Where were You 20 years ago Today

I am late in the day posting this, but it is still very worth the words.

20 years ago today, Jacob Wetterling disappeared. He was abducted by a masked man while with two of his friends. He was 11-years old. His case remains open, and hope remains in his parents and families mind.

All over my office today I could hear "I remember where I was..." because it was such a major thing in my area.

I don't remember where I was, I was 10. But, I remember the time following. I was taking part in a play for our local Children's Theater. It was Cinderella. We had just started rehearsals in downtown Minneapolis, and until that point I had been pretty free to roam (not the city, but the building), but after that it was crackdown time for all the children in the play. We weren't allowed to wonder alone, not even with another child. We weren't allowed to leave with someone who wasn't our parent, unless a note and drivers licence were seen.

It was a scary time for any child.

They talked about it at school, on tv and on the radio. My parents kept us a bit closer.

Now, I see all the amazing things that Patty Wetterling has done, and I am in awe. In 1990 the Jacob Wetterling Foundation (JWF) was formed, with the goal of preventing another child from being abducted. The helped to push for laws regarding sex offenders and how they now have to register where ever they live. Patty Weterling helped pass the A.M.B.E.R. system here and nationally. Patty Weterling is a major child advocate, and Minnesota is lucky to have her.

The Wetterling Family has never shied away from talking about Jacob (most recently on Oprah last week) and I hope they never do. If there is a chance that anyone knows anything, his name and face (with age rendering) need to be out there. As we have seen recently, there is always hope.

Tonight I hugged Boo a bit closer.

A booster no matter what

Minnesota has a law that I do not agree with. One that involves my kids and their safety.

Right now, once a child reaches age 4 they are no longer required to ride in a booster seat. It doesn't matter how tall they are, or how much they weigh. Age 4 they are done by law.

Boo is 7 and still rides in a booster seat. I don't care what the law says, she will ride in one until I feel she is big enough to not.

I pass the booster seat from car to car no matter who she is going with. When my Dad picked Boo up yesterday to go to his house, her booster went with her, and he will bring it with to Big Sis' house tomorrow.

Wisconsin has a stricter law in place for car seats, one that causes problems for some people when they go to our cabin. Until the age of 4 a child must be a car seat, and then a booster until they reach age 8.

There is now a bill on the Senate Floor that will require children under age 8 who is shorter than 4 feet 9 inches to ride in a booster seat, or some form of child restraint seat.

A fine would be in place, and would be waived if proof is shown in two weeks of a purchased booster seat. There are exceptions for medical needs and other justifiable reasons.

But there are opponents to this bill. I am shocked by this.

"Imagine if you're a mom and you want to bring home the kids after a baseball game," said Ortman, R-Chanhassen. "You've got to have four booster seats."

My thought on this quote, you get four car seats, or have the parents provide them as they should be doing.

There were many stories of people who testified, one speaking about her 7 year old daughters spinal injury. Her daughter was not in a booster, and had the seat belt behind her. Had she been in a booster seat she wouldn't have been as injured.

Yes, a parent should be able to make these choices for their family. But so many parents are not. I had a mom drop her child off at my house and walk away. I called her back asking for her child's booster seat. She didn't have one. I told her she would have to pick her daughter up, I wouldn't not drive her child without one.

It isn't just my child that is at risk. Any child in my car that is without a booster seat is at risk. I don't worry about my driving, but everyone else on the road.

There are 44 other states that have this proposed law in place, many of them being neighbors to Minnesota (North Dakota, Wisconsin, Illinois and Iowa. Iowa's laws a even stricter than Wisconsin). Plus, federal transportation officials are offering an incentive to states that enact the new laws.

If you live in Minnesota, write or call your Senator. I already did. I told him to vote to

Gadgets and more gadgets

In today's world, there are gadgets for everything and everyone. There are more powerful food processors for the kitchen lover, new video game systems for the gamer and new electronics for the techie.

How much can a person have.

How much does a person really NEED.

