text:
Allie (20 - eek!!) is getting married in May. She met her man because her original plan to move off to Africa for a year fell through, and she found herself disappointed and "stuck" at home going to community college last fall. When she called me from speech class and told me about this sold-out-for-Christ guy who sang Amazing Grace as part of his speech, we knew that Caleb was someone special, and - holy cow - did God sovereignly change the direction of her life in order for them to meet, or what? What do I know about planning weddings? Nothing. But I suppose I will be an expert after planning four of them. Any tips welcome. Seriously.
Wednesday, October 30, 2013
Checking in
Allie (20 - eek!!) is getting married in May. She met her man because her original plan to move off to Africa for a year fell through, and she found herself disappointed and "stuck" at home going to community college last fall. When she called me from speech class and told me about this sold-out-for-Christ guy who sang Amazing Grace as part of his speech, we knew that Caleb was someone special, and - holy cow - did God sovereignly change the direction of her life in order for them to meet, or what? What do I know about planning weddings? Nothing. But I suppose I will be an expert after planning four of them. Any tips welcome. Seriously.
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
Now, where was I?
Well, I'll tell you.
1. Senior-itis. Having a senior is, well, amazing. I know I'll feel this way with all the others, but somehow watching your oldest go from being a self-centered child to a self-giving young adult in 18 years is nothing short of breathtaking. After weeks of parties, bonfires, and hanging out until the wee hours with friends, she's all ready to go to off to college. At this moment she's on another mission trip to South Africa. I could not be more humbled that God saw fit to let me - impatient and imperfect - be her mother. Behold the Lord's handiwork.
2. Work-itis. I resigned my school nurse job at the end of this school year. I do believe God miraculously used this job three years ago (has it been that long?!) to provide for our family at a time when we needed it most, and I am thankful. I worked with an amazing group of believers, and I love my little patients, but - being the one-ring-circus girl that I am - I needed to
3. The Rest of Life. Right now I feel a little scattered, going from 100 miles an hour to almost zero in a matter of weeks. Where do I start? I am plugging away at finding which way is up, cleaning closets and going through papers that have piled up over the last three years, while driving kids to sports camps, doctor appointments, and trying to keep everyone fed with anything but Ramen and Mac N Cheese.
I think I say this every summer, but this one especially, since I will have another senior next year (great family planning, I know!). I will have kids in FOUR schools (if you count college) next year. This last year I had more than my share of "oopses" - missed dental appointments, games, bills, etc., etc., etc. If I were ever proud of being organized, the sheer number of things to remember (or forget, as the case may be) has kept me humbly begging forgiveness. A lot.
4. Pondering. I am blessed. Sometimes I forget that. This new season of life is crazy-busy in a way that's different from the last one. Remember how it feels when your toddler is this close to being potty trained? You know it's coming, and every now and then you get little (dry) glimpses of what your life will be like diaper-free.
Well, that is what it is like having three teens, a pre-teen and an eight-year-old in the house. Sometimes they are all getting along, telling each other how much they love each other, and I think, "Wow, this is awesome! I must be such a great parent!" And then the next minute they are arguing over who gets the last of the Cocoa Krispies, or whose turn it is on the computer, or do you really need a logical reason to argue? And the next thing you know, someone is running crying out of the room. It is exhilarating and frustrating and wonderful and irritating and deflating all at the same time. It keeps me focused on Jesus, not my ability to do it all right. I keep loving them and trusting Him, Who knows the end from the beginning, and whose children they are in the first place.
If we are faithless, He remains faithful; He cannot deny Himself.
2 Timothy 2:13
Friday, October 07, 2011
Sanity savers
But they could have been so much worse. I decided before school started that I needed to change the way we do some things around here.
The first thing I decided was that I needed cleaning help. The big kids are busy, I'm working, our evenings are precious, and our Saturdays are usually full. Everyone keeps their stuff somewhat contained...but the filth! The last thing I want to do on Sunday afternoon is mop my kitchen floor.
But how to pay for it - you know, guilt free?
This line of thinking got me started on a budget-cutting frenzy. Last spring discovered my new budget love, YNAB ("You Need a Budget"), or what I call Budgeting for The Rest of Us.
Yes, I have used all the fancy money management programs at one point or another over the years, most of which are for people with MBAs, a personal accountant and/or nothing but time. I'd get to about April, get discouraged at the upkeep, and give up. With YNAB, I can download my bank statement and know exactly how much I can spend at any given moment. Did I mention I LOVE THIS PROGRAM? Total sanity saver.
We had already cut almost everything remotely frivolous during our Austerity Year. But our biggest line item for a family of seven remains, aside from our house payment, no surprise: our grocery bill.
I started googling, and was very frustrated. I read about people who feed their large families on $300 a month, but I just don't see how this is possible, unless you (1) eat beans for breakfast, lunch and dinner; (2)spend every waking moment cutting coupons; or (3)make daily runs to sales at stores which are not available here in Small Town.
I eventually ended up at my Got-to-Get-Frugal go-to guy, Dave Ramsey. I was not looking for it, but I was pleasantly surprised to find a link to what became my second sanity saver: e-mealz.com.
In less complicated times in my life, I had a brain cell left at the end of the day to make a menu plan for the week, and maybe even manage to come up with dinner. But lately I could not even pull it together to put Ragu over the noodles. I. am. not. kidding.
We've been using e-mealz for almost 3 months now. Each week I download my family's menu and the complete grocery list. Even side dishes. Each week's menu includes seven dinners - we usually pick 4-6 that sound good. Then, my wonderful husband goes to the store and buys everything on the list.
Then, at dinnertime, I cook. I do not think. I do not argue with those who do not want to eat what's on the menu. I follow the plan. I do not deviate. At all.
Not only has it saved us money (I'm not throwing away food that rotted because I didn't have a plan for what to do with it), did you catch that? I cook!
We're eating better - fewer snacks made by older, impatient kids, because they know Mom is going to make something amazing like Pork Chops Marsala (last night), a feat I would never have attempted - especially not on a weeknight - if I had to come up with it on my own.
We're trying new things. We're eating out less.
And, well, if you ever wonder if the way to a man's heart really is through his stomach, let me assure you: it is.
So...Monday I finally got my wish: Professional house cleaners came and cleaned my house from top to bottom. They will be coming regularly.
I don't think we will ever get to a $300/month grocery bill. But I've saved enough to make room in the budget for some sanity.
And I don't feel guilty at all.
Friday, September 16, 2011
The beginning of an end
At first, the older ones did not want to join the photo op. "I don't have time!" (What? You've had all summer to get ready, what are you talking about?!)...
Until I reminded them: "This is the last time I get to take a pic of all five of you on the first day of school."
Yep, Allie, now 18, is a senior. I thought I would be so excited, and I am. We are looking at colleges and making plans for the time (How can it be this soon?), when she leaves home.
But I've also been shocked at what an emotional basket case I've turned into. I did not expect it to hit me so hard. It seems like we're just getting to the good part. Allie is somehow turning out to be this amazing young woman, in spite of being our firstborn "guinea pig." The other kids are growing up, and we are enjoying them so much. The craziness that has defined our family - something I've come to love at the same time it's made me insane - is about to change. I want to hold on - savor the moment - just a little bit longer.
The kids eventually all gathered on the porch and then lined up obediently, even acted like they liked each other, and smiled.
My heart is bursting! Don't cry, don't cry! It's the first day of school!
Then of course (in typical Raising Five family style) the battery on the camera was dead [Heaving sighs here as I look for another camera. Also dead.].
Now I am asking who has a phone I can use.
So I am stuck with a camera phone picture to remember this moment in time...It's a little blurry, but I suppose that's how I will always remember it, looking through my tears.
Here's the post about when our oldest became a teen.
And when I realized our middle child was growing up.
And when our youngest was finally out of diapers, and was the last preschooler.
And the end of the parenting honeymoon.
Sunday, August 07, 2011
Resurrection of an old friend
Yes, the kids are getting older and more capable. The older 3 can all babysit, cook a meal, do their own laundry, and generally get things done when I need them to.
But they are also busier. Neal-16 is working 20-30 hours a week (will be 12-15 in the fall); Allie-17 is babysitting a lot. Libby-13 will have volleyball and lots of student council activities this fall.
So I looked up one day and realized my younger two (7 and 10) were living a splendid life of leisure. Yes, they did their own self-care, kept up with their rooms, were (generally) helpful when I asked them to do something.
But when it came to regular chores (meaning, the ones for the benefit of the family), I was still counting on the older ones too much. When the big kids were gone (which was ALL THE TIME!!), instead of regularly assigning a younger child, guess who ended up taking up the slack?? ACK.
Yep, I said I would never do it, but I had neglected to bring the younger ones into the chore rotation.
So last week I decided to resurrect the Chore Rotation that served our family faithfully during the elementary years. It sort of fell by the wayside the last 2-3 years when our schedule went crazy. All my "helpers" were home at different times and I thought I would just be frustrated making assignments that wouldn't ever get done. I was mostly relying on my Chore Clips, which are awesome, but at our house, those work best for "non-regular" chores, like organizing a drawer and "by the way, get your shoes out of the living room."
Here's how it looked then (3 weeks of rotation for 3 kids, ages starting around 6-10).
Now that they are 7 to 17, I decided to give each person a "chore buddy" for most things that absolutely must get done every day - feeding the pets, unloading the dishwasher, etc. That way they can work out sharing the job based on who's going to be home. My goal is really to have the younger two take the biggest load, since they are home the most, and they are the most cheerful workers.
Now our rotation is five weeks for five kids. Here's Week 5. My older kitchen helpers are going to be assigned one night to make dinner. I'm pretty pumped about that.I can't fit it on a 4x6 card anymore (rats!). I printed the 5 weeks on 5 pages and put them in page protectors on the fridge. We rotate on Sundays.
The kids have been surprisingly enthusiastic about this, probably because they like to know what's coming, and hate it when it appears that I "nag." Who me?
I'm also working on budgets, projects and menus - more on that later...
Saturday, July 23, 2011
It sounded like a good idea at the time
This month we put a (hopefully) final end to two years of recurrent throat problems. Annie-10 and Allie-17 had back-to back tonsillectomies on July 1, with full rein of the surgery center's "suite." Ruthie-7 kept us all company.
The first few days were pretty rough (note the smoothie next to the Lortab Elixir, both of which were administered around the clock).But I have to admit - once the bad part was over and they just wanted to sleep all the time - I enjoyed everyone being HOME, rather than the continuous Sleepover City, which is our usual summer existence. We had lots of guitar playing (this was purely for the photo shoot, since it's been over 100 degrees ALL SUMMER. Ack).
Allie-17, too impatient and creative to follow a pattern, made a cute bag on my ancient sewing machine. Ruthie-7 took lots of pictures, but what's new?Neal-16 has a full-time job as a cart boy at our local golf course, which is why I can't seem to get a picture of him..(
And - because I start work in a few weeks and it's now or never - we finally got our house on the market. I am hoping that since we bought it when it looked like this:
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Graduated thoughts
I finished my bachelor's degree this week.* Just completed the last of six classes I've needed - for the past 19 years!
This last one was by far the hardest, because it was a five-hour class in five of the busiest weeks of the kids' school year, which, as you may recall, is also my work year. We've been walking over mountains of laundry, dust, and papers that have been stacking up and driving me crazy.
So today's the day I am trying to figure out what's what.
I've thought a lot about working and education and motherhood over the last two years since I found myself in such uncharted territory. A lot of it I still can't put into words, but maybe some day.
Mostly the last year reminded me - in yet another way - that God is good, and that contentment can be found in the most unusual circumstances if we will make a conscious effort to pursue it.
And I have seen the value of tradeoffs. For a year, I gave up the luxury of blogging and having closets clean (we won't even talk about sleep or minimum standards of wholesome nutrition). There were some mornings of sock-hunting insanity when I doubted the wisdom of this tradeoff, but now that it's over, I see that the closets waited for me. =)
Anyway, I am alive, my family is alive and doing quite well in spite of mismatched socks, and I am just waiting on my diploma to come in the mail, since, well, there was too much going on and I opted not to walk the stage this time. Hopefully I will be writing a little more this summer. I've missed you all!
*(For those of you who care, there are three different options for entry into practice as a registered nurse. There are a few "diploma" or hospital-based programs still out there, which was the most common way to become a nurse in my grandmother's generation. I started with an associate's degree, which is how over half of RNs are educated today. For the past 40 years or so, several nursing groups have been trying to make the bachelor's degree the basic requirement, and the workforce now has about equal numbers of associate's and bachelor's degree-educated RNs. Nurse practitioners must have a master's in nursing, and will soon be required to have a doctorate. Here is more info.)
Thursday, December 30, 2010
And another teen
No one could have told me how much I would enjoy this time, when the kids are independent and headstrong and taking baby steps into the adult world (brought back to reality by young ones who still beg to be tickled and who still must use a timer in order to begrudgingly share Wii time).
I sat and drank coffee with Neal-16 this morning, talking about life and what I think he's good at (listening and talking to people) and dreaming with him a bit about what the future holds for him.
Interestingly, Annie-9 and Ruthie-7 joined us at the table. Ruthie was preoccupied, darting back and forth to the pantry looking for hidden Christmas candy, and interrupted a few times to ask if it was okay if she had some (she knows the answer is usually yes when I am distracted and talking-smart thing!). Then she sat down with a sucker (where did she find that?) and drew in a notebook and pretended to listen, but we all knew it was just about the candy.
Annie, on the other hand, sat right up at the table and participated animatedly. If it annoyed Neal that a nine-year-old was in this discussion about his life dreams, he didn't show it. She piped in with her ideas and memories, and, even though they revealed her still-concrete stage of thinking, I wondered at her...When did you learn to make conversation like a miniature adult? This is the second time in two days this has happened. Last night the two older girls were talking about the youth group, and Annie included herself with them (yes, and I admit the conversation was after 10 p.m., the hour at which all things are just getting underway for teens). "I think if I were in youth group, I wouldn't want there to be a bunch of games. I want to be learning about the Bible and about Jesus." And how old did you say you were?
This encourages me, after a day of mediating Wii disputes. Ah, yes, all growth is definitely not linear.
Tomorrow Libby will be 13. It seems like yesterday she was nine, just beginning to venture into the world of the big kids. She has the vocabulary of a college professor combined with an insanely dry sense of humor. Sometimes what she says will hit you much, much later. With one minor exception she could be described as hyper-responsible, something I suppose is inherent in her position as The Middle Child, and as her mother's daughter (in the discussion of the youth group last night, Libby was making notes - probably in outline form - on her phone, if that tells you anything). We're working through that one together.
No, growth is not linear, but it is definitely a joy to watch. I love you!
Friday, December 17, 2010
To write a Christmas letter
But then again, I used to be good about sending out Christmas cards, too.
I'm ashamed to admit that the last time we mailed out a family pic was in 2007, and the last time we mailed a letter was in 2006!
I really must do better, if for no one else else than for the grandparents.
This year we are off to a good start. It's only December 17 and we already got a friend to corral us all in one place at one time for a pic, taken in a typical little alley here in Small Town.
Ruthie-6 was concerned that people might think this is our front porch. Just to set the record straight: It's not.Not sure why I like getting a Christmas letter, even when I'm getting status updates from those same friends and family on FB. I guess there's something about sitting down with a cup of tea, looking at the card, and reading the next chapter in my friend's story, as opposed to receiving a text with someone's latest random thought (although I'm sure my life is so much richer knowing how (and exactly when) my kids (or their friends) are so very borrrred or tiredddd at any given moment).
In 2007, our kids were 4, 6, 10, 13, and 14. I was a suburban stay-at-home mom in the thick of carpool and kids. Fortunately most of that year is chronicled on this blog, because gracious, that seems like eons ago!
Now they are 7, 9, 13, 16, and 17. We've moved, Dennis changed jobs, I got a job, kids are all in school, I got some carpool helpers (2 now!), and life is just as full of joy, in ways I couldn't have imagined three years ago.
Hmmm. Now to write all that in 200 words or less....
Friday, November 05, 2010
The 30 year plan
Boy, am I glad.
It's been tough but manageable, except when it's, well, crazy, like this weekend when Allie-17 is supposed to go on a college preview weekend and all the other kids have their usual activities and I have a six page paper due. Sleep is definitely overrated.
The first assignment was a "professional development" paper that had us look back on our career and see where we've been, assess our strengths and weaknesses, and then make a 30-year plan of where we want to go.
(I use the term "career" loosely in my case of spotty work history due to constantly being pregnant for the better part of ten years and staying home for the better part of 16).
Anyway, I thought it would be a good idea to do a 30-year plan for wife-hood and motherhood, too. Thirty years puts most of us in the role of grandparents, which explains why grandparents are so darn smart. (It is often hard to remember that our parents were once as young and dumb as we are, and I believe it is often hard for them to remember it either!).
But I digress. Here's my rough draft:
A little over 1 year - Oldest graduates from high school. Kids now stretching from elementary to college. Go to camp and enjoy vacation with everyone all together. Sit around wondering how time flew. Keep gardening and volunteering in youth group.
5 years - Oldest two in college; next one is a senior. I will never get to quit my job now. First time not to have at least one child in elementary school. Oldest may be married and I may be a grandmother. Brush up on crocheting skills. Consider smaller house.
10 years - Oldest four graduated; last one is a junior. Will I really have an empty nest so soon? I'd better be a grandmother! Move to cottage in the country and start a new landscape from scratch. Become PTA president because I am holding on to youngest like crazy.
20 years - Empty nesters, visiting and/or enjoying kids coming home for holidays. Finally have a clean house. I'm not sure, but I think I will miss those fingerprints on my glass doors.
30 years - Dennis retires. We are now that cute little
Yup. Sounds like a good plan to me. I'd give me an "A."
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Playing catch-up
Last night we spontaneously invited the last girl (a six-year-old sister of one already coming) as we attempted to exit Small Town's Friday night
Such is my life.
Granted, today's five guests are only from two families. That makes it easy. Mac and cheese and sandwiches cut into pumpkins and stars, then give them a few kittens to play with, and I don't hear from them for hours as they play pretend and dress them in tutus and Santa hats.
For the ravenous masses of tweens and teens, I'm learning to cook in vats (or make double batches of Little Brown Jug Rolls), and turn up the noisemaker in my bedroom as they turn on a movie at...midnight (oh to be 17 again!). Menu planning for the inevitable extra plate(s) on the table has become an incontrovertible necessity.
Yes, I miss blogging and my "old" life of having time to reflect a little. Right now reflection is a quick glance in the mirror to see if there's anything between my teeth before I dash out the door!
But there is something amazing about a full life.
Allie turned 17 last month, has a wonderful young man that has taken interest in her, and she landed her first job (a carhop at Sonic - she refuses to let me take a pic, although I will secretly sneak one so she can always remember and be grateful for her college education some day!). And she started her first dual-credit college course. I am daily filled with the realization that our time with her under our roof is coming to a close. It's an untidy heap of sadness, dread, anticipation and exhilaration that makes me want to hold on too tight, even though I know that is a futile endeavor. Neal will be 16 soon, and driving. He is his father's son, and when I am overwhelmed (or over-scheduled, as the case may be), he is the one who offers to make dinner, as long as it's Hamburger Helper or eggs. And when Libby turns 13 in December, I will have THREE teenagers. How I remember so vividly when they were all under age 4!
I have to remind myself that the "little girls" are not so little any more. At nine, Annie is in what I like to think of as the golden age of childhood. So capable and creative and carefree. And Ruthie-6 is playing her first season of soccer, and finally has front teeth for the first time in four years.
Sigh again.
Even with all this, this fall is going much more smoothly than last year, though I started the school year off with a razing bout of bronchitis in Week 3 (or as the kids teased me: "It ain't easy being wheezy."). At least we are not dealing with H1N1. So I have that going for me.
I've been a bad blogger, letting little things like not having time to upload pics to make posts "interesting" keep me from writing. But I just need to get over that and try to jot thoughts down so I can remember this time in life.
I'm glad a few of you are walking this path with me.
Wednesday, August 04, 2010
The little black dress (again)
But it was still fun to see, since about the only times we dress up are for cousins' weddings (Allie-16 was the maid of honor - so amazing!). Yes (since I knew you'd ask), that's the same little black dress I always wear (this is my fourth or fifth time to wear it in a wedding, thanks to some excellent blog-friend advice four years ago. Now it's becoming a matter of tradition). Here's 2010:With Libby-12, Annie-9, Ruthie-6 and cousin Savannah:And just for nostalgia's sake, here's the first time I wore it for a wedding, in 2006. Funny how in four years I shrank so much!
Sigh. For some reason this wedding hit me very hard, maybe because I saw Allie walking up the aisle as a bridesmaid (I thought I had shed all my tears during the rehearsal, so I was home free and whew! I was going make it out with some makeup still intact. And I was holding myself together so well...until I saw my daughter get choked up during the vows. Ack!). I realized (AGAIN!) just how quickly this is all happening.
Although we've been to several weddings as a family, this time it was less about the dressing up (even though I was proud of my deals at Ross and TJ Maxx!) and more about what does this mean, this idea of giving myself to another? As long as we both shall live?
Those things we model every day (whether we realize it or not) and think they are not noticing. But they are.
Yup, makes me remember I need to keep parenting with the end in mind - that the reason I insist that my six-year-old tell the truth is because some day she will be standing at an altar pledging her whole heart to a (handsome) young man (we are praying for you, wherever you are!). That we insist on kind words because some day she will have decide how to respond when her husband does something she doesn't agree with. That we keep talking with our teens about making decisions based on a biblical foundation because some day they will have to teach their own kids how to do the same thing.
Hey, and to think I get to do all that today with my comfy t-shirt and running shoes on (the dress would be fine - it's those 2 1/2 inch heels!). This should be good.
Thursday, July 29, 2010
It's like the calm before the storm.
Allie-16 and Neal-15 are at camp - the same camp we went to earlier this summer, but this week as "staffers." Our youth group sent 15 of our teens to be counselors, kids' camp leaders, cafeteria workers, and (the envy of all) rec leaders.
This, after an eight-day mission trip to El Paso, three days home, then last weekend, away again for our niece's wedding (in which Allie was the maid of honor).
Another week out of town was NOT what they envisioned when this all sounded so good on paper at the beginning of the summer. Both of them were wanting us to give them an "out" - and we did feel sorry for them. Neal-15, especially, likes and needs downtime at home.
But I am glad we stuck to our guns and made them honor their commitments (next year they may weigh them a little differently!). From the calls and texts we've gotten, God is doing good things (Allie's comment: "I wish I could do this all summer!"). Nothing like hanging around with a bunch of college kids sold-out for Christ to give the last couple of years of high school some much-needed perspective. SO much better than Mom and Dad preaching the exact.same.message, but who needs to tell them that.
So it's been a quiet week of snow cones, swimming, and enjoying the younger girls while going through their hand-me-downs.
(I would have pics, but alas, the camera is with Allie at camp...)
Several of you have asked if I am going back to my school nurse gig this fall. After wrestling with it, exploring some other options, and coming to the depressing realization that God wasn't going to give me the winning numbers to the lottery (rats!), yes, I am going back.
We are still digging out after nine months of unemployment, and I just can't find anything with such amazing hours that lets me be with my little girls during the day, and with my big kids every time they are home (including every holiday and ALL SUMMER!). So I will be back to my little clinic on August 16.
Which makes the nesting that much more feverish.
This year should be better. For one thing, I know everyone's names (it took me a while to get to know 485 kids and 50 staff members!) and I know what to expect - of myself, of the family, of the rhythm of the school year. The kids are a whole year older. We will have fewer sports activities, so that should help. And I think overall, I am just in a better frame of mind because now I know I can do this (there were some moments last year when I sincerely wondered!).
I am determined to be more organized this time around (crock pot recipes, please!). I am determined not to wallow (too much) in self-pity. I am determined to enjoy my husband and my children. And I am determined to trust God and let Him use me, even when the circumstances aren't what I would have chosen.
He is good.
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Temporary empty nesters
For the life of me, in almost 17 years of parenthood, I can't remember when this has happened.
The three big kids are wrapping up their mission trip to the border (home tomorrow!), after which I am most certain they will appreciate air conditioning, their mother's cooking, and their own beds, although from the pics I have been getting, they seem like they are managing to have their own fun. =)The younger two got invited to spend the weekend with their cousins.
So we slept in until 8:30, took our sweet time at Sam's Club and Home Depot (no one rolled their eyes when I stood admiring each and every perennial), ate out way more than we normally do (Subway and Wendy's - we are so darn cheap!), didn't tell one person to get their flip flops (tea glass, gym bag, you get the idea) out of the living room, and (get this) WE GOT TO CHURCH 15 MINUTES EARLY...
In between all that, we had these conversations about how we started the last 12 years with three kids under four, and how in the NEXT twelve we will be....empty nesters.
Is it me or is time moving more quickly than it ever used to?
Oh rats, I just miss my kids. I can't wait to hug them and cook for them and somehow try to make time slow down...glad that our empty-nestedness is a temporary one.
(But I doubt that will keep me from enjoying sleeping in tomorrow.)


