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Tina Fey gave birth on Wednesday to a bouncing baby girl, naming the new addition to the family Penelope Athena.  The 30 Rock actress first revealed her pregnancy in Oprah last April.  Penelope Athena is preceded by 5-year old Alice Zenobia, the couple’s first baby girl.

During a visit to Ellen Degeneres, Fey said that she and husband Jeffrey Richmond would like to be be surprised by the baby’s gender. She also mentioned that the second pregnancy was a lot easier than the first one.  Congratulations to Tina and Jeffrey!

After more than a year of wall climbing in their school gym and several tournaments, my son has now decided to do the real adventure, actual mountain climbing. I am hesitant at first considering the many dangers I felt a 14-year old may not be ready for yet. But with a lot of coercion from his coach and team mates, I had to give in.

Here goes the hard part again, shopping for Mountain Climbing Gear for my son. I had to read up and search the internet on all the necessities my son would bring. Of course, the first advise was to travel light. I don’t want my son lagging behind during their hikes and getting left behind because I almost threw in the kitchen sink inside his packs.

I already got him the Petzl harness months ago and it proved to be really durable. I’m certain it will still hold well — a really worthwhile purchase considering the price. His coach told him, it was essential to get him a pack that was big enough but sturdy enough to hold the essentials. I didn’t have to search long because I knew I had to get the best and bought him a North Face pack bigger than the one he uses for school. After getting him decent clothes to protect him from the weather, his coach told me he would take care of the heavier things.

My son is set to go on his first adventure in a few weeks, this nagging fear in my stomach keeps increasing daily. He tells me stories about experiences of his friends who have made the climb, but I still don’t feel reassured. Well, they say a mother has to learn to let go at a certain point. I am learning.

Philadelphia Eagles coach Andy Reid’s sons were sentenced to jail for drug use and dealing. Britt Reid, 22 years old, was sentenced to 8 to 23 months in prison plus 5 years probation for drug use and carrying a handgun without license. Aside from testing positive for drugs, Britt pointed a handgun at another driver following a dispute. On the other hand 24-year old Garett Reid was sentenced to 2 to 23 months in jail plus 1 year probation for drug use and dealing. He tested positive for heroin and ran a red light on January 30, hitting another car during the incident. Andy Reid and his wife, Tammy, were in court but refused to comment.

Eagles players went about their practice routine Thursday without Reid, the first time the coach missed practice in his nine seasons with the franchise. He took a 5-week leave from the Eagles during the offseason to take care of his sons’ ordeal. He declines to comment on his sons’ drug and legal problems but assures that he will not resign from the team. Players say the coach truly loved his children and wanted to be there to support them despite the problems.

Both Reids can apply for a special drug court program after a few months of serving their jail sentence. It would require them to report to authorities regularly, undergo rigorous drug testing and hold down jobs.

As a working mother, the most difficult part of juggling all the responsibilities on my shoulders is the part where I help my kids with schoolwork. While I still do my 9 to 5 job, I’d like to think that taking care of my kids is the priority above everything else. However, it is inevitable that we spread ourselves too thin and neglect the difficult parts like helping them with school.

This is where Club Z Tutoring can help us working moms. Club Z is the largest one-on-one tutoring program worldwide with over 400 franchised locations to date. The program has helped over 200,000 students improve their educational performance. With better grades or higher tests comes confidence, independence, and increased productivity. Help your child reach his or her full potential and get expert tutors to support his education. Club Z serves all ages and will provide you a Reading Tutor, a Math Tutor, a Science Tutor, or even a tutor that will help him with his SATs.

Don’t let your child get left behind because you are too busy or tired. Visit www.clubztutoring.com now.

Failure of a marriage can be one of the most traumatic experiences any family can go through. As such, it is imperative than any legal battle concerning divorce or family should be resolved at the soonest possible time to minimize any collateral damage. The sooner that this type of conflict is resolved the better. It is only upon completion that the difficult part of healing can begin.

In Oklahoma, one of the best in handling this type of legal conflicts is the law offices of Lawrence Goodwin. Lawrence Goodwin’s experience and expertise can assure financial security and precious time with your children in battles involving divorce or any other legal conflict in the family. This legal champion is well-versed with Oklahoma Divorce Law that you get assurance of the best representation during this most difficult chapter in your life. He likewise handles any legal battle involving Oklahoma Family Law and other types of legal representation. Should you need an Oklahoma Divorce Attorney, contact Lawrence Goodwin at www.okcdivorcelaw.com and give this challenge the best fight in your life.

