US Flag disgraced?

I do not watch the news.  I do not normally read the news.  Today I read an email my father forwarded to me that caused me to search out news articles regarding the treatment of our National Flag.  In 2006 in Texas, a Mexican flag was raised up a flag pole on a school campus.  That in itself is near treason.  When a student, offended by the sight, removed the flag, he was suspended.  Suspended for doing the right thing, and honoring our flag and more importantly, our Nation.
On May 5, 2010 in California, a handful of students were sent home for wearing t-shirts and bandanas bearing the American Flag on them, because it "offended" the Hispanic students.  Since when do Americans HAVE to observe a day that has nothing to do with them?  Since when did it become offensive to show pride and respect to our own Nation?  When did we start giving other nations higher regard then our own?  Why do we bend over backwards for so many while allowing them to walk all over those who love America?  To be an American was once a great thing.  To be Proud, Strong, Free.  Now we seem to be allowed nothing more than weak, ignored and bonded to the will of those who have no love for this Nation.
I AM AN AMERICAN!  I WILL FLY MY FLAG AND CELEBRATE AMERICAN NATIONAL HOLIDAYS.  I WILL NOT BEND OVER AND SHOW A GREATER RESPECT TO ANOTHER COUNTRY, FOR THEY ARE NOT MINE.  AMERICA IS MY HOME.  NOT MEXICO, OR IRAN OR ANY OTHER.  MY RELIGION IS CHRISTIAN, NOT MUSLIM.
So do not expect me to step aside as you raise your former country's flag.  Do not tell me I need to be more tolerant.  It is Mexico, Muslim, etc. that should be more tolerant me and those like me.  For I have seen none from you.  Stop leeching from our country.  If you love your country so much, then go back.  Let us be AMERICANS!

valentine's cards

I made Valentine's day cards for both Ian and Tristan's classes.  For Ian's I used a template from a CTMH Originals book.  I made blue cards for boys and red/pink ones for girls and added a ribbon to them.  As soon as I can find the pictures I will post them.  For Tristan's I used a template from www.familyfun.go.com, a butterfly card that can hold either a pencil or candy stick.  I went with the pencil, and a variety of colored papers.  I have posted the pictures of this below.

 A pipe cleaner acts as the antennae.

With a multicolor ink pad I stamped Happy Valentine Day on the back of the butterflies.

SAD

SAD stands for Seasonal Affective Disorder, also known as winter blues.  Off and on over the years I have had issues with depression of one degree or another.  Since moving to Texas I have been off of any medication and have done remarkably well until this December.  Besides the weather effect, there have also been some external circumstances that have contributed to my mood being less than ideal.  Money has been the largest problem, or rather the lack there of.  Some family issues have added to the stress as well.  My husband knows there is something wrong, but has a hard time really hearing me when I try to explain it to him.  He is always convinced there is more to it.  I can't even begin to talk to my family about depression.  I wish it wasn't something that was constantly hovering over me or even close by me.
Depression for me is more than just feeling sad.  It is having no motivation, feelings of despair, and anxiety.  Fatigue and headaches are common, and just feeling physically and mentally run-down.  I have an ott-lite that I am using today, but that limits me to my bedroom.  It is raining outside today, so trying to go outside for sunlight is out.  I feel deep hunger for the beech on a warm sunny day.  I now understand why so many people who can afford it choose to travel south during the winter, opting for Florida, Mexico or some tropic area.
There are so many things that I WANT to do but just do not have it in me to even begin.  I want to begin composting and preparing for a spring garden.  I want to clean my house until it sparkles.  I need to take some things to my storage unit.  Prepare dinner.  All of these desires seem to further compound my feelings of hopelessness as I cannot even see a time or way to begin any of it.  This snowball effect can be devastating if not controlled soon.
So many well-meaning people will say to just get up and do it anyway because it needs to get done.  Get over it.  Stop being so self-absorbed.  Think more positive.  Pray.  Be thankful for what you have.  This lack of understanding from those around me bring me down even more.  Pressure to change me, to get better, get over it, these things do not help.
Support and understanding are two of the best things for a person who is suffering from depression. If you know of someone who is suffering from depression, don't pressure them or belittle the way they are feeling.  Love them and let them know that you are there for them.

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas.  Happy birthday Yeshua.  This whole week has been amazing.  It started with the fire station blessing us with a box of food and gifts for the boys; then the church I attend, His House Ministries, blessed us with tons more food, more gifts for the boys and they payed my elusive gas bill for two months.  Finally, when Ev went to work yesterday (on Christmas morning) his boss told him and Joe to go home and enjoy their Christmas!  He was home before I was out of bed.  At 4pm we went to my oldest brother's house and had Christmas dinner with him and his family, as well as most of the rest of our family.  Only Aaron and his clan were not there, and Ben because he is still in California.  But Ben is coming out for a visit in February, so that is going to be awesome!  We are going to have a big bbq at David's house, probably run two grills.  I really hope that during that time, Aaron and his family don't start insulting and threatening people again.
You know, everyone seems to have a dysfunctional family in one way or another.  I guess this is ours.

RC Car Ministry

http://rcministry.webs.com/

settling in

It's November, Ian is 9 years old now and completely into Indiana Jones.  We got into a rental house back in September.  It's a three bedroom two bath house with no garage, one broken gas heater and a gas fire place.  The kitchen doesn't have enough drawers, but has good cabinet space.  I am getting used to not having a garbage disposal.  Everette and I signed a 12 month lease.  I am still trying to find places for everything.
Everette is working for SatPros, installing satellite like Dish Network and Direct TV.  Ian and Tristan are doing very well at the elementary school here.  You know, we just had election day, and I didn't register to vote in time.  So I jokingly told my grandparents to vote for me, meaning that they should vote in my stead.  They piped up saying they would vote for me, as in elect me to office.  My Mom agreed.  Where did this come from?  She says that I am an active person.  I didn't think I was THAT involved with things.  I mean, I attend MOPS, I just became assistant den leader for the WEBELOS 1 cub scouts.  But right now that is about it.  Oh, and I am a member of the PTO.  Though I have yet to hear anything from them.  Ok, I am done thinking about it.  Seriously, I am all about being active in the community, just never thought about running for a leadership position like that.  Maybe some day.  Granted, I am sure even small towns prefer to see someone with a bit of college education.

please share

Right now we are staying with my brother and his family, with the five of us in one bedroom.  All of my boys' toys are in storage, so my sons are feeling like outsiders here.  My brother's kids have toys but one his youngest has a bit of an issue with sharing.  I fight back tears of sorrow when I see my son being rejected by his cousin.  There is little I can do to change things for my sons right now.  I just pray that we can buy a decent house soon.
I have gone the past few weeks, essentially since we left California, without Zoloft.  I finally found the prescription yesterday and am not sure if I should go back on it or not.  We still need to......I just lost my train of thought.