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text:
Paclitaxel, Bevacizumab And Adjuvant Intraperitoneal Carboplatin in Treating Patients Who Had Initial Debulking Surgery for Stage II, Stage III, or Stage IV Ovarian Epithelial, Primary Peritoneal, or Fallopian Tube Cancer
|The safety and scientific validity of this study is the responsibility of the study sponsor and investigators. Listing a study does not mean it has been evaluated by the U.S. Federal Government. Read our disclaimer for details.
|ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT00079430
Recruitment Status : Completed
First Posted : March 10, 2004
Last Update Posted : July 22, 2019
- Study Details
- Tabular View
- No Results Posted
- Disclaimer
- How to Read a Study Record
|Condition or disease
|Brenner Tumor Fallopian Tube Cancer Ovarian Clear Cell Cystadenocarcinoma Ovarian Endometrioid Adenocarcinoma Ovarian Mixed Epithelial Carcinoma Ovarian Mucinous Cystadenocarcinoma Ovarian Serous Cystadenocarcinoma Ovarian Undifferentiated Adenocarcinoma Primary Peritoneal Cavity Cancer Stage II Ovarian Epithelial Cancer Stage III Ovarian Epithelial Cancer Stage IV Ovarian Epithelial Cancer
|Procedure: adjuvant therapy Drug: paclitaxel Drug: carboplatin Biological: bevacizumab
|Phase 1
I. Determine the maximum tolerated dose of intraperitoneal carboplatin when administered with paclitaxel during course 1, in patients with stage II-IV ovarian epithelial, primary peritoneal, or fallopian tube cancer who had initial debulking surgery.
II. Determine the feasibility of this regimen in these patients. III. Determine the feasibility of adding IV bevacizumab to this regimen in courses 2-6.
I. Determine the toxicity profile of this regimen in these patients. II. Determine the toxicity profile of paclitaxel and bevacizumab IV in combination with intraperitoneal carboplatin in these patients.
III. Determine the response rate (in patients with measurable disease who are in the expanded cohort) and progression-free survival of patients treated with this regimen.
OUTLINE: This is a multicenter, dose-escalation study of intraperitoneal carboplatin.
Patients receive paclitaxel IV over 3 hours followed by intraperitoneal carboplatin over 15 minutes on day 1 in course 1. Beginning in course 2, patients also receive bevacizumab IV over 30-90 minutes on day 1. Treatment repeats every 21 days for up to 6 courses in the absence of disease progression or unacceptable toxicity.
Cohorts of 3-6 patients receive escalating doses of carboplatin until the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) is determined. The MTD is defined as the dose preceding that at which 2 of 3 or 2 of 6 patients experience dose-limiting toxicity. Once the MTD is determined, an additional 20-40 patients are treated at that dose level.
Patients are followed every 3 months for 1 year.
|Study Type :
|Interventional (Clinical Trial)
|Actual Enrollment :
|113 participants
|Intervention Model:
|Single Group Assignment
|None (Open Label)
|Primary Purpose:
|Official Title:
|A Dose-Escalating Phase I Study With an Expanded Cohort to Assess the Feasibility of Intraperitoneal Carboplatin (NSC #214240) and Intravenous Paclitaxel (NSC # 673089) and Intravenous Paclitaxel, Intraperitoneal Carboplatin and NCI Supplied Intravenous Bevacizumab (NSC #704865) in Patients With Previously Untreated Epithelial Ovarian, Primary Peritoneal, or Fallopian Tube Carcinoma
|Study Start Date :
|June 2004
|Actual Primary Completion Date :
|May 2011
Experimental: Treatment (adjuvant, paclitaxel, carboplatin, bevacizumab)
Patients receive paclitaxel IV over 3 hours followed by intraperitoneal carboplatin over 15 minutes on day 1 in course 1. Beginning in course 2, patients also receive bevacizumab IV over 30-90 minutes on day 1. Treatment repeats every 21 days for up to 6 courses in the absence of disease progression or unacceptable toxicity.
Procedure: adjuvant therapy
Drug: paclitaxel
Given IV
Other Names:
Drug: carboplatin
Given intraperitoneally
Other Names:
Biological: bevacizumab
Given IV
Other Names:
- Maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of intraperitoneal carboplatin with intravenous paclitaxel, determined according to dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs) graded using Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events version 3.0 (CTCAE v3.0) [ Time Frame: 3 weeks ]
- Incidence of adverse events in patients given intraperitoneal carboplatin with intravenous paclitaxel at the MTD, assessed by CTCAE v3.0 [ Time Frame: 12 weeks ]
- Number of observed DLTs in patients given intraperitoneal carboplatin with intravenous paclitaxel and intravenous bevacizumab, graded using CTCAE v3.0 [ Time Frame: 6 weeks ]
- Incidence of adverse events in patients given intraperitoneal carboplatin with intravenous paclitaxel and intravenous bevacizumab, graded using CTCAE v3.0 [ Time Frame: 12 weeks ]
- Response rate (in patients with measurable disease who are in the expanded cohort) assessed by Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) [ Time Frame: Up to 1 year ]
- Progression-free survival assessed by RECIST [ Time Frame: From study entry until disease progression, death or date of last contact, up to 1 year ]
Choosing to participate in a study is an important personal decision. Talk with your doctor and family members or friends about deciding to join a study. To learn more about this study, you or your doctor may contact the study research staff using the contacts provided below. For general information, Learn About Clinical Studies.
|Ages Eligible for Study:
|18 Years and older (Adult, Older Adult)
|Sexes Eligible for Study:
|Accepts Healthy Volunteers:
Inclusion Criteria:
Histologically confirmed ovarian epithelial, primary peritoneal, or fallopian tube cancer
- Stage II-IV disease
The following histologic epithelial cell types are eligible:
- Serous adenocarcinoma
- Mucinous adenocarcinoma
- Clear cell adenocarcinoma
- Transitional cell carcinoma
- Adenocarcinoma not otherwise specified
- Endometrioid adenocarcinoma
- Undifferentiated carcinoma
- Mixed epithelial carcinoma
- Malignant Brenner's tumor
- Optimal (≤ 1 cm residual disease) OR suboptimal residual disease after initial debulking surgery (performed within the past 12 weeks)
Synchronous primary endometrial cancer OR prior history of endometrial cancer allowed provided all of the following are true:
- Stage IB disease or less
- Less than 3 mm invasion without vascular or lymphatic invasion
No poorly differentiated subtypes, including the following:
- Papillary serous
- Clear cell
- Other FIGO grade 3 lesions
- No epithelial tumors of low malignant potential (borderline tumors)
- No CNS disease, including primary brain tumor, seizures not controlled with standard medical therapy, or brain metastases by history or evidence upon physical examination within the past 6 months
- Performance status - GOG 0-2
- Absolute neutrophil count ≥ 1,500/mm^3
- Platelet count ≥ 100,000/mm^3
- PTT < 1.2 times upper limit of normal (ULN)
- No active bleeding or pathologic conditions carrying high risk of bleeding (e.g., known bleeding disorder, coagulopathy, or tumor involving major vessels)
- AST ≤ 3 times upper limit of normal (ULN)
- Alkaline phosphatase ≤ 3 times ULN
- Bilirubin ≤ 1.5 times ULN
- No acute hepatitis
- Creatinine ≤ 2.0 mg/dL
- Urine protein-creatinine ratio < 1.0 OR protein 1.0 g by 24 hour urine collection
- Cardiac conduction abnormalities (e.g., bundle branch block or heart block) allowed provided the patient's cardiac status has been stable for ≥ 6 months before study entry
No clinically significant cardiovascular disease, including any of the following:
- Uncontrolled hypertension, defined as systolic BP > 150 mm Hg or diastolic BP > 90 mm Hg
- Myocardial infarction or unstable angina within the past 6 months
- New York Heart Association class II-IV congestive heart failure
- Serious cardiac arrhythmia requiring medication
- Peripheral vascular disease ≥ CTCAE grade 2 (at least brief (< 24 hrs) episodes of ischemia managed non-surgically and without permanent deficit)
- No history of cerebrovascular accident (CVA, stroke), transient ischemic attack (TIA) or subarachnoid hemorrhage within the past 6 months
- Not pregnant or nursing
- Fertile patients must use effective contraception during and for ≥ 6 months after completion of bevacizumab therapy
- No neuropathy (sensory and motor) > grade 1
- No active infection requiring antibiotics
- No circumstances that would preclude study participation
- No known hypersensitivity to Chinese hamster ovary cell products or other recombinant human or humanized antibodies
- No history of allergic reaction to polysorbate 80 (e.g., etoposide, vitamin E)
- No other invasive malignancies within the past 5 years except non-melanoma skin cancer or localized breast cancer
- No serious, non-healing wound, ulcer, or bone fracture
- No significant traumatic injury within 28 days prior to bevacizumab therapy
No prior history of abdominal fistula or gastrointestinal perforation within the past 3-6 months
- Granulating incisions healing by secondary intention with no evidence of fascial dehiscence or infection allowed but require weekly wound examinations
- No clinical symptoms or signs of gastrointestinal obstruction requiring parenteral hydration and/or nutrition
- At least 28 days since intra-abdominal abscess and recovered
At least 3 years since prior adjuvant chemotherapy for localized breast cancer
- Patients must remain free of recurrent or metastatic disease
At least 3 years since prior radiotherapy for localized cancer of the breast, head and neck, or skin
- Patient must remain free of recurrent or metastatic disease
- No prior radiotherapy to any portion of the abdominal cavity or pelvis
- No concurrent amifostine or other protective agents
- No concurrent major surgical procedure or open biopsy or within 28 days prior to bevacizumab therapy
- No core biopsy within 7 days prior to bevacizumab therapy
- No prior therapy for this malignancy
- No prior cancer treatment that contraindicates study therapy
- No prior anti-VEGF drug, including bevacizumab
To learn more about this study, you or your doctor may contact the study research staff using the contact information provided by the sponsor.
Please refer to this study by its ClinicalTrials.gov identifier (NCT number): NCT00079430
|Principal Investigator:
|Mark Morgan
|Gynecologic Oncology Group
|Responsible Party:
|National Cancer Institute (NCI)
|ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier:
|Other Study ID Numbers:
NCI-2009-00620 ( Registry Identifier: CTRP (Clinical Trial Reporting Program) )
GOG-9917 ( Other Identifier: Gynecologic Oncology Group )
GOG-9917 ( Other Identifier: CTEP )
U10CA027469 ( U.S. NIH Grant/Contract )
|First Posted:
|March 10, 2004 Key Record Dates
|Last Update Posted:
|July 22, 2019
|Last Verified:
|July 2019
Carcinoma, Ovarian Epithelial
Fallopian Tube Neoplasms
Carcinoma, Endometrioid
Cystadenocarcinoma, Serous
Cystadenocarcinoma, Mucinous
Brenner Tumor
Neoplasms, Glandular and Epithelial
Neoplasms by Histologic Type
Ovarian Neoplasms
Endocrine Gland Neoplasms
Neoplasms by Site
Ovarian Diseases
Adnexal Diseases
Genital Neoplasms, Female
Urogenital Neoplasms
Endocrine System Diseases
Gonadal Disorders
Fallopian Tube Diseases
Neoplasms, Cystic, Mucinous, and Serous
Endometrial Neoplasms
Uterine Neoplasms
Neoplasms, Fibroepithelial
Neoplasms, Fibrous Tissue
Neoplasms, Connective Tissue
Neoplasms, Connective and Soft Tissue


