redhotz's Blog

After having read so many blogs about todays youth and the many things that go on in todays world, I was compelled to share this story.  Last night I was online at the Slingo game site, playing a game I regularly play.  There were several players of different ages, and 2 of which were 15 and 17.  Now, in this game, there is an area which you can chat while you are playing.  Things are going along pretty good, and then these two youngsters begin getting to know each other.  Not a big deal.  Until they start discussing how one had been kicked out of school (she was an army brat to which she was bragging about) and the 15 y/o, well, he asked why.  To which she gladly reported because of getting caught with "weed" at school.  They found this quite humerous.  I had been conversing with these two and it was going quite well, until this came up.  Well, that's when the conversation took a turn.  Of course, my disapproval did not go over well.  To sum it up, I was called things to which I am sure that the army daddy would probably not have approved of.  These two youngsters were saying things that even most adults do not say.  Or at least in an open forum/chat would not find appropriate.  Come to find out, army brat as she calls herself was home alone, grounded, while mom and dad were in Oklahoma at the casino.  Yes, she told everyone this.  She also broadcasted she was in Wichita.  The 15 y/o I might add also came forth and broadcasted he too was in Wichita.  Now, forgive me if I am strict, overprotective, naive, whatever, but I have brought my kids up to not give out any personal information on the net.  Then again, my children are not allowed to chat online, nor get involved in any game site which allows that.  My children are 15 and 11 and yes I do leave them home alone.  They are not perfect, I do have my problems.  I do not ground them, and then leave them home alone either.  When they are grounded...I am grounded.  On one occasion, my son was overheard speaking vulgar language at a sporting event at our high school, and yes, I was told.  He was reprimanded.  So, is it me, am I being too hard on my kids?  Or are there too many kids being raised by themselves?  Are they seeing inconsistencies and that is perhaps the reason for lack of respect?   I do give my children room to grow, they have priveleges, but they do have chores, they obey the rules of our home.   These are just 2 children I observed that were out of line.  Granted it was only online, and they do not know me.  However, there were several other ladies in the room.  I hope I don't get responses about parents who can't be home because they have to work, or this or that.  You know, that is such a hot topic for me.  I could go on and on.  I think it's time to revert back to a day when we didn't live beyond our means, moms were home to raise the children, and dads worked, came home and the family spent quality time together.  Does my family do that?  Well, currently, my husband is serving the country, I am a stay at home mother, and yes we do have supper at the table.  My children are involved in community service organizations.  They are not sports oriented.    I hope for positive feedback, I am open to constructive criticism.  Thank You to all!  Have a great week!

This doesn't exactly fall into any exact category, so I'm posting in news, as once my decision is final, it WILL be news! 

I have been trying to decide on getting the kids a pet.  Of course I'd love to get them our dream dog, a golden retriever, however, we are currently renting a new place, and it isn't the right time for us to take that plunge.  So I've come across an ad that has miniature schnauzers and Scottish Terriers.  I am working on my homework about each of these breeds.  However, I am looking to my fellow bloggers to see what you think.  One plus I have found is that either would work well for us as both my children suffer from allergies, and one website I read that the mini schnauzer is a great choice for such persons. 

So, everyone, tell me what you know about these breeds, and any advice you have.  A small breed dog  seems right for us right now, I do not work, so I am able to be home and devote time to the new addition.  I appreciate all input you can give!  Thank You!

Redhotz

Well, first I wasn't sure where to post this topic.  I am glad to see our topics expanding with the addition to faith.  I wonder if MyFox4 would consider Health as a Topic as well.  Since there is not a health topic, I decided to post here as Lap Band is also in the news somewhat with it fast becoming the new and popular way to lose and keep off that extra weight.

So, in thinking about what I would write here, and knowing this could become very controversial.  I realize I am stepping out there, and while I am hoping for positive and constructive feedback, I will prepare myself for whatever comes my way.

I am interested in hearing from people who have had the procedure done.  Not who performed the procedure, as everyone is going to have a different experience that way.  I am considering the operation.  I will not go into great detail about my personal situation, except to say that of course there is always something else I probably could do or try.  However, (yes, there is a but) for me personally, I have exhausted what I feel are the options, and am ready to commit to this option.   I don't need anyone telling me to eat healthy and exercise.  I know all about that.  I know what my thyroid is doing, how my hormones are, etc. 