I found this article on MSNBC today, and it made sense. The 7 Gadgets that make you look like a Jerk (7 fairly common gizmos you might just look cooler without).

Now, don't get me wrong, I love the Blackberry. But if one more co-worked whips it out while they are talking to me I might scream!

Bluetooth is cool, but not when you are in a building. Then, you simply look like someone who talks to themselves. The best is when I was at the mall and someone was YELLING into their Bluetooth, that was funny to watch.

TiVo (DVR) is the most wonderful invention EVER. We don't have it yet, but we will once we move. But, the article does say that TiVo is great, but the people that talk about their TiVo that would could all do without. On that, I agree.

Apple's MacBook Air...I have no idea about this one. Never even heard of it...I think am drooling over the MacBook's to much to notice.

Ipod Accessories have gotten a bit out of hand, even more the music lover in me. If my Ipod was a Zune I would feel the same way, to much going on. There are stereos, adapters and all the fun (but extreme) ear-buds.

Linux...the only thing I know about this is that one of my friends uses it. She tried to convert me...I resisted. I don't get it, and don't care to at this point. I am trying to understand FireFox...that is enough for now.

Segway...I thought these went away. Didn't the guy that invented them sell the company because it wasn't making any money? I know that park/city tours love them, and they work well. Mail men use them on their routes, but for normal people they are an extreme.

There are other gadgets that I am sure annoy some people, but these are the ones that make the list.

What gadgets do you think push the limits?

This major day

I have not been able to watch any of the footage from the inauguration ceremonies yet today. Sort of by choice, sort of not.

While many people took the time to go downstairs to our cafeteria to watch the swearing in and President Obama's speech, I had projects due. I had reports to get out, and files to find. I knew what a hectic day this would be, with so many away from their desks, but I don't think I realized the full scope of what I would be dealing with.

I can't wait to go home and watch the news, go online and talk to my friends. I can't wait to listen to his speech, hear of change and our one nation. I hated having to work today of all days, but I didn't think to take it off either. This day is a day that I would have justified PTO.

Tonight I will sit with Boo, and watch President Obama being sworn in. We will listen to his speech, and watch parts of the Inauguration Parade. We will sit and talk about what is important, and how this will change our country.

She got to watch the ceremony at school today, and is bubbling up wanting to talk about it. I can't wait to talk to her, and hear her wonderful care free thoughts.

Oh, I found some great inauguration facts...

-Coldest Inauguration Day:
*March Ceremony: March 4, 18763 Ulysses S. Grant 16 above zero *January Ceremony: January 21, 1985 Ronald Reagan 7 above zero.
-First Inauguration in Washington DC: Thomas Jefferson (it was held in Philadelphia before that)
-Longest Inauguration speech: William H Harrison - 8,445 words, almost 90 minutes (he died one month later, from pneumonia) March 4, 1841
-First Vice President to be sworn in as President: John Tyler (see above) April 6, 1841
-First Inauguration covered on telegraph: James Polk, March 4, 1945
-First President to arrive in an automobile: Warren Harding
March 4, 1921
-First January Inauguration: January 20, 1967 Franklin D Roosevelt
-First ceremony shown on the Internet: Bill Clinton January 20, 1997

Thank you

The freezing rain has gave way to snow, and the temperature keeps dropping.

Today is Veteran's Day. A day to honor the veterans and emergency workers in the United States and abroad. Today I think of my Grandpa, Hubby's Grandpa, our friend Shawn and our wonderful neighbor. All have paid some price for fighting for our country. They gave a part of themselves for us, for our freedom.

Today I also think of the families left to live day to day. Today I have thought a lot about Kim, of Situationally Single Mom. Her husband is serving our country, and she is too. She is keeping the house going, working and being the parent her kids need. She is working everyday to keep moving forward. Forward to the day her husband comes home.

Today think of the loved ones in your life, and think of the others. Give thanks for their service, and pray for their safety wherever they may be.

Our 44th President

Tonight is a memorable night. Our 44th President has been elected, Barack Obama.

This is a monumentus event for our country.

