Wednesday, December 31, 2008

Funny Shit!

Busy Dad and Mr. Lady over at Stark Raving Dads Answer your questions. BTW...nothing is off limit over there so ask away.

Naked Crapping

Manager Mom asks:

How do I convince my five year old son that taking a crap does NOT require the removal of all of his clothing, including socks? Bonus points for helping me get him to spritz some post-poop Glade Air Freshener spray.

Mr Lady:

All the best bodily functions happen in the buff. Just sayin'.

Does he attend public school? Yeah, that'll take care of it for you. That, or he'll learn the joy that is the Home Poop Advantage. Either way, let it roll, baby.

Just to make you feel better: My husband poops naked, too. My daughter, in order to poop, has to have me sitting on the floor right in front of the potty, yes, downwind, and I have to completely cover her eyes with my hand. My eight year old still has to pull his pants all the way down to his ankles to pee. Even at urinals. My ten year old uses a half roll of toilet paper to wipe, every time.

People are freaks. Poop hilarious. Need proof? Keep reading.....

BusyDad:

I take this blog dead serious. I recognize the great responsibility that I bear as a giver of advice. Advice that may impact relationships between spouses, philosophies toward discipline, bonding between parent and child. So I pooped naked. And it was good.

See, to understand the how, it is often useful to delve into the why. So what exactly is the appeal of pooping naked vs fully clothed? Freedom. Feeling unfettered. A complete shedding of the weight of the world, from the outside to the inside. That child has achieved Zen. And really, when you don't have to worry about your shirttail, you know, getting caught up in the cleanup, the entire pooping process is much more enjoyable.

My advice is this: let Jr. do his Dalai Lama thing. He won't be doing it forever. It's just too much of a hassle to re-tie your necktie every time you go #2. He'll become more practical as time goes by. Not to worry. And remember, Seinfeld is fictional if you happen to be thinking of that episode.

I'd like to offer you a little perspective as well (nothing like a good "well at least he doesn't do THAT" to make your problems seem smaller). My kid pees sitting down. He'll stand when necessary, like in a urinal and such, but when given the choice, he'll always pee sitting down. One would also think that this is something kids outgrow, but it's not so. My ex girlfriend had a boyfriend who still peed sitting down. And he was close to 30 years old. Feel better?

As for the spray, I find it hard to believe that a 5 year old boy would not shoot another hole in the ozone, given the opportunity. Isn't that what they live for? Candy, Legos, Ben 10 and anything that shoots out of anything else? In that order. Put the can in his hand and say "have at it, son." There's NO WAY he won't freshen your entire house in under 3 minutes. I'm willing to bet money on that.

Tuesday, December 30, 2008

Zenses Giveaways Around The Blogosphere

Zenses for Nintendo DS


Nintendo DS is not just for kids anymore. Hey, even I have one that I play on my layovers. The hard part is finding games suited for me. That’s why I was thrilled to find out about Zenses for Nintendo DS.

From the site: “The Zenses series takes the very best gameplay from the puzzle and brain training genres and wraps it up in a clean, fresh, stylish look accompanied by an ambient soundtrack to support the calm and relaxing atmosphere. Zenses enables active relaxation and is the perfect “me time” companion, allowing the player to transcend the stresses of everyday life, unplug and experience an “active escape”. The result? A brand new and totally fresh gaming experience for the modern woman, offering spa-like escapism in your handbag!”

Zenses Ocean focuses on the soothing sounds and motions of the sea while Zenses Rainforest captures the refreshing Amazon infused with rain drops, exotic flowers, waterfalls and giant trees.

One of the best things about Zenses is that it’s designed to be played for a few minutes or a few hours - it’s all up to you. So take a break from your hectic day with Zenses. It will rejuvenate you!

Win it!

Thanks to The Game Factory, the blogs listed below (my Family Review Network family) are each holding a giveaway. Stop by their blogs and enter to win both the Zenses Rainforest and the Zenses Ocean.

This giveaway is open to US addresses. Good luck!

The members of FRN also had the opportunity to give away Zenses Ocean & Zenses Rainforest to some very lucky winners! For additional chances to win, stop by their blogs and enter today! Good luck!

Sunday, December 28, 2008

Mark Your Calendar

WINTER PREMIERES

* Denotes series returning from a winter break, rather than season or series premiere.

