Collecting snow globes, reading, writing, and college. A good gory DVD is nice on occasions. I love spending time with my family and eating Chinese food. Yummy. I also make soy candles and tarts.
My husband and I in VA-Bill was a ROMAD with the Airforce.
OUR BABY
COMING IN Q4-POSITIVE INFORMATION AND NETWORKING FOR FAMILIES LIVING WITH AUTISM-VOLUNTEERS STILL NEEDED.
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I'd like to meet:
KEVIN COSTNER...We met our favorite female volalist-Beth Hart...SHE ROCKS! BILL GOT TO MEET THE PRESIDENT AT HIS WORK ALONG WITH THE HERO THAT PULLED DOWN SADDAM'S STATUE!
NOT ONE DAY PASSES WHERE I DO NOT THINK OF THOSE WHO LOST THEIR LIVES ON 911 OR THE FAMILIES STILL AFFECTED. DO NOT FORGET THAT WE ARE ALL STILL AT WAR AFFECTING OUR TROOPS AND THEIR FAMILIES. HONER THEM ALL,, NOT JUST FALLEN SOLDIERS, BUT THE FAMILIES OF SOLDIERS OR ALL HEROES BEHIND A BADGE OR UNIFORM. MY HUSBAND WILL TELL YOU HE IS A PROUD VET OF THE US AIRFORCE!! THANKS ARMY, NAVY AIRFORCE, MARINES, COSTAL GUARDS,POLICE AND FIREFIGHTERS. DON'T FORGET OUR BRITISH SOLDIERS AS WELL. WE ARE IN THIS TOGETHER!
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Commander and Chief of the USA
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MySpace Ticker
MY NEPHEW-IT TAKES TWO-GO JOHN-KICK BUTT
MY NIECE AND NEPHEW-STEELER #42 BROTHER & SISTER LOVE-MY NIECE JUST MAY BE IN WOMEN'S NBA SOMEDAY! LOVE YA'S
MY FEATURED ARTICLE IN CENTRAL PENN PARENTING MAGAZINE
A very special girl *********
Kelly Ann Jolly has four children, ages 21, 19, 17 and "little miss Shaelyn," age 5.
Shaelyn came to the family as a three-month-old foster child, abandoned by a mother who left her in an unheated house. By six months, developmental problems were apparent. By 11 months, her vocabulary was limited to "mom" and "dad." The Jollys, of ++++, +++++County, had been foster parents before. They did not start out intending to adopt Shaelyn, but her sunny personality won them over.
"We fell in love with her," Jolly said. "We discussed it as a family, and we said she's not going anywhere else."
Even then, other issues were appearing. Shaelyn had difficulty swallowing. She wouldn't keep her clothes on. She never stopped moving. She ate dog food, not realizing that it was inappropriate to eat. She was mistakenly diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome, a form of autism, which led her mother to co-edit a recent book from Jessica Kingsley Publishers Paperback, "That's Life with Autism."
Finally, Shaelyn was diagnosed with Sensory Processing Disorder. According to the KID Foundation's SPD Network, children with SPD "misinterpret everyday sensory information, such as touch, sound and movement. Some feel bombarded by sensory information; others seek out intense sensory experiences." They may have problems with behavior and coordination.
As Kelly Ann Jolly explains, "Her body feels basically suspended in space. She likes to do anything that moves. We have an electronic jeep that she rides. A trampoline in the backyard. She can swing and swing and swing."
The Jollys have medical coverage, and because Shaelyn's special needs were apparent at adoption, they kept state-provided secondary insurance that helps with co-pays. Still, there are fights with insurance and medical bureaucracies--something Jolly, currently a shock wave technologist studying to be a developmental psychologist, is equipped to handle.
Every inch of the Jolly house is childproofed, and Shaelyn, who has no concept of danger, can never be left alone. Jolly and her husband give each other breaks sometimes--an hour or two just to lock the bedroom door--but they wouldn't have it any other way.
"With all the controversies and all the diagnoses and getting help that we need, I think every single day where she would be if she had remained with the biological mother or abandoned or in a home where they didn't love her," Jolly said. "Her smile lights me up and gives me hope."
