Thursday, August 23, 2007

Neglect ?

I know that it has been quite a while since I have posted - we have been so very busy!

Ok - Damon went to his Dad's house on a Friday for visitation. Well, they were at the courts playing Tennis when Damon tripped and fell. He twisted and hit the outside of his ankle up against the pole that holds the net AND he hit the back of his head on the concrete when he fell. (This was Friday night)

Well, Damon continued to complain about his ankle hurting all weekend - but did DAD take him to the ER or even just CALL the Dr? NOOOOOOOO - can we all say "DUH!!!!"

So, Damon comes home Sunday night barely able to walk on his ankle and continued to complain about it all day on Monday. I took him to get some crutches since he obviously didn't need to be on the ankle. I asked if DAD took him to the Dr and he said "No, he just poured water on it." - WHAT?!?!?! Whatever . . . . .that makes no sense to me -

THEN, over the next day, he was acting very fussy, lethargic and spaced-out . . . VERY MUCH SO - in addition to his ankle. So, I made doctor appointments with both his pediatrician and his psychiatrist. . . . I thought his behavior may have been a problem with his ADHD medicine, since we had recently made adjustments. So, first, I took him to his Psychiatrist at Medical City Children's. She determined that it was not his meds, but may have been a CONCUSION!!!! So, she sent us down to the Pediatric ER and sure enough, he had a CONCUSION and they DID find the cracked ankle - his growth plate, no less.

So, he was suffering post-concussion-syndrome, because by this time, it had healed, but the effects were still remaining - AND a cracked growth plate in his ankle.

And DAD didn't do ANYTHING?!?!?!?! And WHY couldn't DAD have done this? It costs like $10 to see the Dr. . . . . can anyone say "Stupidity"?

I "questioned" his Dad about all this and his lack of interest in the situation - he said "Well, I didn't know what to do. . . . " Well, DUMB ASS - Let's see - how about just call the nurse to ask if you need to bring him in if you're not sure - or better yet, call his MOTHER and ask how to take care of the child.

Come to find out, if the crack in his growth plate doesn't heal correctly, his leg could grow incorrectly for the rest of his "growing years" . . he could have a limp or something to that effect for the rest of his life. . . . OMG!!!!!

So, Damon is now sporting a nice cast up to his knee on his left leg, and is suppose to get it taken off next week - IF the crack has healed already. He will have been in the cast for 5 weeks at that point.

I was so infuriated - I send him to his "FATHER" and this is what happens? Now, I know that accidents happen - but you are suppose to TAKE CARE OF HIM and take him to the Dr. just to be SAFE. But, "Uncle Dad" has no inkling of what it REALLY means to be a father - just a playmate. I guess taking him to the Dr. would have interfered with playtime.

We're lucky that he ever woke up from falling asleep over the weekend - you know - the whole "wake the concussion sufferer up every 2 hours. . . . "

And to put the icing on the cake, I had to send him BACK to his Dad's that following weekend! ARGH!!!!

NEGLECT???? You Bet. And don't think for a minute that I didn't make note of this one for future use.

Monday, July 2, 2007

Ancestery

Well, I have taken on a project that I have always wanted to do, but have never had the time. I've started to trace our ancestors.

I started with Philip's side of the family since that is where I had the most information to go with (his mother was very quick in answering some questions).

I have come across some very intersting finds. Through is grandmother, Zelma, I have traced his ancestors all the way back to ADAM & EVE. This is a very tough and long process. However, I lucked upon a professional geneology expert in whom we share a common ancestor. So, from that point back, I was able to take advantage of her research. He descends from the line of Noah's son, Japeth on one side, and Noah's son Schem on the other side. It was very interesting to trace him back that far.

It was a strange feeling to find yourself "rubbing elbows" with people like Adam's son, Seth or Abraham. We all know that we ALL descend from these people (with alot of inbreeding! HA!) in one way or another . . . as we know that God created the first and only people at the time, Adam & Eve. But it takes on a whole different meaning when you can physically trace your lineage to that point and know exactly who you descend from.

Some other interesting people to whom he is "related" are St. Arnold, Bishop of Metz (The Patron Saint of Beer Brewers - There will be absolutely no living with him now!), LOTS of royalty . . . Alfred the Great, Charlamange the Great, etc. Believe me, I haven't heard the last of THAT yet!

"I'm a descendent of Royalty . . . "

I also came across some ancestors who were reportedly involved in the fall of Troy. Now, I know that this is from Greek Mythology, and I wasn't sure how "true" this was at the time. However, I did some research, and it looks as if Greek Mythology is a collection of stories about not only their "gods", but also their heros and heroines. From what I could gather, when there was someone who was particularly heroic, or a great battle of some sort, they would imortalize them and there would be tales written about that REAL people or event. They used these far-fetched stories to add some grandeur to the facts.

So, I have taken these people and put them in our tree - knowing that they were real people and events, but that the stories behind them were not necessarily true. However, it is very interesting to read the stories that were created about them. So I have included the legendary information in our tree under the "notes" section on each person. I figured it would add some interesting coversational tid bits to the tree.

