Local School District Opts Out On Obama's School Speech

Two days ago I mentioned the news that Obama will speaking to public school students nation-wide over a webcast next week. The news has drawn a lot of controversy, especially on the web. Some fear, that since it seems to promote kids to ask themselves how the can be better followers of the president, that the idea is too much.

I also found out that some parent's are not allowing their kids to participate, but some schools are forcing students to watch!!!

I agree that there are pros and cons to the issue, but the fact that it seems to be required curriculum... is downright scary!

Or so I thought!

Nixa Public Schools has decided not to air the speech to the students. They're leaving it to the parents! I applaud their decision!

~Matt

Mysia's Head Injury... (update)

I mentioned in yesterday's post that Mysia gashed her head while at daycare. Well, according to her, she was laughing about something funny with her friends, and her head went down and struck the table. Obviously, she didn't cry initially, and it was the other kids that brought it to the teachers' attention. They said blood was streaming down her face. Now the tables are round, and the wound is not from a corner, it was from the edge of the table!

Lydia was able to get Mysia to the doctor, who tried to put stitches in. The Doctor, a nurse, and Lydia tried holding Mysia still.... didn't work. She wouldn't have it. So they glued the wound shut and applied a tape that will come off on its own.

Mysia went back to daycare, and Lydia when back to school. Mysia's playing caused it to bleed a little more, so they put a band-aid on it to help keep it from coming off!

I took the picture before heading off for evening services at church!

---

On another note... yesterday morning I accidentally left my razor out on the counter. Well, sometime after 4pm, Mysia came to Lydia saying her lip was bleeding! Mysia had tried to use my razor on her face. Lydia went into the bathroom to put it away, and there was Malachi using it on his cheeks!  Oooooh those kids!

 ~Matt

News: National and Family

As I have posted before, I love browsing the news. Yes, it can be depressing at times, but facts are always interesting, and I love a good story. Sometimes the news will cause me to do a little research in the story itself, or will make me research other topics that comes to mind while reading an article.

Anyway, today has brought several things to my attention that I thought I'd share!

First off, there is a school in Idaho that is suing the state for illegally banning the Bible for use as a textbook. The article says that the school wanted to use the Bible "as a primary source of teaching material, but not to teach religion" and the they have been prohibited by their local school commission! Now that would be a case I'd like to keep tabs on!

And speaking of Bible and schooling... how about the latest on the 10-year-old home-schooled girl that has been ordered to attend a public school by a court? All because the girl was sharing her mother's religious beliefs! Wow... other home-schoolers watch out! Actually, if a court can deem that a problem, what will stop them from saying that making your children attend church regularly will cause them to "lack some youthful characteristics"?

Now I get to the highly controversial news!

There is talk about giving the President the right and control to pull the plug on the internet! Now add that story the fact that he is going to speak to all the kids in public schools about their civic duty and obeying the President.... This is getting a bit too scary!

-------

On a much lighter note, and news from our family...

Today celebrates 6 years of marriage to Lydia. Which means that for 6 years she has put up with my jokes, puns, strange facts, and quirky humor! Happy Anniversary Lydia!!!

This morning at daycare, Mysia hit and gashed her forehead on a table. I got the call, and Lydia (having the car) left college and took Mysia to the doctor. The doctor tried to put in stitches, but Mysia wouldn't hold still. So they glued the wound shut. I haven't seen it yet, so I'll try and post a picture tomorrow.

~Matt

Our Visit to the Dentist

Yesterday was our our 6-month dental checkup. Mysia was excited. Like usual, the strange child that she is, she couldn't wait to go to the dentist. Our appointment wasn't until 8:30, so we dropped Malachi off to daycare before heading to the dental offices.

Our dentist is located on the 10th floor of one of the building here in town. In fact, that's the highest floor of the building. So it is a special treat for Mysia, since there aren't many building we visit that have elevators.

Once checked in, I was first to be called back. Not soon after, Lydia was placed in the rooms nearby, and Mysia stayed with her. Even though my teeth were being cleaned and checked, I could her Mysia from the other room. She was asking questions, talking about Malachi, sharing stories, etc... Mysia knows no stranger.

It took them a little longer with me since I had to have x-rays done. So while I was sitting in the chair, I got to hear that it was Mysia's turn. You could hear her squeal in delight, and she was still talking. After a while, she was quiet as they were cleaning her teeth.

Then it happened....

The moment that made me almost fall out of my chair in laughter!

One of the other nurses stopped by her room, and said, "I haven't heard a word from you in two minutes Mysia... are you alright?"


~Matt 

Our Singing in Fairplay

As some of you know, Steppin' Out was asked to sing in Fairplay last Saturday evening! Like every concert before, it was different and unique... None of them have been the same experience! .. and that's not a bad thing at all!

It was a smaller church, an according to the sign in the auditorium, their attendance last Sunday was eleven. As we were setting up (I got permission to borrow a portable sound system form my pastor), people started trickling in. By the time services started, there were 47 people total.

They started out with a few congregational songs, and then had their people sing and play specials. There was a piano and guitar duet, and several young women who played flutes. It was then our turn, and we sang 9 songs. After that, we took a little break as they took up the offering, and then we were back up to finish with 6 more.

There were two times that we (noticeably) messed up while singing. Both times we got ahead of the soundtrack. The good thing is that us guys stayed together... lol! Unfortunately, one of the times was my fault! I had started in too quick on the second to last chorus of Just A Little Talk... I need to be more careful!

When the services ended, we were invited to for cookies and soda, which we did. We also had the opportunity to visit with most of the folks that attended.

Overall, it was a blessed evening, and I'm glad we had the chance to sing.

~Matt



PS   The picture above was taken from the back of the auditorium with my cell!