Lillia Rose Whittle Needs Our Support & Prayers!

At the age of 22 months Lillia was diagnosed with cancer!

Lillia has Retinoblastoma (RB), a fast growing eye cancer of early childhood. This cancer develops in the cells of the retina, the light sensitive lining of the eye. In the UK about 98% of children survive retinoblastoma; this is true for both unilateral and bilateral disease. Nearly all of those with unilateral disease survive without further tumour.

Natalie and Craig Whittle, Lillia's parents are on a mission to raise awareness of this rare childhood cancer that is diagnosed in only 40 to 50 children in the UK each year. If this aggressive eye cancer is caught early enough the child's life can be saved.

Lillia was diagnosed with unilateral (one eye) Retinoblastoma in her left eye at the age of 22 months. It was picked up by the squint and white reflex in her eye. If caught at a late stage a child may face loosing their eye.

Lillian's, her parents as well as myself want to tell her story to the world and raise awareness in the hopes of helping other children with symptoms to be tested in order to catch the cancer in it's earliest stage to save children from losing an eye or their lives. You can join our mission to raise awareness by clicking on the links listed below to show your support for Lillia and children around the world affected by childhood cancer.

A note from Lillia on her website at: http://lilliaretinoblastoma.co.uk/about-me

My name is Lillia Rose Whittle, I was born on 13th January 2010 at Kettering General Hospital. I weighed 3.135 kg (6lb 14oz). My life was relatively normal until 26th October 2011 when my life was about to change. 

A note from Lillia's parents from her website at: http://lilliaretinoblastoma.co.uk

This website is all about Lillia, who was diagnosed with a rare childhood cancer called Retinoblastoma when she was only 22 months old. Retinoblastoma is an aggressive cancer or the eye. She is currently having Chemotherapy to preserve her eye and save her life.

The website is in its infancy and we will try to make it bigger and better as Lillia's treatment progresses.

To give me an idea of who's been visiting here, you can write in the guestbook.

We have been working hard to raise awareness of Retinoblastoma and have taken part in TV, Radio and Newspaper interviews. To see more click here

Please help us raise more awareness of Retinoblastoma and 'Like' our Facebook page. Click Here

Source: http://lilliaretinoblastoma.co.uk

March Is Endometriosis Awareness Month!

Check your calendar, March is almost here!
* * S P R E A D   T H E   W O R D ! * *
M A R C H   I S   E N D O M E T R I O S I S   A W A R E N E S S   M O N T H ! !

As we come to the end of February it is time to start gearing up for March. March is Endometriosis awareness month and I will be blogging all month long to help raise awareness to this complicated and very real disease. If you don't have Endometriosis or do not know anyone who does you probably haven't even heard about it and that is why March is awareness month. We need to be made aware of this very painful and debilitating disease and find a cure. Those affected by Endometriosis have had their quality of life reduced by no fault of their own and for know known cause. This is a very complicated and confusing disease that attacks millions of women across the U.S. and everyone needs to be educated on it so that the sufferers can be supported and a cure can be found.

I recently had the opportunity to join some very supportive and wonderful Endometriosis Awareness Groups on Facebook. All of the women who belong to these groups know exactly what Facebook support groups are for. I see more support and caring in the postings and comments in these groups than anywhere else on Facebook, it is nice to belong to groups that show their purpose and support of their common cause - TO RAISE AWARENESS OF ENDOMETRIOSIS AND TO FIND A CURE NOW!

I would recommend the following groups to anyone who is in need of support, help, advise and friends who understand and know the pain of Endometriosis.

Endo. Survivors Group:
http://www.facebook.com/groups/Endo.SurvivorsGroup/

Endobook:
http://www.facebook.com/groups/EndoBook/

Powerful Sisters Fighting Against Endometriosis:
http://www.facebook.com/groups/308612272530884/

What is Endometriosis?
Endometriosis is a painful, chronic disease that affects at least 6.3 million women and girls in the U.S., 1 million in Canada, and millions more worldwide. It occurs when tissue like that which lines the uterus (tissue called the endometrium) is found outside the uterus – usually in the abdomen on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and ligaments that support the uterus, the area between the vagina and rectum, the outer surface of the uterus, and the lining of the pelvic cavity. Other sites for these endometrial growths may include the bladder, bowel, vagina, cervix, vulva, and in abdominal surgical scars. Less commonly they are found in the lung, arm, thigh, and other locations.

This misplaced tissue develops into growths or lesions which respond to the menstrual cycle in the same way that the tissue of the uterine lining does. Each month the tissue builds up, breaks down, and sheds. Menstrual blood flows from the uterus and out through the vagina, the blood and tissue shed from endometrial growths has no way of leaving the body. This results in internal bleeding, breakdown of the blood , tissue from the lesions and inflammation. Causing pain, infertility, scar tissue, adhesions.

Common Symptoms of Endometriosis

• Pain before and during periods
• Pain with sex
• Infertility
• Fatigue
• Painful urination during periods
• Painful bowel movements during periods
• Other Gastrointestinal upsets such as diarrhea, constipation, nausea, and IBS.
• Allergies or Chemical sensitivities
• Frequent yeast infections

Endometriosis symptoms are not limited to these, nor are they inclusive.

Diagnostic Criteria, Cause & Treatment
Diagnosis is considered uncertain until proven visually by laparoscopy, a typically minor surgical procedure done under anesthesia. A laparoscopy usually shows the location, size, and extent of the growths. This helps the doctor and patient make better treatment choices.

While there are many theories as to what creates the hostile environment in the female human body, there is no certain known cause.

Treatment options vary depending on the physician, the location, size, and extent of the disease, as well as cost. Typical treatments can include the following: surgical laparoscopy (either laparoscope/laparotomy) for the removal of lesions, scar tissue and burns via laser or blade, surgical removal of excessively impaired organs, including portions of the bowel, or a partial or complete hysterectomy, which can be accompanied with medications including either Depo-Lupon, Depo-Provera, oral contraceptives, or other hormonal delivery systems. Personally, I have found that anti-inflammatories and osteopathy techniques have assisted in keeping my endometriosis at bay for the last several years since my last surgery in February 2004.

