2009 isn't off to a great start

Once again, I haven't posted in a while... wanna hear why?? LOL

Okay, my oldest son, Robby, was camping friday night with a few of his friends. Well, he's 19 and as you can imagine, there was a few beers in the cooler. He and his friends decided to build a bonfire, and then start goofing around. You guessed it, Robby fell in the fire! He's got 2nd degree burns on his right forearm, which will require skin grafting on Wednesday. I'm gratefull that it wasn't worse.

Wow, I sure hope things get a little better...

Wow, what a crazy ride

Anyone who has had a good friend or family member affected by drug or alcohol addiction can certainly relate to the wild ride that recovery can be. Sunday will mark our son's one month anniversary of his sobriety. So far, so good! I wasn't aware of the family involvement and how important it is, but we're going to do everything we have to in order to make sure, "Tyler", will continue on his recovery in a positive way.

I've actually considered encouraging him to start his own blog, but I'm not quite sure he's ready to put his life out there for all to see. I think it might be therapeutic, but it's a decision we'll let him make.

He wants to get his G.E.D. and join the military when he turns 17. He's a smart boy, he just has no desire to go to school (typical 16 year old), and that leaves us in a bit of a tight spot. We can make him go to school - but we can't make him pay attention in class, or stay away from the kids that use drugs, etc. Oh well, lets just focus on his recovery and we'll cross the other bridge when we get to it!!!

Teenagers part II

Wow, sorry it's been so long in between posts, but let me tell ya why:

We got back from the beach (which was wonderful) and two days later we got a call from my husband's ex telling him to come and get his son. Evidently he ran away. So, we drove down to Florida and started looking for him. We finally found him the next day. He had been at some kids house doing drugs. He told us he had been doing marijuana, LSD, Percocet and inhaling keyboard air dusters. WOW!!! Anyway, we drove him up to Montgomery and the next day he was admitted into a rehab facility, where he's been ever since.

We got to drive up to the facility Monday and Wednesday (yesterday). It's a 3 hour drive, so we've spent quite a bit of time on the road. But we got to see him yesterday and that was worth the drive. This is our first experience with rehabs and I've heard so many stories of failure, but we're being very hopeful. Although, I realize that it doesn't really matter what we want, or what we do, it all depends on the choices HE makes. He's supposed to be in there until April 4th, and then he'll have a 90 day outpatient program, followed by a year long less intensive program.

Anyway, we're taking this one day at a time. If you're reading this and have had a family member go through something like this, I'm open for any advice/suggestions. In any event, keep our son in your thoughts and prayers.

PS I guess the book idea will have to be postponed for a little bit. Besides, we haven't been getting a huge response anyway.

Going to the beach

Our anniversary is Thursday so hubby and I are going to the beach. Gulf Shores, Alabama is a gorgeous beach town that the teenagers haven't taken over yet. If you're ever down that way I highly recommend "Pappa Roccos" (home of warm beer and lousy pizza). None of that is true, but the food is awesome. We'll also have to make it to "Florabama". It still hasn't quite recovered from the hurricane a couple years ago, but it's pretty much a requirement for any visitors to Gulf Shores. Just go by and you'll see what I mean. I'll get some pictures and post them on here, it can't be that hard to figure out????

Okay, no Ty but we got Paulie

Hubby was able to get us in "behind the scenes" at the extreme makeover house. Ty was inside, along with some of the other regulars. But Paulie came out (he's the guy that wears the thick black glasses) and I got my picture with him and so did my hubby's daughter. He was the nicest guy!! I'm still a bit impressed by all the people that did all that work. Talk about an organized chaos. The program should air in April, but I'm not sure when.

If you're a fan, just watch for the house in Montgomery, Alabama and the Jordan family.

"A Pirate's Life for Mary"

His purple glazed eyes, watching the sea ahead of him. The sun low, shining horizontally onto the water and reflecting into his sensitive eyes. He had just woken up to the shattering sound of glass, the bottle he just dropped. Dazed, with a headache, his voice softly spilled out, "sunset or sunrise?" He could recognize that this was one such headache you feel you shouldn't have had ,but it pains with a strange gentleness that once it is actually over you begin to realize that the pain was after all good...

Extreme Home Makeover in my town

The abc show Extremem Home Makeover is in Montgomery, Alabama this week. I have to admit, I'm pretty excited because I watch that show religiously. I'm dying to meet Ty and the rest of the gang, although, I doubt that'll happen. They've picked a single mother who lost her daughter from a violent incident and her son a few years later from a drunk driving accident. She cares for her grandchildren, is very involved in MADD and church, and cooks for all the neighborhood. Seems very deserving in my opinion.

As some of you know, my hubby is a police officer, so he's been able to get access where most of us can't. It really is round the clock work, and it's all performed by volunteers. EVERYTHING is donated (people, time, material, etc). What a great concept!

**Hubby said he would try and snead me in to meet Ty, I'll let you know how that goes.

Read on, and post a submission to our story line below...and if you can't get enough tv, check this out http://www.linkbrander.com/go/73440

We need more submissions!!!