A new path, new hope and new change for us all.

While we may not all agree with his politics, we are now turning to the path of joining together as one country. One force.

We each took the time today to vote for our choice. The lines that wrapped around polling locations brought tears to my eyes whenever I drove by.

As I slid my ballot into the counter, I held my breathe to remember the moment, the feelings and the place. I took part in this major day. I voiced my opinion, and made my vote heard.

As the number changed, from 662 to 663, I knew my vote counted. I knew my choice was heard. I knew, that no matter what happened tonight, I made a difference.

Now as we face tomorrow, and each day that follows we look to the future. We look to see the changes that both candidates spoke of.

Tonight I am honored to have taken part in such a huge day. I am proud to be a part of this country, with all it's opportunities and advantages.

I look forward to the days that come.

Hey you over there...

While I don't take Diddy's strong view, I will say this...

If you don't vote, you can't complain. Make your voice heard. Make your choice, whatever that may be. Have a say in your President, your congress and any other race happening in your area. Be your own person, and take your own stand!

I am voting...are YOU??

The night before

Tomorrow is a big day.

Tomorrow is a day that will change our country no matter who wins the Presidential Election.

While I won't tell you who I am voting for, there are many things I have considered.

Both candidates have Health Care plans that could put me out of a job, and that scares me with today's economy. Both candidates have economic plans that are less than ideal, but which works for you is something you must research.

One candidate has an Education plan that I can get on board with, while the other leaves a nasty taste in my mouth. Immigration reform, the War, Terrorism and Energy. There are even more important topics, and more that hit home for so many. Unemployment, Taxes and Women's Rights.

I hope that everyone has done their research, and made the best choice for them and their family.

Boo has been learning a little about the Presidential Election the past couple weeks at school. She knows who both Obama and McCain are, and what they are running for. At 6 years old she has her own opinions about who should win, for all the local races as well.

If you ask her about Norm Coleman or Al Franken, she will give you her opinion. If you ask her about Michelle Bachman, she will tell you about the interview on Hardball.

Kids know what is happening in the country tomorrow, and not only because we vote at their schools. Kids are subject to the ads as much as we are, and they know when someone is playing nasty.

I have noticed that the ads are more vicious this time around, for any race. McCain attacking Obama, Franken attacking Coleman. It has been hard to stomach, and forces a changing of the channel. We have watched a lot of movies the past couple weeks. We just can't take anymore.

While the world is watching the election tomorrow, I will be also be counting done the stop of the campaign ads. I am ready for this part to be over, and ready to move forward as a country united.

Make sure your vote is heard. It is your right to vote, so please take the time to find your polling place and VOTE!!!

Only 4 more days!

As July ends, another month begins. We are one month closer to the beginning of school (one month from Saturday) and one week from the start of the Bejing Olympics.

I am a major sports watcher normally, and the Olympics are no exception. I love watching the athletes compete in the sport that is so much a part of their lives. They train year round, some for so many years, to perfect they position they are in.

Many gymnasts start at the age of three, and work very hard to get where they are. Only 9 (three alternates) ladies make the team, and think of how many young girls want to be a part of it. I know I did growing up. Who didn't watch Kerri Strug do the vault with torn ligaments and not want to be a gymnast.The same goes for the men's team. While the participation numbers across the country are lower, there are only 9 spots. (three alternates)

Gymnastics is one my favorite sports to watch during the Olympics. I don't watch the men's competition as much as the women's, but they are both exciting to watch.

Another sport I watch, is Softball. Oh how I lurv to watch some softball. Growing up surrounded by the sport, I have an understanding of what these athletes go through. The training, the investment and the love for the sport is amazing. And sadly, this may be the last year Softball and Baseball are in the Olympics. Jennie Finch just spoke before the IOC to have the sports reinstated for the 2016 games. I hope so! I love watching these women play, the are amazing.

I like watching swimming, tennis and beach volleyball. I can't wait for the games to begin, and I can't wait to really have Boo watch the games with me.

What do you like to watch during the Olympics?