Monday, Dec. 29

The City (MTV)

Sunday, Jan. 4

Brothers & Sisters (ABC)*
Desperate Housewives (ABC)*

Monday, Jan. 5

The Bachelor (ABC)
Gossip Girl (CW)*
One Tree Hill
(CW)*
Secret Life of the American Teenager
(ABC Family)
True Beauty (ABC)

Tuesday, Jan. 6

90210 (CW)*
According to Jim
(ABC)*
The Biggest Loser: Couples
(NBC)
Law & Order: SVU
(NBC)*
NCIS (CBS)*
Nip/Tuck
(FX)
Privileged
(CW)*
Scrubs
(ABC)

Wednesday, Jan. 7

13: The Fear Is Real (CW)
Damages
(FX)
Knight Rider
(NBC)*
Law & Order
(NBC)*

Thursday, Jan. 8

30 Rock (NBC)*
ER
(NBC)*
Grey's Anatomy
(ABC)*
Kath & Kim
(NBC)*
My Name Is Earl
(NBC)*
The Office
(NBC)*
Private Practice
(ABC)*
Ugly Betty
(ABC)*

Friday, Jan. 9

Flashpoint (CBS)
Monk
(USA)*
Psych
(USA)*

Sunday, Jan. 11

24 (Fox)

Monday, Jan. 12

The Big Bang Theory (CBS)*
How I Met Your Mother (CBS)*
Kyle XY (ABC Family)
Samantha Who? (ABC)*
Worst Week (CBS)*

Tuesday, Jan. 13

American Idol (Fox)

Wednesday, Jan. 14

Wonderland (DTV 101)

Thursday, Jan. 15

Bones (Fox)*
CSI (CBS)*
Smallville
(CW)*
Supernatural
(CW)*

Friday, Jan. 16

Battlestar Galactica (Sci Fi)
Friday Night Lights
(NBC)

Sunday, Jan. 18

American Dad (Fox)*
Big Love
(HBO)
Family Guy
(Fox)*
Flight of the Conchords
(HBO)
King of the Hill
(Fox)*
The L Word (Showtime)
Secret Diary of a Call Girl (Showtime)
The Simpsons (Fox)*
United States
of Tara (Showtime)

Monday, Jan. 19

House (Fox)*

Tuesday, Jan. 20

Fringe (Fox)*

Wednesday, Jan. 21

Lie to Me (Fox)
Lost
(ABC), two-hour premiere

Thursday, Jan. 22

Burn Notice (USA)*

Monday, Jan. 26

The Closer (TNT)*
Trust Me (TNT)

Wednesday, Jan. 28

Life on Mars (ABC)*

Thursday, Jan. 29

Hell's Kitchen (Fox)

Monday, Feb. 2

Chuck (NBC),* 3-D episode
Heroes, Vol. IV: Fugitives
(NBC)*
Medium
(NBC)

Thursday, Feb. 12

Survivor (CBS)

Friday, Feb. 13

Dollhouse (Fox)
Terminator (Fox)*

Sunday, Feb. 15

The Amazing Race (CBS)

Sunday, March 1

Celebrity Apprentice (NBC)

Sunday, March 8

Breaking Bad (AMC)

Monday, March 9

Castle (ABC)

Tuesday, March 17

Reaper (CW)

Thursday, March 19

Kings (NBC)

Tuesday, March 24

Cupid (ABC)

Wednesday, April 8

The Unusuals (ABC)

Thursday, April 9

Harper's Island (CBS)

[source]

Wednesday, December 24, 2008

General Hospital Christmas Montages

Remember these days?????

Alan, Monica, Robert, Anna and Duke in 1986


Edward, Lila, Ned, Luke, Laura and Baby Lou-Lou in 1999


Then there was the Sonny, Zander, Emily and Alexis shootout in 2000

Santa Blogs? Guess that Sled has a laptop with better Wi-Fi than I have ever had

Read up on the latest and greatest Santa news here. You can also track Santa's travels and find fun things for kids to do while they begin the wait for Christmas morning.


Hit the button above to read Santa Letters posted daily. Some of them are so cute.



Check out this awesome, creative blog by Santa!

Want to see where Santa is and hear about his journey? Go here to read all about it.

