Busy...Crazy...Busy...

I see it's been awhile since I updated so I guess I'll just have to do another bulletin-style post. Jeez I ned to get better at remembering to update this! 2/27 - Jim had his day in court to deal with all of the unpleasantnes from January. After all the hoop-la, everything was reduced to a $50 fine! Not that we weren't thankful for that but it makes the entire shenanigan seem even more ridiculous. Oh well, it's over and with a happy ending at that so we'll leave well enough alone. 3/3 This past weekend we went up to the Niagara Falls Outlet Mall which we have not been too in a long time....in fact, it was early '05, we think! It used to be really fun up there because they had a lot of neat little shops - stationary stoes, a KB outlet, a collectables utlet, a huge discount book seller, a CD/DVD outlet, A HUGE dollar store, an Oriental store which we have NOTHING like around here (remember the old store Port of Orient? It was like that) and the like. Now everything has gone very "upscale" and "mainstream" and those fun shops are gone :( Not to say that we did not have a very fun, spendy-full time. Luckily they had just put in one of Jim's favorite clothing stores, Casual Male, so he was able to get some good finds there, we each got some cologne/perfume, Ashley and I had fun at the 3/$1 bins at Claire's Boutique, I got my David Beckham t-shirt at the Adidas outlet!......so we did have fun. I just don't know that we'll be in a huge hurry to go back. The drive was nice though.... 3/4 Jim and Ashley went to go visit w/Grandma and Grandpaand the family. They had a nice visit. So, we have had our hadns full with "Talk-too-much, potty-mouth" but, she is getting better. I think the thing is that for so long she was so heavily doted on and "baby-ed" that it's hard to adjust to a more normal life and she is just grasping for that same "high alert" attention she has always recieved. We are trying to give it to her for good things she does but, she is also old enough to not need as much praise, atention and accolades from us! We'll get there, by the grace of the Mother we will! Today Ashley had IVIG and the specialized bloodtests for the T and B cells. We sould know more in a week. Hopefully things will have improved or the docs. will have a better idea of how to handle things so she does not get sick again.Jim is off for the next 2 days so I am hoping to get a lot done. Right now I am reading Natural Cures "They" Don't Want You To Know About - it's a little conspiracy-theory-ist but I am enjoying it. I have to get working on Eckhart Tolle's New Earth, too! Any babysitters looking for a job? Peace and Blessings! Myspace Graphics

Wee Witch's health.....

Today Wee Witch had her regularly scheduled IVIG - all went well and she kept busy by going through about 2,000 sheets of paper with her paint set. It amazes me how much paper this kid can go through between her writings, drawings, paintings, cards...etc... I shudder to think of all of the tree animals left homeless due to my little author/artist *sigh* Anyway we were not given very good news about her health today.....it appears that last week's "mystery virus" and the recurrence of some of the sinus symptoms now may have something to do with the decrease in her levels from her Duke bloodwork (special studies that have been sent to Duke U. every month since her Rx in 2003)....No need to panic, it could be as simple as increasing her injection from 2 x week to 3 x week or increasing her IVIG for added protection but we won't know until an additional panel of bloodwork is done next week. This is a bit distressing but we are trying to think positively as we have no reason not to right now. Any prayers would be appreciated.....I'll write more when I know more. Tommorow she is going to get fitted for her tinted frames as the Spring sunshie is right around the corner.....she loves to pick out frames so I know it won't be a problem. Peace )0( Myspace Graphics

Taking a Moment to Catch Up!

