Germ-X
Calvin's teachers strongly encourage them to use Germ-X regularly - to kill all of the germs on their hands. Calvin regularly says, "My germs are alive!!!" and then quickly kills them with about a 1/4 cup of Germ-X.
This morning he stuck a toy up his nose. I first told him that he was totally grossing me out. When asked why, I answered because their are disgusting germs in your nose and now they're on your toy. I'm sure you can see where this is going... he wanted to put Germ-X up his nose. I'm glad I caught him in time... it probably would have burnt!
If you know me... I am a slight germ-a-phobe. I used to not care too much... it is getting worse. But, for some reason if the germs are in my house... they're not so bad... hence the messy house. ;-) I guess now I'm going to have to clean more often to keep up w/ my germ-a-phobe son.
1.) a purple cat.
2.) a purple dog - because he knows we will never have a cat because of my allergies. He figured this all out and asked if I was allergic to dogs. When I said no, he insisted that a puppy would be a good substitute for a purple cat.
3.) yellow fire chief rain boots
4.) a bigger bed
5.) a computer - to do his "homework" on.
His current favorite color is purple. Everything needs to be purple. We're just about out of purple Flintstone's vitamins... then what?!?
Calvin and I ran into each other on Campus today... I was headed to my car to meet SSH for lunch. Calvin was on a friendly walk with his teachers and classmates. He totally seemed embarrassed to see me. He barely said 2 words. I thought I was still his BFF?!?
Calvin is going camping with my grandparents sometime this weekend. He is really looking forward to it... but I still think Grandma is the most excited!
We also want to wish Miss Daelyn a very very very magically fairytale-princess-like 4th birthday!
Calvin this morning before heading off to his new school (a.k.a. daycare).
He is sporting OshKosh B'Gosh Circa 2008 soccer shirt and
a new backpack with his name embroidered on it!
How stinkn' cute, right?!?
This year, Calvin is going to school on campus.
Very convenient!!!
Calvin has been eagerly waiting for school to start so he could wear his new running shoes and play with Stella (cousin). Stella was not there today, but we are hoping to see her on Wednesday. :-) Calvin painted a picture, played outside, ate chicken fingers, and took a nap at school. Oh... and I should admit that because I forgot to take his toothbrush out of his backpack and give it to his teacher, he had to brush his teeth with his finger. He let me know he wasn't very happy with me about that.
Today was also my first day of Fall semester. Let me recap:
In my 9:00 a.m. class I learned how to download music illegally and which sites to use to prevent viruses, popups, etc. Yay --- glad I got out of bed early for that class! I'm hoping it gets better. But, I don't really mind taking a blow-off class, either. :-)
In my last class, I laughed (on the inside) at my teacher... she is like late 20's, bleach blonde hair, and definitely had a boob job! She kept saying things like, "I have the power to..." and "I have special powers to..." and talking about how easily distracted she is. This is a programming class so I sure hope I can take her seriously! :-)
All in all, I think this is going to be a tough semester - but also a semester that I learn a ton!
I want to send well wishes to all students this semester!
SPECIAL WISHES TO MY BFF, TIFFANY, AS SHE STARTS A NEW ADVENTURE IN HER LIFE AS A COLLEGE STUDENT!!!
ALSO, WANT TO WISH MY COUSIN, AMANDA,
A FANTABULOUS FRESHMAN YEAR AT SIUE!
GOOD-LUCK, GIRLS!
I just finished the book "The Five People You Meet in Heaven." It exceeded all expectations I had of the book. Special heartfelt thank-you to my sister-in-law, Elizabeth, for this book. She gave it to me at my dad's visitation. Although it is a quick read, I took my time and read it off and on. I am so happy that I finished it.
Have you read the book?
I don't want to ruin the book for anyone who wants to read it. But, I have some thoughts.
For this post I am going to assume that what is in this book is true...
I wonder who my Dad's 5 people in Heaven were. He touched many many lives, but who's did he make a big difference in? Who did he impact in his life?
Who will be my 5 people? I have met a lot of people and lived in many places. I like to think that I have made an impact on some lives. I have tried to be a good influence for others, especially when I was in the Air Force. But, I am definitely far from perfect. Anyway, I wonder who my 5 people will be in Heaven.
