Oh our CRAZY HOLIDAYS!

Ok, so the posts are a bit backwards but, oh well....I have too many things to do then dwell on that! It's really just easier if I use a timeline format! Dec. 20 - Ashley's school party (which worked out great because she had to miss her last day 12/21 due to IVIG)...she got all kinds of little gifts and had a fun class party! She took a 2 hour nap that day...... Dec. 21 - Ashley get's a visit from Santa at Children's Hospital which we incorporate into our Yule celebration that evening and is loaded down w/gifts! Bratz, Cabbage Patch doll, all kinds of Princess games and craft kits, etc....Plus some grocery gift certificates for dear old Mama and Papa Witch! All donated by a wonderful local company! It was amazing...... Dec.22 - We celebrated w/ my mother, stepfather and brother at my mom's house. We had great fun, AWESOME food, and Ashley got all 6 Highschool Musical Dolls so she was wound up tighter than a wire for the rest of the night :) We had a nice visit and enjoyed viewing Dennis's homemade arcade - I can't even desacribe it - it is so amazing, he has games and systems that date back to the 70's! It is truly a gamers paradise :) Dec. 23 - We celebrated with Papa Witch's family and again, enjoyed great food, GREAT company and a happy wound up Shih Tzu! It was a fun night and it felt great to have just about everyone there - except for poor Joe who got syuck working late at his job at the Galleria Mall :( Again, we were spoiled rotten (and I hope those we gave gifts to felt the same...) and had a blast! Jim will finally get his RED ROBIN cheeseburger! Dec. 24th - Jim had to work so Ashley and I hunkered down, watched TBS 24 hours of a Christmas Story and Daddy let her open a "special gift"...a Hannah Montana microphone! It went great with the Hannah Montana wig she got from Jim's family the previous night - adorable pics.! Dec. 25th - We celebrated Christmas morning here and then headed off to Jim's grandparents were EVERYONE was for an early brunch as Jim had to work again - it was such fun for all! My mother in law got some fantastic pictures....Of course my camera crapped out! So...that was our Holiday - it was fantastic! I am, still recouping and making up for lost sleep but boy, was it nice! I think our donated "Fiesta Tree" set the whole tone for the Holiday! Myspace Graphics

As 2007 closes out....

As 2007 closes out tonight at 12:01am, please remember all of those who have crossed Home but, particularly, Benazir Bhutto. For those of you just glanced past the overwhelming coverage of her recent, tragic death, I encourage you to take a few minutes and read the Wikipedia page all about this extraordinary woman who was and always will be a true Pioneer! She was an extrememly well educated, well respected woman who was the first to lead a Muslim nation EVER...having been elected twice to the position of Prime Minister of Pakistan. Remember, Muslim nations still treat women as "second class" - not this strong woman!She had lead a fascinating life and I suspected will be as revered for her work in the Middle East and abroad as the late Princess Diana is for her's in the Northern Hemisphere and abroad. It was kind of a tough year for Us Witches 3....As I have previously posted, my mother in law was diagnosed with breast cancer and is currently undergoing a grueling chemotherapy regimine with the high hopes of a fast remission! She is an amazing woman who has carried herself through this battle with nothing less than perfect dignity, grace and peace. She certainly is an example for me to aspire to! There is no end date in sight for the process to end but, she maintains her high spirits as we all rally around her in love and prayer! There have also been a few road blocks this year - some a little tougher to climb than others BUT, we made it and are stronger for it! Here is to a Blessed, Healthier, More Organized, 2008! May this be YOUR "new awakening"... Blessed Be to You and Yours :) Myspace Graphics

A Simple Solution to a BIG issue....

How about instead of everyone bitching about other people's religious symbols being forced down their throat by being displayed in public places, they follow this rule...........NO religious symbols of ANY kind to be placed on land paid for by taxpayers (commmon areas) at ANY time. You MAY, however display as many religious symbols as you can conjure up on YOUR property, in YOUR windows - anything that YOU pay for privately! There, issue solved! Myspace Graphics

A Pregnant 16 year old - How tragically common....

