Top Ten Quotes that fit the Theme of NZ Summer Camp

The past is left behind, the present is now, so lets enjoy the gift, for we may not have the future of tomorrow... 

If he feels like he's irreplaceable, he'll most likely replace you someday.

I've always hated cheaters... No tolerance for someone who doesn't have the guts to end something. Respect who you're with!

Until you're broken, you dont know what you are made of.  Being Broken gives you the ability to build yourself all over again, but stronger than ever. 

Sometimes its not about moving on,its just taking a break from everything, and concentrating on yourself,because at the end;who's there?YOU.

Fairy tales are more than true, not because the evil people exist, but because they can never win.

An honest friend is a precious gift; wrapped carefully with sincerity, affection, trust, concern and love.

Love made me blind, so I couldnt see. All the lies you told, right in front of me.

Don't need someone that sees only the good. Need someone that sees the bad and still wants to be with you.

Your best efforts will never be enough when your best efforts are being wasted on the wrong person.

A BIG THANKS! goes out to all our Camp Counselors, especially Rachel who not only was in charge of housing but won Employee of the Month for going above and beyond expectations.  Well Done!

As our summer comes to an end, lets review what we have learned......

If you want to be trusted, be upfront and honest. If you want to be accepted, surround yourself with people who have your best interests at heart, even if you don't. If you want to be respected, you have to respect yourself first. If you want to be loved, love others with your actions not just your heart. If you don't want a life full of Drama, stop being easily offended. If you
want to find a good man, be a good woman. I you want a good relationship, listen to advice from the couples who already have that. If you want to know how to make the right choice, listen to what your spirit has been whispering to you before you are unable to hear it at all. I think we usually start off knowing what we SHOULD do, but we lack the courage to act accordingly. Just remember...If you want to ignore your spirit, there will always be consequences that will be more difficult than that original choice. If at any point in your life you find yourself feeling alone, embarrassed or hurting - please know you can count on me to grab tightly to your arm the instant you reach out for help. And finally, if you feel you've lost your Faith, exercise some and be patient... that's when miracles happen. 

Love, 

The past is left behind, the present is now, so lets enjoy the gift, for we may not have the future of tomorrow... 

If he feels like he's irreplaceable, he'll most likely replace you someday.

I've always hated cheaters... No tolerance for someone who doesn't have the guts to end something. Respect who you're with!

Until you're broken, you dont know what you are made of.  Being Broken gives you the ability to build yourself all over again, but stronger than ever. 

Sometimes its not about moving on,its just taking a break from everything, and concentrating on yourself,because at the end;who's there?YOU.

Fairy tales are more than true, not because the evil people exist, but because they can never win.

An honest friend is a precious gift; wrapped carefully with sincerity, affection, trust, concern and love.

Love made me blind, so I couldnt see. All the lies you told, right in front of me.

Don't need someone that sees only the good. Need someone that sees the bad and still wants to be with you.

Your best efforts will never be enough when your best efforts are being wasted on the wrong person.

A BIG THANKS! goes out to all our Camp Counselors, especially Rachel who not only was in charge of housing but won Employee of the Month for going above and beyond expectations.  Well Done!

As our summer comes to an end, lets review what we have learned......

If you want to be trusted, be upfront and honest. If you want to be accepted, surround yourself with people who have your best interests at heart, even if you don't. If you want to be respected, you have to respect yourself first. If you want to be loved, love others with your actions not just your heart. If you don't want a life full of Drama, stop being easily offended. If you
want to find a good man, be a good woman. I you want a good relationship, listen to advice from the couples who already have that. If you want to know how to make the right choice, listen to what your spirit has been whispering to you before you are unable to hear it at all. I think we usually start off knowing what we SHOULD do, but we lack the courage to act accordingly. Just remember...If you want to ignore your spirit, there will always be consequences that will be more difficult than that original choice. If at any point in your life you find yourself feeling alone, embarrassed or hurting - please know you can count on me to grab tightly to your arm the instant you reach out for help. And finally, if you feel you've lost your Faith, exercise some and be patient... that's when miracles happen. 

Love, 

Quotes I LOVED this week

In life you will find that some people are too busy for you, while they will make some time for you every once in a while, they will only fit you into their schedule when it is really convenient for them. 

