<?xml version='1.0' encoding='UTF-8'?><?xml-stylesheet href="http://www.blogger.com/styles/atom.css" type="text/css"?><feed xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom' xmlns:openSearch='http://a9.com/-/spec/opensearchrss/1.0/' xmlns:georss='http://www.georss.org/georss' xmlns:gd='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005' xmlns:thr='http://purl.org/syndication/thread/1.0'><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7871029014407476360</id><updated>2011-11-27T18:25:51.683-07:00</updated><category term='images'/><category term='surviving domestic violence'/><category term='Christmas family life'/><category term='death'/><category term='shopping'/><category term='being a mother'/><category term='3 year old'/><category term='urgent needs'/><category term='forgiveness'/><category term='inspirational thoughts'/><category term='tactile learning'/><category term='&quot;monster&quot; cat'/><category term='aftermath of a  missing/kidnapped child'/><category term='material possessions'/><category term='children&apos;s laughter'/><category term='growing in faith'/><category term='Halloween'/><category term='illness and the family'/><category term='learning to ask for help'/><category term='Lord I pray'/><category term='Happy Halloween'/><category term='pets'/><category term='busy times'/><category term='neighbors'/><category term='PTSD'/><category term='growing up'/><category term='car problems'/><category term='the family'/><category term='Ladybug'/><category term='those who bless us'/><category term='aftermath of a missing/kidnapped child'/><category term='jewelery'/><category term='celebrations and traditions'/><category term='success'/><category term='information'/><category term='trauma of a kidnapping'/><category term='strength and peace'/><category term='asthma'/><category term='riding the storm'/><category term='little ones'/><category term='still here'/><category term='tender moments'/><category term='raising children'/><category term='disease'/><category term='White Cane Day'/><category term='Mexico'/><category term='Accepting those who hurt us'/><category term='awards friends'/><category term='cute things children say'/><category term='inspiration from my son'/><category term='starting over'/><category term='new roads'/><category term='children growing up'/><category term='unsettled feelings'/><category term='imagery'/><category term='oldest children'/><category term='RP'/><category term='baking with boys'/><category term='honored'/><category term='trust in God'/><category term='living through crisis'/><category term='busy life'/><category term='inspiration'/><category term='funny pets'/><category term='goalball'/><category term='special needs'/><category term='hearing loss'/><category term='health issues'/><category term='thank you'/><category term='aftermath of a kidnapped child'/><category term='Visionwalk'/><category term='wondering when'/><category term='gifts'/><category term='visually impaired'/><category term='special needs decisions'/><category term='IEP meeting'/><category term='family life'/><category term='being mommy'/><category term='vision loss'/><category term='taking a break'/><category term='update'/><category term='retinitis pigmentosa'/><category term='new family members'/><category term='domestic violence'/><category term='empty nest'/><category term='California fires'/><category term='cookies'/><category term='prayers'/><category term='new paths'/><category term='son'/><category term='new beginnings'/><category term='giving'/><category term='Dual sensory impairment'/><category term='parenting'/><category term='music'/><category term='birthday celebrations'/><category term='families'/><category term='fears'/><category term='treasures'/><category term='pass it on'/><category term='recovering from trauma'/><category term='special education'/><category term='a bit about me'/><category term='coming home'/><category term='elders'/><category term='family crisis'/><category term='mother/daughter'/><category term='awards'/><category term='concerts'/><category term='virus'/><category term='struggles'/><category term='community blogger award'/><category term='falling stars'/><category term='rp/vision loss'/><category term='appreciation'/><category term='little boys'/><category term='disabilities'/><category term='motherhood'/><category term='Lord hear my prayers'/><category term='The proposal to court'/><category term='visual impairment'/><category term='family happenings'/><category term='getting to know me'/><category term='sadness for others'/><category term='blind/visually impaired'/><category term='color deficiency'/><category term='single parent'/><category term='a mothers thoughts and prayers'/><category term='enjoying my son'/><category term='my little boy'/><category term='quiet times'/><category term='child&apos;s view of life'/><category term='thoughts of the old days'/><category term='visual impairment special needs'/><category term='a young man&apos;s next step in life'/><category term='family'/><category term='leaving domestic abuse'/><category term='children&apos;s fun'/><category term='God answers'/><category term='celebration'/><category term='hearing impaired'/><category term='loss of children'/><category term='the aftermath'/><category term='contest'/><category term='walking on'/><category term='sharing with others'/><category term='waiting'/><category term='reflections'/><category term='fun and friendship'/><category term='learning disabilities'/><category term='our new home'/><category term='helping others'/><category term='accomplishments'/><category term='bravery'/><category term='camping'/><category term='wedding plans'/><category term='mother/daughter time'/><category term='depression'/><category term='missing child'/><category term='Christmas meme'/><category term='raising 8'/><category term='school shooting'/><category term='trials'/><category term='visitation'/><category term='my daughter'/><category term='Brothers'/><category term='the first step. faith'/><category term='strength'/><category term='warmth of friends'/><category term='family time'/><category term='kidnapped and recovering'/><category term='Pay It Forward'/><category term='moving on'/><category term='my mother'/><category term='day 3'/><category term='on hold'/><category term='new home'/><category term='being mom'/><category term='sons'/><category term='we made it'/><category term='visaul impairments'/><category term='&quot;Free&quot; day'/><category term='childrens views'/><category term='fires'/><category term='healing from crisis'/><category term='winter'/><category term='rising in the morning'/><category term='blessings'/><category term='needing rest'/><category term='wondering why'/><category term='thoughts of a mother'/><category term='aftermath of a missing child'/><category term='sibling tricks'/><category term='Rain'/><category term='quiet time'/><category term='everyday happenings'/><category term='cute sayings'/><category term='Mothers day'/><category term='friends'/><category term='changes in life'/><category term='eyes'/><category term='sharing'/><category term='meme'/><category term='a prayer'/><category term='children'/><category term='birthday'/><category term='special needs children'/><category term='thankful'/><category term='my son'/><category term='Saturday'/><category term='thankful for'/><category term='boys being boys'/><category term='award'/><category term='relaxation'/><category term='Valentines'/><category term='the runaway'/><category term='more about us'/><category term='prayer requests'/><category term='homelife'/><category term='a young girls pain'/><category term='home life'/><category term='catching up'/><category term='transitioning'/><category term='hardship'/><category term='doing good'/><category term='summer days'/><category term='children&apos;s innocence'/><category term='a mother&apos;s anguis'/><category term='she&apos;s home'/><title type='text'>Walking On</title><subtitle type='html'>My adventures in life; the good,the rough, the sad, the funny and living with visual impairment</subtitle><link rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#feed' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://mygreat8.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7871029014407476360/posts/default?max-results=100'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://mygreat8.blogspot.com/'/><link rel='hub' href='http://pubsubhubbub.appspot.com/'/><link rel='next' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7871029014407476360/posts/default?start-index=101&amp;max-results=100'/><author><name>Cynthia</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/05325484761466605352</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><generator version='7.00' uri='http://www.blogger.com'>Blogger</generator><openSearch:totalResults>161</openSearch:totalResults><openSearch:startIndex>1</openSearch:startIndex><openSearch:itemsPerPage>100</openSearch:itemsPerPage><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7871029014407476360.post-5246475329164516733</id><published>2009-10-16T10:05:00.002-07:00</published><updated>2009-10-16T10:32:53.699-07:00</updated><title type='text'>The Year that Kept Us Spinning</title><summary type='text'>Wow, a year since I last posted. I will apologize for the lapse in time, but am sure most of you understand that God has his way of steering us in the right direction and to follow this we must put aside some items. Fortunately, this is an item I can pick up again.The time during the trial was quite the emotional roller coaster. Even for those who were working with us, handling the case. You can </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://mygreat8.blogspot.com/feeds/5246475329164516733/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=7871029014407476360&amp;postID=5246475329164516733&amp;isPopup=true' title='13 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7871029014407476360/posts/default/5246475329164516733'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7871029014407476360/posts/default/5246475329164516733'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://mygreat8.blogspot.com/2009/10/year-that-kept-us-spinning.html' title='The Year that Kept Us Spinning'/><author><name>Cynthia</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/05325484761466605352</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>13</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7871029014407476360.post-8060210271589601884</id><published>2008-10-28T12:00:00.003-07:00</published><updated>2008-10-28T12:11:17.374-07:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='aftermath of a  missing/kidnapped child'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='catching up'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='retinitis pigmentosa'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='family'/><title type='text'>Not A Lot Of Time</title><summary type='text'>I am pressed for time right now, but want to let everyone know we are doing fine. So much has passed in this last couple of months and I look forward to be sharing with everyone; both the good and the bad.Tomorrow begins the trial of the state against the defendent in Ladybugs kidnapping. It is estimated it will last through the middle to end of next week. Ladybug will testify tomorrow. Biper </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://mygreat8.blogspot.com/feeds/8060210271589601884/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=7871029014407476360&amp;postID=8060210271589601884&amp;isPopup=true' title='24 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7871029014407476360/posts/default/8060210271589601884'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7871029014407476360/posts/default/8060210271589601884'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://mygreat8.blogspot.com/2008/10/not-lot-of-time.html' title='Not A Lot Of Time'/><author><name>Cynthia</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/05325484761466605352</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>24</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7871029014407476360.post-970076315751606338</id><published>2008-08-26T20:57:00.002-07:00</published><updated>2008-08-26T21:30:27.941-07:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='my little boy'/><title type='text'>Bug Talk</title><summary type='text'>When Bug was a baby, he was affectionately given this curious nickname.  And as he grows, I wonder: does this name fit him or is he fitting the name?As a baby, and only a mother would say this with love, Bug.....well.... he looked like a bug. Not just your average, bug in the yard. He looked like Bug in the movie A Bug's Life.  The movie character was animated and cute. Our Bug was animated and </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://mygreat8.blogspot.com/feeds/970076315751606338/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=7871029014407476360&amp;postID=970076315751606338&amp;isPopup=true' title='10 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7871029014407476360/posts/default/970076315751606338'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7871029014407476360/posts/default/970076315751606338'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://mygreat8.blogspot.com/2008/08/bug-talk.html' title='Bug Talk'/><author><name>Cynthia</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/05325484761466605352</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>10</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7871029014407476360.post-1146576631446908517</id><published>2008-08-25T22:40:00.007-07:00</published><updated>2008-08-26T00:00:02.193-07:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='aftermath of a kidnapped child'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='family crisis'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='visual impairment'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='family'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='changes in life'/><title type='text'>Thankful for the Light Fearful of the Dark</title><summary type='text'>Deep in darkness, searching for a way out; and then I stopped. I sat. Alone and scared. In despair.I said, "I quit. "And as if waking from a long nap, my eyes were opened and I saw it.Ladybug began talking; of anger. Then of this strange feeling; confidence. But why does she feel this way? After all, she has to go through a trial. Shouldn't this be her toughest time? With the help of counseling, </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://mygreat8.blogspot.com/feeds/1146576631446908517/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=7871029014407476360&amp;postID=1146576631446908517&amp;isPopup=true' title='6 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7871029014407476360/posts/default/1146576631446908517'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7871029014407476360/posts/default/1146576631446908517'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://mygreat8.blogspot.com/2008/08/thankful-for-light-fearful-of-dark.html' title='Thankful for the Light Fearful of the Dark'/><author><name>Cynthia</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/05325484761466605352</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>6</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7871029014407476360.post-4883185679049846277</id><published>2008-08-05T22:34:00.004-07:00</published><updated>2008-08-05T23:22:23.130-07:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='family life'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='aftermath of a  missing/kidnapped child'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='raising 8'/><title type='text'>Openly Honest</title><summary type='text'>In the past weeks, I have had so many brutally strong emotions churning within me.  Why Lord did you bless me with these children?  Was it because you created me with wide shoulders, to carry all their burdens? Was it because you made my backbone straight, to show them how to stand tall through whatever storms may pass? Was it because you gave me extra courage, to teach them to keep their heads </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://mygreat8.blogspot.com/feeds/4883185679049846277/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=7871029014407476360&amp;postID=4883185679049846277&amp;isPopup=true' title='12 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7871029014407476360/posts/default/4883185679049846277'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7871029014407476360/posts/default/4883185679049846277'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://mygreat8.blogspot.com/2008/08/openly-honest.html' title='Openly Honest'/><author><name>Cynthia</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/05325484761466605352</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>12</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7871029014407476360.post-8724043875731246895</id><published>2008-07-02T22:37:00.005-07:00</published><updated>2008-07-02T23:15:19.551-07:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='family life'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='aftermath of a kidnapped child'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='our new home'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='summer days'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='retinitis pigmentosa'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='vision loss'/><title type='text'>Finally Settled</title><summary type='text'>We have finally settled into our new home. While closer to town, we are just at the outskirts and wonderfully peaceful nights can be had sitting outside on the porch.I still observe daily, how life altering, our Ladybug's traumatic experience has been. So many curves this road of healing takes. Depression, anger, guilt, denial taking turns driving her roller coaster of emotions. Strength and </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://mygreat8.blogspot.com/feeds/8724043875731246895/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=7871029014407476360&amp;postID=8724043875731246895&amp;isPopup=true' title='18 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7871029014407476360/posts/default/8724043875731246895'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7871029014407476360/posts/default/8724043875731246895'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://mygreat8.blogspot.com/2008/07/finally-settled.html' title='Finally Settled'/><author><name>Cynthia</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/05325484761466605352</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>18</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7871029014407476360.post-463638248329916113</id><published>2008-06-13T18:22:00.002-07:00</published><updated>2008-06-13T19:07:13.950-07:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='family life'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='summer days'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='little boys'/><title type='text'>First Full Day of Summer Vacation</title><summary type='text'>Yes, it was the first full day of summer vacation and I survived!It started out quite early, with me mumbling something such as: "We can wait until the sun is up before getting out of bed. There is no school. Remember?"Of course, Biper had not forgotten, but between that 8 year old excitement of this big, first day and still being on an early to bed/early to rise routine; watching tv and eating </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://mygreat8.blogspot.com/feeds/463638248329916113/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=7871029014407476360&amp;postID=463638248329916113&amp;isPopup=true' title='8 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7871029014407476360/posts/default/463638248329916113'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7871029014407476360/posts/default/463638248329916113'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://mygreat8.blogspot.com/2008/06/first-full-day-of-summer-vacation.html' title='First Full Day of Summer Vacation'/><author><name>Cynthia</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/05325484761466605352</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>8</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7871029014407476360.post-1957818583675845059</id><published>2008-06-06T20:52:00.002-07:00</published><updated>2008-06-06T21:30:53.638-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Our Life is Spinning</title><summary type='text'>First, I want to apologize for the delay in posting. Between end of the year school activities, getting Maxter home for the summer and trying to get myself to bed at a decent hour; I have neglected many other things; this blog being one.I had a post ready for tonight, but will need to post it, either tomorrow evening if possible or as soon as things settle down here.I know there are many of you </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://mygreat8.blogspot.com/feeds/1957818583675845059/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=7871029014407476360&amp;postID=1957818583675845059&amp;isPopup=true' title='14 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7871029014407476360/posts/default/1957818583675845059'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7871029014407476360/posts/default/1957818583675845059'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://mygreat8.blogspot.com/2008/06/our-life-is-spinning.html' title='Our Life is Spinning'/><author><name>Cynthia</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/05325484761466605352</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>14</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7871029014407476360.post-7922639663340445699</id><published>2008-05-28T21:48:00.003-07:00</published><updated>2008-05-28T22:36:11.277-07:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='visually impaired'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='hearing loss'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='my son'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='special needs children'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='raising children'/><title type='text'>He Melts My Heart</title><summary type='text'> Earlier this evening Biper said to me, "Mom, I'll just get me a snack, so you don't have to cook." Ok, so really he wanted cookies and not some fruit and veggie snack I would have prepared; but the thought was just so sweet.Today we spent our time in the kitchen. It has become more difficult for him to identify canned foods, see pitchers of drinks in the refrigerator and he can no longer find </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://mygreat8.blogspot.com/feeds/7922639663340445699/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=7871029014407476360&amp;postID=7922639663340445699&amp;isPopup=true' title='9 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7871029014407476360/posts/default/7922639663340445699'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7871029014407476360/posts/default/7922639663340445699'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://mygreat8.blogspot.com/2008/05/he-melts-my-heart.html' title='He Melts My Heart'/><author><name>Cynthia</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/05325484761466605352</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media='http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/' url='http://bp2.blogger.com/_e8LThNtaj_I/SD42t2V_PWI/AAAAAAAAAHY/wwjg7C6mFsE/s72-c/Marco+2nd+grade+2008.jpg' height='72' width='72'/><thr:total>9</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7871029014407476360.post-2506598562090186967</id><published>2008-05-22T21:15:00.003-07:00</published><updated>2008-05-22T23:16:00.551-07:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='family life'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='special needs'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='images'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='healing from crisis'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='raising 8'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='vision loss'/><title type='text'>Images and Thoughts</title><summary type='text'> As you can tell I made it to the wedding! Din a Din and R have now began their new life as a married couple.  