I'm sure by now that you have heard the news that Jamie Lynn Spears is pregnant. If you are fortunate enough to NOT know who the hell she is (LUCKY YOU), she is the younger sister of "popwreck" Brittney Spears and portrays a character on a Nickelodeon show called Zoey 101 - which according to the FCC's mandated "age lables" is appropriate for kids aged 7 and older. She is also 16...and knocked up! So, what to make of it? I have heard the gamut - everything from boycotting Nick unless they pull the show off the air to people critisizing Lynne Spears (her and Brttney's mom) and her own parenting tactics...even having a publishing contract voided as she was supposed to write a parenting book in the coming year. From what I gather - America in general would like to throw the entire Spears clan in a Lion's den.....Ah, good old American judgement and cynicism. Listen, if your sentiment tends to follow the trail of the latter...please take this "train of thought"with me - just for a moment. Your reading this so you obviously have nothing better to do anyway. You know, I am a FIRM believer in the balance of nature and, of people. I believe that NO Soulis inherently bad or evil - some people have critical viewpoints based on a critical upbringing but, there is almost ALWAYS some good to be found in everyone. Even those who make mistakes....even you, even me. First off, what right do we have to judge ANYONE that we do not know? To all of you who KNOW the Spears family, you get a pass, go ahead, comment away, but those of you who don't shut up! You don't where people come from, what emotional place they are at, what their personal values and beliefs are and they are not for you to judge anyway so back off. Is it a good thing when a 16 year old becomes a parent? It's not optimal - a 16 year old has NO life experience to draw wisdom from and is still a child themselves, unable to fully grasp and understand the complexities of the REAL world let alone parenting. But, does this mean that this person is doomed or should be chastized? Would it make you any happier to hear that a 16 year old had had an abortion? OK, so it's not the best of circumstances, BUT the roadblocks are not insurmountable and EVERYTHING is done according to it's time and place within the Universe collectively. This was an inevitability and for all of you high and mighty people who are so perfect as to never know the regret or sorrow of a "mistake" - don't worry, your number will come up soon. Not being judgemental - just Yin/Yang! Why don't we embrace this child? Why don't we shower her with helpful advice, support her decison to raise a child in this crazy world, Not condone, not condemn - just share kindness, peace and love! As for critisizing her mother, apparently maybe some of you have forgotten what it's like to be 16 but, it was only 10 years ago for me so I don't mind "reminding" you that at that age - your mother wouldn't have been able to stop you from making certain choices nor dictate your every move so why should Lynne Spears be expected to? I'm sure then when she gave birth to her daughters and was laying on that delivery room table, she didn't look down at them and say "Oh, my sweet baby girl, I hope you have a difficult life filled with tough choices in a judgemental society..." I'm sure she did as we all do when we first hold that tiny little Gift in our arms - we swear to defend them, protect them, give them the "perfect" life. Well, we can't. We can only give them the tools - then they make their choices accordingly. We hope they are good but, we are also their to help pick up after the bad ones, too. That's the game of Parenthood.....And as far as Nickelodeon cancelling the show? Gimmie a break! What do people think, if the station shows a 16 year old girl pregnant that it will become a "trend"? "Oh Suzy, quick, we have to get pregnant so we can dress and be just like Zoey" - oh please! Nickelodeon is not responsible for parenting your kid - you are!!!!! If you object to the show, shut it off but I guarentee you, one day your "poopsie" will see a pregnant 16 year old - that's just the way it is...As for the Witches, we will still allow Wee Witch to watch - if she hears things and has questions we will answer appropriately and honestly as we do with everything, after all - we have a REAL world to prepare her for!

I Have Come to Realize.......

