Not one more death . . .

As it stands today, the death toll of Americans in Iraq is at 1998. When that number reaches 2000, people will gather all over the country to proclaim, "Not one more death, not one more dollar." Follow the link below to find where the meeting place closest to you will be

Not one more death. Not one more dollar

Protesting the war should not be about partisan beliefs all are welcome. We should stand and unite for our troops, but against the war.

I'm sure it was funny. . .

Last night, my daughter was boomerang baby. She came to my bed, I put her to sleep, took her back to her bed and she would end up back in my bed about 2 minutes later. This went on for hours. I decided at about 2:00 to sit next to her bed and rub her back until I was sure she was asleep and would stay put. I woke up at 4:00 in her toddler bed and she was in my bed. I'm certain I looked completely ridiculous. I was disoriented and confused, but I still found it funny. I gave up, I spent the rest of the evening crammed over to the side of my bed as my daughter slept soundly next to me.

It attacked me . . .

Yesterday I decided that we should take down our gazebo in the backyard for the season. It made me sad becuase we enjoy the yard so much during the summer. When I took it down I realized that our only shade tree that hangs over the gazebo was quite overgrown and needed a good trimming. I got out my trusty ladder leaned it against the tree and began to saw off branches. When done, I looked at the yard, and . . . crap . . . now I have to dispose of all these limbs covering my backyard. I had to cut them down to a respectable size and bundle them. You should see my hands today. It looks like I was in a prize fight. I am convinced that the tree attacked me for cutting it's brnaches. Well . . . that and a good dose of klutziness.

Could I be any more blessed . . .

As the days get colder and shorter, I tend to get depressed. I can't stand winter and I have even more to worry about this year as gas pricers shoot through the roof. You see, I have a very old home, and my gas bill is close to the cost of a round trip plane ticket to Hawaii. (Ok, not quite, but I love to exxagerate.) I spent last weekend on a ladder stapling plastic to my windows in an effort to keep the hot air inside. I have a wonderful kerosene heater that keeps the living room nice and toasty, and I have also purchased an electric space heater since electric is more cost effective than gas these days.

So, I decided as I am sitting here worrying about my life in general and bemoaing the fact that I live in an upper midwestern state that I would make a list of my blessings. So humor me. . .

1. I have a great dog.

Ok, so he's not so great, and he's ugly and fat, but he loves me. The rest of my family can't stand him, but Max is devoted to me and me alone. I must be ok if he loves me.

2. My children are super.

OK, so my older son got in trouble at school today for whining, my younger son had 2 potty accidents before noon, and my lovely daughter went around telling her teacher "No touch me!" all day. But, they are cute and cuddly and love me unconditionally, that has to count for something.

3. My husband is a stay at home daddy and takes care of the house.

Ok, he doesn't make the bed, and he loves to blog ALL THE TIME, and he doesn't sort the laundry right, but he is an awesome daddy and does cook.

4. I have a nice job.

Ok, my job is crazy, I deal with other people's kids all day, I work with my mother, and now we are probably moving to a new building and I don't want to. But, it pays the bills and I believe it is the right job for me.

5. I have a home to live in, I have food in my cupboards, I have a wonderful family, I have a husband that loves me, I have children to make me smile . . . I AM BLESSED

I've got cold feet . . .

The problem is that the cold feet aren't mine, they are my daughter's. I woke up this morning at 6:00 to them firmly planted in the small of my back. Kids are such a joy and I adore mine, but oh please put on some slippers before you crawl into bed with mommy!

The problem is sorely misunderstood. . .

As a parent of a special needs child, I was concerned to hear that my school district, Fort Wayne Community Schools, was the target of 3 cases filed against them by special education parents. This concerns me because it affects my child and causes me to question the quality of care and equal treatment my son has a right to by law. These parents are to be commended for being an advocate for their child's education. We have had to fight the administration at my son's previous school to guarantee him an appropriate education. This so-called principal told us that "Maybe it's time you give up and decide he needs to be institutionalized" THIS WAS A 6 YEAR OLD!! She also told me that, "Every child is in this school by my grace. If I don't want them here, they won't be" I went home, wrote emails to my senators, state representatives, state lawmakers as well as the superintendent of Indiana schools. The following day she said in a meeting that she had said no such thing. LIE! I brought in an advocacy group called IN*SOURCE that helps parents fight for what the law provides for. I fought for my son's education and now at ten years old, he is beginning to function appropriately for his disability.

In my experience the teachers, with only one small exception, have been very helpful and understanding. The "exception" should not have been teaching special education students and since that first episode has quit special education and is in a "regular" classroom. The Special Education Office has been completely behind us and as helped in every way possible. It is typically the administration at the school that struggles with anything that deviates from the norm. They continue to treat each child that has an Individual Education Plan (IEP) like any other student even though their specialized plan outlines other objectives, more chances and fewer consequences. They often times refuse to accept that these children are different for a reason, and deserve the difference in treatment.

I hope that the school district does not suffer for these law suits, however I hope that the person who let this "fall through the cracks" be held responsible for the aftermath.

Last night I saw a report on this situaiton on a local news channel. They only addressed how kids with dyslexia often struggle. HUH?? That had nothing to do with the situation outlined in the Fort Wayne newspapers. That proves that no one completely understands that struggles that parents with special needs go through not to mention the children themselves. The issue is behavior control, consequences, and the ability to meet each child on his or her level AND help them learn and grow. The IEP is meant to promote success and help the child meet goals that they CAN acheive with specialized help. It is most importantly for the staff, ALL the staff, of the school to see where that child is and how they can help them meet those goals.

Could they be any nicer . . .

The following is letter from Dave Lambert of the FW Peace Action, he is writing concerning the Camp Casey that has been set up. My husband, myself and our children visited the camp the other night. I couldn't have been exposed to a group of nicer people. You could immediately see the kindness and acceptance of the group. My husband has been visiting the campsite daily and will man the site while members go out and speak to different groups. It has been a positive experience and has truly helped so many people see that this war is NOT RIGHT. My hats go off to those who are staying at the camp.

See my husbands blog for further information at leftofcentrist.blogspot.com

Friends:

As you know, Cliff Kindy has established Camp Casey at 1521 E. Pontiac Street (the new hdqs of NAACP.) For the next couple of weeks, volunteers are needed to help staff the camp.

Will you kindly consider dropping by to see how you can help? This is an important event, which carries on the work started by Cindy Sheehan at Crawford TX.

Please drop by any time of the day and talk with Cliff, Tom, Amy or whoever is there and ask how you can help make Camp Casey a success in helping to end the war in Iraq.

Thanks

Dave Lambert

Fort Wayne Peace Action