Instead of wasting your time on these people, make your time dedicated to those who are dedicated to doing the same. You know, the people who never look at their schedule when you need them. 

Life is much too short to waste time on people who don't really care for us deep down. There may be people who see helping you as a benefit to them someday in the future, and we have to be able to spot these people when we see them. When someone shows you who they really are believe them the first time, and love the people who show their loyalty, instead of those who show no sense of urgency when you are in trouble.

Choosing to be honest is crucial to becoming who you aspire to be, because it allows you to act as honestly as possible to who you really are deep down. Being honest may not be the best way to get an overflowing amount of friends, but who wants friends that you can't be open and honest with anyway? Your friends should be people that you can be open and honest with at all times, not just when it is convenient for them to hear the truth. 

The right friends for you are those who are willing to be open and honest with you, and will allow you to do the same, without condemnation, and with the intent to help each other grow and move to greater heights. 

Be wary of those who only seem to leave you broken and that don't help to build! Everyone needs some constructive criticism, but it has to be that, constructive.

When we are dealing with forgiveness we have to realize that being able to forgive is more than a choice that we should make, instead, it is a choice we have to make. It is in our best interest to forgive because if we dont waive our feelings of negativity and our desire for another person to be condemned, we will be condemned ourselves. 

Forgiveness isn't so much for the person that we need to forgive, it is actually more for ourselves and for our own well being. We can choose to hold on to the pain that a person may have caused us in the past, but doing so will only lead us to a point to where we will stop functioning. 

Remember that being able to forgive is a trait of someone who is strong, not really a trait of someone who has a weak mind.

 

When we are dealing with forgiveness we have to realize that being able to forgive is more than a choice that we should make, instead, it is a choice we have to make. It is in our best interest to forgive because if we dont waive our feelings of negativity and our desire for another person to be condemned, we will be condemned ourselves.

Forgiveness isn't so much for the person that we need to forgive, it is actually more for ourselves and for our own well being. We can choose to hold on to the pain that a person may have caused us in the past, but doing so will only lead us to a point to where we will stop functioning. Remember that being able to forgive is a trait of someone who is strong, not really a trait of someone who has a weak mind.

In life you will find that some people are too busy for you, while they will make some time for you every once in a while, they will only fit you into their schedule when it is really convenient for them. 

Instead of wasting your time on these people, make your time dedicated to those who are dedicated to doing the same. You know, the people who never look at their schedule when you need them. 

Life is much too short to waste time on people who don't really care for us deep down. There may be people who see helping you as a benefit to them someday in the future, and we have to be able to spot these people when we see them. When someone shows you who they really are believe them the first time, and love the people who show their loyalty, instead of those who show no sense of urgency when you are in trouble.

Choosing to be honest is crucial to becoming who you aspire to be, because it allows you to act as honestly as possible to who you really are deep down. Being honest may not be the best way to get an overflowing amount of friends, but who wants friends that you can't be open and honest with anyway? Your friends should be people that you can be open and honest with at all times, not just when it is convenient for them to hear the truth. 

The right friends for you are those who are willing to be open and honest with you, and will allow you to do the same, without condemnation, and with the intent to help each other grow and move to greater heights. 

Be wary of those who only seem to leave you broken and that don't help to build! Everyone needs some constructive criticism, but it has to be that, constructive.

When we are dealing with forgiveness we have to realize that being able to forgive is more than a choice that we should make, instead, it is a choice we have to make. It is in our best interest to forgive because if we dont waive our feelings of negativity and our desire for another person to be condemned, we will be condemned ourselves. 

Forgiveness isn't so much for the person that we need to forgive, it is actually more for ourselves and for our own well being. We can choose to hold on to the pain that a person may have caused us in the past, but doing so will only lead us to a point to where we will stop functioning. 

Remember that being able to forgive is a trait of someone who is strong, not really a trait of someone who has a weak mind.

 

When we are dealing with forgiveness we have to realize that being able to forgive is more than a choice that we should make, instead, it is a choice we have to make. It is in our best interest to forgive because if we dont waive our feelings of negativity and our desire for another person to be condemned, we will be condemned ourselves.

Forgiveness isn't so much for the person that we need to forgive, it is actually more for ourselves and for our own well being. We can choose to hold on to the pain that a person may have caused us in the past, but doing so will only lead us to a point to where we will stop functioning. Remember that being able to forgive is a trait of someone who is strong, not really a trait of someone who has a weak mind.

