Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Spent the Morning in the E.R.
Oye this just isn't my year season or whatever will call it. I was having chest pain over the weekend and it went away. I was feelin down on Monday and the pain came back than went away. It came back this morning and I was havin trouble breathing so Allina told me to get to United as soon as possible. This pulminary embolisim business is no fun. if only I could go back in time and rethink my decision to use the ring. I guess God only puts on our plates what we can handle right. Just hope my work doesn't fire me over this. I'm out until Thursday:( getting rest and trying to get better
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Christmas Day 2009
Look at what Santa Brought Me!!!!
Oooo I even got stuffs in my Stocking
Spiderman paper, Santa must know he's one of my favorites
Christmas Eve with the Bears
Every year we host Christmas eve at our house.
This years dinner menu was
Ham with brown sugar glaze
Chicken Cordon Blu
Mac & Cheese
Sour Cream & Chive Scalloped Potatoes
Augratin Potatoes
Corn
Linguine with Alfredo sauce
Rolls
This was my first christmas with Nansa and the Husbands Second Christmas with Nans
The red pot is my Lodge Color Cast iorn pot
oooo cool toys
Helping Grandma with her presents
Friday, December 25, 2009
Snow Storms are fun
Frecktavius the bold is getting that branch
Let me go Nans Ive got snow to attack
Oooo its so cold
I'm gonna get you Nans
Baking Bear
Snow Ball Cake
Macaroons
A Platter full of goodies
Sugar cookies
Chocolate Sandwich cookies with Peanutt Butter Cream
Vanilla Bean Cheese Cake
Zac Brown Band with my Daddy
For my Dads 58th birthday I bought him a ticket to see the Zac brown Band at the Northrup Auditorium at the UofM. It was an awesome show. Whatever it is I like my chicken fried and toes in the water 
Facelogic wth Miss Sherri
Miss Sherri and I went to the Girl Friends Get Away out at Treasure Island Resort and Casino the weekend before Thanks Giving, also known as the deer hunting opener or does weekend. While there we pursed through the stalls of goodies, purses, clothes and all sorts of things. At one in particular they were selling $400 spa packages for $47 we couldn't pass it up and slapped our credit cards down. 
Idont know if you are suppose to snap photos in the spa but I did any way!
We went to Facelogic out in Eden Praire, man are they good at what they do!
We went to Facelogic out in Eden Praire, man are they good at what they do!
Thanks Giving with the Bears
Growing up my family never celebrated Thanks Giving. In reality a lot of Indian people do not celebrate it. We believe and feel that you should give thanks to the creater all day and every day of your life. In addition a lot of us do not celebrate it because the story of Thanks Giving comes from the settlers perspectve and is a far cry from the truth.
This would be Nylans first Thanks Giving with us, so I sucked up my pride and poped a turkey in the oven and celebrated it with my child Trans Siberian Orchestra at Target Center
I've always wanted to see TSO live, but every year when they come to MN the shows are always sold out.
However this year the husband and I scored tickets. 
They are amazing to see in concert, this years theme was Night Castle
I must add the husband did fall a sleep a few times during the show:P
I must add the husband did fall a sleep a few times during the show:P
Life with PE
Its been two months since the day I drove myself to the hospital. I am not 100% but I am getting there little by little. I am taking it day by day. Some days I'm really tired others I am great. I am thankful for my husband who has picked up my slack around the house and is understanding of my lack of desire for coloring.
Miss Sherri has been a blessing, she always cheers me up and has been downing the liqour and coffee for me!
My new job is going great. I like it alot, we had a bumpy start. My boss thought that my blood clot was a prexsisting confition and didn't cut me much slack when I had to miss work. I finally got a chance to explain to him and the hr lady that no you idiots I had no clue that this was going to happen and no its not a condition, it was a total and utter fluke.
Miss Sherri has been a blessing, she always cheers me up and has been downing the liqour and coffee for me!
My new job is going great. I like it alot, we had a bumpy start. My boss thought that my blood clot was a prexsisting confition and didn't cut me much slack when I had to miss work. I finally got a chance to explain to him and the hr lady that no you idiots I had no clue that this was going to happen and no its not a condition, it was a total and utter fluke.
Sunday, November 8, 2009
A Visit with Nans
Nans is chillin at one of his favourite places of all time!
Burger King
Nans and his auntie Fathead at IHOP
Out with the old and in with the NEW floors!
Good bye old stained Carpet
Hello new beautiful made out of recylced materials plush crpet
This is the old Kitchen Floor.
Good bye Old icky stained floor!
Hello beautiful new floors!!!
I love my new kitchen floors!
