Who would do that?

I realized I'd posted this instead of saving it to "drafts" as I'd initially intended... oh well... it's pretty much the same but I'd wanted to make sure

First and foremost, I am NOT saying that her grief is discounted...as I'm sure it's beyond comprehension...

I saw a video clip news story on Yahoo today about an accomplished pianist who was killed Sunday on his way home from a business trip.... they go into his music... his wife has two boys and is 8 months pregnant with the 3rd boy. She's obviously grieving... for herself, her children, her future... and really build this story up (typical media fashion). And then they report that he has no life insurance. My first thought is what INTELLIGENT MAN... would have two children... and one on the way... and have NO FREAKIN LIFE INSURANCE!?!

There is only ONE assurance in this life...and that is YOU WILL DIE. I never ever EVER thought about having life insurance UNTIL I had a child.... before my son was even born... I took out a policy on myself... and even being a single mom maintained that policy because it was my responsibility to provide for him in the event of my death. Did that mean I went without to make that chunk of premium at times? Yes, it did. But hey, priorities are priorities. I'm sorry, but I couldn't call myself a provider and NOT have life insurance to provide.

They showed the remnants of the vehicle he was apparently driving... it looks horriffic and I certainly wouldn't want that playing over and over again... it shows that he was apparently driving a nice sporty car... ... and to drive a nice sporty car you have auto insurance... ?? I don't know it's just such a priority, I would think to make sure your family is provided for. For it to even be an afterthought is just... ?? bizarre in my mind. I just think that thinking that you're invincible and ultimately leaving your children completely without... what in the world are you working for if you're not protecting those that you've brought into the world?

The epitome of selfishness perhaps... putting other things before taking care of what needs to be taken care of... but I hope others learn by this freak accident a) you aren't invincible and b) prioritize your life and ideals.... c) be prepared for the unexpected... d) if you bring children into this world... your JOB is to take care of them.... in life and in death. That's your job.

I pray this family makes it through without struggles financially... I pray for this mom... that she has strength she needs to go on... I pray for his sons... to never forget the legacy of their father... they have his music and I hope it at least gives them peaceful times to sleep to have sweet dreams of their memories with their dad.

I always think that NO parent should have to lose a child.... but when you hear of YOUNG children, parents in their prime being taken so soon... it's unfair... IT's unfair to the spouse to have to carry on a dual role now... it's unfair to the family who never had time to say goodbye... it's unfair to the friends that never got their last text or phone call... it's unfair to the children to NOT be at the age to truly have concrete memories that WILL last a lifetime with their father.... It's so unfair.

So, while I don't discount her grief... I certainly hope that at least lessons can be learned from freak accidents... and the chaotic mess that ensues afterwards... if this makes anyone else think about the importance of things like... insurance... his death was not in vain...

A Great Quote

"Whatever you give a woman, she is going to multiply. If you give her sperm, she'll give you a baby. If you give her a house, she'll give you a home. If you give her groceries, she'll give you a meal. If you give her a smile, she'll give you her heart. She multiplies and enlarges what is given to her. So - if you give her any crap, you will receive a ton of shit."

Real Mothers

MOTHERS

• Real Mothers don't eat quiche; they don't have time to make it.
• Real Mothers know that their kitchen utensils are probably in the sandbox.
• Real Mothers often have sticky floors, filthy ovens and happy kids.
• Real Mothers know that dried play dough doesn't come out of carpets.
• Real Mothers don't want to know what the vacuum just sucked up.
• Real Mothers sometimes ask 'Why me?' and get their answer when a little voice says, 'Because I love you best.'
• Real Mothers know that a child's growth is not measured by height or year or grade...It is marked by the progression of Mommy to Mom to Mother...

