Police: Pennsylvania Family Hid Children for Years

According to Fox news the parent of five children - ranging in age from 2 to 13 managed to conceal them for so many years. This family lived in a squalid row house with no heat, electricity or running water. They had no birth certificates, no schooling, no immunizations or evidence of medical care - nothing whatsoever to prove their existence.

This situation is so sad and has permanently damaged all of those precious children for the rest of their lives.What frustrates me with this story is how NOONE could have known. So many people have lost their caring attitude toward another person. How could you not notice that the lights have not been on in the home next to you?

When the mother was arrested she told police that she had run away from home when she was 16 from a very chaotic household and did not want to be found. The decisions that the mom made from what had happened in the past impacted the future with her own children. The mom realizes now she should have done it differently. The article says that they were tipped off in 2003 and again in 2007 by someone but since the dad was not cooperative nothing was done. Are you kidding me? Do you really think that someone would be cooperative if they thought they might get in trouble for what they were doing? Why did they authorities not follow up, get a court order and save those children from living in the unsanitary conditions any longer? There definitely need to be some questions answered on that call.

According to the article years of isolation have taken their toll on the siblings. Now living in foster homes, "some of the children suffer health and vision and none of the children are at their expected eduction levels, and there are possible mental health issues. All I can say is how sad for everyone involved and I hope these precious children can be rehabilitated and become successful members of society.

10 Really Bizarre Guinness World Records

According to ABC news, November 18 was "Happy Guinness World Record Day!" In honor of this special day, which makes otherwise rational people do ridiculous things to get their name in the (kinda) history books, we've rounded up some of the weirdest records out there.

Some of these records are just crazy and some are just funny funny. It really mad me LOL (laugh out loud) while I was reading about some of these crazy things people were going to get into the Guinness Book of world records. I can't wait to tell you about some of them.

A former Texas medical student has the record for the worlds longest leg hair, it was 5 inches long; he even conditioned it so that it stayed nice. That is just sick, who knew that the hair on a mans leg could grow that long and just one piece? The record for the longest fingernails had not cut them since 1979. Are you kidding me? The nails had grown to a combined 28 feet but they broke off in a car crash and at that time she realized she needed to move on. Now the record belongs to a man whose nails are 29 feet. Wearing acrylic 2 inch nails is tough enough but we are talking feet not inches. Crazy!Or what about the guy  who pulled 907 pounds using his eye sockets? What in the world, what a risk that would be to take and how did he connect something to his sockets in the first place?

I'm not sure what kind of record I could break to be in the Guinness World book of records or if I would even want to. Reading about all these people is funny and entertaining so I guess I will leave it to someone else to break the records. It amazes me the crazy things people come up with for their minute of fame.

Black Friday Shopping at a glance

According to Yahoo News "Black Friday" is the Friday after Thanksgiving and is often considered the traditional start of the holiday shopping season in the U.S.

According to the article "Black Friday" is not the busiest shopping day of the year it is actually the Saturday before Christmas which I found interesting. Maybe so many people assume that there will be more people out on Black Friday that they have decided to stay home instead of fighting with the crowds.

I love shopping and unfortunately this year I had to work the day after Thanksgiving so I chose not to get up at 2:00am before I went to work. Last year was a different story and I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it. The crowds are massive but there is just something about being out that early in the cold that makes it more exciting than an ordinary day. Even though"Black Friday" is not the busiest day it is the highest grossing in sales day. Today, Saturday, will be my "Black Saturday"; I am armed with coupons and my debit card. Let the fun begin!

Some people may not enjoy the crowds and long lines so online shopping might be more of an option or starting earlier in the year to beat the craziness. Christmas is not all about "getting" it is about "giving" and celebrating the birth of our Lord and Saviour. Being generous to those in need who might not be as fortunate as you and I is the start of a joyous holiday season. Sometimes it is so easy to forget about that as it is easier to get wrapped up in our own worlds, believe me I know. Happy Holidays!

Thanksgiving rates as dangerous holiday for highway deaths

According to TheTrucker.com Thanksgiving is one of the most dangerous holidays , being the third most dangerous after New Year's Day and the 4th of July. Between 1998 and 2008 there was an average of 572 deaths annually on U.S highways during the Thanksgiving holiday, making it the most deadly four-day holiday period on American roads, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

I know that there are alot of travelers out on the road but I thought by people flying would cut down on some of the deaths on roadways.

