My daughter and I will be starting the GFCF diet on January 1st. I created a new blog to track her progress as well as have a place for people to offer receipes, websites (or stores) or just hints that they have come across in their learnings...If you or anyone you know would like to chime in, please visit the below blog

http://missy0806findingtheway.blogspot.com/

**Edit** We are going to the showing on Wed 9/24/08 at 7pm. 6 people in so far....who else wants to join us???***

They are filming the final night of Rent on broadway and showing it at Regal for 4 shows in September (from what I've read it will be the full show plus a bit of extras). Who wants to join me for this?? The run time is 2 hrs 45 mins and its 20.00 per ticket. They are selling through Fandango (and most likely through the theater and such). Below are the dates and times of the shows and I still need to talk to my Emma-sitters and see if they can arrange their schedule so they can watch Emma but I'm sure I can work that out.

Wed 9/24/08 - 7pm**
Thurs 9/25/08 - 7pm**
Saturday 9/27 - 12 noon
Sunday 9/28 - 12 noon

(I think at this point we are leaning towards the Wed or Thurs shows but nothing is set in stone yet). If you want to be included, please leave a message here so I know who to include.

Also posting the my various forms...going to try and get a group together for this!

Today was the first day of the next 15 years (plus or minus). I open Emma's book bag because that is my link to her school and her day care and see what she did in school today. Normally I get work sheets (that she evidently finishes in like 5 minutes and then gets bored with nothing to do) that have big red stars on them and some positive remark (wonderful, so smart...etc).

Today there is a paper and at the top says "To Be Completed at Home". So the homework begins. Who would have thought that a 3 year old would be getting homework???

Anyway, we took Em to see Beauty and the Beast at PITP on Saturday and wow what a show. If anyone actually reads this and has a little girl or even a young lady in their life....highly recommended. For the first time in the 3 years we've been taking her to the shows she sat with us the entire time without much fidgiting and she was dancing in her seat and laughing and clapping and just so into the show. It was so much fun.

Gonna take her to see Smokey Joe's in August and then she actually asked to see Cinderella in September so I need to make sure to get tickets for that. At this point I may even get tickets for Joseph at the State Theater. While I'm not the biggest fan of the show, I know the performance will be amazing.

Signing off now to lay down. Sleep is no longer my friend and this makes me sad :-(

http://www. cbsnews. com/stories/2008/07/25/cbsnews_investigates/main4296175. shtml
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How "Independent" Are Vaccine Defenders?
Sharyl Attkisson Investigates Vaccine Advocates Taking Funding From The Companies Whose Vaccines They Endorse

Armen Keteyian and his investigative team keep you informed daily on their blog.

CBS News Investigates

E-mail Armen Keteyian and the investigation team with your story ideas.

Stories
Leading Dr.
---------------------------------------------------
: Vaccines-Autism Worth Study
Vaccine Watch: Gardasil HPV Vaccine Side Effects

(CBS) For years some parents and scientists have raised concerns about vaccine safety, including a possible link to autism and ADD. Many independent experts have sided with government officials and other scientists who say there's no possible connection. But how "independent" are they? CBS News investigative correspondent Sharyl Attkisson shares here's what she found.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

They're some of the most trusted voices in the defense of vaccine safety: the American Academy of Pediatrics, Every Child By Two, and pediatrician Dr. Paul Offit.

But CBS News has found these three have something more in common - strong financial ties to the industry whose products they promote and defend.

The vaccine industry gives millions to the Academy of Pediatrics for conferences, grants, medical education classes and even helped build their headquarters. The totals are kept secret, but public documents reveal bits and pieces.

A $342,000 payment from Wyeth, maker of the pneumococcal vaccine - which makes $2 billion a year in sales.

A $433,000 contribution from Merck, the same year the academy endorsed Merck's HPV vaccine - which made $1.5 billion a year in sales.

Another top donor: Sanofi Aventis, maker of 17 vaccines and a new five-in-one combo shot just added to the childhood vaccine schedule last month.

Every Child By Two, a group that promotes early immunization for all children, admits the group takes money from the vaccine industry, too - but wouldn't tell us how much.

A spokesman told CBS News: "There are simply no conflicts to be unearthed." But guess who's listed as the group's treasurers? Officials from Wyeth and a paid advisor to big pharmaceutical clients.