Adoption and Foster Care Resources
FROM A READER OF THE BOOK--I have been reading some of your book, my boyfriends son is 2 and is the broad spectrum. I just want to thank you for writing this book, and making it very easy to understand. We learned alot from it. Thank you so much and i look forward on reading more articles about you and books you write! Thank you again,
REVIEW-NOT RELEASED YET IN MAGAZINE! 5-07-
Article hard to see-Here is what it says-
Challenges and Inspirations--
For parents with developmentally challenged children, even the most ordinary task can be a physical and emotional roller coaster. Seemingly endless therapy cycles, violent tantrums, self-injury and inflexible doctors are just a few of the daunting challenges these parents and professionals face every day, but as they maintain “that’s life†when caring for children with autism.
Autism therapist Donna Satterlee Ross paired with Red Lion resident Kelly Ann Jolly to compile stories of families across the country for “That’s Life with Autismâ€, a collection of essays about the challenges and inspirations of contending with autism and other pervasive development disorders.
Organized into chapters by topic such as diagnosis, therapy, sibling relationships, and advocacy, the book offers a selection of frank, first-person experiences from parents, followed by parent’s tips for dealing with the particular situation.
Although autism remains little understood and parents often fight an uphill battle for the support their children need, Jolly reassures these families that they are not alone. As a contributing mother says, “We are in this together. There are so many parents who are willing to help each other-share stories, share resources, and be one another’s emotional support.
Written by-Tiffany DeRewal---
That’s Life with Autism: Tales and Tips for Living With Autism, Donna Satterlee Ross and Kelly Ann Jolly, eds; Jessica Kingsley Publishers, 2006; ISBN 1-84310-829-1
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HERE ARE SOME BOOK REVIEWS FROM AMAZON.COM..5 STARS..-- Excellent, January 24, 2007--
Reviewer: B. Snyder (Alaska) - See all my reviews--
I found that this book helped me in many ways. Ideas for correcting problems with my autism spectrum child as well as encouragement and the acknowlegement that we are not fighting this battle alone. I highly recommend this book. It is easy and fun to read. I have marked several of the pages for later reference and frequently pull it out to quote to a friend.--- A must read!,-- January 6, 2007--
Reviewer: Skinny Andersen - See all my reviews----
I am a teacher and summer residential camp director who has the pleasure of working with children, adults and their families on the autism spectrum. This book was a great read and provided me with much insight that I have already shared with my coworkers at school and plan to share with my staff at camp this summer. It provides a real down to earth outlook.-Thank you!==--
An absolutely must read!, December 21, 2006
Reviewer: S. De Witte - See all my reviews----
This book shows a glimpse of real people coping with autism in their lives. It's stories from parents and caregivers, it shows the heartaches and joys in parenting a child with autism. It will bring tears to your eyes with some stories and a laugh with others, it is a positive book and a must have for any parent that has autism in their lives. It also gives a good insight on the world of autism for those that don't have it in their lives.----
FOR MORE BOOKS ON AUTISM, PLEASE VISIT THE PUBLISHERS SITE AT http://www.jkp.com--
HELLO----I WOULD LIKE TO SAY THAT I AM GETTING A LOT OF FRIEND REQUESTS FOR PRO-LIFE OR OTHER PROTESTING REASONS---I CANNOT SUPPORT YOU FOR PROTESTING REASONS---HOWEVER, I WANT TO SHARE AN ESSAY I DID A WHILE BACK FOR MY ETHICS CLASS IN PSYCHOLOGY TO BROADEN OTHER PERSPECTIVES..I AM HERE FOR ADVOCACY FOR CHILDREN,SPECIAL NEEDS, AND SUPPORT OF OUR TROOPS AND FAMILIES----MY ESSAY IS AS FOLLOWS AND I RECIEVED A 100%++++++
Violating the First Amendment++
Freedom of speech++
The Bill of Rights and the First Amendment were established on December 15, 1791. The Amendment act states that Freedom of Speech will be protected from federal legislature making laws that do not allow people to choose what religion they desire. The legislative branch cannot forbid the public in which religion we choose or breach on our speech for doing so. According to the First Amendment, we are allowed freedom of press, the right to assemble peaceably, and the right to address the government for a remedy of grievance.++
Abuse of the First Amendment++
As freedom of speech is often used to exercise protesting debates, you and me wonder just how far the First Amendment should be allowed when executing freedom of speech. All over the world there are protesters insisting that their freedom of speech is right, ethical, and moral. Often you see people picketing for what they feel are right and believe that they have the right to do so without regards to others. For example, Terri Shaivo’s family suffered immensely due to the opinions of others picketing in front of her husbands’ house causing a public uproar. The courts went on and on causing much money to be spent on both sides of the argument. You and me have to wonder if it was ethical to see Terri plastered in every newspaper and news broadcast. If Terri's true wishes were to not live as a vegetable, would she want the world to see her in such a mental state? How much should the legislation be excused from making laws to protect others? One would question the attacks from protesters and make us wonder if picketing is ethical.++
