Arab's Crib Notes

and then God created the 'Perfect' Snowflake.......

2010-01-09T15:16:00.000-08:00

Below you will read a portion from the book, "Conversations with God"by Neale Donald Walsch............ I would love to receive some feedback on your feeling, thoughts, and insight regarding this excerpt.

(Question) What is Hell?
(Answer) It is the opposite of joy. It is unfulfillment. It is knowing who and what you are and failing to experience that. It is being 'less'. That is hell, and there is none greater for your soul.
But hell does not exsist as this place you have fantasized about, where you burn in some everlasting fire, or exist in some state of everlasting torment. What purpose could I have in that?
Even if I did hold the extraordinarily unGodly thought that you did not 'deserve' heaven, why would I have a need to seek some kind of revenge or punishment, for your failing?
No one will judge you ever, for why, and hou could God (I) judge God's (my) own creature and call it bad? If I expected or even whated you to be perfect, would have I not created you that way or left you in the state of perfection in which you came from, a part of the whole.... a part of me. You were originally created in my image , were you not?
The whole point of the process is for you to discover yourself, create your self, as you truely are--- and as you truely wish to be. Should I therefore punish you for making a choice that I myself have laid before you? Do you not think I could create 'perfection' if I so chose to? Take a snowflake, for example. Have you ever seen anything more perfect than a snowflake? Its intricacy, its design, its symmentry, its conformity to itself and originality from all else-- if I can do that with a snowflake , what do you think I could do with you, have done with parts of this grand universe!
This is a question you must ask yourself before you assign Me the role of a condemning God.

The above has been taken from the book, "Conversations with God" by Neale Donald Walsch... and is being copied here for the sole purpose of gathering opinions and feedback from others.

WoW!!! Best Buy-Laptops 4 less than 200 bucks!!!

2009-12-23T17:59:00.000-08:00

Sorry, I've been away for a couple weeks, it has been a super busy month!!! But, I just had to pop in to share this ....WoW!!!! Best Buy has laptops for less than 200 bucks! I kid you not!!!! Just check out any of the links below and see for yourself!!!! Make note of the date and times!!!!

Christmas 2 Day Sale!

Friday December 25th - Saturday December 26th BestBuy.com is excited to announce a new 2-Day Sale event, Friday - Saturday (12/25 - 12/26). This Christmas Sale is filled with great deals on netbooks, appliances, portable DVD players and more!
Friday - Saturday Only: 20% Off Select Laptop and Netbook Cases. Valid 12/25-12/26

Netbooks As Low As $249.99. Valid 12/27-1/2

Daily Headaches...... New studies show..............

2009-12-09T10:45:00.000-08:00

**************Oxygen Therapy For Cluster Headaches**************

Anecdotal clinical experience and a few small studies have previously shown that oxygen therapy may be effective in treating cluster headaches. Now, a new larger study published in the December 9, 2009 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association affirms this notion. Cluster headaches are severe one-sided headaches that can cause tearing in the eye of the affected side, in addition to a stuffy nose. They are called cluster headaches because they tend to come and go with episodes occurring daily at the same time for days to several weeks at a time. The current study demonstrated that 100% inhaled oxygen delivered at 12 liters per minute by a face mask was able to provide adequate relief or complete resolution of a cluster headache in 78% of study patients. Twenty percent of study patients who received regular air were relieved of their headaches. “To our knowledge, this is the first adequately powered trial of high-flow oxygen compared with placebo, and it confirms clinical experience and current guidelines that inhaled oxygen can be used as an acute attack therapy for episodic and chronic cluster headache,” the authors write.
Dr. Steven Chang

December 09, 2009

***WHAT WOULD YOU DO IF YOUR TEEN SET ANOTHER ON FIRE? (DISTURBING CONTENT)

2009-11-28T05:38:00.000-08:00

WARNING : VERY DISTURBING CONTENT, TEENS' VIOLENCE RESULT IN ONE 15 YEAR OLD BOY BEING BURNED OVER 65% OF HIS BODY.
I've read a lot of articles lately regarding bullying, violence, and what teens are and are not capable of. I came across this story and there are 2 reasons to share it. It is about a 15 yr old who was set on fire by a group of his peers (a year younger than my teen)....but also it is a testament to human strength.

Obviously, as the story tells these particular teens were capable of cruel violence (so read the link knowing it is disturbing...) , but in the same token this young man...burned horrifically is in good spirits and his mom says he is not giving up, even thru the pain. They were told it would take 5 months to move him to rehab, this young man has done it in 5 WEEKS.

PLEASE...
--Talk to your teens about this story,
--get their thoughts,
--ask how it makes them feel
--ask if they know of anyone capable of something like this.
**If nothing else you can have a few moments talking with your child, but at best you may learn some interesting info about the teens of today.
Monsters come in all ages, shapes and walks of life...and apparently now they can be kids too.
ASK YOURSELF!
If you were the mom of one of the teens who did this, what would you do /think/feel/etc?

Click below to read the full story....
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20091125/ap_on_re_us/us_teen_set_on_fire;_ylt=AosD0KPiqKZV.4_ikYZrAEMGw_IE;_ylu=X3oDMTM4NmZiNjB1BGFzc2V0A2FwLzIwMDkxMTI1L3VzX3RlZW5fc2V0X29uX2ZpcmUEY2NvZGUDbW9zdHBvcHVsYXIEY3BvcwM0BHBvcwM0BHNlYwN5bl90b3Bfc3RvcmllcwRzbGsDbW9tb2Z0ZWVuc2V0

WOULD YOU KILL AND EAT A PREGNANT TURKEY?

2009-11-25T21:03:00.000-08:00

The Tale of the Pregnant Turkey

One year at Thanksgiving, my brothers and I were invited to my sister Jenny's house for the traditional feast. Knowing how gullible my sister is, we decided to play a practical joke. My two brothers lured Jenny outside to check out some trees at the bottom of the garden.
As soon as Jenny left I took the turkey out of the oven, removed the stuffing, and replaced it with a partridge. Then I replaced the bird carefully in the oven.
Later, when the turkey was cooked my sister took the bird out of the oven and when it had rested she started to carve it. Then she decided to add the stuffing. Much to her amazement she found the partridge. At this point our mother piped up, "Jenny you've cooked a pregnant bird!" With this Jenny started to cry.
It took my brothers and I until early evening to convince Jenny that turkeys lay eggs, and don't give birth to live young.
author unknown

For Everything....There Is A Reason!

