United....

I've always been, what we'll call, an emotional person. One thing that gets me every time-without fail, is Patriotism. Whether it be everyone listening to the National Anthem with their hand over their heart before a sporting event, Servicemen marching the flag down the road at the beginning of a parade, or my cute class reciting the pledge every morning before school. They all get to me and make me choke up and get a little teary eyed.

Today is no different. It is September 11th. This is a day that we have embedded in our minds. We relive and remember the events that happened ten years ago, just like they were yesterday. We all know where we were and what we were doing. (I was in my first semester of college. My dad came and woke me up and told me to hurry and come downstairs. The first plane had already hit, and we watched the second one hit together. I watched the towers fall, I watched hours and hours of video footage and news shows. I rode a shuttle bus from the parking lot to campus, we listened to the radio, we stared at each other in silence. At school that day, it was all anyone could talk about. Students were swarmed around every TV on campus....we were in awe.)

We talked to complete strangers, at school, at work, in the grocery store line. It didn't matter who they were, we were UNITED by this tragedy that struck us. We were (are) all Americans and it affected every single one of us.

Today is also the first day of the regular season for the NFL. A lot of work has gone into pre-game tributes. Giant flags have been created and cover the entire field. Players and coaches are helping hold those flags. Fly overs from our military. National Anthems being sung. Moments of silence. Everyone in the crowd waving an American Flag. Uncontrollable cheers coming from everyone in attendance. Everyone is United again, to pay tribute, to remember those that lost on that tragic day. Millions of dollars have been spent on 9/11 commercials. (There have been some really great ones). Seeing these things, have made me tear up a lot today.

There are tributes all over Facebook. The newspapers. The internet. This is a day of remembering. We are all a little more patriotic today. Once again, a little more United.

I tried to talk to my students at school about the events of 9/11. It is hard for them to understand, to comprehend. The majority of them weren't even born. (There is one kid in my class this year, that was actually born on that day....can you imagine the emotions going through his mother's head). I've showed them pictures, talked about what I saw, tried to help paint them a picture of how tragic it was. We've had some great class discussions about it. But it isn't reality for them (I guess, kind of like Pearl Harbor is for me, an important part of history, but I don't fully comprehend it). One thing that I have focused on with my kids in these discussions, is how is brought everyone together. How the events United us. We forgot about silly things in our life, we forgave others, we realized what was important.

It's unfortunate that it took such an event to Unite us, but sometimes that is what it takes. There is a sadness on this day, but there is also something great. Every year, I feel like we, as a country, are once again UNITED. We show our Patriotism. We join together and are grateful for what we have, and remember those we lost.

UNITED WE STAND.....

Things you should NEVER say. EVER.

I stumbled upon an awesome blog post of a list of things you should NEVER say. EVER. It struck a chord with me as most of them are referring to adoption, pregnancy, family,infertility etc. I have had quite a few of these things said to me and I have heard people say some to others. It's sad that many people talk, before they think.

Things you should never say. Ever.

* Never, ever ask a women if she is pregnant. She could be overweight. She could have an illness, or she could have a diastasis.

* Never ask a big family if "they know how that happens". It's crude. No one wants to discuss their sex life with a stranger.

* Never ask an adoptive family which ones are their "real kids".All children are real.

* Never ask an adoptive family if the children are "real brothers and sisters". Siblings are siblings no matter how they became that way.

* Never ask a childless couple when they are going to have kids. They could be trying. They could be infertile. They may not want children.

* Never ask someone how much money they make. Period.

* Never ask a single person why they are still single.

* Never ask if the black child in a family is from Africa. Not all black adopted children come from Africa.

* Never make a reference about The Blind Side to an adoptive family.

* Never say a child is "Just like Michael". {see above}

* Never ask a dating couple when they are going to get married.

* Never, even in jest, ask a couple if they are "done". I don't care how many kids they have. It's rude.

* Never ask a woman when she is due, unless you are certain,without a doubt, that she is expecting.

* Never tell a pregnant woman how she is carrying. No one wants to know their butt has gotten bigger. Or that they are carrying "all over."

* Never tell a new Mom how to take care of her baby. She will figure it out herself like we all do.