Then there's Paul Offit, perhaps the most widely-quoted defender of vaccine safety.

He's gone so far as to say babies can tolerate "10,000 vaccines at once.

This is how Offit described himself in a previous interview: "I'm the chief of infectious disease at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and a professor of pediatrics at Penn's medical school," he said.

Offit was not willing to be interviewed on this subject but like others in this CBS News investigation, he has strong industry ties. In fact, he's a vaccine industry insider.

Offit holds in a $1.5 million dollar research chair at Children's Hospital, funded by Merck. He holds the patent on an anti-diarrhea vaccine he developed with Merck, Rotateq, which has prevented thousands of hospitalizations.

And future royalties for the vaccine were just sold for $182 million cash. Dr. Offit's share of vaccine profits? Unknown.

There's nothing illegal about the financial relationships, but to critics, they pose a serious risk for conflicts of interest. As one member of Congress put it, money from the pharmaceutical industry can shape the practices of those who hold themselves out to be "independent.

The American Academy of Pediatrics, Every Child By Two and Dr. Offit would not agree to interviews, but all told us they're up front about the money they receive, and it doesn't sway their opinions.

Today's immunization schedule now calls for kids to get 55 doses of vaccines by age 6.

Ideally, it makes for a healthier society.

But critics worry that industry ties could impact the advice given to the public about all those vaccines.

Emma went to the bathroom on the potty today....she's on her way to a diaper free life (I hope!!!) **doing little happy day for the small victory**

Its been a crazy couple of months but here are the highlights.....

1. Emma's school situation is finally settled. I can't wait for her to start and see how much it helps her.

2. Anna, my mom, Bonnie, Dave, Emma and I attended the Walk Now for Autism on June 1. It was a really great day and as a team we raised just over $800.00. I've emailed the group who plans the east coast walks about joining the planning committe for next year. I would love to work with them on designing the logos and marketing type stuff but we'll see what spots are open when they contact me back.

3. On June 4, Anna and I made the very long trek down to Washington DC to march from the Washington Monument to the Capital for Greening Vaccines and Spreading out the schedule. Aside for it being incredibly hot it was an amazing experience. There were 6 speakers who were so moving and passionate it was unbelievable. Definitely a day that I won't ever forget!

4. Emma's 3rd birthday is right around the corner. I can't believe she's going to be 3. I'm working on her 3rd collage and last night I was actually crying as I was putting it together. She has come so far since her 2nd birthday that she amazes me. Her party will be on Saturday then I'm hoping to take her to the fair and see fireworks. We'll see how that pans out.

Back to work...need to finish the collage, make thank you cards and a very very special thank you card that needs to be delivered tomorrow. I hope all of you out there are happy, healthy and with the ones you love on this muggy evening

Hey everyone,

December of 2007 the State of NJ has added 4 new mandatory vaccines to a child's vaccine schedule (the Influenza vaccine or Flu Shot starting at 6 months, a meningitis vaccine, a DPT booster for 6th graders and a pneumonia vaccines for babies as young as 2 months - the pneumonia or pneumococcal was recommended but not required up to this point) which is scheduled to take effect in September 2008.

There is a new piece of legislature that is trying to be passed. It is A260/S1071. This is looking to add Conscientious Exemption as an exemption from a mandatory immunization on the grounds of a sincerely held or moral objection to the immunization. Below is the link to the to .pdf

http://www.njvaccinationchoice.org/A260.pdf

If you feel as I do that there are already too many vaccines in too short a time period and until the vaccines are safer (the preservatives and toxins are removed) and there is more testing to insure that the child's body is ready for these vaccines, we should have the choice to manage what goes into our children's bodies, please click on the below link and sign the petition supporting the passage of A260/S1071.

http://www.njvaccinationchoice.org/

I realize that this is a big job between the testing involved and the education of parents, but adding more vaccines to an already over crowded schedule is not the answer.

The past couple months have had some good...some bad. So we'll start with the easy stuff.....(p.s. this is as much for my records as your knowledge and its x posted bits and pieces in lots of places)....

Ears -
Emma had chronic ear infections from the end of January to the beginning of March. She was on 4 different antibiotics (the last one being for a combo of ear infection and the beginning stages of pnemonia). Got her to see the ENT specialist who did the surgery for the ear tubes (double Myringotomy). Went to the ENT for the follow up today since its been two weeks and she got the all clear. So it looks like phyically she's back in the game.