2009-11-24T19:25:00.000-08:00

The brand new pastor and his wife, newly assigned to their first ministry, to reopen a church in suburban Brooklyn , arrived in early October, excited about their opportunities When they saw their church, it was very run down and needed much work. They set a goal to have everything done in time to have their first service
on Christmas Eve.They worked hard, repairing pews, plastering walls, painting, etc, and on December 18 were ahead of schedule and just about finished.

O n December 19 a terrible tempest - a driving rainstorm hit the area and lasted for two days.
O n the 21st, the pastor went over to the church. His heart sank when he saw that the roof had leaked, causing a large area of plaster about 20 feet by 8 feet to fall off the front wall of the sanctuary just behind the pulpit, beginning about head high.
T he pastor cleaned up the mess on the floor, and not knowing what else to do but postpone the Christmas Eve service, headed home.

On the way he noticed that a local business was having a flea market type sale for charity so he stopped in. One of the items was a beautiful, handmade, ivory colored, crocheted tablecloth with exquisite work, fine colors and a Cross embroidered right in the center. It was just the right size to cover up the hole in the front wall. He bought it and headed back to the church. B y this time it had started to snow. An older
woman running from the opposite direction was trying to catch the bus.. She missed it. The pastor invited her to wait in the warm church for the next bus 45 minutes later. She sat in a pew and paid no attention to the pastor while he got a ladder, hangers, etc., to put up the tablecloth as a wall tapestry. The pastor could hardly believe how beautiful it looked and it covered up the entire problem area. Then he noticed the woman walking down the centeraisle. Her face was like a sheet.. "Pastor,"she asked, "where did you get that tablecloth?" The pastor explained. The woman asked him to check the lower right corner to see if the initials, EBG were crocheted into it there. They were. These were the initials of the woman, and she had made this tablecloth 35 years before, in Austria

T he woman could hardly believe it as the pastor told how he had just gotten the Tablecloth. The woman explained that before the war she and her husband were well-to-do people in Austria ... When the Nazis came, she was forced to leave.
Her husband was going to follow her the next week. He was captured, sent to prison and never saw her husband or her home again.

T he pastor wanted to give her the tablecloth; but she made the pastor keep it for the church.The pastor insisted on driving her home, thatwas the least he could do.. She lived on the other side of Staten Island and was only in Brooklyn for the day for a housecleaning job.

What a wonderful service they had on Christmas Eve. The church was almost full. The music and the spirit were great. At the end of the service, the pastor and his wife greeted everyone at the door and many said that they would return. One older man, whom the pastor recognized from the neighborhood continued to sit in one of the pews and stare, and the pastor wondered why he wasn't leaving.
The man asked him where he got the tablecloth on the front wall because it was identical to one that his wife had made years ago when they lived in Austria before the war and how could there be two tablecloths so much alike.
H e told the pastor how the Nazis came, how he forced his wife to flee for her safety and he was supposed to follow her, but he was arrested and put in a prison.. He never saw his wife or his home again all the 35 years in between. T he pastor asked him if he would allow him to take him for a little ride. They drove to Staten Island and to the same house where the pastor had taken the woman three days earlier.

He helped the man climb the three flights of stairs to the woman's apartment, knocked on the door and he saw the greatest Christmas reunion he could ever imagine.

***Thanksgiving Without Prozac? yep, it's possible!!!

2009-11-24T14:38:00.000-08:00

My Plans For A Stress-Free Thanksgiving...

We just finished signing up to volunteer at the Down Town Rescue Mission in Hville to help serve Thanksgiving lunch. My family will then have a small Thanksgiving dinner at home in the afternoon... then hit Toys- r- us , when they open at midnight (Yeah! HEEHEE)... from there we will drive to Nashville, Tenn. and be there when the malls open the day after Thanksgiving (Another , more sincere...YEAH!!!) to get some Christmas shopping done!!! (My FAVORITE part!) When the malls close..... we will all colapse into the car and head home.

I think, I finally managed to plan the perfect stress-free Thanksgiving this year, and I won't even have to stuff the Turkey with Prozac this year!!! YEAH!!!!