I'm just interested in what the general comments are from people who have had this done, and followed their doctors orders.  As I heard a surgeon say, he is the doctor, he does the procedure.  After he's done, it's up to the patient to do the rest.  And I agree wholeheartedly. 

All I ask is for positive feedback and constructive comments.  Most of us have been told "if you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all."  I think we should practice this more.  Yes, even in an open, public forum.  And I too am going to practice that more myself!

Back in November I blogged about our experience with the Shriners Hospital in St. Louis.  Our daughter had both knees operated on there.  We went back this past Tuesday for a post op appointment and things are going very well.  In fact, so well that they have scheduled her for taking out the plates in 3 months.  She has gained 2 inches in height since the operation 3 months ago.  Her growth is great, her healing is outstanding.  When we return, they will do x rays and if things are as they are expected, they will take her right in to surgery to remove them. 

We want to again extend our sincere gratitude to the Shriners everywhere for all they do for the children.  Each time we travel to St. Louis, we are fortunate enough to have drivers who are attentive and kind.  They treat us as if we are a part of their own family.  I encourage everyone to support the Shriners.  Any time you see them, thank them.  The Shriners are wonderful people who deserve to have a big pat on the back.  Once again, we thank you so much for all you have done for our daughter.

I wasn't sure which category to post this.  Knowing that I don't really visit the weather category, I decided to post it here.

We are preparing to build a home.  Most new homes are being built on slabs around here.  I have recently heard this comment frequently "Why would you buy something in this area without a basement?  The tornado factor alone would be worth the extra money."  So, I'm looking to fellow bloggers just to see what others think about the tornado factor.  Here's my theory.

I do want a basement under my new home.  For many reasons.  I need/want one for storage, for a recreation area, for a tv room, perhaps even a guest room, and sure, why not throw in safety.  But here's the thing about the safety factor in my opinion.  I used to be scared to death of storms.  Any kind of severe weather.  I'd rather be safe in the arms of my husband.  It was to the point at times I'd be nearly brought to tears.   Once my children were born, it was then I decided high time to get over it and grow up.  I wanted to raise them not to fear what they have no control over.  Because seriously, you can take cover, you can be prepared, however, in the end, if it's your time to meet your maker, then ultimately, you are going to go.   My folks didn't over exaggerate things when storms hit, I really don't know where my fear came from.  So, now my children ages 11 and 15 know when severe weather is upon us, we have things that are necessary.  The battery powered radio is ready, batteries are new.  We have 2 radios in fact that are powered by cranking them.  We have a weather radio, and we have a family plan.  Just as we have a family plan in case of a fire. 

So, I'm asking you, fellow bloggers, do you have a plan for severe weather?  What is it, would you please share with us?  It's always interesting to find out how others do things.  Have you talked to your children?  What did you say?  What did they say?  What are/were there reactions to storms?  I know the last time we took cover (2005...before we moved to the coast) it was simple, I woke them, they took their pillows and a blanket, I got the radio and flashlights, we went downstairs to the basement, they set up their place to lay down, and they fell right back to sleep.  It was simple and smooth.  Thankfully, nothing transpired, and I was able to wake them about 45 minutes later with an all clear.  This Spring will be our first severe weather season back in 3 years, so we will go over our plan.  I am interested to see how this season goes, as 3 years makes a big difference in their ages.  When we left, they were 8 and 12. 

Thank you for participating!  I look forward to hearing from you all!

 

While visiting another blog site of FOX4 I stumbled across a post similar to this one posted on our KC Fox4's....

