Tag Archives: genetic disorders

What Would You Give Up for Your Spouse?

I read a statistic yesterday that astounded me. It made me wonder what society is coming to. According to The Sydney Morning Herald, 70 percent of Victorians surveyed, (for those overseas Victoria is a state of Australia) would rather give up their partner than the internet. Excuse me? It made me think, what are you prepared to give up for your spouse. Are you prepared to give up your time to help them or to do something they want to do so you can be together? Are you prepared to give up family if your spouse wants to take a … Continue reading →

Having a Sibling with Narcissistic Personality Disorder

Although nowhere near as emotionally harmful as having a parent with this disorder, growing up with a sibling with narcissistic personality disorder can be an extremely painful experience, particularly if that sibling is older than you are. Let’s look at the case of Lisa and Margo. Margo was 12 years Lisa’s senior and therefore was in a position to almost be a second mother to her baby sister. But Margo was so overcome by jealousy at the birth of the cute new interloper that she never really recovered from that trauma. Any motherly attributes that Margo may have possessed were … Continue reading →

Spring Into Shape with Your Little Ones

I love this time of year, but honestly, the idea of bathing suit season quickly approaching is rather frightening. If you are like me and are looking to tone a few problem areas, here are a few fun activities for you: Plan a weekly walk for rainy days. Spring brings with it plenty of rain, so plan one trip a week to a local landmark or mall. We have a new water treatment plant by us. I know it doesn’t sound glamorous, but it is a huge hit with my 5-year-old son. It is never busy, and it keeps me … Continue reading →

Underappreciated Disney Films: Lilo & Stitch

Lilo: “We’re a broken family, aren’t we?” Nani: “No. Maybe a little. Maybe a lot. I shouldn’t have yelled at you.” Lilo: “We’re sisters, it’s our job. I like you better as a sister than as a mom. And you like me better as a sister than a rabbit, right?” Whenever I bring up 2002’s “Lilo & Stitch,” most people in the room immediately exclaim “I love that movie!” But despite that it doesn’t seem to get the same sort of attention as other beloved Disney films. Due to its relatively recent release, it’s not a movie most people grew … Continue reading →

New Baby = New Holiday Experience

Ah, the holiday season. So full of fun and exciting activities! For me, the best part of the holidays is getting together with family. I do not have the privilege of living in the same state as my family, so I really look forward to the times we get to be together. Now that life is returning back to normal, I’ve had some time to reflect on our experiences this year. A big thing that sticks out in my mind is that nothing is the same with a baby! For example, flying without a baby is nothing like flying with … Continue reading →

Identifying Relatives in an Old Photo

When researching your family tree, a good way to identify people and gain information is to start with the oldest family photo that you have. Take the photograph and number each person, then identify anyone in the photo that you already know. Next, take the photo and a notebook with you to your oldest living relative. Show that person the photo and write down the name and corresponding number of any person identified, as well as any other information given to you by your relative. My mother did this and found a lot of information this way. Sometimes the person … Continue reading →

Getting Autographs For Your Family Photo

It was after my grandfather passed away that I realized I should have kept one of the many signed notes he used to leave on the kitchen table for me. That was what inspired me to do the project I’m going to tell you about now. I decided to take a family photo and enlarge it. I then took it to everyone featured in the photograph and had them sign it. It was a simple project to do, but in years to come, it will be something my child can look at and know that everyone was together and signed … Continue reading →

Get Paid for Having Fun on TV

I love having fun in the great outdoors swimming, biking, sailing, hiking, and running. However, when it comes to bungee jumping from the skid of a helicopter into an active volcano or rappelling down an iceberg, you can count me out. Needless to say, my fear of heights (or more accurately, my fear of falling from high places) automatically disqualifies my family from appearing on TV’s latest reality series. The producers of “Amazing Race,” “The Biggest Loser,” and “The Office” are currently searching for America’s most outgoing families to compete in exciting outdoor challenges in the nation’s most beautiful national … Continue reading →

“Prep & Landing” Latest Christmas Classic

Picture the Christmas elves: cheery, squeaky-voiced workers wearing green pointed clothes and singing Christmas carols to themselves as they toil building toys in the days leading up to Christmas Eve. Once the big night arrives, however, their job is done and they fade into the background as Santa Claus takes the reins for the main event. “Prep & Landing” tells a different story. The new Disney animated Christmas special, airing on ABC tonight at 8:30 EST, reveals the existence of an elite task force of elves. This group, dubbed Prep and Landing, travels to each house on Christmas Eve just … Continue reading →

Families Reunited on ABC

We’re all at this site for a reason: our family. No matter its shape or size, we’re here because of how important family is to us. Unfortunately, thousands of people around the country are not so lucky. Some always feel that sharp ache of loneliness and loss. While others cling to the hope that they may one day be reunited with their family. ABC’s new show “Find My Family,” which premiered on Monday, November 23rd, chronicles these poignant stories of loss and finding. The program aims to reunite individuals with the families they lost many years before, or with the … Continue reading →