At the end of the book, Eddie discovers his true Heaven. What is my Dad's Heaven like? I picture him on a farm with my Grandpa Joe. Dad drives the tractor in the field like he has always enjoyed doing. After a day's worth of work, Grandpa Joe and Dad go to the house where Grandma Velear and Lisa are waiting for them to have dinner before playing cards.
I really have no idea what Dad's Heaven is like. I hope to find out one day. Eddie's 5 people seemed very random - people that he didn't expect. I hope that my father is one of my 5 people. It will be interesting to have my life exlained to me. People say that everything happens for a reason. I hope to find out these reasons in Heaven.
I started thinking about what my possible Heaven would be like...
What would you like your Heaven to be like?
Ladies and gents...
I got an email forwarded to me tonight... I found it pretty interesting... and even tried to pass it off as humorous in someway. I want you to know that this was just a forwarded email and I have no idea the truth behind it. Please read the below and then my comments at the bottom. I'm looking forward to hearing your comments, too!!!
August 13, 2008
Dear So and So,
McDonald’s has done it again. First, the company paid $20,000 to become a member of the National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce and to have a seat on the board of directors. Next, McDonald’s refused a request to remain neutral in the culture war by choosing to promote the gay agenda. Then McDonald’s accused those opposing the gay agenda, including same-sex marriage, of being motivated by hate.
Now we learn that McDonald’s sponsors training for homosexuals on how to promote their agenda among corporations from the inside. Out & Equal™ Workplace Advocates is a national organization devoted to the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community in the workplace. One of its primary purposes is to train employees how to aggressively promote homosexuality within the company they work for, all the way to the corporate boardroom. Part of last year’s Out & Equal Summit in Washington, DC, (sponsored by McDonald’s) was an organized march into congressional offices demanding same-sex marriage laws be passed.
At the bottom of McDonald’s half-page ad in the Out & Equal Summit booklet is this statement: “From neighborhood to neighborhood, coast to coast and around the world, McDonald’s is proud to celebrate diversity” (homosexuality).
Thank you for caring enough to get involved. If you feel our efforts are worthy of support, would you consider making a small tax-deductible contribution to help us continue?
Sincerely,
Donald E. Wildmon,
Founder and Chairman
American Family Association
Donate with confidence to AFA
(gifts are tax-deductible)
Okay... so here's what I think.
I am a Catholic and I am a Republican... but I am also a human.
I personally have no problems and typically support gay and lesbian relationships (outside of the military) and even marriages. I do not agree with them getting married in the Catholic church... but who am I to stand in their way of having a civil ceremony??? How would you feel if you found your soul mate but were refused to make it legally binding just because you were both women or both males???
I have several gay and lesbian friends - just because they're gay does not make them bad people. They are people just like me and you. They put their pants on one leg at a time... just like me and you. They go to their jobs and do their grocery shopping just like we do. Nothing makes them different. So why is it that gays are often referred to or implied to be of some other species?!?
It is 2008... it is accepted in most of the world. Why is the gay movement still such a huge issue for so many Americans? We live in the U.S.A. This is the land of the free.
*** Food for thought: If your son or daughter told you he or she were gay, what would you do?
*** This is my answer: Duh... I'd go out and get the biggest rainbow flag ever to hang in my yard!
I'm totally interested in your thoughts. Please try to keep them polite - but everyone has their own opinion.
3 Year Pictures Courtesy of Jennifer Hecht
Yesterday was my baby boy's 3rd birthday party! I can't believe he's turning 3... seems like just yesterday, Mom and I brought him home from the hospital. He's growing up so fast. Luckily, he is growing into a great little boy who has qualities like love, respect, and compassion that I admire.
Thought I'd include this great picture showing off his awesome cake! Not only did it look good, but was also delicious!
Calvin's official birthday is Wednesday... so yesterday kicked off Calvin's birthday week! I will try to do something special each day this week. :-)
But seriously, I've spent a lot of money at Victoria's Secret on perfect underwear - you know the ones that make my butt look fabulous... they don't ride up - unless you buy the cheapies there. Oh, and if you love cute briefs made of nice cotton, try American Eagle's line of briefs. They fit so comfortably - and are fairly wedgie-free.
Do you ladies agree that no matter what underwear you buy,
after several washes they lose their
"anti-wedgie" abilities?
Where do you buy your underwear?