Disappointed Dec 17, 2007 | 12:14 PM
Category: News
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I contacted the Love Fund this year for help for my teen boys.  I was told they wouldn't help in our county.  I thought this was a program to help the 'forgotten about teens'.  There is no help available in our county for teens, as they usually aren't ''adoptable''.  Everyone wants to help the younger children.  It breaks my heart to know that my teens will be 'forgotten' this Christmas holiday.  They are good boys and would do anything to help our elderly neighbors, or anyone in need of help.  They are good in school and don't cause trouble in town or anywhere.  I really feel that they don't deserve this. 16 Comments |  Add a Comment So, it seems to me that KC and the surrounding area isn't the only area affected by  citizens who are in need.  I found this particular post interesting, and thought I'd share it.  I know we are past the holidays and felt like we could all handle seeing this now that the tenderness of the situation was over.  The mere problem of being needy is always going to be tender.  But the fact that there is abuse of helpful people doing good for each of their citizens and yet there continues to be more and more abuse of it sickens me.  I wonder at what point will those abusing these donations and the help are going to realize that with continued abuse there soon will be nothing, no help, and then what?  Read on... Give to the Needy, NOT the Greedy Hampton Roads! Dec 20, 2007 | 10:26 PM
Category: News
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Featured On: MyFoxHamptonRoads

I read on the blogs where someone wrote about the people looking for toys for their kids from the Toys for Tots programs, and other programs and what he seen when he donated and wanted to comment but decided to write here because I have a lot to say about that and wanted to make sure everything I say would post instead of breaking it down like some have had to do about other subjects.  

 

A few things first, most programs don't require to show I guess "proof?" that they are in need, especially this time of year, and people KNOW this, so these programs are so seriously abused it's sickening. I've donated to various organizations as well, and though I won't specifically name the ones I've donated to, I've seen with my own eyes, people standing waiting to get presents, food, clothing, just about whatever they can get and talking on cell phones that when I seen them, I KNEW at that time they were the top of the line cell phones, texting whomever on BLACKBERRYS, wearing ipods, wearing so much gold jewelry it could put Fort Knox to shame, have clothing on that I know full well some of the articles I seen, IE: Sean John, are NOT by ANY accounts, CHEAP or Thrift Store bargains, and yet, there they are, standing in line with their hands out demanding to be given whatever it is they are there for, then walking away with more than they need or as far as I am concerned, DESERVE. If they can go out and by a pair of jeans that I know cost upwards of between $40 and $120 dollars, they can put those clothing articles on the back burner and get their kids Christmas presents instead. And the vehicles they drive, good lord don't get me started on that! Better yet, let me get started on it. Since WHEN does someone who is SO) freaking NEEDY that they have to go to charities for toys for their kids for Christmas, can drive around a Lexus, a Cadillac Escalade, or Ford Expeditions?!??!!?! Will someone explain THAT one? Is it the reason they can't afford gifts for their kids because they HAD to have these luxury vehicles with the $5000 rims on top of it? Or how about the Mamma standing there wearing leather from head to foot, including leather coat & high heeled boots with what I hope was faux fur rimming the tops of boots & leather coat, jewelry dripping off of her like water, with the cell phone in one ear, the blackberry in the other hand, and the Dooney & Burke handbag slung around her shoulder? I OWN 4 D&B handbags and the CHEAPEST you can find them ANYWHERE is still a little bit OVER $100.00!!!! But yet there she is, getting gifts for FREE for her kids. Same with the Driver of the Cadillac Escalade with the $5g looking rims, standing in line for handouts. I stopped giving because of seeing this last year, and from what I've seen and am still seeing, it's still going on and no one is doing anything about this.

 

There are real people out there that need these gifts for their kids. That NEED the food, the coats, the school supplies, all of it, and yet to many have come to realize that they can cheat the system and get for themselves when they can afford it, and give no thought to the ones that truly need it, other than reminding them that it's one less thing they have to spend their money on, that's more money to fancy up those rims or get that new leather jacket they've been looking at instead.

 

I feel awful for not giving to certain charities, especially Christmas gifts. As for food, the only charity I give to anymore now are the groups that collect at the Military Commissaries and that is because I KNOW they see to it that the Military families get this food, not just any Tom, Dick or Mary on the street, so I am much more confident that my donations are going to the needy, not the greedy.