After reading this article it opened my eyes to the fact that  most of the deaths were young adults between the ages of 18-29. That really hits close to home for me being that I have four children between those ages. Another interesting fact is that 56% are men and 45% are women and shift workers are at risk as well. This information was provided by the National Sleep Foundation. Have you ever been so tired when driving that it was a fight to keep your eyes open? That is the worst feeling ever! I can remember being at a conference in Kansas City, MO and staying out a little too late the night before and having to be up for sessions the next morning. When we were released at noon I had to actually pull over in an area and take a nap. I felt a little uneasy since I was traveling alone but I reclined my seat covered my whole body, including my face, and took an hour power nap.

If you are traveling over this holiday season make sure and leave for your destination in plenty of time, watch your speed, (the posted speed limit is as fast as you are supposed to go), keep a safe following distance from the car/ truck in front of you and do not tailgate and if you are tired pull over and take a nap or have someone else drive and most important WEAR YOUR SEAT BELT. I hope that everyone has a blessed and safe Thanksgiving and does not become one of the statistics.

Its the Weekend!

Wow! What a fast week this has been. It seems like it was just Monday and then next thing I know it is Friday! Time flies so fast and it seems as if the days blur together, especially now since I am taking online classes each semester. Yesterday I had a chance to go shopping for a few hours to find a decoration for my home. I love to shop!All the Christmas items are out and it is hard to believe Christmas is just a few weeks away.But first things first, can you believe next week is Thanksgiving? Every year we celebrate with my husbands family and  always have way too much to eat but isn't that what you are supposed to do?. Hmmmm what should I bring this year? I love to cook so it should not be too hard to find something in one of my many cookbooks. I so look forward to the lazy Thanksgiving afternoon. Being that Thanksgiving is not at my house so I don't feel like I have don't have to be up doing something constantly...what a relaxing day! Have a safe and Happy Thanksgiving and don't forget about the things we ALL have to be thankful for everyday.

Eva Longoria Files for Divorce From Tony Parker

According to Fox news the Desperate Housewives' star Eva Longoria filed for divorce from her NBA star husband Tony Parker Wednesday, citing irreconcilable differences.The couple had only been married for three years but spent alot of time away from each other during that time due to their jobs. The filing stated that they each had a prenuptial agreement.

Being that Desperate Housewives is one of my can't miss shows I really hated to hear this news. Divorce is so hard even for an average person let alone for two people that are famous and always in the media. From reading the article it seems as if their relationship was on the rocks from the very beginning with an accusation of an affair. The couple have no children together.

According to the article the couple declined to to comment to Fox411.com but the former couple each posted a statement on their Twitter accounts addressing the divorce. They said "We love each other deeply and pray for each other's happiness: the posting said. Okay, so you still love each other but don't want to be married? That just sounds crazy to me. If I love someone I would definitely find a way to work things out and fulfill my commitment to that person. It would be hard if your husband traveled alot, like Tony did, and have women throwing themselves at your feet.But Eva wasn't Miss innocent herself she had Mario Lopez as her "boyfriend" when Tony was away. I know that would not fly at our house but in all honesty I don't think that would ever happen.

Marriages are tough enough for ordinary people but add in being famous and having the temptations around you everyday. That would make it even harder to be faithful, for some people. I hope both Eva and Tony find their soul mate and live happily ever after with who ever that might be.

Driver sought in deadly California motorcycle pileup

According to Yahoo news a driver who slammed into a group of motorcycle riders, killing four of them and his companion, has been arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence, and police are looking for another driver who may have triggered the crash.

It makes me sick when I hear of a horrific crash, such as this one, but it makes it 10 times worse that the driver who caused this was under the influence.

These motorcyclists were riding this past weekend to enjoy the beautiful weather and to celebrate the 10th anniversary of their club. According to the article there was a vehicle who was passing them on a two lane road forcing an oncoming car off the road and then it veered back on and into the group. This vehicle that was passing and attributed to this accident never stopped. From what the article says none of the motorcyclists go the license plate number of the other diver - and none pursued him, they chose to stay behind to help their friends. Boy, that would be a tough one. It seems as if they had enough people to stay behind and help with the injured I would have went and tried to get a license number of the other driver. The article also stated that it was unclear if the driver's alleged alcohol consumption contributed to the collision. Come on! If you can smell alcohol on someones breath then I'm sure they have had what is over the legal limit.

This group of people going out for an enjoyable day ended it in losing 5 people in their small group. Highway safety is a huge concern for all of you. Watch what you are doing out there on the road as it could have consequences and it could alter your and someones elses life forever. Accidents do happen but most are driver error and can be avoided. I hope they find that other person and hold him accountable for what he has done and I hope that the families of the victims find peace with what has happened.

