Vaccines

I am not going to go into my personal thoughts about vaccines. I think it is up to everyone to do their own research and then decide what they think and feel- especially being led by the Spirit in their lives. This comes from one Dr. who is in LA that I think has many a good thing to say about quite a number of topics. Dr. Pepi. This is her take on Vaccines. You decide for yourself.

"There is a schedule of vaccination shots for your family that medical doctors try to enforce. The source of this program is the Center for Disease Control. While the CDC sounds scientific, it actually just approves the injection schedule for you that has been recommended to them by the Food and Drug Administration Advisory Committee.

The FDA Advisory Committee members are financially supported by the drug manufacturers who make vaccines. By 2005, world vaccine sales were over $8 billion and are expected to be $20 billion by 2010.

The FDA does not Test for the Safety or Effectiveness of its Vaccine Recommendations

Sometimes a vaccine will be taken off the schedule after enough patients have died or had harmful effects. You can watch the vaccine schedule change at the CDC website by clicking here. In place of true and thorough scientific research prior to prescription, we are the experiment on a grand scale.

My advice:

1. Thoroughly research any injections that are recommended to your family before you agree to them.
2. Build up your family's immune function.
3. Read about Vaccines and Mercury and Vaccines and Children."

All I want for Christmas....

Don't ever take your ability to breathe for granted. When you can't- it BITES THE BIG ONE (Craig says I should think about what I'm really saying when I use that phrase- however, I choose not to- I don't like what I see.)- and people look at you like your CRAZY- as if to say "catch your breath already- you're like what 25?" I would of course reply with "No- I'm 32 and my lungs suck it- so back off- or when I catch my breath I'll beat you until I have to catch my breath again."

Okay- I'm on one tonight- no worries to all of you worriers- just a sucky day.

When you can't breathe you find ways to still do the things your child loves and still be able to breathe at the same time. Well- lately I want to ride bikes with Elliott. Not just ride bikes in the driveway- I want to GO RIDE BIKES around the bay- up the hills (with a little help from what could soon be my electric engine)- and down the hills all on my own with those cute little pedals.

You know you secretly want one too.

I may sound like I'm kidding, I'm not.

Next Christmas I may ask for a Segway.

I will be taking donations from now until Christmas. Kidding!

Fierce

Elliott isn't really a timid creature. He has definite moments- well quite a lot of moments- I'm starting to wonder! Look at that tongue- he finally took a chance at the ball and it rolls through his legs. It's good the parents are on the side lines- I do a lot of laughing.
It's some of the most fun - watching my child do something he loves, it's awesome.
Elliott ADORES SOCCER. He is stoked to just talk about soccer. However, when the ball comes his way it is as if he takes a bow- looks at his team mates and says "no, no- you go ahead- by all means- I'd like you to have it...". We keep telling him to get in there and have FUN. Although- he is having FUN. Probably some of the most fun he's ever had so far in his little life! There will be a time in his life when he isn't timid. We had a glimpse on Saturday when this was what E thought of a certain little guy on the opposing team:

Did you see that boy pull my shirt? I told him he was a big bully and I pushed him.

Some days inside I think- WELL DONE MY BOY! Most days I completely discourage this kind of behavior- but in soccer it's okay right?

It really is just a fun mellow game with parents cheering for both teams- I quite like it. I was warned that it would be vicious and the parents would be crazy.
Maybe some teams but not our Blue Dragons.


Our AWESOME friend Micah designed our banner for us.
He is WICKEDLY talented and a wicked good friend.

Jen and Troy Bliss

Last weekend Craig's sister Jennifer and Troy were married. The only pictures I took were a few of Elliott and Luke (which I adore)- but I'm bummed! I had nothing to do other than keep my little one near and I couldn't take a measly picture of the bride? Sorry! I'll post something else when I get something!
She was beautiful- everything was beautiful- the whole day was beautiful.

Starwarsified

I have played every character within the Lucas Empire now- I think.
I'd like to thank the Clone Wars for all they've done to inspire my 5 year old to "died" Boba Fett, Princess Leia, Luke, Han Solo, Count Dooku, Ahsoka - etc.....
it could go on and on and on and on.
My favorite part- One minute E is Darth Vader and the next he is "dieding" Anakin- which in turn he is killing himself before he became himself.
I have a new found appreciation for the whole saga.
Never a dull moment.

Pools cold

It is AMAZING to me how fast the pool gets cold! We donned our wet suits a few weeks ago- and I was still freezing- E was in heaven- as usual- my fish! We've had 80+ degree weekends yet the pool isn't even near my kind of WARM!!! Goodbye Summer- Hello Autumn! WooooHoooo!

1st Day of Preschool

Elliott has started a little 3 day a week preschool again. I'm a little behind on my posts- as usual!
Everyone keeps asking what we are doing- so I will lay it all out here!

Elliott just turned 5. The cut off here is weird- I believe it is December. Craig and I both (since Elliott was just a baby) have wanted him to be older in school than younger- so he did not start kindergarten in a public school this year. However- Because Elliott qualified for kindergarten we are doing a REALLY fabulous homeschooling program through www.k12.com . We are putting some of our tax dollars to good use. We both enjoy it and I am amazed at how much he has learned in such a short time. His favorite subject to study---science. Of course.

As you all know E is an only child so that is why he is doing the 3 day preschool. It is all about the social for us- not necessarily the academic. Funny thing- he could care less about going. Once there- he is in heaven- getting there and into the building is a whole other story.

Everyone's last question- will we be doing this next year and continue with homeschooling? We don't know yet. We are really enjoying it- homeschooling is NOT what it once was. Not by a long shot. Man alive- the comments I've heard- it's quite hilarious.
It is amazing to know all that my child is learning and having the power to decide what he is learning or not learning about. All day long we go over the things we learned that morning. I don't know if in public schools I will have that kind of knowledge each and every day.

Some days we are done with a whole day of school by 11am- then we are off to play or do whatever. I feel like much of the time at public school is wasted away- not utilized correctly.
We fear a little about the future of our schools- so- we don't know. As long as Elliott is getting enough social time in with children his own age- we would definitely consider it- (the program we do has many different groups, options for taking turns teaching subjects, inside classroom setting situations at schools for a day a week, all kinds of outings, tutors, online classes with a teacher, etc.). So we don't know. We'll keep you posted! So far it has been-
better than good!

You are what you eat

I love the Environmental Working Group- well- most of it. Within this site one can find anything from the water quality right in their city to what beauty products contain contaminates- when used well- it offers a ton!

I thought I'd share a link to what produce you should try your best to avoid unless bought organically- and what produce has the least amount of pesticides when conventionally grown. I hope it helps- there are many things I WILL NOT buy unless they are organic- simply because I believe that I AM WHAT I EAT! - click on this.