Ok, I have a lot to catch up on but, I am in the midst of a MAJOR cleaning spree here so it's going have to have to be in bulletin form this time...sorry :( MIL - My mother in law has completed her chemo.!!!!!!!!!!! BLESSINGS! She must now recieve an infusion every three weeks until Sept. but, the side effects of this will be a lot less taxing on her body then the chemotherapy was which is good. She is holding up very well and amazes all of us who have the HONOR to know and love her! Please keep all of your prayers going her way... Wee Witch - Is FINALLY over whatever bug was afflicting her all week - no more cough, sore throat, achy tummy, etc....She is doing well and going to enjoy having Papa Witch home today I'm sure. If I learned anything from this illness it's that we do not have to go into panic mode everytime she is a little down - her body (with the strength of MOTHER flowing through her) is strengthening and she is doing better and better everyday! Also, tea is wonderful for Wee Witches...just not at night (it's like giving them a cup of coffee....) and chicken noodle soup is the "medicine of choice". Also, Wee Witch was featured in this month's addition of IG Living (Feb./Mar. 08) - GREAT article all about her life and all of the struggles she has overcome! If anyone would like a copy, go to www.IGLiving.org or, I can send a copy! This week of off school will be fun for her! Pierced! - Mama Witch now has added a labret and eyebrow piercing! Totally on a whim and I am totally in love! Once, I find USB for my camera, I'l post a pic......The labret hurt and makes eating excruciating but I know it'll heal up. Maybe I'll even loose a few pounds - but I'll always get my sexy on :) Valentine's Day - Is bittersweet for the Witch family - it is the anniversary of the day that Papa Wiche's Dad went Home to the Summerland (1995)...we managed to have a nice day but it's always a tough week for Papa Witch. Ashley made him up a small gift bag of things from party City and that cheered him up and he bought me a beautiful Indian/Hindu bracelet. As for Wee Witch and all of the things she brought home from school.....jeez! We also got her the Miley doll from Hannah Montana - what is with this Hannah Montana fanatisicm???? It's like a kiddie-cult! Dr. Drake S. Wiley of The Southern Baptist Church of Buena Vista, Ca and his opposition to us that are memebrs of AU and our supporters - Listen, the guy is a joke! Don't take his "threats" of impernacation prayers (curses) frighten you - the bottom line is he broke a LAW which specifies that he may NOT use his church for politicking which he did by verbal adresses and issuing print materials endorsing Mike Huckabee for president. He broke the law, the IRS is investigating and now he is on a "witch hunt" for the rest of us who seek to destroy "God's Children"....Excuse me, I am a Child of the Mother and Father as is my family...we just don't break the law in the name of our Faith! While I dislike the words and actions of Dr. Wiley, I pray that he is showered with Love, Tolerance, and Open-Mindedness.....please do the same. Remember, as AU activists we support EVERYONE'S right to free speech - even those we do not agree with! Just call me Rev. - I am anxiously awaiting my official certificate but...I am now officially a Wiccan Clergy member and denote the title of Reverand! I love it and will use it to spread the Love of the God and Goddess all around! Ok - so that's all for now! Peace............ Myspace Graphics

Poor Wee Witch :(

My poor little Wee Witch is sick! And she just had her IVIG, too! I really do think a big part of it is this weather but she is coughing and complaining of a sore throat and just not eating or sleeping like her usual peppy self. I hate when she is sick - it's so frightening considering where we have been with her healthwise. I know this is probably just a viral thing that will pass but still, the sound of her cough still makes me so tense - remembering asthma atacks that led to ambulance trips to the ER, etc....So tommorow she is going to the doctor and staying home from school.....Healing Vibes please! Myspace Graphics

Please STOP Walmart from endangering people's health!

Mama Witch is MAD...even PISSED over an article I read this morning. I always knew that Walmart was corporate scum; driving small business under, treating their employees like dispensible know-nothings and encouraging the enormous debt problem American's face by spending millions of dollars year on companies that come in and assist store managers on how to place products, which lighting to use, music to play, etc..to ENSURE that you, the consumer, spend the ratio that they help set "2:1" - for every 2 minutes you are in the store you will buy 1 more item...and those one more items add up to big bucks for this corporate filth! Now, even this Witch will admit that the $4 perscription idea is a great one and many people do benefit from it - HOWEVER, do not be so naive as to think the good ol Walton's are shelling out the additional funding between drug companies and consumers as an "act of community" - believe me, it is YOUR impulsive buying that pays that bill! They count on it! Stopping pumping them full of their billions of dollars each year and say so long to that program - shameful! But now, Walmart has stooped to an ultimate DANGEROUS low - "Walmart Walk-In medical Clinics"!!! If you are not enraged, you should be! As the parent of a chronically ill child, I am infuriated!!!!!!!!!!! Hello - American MedicalAssociation, jump in here!!!!!!!!!! Currently, there are 77 of the clinics opperating, primarily in the Southern states (where income's are notoriously lower and quality healthcare a luxury, a coincidence??? NO) with a "promise of intent" for 200 more clinics to be built this year and have 400 up and running nationwide at most Supercenters by 2010. These facilities are staffed by nurses and physician's assistants who can treat anything from a common cold to a bladder infection and beyond! They are supported by local teaching hospitals which makes this whole idea even MORE incredulous! First of all, let's discuss the dangers this posses to people! An occasional cold or a case of the sniffles are normal - chronically, they could be symptomatic of an allergy/asthma problem which needs the attention of a physician! An occasionl bruise or unusual mark on a child could be nothing more than a toddlers clumsiness - or it could be child abuse! Who would know if the parent is clinic hoping! What happened to the importance of your medical chart and BOND with your family doctor?????? This is how serious illness is detected! From a financial standpoint, what insurance company is going to cover this? How can you be certain that drug companies are not offering funding and incentives to promote THEIR drugs, costing you more money? What about "pill shoppers"? Are there medics on stand by in case a patient needs immediate transport to a hospital? What about how they would handle a heart attack or stroke victim or a code?????? Do they offer surgery, too (that was sarcastic...)? People, think! Do not support this lunacy - see your FAMILY doctor! If you do not have insurance, visit ANY of the local hospitals who will be sure to hook you up with a social worker to help you. This is dangerous - SHAME ON YOU WALMART! Myspace Graphics

Info from AU: The dangers of Richard Honaker and others like him!