After writing about the rare Gerth twins in Germany, I can’t help but think about how much it would cost to take care of two babies at the same time. Though expense may not be an issue for Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie or even J Lo, it will be a tight budget for normal folks like us to raise twins. As a matter of fact, they may prove to be more expensive considering that parents of twins would like to have matching pairs of every item for their babies.

Shopping for babies, twins or not, will have to be well-managed. No other online shop can provide you better deals and savings than ShopWiki.com. ShopWiki will provide online shoppers with all the available stores in the web for your needs rather than just give you results coming from advertisers or supporters. Since it crawls all the stuff in the internet, it is definite that you will be able to get the best savings for your purchases.

When I browsed through the ShopWiki site for baby products, I couldn’t help but marvel at all the results available. The search yielded different baby accessories such as strollers, toys, nursing products, and even items to babyproof your home. You can even access related items such as maternity products and children’s clothing. ShopWiki is definitely one of the best resources for any parent in the worldwide web.

We have come a long way since the American Civil War and Apartheid in Africa. Yet, there is no denying that traces of racial discrimination still exists in most parts of the globe. Maybe the world needs a couple of more decades before every human being realizes that the color of our skin doesn’t make one better than the other.

While we continue to perceive that racial differences still remain a factor in politics or in other facets of our everyday life, God seems intent to show us that it has no place in this world. In Sana Hospital, Germany, Leo and Ryan were born on July 11, 2008 proving to the world that twin brothers can have different colors of skin. In a rare twist of genetics, Ryan had his father’s fair German skin while Leo inherited his West African mother’s dark shade. According to doctors, this type of twins are one in a million. The odds for a fertilized egg cell to split and separately acquire the genetic make up of each parent perfectly is so rare that the twins made headlines all over the world.

Though mixed-race couple Florence and Stephen were surprised by their twin boys, they say it was more important for them that both were healthy. Though there have only been a few like Leo and Ryan in the world, it is still God’s way of telling us that neither race nor color can deny that we are family.

Alzheimer’s Disease is a debilitating sickness that affects not only the victim but also those around them. Following my 71-year old mother’s triumphant bout with Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS), I know what it feels like to have someone you love suffer helplessly from a disease that drastically changes her life. Despite surviving SJS, my Mom is now confined to a bed or a wheelchair. Two months ago, she enjoyed walks to the market, picking up her grandchildren, and cooking for the entire family. Though it is not nearly as debilitating as Alzheimer’s, the helplessness remains the same. Yes, I understand what’s it like to see a parent lose her independence.

Alzheimer’s Association is organizing it’s Memory Walk 2008 to support Alzheimer’s Disease in the nation. It is the largest event organized to raise awareness and funds for the sustenance of research on Alzheimers. It is currently calling on all volunteers to join the endeavor and encourage more supporters to be a part of the 2-3 mile walk. There will be walks in over 600 communities around the nation and the association is now searching for team captains to champion the cause and recruit more citizens to be a part of the event.

It is the objective of the Alzheimer’s Association to move mankind closer to a world without Alzheimer’s and in joining, you support a cause that can affect senior citizens worldwide. You can either find the nearest community that will sponsor a walk or form your own team and encourage others to be part of yours. Join the Alzheimer’s Memory Walk and help build a better life for the generation that has dedicated the best years of their lives making sure we make the best of ours.

Nothing compares to the fear of possibly losing a child. The first time you realize your child could be missing makes the world stand still. You stop breathing for a few minutes before every drop of blood on your head drains to your stomach. Then the panic starts to rise.

Missing children have always been the most heartbreaking stories that go around. And every time parents hear a story on the news or in the neighborhood, they hug their children tighter just to make sure they are safe in your home. Studies reveal that when a child is missing the first 3 hours from the loss is the most crucial. Every hour that passes increases the risk of your child ever being found. This is a very short period considering that it will take time to gather all the data you need plus inform all the pertinent people of the loss. Reports have shown that in 24 hours the chances of ever finding your child or even getting them alive is slim. Is there a way to ensure child safety in an era when children have likewise become a target of abuse and criminal activities?

