Status on Brody

Brody is finally able to wear Clothes! 7-13-08

How precious and Tiny life is! Brody's hand can now wrap around two fingers!

His eyes open! Seeing the world, and his mother!

This is a boy that needs to come home! We are still praying for this to happen soon!

Back from Tulsa

Well, we had a visit to Tulsa on Friday and Sat. Linda had a chance to meet my team teacher, Sra. Tshida, and my Principal as well as see my new room. It is big and she was impressed.

From Zarrow, we went on to look for houses. I wish that was as good of a adventure as the first, it was not. We looked at several and just did not have a good feeling about any. There was a duplex but that was six blocks from the highest crime area in Tulsa! It was nice, but not that nice! Sat, we had a bit of a scare with Andrew while we were there and his mother passed along a house for rent close to them. We liked that one and submitted our application. We will hear back Tuesday or Wednesday. Unfortunately, there are a couple ahead of us in line (a couple of applications, not A Couple!). After seeing that house, we saw another one that was also close to the school. We fell in love with that one and applied there as well. We are PRAYING for a house to move to!

The trip is a long one to just go and drive around looking for signs! Keep Drew and his intentions in prayers. We love our son and keep his spiritual wellbeing in prayers constantly before our Lord.

Until next time....
J.

Certified (no longer just Certifiable!)

Well, I am patting myself on the back today! I am now Officially Texas Standard Certified! I am validuntil 2014!
Since I am now official, I was able to apply for my Oklahoma Certification and should know soon about that. I still need all the prayers I can get, I am now in the hands of Oklahoma Department of Education to get my Oklahoma License before school starts!

Keeping my eye on the prize...

J

Thoughts on Good and Evil and a video

I receive emails from St. Joseph Covenant Keepers and this was included this week:

Random Thoughts: Freedom and evil

"A man who is free to love is free to hate. He who is free to obey is free to rebel. Virtue in its concrete order is possible only in those spheres in which it is possible to be vicious. Man can be a saint only in a world in which it is possible to be a devil! You say,

“Well, if were God, I would destroy evil.”

"Well, if you did that, you would destroy human freedom. God will not destroy freedom. If we do not want any dictators on this earth, certainly we don’t want any dictators in the kingdom of heaven. Those who would blame God for allowing man freedom to go on hindering and thwarting his works are like those who see blotches and smudges and errors in the student’s notebook and would condemn the teacher for snatching away the book and making the copy himself.

"Just as the object of the teacher is sound education and not the production of neat and well-written copybooks, so the object of God is the development of souls and not the production of biological entities."

By Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen (t 1979), Servant of God.

Below is a short video of Rainee, Chloe and Alec as we went up to visit Brody in the hospital over the weekend.

Another tidbit of news: My certification has been recommended and I should receive my Texas Standard Certification soon!

Brody Not Out Of The Woods

Last night was a night to thank God and be anxious at the same time. Brody reminded us that he, though having done incredibly well this past two weeks, is still Eight Weeks before his due date! He stopped breathing in his mother's arms last night and had to be resuscitated.

As Frances watched them revive by bagging her 3 pound, 12 ounce baby boy in the NICU, she was all too aware of how fragile life is. They did successfully revive Brody and told Frances that it would be alright. I guess it is easy, when you work around the fragile all the time, to see things in 'alright' terms. For those of us that do not encounter it everyday, or when we do encounter it, it is our own flesh and blood, it is hard to see it as "alright".

This episode did remind us, and them I hope, that Brody is still in the woods, that he is still early and his lungs are still not to be taken for granted and are still developing. No matter how well he is doing, his body still is not ready to be in the world just yet and needs our prayers and the Hand of God. Though he was born two weeks ago, Brody was not due until August 31st, still almost 2 Months away!

So, please, keep him in prayers. I believe in prayer, it works! God Bless you all and thank you for your prayers.

Happy Independence Day

Happy Independence Day! Alec, Chloe and Linda are at the pool at Dannie Needham's, our past Grand Knight, for their annual pool party. "A Good Time was Had by ALL"

Alec jumped the gun and dived into the pool. Linda rescued him! He was so excited that he forgot he didn't know how to swim.

Hot dogs, Hamburgers and all kinds of goodies were brought by the Knights and Ladies to the party. Good eats and good company.

Chloe and Rainee found friends to play with and J. had a blast playing volleyball in the pool. Oh, well, we had fun, though we did not come close to winning!

McDonald's chooses to support homosexual agenda

Refuses request to be neutral in culture war

I am reprinting this message from American Family Association. There are links below to sign an online petition and also see video from McDonald's stating their position. I want to make it clear, I am not homophobic. The issue is NOT denying rights from people with homosexual orientation. They should lead lives free from violence or any kind of denial of basic human rights. However, their is no 'right' to marry someone of the same sex. Marriage is between a man and a woman for the God-given purpose of procreating the species.