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Last Year's 2009 Detroit International Auto Show was summed up my most as "disappointing as the city it's held in". I was not planning on attending the 2010 Detroit International Auto Show, until late November I heard there will be a new attraction at the 2010 Auto show. This new attraction was labeled the "Electric Avenue", several automakers would proudly show off their new advanced Fully electric vehicles, and some new highly efficient Hybrids. Along with the larger automakers, small teams competing in the new "X prize" attended to show what they have accomplished on the road to energy independence.
Immediately after walking in the front gate was the ever impressive Tesla Roadster, along side was the super advanced and affordable Model S. They Had a very Impressive display this year with 2 roadsters, one model S, their drive train, battery and speed controller on display. They had several representatives there ready to answer your questions. The famous "Roadster 750" was there, still dirty from the drive across country to show how viable and usable electric vehicles truly are.
Tesla did a great job proving how simple electric drive trains really are, they displayed their one speed, direct drive, 215 Killowatt, 295 ft/lbs torque electric drive train right across from the Mercedes new Bluetec Diesel drive train, the pictures do the justice. This just shows how incredibly simple electric drive trains can be, and how few moving parts there are to wear out, and without running a dirty carbon based fuel which will inevitably coat the inside of the engine in hard to remove, and damaging carbon deposits.
-Thats it, Tesla's motor and a gear reduction! there is only about a dozen moving parts, and 2 qts of lubricant oil.
-The super complicated Mercedes Bluetec Turbo-Diesel, mated to a 7-speed automatic transmission. These 6 cylinder engines have an average of 200+ moving parts. several gallons of coolant, 8.5 qts motor oil and 9 qts of transmission fluid.
The very impressive Audi E-tron has not been getting the attention it deserves, The majority of people in the Audi display were starring at this beautiful E-tron. Not only is it aesthetically appealing, but the performance is not lacking either. Audi being the never disappointing automaker they are, they kept the quattro all wheel drive by utilizing four motors, one at each wheel. With four motors and lots of battery space the E-tron has 313HP and 3,319 ft/lbs of torque (that is not a typo 3,319) I will give you a minute to retract your jaw from the floor.
The quattro system uses four motors and the use of a "Torque vectoring system" which gives the Audi un-dreamed levels of agility and handling, un-matched to those of gasoline powered sports cars. The car may not be in everyone's price range quite yet, at a stunning $200,000 it may be a while until I own one.
Perhaps not as stunning as the E-tron, the Mini-e has a promising future as an electric vehicle. With its small size, exceptional handling, and all around good looks this EV will has a plentiful market. It is powered by 150 kW (204 hp) electric motor and has a range of 156 miles/charge, this Mini will prove to be a great urban car for city dwellers that value a small parking spot, but usable trunk space. Although no price has been announced yet, there are leases that will be available very soon.
Michelin, an unexpected exhibitor at the Auto show had a very impressive display showing there partnership with electric vehicle manufactures to produce Motor-in-wheel technology and specifically designed electric vehicle tires. The Motor-in-wheel designs were state of the art to help reduce un-sprung weight and improve efficiency in every way. There exterior mounted disc brakes are based of existing technology making servicing simple.
Their electric vehicle tires were specifically designed to help grip even under high torque situations that electric power can easily supply. They are improving the tires rolling resistance to give the EV the efficiency it is supposed to achieve. Michelin is most defiantly on the cutting edge of Electric vehicle technology, and has a promising future.
Some of the "X-prize" electric competition vehicles attended the auto show to show off their feats of engineering, Everything from modified shelby kit cars, 3 wheel inverted trikes, and cars that look like they belonged in a sci-fi movie. They all brought something different to the show, either speed, endurance, or comfort, But they all came dressed to impress. Mostly built by teams to pursue a ten million dollar prize, but to win they must be put through, and pass many rigorous tests.
Now for the odd duck, they refer to it as the Tango, others may call it a porta-potty with wheels, but we can all agree that it got a lot of attention at the show. The Tango's unusual shape allows it to "lane split" where it is allowed too, like in California. This means you can drive between the stopped or slow moving traffic. I know what you are thinking, this thing looks tipsy, but it uses all its batteries as ballast which is mounted literally between the wheels to give a very low center of gravity. The acceleration is amazingly fast with two dc motors powering the rear wheels it achieves 0-60 in 4 seconds and a top speed of 130mph, if you dare to go that fast in something narrower then most coffins. On top of this the Tango can park just about anywhere, and carry a passenger, well a small passenger. This all sounds stupendous, but with a price tag of $108,000 many people will opt to purchase a Tesla Roadster, or two Model S's. Its not that I do not like the idea of the Tango, in fact for urban areas I could see this as a viable transportation option. Tango, you dared to do something different, to that alone, nice work!
The ever popular BMW appeared on the scene with an electric version of their hot new M1 labeled the "ActiveE", its slick looks and exquisite engineering will defiantly prove to be a capable electric vehicle of the future. For now there are few specs available other then its 100 mile range, BMW hopes to improve this greatly before the ActiveE goes to the market.
With GM teetering on the edge of complete collapse, they hope to gain new market shares and new investors with their Chevy Volt. This Series hybrid uses only battery power for a mere 40 mile range before the Gasoline engine kicks on to only act at a generator and start re-charging the battery pack. The Volt has comfortable seating for four and aesthetically looks fairly nice. The disappointing areas of this car is that you must now maintain both a Gasoline engine and a electric drive system, this type of setup requires many complex computer controlled systems, and is similar to blending an automobile and an airplane, it doubles the systems and becomes a over complicated mess that nobody can repair or diagnose.
Unfortunately GM failed to see this, and has produced an expensive to purchase, expensive to operate, and expensive to service vehicle that still requires gasoline. Because of these reasons alone there is nothing on this car will save energy, nor is it "green" it still requires gasoline to operate past 40 miles, and that's if you are not using the A/C or heat!
This car was inherently a failure from the drawing board, unfortunately GM cannot see what the public wants. GM should admit they screwed up in the past with ending their EV-1. Hopefully GM will eventually pull their heads out of their rear, and build something that is simple and something the public will be impressed with.
It is disappointing to see that GM had the technology to develop a 75 mile per charge EV1 over 17 years ago, and that was with simple lead acid batteries! If GM would have stuck with the EV1 their technology would have advanced to a level that could supply hundreds of miles per charge. But no, for some un-known reason GM felt the need to crush the existing cars, and stop the project in its tracks. This new Chevy Volt is a sorry excuse for what they could have achieved otherwise.
The 2010 Detroit auto show had some new exciting vehicles and prototype's there, The electric cars were there in force from many manufactures and will hopefully continue to grow in the oncoming years. The days of owning an affordable electric car will be upon us soon, and driving to work may soon cost less then the change in your pocket.


