Glad I Gotcha Day!

This story is close to my heart today as we celebrate and look back on our journey that led us to today.  I would say that most couple who adopt have gone through a journey intermingled with joy and grief, celebration, anxiety, loads of paperwork and every emotion possible to experience.  And then the day comes and you are filled with hope and anticipation.  I remember going before the judge and taking the oath to parent these children for life.  What a wonderful, frightening and fulfilling journey!

We love our girls and wouldn't trade them for anything!  However, it has taken a lot of love, effort, strength, discipline, tears and just plain heart to get us here.  There is a man in the video that gave words of wisdom that ring so true!  It goes well for a while, then things get hard, then you wonder what on earth you doing and then, you turn a corner.  I think that has been pretty true for our experience.

Our girls are from a domestic adoption, but they were older when we got them.  Like the family featured in the video we already had children when we decided to adopt.  We have a truly blended family with older bio kids, step kids and adopted kids.  We have come together in a wonderful way to be a family and we have definitely grown as a group!

I encourage everyone to know more about adoption, what adoptive parents and children go through, what those families need and how the community can (and in my opinion should) embrace and support these families.  I do not believe that adoption is for everyone, but everyone can be supportive of adoption and adoptive families.

As for our family, it has changed our lives forever and we treasure our expanded family!

Old Time Skiing!

Now this is cool!  And yet it is so simple!  This video takes you back a couple hundred years and yet it was made in modern times.  We all imagine that somewhere in the farthest frontiers there is a world that reflects the yesteryear.  This reminds me of my images of what the north pole might be like and how everyone travels around the village.  Watch and enjoy!

Extreme Rollerblading...

We have seen something like this in a commercial.  However, it was easily explained away as a computer generated graphic.  Apparently this actually exists!  It looks like the suit is expertly designed by the individual using it, but I really question the safety of this activity.  I remember roller blading and being terrified going down a hill 20 yards long, because I was afraid I would fall and break every bone in my body.  Of course this guy doesn't have far to fall.... unless he falls over a cliff that is.  And what about weaving through traffic?  It would be a great way to beat rush hour traffic, but perhaps there are a few dangers as well.  What do you think?  Would you try this?

Whiling Away the Time

One of the wonders of the holidays is a break from the usual grind.  After the new toys have been played with enough that the novelty has worn off it is time to try new activities.  Today we learned to arm knit an infinity scarf.  As a mother, it was so much fun to work on something together that would end in a usable product and that created a memory that will last through the ages.  There is a generational feel to the skill that links back to my mother-in-law who taught me how to knit.  I was able to use those skills to help my daughter get started on her first attempt at knitting, in this case arm knitting.  Now that the two of us have completed a scarf we will teach the younger girls to make their own scarves.

It really doesn't matter what the activity or craft.  It does matter that we are all working together to learn something, spend time and do something out of the ordinary.  Sometimes having a multi-generational group of children is particularly challenging.  Today, however, it is great to have the girls all together learning and teaching one another.

Whether you are on break and need something out of the ordinary or just getting ready for a cold weekend under the covers, you might want to try arm knitting.  All you need is your arms and yarn, but you can use a large dowel if that works better for you.

Be a Christmas Miracle....

I accidentally watched a movie last night that is a huge inspiration to me.  Papa Joe Bradford has an amazing story and should be an inspiration to all of us.  If you have the opportunity to watch Unconditional I would recommend it.  Joe Bradford understands the needs of inner city children and has dedicated his life to meeting those needs and brining meaning to the lives of young people who often struggle to just to eat.  "Papa Joe" as the kids call him, works each day to build community, creating a strong and functional network.  We have a great privilege to participate in community on the local, state, national and even world level.  However, we have a great challenge in that we no longer know our neighbors and find it far too easy to just turn a blind eye to the needs that are right in front of our eyes.