Awareness – Yellow Ribbons & Brochures
Spread the word! Please wear a yellow ribbon to help spread awareness of this devastating disease! Leave informational brochures about this debilitating condition where women can find it – Hospitals, Pharmacies, Doctor’s offices, Planned Parenthood, Women’s Centres, Welcome Centres, and libraries. Note: always get permission from the local first!

The Endometriosis Association is willing to provide both ribbons & brochures for free upon request. Call the Association at 414-355-2200 or email them at support@EndometriosisAssn.org to order yellow ribbons and our “yellow” brochures on endometriosis. Be sure to include your name and address, which language, and the quantity.

The cost is free, the EA is a charity organization and donations are always welcome to cover the cost of postage.

Source:  http://www.kelliaellis.com/2011/03/28/endo-awareness/

Jacob Hill Is A True Hero & Needs Your Support!

The Resuts Are In:

An update from Jacob's Mom on his blog at:  http://www.jacobhillsjourney.blogspot.com/

I finally met with the doctors and got the word. Jacob's disease is still lingering in his spine. The last two cycles of chemo that he received after they discovered the cancer had become refractory did not work to reduce the tumor. My next meeting was with the doctor leading the Hu3F8 antibody clinical trial. She explained that because Jacob is not NED(no evidence of disease) that he did not qualify for the antibody treatment we were hoping to get him on. Instead, Jacob will be starting the Phase 1 study for another version of these antibodies. Actually he will be the first to receive the highest dose of this treatment that has yet to be administered. The good news is that he'll be getting the maximum dose that's been given the bad news is because this is a phase 1 study they aren't sure how well this works on humans, if at all. The hope is that the antibodies will keep the cancer stable. Not a lot to go on but there is at least still something to be hopeful about. Thanks for the continued thoughts and prayers.

Jacob and his family have been through a lot with more to come and have piled up the expenses as you could imagine. If you can help his family with some of their expenses please do and it would be greatly appreciated by everyone. Your gift would help give Jacob the treatments he needs as well as the support his family needs.

Thank you so much for taking a minute to read Jacob Hill's Journey and for your thoughts and prayers!

 

To contribute to Jacob Hill's Journey? Just click on the "donate" button above. This will take you to Jacob's Fund where you can choose the amount you wish to contribute.

Sacramento Topic, Maloof Family, New Arena & Kings...

Sacramento & Funding Arena With King's Maloof Family!

I don't usually post about sports or the funding of a sports arena but today I came across an article about the funding of the new sports arena for Sacramento, CA. I feel this is important because it involves the entire state, a state that has continued to cut the budgets of unemployment benefits, public schools, food stamp programs, Social Security, Medi-Cal benefits and several other programs that are depended on by many families that are unemployed due to job cuts, for the necessities needed to survive while on unemployment benefits that are running out all at the same time that taxes are being increased.

It is estimated that nearly $400,000,000 is what is will cost to build a new sports arena for the Sacramento Kings and other venues. The Kings are owned by the Maloof Family, George Maloof Sr. being a founder of the city of Las Vegas and owner of the Palms Hotel bringing in a $50,000,000 profit each year. The family owns other sports teams as well as being the biggest share holders of Wells Fargo Bank.

The Maloofs have been asking the city to build a new arena for many years now and the city has requested that the Maloofs pay a portion of the costs which is about $90,000,000. This is the reason the arena has not been built because the Maloof Family believes the city should pay all of the costs to build the arena.

This is where my opinion comes in.

There is nothing wrong with the arena the Kings are using now, ARCO Arena, which in fact the Maloofs own part of it at this time. It has hosted the Kings for years and many other venues from Disney on Ice to Monster Truck Rallies. I am not understanding the need for a new arena in a city that can not afford to help the general public let alone build an multi-million dollar sports arena.

The arean should be paid by private funds if it must be built and at this time the big push is coming from the Kings owners the Maloofs. It's simple, if they want a pretty new place to sit and watch their basketball team play than they should pay for the building.

I don't know what will come out of today's "funding talks" which include the mayor of Sacramento, a representative for the NBA and of course the Maloofs themselves plus many other people who probably have better things to do today rather than fly to Florida of all places for a two hour talk about funding a sports arena. I'm just curious who paid for the trip and why Florida considering Sacramento and Vegas are both on the West Coast?

For information on the Maloof Family see the following link: http://www.whoownsvegas.com/m.html

For more information on the arena and Sacramento see this link: http://blogs.sacbee.com/city-beat/2012/02/source-maloof-contribution-focus-of-sacramento-arena-talks.html and see the comments on the article at this link, they are interesting to say the least.

Jacob Hill's Journey!

Meet Jacob a very brave & strong little boy on a journey!

Jacob's journey is one no child or parent should ever have to endure. I can not begin to try to explain how he and his family are coping with his diagnosis of Neuroblastoma and the continuous procedures and treatments that follow. Here in his words and the words of his Mother is Jacob Hill's Journey.

My name is Jacob Hill. I'm 3 years old. I live with my mom and three sisters in Rockwall, Texas. I am a very energetic and curious little boy. I love dinosaurs, playing with my sisters, riding my scooter outside and everything Spiderman. I have a fearless, sweet and loving nature. I am surrounded by tremendous amounts of love and support from all of my family and friends as I continue my fight against Stage IV High Risk Neuroblastoma.

On September 17, 2010 I woke up telling my mom that "I hurt". In feeling around on me she found a lump in my tummy. She took me in to see my pediatrician that afternoon who sent us straight to Children's Hospital Dallas. We spent 13 hours in the emergency room where tests and scans identified several tumors in my chest, belly and spine that the doctors believed was Neuroblastoma ( a rare and aggressive type of childhood cancer). I was admitted immediately into the hospital and it was confirmed that I do in fact have this disease. Surgery was performed to remove the abdominal tumor on my right side and several surrounding infected lymph nodes as well as a biopsy to test for the disease in my bones and a port was placed in my chest so the chemo could be delivered more efficiently. I spent the next week recovering in the hospital. The doctors decided to stage my cancer as a IV High Risk. My treatment would involve the most aggessive chemotherapy, radiation, stem cell harvest, more surgery and immunotherapy over a two year period. My mom was then faced with a very difficult decision, to stay at Children's for treatment or to take me to a hospital where they specialize in Neuroblastoma. My mom contacted Memorial Sloan-Kettering in NYC who reviewed my records and have the opinion they can help me. So my mom has decided to take me to New York. Since we've arrived, I have had 3 more surgeries (my right adrenal was removed completely and part of the left causing me to have to be on medicine the rest of my life) stem cell harvest, received 6 cylces of high dose chemo, 14 doses of radiation, countless blood transfusions and antibiotics. I had scans in November and we received some discouraging news. My Neuroblastoma has become Refractory. Meaning that it is not responding to the chemo like it should. The tumor in the bones of my spine and in the marrow of my spine did not go away and my infact be growing. I have received 2 more cylces of a different chemotherapy to try to get rid of it and then hopefully after my next set of scans in February, I will be able to start the HU3f8 antibody.