There are many more grueling examples of how people are violated by the First Amendment. One late evening my daughter of twenty-one walked out of a bar where a bridal shower was being held. As she exited the building, there were picketers telling her, “You will be sent to Hell for being here, and that she should go home, get to bed and be at church in the morning.†Jessica had a designated driver and decided to drive anyway. Do these people have the right to exercise freedom of speech that actually violated her?++
In addition, abortion protesters are marching the streets with signs of aborted fetuses in front of small children. At the Halloween Parade in +++, Pennsylvania, it is reported by WorldNet Daily that 30,000 people attend this parade yearly. According to WorldNet Daily, protestors walked with a giant float with pictures of fetuses showing mutilated body parts. Thousands of people were offended and this caused a public uproar. My family used to be an equal participant in the parade, but have decided not to go for the past several years due to such extreme debates. The protesters allow me to fear what my youngest daughter might see. How is it right that parents must fear going to a parade with their children, because they fear what might happen. These events that are supposed to be an exciting family event full of characters and excitement turns into a dreadful, “what if†situation for the 30,000 people that typically attend. This situation would be like marching down the Macy’s Day Thanksgiving parade broadcasted on television, but have your thanks violated from a fun event to a disastrous one. In the case of the +++ parade, charges of harassment and disorderly conduct were brought against the protesters, but the courts did not reprimand the group because it was their right to Freedom of Speech. The court decision forced the city of +++ to seek out private sponsors to eliminate reoccurrences of such events. The Governor of +++ had his victory as the non-profit group, the +++ Jaycee’s agreed to sponsor the parade. Do they have a right to express their views openly to anyone they presume will listen?++
Another example of Freedom of Speech affects a young child of twelve years old. In 2002, a Social Service worker and good friend of mine left her job protecting children due to the First Amendment hate. The young girl of twelve was raped by her own father and became impregnated. She was then taken into protective custody. The girl chose abortion along with therapy, as this is her right. As the social worker walked the little girl into the local clinic, protesters were screaming, “Murderer†and throwing rocks at both of them. Without knowing both sides of the story, according to their God, she was a sinner and should be punished. The trauma of the whole situation caused my friend to give a two-week notice and leave the job she deserved through study, hard work, and devotion.
On the news, we see groups of American Christians led by Reverend Fred Phelps of Westboro Baptist Church. Fred Phelps is known for giving lectures insisting that God does not like “Fags.†Most recently, Phelps led his group and made national attention for standing at soldier’s funerals and also holding signs over dying solder’s in Iraq saying, “Thank God for Electro explosive devices or EED’sâ€. His group also attends funerals of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) victims saying, “God hates Fags.†According Mary Sanchez (2006), Reverend Phelps bases a lot of his protesting on Americans accepting gays. Phelps feels that America is paying for their sins by dying because we are tolerant of Homosexuality.++
Americans Fallen Heroes Act++
Recently, President Bush signed the Respect for Americans Fallen Heroes Act. This act was established to keep people like Phelps and his followers away from cemeteries. The Senate and House passed the Bill unanimously and if the act is broken at Arlington Cemetery, protesters will be fined or imprisoned. In view of this act, I feel there should be many acts similar to protect the rights of other people from public scrutiny and violence. In examination, I have to wonder if the First Amendment is changed to help government, but not the children that fall victim of the word of protesting violence.++
History of conflict++
Waller (2004) says that fundamental conflict has been going on for a long time. In the Jewish tradition, Micah 6:12 believes that, “What doth the Lord requires of thee, but do justly, and to love Mercy, and walk humbly with God†(p. 33). In Christian tradition, it is believed that Jesus wants us to “live simply, with more emphasis on feeding the hungry and caring for the sick and loving your neighbor†(p.33). The statement “loving your neighbor†comes into question when you think that protesters should accept other’s beliefs rather than belittling or terrorizing another about their own beliefs. One would have to question if what we call a “true Christian†would bully and harass a young child of twelve.++
As Waller (2004) describes Kant’s first categorical imperative, Kant would believe that “do unto others as you would have undo you†(p.22). In a world that accepts freedom of speech, would throwing rocks be what “you would have done unto youâ€? What if a protester had their child placed in a situation of tragedy? Of course, they would defend harm unto them. In addition, Kant feels there is a second categorical imperative; that means “all people are entitled to be respected as rational beings who are capable of knowing the truths of mortality and living by them (Waller, 2004, p 22). In a sense, Kant contradicts himself when he feels a rule is a rule no matter what. So if that rule is God says, “Do not kill,†then abortion no matter the circumstance would be wrong in the eyes of Kant. On the other hand, he tells us to think with true reason; therefore, a reason to have an abortion may be a decision ethically correct in a violated position. However, in the eyes of God, “Thou shall not killâ€; therefore we would be going against God’s will.