Our challenge today is to look for the needs we can meet in our neighborhood (local or global) and then to take action.  Start small because every life blessed is a life with new found hope and purpose.  I will share some needs, but I would love to hear how each of you is being a Christmas miracle to someone.

Needs
local food shelves
Local schools can always use donations of tissues, backpacks and school supplies for those who cannot afford them
Feed My Starving Children
Feeding America
The Red Cross
A Walk of Love
The Brain Candy Project
Doctors Without Borders
Heifer International

These are just a few.  Most of us know a family or individual that could use a boost.  Consider giving a family in need a gift card or paying their heat or even a doctor bill.  Perhaps you would like to donate to an organization or donate in someone's name.  Think of the single parents in your neighborhood.  Buy them a coffee or pay for hair cuts for the children.  There are a million ways to reach out that seem like they are too small to have meaning.  Perhaps the smallest things we do for one another are the most meaningful.  The one thing that is for certain is that people need one another and we need to build a strong community if we are going to have a healthy society.  And if today's children are to grow up to take care of this world, then they need a world community that is based in love and care.  We can all do something to be a Christmas miracle to someone we know or to a complete stranger.

Giving

Why give?  I enjoy giving, in fact, more than receiving.  I love to take the time to select a present that will be loved when it is opened and that will show the recipient how much I think of them.  There is nothing better than seeing the moment when someone realizes how much you care about them and the joy that beams across their face.  I am a giver.  It is an integral part of my existence.  Actually, there are times when some would say I teeter on the side of giving more of my heart and soul that I can afford to give.

But that is me....
Why would a company give, and give to an extreme?  Why would hundreds volunteer to be a part of massive giving campaign that doesn't benefit them in any way?  Perhaps the volunteers are givers like me.  Perhaps they just like to have something to fill their time.  These may explain volunteering for a gift giving extravaganza, but why would a company spend thousands just to make a few wishes come true?  Usually the answer would be to gain something, but I am not sure that is the case here.  It seems they are doing it just to bring joy to the recipients.

Here is an example of the joy of giving and how awesome it is to see that look on someone's face when they are overwhelmed to see their wishes granted.

Humility and Gratitude....

Today I want to think about the blessing that I have and the ways that I can share with the world.  It is so easy to judge, but judgement harms the world so much.  Humanity creates major walls between one another through judging one another.  Perhaps in the moment we feel better about ourselves, but hopefully we end up feeling ashamed of our judgement.

Each of us has our own trials.  Most of us put ourselves out there on social media as the best possible versions of ourselves.  The reality is though, that we all have difficulties, issues, weaknesses and shortcomings.  It is pretty hard to be honest about the ways that we lack perfection.  If we are honest, or we can't help but have our weaknesses exposed, everyone of us would want to be met with compassion and under rather than judgement and disdain.

Today's video lets us peek into a window of difficult that is easy to judge.  Hopefully you can see a human who has difficulty, and yet wants to be treated with kindness and consideration.  Feel free to post your thoughts.

Free Fun!

Oh MY!  My little one sent me this link and I laughed so hard I almost cried.  My laughter was in part because this is something I would so do!  My philosophy on fun is that you should have as much as you can for free.  Make people wonder what in the heck makes you tick.  Make them wonder if the world needs more people like you or if perhaps you should be locked away somewhere.  We (and I'm included in this) take ourselves way too seriously sometimes.  Taking some time to be goofy can reset the scales of seriousness.  Ask anyone who has the poor misfortune to have lived with me in the last 20 years and they will tell you that I am a major supporter of good clean, free, harmless fun!  I hope you enjoy this video and think of some creative ways to have fun this holiday season.

Sleep! Why are you so elusive!

I don't know what takes a person from a sleep disturbance to a sleep disorder.  I really don't even know all of the sleep disorders that exist.  I do know that most people have sleep disturbances from time to time.  And some number of unlucky people have a sleep disorder.