1. I have come to realize that my butt: Is big and beautiful and will never be anything other than that 2. I have come to realize that when I talk: I tend to sound like Sophia Petrillo "Picture this...." 3. I have come to realize that, if I love someone: They must be pretty amazing because I only really LOVE 2 people - my love is hard to obtain and harder to keep... 4. I have come to realize that, I need: To get my shit together 5. I have come to realize that, I lost: Something very valuable to me a long time ago under the worst circumstances - Blessed be the Goddess for second chances..... 6. I have come to realize that, I hate it when: I fight with Jim because it usually over something so dumb... 7. I have come to realize that, if Im drunk:I sure as hell don't need a Xanax! 8. I have come to realize that, marriage: Is all about giving and compromise, it is tough yet rewarding 9. I have come to realize that, work: SUCKS! 10. I have come to realize that, I will always be: Me and if people do not approve, I have to let them go...plain and simple 11. I have come to realize that, I like: MOST people and can almost ALWAYS find something positive about them. It's sad when I can't but it does happen... 12. I have come to realize that, the last time I cried was: During a meditation that forced me to come to terms with some issues from the past that obviously I am not ready to face.... 13. I have come to realize that, my cell phone is: For emergencies, not a necessity 14. I have come to realize that, when I wake up in the morning:I have to get up and get shit done or by 8pm I am useless 15. I have come to realize that, before I go to sleep at night:I pray for transcendence and a good day tommorow 16. I have come to realize that, right now I am thinking about: LOTS! 17. I have come to realize that, babies: Are great but, not for everyone 18. I have come to realize that, when I get on Myspace: I can spend hours! 19. I have come to realize that, today I will: Finish folding laundry and then spend time w/Jim 20. I have come to realize that, tonight I will: It is night...see above 21. I have come to realize that, tomorrow I will: Take Ashley to Children's for her IVIG, UA, to get her shot and a visit from Secret Santa, nap.... 22. I have come to realize that, I really want to: Be more organized, be a better wife and mom... 23. I have come to realize that, working out: BLOWS but it's necessary 24. I have come to realize that, friends:Are hard to find so hang onto the ones you got! 25. I have come to realize that, the person who might repost this is: I hope a lot of people do! Myspace Graphics

My life is a whirlwind*******WEE******

So, I used to freak the hell out when I was in a state of disorganization and lack of perfection! I couldn't take it - everything had to be "ready" - for what, I have no idea but, I ALWAYS "sweat the small stuff"...this year has taught me alot. Between my Mother in law being diagnosed with breast cancer and having seen all she has had to endure, my sister in law and her illness as a result of her gallbladder, going through bankruptcy, etc....I have learned that our incarnations here are short...and precious...and can change courses quicker than Brittney Spears changes her wigs. You have to enjoy LIFE - you can't panic because of minor things that, at the end of it all, won't matter a lick anyway. So chill. In that vain - what a week! Between having our cable, modem and phone shut off because I forgot to pay the bill (fortunately we got an ext. 'til next payday), to getting threatened w/eviction if we didn't pay the three late fees we had - never mind our rent was up to date, and the house look like it was taken over by house of mischevious Faerie Folk - I honestly thought I was losing my mind. But...it'll all get taken care of! THIS IS THE SEASON OF MIRACLES RIGHT???? On a brighter new note, Wee Witch got her teeth cleaned and she did great! The dentist said everything looks wonderful! She has also been very good lately as we cut back on treats to pay bills and buy gifts for Yule...can't complain! We have a major storm headed our way so I am hoping that Jim can make it home tonight - 16 to 18 in of snow they are calling for - eek! But, this is Buffalo, after all ;) I also found a very unique find at my favorite haunt on Elmwood Ave - Inspiration Point. Mala Beads - the "rosary" of the East..used in Hinduism, Buddism, and some ancient, not well known Chinese Religions - I love them! They are beautiful! Well - gotta get to gettin' Take care :) Myspace Graphics

Justice is Served! Blessed Be!