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Life without Nuva ring
On October 22nd I was driving to work when I started having pain in my chest. At first it was annoying so I kept on driving to work, my plan was to take some Tylenol and work through the pain. A few miles later it felt like someone was jabbing a knife into my chest, my left arm was going numb and I could barely breath. I realized that I was in trouble and needed help fast! So I took the next exit and headed to Wood Winds hospital.
I have no idea how I made it to the hospital, but I did. The security guard saw I was in distress, put me in a wheel chair and started shouting for the nurses. The nurse acted quickly he asked either you can take your clothes of yourself with my help or I can cut them off you! I chose to take them off myself with his help. He hooked me up to a monitor to view my heart. Thank God it wasn't a heart attack!
The Dr came in and said I wasn't having a heart attack but we had to find out why I was in pain, he said most likely its an infection in your lung or worse a blood clot. He ordered all sorts of tests and an x-ray. On my way to x-ray the Dr told the x-ray girl to bring me back to my room and he'd explain why I didn't need an x-ray. I thought good its nothing I can go home. Not so the dr came in and said that my blood levels were elevated and that signified a possible blood clot. He ordered a CT scan.
So off to CT I went. The lady explained the dangers of the dye I said there is no other way to find out right and she said nope, so I signed the forms, she got the dye ready and into the donought I went. The scan took about 15 minutes to complete. She brought me back to the ER and told me it would be 30 minutes for the results. so I waited. During this time the Husband wasn't with me. So I was hoping he would get the ERs voice mail and come to the hospital.
30 minutes came and went, soon I heard a recording in the hall that my results were in from the CT scan.
The dr came running down the hall and said you have a blood clot in your lung and you will be staying with us for a while. He told me that if I hadn't got there when I did I would of died. The clot sits in my lung tree and it cut off blood flow to some of the sacks that oxygenate the blood. I asked if he could try my husband again, just then the receptionist ran in I have her husband on the phone. I told him what was going on and he came to the hospital. The er dr started me on a heparin drip and some other medications to prevent the loss of more lung tissue. I was monitored around the clock and had my blood INR level tested every hour.
I was perfectly healthy up until this moment. The main cause of my pulmonary embolism is the Nuva ring, the attending physician handed me a cup and said you take that ring out now and give it to me. No more nuva ring for you, she was telling me that the nuva ring is the deadliest birth control on the market.
I have been injecting myself with Lovenox a blood thinner and taking warfarin sodium, for the next couple of months I have to have my INR level checked twice a week. I will have another CT scan in January to make sure the blood clot is breaking down, they same it takes 6 months for a clot to fully break down. For now birth control pills are out of the question. If only I had known how dangerous the ring was, I would have never of listened to my OBGYN and switched to it.
I have no idea how I made it to the hospital, but I did. The security guard saw I was in distress, put me in a wheel chair and started shouting for the nurses. The nurse acted quickly he asked either you can take your clothes of yourself with my help or I can cut them off you! I chose to take them off myself with his help. He hooked me up to a monitor to view my heart. Thank God it wasn't a heart attack!
The Dr came in and said I wasn't having a heart attack but we had to find out why I was in pain, he said most likely its an infection in your lung or worse a blood clot. He ordered all sorts of tests and an x-ray. On my way to x-ray the Dr told the x-ray girl to bring me back to my room and he'd explain why I didn't need an x-ray. I thought good its nothing I can go home. Not so the dr came in and said that my blood levels were elevated and that signified a possible blood clot. He ordered a CT scan.
So off to CT I went. The lady explained the dangers of the dye I said there is no other way to find out right and she said nope, so I signed the forms, she got the dye ready and into the donought I went. The scan took about 15 minutes to complete. She brought me back to the ER and told me it would be 30 minutes for the results. so I waited. During this time the Husband wasn't with me. So I was hoping he would get the ERs voice mail and come to the hospital.
30 minutes came and went, soon I heard a recording in the hall that my results were in from the CT scan.
The dr came running down the hall and said you have a blood clot in your lung and you will be staying with us for a while. He told me that if I hadn't got there when I did I would of died. The clot sits in my lung tree and it cut off blood flow to some of the sacks that oxygenate the blood. I asked if he could try my husband again, just then the receptionist ran in I have her husband on the phone. I told him what was going on and he came to the hospital. The er dr started me on a heparin drip and some other medications to prevent the loss of more lung tissue. I was monitored around the clock and had my blood INR level tested every hour.
I was perfectly healthy up until this moment. The main cause of my pulmonary embolism is the Nuva ring, the attending physician handed me a cup and said you take that ring out now and give it to me. No more nuva ring for you, she was telling me that the nuva ring is the deadliest birth control on the market.