Others, like me, have two sleep disorders!  When I experience a significant sleep disturbance over a number of days then it triggers my lack of ability to achieve and maintain the restorative stage of sleep.  For instance, last night I fell asleep and woke up about an hour and 15 minutes later.  After that, I spent the next six and a half hours dreaming.  Last night was unusual as I woke up numerous times, but usually I only wake up once or twice and dream the night away.  It would be lovely if the dreams were relaxing beaches sipping on pineapple juice garnished with coconut carved umbrellas, but alas, they are not relaxing and are often bizarre.  Last night I dreamed entirely in sepia tone.  For whatever reason, resolving medical issues for me has significant challenges.  I have taken meds in the past, some to no avail and others to provide me with too negative of side effects.  Unfortunately, the one I just started appears to have made the problem worse.

I also suffer from parasomnia, which is a group of undesired events that happen while sleeping.  After a significant back injury that caused high levels of pain and disturbed my sleep I began having tremors in my sleep.  I am told it is quite un-nerving to watch.  My body gets very stiff and them the tremors occur, looking as if I am having some sort of a seizure.  I wake up near the end of the shaking.  This experience is not something that I find to be pleasant.

So today's video tells us interesting facts about sleep.

The game is on the line....

Matt Stevens is an amazing inspiration!  This story makes me take a long look at whether or not I can even call my challenges obstacles.  I struggle at times with many things, but keeping things in perspective helps me to avoid wallowing.  I am also amazed at the meaning of team found in this story!  I believe in team!  I believe in working together as a group to bring out the best in everyone.  This story truly shows what being a team is and how putting other's before yourself can give someone the chance of a lifetime!  I hope you enjoy this story and find some meaning for yourself that inspires you in some way.


 

The Magic of Christmas

Well to be honest I am in a bit of a humbug state of mind.  So for me, and probably a few other souls, a little Christmas magic is in order.  And here is the challenge.... find a way to bring some magic into someone's day.  Some people in Chicago went to a lot of work to put some merriment into many a passersby day.  Can you do the same?

Video

This is Crazy!

Oh My Gosh!  This is a crazy bike riding trip that will have you both amazed and terrified all at the same time.  Would you do this?  Do you find it entertaining?  Would you let your kids or spouse do this?  I am interested in comments!

Video

Art that will Amaze you!

Art is amazing!  I can't believe the amazing things that people can do with the most common of substances.





Video

When everything comes together...

I am amazed at what people can do!  While this is a commercial I am astounded at the engineering that has gone into creating this machine!  Enjoy!

 

A Laugh

There comes a time when you just have to laugh or you might as well throw in the towel.  A great source for this quest is Ron Burgundy.  Click and enjoy!

Ron Burgundy Interview

Awareness...

To tell you the truth I can't remember a whole lot of what was said at my graduations.  This is pretty remarkable because My very good friend Nate actually spoke at one of them.  I wonder if I would have remembered if something like this had been said.

I continue to need inspiration and this helps a little and reminds me that I need to focus on my awareness.  Currently, I my awareness is focused on the negative.  While the negative may be true, I am missing the positives that are right in front of me.  True, the very devious and disparaging activities I suspect may be unfolding in the dark recesses of those who smile nervously and lie in my face.  But, I cannot control that and I have absolutely no power to overcome what is done in secret and without my knowledge.

So then I have to ask, why not focus on what is right in front of me?  Why not be aware in the moment and focus on the positives that I can see, feel and touch right up close in my environment?  I will choose the awareness of the positives around me, but it will not be easy.

This is Water

Bright Lights....

I have been uninspired the last few days.  To be honest I have been in a dark place and it has been hard to find my smile.  I have found my inspiration in learning about Ben Breedlove's story.  Hopefully you are inspired as well.

