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Originally uploaded by cathymccaughan.

Doug spent the day with Boy Scouts. I spent the day ice skating and playing outside. I spent the evening with a group of bloggers. They talked politics and nobody got riled. Thanks Rich!

Be sure to visit your local Godiva shop today and tomorrow for a free sample from their new “gold” collection - Raspberry Ganache Twirl, Milk Ganache Bliss, Macadamia Mosaic, Almond Praline Raindrop, Raspberry Caramel Duet, Midnight Swirl, White Chocolate Bliss and Praline Crescent. Yummy!

Amy says - “Mom, you sound like a man when you talk.”

A childhood memory or just some meaningless words?

My mother needs to get out of rehab soon. My father has gone from complaining about his laundry to making death threats against her cat. It’s a good thing her dog is still staying with us.

Tennessee has decided that juvenile offenders are NOT entitled to a jury trial. I find this incredibly naive and short-sighted legislation. Do they think that a “Detention Assessment Tool” will in any way make up for juveniles who are wrongly accused? Have you never found a Judge to have personal prejudice or make mistakes? There is no rehabilitation that occurs once a juvenile has been incarcerated at Taft or anyplace like it. Taft is just where Brushy Mountain’s future residents go to learn new skills and lose hope for their futures. TCCY, will you fight for the justice of Tennessee’s juveniles?

I like Barry. He reminds me of my youngest brother. Just like I sometimes do with my baby brother, I’m going to have to agree to disagree with Barry on the topic of ‘picking your battles‘. I have five very different children. Each of them is treated just as differently. However, none of them is disciplined or trained the same way that we trained our very well-behaved German Shepherd. They are unique individuals who are being raised to think for themselves and learn from their mistakes. I think that Doug and I are very strict about expecting honesty and respect from our children. In other areas we are much more liberal than other parents. We know that. The most harmless example I can think of is hair. While they aren’t allowed freedom with permanent things like tattoos or piercings, they are allowed to do what they want with their hair. I may think it’s stupid when Sarah combs her hair over one eye, but that is a battle I won’t fight. The grandparents all hate Tommy’s long hair but that is not a battle we will fight with Tommy OR the grandparents. Doug will tell you that I am a bit over-sensitive about clothing. While we both agree that underwear can’t show and t-shirts should not be crude or rude, I expect clothing to be clean and matching. Doug thinks color and style clashes should be ignored but he lets me have my hang-ups. I won’t even begin to explain the importance of picking battles with a special needs child. I pick my battles. Do you pick your battles?

Sixteen-month-old stands in front of fridge, desk, cabinet and a dozen other places with his right arm outstretched. While opening and closing his tiny fist in a ‘gimme’ gesture, he repeats “this” over and over again with increasing volume and urgency. Mom holds up item after item in an effort to determine which “this” he wants until success is finally achieved. He smiles, walks away clutching the treasure and throws it down on the ground. Then, the tiny voice is heard again. “This, this, THIS!”

“I can’t believe they aren’t letting me out of rehab this week. Chat, chat, chat and I fell out of my wheelchair this morning. Chat, chat, chat, but I bumped into something and ripped my leg open today. I didn’t know it until the physical therapist saw the blood everywhere. Chat, chat, chat. I just don’t understand why they think I need another week here.”

If I was part of the easily-offended pc crowd, I would have some complaints about Handy Manny. Since I’m not, I’ll just note that Disney is getting really slipshod with their animation.