Tantrums -
During the time of the ear infections we had a hard time with her throwing tantrums as well as biting, throwing things and generally being a royal brat. We finally got that under control with a combination of the ears tubes being put in and finding some new techniques we seem to have it under control. She hasn't bitten anyone or thrown anything in about 3 weeks now.

Autism Spectrum Disorder -
Emma has been working with an early intervention therapist for the past year. At the age of 3, the child moves into the school system. As part of this process she needs to be seen by a number of specialists. The first of which was the neurologist who saw her the 4/1. After a fairly lenghthy visit (including Em's history and other information provided), the doctor did agree with the diagnoses of High Level Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder. Since the school system doesn't offer what is being required by the doctor, I know have the fun task of finding a school for her.

I have some current pictures that I need to get off my camera and as soon as I do I will post them. Until then I hope all of you out there (and those you love) are happy, healthy and looking forward to spring.

1) Are you currently in a serious relationship?

2) What was your dream growing up?

3) What talent do you wish you had?

4) If I bought you a drink what would it be?

5) Favorite vegetable?

6) What was the last book you read?

7) What zodiac sign are you?

8) Any Tattoos and/or Piercings? Explain where.

9) Worst Habit?

10) If you saw me walking down the street would you offer me a ride?

11) What is your favorite sport?

12) Do you have a Negative or Optimistic attitude?

13) What would you do if you were stuck in an elevator with me?

14) Worst thing to ever happen to you?

15) Tell me one weird fact about you.

16) Do you have any pets?

17) What if I showed up at your house unexpectedly?

18) What was your first impression of me? (hmmm...careful!)

19) Do you think clowns are cute or scary?

20) If you could change one thing about how you look, what would it be?

21) Would you be my crime partner or my conscience?

22) What color eyes do you have?

23) Ever been arrested?

24) Bottle or can soda?

25) If you won $10,000 today, what would you do with it?

27) What's your favorite place to hang at?

28) Do you believe in ghosts?

29) Favorite thing to do in your spare time?

30) Do you swear a lot?

31) Biggest pet peeve?

32) In one word, how would you describe yourself?

33) Do you believe/appreciate romance?

34) If you could live anywhere in the world where would you chose?

35) Do you believe in God?

36) Will you repost this so I can fill it out and do the same for you?

post a comment

Your Score: Cheezburger cat

71% Affectionate, 51% Excitable, 68% Hungry

Sure, you deserve one. You helped popularized lolcats from a running gag to an online sensation. Now mainstream media writes asinine columns on this 'phenomenon', students write theses on the topic, programming languages adopt the grammar, and losers write tests about them on dating sites. Now take your cheezburger and never touch the internets again.

To see all possible results, checka dis.

Just Wow (and I don't mean World of Warcraft)...Can someone please read this story and tell me how this happens??? I could never imagine being so self absorbed that I would completly igonor Emma for something as trivial (and that is strictly my opinion) as a video game....

http://www.comcast.net/news/index.jsp?cat=GENERAL&fn=/2007/07/14/714662.html&cvqh=itn_obsession

In other news, Emma went on to the beach for the first time yesterday. Was actually really enjoying it (given her dislike for grass and sand just last summer). We even went down to the water and let the waves run over our feet. She nearly dove into the water. So when it warms up a bit more I'll find some people to go down with and with the group try and get her into the water (I think she'll love the bobbing feel of the waves).

Today we are going swimming with Aunt Anna at my mom's house. Ems new past time is actually jumping off the stairs and I catch her. So I think she will like jumping off the side to me at the pool.

Hope everyone out there has a great day!

Happy 2nd Birthday Emma! You are loved more than you will ever know.

( 2nd Birthday Picture )

WTF?!?!?!?! 60 degrees yesterday (almost) and beautiful....today SNOW!

**Actual update to follow since its been 2 months and I need to make new icons**

Briefly, The Field of Dreams
Posted by Jim Maceda, NBC News Correspondent (05:36 pm ET, 12/15/06)
http://onthescene.msnbc.com/baghdad/2006/12/iraqs_brief_fie.html#posts

The afternoon was growing darker as evening approached. Friday prayers had ended hours before. But the streets of Baghdad remained eerily quiet. No car bombs booming. No echoing rounds of small arms fire. And, most unusually, no reports of deadly IED's, mass kidnappings, or summary executions. In fact, there was not even ONE story slugged VIOLENCE--IRAQ--WRITETHROUGH on the news wires. Something was afoot.