They truly have been blessed, as when one is their presence you can just feel the unbound love they have for each other. Leaves one's heart smiling. Smiling. While I was back in IL, I also had the chance to visit with my dearest friend and her husband. I have mentioned them in earlier </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://mygreat8.blogspot.com/feeds/2506598562090186967/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=7871029014407476360&amp;postID=2506598562090186967&amp;isPopup=true' title='11 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7871029014407476360/posts/default/2506598562090186967'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7871029014407476360/posts/default/2506598562090186967'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://mygreat8.blogspot.com/2008/05/images-and-thoughts.html' title='Images and Thoughts'/><author><name>Cynthia</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/05325484761466605352</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media='http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/' url='http://bp2.blogger.com/_e8LThNtaj_I/SDZFZ2V_PVI/AAAAAAAAAHQ/5gQ2l2uXIq8/s72-c/dina+wedding+3.jpg' height='72' width='72'/><thr:total>11</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7871029014407476360.post-1341347996109380576</id><published>2008-05-13T20:41:00.003-07:00</published><updated>2008-05-13T20:59:13.104-07:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='virus'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='on hold'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='family happenings'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Lord hear my prayers'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='raising children'/><title type='text'>On Hold</title><summary type='text'>In just under 48 hours, I am to board a plane, in Phoenix, AZ. It will take me to be reunited with Din a Din, after a 3 year seperation. It will take me home, to IL. It will take me to witness the most beautiful even; the wedding of my daughter.But tonight, everything is on hold.Biper has been sick since Sunday. Fever, stomach pains and today congestion and asthma problems.The neighbor who is to </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://mygreat8.blogspot.com/feeds/1341347996109380576/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=7871029014407476360&amp;postID=1341347996109380576&amp;isPopup=true' title='9 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7871029014407476360/posts/default/1341347996109380576'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7871029014407476360/posts/default/1341347996109380576'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://mygreat8.blogspot.com/2008/05/on-hold.html' title='On Hold'/><author><name>Cynthia</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/05325484761466605352</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>9</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7871029014407476360.post-7666610268689453849</id><published>2008-05-13T19:41:00.004-07:00</published><updated>2008-05-13T20:40:25.817-07:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='single parent'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='motherhood'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='being mom'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='raising 8'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Lord I pray'/><title type='text'>Growing Pains of a Mother</title><summary type='text'>When my two oldest left home; I cried. I felt so lonely.  Someone, going through "empty nest syndrome" told me I wouldn't understand; as I still had 6 at home. Oh how wrong they were. My first born daughter, my first born son were no longer safely under my wings. My two lead ducklings had left the nest.Time soothed the lonliness and dried my tears.  For Din a Din, the day arrived, all too soon; </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://mygreat8.blogspot.com/feeds/7666610268689453849/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=7871029014407476360&amp;postID=7666610268689453849&amp;isPopup=true' title='8 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7871029014407476360/posts/default/7666610268689453849'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7871029014407476360/posts/default/7666610268689453849'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://mygreat8.blogspot.com/2008/05/growing-pains-of-mother.html' title='Growing Pains of a Mother'/><author><name>Cynthia</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/05325484761466605352</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>8</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7871029014407476360.post-62251918779032534</id><published>2008-05-11T07:58:00.002-07:00</published><updated>2008-05-11T08:41:37.506-07:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='my mother'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Mothers day'/><title type='text'>HAPPY MOTHERS DAY</title><summary type='text'>Wanting to wish all of the mothers, aunts, grandmas, stepmothers, friends and men out there; who are "Mother's" the happiest day, filled with many blessings!For me personally, being a mother is the most honored responsibility God could have bestowed upon me. And he prepared me well, through my mother.  A tiny woman, her body often frail and fragile due to the diabetes which consumed her for 40 </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://mygreat8.blogspot.com/feeds/62251918779032534/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=7871029014407476360&amp;postID=62251918779032534&amp;isPopup=true' title='10 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7871029014407476360/posts/default/62251918779032534'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7871029014407476360/posts/default/62251918779032534'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://mygreat8.blogspot.com/2008/05/happy-mothers-day.html' title='HAPPY MOTHERS DAY'/><author><name>Cynthia</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/05325484761466605352</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>10</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7871029014407476360.post-5527184204255184842</id><published>2008-05-08T10:43:00.004-07:00</published><updated>2008-05-08T11:49:19.895-07:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='family life'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='a mothers thoughts and prayers'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='aftermath of a missing/kidnapped child'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='inspiration'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='a young girls pain'/><title type='text'>Partly Sunny Foggy with occasional rain</title><summary type='text'>It often amazes me how busy our lives can get. And with this, how hard we must work to not lose sight of that which is important; family.So many days, we begin before the sun is up, only to settle in after the sun has once again gone down. And within all this, not just the time passes, but also many thoughts and emotions.This week has been filled with appointments. Doctors for yearly evaluations,</summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://mygreat8.blogspot.com/feeds/5527184204255184842/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=7871029014407476360&amp;postID=5527184204255184842&amp;isPopup=true' title='8 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7871029014407476360/posts/default/5527184204255184842'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7871029014407476360/posts/default/5527184204255184842'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://mygreat8.blogspot.com/2008/05/partly-sunny-foggy-with-occasional-rain.html' title='Partly Sunny Foggy with occasional rain'/><author><name>Cynthia</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/05325484761466605352</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>8</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7871029014407476360.post-1565619122183027945</id><published>2008-04-27T21:02:00.006-07:00</published><updated>2008-04-27T23:19:05.082-07:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='family life'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='thoughts of a mother'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='a mothers thoughts and prayers'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='aftermath of a missing/kidnapped child'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='families'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='recovering from trauma'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='God answers'/><title type='text'>A Special Bike to Break the Silence</title><summary type='text'>I decided this morning today I would work outdoors. I began by building a dog pen. This wasn't exactly a building project, more a "let's see what we have lying around", create it yourself project. After collecting a couple of pieces of old plywood, a couple of pieces of old paneling, a pallet someone had left at the back of our lot and an old, small farmgate; I now have a temporary pen for our </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://mygreat8.blogspot.com/feeds/1565619122183027945/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=7871029014407476360&amp;postID=1565619122183027945&amp;isPopup=true' title='22 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7871029014407476360/posts/default/1565619122183027945'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7871029014407476360/posts/default/1565619122183027945'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://mygreat8.blogspot.com/2008/04/special-bike-to-break-silence.html' title='A Special Bike to Break the Silence'/><author><name>Cynthia</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/05325484761466605352</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>22</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7871029014407476360.post-8211291639547060813</id><published>2008-04-25T21:35:00.003-07:00</published><updated>2008-04-25T22:58:08.720-07:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='family life'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='a mothers thoughts and prayers'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='aftermath of a missing child'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='recovering from trauma'/><title type='text'>Just One Day</title><summary type='text'>I have started this post three times. So much to share, no words to express. The only thing which comes close is:Just One Day.That is all I want.Just One Day.No court hearings, no fears, no anger, no guilt, no watching my child suffer, no confusion, no memories, no one asking "how are things", "how are you" or "how is she", no mistrust of others, no having to be strong.Just One Day.    Note: It </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://mygreat8.blogspot.com/feeds/8211291639547060813/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=7871029014407476360&amp;postID=8211291639547060813&amp;isPopup=true' title='17 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7871029014407476360/posts/default/8211291639547060813'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7871029014407476360/posts/default/8211291639547060813'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://mygreat8.blogspot.com/2008/04/just-one-day.html' title='Just One Day'/><author><name>Cynthia</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/05325484761466605352</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>17</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7871029014407476360.post-6049086231226540843</id><published>2008-04-18T21:27:00.004-07:00</published><updated>2008-04-18T22:51:21.217-07:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='a mothers thoughts and prayers'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='aftermath of a  missing/kidnapped child'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='birthday celebrations'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='rp/vision loss'/><title type='text'>A Full Week</title><summary type='text'>I am proud to share, Ladybug made it through attending school each day this week! Monday she attended one class, at the end of the day and even rode the school bus home! Tuesday she had a half day of classes due to appointments. Wednesday she lasted the entire day. She did have one point of time she "felt closed in" and her mind started racing. She sent me a text asking to please go get her. She </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://mygreat8.blogspot.com/feeds/6049086231226540843/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=7871029014407476360&amp;postID=6049086231226540843&amp;isPopup=true' title='18 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7871029014407476360/posts/default/6049086231226540843'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7871029014407476360/posts/default/6049086231226540843'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://mygreat8.blogspot.com/2008/04/full-week.html' title='A Full Week'/><author><name>Cynthia</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/05325484761466605352</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>18</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7871029014407476360.post-135723514993961255</id><published>2008-04-13T17:53:00.002-07:00</published><updated>2008-04-13T18:52:24.922-07:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='special needs'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='trust in God'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='neighbors'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='aftermath of a missing/kidnapped child'/><title type='text'>Walking and Praying</title><summary type='text'>Today I walked.  To explain how much this means to me; after leaving my husband, I walked out of neccessity. First due to a broken down car, then due to no car at all. Occasionally I took a bus, but more often, I walked. I never found it tedious or boring. I never thought of it as exercise.  It was a means of getting from point A to point B. A more than acceptable mean of transportation. When we </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://mygreat8.blogspot.com/feeds/135723514993961255/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=7871029014407476360&amp;postID=135723514993961255&amp;isPopup=true' title='10 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7871029014407476360/posts/default/135723514993961255'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7871029014407476360/posts/default/135723514993961255'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://mygreat8.blogspot.com/2008/04/walking-and-praying.html' title='Walking and Praying'/><author><name>Cynthia</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/05325484761466605352</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>10</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7871029014407476360.post-547564706512351623</id><published>2008-04-12T21:25:00.002-07:00</published><updated>2008-04-12T22:29:41.298-07:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='riding the storm'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='aftermath of a missing/kidnapped child'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='strength and peace'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='inspiration'/><title type='text'>An Up Day</title><summary type='text'>Ladybug is catching up on sleep these days. She was in bed by 11pm last night and slept until nearly 1pm. And she woke up "starving"! After a good meal, she spent the day relaxing, listening to her music, listening to my music and eating more.I, on the other hand, spent the day cleaning my yard. It was such a beautiful day, warm yet with a gentle breeze. Working in the sunshine was so cleansing </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://mygreat8.blogspot.com/feeds/547564706512351623/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=7871029014407476360&amp;postID=547564706512351623&amp;isPopup=true' title='8 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7871029014407476360/posts/default/547564706512351623'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7871029014407476360/posts/default/547564706512351623'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://mygreat8.blogspot.com/2008/04/up-day.html' title='An Up Day'/><author><name>Cynthia</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/05325484761466605352</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>8</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7871029014407476360.post-4657986400006405192</id><published>2008-04-10T21:57:00.003-07:00</published><updated>2008-04-10T23:29:11.010-07:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='special needs'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='mother/daughter'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='the aftermath'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='my daughter'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='kidnapped and recovering'/><title type='text'>Spinning</title><summary type='text'>"Spinning," is how Ladybug describes her mental state these days.  She said her thoughts are spinning around so fast, she can't keep up with them at times, they make her dizzy and they interrupt her times of peace.She has completed, successfully, 2 days of testing. An hour each day. Yesterday was the writing portion of the state test. This was the first time Ladybug had put a pen to paper since </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://mygreat8.blogspot.com/feeds/4657986400006405192/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=7871029014407476360&amp;postID=4657986400006405192&amp;isPopup=true' title='13 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7871029014407476360/posts/default/4657986400006405192'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7871029014407476360/posts/default/4657986400006405192'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://mygreat8.blogspot.com/2008/04/spinning.html' title='Spinning'/><author><name>Cynthia</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/05325484761466605352</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>13</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7871029014407476360.post-6764297126403635008</id><published>2008-04-08T13:50:00.003-07:00</published><updated>2008-04-08T15:26:24.449-07:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='special needs'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='aftermath of a missing/kidnapped child'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='my daughter'/><title type='text'>SHHHH She's Sleeping</title><summary type='text'>Yes, my Ladybug is fast asleep. And has been now for just around an hour. I am so pleased. I can honestly count the hours of sleep she has had in this past couple of weeks on my hands and toes.Tomorrow is a big day for Ladybug. She will be attending school for the first time.  