 

And sadly, the only way to give yourself some sort of peace of mind, is either donate anonymously to families that you know for FACT are in need yourself, or check out whatever organization it is you are going to donate to either by internet, telephone, BBB, anyone that you can get some straight answers from. Toys for Tots try very hard to make sure that the ones that really need it, get it, but there are still people out there that have learned how to work that system as well, and for those kinds of people, if you KNOW they are doing this to groups like Toys for Tots, CONTACT the Marines and TELL THEM! Don't LET those crooks TAKE from the people who DESPERATELY need it for god's sake! DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT PLEASE! The Marines, Navy, Salvation Army, Wavy 10, Churches, all of these organizations have NO idea unless they are notified!

 

There is NO excuse whatsoever for a parent who is driving a Lexus or Cadillac, carrying top-of-the-line cell phones, wearing more jewelry like I said above than the gold at Fort Knox and carrying around handbags worth 2 weeks worth of groceries to be getting stuff from Toys for Tots, Salvation Army, Wavy 10, or anyone else, if they can afford the above mentioned, then by god they can afford toys & food for their kids, SIMPLE AS THAT! And some of you can call me a racist, sexist, whatever because I could CARE less, for those that do, then apparently the truth hurts and you KNOW you're guilty as EVER! I'm sick of seeing stuff I donate handed out to people that make more than my Family makes a year and that was why I stopped and will continue to do things the way I've been doing it only until there is some sort of reform made to get everything straightened out better for the people who HONESTLY NEED it!

 

Again, like I wrote above, not only myself, but others as well should give to the needy, NOT the ignorant GREEDY!

 

 

 

 

 

 

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A 10 year old boy is in court during a custody hearing with his parents.

The judge asks him if he would like to stay with his mother.  And he politely replies "no sir"  and the judge inquires "well, young man, why is that?"  to which the boy replies "well sir, she beats me, simple as that."

So, thinking to himself, the judge says to the boy "ok son, how about going to live with your father then?"  And the boy contemplates for just a moment and says "no sir, he beats me too." 

The judge is perplexed now because this young man has noone else to live with, and the judge says "Then whom do you plan on living with?"  The little boy says confidently "the KC Chiefs"  Now, really confused, the judge asks the boy "What do you mean you want to live with the KC Chiefs?"  The boy says to him "well sir, they don't beat anybody"

WELL .... IT PASSED !!!

OKLAHOMA IS NO LONGER OK FOR ILLEGALS

Posted By: Rayelans Mailbag
Date: Sunday, 7 October 2007, 7:36 p.m.

Well, it passed! Oklahoma is no longer OK for Illegal Aliens........

It seems that at least one state has decided to take matters into it's own hands, since the Federal Government keeps dragging it's feet on this Illegal alien stuff and even reversing popular opinion on how to handle it.

BRAVO OKLAHOMA ! (Too bad all politicians don't have the 'guts' to do this.)

Every State needs to do this!!!!

Oklahoma 's Governor Brad Henry has signed a sweeping immigration Reform bill:

House Bill 1804, that its sponsor believes will go a long way in dealing with the illegal alien problem in the state.

House Bill 1804 http://tinyurl.com/2wg6qf , was passed by overwhelming majorities in both the House and Senate of the Oklahoma Legislature. The measure's sponsor, State Representative Randy Terrill, says the bill has four main topical areas: it deals with identity theft; it terminates public assistance benefits to illegal; it empowers state and local police to enforce federal immigration laws; and it punishes employers who knowingly hire illegal aliens.

Oklahoma is no longer "O.K." for illegal aliens, Terrill observes. "When you put everything together in context," he contends, "the bottom line is illegal aliens will not come here if there are no jobs waiting for them, they will not stay here if there is no government subsidy, and they certainly won't stay here if they know that if they ever encounter our state and local law enforcement officers, they will be physically detained until they're deported. And that's exactly what House Bill 1804 does."

The Oklahoma legislator is pleased the bill he sponsored into law was signed by Governor Henry and believes it will go a long way to curb the illegal immigration problem in the state. "I would remind people that states are separate sovereigns in our federal system," Terrill points out. "Anyone who doesn't understand that needs to go back and take an American federal government
class in college," he says.

