Reblog This

One of the blogs I follow is the spouse of a person with depression.  He posted it today with the request that his readers reblog it. As an educator, I feel the need to share. I ask my readers to please do the same!


Depression Hotline: 1-630-482-9696


Suicide Hotline: 1-800-784-8433

LifeLine: 1-800-273-8255

Trevor Project: 1-866-488-7386

Sexuality Support: 1-800-246-7743

Eating Disorders Hotline: 1-847-831-3438

Rape and Sexual Assault: 1-800-656-4673

Grief Support: 1-650-321-5272

Runaway: 1-800-843-5200, 1-800-843-5678, 1-800-621-4000

Exhale: After Abortion Hotline/Pro-Voice: 1-866-4394253

The Kids

When we're talking of my niece and nephew we call them "The Kids." So whenever we see them, Adaline calls out, "The kids!" Then points to each one and tries to say their names. She has Trace's name down, but the L in Laura's name gives her a lot of trouble. Doesn't stop them from having a good time :)

Who doesn't love coloring? 

This was the quietest they were for the whole visit. Everyone shared, and everyone had a good time. I hope we get to visit again soon!

Thanks, Hilary!

When Adaline was around 6 weeks old, she received this beautiful hand-knit bunny from an old friend, Hilary. Adaline LOVES it! She carries Bunny around the house by the arm or under her arm, puts him in the chair next to her when it's time to eat, and even puts Bunny down for "Nigh-Nigh" with a little blanket. She loves him so much his little pom-pom tail is getting lose. He is just the right size for a toddler :)
Thanks again, Hil!

Ducky Derby 2011

Last weekend we spent a few hours in Twain Harte at the annual Ducky Derby. We knew there were afternoon thunderstorms headed our way, but we chanced it anyway. I'm so glad we did. Personally, I love thunderstorms, and watching one quickly blow in over the mountain range and over the lake was amazing. We went from calm, warm weather to windy, cold weather in minutes! Didn't stop us from having fun, though... 

The storm just off the lake, when we arrived.

Adaline LOVES little yellow duckies- her eyes lit up when she saw this giant one!

 I love how this captured Adaline and Sara chatting on the beach.

 ...and this captured Ed and Travis chatting on the bridge/dam.

 The storm picked up speed as it dropped over the lake.

 Travis and Adaline charging across the dam at Adaline's full running speed.

Just in time to see the duckies being released.

The smallest shirts they had were children's smalls, which is still a few years off for us. I hope we're still going in a few years so we can get one for Adaline.

Just after the ducks were released the storm hit us and thunder and lightening were right over us (a little scary, but so amazing to see!)

We took shelter on the beach to watch the rest of the race and the storm.
I loved it- and I think Adaline did too, once we had her wrapped up in her sweater and blanket. Here's to next year's derby!

Smile!

Adaline has been working on her smile the last couple of days. When I pull the camera out, she smiles dramatically and says "eeezzzeee!"

I don't know care which smile she uses...I love all of them.

September 11, 2001

It has been 10 years since September 11, 2001 but it feels like it has only been days.

Everywhere I turn I hear people talking about where they were when they heard the news of the attacks on the towers. I can't help but remember where I was. I don't want to say too much about the event or where we all are now, because I think a lot of people have already done that. What I write below is what I choose to remember and keep in my heart.

I was in my junior year at UCSC, living off campus with a friend. My boyfriend woke me up with a phone call and the words, "We're under attack. Turn on the TV." I responded- still groggy- with, "What? Why? What channel?" He said, "It doesn't matter." 

He was right. It was on every channel. I saw the first tower go down, and I asked him, "When did this happen?" He said, "Now. It's happening now." 

Thinking back to that day, it was the last comment that was the most powerful for me. Seeing such a tragedy in real time made me experience it in such an emotional manner. So much so that when Travis and I visited Ground Zero a year and a half later, just seeing the steel cross made me cry. I didn't know anyone who died as a result of that day, but I think we all lost a piece of our innocence. 

My heart and prayers go out to all the victims and survivors of September 11, 2001.

"Nummmmm"

That's what Adaline says when she thinks something's yummy...

...who doesn't think a chocolate chip cookie is yummy???