I met with members of the staff yesterday and they are understanding and showing an effort to work well with Ladybug for </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://mygreat8.blogspot.com/feeds/6764297126403635008/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=7871029014407476360&amp;postID=6764297126403635008&amp;isPopup=true' title='13 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7871029014407476360/posts/default/6764297126403635008'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7871029014407476360/posts/default/6764297126403635008'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://mygreat8.blogspot.com/2008/04/shhhh-shes-sleeping.html' title='SHHHH She&apos;s Sleeping'/><author><name>Cynthia</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/05325484761466605352</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>13</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7871029014407476360.post-4910134841289375756</id><published>2008-04-06T22:20:00.003-07:00</published><updated>2008-04-06T23:18:54.287-07:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='trauma of a kidnapping'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='aftermath of a missing child'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='my daughter'/><title type='text'>The Unknown</title><summary type='text'>There is still much I do not know, of the way this man manuevered his way into my daughter's life.  And I am beginning to want to know. Again, not wanting to know. Needing to know.  My mind says I must know, to protect her, to protect others. Like so many parents, I have faced the unimaginable.  Like so many families, I say, "I had no idea". Teaching our children about safety, keeping open </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://mygreat8.blogspot.com/feeds/4910134841289375756/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=7871029014407476360&amp;postID=4910134841289375756&amp;isPopup=true' title='7 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7871029014407476360/posts/default/4910134841289375756'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7871029014407476360/posts/default/4910134841289375756'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://mygreat8.blogspot.com/2008/04/unknown.html' title='The Unknown'/><author><name>Cynthia</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/05325484761466605352</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>7</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7871029014407476360.post-1647544548194769007</id><published>2008-04-05T21:32:00.002-07:00</published><updated>2008-04-05T22:51:57.275-07:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='family life'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='trauma of a kidnapping'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='aftermath of a missing child'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='waiting'/><title type='text'>Waiting</title><summary type='text'>I feel as if these past few days, I have spent my time waiting. I waited for the phone call from the vicitim's advocate to give the results of the grand jury. And heard nothing. As my mind still tends to "block" or "rebound" much of what is going on, they may have said it is this coming Thursday. Ironically, as I waited for this call, I also had decided, I didn't want to hear what happened.  </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://mygreat8.blogspot.com/feeds/1647544548194769007/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=7871029014407476360&amp;postID=1647544548194769007&amp;isPopup=true' title='8 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7871029014407476360/posts/default/1647544548194769007'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7871029014407476360/posts/default/1647544548194769007'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://mygreat8.blogspot.com/2008/04/waiting.html' title='Waiting'/><author><name>Cynthia</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/05325484761466605352</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>8</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7871029014407476360.post-9190101037493660403</id><published>2008-04-03T00:03:00.003-07:00</published><updated>2008-04-03T00:19:10.646-07:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Ladybug'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='aftermath of a missing child'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='my daughter'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='wondering when'/><title type='text'>When</title><summary type='text'>"When will I be able to watch the tv shows I used to enjoy"? "When I am 50, will I still feel this way"?"When I grow up, will I still remember"?"When this person has served his time, will I still be notified of his release, even if it is 30 years from now"?"When will I understand what is going on inside of me"?"When will this all be over"?There is no set time, baby girl, there is no set time."</summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://mygreat8.blogspot.com/feeds/9190101037493660403/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=7871029014407476360&amp;postID=9190101037493660403&amp;isPopup=true' title='9 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7871029014407476360/posts/default/9190101037493660403'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7871029014407476360/posts/default/9190101037493660403'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://mygreat8.blogspot.com/2008/04/when.html' title='When'/><author><name>Cynthia</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/05325484761466605352</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>9</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7871029014407476360.post-5955739637801619556</id><published>2008-04-02T23:17:00.004-07:00</published><updated>2008-04-03T00:02:48.974-07:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='family life'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='special needs'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Dual sensory impairment'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='everyday happenings'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='RP'/><title type='text'>Other Happenings</title><summary type='text'>Amid all the hard work at trying to heal, we are busy keeping ourselves occupied with other business which cannot be rescheduled, cancelled or pushed to the back burner.Last Friday, Biper had another full eye exam. Hopefully the last one until June. At this exam, it was verified, his right eye has complete blindness. How strange to see a bright light shining into the eye of your child and he </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://mygreat8.blogspot.com/feeds/5955739637801619556/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=7871029014407476360&amp;postID=5955739637801619556&amp;isPopup=true' title='7 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7871029014407476360/posts/default/5955739637801619556'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7871029014407476360/posts/default/5955739637801619556'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://mygreat8.blogspot.com/2008/04/other-happenings.html' title='Other Happenings'/><author><name>Cynthia</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/05325484761466605352</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>7</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7871029014407476360.post-4205737480575946480</id><published>2008-03-29T12:53:00.002-07:00</published><updated>2008-03-29T13:56:46.642-07:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='family life'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='aftermath of a missing child'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='my daughter'/><title type='text'>Changes</title><summary type='text'>Since yesterday, I have felt like a beach of sand, constantly changing; as the waves of emotion roll upon me. Unlike the peaceful, soft swishing of common waves, these are the waves of a storm.The numbness which had overcome me is melting away, like the snow on a warm day. Melting away the protection from the pent up of emotions, mixing them with the freshenss of tears. The mud which will form me</summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://mygreat8.blogspot.com/feeds/4205737480575946480/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=7871029014407476360&amp;postID=4205737480575946480&amp;isPopup=true' title='23 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7871029014407476360/posts/default/4205737480575946480'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7871029014407476360/posts/default/4205737480575946480'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://mygreat8.blogspot.com/2008/03/changes.html' title='Changes'/><author><name>Cynthia</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/05325484761466605352</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>23</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7871029014407476360.post-799977902435490746</id><published>2008-03-27T00:01:00.002-07:00</published><updated>2008-03-27T00:19:49.293-07:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='aftermath of a missing child'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='family crisis'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='update'/><title type='text'>I Know We'll Make It Through This</title><summary type='text'>We had a very positive meeting today with our crisis worker and our victim's advocate.  I am so thankful for the wonderful people God has placed on our path to walk with us through this difficult time. The person being charged with Ladybugs kidnapping, has been extradited from CA to AZ and is being held on a $225,000 bond. More charges were being added as we spoke today.Ladybug had a good day </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://mygreat8.blogspot.com/feeds/799977902435490746/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=7871029014407476360&amp;postID=799977902435490746&amp;isPopup=true' title='24 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7871029014407476360/posts/default/799977902435490746'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7871029014407476360/posts/default/799977902435490746'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://mygreat8.blogspot.com/2008/03/i-know-well-make-it-through-this.html' title='I Know We&apos;ll Make It Through This'/><author><name>Cynthia</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/05325484761466605352</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>24</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7871029014407476360.post-4503333679166710181</id><published>2008-03-24T21:03:00.002-07:00</published><updated>2008-03-24T21:51:36.698-07:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='family life'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='aftermath of a missing child'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='my daughter'/><title type='text'></title><summary type='text'>Ladybug,A week ago I sat, lost in pain and sorrow. I would go outdoor and look at the far away skies, wondering about you, wondering if you were calling for me, wondering if you were alive.  Just over 24 hours later, God answered those many prayers, he wiped those tears of many; when he sent the call; She's Safe!Tonight I sit, lost in pain and sorrow. I walk outdoor and look at the far away skies</summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://mygreat8.blogspot.com/feeds/4503333679166710181/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=7871029014407476360&amp;postID=4503333679166710181&amp;isPopup=true' title='22 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7871029014407476360/posts/default/4503333679166710181'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7871029014407476360/posts/default/4503333679166710181'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://mygreat8.blogspot.com/2008/03/ladybug-week-ago-i-sat-lost-in-pain-and.html' title=''/><author><name>Cynthia</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/05325484761466605352</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>22</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7871029014407476360.post-332554079949217779</id><published>2008-03-21T19:15:00.003-07:00</published><updated>2008-03-21T19:46:20.119-07:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='family life'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='she&apos;s home'/><title type='text'></title><summary type='text'>Ladybug and I were reunited Wednesday evening. She appears physically well; exhausted, but well.At one point soon, I will share what we have gone through this past couple of days and what we are going through. But time is short. Ladybug doesn't sleep much right now, I can count on 2 hands the hours of sleep she has had in the past 72 hours. But she does talk with me. This is good.I don't sleep </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://mygreat8.blogspot.com/feeds/332554079949217779/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=7871029014407476360&amp;postID=332554079949217779&amp;isPopup=true' title='31 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7871029014407476360/posts/default/332554079949217779'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7871029014407476360/posts/default/332554079949217779'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://mygreat8.blogspot.com/2008/03/ladybug-and-i-were-reunited-wednesday.html' title=''/><author><name>Cynthia</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/05325484761466605352</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>31</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7871029014407476360.post-572937508047046123</id><published>2008-03-20T22:58:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2008-03-18T23:36:03.829-07:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='missing child'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='my daughter'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='RP'/><title type='text'>MISSING</title><summary type='text'>FOUND: March 18, 2008This is a sticky post and will remain on top until she is home safe. Please scroll down for new posts.Margarita "Magui" MartinezDOB: 4-19-1994MISSING: 3-10-20082 scratches on left arm, just above the wrist; scar from a burn as a child on right index finger.5'2", 120 lbs., hispanicMagui has Retinitis Pigmentosa, an eye disease. Due to this, she has nightblindness, photophobia </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://mygreat8.blogspot.com/feeds/572937508047046123/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=7871029014407476360&amp;postID=572937508047046123&amp;isPopup=true' title='40 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7871029014407476360/posts/default/572937508047046123'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7871029014407476360/posts/default/572937508047046123'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://mygreat8.blogspot.com/2008/03/missing.html' title='MISSING'/><author><name>Cynthia</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/05325484761466605352</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media='http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/' url='http://bp3.blogger.com/_e8LThNtaj_I/R9jDFWCQQuI/AAAAAAAAAHI/dO0cRTu5X8s/s72-c/MAGGI3_079.jpg' height='72' width='72'/><thr:total>40</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7871029014407476360.post-8054133026024075736</id><published>2008-03-18T23:29:00.002-07:00</published><updated>2008-03-18T23:34:02.519-07:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='missing child'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='celebration'/><title type='text'>She is safe</title><summary type='text'>The US Marshalls have found our Ladybug! I will be reunited with her sometime tomorrow. At this point I have no details of what happened. I do know that an arrest warrant had been issues for kidnapping today and they were following leads this evening in hopes of catching him and finding her.Again, thank you to everyone for the prayers, notes of support, shared stories and strength you have given </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://mygreat8.blogspot.com/feeds/8054133026024075736/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=7871029014407476360&amp;postID=8054133026024075736&amp;isPopup=true' title='47 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7871029014407476360/posts/default/8054133026024075736'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7871029014407476360/posts/default/8054133026024075736'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://mygreat8.blogspot.com/2008/03/she-is-safe.html' title='She is safe'/><author><name>Cynthia</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/05325484761466605352</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>47</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7871029014407476360.post-4849231243364814389</id><published>2008-03-16T19:51:00.003-07:00</published><updated>2008-03-16T20:58:33.043-07:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='missing child'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='my daughter'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='family crisis'/><title type='text'>A Week Ago Today</title><summary type='text'>It is hard to believe, a week ago today, probably around this time of the evening, I saw my Ladybug for the last time. Deep hurt, sadness, numbness; all still linger. Add to that frustration and anger.Yesterday I was angry, just angry, all day. Angry at Ladybug. Angry at the law enforcement. Angry at her friends. Angry at this person she is with. Angry at feeling angry. Angry at myself.  Angry at</summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://mygreat8.blogspot.com/feeds/4849231243364814389/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=7871029014407476360&amp;postID=4849231243364814389&amp;isPopup=true' title='15 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7871029014407476360/posts/default/4849231243364814389'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7871029014407476360/posts/default/4849231243364814389'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://mygreat8.blogspot.com/2008/03/week-ago-today.html' title='A Week Ago Today'/><author><name>Cynthia</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/05325484761466605352</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>15</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7871029014407476360.post-4222873482074144595</id><published>2008-03-14T20:20:00.003-07:00</published><updated>2008-03-14T20:29:01.312-07:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='missing child'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='thank you'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='inspiration'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='strength'/><title type='text'>A Quiet Evening</title><summary type='text'>I am taking a break for blogging/journaling this evening. I need a bit of time to just soak in all that has taken place this week.  There has been no news as of yet.I cannot express the appreciation we feel for all the help everyone has offered. Those thoughts  and prayers everyone is sending our way.  Many have written they couldn't find the right words. But you did.God has sent us strength </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://mygreat8.blogspot.com/feeds/4222873482074144595/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=7871029014407476360&amp;postID=4222873482074144595&amp;isPopup=true' title='17 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7871029014407476360/posts/default/4222873482074144595'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7871029014407476360/posts/default/4222873482074144595'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://mygreat8.blogspot.com/2008/03/quiet-evening.html' title='A Quiet Evening'/><author><name>Cynthia</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/05325484761466605352</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>17</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7871029014407476360.post-6573491653195839301</id><published>2008-03-13T23:58:00.006-07:00</published><updated>2008-03-14T01:38:29.999-07:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='living through crisis'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='missing child'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='learning to ask for help'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='growing in faith'/><title type='text'>Living Each Day, Learning and Hope</title><summary type='text'>When you have a child missing, each day you begin with the emptiness, praying this will be the day of their return. You have hope. And yet try to keep yourself grounded, that this day to may pass with no change. In my home, there are still 3 other children who need me. Children who need clean clothes, meals, conversation, relaxation, help with their own personal happenings, help with their own </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://mygreat8.blogspot.com/feeds/6573491653195839301/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=7871029014407476360&amp;postID=6573491653195839301&amp;isPopup=true' title='18 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7871029014407476360/posts/default/6573491653195839301'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7871029014407476360/posts/default/6573491653195839301'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://mygreat8.blogspot.com/2008/03/living-each-day-learning-and-hope.html' title='Living Each Day, Learning and Hope'/><author><name>Cynthia</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/05325484761466605352</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>18</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7871029014407476360.post-1596544040126720471</id><published>2008-03-13T00:59:00.003-07:00</published><updated>2008-03-13T02:12:20.000-07:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='missing child'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='my daughter'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='a mother&apos;s anguis'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='day 3'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='RP'/><title type='text'>72 Hours</title><summary type='text'>After falling asleep, I awoke with a start. Jumping, I ran to the phone, so afraid I had missed a call. Any call. A call from anyone to say she is safe. A call from her saying she wants to come home. Nothing. Relief that no call had been missed. Sickened that no call had came in.Medication for the headache that was quickly gaining strength. Staring into space, trying to wake up fully. The </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://mygreat8.blogspot.com/feeds/1596544040126720471/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=7871029014407476360&amp;postID=1596544040126720471&amp;isPopup=true' title='22 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7871029014407476360/posts/default/1596544040126720471'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7871029014407476360/posts/default/1596544040126720471'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://mygreat8.blogspot.com/2008/03/72-hours.html' title='72 Hours'/><author><name>Cynthia</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/05325484761466605352</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>22</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7871029014407476360.post-37003913287573073</id><published>2008-03-12T08:33:00.003-07:00</published><updated>2008-03-12T08:39:38.794-07:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='missing child'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='my daughter'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='special needs children'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='RP'/><title type='text'>Another Picture</title><summary type='text'>                                                                Margarita "Magui" Martinez                                                                  DOB: 4-19 1994                                                                  MISSING: 3-10-2008 I am posting this picture of my Ladybug with her sunglasses on. Due to her RP, if outdoors, she will be wearing sunglasses. She has photophobia.</summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://mygreat8.blogspot.com/feeds/37003913287573073/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=7871029014407476360&amp;postID=37003913287573073&amp;isPopup=true' title='22 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7871029014407476360/posts/default/37003913287573073'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7871029014407476360/posts/default/37003913287573073'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://mygreat8.blogspot.com/2008/03/another-picture.html' title='Another Picture'/><author><name>Cynthia</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/05325484761466605352</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media='http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/' url='http://bp1.blogger.com/_e8LThNtaj_I/R9f4DGCQQtI/AAAAAAAAAHA/KJxxdEPfTpE/s72-c/glitterfy135822301D30.gif' height='72' width='72'/><thr:total>22</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7871029014407476360.post-5239018745364391944</id><published>2008-03-11T20:11:00.004-07:00</published><updated>2008-03-11T21:06:03.676-07:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='family life'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='missing child'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='my daughter'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='growing in faith'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='RP'/><title type='text'>Day 2</title><summary type='text'>It has been 38 hours, since I first felt that my Ladybug was missing.  The first full day, since filing the report. Is this Day 1 or Day 2? The calls began early this morning. Hopes of good news. Hopes of any news. Some asked through text messages from classes. Some through IM and email.A few more tries of phone numbers we found, not sure who they belonged to. All dead ends. A few passes on the </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://mygreat8.blogspot.com/feeds/5239018745364391944/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=7871029014407476360&amp;postID=5239018745364391944&amp;isPopup=true' title='21 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7871029014407476360/posts/default/5239018745364391944'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7871029014407476360/posts/default/5239018745364391944'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://mygreat8.blogspot.com/2008/03/day-2.html' title='Day 2'/><author><name>Cynthia</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/05325484761466605352</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>21</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7871029014407476360.post-3223283442858675180</id><published>2008-03-10T23:10:00.005-07:00</published><updated>2008-03-11T00:01:45.032-07:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='my daughter'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='growing in faith'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='family'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='raising children'/><title type='text'>Time to Share;  the Laughter is Fading</title><summary type='text'>The phone has stopped ringing, so I have some time to share what has happened.I had been in bed since early yesterday with the flu. Bug had it Friday night, Biper Saturday night and since they like to breathe on mom, it was my turn. When I got up this morning, I went to Ladybug's room and she wasn't there. Being in a feverish fog, I got my coffee, checked the bathrooms and outdoors and called </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://mygreat8.blogspot.com/feeds/3223283442858675180/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=7871029014407476360&amp;postID=3223283442858675180&amp;isPopup=true' title='12 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7871029014407476360/posts/default/3223283442858675180'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7871029014407476360/posts/default/3223283442858675180'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://mygreat8.blogspot.com/2008/03/time-to-share-laughter-is-fading.html' title='Time to Share;  the Laughter is Fading'/><author><name>Cynthia</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/05325484761466605352</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>12</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7871029014407476360.post-2180558212199790800</id><published>2008-03-10T21:06:00.004-07:00</published><updated>2008-03-11T10:41:33.150-07:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='my daughter'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='special needs children'/><title type='text'>My Ladybug is Missing</title><summary type='text'>                                              Margarita "Magui" Martinez 4-19-1994                                                       Missing: 3-10-2008If anyone in the Southern California, El Centro/El Cajon/San Diego area see this young girl please contact your local police department.I know this is a large area and many young girls this age look alike. So please take a good look at her </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://mygreat8.blogspot.com/feeds/2180558212199790800/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=7871029014407476360&amp;postID=2180558212199790800&amp;isPopup=true' title='8 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7871029014407476360/posts/default/2180558212199790800'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7871029014407476360/posts/default/2180558212199790800'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://mygreat8.blogspot.com/2008/03/my-ladybug-is-missing.html' title='My Ladybug is Missing'/><author><name>Cynthia</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/05325484761466605352</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media='http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/' url='http://bp0.blogger.com/_e8LThNtaj_I/R9YFzGCQQsI/AAAAAAAAAG4/U5bDIBBpjgo/s72-c/glitterfy130254821D36.gif' height='72' width='72'/><thr:total>8</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7871029014407476360.post-2705178140495781975</id><published>2008-02-29T09:50:00.002-07:00</published><updated>2008-02-29T10:25:18.484-07:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='enjoying my son'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='shopping'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='being a mother'/><title type='text'>Shopping</title><summary type='text'>This morning I decided to treat Bug to a trip to the dollar store.  Oh how I love to see his face light up at just the thought! We bounce in through the front doors, joyfully dancing to the toy aisle. We look up one side and down the other. Bug telling me what each toy is or asking how it works.We go back down one side and up the other. Bug telling me again what each toy is. Playing to see what </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://mygreat8.blogspot.com/feeds/2705178140495781975/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=7871029014407476360&amp;postID=2705178140495781975&amp;isPopup=true' title='8 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7871029014407476360/posts/default/2705178140495781975'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7871029014407476360/posts/default/2705178140495781975'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://mygreat8.blogspot.com/2008/02/shopping.html' title='Shopping'/><author><name>Cynthia</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/05325484761466605352</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>8</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7871029014407476360.post-2372111590328620752</id><published>2008-02-27T23:33:00.004-07:00</published><updated>2008-02-27T23:49:25.646-07:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='family life'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='special needs'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='health issues'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='growing in faith'/><title type='text'>Random Thoughts I Had Today</title><summary type='text'>When It Rains It Pours: But....I think of the flowers which will bloom with brilliant color, filling the air with their sweet aroma.I think of the purity of the rain.I remind myself, water is for cleaning.I feel the quenching of my thirst.Whether it is raining outside my window; or....As now, raining down upon us with tests of faith, illness undiagnosed,special needs to care for,death of loved </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://mygreat8.blogspot.com/feeds/2372111590328620752/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=7871029014407476360&amp;postID=2372111590328620752&amp;isPopup=true' title='5 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7871029014407476360/posts/default/2372111590328620752'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7871029014407476360/posts/default/2372111590328620752'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://mygreat8.blogspot.com/2008/02/random-thoughts-i-had-today.html' title='Random Thoughts I Had Today'/><author><name>Cynthia</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/05325484761466605352</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>5</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7871029014407476360.post-5951962998395987353</id><published>2008-02-26T19:37:00.003-07:00</published><updated>2008-02-26T20:10:48.356-07:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='hearing loss'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='health issues'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='strength and peace'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='special needs children'/><title type='text'>Special Needs Children and Children's Health</title><summary type='text'>I am posting quickly tonight, as it was a long day. This morning I had to take Biper for another audiological exam. This time I had all the results completely explained to me, in depth. This will aid me significantly in obtaining the hearing aids, the FM system and any accomodations he will need in school. It also helps me to understand what we can do at home to ensure that he remains an active </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://mygreat8.blogspot.com/feeds/5951962998395987353/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=7871029014407476360&amp;postID=5951962998395987353&amp;isPopup=true' title='8 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7871029014407476360/posts/default/5951962998395987353'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7871029014407476360/posts/default/5951962998395987353'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://mygreat8.blogspot.com/2008/02/special-needs-children-and-childrens.html' title='Special Needs Children and Children&apos;s Health'/><author><name>Cynthia</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/05325484761466605352</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>8</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7871029014407476360.post-1526175314835238064</id><published>2008-02-25T22:52:00.004-07:00</published><updated>2008-02-25T23:11:53.569-07:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='visually impaired'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='special needs children'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='children'/><title type='text'>My Superhero</title><summary type='text'>Today as Biper and a neighbor boy played, I happened to catch their conversation.Neighbor boy: "Why do you have that stick you use when we walk to the bus?"Biper: "It is my guide cane."Neighbor boy: "I want one."Biper: "But you can see."Neighbor boy: "So can you."Biper: "No, I can't see. Well, just a little. One day I will be blind."Neighbor boy: "You mean you're different than me?" Biper: "No, I</summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://mygreat8.blogspot.com/feeds/1526175314835238064/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=7871029014407476360&amp;postID=1526175314835238064&amp;isPopup=true' title='7 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7871029014407476360/posts/default/1526175314835238064'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7871029014407476360/posts/default/1526175314835238064'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://mygreat8.blogspot.com/2008/02/my-superher.html' title='My Superhero'/><author><name>Cynthia</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/05325484761466605352</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>7</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7871029014407476360.post-6350142075335543342</id><published>2008-02-25T22:07:00.006-07:00</published><updated>2008-02-25T22:39:10.157-07:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='family life'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='boys being boys'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='sons'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='camping'/><title type='text'>Mom's Camping Compromise</title><summary type='text'>They wanted the tent, they wanted to camp. They never said where!Yes, Biper and Bug happily spend their free time playing in their 6 person tent in the safety and warmth of their bedroom. This tent is the coolest! It has the divider, so they each have their own room! And mom loves it. Throw the toys in, close and zip the doors and no more mess!Bug sleeps in the tent each night. Well, half way in </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://mygreat8.blogspot.com/feeds/6350142075335543342/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=7871029014407476360&amp;postID=6350142075335543342&amp;isPopup=true' title='5 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7871029014407476360/posts/default/6350142075335543342'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7871029014407476360/posts/default/6350142075335543342'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://mygreat8.blogspot.com/2008/02/moms-camping-compromise.html' title='Mom&apos;s Camping Compromise'/><author><name>Cynthia</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/05325484761466605352</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media='http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/' url='http://bp2.blogger.com/_e8LThNtaj_I/R8OkeJExBDI/AAAAAAAAAGw/6KWMLGhIeUg/s72-c/Florida+005.jpg' height='72' width='72'/><thr:total>5</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7871029014407476360.post-4297226343712525982</id><published>2008-02-23T23:55:00.002-07:00</published><updated>2008-02-24T00:08:02.316-07:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='death'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='prayer requests'/><title type='text'>Prayer Requests</title><summary type='text'>I received a note today that Helena from Thrice Blessed Momma, passed away recently. She was the mother of 3 very special triplets and was raising them as a single parent do to the sudden death of her beloved husband. Please pray for her family and her children. Helena was one of my first blogland friends and will always be in my heart and memories. I also received word my sister in laws husband </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://mygreat8.blogspot.com/feeds/4297226343712525982/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=7871029014407476360&amp;postID=4297226343712525982&amp;isPopup=true' title='12 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7871029014407476360/posts/default/4297226343712525982'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7871029014407476360/posts/default/4297226343712525982'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://mygreat8.blogspot.com/2008/02/prayer-requests.html' title='Prayer Requests'/><author><name>Cynthia</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/05325484761466605352</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>12</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7871029014407476360.post-1766864020503115497</id><published>2008-02-23T23:39:00.002-07:00</published><updated>2008-02-23T23:55:49.264-07:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='visually impaired'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='family life'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='being mom'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='special needs children'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='family time'/><title type='text'>A Bit Of Quiet</title><summary type='text'>After one hectic week and as we approach another, we were blessed with a day of quiet. Ladybug is feeling better and we are praying for good news with the additional test results this week. She felt well enough to go shopping with her dad today. What 13, almost 14 year old, wouldn't feel well enough for a trip like this; especially when it means coming home with a new cellphone! They even picked </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://mygreat8.blogspot.com/feeds/1766864020503115497/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=7871029014407476360&amp;postID=1766864020503115497&amp;isPopup=true' title='3 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7871029014407476360/posts/default/1766864020503115497'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7871029014407476360/posts/default/1766864020503115497'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://mygreat8.blogspot.com/2008/02/bit-of-quiet.html' title='A Bit Of Quiet'/><author><name>Cynthia</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/05325484761466605352</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>3</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7871029014407476360.post-8040682235082516851</id><published>2008-02-21T10:01:00.003-07:00</published><updated>2008-02-21T10:09:57.346-07:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='visual impairment'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='retinitis pigmentosa'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='family'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='special needs children'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='RP'/><title type='text'>Thought I would share</title><summary type='text'>(I have been asked (and accepted) to use our family experience of Retinitis Pigmentos (RP) in the FFB's national newletter. The kids are all so excited to be able to help bring awareness to others. Although I have shared with you through various posts, the impact of the children's diagnosis and their decreasing vision has had on us, I have decided to also share what others will read. How it all </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://mygreat8.blogspot.com/feeds/8040682235082516851/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=7871029014407476360&amp;postID=8040682235082516851&amp;isPopup=true' title='10 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7871029014407476360/posts/default/8040682235082516851'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7871029014407476360/posts/default/8040682235082516851'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://mygreat8.blogspot.com/2008/02/thought-i-would-share.html' title='Thought I would share'/><author><name>Cynthia</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/05325484761466605352</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>10</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7871029014407476360.post-3116517925106841040</id><published>2008-02-21T09:19:00.002-07:00</published><updated>2008-02-21T09:56:06.155-07:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='family life'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='hearing loss'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='inspiration'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='special needs children'/><title type='text'>Looking Up and Moving Forward</title><summary type='text'>These past couple of days have been a flurry of activity.Ladybug became ill, so we spent 4 hours in our local ER on Tuesday. Yesterday she wasn't doing much better, so I spent the day caring for her and talking with our pediatrician; who she sees today and they will probably run more tests.  