**TEACH THE CHILDREN - WHAT IS A CHRISTMAS TREE?

2009-11-21T04:38:00.000-08:00

TEACH THE CHILDREN

Late one Christmas Eve, I sank back, tired, but content, into my easy chair.
The kids were in bed, the gifts were wrapped, the milk and cookies waited by the fireplace for Santa. As I sat back admiring the tree with itsdecorations, I couldn't help feeling that something important was missing. It wasn't long before the tiny twinkling tree lights lulled me to sleep. I don't know how long I slept, but all of a sudden I knew that I wasn't alone. I opened my eyes, and you can imagine my surprise when I saw Santa Claus, himself, standing next to my Christmas tree.
He was dressed all in fur from his head to his foot just as the poem described him, but he was not the "jolly old elf" of Christmas legend. The man who stood before me looked sad and disappointed. And there were tears in his eyes.
"Santa, what's wrong?" I asked, "Why are you crying?" "It's the children,"
Santa replied sadly. "But Santa, the children love you," I said. "Oh, I know they love me, and they love the gifts I bring them," Santa said, "but the children of today seem to have somehow missed out on the true spirit of Christmas. It's not their fault. It's just that the adults, many of them not having been taught themselves, have forgotten to teach the children." "Teach them what?" I asked. Santa's kind old face became soft, more gentle. His eyes began to shine with something more than tears. He spoke softly. "Teach Teach them that the part of Christmas we can see, hear, and touch is much more than meets the eye. Teach them the symbolism behind the customs and traditions of Christmas which we now observe. Teach them what it is they truly represent." Santa reached into his bag and pulled out a tiny Christmas tree and set it on my mantle.
the children the true meaning of Christmas.
"Teach them about the Christmas tree. Green is the second color of Christmas. The stately evergreen, with its unchanging color, represents the hope of eternal life in Jesus. Its needles point heavenward as a reminder that mankind's thoughts should turn heavenward as well."
Santa reached into his bag again and pulled out a shiny star and placed it at the top of the small tree. "The star was the heavenly sign of promise. God promised a Savior for the world and the star was the sign of the fulfillment of that promise on the night that Jesus Christ was born. Teach the children that God always fulfills His promises, and that wise men still seek Him." "Red," said Santa, "is the first color of Christmas." "He pulled forth a red ornament for the tiny tree. Red is deep, intense, vivid. It is the color of the life-giving blood that flows through our veins. It is the symbol of God's greatest gift. Teach the children that Christ gave his life and shed his blood for them that they might have eternal life. When they see the color red, it should remind them of that most wonderful gift."
Santa found a silver bell in his pack and placed it on the tree. "Just as lost sheep are guided to safety by the sound of the bell, it continues to ring today for all to be guided to the fold. Teach the children to follow the true Shepherd, who gave His life for the sheep." Santa placed a candle on the mantle and lit it. The soft glow from its one
tiny flame brightened the room. "The glow of the candle represents how people can show their thanks for the gift of God's son that Christmas Eve long ago. Teach the children to follow in Christ's footsteps...to go about doing good.
Teach them to let their light shine before people that all may see it and glorify God. This is what's symbolized when the twinkle lights shine on the tree like hundreds of bright shining lights, each of them representing one of God's precious children's light shining for all to see."
Again Santa reached into his bag and this time he brought forth a tiny red and white striped cane. As he hung it on the tree he spoke softly. "The candy cane is a stick of hard white candy. White to symbolize the virgin birth and sinless nature of Jesus, and hard to symbolize the Solid Rock, the foundation of the church, and the firmness of God's promises. The candy cane form's a "J" to represent the precious name of Jesus, who came to earth. It also represents the Good Shepherd's crook, which He uses to reach down into all ditches of the world to lift out the fallen lambs who, like all sheep, have gone astray. The original candy cane had three small red stripes, which are the stripes of the scourging Jesus received by which we are healed, and a large red stripe that represents the shed blood of Jesus, so that we can have the promise of eternal life.
Teach these things to the children." Santa brought out a beautiful wreath made of fresh, fragrant greenery tied with a bright red bow. "The bow reminds us of the bond of perfection, which is love. The wreath embodies all the good things about Christmas for those with eyes to see and hearts to understand. It contains the colors of red and green and the heaven-turned needles of the evergreen. The bow tells the story of good will towards all and its color reminds us of Christ's sacrifice. Even its very shape is symbolic, representing eternity and the eternal nature of Christ's love. It is a circle, without beginning and without end. These are the things you must teach the children."
I asked, "But where does that leave you Santa?"
The tears gone now from his eyes, a smile broke over Santa's face. "Why bless you, my dear," he laughed, "I'm only a symbol myself. I represent the spirit of family fun and the joy of giving and receiving. If the children are taught these other things, there is no danger that I'll ever be forgotten."
"I think I'm beginning to understand."
"That's why I came," said Santa. "You're an adult. If youdon't teach the children these things, then who will?"

author unknown

**Have You Seen These Chicks?

2009-11-14T20:08:00.000-08:00

Have you seen these chicks lately?

Well. It's been about 3 months since my daughter talked us into bringing two baby chicks home and so far all is good. They're still alive and kickin! I must admit, they are getting cuter with each passing day.

Everyone is always asking if we're gonna have them for dinner one night...... with names like Nugget and Omelet, who can blame them!!! But the answer is NO! Not only could we not do that but, they're our pets! It's my understanding that silkies aren't really that good to eat. Someone told me they're actually a dark bluish meat... yulk! That kinda sounds gross!

So for now, I just post a couple pics for ya'll that have been asking and I'll keep enjoying watching them grow. They've been a lot of fun actually! Take care everyone! Here's a couple pics of the chicks for you! Aren't they adorable?

*Crocs Cool boots just in time for the cool weather!

2009-11-14T09:28:00.000-08:00

Crocs

now has some cool boots just in time

for the cool weather!!

Check out just a few styles that Crocs is offering this season! Click on any picture to go to the official "Crocs" website to shop for your family's favorites!

**Stress Free Christmas Secrets That Will Save You Money!

2009-11-04T09:12:00.000-08:00

Surprise 'em this year!!!

(and save yourself some money!)

Wow!!! Can you believe it? Christmas is only around the corner!!! Don't wait until the last minute to start planning......remember what you promised yourself last year??
Now is the time to start thinking about what you're going to give friends and loved ones during the holiday season and making plans accordingly.

You'll be surprised at how thrilled your friends are with a spa product gift basket creation you made yourself

This article will share a few favorite quick and easy ways to put together creative gift baskets. (You can do this for your own home use and turn your creations into a presentation item for your bathroom or vanity.)

What to put in gift baskets?

The beauty of making gift sets is that it's easy to put together different combinations of items that make each recipient feel special.

With bath and body products you have a wealth of collateral items that can be added to your gift sets. Use your imagination to find unique pampering gift items that will complement those that you make.

For Example:

Loofah
Bath Mitts or sponges
Bath pillow
Nail files or cuticle kit
Pumice Stone
Spa Slippers
Headband
Relaxing music
Herbal tea
Floating candles
Incense
Aromatic oils

As you can see - these items don't need to be expensive. For example, a couple of bath bombs, some sachets of fancy herbal tea, a few fragrant tea-light candles and a CD of soothing music makes a fantastic "Relaxation Set".

So, start planning now so you'll be able to relax and have a stress free Christmas this year! Happy Holidays!

***This Is It ..... Micheal Jackson - Negative people will ALWAYS find something negative to say regardless.....

2009-11-02T06:16:00.000-08:00

This Is It !

Micheal Jackson

www.thisisit-movie.com/

Wow!!! My family and I went to see the movie, "This Is It" last night and we wern't disappointed! This movie is everything the directors promised and MORE!!!

I've read some pretty horrible stuff on the internet about this movie being the horrible, boring and something about pay-per-yawn but I would like to state that my 9 year old daughter and 16 year old son both loved the movie.... If it doesn't bore a sixteen year old, then really how boring can it be?????? I think they did a wonderful job with the footage they had and any fan will appreciate the opportunity to see Micheal's vision. Let's face it, Negative people will ALWAYS find something Negative to say!!!! If you loved Micheal, I think you will love and appreciate this movie.