I have been injecting myself with Lovenox a blood thinner and taking warfarin sodium, for the next couple of months I have to have my INR level checked twice a week. I will have another CT scan in January to make sure the blood clot is breaking down, they same it takes 6 months for a clot to fully break down. For now birth control pills are out of the question. If only I had known how dangerous the ring was, I would have never of listened to my OBGYN and switched to it.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Allina Clinic in Woodbury
Yesterday I went to Allina Clinic in Woodbury for my annual Ladies appointment. The first thing out of the nurses mouth wasn't hello, it was " Will your insurance pay for this visit, are you sure your insurance will pay. Are you sure you want to see the doctor. She left me in the room for about 5 minutes so I could decied whether or not to go through my appointment.
When she came back I said yes I need this appointment I am almost out of my perscription and I am leaving my current employer. She took my vitals and then I waited for the doctor.
When Dr. Callanan came in she asked me the same question will your insurance pay are you sure you want me to do the exam. She asked me if I had any concerns and I told her that I had been retaining water and that my sides have been hurting and I've been really tired lately. Her answer was um your to young to retain water and you don't have high blood presure, go see your primary care provider. Hello i came to you for help. She completely blew me off, ignored the fact that I only have one fully functioning kidney and well retaining water isnt a good sign. My visit was less than 5 minutes and i left her office very angry and upset.
I called the clinic to make a complaint against her, you can't treat people that way, it was like they were affraid to help me because my insurance might not pay for the exam. The lady i made the complaint with didn't take me very seriously stating she would never treat a patient like that. Um hello I am telling you she treated me this way don't stand up for her, you are only making yourself part of the problem. It takes 3 weeks for the complaint to be processed. I doubt anything will happen because she will probably lie to her boss. Well at least I stood up for myself.
I am going to try to get into the Mayo today, at least I know they will help me figure out whats wrong
When she came back I said yes I need this appointment I am almost out of my perscription and I am leaving my current employer. She took my vitals and then I waited for the doctor.
When Dr. Callanan came in she asked me the same question will your insurance pay are you sure you want me to do the exam. She asked me if I had any concerns and I told her that I had been retaining water and that my sides have been hurting and I've been really tired lately. Her answer was um your to young to retain water and you don't have high blood presure, go see your primary care provider. Hello i came to you for help. She completely blew me off, ignored the fact that I only have one fully functioning kidney and well retaining water isnt a good sign. My visit was less than 5 minutes and i left her office very angry and upset.
I called the clinic to make a complaint against her, you can't treat people that way, it was like they were affraid to help me because my insurance might not pay for the exam. The lady i made the complaint with didn't take me very seriously stating she would never treat a patient like that. Um hello I am telling you she treated me this way don't stand up for her, you are only making yourself part of the problem. It takes 3 weeks for the complaint to be processed. I doubt anything will happen because she will probably lie to her boss. Well at least I stood up for myself.
I am going to try to get into the Mayo today, at least I know they will help me figure out whats wrong
Monday, October 5, 2009
Bears have Fire!
When we moved into our new home in march of 2008 only one fire place worked. After our fence was built we tried using that fire place, but it didn't work anymore. A light bulb went off when they build our fence they turned the gas off and when construction was complete they turned it back on. Jerry our contractor had to relight the pilot light to our furnace. Hmmm I thought if the furnaces pilot light needed to be relit, maybe the pilot in the gas fireplace needs to be relit. So with this idea in mind I googled Fireside Hearth&home, low and behold they had directions with pictures on just how to relight a light.
So on Saturday night the husband decided to take a whack at it, i showed him the site and its directions. With in minutes we had fire in the basement. Feeling brave and knowing what to do now he tackled the upstairs fireplace too. He wasn't having any luck with finding the pilot light. Babes why don't you move the fake logs, I bet its under there some where. Oh I love being right there was the pilot light and he lit it. We have fire in our living room too. Yay the husband and I make a great team.
So on Saturday night the husband decided to take a whack at it, i showed him the site and its directions. With in minutes we had fire in the basement. Feeling brave and knowing what to do now he tackled the upstairs fireplace too. He wasn't having any luck with finding the pilot light. Babes why don't you move the fake logs, I bet its under there some where. Oh I love being right there was the pilot light and he lit it. We have fire in our living room too. Yay the husband and I make a great team.
Three Bears & Three Pups Live Green
I am a firm believer in living green and making less of an impact on our planet. Native people see them selves as custodians of the land and preserve it in the best way they know how. Growing up my family ate organic before it was cool and conserved our resources. To this day I practice what my parents taught me don't use chemicals, by local, and have little impact on the environment around you.