Some other hate groups that like to violate the First Amendment is well known as the Ku Klux Klan (KKK). This racial group is known to show up and openly discuss hatred toward Jewish people as well as African Americans. In Chicago, the KKK showed up for a rally against Jewish believers knowing there would be violence to follow. Jay Tcath, the director of the Jewish Community Council feels left down due to the KKK being allowed to receive the publicity they so desired. Often protesting turns to violence in KKK gatherings, so how can the Freedom of Speech be on their side? People are equal to freedom in the world, no matter the race or religion. You and me are right in the middle of cultural wars in our own back yard, yet the First Amendment allows such hatred to go on. As a child, I went to a primary white school and you very seldom saw African American people. One night, I remember the sirens of many police officers and fire trucks racing several blocks away. The terror of finding out the KKK built a cross and burned it in the yard of our new African American family terrified me. The family is American just as you and me; therefore, what hate group has the right to judge the family that was very nice. You and me can only imagine the terror on the children’s face seeing this cross and how their parents had to explain to them that in America, people simply hate.++
Moral realists feel that arguments should not take place by conflict or argument, but investigation into what is best for a society as a whole may be a better approach for conflicting questions (Waller, 2006). If we investigate that hate crimes do not work in a society, then we would reconsider what the First Amendment consists of. To argue over each other’s beliefs would get society nowhere and the hate would continue to violate others values. A. J. Ayers argues that ethics cannot be argued and would only lead to name calling or hatred acts by doing so. (Waller, 2005). In a world of Freedom of speech, this appears to be the case. No one wins the argument and name-calling and hate tends to go on effecting society in a negative way.++
Michael Smith stands out as he believes that looking at our desires and morals may be handled in a “cool, calm and collected†way (Waller, 2005, p. 172). If we approach others with different beliefs and in an irrational way such as screaming protests, we may be subject to punishments of our behaviors. In a sense, this would imply that people should step back and look at others views with respect and not judge as the outcome may offend others or cause violence. When approaching another person with irrational behavior, you or me may be more likely to pick up a rock and throw at the opposing side. On the other hand, if we think about what we are doing, put our shoe on the other foot, we as a society may come to some agreement. Although we will not always agree with the opposing side, it is our choice to respect other opinions. Each moral choice will determine what is right or wrong. If we stay reletivley calm we may tend to “converge†which may result in “non-rational-explicable differences in our desires†(Waller, 2005, p. 173). Moral facts are believed to be about everyone and not just me. As long as the facts are agreed upon, then it is okay.++
Moral objectivists feel that there are two answers to moral opinions. First is moral opinion and that is greater than “real with a greater diversion†(Waller, 2005, p. 153) and the moral objectivist agree that not everyone will have the same beliefs. The objectivist second argument is that all moral beliefs or views should be examined even though seen differently. The are still facts therefore; everyone’s beliefs should be taken into concideration.++
Moral and Free Will++
Moral responsibility should come into play when we consider the values of others. Thomas Hobbes believed that we live in a “state of nature†(Waller, 2005, p 177). In this theory, he suggests that our “greed and aggressiveness†are allowing constant conflict to go on (p. 177). Hobbes tells us that laws and rules should be in place in order to be morally conscience. In agreement, I feel that rules are necessary in the world that can be uncontrollable. However, I do feel we do not have enough rules when it comes to greed and aggressiveness toward others.++