Please visit Jacob on Facebook and add him as a friend to show your support and to raise awareness for a very brave 3 year old: http://www.facebook.com/JacobHillsJourney?sk=wall

Jacob was a happy, healthy (according to his regular checkups), energetic 2 year old. Running around all day chasing after his 3 older sisters and getting into trouble like little boys should. I was a work from home mom with 4 great kids and all was right with the world. 

On September 17, 2010, our nightmare began. Jacob was diagnosed with Stage IV High Risk Neuroblastoma. A rare, aggressive and deadly childhood cancer. 

Jake woke up that morning complaining that he hurt. I, thinking it was just pain from a little spill he had taken off his scooter the day before, redoctored a scrape on his knee and told him it would be better in a day or so. He seemed ok after that. But later that afternoon, just out of the blue, something told me to take another look at him. I laid him down on his back and starting at the top of his head began working my way down his body feeling for anything abnormal.

Everything seemed to be alright until I got to his belly. I pressed down and initially didn't feel anything. But once again, something told me to press a little harder. So I did, and that's when I felt it. A hard spot deep in his abdomen towards the back of his body. Having no medical background I had no idea what it was but I did know that it should not be there. I called the doctor and insisted he be seen that day.

At the office the doctor began to exam Jacob, he did not even have to say a word. I will never forget the look on his face when he said that he too thought he felt something there and that we needed to go immediately to Childrens and have some test done. 10 hours later my worst fear was confirmed. Jacob had several masses in his abdomen, on both adrenal glands, up in his chest and around his spine. Jacob had cancer known as Neuroblastoma.

To read more of Jacob's Journey as told by his family please visit them at their blog:

"Jacob Hill's Journey" http://www.jacobhillsjourney.blogspot.com/

You can show your support by sharing their blog with all your friends and family to help bring awareness to their story. If you would like to contribute to Jacob Hill's Journey? Just click on the "donate" button on the home page and it will take you to Jacob's Fund where you can choose the amount you wish to contribute.

My thoughts and prayers are with Jacob and his family as they continue on this "Journey", I will continue to follow them and update his progress for everyone supporting his goal of finding a cure for Neuroblastoma.

Vietnam vet awarded Silver Star after 45 years!

The memories are still vivid, former Staff Sgt. Paul Taylor said.

That was why after receiving the third-highest decoration in all U.S. military branches, he had his daughter, Laura, say his thanks.

Taylor, 68, received the Silver Star award Saturday at Fort Wainwright, 45 years after an act of heroism that saved a fellow soldier’s life and sent Taylor to a nine-month stay in the hospital. After earning the award Jan. 17, 1967, the paperwork got lost in the shuffle, and Taylor never received recognition. Taylor joined the U.S. Army in 1964, during a period of heightening U.S. involvement in the Vietnam War.

He voluntarily joined because, he said, he didn’t want a run-of-the-mill job, like cooking or driving.

“If I was going to go into the Army, I wanted to do something exciting,” he said.

What Taylor really wanted to do was become part of a special forces unit. He remembers the window of opportunity to join a special forces unit was closing, when he decided to call one legendary Mrs. Billye Alexander — an employee of the Pentagon’s personnel office, who wrote the transfer orders for special forces soldiers.

He asked if he could be sent to Vietnam with a unit.

On Jan. 17, 1966, Taylor’s platoon was on patrol when it came under heavy gun fire. Taylor and another soldier led a charge toward the enemy’s machine gun, but were wounded. They were trapped in a rice paddy. The platoon’s senior medic, Taylor dragged his fellow soldier to safety and continued the attack on the enemy. He ensured the safety of the soldier and his platoon before being transported to a hospital with three gun shot wounds for a nine-month stay. He medically retired that year.

read more here

Are you that MOM?

Don't judge, admitting you have a problem is the first step.
This is a little quiz. Are you open about the fact that you suck at parenting and wish that you could be better at it? Do you also wish you could be less annoying? You know what I mean when I talk about being THAT mom, right? The one you always see in the grocery store? Or whose kid is on the same soccer team? Well for every one of these questions, most will answered yes, you are that MOM!

1. At the Kiss and Ride, I sometimes get out of the car even though I'm not supposed to. I know that this makes people mad and occasionally late for work, but I just can't help myself.

2. I have used my fingers as a Kleenex and my spit instead of soap on my child's face. I have done so in public.

3. I force my children to brush their teeth and floss. But usually only right before their dentist appointments.

4. I have scheduled playdates for my kids just so they would be distracted by their friends and leave me alone for a little while.

5. Sometimes when I'm at the store, I find myself narrating everything I'm doing for the benefit of my child in an abrasively loud and slow manner. Saying things like: "We're going to by organic broccoli and apples today but not organic meat because it's too dang expensive. Would you like Goldfish for snack? What letter does Goldfish start with? Very good."

6. I sometimes only volunteer for the things where I know I won't actually have to do anything.

7. I allow my children to run around the neighborhood as if they were off-leash puppies. Sometimes I'm outside with them. Sometimes I just keep the window open to hear them yelping.

8. I frequently bring my children places in public and realize that compared to the Gymboree-clad, neatly braided, fresh-and-clean-faced offspring of other mothers, my kids look like filthy street urchins.

9. If another mom on the playground is either hovering like a helicopter in yoga pants or facebooking on her phone while her kids dart into traffic, I will try really, really hard not to be a Judgy McJudgerson but I might have a few minutes of Paltrow-like smugness. Then I feel schmiddty about it.

10. I habitually forget things like snacks and extra pull-ups and always have to ask other moms to hook me up and feel like an idiot because I forgot the baby carrots on the counter again.