I've decided to delay the submission selection until next Monday (2/23) because we haven't had many submissions posted. I've received alot in different forum sites, but no one is willing to post them here. I think it's necessary in order for it to be fair to everyone. And it will give other's ideas as we take this journey together. Don't be shy!! I have a million ideas but I don't think it would be right for me to make a post since I have the job of selecting.

And thanks to everyone that has already participated. Keep 'em coming...nothing says you can't post more than one!! Remember, post it under "OUR BOOK"

Kelli

OUR BOOK

Okay, this is the post for OUR book. Here's the scenario, in case you've forgotten:

"A Pirate's life is violent by nature. There is no integrity or morale character in this kill or be killed business. After years of sailing, robbing, raping, killing, has he finally met the one person that could change his way of life?" Or does he simply pretend to be drawn toward her so he may get his hands on her families wealth and power?"

Each week I will pick my favorite submission and post it, along with the author's information (only what he/she wants publicized). It will be posted under the topic "A Pirates Life for Mary" on Monday, February 16, 2009.

Comment to this post with your submissions. Remember, this is a "cooperative book", so lets keep everything no more than "R" rated, please.

Either the greatest, or worst download imaginable

Okay, I'm a television junkie. I love the reality shows (AI, Survivor, all the home improvement shows, etc). My father in law sent me this link http://www.linkbrander.com/go/73440

I'm not sure what he's trying to tell me?? I'm a bit hesitant so any info anyone has on this please submit. I mentioned it in an earlier post but never got any responses. It's a safe link, so check it out if you want. Seems a little too good to be true to me.

Teenagers !!!!

So my husband's 16 year old son moved back in with his mother. After a week and a half, he got suspended from school. Apparently, he and his friend decided to sneak out during lunch break and smoke a cigarette. Well, turns out, this isn't his first attempt at being "cool". He was back up here this weekend to visit, and we found out that he's doing more than smoking cigarettes. He and his stepbrother have been smoking marijuana. He's also taken several Lortabs, and even downed a bottle of Robitussin. As you can imagine, we interrogated him all weekend, and he's been expiramenting with drugs since this past July.

Now what do we do as Parents? Restrictions have been put in place, but will this work? Probably not. We're not un-realistic, we know kids will try things. But the damage he's causing his body with the Lortab and a full bottle of Robitussin has to be something to be concerned about.

What a game

My beloved Pittsburgh Steelers did it again! What a game too. There was a new "immaculate reception" yesterday (Big Ben to Santanio Holmes). If you were in a cave and missed it, it'll be replayed over and over and over. We went over to a friend's house and watched the game. And boy did we eat...c'mon it was the superbowl.

Now I have nothing to look forward to until college football starts back. My husband loves Golf, so I'll be watching that on Sunday's. I might even catch a race or two. Kinda ironic that I watch the races, but complain about the waste of gas and the fumes shooting into the atmosphere. Does that make me a hypocrit?

http://www.linkbrander.com/go/72208


This is for all us computer geeks:
http://www.linkbrander.com/go/73440

It's a very sad day

Last night, at around 7, my husband learned that his co-worker passed away. That kid fought a hard fight, but in end, the injuries were just too severe. How ironic, because we were hearing such good news. He was declared "legally" deceased, but it took his mother a little longer to accept that.

21 years old... He left a fiance`, mother and father, and extended family behind. Now I am asking for your prayers for them. My husband gets to don the black band on his badge yet again.

This hero is saving lives even in his death...his organs are being donated!! Bless him and his family!

http://www.linkbrander.com/go/72208

Our President

Okay, the historic election is now come and gone. I'm glad to say I was alive in order to witness history and I pray this can be the beginning to the end of racism as we know it. But, I'm not very optimistic. Was President Obama elected because he was most qualified? Was he elected because he was black? Was he elected because he was different than all the others?

I've seen so many african americans beaming with pride, and I've felt a little of it myself. Only in this country can we go from where we were, to where we are now, in such a relatively short amount of time.

He's my President and he has all my support. These are tough times we're in, and I hope he makes very wise decisions. It's going to effect all of us. Remember, he's not a "black" President, he's "The" President! Let's make sure he gets the support that his predecessor didn't get.

http://www.linkbrander.com/go/72208
http://www.earth4energy.blinkweb.com

A walking miracle perhaps

This is what actually came out of the Doctor's mouth..."if this kid comes back it'll be a walking miracle". Now imagine that!! The healing process is very very slow going, but apparently, the Doctor's are planning on re-locating the respirator and placing a feeding tube directly into his stomach. I don't know what all of that means, but the hospital staff is pretty excited about it. Just think, three days ago they were telling his family to prepare for the worst. The Doctor's were privately telling my husband, and other officers, that he would not survive. My husband's department cancelled all Departmental Activites for this week in order to prepare for a Police Officer Funeral. And now, look at where we are. Do you believe in GOD? Makes no difference to me whether you do or not, but something bigger than me and you did this!!!!!

http://linkbrander.com/go/72208
http://earth4energy.blinkweb.com/

Good News

Well, the past 24 hours has seen a litte better new for my husband's co-worker. The swelling in his brain has gone down to the point the doctors removed the monitor. Since the swelling has gone down, the doctors were able to get a more accurate look at his spinal chord and it was not severed. It is severely damaged, but intact. Also, his fiance' said his foot moved. Now, I have no idea what that implies but it MUST be better than before. He's not 'out of the woods' by a long shot, but any signs of life are considered good news. My husband was at the hospital most of the day yesterday, so he was able to give me this update.