Romans 1:26-27 (English-RSV)

26 For this reason God gave them up to dishonorable passions. Their women exchanged natural relations for unnatural, 27 and the men likewise gave up natural relations with women and were consumed with passion for one another, men committing shameless acts with men and receiving in their own persons the due penalty for their error.

1 Corinthians 6:9 (English-RSV)

Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither the immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor sexual perverts,

Jude 1:7 (English-RSV)

"just as Sodom and Gomor'rah and the surrounding cities, which likewise acted immorally and indulged in unnatural lust, serve as an example by undergoing a punishment of eternal fire."

July 3, 2008

Dear Joseph,

McDonald's has refused a request to remain neutral in the culture war, choosing to continue support of the homosexual agenda. AFA wrote McDonald's asking the company do two things:

• 
  Remove McDonald's name and logo from the National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC) Web site listing McDonald's as a "Corporate Partner and Organization Ally" of NGLCC.
• Remove the endorsement of NGLCC by Richard Ellis, Vice President of Communications for McDonald's USA, from the NGLCC Web site.

McDonald's refused both requests. McDonald's donated $20,000 to NGLCC in exchange for membership in the NGLCC and a seat on the group's board of directors. The NGLCC lobbies Congress on a wide range of issues including the promotion of homosexual marriage.
This boycott is not about hiring homosexuals, or homosexuals eating at McDonald's, or how homosexual employees are treated. It is about McDonald's, as a corporation, choosing to put the full weight of their corporation behind promoting the homosexual agenda, including homosexual marriage.

Pat Harris, Global Chief Diversity Officer, Vice President, Inclusion & Diversity at McDonald's, responded: "I would like to take this opportunity to reaffirm our position on diversity." Notice that Ms. Harris said "reaffirm." Translated: McDonald's will not change their policy of supporting the NGLCC and their promotion of homosexual marriage.

Richard Ellis, who is openly homosexual, was given a seat on the NGLCC Board of Directors. He was quoted as saying: "I'm thrilled to join the National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce and ready to go to work. I share the NGLCC's passion for business growth and development within the LGBT community, and I look forward to playing a role in moving these important initiatives forward."

Addressing McDonald's promotion of social issues, McDonald's CEO Jim Skinner said earlier the company will aggressively promote the issues they approve. In remarks on its Web site, Skinner said: "Being a socially responsible organization is a fundamental part of who we are. We have an obligation to use our size and resources to make a difference in the world ... and we do."

Take Action!

Sign the online Boycott McDonald's petition and urge your friends and family to do the same.
Print and distribute the Boycott McDonald's petition.

Call your local McDonald's. Speak with the manager. Tell him or her (in a polite manner) that you will be boycotting McDonald's until they stop promoting the homosexual agenda, including homosexual marriage. To find the phone number of your nearest McDonald's, click here.

YEAH! I Passed my PPR!

Well, I am on the way to my Texas Teaching Certificate (which means that I will be able to transfer it to Oklahoma)! I passed the final exam and just have to fill out the paperwork now!

Whew!

Andrew's Confirmation

Andrew's Confirmation at St. Pius X in Tulsa at the hands of the Bishop, Edward Slattery, April 24, 2008.

Acts 8:14-17
When the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had accepted the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them. When they arrived, they prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit, because the Holy Spirit had not yet come upon any of them; they had simply been baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus. Then Peter and John placed their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.

Michael's Confirmation

This is a video of Michael's Confirmation on April 24, 2008. Yeah, I am a bit behind in getting this up! I will post Andrew's video in a bit. Congratulations!

Latest on Brody

Brody is still in the hospital, he will be for awhile. Despite all the contraptions, he is looking better and is off the continuous oxygen.

His apnea spells have decreased considerably over the past few days, which has been very promising.

Corey moved with the other three kids to Tulsa but they will all be back on Tuesday. The Millions will be staying with the Arroyo's until Brody gets to go home to Tulsa. There is some positive news that they may be able to move Brody to Tulsa soon. Keep that intention in prayers.

On the home front, the Million house here is being cleaned to turn in keys today. The Arroyo's are looking for a place in Tulsa and J. is taking his PPR final test for Texas Certification on Monday (today) and we are praying for a clear head and wisdom to pass so that J. can transfer the Texas Certificate to Oklahoma.
Peace and Prayers to all of our friends and family. Thank you for your intentions for Brody. God Bless you all!

The Morris' Family visits

 

 

 

 

Kadence plays in the pool at our house. Isn't that diaper too close

Anet and Niles visit in Keller

 

Linda, Stormy, Anet and Niles together in Keller. Anet and Niles came down to pick up Stormy, who visited Linda and J in Keller for the past two weeks. Linda and Stormy had a 'girls night out' last night so Stormy will probably be sleeping on the trip back to Hot Springs. Too bad that the visit took place as the house was full of boxes as we prepare for our move back to Tulsa! Next time, we will be prepared with EMPTY boxes and pictures on the walls! Niles helped J out with some ideas for how to light the new models of the Enterprise NX-01 and NCC-1701! If those ideas work out, the models will be incredible! Thanks Niles for the great ideas!