Today I happened upon this story on CNN and found a smile that starts in my heart and reflects on my face.  This is a two part video and is worth two clicks and a few minutes.  You will discover Ben Breedlove telling his story.  Ben was found to have a heart defect when he was just a preschooler.  His life was book marked by major cardiac events and his own journey in dealing with those memorable events take a few pages in the book.   Shortly after making these videos Ben had his last cardiac event and went back to the light he first saw when he was four years old.  

More on Ben's Story

I hope that as we all go into this holiday season we are appreciative of the loved ones we have by our side and that we remember those who have gone on before us.  

Hopes and Dreams Realized...

Today's entry is in stark contrast to Music and Carrots.  Here is what can happen if you dream and plan to achieve those dreams.

Take a trip back in time with me if you will to 1st grade.  For reasons unknown to me, my mother decided to pack 5 kids in the car the day before school started and head west.  Our tribe headed west for a good long while, until we ended up in Denver, Colorado.  Her parents were sick and in the hospital and she wanted nothing more to be by their side.  They remained ill as the days turned into weeks.  And then the week was a month.

I don't remember a whole lot about that month, expect perhaps being lonely.  I was separated from my immediate family and I don't remember seeing my mom really until our month was coming to a close.  I guess my mom was at the hospital and my four older siblings were with other relatives.  I stayed with my cousins who were close to my age and their parents.  I remember going to the park nearby and playing with my cousins, but I am not sure I had actually ever met them before that trip to Denver.

At then end of a month or so we headed back to Minnesota.  I had missed the beginning of first grade, which I don't think anyone realized was so crucial.  My mom instructed me to ask for make up work when I spoke with my teacher, which I did.  My teacher said not to worry, that I would "catch on".  I

She was wrong.  I never caught on and always felt inadequate.  All of my classmates were reading and were in way better colors than I was in the leveled reading.  I remember thinking that "olive" was a horrible color and a horrible feeling because everyone else was on teal and magenta and chartreuse.  What that meant to me as a first grader who had no reading skills is that everyone else had "caught on" and I didn't have a clue how to read.

This began my long relationship with "impostor's syndrome".  I pretended and I got really good at it. Some might say that I developed excellence in this area.  I made my way through school with minimal reading skill.  And, I did it so well that no one knew that I had dramatic deficits in reading.  When I graduated high school I did not think that I was going to get my Associates degree, my Bachelor's Degree, my Master's degree or even dream of getting a doctoral degree.

I made a serious start in college in 2003.  I really wanted to be a teacher and took my EMT training so that I could work my way through college.  I really did not think I had the time, patience, skill and money to make it through my four year degree.  I focused on the AA degree and put my head to the wind.  After that, I focused on the next goal, my four year degree.  In my program I had classes with students at the grad level and a seed was planted.  One of the happiest days of my life was earning that Bachelor's degree.  I was proud because I knew how far I had come from the little girl who never "caught on".  My two oldest watched me graduate from college and they were proud of me because they saw all the work that went into it and how I just kept the pace until I reached the goal.

Now I am nearing the end of my Master's program.  And in my future is a Doctor of Education degree.  I have no idea what it is going to take, how I will pay for it, or where I will go.  I do know, that I have a goal to achieve.  I never thought I could go that far in education and I don't think I am ridiculous smart.  I do know that I am a hard worker and if nothing else in this world is true about me, this one thing is, I am determined!

My hardships to overcome have been real, but they are nothing compared to the woman in this video.  I find her to be inspiring because I am on my way to getting that doctoral degree.  It may take a good long while, but it is in my sites.  The woman in the video confirms that I only have to believe and I can achieve.  I hope you find inspiration in her story and begin to dream big, whatever your dream may be.

What's Cool in the World....: Don't Miss the Music

What's Cool in the World....: Don't Miss the Music: This video is filled with so much in just 2 short minutes!  I can see myself threaded through the video.  Education is such an ongoing thing...