Really? Really?

This has blown me away...and left the nastiest taste in my mouth.

"In 99 percent of the cases, it’s a brat who hasn't been told to cut the act out...You’ll get nowhere in life. Stop acting like a putz. Act like a man."

Some of you may know that Hunter has an autism spectrum disorder.

Hunter is one of the best kids ever, and yes he has his problems. He has a temper, he fights with his sisters, he doesn't listen and he can't read expressions to save my life. You can tell him to put his homework in his bag 10 times...and he won't/can't do it. People can say that is a pre-teen issue...what about since he was 5.

But, he also is the most loving, giving and sweet kids I have ever known. He loves to be with Boo and his dad (and sometimes me). He loves playing sports and going camping. He is such a wonderful person, and this with his spectrum disorder.

We have been working with a great group of people to better Hunter, both emotionally and mentally. He has turned into such a wonderful pre-teen because of all of our hard work. I couldn't be prouder of him.

We spent a great deal of time with this group of people talking about and with Hunter. They didn't believe he has this spectrum disorder at first, until they had seen him multiple times. They saw things that we didn't/couldn't see. Now, we work with this in mind, and watch him grow. I have raved about him here, here and over here.

Now, none of you know Hunter, and some of you may not agree with me or you may not agree with Michael Savage. But there are many children out there that have autism, some that are non-speaking and non-active. Some children are active, but have approaches to social behavior that causes them to stand out in many way.

There are many parents out there that deal with this on their own, without the help of doctors. Many parents that don't have a release, a break or a friend that understands.

I have a friend whose son is autistic, and she has no one but her friends to lean on. She is one on one with her son, except for the 4 hours before he went to his autism focused school. Now, he is going into second grade, and still meets with his aides everyday, and they are in class with him all day every day. He needs the help. His mother and doctors and not "fraud artists" looking for funding.

There are many people out there getting the awareness of autism out there. I have read many books, including Jenny McCarthy's, looking for others that have felt the frustration, happiness and joy that I have felt. Someone who would understand and no one else seems to.

There are people out raising money for Autism research, holding benefits, poker tournaments and speaking before congress.

Something needs to be done about this guy. I only hope that this is a wake up call for the station that airs his show.

Hunter is one lucky kid, he has not two, but 4 parents that care and fight for him day in and day out. We go the distance that other's can't. He has 4 sisters that love him and care about what happens with him. And, he has (count'em) 10 grandparents that love and want the best for him. He has so many people that work with and for him. I can only hope other children are as blessed in their own families and friends.

I need to get off the subject before my head explodes. Thanks for listening to my rant!!!

Welcome Sonic and More!

There are two Sonics opening near us this summer. One of them opened recently, and people were waiting 3 HOURS!

There is one closer to us opening in August, and I don't think we will go until September...I don't think I can wait that long for food...not such much.

Not only are there finally Sonics here...but guess what they are opening in the Mall of America...

An American Girls Store!! I am excited about this one. My mom says I still can't have the Samantha Doll I always wanted...but maybe I can wear her down by Christmas..yeah right.

Boo has been drooling over the catalog for two years, and tells me time and again that one day she will have a doll. We shall see. They are pricey...

Take the time

This is a repost of a very important post. Please take the time to read it, and realize that people go through this everyday, all over the world.


Today is the beginning of redemption and freedom for a friend. This is for her.


Friday, September 28, 2007

You never think that something like this will happen to a friend of yours. You don't think when you see them get married, when they have babies...you don't see it. You don't see the pain in their eyes, until after the fact. You don't see the hurt and turmoil.


Around the world, 1 in 3 women have reported being abused. Over 960,000 incidents of violence by a current or former spouse occur every year. 30% of Americans say they know a woman who has been physically abused by her husband or boyfriend in the past year. On average, more than 3 woman are murdered by their husbands or boyfriends everyday. And, slightly more than half the female victims of violence have children in the household, with over 3 million children witness violence of some sort annually. (facts from Get the Facts, End Abuse )


The statistics are staggering. If you have a friend in need, here are some tips. The tips help, and they are true. Be there, but don't live it for them. Listen, but don't judge.