As a result of that sovereignty, the Oklahoma lawmaker insists, "We have as much right - in fact, I would argue, a responsibility - to protect our tax payers against that sort of egregious waste, fraud and abuse as the federal government should have a responsibility to protect that international border, but doesn't
do that."

Terrill says as long as the federal government refuses to do its job of protecting the international borders of the United States , states like Oklahoma must take action to deal with the problem that is costing taxpayers in the state $200 billion a year in public benefits, law enforcement costs, and other resources.

14 GOOD REASONS TO DEPORT ILLEGAL ALIENS
(websites provided for verification)

Hopefully these 14 reasons will be forwarded over and over again until they are read by the majority of Americans. Then they will have something to yell at their U.S. Congress members. $11 Billion to $22 billion is spent on welfare to illegal aliens each year.
http://tinyurl.com/zob77

$2.2 Billion dollars a year is spent on food assistance programs such as food stamps, WIC, and free school lunches for illegal aliens.
MailScanner has detected a possible fraud attempt from "www.cis.org" claiming to be http://www.cis...org/articles/2004/fiscalexec.html

$2.5 Billion dollars a year is spent on Medicaid for illegal aliens.
MailScanner has detected a possible fraud attempt from "www.cis.org" claiming to be http://www.cis...org/articles/2004/fiscalexec.html

$12 Billion dollars a year is spent on primary and secondary school education for children here illegally and they cannot speak a word of English!
http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0604/01/ldt.0
.html

$17 Billion dollars a year is spent for education for the American-born children of illegal aliens, known as anchor babies.
http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0604/01/ldt.0
1.html

$3 Million Dollars a DAY is spent to incarcerate illegal aliens.
http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0604/01/ldt.0
1.html

30% of all Federal Prison inmates are illegal aliens.
http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/06 04/01/ldt.01.html

$90 Billion Dollars a year is spent on illegal aliens for Welfare & social services by the American taxpayers.
http://premium.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0610/29/ldt.01.ht
ml

$200 Billion Dollars a year in suppressed American wages are caused by the illegal aliens. http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0604/01/ldt.0
1.html

The illegal aliens in the United States have a crime rate that's two and a half times that of white non-illegal aliens. In particular, their children, are going to make a huge additional crime problem in the United States
http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0606/12/ldt.0
1.html

During the year of 2005 there were 4 to 10 MILLION illegal aliens that crossed our Southern Border also, as many as 19,500 illegal aliens from Terrorist Countries. Millions of pounds of drugs, cocaine, meth, heroine and marijuana, crossed into the U. S. from the Southern border. Homeland Security Report:
http://tinyurl.com/t9sht

The National Policy Institute "estimated that the total cost of mass deportation would be between $206 and $230 billion or an average cost of between $41 and $46 billion annually over a five year period."
http://www.nationalpolicyinstitute.org/pdf/deportati
on.pdf

In 2006 illegal aliens sent home $45 BILLION in remittances back to their countries of origin. http://www.rense.com/general75/niht.htm

So if deporting them costs between $206 and $230 BILLION DOLLARS, Start getting rid of em.' We'll be ahead after the 1st year!!!

Please pass this on. Americans need to wake up !

Saturday December 29th my husband, children and I met some relatives at the Plaza for lunch and an afternoon of shopping.  With some recent posts I've seen that have appeared on the negative side, I just wanted to say that we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.  It was daylight, so we didn't encounter any safety issues.  However, in my opinion, safety issues need to be thought of with a broad spectrum.  There is safety in numbers, haven't we all been taught that from the time we were old enough to be taught anything?  I can sit here and throw out many hints and advice on how to stay safe, however, I think that would be a waste of time since those who read this site (I'm hoping) are familiar with how to stay safe, and it is also my hope that you are teaching your children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, etc. the same things. 

What I do want to ask is this.  With regards to a different type of safety.  Saturday night, my folks called asking if we had heard anything about or saw the accident involving a vehicle and pedestrian near the Cheesecake factory on the Plaza.  While we were strolling around, we did at one point hear some commotion with emergency medical vehicles, but we were not in that vacinity until we returned to our vehicle which was parked in the garage near Fiorellas Jack Stack.  So, does anyone know anything about that?  My folks saw some coverage on the news, but I've not been able to find anything on it.  If you have something and could provide a link, that would be great. 

