I read an article today in the Terre Haute Tribune Star that really made me think. It was titled “Are we raising a generation of nincompoops?”

The article quotes several books written about what some are calling the dumbest generation. Men and women under age 30 who are too reliant on technology to do everyday tasks of life.

I have to say I agree. It is strictly my opinion, but from a mother’s point of view I worry about young people today. I’m concerned that high tech toys like cell phones, ipods and laptops are teaching our children how NOT to interact with other human beings. Boys and girls are breaking up relationships via text messages. Parents are solving arguments with their teenagers over Facebook and kids are not learning how to spell properly thanks to lol and idk.

I wonder if young people today will be able to interview for a job face to face or if they will have to type their answers to their future employer’s vital questions?  Will they be able to ask someone for their hand in marriage in person or over a cell phone?  Will they spell properly on their college applications?

I know to a young person reading this I am the one sounding like a nincompoop. I agree kids today are more apt to handle technology than us “middle agers”, however, I also know I am able to look a person in the eye and converse.

Perhaps “Generation Y” is the best name possible for young teens today. WHY oh WHY? 

Patrece

My Dad is back in the hospital. He went in this weekend and should hopefully be back home in another day or two. He’s having problems with blood clots forming in his legs after having a serious surgery after Christmas.

The only reason why I mention this is because it’s sad for me to admit my parents are getting older. Of course it’s a natural progression of life, but it’s sad for me to see them getting sick.

My Mom and Dad are 75 and 76 and they are blessed to still be active and mostly healthy. But, an emergency surgery right after the holidays forced my father into a tailspin of health problems.

I am blessed to have both my parents still living. I know so many people who’s parents passed on way too early and they are dearly missed. If you are one of those people who’s parent or parents have passed, hopefully you are able to smile at your wonderful memories of that dear person in your life.

For me, I still consider myself “Daddy’s little girl” and he’s supposed to be big and strong, never sick or frail. I guess that’s why they call it the “circle of life”. 

Good health to your loved ones. 

Patrece

I had another doctor appointment today. You know, that annual appointment that you dread the entire year?

So, I look for the lightest (weight-wise) outfit to wear and I go into the doctor’s office starving.. hoping not to tip the scales in the wrong direction. That didn’t work so well this year. Should have eaten breakfast and worn jeans!

Then comes the small talk while he does his medical stuff. So, how’s the energy level, how are the boys?  Then the annual “You still really don’t feel comfortable with this do you?” No sir, I must say I do not and who would?

But, the important doctor visit is in the books and that’s a good thing. I don’t like them, but I recommend them. Now I just have to hope that for the next 365 days I don’t see him walking through Walmart! UGH! ha!

Have a great weekend!

Patrece

Just a random thought here. But, sometimes I think God should have given mothers three arms!

I was at a baseball tournament recently for both my boys and there I was carrying my purse (which is huge and full of their stuff), a cooler, a chair and a drink. My one son comes up to me and says “here Mom” as he hands me his bat bag. So, I put it over my shoulder.

Then, my other son is carrying a pretzel and cheese and says “can you hold this Mom”?  Are you kidding me?  Do I look like I can hold anything more? ha.

So, you see, if I had a third arm that would just come out of my body when I needed it ,then things would be a lot easier! I’m sure if you’re a mother then you know the feeling all too well!

Don’t think I’m strange. Just a thought I’d share with you. Don’t you agree? ha!!

Thanks for listening

Patrece

I read an article on “Yahoo Health” today that I am going to rehash for you. I don’t normally do that kind of thing, but I felt this article was important and may be of interest to several of you.

The article says there is brand new evidence that vaccinations do NOT cause autism. It says “infants exposed to the highest levels of thimerosal, a mercury-laden preservative that USED to be found in many vaccines, were no more likely to develop autism than infants exposed to only a little thimerosal.

The new research offers what the article calls “reassurance” to parents who worry that vaccinations raise their children’s risk for autism.

I know this is always a hot button issue with parents, and it should be considered before getting your children vaccinated. Although, the levels of thimerosal in vaccines have now been reduced or eliminated thanks to the FDA’s involvement.

I chose to get both my boys vaccinated, but I understand there are many parents who do not.. partly for the fear of autism.

Just wanted to pass on the information just released today. The study was released online today in advance of the October publication of the magazine Pediatrics. If you want to read more, go to their website or get the magazine next month.

Thanks for listening.

Patrece

As the nation pauses tomorrow for the ninth anniversary of the September 11th terrorist attacks, many Americans are being asked “where were you on that day?” But, the anniversary makes me think more about our children and how have they been taught about this day in history.

My children were too young to even remember where they were on that day in 2001. So, two years ago we took the boys to New York City for an “educational” vacation. We took them to Ground Zero which, as you know, is now basically one huge construction zone. But, next to the site is a very nice museum to teach people about the attacks. We spent at least two hours inside that museum going through every exhibit with the boys so they would understand what happened that day. Pictures of those killed in the attacks, pieces of wreckage from the World Trade Center, letters from the children who lost a parent in the attack. I remember my youngest son looking up at me at one point and said “Mommy, this is really moving” as tears filled his eyes. It was a time in history that he lived through, but he knew nothing about.