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Legal Advice LOPD
We inform users that once they have registered, they have at all times the right to access the file where their data is stored, and may exercise the right to rectify, cancel and oppose contained in Organic Law 15/1999 of 13th December, on the Protection of Personal Data. Likewise they have the right to revoke consent for the cession and treatment of their personal data.
SPRING HOTELES undertakes to fulfil regulations on the treatment of personal data, specifically Organic Law 15/1999 on the Protection of Personal Data (hereafter OLPPD) and Royal Decree 994/1999, developed by said law. SPRING HOTELES will treat its clients' data in an automated fashion and guarantees that the files where the information is stored are their full responsibility and are duly declared in the General Registry of the Data Protection Agency (https://www.agpd.es/index.php)
SPRING HOTELES informs its clients that they can exercise their right to access, rectify, cancel or oppose data, by writing to the person responsible for data treatment and the holder of the files where their personal data is stored:
Avda. Antonio Domínguez Alfonso, 8
38660 Playa de las Américas
Tenerife - Islas Canarias - España / Spain
SPRING HOTELES informs that with the application for registration in the SPRING CLUB CARD programme your personal data will be treated by SPRING HOTELES, and treatment and cession of it will be authorised for the purposes of the programm. For this reason SPRING HOTELES has created – at all times in fulfilment with current regulations – a personal data file with the appropriate measures to ensure the confidential treatment of data. Once again we remind you that you can exercise your right to access, rectify, cancel and oppose the data at the above address.
On completing the services and reservations form, the title holder authorises SPRING HOTELES to use and subject the personal data supplied to automated treatment with the aim of proceeding to the reservation requested and/or manage SPRING HOTELES commercial products and/or services.
We inform clients making a reservation that their personal data will be ceded to the destination hotel, with the aim of processing the reservation and guaranteeing execution of it.
On completing the employment application form, the title holder accepts and authorises the automated treatment of the personal data supplied to our Human Resources selection database. SPRING HOTELES informs the title holder that he or she may exercise his or her right to access, rectify, cancel and oppose the data, by writing to the person responsible for the treatment of personal data:
Avda. Antonio Domínguez Alfonso, 8
38660 Playa de las Américas
Tenerife - Islas Canarias - España / Spain
If you have requested us to do so, we will send information on our accommodation offers and SPRING HOTELES group news to your e-mail address unless you do not wish to receive it. If this is the case you simply have to ask for the service to be revoked by informing: firstname.lastname@example.com
SPRING HOTELES guarantees the confidentiality of your personal data, and the use of the security measures established in Spanish regulations on data protection regarding third parties, although it will reveal the personal data it has to applicable Public Authorities, in all cases on receiving official summons in accordance with the Law. In all cases, the title holders of the data have the right to access, rectify, cancel and oppose it, and to revoke their consent to treatment and cession of their data, as is laid down in Organic Law 15/1999 of 13th December on the Protection of Personal Data.
These general conditions are subject to the provisions of Law 7/1998 of 13th April on General Contracting Conditions, to Law 26/1984, of 19th July, General Law for the Defence of Consumers and Users, to Law 7/1996, of 15th January, on Retail Commerce Regulations, to Royal Decree 1906/1999, of 17th December, regulating Telephonic or Electronic Contracting with general conditions, Organic Law 15/1999 on the Protection of Personal Data, Royal Decree 994/1999, of 11th June, which develops said organic law, and Law 34/2002, of 11th July, on Services of the Information Society and Electronic Commerce and in a subsidiary fashion to the Civil Law and Commerce Law.
Any notifications, summons, petitions and other communications to be executed by the parties in relation to these general conditions must be made in writing and it will be understood that they have been duly executed when they have been delivered by hand or sent by ordinary post to the other party's domicile or e-mail address.
If one or several of the clauses included in the general conditions or the conditions of use were to be declared totally or partially null and void or ineffective, this will only affect said provision or the part which has been declared void, and the general conditions or conditions of use will subsist in all the others, with said provision, or the affected part of it being understood as not posted.
Tourist Brokerage
Under the brand Spring Hotels do not organize or sell package holidays. If these claims may be submitted at the following address and opening hours from 10am to 14pm or contact via email.
Identification Code: I-0003007.1
Avda. Antonio Domínguez Alfonso 8. cp38660
Playa de las Américas (Arona). Tenerife
Spring Hoteles
Arona Gran Hotel, Avda. Juan Carlos I
Paso Las Calarredes, s/n
38650 Los Cristianos, Arona
Tenerife - Islas Canarias - España / Spain
Departamento de Reservas / Reserv. Department
+34 922 795 778 / 922 795 158 / 922 796 336 Fax: +34 922 791 686
Dirección Comercial / Sales Department
+34 922 787 753 - Fax: +34 922 791 686
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+34 922 787 743
Arona Gran Hotel
Avda. Juan Carlos I, 38. 38650 Arona. Tenerife, España
T: +34 922 750 678 F: +34 922 750 243 E: email@example.com
Hotel Bitácora
California, 1. 38660 Playa de las Américas. Tenerife, España
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Hotel Vulcano
Antonio Domínguez Alfonso, 8. 38660 Playa de las Américas. Tenerife, Spain
T: +34 922 787 740 F: +34 922 792 853 E: email@example.com