C. A. Campbell believes that free will help shape our values and can be formed by many factors such as “genetics, cultures and environmental histories†(Waller, 2005, p 195). Campbell argues that we are not “self made or chosen†(p. 198). In applying free will, you and me must decide to change the direction of what moral path we choose. Some may argue that because my father was prejudice, I am programmed to be that way. Campbell tells us that we as people can choose which direction we take. We do have free choices and can exercise them through willpower (Waller, 2005). In agreement, just because my uncle was a molester, does not indicate his child must choose to be that way. The same can occur with prejudice. For example: Let’s say my Grandfather lived in the 1800’s where blacks were not aloud in restaurants and they did not receive the same treatments as whites. By following history, my grandfather would be more likely to be set in his choice to be prejudice. After fifty years pass and the African American is cultured into modern day society, I could choose to be like my grandfather or choose to get to know the African American and their beliefs. There is no one holding me hostage to do so; therefore, it is my free will to do what I feel is morally right. Imposing my beliefs on the African American would be violating their religious beliefs or values. By imposing on their beliefs through the First Amendment would be the same as following history and that is not our place to do so. I feel the responsibility to learn with the new society is necessary in order for everyone to get along. By choosing to follow my grandfather’s moral values, would be like hiding behind the veil of ignorance. The veil of ignorance would never allow a protester to presume they have more rights than the next person. The veil of ignorance would allow us as people to step back and see the world from other perspectives. In addition, if we all chose to do that, you and me would consider others feelings, see what is right or wrong, and decide from that point without arguing who is correct. In this position, the world would be fair and equal; therefore, as a society, we would not have the right to judge others that have different standpoints than our own (Waller, 2005).++
In conclusion, Freedom of Speech is a right to all Americans. By redefining the right to Freedom of Speech, society can only benefit. Freedom of Speech should be allowed when defending what is right morally, but should not violate another person. To make a First Amendment policy that allows no name-calling, violence or intruding on what others believe, I feel is right. Each person has a right to assemble peacefully without intrusion on another’s personal lives. Legislation should be allowed to stop hate groups causing personal or mental harm to others. Too imagine the families that are victims of the KKK, or Fred Phelps makes me wonder just how defined we should be. Morally, we should do unto others as would undo to you. If every person remembered that moral saying, we would live in a loving and peaceful world without hate or prejudice. You and me may disagree, but we do not have to scream out to the world arguing who is right and who is wrong.+++++++
References+++++++
n.a. (2005, 1, July). Matters of life and death; Abortion float freaks out. Retrieved October 5, 2005, from WorldNetDaily.com: http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=455
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Waller, B. N. (2005). Consider ethics: Theory, readings, and contemporary issues. New York: Pearson Longman.
Gremillion, J. (1994, September). Twisted in Topeka: An investigation of a preacher raises holy hell. Columbia Journalism Review, 33(3), 15. [Electronic version]. Retrieved October 5, 2005, from http://ashford.blackboard.com/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp?++
tab=courses&url=/bin/common/course.pl?course_id=_8644_1.
Waller, B. N. (2005). Consider ethics: Theory, readings, and contemporary issues. New York: Pearson Longman.
US Fed News Service, including US State News. (2006, May 29).++ SEN. First hails signing of the respect for America’s Fallen Heroes Act. Retrieved October 5, 2006, from http://proquest.umi.com/pqdweb?index=0&did=1045295191&am
p;SrchMode=1&sid=2&Fmt=3&VInst=PROD&VType=PQ
D&RQT=309&VName=PQD&TS=1160092175&clientId=7
4379++
Sanchez. M. (2006, June 20). Can any good come from his message of hate? Night Rider Tribune Business news. p.1. Retrieved October 5, 2006, from http://proquest.umi.com/pqdweb?did=1062905211&sid=11&
;Fmt=3&clientId=74379&RQT=309&VName=PQD++
Retrieved on September 20, 2005, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_Amendment_to_the_United_S
tates_Constitution++
Yearwood, P. D. (2000, December 22). Violence at KKK rally vexes jewish leaders. Chicago Jewish News. Retrieved on October 5, 2006, from http://www.jewishsf.com/content/2-0-/module/displaystory/sto
ry_id/15196/edition_id/295/format/html/displaystory.html++
Retrieved September 15, 2006, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rev._Fred_Phelps+++