Tuesday, December 23, 2008

Why Do We All Love These Commercials?

This is a Miracle - Boy, 9, Recovers After Decapitation Separates Skull From Neck

A 9-year-old Texas boy has almost fully recovered after suffering an orthopedic decapitation in a car accident 3 months ago, CBSNews.com reported Monday.



Jordan Taylor had a 1-2 percent chance of surviving this type of injury, which occurred when his skull separated from his neck. His spinal cord remained intact, however.



“I just kept screaming,” Jordan’s mom, Stacey Perez told CBSNews.com. “I just wanted him to wake up.”



Perez was driving when a dump truck plowed into her car after running a stop sign, authorities said. Although Jordan was buckled up in the back seat, the impact was too much.



“The energy basically made his head lift up off his neck, and then move forward,” said Dr. Richard Roberts of Cook Childrens’ Medical Center in Fort Worth, Texas, the pediatric neurosurgeon that saved Jordan’s life.



“All of the connective tissue that essentially keeps your head connected to your neck was destroyed,” Roberts said.



Doctors reattached Jordan’s skull with a metal plate and titanium rods. His head was stabilized by a “halo” or carbon fiber ring that is screwed to his skull and attached to a vest.



Perez said Jordan surprised everyone by regaining his speech and walking without the help of a walker. He will return to school after Christmas break.



“As far as I’m concerned, he has a full recovery – he is neurologically intact,” Roberts said. “He walks – that’s one of the biggest things. He isn’t weak and is active, it’s amazing. He also has youth on his side. Being young, he has better tissue than someone who is 60 or 70.”

Christmas By Linus

Monday, December 22, 2008

One of My Favorite Christmas Songs - Mary Did You Know?

This version is by Dancing with the Stars Julianne Hough


Mary, did you know
That your baby boy will one day walk on water?
Did you know
That your baby boy will save our sons and daughters?
Did you know
That your baby boy has come to make you new?
This child that youve delivered
Will soon deliver you

Mary, did you know
That your baby boy will give sight to a blind man?
Did you know
That your baby boy will calm a storm with his hand?
Did you know
That your baby boy has walked where angels trod?
And when you kiss your little boy
Youve kissed the face of god

Mary, did you know?
The blind will see
The deaf will hear
And the dead will live again
The lame will leap
The dumb will speak
The praises of the lamb

Mary, did you know
That your baby boy is lord of all creation?
Did you know
That your baby boy will one day rules the nations?
Did you know
That your baby boy is heavens perfect lamb?
This sleeping child youre holding
Is the great I am
To get a copy of Julianne's CD with this song included order from the link below

Kid Friendly and Parent Approved Site -Zilladog



Who doesn't love free online games?

Who doesn't love email from friends?

Now there is a way for your kids to get both while you get the peace of mind that they are safe.

Zilladog says:

Zilladog.com is a web site created by parents for kids. They can stay connected with friends and family with our FREE ZillaMail email service. Kids can play free online games that are parent approved. They can play games from their favorite web sites such as Club Penguin, Neopets, Cartoon Network, Pokemon, Nickelodeon, and play Sonic games with Sonic the Hedgehog. They can also log on to and access their Webkinz pet.

ZillaMail is a free and safe email service just for kids. Kids can stay connected with friends and family with our renound email service. ZillaMail is spam free and eliminates the risks of chat rooms, instant messages, and blogs.

The design of our web page keeps kids coming back to a safe online environment. Our kids are all growing up fast and they are starting younger. Zilladog.com is a place to help them and to protect them.

I signed my son up and I can tell you that the process is easy. You can be CC'd on all email that is sent to your child. After the sign up process 5 easy questions you will be sent an confirmation email. Once you are confirmed, you will get a parental password and the URL where you will be set up as your child's administrator.

More from Zilladog:

Email for Kids

* Parents have their own password to set up the "buddy list" in
the address book (yes, you get to pick their friends).

* Parents can be copied on all outgoing messages.

* Kids can only receive email from their approved “buddy list”, so there is no spam.