11. I have given another mom the righteous sniff if she volunteers for snack and then shows up with Capri Suns and Cheetos still in the Target bag.

12. I have signed up to be snack mom and then forget until five minutes before the game and then shown up with Capri Suns and Cheetos still in the Target bag.

Source: http://www.rantsfrommommyland.com/2012/01/are-you-that-parent.html

Ultrasound shows angel watching unborn baby!

Mother Sees Angel Watching Over Her Unborn Baby!

When Dee Lazarou went into labour early at home, she knew the risks of having a home delivery. There was no midwife present as baby Leo made his way into the world as she gave birth on their bathroom floor, helped only by her family. But she knew that no harm could come to him - as they had already been given a sign that he was being looked over in the womb.

Amazingly in the scan picture taken of her son Leo when she was 12 weeks pregnant, Mrs Lazarou could clearly make out a face resembling an angel. She and her husband were convinced he was looking over their unborn child, to see him born safely.

Mrs Lazarou, 31, an team leader for the police force communications emergency room, said: ‘It was such a comfort to think that someone was looking after our son. ‘When I gave birth on our bathroom floor, there was no midwife to help us and my husband had to deliver Leo.

Mrs Lazarou was just 12 weeks into her pregnancy when they spotted the remarkable image in the scan picture taken at Lister Hospital in Stevenage.‘His cord was wrapped around his neck and it was my mother who pulled the cord free. It was a nerve-wracking experience, but I’m sure that a guardian angel was looking over him to make sure he was delivered safely.’

Mrs Lazarou, who lives with husband Thomas, 34, a policeman, and their son Oliver, three, in Stevenage, said: ‘I didn’t look at the scan picture until we got home. I was looking at it with Oliver, telling him that it was a picture of his little brother or sister, when I noticed something odd in the corner of the picture. ‘I could see clearly that it was a face. I showed it to my husband when he got home from work. ‘We were stunned to see it - as it was such a clear image. It was such a comfort to me during the rest of my pregnancy, knowing that we had someone looking over our baby in the womb.’

When Mrs Lazarou was a week past her due date she started with contractions. She said: ‘I decided to have a bath to ease the pain as I thought I would have several hours before I would have to get to hospital, and the pains were mild so I wasn’t even sure at first that they were proper labour pains.’ But the pains quickly got worse. Mrs Lazarou called both her mother Marie and her husband to come home. She said: ‘I knew that there was no time to get to hospital. I was in the bathroom and I felt the urge to push. Tom helped me lie down on the floor and paramedics gave him instructions over the phone as he delivered our baby. ‘I was worried because there was no midwife and I had always been adamant that I wanted to have a hospital birth as I knew that home births could be risky. So to be giving birth to my son at home was terrifying. I just had to hope and pray that he would be alright.’

Baby Leo arrived on the bathroom floor in August weighing 8Ibs, but then a drama unfolded as he had the umbilical cord wrapped around his neck. Mrs Lazarou said: ‘It was terrifying. When Tom caught him in his arms as he was delivered, we saw that the cord was wrapped around his neck which could have been lifethreatening to him. ‘Mum luckily was able to unwrap it from around his neck and free him. And moments later he uttered a cry, which was such a relief. It was the most amazing sound as we knew that he was alright.’

The paramedics arrived just after the birth and took Mrs Lazarou to hospital for a check up. She said: ‘Luckily we were both fine and we were allowed home, which was such a relief. ‘When we saw the face of someone in the scan picture we were stunned, but now we know that it was for a reason. ‘He was watching over Leo to make sure he was delivered safely. The face in the scan picture was such a comfort to us all.

‘I’ve put it in a keepsake box to show Leo when he was older, to be able to tell him the story of his remarkable birth.

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2075761/Mother-sees-face-angel-pregnancy-scan-watching-baby-womb.html#ixzz1mnYaKIg9

The Wall That Heals Visits Veteran's Hometown!

The Vietnam Veteran's Wall Arrives In Bakersfield, CA!

The 'Wall that Heals' has made its way to the hometown of  Vietnam Veteran Sgt. Jimmy D. McDaniel. After growing up in Bakersfield, my father graduated high school in 1963 and soon joined the US Army. Within a couple of years he met my mother who also grew up in the small town just a few blocks away and they married in 1966. On Valentine's Day of 1967 he received his orders to be deployed to Vietnam in March of 1968 and completed his tour returning with the Medal of Honor, hearing loss and had been exposed to Agent Orange while serving in Vietnam. He has a remarkable military career that he proudly looks back on with no regrets. Today he suffers from Parkinson's Disease, Neuropathy, PTSD & more from the exposure to Agent Orange. He and my mother are doing well and after retiring a decade ago have moved from the central California area to the Foothills of Northern California where they are surrounded by their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was happy to hear that the wall is visiting his home town and still is very proud of his service and doing good.

On Wednesday, dozens of riders with the American Legion met up at the Grapevine to escort the wall. "That’s the scoreboard of freedom on the wall,” said Boomer Montgomery, President of American Legion Riders, Post 26. “You can see what the cost really is." The memorial is taking a road trip across the US and added Bakersfield to its stops. Inside the truck, is a half scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. It stands 5 ft. tall and 125 ft. long. It's about $5,000 state to state.

“It’s our way of showing love for our veterans and what they’ve done for us,” Montgomery said. “It brings the Kern County names here to where their loved ones can see it. If they can’t make it to D.C. at least they can see their name on the wall and touch it, be with their spirit.”

He and the American Legion riders led the wall down the 99 Freeway, bringing it to the Beale Library. Bob Dobek and his wife have been driving the 'Wall the Heals' truck for three years. They are licensed truck drivers with more than a million miles under their belt. Dobek fought in Vietnam and says the memorial holds special meaning for him.

"I’ve got 14 buddies on that wall. It's very close and personal to me,” said Dobek. “I grew up with kids in grade school and junior high, and they’re no longer with me, so you really didn’t have an opportunity to say goodbye to a lot of your friends.”

He drove the wall to Bakersfield two years ago. It came back this time because three Kern County veterans will be riding bikes from Bakersfield to the full scale permanent memorial near the Lincoln Monument in Washington.

"It’s very symbolic because that is our goal to arrive to that wall in Washington D.C.,” said Wesley Barrientos, an Iraq War veteran. “To see it here and know that we'll be touching the real one, it means the world."