Help them form an action plan, but don't force anything on them.


Do have information for them to help them get out of the situation or cope with it as best they can.


Help them make the best choice for them.


Be mindful of their emotions, and that of their children.


Remember, they are living the life, you are just a visitor.


Thoughts and prayers go out to my friend. May we have more road trips, get stuck in more snow storms, drink many more vodka and lemonades together. Remember you can call on me anytime of day, no matter where I am, I will always be here for you. I love you. Thelma and Louise will ride again!!

The Bridge - 8 Months Later

August 1, 2007 is a day that will live in Minnesotan minds for a long time. That is when the 35W Bridge collapsed, killing at least 5, and wounding many many more. I watched the events unfold at home, just getting in from work. At first it looked like a fire, but you could soon see the gap over the river.

Since August 1st, the Federal Government has launched an investigation into the collapse. They are looking into so many reasons, but have not declared a clear cause as of yet.

However, a separate investigation was launched using a local law firm. They released their report today (you can view it here). The summation of the report is simple (sort of). Financial strain on MNDOT (MN Dept of Transportation) played a part in the collapse. MNDOT Employees did not always follow procedure by reporting the findings when they had inspections and did nothing to improve the "poor" rating the bridge repeatedly received. Reports were not made on the bowing of the gusset plates.

The law firm made many recommendations, some that are already being put into place. Hopefully this will be a step to improve an already under-fire department.

The new bridge has been underway for some time, and there is even talk of it being open by September. Take a look at these pictures, they are pretty amazing.

Continue to keep the families of the wounded in your hearts and minds. There are many that will need lifetime threapy and physical help.

Thin Mints and More

How many of you were Girl Scouts growing up? I bet most of you were, I know I was.

I read this article yesterday, and was blown away. There is a Girl Scout in Michigan that broke the all time sales record this year, 17,328 boxes. How is the world does one do that?? I am sure Mom and Dad helped, but still. I was proud when I sold over 60! All I wanted was a shopping spree at the local store!

But this line from the article is the most important, and what Girl Scouts of the USA strives to do for each and every girl that participates:

The cookie program has helped push Jennifer out of her shell, Pam Sharpe said.
"It's made her really confident," she said. "I remember when she first started selling, she was very shy and quiet, and you had to push her out to talk to customers, but now she's right out there, first to the door."

I was excited to read that the goal for the troop was a group trip to Europe this coming winter, but the fact that Jennifer opened herself, that is life changing and can open so many doors for her.

Congrats to the girls in that Girl Scout Troop!!

Step One

Oh my goodness...

Who saw it? Or taped it? Or watched it online? Who will actually admit they sang along??

New Kids on the Block performed this morning on the NBC Today Show for the first time in 15 years. They performed a montage of old songs, and their new single "Summertime".

I loved New Kids on the Block when I was younger, and went to one of their concerts at the State Fair. Watching these videos, and seeing all the "childhood" fans that came out, in the rain was incredible. I almost couldn't believe what I was watching.

I am not quite sure how I feel about the comeback yet...we will have to wait and see.

Nickelodeon Universe at Mall of America

There has been a buzz around the Mall of America. Nickelodeon Universe opened March 15th to rave reviews. There are a ton of new rides, revamped old rides and the classics. Boo got a chance to go with my Big Sis today, and had the best time! I met them for lunch and took some time to take a few pictures.

Let's start with Reptarmobiles. This is the young kid bumper cars. Boo thought this was great. She didn't get to go on it this time around, but can't wait for next time. They also have big kid bumper cars, but I didn't get a picture of those. I was excited to see this one, since in high school I LOVED the Rugrats.

This is the Rock Bottom Plunge. This is a roller coaster, but I am not sure if it is new or not. There is one new one, but I don't think this is it. Boo loved the large SpongeBob hanging from the wall.