She is having trouble with the sensation of pressure in her chest area and sporadic problems with  her </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://mygreat8.blogspot.com/feeds/3116517925106841040/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=7871029014407476360&amp;postID=3116517925106841040&amp;isPopup=true' title='5 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7871029014407476360/posts/default/3116517925106841040'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7871029014407476360/posts/default/3116517925106841040'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://mygreat8.blogspot.com/2008/02/looking-up-and-moving-forward.html' title='Looking Up and Moving Forward'/><author><name>Cynthia</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/05325484761466605352</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>5</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7871029014407476360.post-2829111007414628376</id><published>2008-02-18T21:11:00.002-07:00</published><updated>2008-02-18T21:30:38.220-07:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='family life'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='being a mother'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='inspiration from my son'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='children growing up'/><title type='text'>I AM FUNNY</title><summary type='text'> My brother, during my stay in Florida, gave me a webcam he no longer needs.  Bug has such a great time watching himself on the computer!For us it has been a 4 day weekend. So, as boys do, they played outdoors from morning til night. We have now a total of 6 little boys on our street; 3 kindergartners, a 1st grader, Biper is the only 2nd grader and then there is Bug, the youngest of all, not yet </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://mygreat8.blogspot.com/feeds/2829111007414628376/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=7871029014407476360&amp;postID=2829111007414628376&amp;isPopup=true' title='7 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7871029014407476360/posts/default/2829111007414628376'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7871029014407476360/posts/default/2829111007414628376'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://mygreat8.blogspot.com/2008/02/i-am-funny.html' title='I AM FUNNY'/><author><name>Cynthia</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/05325484761466605352</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media='http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/' url='http://bp1.blogger.com/_e8LThNtaj_I/R7pXsJExBBI/AAAAAAAAAGg/EMAKb8Q1mJI/s72-c/Picture+4.jpg' height='72' width='72'/><thr:total>7</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7871029014407476360.post-2625973335001276836</id><published>2008-02-18T20:39:00.003-07:00</published><updated>2008-02-18T21:08:32.312-07:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='family life'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='children&apos;s innocence'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='special needs children'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='funny pets'/><title type='text'>WARNING: DO NOT SEND KIDS TO FEED STORE</title><summary type='text'>Not for chick feed, not for dog food, not for rabbit food.  Oh no, Oh no. Do not send them there at all.  Don't send them near the street it's on, nor in the nearby grocery store. Oh no, Oh no. Do not send them there at all.  The gas station across the street is forbidden territory, 4 blocks down and out of the way is much safer, you will see; or better yet the one 10 miles to the left is a much </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://mygreat8.blogspot.com/feeds/2625973335001276836/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=7871029014407476360&amp;postID=2625973335001276836&amp;isPopup=true' title='5 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7871029014407476360/posts/default/2625973335001276836'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7871029014407476360/posts/default/2625973335001276836'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://mygreat8.blogspot.com/2008/02/warning-do-not-send-kids-to-feed-store.html' title='WARNING: DO NOT SEND KIDS TO FEED STORE'/><author><name>Cynthia</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/05325484761466605352</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media='http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/' url='http://bp3.blogger.com/_e8LThNtaj_I/R7pSOpExBAI/AAAAAAAAAGY/yQH992H3mkQ/s72-c/Florida+003.jpg' height='72' width='72'/><thr:total>5</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7871029014407476360.post-1693151978700430545</id><published>2008-02-18T16:37:00.003-07:00</published><updated>2008-02-18T17:11:37.150-07:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='visually impaired'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='family life'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Visionwalk'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='RP'/><title type='text'>Not Sure How To Title This</title><summary type='text'>When we received Maxter's diagnosis of Retinitis Pigmentosa, one organization which we turned to for support and information was the Foundation Fighting Blindness. Annually the hold walks across the country to raise money for research related to degenerative eye diseases; RP, Macular Degeneration; to name a couple.Last year, I organized a local walk, as traveling to Phoenix was not an option for </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://mygreat8.blogspot.com/feeds/1693151978700430545/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=7871029014407476360&amp;postID=1693151978700430545&amp;isPopup=true' title='2 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7871029014407476360/posts/default/1693151978700430545'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7871029014407476360/posts/default/1693151978700430545'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://mygreat8.blogspot.com/2008/02/not-sure-how-to-title-this.html' title='Not Sure How To Title This'/><author><name>Cynthia</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/05325484761466605352</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>2</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7871029014407476360.post-7947137347464952011</id><published>2008-02-14T21:44:00.002-07:00</published><updated>2008-02-14T21:47:09.223-07:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='family life'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='school shooting'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='prayers'/><title type='text'>Prayers and Thoughts</title><summary type='text'>Our prayers and thoughts are with those affected by today's college campus shooting. This is in my hometown area and most everyone knows someone who attends or has attended there. The instructor was raised in my hometown.</summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://mygreat8.blogspot.com/feeds/7947137347464952011/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=7871029014407476360&amp;postID=7947137347464952011&amp;isPopup=true' title='6 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7871029014407476360/posts/default/7947137347464952011'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7871029014407476360/posts/default/7947137347464952011'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://mygreat8.blogspot.com/2008/02/prayers-and-thoughts.html' title='Prayers and Thoughts'/><author><name>Cynthia</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/05325484761466605352</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>6</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7871029014407476360.post-2917910085354861505</id><published>2008-02-13T19:53:00.003-07:00</published><updated>2008-02-13T20:25:09.462-07:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='family life'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='hearing impaired'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Valentines'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='special education'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='vision loss'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='special needs children'/><title type='text'>Happy Valentine's Day to all my Dear Friends</title><summary type='text'>I cannot believe it has been 4 days since I last was here! Of course, I just realized today was Wednesday when the kids got off the bus early. Every Wed. is early release and I usually remember about mid morning!Maxter is home on break this week. So as usual, I have had to share my computer. He, once again, is showing great strides in his daily living skills. This is the first time he has cooked </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://mygreat8.blogspot.com/feeds/2917910085354861505/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=7871029014407476360&amp;postID=2917910085354861505&amp;isPopup=true' title='7 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7871029014407476360/posts/default/2917910085354861505'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7871029014407476360/posts/default/2917910085354861505'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://mygreat8.blogspot.com/2008/02/happy-valentines-day-to-all-my-dear.html' title='Happy Valentine&apos;s Day to all my Dear Friends'/><author><name>Cynthia</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/05325484761466605352</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>7</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7871029014407476360.post-3081564889636737775</id><published>2008-02-09T20:17:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2008-02-09T21:17:43.358-07:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='visually impaired'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='family life'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='special needs'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='hearing impaired'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='walking on'/><title type='text'>The New Storm</title><summary type='text'>This is a picture I took while in Florida. Although it was what my brother called a "winter day", with heavy winds, strong waves, and seagulls struggling to fly; standing there brought over me a feeling of serenity.This week, Biper had a hearing evaluation with the ear specialist. Tests showed he has a mild hearing loss and comparing this to last year's exam, we learned this is a progressive loss</summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://mygreat8.blogspot.com/feeds/3081564889636737775/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=7871029014407476360&amp;postID=3081564889636737775&amp;isPopup=true' title='14 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7871029014407476360/posts/default/3081564889636737775'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7871029014407476360/posts/default/3081564889636737775'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://mygreat8.blogspot.com/2008/02/this-is-picture-i-took-while-in-florida.html' title='The New Storm'/><author><name>Cynthia</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/05325484761466605352</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media='http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/' url='http://bp2.blogger.com/_e8LThNtaj_I/R65taZExA_I/AAAAAAAAAGQ/5FoljNMjF2c/s72-c/Florida+010.jpg' height='72' width='72'/><thr:total>14</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7871029014407476360.post-1467017303064358812</id><published>2008-02-05T17:04:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2008-02-05T17:48:53.918-07:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='children&apos;s fun'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='new family members'/><title type='text'>All I needed was rabbit food</title><summary type='text'>Take 2 little boys to the feed store and look what you come home with!  Yes, we now have 4 baby chicks! The brown one is Biper's, appropriately named Chocolate. The black one is Ladybug's, referred to as Baby. The little behind you see is a light yellow chick, which Bug has affectionately named Frosty. Yes, this child still has snow and snowmen on his mind!!  There is also a darker yellow chick, </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://mygreat8.blogspot.com/feeds/1467017303064358812/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=7871029014407476360&amp;postID=1467017303064358812&amp;isPopup=true' title='10 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7871029014407476360/posts/default/1467017303064358812'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7871029014407476360/posts/default/1467017303064358812'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://mygreat8.blogspot.com/2008/02/all-i-needed-was-rabbit-food.html' title='All I needed was rabbit food'/><author><name>Cynthia</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/05325484761466605352</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media='http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/' url='http://bp1.blogger.com/_e8LThNtaj_I/R6j6RtTljOI/AAAAAAAAAGI/G2fMFs3YHow/s72-c/Florida+002.jpg' height='72' width='72'/><thr:total>10</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7871029014407476360.post-6012358020594823363</id><published>2008-01-30T21:43:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2008-01-30T22:29:07.819-07:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='family life'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='special needs'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='single parent'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='visual impairment'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='RP'/><title type='text'>We Are Fine; Thank you for the thoughts</title><summary type='text'>I am finally back. Just after the holidays, when things began to settle, I entered a period of time of feeling greatly overwhelmed and completely exhausted.Biper's vision has decreased greatly and once again many new accomodations and adjustments have had to be made. Although from the day he was diagnosed, we have known his vision would decrease, I still kept myself believing this would be over a</summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://mygreat8.blogspot.com/feeds/6012358020594823363/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=7871029014407476360&amp;postID=6012358020594823363&amp;isPopup=true' title='15 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7871029014407476360/posts/default/6012358020594823363'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7871029014407476360/posts/default/6012358020594823363'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://mygreat8.blogspot.com/2008/01/i-am-finally-back.html' title='We Are Fine; Thank you for the thoughts'/><author><name>Cynthia</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/05325484761466605352</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>15</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7871029014407476360.post-6965126889274914478</id><published>2007-12-26T20:38:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2007-12-26T21:15:01.972-07:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='visually impaired'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='single parent'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='children'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Christmas family life'/><title type='text'>Guess What I Got For Christmas</title><summary type='text'>                                                He loves his couch while he's home!                                               Ladybug got a new coat for Christmas! And she's needed it!                                                  Biper and Bug all dressed for the day! Biper said he couldn't                                                  smile because the shirt was too tight on his neck!</summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://mygreat8.blogspot.com/feeds/6965126889274914478/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=7871029014407476360&amp;postID=6965126889274914478&amp;isPopup=true' title='29 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7871029014407476360/posts/default/6965126889274914478'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7871029014407476360/posts/default/6965126889274914478'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://mygreat8.blogspot.com/2007/12/guess-what-i-got-for-christmas.html' title='Guess What I Got For Christmas'/><author><name>Cynthia</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/05325484761466605352</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media='http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/' url='http://bp0.blogger.com/_e8LThNtaj_I/R3MihW-u6RI/AAAAAAAAAFw/yPCS-6omZ8M/s72-c/Picture+017.jpg' height='72' width='72'/><thr:total>29</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7871029014407476360.post-8489878194078670789</id><published>2007-12-20T23:56:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2007-12-21T00:17:52.230-07:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='children'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Christmas family life'/><title type='text'>As Christmas Nears</title><summary type='text'>I finally did my shopping today and am so pleased with each gift I purchased.  It hurt, as Ladybug had just one gift on her wish list and it was beyond my reach; but I know she will be happy with what she gets.  Maxter comes home tomorrow and is so excited! He used a bit of his hard earned money and got everyone a little something. He is so thoughtful to his brothers and sisters; makes my heart </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://mygreat8.blogspot.com/feeds/8489878194078670789/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=7871029014407476360&amp;postID=8489878194078670789&amp;isPopup=true' title='10 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7871029014407476360/posts/default/8489878194078670789'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7871029014407476360/posts/default/8489878194078670789'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://mygreat8.blogspot.com/2007/12/as-christmas-nears.html' title='As Christmas Nears'/><author><name>Cynthia</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/05325484761466605352</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>10</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7871029014407476360.post-5672771627885031804</id><published>2007-12-19T13:31:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2007-12-19T14:19:19.882-07:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='family life'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='special needs'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='visaul impairments'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='children'/><title type='text'>Another Dose of Reality</title><summary type='text'>Just a couple of nights ago, Biper and I headed to one of the local Walmart stores. A quick errand, or so I figured, to pick up some cold medicine for Bug and a couple of small grocery items. Now Biper has a new guide cane, a bit longer than his old one, as he is a fast walker and this gives him a bit more response time. He loves his new cane, is proud of walking quickly; so eager to use it and </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://mygreat8.blogspot.com/feeds/5672771627885031804/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=7871029014407476360&amp;postID=5672771627885031804&amp;isPopup=true' title='12 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7871029014407476360/posts/default/5672771627885031804'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7871029014407476360/posts/default/5672771627885031804'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://mygreat8.blogspot.com/2007/12/another-dose-of-reality.html' title='Another Dose of Reality'/><author><name>Cynthia</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/05325484761466605352</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>12</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7871029014407476360.post-1881805239033621749</id><published>2007-12-18T09:44:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2007-12-18T10:06:36.169-07:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='family life'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='trials'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='forgiveness'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='children&apos;s fun'/><title type='text'>Trials of the Being</title><summary type='text'>I am posting to let all of my blessed friends and readers we are all doing fine.I am going through some personal trials; those which pierce at the soul. I am in moments torn between doing what I know I should and yet my heart is so against it. Having to forgive again. Or is it that I never truly forgave?There are 2 people in my life who need my help, my guidance, my ears to hear them and my </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://mygreat8.blogspot.com/feeds/1881805239033621749/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=7871029014407476360&amp;postID=1881805239033621749&amp;isPopup=true' title='9 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7871029014407476360/posts/default/1881805239033621749'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7871029014407476360/posts/default/1881805239033621749'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://mygreat8.blogspot.com/2007/12/trials-of-being.html' title='Trials of the Being'/><author><name>Cynthia</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/05325484761466605352</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>9</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7871029014407476360.post-7021892762384668958</id><published>2007-12-10T20:37:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2007-12-10T21:43:34.699-07:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='family life'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='parenting'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='visual impairment'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='retinitis pigmentosa'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='special needs children'/><title type='text'>We Still Can Teach Them So Much</title><summary type='text'>This morning as I cooked, Biper came into the kitchen and asked, "Will I be able to cook"? I assured him that he would. "But how will I 'see' the stove, the burner or the food?", he inquired.  