Check out a portion of it for yourself!

http://www.imdb.com/rg/VIDEO_PLAY/LINK//video/screenplay/vi683410713/

http://www.imdb.com/rg/VIDEO_PLAY/LINK//video/imdb/vi4004906265/

This movie shows Micheal interacting with those who work with him on a personal level as if they were his very own family. It shows how he was part of every creative thought and decision process of his concerts. I personally loved hearing the way he spoke to those around him. This movie confirmed everything positive thing I've ever felt about Micheal Jackson.

If your a fan.... 'It's a must see!!!!' If your not..... 'It's a You need to see!!!'.

"This Is It" shows you the 'real' person that Micheal Jackson was and the love that he shared for those around him and the love he had for this planet we live on. There is a part that you hear Micheal in a candid conversation about our planet and how he felt about it, that had tears running down my face!!! Actually, there were several areas that had tears running down my face.

Micheal Jackson was a beautiful person that had more love and kindness than a lot of people gave him credit for. If you are one of those people that always thought the worst of Micheal Jackson...... I Dare You to see "THIS IS IT!'

RIP Micheal Jackson.... We love You, I hope you know how much the world would have loved your concert, 'THIS IS IT" live....... but since we weren't able to.... We are so very thankful for your Mother and the rest of your family allowing it to be brought to the movies so that we were able to see your final vision..... It was lovely. God bless and keep you safe now, away from all harm, We love you always.

***Halloweens Gone By!!!

2009-10-30T07:27:00.000-07:00

Halloweens Gone By !

Halloween has always been my FAVORITE holiday! I love dressing up! Even before I had children of my own, I would always find some reason to dress up and have a great time on Halloween. Let's face, it really is the only time, you can be anything you want to be! So, this Halloween, let your hair down, dress up, and go out there and have a good time --- being whatever it is that you want to be! Enjoy yourself!

Here a few photos, I ran across this morning. They are from before I had my own children, some of them are even from a cruise I took one Halloween... to the Bermuda Triangle and back!!! But that's a posting within itself!!! HeeHee!!

I'm glad no one took a picture of that sad

little unicorn, all curled up, praying for that

ship to dock!!! HeeHee!

( sea-sickness is the pits!)

***School Pharmacies?

2009-10-19T07:14:00.000-07:00

Help Your Teen Help Him / Herself!!

Last week, in changing the sheets in my sons room, I ran across an old book of our family's that identifies prescription drugs. Although I was very concerned and anxious to talk to him about what I had found, I tried to remain calm and not to think the worst. He wasn't at home at the time so I had to wait until he returned to talk to him. It was a painful 2 hours before he returned.

We went immediately into his room to talk. At first, I asked him if he had been doing any kind of drugs and 'of course' he said, no. But, I waasn't convienced. I reminded him that I didn't have a problem in running up to CVS to pick up a drug test if need be. (I've done so in the past when I found out one of his close friends was smoking pot... he was honest then and the test was clean)

I then specifically asked him whether or not he had taken any pills other that something I had given him. He replied , no. Then added that someone had given him a couple pills but that he didn't take them. He continued to explain that one day at school he told a friend that his back was hurting. His friend gave him a couple of 'pain pills' but when he got home, he couldn't find them in the book, so he decided not to take them.

He got up and got the pills and together we looked them up and he was correct, they weren't in the book. I then found this website that is wonderful for identifying pills by just the color and number on them. Together, we discovered that the pills that were given to him, were not pain pills after all.

We were lucky that my son didn't take the pills, they turned out to be something he was allergic too. He wouldn't have died or anything , but he would have gotten sick. !!!

I saved the website under my favorites on my computer. I explained to my son, that even though I would love him to come to me with something like this..... I also wanted him to feel free to use the website anytime he needed. At least now I know he will not ever have to take anything without being 100% positive of what it is he's taking. And in today's world, that's at least something.

***Angel walking on the Water / The story behind the photo.

2009-10-10T09:50:00.000-07:00

A few months ago I ran across the most amazing photograph, as I was surfing around on one of my (Facebook) group's pages. (sorry, I don't remember which one) I requested more information from the person that posted it, however she replied that she had just copied and pasted it from somewhere on the internet. I wasn't the only one interested in finding out more about the picture.

Well, last week as I was flipping thru some books at Books A Million, I ran across the same picture. I purchased the book since it had the information I and many others had been searching for. Well, Of course I have to post the story behind the photo for all those that are interested.

According to the book, "Ghosts - Caught On Film 2" by Jim Eaton.......................... This amazing photo was captured by a couple while on a vacation in Cancun, Mexico. Although I am not including the couple's names, the book does. Apparently the couple was using a 35 mm disposable underwater camera. Upon returning home they had their pictures developed and that was when they noticed the image. They hadn't seen anything unusual when they took the picture. The figure also appears on the negative.

The photo has been analyzed by photograghers, imaging specialists, phychics and photoshop experts, but none can detect anything the couple could have done to falsify the picture.

So, I guess it's still up to each viewer to decide for themselves..... is it a freak exposure, a ray of light, a drop of water on the lens, or is it evidence of an angel actually walking on water? Each will have
to decide for him or herself.
As for myself, I just know that it's one of the most beautiful photograghs I've ever seen.

Oct 14, 2009--- I have added a link to Books-A-Million (on the right)for those of you that showed interest in wanting a copy of the book.....also by ordering it here, you'll be helping a stay-at-home Mom (me!) bring in a few extra pennies. :) ThanksGuys!!!

***No one likes SPAM!!! What to do with it.........

2009-10-06T23:13:00.000-07:00

Hey guys,
Just a quick note. I just checked my email, where I was offered 30% of 6 million dollars by some "bank teller" that discovered her bank had extra money! LOL!! Seriously! I really got an email stating this. Of course I just need to email her back so we can "work out the details"! Yea, right!
So, what should you do, if you get a scam email like this? Well, you should consider reporting it. That is what I do. Even though I know it's a bunch of crap, I'm always afraid that eventually someone will fall for it. I would hate knowing someone lost money over a scam, I could have stopped.