Fun & Free Home Page for Kids

* All their favorite and safe web sites at a click of the button.
* Pop up free (we hate those things). They even have a "profanity filter"
* View age appropriate movie trailers and listen to music from Disney, and Kidz Bop.
[source]

Saturday, December 20, 2008

Lost - Season 5 Promo Ad

17 Christmas Traditions


17 Christmas Traditions
Here is a list of 17 Christmas Traditions you can do with your family found onTip Junkie.

1. Nickolaus on December 6th - Nikolaus is the German Santa Claus and comes on December 6th and fills your shoes with treats and gifts. Have your kids line their shoes up by the front door the night before.

2. 25 Christmas Books - Wrap up 25 Christmas books and unwrap one and read it every night until Christmas. It's a wonderful way to get have your children practice as well as get in the Christmas spirit.

3. stocking Letters - Write notes to each other and put them in each other’s stockings. Write one letter a day and read them on Christmas morning.

4.Felt Nativity Hand Puppets - If don't have enough people in your family to act out the Nativity, this is an alternative and makes a great toy for your kiddos.

5. 12 Days Nativity: Ring & Run - Get a nativity set and wrap up each piece individually. Pick one family to anonymously deliver each piece for the 12 nights before Christmas. Attach the corresponding meaning to each one. (Print off Executive Homemaker)

6.Stamped Christmas Advent - Put it on the fridge or on a cookie sheet. Make it for your family or for a friend as a gift.

7. Wish Bottle - Hang it on the Christmas tree. Inside is a small piece of paper with your wishes for Christmas. Take turns putting in your wish list.

8. Santa Pancakes - Santa & Snowman pancakes as a Christmas Eve breakfast.

9. Gift Scavenger Hunt - Hide one of their presents and then they get to search for it Christmas morning.

10. You Got Star’d - It's like being "Boo'd" at Halloween, where you leave some goodies on the doorstep and run. Then it's your turn to "boo" someone else. Be sure to leave the Star sign out front so it doesn't happen again.

11. Laminated Finch Family Nativity - This is my favorite Christmas gift to make for friends with small kiddos. Write songs and CD track # on the back of each one with a Velcro dot. Pick a one and sing along.

12. Pajama Christmas Party - Come over in your pajamas to read Christmas stories.

13. Christmas Day Camp - Invite the Grandkids over for lots of holiday festivities and help get the house ready for the holidays.

14. Magic Elves - The magic elves, Tinsel and Twinkle It watch behavior and reports to "Santa" each night. The next morning, it returns from South Poll.

15. Magic Elf Door - Appears by our front door. It is a direct link to the elves at the north pole. Santa's elves are everywhere watching to see if you are naughty or nice.

16. Elf on the Shelf - It watches behavior and reports to "Santa" each night. The next morning, it returns from South Poll and is hiding in a different place.

17. Personalized Bins for Kids - Personalize a bin for your kiddo to have their own special Christmas boxes that contain their own ornaments, Santa hats, and other special holiday decorations.

Source Tip Junkie and Executive Homemaker

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

Rob Pattinson is really Pretty Cute

Update on New Director for New Moon Director Chris Weitz

As per Stephanie Meyers site

Summit Films is moving forward with a new director for New Moon. They've asked Chris Weitz, director of American Pie, About a Boy, and The Golden Compass, to join us, and I am very pleased to announce that he's agreed to be a part of our Twilight world. I've had the chance to talk to Chris, and I can tell you that he is excited by the story and eager to keep the movie as close to the book as possible. He is also very aware of you, the fans, and wants to keep you all extremely happy. (Torches and pitchforks are not going to be necessary.)

I'm excited to work with Chris and I think he brings a lot to the table, not the least of which for me is that he wrote the screenplay for and directed one of my favorite movies of all time, About a Boy. I'm really looking forward to seeing his vision for New Moon.

Below is a letter from Chris to you. I think you'll get a glimpse in this note of how cool it's going to be having Chris as part of our community.

Letter from Chris Weitz
One more thing, unrelated but fun: I finally got around to posting a few pictures from the premiere on the Twilight movie page

Friday, December 12, 2008

Countdown to Christmas

This week I wrote about my 25 Days of Christmas but this one is so good I had to give her props!

I found this one on According to Kelly.

This is a new site for me but I absolutely love it! She is chock full of fun, easy ideas to add to your holidays.