text:
I am not using Google Reader anymore and I would like to remove my shared items page found at
I read this question How do I remove all shared items from Google Reader?
But, if I find my shared post and click on "Share" I just get the "Share to Google+" dialog and not unshare functionality.
My goal is to remove the page with shared items and any of the following will do:
- unshare one by one
- delete the page all together
- delete the Reader account


text:
getting back in the pool while expecting
by, September 20th, 2013 at 01:16 PM (2334 Views)
So last week my husband and I got back in the pool after taking the summer off to spend time at the beach with our daughter, she is obsessed with the ocean and boogie boarding with her dad even though she is only 2 lol. I am currently 12 wks 5 days pregnant with our second one (exciting), and I also plan that to be our last if everything goes well, so staying in somewhat good shape is exciting because I know that its not all for nothing in the future. These past four practices I have to stop when I get tired and basically take it down a whole notch. I did not swim through the pregnancy with my first child, so not really sure how it will go. While I do get out of breath much easier than normal and have to make stops, yesterdays Masters practice didn't go too bad. I did a 400 free warmup (with like 2 stops) then 8x 50 (free drill/back drill) on 1.00 and then 3 x (200 free, 100 IM and 4x 25s fly sprint) ( I didn't do any of this set on any real interval just got enough rest.) Its great to be back in!!