With the number of missing children in America still alarming, National Child Alert System has made it their goal to protect the nation’s children and provide parents with the resources and the tools necessary to minimize the of risk losing their own. For a reasonable fee, the company allows parents to be prepared in the event that a child is missing. Child Alert allows parents to collect all the necessary data needed by authorities and the neighborhood to locate a missing child at the soonest possible time. The child id will be stored in a quality USB drive and the company’s online server which may also be downloaded into your computer’s hard disk immediately available for dissemination upon alert of a possible emergency. Parents may also opt to avail of Kidzblast, a unique child locator system that allows parents to respond to an emergency in a measured way.

Kidzblast can provide a level one alert when your child is late coming home. The system will send an email alert to your level one responders which includes neighbors, relatives, or parents of your child’s friends. This will tell your level one contacts to be on the lookout for your child. In level two response, you have contacted 911 and the system will not only alert level one responders but also authorities or the even the media, if you choose to do so. Your child’s descriptive information will also be viewed by the public in the home page of ChildAlertSystem.com. These will save you precious time and increase the chance of locating your child within the 3-hour time barrier.

Protect your child and be prepared in the event of an emergency. The cost of joining ChildAlert is nothing compared to the assurance it will provide any parent that they are ready if such an emergency does occur.

I’ve been a one-woman show with my children for 10 years now. Most people think it’s a walk in the park. Few have an idea what it’s like. But most don’t have a clue. What’s the most difficult part about it? Doing the right thing and having no choice about it.

Very few solo parents live a life all their own. If some do find a social life, it’s ridden with suppressed guilt. You’re always wondering whether you have given the kids enough attention or if you have been a negligent parent. The fact is, the failed marriage or partnership is your fault and your whole life is built around compensating for that fault. What makes it more complicated is that the same drive to raise the kids well also leads you to get rid of the emptiness you feel inside. It’s a balancing act that either translates to wrong decisions or extreme loneliness.

Decision-making is never easy. I’ve always been accused of being indecisive. People who care about you can’t seem to trust you enough to make the right one that you always hear different opinions or advice. With decisions coming from the left and the right, you begin to lose trust in yourself and believe you are not capable of making the right one. Maybe I am weak and indecisive. But I prefer that over second-guessing what can be right for my children. I’d rather disappoint myself or other people than my children. They always come first regardless of what people may think of me.

Solo parents may be accused of being weak. But they can never be cowards. It’s the kind of life many balk and choke at. For those who have chosen to take on that life, they bravely walk on despite the doubts and the fears. Whatever mistakes that have been made, a tight hug and a kiss from kids that smell of either rain or the sun make everything worthwhile. Though we may seem failures to big people, it’s the little people we take care of whose opinion we treasure most of all.

My mom is still recuperating in the hospital after Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS) kept her there for almost 2 months. I have stayed with her as often as possible during this difficult time. However, what I regret not being able to do is give her flowers to brighten her day and tell her how much I care. I have never been good with words and it would have made up for my inability to tell her how I feel. The doctors explicitly forbid any type of flower or fruit to be brought in her room for fear that it will cause infection to her immuno-compromised state. Not even a single rose was allowed.  They did promise to allow it once her condition improves. Now, I eagerly await that day when I can give her roses and carnations to tell her that we will always be there for her.

Flowers for your loved ones are now very convenient to purchase. You don’t need to go to the flower shop and make your choice or wait until they have finished arranging it to make sure it is ok. Now, you can make your purchase online and have it delivered just as fresh as the day they were picked. The perfect online store to get flowers is 1800flowers.com. The site offers roses, carnations, daisies, and so many gorgeous flowers to make anyone smile. If you prefer some variety, they also offer flowering plants and fruit baskets for your special someone. You can make your choice from different categories. You can either choose by occasion, by flowers or plants, or by arrangement. I absolutely love their Martha Stewart collection. My mom would adore that Martha Stewart arrangement with peppermints and a different shade of pink rose scattered over the bouquet. They have so many flowers and arrangement to choose from that it would be hard just to pick one.