Today, Wee Witch asked my husband a very pointed question that I knew we would eventually have to address....NO - not that one! She asked why the houses around our building are decorated with "Christmas" decorations and people are singing "Christmas songs" and we don't (yes we do have our Fiesta tree up and yes she sat upon Santa's lap and it is adorable)....I understand, it' s hard for a 7 year old to NOT feel "odd" that Mom and Dad have taught her about Yule and Solstices and moon phaeses and Esbats and Sabbats and the rising of Father God and the Union of the God and Goddess as she is rebirthed in her Maiden form on Yule - ready to blossom into "Motherhood" at Spring's arrival while everyone else is talking of of Mangers and Jesus's birth, etc...The reason I understand this so well is that I was raised with a Jewish father and his family (my Cousins, Uncle, Aunt and Grandmother) celebrated Hannukah - my cousins lamanted my stash of gifts and the whole Christmas Eve anticipation and all of that (they are well past that now of course). So, I had to explain to my Wee One that this Holiday season represents many things to MANY people - The Jewish people celebrate Hannukah and light a Mennorah for 8 nights, African families celebrate the Season of Kwanza wih ritualistic dancing and light the Kinara, Islamic people celebrate Ramadan for a whole month with special prayers and then exchange gifts and - we Wiccans celebrate Yule. We have some holly and "seasonal plant decor" but not much else. She seemed pleased with my minimal explanation and reading her Elsie and Pooka Yule edition (a Pagan eZine for kids) and went about her way. Then this morning I caught a news story that truly enlightened me. In a small town here in NY, a private citizen put up a manger scene in front of a public office. This was roughly 2 weeks ago. As usual and as it should, this caused havoc and the mayor, David Carusso, invited people of ALL faiths to do the same - until last night no one did and that disappointed me. Well, lo and behold, with the dawning of this day, there is a BEAUTIFUL Penticle next to the manger! I was thrilled because to me it's less about validation as an AU feild activist and a believer in Freedom of Relious choice, it's something I can show my daughter and say, "See, Honey, lots of families celebrate Yule - just like us!" We are ALL Brothers and Sisters in the eyes of Gaia...What a wonderful way to show that - Blessings of the Yuletide season to you, Mr. Carusso! Myspace Graphics

50 years well lived - a tribute to Roman and Dorothy Schmitz!

You don't know them...they live on a dairy farm in Richmond, MN. They have suffered through harsh winters, 2 stillborn children and the untimely death of an adult "child". They have had health problems and never had the best "money could buy" - not with 11 mouths to feed and animals to tend. But Roman and Dorothy Schmitz would never tell YOU any of that - they would tell you that their life together, all 50 yeras of it, has been a fairytale! There old farmhouse (built in the late 1800's and the birthplace of Roman Scmitz) is their palace, their family is their riches and their faith is their sustenance. They have been together through the bad and the good, the sick times and well times, they have laughed together and cried together.....they are One Soul, One Heart in two bodies! They are the picture of the American Dream - not cars and houses and cellphones but love and family.....Aint nothing better than that! Congrats to Roman and Dorothy Scmitz - may happiness find you for another 50 years! Myspace Graphics

Just say NO - to Mitt Romney

Please, everyone, keep Church and State separate, pick a candidate who allows a woman to decide if SHE is ready to be a mother or not (so our tax dollars don't have to pay for yet another "victim 0f the system"), pick a candidate who is not a mini-me of President Bush and all of his abhorent polices, choose anyone you like....JUST NOT MITT ROMNEY!!! By the way, for those of you who care, Papa Witch is a registered democrat and mama Witch is a reg. Independant. Myspace Graphics

Wee Witch Health News

Just to let everyone know, Wee Witch is doing very well this year healthwise (except for some minor things here and there...)...she just had her IVIG and did well. She was a little wiped out the next day and stayed home to rest but is back at school today and doing great! She has also been loosing teeth faster than the tooth fairy can coime up with dollar bills :) It brings me so much pleasure to see her so healthy and thriving so well...we have come so far! She's still on all of her 13 meds. and her shot 2 x week but it's all worth it to see her be able to be as "normal" healthwise as she is now! Blessings answered! Myspace Graphics

An update On The Witch Family....

So, as you all know, this really is Mama Witch's least favorite time of year with all of the hustle and bustle and spending and corporate greed and rudeness and ignorance, etc....That's why I haven't posted in awhile. This time of year really puts a damper on me...you see the worst humanity has to offer over what for many is supposed to be such a "blessed event". It really is an oxymoron - "celebrate the season" as we strategically hire people to get you to SPEND way more than you can affoard, not hire enough staff to bepful nor courteous in ANY fashion and advertise items and terrific prices that we either don't have or "ranout of" 3 months ago! I just really think the focus has been taken away from what this season means - it is a celebration of LIFE! It is s a celebration of family, of friends, of making it through another year, of helping your Brothers and Sisters who are less fortunate.....It is the rising of the Great Father God and the Maiden Spirit with more daylight. With the exception of the last sentance which is in keeping with the Wiccan/Pagan faith, these are all basic "mitzfas" THAT APPLY TO EVERYONE! Please keep in mind that gifts of the heart and memories that last a lifetime are far more important than that game system or that doll or that big screen TV....embrace humanity, celebrate love, laughter and life!