1. write letters to Santa
2. watch: how the Grinch stole Christmas
3. go to Disneyland
4. go Christmas tree shopping
5. attend a Christmas tree lighting
6. ride the Irvine rail roade Christmas train
7. read: the tale of the three trees
8. make hot chocolate floats
9. watch: the nightmare before Christmas
10. start our own "white envelope"tradition
11. have a picnic dinner by the Christmas tree
12. Dana point harbor boat parade of lights
13. ding dong ditch Christmas treats
14. read: the Christmas orange
15. gingerbread house
16. watch: white Christmas
17. make home-made bread for hot chocolate & toast
18. Newport beach boat parade
19. have breakfast for dinner
20. have a fondue/ candy cane dipping party
21. read: why Christmas trees aren't perfect
22. drive around to see the neighborhood Christmas lights.
23. watch: Elf
24. sing Christmas songs, tell the story of the true meaning of Christmas, & read the Christmas story

More Vampire Books

So many of my friends are upset about being done with Twilight. I am still reading Breaking Dawn. Because I know it is the last book I am savoring every moment. The book calls to me as I struggle not to pick it up but I refuse to pick it up. I simply am not ready to let them go. Finishing the book would be the end and that is just too sad for me.

I am jealous of the people who haven't read it yet. Lucky bastards!

Lately, I have been searching out books to help my friends get over the severe sadness they feel that there are no more Stephanie Meyer books to read.

This is the first book in a series of four.



This one is a series of five books, Vampire Kiss! Sounds promising.



Vampire Academy will be 4 books by September 2009. Order the first 3 here.


Blue Bloods is a series of 3 books.

Thursday, December 11, 2008

Ahhhh Christmas Is Coming!!!!

Is anyone as freaked out as I am?



13 more days!!!



I am beyond stretched and strapped this holiday season.



With 7 actual, blood related nieces and a nephew, my own 2 kids, 13 honorary nieces and nephews all under the age of 19 Christmas shopping is crazy. I never stop shopping. In January you will find me hitting all the sales getting ready for the next year. The rest of the year I scout all the sales and clearances looking for the best price. I have 4 bins of new toys, bath and body gifts, books, craft kids, games, and more at the ready. Usually I have a kid in mind when I buy it and sometimes I get one thinking about the parties of classmates my kids will attend.



This year I was unable to do this. No time, finances weren't available, life gets crazy sometimes.



Now, with 13 days to spare I am looking for a way to get gifts to my overseas friends, my family in California and Florida quickly.



Dunt-da-da-da, introducing my new favorite site. Late Late Gifts! Now we can get our gifts to everyone on our list with next or same day delivery! A site for people just like me! Finally!

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

Bratz Kids: Slumber Party for Wii Giveaway Event

Family Review Network recently had the opportunity to work with The Game Factory in helping to promote their upcoming release of Bratz Kids: Slumber Party for Wii. All participating members are currently giving away a copy of this game to one lucky winner. Stop by these amazing blogs and enter to win!

Friday, December 5, 2008

Christmas 1958 Sears WishBook

What is up with this picture? Mom gets Dad a gun and Dad gets mom a suitcase? Was he giving her a hint? Run because if get that gun I want you might be in danger? Also, what do they do for a living?

New TV, bike and a doll? That must be some doll too...

Thursday, December 4, 2008

12 Days of Christmas (ring and run)

Here is a "ring and run" activity to do with the children.

Buy the items listed below, make their tags, and have the kids start dropping them off, one each day of course, to a special friend on December 13. Do this after dark, or leave them on the porch when they aren't home, and don't get caught! This is a good way to that giving can be fun.



ON THE FIRST DAY OF CHRISTMAS, your true love gave to you...a partridge in a pear tree. Sorry, but we can't find the partridge, so we are giving you some pears from the tree the partridge flew away from. (attach to a can of pears)


ON THE SECOND DAY OF CHRISTMAS, your true love gave to you...two turtle doves...but don’t' have any...will candy turtles with a bar of Dove soap do? (attach note to a box or plate of caramel turtles w/ a boxed bar of Dove soap.)


ON THE THIRD DAY OF CHRISTMAS, your true love gave to you...three French hens...well, we don't have any French hens, so we're giving you some chicken noodle soup, compliments of the three French hens. (attach to can of chicken noodle soup).