It only took me 6 minutes total... I reported it to BBB and also forwarded the actual email to the Federal Trade Commission who takes legal actions against those that send deceptive emails. Their email address is spam@uce.gov . I hope you will save this address for future use.

***Do student's grades accurately represent the quality of teaching and learning in our school system? How STI, if utilized correctly, can change that.

2009-10-05T12:11:00.000-07:00

*************************************************************************
STI is a wonderful site that has been offered to parents for several years. If you do not have it, you should sign up for it. It only cost six dollars per student, per year, and I believe that money actually goes to the PTO, which is always a good thing. I find it extremely helpful as far as checking grades go.

My complaint regarding STI is actually about the 'homework' section not being utilized. I think this is one of the main reasons we are seeing a drop in our student's grades as they move into the Jr. High and High School levels.

It is during these grades the teachers stop monitoring the student's planners, in an attempt to force the student to become more responsible. I do agree in more responsibilities for our young people. However, it is at this point that we start seeing a decline in some of the student's grades.

All of that being said, I believe there must be a way to place more responsibility on our students, while also informing parents of the assignments given. There are situations and students that need more encouragement and monitoring that others. Students with learning disabilities for instance, and even normal well-rounded teens while going thru those 'lazy' or 'I don't care' phases. It is in these situations that it would be great if the parents had a way of monitoring the completion of these assignments on a need-to-basis.

STI provides a way to do just that. It has a 'homework' section built in to it for each subject. It is just currently not being utilized. I understand that it will take a little time on the teacher's part to log in the assignments.... I also understand that it takes time to fill out those little yellow or pink forms when a student comes to class unprepared.

Last week, during a discussion with one of my child's teachers (about him failing to complete an assignment) I was told that almost half the class failed to turn in a homework assignment. That is a LOT of pink/yellow slips or phonecalls! I think it may have been faster to log the assignment on STI.

Last year, I took my child's grades and separated them into 2 catagories: daily/homework grades, and test grades. The grade from the homework / classwork averaged out to a "D". The grade from the test section, averaged an "A" , 96 to be exact. The report card grade, once averaged was a low 'C'.....

In this situation, the final grade made it appear that either the teacher wasn't getting the material across to the student or the student didn't learn the material. However, neither were true. The teacher did an excellent job in getting her message across! The student did learn and retain the material and made all A's on the tests! So what went wrong?

The student not getting the homework assignemts completed and turned in was the problem.

What could have been changed or improved on , in this situation?
Well, in this situation since the student is my child... I can tell you will 100% conviction, had I known of the homework assignments....they would have been completed and that report card grade would have been a more accurate representation of the quality of teaching and learning that takes place in our school system each day.

PLEASE VOTE --- POLL LOCATED AT UPPER RIGHT CORNER OF PAGE! THANK YOU AND GOD BLESS!
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***Get those Skeletons out of your closet...

2009-10-02T22:13:00.000-07:00

GET THOSE SKELETONS OUT OF YOUR CLOSET...

HALLOWEEN IS RIGHT AROUND THE CORNER!!!

Well, October is finally here and you know what that means! Time to get out those skeletons, pumpkins, ghosts, bats, tombstones & such and get to decorating!

Halloween has always been one of my favorite holidays! (Christmas being my #1 favorite) I simply love decorating my house. I am usually the first in my neighborhood to convert my cozy little home into, "tHaT HaUntEd HoUsE on tHe CoRnEr oF 4Th & 12Th!!!" It gets it's fair share of publicity also! I live about 1 1/2 blocks from both the Primary School and High School, so all the buses pass right by. Once when my daughter was in the first grade, one of her best friends asked her, "How can you sleep in that house???" Of course it's only that scarey during the month of October. Last Halloween, we had a little boy that came all the way from Guntersville. His mom said they normally just stay in their own neighborhood, but that he had spotted the house a week earlier as they passed by running errands.

I think this year, we'll be doing a haunted graveyard theme, complete

with a few living corpse of course! We may even have a small haunted house for the kids to walk thru. I will be running a "live" video feed Halloween night (if everything goes right, technically speaking) and I will be posting it here for your viewing pleasure...so be sure to check in to get a glimpse of those that dare to enter.

Also, starting next week, I will be driving around and taking pictures of some of the other houses around town that grab my attention! Of course, I'll be looking for the scariest ones I can find! So get busy and get those homes draped in their best Halloween attire. I'll be posting them here so ... Don't forget to check in to see if your house catches my eye! Feel free to email me or just leave a comment to point me in the right direction! Even if you don't decorate your home, but you see someone else's home that is super spooky, let me know so I can check it out.

I think this Halloween is going to be one of the best yet! Who says the holidays are just for the kids? I say, jump in there, and have fun with your children while you can. It won't be long before they're off to college and you're sitting alone with no children to celebrate with! Make the best of these years, enjoy your children, and give them a chance to enjoy you! Happy October Everyone! Let's make it a Wonderful One!!!

***Dead Children's Playground. - Huntsville, Al.

2009-09-28T22:23:00.000-07:00

Located in Huntsville, Maple Hills Cemetery is one of the oldest graveyards in Alabama. It covers approx. one hundred acres. Within the cemetery, hidden away in a cove that is hugged by rock cliffs on three sides and a small path leading into the woods, you will find the Dead Children's Playground.

(photo compliments of http://www.angelsghosts.com/orb_ghost_picture_examples.html)

Most say that it's the spirits of all the dead children buried in the cemetery that come out and play. While others say that back in the 60's there were a rash of child kidnappings and that most of the children were found dead around the area of the playground.

People have reported seeing the swings move back and forth when there was no wind to cause it to happen. Some have sworn they heard children giggling or babies crying.
There have been a lot of photos taken that show orbs of light that suppose to be the spirits of the children. Others have heard the cries of a more mature women and have thought they saw a female figure.

If you are planning on visiting the playground, then you should know that most paranormal activity occurs between 11:00pm and 3:00 am. I think this would be a great place for a Halloween Field Trip......I think I'll leave my little ones at home thou, just is case!!!

In January 2008, the Alabama Paranormal Society investigated the Dead Children's Playground. When the voices of a woman or girl were heard, one investigator quickly took a photo that showed a misty, white figure that appeared to be a woman.