Make someone special happy and send them flowers from 1800flowers.com. I would definitely buy the rose in my life the best flowers they have to brighten her day in the hospital.  In this case, flowers are worth more than a thousand words.

There is nothing more refreshing than to watch little kids playing outside squealing and laughing under the sun.  For adults, we remember how swishing down slides was enough to make us scream and laugh with joy.  Before life gave us burdens unimaginable, the wind on our face could make us close our eyes and believe we were flying.  If these are not possible now for us, watching the kids running around with looks on their faces that make us remember what it’s like is good enough to make us smile.

When I had my kids, I swore there was only thing I wanted them to be — happy.  I want them to enjoy their childhood and make the most out of it.  I want them to experience the best that life can offer before they grow old enough to shoulder responsibilities and start feeling growing pains.  Suffering and pain is necessary in life for us to grow strong and build character — but not before they reach 18.  Those would be mine to bear until they are old enough to take them on with me.

A happy childhood involves playing, running, fighting with other kids, and doing the impossible.  When I say doing the impossible, I mean traversing monkey bars or making swings reach unfathomable heights.   Allowing them to play outside also means that I have made sure they are safe while running, climbing, or jumping around.  Daycare equipment should be from provided by suppliers that will not compromise safety nor quality.

A reliable supplier for playground equipment, swingsets, or any daycare equipment is Playkids.  Playkids  provides playground sets that develop children’s creativity and develop strength while keeping them safe. These are made from quality materials that offer maximum stability, comfort, and durability.  Products are equipped with plastic caps and other safety devices to ensure your kids remain safe while running and horsing around.  Moreover, Playkids offers products that are affordable despite the use of high quality materials and craftsmanship.  If you want a playset for your child, they deserve nothing less than Playkids products. Visit swingset.com to find out more about these playsets.

Will Smith’s kids were not used to daddy being mean in his new movie “Hancock.” In Hancock, Will swears, drinks, mouths off, and goes to prison. Will’s role is a hero-gone-bad and it could be unnerving for fans. However, Jada and his kids realize that it’s only a character and understand the whole concept. Jaden, his first son from Jada, already played opposite his dad in The Pursuit of Happyness while the youngest, Willow, can be seen in Kit Kittredge: An American Girl.

According to Jada, the kids were unfazed by Will’s in-prison therapy sessions in Hancock. It’s not a new concept to them having other family members going through rehab too.

I think it is just about the right time that I give a little more of myself into the blog. I have tried to keep the blog as objective as possible in the interest of readers worldwide. I intended the blog to be a collection of interesting topics about life. Then again, maybe I can provide readers a bit of an idea about my life, even for just this time.

The reason I mentioned that now may be a good time is because my mother’s side of the family rediscovered each other again after quite a long time. My mom suffered from Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS) in May and has been in the hospital since. Not to make this a sad story for anyone — she is recovering now which surprised doctors because of her age. It was this unfortunate sacrifice that my Mom had to undergo that brought the family closer again despite the miles between most of us. I give credit to the miracle of technology that brought us closer through email groups, mobile phones, and internet chats.

My mom’s sickness has taught me one thing — no matter how far apart you are, you can always lean on your family for support at a time when you need it most. Friends and lovers may come and go, but your family will be there for you regardless of the circumstances.

Mom has now recovered from a near-fatal disease. I am fortunate to have found friends and family who had my back right from the start. If there were anything that helped my mother get well, they were prayers and wishes of people who have become part of my life one way or the other.

I am tempted to show the world pics of the family that I am proud of (especially the ones from the 70′s). However, for fear of getting roasted alive by my cousins, I’d rather not. But let me present to everyone my grandmother, a lovely lady who left us too early and deprived her grandchildren of the chance to sit on her lap and listen to bedtime stories. I likewise send my compliments to my cousin who has diligently kept this vintage photo in great condition that will surely be appreciated by our descendants to come.

After rehab, serving time for DUI (driving under the influence), anorexia, and her endless wild parties with Paris Hilton, Nicole has finally found her place. She has never been as beautiful as she is now with baby Harlow snuggling in her arms.

Meeting Joel Madden (frontman of band Good Charlotte) seems to be the start of a new path. Now living with boyfriend Joel and their baby Harlow has given Nicole a new life — a life she may have been looking for all this time but never found during her wild days. Read the rest of this entry »