No place like home

A week ago I had to make an unexpected trip to South Dakota. The flight was booked only a week before departure and was not a direct flight. I had always heard of people having a nightmare trip with delayed flights and I had been fortunate to not ever have that happen, until now.
My flight left Sunday at 2:30 pm so I got there about 12:30 to get checked in , go through security and have a few minutes to spare. At the time we were to be boarding the plane they announced it was running about 2 hours behind schedule. Not good! Finally we were able to board and everyone was worried they would miss there connecting flights. We arrived in Chicago at the time I was supposed to be boarding the plane to South Dakota. If you have ever been to the Chicago airport you know what a huge terminal it is! I took my chances and tried to make my flight, the air attendant said that it was about 18 minutes in a brisk walk to make it to the location I needed to be at. I took off in a fast walk/ run with my purse / laptop and my suitcase that I had carried on. By the time I had reached the terminal I was sweaty, out of breath and told I would have to book on the next flight later that evening. Geez. The next flight left at 8:40 that night. I ended up getting to Sioux Falls, SD only to find out I had to drive another hour and a half to S Sioux Falls, NE to get to my motel room. I got to the motel room about 12:30 am.
On Monday my appointment was at 9:00am and I was done by 1:00 pm, I drove back an hour and a half to the terminal. This time the flight leaves on time, thank goodness. Our plane gets to Denver Colorado and guess what........ the flight has been delayed by 2 hours. This is crazy! I finally get back to Springfield, MO at 11:30 pm, drive to Webb City. What a trip!
I was so excited to be home, even though I had only been gone a day and a half it felt like a week. My sweet husband left the lamp on for me in the bedroom and  on my nightstand was a beautiful bouquet of flowers he had there waiting  to welcome me home. All the frustrations that I experienced had were wiped away in an instant. I love to go places but there is definitely no place like home.

10 most overpriced products you should avoid

According to Wallet Pop there are overpriced products that you should avoid. Who wouldn't want to save time and money? Often, however, one comes at the expense of the other. The ten products are as follows: Text messages, bottled water, movie theatre popcorn, brand name drugs, hotel mini bar, coffee, wine, greeting cards, hotel in room movies and pre-cut fruits and vegetables.

In reading this article I was surprised that I was only guilty of three indulgence's. I feel like I am a thrifty person and I am always looking for ways to save money. The items listed make total sense but sometimes you have to splurge.

I am not a big texter but my daughter is so I do have unlimited on her plan. The article says that six hundred text messages contain less data than a one minute phone call. Huh? I don't know if I believe that. Bottled water is another big one. Why do people buy bottled water when they can get filtered water out of the tap? I guess that goes back to the convenience. Okay, I don't know about you but I can not go to a movie without buying the yummy, calorie filled popcorn. That is just one luxury I will not give up. Fortunately I am not on any prescribed drugs so no name or name brand doesn't mean much to me. A hotel mini bar has 400% markup. Apparently I have not stayed in a hotel nice enough to have one but no way would I pay those prices. Coffee and wine are also overpriced, depending on where you purchase.  It is so funny that greeting cards are listed. I have always thought the same thing and I have been known not to give a card or go to Factory Card Outlet and buy the .50 ones. Cards are definitely a waste of money in my book. Now if it is a gift card that is totally different. Also, hotel in room movies. I'm not sure how much the movies are but anytime I have ever been in a motel there is no time for that or the front desk has free ones for you to watch. The last one was pre-cut fruits and vegetables. Personally don't like the taste of pre cut fruit but vegetables are ok. Sometimes it is just easier to but premade items if you are busy.

This article had a lot of things to think about next time you are faced with price or convenience. I think everyone should spurge once in a while if you can afford it. I know paying $5.00 for popcorn at the movies is expensive but I don't go to the movies very often so I can justify that when I do go. Saving time is sometimes more important than saving money. Everyone has priorities, a budget  and the luxuries they enjoy. As for me I don't think this article changed my way of thinking but it is a good eye opener for money I could be saving.

Crippled cruise ship expected in San Deigo Thursday

According to CNN A crippled cruise ship stranded off the coast of Mexico with nearly 4,500 people on board is now expected to arrive in San Diego, California, around midday Thursday, Carnival Cruise Lines said in a statement. The ship had departed Sunday from Long Beach, California.

What a nightmare! I feel so bad for the passengers and crew members on board.  The worst part is they have no air conditioning, hot food or telephones. Some vacation. But at least they are receiving a full refund and reimbursement for transportation costs and a complimentary free cruise. Can you imagine the stress level on that ship?