Why, be the Other when you should be the Only?

Why would you ever choose to settle to be someone's second option?

There is so much greatness inside of you that if someone isn't willing to devote their all to you, you should never let them take advantage of them by giving them your all. When we choose to allow love to blossom in our lives, be sure to pick the flower that will be there in both the sunshine, and in the rain. Someone who isn't dedicated to being with you through it all, and who would even make an attempt to give someone else the love you deserve, doesn't deserve you!

Instead of settling for being second fiddle to someone make sure that you not only know your worth, but believe in yourself as well, if you can't believe in yourself, you surely won't believe that you are good enough to be someones rock, or someones one and only.

Why would you ever choose to settle to be someone's second option?

There is so much greatness inside of you that if someone isn't willing to devote their all to you, you should never let them take advantage of them by giving them your all. When we choose to allow love to blossom in our lives, be sure to pick the flower that will be there in both the sunshine, and in the rain. Someone who isn't dedicated to being with you through it all, and who would even make an attempt to give someone else the love you deserve, doesn't deserve you!

Instead of settling for being second fiddle to someone make sure that you not only know your worth, but believe in yourself as well, if you can't believe in yourself, you surely won't believe that you are good enough to be someones rock, or someones one and only.

That's awesome BlogHer!

Got this email yesterday:

Dear June;
I'll be adding your post,  https://www.blogher.com/my-new-neighbor-registered-sex-offender, as a featured member post in the Family topic on BlogHer.com, on Tuesday, August 14, 2012 around 12 PM PDT.
We'll be promoting your post in various ways, which includes Twitter -- we also may discuss it on Facebook and/or placement within the BlogHer network. Follow @BlogHer and @BlogHerFamily, and like us on Facebook so you can jump in any discussions we may have!
Featured Member posts may undergo light copyediting and a potential title change for SEO Purposes. I'll be adding the attached image to your post in order to feature it.
Please help us promote this post on your Facebook and Twitter accounts and @BlogHer when you do! We’d love to see you in the comments on your post, as well.
Thanks for publishing such a fantastic post on BlogHer.com. Please let me know if you have any questions.

Congratulations!
Jenna Hatfield 

Family Section Editor | @BlogHerFamily

Kind of cool!  You can check out my post at BlogHer.com on the front page, under the "WHAT'S HOT!"  section. 

Thanks again BlogHer!

Got this email yesterday:

Dear June;
I'll be adding your post,  https://www.blogher.com/my-new-neighbor-registered-sex-offender, as a featured member post in the Family topic on BlogHer.com, on Tuesday, August 14, 2012 around 12 PM PDT.
We'll be promoting your post in various ways, which includes Twitter -- we also may discuss it on Facebook and/or placement within the BlogHer network. Follow @BlogHer and @BlogHerFamily, and like us on Facebook so you can jump in any discussions we may have!
Featured Member posts may undergo light copyediting and a potential title change for SEO Purposes. I'll be adding the attached image to your post in order to feature it.
Please help us promote this post on your Facebook and Twitter accounts and @BlogHer when you do! We’d love to see you in the comments on your post, as well.
Thanks for publishing such a fantastic post on BlogHer.com. Please let me know if you have any questions.

Congratulations!
Jenna Hatfield 

Family Section Editor | @BlogHerFamily

Kind of cool!  You can check out my post at BlogHer.com on the front page, under the "WHAT'S HOT!"  section. 

Thanks again BlogHer!

Last day to enter!

Is Connecticut really THAT amazing?  Enter for your chance to find out!

https://www.blogher.com/connecticut-tourism?from=bottom

Is Connecticut really THAT amazing?  Enter for your chance to find out!

https://www.blogher.com/connecticut-tourism?from=bottom

Quotes

Martina McBride - Teenage Daughters

Thousands

Helpless at the Amusement Park

I am on an amusement park ride that slowly takes its passengers to the top of the tower.  
I am seated on one side and my child is seated directly behind me on the other side.  We fasten our safty harnesses and we begin to slowly move upward. She's never wanted to go on this ride before.

With every foot that passes, the fear of heights kicks in.  The higher we go, the more I start to get concerned about what’s going on.  Because we are so very alike, I assume that child of mine is beginning to panic a bit.  She has always been scared of heights.    