Brody Million and Frances, his Mom

This was taken just 3 days after birth. Brody is now off the O2 and is doing very well. Keep Brody in prayers. I mentioned that he was 6 to 8 weeks early in the previous post but I was wrong, his original due date was August 31st, making him 10 weeks early!

Brody Maddox Million

Brody Maddox Million, Born June 19th, 2008

Brody will be in the hospital for awhile but is doing very well

Mom, Frances, with Brody at the hospital

Frances with Brody. Thank you for all your prayers!

Burgers Lake, TX - a day at the 'beach'

Rainee and Chloe are getting ready for a picnic at Burgers Lake

Yes, that is Stormy Fowler, Rainee and Chloe Million waiting for the food to cook at Burgers Lake.

Alec hams it up for the camera at Burgers Lake

Linda, Stormy, Rainee and Chloe enjoying a picnic. We weren't sure we would be able to have the picnic. The wind picked up and blew a gale before our picnic and we were sure a storm would send us packing not an hour after we arrived! But, things went as planned and it died down enough for us to spend the day in the sun and water.

Fun in the Sun

As you can see, the kids had a great time in the water and the clouds did not cause a problem afterall!

Bush Becoming a Catholic?

Monday, June 16, 2008 11:05 AM

By: Jim Meyers

President Bush may follow in the footsteps of his brother Jeb and convert to Catholicism, several European papers are reporting.

In the wake of the president’s visit to see Pope Benedict XVI at the Vatican, Italian newspapers, citing Vatican sources, said Bush was open to the idea of converting to Catholicism.

The Italian newspaper Il Foglio referred to such talk about Bush’s possible conversion and stated that “anything is possible, especially for someone reborn like Bush.”

Noting that Tony Blair converted to Catholicism after leaving office as Britain’s prime minister last year, the paper also stated that “if anything happens, it will happen after he finishes his period as president, not before. It is similar to Blair’s case, but with different circumstances.”

President Bush welcomed Pope Benedict XVI warmly when he visited the U.S. in April. And Vatican watchers noted that Bush met privately with the pontiff in the private gardens of the Vatican last Friday — an unprecedented place for the Pope to meet a head of state. Typically, the Vatican gardens are used by the Pope for private reflection.

A Vatican spokesman said the Pope used the unusual locale to reciprocate for the “warmth” Bush showed when the two met in Washington.

Though the Catholic Church has criticized the U.S. war in Iraq, Bush has been an ardent supporter of pro-life issues; he has staunchly opposed stem-cell research; and he opposes gay marriage — all issues important for Rome.

Currently Bush belongs to a Methodist church in Texas and attends an Episcopal church in Washington, D.C.

A friend of Bush, Father George William Rutler — who converted to Catholicism in 1979 — told the Catholic News Agency that Bush “is not unaware of how evangelicalism, by comparison with Catholicism, may seem more limited both theologically and historically.”




© 2008 Newsmax. All rights reserved.

The Perfect Father's Day Gift - Mandles!

I could not resist sharing this with you! Happy belated Father's Day! Thank you Matt Cook for sharing this! It is too funny!

Tulsa, Here we come!

Wow! The wonders of God! I traveled to Tulsa on Wednesday for an interview with Anderson Elementary School in Tulsa. While I was getting ready for my interview, I received a call from another principal and, luckily, I was already in town for a second interview with Zarrow International School at 9 AM on Thursday morning!
Well, to make a long story short, I left my Thursday interview with a job offer and have already received a call from Human Resources to sign my contract in Tulsa! I will be teaching Social Studies, Math and Reading to 5th Grade at Zarrow!
Praise GOD!

Shirley Anne Beio - 2-2-38 to 12-11-07

I have been wanting to do this short tribute to Mother for awhile but, since I have had access to some old photos of her, I am now able to do a small image tribute to her. She passed away last December, during the BIG ICE STORM, no less! Well, Christina shared with me her photos that Mother passed on to her so I have been working to scan them as I have had time. As many of you know, there is NO SUCH THING as "TIME" for a teacher! Well, enjoy these pictures and I will enhance it as I have some time this summer.

On the news side, I will be coming up to Tulsa this Wed for an interview with a school in Tulsa. I have completed most of the requirements for my certification so it is a matter of time, and one more test! to have a full certification in Texas and Oklahoma.

Keep me in prayers!

A Prayer to Put Things in Perspective

Blessed Mother Teresa's Anyway

People are often unreasonable,

illogical, and self-centered

Forgive them anyway

If you are kind, people may accuse you
of selfish, ulterior motives;
Be kind anyway.

If you are successful, you will win some
false friends and some true enemies
Succeed anyway.

If you are honest and frank, people may cheat you,
Be honest and frank anyway.

What you spend years building
someone could destroy overnight
Build anyway.

If you find serenity and happiness,
they may be jealous,
Be happy anyway.

The good you do today
people will often forget tomorrow;
Do good anyway.

Give the world the best you have,
and it may never be enough;
Give the world the best you've got anyway.

