Becoming Selective

Liam is now responding to my presence, my voice, and even my facial expressions by kicking and waving his arms. My baby, who up to this point, smiled at everyone he met, is also beginning to be picky about the company he keeps.

In large groups or with unfamiliar people, my baby needs time to get comfortable. This first became apparent for Donovans surprise 30th birthday party. I have to allow for transition time with strangers or when leaving him with a sitter.

When he's safely in my arms, though, he's interested in interacting with other people — especially noisy, boisterous children because they're more active, more amusing to a baby, and physically less imposing.

They say each step is a milestone!

Now on to feeding him solids. This begins Monday...

Funeral Services

Funeral Services for Bruce Hoffman will be held on Friday, June 26th @ 10AM at Queen Of Heaven Catholic Church in Albuquerque. Please come and celebrate his life!

In Loving Memory of Dr. Bruce W. Hoffman

1 Thessalonians 4:14
We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him.

It is with deep sorrow that I am typing this post. Today, Fathers Day 2009, Our good friend has went to be with the Lord. Dr. Bruce W. Hoffman is a very special man. Since Donovan was a little boy, Bruce has been a father figure to him. Today the Lord has called him home, and we are very sadend to know we will not see him in this life, but in a better life to come.

Bruce was a very positive role model to my husband and I. He always had great advice to give, interesting stories to tell, and wonderful words of wisdom. He also had a great love for the Lord. He spoke about the Lord with a passion, and I know that he is sitting up in heaven right now telling the Lord about the great life he had and about his wonderful sons Nathan and Luke.

We will miss you dearly Bruce. Donovan and I will take great care of your sons. Pleaes rest in peace knowing that everyone loves you. Someday we will meet again in heaven and I know you will be standing there just waiting anxiously to introduce me and show me around!

Kept

I Am a 'Kept' Woman

You see, there were a few times when I thought I
would lose my mind,

But GOD kept me sane. (Isa. 26:3)

There were times when I thought I could go no longer,

But the LORD kept me moving. (Gen 28:15)

At times, I've wanted to lash out at those whom I
felt had done me wrong,But the LORD kept my mouth shut.. (Psa. 13)

Sometimes, I think the money just isn't enough,But GOD has helped me to keep
the lights on, the water on, the car paid, the house paid, etc.., (Matt. 6:25 -34)

When I thought I would fall, HE kept me up. When I thought I was weak, HE kept
me strong! (I Pet. 5:7, Matt.11:28-30)

I could go on and on and on, but I'm sure you hear
me!

I'm blessed to be 'kept'

Insurance

You are probably wondering why in the world I am writing about insurance. Well... When I as in banking I sold a lot of insurance policies, and have had a lot to do with insurance companies. For goodness sake, I was considered an insurance rep by the insurance company not a banker... so on to my post.

For the first couple of days after his flight ditched into the Hudson River, one passenger in particular was just glad to be alive. But then he started to need his laptop, his wallet, his car keys -- all the essentials he had stowed under his seat and left behind in the sinking plane. Not to mention all the valuables he had in his luggage.

A pleasant woman at US Airways told him not to worry; he would be made whole for his losses. But then the matter shifted to US Airways' insurer, the American International Group, operating under government stewardship since its bailout last fall.

Tess Sosa, who was aboard Flight 1549 with her husband, 4-year-old daughter and infant son, said she suffered a mild concussion during the landing, and her husband was treated for a leg injury and hypothermia. The family, from New York, continues to get hospital bills. But her top priority was getting the insurer to pay for therapy to reduce the risk of post-traumatic stress disorder for her and her daughter.

Because the plane was full on the day of the accident, she and her baby were seated near the wings, while her husband and daughter were far in the rear. The plane struck the water tail-first, and water began pouring in where Mr. Sosa and daughter Sophia were sitting.

Ms. Sosa, clambering over seats toward the front of the plane with her son in her arms, looked back and caught a horrifying glimpse of her husband standing in the deepening water, trying to hold their daughter above the surface. Since that horrific day, A.I.G. agents have told her that for therapy she should use her own health insurance, but it has a $3,000 deductible for mental health care.

When a homeowner has a burglary or a driver has a crash, all it normally takes is a call to the insurance company and a description of the loss to activate the policy. But aviation liability insurance is different. It is activated by a finding of negligence on the part of an airline. If there is no negligence, then arguably there is no liability, and no obligation to pay claims.

The insurance business is a very scandelous business. Unfortunatley, these passengers will never see any money from AIG for there losses.

*some of this post was taken directly from a "New York Times" article.

Back to School

Donovan and I have both been talking for about 2 months on whether we should both go back to school and pursue our Masters degrees. When I received my Bachelor degree I told myself I was DONE with school. I was tired and worn out.Two years later, I am reconsidering my Masters.

We both went and talked to an enrollment counselor yesterday (baby in tow, that was interesting). Of course, the counselor convinced BOTH of us that it was time to come back.

We both decided that we are going for our MBA. I haven't decided if I want to get just a straight MBA or do a concentration in accountancy or human resources. I don't know what I want to do my MBA in and I am stuck.

I am going to stay at in the Federal Government until I retire because of the great benefits! However, what degree will benefit me more?... We both start classes on June 30th (thank you Dawnelle for volunteering to babysit on class night), so we are both SUPER excited. Both of us are going back full time, so we will have our Masters in 18 months!

Please pray that I can figure out what I want to do. Don is going for a straight MBA, and I might as well, I just cant decide if I want to do a concentration or not. Hmmmmm.

Wish us luck!

Women

Women have strengths that amaze men.
They bear hardships and they carry burdens,
but they hold happiness, love and joy.

They smile when they want to scream.
They sing when they want to cry.
They cry when they are happy
and laugh when they are nervous..
They fight for what they believe in.
They stand up to injustice.

They don't take "no" for an answer
when they believe there is a better solution.

They go without so their family can have.
They go to the doctor with a frightened friend.
They love unconditionally.
They cry when their children excel
and cheer when their friends get awards.

They are happy when they hear about
a birth or a wedding.
Their hearts break when a friend dies.
They grieve at the loss of a family member,
yet they are strong when they
think there is no strength left.
They know that a hug and a kiss
can heal a broken heart.

Women come in all shapes, sizes and colors.

They'll drive, fly, walk, run or e-mail you
to show how much they care about you.

The heart of a woman is what
makes the world keep turning.

They bring joy, hope and love.
They have compassion and ideas.
They give moral support to their
family and friends.

Women have vital things to say
and everything to give.

HOWEVER, IF THERE IS ONE FLAW IN WOMEN,
IT IS THAT THEY FORGET THEIR WORTH.