Parenting Philosophy

At our house we try to keep parenting simple. So we only have one rule:

No Being Bad!

Texas Supreme Court: Children should be Returned to Parents!

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080529/ap_on_re_us/polygamist_retreat

In a crushing blow to the state's massive seizure of children from a polygamist sect's ranch, the Texas Supreme Court ruled Thursday that child welfare officials overstepped their authority and the children should go back to their parents.

Ruth Ann's Mom

Ruth Ann's Mom was taken to the hospital today. We think it might be a heart attack, but we do not know for sure. They are still running tests. Please keep her in your prayers.

Started School

Well I almost started school last night. I showed up to my class with my books. It was kind of exciting to be in school again. However, as it got closer to 6pm no one showed up and I got more concerned. After 6pm I noticed that the switched the class from TTh to MW. I did not miss on Monday because Monday was a holiday, so that is good. Lesson learned: always check for schedule changes.

The bad part is that my wife had my car, because hers was in the shop so I had to walk home. The sky was filled with dark clouds that whipped up a cool wind that was very welcome. Fortunately I do not live far from the campus. My only worry was that it would rain on my new books, but fortunately it did not. My legs were a little sore when done (as they still are) but I am sure it was good for me.

So anyway, I get to give it another try tonight.

I am taking two classes, but the other one is an easy online one. It will be a little hard for the next month as I am working 2 jobs and going to school, but it should be easier in a month as a lose one of my jobs.

The good news is that now I am off tomorrow night so I can watch the season finale of LOST!

Sorry

The last post was wildly slanderous. The joke was that it was so wildly slanderous I did not think anyone would believe it or take it seriously. It was not meant in a mean spirit.

Eric and I in fact went to see the Indiana Jones (it wasn't bad). I am far too shy to go to a cuddle party.

I apologize if it caused anyone any problems.

Cuddle Party

I got Eric to go with me. I think he had to tell his wife that we went to Indiana Jones or something, because he said she did not approve, even though it is supposed to be non-sexual.

It was OK. Kind of fun snuggling with strangers. However most of them were old and/or fat like us, so it was not near as exciting as you might expect. Eric was popular because he is big and cuddly like a giant teddy bear.

At least no one smelled bad.

Whats wrong with this picture?

Cuddle Party

Cuddle Party tomorrow night at Casa De Luz:

Get Cuddled at Casa: An Evening of Touch Exploration

May 23, Friday 6:30-9:30pm, Serena Room Casa de Luz, $20/person or $30/with a friend

Get Cuddled is a fun social evening where adults learn to give and receive heartfelt, non-sexual touch in a safe, consensual space. The evening starts with the facilitator giving a mini-workshop (40 minutes) where you practice simple exercises on how to ask for what you want, and how to say yes and no to other’s requests. You practice staying authentic to yourself while connecting with others—even when receiving a “no, thank you.” Arrive on time (you must attend the orientation); wear comfortable clothing (which stays on), and agree to confidentiality and no sexual touching. Bring a pillow and a friend. No preregistration, just come. (Next Casa Cuddle June 27)

Charla Hathaway, the trained facilitator, founded Austin’s BodyJoy Intimacy School and has authored two books on relationships, Eight Erotic Nights and Erotic Massage. She coaches singles and couples, teaches classes in sensual wellness and wisdom, and leads intimate retreats for couples Being Me and Loving You. www.bodyjoy.org/events

My wife will be out of town, so I need someone to go with, so if you want to go let me know.

"It is a great day for families in the state of Texas"

Sorry for posting after I said I was done, but I am pretty excited about the latest developments related to the Eldorado raid:

Appeals court: State had no right to seize polygamist sect's children from YFZ Ranch.

Apparently the appeals court saw the same thing I saw: Gossip and slander are not enough to take legal action on. In this country you are supposed to need evidence and the Texas CPS did not have it.

Here is footnote 11 of the opinion:

The simple fact, conceded by the Department, that not all FLDS families are polygamous or allow their female children to marry as minors demonstrates the danger of removing children from their homes based on the broad-brush ascription of every aspect of a belief system to every person living among followers of the belief system or professing to follow the belief system.

The problem with broad stroke action such as this is that you end up doing more damage than you prevent.

Bravo to the Texas RioGrande Legal Aid!

Now that the tide is turned watch the politicians distance themselves from it. I guess no one told Governor Perry that those who fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it.

Blogged Out

I am tired and depressed. I always have things to say, but I do not feel much like taking the energy to communicate. I think I am all blogged out, at least for now.

Mental health workers rip CPS over FLDS

From the Houston Chronicle:
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/headline/metro/5770183.html

Note: This is mainstream press, not conspiracy blog postings.

Note: This is hard evidence from onsite mental health professionals, not lurid sensational media speculation.

Note: What we are being told does not add up. Judge for yourself:

...mothers who appeared to be good parents of healthy, well-behaved and emotionally normal kids...

I have worked in Domestic Violence/Sexual Abuse programming for over 20 years and have never seen women and children treated this poorly, not to mention their civil rights being disregarded in this manner

All the MHMR workers described themselves as impressed by the mothers they worked with

What they saw [of CPS] was so horrendous, they had to report it to the board

We were literally astounded at what they told us," Kite said. "They [CPS] are trampling all over human decency and those people's civil rights. ... We should not just sit here and let it happen.

Here is the damning part:

The written statements were given to the Hill Country MHMR board anonymously because the workers had signed agreements not to disclose what they had seen

Why are they not allowed to talk about what they have seen? Why the gag if this is all legit?

Cranford This Sunday on PBS

I am the only guy I know whose favorite show is Masterpiece Theater. Anyway, I am really looking forward to Cranford this Sunday night on PBS. Judi Dench stars.