You see, in the final analysis
it is between you and God;
It was never between you and them anyway.

Now the Videos Can be Shared!

I have subscribed to GodTube to upload videos and am happy to say this is a fantastic, family service which allows me to upload the videos that I have created and plan to share. I will probably send you invitations to check out the videos on GodTube as well as share them through the BLOG. Enjoy our visit to Tulsa last month, this is the first video I will be sharing.

God Bless you all!

Mr. A's End of Year Gotta Have Goals Video

This is the Gotta Have Goals video from a DVD that I made up for my 5th Grade math and Science class at Trinity Meadows Intermediate School in Keller, TX. I included a link to the class blog that I keep for the parents

Enjoy!

Sen. McCain is the one person who should lead the battle to protect traditional marriage!

As you know, the California Supreme Court has legalized homosexual marriage. This happened despite the fact that voters in California passed Proposition 22 with 61.4 percent of the vote. Proposition 22 defined marriage as only between one man and one woman.
The recent 4-3 ruling, if allowed to stand, would destroy marriage as it has been known for thousands of years. It would lead to the logical conclusion of the following:
• Legalization of polygamous and other aberrant unions as "marriages"
• Legalization of marriage between an adult parent and adult child
• Legalization of group marriage
• Overturn all the marriage laws in the other 49 state

My dear friends and family, the link above gives you an opportunity to send Sen McCain a message. Click on the link below and sign a petition supporting a national Marriage Amendment defining marriage as that between a Man and a Woman.



Yours in Christ
J

Birthday Present at Ranger Stadium

This was my birthday present, a visit to a Texas Rangers game with my wifre, Linda.

Video of Kadence

It took long enough but I finally found out how to embed video into my BLOG!

How Time Flies!

Well, Mother's Day was spent on the road! Linda and I traveled to Tulsa for the Tulsa Teachers' Job Fair. We had a great visit with Landon, Kayla, Kadence, Christina, Pat, Robert, and Amanda. Time just did not allow to see Jose', Matthew, Michael or Andrew this trip.

We are hoping to be able to see them the next time around. The Job Fair was fruitful, I believe. I met with 11 schools and had 4 or more serious bites. I am hoping that one of those bear fruit.

We have also been looking at houses but, without a contract in hand, that will have to wait, both for money in hand and knowing which school I will be working at.

Gas was a BEAR! We left Keller paying $3.48 and arrived in Tulsa to $3.69 gas prices! They had risen by the time we returned though, so Keller wasn't outdone! It does not look like there will be a lot of leisurely travel over the summer at the rate these prices are headed!

God Bless and I will try to keep Blogging more in the future!

Visit to Tulsa - Confirmation and Family Reunion

Our visit to Tulsa last week was for a couple of purposes, job interview with Broken Arrow as we prepare to return to our "Native Oklahoma", Confirmations for Michael and Andrew, and to see the kids. We are looking forward to being close to our family again soon.

CONGRATULATIONS MICHAEL AND ANDREW!

Michael and Andrew were confirmed at St. Pius X by the Most Rev. Slattery on Thursday night! Congratulations!

I was in town with Linda to attend a job fair at Broken Arrow Public Schools and be at the Confirmation. I think the interview with Broken Arrow went well. I also had the chance to visit All Saints Catholic School. The kids were awesome as ever. I definitely missed them.

Brother Boniface T. Copelin, OSB soon to be FATHER Boniface!

His Holiness, Pope Benedict XVI, arrives in the sacristy at Sant'Anselmo on Ash Wednesday. Br. Boniface is the second person from the right.

Br. Boniface will be ordained as Deacon of the Church on Sunday, April 20. With God's grace, he will be ordained to the priesthood at St. Gregory's Abbey on the afternoon of Thursday, August 21, the feast of Pope St. Pius X. Please keep Br. Boniface in your prayers.



Boniface was my room-mate when we went to St. Gregory's College and we graduated together in 1981 with our Associates degrees. Boniface went on to join the Abbey and entered the Religious Life as a Benedictine monk. God has blessed Boniface and he is currently studying Theology in Rome.

During this past Lent, he was honored to serve His Holiness, Pope Benedict XVI and I have included pictures and a link to the story on the St. Gregory's Abbey website.

Jesus Christ has Risen!

Jesus Christ,

33,

of Nazareth,

died today on Mount Calvary,

also known as Golgotha, the Place of the Skull.

Betrayed by the apostle Judas, Jesus was crucified by the Romans, by order of the ruler Pontius Pilate.

The cause of death was crucifixion, extreme exhaustion, severe torture, and loss of blood.

Jesus Christ was a descendent of Abraham, and a member of the house of David.

He was the son of the late Joseph, a carpenter of Nazareth, and Mary, his devoted mother.

He was born in a stable in Bethlehem, in Judea, and is survived by

His mother Mary,

His faithful apostles,

numerous disciples, and many other followers.

Jesus was self-educated and spent most of His adult life working as a teacher.

He also occasionally worked as a medical doctor and it is reported that He healed many patients.