While I explained to him he will learn his own special ways of doing these things and how there are many people who will help him to learn; it struck me. I, myself do not know how to do as he will need to. </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://mygreat8.blogspot.com/feeds/7021892762384668958/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=7871029014407476360&amp;postID=7021892762384668958&amp;isPopup=true' title='16 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7871029014407476360/posts/default/7021892762384668958'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7871029014407476360/posts/default/7021892762384668958'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://mygreat8.blogspot.com/2007/12/we-still-can-teach-them-so-much.html' title='We Still Can Teach Them So Much'/><author><name>Cynthia</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/05325484761466605352</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>16</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7871029014407476360.post-2980988937572142794</id><published>2007-12-10T19:53:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2007-12-10T20:33:29.762-07:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='family life'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='a bit about me'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='birthday'/><title type='text'>Birthday-A New Meaning To Me</title><summary type='text'>What a wonderful birthday I had!The air was crisp this morning when I started the day. Just the way I like it! Biper and Bugs woke up in cuddly moods; so I treasured those moments. Then the extra 2 boys arrived and they all played while I made breakfast. Scrambled eggs was the order for the day. Now making scrambled eggs is quite a normal routine in our home; but making for them for the 7 year </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://mygreat8.blogspot.com/feeds/2980988937572142794/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=7871029014407476360&amp;postID=2980988937572142794&amp;isPopup=true' title='9 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7871029014407476360/posts/default/2980988937572142794'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7871029014407476360/posts/default/2980988937572142794'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://mygreat8.blogspot.com/2007/12/birthday-new-meaning-to-me.html' title='Birthday-A New Meaning To Me'/><author><name>Cynthia</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/05325484761466605352</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>9</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7871029014407476360.post-4865519213252414145</id><published>2007-12-08T15:35:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2007-12-08T15:45:18.294-07:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='giving'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='family life'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='cookies'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='baking with boys'/><title type='text'>A Saturday Activity with the Boys</title><summary type='text'>Today has been cookie day in our home. The boys were restless, so figured it was a good time to get started.As I placed the ingredients in the bowl, Biper mixed, mashed, chopped; although the recipe only called for mixing! Bug sat on the counter next to him waiting for his turn to help. Scraping the bowl is so much fun, especially when you lick the spatula afterwards!Finally I added the flour and</summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://mygreat8.blogspot.com/feeds/4865519213252414145/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=7871029014407476360&amp;postID=4865519213252414145&amp;isPopup=true' title='8 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7871029014407476360/posts/default/4865519213252414145'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7871029014407476360/posts/default/4865519213252414145'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://mygreat8.blogspot.com/2007/12/saturday-activity-with-boys.html' title='A Saturday Activity with the Boys'/><author><name>Cynthia</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/05325484761466605352</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>8</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7871029014407476360.post-2509106237557871572</id><published>2007-12-07T21:44:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2007-12-07T21:51:13.459-07:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='giving'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='information'/><title type='text'>Another Way To Give This Season</title><summary type='text'>I don't normally mention certain products or companies on here; but this is for such a wonderful cause I can't resist!The other day I was looking for Christmas Screensavers and got a link to MYCOKEREWARDS.  Of course I checked it out, didn't get a screensaver, but for anyone who drinks any coke product I have some information. We all notice the little codes inside the individual bottles or inside</summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://mygreat8.blogspot.com/feeds/2509106237557871572/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=7871029014407476360&amp;postID=2509106237557871572&amp;isPopup=true' title='4 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7871029014407476360/posts/default/2509106237557871572'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7871029014407476360/posts/default/2509106237557871572'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://mygreat8.blogspot.com/2007/12/another-way-to-give-this-season.html' title='Another Way To Give This Season'/><author><name>Cynthia</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/05325484761466605352</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>4</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7871029014407476360.post-3752783111739692704</id><published>2007-12-07T20:15:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2007-12-07T21:01:17.653-07:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='family life'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='busy life'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='thankful for'/><title type='text'>What A Beautiful Week</title><summary type='text'>My how this week has been busy and passed so quickly! My days are starting earlier, way before the sun comes up; so have been going to bed much earlier also.One of the days in the week, I was sitting in the pharmacy waiting for prescriptions to be ready. A lady walked in, spoke with the pharmacist and then obviously was needing to wait also. As often happens, she asked the lady next to me where </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://mygreat8.blogspot.com/feeds/3752783111739692704/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=7871029014407476360&amp;postID=3752783111739692704&amp;isPopup=true' title='5 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7871029014407476360/posts/default/3752783111739692704'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7871029014407476360/posts/default/3752783111739692704'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://mygreat8.blogspot.com/2007/12/what-beautiful-week.html' title='What A Beautiful Week'/><author><name>Cynthia</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/05325484761466605352</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>5</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7871029014407476360.post-593640614488982844</id><published>2007-12-03T10:38:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2007-12-03T11:05:01.463-07:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='family life'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='childrens views'/><title type='text'>The Snow</title><summary type='text'>Ever since the morning Bug woke up, rushing to the window, looking out at our barren desert landscape and asked, "is it snowing yet?", snow has been quite topic here.His godmother from IL, just had to let me know she had snow last week; which I shared with Bug and he was ready to go!DinDin had her fiances  3 yr old nephew call this weekend, "Tenemos mucho mucho nieve!" (We have lots and lots of </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://mygreat8.blogspot.com/feeds/593640614488982844/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=7871029014407476360&amp;postID=593640614488982844&amp;isPopup=true' title='14 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7871029014407476360/posts/default/593640614488982844'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7871029014407476360/posts/default/593640614488982844'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://mygreat8.blogspot.com/2007/12/snow.html' title='The Snow'/><author><name>Cynthia</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/05325484761466605352</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>14</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7871029014407476360.post-53239721375536716</id><published>2007-12-03T09:04:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2007-12-03T09:46:26.039-07:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='family life'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='depression'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='single parent'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='helping others'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='struggles'/><title type='text'>I Saw Myself in Her</title><summary type='text'>Back in late September, early October a new neighbor moved in. A young mother with 2 boys; ages 5 and 7.  Actually, she moved in and a week later the boys arrived. Biper and Bug anxiously awaited the day they would have other children to play with. And play they have! Their house, our house, and in between the houses.  These 2 little boys, who yelled and screamed and whooped and hollered and with</summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://mygreat8.blogspot.com/feeds/53239721375536716/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=7871029014407476360&amp;postID=53239721375536716&amp;isPopup=true' title='6 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7871029014407476360/posts/default/53239721375536716'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7871029014407476360/posts/default/53239721375536716'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://mygreat8.blogspot.com/2007/12/i-saw-myself-in-her.html' title='I Saw Myself in Her'/><author><name>Cynthia</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/05325484761466605352</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>6</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7871029014407476360.post-2299956697144409404</id><published>2007-11-30T10:23:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2007-11-30T10:52:51.172-07:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='family life'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='&quot;Free&quot; day'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='my little boy'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='children&apos;s fun'/><title type='text'>"Free" Day!</title><summary type='text'>I so wish at moments like this I had my digital camera. Bug is sitting next to me, straddling the back of the sofa, watching Dora's Christmas Show.  Actually, he is in the process of dressing himself. The boxers are on; backwards, but on. The shirt is on; backwards, but on. And  the socks are on; can you get those on backwards? If so, they probably are!I am becoming quite used to backwards </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://mygreat8.blogspot.com/feeds/2299956697144409404/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=7871029014407476360&amp;postID=2299956697144409404&amp;isPopup=true' title='14 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7871029014407476360/posts/default/2299956697144409404'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7871029014407476360/posts/default/2299956697144409404'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://mygreat8.blogspot.com/2007/11/free-day.html' title='&quot;Free&quot; Day!'/><author><name>Cynthia</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/05325484761466605352</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>14</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7871029014407476360.post-2205971139622462760</id><published>2007-11-29T21:35:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2007-11-29T21:44:27.034-07:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Pay It Forward'/><title type='text'>Pay It Forward</title><summary type='text'>I saw this at Donetta's and have decided to join. This was going around the quilting circles and has now branched out, so please do not think you need to be able to quilt. Any handmade gift will do...napkins, aprons, bags, candles, any thing you can make with your own generous hands. Here is how it goes."Come join in the fun and make the world a happier place. So this is how it goes...It’s the </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://mygreat8.blogspot.com/feeds/2205971139622462760/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=7871029014407476360&amp;postID=2205971139622462760&amp;isPopup=true' title='4 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7871029014407476360/posts/default/2205971139622462760'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7871029014407476360/posts/default/2205971139622462760'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://mygreat8.blogspot.com/2007/11/pay-it-forward.html' title='Pay It Forward'/><author><name>Cynthia</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/05325484761466605352</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>4</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7871029014407476360.post-4481471562360645994</id><published>2007-11-29T20:31:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2007-11-29T21:15:32.619-07:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='family life'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Mexico'/><title type='text'>I Wasn't Sure What I Was Going To Post</title><summary type='text'>Bob, mentioned in a comment he didn't recall my mentioning we had lived in Mexico. I may have spoke about it briefly here and there; but will share more now.In 1996, we moved from the state of WA to AZ. Part of our trip to this final destination included going into Mexicali, Baja California, Mexico to visit family of the kids father. I fell in love with them and the ambiance of Mexico.  After we </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://mygreat8.blogspot.com/feeds/4481471562360645994/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=7871029014407476360&amp;postID=4481471562360645994&amp;isPopup=true' title='3 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7871029014407476360/posts/default/4481471562360645994'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7871029014407476360/posts/default/4481471562360645994'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://mygreat8.blogspot.com/2007/11/i-wasnt-sure-what-i-was-going-to-post.html' title='I Wasn&apos;t Sure What I Was Going To Post'/><author><name>Cynthia</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/05325484761466605352</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>3</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7871029014407476360.post-7975113117050973784</id><published>2007-11-28T22:03:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2007-11-28T22:27:11.012-07:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Christmas meme'/><title type='text'>Christmas Meme-Thanks Annie!</title><summary type='text'>This meme was developed by Annie at Hootin' Annies and after seeing it, I just had to join in!"For the holiday season, I've started a meme. "The Twelve Questions of Christmas" If you'd like to participate, I'd be honored to have you join in the fun. If you'd like, you are welcomed to use the meme header graphic!"1. Christmas is __Joyous_____________. [fill in the blank with ONE WORD]2. In </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://mygreat8.blogspot.com/feeds/7975113117050973784/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=7871029014407476360&amp;postID=7975113117050973784&amp;isPopup=true' title='7 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7871029014407476360/posts/default/7975113117050973784'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7871029014407476360/posts/default/7975113117050973784'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://mygreat8.blogspot.com/2007/11/christmas-meme-thanks-annie.html' title='Christmas Meme-Thanks Annie!'/><author><name>Cynthia</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/05325484761466605352</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media='http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/' url='http://bp1.blogger.com/_kdIN32TIUwY/R0luDDdCMYI/AAAAAAAADxI/mn4f6mUML5g/s72-c/12questions.jpg' height='72' width='72'/><thr:total>7</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7871029014407476360.post-1163764716320968609</id><published>2007-11-28T21:38:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2007-11-28T22:02:45.705-07:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='family life'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='special needs'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='children&apos;s fun'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='sharing with others'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='learning disabilities'/><title type='text'>A Day of Blessings</title><summary type='text'>What a day of blessings we had!This morning I ran in quickly to the local Walmart for my much needed, well desired, coffee creamer and noticed the Salvation Army Giving Tree. As I paid for my purchase and walked away, I stopped and read the tags; choosing a little girl of 6 years old to give a little bit of Christmas to. How fun it will be to shop for a little girl again, all the things my girls </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://mygreat8.blogspot.com/feeds/1163764716320968609/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=7871029014407476360&amp;postID=1163764716320968609&amp;isPopup=true' title='4 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7871029014407476360/posts/default/1163764716320968609'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7871029014407476360/posts/default/1163764716320968609'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://mygreat8.blogspot.com/2007/11/day-of-blessings.html' title='A Day of Blessings'/><author><name>Cynthia</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/05325484761466605352</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>4</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7871029014407476360.post-1619198810396786236</id><published>2007-11-27T20:48:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2007-11-27T20:51:53.945-07:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='family life'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='children&apos;s fun'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='family'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='coming home'/><title type='text'>Excitement in our Home</title><summary type='text'>Just a quick post tonight. We're waiting to go and pick up Syssa from her 3 week visit with NicNic.  It is so exciting when they come home. Whether it is to live or visit. It only compares to the joy I felt when each of them was born.</summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://mygreat8.blogspot.com/feeds/1619198810396786236/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=7871029014407476360&amp;postID=1619198810396786236&amp;isPopup=true' title='4 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7871029014407476360/posts/default/1619198810396786236'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7871029014407476360/posts/default/1619198810396786236'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://mygreat8.blogspot.com/2007/11/excitement-in-our-home.html' title='Excitement in our Home'/><author><name>Cynthia</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/05325484761466605352</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>4</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7871029014407476360.post-8885703280918329413</id><published>2007-11-26T22:10:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2007-11-26T22:36:28.656-07:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='family life'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='thank you'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='tactile learning'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='visual impairment'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='asthma'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='appreciation'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='RP'/><title type='text'>Thank You All</title><summary type='text'>I have been out and about visiting everyone's blogs today. Sadly, my computer is not letting me comment. I have been having trouble with my wireless internet not holding a good connection; limiting to what and how much I can do. I have narrowed the problem down to the router. So tomorrow will call the technicians to see if they give me a solution. That is, if I don't lay awake all night thinking </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://mygreat8.blogspot.com/feeds/8885703280918329413/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=7871029014407476360&amp;postID=8885703280918329413&amp;isPopup=true' title='10 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7871029014407476360/posts/default/8885703280918329413'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7871029014407476360/posts/default/8885703280918329413'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://mygreat8.blogspot.com/2007/11/thank-you-all.html' title='Thank You All'/><author><name>Cynthia</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/05325484761466605352</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>10</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7871029014407476360.post-596139862044172024</id><published>2007-11-25T18:46:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2007-11-25T19:51:06.683-07:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='family life'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='mother/daughter time'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='being a mother'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='visual impairment special needs'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='RP'/><title type='text'>Family Happenings</title><summary type='text'>Our long, holiday weekend is winding down. Maxter returned to school today. As always a bittersweet departure. How I love that my half-grown son still hugs me with such ease, as he did when he was 2. Biper received a most special letter in the mail yesterday. Santa Claus wrote him! Yes, a letter from the North Pole, transcribed into Braille by Santa's Helpers. A special letter sent to children </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://mygreat8.blogspot.com/feeds/596139862044172024/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=7871029014407476360&amp;postID=596139862044172024&amp;isPopup=true' title='7 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7871029014407476360/posts/default/596139862044172024'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7871029014407476360/posts/default/596139862044172024'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://mygreat8.blogspot.com/2007/11/family-happenings.html' title='Family Happenings'/><author><name>Cynthia</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/05325484761466605352</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>7</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7871029014407476360.post-5588816459652068583</id><published>2007-11-23T19:15:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2007-11-23T19:27:50.957-07:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='family life'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='elders'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='children&apos;s innocence'/><title type='text'>Thanksgiving Moments</title><summary type='text'>A wonderful Thanksgiving was celebrated in our home. We were thankful for our guest, an uncle of the children's father, who we knew, but had not had much time with. He spent the night and headed home this morning. What a warm feeling it was, when he awoke this morning and the kids all greeted him excitedly, "Buenos Dias Tio!"; and he smiled a smile that comes from true appreciation for the </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://mygreat8.blogspot.com/feeds/5588816459652068583/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=7871029014407476360&amp;postID=5588816459652068583&amp;isPopup=true' title='6 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7871029014407476360/posts/default/5588816459652068583'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7871029014407476360/posts/default/5588816459652068583'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://mygreat8.blogspot.com/2007/11/thanksgiving-moments.html' title='Thanksgiving Moments'/><author><name>Cynthia</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/05325484761466605352</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>6</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7871029014407476360.post-6630266503650764176</id><published>2007-11-20T22:38:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2007-11-20T23:00:25.589-07:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='family life'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='cute things children say'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='single parent'/><title type='text'>The Generation Gap</title><summary type='text'>Bug was having an unusually cranky day today. Most likely due to his recent and unwelcome habit of waking up around midnight. And still rising before the sun at 5 am.All morning he fussed. He wanted to play on the computer. No he wanted to read stories. He wanted to eat. He didn't want to eat. So I dressed him and we headed outdoors to play. Now, this is a child who does not, and I must emphasize</summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://mygreat8.blogspot.com/feeds/6630266503650764176/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=7871029014407476360&amp;postID=6630266503650764176&amp;isPopup=true' title='12 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7871029014407476360/posts/default/6630266503650764176'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7871029014407476360/posts/default/6630266503650764176'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://mygreat8.blogspot.com/2007/11/generation-gap.html' title='The Generation Gap'/><author><name>Cynthia</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/05325484761466605352</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>12</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7871029014407476360.post-3604427282024138518</id><published>2007-11-20T22:28:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2007-11-20T22:36:16.696-07:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='children&apos;s fun'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='contest'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='jewelery'/><title type='text'>A Contest You're Sure To Enjoy</title><summary type='text'>Tanya, The Dairy Wife, is having a wonderful contest. All you need to do is tell your most embarrassing/funny moment.  Although I have yet to think of anything I may have done in the past that would fit this category, the prize is a beautiful pendant in which she will place your favorite picture so you may always have your loved ones with you.  This is enough to tempt me in to asking my children </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://mygreat8.blogspot.com/feeds/3604427282024138518/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=7871029014407476360&amp;postID=3604427282024138518&amp;isPopup=true' title='3 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7871029014407476360/posts/default/3604427282024138518'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7871029014407476360/posts/default/3604427282024138518'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://mygreat8.blogspot.com/2007/11/contest-youre-sure-to-enjoy.html' title='A Contest You&apos;re Sure To Enjoy'/><author><name>Cynthia</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/05325484761466605352</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>3</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7871029014407476360.post-4363823205975244914</id><published>2007-11-19T21:13:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2007-11-19T22:18:30.776-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Mixed Blessings-Mixed Lessons</title><summary type='text'>A couple of updates.Puppy is doing fine. He's walking around better and like so many of us do when we begin to recover, trying to push himself a bit too hard. Today he so badly wanted to jump on the couch to lay and before I could get to him; he tried. Poor thing cried with pain. I cried for him, as I took him to his pillow to lay on.  He's soaking in all the extra lovings the kids are dishing </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://mygreat8.blogspot.com/feeds/4363823205975244914/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=7871029014407476360&amp;postID=4363823205975244914&amp;isPopup=true' title='7 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7871029014407476360/posts/default/4363823205975244914'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7871029014407476360/posts/default/4363823205975244914'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://mygreat8.blogspot.com/2007/11/mixed-blessings-mixed-lessons.html' title='Mixed Blessings-Mixed Lessons'/><author><name>Cynthia</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/05325484761466605352</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>7</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7871029014407476360.post-3653623412482014051</id><published>2007-11-17T22:09:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2007-11-17T22:14:47.345-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Not a Regular Post</title><summary type='text'>I won't be doing a regular post this evening. One of our puppies (not the intruder dog), wriggled his way into a neighbor's yard today and was attacked by their dog. He has a few bite marks, but fortunately none deeper than the skin. So we are busy caring for him, comforting his brother (who sat on our side of the fence and watched) and I'm cooking. I was in the middle of some holiday </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://mygreat8.blogspot.com/feeds/3653623412482014051/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=7871029014407476360&amp;postID=3653623412482014051&amp;isPopup=true' title='11 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7871029014407476360/posts/default/3653623412482014051'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7871029014407476360/posts/default/3653623412482014051'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://mygreat8.blogspot.com/2007/11/not-regular-post.html' title='Not a Regular Post'/><author><name>Cynthia</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/05325484761466605352</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>11</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7871029014407476360.post-2821433839392808139</id><published>2007-11-16T19:31:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2007-11-16T20:54:55.791-07:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='special needs'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='visual impairment'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='retinitis pigmentosa'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='family'/><title type='text'></title><summary type='text'>Maxter came home today for break. It is so exciting for all of us! Last night Biper and Bug were wondering what would he bring. Ladybug was begging me to pick her up from school to go meet his van. I was busy making sure the house was in order and things placed where he can find them. It will take him a few days to refamiliarize himself, to refresh his memory of where everything is located. How </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://mygreat8.blogspot.com/feeds/2821433839392808139/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=7871029014407476360&amp;postID=2821433839392808139&amp;isPopup=true' title='12 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7871029014407476360/posts/default/2821433839392808139'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7871029014407476360/posts/default/2821433839392808139'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://mygreat8.blogspot.com/2007/11/maxter-came-home-today-for-break.html' title=''/><author><name>Cynthia</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/05325484761466605352</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>12</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7871029014407476360.post-1033657093653913903</id><published>2007-11-15T09:46:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2007-11-15T10:13:08.872-07:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='home life'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='fears'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='funny pets'/><title type='text'>The Intruder</title><summary type='text'>I woke from a deep sleep last night, to the sound of the bedroom window opening.  My heart stopped. Our nights have been cooler, so we often leave the windows open a bit. Had Bug woke up cold and decided to shut it? I opened my blurried eyes to see. The light cast a shadow. 2 hands, just at the edge of the window. My heart stopped. My voice left me. My thoughts ran wild. I couldn't move.Finally a</summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://mygreat8.blogspot.com/feeds/1033657093653913903/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=7871029014407476360&amp;postID=1033657093653913903&amp;isPopup=true' title='17 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7871029014407476360/posts/default/1033657093653913903'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7871029014407476360/posts/default/1033657093653913903'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://mygreat8.blogspot.com/2007/11/intruder.html' title='The Intruder'/><author><name>Cynthia</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/05325484761466605352</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>17</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7871029014407476360.post-8922055087204925615</id><published>2007-11-13T21:15:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2007-11-13T21:47:24.470-07:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='family life'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='growing up'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='visual impairment'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='mother/daughter time'/><title type='text'>In Between</title><summary type='text'>Ladybug and I have been able to share some wonderful mother/daughter time these past few days. At 13, life is such a strange place; the younger, carefree days slipping away and those yet to be explored coming near.In Ladybug's words, "life is like learning to swim as a child, then getting thrown in the river, told you have to swim up the river, against the current, to reach your dreams."We have </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://mygreat8.blogspot.com/feeds/8922055087204925615/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=7871029014407476360&amp;postID=8922055087204925615&amp;isPopup=true' title='14 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7871029014407476360/posts/default/8922055087204925615'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7871029014407476360/posts/default/8922055087204925615'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://mygreat8.blogspot.com/2007/11/in-between.html' title='In Between'/><author><name>Cynthia</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/05325484761466605352</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>14</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7871029014407476360.post-4060956766472157800</id><published>2007-11-13T21:09:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2007-11-13T21:14:19.454-07:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='sharing'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='my son'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='gifts'/><title type='text'>A Gift To Share</title><summary type='text'>Mary gave me and Biper this special gift.  In sharing with him, I explained how so many people think it is a pretty neat little boy and very special; just like mommy does. His response:"Cool", with his angelic little grin and "Can you print it for me?" So we did!Thank you Mary. It is a gift we treasure together.</summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://mygreat8.blogspot.com/feeds/4060956766472157800/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=7871029014407476360&amp;postID=4060956766472157800&amp;isPopup=true' title='2 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7871029014407476360/posts/default/4060956766472157800'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7871029014407476360/posts/default/4060956766472157800'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://mygreat8.blogspot.com/2007/11/gift-to-share.html' title='A Gift To Share'/><author><name>Cynthia</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/05325484761466605352</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media='http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/' url='http://bp2.blogger.com/_e8LThNtaj_I/Rzp2B9THg_I/AAAAAAAAAFY/V1xo1c4B8wI/s72-c/00000000cynthia.gif.png' height='72' width='72'/><thr:total>2</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7871029014407476360.post-2068408249754713531</id><published>2007-11-13T20:47:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2007-11-13T21:09:26.919-07:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='awards'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='pass it on'/><title type='text'>Another Award</title><summary type='text'>Denise also gave me this heartwarming gift. This award was originally created by Aussic Cynic, who posted:After looking, reading and watching many many Blogs and bloggers I decided to issue some recognition to those fellow bloggers I feel maintain integrity in their Blogs. All these bloggers incorporate within their wonderful sites, an integrity not always seen. They share terrific stories, </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://mygreat8.blogspot.com/feeds/2068408249754713531/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=7871029014407476360&amp;postID=2068408249754713531&amp;isPopup=true' title='2 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7871029014407476360/posts/default/2068408249754713531'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7871029014407476360/posts/default/2068408249754713531'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://mygreat8.blogspot.com/2007/11/another-award.html' title='Another Award'/><author><name>Cynthia</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/05325484761466605352</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media='http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/' url='http://bp2.blogger.com/_e8LThNtaj_I/Rzp0x9THg-I/AAAAAAAAAFQ/X4F33NHJScM/s72-c/BloggersWithIntegrity.gif.png' height='72' width='72'/><thr:total>2</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7871029014407476360.post-6360149423441476776</id><published>2007-11-13T20:03:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2007-11-13T20:29:01.556-07:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='pass it on'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='awards friends'/><title type='text'>Awards I Received</title><summary type='text'> Jaye, my heat suffering AZ friend and Denise, my friend of comfort passed this beautiful award to me.  Ladies, you both touch my heart in so many ways.  I am ever thankful for your friendship and this award.I would like to pass this on to Childlife at In The Life Of A Child; VW Bug at One Happy Dog Speaks,  Mimi at Listen To Your Grammie and Tanya, The Dairy Wife.</summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://mygreat8.blogspot.com/feeds/6360149423441476776/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=7871029014407476360&amp;postID=6360149423441476776&amp;isPopup=true' title='3 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7871029014407476360/posts/default/6360149423441476776'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7871029014407476360/posts/default/6360149423441476776'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://mygreat8.blogspot.com/2007/11/awards-i-received.html' title='Awards I Received'/><author><name>Cynthia</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/05325484761466605352</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media='http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/' url='http://bp1.blogger.com/_e8LThNtaj_I/Rzpl6EeRH3I/AAAAAAAAAFA/GIJmjNGioss/s72-c/th_7076P7EThe-Colors-of-Friendship-Pos.jpg' height='72' width='72'/><thr:total>3</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7871029014407476360.post-2059838129132672343</id><published>2007-11-12T23:49:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2007-11-13T00:31:50.260-07:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='visually impaired'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='retinitis pigmentosa'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='special needs children'/><title type='text'>Weakness and Change</title><summary type='text'>I received some wonderful awards while I was away. Tomorrow I will post each of them appropriately.  