Some of us thought it had to do with the weekly four-hour curfew on all vehicles that the government recently imposed, the result of massive loss of life after a string of Friday suicide bombings, timed to mid-day prayers in Baghdad's Sunni and Shiite mosques. Still, in previous weeks, the explosions, and killing, would quickly recommence. Mortars and rockets would destroy like clockwork - after prayers and despite the curfew. No, something was truly afoot.

Where were all the people? They were watching TV, at home, in coffee shops, alone, or with fellow Sunnis or Shiites or even with Sunnis and Shiites.

All Iraqis eyes, it seemed, were fixed on one collective screen, watching, live via satellite, as Team Another crew went to a local coffee-shop at a nearby hotel. ''Football is the only thing that can unite Iraqis,'' offered up teenager Hassan Hadi, a Shiite, during the match. Omar, the waiter and, at 33, an opinionated Sunni, had this advice, ''I wish that Iraqi politicians would deal with politics the way Iraqi people deal with a soccer championship, and just clear their hearts.''

Iraq competed for the Gold Medal in soccer at this year's Asian Games, in Doha, Qatar. And rightly so, for despite all of the chaos, the targeted killing, the ethnic cleansing of whole neighborhoods, Iraq managed to field a team that not only showed up, but came to play. Iraqis themselves couldn't believe that their squad of under-23-year-olds actually defeated South Korea, one of the world's strongest soccer powers, in the semi-finals.

But that unlikely win cost the team, too: Iraq lost two of its best players, red carded for penalties. Still, this would be the first time Iraq would be playing for a medal in almost 25 years. If it won, pandemonium would hit the streets. And the sky over Baghdad would again be illuminated -- with tracer rounds and fireworks.

We kept a crew on the roof of our compound.

We called in updates on the radios: half-time and no score. Qatar just scored a goal. Twenty minutes to play and Iraq was out of gas. We were in injury time, still 1-0. Then the game was over.

There were no celebrations. But, within minutes of the whistle, the explosions began. First a car bomb. Then a mortar round. Before long the war we seem to hate to call “civil” was back to normal. And the news wires started to turn out the routine stories -- a tribal sheikh with ties to British forces is murdered in a drive-by shooting in Basra; two U.S. Marines die from their wounds in al-Anbar combat, etc, etc.

For a respite of 3 hours, the Killing Fields became a kind of Field of Dreams. Iraqis fantasized about winning, about being the best, and -- even better -- forgot about their wretched state.

Were the insurgents really watching the game, too? Who knows. Maybe some of them even felt like rooting for one team, with one flag. Did any realize how easy it was to get along? Did they remember those old days when being Sunni or Shia or Christian or Kurd didn't matter?

Whatever happened, it's gone. It's over. But it was sweet. And so quiet.

To All the Wonderful People In My Life.....

Pay attention to what you read here. After you have finished reading it, you will know why this was posted for you to read.

People come into your life for a reason, a season or a lifetime. When you know which one it is, you will know what to do for that person.

When someone is in your life for a REASON, it is usually to meet a need you have expressed. They have come to assist you through a difficulty, to provide you with guidance and support, to aid you physically, emotionally or spiritually. They may seem like a Godsend and they are. They are there for the reason you need them to be. Then,without any wrongdoing on your part or at an inconvenient time, this person will say or do something to bring the relationship to an end.

Sometimes they die. Sometimes they walk away. Sometimes they act up and force you to take a stand. What we must realize is that our need has been met, our desire fulfilled, their work is done. The prayer you sent up has been answered and now it is time to move on.

Some people come into your life for a SEASON, because your Turn has come to share, grow or learn. They bring you an experience of peace or make you laugh. They may teach you something you have never done. They usually give you an unbelievable amount of joy.

LIFETIME relationships teach you lifetime lessons, things you must build upon in order to have a solid emotional foundation. These relationships bring a whole new level of enrichment to your life. Your job is to accept the lessons, love the person, and put what you have learned to use in all other relationships and areas of your life.

It is said that love is blind but friendship is clairvoyant.

Thank you for being a part of my life, whether you are a reason, a season or a lifetime.