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None of them exist.
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Art On The Cheap - Again~
Photo from 320 Sycamore
Well, these have both been sitting in my idea files for a long time. Since a girl can NEVER have enough nests... I finally got the bug to put one of these beauties together this last week. Here's my version...
I had a shadow box frame lying around just begging to be used, so I found some scrapbook paper that lends itself well to the color scheme in my master, and then just hot glued the sweet little nest and eggs right on! Project total: less than $3!
Edited to add: I have had a lot of people asking, so ....I purchased both the little eggs and the nest at Michael's Craft.
Now go get your nest on!!!
Have a great Wednesday~


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Friday 26 April
Fidel's House Party
We throw the hottest parties on Kings Road every Friday night and you're invited! Dance to latest house tunes and club classics with renowned DJ Danny Dove all night long!
Reserve a VIP Table for discounted entry, queue jump and bottle service - book in advance to receive a special treat for your party!
Enjoy two for one cocktails from 10-11pm and discounted entry before 11pm for those on the guest list - BOOK NOW!
We now accept FLOC as a legally recognised digital ID app. Download and set up your account now >> https://810s.app.link/Embargo
An over 21's event - ID required -no sneakers/trainers/sportswear


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Snow continues to fall in the area; MoDOT advises don't travel.
The Missouri Department of Transportation advised against traveling area roadways this morning because of a continuing snowstorm.
But if you have to travel, MoDOT spokeswoman Lori Marble offered the following advice: Take it easy.
"We have a new motto this year that goes 'Ice and snow, take it slow,' " she said. "We're asking people to give themselves a little bit of extra time, and carry a cell phone with them in case they do become stranded. Take some water, take some clothing and blankets and take a cell phone."
Marble said maintenance crews have been out since about midnight last night, evaluating and salting roads as the storm system moved in. These crews will work continuously throughout the storm in 12-hour shifts to ensure roads are safe.
Additionally, customer service personnel are also working round-the-clock to answer questions about road conditions. For questions about area highway conditions, please call 1-888-275-6636 or go to www.modot.org and click on the MoDOT traveler information map.
At mid-morning, most roadways in the Neosho area were snow-covered, MoDOT reported.
The National Weather Service in Springfield advises that a winter storm warning remains in effect until midnight tonight. Snow spread quickly over Southeast Kansas and Southwest Missouri this morning, and was expected to increase in intensity. Snowfall rates of an inch an hour were predicted, with the heaviest accumulation to be along and southeast of Interstate 44.
"Travel conditions will become hazardous with some blowing and drifting of snow possible along with reduced visibilities," an update posted on the weather service's Web site, www.crh.noaa.gov/sgf/.
The snow was expected to continue into the afternoon and early evening hours and end late tonight. Total accumulations of up to eight inches are expected. Winds were expected to switch to the north and become gusty, creating blowing and drifting snow.
"This will limit visibilities during the heavy snow to under a half mile, making for treacherous driving conditions, especially during the afternoon and evening commute," the weather service warned. "If travel is necessary, consider taking a winter storm kit along with you. This kit should contain such items as tire chains, booster cables, a flashlight, shovel, blankets and extra clothing, and anything else that would help you survive in case you become stranded."
Neosho Daily News


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Tap Busters: Galaxy Heroes for MSI Primo 73
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How to download free Tap Busters: Galaxy Heroes for MSI Primo 73
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- Android 9.0
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- Android 4.2
- Android 4.1
- Android 4.0
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To find Android version: go to "Settings" - "About the phone" - "Android version"
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Follow the link to Google Play and click "install"
MSI Primo 73
Enter link in your mobile browser or scan the QR-code
Guides: «How to create a Google Play account», «How to purchase apps in Google Play»
Questions and support
Read the review Tap Busters: Galaxy Heroes
«Become the ultimate tap hero»
Author: Brandon Girod 26 Feb 2018
Incredibly unique art style, fun and varied gameplay with weapons and environments
Slow progression
In most cases, you can swap out the words clicker and idle game and be perfectly safe talking about the same type of game. But every now and then, a game will come along in the clicker genre that will bend the genre a bit. That's exactly the case whe...


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Last year, Sony Ericsson was criticized heavily for releasing a sub-par high-end Android phone, the X10. To add to their woes, the company took ages to update the handset to Android 2.1 Éclair, and decided not to upgrade the handset to Android 2.2 FroYo. For developers, the locked boot loader on SE's handsets made things tough for them.
However, since the beginning of this year the company has changed for good. The 2011 range of Xperia handsets have decent specs, and most important ran the latest version of Android Gingerbread. The company has also been providing timely software updates to its Xperia handsets, with every new software update adding new features. The company also released a boot loader unlocking tool for its handsets, and wrote a guide on how to build a Linux kernel, showing their support to the developers and their work.
Today, in a bid to support help the developers more, the company has decided to assist the FreeXperiagroup of developers. The FreeXperia' group of developers have played a major role in bringing CyanogenMod 7 to all Xperia handsets. However, the CM7 ROM for all Xperia handsets have one major issue the camera does not work properly. This is because Sony uses some proprietary drivers for their camera module, making things tough for developers to reverse engineer them.
Now, Sony Ericsson has decided to help the FreeXperia' team of developers on many issues, including the camera, where they will be providing debugged and rebuilt library binaries to them. SE will also be supporting the devs. by providing them with approximately 20 devices.
Earlier this year, Samsung also supported the Team Hacksung' developers by providing them with a Samsung Galaxy S II. However, while the developers have been successful in porting CM7 to the device, there are still some major issues to be resolved, including Bluetooth audio (A2DP). Hopefully, Samsung will learn something from Sony Ericsson and help the Team Hacksung developers with the Bluetooth Audio issue.


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MBDA Achieved Record Performance in 2010
In FY 2010, MBDA experienced the most productive year in the history of the Agency. MBDA created 6,397 new jobs across the nation and saved tens of thousands of existing jobs by helping minority-owned and operated businesses obtain 964 contracts, totaling $1.688 billion, and 522 financial awards, totaling $2.264 billion.
This represents a 51% increase in new jobs created and a 34% increase in contracts and capital to minority-owned firms over 2009 levels. MBDA also increased Return on Investment (ROI) to 125x, up from 102x in 2009 and from 70x at the end of the prior administration. This speaks to the increased operating efficiency of the Agency during this Administration.
During the first two years of the Obama Administration, MBDA created nearly 11,000 new jobs and helped save tens of thousands of existing jobs by assisting minority-owned and operated firms in obtaining nearly $7 billion in contracts and capital. This represents an annual performance increase of 11% in new jobs created and an 86% increase in contracts and capital obtained over the prior administration, all during the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression.
MBDA Engaged in Substantial Collaboration with the White House and Federal Agencies
MBDA collaborated with the White House, U.S. Department of Commerce agencies and other government entities in support of minority-owned businesses. These critically important activities are outlined below:
Interagency Task Force on Federal Contracting Opportunities for Small Businesses
MBDA represented the Department of Commerce as co-chair of the White House Interagency Taskforce on Small and Minority Business Contracting. This taskforce is a government-wide effort to assist Federal agencies in reaching their small business contracting goal of 23%, while expanding minority business contracting opportunities. The activities of the Taskforce will strengthen existing Federal Acquisition Regulations, training for Contracting Officers and the flow of information about procurement opportunities in support of minority-owned businesses.
National Export Initiative
MBDA focused on assisting minority-owned firms increase their export activity in support of the President's National Export Initiative. In addition, the Agency continued to build the infrastructure to institutionalize export support efforts, while pivoting the focus toward maximizing the competitive advantage of minority-owned firms in the global marketplace.
MBDA heavily promoted Department of Commerce secretarial level trade missions. In addition, the Agency established strategic partnerships with the International Trade Administration (ITA), the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC), Export-Import Bank and the U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA).
Deepwater Horizon Initiative on the BP/Gulf Coast Oil Spill
In 2010, MBDA played a critical role in supporting minority-owned businesses in the gulf coast region, adversely affected by the BP/ Gulf Coast Oil Spill, the worst oil spill in the history of our nation. MBDA provided business rebuilding assistance to local Vietnamese, Cambodian, Hispanic, and African-American fishermen, shrimpers and oyster farmers. MBDA Business Centers located in the Gulf Coast region (Alabama, Louisiana and Mississippi) successfully hosted multiple town hall listening sessions, engaged various chambers of commerce, trade associations and community leaders to ensure that affected communities were assisted in all aspects of their recovery.
Commerce Department's Task Force on China
MBDA played an important role in the Commerce Department's efforts to engage the People's Republic of China through involvement with the Commerce Department Taskforce on China. MBDA participated in two trade missions to China, one in 2010 and one in 2009, supporting government efforts to increase trade between minority-owned businesses and this very important trading partner.
CommerceConnect is a U.S. Department of Commerce initiative launched by Secretary Gary Locke in October 2009 to make businesses more competitive by bringing all of the Commerce Department's services together on one platform. MBDA has aggressively supported this initiative from inception by providing senior staff members to assist with the development, structuring and program rollout.
Throughout 2010, MBDA aggressively supported CommerceConnect's mission from a sole pilot location outside Detroit, through its expansion into a network of centers located around the United States.
Commerce Department's Initiative on Haiti Reconstruction
Since the first moments of the devastating earthquake in Haiti in January 2010, MBDA has assisted the Obama Administration in Haitian relief efforts by reaching out to the Haitian Diaspora and other minority businesses that could assist with medium to long term reconstruction. As a part of this effort, MBDA joined a trade mission to Haiti and the Dominican Republic to support the creation of relationships between Haitian and American businesses.
In addition, MBDA developed a leading-edge strategy, which was presented to the U.S. Department of State. This innovative strategy was designed to support the rebuilding of the Haitian small and medium-sized business community while creating new jobs.
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act
Since its inception, MBDA has played an integral role in supporting minority-owed firms in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) efforts. These efforts include redirecting over $900,000 in program funding in 2009 to support ARRA efforts on state and local levels. ARRA efforts also included working with key representatives at the federal, state and local government levels to ensure minority businesses receive their fair and equitable share of ARRA contract opportunities.
MBDA continued to support ARRA-related contracting and financing opportunities in 2010 as ARRA activities wound down. MBDA led or participated in 112 of the total 300 federally sponsored ARRA-related events and helped facilitate $150 million in additional ARRA-related contracts for minority-owned firms at the state and local level.
Posted at 4:01 AM