Our Wee Witch w/our Yuletide Fiesta Tree

Isn't she cute???? The tree is awesome! Myspace Graphics

Just got this mailed to me and had to share.> > The embers glowed softly, and in their> dim light, > I gazed round the room and I cherished the sight.> My wife> was asleep, her head on my chest,> My daughter beside me, angelic in> rest. > > Outside the snow fell, a blanket of white,> Transforming the yard to a> winter delight.> The sparkling lights in the tree I> believe, > Completed the magic that was Christmas Eve.> > My> eyelids were heavy, my breathing was deep,> Secure and surrounded by love I> would sleep. > In perfect contentment, or so it would seem,> So I> slumbered, perhaps I started to dream.> > The sound wasn't loud, and> it wasn't too near, > But I opened my eyes when it tickled my> ear> Perhaps just a cough, I didn't quite know,> Then the sure sound of> footsteps outside in the snow. > > My soul gave a tremble, I> struggled to hear,> And I crept to the door just to see who was> near.> Standing out in the cold and the dark of the night, > A lone> figure stood, his face weary and tight.> > A soldier, I puzzled, some twenty> years old,> Perhaps a Marine, huddled here in the cold. > Alone in the> dark, he looked up and smiled,> Standing watch over me, and my wife and my> child.> > "What are you doing?" I asked without fear, > "Come in this> moment, it's freezing out here!> Put down your pack, brush the snow from your> sleeve,> You should be at home on a cold Christmas Eve!" > > For> barely a moment I saw his eyes shift,> Away from the cold and the snow blown> in drifts..> To the window that danced with a warm fire's light > Then> he sighed and he said "Its really all right,> > I'm out here by choice. I'm> here every night.> So that your family can sleep without fright. > It's> my duty to stand at the front of the line,> That separates you from the> darkest of times.> > No one had to ask or beg or implore> me, > I'm proud to stand here like my fathers before me.> My Gramps> died at 'Pearl on a day in December,"> Then he sighed, "That's a Christmas> 'Gram always remembers" > > My dad stood his watch in the jungles> of 'Nam',> And now it is my turn and so, here I am.> I've not seen my own> son in more than a while, > But my wife sends me pictures, he's sure got> her smile.> > Then he bent and he carefully pulled from his bag,> The red,> white, and blue... an American flag. > I can live through the cold and> the being alone,> Away from my family, my house and my home.> > I can> stand at my post through the rain and the sleet, > I can sleep in a> foxhole with little to eat.> I can carry the weight of killing another,> Or> lay down my life with my sister and brother.. > > Who stand at> the front against any and all,> To ensure for all time that this flag will not> fall."> "So go back inside," he said, "harbor no fright, > Your family> is waiting and I'll be all right."> > "But isn't there something I can> do, at the least,> "Give you money," I asked, "or prepare you a> feast? > It seems all too little for all that you've done,> For being> away from your wife and your son."> > Then his eye welled a tear that> held no regret, > "Just tell us you love us, and never forget.> To> fight for our rights back at home while we're gone,> To stand your own watch,> no matter how long. > > For when we come home, either standing or> dead,> To know you remember we fought and we bled.> Is payment enough, and> with that we will trust, > That we mattered to you as you mattered to> us."> > Season's Greetings> This is an absolutely BEAUTIFUL Yule poem from one of my listservs ForestMoonGrove@yahoogroups.com. Just wanted to share it all with you. Please remember our troops this time of year... Myspace Graphics

Update on my Sister in Law

I have ANOTHER busy day looming - yesterday we wer out for 8 hours doing some holiday shopping, grocery sghopping and today I have cleaning, Ash has a party to go to at 2 and organizing what we got yesterday! Oy vey! Anyway...Just wanted to let everyone know that their thoughts of Healing and Comfort have worked! My sister in law did very well during her surgery and had a nice, easy evening at Children's Hospital - she will be leaving today! The surgeon is confident that everything is going to be just fine for he and that she will be feeling great very soon....Blessed be to the Mother! So thanks for all of the vibes! By the way - when we were out and about, I found an awesome find - a Michael Jackson Thriller (the album) record!!!!! Can't wait to pop it in! Myspace Graphics