So if you do decide to visit the graveyard this Halloween or anythime, please come back and let us know if you experienced anything paranormal. According to the people living in Huntsville, children dead or alive love playing at the playground located in Maple Hills Cemetery.

***A cat taught me ...

2009-09-27T12:22:00.000-07:00

A cat taught me ...

I always try to maintain the attitude, 'I can learn something from everyone I meet'. After viewing this video, I've changed that to, 'I can learn something from every cat I meet'!

This applies to us all! There's nothing we can't overcome. If we see an opportunity before us, we just need to go out there and go for it! Please view this video, so you will see what I'm referring too.

There's NO obstacle we can't overcome! If that cat can stick it's head under that water, over and over, trying to figure out the best way to get a sip of water.... anything is impossible. We all know how terrified cats are of water. The next time one of us are afraid to try something, we need to remember this video.

Another lesson, we can take away from this cat video is... Don't worry, if you don't get it perfect, just do your best, give it 100%. Surely that cat had to realize he wasn't doing something right, but he continued on. He may not have been doing it perfectly, however, he was accomplishing what he needed to. He was getting water!

As I was watching the video, my son passed by and commented "Dumb cat!". Do you think the cat is dumb? Think on that for a moment....... I don't, not at all! I think he's a pretty smart cat! Being a dog person myself, I never would have given a cat this much credit. He showed guts, creativity, and inituative. I don't know about you, but those are three wonderful qualities to possess.

So, the next time you're faced with a challenge, think back to this video of this cat.........
and just GO FOR IT!!!! and when you're asked, "Where did you get that do or die attitude?" you can just reply, "a cat taught me!"

***CALLING ALL WRITERS........PRIZES UP TO $3000.00 !!!

2009-09-23T09:23:00.000-07:00

                                          WRITER'S DIGEST
10th ANNUAL SHORT STORY COMPETITION---1ST PLACE=$3000.00
                                                      and there's more..................
                    for more information on this competition, please see my sister blog
                                                     http://greengreedy.blogspot.com/

PRIZES

First Place: $3,000

Second Place: $1,500

Third Place: $500

Fourth Through Tenth Place: $100

Eleventh Through Twenty-Fifth Place: $50 gift certificate for Writer's Digest Books

* The names and story titles of the First-through Tenth-Place winners will be printed in the May/June 2010 Writer's Digest, and winners will receive the 2010 Novel & Short Story Writer's Market and Agents, Editors, and You: The Insider's Guide to Getting Your Book Published. Plus, all First through 25th place winners will receive a free copy of the 10th Annual Writer's Digest Short Short Story Competition Collection.

             for more information...please see my sister blog located at...
                              http://greengreedy.blogspot.com/

***What's going on at one local High School?.... You better read this!!

2009-09-22T11:45:00.000-07:00

Pregnant at 14... , Sex during school... , Gangs are just today's social groups... , sound like things that just happen in bigger cities? Think again! These are a few of the things I discovered recently when I had the opportunity to speak personally with some of the students from a local high school. I must admit, I was quite suprized at how open the teens were with me. It was almost as if they were thankful that I questioned them and then actually took the time to just listen.

Would you be surprized if your 14 year old was pregnant by a boy that she had only known for a week and a half at the time of conception? Well, it might be your daughter. I didn't ask for names. As I listened to her story, it did not seem, she saw anything wrong with the time period in which all of this took place. When I asked what her plans were , she simply replied, she wasn't sure but had been talking to alot of her friends about having an abortion. She didn't mention the boyfriend's input on the matter.

How would you feel if you discovered your child was having sex during school and ISS? One boy told me most of the student body thought he was gay, but he wasn't. He explained how this one girl had constantly tried to get him to have sex during their ISS together. He didn't want to, so she told everyone that he was gay because he refused to have sex with her. When I mentioned the fact I thought she may have tarnished her own image as well , he simply replied, most of the kids think sex is really no big deal.

I also heard tidbits of other stories like; students bringing their parent's prescriptions to school to share with others... , gangs are making their way into the school but basically there nothing more than today's version of a social club or group... , a couple of girls spoke openly (in my presence) about how they had broke up with this one or that one because of problems revolving the "sex" issue... , and I was told that sex was just what a couple did when ready to take it to the next level. Hmmm... what happened to 'going steady'? oh that's just too old fashioned, they don't do that anymore!

I hope what you have read will encourage each of us, as parents, to take a little more time with our teens.....talk to them.....hang out with them....get to know their friends and boy/girl friends.....and most importantly, LISTEN to them! You may be as surprized as I was, by how willing they are to let you in on things going on in their world. Trust me, it's not the same world that most of us grew up in!

In the meantime....could someone please explain to me why the 'going steady' phase of a relationship was removed? *** and was it replaced with the 'sex' phase? *** and when did all of this occur? *** I thought I would walk away from all of this with a better understanding of today's teens...... but I'm more confused than ever!!! It's heartbreaking to see.... because all of the teens I spoke with were kind, polite, with a loving heart - they just seemed like your regular teen. I wonder where exactly, we as parents and as a society, went wrong....

If you are a teen and would like to comment on this story without your name and profile showing, please send it via email to arabscribnotes@gmail.com and I promise you I will not reveal your name, just as I have not revealed any information in the above story that would identify anyone that I spoke with. I would love some of you to give me your opinions on the closing questions.

Other comments may be posted below.

***Arab's Homecoming Parade - Vote 4 best float!!

2009-09-18T06:20:00.000-07:00

***********VOTE 4 YOUR FAVORITE FLOAT!!!!**************

**FRESHMAN FLOAT**

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

**SOPHOMORE FLOAT**

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

**JUNIOR FLOAT**

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

**SENIOR FLOAT**

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and who can forget these guys!!!......

**SPIRIT CLUB**

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PLEASE LOOK FOR THE VOTING POLL ON

THE SIDE OF THE PAGE, TO PLACE

YOUR VOTE!!!

GOOD LUCK!

ALL OF YOU GUYS DID

AWESOME!!!