If anyone knows more about this than I do, and see that my findings are incorrect about Greek Mythology, let me know - I will have to cut these people out or add notes to the effect that we don't necessarily know if this person really existed or not. . . . it's all very confusing.

Until next time!

Tuesday, June 19, 2007

Standing Up For Ourselves

A friend emailed me a "rant" from someone she knows, and although it seemed harsh at first, I have to agree with it wholeheartedly. (NOTE: Notice that this is talking about RADICAL Muslims - not all muslims - we're talking about the TERRORIST-TYPES) See Below:

*********************************************************************
Written by a housewife from New Jersey:

"Are we fighting a war on terror or aren't we? Was it or was it not started by RADICAL Islamic people who brought it to our shores on September 11,2001? Were people from all over the world, mostly Americans, not brutally murdered that day, in downtown Manhattan, across the Potomac from our nation's capitol and in a field in Pennsylvania? Did nearly three thousand men, women and children die a horrible, burning or crushing death that day, or didn't they?

And I'm supposed to care that a copy of the Koran was "desecrated" when an overworked American soldier kicked it or got it wet...I don't. I don't care at all.

I'll start caring when Osama bin Laden turns himself in and repents for incinerating all those innocent people on 9/11.

I'll care about the Koran when the FANATICS in the Middle East start caring about the Holy Bible, the mere possession of which is a crime in Saudi Arabia.

I'll care when these thugs tell the world they are sorry for hacking off Nick Berg's head while Berg screamed through his gurgling slashed throat.

I'll care when the cowardly so-called "insurgents" in Iraq come out and fight like men instead of disrespecting their own religion by hiding in mosques.

I'll care when the mindless ZEALOTS who blow themselves up in search of nirvana care about the innocent children within range of their suicide bombs.

I'll care when the American media stops pretending that their First Amendment liberties are somehow derived from international law instead of the United States Constitution's Bill of Rights. In the meantime, when I hear a story about a brave marine roughing up an Iraqi terrorist to obtain information, know this: I don't care. When I see a fuzzy photo of a pile of naked Iraqi prisoners who have been humiliated in what amounts to a college-hazing incident, rest assured: I don't care.

When I see a wounded terrorist get shot in the head when he is told not to move because he might be booby-trapped, you can take it to the bank: I don't care.

When I hear that a prisoner, who was issued a Koran and a prayer mat, and fed "special" food that is paid for by my tax dollars, is complaining that his holy book is being "mishandled," you can absolutely believe in your heart of hearts: I don't care.

Hopefully, Sooner or later, this information will get to the people responsible for this ridiculous behavior!

If you don't agree, then please don't complain when more atrocities committed by RADICAL Muslims happen here in our great country!

And may I add:

"Some people spend an entire lifetime wondering if they made a difference in the world. But, the Marines don't have that problem." - Ronald Reagan

"If we ever forget that we're One Nation Under God, then we will be a nation gone under." also by... Ronald Reagan

One last thought for the day: In case we find ourselves starting to believe all the anti-American sentiment and negativity, we should remember England's Prime Minister Tony Blair's words during a recent interview. When asked by one of his Parliament members why he believes so much in America, he said:
"A simple way to take measure of a country is to look at how many want in, And how many want out."

Only two defining forces have ever offered to die for you:

1. Jesus Christ
2. The American G. I.

One died for your soul, the other for your freedom. MANY SEEM TO FORGET BOTH OF THEM.

**********************************************************

I, personally, might not have voiced the views in such strong sentiment - but then again, maybe so - I'm not sure.

However, the general theme and message is very true. The people in this country have become worried about what everyone else thinks about the country - and are so worried about stepping on someones toes - heaven forbid we offend anyone! - that they forget what all these brave men and women are doing for them and why.

Are we just supposed to look the other way and let this type of thing continue? If we don't, we might offend someone - Gasp! Give me a break.

I constantly see America bending over backwards for everyone else, trying to accept everyone and be the "mother of all" . . . . but who takes care of America? We do - and we need to remember that and remember WHY we are doing what we are doing now in the first place. We didn't decide to attack Afghanistan/Iraq just for the fun of it - it took an attack on us first. . . . why are we so concerned for the enemy? I know that sounds harsh - and YES, there need to be limits - but some of the stuff I hear about on the news is CRAP - we're baby-footing around issues that should have no bearing on our actions. It's ridiculous.

Off my soapbox for now. . . . . Until next time.

Saturday, June 9, 2007

Early Father's Day

Well, since Damon will be with his biological father on Father's Day, we celebrated Philip's Father's Day with Damon this weekend.

Damon chose to paint Philip a special gift - so we went to the pottery shop and he picked out a coffee mug. (We all know how Philip loves his coffee!) He spent the entire week painting the mug. It has a stained glass effect with various bright colors around the top portion of it, and he painted Philip's name on the cup. He was very proud of it.

Guess what Philip will be drinking coffee out of for the rest of his days?? HA!