Don't Miss the Music

This video is filled with so much in just 2 short minutes!  I can see myself threaded through the video.  Education is such an ongoing thing to achieve and wonderfully, or sadly, I am driven to achieve.  For some reason I can't help but push myself onward to the next goal.  Currently, I am in the last year of my Master's program, but I am already planning steps to the next degree.  What will I do when I have my EdD?  At that point what more can I achieve in the realm of my higher education?  And what does having that degree do for me?  Will I be able to be a curriculum director somewhere?  Will I actually write curriculum as I intend and make a living from curriculum writing?  Can I possibly be a part of a cabinet somewhere as an education representative?  Will I ever write educational policy or guide legislation related to education?  And... what if I do?  Likewise...what if I don't?

Today no answers, just questions, I guess.  I simply hope that my life, and yours, is more than a dangling carrot and that the progression of the musical score is richly rewarding and the achievements are bonus materials.

Beauty...

What is beauty?  Who is the judge of beauty?  Do you consider yourself to be beautiful?  Do others say you are beautiful?

Challenge your idea of beauty and how you see yourself.  Take a few minutes and watch this video.  What are your thoughts after seeing the women in this video?  I would love to see your comments!

Would You Free Dive?

I have heard of this before and thought it was interesting, but not something on my bucket list.  What are your thoughts?  It is interesting.  It is amazing what people have learned to do with their bodies!  Leave me your comments.  Is it cool?  Is it crazy?  Want to try it?  Would you forbid someone you love from doing this?  I am interested in what others think about this activity.

Free Diving Video

It's All About Family

I had the blessing of having all the children and the sweet little grand girl filling the house.  Similarly I am blessed with the most wonderful husband ever!

My Blessings called Family

The joy of being surrounded by my children and husband is a blessing that I understand because I also know the sorrow of loved ones who are no longer with us.  I would like to take a moment to honor a few, but the list is so much longer than I can post here.

My Mom, who I carry in my heart and miss so very often...

Our Daughter, Julia Jessica Pahl Sept. 14, 2010.  We never got to see your face, but we remember the short life that you had, even if it was in our hearts and not in our arms.

Our little one we never got to see face-to-face December 5, 2005

Jessica, You touched many lives and still do today.  We miss you so very much and treasure those moments when we feel you spirit close.

Marie, I love my sister so very much and can't explain how my life changed when she moved on into the neverworld.  Everyone who ever met her fell instantly in love with her.  She had a smile that was infection and a laugh that was contagious.  Her outlook on life made the world a brighter place, just by being near her.  Too many holidays with out her by our side!

 Grandparents

Grandma and Grandpa Packer.  

Sadly no pictures of Grandma and Grampa Gardner

Dad  

Uncle Ken and Aunt Opal who constructed a large portion of my personal constitution and lit the fire that keeps me forging on when giving up would be so much easier.  

There are so many more!  Gary.  Scott.  Tommy.   Thank you for being a part of our lives even if the time was to short.

Practice!

So I guess with some things you can really see what practice does!  I remember when skateboards were a mode of transportation and not the root of a culture.  My sister had a thick plastic blue one and we had hours and hours of fun with it.   When traveling by foot to town it was great to get to the highway and be able to ride the skateboard.  Today it is a whole different deal!  I can't imagine how many scrapes and bruises come with learning a skill like the people in the video have mastered!  What I do know for sure is that developing a skill like this takes hours, days, weeks, months and perhaps even years of dedicated practice!

News Clip on Bionic Man

Bionic Man.... It's here!

So this isn't that show when you were a kid where the guy could so these super human things and "bionic action" music played.  However, the British are displaying their first fully operational bionic man.  This guy has a realistic looking face, he breathes and he even bleeds!  As with all new technologies there are plenty of awesome applications and a few things that are concerning.  Thoughts?