***.....and ask ourselves, "Is there something I can do today, to make this world a little better?"

2009-09-16T21:33:00.000-07:00

**********In this world...We need to love more!********

We need to give more

and take less

We need to share more

and own less

We need to recognize family

as the backbone to stability

We need to look more

to see more

We need to listen more

to hear more

We need to "do" more

and preach less

We need to realize...

We are not so different

from one another

We need to create a world where

we can all peacefully live

the life we choose

We need to create a world where

we can trust each other.

We need to "love" more....

I ran across this poem today, as I was reading. Well actually, it wasn't "this" poem, because this poem has been altered and recreated into what it now is. It was beautiful before I touched it, I just wanted to add a few lines and tweak it alittle to make it more my own and to reflect my thoughtsand feelings as well. I hope you enjoy it. The original, although wasn't titled, can be found in "Thoughts To Share With A Wonderful Teenager", A Blue Mountain Arts Collection . It was written by Susan Schmitz. It is available at Books A Million, if any of you are interested. I purchased my copy for my son when he turned 14, a year ago. Honestly thou, I think I'm the only one that's actually read it! :)

I hope all that run across this poem, really read it and spend a little time thinking about what the words are actually saying. Our world is crying out to us for help! It has changed so much over the last 20 years and I'm honestly afraid of what it is going to be like in another 20 years! We, as responsible people, need to really take a look around and then an even deeper look inside ourself....and ask ourselves... Is there something that I can do today to make this world a little better?

***Patrick Swayze- Arabian Horse Show-Kentucky- My pics, my memories

2009-09-15T08:02:00.000-07:00

These pictures were taken in the 90's at a horse show in Lexington, Kentucky. I was there supporting a former relative that would be showing her Arabian that day. She was a fairly well known name in the horse world, and had told me that Patrick was going to be there. I wasn't used to hearing people refer to Patrick Swayze as "Patrick" and therefore asked, "Patrick who?" She replied," Patrick Swayze, Who else! I thought you were a fan!" My jaw dropped and my heart started racing, as I explained that I was, I just wasn't used to hearing him called Patrick. She offered to take me back and introduce me to him when we got there. I was all for that!! She explained that he always warmed his horses up in the stables in the back and that we could go back there. My legs were actually shaking as we walked back there and I caught first site of him riding his Arabian around the ring. I remember thinking to myself how peaceful and content he looked on the back of that horse. He dismounted his horse as I was thinking why does he look shorter in person when I was snapped out of my thoughts by a tug on my sleeve. I was being pulled in the direction that he was. Long story short, I chickened out! Can you believe it? I just could not bring myself to go up there where he was.

I have regretted that so many times in my life. I regretted it even more last night as I found out of his passing. One thing, I am sure of though, is that where ever "Patrick" is today, he is at peace, on the back of one of his Arabians, home at last. And maybe one day, I'll get the chance to meet him again. And when that time comes, I sure hope I don't chicken out again!!!

God Bless you, Patrick Swayze. You were loved and admired by many.

Tomorrow.....

2009-09-09T08:22:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow, I will move on to blogging about something else on this blog. If you would like to continue reading the remaining 3 of the "5 Businesses you can start on a shoestring budget" , you can click on them - they are linked on the left side of this page. I just set that up last night, so now those of you that requested that information will have it at your finger tips and I can move on for those of you that didn't. Here's to hoping that all of you are doing great this Wednesday and that your day continues to go in the direction that you wish!

CNC BRIEFING...SWINE FLU...ANTI-VIRAL RECOMMENDATIONS

2009-09-08T11:32:00.000-07:00

I guess with the growing numbers of "swine flu" cases in Arab City Schools, we have all been following this closely! Please see attached link for CNN Briefing - Live - from Atlanta today at 2:00
http://flu.gov/index.html

Five "Home-based Businesses" that can be started on a shoestring budget.

2009-09-08T06:38:00.000-07:00

Each day this week, I will give you a "Home based Business" that can be started on a shoestring budget. I will also give you some tips to assist you in how to make that business a success. So be sure to check in everyday, you may just discover a career that's calling your name! (None of these ideas require the use of a computer. I will be discussing internet opportunities at a later date)

1. "Mom & Child" First Photo Service- If you have a decent camera and a source of transportation, this is a great service to provide! We've all seen those gorgeous photos of Mom and child that appears to be taken right after the child is born. That picture, most likely required the parents to wrap the child up (at only a few days old) and take him/her out of the security of the home, to a portrait studio. Some hospitals in bigger cities may have a photographer come in and take the picture at the hospital. That's ok. Because you will be providing something, that photographer isn't....what is it? You are offering these parents the opportunity to have the portrait taken right at home, in the child's very own nursery, his/her own rocking chair etc.

**tip** Advertise!!! Flyers, pamplets, business cards....be sure to have your business card and information at every Mom-to-be Boutique and Baby Boutique within a 50 mile radius of your home.

**tip** And don't forget to stress that by having a photographer come into their home, they are avoiding taking their newborn out around all the germs and viruses etc that are outside. (do your research!! If swine flu is going around for example, use that in your sale pitch!) Young first-time parents seldom realize the risks, but once you gently inform them...your phone will be ringing off the hook!!!

**tip** Use an example of your work on your advertising flyers, pamplets and even on your business card!!!

Update: Austin's encounter w/ Cat Scratch Fever.

2009-09-04T10:46:00.000-07:00

I spoke with Sherri , Austin's mom, on Wednesday. Lil' Austin is getting along pretty good, all things considered. This was his 1st real week backto school. He tried last Thursday but could only make it half days, it just exhausted him. You can imagine, after being laid up for a month!

I could hear the excitement in the background, as we spoke. The kids were getting ready for church. It was going to be Austin's first time back there in a while also.

Austin was also able to rejoin his football team, however he just supports the team from the side lines for now. He had just signed up to play for "The Ravens" before his encounter with Cat Scratch Fever.

Austin says he is thrilled to be back at school around his friends although he has stacks and stacks of make-up work to do. Sherri says the teachers are being very supportive and since she subs at A.E.S., she gets to see him off and on throughout the day, mainly during lunch.

Sherri wants to again thank the entire community for everything that has been done for Austin. Whether it was a card, a prayer, or a passing thought , she feels that without the support of this community and the grace of God, Austin wouldn't be doing as good as he is today.