ON THE FOURTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS, your true love gave to you...four calling birds...we can't find those calling birds though! Here are 4 messages they left for you before they flew off! (attach to 4 messages describing what a wonderful person they are)


ON THE FIFTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS, your true love gave to you...five golden rings, but sorry, we're too poor for golden rings, but will some golden pineapple rings do? (attach to can of pineapple rings)


ON THE SIXTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS, your true love gave to you...six geese a laying, but we know you don't really want the mess of six geese all over your house, do you? How about some eggs that they left behind! (attach to a half dozen eggs)

ON THE SEVENTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS, your true love gave to you...seven swans a swimming! OK, we looked for the swans, but couldn't find them, but we did find some bubble bath they used while they were swimming! (attach to bottle of bubble bath)

ON THE EIGHTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS, your true love gave to you...eight maids a-milking. Here is some milk we got from the eight maids -- we think they must have been milking some brown cows! (attach to a container of chocolate milk)

ON THE NINTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS, your true love gave to you...nine ladies dancing...Here are some canes used by the nine ladies who were out dancing all night! (attach to a nine candy canes)

ON THE TENTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS: your true love gave to you...ten lords-a-leapin' - here is some "Ben Gay", which is highly recommended by the ten Lords we saw out jumping around. (attach to a package of Ben Gay rubbing lotion)

ON THE ELEVENTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS, your true love gave to you...eleven pipers piping, so here is a pipe of your own, have fun with it, but don't "blow" the whole day! (attach to a bubble pipe and bubble solution)

ON THE TWELFTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS, your true love gave to you...twelve drummers drumming, but we figured twelve drummers drumming would take up way too much room, so we drummed up some cookies for you...hope they keep this from being just another hum-"drum" day for you! (attach to a plate of cookies)
Thanks, Santa was very good. Hope you had a good Christmas too!

12 Days of Christmas - Nativity Style

12 Days with Nativity

I found this on Executive Homemaker (amazing site btw). This is a wonderful way to incorporate the reason for the season in your 12 Days of Christmas.
1. As a gift: Wrap the corresponding nativity piece with it's poem or story.
2. As an advent with your family: Add one piece to your nativity set a day and read the poem or story together.
Mary (Day 1)
Mary’s Lullaby
by Jan Underwood
Lullaby, Lullaby, my little one.
Lullaby, my child so dear.
Thy precious life has just begun;
Thy mother holds thee near.
While Joseph watches through the night,
A star reflects thy radiant light.
Lullaby, lullaby, my little one.
Lullaby, my child so dear.

Thy gentle head shall wear a crown,
For they Father is the King.
Thy tender hands, so tiny now,
Have blessings great to bring.
Let all creation join my song,
For peace and love are born
Lullaby, lullaby, my little one.
Lullaby, my child so dear.

Joseph (Day 2)
When Joseph Went to Bethlehem
by Bessie Sanders Spencer
When Joseph went to Bethlehem,
I think he took great care
To place his tools and close his shop
And leave no shavings there.
He urged the donkey forward then,
With Mary on it’s back,
And carried bread and goat cheese
in a little linen sack.
I think there at the busy inn
That he was meek and mild
And awed to be the guardian
of Mary’s sacred child.
Perhaps all through the chilly hours
He smoothed the swaddling bands,
And Jesus felt the quiet strength
of Joseph’s gentle hands.
And close beside the manger bed,
He dimmed the lantern’s light
And held the little Jesus
Close up on that holy night.

Angel (Day 3)
Read from Luke 1: 26-31
And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, to a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary. And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favored, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women. And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be. And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favor with God. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS.

Donkey (Day 4)
Mary’s Journey: The black and silver sky bends over us like the dome of a shining temple. Far in the East a lone star gleams with a peculiar intensity. I watch it as
Joseph adjusts the pack on this donkey.
“We must hurry if we are to be off before day breaks,” he says. It will be a long journey to Bethlehem where Joseph must pay his tax. Five, even six days. What I fear most is that my child may be born on the cold, lonely road. My time is so very near.
As Joseph lifts me upon the donkey’s back, I cannot ignore the sudden rush of fears. The donkey’s hoofs ring hollow on the cobbled street. Oh stop! I want to cry out. Let me remain here in my safe bed. Here, where I can deliver this child while surrounded by my mother and my aunts,. But Joseph and I plod on, silent shadow in the fading night moving as though in a dream.
At the edge of Nazareth where the stone street gives way to dirt, I turn and look back. Some how I know that nothing will ever be the same again...the journey has
begun. I watch Joseph’s sure hand tug the little donkey forward into the darkness. I am struck by the simple thought, Are we not led by God as surely as Joseph leads the donkey? Now the sound of the donkey’s hoofs on the road does not seem as lonely, nor does the dark distance seem as ready to swallow us up. This is not a journey of uncertainly; it is a journey of faith.

