me flying out. But something just didn't seem right about me leaving. It was hard not to go but now I'm so glad I didn't. Dan is a trooper and although he wasn't feeling well (and we thought it might just be the stomach bug) he was willing to let me go. Man, oh man. If I had gone his appendix might well have burst while I was gone because he probably never would have gone to the doctors until it was too late. Had the funeral been a day or two later we might have been driving out in the middle of nowhere and it burst.
I can just go on and on . . . if my brain would let me.
God orchestrated our family's care. I pray that we will never forget that.
Thank You, Lord, for your kindness and mercy. Thank You that we have medical care so close to our home. Thank You that we even have the ability to get the care. Thank You for all of the people who gave us help whether they physically did something or "just" offered. Even the "just" offers were an encouragement and a reminder of Who You are. And it was comforting. Thank you that I didn't freak out and was "only" frazzled. Oh, Lord, please help our family to never forget how You cared for us.
Amen.
-MB
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Written by Mary Beth
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Saturday, April 03, 2010 |
I've been thinking all day about the disciples and followers of Jesus. Wondering what they were thinking. The day before He had been crucified and buried. Now what?! How scared, bewildered, sad, terrified . . . they must have been. Having no idea that the next morning would be a glorious day.
He is risen! He is risen, indeed!
- it's blahg! MB
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15 years ago tonight . . . |
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Written by Mary Beth
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Tuesday, March 23, 2010 |
right about . . . now. Our rehearsal and rehearsal dinner were done. Dan was at his bachelor party and I was at my maid of honor's house with my best friend from high school and an almost-sister-in-law watching "Father of the Bride".
Tonight Dan bought my roses from . . . Costco (because I won't let him buy them anywhere else). Fifteen red roses are gracing our dining table (along with the leftovers: four for the kids and five to be given to my mom).
My greek god took me away this past weekend for a surprise anniversary weekend get away. I found out a week before but only knew when we were going and who was going to be watching the kids. He had it planned out and even Lil' Miss Frizzle was in on it. He'd been hording and hiding the funding to do so.
Friday morning we split the kids up between two families and took off for time away as husband and wife (haven't had that kind of time away in a few years) and returned Sunday morning in just enough time to get to be with our kids during the church service.
I had guessed that he was taking me to Pacific Grove (love it there) but he went the wrong direction.  Instead he went north to Half Moon Bay where we stayed in a hotel nicer than any we'd ever stayed at. We dined at restaurants we would normally never due to frugality. This being our 15th anniversary he wanted to spoil me and do some things we'd never done. He even wrote me a poem.
He knows what I like and he put much thought, time, and money into making a special weekend away.
I am blessed.
- it's blahg! MB
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Written by Mary Beth
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Monday, March 15, 2010 |
I suggest heading over to the Yuen Den for a thought provoking post by my friend Jill. Not only is the post appropriate for preparing for Resurrection Sunday celebrations I think we need to mindful of Christ's suffering even in our day to day "stuff".
- it's blahg! MB
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Written by Mary Beth
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Monday, March 01, 2010 |
Swirling. Swirling. I. Can't. Seem. To. Grab my thoughts to "pen" them.
My thoughts keep bouncing back and forth like a racquetball gone wild against the walls of the court. If I don't write down the ones I can actually retrieve I'll never be able to figure out what's going on in my head. And you, my friend, get to watch amusingly as I try.
(How many allegorical thoughts do I have in this post? I hope an English major either isn't reading this or can just ignore the annoyances.)
For quite some time now my thoughts have been held imprisoned in my mind. I have been unable to intelligibly share them even an ounce.
So much of my life is trivial. Wah! I feel a bit achy or tired. Sigh, I guess I should just stay in bed a little while longer. Wah! My stomach is growling and I just can't seem to ignore it. Besides, I need my energy. Annnd, there isn't anything in my cupboards or refrigerator . . . that I want to eat. Doh! I missed yet another opportunity to share Jesus with someone because . . . because . . . I'm a WUSS. That person may not like me anymore.
All the while there are people in other parts of this world who are in forced labor camps who have to labor regardless of how they feel that day and have very little to eat (if anything at all). They are in these labor camps (oftentimes to be "re-educated") or in prison because they aren't wusses. They either shared Christ with someone, gave someone a Bible, were smuggling Bibles, or were in a secret church service.
A secret church service. I don't have to go to secret church services at this time in my life. In the United States of America we still (at this time) have the freedom to publicly worship Christ. On Resurrection Sunday our church family will be hosting a service at the local community center. Out in the open. Did you know that it is illegal in some countries to gather out in public to worship Jesus?
There are children who have been ripped from their homes and forced to become murderers in an evil army. There are children whose daddy and mommy cannot provide enough food for them to eat. There are children who don't even have a mommy and daddy. Some are orphaned because their mommy and daddy were Christians or not of an "approved" religion. There are children who are being murdered because they are deemed "mingi" so they are considered to be bringing evil spirits into their tribes and must die.
There are people who are forced to worship the leader of their country as a god. Woe to them if they do not.
I live in a country where freedom of speech allows people to share their honest opinions of those in leadership whether it be positive or negative. I can write to my senators and others in leadership to share my concerns (and receive letters back from them politely informing me that they don't agree me but thanks for writing anyway).
I can choose whatever form of education I deem best for my children (for now). I also can teach them about Jesus (for now). I can have as many children as the Lord chooses to bless my family with. I have the freedom to seek out the best outlet for my gifted children and therapies in areas of weakness so as to help them thrive.
I can travel to any part of this vast country without needing the permission of the government.
I can keep blahging for as long as I want to (until the children wake up and are ready to get out of bed and need me . . . which is right about now).
Check out some links to get a picture into what has those racquetball-thoughts bouncing:
http://www.persecution.com/ (Voice of the Martyrs)
http://www.prisoneralert.com/
http://www.invisiblechildren.com/home.php (child soldiers)
http://www.drawnfromwater.org/ (Saving "minig" children)
- it's blahg! mb
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