Having been on a cruise, I know how I looked forward to relaxing and enjoying my adventurous trip.But this particular cruise instead of seeing beautiful islands you are stuck on a ship with no necessities and eating SPAM instead of fine cuisine. Apparently the fire started in the engine room. Can you imagine? How scary to be stuck in the middle of the ocean with no power or anything and a fire?  Thank goodness three tugboats have joined in the effort to tow the ship to land. Some people say they will NEVER take a cruise again especially with Carnival. I'm sure it will come out how the fire started and if it could have been prevented. Unexpected things happen everyday and unfortunately it just so happened to these people on their vacation. What a wasted week. It sounds as if Carnival is doing the best they can to keep everyone comfortable and compensating them for a future cruise.

As for me, I would not let this stop me from taking another cruise again. No one got hurt and you can not spend your life being mad and worrying about if something bad will happen. I believe that you have to live life to the fullest and take the hits as they come your way. Someday maybe the passengers can look back and laugh at this unfortunate situation and hopefully it can be on their next cruise. I hope everyone is rescued and makes it back home safely.

Bad Hair Day

Okay, I need to know from all of you out there, am I the only one that has hair drama? I have spent years, I am not kidding, looking for the perfect hairdresser. I have had bad experiences with the way my hair is cut and the colors that have been mixed for the so called perfect shade. I have taken in magazines and been very specific with what I want and what I do not want. For some reason they always want to make me blond or put in blond highlights that washes me out , I am so not a blond.

It is frustrating because, two girls previous to the one I am going to now, did an awesome job cutting my hair but the color would always turn out different than what I had expected. My husband even agreed with me that she had not done a good job and wanted me to go back and have her fix it. How can she not know that my hair looks hideous and I want to wear a hat for the next month? Good grief, my husband even said something! It is so awkward to quit going to a hairdresser because it never fails you see them out somewhere and feel like you have to avoid, almost like you are cheating on her or something.

I refuse to grow old gracefully when I am still in my 30's so I guess I will keep paying top dollar and hope that my hair comes out right one of these times. Maybe "doing hair"  is more complicated that I think but we'll see after tomorrows appointment if I get the look I am going for. Wish me luck!

Arrest Warrants Issued for Randy and Evi Quaid After Couple Misses Hearing

According to ABC news Arrest warrants have been issued for Randy and Evi Quaid after the couple failed to show up at their Santa Barbara, California court hearing this morning. The warrant for Evi is effectively immediately, but Randy;s is being held until November 16 because he has another hearing to attend in Canada next week, according to Judge Donna Deck. Their failure to show up in court also means that the couple lost half of the $1 million bond they posted to guarantee their appearance.

This famous couple is unbelievable. Have they lost their mind? Do they think they are above the law and can not just show up at court and it will all go away?

Back in September I first blogged about the Quaid's and thought it would be interesting as the story to follow. Okay, first of all it is bad enough to have broke the law and to have to post a bond.But then not to show up and lose $500,000 when they had lost the majority of their money before that? I don't know about you but that just does not make sense. The Quaids have now said the fled to Canada out of fear that they will be hunted down and killed by a group Randy calls "star whackers". Are these people out of their mind? They are obviously delusional..

As I said before I think it so sad that the Quaids are running away from their problems instead of dealing with them. I found out a long time ago that only makes things worse. Hopefully one of the days they will come to their senses and deal with the issues at hand. I hope they get the help they need, for some reason I feel it might be more mental than anything else.

Baby, Mom Killed When Dad Truck Plows Into House

According to Fox News A father slammed his pickup truck into a bedroom where his newborn daughter and her teen mother slept, killing both before witnesses rushed to help them from furniture and debris, police said.

What a tragedy that a young man would take the life of his 10 day old daughter and her mother. What custody battle could be so bad that you would kill?

I really don't know why I torture myself by reading these types of stories. What is wrong with people to go so far off the deep end and commit murder? This 22 year old young adult intentionally crashed into the house, there were no skid marks. According to the article two teenage witnesses walking home from a Halloween party said they ran to help after seeing the Cadillac Escalade speed down the street the open up an 8 foot hole in the wall of the residence last night. Believe it or not the teens other child, which is three years old, was in the room but he was unharmed. That poor little boy lost his mommy and his baby sister. The young mother was described as happy and had just graduated high school and planned to go to college.

Choices that you make can effect you for the rest of your life. This young lady made a very bad choice by choosing to have a baby with this unstable young man. The ending of this did not have a favorable outcome and the little boy left behind will never truly know his immediate family. How sad is that.....This couple had dated for about a year and half. I just don't understand how someone could so something so horrific.