Making a Statement

Joseph Makes a Statement
Tonight on KUTV News at 10 Joseph makes a statement about health care reform. He was interviewed this afternoon by Brian Mullahy. It was an interesting interview. Joseph's perspective is a bit unique because of his experience. Here is what he posted on Facebook that got noticed:

So many of you are critical of the new health care package, but I for one am counting down the days until I can purchase health insurance despite my pre-existing condition. Since breaking my neck 4 years ago, I have had to turn down 5 offers for paying jobs because if I were hired, I would've lost my Medicaid benefits..., and been left uninsured. The new health care package will allow me to get off government paid health insurance for the first time since becoming disabled. I have attached the following article which is a pretty good outline of what is in the bill, the good and bad. Most of you with strong opinions don't actually know what's in the bill, so this is worth checking out: What's in the Health-Care Bill - WSJ.com

Here is the link to the KUTV story online: KUTV 2News JST Interview.

Spring Break
Joseph comment last week: "let's be honest -- spring break for law students should really be called "study at home week". That's what he's been doing all week . . now back to school tomorrow.

"Dyslexics of the World Untie!"
Now that's making a statement. . . but not near as cool as the statement made by all of Gloria's first cousins who united with spouses for the annual Shaffer Cousin's Party in East Garland on Saturday. It's a great family.

Ethan Makes a Statement!
Last week when Ethan and his dad went to the Sports Expo there was a 60 foot climbing wall. 6 year old Ethan really wanted to climb it. Dad gave in and they stood in line forever waiting. It was after all that waiting and watching the older fail in embarrassment and the younger kids fail with tears that they found out it also cost $5. But after waiting so long Dad paid it and Ethan suited up. He climbed straight to the top of the 60' wall and sailed down smiling! what a statement. What a kid!

A Global Statement in Perfect Harmony
This video is amazing. All performed via webcam by vocalist who never met the conductor. Can the world come together? Maybe this gives hope.

March Madness

Birthday Fun
This weekend was a delight with Cheyenne's 5th birthday to celebrate as well as the arrival of Spring.To celebrate we went on a family adventure to The Living Planet Aquarium. The whole family enjoyed it, the kids watching the fish and the grownups watching the kids.

The birthday cake was a hit because Cheyenne got to do the decorating. It was pink of course. (She is in the Princess phase). The presents were fun and there were hugs all around. Joseph gave her a Barbie nurse outfit (along with Barbie band-aids) what fun. She lost no time getting dressed up and giving everyone a check-up. For more of the photos go to March Madness- Grandkids Style

Spring Break
First day of Spring and beginning of Spring Break for Joseph this weekend. Yahoooo!

No Flowers from Mormons

Good Luck?

Good Luck This Week
We began Daylight saving time in the United States this morning and Wednesday is Saint Patrick's Day. . . the year is flying by. We thought you might like to see Gloria's cool welcome decoration on our front door posted here. She has been doing some awesome scrapbook pages lately too.

Last Sunday's Tender Mercies
It was such a blessing for Gloria and Tim to be able to attend the blessing of the new little girl Elizabeth, born to Gennaca Aaron Sando and his sweet wife Carmelita. Gennaca was a missionary in the England Bristol Mission from Liberia. Since then, we were able to help Sis. Tamera Hinck Wood (in group photo on far left with her husband Grant) bring Elder Sando over to the US to attend university. He is now working in Idaho Falls, Idaho as a social worker while Carmelita finishes her degree. Gennaca gave Elizabeth a beautiful blessing and Carmelita and he bore powerful testimonies. What a joy to be part of it all.

Christmas and Easter Party
The AV team from the Language Production and Area Support Services section decided last November that the appropriate time to have a Christmas party was much closer to April 6th. That way we could celebrate Easter at the same time. Everyone gathered at the Taggarts Friday night and feasted on Quinn Orr's fabulous ribs and other awesome meats. Everyone brought food and we ate and visited all evening. What a Tender Mercy to work with such great people who are also great friends.