Richard Honaker was recently appointed by President Bush to the Senate Judiciary Committee. Aside from being a Republican, he and his supporters are EXTREMELY Christian and dangerously Evangelical! He is loudly and unapologetically unsupportive of reproductive freedom and "minority" religions. Honaker is quoted on record as saying that "....If taught accurately, history can teach us that the greatest American patriots and leaders were Christian hence, there is a Christian basis for all American institutions in law, government and business". Really? Let's dissect this horrible falsehood, shall we? First and foremost, anyone in position to "rule" (like a judge for example) must, by Constitutional be completely "blind" to religion, sex, orientation, etc....Clearly, this statement applies to none of the above. Honaker clearly has adopted the Christian faith as his "ruling guide" as opposed to the American Constitution which he is legally bound to uphold above all! Secondly, the great American patriots and leaders of which Honaker speakes, our forefathers, faught the Revolutionary War to separate our nation from the Church of England, the Anglican Church, and make WAY for the First Amendment rights guarenteed to ALL AMERICANS - one being the right to practice whatever religion one saw fit! Third, I am interested to know how Honaker plans to "contol" reproductive freedom - it is not possible in this country nor our neighboring countries to whom make such services readily availible. Birth control, abortion, etc..are a person's CHOICE and have no place being dictated by a government official. I have personal stake in this issue and am PASSIONATE about keeping Roe v. Wade right as it is! And last but not least - I'd like to ask Mr. Honaker how he defines "minority religions"...the Supreme Court of the US lists over 300 recognized religions from all over the world - who decides which is a "minority" - a clarly uneducated, biased christian? Hm, define irony! Good citizens of Wyoming, do not allow this man to sit on the Senate Judiciary Commitee in your state! Take action against this blatent disreguard for First Admendemtn rights....for everyone else, let this be a lesson, research your chosen officials - and excersize your right to protest as needed! Myspace Graphics

Raising Children...and realizing that we suck at it!

I remember whenI gave birth to Wee Witch...I swore to myself, in that hospital room on the maternity floor, from that moment on that there was NOTHING I would deny her - love, attention, material possesions...if she wanted it (or I wanted it for her) she would have it! I was so anamored with this beautiful Gift the Mother had so graciously bestowed on me. So, true to form, she was never away from me. Wether I was holding her, standing guard over her crib, carrying her around in her bouncy seat, pushing her stroller - I was at her beckon call! Any item she looked at for more than a moment - I was convinced she NEEDED to have! What was the harm? She was my baby? No cry went unanswered, no coo went unheard....that was what GOOD mother's do, right? Well, I did not want to be a good mother - I wanted to be a PERFECT mother. Just me and my Wee Witch - together forever, happiness abound! I scoffed at the parents who said no to their children, who dragged their children from stores without purchasing them a toy, who MADE them do things they did not want to do, did not praise every wonderful thing they did and so on........What awful parents! Didn't they know that they HAD to make their child's life comfortable and wonderful? That was their mission, their meaning in this world. And boy were they failing - oh, they just needed to follow my example...Flashforward to now, almost 8 years later! And this Mama Witch realizes...she had it all wrong :( Take the example of our beloved Mother. Does she love us from the moment of our conception in her womb? YES! Does she applaud our good descions and kind deeds? Certainly - for Gaia is omnipresent. However, because Gaia is the only PERFECT mother there is and will be, she also allows us to partake the wheel of Karma, she allows consquences for our misdeeds and sometimes, has to see us suffer through illness, pain and discomfort. At these times she has NOT abandoned us, she is just being the PERFECT Mother she can be - by being our mentor, our teacher, our guide - NOT OUR COMFORT BLANKET OR FRIEND! Karma is meant to balance out our life experiences....we experience the good and the bad. The wheel turns about every 3-5 years and works almost like a see-saw. Sometimes you are on top, you feel "high", all is right....and then you fall, you feel "low" and everything seems to be wrong. This is essential! How can we grow and learn and expand our Souls when we are too busy releshing in our "high"? For it is the times when we are "low' that we learn to trust in Mother's love, to hold tightly to our faith and love, to rely on our innate Goddess-Centers to carry us through. It is not bad or retribution - just learning and expanding for our own good. So, I have to come to realize that over-indulgence, "be-friending" my child or, overly crtiquing her is not being the PERFECT mother at all. I must TEACH her to be kind, to be strong, to find the Goddess-center in her own Soul, to explore and experience life according to her pre-destined chart. I must MENTOR her in the Laws of Karma, that punishment, pain and illness are not retribution for a job not well done but simply another way of growing and expandng as a human. I must NOT appease her every whim and "prayer" - Mother knows not to do this for us as She knows that sometimes the best prayers are the ones in which She says no to. I must not forget that I have been given the gift of my child - to raise by the ways of the universe, of Mithras, of Gaia and not by my own flawed human behaviors and ideas. I wish you nall the same enlightenment! Myspace Graphics