Up until the time of His death, Jesus was teaching and sharing what He called the 'Good News,' healing the sick, touching the lonely, feeding the hungry, and helping the poor.

Jesus was most noted for telling parables about his Father's kingdom and performing miracles, such as feeding more than 5,000 people with just five loaves of bread and two fish, and healing a man who was born blind.

On the day before His death,

He held a Last Supper with his disciples,

celebrating the Passover feast, at which time He actually foretold his death.

His body was quickly buried in a stone grave, which was donated to the family by Joseph of Arimathea, a loyal friend.

By order of Pontius Pilate, a boulder was rolled in front of the tomb.

Roman soldiers were also put on guard.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that everyone try to live as Jesus did.

Donations may be directed to anyone in need.

Vatican declares Knights of Columbus founder "venerable"

Fr. Michael J. McGivney would be first American-born priest to be declared a saint

New Haven, CT - March 16, 2008 - Pope Benedict XVI Saturday approved a decree recognizing the heroic virtue of Father Michael J. McGivney, founder of the Knights of Columbus. The pope's declaration significantly advances the priest's process toward sainthood and gives the parish priest the distinction of "Venerable Servant of God." If canonized, Fr. McGivney would be the first American born priest to be so honored.

"All of us who are members of the Knights of Columbus are profoundly grateful for this recognition of the holiness of our founder," said Supreme Knight Carl Anderson. "The strength of the Knights of Columbus today is a testament to his timeless vision, his holiness and his ideals."
Worried about the religious faith and financial stability of immigrant families, Father McGivney founded the Knights of Columbus with the help of several men of St. Mary's Parish in New Haven in 1882 to help strengthen the faith of the men of his parish and to provide financial assistance in the event of their death to the widows and orphans they left behind. He was also known for his tireless work among his parishioners.
Born in Waterbury, Conn., Aug. 12, 1852, Michael Joseph McGivney, was the first of Patrick and Mary (Lynch) McGivney's 13 children, six of whom died in infancy or early childhood. His parents, natives of Ireland, had immigrated to the United States during the 19th century. Patrick was a molder in a Waterbury brass mill, where Michael himself worked for a brief time as a child to help support his family.
From an early age, however, he realized a calling to the Catholic priesthood. After studying in several seminaries, he was ordained in that Baltimore's historic Cathedral by Cardinal James Gibbons Dec. 22, 1877. He took up his first assignment, as curate at St. Mary's Church, New Haven, Conn., Jan. 2, 1878. Father McGivney was named pastor of St. Thomas Church in Thomaston, Conn. in 1884. He became seriously ill with pneumonia in January 1890, and died Aug. 14, 1890 at age 38.
The cause, or process, for Father McGivney's sainthood, was opened by Hartford Archbishop Daniel A. Cronin, in December 1997. The cause was presented to the Vatican in 2000, where it has been under review by the Congregation for the Causes of Saints. With the pope's recent decree, and the authentication of a miracle at Father McGivney's intercession, the priest could be beatified. A second miracle would be required for canonization.Still maintaining its headquarters in New Haven, the Knights of Columbus is the world's largest Catholic Fraternal Organization with more than 1.7 million members in the United States, Canada, Mexico and Central America, the Caribbean islands, the Philippines, Guam and, most recently, Poland.

LINKS:

McGivney Guild website:
http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=0015wo_THr2bzND6qtD7RCxrS3-PCgDSfp9ExsgFivuo49ZfJdbGlP0ei9pZO1WwbuV20j1knfCvXxduLY-B6LVfL_4kzy2xMPrcZsWT5W9bt7MtAI_FDZ00xemltqKqk_KqP8pjvQn3mmVB6AvlQyycA==

Join the McGivney Guild:http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=0015wo_THr2bzOlcsm962p0RBHAWMJPJYxteHShH9UJYx3BfdftQIiQ9CedE8ypuFoZQA5wke8OQJFUtEwKCA3T5GcauVn_JfPZf2Ig21K04ltvyRaZBkshA8ANmK9E4V8_W5DmB5W2h_zMQOMogVOunuOCmaA_3oj0JrKcIxIGr_ZwmRpuyLfQA_xbX-j2qSwlgBjQullR1XjhEgWvpvMmkn6XJAr_1w3R

New Haven Register news story:
http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=0015wo_THr2bzPPd8zCaWUjlwi7SBa-JvpK-Cd6o5STRHuuizZJxyBGDfgvNgeF-N7qWiWTrCHJHefawTb4qVG_gcr8SSXQHWy1WxOsJXyDDBm7H29XHeL9jDvDK7kEzPFzM_vKo_ludBfdkKlAe2KuK_9V4jp-NuVS6Mb7QwRysogd_kA4w8zoyVTEIPgVMOE3EUVIXjd9Ldr1du4nuUHRDz7aq1v-grLxo5Mlm-38BgxitGPbPw_QzZb-rJDefk_2fc5YLCwG2-b5xMyrJhea5WI-11cKK20abULpFRVbVUqUB3mDq_WMMz_9F8cFy-8GoWX_4yF8Q9U-mjpDGaPt_I23J1CVxG1n48fw3VCIZmirVQ8hG0myIPqZUMdQvB9RAPO7t8MJF7yVRFq7FtCPUgIsKVMQWtdCC0JVkkya-If1L799foleslNjZteiqhkTslv4tSz8Jx6OY9zi5bx49g==