Stable (Day 5)

Think about Bethlehem. Think of the busy streets filled with people trying to find a place to stay for the night. Joseph and Mary have finally made it to this little Judeans town, but where can they stay?
Inside, the inn buzzed with laughter and chatter. Distant relatives who had not seen each other in years renewed family ties over bowls of hot soup and goblets of wine. They broke bread together, swapping stories of their journeys. A teenage boy strummed his lyre in the corner, and several fathers clapped their hands in time to the music.
In the rush to serve tables, the innkeeper, balancing a tray of breads and meats answered a knock at the door. A man calling himself Joseph stood outside. He and his young wife needed a room. A glance told the innkeeper the woman was heavy with child. He could barely hear himself talk with so much noise behind him, but he managed to explain that there was no room, only an empty stall in the stable out back.
Shrugging his shoulders, the innkeeper quickly apologized and went into the crowded room. Outside, Joseph stood for a moment, listening to the laughter inside. Back in the stillness of the night, Mary waited. The young couple made their way to the stable. And while music and laughter and feasting went on and on, just yards away behind the walls of the inn, the Son of God quietly entered mortality.
Sometimes the best moments of the Christmas season do not happen during the crowded parties or the rush of holiday preparations. They don't occur in the music and laughter, the camaraderie and feasting. Special Christmas memories are those quiet moments when God unexpectedly surprises us. With Himself. With an overwhelming sense of His nearness and love.
In the midst of so much activity, so much going on, so many days in the calendar filled with appointments or parties. God seeks out the quiet heart, and speaks to us in a still small voice.
Think of the stable in Bethlehem. Somehow it stands serene. What a contrast to the celebrating going on in that inn. Who would have supposed? Who would have suspected? If someone had only dropped what he was doing to leave the party and go check on his donkey. If someone had only slipped away from the festivities for a moment to seek a quiet moment outside.
Just think of what they might have witnessed! Perhaps they would have seen the angels. Maybe the shepherds. And yes, even the Son of God. Take the time this Christmas season to step outside the clamor and excitement. Visit the stable and ask God to speak to you in the quiet and serenity and stillness He will!!!
Oxen (Day 6)

The Oxen
Christmas Eve, and twelve of the clock
"Now they are all on their knees",
An elder said as we sat in a flock
By the embers in hearth side ease.
We pictured the meek mild creatures where
They dwelt in their straw pen
Nor did it occur to one of us there
To doubt they were kneeling then.
So fair a fancy few would weave
In these years! Yet, I feel,
If someone said on Christmas Eve,
"Come; see the oxen kneel,
"In the lonely Barton by yonder coomb
Our childhood used to know",
I should go with him in the gloom,
Hoping it might be so.

Sheep (Day 7)
Once within a Lowly Stable
By Patty Smith Hill
Once within a lowly stable,
Where the sheep and oxen lay,
A loving mother laid her baby
In a manger filled with hay.
Mary was the mother there,
And the Christ that baby fair.
God sent us this loving baby
From his home in heav’n above,
And he came down to show all people
how to help and how to love
This is why the angels bright
Sang for joy that Christmas night.

Shepherd (Day 8)
When the angel of the Lord came upon the shepherds "Keeping watch over their flock by night...they were sore afraid" (Luke 2:8-9). It seems that angelic visitations must have quite an effect when they appear suddenly. Sore afraid. Don't you imagine that sore afraid means more than nervous or uncomfortable?
How would you have felt? I suspect they were terrified. But then the angel delivered the good tidings, the joyful message, that the Savior, Christ the Lord, had been born. They listened and must have believed, because they decided they must go "with haste" to see Baby Jesus (Luke 2:16). When they had seen Him, they didn't just quietly return to their flocks...they shared what they had seen and heard (verse 17). They must have made quite an impression, because "all that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds" (verse 1)

Yes, when the shepherds listened and believed their fear was put to rest. They came unto Christ. Then they shared this new truth.