Know of any fabulous panties that you couldn't live without?
Are you a brief, hip hugger, or thong girl?
For Rebekah, I'll also ask... do you wear panties?
Calvin and his Papa Doug at the fair last year.
This week has been very overwhelming. It's finals week and I am a couple projects behind in my web design course. I'm getting an A, now - if I don't get it all turned in, I won't get the A that I want. Also, the county fair started on Sunday. The fair was a big deal to Dad. When I was younger and the only one in our family in 4-H, Dad would drop me off at the fair in the morning so I could take care of my pigs and then when he got off work he'd come back to pick me up. He'd take off to watch me show my pigs and always had great advice. Some of the most interesting advice he gave me during fair time was when I was getting ready for the 4-H auction. He told me that the buyers weren't actually bidding on the pig; they were really bidding on how I presented myself and my pig. He felt it was important to dress nicely and have my hair and make-up done for the auction.
Since my days in 4-H, my brothers Joe and Levi and my sister, Tiffany have been in 4-H. A few years ago, Dad and Denise decided to start camping at the fair like many other 4-H families. Dad even took the week off to hang out with the family, neighbors, and friends! It was a great time had by all! This year, Tiffany is the only one in 4-H. Denise decided that it was important to still take the camper out to the fair for the week. I know this week must be so hard for Denise. I am comforted by knowing she has a brother and sisters and parents there to keep her going. I admire Denise's strength.
Last year, the fair was really special. Calvin was the perfect age to enjoy all of the 4-H animals and idolize dad... right down to his boots. :-) It was also very special because at last year's 4-H auction, Chris asked Dad for my hand in marriage. Chris said that he's never seen Dad smile so big.
Calvin remembers the last year's fair. I've heard about it all week... how Papa Doug took him to pet goats and sheep and how he wore boots like Papa Doug's. Infact, as we pulled into the fairgrounds, Calvin started talking about Dad. I think it's very important to talk about Dad on a daily basis. I don't want Calvin to ever forget his Papa Doug that loved him more than words can describe. I don't want to start forgetting things about Dad, either.
Tonight, I must be going through a sad part of the grieving process. I am not so angry tonight. I am just deeply missing my father. I'm so confused on why it had to be my dad that the other driver hit. Why my dad isn't hear to enjoy the fair this week. Why Calvin's Grandpa Doug won't be at his 3rd birthday party this weekend.
Dad,
I stay up late most nights. I know you're so busy watching over everyone else during the day. So, I stay up late waiting for you to come see me. I don't know if you're here or not. If you are, could you please give me a sign? A sign to let me know that you're here and a sign to let me know that you forgive me. Dad, I am so sorry for all of the grief I gave you in life. I am so sorry for all of the times I disappointed you. I am sorry for everything. I am certain Lisa A. passed this message onto you.
I promise that a day in my life has never gone by without me thinking of you. I love, respect, and admire you. Now, I miss you so much. My heart is still aching and the Dr. said there's no medicine to mend a broken heart.
Also, I ask you to please visit Calvin from time to time... even if it's in his dreams. He hasn't spoken of seeing you lately. That troubles me. Please help me to keep your memory alive in him.
Sweet dreams.
Love,
Christina*
Calvin love, Love, LOVES his backpack complete with his name and a soccer player that he insists is him! I bought this for Calvin shortly after he started going to Chesterbrook Academy in Champaign. He was having a hard time adjusting to it. He loved his backpack so much that he proudly wore it all day, every day. All of the teachers and staff commented on how cute Calvin was with his backpack. Having something special from home helped him get through the days until he finally LOVED school!
His backpack inspired other kids to want one, too. 1st to get a backpack after Calvin was Maddox. They immediately became best friends and founded the Chesterbrook Academy Backpack Gang! :-) Soon, others were bringing backpacks, too.
I ordered this backpack from Spectrum Graphics on South Rt. 45 in Effingham.
Ashley does a fabulous job making sooo many customized things for Calvin and me. She has made several t-shirts for Calvin that are personalized for the sport in season - complete with our favorite player's number on back.
This is a super cute duffle bag that Ashley customized for Calvin! It is great for packing his clothes to go to his dad's, grandma's, or anywhere! We love this duffle bag!
I can't wait to see everyone else's backpacks, too!!!
Calvin and Hailey