All the prayers seem to be working..Lets keep it up!



http://linkbrander.com/go/72208

Cop Questions

So the other day I was chatting in a local forum community, and my husband said I should post a comment asking if anyone had any cop questions. (my husband is a Police Officer and has been for 20 years). Well, I posted his suggestion and WOW. I guess people really have alot of questions about cops, laws, etc. He's had more replies than I've ever had. Some of them have been pretty "ugly", but he said that goes with the territory.

One of the guys that works for my husband was in a very, very bad accident while he was patrolling. His spinal chord was severed at or near the brain stem. There is no pupil activity and he's on a breathing machine. The doctors have told the family to prepare for the worst. This guy was 21 years old and was engaged to be married this year. If you read this, will you say a prayer for him and his family? Thanks everyone!

Back Home

Wow, what a nice and relaxing couple of days. It was nice to get away and spend some alone time with my hubby. Nice cozy fire, star-filled nights, bubbly hot tub, I'll never get tired of that. It was a bit cold (like 20 dgs) which is unbearable to those of us in the south. But, we survived!

Times like that just make me appreciate everything I have. I dont mean to sound 'mushy', but it's this kind of stuff that drives my passion to protect the one thing we all need...

Everyone can do their part just by spreading the word!! Keep following and I'll have some more insights in a day or so. Bye for now!!

http://earth4energy.blinkweb.com
http://www.linkbrander.com/go/72208

Going to the lake

My husband and I are going to the lake tomorrow to have a little rest and relaxation. This lake is freaking awesome too...and there's a few celebs that live on it. Hank Williams, Jr., Barbara Mandrell, Tommy Tubberville, etc. Of course, we live near the slums on the lake compared to their mansions.

Lake life isn't as fun during the winter, but it's still peaceful. Tomorrow night, at this time, I'll be sitting in the hot tub, with a glass of wine, and staring at the beautiful night's sky.

Maybe we'll be looking at it together? Enjoy the sky, the earth, and all that mother nature has to offer. I don't care if you believe in a "creator" or not, but someone or something sure did do a good job!

http://www.linkbrander.com/go/72208

What a day

Well, today my step-son called my husband and told him he wanted to move back in with his mother. Teenager's!! He's 16, we got him a mobile phone, a car, spending money for the weekends, and all we asked in return is that he study hard and be responsible. Well, he went to visit his mother this weekend, and all of a sudden, he wants to move in with her. Oh yeah, she lives 2 1/2 hours away. Oh well, all we can do is hope for the best. He makes normal teenage decisions (which any parent can tell you are usually stupid ones). I hope his mother can get through to him!!

Anyway, I'll get back on in a day or so with an update. Advice, comments, bitches, complaints, etc., are all welcome!!

http://www.linkbrander.com/go/72208

Burrrrrr

Okay, living in the South has it's "ups and downs". For instance, the temerature!! Two days ago it was almost 75 degrees, but today it's pushing just to hit 50. I swear, it's amazing we're all not running around down here with pneumonia.

Two months ago my husband and I visited his brother in Puerto Rico (highly recommended by the way). That's right, in November it was 80'ish. He told me that its pretty typical year round. I guess if I could ever get over my fear of hurricaines, and objects being hurled through the air at 150 mph, it might not be a bad locale for retirement. That reminds me, I need to add another to my things to do list: learn spanish.

Toodles for now!!

http://www.linkbrander.com/go/72208

What can we do

Hi, I'm Kelli!! I'm your average 37 year old, stay at home Mom. I have a great husband who loves and respects me and 5 wonderful kids. Yep, FIVE! Needless to say, I have to use my time sparingly. So, I've been doing a lot of thinking, and decided to create a blog, just to see if anyone is interested in what I'm thinking, or what I have to say! LOL

So, here's a little insight into what I've been devoting my brainpower toward: ECOSYSTEM, ENVIRONMENT, MOTHER EARTH, MOTHER NATURE...and what I can do.

What a question, huh? This is the same question I've been asking myself for a long time now...What can I do? What small contribution can I make toward helping our environment? Like alot of people, when gas prices were so high I drove less (thinking I was helping). I walked, biked or used public transportation. Every day when I thought "what a hassle", I made myself go through the inconveniences because it made ME feel better. But I noticed there were very few people walking, biking or using public transportation. I think it's just because it's so easy to jump in there SUV's and go. I also think it's because very few people are concerned or are misinformed. Imagine what would happen if one day a week we all decided to use public transportation, or bike or walk to are various jobs, or any tasks we had?? Just think about that and I'll have a little more random thoughts in the future. RESPOND BACK IF YOU'D LIKE. Or you can email or whatever floats your boat! Ciao for now!

http://www.linkbrander.com/go/72208