* Never assume the gender of a baby. If you don't know, simply use the phrase Your baby is _____________ {fill in the blank}.

* Never offer disciplinary advice to a Mom with a child who is out of control. You don't know if that child has autism, ADHD, RAD or is just strong-willed and that Mom may very well be doing the best she can.

* If a child is melting down in a public place, don't stare. Move on. Again you have no idea what that child may mentally be dealing with.

*Never walk away from a busy, obviously struggling Mother in a store/public place without saying to the Mom, "You are a great Mom and are doing a wonderful job" It will probably be the most memorable and encouraging thing she has heard all week.

* Never ask an adoptive family which kids are adopted. No adopted child wants to be pointed out.

* Never ask a family who hasn't already adopted if they are planning on adopting.

* Never ask a family who hasn't adopted when are they going to bring home their baby/child/children from (China, Ethiopia, Uganda, etc). God may not be calling that family to adopt. Your assumption puts unnecessary and unwarranted guilt and pressure on them.

* Never ask an adoptive parent how much their child "cost".

* Never say to a big family, "You should have your own reality TV show."

* Never tell any mother that her child is anything but adorableand perfect.

* Never say things to the older children of a big family like "You must have to work so hard." Or "It must be really hard to have all of those siblings."

* If a pregnant woman looks very pregnant, never say You look ready to pop. She may have months left to go.

* Never, ever tell a pregnant woman she looks like she is carrying twins. She probably isn't.

* Never tell a childless couple how great having a baby is. Again, they may be infertile.

* Never tell new parents all of the horror stories of being a parent.

* Never tell a newly pregnant woman all of the horror stories of birth.

* Never ask an adoptive Mom about her children's birth parents, especially in front of the child. Things like Why didn't they want him? Or Why was she given up? are hurtful to the child and often times the adoptive parent prefers to keep the information on the birth parents private.

* Never ask a family who has chosen to adopt first, "When are you going to have children of your own."

* Never say "oh, you must be a saint for adopting these poor kids." Or "oh I hope they appreciate what you've done for them."

* Never ask a parent with children of only one gender "Are you going to keep trying for a girl (or boy)?" or "I bet you wish you had a girl (or boy)!" Especially, in front of the kids.

* Never ask an adoptive Mother "What about his real mom? Or"Where is his mom?" Or "How old is his mom?" I am his MOM!!! I AM HIS MOM! ME! The one who takes him to every appointment, fights for him to get his medical supplies, advocates for him, holds him until he sleeps, changes every diaper, teaches him things, kisses his baby soft lips and cheeks. I...am..his mama! {added by reader Ashlee}

* Never tell a woman who has miscarried, "Don't worry you can always have another one."

* Never tell a women who has lost a child, "you can always have more", or "you are still young yet" or "she would have been difficult to take care of, with all her needs"

* Never tell a woman who miscarried that "It was for the best because the child probably had issues."

* Never assume because a family is adopting first that they are infertile. Or if someone is infertile never say to them that they will get pregnant now that they have adopted "because it happens all the time". NOT TRUE.

*Never ask "Is he mixed?" We're talking about a human being here people, not a dog.

(Adapted from a wonderful post by Courtney over at Storing Up Treasures. It's right HERE. )

Jammin'...

Why is it more fun to sing out loud, than to sing in your head?

When driving, I love to sing a good song at the top of my lungs (or at least out loud), but obviously it looks a little silly if others see you doing this...so when I am stopped and there is a car next to me, I sing the song in my head. However, the second I am not neck and neck with another vehicle, I start jammin' out again.

While driving today, I was thinking about this very subject. I decided to keep tight lipped and just think the words to see if I felt a difference. Could it be just as good to sing the song in my head?

Conclusion: I would much rather sing my lungs out, than sing in my head. Is anyone else with me?

Thought I'd share....

*Disclaimer: this is a very non-exciting post, but helpful to anyone that has had problems with getting clean dishes as of late. End Disclaimer.*

A couple of months ago, my dishes started coming out of the dishwasher absolutely disgusting. I had just bought a new box of Cascade, so I figured that was it (the box did look different after all). I went and bought another box at a different store. Same results.