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Blake Shelton Admits Why He Continues To Judge 'The Voice'
By Lauryn Snapp
November 7, 2018
Blake Shelton has been a staple cast member for all 15 seasons of NBC's 'The Voice,' and really enjoys the view from his coaching chair.
"I Lived It" singer credits the show with revitalizing his love for the music industry.
"I've been doing this for a long time, and I still love to make records and perform, but I've got to say that I get such a rush out of working with these artists that audition for 'The Voice' and make it onto the show. Being a coach on 'The Voice' has really kind of revitalized my excitement for this business again," shared Blake on NBC.
Nothing can be more deadening to an artist than finding themselves in a creative rut, and Shelton continues to lean on the experiences seen on 'The Voice' stage to keep him grounded.
2019 for Blake is looking promising and fans are eager to see him back on the road. Recently, Blake has announced a new tour that will be kicking off in February. The "Boys Round Here" singer is bringing his celebrity friends and heroes to cities across the nation. The Bellamy Brothers, John Anderson, Trace Adkins, and Lauren Alaina are hitting the road on his 'Friends and Heroes Tour.'
RELATED: Blake Shelton Reveals Who His Friends Are.
Photo Credit: Getty Images.


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Finding the Pinnacle of the Temple
On Monday, I recounted a study of Psalm 91 I did with my family last week. During his temptation of Jesus, the devil quoted Psalm 91:11-12, so we also looked at the account of the temptation in Luke 4. There we discovered that the devil was using these verses to tempt Jesus to throw himself down from the "pinnacle of the temple."
Have you ever wondered what the "pinnacle of the temple" is? Here's how to stop wondering and find out: simply select the phrase "pinnacle of the temple," then choose PhotoGuide from the English Tools menu of the Resource palette. (I'm assuming, of course, that you have the PhotoGuide, because, well, why wouldn't you?)
As I explained in a recent post, the value of the PhotoGuide is not just in its vast collection of photos, but in the detailed historical and geographical information it contains. If you want to know something about Jerusalem in general or the temple mount in particular, the PhotoGuide is one of the first places you should turn. Here we can see photos of the southeast corner of the temple mount, which is its highest point above ground level. We also see the model of what that location would have looked like in Jesus' day. The caption also discusses another possible identification of the "pinnacle" and points to another figure in that same article.
If you don't own the PhotoGuide, you could choose any other resource in your Accordance library, or even choose to search all your tools at once. To do the latter, simply select the phrase "pinnacle of the temple," then choose [All Tools] from the Search menu of the Resource palette. A Search All window will open displaying every occurrence of the phrase "pinnacle of the temple" in your entire Accordance library.
Now, it's certainly nice to be able to do such a broad search so quickly, but this particular example shows how problematic such searches can be. Browse the results, and you'll see that no Bible dictionary has an article on the pinnacle of the temple. Instead, almost all of the results come from the body text of articles focused on other things, such as the martyrdom of James or the account of Jesus' temptation. Click to read those articles and you'll find interesting information, but not much of it is focused on describing the pinnacle itself.
That's the challenge of library-wide searches: you get the results quickly, but then have to wade through them looking for the proverbial needle in the haystack. It doesn't take long for your Bible study to become bogged down looking for the answer to a simple question like "What is the pinnacle of the temple?"
In this way, it ends up being far more efficient to consult a resource like the PhotoGuide which specializes in illustrating such historical details. Remember to consult it, and you can usually find your answer quickly and get back to your passage of study.


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Seasons in B.A. are exactly opposite of those in North America: Summer in B.A. is December-February and winter is June-August. In recent years, however, late August and September have been unseasonably warm and pleasant, too.
The climate seems increasingly to be melding into one long warm-to-hot season and one shorter cool-to-cold season. Buenos Aires summers are hot (averaging 82 F/28 C) and can be oppressively humid, though once in a while there might be a cool evening. Winters are mild (averaging 40 F/5 C), but there can be at least a couple of very cold and wet weeks. Rain can occur any time of the year, often as thunderstorms.
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Thank you Victoria for a look into your symbolic Passover seder! A family holiday is even more special when heirlooms from our grandmothers are used on the table. Extra touches like smoke (you HAVE to tell Jewish Hostess readers how you DID that! You must have picked that up at science fair!) and frogs must have really added to the authenticity of how it felt for our ancestors leaving Egypt. Your table looks beautiful! Marlene
"Hi Marlene, The cut crystal decanter is my husband's great grandmother's Passover wine decanter (hand carried from Ukraine). The smoke is for the death of the firstborn plague. Notice there are frogs all over the the matzo cover. Victoria Arnold"
Related articles
- Sarah's Passover Seder- How to Make Your Table Look Like a Million! (thejewishhostess.com)
- Susan's Modern Glass and Floral Passover Seder Plate (thejewishhostess.com)
- Simply the Best Passover Pancakes (thejewishhostess.com)


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When it comes to handling his starting pitching assignments, it has been anything but an open-and-shut case for Jays manager Charlie Montoyo of late.
For example, when T.J. Zeuch made his big-league debut last week in Atlanta, the rookie right-hander followed "opener" Wilmer Font to ease his way into action against the powerful Braves lineup. That was the theory, anyway.
For his second appearance, here Tuesday night against the Red Sox, Zeuch was in action from a rather unfortunate first pitch of the game, which was hit out by Boston leadoff hitter Mookie Betts.
So why the change in strategy by his manager?
Against the Braves, Montoyo was trying to spare the rookie an early trip to the plate and was hoping Font would get through a couple of innings. It didn't work out that way as the opener struggled, but that was the plan.
With no worry of a plate appearance against the Red Sox Montoyo switched it up — for a night, anyway.
"I think it's easier with an opener," Montoyo said, speaking of the challenge faced by young pitchers. "I mean, it depends on who you are facing. If you don't have to face (a strong top of the order) it's a lot easier."
When Zeuch made the start on Tuesday — allowing three hits in the first inning, including the Betts homer — he became the Blue Jays' 20th different starting pitcher this season.
How hefty is that total? It's tied for the second-most in MLB history and the most since any team since 1960. The only team with more was the 1915 Philadelphia Athletics, who used 24.
While there's no asterisk here, there probably should be, given the whole opener plague. Relievers such as Font, Buddy Boshers, Daniel Hudson, and Derek Law have all made "starts" this season.
"Who's counting?" Montoyo said with a chuckle when asked about the starting contingent.
Rookie reliever Elvis Luciano returned to the Rogers Centre mound on Tuesday and pitched a simulated game hours before first pitch vs. the Red Sox.
Out for 77 games because of an elbow strain, Montoyo said that the 19-year-old Rule 5 pickup should be activated within the next couple of days. Under Rule 5 guidelines, Luciano needs 18 more days on the active roster for the Jays to hit the 90-day minimum. That means he has to be activated by Thursday.
Also nearing a return is catcher Luke Maile, who has been out with an oblique strain since July 24, missing 41 games. Expect him back next week when the Jays hit the road for the final time this season.
— Vlad Guerrero Jr. entered play Tuesday with 61 RBI, the second-most among AL rookies this season and the fifth-most by a Jays rookie in franchise history. Guerrero leads AL rookies in hits (111) and doubles (24.)
— Gloomy note heading into this penultimate home stand of the 2019 schedule: The Jays have hit an MLB-low .226 at home.
— The Red Sox certainly enjoy their cross-border stompings, winning their eight previous series here, including a 19-6 Rogers Centre record since 2017.
— In another development with the Jays, catcher Beau Taylor was claimed off waivers by the Oakland Athletics.
Copyright Postmedia Network Inc., 2019