Half way up the tower I do the only thing I CAN do to help her.  I yell loudly, "It's Okay Honey!  You cant see me but I'm right here! I'll be riding with you the whole way down! It will be over soon".  My daughter is a strong girl… I’m sure she’ll be okay.

The ride stops for a moment at the top. I wait in silence for a reply.  Something... Anything, to tell me she is okay.  I hear nothing at all and then we free-fall to the bottom.  I hear screaming, both her's and mine.  It's over quickly and I hope we never go on this ride again.  I hop down off the seat, slip my sandals back on and walk to the other side just in time to hear the cute boy running the Tower of Terror, telling my child he's going to give her another ride for free.  She is so flattered, she forgets how scared she was before.  She forgets why it was the ride scared her in the first place…

Three more times the cute boy pushes the button, sending her high into the air.  Finally, the cute boy helps her  down, and onto another tower which is exactly the same except for one tiny detail.  The difference between the two rides is a stopper at the top.  I run towards her but it’s to late.  My child is getting into a seat that goes faster and higher while, having a shorter track and nothing to stop it if is going to fast, from flying of the tracks.   I can't believe what I am seeing.  I yell for her to get off but she can't hear me.  The cute boy has her full attention and he knows it. I hear him yelling to her - telling her that if anything bad happens, at least she leaves this world with a bang! 

He is promising her there is nothing to worry about.  He yells to her that if she wants to be with him, she has to go on all the rides in the park that have a high record of malfunctioning - sending it's passengers to their death.  She had been warned about this ride and never, ever wanted to get anywhere near it.  I am stunned anyone could change her mine.  I have to do something.

I yell and I scream but she isn't listening. She doesn't notice the missing stopper at the top or the sign posted in plain sight warning everyone the are taking their lives into their own hands. I read another smaller sign, informing the public that many people have met there doom in this very place, whenever the cute boy is in charge.  I’m using every bit of will power I have to not completely lose my temper and beat the living daylights out of the cute boy laughing at how helpless I am.

I decide to ambush the boy, running at him full speed, I tackle him to the ground.  I’m going to MAKE him push the stop button before people get hurt. Before my daughter gets hurt. For the first time I notice the other girls seated next to my daughter.  He obviously knows what he is doing...he's done this many times before.  I notice others around me who are also desperately waving. They are afraid, just like me. 

I find out he’s never ridden this ride himself. Cute Boy is a coward. I know it and he knows it. We all know.  He laughs at me and points up into the sky. 

There she was, my beautiful girl going up and down the track, each time getting closer and closer to possible & irreversible damage. He laughs and I cry.  He looks at me and proudly boasts about how easy it is for him to talk girls into risking everything for him.  It is a game to him.  I mentally destroy Cute Boy four times in my brain while I run over to the control panel.  I'll figure out how to stop this ride myself! 

Reaching out, I push the stop button.  Nothing happens.  My daughter is still riding up and down the tracks, each time gaining momentum.  I am furious and getting desperate so I beg him to get her down. Cute boy laughs again, smirks at me saying "She loves it! Dont you want her to have a good time and enjoy herself?"  Is he kidding me?! Where did this lunatic come from and how do smart girls fall for his load of crap?

He yells out to her each time she reaches the bottom... “I love you baby! Your mom left, so Just keep your eyes on me!” And she does exactly that, not noticing I'm standing right in front of her. All the girls think he is talking to them.  Something strange is going on.  They all seem to think they are the only girl strapped in to cute boys tower of Russian Roulette.  

My girl doesn't notice, or ignores all of her friends and family - they are frantically waving their arms.  Maybe they can get her attention if I can not.  Doesn't she know that anyone who really loves her would never put her in danger?! Nothing I do or say to the cute boy is helping.  I beg & plead with him, but to no avail. 
I push every button I can find on the control panel....until I finally realize... he's given the controls to her.  Now I get it.  She is the only person able to bring herself safely back down.  I drop to my knees and pray for something bigger than myself to intervene somehow. 

And so I wait.... 

I vow to never stop waving my arms.

I try anything and everything I can think of - I even try throwing rocks at her, hoping that one of those rocks injure her enough that she has to stop the ride and get off to seek medical attention.

But that doesnt work either.  

All that did was make her more upset at me.  