In the bear house hold I use natural cleaning products. There are some awesome brands out on the market today. I even use organic floor cleaner. Before at our old house I would use Lysol floor cleaner the rescue pups would walk on the wet floor, lick there paws, and throw up on my carpet. I put two & two together and bought the J.R Watkins floor cleaner the pups walked on the wet floor, licked there paws, and hey no barf on my floor. Ever since then that is what I have used.
Also when you think about it how good can chemicals before you any ways. Not good at all my friend. I love the Target's Method all purpose cleaner, I use it on everything in my kitchen. Yes. i use green cleaners in my kitchen. Some people don't because they are afraid of bacteria. When you think about it, before our modern time ladies used vinegar and water to clean there homes, and well they didn't get sick from bacteria. I admit that after I cut up meat or chicken I do wipe my counters down with a mild bleach solution.
We are even green in our bath room, I love cleaning with Target's Method all purpose bathroom cleaner, the scent is awesome eucalyptus mint. it makes my bathroom sparkle. For the Mirrors I use Green Works Glass Cleaner, it is streak free and doesn't leave a film on the glass. Method works great on soap scum, trust me I do not miss the harsh smell of Scrubbing bubbles nor do i miss what it did to my hands.
I even live green outside of my home. The Husband bought my a 2002 Toyota Prius back in 2008. Man oh man do I love my Prius. I decided that unlike everyone else if I was going to have less impact on our environment I was going to buy a used Prius instead of a new one. As it does take energy to build a new one and well why buy new when slightly used will do. The Prius even has a name, yes I named my car, he is lovingly known as Bert. Bert does a great job getting me around in the Minnesota winters. Well sometimes he has a hard time getting up those icy hills and has ended up in the ditch a few times.
The only thing is when you buy a Prius they don't tell you that in the winter he's just like a regular car he only gets 32mph gallon in the winter months and when summer rolls around he gets a cool 47 mph gallon.
We also buy local. You can find me at the farmers market in the summer, buying from a cheese factory and other local grocers. There is nothing like fresh right out of the creamery cheese, fresh from the mold dark chocolate, and fresh from the field fruits & veggies.
The Bear's favorite Green Cleaning Pproducts:
Target's Method all purpose surface cleaner in Lavender or Sea mineral
Target's Method all purpose bathroom cleaner in Eucalyptus mint
Green Works Glass cleaner
J. R. Watkins Lemon all purpose cleaner
J.R. Watkins Aloe floor cleaner concentrate
Green in the Home:
HE Washer and Dryer
Fireplace, cuts down on the heating bills
Energy saving appliances in our kitchen, including the Refrigerator and Stove
Energy saving light bulbs are a must.
We only turn on our air conditioner when it is super hot and humid.
Even our Christmas lights are energy saving LED bulbs.
Bert the Prius.
We buy in bulk to reduce packaging and look for packaging that is made from recycled materials.
The bears have an over flowing recycling bin every week and only one bag of trash.
Instead of buying bottled water, we use a Britta water filter and fill up our own reusable water bottles.
We just bought new carpet. It is completely green and made out of recycled materials
Bear's Favorite Organic and fair trade products for people and dogs:
The rescue pups love Trader Joe's Organic beef dog jerky and chicken sticks
Mystra loves Trader Joe's Organic Hip and Joint peanut butter dog biscuits
Organic fruits and veggies from the local farmers market
Organically grown flowers are a must:)
Trader Joe's organic shredded wheat squares with maple
Trader Joe's organic cheese sandwich crackers
Nan's likes Trader Joe's organic alphabet cookies
Chihuahua Chocolate's truffles
Bass Lake Cheese Factory Cheese
Organic flour and sugar make the best cookies
Fair trade chocolate chips
Fair trade coffee
Fair Trade spices
Local Organic chicken and Pork, straight from the farm taste oh so good
I hope this inspires everyone to try a natural cleaning product or their local organic growers. Be happy, live green, and enjoy the taste of organics:)!!
In the bear house hold I use natural cleaning products. There are some awesome brands out on the market today. I even use organic floor cleaner. Before at our old house I would use Lysol floor cleaner the rescue pups would walk on the wet floor, lick there paws, and throw up on my carpet. I put two & two together and bought the J.R Watkins floor cleaner the pups walked on the wet floor, licked there paws, and hey no barf on my floor. Ever since then that is what I have used.
Also when you think about it how good can chemicals before you any ways. Not good at all my friend. I love the Target's Method all purpose cleaner, I use it on everything in my kitchen. Yes. i use green cleaners in my kitchen. Some people don't because they are afraid of bacteria. When you think about it, before our modern time ladies used vinegar and water to clean there homes, and well they didn't get sick from bacteria. I admit that after I cut up meat or chicken I do wipe my counters down with a mild bleach solution.