Barrientos lost both his legs in 2007 to a roadside bomb in Iraq. He, along with veterans Jeremy Staat and 65-year-old Dale Porter, plan to bike to the nation’s capital in 100 days. They want to raise awareness about education and health care for veterans.

Dozens of veterans carried pieces of the wall and set it up in the library's parking lot where it will be until Monday. The replica was built is 1996 and is made out of black powdered-coated aluminum.

The memorial lists the names of 58,272 soldiers who died or went missing in the Vietnam War. 156 soldiers from Kern County died in the Vietnam War. Dobek says the wall helps give soldiers closure. “If you’ve ever been wounded before, it hurts,” he said. “If you don’t clean that wound, it doesn’t heal properly, and 40 or 50 years later, there’s still a lot of guys suffering with a lot of anguish over it. Sometimes when they come out it reopens that wound, but it allows you to cleanse it because you’re with other guys who know exactly what you’ve gone through.”

There is a name locator near the 'Wall that Heals' where anyone can come from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. to look up the name of a Vietnam soldier. The three veterans biking to the D.C memorial will head out on Sunday.

Source: Bakersfield News Channel 17 kget.com

http://www.kget.com/news/local/story/Wall-that-Heals-comes-to-Bakersfield/2VvrfTR5sEOiDyuRbfjRHw.cspx

How Do You Show Your Kids You Love Them?

Ten ways to show your children how much you love them!

1. Tell your child you love him. Nothing means more to a child than hearing those words from you and hearing them repeatedly. Even if you believe that your child already knows that you love him, your child needs to hear it. Knowing it and hearing it said are two completely different things.

2. Listen to your child. You can give your child a sense of being important and valuable to you just by the simple act of listening to what she has to say. And you will be amazed by what you can learn from your child when you listen.

3. Play with your child. At the end of a hard day at work, sometimes the last thing you feel like doing is running around with your child or getting out a board game, but your child has just spent a whole day at school without you and spending that tiny bit of “fun time” with you will mean the world to him.

4. Help your child with homework. Your child may not appreciate it at the time, but you are doing something worthwhile for your child by helping her with her homework. In years to come, she will look back on the time you spent helping and learn to appreciate it. Plus, it gives your child the added benefit of seeing you place importance on the act of learning.

5. Prepare healthy, nutritious meals for your child. Eating well is important for your child’s health and well-being, and it is important that your child learn early how to eat healthily. You will be saving your child from future health problems or eating disorders by teaching him through your example and with good, wholesome food, how to take care of his body.

6. Exercise with your child. Take your child for a run around the local park or a nice nature walk. Go for a family bike ride. Doing physical activities that involve healthy and fun forms of exercise are a great way to help your child stay fit and healthy. You will be teaching your child that it is important and fun to maintain an active lifestyle.

7. Hug your child. Physical cuddling is important for children. Hugs are simply the best way for a child to feel safe and loved and special to you all at once. A hug can comfort and lift your child’s mood when she is feeling down or just let a child know that she is loved and appreciated.

8. Tell your child you are proud of him, and mean it. Every child has an ability or a personality trait or something else about him to be proud of. One child may have a sweet and generous nature. Another child may do really well at multiplication. Another child may be really creative at drawing or writing stories. One child might be good at making friends. Maybe your child is willing to stick up for others. Maybe your child is good at making others feel special. There are numerous things you can find to be proud of your child. So tell him.

9. Be patient with your child. Children don’t always learn as quickly as we might want them to, and sometimes they do things more slowly than we would like. But that’s okay. Let your child learn things and do things at her own pace.

10. Believe in your child. No matter what, you have to believe that your child is capable of great and wonderful things and that someday he will achieve them. Your belief in your child is one of the most important ways you can help him to believe in himself.

10 Ways To Show You Love Your Kids

Ways Your Child Shows You Love!

Seven signs that your child loves you!

We love our children unconditionally with all our hearts. How can we tell if the love we are giving to our children is received by them in the way we hope? Children have a way of making you feel like you have no idea what you are doing as a parent. From newborns to toddlers to teenagers, raising children is a wonderful experience that can be a bit confusing at times as well as frustrating and don't forget, a very loving and surprising experience. Since our children can be so confusing how can we know for sure they love us? Below are seven signs that your child loves you, and believe it or not your children do love you.

1. Your newborn stares into your eyes.

He's actually working hard to memorize your face. He doesn't understand anything else about the world, but he knows you're important.

2. Your baby thinks about you even when you're not around.
Between 8 and 12 months old, she'll start to scrunch her face and look around when you leave the room and she'll smile when you return.

3. Your toddler throws wicked tantrums.
Nope, those screaming fits don't mean he's stopped loving you. He wouldn't be so hurt and angry if he didn't trust you so deeply.

4. Your toddler runs to you for comfort when she falls down or feels sad.
Kids this age may not truly understand the meaning of "I love you," but their actions speak louder than words.

5. Your preschooler gives you a gift.
A flower picked from a garden, a finger-painted heart, a sparkly rock, or another small token is his way of saying you're special.

6. Your preschooler wants your approval.
She'll start to be more cooperative around the house, and she'll look for chances to impress. "Look at me!" will become a catchphrase.

7. Your grade-schooler trusts you with secrets.

His first crush or his most embarrassing moment. You're his confidante, even if he shies away from your hugs in public.

See the complete article on how love blossoms between you and your child.

February 12 Birthday Horoscope!

If Today is Your Birthday: February 12

The Year Ahead

Forecast for February 2012 to February 2013

If You Were Born Today, February 12:

You are a strong-minded person who is not always tactful, even though you are gifted with expression, but generally very straightforward. You love a good competition, particularly on a mental level. Success is important to you, and you usually achieve what you set out to do. Impatience can be a problem that you gradually manage better as you mature in life. Your visual memory is excellent and artistic taste quite refined. Famous people born today: Abraham Lincoln, Charles Darwin, Christina Ricci, Judy Blume, Joanna Kerns, Arsenio Hall.