And so, I wait some more..... 

hoping to get her attention before it is to late. 

All I want is for my only daughter to leave the amusement park with her family instead of leaving in an ambulance, ending up on life support.  I want a happy ending.

I don't yet know how the story ends.
It is out of my hands.  I am powerless to help her.
And THAT - to me - is scarier than any ride.

To be continued...

I am on an amusement park ride that slowly takes its passengers to the top of the tower.  
I am seated on one side and my child is seated directly behind me on the other side.  We fasten our safty harnesses and we begin to slowly move upward. She's never wanted to go on this ride before.

With every foot that passes, the fear of heights kicks in.  The higher we go, the more I start to get concerned about what’s going on.  Because we are so very alike, I assume that child of mine is beginning to panic a bit.  She has always been scared of heights.    

Half way up the tower I do the only thing I CAN do to help her.  I yell loudly, "It's Okay Honey!  You cant see me but I'm right here! I'll be riding with you the whole way down! It will be over soon".  My daughter is a strong girl… I’m sure she’ll be okay.

The ride stops for a moment at the top. I wait in silence for a reply.  Something... Anything, to tell me she is okay.  I hear nothing at all and then we free-fall to the bottom.  I hear screaming, both her's and mine.  It's over quickly and I hope we never go on this ride again.  I hop down off the seat, slip my sandals back on and walk to the other side just in time to hear the cute boy running the Tower of Terror, telling my child he's going to give her another ride for free.  She is so flattered, she forgets how scared she was before.  She forgets why it was the ride scared her in the first place…

Three more times the cute boy pushes the button, sending her high into the air.  Finally, the cute boy helps her  down, and onto another tower which is exactly the same except for one tiny detail.  The difference between the two rides is a stopper at the top.  I run towards her but it’s to late.  My child is getting into a seat that goes faster and higher while, having a shorter track and nothing to stop it if is going to fast, from flying of the tracks.   I can't believe what I am seeing.  I yell for her to get off but she can't hear me.  The cute boy has her full attention and he knows it. I hear him yelling to her - telling her that if anything bad happens, at least she leaves this world with a bang! 

He is promising her there is nothing to worry about.  He yells to her that if she wants to be with him, she has to go on all the rides in the park that have a high record of malfunctioning - sending it's passengers to their death.  She had been warned about this ride and never, ever wanted to get anywhere near it.  I am stunned anyone could change her mine.  I have to do something.

I yell and I scream but she isn't listening. She doesn't notice the missing stopper at the top or the sign posted in plain sight warning everyone the are taking their lives into their own hands. I read another smaller sign, informing the public that many people have met there doom in this very place, whenever the cute boy is in charge.  I’m using every bit of will power I have to not completely lose my temper and beat the living daylights out of the cute boy laughing at how helpless I am.

I decide to ambush the boy, running at him full speed, I tackle him to the ground.  I’m going to MAKE him push the stop button before people get hurt. Before my daughter gets hurt. For the first time I notice the other girls seated next to my daughter.  He obviously knows what he is doing...he's done this many times before.  I notice others around me who are also desperately waving. They are afraid, just like me. 

I find out he’s never ridden this ride himself. Cute Boy is a coward. I know it and he knows it. We all know.  He laughs at me and points up into the sky. 

There she was, my beautiful girl going up and down the track, each time getting closer and closer to possible & irreversible damage. He laughs and I cry.  He looks at me and proudly boasts about how easy it is for him to talk girls into risking everything for him.  It is a game to him.  I mentally destroy Cute Boy four times in my brain while I run over to the control panel.  I'll figure out how to stop this ride myself! 

Reaching out, I push the stop button.  Nothing happens.  My daughter is still riding up and down the tracks, each time gaining momentum.  I am furious and getting desperate so I beg him to get her down. Cute boy laughs again, smirks at me saying "She loves it! Dont you want her to have a good time and enjoy herself?"  Is he kidding me?! Where did this lunatic come from and how do smart girls fall for his load of crap?

He yells out to her each time she reaches the bottom... “I love you baby! Your mom left, so Just keep your eyes on me!” And she does exactly that, not noticing I'm standing right in front of her. All the girls think he is talking to them.  Something strange is going on.  They all seem to think they are the only girl strapped in to cute boys tower of Russian Roulette.  