I may not be a local, so I'm sure we "non-locals" are the ones who may enjoy the Plaza more than locals, however, it is a nice, clean place to stroll through and shop.  Be it window shopping or otherwise.  I only wish we lived closer so that we could frequent the area more often. 

We wish you all a happy and healthy New Year.  May you be blessed with prosperity and all that you desire!

redhotz, popeye, and family

Just curious to see what my fellow bloggers think about this story?  I have mixed emotions and to get into detail would take forever and a day to write.  To sum it up, I think there may be a 50/50 situation here.  I am interested to see what others think.  Perhaps through your comments and the more I read and hear I will clear up the confusion I feel about this situation.  Our family really enjoys going to different zoos when we are traveling and we've never even had a second thought about our safety when it comes to the animals there. 

Please let me know what your thoughts are!

Check this out...http://www.elfyourself.com/?id=1565327051>

Paul Morrison has been Elfed!  It's nice for a change.  Let's get in the spirit of the season!  Looking forward to all the comments this brings!

Happy Merry Everything

Be Safe and Have Fun!!!!!!!!!!

My son burned ramen noodle type thing in the microwave tonight, poor guy forgot the water!  Opened the container, pulled back the wrap to vent it, put it in for 6 minutes, and with 40 seconds left, voila!  Smoke galore.  So, naturally our house was nearly burned down.  My question is this, after opening doors and windows, the smell STILL abounds, I've used Febreze, other air fresheners.  Any helpful hints?

One final note...How could I let this happen?  First he is nearly 15 and has used the micro for quite a while now.  Things happen.  Where was I?  Using the phone in another room.  This does go to show that it doesn't have to be a young child 5 or 6 that needs supervision.  However, it scared him (and me and his 11 y/o sis).  The 3 of us learned a good lesson.  Read the instructions, pay closer attention, and never leave the micro unattended. 

So, if you have any helpful hints on getting that horrific smell out, I'd greatly appreciate it!!  Thank You and have a great week!

 

Well, I know this will catch much critical comment, but I have to say that I am truly saddened that southern northern Miami and Northern Franklin county missed the brunt of the snow storm that we were so eagerly expecting in our household.  After being gone for 3 winters, you can surely guess that the kids and I were sneaking a peak every chance we got out the window for that sparkly white stuff!  So, it is my hope that when I bring my sailor home, it will bring a white Christmas as well!  One final thought though, I did get to lock in the 4 wheel drive and it works!  Of course, I never doubted my dodge!!!  Have a great week ahead!

I want to take this time to wish my fellow military families a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.  I also wish the best to everyone in the civilian world.  I didn't realize until I became a "Navy Wife" what it meant to have all the "firsts" without your husband, father of your child, etc.  Now I do, and when people say to me "wow, how do you do it?" Or "what you must be going through" I simply smile and say "well, he is doing it for YOU and Your families" 

My family is fortunate enough to have our Sailor home this year for Christmas AND New Years.  For that we are very thankful, and if we get nothing else, we will not look a gift horse in the mouth.  For we know there are many, many other military families in the U.S.A. that will not have our good fortune.  You learn to savor each and every single thing about your military member when you do have them around.  So, if you aren't a military family, but know one, show them how grateful you are for their sacrifice.  Because until you walk a mile in their shoes, you will never know the sacrifice we make. 

May God bless each and every one of you!  I wish you all health and happiness from our family to yours.

I recently watched the movie Finding John Christmas.  For several years now, my niece has watched this every Christmas season, and I either miss it completely, or get in on the movie somewhere after it has started.  So, I went to ebay and found it.  However...the only way I could purchase it was via cdv (compact disc video)  So my dilemma...I've never purchased anything, nor watched a movie this way.  I purchased it for my niece for Christmas, and it is my hope that the description is accurate, it said that this will work in dvd players and computers.  Either way, I just hope it works.  I would have preferred DVD or even VHS for that matter, she just loves the movie and would watch it over and over. 

Now, I'm asking you, my fellow bloggers, have you had any experiences with cdv?  Any feedback will be much appreciated!