Trans Siberian Orchestra My Favorite Christmas Music

First of all let me say, I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving, we did. The one thing I am truly thankful for, is that it is only once a year. That is a lot of cooking, cleaning, and work for a few minutes of eating with family, and friends. I would think takeout would work just as well. The weather was marvelous, and we spent a lot of the day outside, sitting in the sun. Except for the men, who of course watched football. Now we move into my favorite time of the year, Christmas. I love all parts of Christmas. The hustle and bustle, the shopping, the religious meaning, as well as the secular meaning. I love the feeling Christmas gives me, and so many others as well. This year so many people are out of work, and will not be able to afford Christmas. Now I know Christmas is not really about Santa, and gifts, but the three Wise Men, did bring gifts to the baby Jesus. If you can give even a few dollars to your local charity to help a child get a gift, that would be awesome. There is also Shaq gives back for Toys for Tots, sponsored at Toys R Us, and in most retail stores. Every year we do the program for the Guardian Ad Lidem program here in Florida, for kids in the foster care system. I also donate to the food pantry, and Another Way, which is a program for battered women, and children. I am a huge Shaq fan. If you don't know who Shaq is, he is a basketball superstar, but he also is supportive of charities, and those in need. Many of you probably heard the awful story of the mother in NC who sold her five year old daughter into prostitution, and the man killed her. Shaq heard the story on the news, and has paid for the complete funeral for this poor child, that even her own mother would not protect. Thanks Shaq for helping this poor child, to rest in peace. I got a little off track there, sorry. I was supposed to be telling you about my all time favorite Christmas song band. The Trans Siberian Orchestra is amazing. If you have never heard their music, watch the video below. I think you will love it as much as I do. Have a great weekend, everyone.

My New Mission You Can Win Free Jewelry

I am on a mission, to raise at least 100 dollars to donate to the local food pantry. With people losing their jobs, and the holidays right around the corner, I think it would be generous to do so. Last year we gave food, but for Christmas we gave a lot of gifts we bought for the needy. This year, for Thanksgiving, in honor of my husband's favorite holiday, we are hoping people will donate five dollars to our cause. Now if you can not, please know that I understand completely. You can not donate more than five dollars, the Paypal button will not allow it. I will document, and keep all names, and email addresses. All who donate five dollars, will be entered into a drawing to win the Pink Zircon ring pictured on the left hand column of this blog. This ring is sterling silver, with rhodium plating so it does not tarnish, with a 5mm Trillion Pink Zircon, surrounded by CZ's, it is a size 6. You could easily cross someone off your Christmas list with this prize. The setting alone cost me 40 dollars, and that does not include the gemstone, and labor involved to set it. Also if you drop me a comment, or email me with your paypal ID, and a link to your blog, or website, all who donate will get a link on my Hall of Fame. If you love my idea, please feel free to share it with others. That is not a requirement. The only requirement is that you donate 5 dollars using the Paypal button, to the left, and you live in the US, Phillipines, Australia, Canada, or Great Britian, all others will be rendered null, and void. The program starts right now, and runs until November 1st at 8PM, Eastern time. I will show receipts of donation proof, at the time the money is given to the food pantry.

April 29th Bloggers Unite For Hunger

This is something that is close to my heart, because I really do not see any reason for anyone to be starving, and hungry. Heifer International, is using the month of April to help people learn to plant, grow, and harvest their own food. They supply the seeds, and the knowledge to get this done. I can not think of a more worth cause, then helping to rid the world of hunger.

April 29th Bloggers Unite for Hunger and Hope. Just by blogging about this topic, you can help feed a hungry person. Knowledge is power, and the more we know, the more we can help. Every day children are starving, all around the world. Some have no clean water to drink, and I have even read stories of them making mud cakes that they sell, and eat. Here are some of the startling facts I have learned.

WHO says 1/3 of children are underfed, and another 1/3 are starving. Think about that, that is a lot of children.

More than 500 million people live in, absolute poverty. Not they can not afford cable, or a cell phone, but absolute poverty some with no electricity, running water, or food to eat.

In the US 46% of African American children, and 49% of Latino children are considered chronically hungry.

No matter what your personal feelings are as to why hunger still exists in this world, it should not be. With all the money, and wealth so many countries have, why do children still suffer, and die. Why do we make it a personal, or political issue, instead of a humanity issue? Would you like to help, here are some ways you can.

Join this event and add a badge to your blog before April 29.
Watch for upcoming news releases and topic backgrounders.
Visit Heifer International to learn more about Pass On The Gift.
Make a small donation or take some other action to end world hunger.

If everyone gave just one dollar, think of how much you could help a starving child.





Lesson Plans for 4/29/09:

Social Studies: Consumers, and producers
Writing: Write a letter
Math: Graphs, multiplication, division
Language Arts: Linking verbs, writing a description
Spelling: Lesson 29- write each spelling word and circle the vowels
Vocabulary: Lesson 29- Use each vocabulary word in a sentence

Join the Alzheimers' Memory Walk

Alzheimer's Memory Walk

When I was a kid, we walked in the MS Walk A Thon, and the Crop Walk for Hunger. Now there is the Alzheimers Memory Walk. The Alzheimers Memory Walk, is just like any other walk for charity cause. You agree to get sponsors, who will pledge you to walk a certain amount of miles. You walk the miles, and the money you raise goes to help fund Alzheimers research, and care for those who suffer from this debilitating disease.



As a nurse, for 21 years, and having a great grandmother, that suffered from Alzheimers, I have seen first hand the things this disease does to your mind. It can start at a fairly young age, right up to 80 or 90. People who suffer from Alzheimers, may look healthy and normal, but their brain does not function the way it used to. They forget to do the simplest things, like feed themselves, or dress themselves. Alot of them will just sit and stare at their food, if someone does not tell them to eat. It is a very sad disease, that with research hopefully they can find a cure. You can help. They are currently in great need of Team Captains, and walkers to raise money. If you have a little time to spare, you can help this great cause. As a homeschooler, I think it is important to teach our children love and kindness, and the gift of charity.

If you would like to be a Team Captain, or just be a sponsored walker, click one of the available links provided. Help find a cure, for this debilitating disease.