My girl doesn't notice, or ignores all of her friends and family - they are frantically waving their arms.  Maybe they can get her attention if I can not.  Doesn't she know that anyone who really loves her would never put her in danger?! Nothing I do or say to the cute boy is helping.  I beg & plead with him, but to no avail. 
I push every button I can find on the control panel....until I finally realize... he's given the controls to her.  Now I get it.  She is the only person able to bring herself safely back down.  I drop to my knees and pray for something bigger than myself to intervene somehow. 

And so I wait.... 

I vow to never stop waving my arms.

I try anything and everything I can think of - I even try throwing rocks at her, hoping that one of those rocks injure her enough that she has to stop the ride and get off to seek medical attention.

But that doesnt work either.  

All that did was make her more upset at me.  

And so, I wait some more..... 

hoping to get her attention before it is to late. 

All I want is for my only daughter to leave the amusement park with her family instead of leaving in an ambulance, ending up on life support.  I want a happy ending.

I don't yet know how the story ends.
It is out of my hands.  I am powerless to help her.
And THAT - to me - is scarier than any ride.

To be continued...

Favorite Quotes of the Week!

and finally......... 

a quote that not only touched my heart, but also helped a friend who needed to hear it.

Have an awesome week!

and finally......... 

a quote that not only touched my heart, but also helped a friend who needed to hear it.

Have an awesome week!

Ice, Ice, Baby!

I had a busy, long and a bit frustrating day yesterday.  

It was almost 11pm and all I wanted before I went to bed was a nice big glass of ice water.  I held my cup under the ice dispenser but all that came out was one puny little chunk of ice about the size of a quarter.  I opened the freezer and sure enough, we had no ice.  

You know the saying "The straw that broke the camel's back"?  Well, this was the ice chunk that broke my attempt at ending the day on a positive note.  I was just so very tired....

"REALLY?!"  I yelled.... "Is it to much to ask for at least ONE normal sized ice cube? Ahhhhh!!"   

I instantly felt stupid for getting upset, but no one else was in the kitchen at the time so I figured no one had witnessed my stress induced outburst.  I headed for bed.  A few moments later my son came upstairs, wanting to know what was wrong.  I told him about my ice water FAIL and then apologized for yelling.  He gave me a hug and was so cute.  He said, "sorry there wasn't enough ice."  As if the whole thing wasn't a ridiculous thing to be upset about. 

This morning when I got up I went to get something out of the freezer and found 5 cups all filled with ice. Before he had gone to bed, he filled those cups with water and put them in the freezer.  He had wanted me to have my cold drink when I got up.  Do I have the sweetest boy or what?!  

I sure do love my kids. 

I love them even more than I love ice water.

I had a busy, long and a bit frustrating day yesterday.  

It was almost 11pm and all I wanted before I went to bed was a nice big glass of ice water.  I held my cup under the ice dispenser but all that came out was one puny little chunk of ice about the size of a quarter.  I opened the freezer and sure enough, we had no ice.  

You know the saying "The straw that broke the camel's back"?  Well, this was the ice chunk that broke my attempt at ending the day on a positive note.  I was just so very tired....

"REALLY?!"  I yelled.... "Is it to much to ask for at least ONE normal sized ice cube? Ahhhhh!!"   

I instantly felt stupid for getting upset, but no one else was in the kitchen at the time so I figured no one had witnessed my stress induced outburst.  I headed for bed.  A few moments later my son came upstairs, wanting to know what was wrong.  I told him about my ice water FAIL and then apologized for yelling.  He gave me a hug and was so cute.  He said, "sorry there wasn't enough ice."  As if the whole thing wasn't a ridiculous thing to be upset about. 

This morning when I got up I went to get something out of the freezer and found 5 cups all filled with ice. Before he had gone to bed, he filled those cups with water and put them in the freezer.  He had wanted me to have my cold drink when I got up.  Do I have the sweetest boy or what?!  

I sure do love my kids. 

I love them even more than I love ice water.

The Sex Offender Next Door

Checking the map of registered sex offenders in our neighborhood was no big deal.  I do it at least 4 or 5 times a year, being sure to make a mental note of the houses on my map with the red dots over them.  There are usually a few red dots but they have always been at least a mile away from  where I live. So, when a friend called and told me to go check the neighborhood for offenders, I thought it was not going to tell me anything I didn't already know.   Boy was I wrong.  This time, when I checked I found two red dots within a two block radius of my home.   What exactly was his crime?  I clicked on the red dot and began to read through the information provided about this person.  I stopped reading after reading his victims were 12-14 year old girls.   I felt like I was going to be sick.

