a lot of mouths to feed

Recently in the news has been the story of the woman who gave birth to octuplets. Amazingly they're all doing really well. The controversy that has sprung up is two-fold: 1) she already HAS 6 kids and despite this, she 2) got fertility treatments. I guess there's a third fold: some believe that implanting her with 8 embryos is akin to medical malpractice. The ethics of the whole thing is somewhat in question alright, but for me it's centered more on the mom: why on earth would you have 8 more kids when you already have 6? Is that responsible? And it's not like they're all staggered in ages. To top it off, this woman is 30 and single. 30 and SINGLE!!!! How can one person adequately parent 14 kids? How can two people even do that? Who has that kind of energy and stamina? And, relating to that third fold, who would implant her with 8 embryos when there are 6 children already at home, and she's single? How is she taking care of these kids? How is she feeding them? It doesn't seem sufficient that she lives with her parents: they're still outnumbered significantly. AND they live in a 3 bedroom home. In light of the economic times we're currently facing, in light of the fact that this woman isn't married (I'm sure for some this is irrelevant), in light of the fact that she's not exactly set up room-wise for 14 kids....this just seems extremely irresponsible and self-centered. Am I completely off-base?

how does it happen

that a man who has 26 tickets still has a license and is still driving a vehicle? How does he live with himself after rear-ending a van, killing the three children inside? How is it possible for the mother who lost her 3 children to say that she forgives him? I know that's it's possible---I even know how it's possible; I just can't imagine it. I can't imagine what they're going through. Hug your babies.

And then you have this other man who can never hug his babies again, and maybe he wishes he had made a different choice? Times are so hard but there must be better alternatives.

the clicking boy

Ben Underwood was an amazing boy, an amazing human being. Cancer stole his vision and now has claimed his life. In 16 short years, he did what couldn't be done; he accomplished what shouldn't have been possible. Truly an inspiration and an unbelievable story and worth the time to explore. Here are a few places to find out more.

cutting off the nose to spite the face

I hesitate to bring this up but it's been on my mind; I'll get it off my chest and then move on. We have a new president; there will be some changes---good and bad, depending on one's viewpoint. There will be policies and positions that won't be popular with everyone. I understand that. But it seems unbelievably narrow-minded, short-sided, immature and spiteful to be able to say: "I hope he fails." If the President of the United States fails, where does that leave us, its people? Don't we fail too then? It's hard to get how you can wish for the first thing without understanding that surely the second one follows.

it gets better, right?

Having a puppy is like having a toddler. You get nothing done; you don't get much sleep, and she doesn't speak your language. Good thing she's cute.

history being made

cool!

"Go The Distance" Danny Fong

Dem Phones

So we know that almost on a daily basis our lives become more technologically-driven. Someone on Facebook (to ironically prove my point) shared T-H-I-S clip. It's very clever!

so far so good

The first night was bearable---a bit of whining and pint-size howling for awhile around 3 a.m., but after a few stern "no's" from ole Papa, we didn't hear another peep. She's sweet and silly and playful and loooves her new soft plush bed. It's pink with little brown hearts on it---I'll have to post a picture soon. I finally get to buy little girly things---even if it IS only for a dog. "Only", I say, when I'm totally smitten.

The lovely Elaine has helped me soooo much to get what I need and even gave Tasha a little bath this morning cuz she had a little minor potty problem. So glad E. lives around the corner....she might be sorry about that soon, though. :)

So I promise I won't lay out every boring detail!

sweet babyface

meet tasha

goin' to the dogs

So we're still trying to figure out if we're going to get a dog. I think tomorrow we might go to a local animal/rescue shelter and just see what's there. We each have some criteria---from something as simple as floppy ears (my youngest son's input) to a non-shedder (mine and my husband's). It seems like every kind of dog has something that keeps it from being "the perfect dog." So we'll see.

When our oldest son was young, he wanted a dog so badly but I knew there was no way I could deal with a dog. I had two young deaf sons at the time, I was dealing with the emotional aspect of that, not to mention the everyday stuff--looking for thrown hearing aids, driving long miles every day to the school for the deaf, recovery from surgeries, etc. I wanted so badly to be able to get him a dog, but the thought was overwhelming. I carry the guilt of that still today---is that a mother's portion? I know I can't make it up to him, I know I can't go back and get him the dog he so needed and desired. I guess I just don't want to make the same mistake with my two other sons. And hopefully my oldest will maybe someday understand that I wish I could go back now and give him a boy's best friend.

2 0 0 9

It's a new year, and I'm in a new place, so it seemed like a perfect time for a new look! I love where I am; I love our new spot; I have plans for some personal progress in this new year; and perhaps if some of it is halfway interesting, I'll share it in this new space.

Here's wishing everyone a great new year, a productive and adventuresome 2009.