Hartford Courant news story:
http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=0015wo_THr2bzNbw7e3TcJlrOORg9yNPRu2zqA_HxZ2aJ5_0SeAXofyLOmVqO6gUAX19HU2cC9JOXcPYOToP2KiExhDvZIOCdXg39QKtJfObnFvsXebAj20n1l2UxJfDC5_OyXEzt0LLULGS-CTEFCq8_yoD7SU1PBsmA09CduV3y2ZLah0EYaXqUKrMeiyyBHK

Education Reporting, Inc.: What is teaching ....

Education Reporting, Inc.: What is teaching ....

Click on the Link above to see the video.

Being a teacher is an awesome opportunity.....having some insight into making my self a better teacher makes it more meaningful. Teaching gets boring or turns into a J.O.B. when I don't have my full energy ... without a doubt, it's the most demanding effort I've undertaken.This video expresses so much and because I enjoy learning visually, I had to share it with you here. Enjoy.

This is from Education Reporting Blog.

Obama, Youth, Promise? Promise WHAT?

• I received this from Michael Demma, at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton and thought it is really good to pass along in it's entirety. I will make some additions and comments along the way.

It is hard to take a strong position given the other candidate is so weak. I will vote for McCain but only because I am compelled through my belief in God to stop Obama. It is a shame we as citizen of the greatest country on earth are subjected to choose from this pool. I, like many, wonder where have all the leaders gone.

Today I read a headline that thoroughly concerns me.

“POLL OF YOUNG TEENS IN HIGH SCHOOL SHOW
OBAMA IN THE LEAD” “TEENS RALLY FOR OBAMA”.

It made me wonder, are we as parents failing to discuss the real issues and letting our children be influenced by the media?

So I took my own straw poll. I began asking teens starting with my own grandchildren and teens around our church. I found that it is true. Our teens seem to be enthralled with the youth and rhetoric of Obama.

• We as a nation, have always been enamoured by youth, look at Kennedy and, more rcently, Clinton. We have only to persieve youth to be excited at the prospect.

When asked if they understood the real issues they defined the issue as “the US needs change”.

While that is certainly true, the question is what change and how will the change occur?

• More importantly, one has to use the word "Change" to bring a measure of excitement. No matter what the "change" is, it is exciting. Our youth, and population in general, do not really look at real issues, just the promises. At this point, we are facing a promise of change that is close to what Lenin promised and Mao promise. No matter that is is not healthy, it is "Change".

We need fair judges to interpret the constitution not write law. The youth did not know of the issue of appointing Supreme Court Judges and the impact that would have on the future.

We need leaders who will protect our right to Democracy not socialism. By the way the teens could not tell me what socialism is. They thought the plan for national health care was a good thing to give all people medical services. When asked who is not receiving services and how many they could not tell me. When asked of the success of national health care in other countries they could not answer. If you know people in Canada ask them they will tell you it is expensive and it is dismal. We have done such a great job with Social security now is the time to screw up our medical system.

• Isn't that the way that Satan works? What sounds good on the surface? It doesn't sound good to say that people are denied health care because they can't afford it. It does not sound good that children are not getting proper health care. It sounds so good, in fact, that those that oppose such a socialized system sound evil! We are in the same boat with our "Green quasi-religion". It sounds almost evil if you don't prescribe to the green stuff that is being preached but one has to scratch below the surface. What will it cost? What will it cost our environment? Our nation?

We need leaders who are going to restore pride in America not try to convince us that during the most prosperous years of this country we should all be crying gloom and doom.

• Are we in a situation in this country where, if you say a lie often enough, loud enough, that it becomes perseived as the truth?

When asked what the candidate’s position is on abortion the youth did not know did not know. Some said he is pro family but did not know what that meant. When told he was not only a firm supporter of abortion but an activist for it, they were amazed. How could they support a candidate for abortion? One asked me “If that is true how can my mother support him?” A good question for all Christians.

What are our social studies teachers doing?

But then again, the pointing finger has three more pointing back. What are we doing with our children and grandchildren? Are we having frank discussions with them? Do we discuss what the media and unfortunately the teachers and professors fill their minds with?

• It always falls back to the parents but also our society. Our teachers have hands tied. We cannot speak for the majority anymore, even if that is Christian in name. We cannot upset the minority, which may espouse values contrary to the majority. By using false views of history, by using such things as comparing the majority rule to abuse of majority rule, we cannot teach that majority view. We are confronted with a false example such as white abuse of the black minority, which is not the same.

Have a conversation with a teen or college student today. Ask them what is going on in their world and help them understand the truth.