Wiseman 1 (Day 9)
Stars were Gleaming
By Nancy Byrd Turner
Stars were gleaming, shepherds dreaming
And the night was dark and chill.
Angels story rang with glory;
Shepherds heard it on the hill
Ah that singing! Hear it ringing,
Earthward winging, Christmas bringing!
Hearken! We can hear it still!
See the clearness and the nearness
Of the blessed Christmas star,
Leading guiding; Wiseman riding
Through the desert dark and far.
Lovely showing, shining growing,
On-ward going, gleaming bringing!
Hearken! We can hear it still!

Wiseman 2 (Day 10)
The First Noel
This star drew nigh to the north-west
O'er Bethlehem it took its rest.
And there it did both stop and stay
Right over the Place where Jesus lay.
Then entered in those wise men three
Fell reverently upon their knee
And offered there in his presence
Their gold and myrrh and frankincense.

Wiseman 3 (Day 11)
We three Kings of Orient Are
Bearing gifts we traverse afar,
Field and fountain, moor and mountain,
Following yonder star.
Melchior: Born a babe on Bethlehem's plain
Gold I bring to crown Him again;
King forever, ceasing never
Over us all to reign.
Caspar: Frankincense to offer have I'
Incense owns a Deity nigh
Prayer and praising all men raising,
Worship Him, God on High.
Balthasar: Myrrh is mine: its bitter perfume
Breathes a life of gathering gloom;
Sorrowing sighing, bleeding, dying,
Sealed in the stone-cold tomb.
Glorious now behold Him arise,
King and God and Sacrifice;
Heaven sings "Hallelujah"!
"Hallelujah"! Earth replies.
O star of wonder, star of night,
Star with royal beauty bright,
Westward leading, still proceeding
Guide us to the perfect light.

Baby Jesus (Day 12)
Luke 2:11
For unto you is born this day in the
city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.
2 Nephi 19:6
For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given;
And the government shall be upon his shoulder;
And his name shall be called, Wonderful, Counselor,
The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
Picture a Christmas
by Patricia Kelsey Graham
Picture a stable in Judea.
Picture a sacred, silent night.
And can you hear
The angels near
And see the star so bright?
Picture the kind and gentle Joseph.
Picture the mother, Mary, fair.
And can you see
So reverently
The shepherds kneeling there?
Picture the little baby Jesus.
Think of his life and words so dear.
Sing praise to him;
Remember him,
As you picture Christmas this year.

Wednesday, December 3, 2008

Children As Dolls Photography

I honestly think I may have nightmares tonight. These photos are disturbing. I guess they were meant to be but I have a hard time seeing these as art. I just want to pick this little girl up and hug her. That is probably what the photographer Zhang Peng wanted but I think he is a bit disturbed.






Is anyone else creeped out by this?

Watch the Bad Guy Taken Down - Manhunters on A&E


Reality TV at it's finest.

Beginning December 9th on (10:00 p.m. ET/PT) check out a new show called Manhunters.





Manhunters take on the worst of the worst. Triple homicide felons to international fugitives can run but they can't hide when the U.S. Marshals Fugutive Task Force are on the case. Mandated by Congress after September 11th, the Task Force is made up of multiple federal, state and local agencies, and has the unique ability to transcend jurisdictions in order to work together, unfettered by local boundaries, towards the common goal of catching the most violent criminals on the run!!

Check out the Synopsis for Episode 1, I know I will be watching.

MANHUNTERS : FUGITIVE TASK FORCE – ‘Third Time’s the Charm’ (# 1)
Fugitive Task Force member and ICE /DRO Supervisor Tommy Kilbride has been in law
enforcement for 20 years. But for Tommy the cat-and-mouse game never gets tired, the
faces just get familiar. One of those familiar faces has been deported from the U.S. twice after serving time in prison for drug trafficking and firearms possession. Tommy, who made both deportation arrests, has just learned that this repeat offender has returned to the U.S. Fugitive Task Force members start looking in Brooklyn but, Tommy interrupts their surveillance with a phone call. Their suspect is not in NYC he’s in Los Angeles. With time ticking away, and information that he might be leaving LA soon, the hunt is on.