Austin is still alittle bothered by his not remembering the helicopter ride to the hospital. So once again, I'd like to give a shout out to ANYONE that may own or know of anyone who owns a helicopter. I know lil Austin would love to have a second chance at that helicopter ride. Please contact me via this blog or at arabscribnotes@gmail.com and I can put you in touch with the family. Thank you all and God bless each and every one of you.

Facebook scam: Friends supposedly stranded abroad need $ on clarkhoward.com

2009-09-02T18:42:00.001-07:00

Facebook scam: Friends supposedly stranded abroad need $ on clarkhoward.com

Shared via AddThis

My Wish for Austin!

2009-08-25T12:18:00.000-07:00

I'm sure most have read the article in Saturday's paper, The Arab Tribune, regarding little Austin's encounter with Cat Scratch Fever. As a mother, this article tugged at my heart, on several levels. The photos of the MMCN medical team loading Austin into the helicopter and seeing that Vickie Helton (the respiratory nurse) was actually having to pump air into lil'Austin's body brought tears to my eyes that flooded down my face and shattered my heart into a thousand pieces. My heart and prayers go out to Austin's parents, as well as Parker and Grant.
As I continued reading down the article my heart broke again when I realized that Austin would have no recollection of his very first helicopter ride. Having a son, myself, I know how high this experience would've ranked on the Austin's list of 'Cool Things I've Done!'.
I wish there was some way that Austin's memory of all of this wouldn't be dominated by the thought of him strapped to a stretcher as air was being forced into his lungs ...... but of the joy and delight of a young boy's first coolest helicopter ride!!!

If I win a million dollars tomorrow..... I'm gonna buy a helicopter! Guess who my first 3 passengers will be?

If you're reading this and have a helicopter (and license to drive it! :) ) then please give some consideration to the possibilities of what you could do to make this a better memory for a young boy and his loving family.

Arab Residents.......DON'T FORGET!!!!

2009-08-24T08:34:00.000-07:00

(Arab residents) Please don't forget to take part in my poll!!!! (located on the right side of page)

Ole Arab, ain't what she used to be.......

2009-08-24T08:11:00.000-07:00

I remember when I first discovered this little town with the little white picket fence around the Primary School. I thought to myself, we're home. We had searched long and hard for a special place to call home - since my son had started school earlier that month to be exact. We had been very comfortable with living in Huntsville for several years prior to that, but for whatever reason, I just wanted to raise my children in a smaller community. When I found Arab, it was like a miracle to us. Small town with that homesome "Mayberry" atmosphere is hard to find these days.

We've been here for 10 years now and we love it. I 'd be lying if I told you I wasn't concerned when the people voted for our little town to go 'wet'. My son is now 15, so of course I was concerned about having alcoholic beverages so close and accessable to him. I understand that it's against the law to sell to minors. I also understand the determination of a teenager, especially a bored teenager! I know how easy it is to get fake IDs. Our kids have nothing to do here on the week-ends , they get bored , and they start looking for entertainment. They'll find away to get what they want especially if it's constantly in their face, tempting them. Another reason I was upset about Arab going wet was because in a few months my son will be out there driving. If that wasn't scarey enough as it is, now we have put other drivers in the equation that may or may not be under the influence of alcoholic beverages. Now, please don't mistake me for an overly righteous person that can't see the positive side of bringing new businesses to our town. I can! And please don't mistake me for some kind of party-pooper either. That isn't it either. I always like to have something in my cabinet incase I want an occasional social drink. I always enjoy having something available for quest during the holidays and its's nice to have something to warm you up after cutting down that perfect tree. What I can't understand is why everyone thought it was too far to drive a few miles to Guntersville or to Huntsville to make their purchases. Everyone talks of growth. Growth isn't origainal. It isn't unique. There's big towns everywhere, but Arab was one of a kind.

With all these worries and concerns about out little town going wet and seeing the way I feel about it...I guess it will come to no surprise for you to know how I felt as I was read thru the Arab Tribune this week. It was heartbreaking to me to discover what appears to be a pretty significate increase in the number of arrests related to drinking. There was a total of 10 listed in Saturday's issue alone. Now granted all of those were not Arab residents (break-down below) but, they were issued here in Arab, on the same streets that your teens as well as mine are out there driving on. I'm sorry, but that makes me uncomfortable! 5 of the arrestees were Arab residents, 1 from Union Hill, 1 from Hanceville, 1 from Guntersville, and 2 from Cullman. 8 of these were DUI's and one for public intoxication and the remaining one was for reckless endangerment w/ an open container.

I hope that this isn't an example of what's to come in the upcoming months and years. But I must be honest with you when I say that when I imagine what Arab will be like in 3 years , I no longer see that little town with it's 'Mayberry' atmosphere, and that's a shame because she was very unique and one of a kind. I just hope she wasn't the last of her kind, but in today's high tech, fast paced world, she was definitely one of few. Ole, Arab, ain't what she used to be.........she's changing more everyday. Farewell my friend, you were one of a kind.

"Arab's crib notes" guidelines to follow. (please take time to read).

2009-08-21T16:12:00.000-07:00

Hey, and welcome to my blog. The purpose of this blog is to basically accomplish / provide two objectives. 1) to give me somewhere to write my thoughts and concerns without having others delete them only because they are not exactly the same as theirs.
and 2) to give you somewhere to post a comment about what I've written without you having to worry about it getting deleted simply because it differs from my opinion. Please keep in mind however, that there are a couple things that can get your comments or concerns deleted. They are as follows...if your comment contains language that would be considered rude in 'real life' setting. If you slander someone's good name and/or try to cause them trouble or embarrassment. I am seriously going to try to leave it at that. I believe if everyone treats others the way they wish to be treated that everything will run smoothly. Also please keep in mind that this is a big universe, full of a lot of people with a lot of different religions, beliefs, and opinions. Everyone has the right to express his or her opinion on this site. Civil debate can be healthy if it is approached from both sides with an open mind! Thank you and please contact me at anytime with any comments, complaints, or suggestions that you may have. Have a Great day!!! arabscribnotes@gmail.com PLEASE TAKE A MOMENT AND PARTCIPATE IN THE POLL AT THE LOWER LEFT CORNER OF THIS PAGE.