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Featured Post
Is the new professionalism and ACP's new ethics really just about following guidelines?
The Charter ( Medical Professionalism in the New Millennium.A Physician's Charter) did not deal with just the important relationship of ...
Saturday, May 07, 2005
More thoughts on Older doctor bashing,
The editorial in the Annals accepted the article at face value-even though as Poses, Medical Metamusings and Alper point out the study had serious methodological problems-and used the article to claim that "quality improvement interventions" were needed.The editorialists, at least some of whom are members of the American Board of Internal Medicine, used the article to bolster their campaign for recertification giving the perception that their friendly acceptance of the flawed article might be self-serving.,
I bring this issue up again though it has been well blogged already to be able to quote a great insight Dr. Alper wrote in his column.
"...most of guideline surveillance should be automated.It is the subtleties of diagnosis and treatment and the establishment of a therapeutic relationship with the patient that cannot so readily automated.Everything is important but the notion of placing global responsibility on the primary physician's shoulders make sense only to those who seek to be their superiors.
Dr. Alpers also says in regard to recertification and other control measures "The absence of proof that uniform central planning in medicine will achieve the goals desired by its proponents (and may even be counterproductive) adds to my discomfort"
Not only is there absence of proof there is much proof demonstrating how badly central planning in general works.But,at least for some of the people who advocate it it is not about proof it is about power and control.
2 comments:
- Anonymous said...
Would just like to note the correct link to Poses' critique.
- Unknown said...
I wouldn't characterize is as "older doctor bashing." As a younger physician who works closely with many older physicians, I think it would be more accurate to say that each generation has their own particular strengths, and the article (as I read it) seeked to highlight one of the weaknesses of the older generation -- they do not always follow the "standard of care." There are many reasons for this, including perhaps lack of time, energy, familiarity with the internet and other electronic forms of CME, and being under the significant disadvantage of not being recently trained. However, the older physicians have an enormous advantage compared to the younger physicians in maturity, perspective, and experience, which the article did not account for. Each generation has a lot to teach the other. I would agree that stronger guidelines for CME and recertification would be a possible solution to ensure that older physicians practice the current standard of care.


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"Commercial Christmas" starts too early, our consideration of the meaning of Christmas begins too late and our celebration of Christmas ends far too soon.
Some may question a Christmas column so early in December. I am of the opinion that our preparation for the "commercial Christmas" starts too early, our consideration of the meaning of Christmas begins too late and our celebration of Christmas ends far too soon.
As Christians around the world attempt to resist the onslaught of commercialized Christmas, I offer two gifts, to receive and to share, that might deepen the consideration of Christmas in the days ahead and extend the celebration of Christmas beyond noon on Dec. 25.
As with other faith traditions, Christian holidays (holy days) are centered on family and friends, neighbors and loved ones, and above all, the magic of children.
Christians unite in their celebration of the Savior Jesus Christ through music, word and prayer. There are Biblical accounts of the reality of the Christ-child being born in Bethlehem. Reflections on his holy life and ministry lead, ultimately, to Christ's infinite, yet individually applied, atoning sacrifice. Declarations of saints and angels down through the ages bear record of his mercy and divinity.
At Christmas time I turn to a favorite quote from President Howard W. Hunter, 14th president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, who declared, "We should live our lives with ever more attention to the life of our Savior Jesus Christ." He then challenged, "We must know him better than we know him; we must remember him more often than we remember him." And I would add that we must serve him more valiantly than we serve him so that those around us and those we love can come unto him.
The two Christmas offerings that we should both receive and share to consider Christmas early, celebrate Christmas longer and fulfill President Hunter's challenge are: first, the gift of Christ-like compassion and second, the blessing of believing.
The gift of compassion
Many years ago I boarded a very small plane on a flight from Palm Springs to Salt Lake City and took my seat in the exit row. Many on board were chatting about their relaxing weekend, refreshing spa treatments, rounds of golf and great restaurants. I had been there strictly on business and found myself a bit resentful as I seemed to be the only one on the entire plane who had been working. Tired and spent, I was hoping to retreat into the pages of my book as we prepared for take-off.
I soon noticed that the woman sitting in front of me was crying and was clearly having a difficult time trying to keep herself together. I admit that at first, I attempted to ignore her sobs. I stared out the window, struggled to focus on my book and tried to escape in thought.
Then, in an instant I can never forget, I had one of the most overpowering feelings of compassion I have ever experienced. Suddenly, I could feel the heaviness of her burden, I sensed the sting of her loss, I understood the cloud of confusion in her racing thoughts, and I could hear the echo of her silent pleadings for peace, strength and assurance. I found my eyes filling and spilling over with the tears of her sorrow.
As the woman got up to go to the restroom, I turned toward the window to hide my tears. I was then prompted, compelled really, to pull out a piece of paper to jot a quick note. My pen flew across the page as I began writing words that went something like:
"I know sometimes a good cry on a bad airplane can be a good thing and at other times it can be so horribly isolating that it can cause sadness to sink into despair." I continued, "If talking would help, I did tell the flight attendant I was willing to assist all passengers in the event of an emergency." (I was sitting in the exit row.) Then concluded, "If talking is not what you need then my prayer for you is that: In the quiet of today you may recognize the greatness of your spirit and the grandness of your soul; may your hopes rise on the wings of possibility and may you realize that you are not alone. Wishing you all the best, a fellow traveler."
I folded the note and handed it to her as she returned to her seat. I turned back to my reading. Shortly before we landed, she handed me back a note filled with gratitude. We landed and taxied to the gate. As we stood to exit the aircraft she leaned over and softly said, "Thank you" and then, in an instant, she disappeared into the crowd and was gone.
As I walked out of the airport, I found that my energy had been restored, my hope had been renewed. I felt connected to the throngs of people I passed by. I discovered myself looking into peoples' eyes instead of down at my shoes. I had a new desire to reach out to others instead of focusing inward on my problems and challenges.
I am convinced that true joy and happiness are to be found in the ways we compassionately connect with one another. Two scribbled notes exchanged at 30,000 feet and two words — "thank you" — spoken on solid ground provided a soaring view of what we can compassionately become.
There is a renewing power to be found in compassion. Compassion is the essence of what makes Christmas, Christmas. Compassion is central to coming unto Christ. Compassion provides confidence that we do not walk alone here on Earth. Christianity contains within it a commitment to receive, share and reap the benefits of the gift of compassion.
The blessing of believing
The year has been filled with divisive rhetoric, dire predictions and dark and discouraging societal trends. There is a critical need for people everywhere to simply believe. More than ever we need to believe — in the goodness of people and the greatness of God.
Christmas is indeed a season for believing. The Bible tells of a believing Mary who said, "be it unto me according to they word," when told of the blessed baby she would bring forth. Joseph believed and was not afraid to take Mary to be his wife. The shepherds believed and came. The wise men believed and followed the star.
Jesus Christ himself declared, "All things are possible to him that believes." To paraphrase something I learned from Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, a member the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, "Notice that Christ didn't say, 'All things are possible — unless you are missing a loved one or a limb.' Nor did he say, 'All things are possible — except if you have a wayward child or wandering spouse.' He did not say, 'All things are possible — unless you have a financial setback, a debilitating disease or feel discouraged and depressed.' He said, 'All things are possible to them that believe.'"
I am a firm believer that all things are possible to them that believe. I can make such a statement, not because I have seen God or angels. I can declare all things are possible because of the people I see every day. I am continually in awe of human beings — ordinary people who selflessly share their talents and make a difference in their neighborhoods and communities.
Such magnificent mortals make it possible for a loving God to confirm on Christmas Day, and every day, that all things are possible to them that believe.
As we receive and share the gift of Christ-like compassion and the blessing of believing, we can truly light and transform the world. Fully considering the season, and prolonging the celebration, of Christmas – can lead the humble seeker to Jesus who compassionately carried our burdens and who first declared that, "all things are possible to them that believe."


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**Due the COVID-19 pandemic, please check with hosts and venues to confirm event details are up to date.**
For a curated list of our favorite things to do this week, click here.
If you have an event you would like to submit to our community calendar, you can do that here.
- This event has passed.
P.A.L.S. 2nd Annual Soarin' Soiree~ November 7, 2014
November 7, 2014 @ 2:00 pm - 7:00 pm
You are invited to join our State Senator, L. Scott Frantz and our First Selectman, Peter J. Tesei, for an awe-inspiring evening to benefit Patient AirLift Services (PALS), a non-profit that arranges free air transportation for children, adults and the military seeking medical diagnosis and treatment at distant medical facilities. With Billy Baldwin as our Emcee, the 2nd Annual Soarin' Soiree will take place on Friday evening, November 7th from 7pm to 11pm at the Greenwich Country Club. Come and enjoy cocktails, dinner, auction, dancing, entertainment and the Flight of Hope Award presented to PALS partner, Southwest Airlines. On behalf of Ruthanne Ruzika, Event Chair and PALS Director, we hope to see you there. Go to www.palservices.org/events/soarin2014 or call (631) 694-7257 to register.
*Please check with all venues to confirm the most up to date event details prior to arrival.


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Wiz Khalifa DayToday: Europe Part III (Episode 7)
Episode 7 of Wiz Khalifa's DayToday Europe Part III series.
Directed, shot, and cut by Frank Paladino - @ftpalad
Posted by Jay
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The subject of this article or section was part of the Scourge Invasion, a world event that heralded the opening of Naxxramas in patch 1.11 or for the opening of Northrend. Once the world event has run its course, this will no longer be available.
- A Bloodstained Envelope
- Item Level 45
- Binds when picked up
- Quest Item
- Unique
- This Item Begins a Quest
- Requires level 45
- For the quest item, see A Bloodstained Envelope.
A Bloodstained Envelope is a quest starting item dropped by event mobs during the Scourge Invasion event.
During the Scourge Invasion, non-elite mobs around the Necrotic Shards occasionally dropped one of 6 possible letters, of which this was one.
Each letter started a quest. Once accepted, the inventory item was replaced by a like-named item that was readable. This replacement item was a quest item for the associated quest.
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