Bionic Man

Putting Bionic Man Together Time Lapse

News Clip

Heroes

As we walk through our day we encounter everyday heroes around every corner.  We probably don't recognize the greatness of those around us each day.  CNN has a cameo of the top 10 heroes of the year.  I bet there are millions more, but CNN just doesn't know about them all.  For example, one of my favorite heroes is my husband.  He is world changer!  Granted, it is on a very small scale, but there are a handful of kids out there that will have a completely different life because my awesome husband has stepped up to be dad, step-dad and grandpa.  I think that every act of heroism changes the world and makes this a better planet to live on.

To see more heroes watch the video.  You can see each story in completion by clicking the link on the bottom of the screen.

CNN Heroes

Tragic

Justin and I are very sad for the deep loss that our friend Lanny Maetzold is experiencing.  On Tuesday morning (11./19/13) his four children were in a tragic car crash and his 13 year old daughter Katrina lost her life.  His three other children have varying levels of injury and a long recovery ahead of them.  While many of you who read this blog may not know Lanny and his family, most can empathize with the pain and suffering that this family is going through.  Please consider offering prayers and asking others for prayer, sharing their story and donating to the memorial fund.  Most important, remember how fragile life is, love those around you, share a smile and a hug whenever you can and say "I love you", but live in a way that you don't have to because your love is evident!

The Katrina Maetzold Memorial Fund
First National Bank
PO Box 33
Milaca, MN 56353

Fatal Crash in Milaca

Time for a Laugh

We have had some serious topics, so today, it is time for some laughter.  Anyone who has been a part of growing up will appreciate at least one bit in this video.  Enjoy a few minutes, laugh, remember fondly and think of some story that you should be sharing with your children, little sister or brother, or heck even the barista that pours your coffee in the morning.

9 Minutes You Will Never Regret Spending....

I can't imagine how much more happiness I could experience in life if I had a portion of the positivity of Randy Pausch.   My hope is that everyone who watches this video will find a few nuggets of wisdom to hold on to.

Quotes

Family

Over the years I have to say that my greatest joys and my deepest hurts have been brought to me by family.  These are the people that know us the best, love us in spite of that fact, and stand with us through it all.  Sometimes we are hard to love, and sometimes our families are hard to love.  The best part is knowing we are in it together!

The question can become, what is family?  I guess for me family is love and commitment.  The video selection for today has a lot to do with loving when it doesn't even seem reasonable, committing to love even when it is terribly difficult and standing in the gap to do our part to make the world a better place.  I am reminded to love my little angels in a way that doesn't seem reasonable, commit to loving my husband and kids every day, on the days it is easy and the ones where it is not, give of my heart in a way that makes world a better place.

A dose of Inspiration

If you are human.... and I am.... as far as I know....
Well, if you are human it is part of living the day-to-day to focus on your own hardships.  One of my favorite ways to shift my focus is to see the amazing things that other's do and find inspiration.  I hope that you will be inspired too.

Amazing Spray Paint Art

There are many quips about regrets and many a folk think they have some wise things to say about regret.  Well one of the things I have always regretted is not buying one of these on my first trip to NYC.  Every time I have been back to Battery Park I have tried to find the artisan and never had any luck.  I thought perhaps what I had seen was an enigma, but alas I found this video and my hope was renewed.  Someday....

Amazing Spray Paint Art

Dancing Tommy

Dancing Tommy has been an inspiration for countless people around the globe.  His story is an inspiration to me in a very personal way.  My life has been steeped in the waters of addiction, not my own, but of those around me.  Many times in my life I have felt hopeless about the future.  Watching Dancing Tommy's story usually brings tears to my eyes, but it also brings hope and inspiration.  May you too find something wonderful in watching his story.

The Story

The Video

Welcome

This Blog is meant to share what is cool in the world, and sometimes what is not so cool.  In our lives it is too easy to see our own troubles or limited window to the world.  Somewhat by accident, I have developed the habit of looking for what is inspirational, humorous, moving (from both positive and negative view points), fun and just plain interesting.  My hope is that others can find inspiration, motivation and joy by sharing in my discoveries.