I searched online remedies which included vinegar and/or baking soda. Still nothing. Then one night there was a news report saying that it was a widespread problem due to the fact that phosphate was no longer put into the dishwashing detergent, so dishes were coming out with a white film on them, especially if hard water was present. (My black serving utensils were embarrassing).

Okay, so it wasn't just me. They also suggested home remedies of baking soda and/or vinegar. No results.

I got on the news channel's website to find the story and see what I was doing wrong. There was an update to the story with someone swearing by the product, LemiShine, to help with the problem. The lady had tried all other remedies and nothing had worked for either, until this. I found that Target was selling it and went straight there. (Like I need much convincing to go to Target)

I was eager to try this product, so I washed a load of dishes immediately. It was like there was a halo descending down on my dishwasher with the words hallelujah singing out!! My dishes were beautiful. Beautiful. I pulled out previously washed dishes from the cupboard to compare the results....Night and day difference. Finally a solution.

So, if you are one of the people suffering from the white film problem, I highly suggest this product to you. Like I said, for us, none of the other solutions worked. We don't follow the directions exactly for our dishwasher situation (we would go through it way too quick). We put half detergent and half LemiShine in the main soap compartment (versus putting all Lemi Shine in, like it calls for) and all detergent in the pre-wash.

I saw a huge display of this stuff at Wal-Mart and Target also carries it.

Just thought I'd share.

It's an obsession really....

Like I need something new (internet related) to soak up all of my time. I spend enough time searching for student related websites and fun lesson plans for my Smart Board. Then there is the personal side of it including looking at blogs, blogs, and yes, more blogs. I love finding new craft ideas (which there are way too many of).

I have however, felt as though my organizing and keeping track of all of these great and marvelous things, has been very lack luster. I have a favorites list that is three point seven miles long. Then there is the problem of saving a great blog site (with the purpose of remembering a super fabulous idea), only to have to go back and search the entire site again to find that exact post.

Problem Solved. A few months ago, I stumbled onto what I have decided is one of the single most, internet related, greatest inventions ever! The website is called Pinterest.com. It is a brilliant way to keep track of all of those wonderful things you find on the web-an amazing way to organize your favorites, in categories (chosen by you). I could try and explain it all, but it's just better to check it out yourself. One bummer, you do have to receive an invite before you can start using. It took me awhile to get one, but I've been an addict ever since.

Happy Pinning! (consider yourself warned of the addiction that will soon follow)

(In a nut shell):

-You find something you like on the internet.

-You click on the pin-it tab that you add to your toolbar. (or if searching on the pinterestwebsite, you may choose to repin what someone else has already pinned...yes, you let others do the work)

-choose a picture within that post or site to help you remember why you liked it in the first place. one super fabulous thing about this, when you click on that picture later, if set up correctly, it will link you back to the original post

-type in a quick description of why you love it

-choose a category in which you would like it to fit under (all that you have cleverly named yourself)

-click pin it

-repeat for another item

let me know if you have questions or want to see my page

Yup...a new post!

Hello blogging world. It's been awhile. I feel no need to apologize for my absence. My blog has never been a must read anyway. I do however feel the need to share some excitement with my internet family. Let me stop that thought right now....no, it's not the excitement that I have been longing for. It is a mere worldy issue, one that will probably drain my bank account in no time.

**Quick story**

The other day I was a little ornery, we will relate it to the fact that it had been 60 degrees for a few days and then suddenly turned bitter cold, again. While I was driving home, feeling gloomy, I passed a part of my hometown that showed something promising. I wish I had a picture to show what my excitement was about-but taking a picture while driving is not a good idea. Rather, I will show you what the end result will be.....

Yes, it is true...there will be a Cafe Zupas very close to me. Soon. I knew it was coming, but construction has begun, meaning I am now jumping for joy. The hole has been dug. Hallelujah! Anyone that has eaten there knows exactly what I'm talking about and if you haven't...do yourself a favor. I frequent this restaurant now, so I can't even imagine what it will be like having one so close.

Was this event really worthy of a blog post. Some may say no. But we're in the middle of the winter blues here...we can all use a little excitement!