Your Birthday Year Forecast:

A trine between the Sun and the Moon in your Solar Return chart this year is a fortunate aspect. It suggests that your domestic and career needs are not in competition with one another in the year ahead. Your inner needs tend to be mirrored by external events, and vice versa. This aspect is very powerful and rewarding. It suggests that you will be on top of your game this year, for the most part, and positive connections with others can be made fairly easily. A comfortable level of personal popularity helps to keep conflict to a minimum. With the ability to handle your emotions successfully, there is less stress on both your mind and body. Your self-confidence and positive attitude will reward you!

Your intuition runs especially high this year, and that you are able to apply this increased sensitivity to your pursuits in practical ways. You are more sensitive artistically, your imagination is stirred, and you have an increased appreciation for subtleties. You are inspired and could even inspire others with your words. Some of your hunches could be prophetic. You are thinking more creatively, and you express yourself with increased sensitivity, compassion, and warmth. At the same time, you come across with more authority and responsibility. You may be more deliberate in how you approach communicating with others, choosing your words more carefully and successfully. Improved communications is the end result, and you might be surprised at how this can improve your success in general. A trip to somewhere exotic could figure prominently this year. Bonds with important younger people in your life may be strengthened, as you tend to be more compassionate and understanding with them. As well, younger people are likely to respect you more. Advances in intellectual and mental pursuits are likely, as you make steady progress that has long-lasting results.

Again this year, when it comes to romance and your social life, you might experience compulsive attractions and attachments, or attraction to complicated love relationships. The need for deeper intimacy is present, but fear of this closeness may be just as strong. Something tiny can trigger all sorts of buried emotions, and this can be very revealing! If you find yourself bringing up old hurts, examine the emotional "slush" you've been carrying around with you. Avoid taking it out on your partner or on yourself. Major new insights into love and relationships can occur. Whirlwind changes in your love life and/or financial state are likely this year. It may be that you experience sudden changes or breakups with a friend or lover. However, the chance of a sudden new friendship is just as likely. At the root of this is a stronger taste for the unusual. What is familiar is less exciting to you than what is new and different. If a relationship seems to threaten your sense of freedom, you may have an easy time separating from it. Some fireworks in both your social and financial lives are to be expected.

You may experience some tension over your personal finances, and/or need to make a large payment that necessitates changes in your spending habits. Finances may be complicated, but creative solutions can be found.

Freedom is sought in your relationships, and your willingness to grant others the same kind and amount of freedom that you desire will be the key to success.

You are especially "tuned in" to current trends and your ability to embrace the new while honoring the tried and true can be a significant key to your success this year. A cooperative attitude also contributes to success. Your love life is likely to be very stimulating and sometimes rocky; your social life is expected to be exciting, as you are ready to try new things.

2012 is a Number One year for you. Ruled by the Sun. This is a year of action. The seeds you plant now, you will reap later. Others might find you less sociable, as you are busier than ever and you focus on your activities and your needs. Still, you are outgoing and your initiative is stronger than ever. Advice - Stand alone, take action, start fresh, express independence.

2013 will be a Number Two year for you. Ruled by the Moon. This is a year of potential companionship. It is a quiet, gentle, and mostly harmonious year that is less active than other years. Instead, you are more responsive to the needs of others. If you are patient and open yourself up in a gentle manner, you will attract both things and people. This is an excellent year in which to build and develop for the future. Advice - be patient, be receptive, enjoy the peace, collect.

http://www.cafeastrology.com/birthday/february12_2012.html

The original Pledge of Allegiance!

"I pledge allegiance to my Flag and the Republic

for which it stands-one nation indivisible-

with liberty and justice for all."

On September 8,1892, the Boston based "The Youth's Companion" magazine published a few words for students to repeat on Columbus Day that year. Written by Francis Bellamy,the circulation manager and native of Rome, New York, and reprinted on thousands of leaflets, was sent out to public schools across the country. On October 12, 1892, the quadricentennial of Columbus' arrival, more than 12 million children recited the Pledge of Allegiance, thus beginning a required school-day ritual.

At the first National Flag Conference in Washington D.C., on June14, 1923, a change was made. For clarity, the words "the Flag of the United States" replaced "my flag". In the following years various other changes were suggested but were never formally adopted.

It was not until 1942 that Congress officially recognized the Pledge of Allegiance. One year later, in June 1943, the Supreme Court ruled that school children could not be forced to recite it. In fact,today only half of our fifty states have laws that encourage the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance in the classroom!

In June of 1954 an amendment was made to add the words "under God". Then-President Dwight D. Eisenhower said "In this way we are reaffirming the transcendence of religious faith in America's heritage and future; in this way we shall constantly strengthen those 

spiritual weapons which forever will be our country's most powerful resource in peace and war."

http://usflag.org/history/pledgeofallegiance.html

Bloggers' Rights from EFF!

Bloggers can be journalists (and journalists can be bloggers).

One of EFF's goals is to give you a basic roadmap to the legal issues you may confront as a blogger to let you know you have rights and to encourage you to blog freely with the knowledge that your legitimate speech is protected.

To that end we have created the Legal Guide for Bloggers a collection of blogger-specific FAQs addressing everything from fair use to defamation law to workplace whistle-blowing.

In addition EFF continues to battle for bloggers' rights in the courtroom:

Bloggers can be journalists (and journalists can be bloggers).We're battling for legal and institutional recognition that if you engage in journalism you're a journalist with all of the attendant rights privileges and protections. (See Apple v. Does.)

Bloggers are entitled to free speech. We're working to shield you from frivolous or abusive threats and lawsuits. Internet bullies shouldn't use copyright libel or other claims tochill your legitimate speech. (See OPG v. Diebold.)

Bloggers have the right to political speech. We're working with a number of other public-interest organizations to ensure that the Federal Election Commission (FEC) doesn't gag bloggers' election-related speech. We argue that the FEC should adopt a presumption against the regulation of election-related speech by individuals on the Internet and interpret the existing media exemption to apply to online media outlets that provide news reporting and commentary regarding an election -- including blogs. (See our joint comments to the FEC [PDF 332K].)

Bloggers have the right to stay anonymous. We're continuing our battle to protect and preserve your constitutional right to anonymous speech online including providing a guide to help you with strategies for keeping your identity private when you blog. (See How to Blog Safely (About Work or Anything Else).)

Bloggers have freedom from liability for hosting speech the same way other web hosts do. We're working to strengthen Section 230 liability protections under the Communications Decency Act (CDA) while spreading the word that bloggers are entitled to them. (See Barrett v. Rosenthal.)

