I usually try to stay out of political discussions, but I have been having a tough time making my decision this year. I have been bouncing back and forth, but this is an interesting article that seems to be making a big impact on things.
A Chilling Look at an Obama Presidency
Focus on the Family Action
Click Here for the article
The letter is entitled "Letter from 2012 in Obama’s America" and is posted on the CitizenLink/Focus on the Family Action, Inc. website.
It hasn't really helped me finalize my decision, but maybe it will help someone else out there.
A Huge Thank-You to Everyone
I just wanted to thank all of you who kept our family in your prayers for the past week or so. In case you have not heard, Baby Logan’s test results came back, and he is perfectly healthy! It was a very strange time for us - up and down like a roller coaster…so glad to have a new baby in the family, and then 10 days later to be worried that he could have a terrible affliction, finally to find out on Friday (a little over a week later) that he is healthy. What a strange time for us all. I can only imagine what Scott and Jessica (Logan’s parents) were going through. And again, Curt and I were reminded how difficult it is living far away from family members. We were also reminded that God hears prayers…He hears us when we cry out (just like we have been learning at New Hope the last two weeks)!
Roller Sports Links
Toward the bottom of this page, I have posted several roller skating-related links for anyone who would like to learn more about the sport that I am so into.
Why is picking a costume so difficult?
Last Year's Haunted Castle Set-Up at the Baun Residence
I can’t understand why, every year, I seem to have the most difficult time coming up with a Halloween costume for myself. Curt and I have a reputation in our neighborhood of being one of the scariest houses on the street. We had a new neighbor move in two houses down last year, who gave us a run for our money, and now we even have the house in between getting into the game (although on a much smaller scale). So, because of the “scariest houses” reputation, I feel that I have to do this every year for fear of letting the neighborhood kids down.
This year, we have put up the haunted castle - shown in the photos above (although it’s in a different spot this year). I’d also like to get the cemetery set up on the other side of the castle, since we moved it this year. We’ll have the fog going, scary music playing, and caution tape everywhere the night of trick-or-treat…but I still have no clue what to do for my costume.
If anyone has any suggestions, I’ll take anything into consideration…time is really getting short.If you're in the neighborhood, feel free to drive by and check out the haunted castle. It wouldn't be the first time we had people just walking into our front yard to check it out! :) (Don't ask!!)
This year, we have put up the haunted castle - shown in the photos above (although it’s in a different spot this year). I’d also like to get the cemetery set up on the other side of the castle, since we moved it this year. We’ll have the fog going, scary music playing, and caution tape everywhere the night of trick-or-treat…but I still have no clue what to do for my costume.
If anyone has any suggestions, I’ll take anything into consideration…time is really getting short.If you're in the neighborhood, feel free to drive by and check out the haunted castle. It wouldn't be the first time we had people just walking into our front yard to check it out! :) (Don't ask!!)
How Do You Save a Dying Sport?
Those of you reading this may or may not know that Curt and I are figure skating coaches, although it’s probably not the type of figure skating you are used to seeing. Our figure skaters are on roller skates, not ice skates. Yes, roller skates...and not inline skates, the “old fashioned” quad skates.
(In fact, we are former competitors, ourselves.) Curt and I mostly specialize in Dance and Figures, but Curt is also skilled in Freestyle.
It is probably one of the most frustrating sports in which we could participate, simply because no one really knows that it even exists! Did you know that roller figure skating (formerly called “artistic” skating) has regional and national championships every year? We even have world championships every year and have skaters that participates in the PanAm Games. (In case you didn't notice, the one major event missing is the Olympics, which I have given up on, personally.) Roller Skating is huge in many other countries. In fact, roller skaters in many South American countries are considered celebrities! They are actually mobbed for photos and autographs when entering arenas for competitions. (Can you believe it?)
Last season (earlier this year), I had my first competitive skater go to the Regional Championships in Michigan. Unfortunately, she has since given up skating (which happens quite often when kids reach their teenage years). So, I am currently down to one skater, who is an adult beginner. My husband is down to the fewest number of skaters he has ever coached, and he is considering dropping it altogether. We've tried blaming the economy for the declining numbers, but since roller skating is one of the least expensive sports to participate in, we can’t really use that as an excuse (except for those students who would drive hours - yes, hours - for lessons and practice).