Damon also chose to "do something special" with Philip. We talked about several ideas, and I gave him lots of options. I made sure that I didn't sway him in any way - I wanted this to totally be his deal. He chose to take Philip to the new Star Wars exhibit at the Ft. Worth Museum of Science and History. He said, "I know how much Philip likes Star Wars - and I do too!" So, off we went. (In this picture, Damon looks so serious - I think he may have been a little intimidated by Darth Vader!!)


Damon was so excited - again, like with Mother's Day - I think he is now able to pretty make all decisions and choices on his own and it really excites him. He was bouncing off the walls and couldn't wait to show Philip what he had, in his words, "thought about all by himself - it was all his idea."

We saw an IMAX show on how they do special effects, which covered movies such as Star Wars, Jumanji, Independence Day and King Kong. We also went to the Planetarium to listen about Space. (Damon has really become a Science buff, and really enjoys learning about Space, Gems and Minerals, and the Earth). Philip and I thought it was a bit corney, but we know that Damon enjoyed it.

The Star Wars exhibit consisted of actual props, costumes and models that were used in the movies. They had Luke's speeder from the Star Wars IV, Chewie costumes, Darth Vader costumes, models of the Millenium Falcon that were actually used in the shotting of the movie, R2D2, and of course, C3PO.

We also went out to dinner at the 29 Degree Tavern in Ft. Worth - dinner was nice and all in all, I think everyone enjoyed the day. Damon was so proud of himself - but I'm sure he didn't SUFFER any, having to see all that Star Wars stuff! HA HA

Until next time. . . . .
Christy

Thursday, June 7, 2007

8 (Little known?) Facts About Me . . .

Well, I have been tagged by Amy to list 8 facts about myself.

Some of you may know some of these, but some may be new! Check it out . . . .

1) I am a breast cancer SURVIVOR. (since July 2005)

2) I have been certified in Child Passenger Safety. (Have a question about your little one? I'm your girl!)


3) I am related to our 15th President, James Buchanan.
(After reading about his Presidency, I'm not too sure that I should be very proud, but there you have it.)


4) I have been inside a medical helicopter (CareFlight). . . however, I don't remember it since I was unconcious. My daddy teases me that he paid good money for that, and I should at least remember SOMETHING!

5) I love to snow ski!

6) I'm a history buff - I love the Victorian age, the Renaissance and the Middle Ages. I love Civil War history and drag Philip to all the historical sites when we go on trips - I'm sure he just LOVES that! When we went to Murfreesboro, TN, we saw the Civil War battlegrounds and cemetery.. . . . I was so excited, showing him that "this" was where people died - wasn't it exciting that we were standing on that exact same ground where an actual battle took place hundreds of years ago?!?!?!? Apparently NOT in his mind. He just wanted to go.

7) I hate Beer - and can barely stomach wine. I make "funny faces" when I taste either.

8) I play the Clarinet - off and on for about 17 years, now. (solidly for the last 5 years)

9) I was the starting pitcher for our Fast-Pitch Softball team for 10 years. I was clocked at a pitching clinic during my Junior year of High School at 75 mph.


OK, OK - so I went over by one! I was having fun! Let's see, who's next? None of my friends are blogging. . . . so I guess this part will have to end with me.

Until Next time,
CHRISTY

Saturday, May 26, 2007

Back in Business -

Well, I'm up and running now that the computer is back in business after our fire. YES, WE HAD A SMALL FIRE . . . see "hubby's Blog" for more details and updates - I'm not going to retype everything!

Anyway, I was reading the paper the other day and there is a big to-do in Farmers Branch about renting out properties to ILLEGAL immigrants.

Apparently, there was a big vote in City Council about the issue and alot of people were up in arms about it. (most likely the ILLEGAL immigrants' families).

The city has decided that it is against the law to rent apartments, houses, etc to ILLEGAL immigrants. Now, I ask you - WHAT IS WRONG WITH THIS DECISION??? Why is everyone up in arms about it?

They are ILLEGAL immigrants - why should we allow them to stay in the country illegally? If they want to stay and live in this country - FINE, they need to go through the proper channels like everyone else does. We can't allow these people to just up and decide they want to break the law while we look the other way.

I understand that this is the "melting pot" and the "land of dreams" . . but there has to be a line drawn somewhere - otherwise, what happens to civility? If we allow people to break these laws, what other laws are next? Will it be OK to murder someone we don't like? Kidnap children when we feel like it? I know these examples seem pretty extreme - but really . . where does it end?

I don't know why people are so quick to defend those who are openly defying this country's laws - what about all those people out there who are obeying the laws and working hard in their lives - don't they get any breaks? Why dole out favors to those who refuse to obey the laws and follow the rules?

Heaven forbid we "OFFEND" anyone . . . . whatever happened to expecting everyone to follow the laws set forth my those in our government and working hard to earn a living in the LEGAL way?

Off my soapbox until next time. . . . .

Wednesday, May 16, 2007

My Celebrity Look A-likes

A friend had this on her blog, and it looked like fun! Go to www.myheritage.com to find your celebrity look a-likes!

http://www.myheritage.com



Liberace - HA HA!!!! Too funny!