If you'd like to spread the word about our work consider adding an EFF Bloggers' Rights Badgeto your blog or website.
https://www.eff.org/

THE FUNNY SIDE OF BLOGGER'S RIGHTS!

1. Bloggers have the right to post about any topic their heart desires. There shall be no law passed that prohibits any topic (including dirty ones) as long as excessive caps are not used.

2. Bloggers may fight spam by any means necessary including a well-regulated militia (Akismet) or even throwing rocks.

3. At any time, Bloggers are permitted to leave their original blogger or wordpress.com homes to pursue their god-given right of spending hours trying to transfer their blog to their own host and domain name.
4. Bloggers have the right to conduct as many unreasonable Google searches as they want to see how they rank with specific keywords.

5. No blogger shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a Grand Jury, except by Google. Basically Google can take away your pagerank or suspend your Adsense account whenever they please and for whatever reason they deem necessary.

6. All bloggers will be immediately forgiven for pointless ranting and raving so long as it does not exceed three consecutive posts.

7. Bloggers are permitted to have three cases of writers block per year in which they post nothing or utter nonsense.

8. No blogger is allowed to be subjected again to dialup, as it is considered cruel and unusual punishment.

9. Bloggers have the right to sell out and add as many advertisements to their blog as they want–as long as their blog is at least 3 months old. If you ignore the 3 month rule, amendment 8 is immediately suspended.

10. All bloggers are responsible to Stumble, Digg, Reddit, or whatever this Bill of Rights.

http://redstaplerchronicles.com/bloggers-bill-of-rights/

Unmarked Cop Cars & Urban Legends!

What You Really Need To Know About Unmarked Police Cars!

A 19-year old college girl named Lauren is the heroine of a sensational international urban legend. Her supporting cast includes a rapist posting as a police officer in an unmarked police car, real police officers in marked cruisers, and a police dispatcher. The location? An unlit road on the outskirts of town -- and that town could be anywhere, as this urban legend has had its location changed as it’s circled the globe via e-mail, from Virginia to Australia to Canada to Britain. (For more on this e-mail urban legend, visit Snopes.com.)

The story goes like this: Lauren is pulled over by an unmarked police car but she is suspicious and uses a special phone number to contact the local police to confirm that she is being pulled over by a genuine cop. The surprised dispatcher tells her to keep driving because the car behind her is not a real police car. Within minutes, real officers intercept the imposter who, when arrested, turns out to be a rapist.

Dramatic? Yes. True? Not exactly. While some urban legends are harmless, this tale adds unnecessary fear to the lives of solo drivers. Furthermore, it encourages readers to believe three harmful falsehoods. The first is that there is an epidemic of criminals posing as police officers. The second is that officers in unmarked cruisers can't be trusted. The third is that there are unpublished, secret phone numbers that connect cell phone users to local police agencies.Do Crooks Really Impersonate Police?

While there are certainly cases of people posing as police officers, when we asked some real police officers about this, they said that the probability of being pulled over by an imposter is remote.

Officer Clarence Williams of the Los Angeles Police Department said, "We have had complaints of officer impersonations during my years on the force. Normally the criminal pulls over a citizen, quickly flashes a badge, and then commits some type of robbery. They steal the citizen's wallet or purse."

Working in a suburb on the border of Detroit, Michigan, Officer Frank Zielinski of Grosse Pointe Farms said, "The crime of impersonating an officer is rare. What we usually see is that when it happens in the suburbs, it tends to be somebody on a power trip. They might pull somebody over, act like a police officer, give the citizen a warning, and then send them on their way. In urban areas, the motivation is usually theft or potentially a car-jacking."What If You Are Stopped By An Unmarked Police Car?

Many states and municipalities commonly use unmarked police cars for conducting traffic stops. Unmarked cars are valued because they blend in better with other traffic, helping the police nab speeders and other traffic law violators.

AOL Autos has covered the deployment of many non-standard cruisers, so you can be up to date on what most "plain brown wrapper" enforcement vehicles look like. While modern unmarked police cars can easily hide in traffic, with lights blazing it's hard to mistake a stealth cruiser for anything other than cop car on official business. Lights on law-enforcement vehicles are white, red and blue.

But what if you're pulled over by an unmarked vehicle that doesn't have red and blue lights? Maybe the driver is not in uniform? If you suspect that you're being pulled over by an imposter, follow these tips and the traffic stop will go more smoothly and be less tense for you and the officer:

1. As soon as you realized that you're being pulled over, activate your vehicle's four-way hazard lights. This tells the officer that you are aware that they are there and that you are complying with his or her request to pull over. Do not drive erratically, speed up, or attempt to elude the officer.

2. Drive safely to the nearest public area or police station. These are locations where police impersonators are less likely to engage victims. If it is nighttime, make sure the area is well lit.

3. If you have a cell phone, dial 911 and ask the dispatcher to verify that an officer attempting to pull you over. If the 911 operator verifies your vehicle description and your location, stop immediately for the officer.

4.If the unmarked cruiser is operated by a plainclothes officer, you may request that a uniformed officer respond to the scene. Remember to be polite and non-threatening.

For more tips on what to do during a traffic stop, AOL correspondent Kevin Ransom recently interviewed an experienced officer.

Know The Law
It pays to know your local laws and policies regarding unmarked police vehicles. For example, in Los Angeles, the LAPD's official policy is that unmarked vehicles may not perform a traffic stop. If an officer in an unmarked vehicle wishes to pull over a citizen, they must radio for a "black and white" with a uniformed officer to perform this task.

The LAPD's Officer Williams said, "A marked cruiser makes it obvious to the citizen that they are being pulled over by an official police vehicle. They can't then use the excuse, 'I didn't know' or 'I was afraid to stop.'"

Lauren's urban legend claims the young woman dials 112, #667, or #77. These numbers are claimed to be unadvertised, direct-dial speed dials that automatically connect a caller to the nearest police dispatch operator.

None of these numbers work nationwide. However, some states do have unique, specific phone numbers that motorists can use to contact law enforcement. A list can be found here.