We are even green in our bath room, I love cleaning with Target's Method all purpose bathroom cleaner, the scent is awesome eucalyptus mint. it makes my bathroom sparkle. For the Mirrors I use Green Works Glass Cleaner, it is streak free and doesn't leave a film on the glass. Method works great on soap scum, trust me I do not miss the harsh smell of Scrubbing bubbles nor do i miss what it did to my hands.
I even live green outside of my home. The Husband bought my a 2002 Toyota Prius back in 2008. Man oh man do I love my Prius. I decided that unlike everyone else if I was going to have less impact on our environment I was going to buy a used Prius instead of a new one. As it does take energy to build a new one and well why buy new when slightly used will do. The Prius even has a name, yes I named my car, he is lovingly known as Bert. Bert does a great job getting me around in the Minnesota winters. Well sometimes he has a hard time getting up those icy hills and has ended up in the ditch a few times.
The only thing is when you buy a Prius they don't tell you that in the winter he's just like a regular car he only gets 32mph gallon in the winter months and when summer rolls around he gets a cool 47 mph gallon.
We also buy local. You can find me at the farmers market in the summer, buying from a cheese factory and other local grocers. There is nothing like fresh right out of the creamery cheese, fresh from the mold dark chocolate, and fresh from the field fruits & veggies.
The Bear's favorite Green Cleaning Pproducts:
Target's Method all purpose surface cleaner in Lavender or Sea mineral
Target's Method all purpose bathroom cleaner in Eucalyptus mint
Green Works Glass cleaner
J. R. Watkins Lemon all purpose cleaner
J.R. Watkins Aloe floor cleaner concentrate
Green in the Home:
HE Washer and Dryer
Fireplace, cuts down on the heating bills
Energy saving appliances in our kitchen, including the Refrigerator and Stove
Energy saving light bulbs are a must.
We only turn on our air conditioner when it is super hot and humid.
Even our Christmas lights are energy saving LED bulbs.
Bert the Prius.
We buy in bulk to reduce packaging and look for packaging that is made from recycled materials.
The bears have an over flowing recycling bin every week and only one bag of trash.
Instead of buying bottled water, we use a Britta water filter and fill up our own reusable water bottles.
We just bought new carpet. It is completely green and made out of recycled materials
Bear's Favorite Organic and fair trade products for people and dogs:
The rescue pups love Trader Joe's Organic beef dog jerky and chicken sticks
Mystra loves Trader Joe's Organic Hip and Joint peanut butter dog biscuits
Organic fruits and veggies from the local farmers market
Organically grown flowers are a must:)
Trader Joe's organic shredded wheat squares with maple
Trader Joe's organic cheese sandwich crackers
Nan's likes Trader Joe's organic alphabet cookies
Chihuahua Chocolate's truffles
Bass Lake Cheese Factory Cheese
Organic flour and sugar make the best cookies
Fair trade chocolate chips
Fair trade coffee
Fair Trade spices
Local Organic chicken and Pork, straight from the farm taste oh so good
I hope this inspires everyone to try a natural cleaning product or their local organic growers. Be happy, live green, and enjoy the taste of organics:)!!
Saturday, October 3, 2009
GRACE
When I was in college I got the chance to travel to different conferences and share my Families story. Below is a piece that I wrote about and for my Great Grandma Grace and my Grandfather.
Grace
Up stairs in my Grandma's house there is a picture of a woman.
Her skin has been kissed by the sun and her face weathered by the wind.
She has the saddest eyes you've ever seen, when you look into them they pull at your soul.
Daddy who is the lady in the picture, why does she look different from you and me, why is she sad?
My Daddy scooped me up and said: baby girl meet my Grandma Grace.
She lived during a dark and sad time, a time where it wasn't cool to be an Indian.
Where she couldn't dance, where she couldn't speak Ojibwa, or pray to the spirits.
Grace is the reason that we're free today.
She suffered and endured.
She was relocated, assimilated, they took her lad, they stole her children.
In an attempt to break her down, to make her conform to their way.
They beat her and knocked her down, they tried to break her spirit.
But there's one thing the white man under estimated and that was the power of the Ojibwa soul.
So Grace stood up, dried her tears and dusted herself off and walked on.
She knew there had to be a better day, where she would be free.
Grace is the reason I'm free today.
Grandpa, Daddy told me about your mama and I don't understand.
Grandpa sat me on his lap and said: Handy Mandy my mama and I lived during a time when it wasn't cool to be an Indian.