Instead of dropping it, I am wondering how we can get it to pick up a little again. I've tried the usual routes of advertising (posters/hand-outs in the rink, contacting newspapers and TV stations), but nothing seems to be helping at this point. I’m also trying to find a way to make the sport appeal to kids. We have coached all age groups - from age 8 to age 78 (and that’s not an exaggeration!) - but without bringing in some “new blood,” the sport will be non-existent in our area in 10 years. (I actually only give it 5 years.)
The worst part about it is that Ohio is one of the biggest states for roller skating. Our state has some of the largest skate clubs in the country. So, why can’t we find any skaters? Any ideas, suggestions, questions, etc. would be greatly appreciated!
(For more information on competitive, artistic/figure skating, check out http://rollersports.usoc.org/, and under "Disciplines," click on "Figure.")
(In fact, we are former competitors, ourselves.) Curt and I mostly specialize in Dance and Figures, but Curt is also skilled in Freestyle.It is probably one of the most frustrating sports in which we could participate, simply because no one really knows that it even exists! Did you know that roller figure skating (formerly called “artistic” skating) has regional and national championships every year? We even have world championships every year and have skaters that participates in the PanAm Games. (In case you didn't notice, the one major event missing is the Olympics, which I have given up on, personally.) Roller Skating is huge in many other countries. In fact, roller skaters in many South American countries are considered celebrities! They are actually mobbed for photos and autographs when entering arenas for competitions. (Can you believe it?)
Last season (earlier this year), I had my first competitive skater go to the Regional Championships in Michigan. Unfortunately, she has since given up skating (which happens quite often when kids reach their teenage years). So, I am currently down to one skater, who is an adult beginner. My husband is down to the fewest number of skaters he has ever coached, and he is considering dropping it altogether. We've tried blaming the economy for the declining numbers, but since roller skating is one of the least expensive sports to participate in, we can’t really use that as an excuse (except for those students who would drive hours - yes, hours - for lessons and practice).
Instead of dropping it, I am wondering how we can get it to pick up a little again. I've tried the usual routes of advertising (posters/hand-outs in the rink, contacting newspapers and TV stations), but nothing seems to be helping at this point. I’m also trying to find a way to make the sport appeal to kids. We have coached all age groups - from age 8 to age 78 (and that’s not an exaggeration!) - but without bringing in some “new blood,” the sport will be non-existent in our area in 10 years. (I actually only give it 5 years.)
The worst part about it is that Ohio is one of the biggest states for roller skating. Our state has some of the largest skate clubs in the country. So, why can’t we find any skaters? Any ideas, suggestions, questions, etc. would be greatly appreciated!
(For more information on competitive, artistic/figure skating, check out http://rollersports.usoc.org/, and under "Disciplines," click on "Figure.")
Roller Skating Association International Celebrates National Roller Skating Month
In October of 2008, the Roller Skating Association International (RSA), along with skating center owners across the country and worldwide, will celebrate National Roller Skating Month. Their objective is to promote the health, fitness, and fun benefits of roller skating.
Roller skating has been known for decades as a safe, fun activity for children, teens and families, and now those same people are recognizing that roller skating provides a major means of physical fitness and a fun addition to leading a healthy lifestyle. Roller skating provides a complete aerobic workout and involves using all of the body’s muscles, especially the heart, and is a great activity to help fight the growing problem of childhood obesity. In conjunction with the President’s Challenge, a program of the President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports, the RSA introduced a national fitness program called Skate A Million Miles that targeted children and reminded parents and other consumers that roller skating is a fun and healthy activity for everyone, especially young people.
Skating continues to be an economical, fun and safe source of family entertainment in an increasingly challenging economy and is a great opportunity for children and teens to develop new friendships in their community. In addition to skating, some roller skating centers now offer other activity-oriented entertainment options, such as climbing walls, soft play climbing areas or laser tag.
Roller Skating Association International, is a not-for-profit trade association representing skating center owners and operators; teachers, coaches and judges of roller skating. The association is the leading advocate for one of America’s most traditional and popular recreational sports. For more information on roller skating, or to locate a center near you, visit the RSA’s website at www.rollerskating.org or contact the RSA office at 317-347-2626.