My head was spinning.  At first, all I could think was that I had to warn my friends and neighbors.  We have lots of kids in the area and the thought of not knowing was scary.   I couldn't decide what to do.  I knew this family.  I knew the wife and I've met their children.  They had just moved here two months ago and I began to feel sorry for the wife.  I read over the details again.  He was added to the sex offender list 6 years ago.  Maybe the family moved, hoping for a fresh start.  I imagined how it horrible it must feel to know the entire neighborhood knows your business - judging you - and your family.  Will no one let their kids play or be friends with the offender's children?   Maybe he's had all kinds of counseling and maybe he believes he can change.  All I know is that research shows that most sex offenders keep offending in one way or another.  That's why the Sex Offender Registry was started in the first place.

Would you shout it from the roof tops, in the hopes of protecting our children?  Would you tell only close friends or would you consider yourself well informed and leave it at that?  Would you let your kids play together and would you still be friends?  

I have to admit my attitude right now is this:  

They may feel judged and uncomfortable...but that's NOT my problem. I bet his victims would rather feel"judged and uncomfortable" than feeling Violated. I don't want my children anywhere near that family. I dont want any children put in harms way. I think every mom needs to know about the sex offender living down the street. If that makes things tough for the sex offender's family, I'm sorry but I really don't care.  Is that harsh?  No...Better safe than sorry.

Checking the map of registered sex offenders in our neighborhood was no big deal.  I do it at least 4 or 5 times a year, being sure to make a mental note of the houses on my map with the red dots over them.  There are usually a few red dots but they have always been at least a mile away from  where I live. So, when a friend called and told me to go check the neighborhood for offenders, I thought it was not going to tell me anything I didn't already know.   Boy was I wrong.  This time, when I checked I found two red dots within a two block radius of my home.   What exactly was his crime?  I clicked on the red dot and began to read through the information provided about this person.  I stopped reading after reading his victims were 12-14 year old girls.   I felt like I was going to be sick.

My head was spinning.  At first, all I could think was that I had to warn my friends and neighbors.  We have lots of kids in the area and the thought of not knowing was scary.   I couldn't decide what to do.  I knew this family.  I knew the wife and I've met their children.  They had just moved here two months ago and I began to feel sorry for the wife.  I read over the details again.  He was added to the sex offender list 6 years ago.  Maybe the family moved, hoping for a fresh start.  I imagined how it horrible it must feel to know the entire neighborhood knows your business - judging you - and your family.  Will no one let their kids play or be friends with the offender's children?   Maybe he's had all kinds of counseling and maybe he believes he can change.  All I know is that research shows that most sex offenders keep offending in one way or another.  That's why the Sex Offender Registry was started in the first place.

Would you shout it from the roof tops, in the hopes of protecting our children?  Would you tell only close friends or would you consider yourself well informed and leave it at that?  Would you let your kids play together and would you still be friends?  

I have to admit my attitude right now is this:  

They may feel judged and uncomfortable...but that's NOT my problem. I bet his victims would rather feel"judged and uncomfortable" than feeling Violated. I don't want my children anywhere near that family. I dont want any children put in harms way. I think every mom needs to know about the sex offender living down the street. If that makes things tough for the sex offender's family, I'm sorry but I really don't care.  Is that harsh?  No...Better safe than sorry.

BACK TO SCHOOL - safety tips

My friend posted this on Facebook and I wanted to share it since it is such important information.  I check our neighborhood a few times a year and still found a few surprises when I checked a few days ago.  Be informed!

 THERE'S NOTHING MORE IMPORTANT THAN YOUR CHILDREN'S SAFETY! 

School's starting soon!   Be a wise parent and know the registered sex offenders in your area at FAMILY WATCHDOG.  

Did you know parents can request bus stops be moved if it's near a sex offenders residence?  

"AUGUST means summer is closing in and the kids are going back to school. Which means it's the perfect time to run a FamilyWachdog search and check on your kid's route to school and to check the neighborhood the bus stop is. 