The Images of Mother

4 YEARS OF AGE - My Mommy can do anything!

8 YEARS OF AGE - My Mom knows a lot! A whole lot!

12 YEARS OF AGE - My Mother doesn't really know quite everything.

14 YEARS OF AGE - Naturally, Mother doesn't know that, either.

16 YEARS OF AGE - Mother? She's hopelessly old-fashioned.

18 YEARS OF AGE - That old woman? She's way out of date!

25 YEARS OF AGE - Well, she might know a little bit about it!

35 YEARS OF AGE - Before we decide, let's get Mom's opinion.

45 YEARS OF AGE - Wonder what Mom would have thought about it?

65 YEARS OF AGE - Wish I could talk it over with Mom.

The beauty of a woman is not in the clothes she wears, the figure that she carries, or the way she combs her hair. The beauty of a woman must be seen from in her eyes, because that is the doorway to her heart, the place where love resides. The beauty of a woman is not in a facial mole, but true beauty in a woman is reflected in her soul. It is the caring that she lovingly gives, the passion that she shows, and the beauty of a woman with passing years only grows!

The formality of cuteness

I love Boston Terriers... they're so adorable... they've already got their fashionable black and white on... they're squatty...or shall I say "compact" and they're just so darn cute!

And then I saw this.... LOL... it reminded me of my good old boy Boomer... this would be something he would SO DO!



or this one... LOL... love this! Thank the heavens above Lola is NOT a snorer!


Or... I just LOVE this because I lived this very moment with Boomer:

One of the things I am NOT

...is a slave to fashion. I have no problem spending a LITTLE bit of time (read that as under 30 minutes) getting ready to go somewhere. I'm not one to over-do it with make-up as I prefer a more natural look. Frankly, I would love to know how to make myself up without FEELING that I look as fake as I feel. Also, I really have never had to spend an exhorbitant amount of time on my hair (not that it looks good) but it certainly doesn't look like a mop (most of the time) ha ha! So for that, I guess I feel rather blessed. Like I've said before, I'd LOVE a stylist... and a personal trainer. :) But I digress... then I see advertisement like THIS and I think, you know -- she's cute. I like the photo. The hair is great but I simply cannot stand the idea of that freakin swoop constantly being IN MY EYES. That would literally drive me nuts. If THAT were my hair, it'd be in a ponytail about 90% of the time. And if that's what yo'ure always going to do... what's the point of having it that long? I don't understand!

Drew's first day of school (from 9/2)

I'm a little delayed from all the whirlwind going on lately and just realized I never posted photos from Drew's first day of school on 9/2/08. :) He just looked too cute... I had to share!



And this little toy goes with us EVERYWHERE now. He is the fireman! :) That's his name.


I need to learn to remove the digital noise from this one... but you know me, gotta have those close ups!


And I am ALWAYS getting the little squished-face smile now... UGH

Busy day so far

I woke up this morning a little late. Hey, having your "Aunt" visit makes one a little more tired than usual. Josh and Drew came down and we had breakfast together. I went all out this morning -- cereal. YUMMM... ha ha!

I pulled up weather.com to check the forecast -- RAIN... RAIN... and more RAIN! (yea!) So I took him to school. It's crazy how fast this child can get ready when he has to be at the end of the street to ride his bike to school with his friends at 7:35 a.m. and yet it's like pulling teeth to get him in the car by 7:45 a.m.! Crazy child!

I get my list of "to do" going for the day... grab a quick shower...with the forecast, I went all out with my hair as well (my favorite black GAP had!). I then get Drew's lunch packed and him ready and off to school. I head to Target to sit with my good friend Susanne and have a vanilla frappicino (sp?) with no coffee (pretty much a vanilla milkshake). I'm just not a coffee girl... just not. So then I left there and went to the Boy Scout Council office to pick up some things and then took Susanne her stuff and then headed to Josh's school. Our membership rally is on Thursday and we need to get the flyers home NOW! So... I count out enough flyers for each boy (plus one extra) for each of the first, second, third and fourth grade classes at the school.... BUT I forgot the flyer approval form from the ISD. So I run by my house, then to Lisa's house (our Popcorn Kernel) to drop off the forms I picked up at the Council office and the extra popcorn we are going to distribute.... then I head back to the elementary school to take the approval fax from the school district.. then I run and grab a sandwich and diet coke... and for the first time today... I get to sit and just chill....

But that will last all of ... well, it's over now... I'm done with my lunch and have to start working on my rally speech -- my committee chair thinks he doesn't need to be there because he has an interview -- as if (ha ha.. just kidding John!) :) I don't know how I'm going to pull this off but it will be great, I just know! :)

So until later, TA TA FOR NOW