We are the change agent not the media or the candidate. We cannot allow Obama to kill 1/3 of our next generation through abortion.

Thanks for listening

HILLARY CLINTON'S RECORD

Lest we forget who she really is...

Subject: HILLARY CLINTON'S RECORD

Hillary Clinton has been telling America that she is the most qualified candidate for president based on her "record," which she says includes her eight years in the White House as First Lady - or "co-president" and her seven years in the Senate. Here is a reminder of what that record includes:
- As First Lady, Hillary assumed authority over Health Care Reform, a process that cost the taxpayers over $13 million. She told both Bill Bradley and Pat Moynahan, key votes needed to pass her legislation, that she would "demonize "anyone who opposed it. But it was opposed; she couldn't even get it to a vote in a Congress controlled by her own party. (And in the next election, her party lost control of both the House and Senate.)
- Hillary assumed authority over selecting a female Attorney General. Her first two recommendations (Zoe Baird and Kimba Wood) were forced to withdraw their names from consideration, and then she chose Janet Reno. Janet Reno has since been described by Bill himself as "my worst mistake."
- Hillary recommended Lani Guanier for head of the Civil Rights Commission. When Guanier's radical views became known, her name had to be withdrawn.
- Hillary recommended her former law partners, Web Hubbell, Vince Foster, and William Kennedy for positions in the Justice Department, White House staff, and the Treasury,respectively. Hubbell was later imprisoned, Foster committed suicide, and Kennedy was forced to resign.
- Hillary also recommended a close friend of the Clintons, Craig Livingstone for the position of director of White House security. When Livingstone was investigated for the improper access of up to 900 FBI files of Clinton enemies (Filegate) and the widespread use of drugs by White House staff, both Hillary and her husband denied knowing him. (FBI agent Dennis Sculimbrene Confirmed in a Senate Judiciary Committee in 1996 both the drug use and Hillary's involvement in hiring Livingst one. After that, the FBI closed its White House Liaison Office, after serving seven presidents for over thirty years.)
- In order to open "slots" in the White House for her friends the Harry Thomasons (to whom millions of dollars in travel contracts could be awarded), Hillary had the entire staff of the White House Travel Office fired; they were reported to the FBI for "gross mismanagement" and their reputations ruined. After a thirty-month investigation, only one, Billy Dale, was charged with a crime - mixing personal money with White House funds when he cashed checks. The jury acquitted him in less than two hours.
- Another of Hillary's assumed duties was directing the "bimbo eruption squad" and scandal defense: ---- She urged her husband not to settle the Paula Jones lawsuit ---- She refused to release the Whitewater documents, which led to the appointment of Ken Starr as Special Prosecutor After $80 million dollars of taxpayer money was spent, Starr's investigation led to Monica Lewinsky, which led to Bill lying about and later admitting his affairs.
---- Then they had to settle with Paula Jones after all.
---- And Bill lost his law license for lying to the grand jury.
---- And Bill was impeached by the House.
---- And Hillary almost got herself indicted for perjury and obstruction of justice (she avoided it mostly because she repeated, "I do not recall," "I have no recollection," and "I don't know" 56 times under oath).
---- And don't forget her part in Vince Foster's "suicide".
---- Hillary wrote "It Takes a Village," demonstrating her Socialist viewpoint.
- Hillary decided to seek election to the Senate in a state she had never lived in. Her husband pardoned FALN terrorists in order to get Latino support and the New Square Hassidim to get Jewish support. Hillary also had Bill pardon her brother's clients, for a small fee, to get financial support.
- Then Hillary left the White House, but later had to return $200,000 in White House furniture, china, and artwork she had stolen
- In the campaign for the Senate, Hillary played the "woman card" by portraying her opponent (Lazio) as a bully picking on her.
- Hillary's husband further protected her by asking the National Archives to withhold from the public until 2012 many records of their time in the White House, including much of Hillary's correspondence and her calendars. (There are ongoing lawsuits to force the release of those records.)
- As the junior Senator from New York, Hillary has passed no major legislation. She has deferred to the senior Senator (Schumer) to tend to the needs of New Yorkers, even on the hot issue of medical problems of workers involved in the cleanup of Ground Zero after 9/11.
- Hillary's one notable vote, supporting the plan to invade Iraq, she has since disavowed.
Quite a resume, isn't it?

Trying another Video

This is a short tribute to Shirley Beio, my mother, on her birthday. This is the first birthday we will have without her to celebrate.

Rodeo Day at Rainee's School

Well, this is a first for me and the Arroyo Family Blog - VLOG! We are uploading a new VIDEO! This is Rodeo Day at Rainee's school on Feb 1st, 2008. Full of activities, the video is our first attempt at performing full editing and captions for a video, let alone uploading it to our web site! Be kind, enjoy, there should be more to come.

It has been awhile.....

I have been a bit absent in posting for the past few weeks. Well, winter is, kinda, here in Texas. It was definitely windy today and, between the wind and the wild fires, we have been on our toes.

