Too Soon ? Christmas, About Those Kids

         It's almost never too soon, unless you;re talking about marriage, But we aren't far from Christmas and I'm suggesting people start now to ask families and friends that they usually buy for, what can I get you that you will really use, as far as adults go. Now about those kids who are stuffed with electronics, please it's never too soon to change ideas on gift giving.
        Some suggestions for little ones are a gift certificate to an in house playground where they can jump and climb. Actually that can also be a family gift as the parents enjoy time with the little ones as they burn up enough energy for a full nights sleep. Find out about preteens and teenagers now as far as gift giving and write it down for a time unexpected. Maybe they'd love a day out with just mom or dad or a friend or grandma or yes, grandpa.
       What about piano lessons? Guitar? Overnight at a safe friends home with a phone to call if needed as in, MOM come and get me! Back to the little ones.  If you're giving gifts to someone elses baby, think about this: would I want my child to have it? So many people love to give noisy gifts thinking it's funny-it isn't! Along with that, little ones play with things for minutes at a time then toss it.
       Remember old fort sets? Choose things that kids will use their tiny creative brains for. Think about what adults love then minimize it . This is a challenge to get kids to become creative in a good way. Buy a large roll of brown paper and tape it to the floor or table. Buy paint boards and sit with them and paint, giving them a choice of four colors. Draw a huge hopscotch game on cardboard, or color a bank on cardboard or paper. Make boxes and write in ideas to bank,, adding money as well, but nickels etc. Keep it small or you'll end up broke. One banking idea is, Park time within two weeks. Don't make the time piece too far away as it becomes a disappointment. Get creative! Go to someone who builds and buy odd pieces of wood, sand them down and make your own blocks.
         Theses ideas fit all kids and adults too. If you're strapped for cash, ask for help. Don't let the holidays take away the spirit of giving and receiving . You can always exchange help. Keep it simple and you'll enjoy it too.

Suicide, Good-Bye Kiddo

       I won't mention his name as that doesn't serve a purpose, because he is someones' son, a dad to a little boy and ex-boyfriend who was loved by many, and maybe he was a brother too. I don't know the family dynamics but only know he is dead. This morning he hanged himself and I don't know the details. I only know what is important is, he is no longer here, no longer here to be loved and to love others.
     This is the deepest kind of grief, to lose a child. I can only begin to imagine the depth of anguish his parents are going through, and how do you explain to a small child that daddy chose not to be here any more for you. Suicide is a selfish act, but more important is one of desperation when a person doesn't see a way out of whatever turmoil he or she is in.
     This young man, maybe twenty-one or twenty-two was some years back in a  school for kids with behavioral problems. He told someone he knew me and that I was a nice lady, that he remembered me because I was so nice. I didn't know him when he was introduced to me. All I thought about him was, he was a cute kid, trying hard to be a dad and  good boyfriend. Little did I know what he was fighting on the inside.
     As some time went on I learned of one of his demons and that alone was enough to let me know he shouldn't have children around until he was well, if he would become well. That school I mentioned,most kids do great there, but only because the ratio of men verses kids far outweigh a traditional school. With that, his issues were probably never deeply addressed and yet, I honestly don't know. I only know my experiences with kids in those schools and while they serve a purpose, it's temporary.
    This young man had so many years ahead of him. What a personality he had. From time to time I saw him but never went out to dinner, or had any sit-down talks. There never seemed to be a reason why. With him and his ex-girlfriend things appeared fine...until they moved in together. Then more of who he was really like came out and his issues. I won't knock him. I only wish I knew how we could prevent suicide more often than we do.
    Recently I saw someone had a bike day to raise funds to prevent suicide. If funds are to be raised, it should be to add more back into the Mental Health system. Too much has been cut. This is such a sad day. He was just a kid. Why didn't anyone see it coming? A last thought. Words are so important. You never know who you're talking to  even if it's a best friend, a spouse, a child what is really in their minds, so use your words carefully and kindly. Good-bye Kiddo

PS VITA Help someone....do you know

 Hello Everyone... Anyone, anyone at all who has knowledge of PS Vita's, please tell an uneducated person what she needs to know. Can you get on Face book if the Internet is blocked? But WIFi can be accessed and a kid can talk to people out of state. HELP!!! I am at a loss. I don't want this kid getting into trouble or losing his VITA because of temptation. We all know about that. Also can a kid can into x rated site by accessing WIFI Is there a recently deleted app? Not just history? Thank you for any wisdom.