They took me away from her when I was your age. Brought me to the city.
They cut my hair, took my buck skins away and put me in a uniform.
They told me that I was a white boy now.
They said if I spoke my native tongue they would beat me down, if I didn't pray to Jesus, i was going straight to hell. Hell, I didn't even know what hell was.
Back then it was wrong for an Indian man to marry an Irish woman like your Grandma Irene, they would of beat me, possible killed me back then.
Baby Grace is the reason we are free today.
She suffered and endured.
She was assimilated, relocated, they took her land, and stole her children
In an attempt to break her down, to make her conform to there ways
They beat her and knocked her down, they tried to break her spirit
But there's one thing the white man under estimated and that was the power of the Ojibwa soul.
So Grace stood up, dried her tears, dusted her self off, and marched on.
She knew there had to be a better day where her people would be free.
Where she would be free, where her children and grandchildren, could be free.
Free to speak Ojibwa
Free to pray to the spirits or Jesus if they chose
Free to follow the teachings of our people or the message of the Bible.
Free to choose, free to live, free to be an Ojibwa
Free to dance around the drum and practice our past.
Grace is the reason that we are free today.
Grace and my Grandpa are the reason we are free today.
All Indian people who suffered and endured are the reason that I am free today.
Grace
Up stairs in my Grandma's house there is a picture of a woman.
Her skin has been kissed by the sun and her face weathered by the wind.
She has the saddest eyes you've ever seen, when you look into them they pull at your soul.
Daddy who is the lady in the picture, why does she look different from you and me, why is she sad?
My Daddy scooped me up and said: baby girl meet my Grandma Grace.
She lived during a dark and sad time, a time where it wasn't cool to be an Indian.
Where she couldn't dance, where she couldn't speak Ojibwa, or pray to the spirits.
Grace is the reason that we're free today.
She suffered and endured.
She was relocated, assimilated, they took her lad, they stole her children.
In an attempt to break her down, to make her conform to their way.
They beat her and knocked her down, they tried to break her spirit.
But there's one thing the white man under estimated and that was the power of the Ojibwa soul.
So Grace stood up, dried her tears and dusted herself off and walked on.
She knew there had to be a better day, where she would be free.
Grace is the reason I'm free today.
Grandpa, Daddy told me about your mama and I don't understand.
Grandpa sat me on his lap and said: Handy Mandy my mama and I lived during a time when it wasn't cool to be an Indian.
They took me away from her when I was your age. Brought me to the city.
They cut my hair, took my buck skins away and put me in a uniform.
They told me that I was a white boy now.
They said if I spoke my native tongue they would beat me down, if I didn't pray to Jesus, i was going straight to hell. Hell, I didn't even know what hell was.
Back then it was wrong for an Indian man to marry an Irish woman like your Grandma Irene, they would of beat me, possible killed me back then.
Baby Grace is the reason we are free today.
She suffered and endured.
She was assimilated, relocated, they took her land, and stole her children
In an attempt to break her down, to make her conform to there ways
They beat her and knocked her down, they tried to break her spirit
But there's one thing the white man under estimated and that was the power of the Ojibwa soul.
So Grace stood up, dried her tears, dusted her self off, and marched on.
She knew there had to be a better day where her people would be free.
Where she would be free, where her children and grandchildren, could be free.
Free to speak Ojibwa
Free to pray to the spirits or Jesus if they chose
Free to follow the teachings of our people or the message of the Bible.
Free to choose, free to live, free to be an Ojibwa
Free to dance around the drum and practice our past.
Grace is the reason that we are free today.
Grace and my Grandpa are the reason we are free today.
All Indian people who suffered and endured are the reason that I am free today.
The Cry of The Native American
The Cry of The Native American
We were here first
(i-gv-ya o-gi-lu-tsv a-ha-ni)
Maybe the Cherokee cry
But we wanted their land So they had to die
How could their rights
Have been explained?
The bow and arrow -
Against the gun ordained?
We took their homes -
(Do-ge-nv-sv do-ge-gi-gi-e-lv)
They were mostly dead - when the deeds were done
What was theirs is ours - Yes! we have won
They had to die - we had no choice
Their punishment for owning - our land first
The Indians had been the custodians of the land.
(a-ni-yv-wi-ya o-s-da i-yu-nv-na-de-ga ga-do-hi)
But the cowboy turned the pastures into sand
And buffalo herds - very soon were damned
Sustainability was more the Indians way
a-ni-yv-wi-ya u-nv-sv a-na-li-s-de-li-s-gv.
But luxury to excess was more our "cup of tea"
We brought the Indians smallpox, pollution and T.B.