Each one is so very special to me and have really warmed my heart.Although difficult, I need to let each of you know, I am going through some weak days. This past Thursday, Biper had his yearly eye exam. Not an extensive exam, no drops for dilation of the eyes (although I still got him his treat </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://mygreat8.blogspot.com/feeds/2059838129132672343/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=7871029014407476360&amp;postID=2059838129132672343&amp;isPopup=true' title='9 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7871029014407476360/posts/default/2059838129132672343'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7871029014407476360/posts/default/2059838129132672343'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://mygreat8.blogspot.com/2007/11/weakness-and-change.html' title='Weakness and Change'/><author><name>Cynthia</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/05325484761466605352</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>9</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7871029014407476360.post-5756936974575924151</id><published>2007-11-12T14:34:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2007-11-12T15:45:41.421-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Even the common changes</title><summary type='text'>Today we went into a Mexico. The town is small and caters much to tourists, especially during this time of year when we have our "snowbirds" visiting.It was myself, Bug and Biper. And I could tell we were quite the sight, from the looks thrown our way.Biper was walking proudly, independently, led only by his guide cane. Only a few people stopped right in front of him to stare. Most kindly moving </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://mygreat8.blogspot.com/feeds/5756936974575924151/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=7871029014407476360&amp;postID=5756936974575924151&amp;isPopup=true' title='6 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7871029014407476360/posts/default/5756936974575924151'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7871029014407476360/posts/default/5756936974575924151'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://mygreat8.blogspot.com/2007/11/even-common-changes.html' title='Even the common changes'/><author><name>Cynthia</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/05325484761466605352</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>6</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7871029014407476360.post-5135825689733896911</id><published>2007-11-09T21:01:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2007-11-09T21:02:28.437-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Down Again</title><summary type='text'>Please excuse my absence. I seem to have picked up the virus the boys had earlier in the week. Hope to be up and around tomorrow.</summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://mygreat8.blogspot.com/feeds/5135825689733896911/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=7871029014407476360&amp;postID=5135825689733896911&amp;isPopup=true' title='11 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7871029014407476360/posts/default/5135825689733896911'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7871029014407476360/posts/default/5135825689733896911'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://mygreat8.blogspot.com/2007/11/down-again.html' title='Down Again'/><author><name>Cynthia</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/05325484761466605352</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>11</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7871029014407476360.post-6834051701988149960</id><published>2007-11-07T21:55:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2007-11-07T23:08:56.592-07:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='visual impairment'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='family'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='child&apos;s view of life'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='inspiration from my son'/><title type='text'>How do you see?</title><summary type='text'>"When I am completely blind, I won't need a light to read!" Biper exclaimed.   "I can feel the words." he explained."When I am blind, I won't need a flashlight outdoors at night," he commented. "I will use my cane, a sight guide or go only where I know," he told me.A little boy on a new adventure.  His heart filled with excitement. His mind filled with enthusiasm of the obstacles he may encounter</summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://mygreat8.blogspot.com/feeds/6834051701988149960/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=7871029014407476360&amp;postID=6834051701988149960&amp;isPopup=true' title='20 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7871029014407476360/posts/default/6834051701988149960'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7871029014407476360/posts/default/6834051701988149960'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://mygreat8.blogspot.com/2007/11/how-do-you-see.html' title='How do you see?'/><author><name>Cynthia</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/05325484761466605352</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>20</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7871029014407476360.post-7272660880703185367</id><published>2007-11-05T18:27:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2007-11-05T19:10:16.396-07:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='still here'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='update'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='family'/><title type='text'>Quick Update</title><summary type='text'>Friday morning Bug came down with a stomach virus. And, as usual, the others are following suit. If I don't get a chance to post this evening, I will asap! On the bright side, our water woes are gone! Thank you all for your thoughts and encouragement. In those moments I just wanted to be home, where the kids could be sick comfortably, I thought of each message you sent.</summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://mygreat8.blogspot.com/feeds/7272660880703185367/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=7871029014407476360&amp;postID=7272660880703185367&amp;isPopup=true' title='9 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7871029014407476360/posts/default/7272660880703185367'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7871029014407476360/posts/default/7272660880703185367'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://mygreat8.blogspot.com/2007/11/quick-update.html' title='Quick Update'/><author><name>Cynthia</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/05325484761466605352</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>9</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7871029014407476360.post-3911297550118222826</id><published>2007-11-01T23:01:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2007-11-01T23:07:45.440-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Water Woes</title><summary type='text'>Due to continued problems with our clogged pipes, I will be absent tomorrow. We will be spending the weekend in a motel.The plumber was here today, but tonight, as I ran water for the boy's bath, water started rising once again in the other bathroom. So more work needs to be done.While we are gone, they will also take out the carpet which has been damaged and replace it.I cannot lie. I am a bit </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://mygreat8.blogspot.com/feeds/3911297550118222826/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=7871029014407476360&amp;postID=3911297550118222826&amp;isPopup=true' title='12 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7871029014407476360/posts/default/3911297550118222826'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7871029014407476360/posts/default/3911297550118222826'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://mygreat8.blogspot.com/2007/11/water-woes.html' title='Water Woes'/><author><name>Cynthia</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/05325484761466605352</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>12</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7871029014407476360.post-8434116927013696869</id><published>2007-11-01T22:47:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2007-11-01T23:00:19.253-07:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='little ones'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='visual impairment'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Halloween'/><title type='text'>Little Brother Shows the Way</title><summary type='text'>When the kids arrived home last night they were exhausted. Bug has already fallen asleep and Biper was half way there. Through Lyssa I heard all the night's happenings.Marco had decided to not use his guide cane; so Ladybug was his sighted guide. Although she too has the nightblindness, with light she can see some. And they had taken a flashlight.Problem was, Syssa, as she stood on the sidewalk </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://mygreat8.blogspot.com/feeds/8434116927013696869/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=7871029014407476360&amp;postID=8434116927013696869&amp;isPopup=true' title='3 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7871029014407476360/posts/default/8434116927013696869'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7871029014407476360/posts/default/8434116927013696869'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://mygreat8.blogspot.com/2007/11/little-brother-shows-way.html' title='Little Brother Shows the Way'/><author><name>Cynthia</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/05325484761466605352</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>3</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7871029014407476360.post-7093800232356368205</id><published>2007-11-01T10:03:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2007-11-01T11:48:19.633-07:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='getting to know me'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='meme'/><title type='text'>This is for you Helena! And Anyone Else Who is Interested</title><summary type='text'>Helena, my friend at Thrice Blessed Momma, picked me to do this meme.  While working on it, I realized, I haven't thought this hard since my IT class in college! Just like the computer, I am so complex, yet so simple.8 Things I Am Passionate About:Well, this would have been easy, I could have just listed each of my children's names!! But I decided that would probably be considered cheating, so </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://mygreat8.blogspot.com/feeds/7093800232356368205/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=7871029014407476360&amp;postID=7093800232356368205&amp;isPopup=true' title='5 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7871029014407476360/posts/default/7093800232356368205'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7871029014407476360/posts/default/7093800232356368205'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://mygreat8.blogspot.com/2007/11/this-is-for-you-helena-and-anyone-else.html' title='This is for you Helena! And Anyone Else Who is Interested'/><author><name>Cynthia</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/05325484761466605352</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>5</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7871029014407476360.post-6416395565593879731</id><published>2007-10-31T19:56:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2007-10-31T20:06:42.782-07:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='awards'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='friends'/><title type='text'>Words Cannot Touch How I Feel</title><summary type='text'>My friend Denise has also bestowed upon me the honor of another award!Although I am lacking words to say, "Thank You", my heart is filled with so much joy, so much appreciation.Denise has health problems, problems I understand so well. Denise is diabetic; as was my mother. As is my brother. Her days can be touched with problems, with heartache, with fears; yet she always comes here with words to </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://mygreat8.blogspot.com/feeds/6416395565593879731/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=7871029014407476360&amp;postID=6416395565593879731&amp;isPopup=true' title='1 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7871029014407476360/posts/default/6416395565593879731'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7871029014407476360/posts/default/6416395565593879731'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://mygreat8.blogspot.com/2007/10/words-cannot-touch-how-i-feel.html' title='Words Cannot Touch How I Feel'/><author><name>Cynthia</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/05325484761466605352</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media='http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/' url='http://bp0.blogger.com/_e8LThNtaj_I/RylCc9TuvVI/AAAAAAAAAEw/EglH-Ys995Y/s72-c/MariucaSuperstarNewSmallBright.jpg' height='72' width='72'/><thr:total>1</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7871029014407476360.post-737129802811766122</id><published>2007-10-31T19:44:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2007-10-31T20:07:40.133-07:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='awards'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='friends'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='doing good'/><title type='text'>Carolyn Thinks I'm Friendly, What a Wonderful Treat</title><summary type='text'>Carolyn over at Talk To Grams, has once again surprised me and left me speechless. I so enjoy people. And I love to talk. So to be honored with this award means so much.This blog has become another home to me. And as we say in Spanish, "Mi Casa es Su Casa!" (My Home is Your Home).Carolyn, thank you for showing me, with this award, your comments and your reading my words; that I am doing good!</summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://mygreat8.blogspot.com/feeds/737129802811766122/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=7871029014407476360&amp;postID=737129802811766122&amp;isPopup=true' title='1 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7871029014407476360/posts/default/737129802811766122'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7871029014407476360/posts/default/737129802811766122'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://mygreat8.blogspot.com/2007/10/carolyn-thinks-im-friendly-what.html' title='Carolyn Thinks I&apos;m Friendly, What a Wonderful Treat'/><author><name>Cynthia</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/05325484761466605352</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media='http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/' url='http://bp0.blogger.com/_e8LThNtaj_I/Ryk-H9TuvUI/AAAAAAAAAEo/fdSEBB8q-x8/s72-c/friendly%25252Baward%25252Bfor%25252Bspeedy.jpg' height='72' width='72'/><thr:total>1</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7871029014407476360.post-3050802149050431001</id><published>2007-10-31T19:11:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2007-10-31T19:43:47.288-07:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='inspirational thoughts'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Happy Halloween'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='celebrations and traditions'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='family'/><title type='text'>HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!</title><summary type='text'>Biper and Bug have headed out with Syssa and Ladybug, to gather their share of treats. With my osteoarthritis, walking that much would have left me down a few days, so I opted to stay guard of our humble home.I am so looking forward to hearing them share their tales of excitement, their vivid descriptions of all they saw. Children, our greatest storytellers. Not a speck of detail will be omitted.</summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://mygreat8.blogspot.com/feeds/3050802149050431001/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=7871029014407476360&amp;postID=3050802149050431001&amp;isPopup=true' title='1 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7871029014407476360/posts/default/3050802149050431001'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7871029014407476360/posts/default/3050802149050431001'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://mygreat8.blogspot.com/2007/10/happy-halloween.html' title='HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!'/><author><name>Cynthia</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/05325484761466605352</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>1</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7871029014407476360.post-8825988557249745817</id><published>2007-10-30T21:26:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2007-10-30T22:45:04.269-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Big Deal? or No Big Deal?</title><summary type='text'>We have a bit of a mess in our home this evening. Earlier today, we were victims of clogged drain pipes. Water was filling both bathrooms, running in from the washer drain pipe, and seeping into the kitchen sink. Although I immediately contacted the landlord, as I don't have the tools do deal with this, after a couple of hours working on the problem, he admitted the problem was beyond his scope </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://mygreat8.blogspot.com/feeds/8825988557249745817/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=7871029014407476360&amp;postID=8825988557249745817&amp;isPopup=true' title='9 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7871029014407476360/posts/default/8825988557249745817'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7871029014407476360/posts/default/8825988557249745817'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://mygreat8.blogspot.com/2007/10/big-deal-of-no-big-deal.html' title='Big Deal? or No Big Deal?'/><author><name>Cynthia</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/05325484761466605352</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>9</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7871029014407476360.post-7799119849426848974</id><published>2007-10-29T23:59:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2007-10-30T00:26:19.297-07:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='quiet time'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='relaxation'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='busy times'/><title type='text'>Hidden in the Attic</title><summary type='text'>Here I sit, the room is dark, shattered ever so slightly by the light of the computer. Silence surrounds me, like a fortress. The moon in it's full splendor, no longer visible from the nearby window. A distant radio calming a child to sleep. Peace and tranquility settle over my weary mind. A moment to hold. Etching my soul as waves in the sand.This moment has been hidden. Like the forgotten finds</summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://mygreat8.blogspot.com/feeds/7799119849426848974/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=7871029014407476360&amp;postID=7799119849426848974&amp;isPopup=true' title='12 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7871029014407476360/posts/default/7799119849426848974'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7871029014407476360/posts/default/7799119849426848974'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://mygreat8.blogspot.com/2007/10/hidden-in-attic.html' title='Hidden in the Attic'/><author><name>Cynthia</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/05325484761466605352</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>12</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7871029014407476360.post-1751356738435202129</id><published>2007-10-29T22:20:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2007-10-29T22:32:05.472-07:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='awards'/><title type='text'>More Goodies</title><summary type='text'>This is most definitely the time of treats! Mary, Mary's Writing Nook, passed theses treats to me. They originated at Hootin' Annie's and are meant to be passed on to new, random visitors at your blog.I will pass these on tomorrow.Thank you Mary.</summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://mygreat8.blogspot.com/feeds/1751356738435202129/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=7871029014407476360&amp;postID=1751356738435202129&amp;isPopup=true' title='2 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7871029014407476360/posts/default/1751356738435202129'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7871029014407476360/posts/default/1751356738435202129'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://mygreat8.blogspot.com/2007/10/more-goodies.html' title='More Goodies'/><author><name>Cynthia</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/05325484761466605352</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media='http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/' url='http://bp0.blogger.com/_e8LThNtaj_I/RybBatTuvRI/AAAAAAAAAEQ/rT1X4kJaULI/s72-c/halloweentreat.gif.png' height='72' width='72'/><thr:total>2</thr:total></entry></feed>