Generally, police agencies recommend drivers just dial 911 to confirm that they are being pulled over by legitimate officer.Modern Unmarked Traffic-Enforcement Cars

Officer Zielinski showed us an unconventional patrol car that Grosse Pointe Farms recently put into service. The Mustang GT is a 2009 model with a 4.6-liter V-8. The Mustang's gray paint, aluminum wheels, black racing stripes and hood scoop make the car look totally civilian, until its special lighting package fires up.

High-intensity LED lamps are mounted behind the windshield, in the grille, and on the exterior mirrors. Additional LEDs are mounted in the rear window and by the rear taillights to alert traffic approaching from the rear. The colors are brilliant blue, red and white.

Unlike the four-way flashers that are standard on civilian vehicles, the lights on police vehicle flash alternately between the left and right sides. Civilian hazard flashers blink in parallel, with the left- and right-side lamps flashing together. Additionally, the lights on modern covert police vehicles are much brighter than standard automotive lamps.Officer Zielinski is one of the officers assigned to the Mustang GT. "We wanted to make our patrol car identifiable from up close. Because of that, we added the 'police' ID to the hood scoop so that people can easily read the word when we pull them over." How courteous.

Media Source: http://autos.aol.com/article/unmarked-cop-cars/

Facebook Group Heard By MGA Entertainment!

MGA Steps Up To Fight Against Cancer!

The Facebook community page "Beautiful and Bald Barbie! Let's See If We Can Get It Made" https://www.facebook.com/BeautifulandBaldBarbie has been heard by the famous entertainment corporation MGA. Today MGA announced they will be producing a new line of dolls beginning in June that will focus on child hood cancer. The dolls will be "beautiful and bald" in support of children who are facing losing their hair due to cancer and other illnesses.

"True Hope" Bratz®, Moxie Girlz™ Dolls Launch in June 2012 at Toys"R"Us to Support Cancer Research at City of Hope!

NEW YORK, Feb. 10, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- American International Toy Fair -- Today, MGA Entertainment announced its commitment and support to the fight against cancer by launching new hairless versions of their hit doll brands, Bratz® and Moxie Girlz™. Under the banner ""True Hope," MGA will release three Bratz® dolls - Cloe™, Yasmin™ and Cameron™, and three Moxie Girlz™ dolls, Avery™, Sophina™ and Jaxson™. Available at Toys"R"Us® stores and toysrus.com beginning in June, MGA will donate $1 for every "True Hope" Bratz® and Moxie Girlz™ doll, sold to distributors, to City of Hope for cancer research.

The announcement comes on the heels of a social media movement that calls for toymakers to create hairless dolls to emotionally comfort young girls and boys who suffer from hair loss due to cancer treatments.  https://www.facebook.com/BeautifulandBaldBarbie?sk=info

"MGA's mission is to provide joy and happiness to kids around the world. We believe children are our legacy and want them to be healthy, have confidence in their imagination and build their dreams into reality," said Isaac Larian, CEO MGA Entertainment. "We have a responsibility to children and we take that responsibility very seriously. The Bratz and Moxie Girlz "True Hope" dolls are designed to support and comfort young girls and boys who so bravely endure cancer treatments. MGA also wants to be an active supporter in the fight to develop lifesaving treatments for children."

"We are proud that Toys"R"Us will be the first retail destination to offer "True Hope" dolls, which embody hope, strength and courage for children facing adversity," said Jerry Storch, Chairman and CEO, Toys"R"Us, Inc. "This charitable initiative by MGA is consistent with our own philanthropic mission to help kids in times of need, including those fighting pediatric cancer."

MGA has tapped City of Hope as the recipient of monies that will be generated from sales to retailers of these dolls. City of Hope is a leading research, treatment and education center for cancer, diabetes and other life-threatening diseases. Designated as a comprehensive cancer center, the highest honor bestowed by the National Cancer Institute, and a founding member of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, City of Hope's research and treatment protocols advance care throughout the nation. City of Hope is located in Duarte, Calif., just northeast of Los Angeles.

"City of Hope is at the forefront of research to ensure that people with cancer receive the best possible treatment," said Steven Martin, vice president of marketing for City of Hope. "The support of MGA Entertainment will help our researchers in their drive to discover new and improved treatments. The "True Hope" Bratz and Moxie Girlz dolls are wonderful opportunities to raise funds for lifesaving research – as well as to raise cancer awareness among young people around the world."

MGA Entertainment, a consumer entertainment products company headquartered in Van Nuys, California, manufactures innovative lines of proprietary and licensed products including toys and games, dolls, consumer electronics, home decor, stationery and sporting goods. The MGA family includes award-winning brands such as Little Tikes®, Lalaloopsy™, Bratz®, Moxie Girlz™, BFC, Ink. ™, Rescue Pets® and Zapf Creation®. For more information please visit: www.mgae.com

http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/mga-entertainment-steps-up-fight-against-cancer-139122144.html 

Brooke's Blossoms & Buddies!

Brooke has many new blossoms and many more new buddies!

Brooke's Blossoms is a new service to help supply the beautiful little girls battling cancer and have lost the hair with Headbands & Hats with dolled up with Flowers, Bows, Feathers, & Bling. Anything to make them feel special and let there Diva Shine! This is all in Honor of Brooke Hester and the exciting part is she is getting to help Distribute them!!!!

The Jeff Gordon Children's Foundation has partnered with DuPont to create a branded Jeff Gordon Children's Foundation race hauler for the 2012-2013 race seasons! You can catch this hauler traveling to every race for the next two years. We hope this brings much needed awareness and funding to childhood cancer research initiatives! Dedicated to finding a cure for pediatric cancer. In addition, the Jeff Gordon Children's Foundation supports the Jeff Gordon Children's Hospital in Concord, North Carolina.

The mission of the Jeff Gordon Foundation is to support children battling cancer by funding programs that improve patients’ quality of life, treatment programs that increase survivorship and pediatric medical research dedicated to finding a cure.

Brooke's Story at CaringBridge.org, 

Welcome to Brooke's CaringBridge for friends and family. Please visit often to read entries, view photos or write a guestbook note!

Or send a note: Ronald McDonald House, c/o Brooke Hester #709, 405 East 73rd St., New York, NY 10021

Be humble in the presence of God's mighty power, and he will honor you when the time comes. God cares for you, so turn all your worries over to him. 
1 Peter 5: 6-7 

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/brookehester

http://www.brookefightsback.org/blossoms.html