Next is the classic Ferris Wheel, or El Circulo del Cielo. They didn't much to change this, but they did add a HUGE Dora and Boots. Boo was amazed at the size of it.

This is Blue's Skiddo. Remember, if Blue Skiddo's, you can too! Boo loved riding on Magenta, even though she had no real clue who it was. She was never a Blue's Clues fan.

This was my favorite to walk by and watch. Hunter is going to FREAK OUT when he sees this one. This is Avatar Airbender. If you can see, the base of the ride is in the skateboard shape. As the skateboard goes from side to side, the part that holds the people SPINS AROUND AND AROUND. Oh my...not going to happen. It goes about 70 feet in the air, and is so cool to watch. You will never ever ever find me on there. That is completely a Hunter ride.

Last but not least, there is the Pinneapple Popper. Those that had been to Camp Snoopy, which used to be in the Mall of America might remember the giant Snoopy that was the bouncer. Now, it is a giant pinneapple. Now, I am not a fan of SpongeBob, but this looks like the kids would have a blast.

I am not going to talk about ticket prices, that would be depressing. It is unbelieveably expensive, but so much fun. If you have an entire day, it is very much worth it.

Thanks to Big Sis for taking Boo there, she had the best time.

Your thoughts? Please comment

There are a few stories in the news this week about underage drinking.

A mom in Iowa has sold her sons car after finding alcohol under the seat. She has deemed herself "The meanest Mom on the Planet", and is getting some great feedback from around the country.

Another college student has died in Minnesota as a result of drinking excessively. After a night of drinking games he was found dead in his room, with acute alcohol syndrome. This is the fourth college student with an alcohol related death since last fall. While colleges are working hard to include students in discussion on the perils of alcohol abuse, more students are drinking excessively.

And one story that is making headlines is local as well. Eden Prairie High School has taken action against students involved in athletics and other activities. These students were shown in pictures taking part in parties where they were either drinking or seen holding a drink. The school received these pictures anonymously, as they were taken off of Facebook.com. Students were stripped of their captains letters and suspended from sports. 43 students were questioned, and actions was taken with about 14 of them. It is a brave move by the administration.

With this move came a major response. Some for the school, and some against. Most parents are standing by the school, as they should. Students are angry, calling it a invasion of privacy, even though these pictures were on the Internet, on Facebook.com. This is a free social website, where the pictures were not locked for privacy.

In Minnesota, in order to participate in athletics you must sign the code of conduct for the Minnesota State High School League. There are no exceptions.

It also states: 20. *MOOD-ALTERING CHEMICALS
A. Bylaw Twelve (12) months of the year, a student shall not at anytime, regardless of the quantity:
(1) use or consume, have in possession a beverage containing alcohol;
(2) use or consume, have in possession tobacco; or,
(3) use or consume, have in possession, buy, sell, or give away any other controlled substance or drug paraphernalia.
1. The bylaw applies continuously from the first signing of the student Eligibility Brochure.
2. It is not a violation for a student to be in possession of a controlled substance specifically prescribed for the student’s own use by her/his doctor
The student/parent authorizes the release of documents and other pertinent information by the school in order to determine student eligibility.
If found, there will be a automatic two game suspension for each violation.

In this case, students were suspended two games for each picture they were in where they were in possession of the substance.

There are currently 1172 comments on this story on the startribune.com site. I added my opinion on Thursday when there were only 174 comments...you can see that has many people on many sides. My comment is below:

"As a recent high school athlete, I took the code of conduct very seriously. We lost 4 seniors my sophomore year, because pictures went around of them drinking and other things at a party. The coach found out, the principal called them in and they were suspended for the remainder of the year. One girl lost her scholarship, but it forced her to work harder to pay her own way freshman year. She was awarded a scholarship the next year, for academics. Her parents stood behind the school and their decision. They would not ask the school to change their minds, because it was laid out clearly in the code of conduct.If the children took their athletics seriously, they would have realized that the Minnesota State High School League means business, and does not mess around with underage drinking. They state in the code of conduct that off campus drinking is forbidden, no ifs ands or buts. Forbidden! If a child does not want to sign the contract, they don’t play sports for any school.In a time when more and more college students are dying from drinking, why are we standing by blasting Eden Prairie for their great choice? We should support them in their quest to make their athletic program the best if can be, with students that want to obey the rules they signed up for, voluntarily. I only hope that my children’s school is as on top of this as Eden Prairie. Good for them!!"