It looks like Linda, at least, will be coming to Oklahoma in a week or so to visit. I wish that I could make the trip but, with school, it just does not look like it is a possibility. We are considering our options as the second semester is upon us.

My school is progressing and I am working on finishing up my certification here in Texas. Where the Lord brings us as Lent approaches, we will see.

I placed a link in the title for the Catholic Voter's Guide at Catholic Answers () Consider the very important issues at hand in this election. It is important to the Arroyo Family that we keep LIFE foremost in mind this election. We have major candidates that are campaigning on such issues as Same Sex Unions, Embryonic Stem Cell Research and Abortion. What are the rights of our children?

God Bless, I hope that you are all doing well this 2008!

Pope Benedict's Prayer Intentions for the New Year - Unity

VATICAN CITY, JAN. 1, 2008(Zenit.org)

- Benedict XVI’s monthly prayer intention will focus on unity during January.

The Apostleship of Prayer announced the general intention chosen by the Pope: "That the Church may strengthen her commitment to full visible unity in order to manifest in an ever growing degree her nature as community of love, in which is reflected the communion of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit."

The Holy Father also chooses an apostolic intention for each month. In January, he will pray that "the Church in Africa, which is preparing to celebrate her Second Special Assembly of the Synod of Bishops, may continue to be the sign and instrument of reconciliation and justice in a continent which is still marked by war exploitation and poverty."

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

The Arroyo's had their Christmas in Keller a bit quietly, the grandkids were in Tulsa and the kids were there as well. Christmas Eve Mass was celebrated at the Cathedral with the Bishop Vann and the 4th Degree Knights of Columbus at Midnight Mass. It was not until the 30th that we celebrated with the kids. The picture above was our Christmas yesterday.

More to come later....

J.

Phillip's Wish

Instead of flowers, several donated blankets to Phillip's Wish.

Memories from Ron

Thank you Ron for your memories. These three Photos help those along a bit.
This is Grandma Beio with Great Granddaughter Amiya Arroyo - daughter of Grandson Matthew Arroyo.
Grandma Beio with Grandson Michael Arroyo.
Recent High School Graduate, Shirley Anne McGrew.

Shirley McGrew Beio

I remember her big smile and her great sense of humor.

I remember her contagious laugh.

I remember how easily she was moved to tears at a sad story.

I remember her love for dogs.

I remember her tom-boyish ways.

I remember how proud I was that she was the first in the family to graduate from collage. Even beyond that to receive a Masters Degree. How she chose to live a life of serving others. Not only in the United States Army, but to help those with mental problems.

Although Shirley had many physical problems in her last years she never stopped smiling. She never stopped thinking of ways to help other. She had a great love for her husband Taft, brother Bob and her children Tony and Christina.

There are so many hero's in Shirley's life. Those who cared and took care of Shirley's physical and emotional needs. God will reward you for everything you have done to make Shirley's burden's lighter.

Along with many others I will miss my sweet cousin. I will miss all her emails and things we shared. Life will not be the same without her. I know this is true for all of us.

Our love to you all,

Ron and Carol Ellison

Memories from Jack Ellison

This is Mom with her Aunt Claudia and Grandpa AF Lawrence that Jack refers to in his email. This is the link to go to the Obituary. http://www.schaudtfuneralservice.com/

SHIRLEY
My Beautiful Friend and Cousin

I have many wonderful memories of Shirley and I will share a few with you.

We were very close and she referred to herself as my sister and signed all of her correspondence to me as "Sis".

When our parents were young they would all assemble at our aunt Claudia and Uncle Cliffords home every week end and most of the time more often than that. Shirley, her brother Bob, me and my brother Ron were together a lot. Normally on Saturday our parents would take us to the Royal theatre on 11th St. where we would watch a western movie with Roy Rogers, Gene Autry or another and what they called a serial. The serial was like a continued story each week to bring you back. Shirley and I must have been 10 or 11 years old. The price of the movie was .10 cents unless you were over 12. They always insisted Shirley was older than 12 because she grew large breasts very early. We loved it when she would play football with us so we could tackle her body. She was a beautiful young lady.

Our aunt Claudia was the matriarch of our family and loved us children more than anything. Each one of us thought we were her favorite but I'm sure Shirley was her favorite. She was the nicest person I ever knew and a big influence on all our lives. I think Shirley tried to emulate her and did a very good job of it. I'm sure aunt Claudia was one of the first to help guide her on her journey to heaven. I look forward to both of them being there for me.

Shirley and I went to Cleveland Junior High School together. I was in band and Shirley was in orchestra. She played the viola and was the instructors pet. She was very talented and smart. She also was a very good artist. I remember her drawings of beautiful ladies.

We shared our feelings and thoughts of life and religion. The internet brought us back together as we corresponded weekly.

I was fortunate to spend time with her this year when she had her first cataract surgery and shared our love that we always maintained.

I know that she can feel the feelings I have for her now.

Thank You Dear God for letting us have Shirley to share in our lives.

All My Love,

Jack