Media Contact:
John Purcell
317-347-2626
jpurcell@rollerskating.com
Roller Skating Association Intl.
(317) 347-2626
rsa@rollerskating.com
Roller skating has been known for decades as a safe, fun activity for children, teens and families, and now those same people are recognizing that roller skating provides a major means of physical fitness and a fun addition to leading a healthy lifestyle. Roller skating provides a complete aerobic workout and involves using all of the body’s muscles, especially the heart, and is a great activity to help fight the growing problem of childhood obesity. In conjunction with the President’s Challenge, a program of the President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports, the RSA introduced a national fitness program called Skate A Million Miles that targeted children and reminded parents and other consumers that roller skating is a fun and healthy activity for everyone, especially young people.
Skating continues to be an economical, fun and safe source of family entertainment in an increasingly challenging economy and is a great opportunity for children and teens to develop new friendships in their community. In addition to skating, some roller skating centers now offer other activity-oriented entertainment options, such as climbing walls, soft play climbing areas or laser tag.
Roller Skating Association International, is a not-for-profit trade association representing skating center owners and operators; teachers, coaches and judges of roller skating. The association is the leading advocate for one of America’s most traditional and popular recreational sports. For more information on roller skating, or to locate a center near you, visit the RSA’s website at www.rollerskating.org or contact the RSA office at 317-347-2626.
Media Contact:
John Purcell
317-347-2626
jpurcell@rollerskating.com
Roller Skating Association Intl.
(317) 347-2626
rsa@rollerskating.com
Awaiting Logan's Arrival - UPDATE
Logan Alexander Baun (our third grandson) arrived at 1:25 this morning. He was 6 pounds, 11 ounces, and 19 inches long. According to his daddy, he has a full head of dark hair, and Mama and Baby are both doing well. As soon as I have pictures, I'll share!
Awaiting Logan’s Arrival
How exciting is this? Logan (our third grandson) may be coming any day now, instead of at the end of the month, and we are so excited while awaiting his arrival! For those of you who may not know, Curt’s son and daughter-in-law, Scott and Jessica, are expecting the arrival of their second son, Logan, any day now. Logan will be Ethan’s little brother, who I’m sure you’ve heard me talk about (especially since we just visited them in Myrtle Beach, SC). Our other grandson, Matthew, lives here in Youngstown with his parents, Bill (Curt’s oldest) and Amy.
Logan was supposed to be due on Halloween. However, after Jessica’s doctor appointment last week, they moved up his due date to October 10-17. Then, after her appointment yesterday, they adjusted again to be this weekend! We’re really hoping he comes today, since that would give us a birthday on October 3 (Logan), November 3 (Curt/Grandpa), and December 3 (Me/Grandma)! So, we are armed with our cell phones, and I’m sure I’ll jump every time mine rings today!
Anyway, I just love this part of things - the speculating…what will he look like? What color hair will he have? How big will he be? I’m sure all parents/grandparents go through it, but since I’ve never had children, I don’t really know. I’ve only been through it with Jacob (my nephew), Megan (my niece), Ethan, Matthew, and now Logan (our grandsons). The thing that I find funny is the fact that it is no less exciting no matter how many times I go through it! ;)
When Ethan was born, I celebrated (in Las Vegas) with a mini-bottle of champagne. I think that I’d better go get another one!
Logan was supposed to be due on Halloween. However, after Jessica’s doctor appointment last week, they moved up his due date to October 10-17. Then, after her appointment yesterday, they adjusted again to be this weekend! We’re really hoping he comes today, since that would give us a birthday on October 3 (Logan), November 3 (Curt/Grandpa), and December 3 (Me/Grandma)! So, we are armed with our cell phones, and I’m sure I’ll jump every time mine rings today!
Anyway, I just love this part of things - the speculating…what will he look like? What color hair will he have? How big will he be? I’m sure all parents/grandparents go through it, but since I’ve never had children, I don’t really know. I’ve only been through it with Jacob (my nephew), Megan (my niece), Ethan, Matthew, and now Logan (our grandsons). The thing that I find funny is the fact that it is no less exciting no matter how many times I go through it! ;)
When Ethan was born, I celebrated (in Las Vegas) with a mini-bottle of champagne. I think that I’d better go get another one!
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