After two Hundred years we now see our wrongs
And we begin to listen to the Indian Songs
na-quu-no a-nv-da-di-s-do-di-quu i-ga
di-ga-ka-no-gi-s-do-di a-le i-ga-da
da-ni-na-s-da-tli tsu-na-ni-gi-da.
But sadly most of their tribes are gone
Now in the souvenir shops throughout the U.S.A
Indian proverbs are on display
Pictures of Geronimo, Sitting Bull and Chief Joseph
Are sort by tourist looking for proverbs and Indian motifs
Sayings of American Presidents are not bought
But Chief Red Cloud of the Sioux is eagerly sought
Why do we see the wisdom - yet our ancestors couldn't?
Or is it that they could - but wouldn't
The American Indians say
"There is one God looking down on us all"
(sa-quu u-ne-la-nv-hi)
Has the Native American salvation come at last
And will the "Great One" now be just.
Albert Gazeley © 2003
We were here first
(i-gv-ya o-gi-lu-tsv a-ha-ni)
Maybe the Cherokee cry
But we wanted their land So they had to die
How could their rights
Have been explained?
The bow and arrow -
Against the gun ordained?
We took their homes -
(Do-ge-nv-sv do-ge-gi-gi-e-lv)
They were mostly dead - when the deeds were done
What was theirs is ours - Yes! we have won
They had to die - we had no choice
Their punishment for owning - our land first
The Indians had been the custodians of the land.
(a-ni-yv-wi-ya o-s-da i-yu-nv-na-de-ga ga-do-hi)
But the cowboy turned the pastures into sand
And buffalo herds - very soon were damned
Sustainability was more the Indians way
a-ni-yv-wi-ya u-nv-sv a-na-li-s-de-li-s-gv.
But luxury to excess was more our "cup of tea"
We brought the Indians smallpox, pollution and T.B.
After two Hundred years we now see our wrongs
And we begin to listen to the Indian Songs
na-quu-no a-nv-da-di-s-do-di-quu i-ga
di-ga-ka-no-gi-s-do-di a-le i-ga-da
da-ni-na-s-da-tli tsu-na-ni-gi-da.
But sadly most of their tribes are gone
Now in the souvenir shops throughout the U.S.A
Indian proverbs are on display
Pictures of Geronimo, Sitting Bull and Chief Joseph
Are sort by tourist looking for proverbs and Indian motifs
Sayings of American Presidents are not bought
But Chief Red Cloud of the Sioux is eagerly sought
Why do we see the wisdom - yet our ancestors couldn't?
Or is it that they could - but wouldn't
The American Indians say
"There is one God looking down on us all"
(sa-quu u-ne-la-nv-hi)
Has the Native American salvation come at last
And will the "Great One" now be just.
Albert Gazeley © 2003
Friday, October 2, 2009
October
Native American version of the 23 psalm
The GREAT FATHER above a SHEPHERD CHIEF is.
I am His and with Him I want not.He throws out to me a rope and the name of the rope is loveand He draws me to where the grass is green and the water is not dangerous, and I eat and lie down and am satisfied.
Sometimes my heart is very weak and falls down but He lifts me up again draws me into a good road.
His name is WONDERFUL .Sometimes, it may be very soon, it may be a long long time,He will draw me into a valley.
It is dark there, but I'll be afraid not, for it is between those mountains that the SHEPHERD CHIEF will meet meand the hunger that I have in my heart all through life will be satisfied.
Sometimes he makes the love rope into a whip,but afterwards He gives me a staff to lean upon.He spreads a table before me with all kinds of foods.
He puts His hand upon my head and all the " tired " is gone.My cup he fills till it runs over. What I tell is true. I lie not.These roads that are "away ahead" will stay with methrough this life and after; and afterwards I will go to live in the Big Teepeeand sit down with the SHEPHERD CHIEF forever.
Author Unknown
Ojibwa Prayer
Oh Great Spirit, whose voice I hear in the winds And whose breath gives life to everyone, Hear me.
I come to you as one of your many children; I am weak... I am small...I need your wisdomand your strength.
Let me walk in beauty, and make my eyes everbehold the red and purple sunsets.
Make my hands respect the things you have made, and make my ears sharp so I may hear your voice.
Make me wise, so that I may understand what you have taught my people and The lessons you have hidden in each leaf and each rock.
I ask for wisdom and strength, Not to be superior to my brothers, but to be ableto fight my greatest enemy, myself.
Make me ever ready to come before you with clean hands and a straight eye, So as life fades away as a fading sunset, My spirit may come to you without shame.
The GREAT FATHER above a SHEPHERD CHIEF is.