What are your feelings? Do you think the school crossed a line? Should the students have made better choices, not putting these pictures online?

hmmm...

The past few weeks have been pretty chaotic. With the holidays and trying to get back into the school days grove things are all upside down. Plus, Hunter and Boo have their birthdays in a month, so we are working on the planning those as well. Because I obviously have nothing else to do!

With that said, highlights since New Years...

MJ hit the 3 lbs mark! That is major news around here. She is now 46 days old, and doing FABULOUS!!!

Boo went to her first ever slumber party (more on that a little later) this weekend

The kid spent a total of almost 7 hours outside this weekend,(and Boo has the cold to prove it). It went from -7 to 47 in two days. The weather has been amazing for January in Minnesota. Not so great for Wisconsin, Illinois and others.

I had a wonderful cocktail chat session with one of my besties from high school. Hopefully we will get together again before she leaves.

Hubby is going on the yearly manly ice fishing trip to Lake Mille Lacs this weekend. This means I will be able to scrapbook this weekend! Woohoo!! I am behind, but get a lot done on the weekends he is gone.

The Polar Plunge

There is a tradition in Minnesota called the Polar Plunge. This is when incredibly crazy people cut a large hole in the ice, set up float barriers and JUMP IN. Into the water that officials say is the coldest it has been in 10 years. Where there are 15 inches on snow in some parts, and it was only 7 out when this took place.

Off track...sorry.

So, people donate money to charity for the chance to jump into cold freezing water for 30 seconds and swim out. There are people standing by with blankets and medical treatment when people realize just how crazy in case people need it. people are also standing on the edge of the open water with poles, to pull you out if your body freaks out...like normal peoples...and you can't make your way out alone.

The point of this? Well, two guys from my work did the Polar Plunge this year. One from my team, who has done this before, and the other from another department. This would not be a normally blog worthy event, but they were captured on CNN. There is video of a bunch of people jumping into Lake Minnetonka on New Years Day.

Take a look, and laugh along with me. NEVER EVER would you get me to do this!!

She is not an awful person

By now, everyone has head that Jamie Lynn Spears is pregnant at 16. This does not make her an awful person, or a potentially bad parent in the end. It makes her a 16 year old who made a REALLY bad choice. Yes, she is in the public eye, and yes she will pay the professional consequences of her actions. But this happens everyday around the country, and no one gets appalled when a 16 year old from Ohio gets pregnant, except her family.

Again, this does not make her an awful person, just not the role-model we want for young girls. Zoey 101 will not be allowed to play in my house any longer because I have a young girl who doesn't need to grow up that fast. While they have the next season of Zoey 101 already done, that doesn't excuse it.

In today's society it is common place for teens of her age to become pregnant. Even 12 years ago it wasn't this common, there weren't as many pregnant teens, and young mothers. It scares me to think of my daughter growing up in the time where this is considered normal. I know how things were when I was 16, and it is many times worse now.

Working to protect my child from this is the main worry I have. The conversations, being open about such a sensitive subject is something that all parents face, however it never gets any easier. From the first "Where do babies come from?" question, to the "big talk" parents dread this conversation, and the questions that follow. It is just as scary, and important as the drug and alcohol conversation.

Being honest and open is the most important thing to remember. Children and Teens are going to question you, asking why and how. They want as much knowledge as possible. They want to do what is right, but can't without the knowledge. Please remember that even the best of kids makes bad choices and won't always be honest about it.

I can only hope that the Spears family takes a look at the situation and continues to support Jamie Lynn. She has made a very hard decision, and I respect her for that. Hopefully she will take her families support and run with it, not away from it.