Old Blogger interface-what's going on? I am not giving up

     Okay so I posted a small thingy this morning on that 64 bit thing from when I first started this blog stuff eons ago and searching and searhing on that same section I finally founf on "option"  old blogger interface-so it brought me back to what I'm used to, teh area that is. Stil don't know if I can get in and sign on without those IE9 and IE8 ERROR messages, BUT at the very least if I'm here, I might be able to send on to Facebook and tweet again-yea! That makes me happy. Oh the little things in life-NOW IF I CAN JUST FINE MY WAIST!
            Here's a link, give it a try-she isn't always available as she does crafts, sews, makes signs, and paints cleans sometimes, gets distracted a lot. an awful lot, but will answer the same day. Oh and she also write , has two books for children coming out at the end of April. TAlk to Maggie, she knows more than I do:)     maggieshelpcenter.com

What is this Thing Called Happiness?

       Merry Christmas Everyone! When you hear that how do you feel? What do you think? Do you just smile and say the same to you but inside feel like you just wish people would shut-up and go away?
        We don't ever know what's happening with our neighbors, friends and even family much less the strangers who greet us ringing bells or serve us at Restaurants and eve the clerks behind a counter. They happily ask, May I help you? But inside are thinking, just go away, and what's so good about holidays. We're not even supposed to say Merry Christmas anymore in many places.
        But how do we contain that feeling of real happiness or should we? No I don't think we should. Be as real and as honest as you can. But be as sensitive as your inner self tells you to be. You might see a dad shopping and you can just tell he has very little, may not be working and maybe his wife is sick or has passed away. So many possibilities, so tread gently into a life.
        It's hard not to be overjoyed when things in your own life are so perfect. but what about the others? Sure many make their lives they way they are and are happy in their own misery. Heck, they may not even be miserable. It's all relative. Then again some are miserable through illness, poverty, loneliness, job loss and what I think is worse than anything at all, a sick and dying child. Instead of expecting, let's try respecting. Just respect a person's life the way it is right now.  Don't look down on them because of how they dress, wear their hair or the car they own, or the obvious poverty in how their kids are dressed, no haircuts, shabby shoes and more. Just respect they are doing the best they can. Don't feel sorry for them, but ask them if they can help you. Let them know how much or how you can pay, but make sure to let them know also, you need the help.
      A first reaction may very well be even if they don't say it-you're just feeling sorry for me. They retreat knowing, knowing you think you're better and this takes care of your conscience. If you really feel like that, take a hike. No one needs pity, they need help. Most do want to work for it, so have Merry Christmas, be joyful, healthy, happy, silly and a little kid-like, and most of all remember how good you have it if you do. This is the season for giving-from your heart, not just your wallet. Jesus said so!

How to buy AMERICAN Only & Where

       This morning I received a reminder from a crafter that she is buying from another crafter for gift giving. That is American Shopping . You can't do better that that. Sure kids want toys but who pays? America is paying every day we shop at that big W store. Imagine if we could control spending and just buy what we need. Go to local markets=healthier eating, supports the farmer as well as people who usually live locally, ends up saving gas, family time and makes happier people.
      I love music and would love a Susan Boyle CD, but first I want to know the whole process of making that CD and where it comes from.
      Just think and do what you can to SAVE AMERICA this holiday season, better yet, if you believe in the Bible, Christianity, maybe celebrate the business side less and the reason more.
       Another way to SAVE AMERICA is write letters, buy recycled, reuse and redecorate, paint a room for someone, help a neighbor, trim trees, ask, ask a neighbor, friend or relative (if you're still speaking) what you can do to help. Cook a dinner that will last a few days or at least for seconds. Babysit to give someone a day off, a night out or shop for someone. Cut coupons and give away. Wash and polish a car for an elderly person-not me:) SAVE AMERICA by helping the AMERICAN neighbor, small business owner, church group/mission and don't accept money. Give time if you can. There are so many AMERICAN NEEDS, so step out and step up, and support the AMERICAN NEIGHBOR, THE AMERICAN BUSINESS OWNER, THE AMERICAN CRAFTER and keep that support right here in our AMERICA this year!