Since the anniversary of the attacks lands on a weekend this year, please take the time to talk to your children about that day and the events of that day. They will not be in school to discuss it. Teach them, in your own way, what happened that day so that they understand this important part of our American history. It is a huge “event” that shaped the way they will live.

As reporters ask Americans “where were you”.. I am more curious about the question “have we forgotten”? By teaching our children about this important day in history then, perhaps, this tragic day will not be forgotten.

Have a great weekend and thanks for listening.

Patrece

I met another AMAZING foster child today in Terre Haute. I’ll tell you more about her in November when I continue my “Fostering Hope” special series. But, I can tell you she’s been in foster homes since she was 12. She’s now 19 and attending a local university, so someday she can help other kids in her situation.

An ambitious young woman with a mind of her own. I have no doubt she will be a huge success in life. But, she credits much of her good fortune to great foster parents. She finally got into a good home that lasted 4-5 years. They gave her the structure and support she needed to stay “on the right path” and become a better person.

I talked to her foster mother and she said one simple statement that really made an impression on me. She said..”To be a good foster parent, you don’t have to be perfect. You just have to care!”.

The Wabash Valley is in such great need of GOOD foster homes. Homes that don’t have to be lavish. They just simply have to care and take in the child like they are their own. And there are too many teenagers in our community needing homes.

So, if you are thinking you might make a good foster parent, PLEASE give it serious thought! Department of Child Services would love to hear from you and they’ll tell you about the training needed to become a foster family. You’d be surprised the few hours of training needed to become a foster parent, but you can change a life forever!

Call DCS for more information. 812-244-2002 during regular business hours. Or email me and I’ll put you in touch with the right person to get your questions answered.

Thanks for listening and thanks for considering becoming a foster parent!!!

Patrece

I had my annual mammogram today. Not that I would normally shout that news from the rooftop or blog about it for that matter! But, I was chatting with the nice technician during it and she told me that “voluntary” medical  procedures are down considerably in the Wabash Valley.

Because of the state of our economy and the fact that so many women have either lost their jobs and/or their health insurance coverage, fewer women are having mammograms. Or, if you’re like me and you’re lucky enough to have the coverage, you often put your own health last and you put the health of your children and husband first.

So, I did some asking around and there is help available for women who cannot afford a mammogram. The Susan G. Komen foundation raises money, in part, for women needing financial help with mammograms. Call the Komen Foundation toll free at 1-877-GO-KOMEN (1-877-465-6636). This phone resource is for any and all questions relating to breast health.

Also, the American Cancer Society can point you in the direction of financial assistance for a mammogram. In Terre Haute call 232-2679 or toll free 1-800-227-2345. Finally, the Clara Fairbanks Center at the Hux Cancer Center in Terre Haute can answer your questions. 812-238-7766.

Mammography is the single most effective tool for detecting breast cancer early. And, as several of my girlfriends can attest to who have been diagnosed with breast cancer, the earlier it’s caught the more positive your recovery!

If you are a woman in the Wabash Valley and you have not had your regular mammogram, please consider asking for financial help. Stop putting your health last. You mean the world to your family!

Good luck!

Patrece

Today marks the official end of the United States military”s combat mission in Iraq. The new mission for our soldiers will reportedly be that of “support” rather than combat in Iraq.

As many of you know, that change in mission meant many of our men and women in Iraq got to finally come home. But, there are still dozens left in that country for the new support mission and there are thousands still fighting in Afghanistan.

Six years ago, my youngest son had Mrs. Julie Plasse as his first grade teacher at Lost Creek Elementary School in Terre Haute. Her husband, now police chief John Plasse, was being deployed to Afghanistan for his first tour of duty. My son wanted to buy a yellow ribbon and put it on display at our house until his teacher’s loved one safely returned home.

Mr. Plasse has since served two tours and thankfully has returned home to his family both times, but that yellow ribbon remains. It is now a reminder to my family and anyone who comes to our front door that we are still waiting on EVERY American man and woman to come home from war.. safe.

At dinner when we say the Lord’s Prayer together, my sons take time after that prayer to ask God to return our soldiers home to their loved ones. In this time of “transition” in one war, it is important for all of us to remember our soldiers…everywhere.  My family looks forward to the day that yellow ribbon can come down for good!

Patrece

I read an article recently called “7 Best Stress-Fighting Foods”. Much to my personal disappointment, chocolate was not on the list.

The article says when you are stressed you should reach for the following things to relieve that stress. Papaya, Peppermint Tea, Pumpkin Seeds, Avocados, Salmon, Almonds and Oatmeal.

Really?! Where’s chocolate on that list? I don’t know about you, but when I’m stressed I reach for good ‘ole chocolate. Let’s be honest. I reach for chocolate when I’m stressed, when I’m happy, or when I’m sad. It really doesn’t matter to me. Any mood is a good excuse for chocolate!

In fact, just talking about it makes me want some now! Ha!

What about you? What do you reach for during stress?

Patrece