I am His and with Him I want not.He throws out to me a rope and the name of the rope is loveand He draws me to where the grass is green and the water is not dangerous, and I eat and lie down and am satisfied.
Sometimes my heart is very weak and falls down but He lifts me up again draws me into a good road.
His name is WONDERFUL .Sometimes, it may be very soon, it may be a long long time,He will draw me into a valley.
It is dark there, but I'll be afraid not, for it is between those mountains that the SHEPHERD CHIEF will meet meand the hunger that I have in my heart all through life will be satisfied.
Sometimes he makes the love rope into a whip,but afterwards He gives me a staff to lean upon.He spreads a table before me with all kinds of foods.
He puts His hand upon my head and all the " tired " is gone.My cup he fills till it runs over. What I tell is true. I lie not.These roads that are "away ahead" will stay with methrough this life and after; and afterwards I will go to live in the Big Teepeeand sit down with the SHEPHERD CHIEF forever.
Author Unknown
Ojibwa Prayer
Oh Great Spirit, whose voice I hear in the winds And whose breath gives life to everyone, Hear me.
I come to you as one of your many children; I am weak... I am small...I need your wisdomand your strength.
Let me walk in beauty, and make my eyes everbehold the red and purple sunsets.
Make my hands respect the things you have made, and make my ears sharp so I may hear your voice.
Make me wise, so that I may understand what you have taught my people and The lessons you have hidden in each leaf and each rock.
I ask for wisdom and strength, Not to be superior to my brothers, but to be ableto fight my greatest enemy, myself.
Make me ever ready to come before you with clean hands and a straight eye, So as life fades away as a fading sunset, My spirit may come to you without shame.
Tis the season for Change
A lot of things are changing in the bear household.
I am leaving my current employer, the giant pharmacy benefit management company on October 16Th, for a new job with a law firm. Yes a law firm. I am very excited, I will be working in a collections firm. An with great accomplishment comes reward. The husband and I decided that since I will be making a bit more we can afford new floors.
Yes, new floors! We are getting Lamenent floors installed in our kitchen/dinning room on Tuesday. I chose pecan hickory as my floor color. I am so excited, my kitchen will be one step closer to being remodeled. All we will have left is the counter tops. Also our formal living room, family room and office are getting new carpet. So that means frecks the rescue pup is in trouble if she potties on Mommy and Daddy's new carpet. I cant wait for next Tuesday and Wednesday to come, the floors are going to look great.
The inside of the bear home isn't the only thing changing. The outside is changing as well, we will be ripping out old bushes along with over grown plants and replacing them with new foliage. My Dad will be helping us with this project and helping with the design of our front yard. We will be going to the nursery on Sunday to purchase our plants.
Change is a good and wondrous thing:)
Even we as people change every day. I am not the same person today as I was on Thursday. We are constantly evolving and working toward the greater good of mankind.
I am leaving my current employer, the giant pharmacy benefit management company on October 16Th, for a new job with a law firm. Yes a law firm. I am very excited, I will be working in a collections firm. An with great accomplishment comes reward. The husband and I decided that since I will be making a bit more we can afford new floors.
Yes, new floors! We are getting Lamenent floors installed in our kitchen/dinning room on Tuesday. I chose pecan hickory as my floor color. I am so excited, my kitchen will be one step closer to being remodeled. All we will have left is the counter tops. Also our formal living room, family room and office are getting new carpet. So that means frecks the rescue pup is in trouble if she potties on Mommy and Daddy's new carpet. I cant wait for next Tuesday and Wednesday to come, the floors are going to look great.
The inside of the bear home isn't the only thing changing. The outside is changing as well, we will be ripping out old bushes along with over grown plants and replacing them with new foliage. My Dad will be helping us with this project and helping with the design of our front yard. We will be going to the nursery on Sunday to purchase our plants.
Change is a good and wondrous thing:)
Even we as people change every day. I am not the same person today as I was on Thursday. We are constantly evolving and working toward the greater good of mankind.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
All things Nans
Out of all the bears Nans does the most traveling. Here he is sporting his new shoes that he just picked out from Target.
Showing his Minnesota Vikings Pride
Chilling with dad on football Sunday
Playing video games
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Bear Will Travel and Lose Weight
My what 3 years can do to a girl. When I left college I was a trim 176lbs and looked cute in a
two piece
Three years and 30lbs later I look like this. I am going to make it know that I the Bear is trying to lose the extra weight that I have put on. I don't care if I wear a bikini again, I just want to look great and feel good in my own skin. Mr thinks I am beautiful, but I know he would like to have the college Bear back.
So I am focusing on cutting back and walking more. I will keep you posted on my transformation
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