Many states have laws that prevent registered sex offenders from living too close to schools and parks, but there are no laws that restricts their residence based on bus stop location. Given that suburban and rural America is scattered with bus stops, it is extremely likely that there are registered sex offenders that live near school bus stops. Registered sex offenders can move just like anyone else.    

What if there is a registered sex offender near my child's bus stop?  

A child should have a chaperone at each bus stop, this duty can be shared between parents (or even an older, responsible sibling) so everyone can make it to work on time while the children have a lookout. A chaperone will also serve as an aid to make sure the bus stops and there is no bullying. 

Notify  your school district and request that they move the bus stop. Most transportation directors are reasonable people that truly have your child's safety as their top priority. If you alert them to the situation, they will likely accommodate your request to move the bus stop.   There are various reasons why bus stops cannot be moved so there are no guarantees.   

If your child walks to school, make sure they understand that for no reason, should they stop and talk to strangers. If they are old enough and understanding, show them the offenders off of our site so they can avoid certain people. 

And as always, if a child runs into a situation where as someone makes them feel uncomfortable, make them know to tell an adult as soon as they get to school so that the problem can be assessed as soon as possible. 

We also wanted to make sure you and your children have a plan for after school activities and the buses for those programs. And we also wanted to make sure your children know what to do once they get home (if they are alone). Leave an emergency number list on the fridge and make sure a trusted neighbor can look after them. It might be a smart idea for the neighbor to hold onto an extra key since all kids will lose a key every now and then. 

 August is also National Immunization month. It has perfect timing since school registration is on its way and most kids must be up to date on their shots.  Are your kids up-to-date?" http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/schedules/

National Sex Offender Registry - Family Watchdog

www.familywatchdog.us

Family Watchdog is a free tool allowing the public to keep their family informed and aware of different dangers in their area. Our goal has always been to provide the most 

My friend posted this on Facebook and I wanted to share it since it is such important information.  I check our neighborhood a few times a year and still found a few surprises when I checked a few days ago.  Be informed!

 THERE'S NOTHING MORE IMPORTANT THAN YOUR CHILDREN'S SAFETY! 

School's starting soon!   Be a wise parent and know the registered sex offenders in your area at FAMILY WATCHDOG.  

Did you know parents can request bus stops be moved if it's near a sex offenders residence?  

"AUGUST means summer is closing in and the kids are going back to school. Which means it's the perfect time to run a FamilyWachdog search and check on your kid's route to school and to check the neighborhood the bus stop is. 

Many states have laws that prevent registered sex offenders from living too close to schools and parks, but there are no laws that restricts their residence based on bus stop location. Given that suburban and rural America is scattered with bus stops, it is extremely likely that there are registered sex offenders that live near school bus stops. Registered sex offenders can move just like anyone else.    

What if there is a registered sex offender near my child's bus stop?  

A child should have a chaperone at each bus stop, this duty can be shared between parents (or even an older, responsible sibling) so everyone can make it to work on time while the children have a lookout. A chaperone will also serve as an aid to make sure the bus stops and there is no bullying. 

Notify  your school district and request that they move the bus stop. Most transportation directors are reasonable people that truly have your child's safety as their top priority. If you alert them to the situation, they will likely accommodate your request to move the bus stop.   There are various reasons why bus stops cannot be moved so there are no guarantees.   

If your child walks to school, make sure they understand that for no reason, should they stop and talk to strangers. If they are old enough and understanding, show them the offenders off of our site so they can avoid certain people. 

And as always, if a child runs into a situation where as someone makes them feel uncomfortable, make them know to tell an adult as soon as they get to school so that the problem can be assessed as soon as possible. 

We also wanted to make sure you and your children have a plan for after school activities and the buses for those programs. And we also wanted to make sure your children know what to do once they get home (if they are alone). Leave an emergency number list on the fridge and make sure a trusted neighbor can look after them. It might be a smart idea for the neighbor to hold onto an extra key since all kids will lose a key every now and then. 

 August is also National Immunization month. It has perfect timing since school registration is on its way and most kids must be up to date on their shots.  Are your kids up-to-date?" http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/schedules/

National Sex Offender Registry - Family Watchdog

www.familywatchdog.us

Family Watchdog is a free tool allowing the public to keep their family informed and aware of different dangers in their area. Our goal has always been to provide the most 

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