It's a story that is too close to my heart these days...a young boy struggling in school overcomes the obstacles in his life in order to become a famous neurosurgeon. Wouldn't we all want that for our special children? Don't we all want that sliver of hope to become reality?
It's why I am so excited to watch Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson Story tonight now that the boys are in bed. Yes, forgoing the Thursday evening shows for this tear-jerker. I've been waiting all week to get to it (and yes, Cuba Gooding looks totally fab) because the Baltimore Sun says it is worthy of an Emmy.
Based on the book, Gifted Hands by Carson and Cecil Murphy, TNT grabbed this winner from Sony Pictures Television . Carson's mother suffers from bouts of depression and Carson struggles in school until he gets a pair of glasses. He fights racism and his own temper. But, ultimately...he prevails.
And, isn't that just what American is looking for right now? Individual achievements?
Thursday, February 5, 2009
A Gifted Man
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Trust Me, TNT's Witty New Release
I admit that I don't know much about the advertising world, about the business world, or even about writing in television shows. However, I do know that I like good writing. And, Trust Me, a new "dramedy", has it.
Written by the writers of The Closer, Hunt Baldwin and John Coveny, you know you have a winning team.
Eric McCormack (Will & Grace) and Tom Cavanagh (Ed) return to T.V. in this witty and smart show about the cut-throat advertising world. Joining McCormack and Cavanagh in TRUST ME are Monica Potter (Boston Legal), Griffin Dunne (Law & Order: Criminal Intent), Sarah Clarke (24), Mike Damus (Lost in Yonkers) and Geoffrey Arend (Garden State). TRUST ME premieres Monday, Jan. 26, 2009, at 10 p.m. (ET/PT), following an all-new episode of THE CLOSER.
The show is set in the world of high pressure advertising and focuses mainly on Mason and Conner, best friends and ying-yang partners in the ad world for over a decade. But when Mason is named creative director and a young blond, Sarah Krajicek-Hunter (Potter), walks in the door they will face challenges they have never been forced to before.
More updates this weekend after my meeting with Monica Potter...
The Closer, Here Comes the Bride?
I was hooked on the Closer from the first episode, not because Kyra Sedgewick is married to Kevin Bacon or anything but because the show is, and has always been about a strong woman. Deputy Chief Brenda Johnson is the boss. She's not the partner or the assistant. She's the boss.
She's feisty, fallible, ambitious, a little too aggressive, and totally commitment phobic. But, she is a strong, driven woman.
TV needed her.
Young girls needed to see a woman like her in action.
TNT gave me the unique opportunity to see the first two winter episodes (only five will air between January and March) and I have to tell you that that episode two will leave you absolutely reeling. Episode one will tie up all loose ends from the fall finale (the wedding and the shooting) but it certainly does not have the gusto that episode two has.
Congratulations to The Closer cast for their most recent SAG Awards nominations:
Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Drama Series: Kyra Sedgwick
Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series
Outstanding Performance by a Stunt Ensemble in a Television Series
The show returns Monday.
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Healthy Toys for Kids
Why did I start the Lead Free Toys List? Because my first son, AJ, had many toxins, including lead, most likely due to his first two years in a Russian orphanage. We certainly don't blame the orphanage but the surrounding area seemed to be quite toxic. His system was not able to chelate out the toxins like you and I can.
So, when Lead became an issue in the summer of 2007 it seemed logical that a list of healthy toys was needed. Although I have done my research and contacted these companies sometimes toys sneak through the system. And, NOT EVERY TOY in EVERY STORE on this list is perfect. However, these companies say they are. I am NOT liable for misinformation. If you are concerned double check with the company. If I have made mistakes please let me know.
Why have I changed the post title to Healthy Toys, Happy Kids? Because I have found some fantastic new stores and products that I wanted to share with you. There are so many new "Green", ecofriendly, and organic products out there that I can't limit the title and topic to "Lead Free Toys".
Now, do I still buy and accept plastic toys and product? Yes. I don't necessarily want to but I also have to be conscious of what my son really likes. I do make responsible decisions though; I try to purchase Brio trains instead of Thomas, I shop at stores on this list instead of Walmart and Target, and I do my research. In the year since the lead issue I have made a significant change in the way I shop. Is it always possible to stay away from potentially dangerous toys? No. But we can try, right?
In alphabetical order
Companies and stores that sell great products
Alex Toys: Alex Toys tests their toys to make sure their toys are safe in design and in material. Find them at Amazon: Alex Toys.
American Plastic Toys, Inc. can be found at stores like KBtoys.com
Anamalz . Can be found at fabulous stores like Oompa and Hazelnut Kids.
Automoblox: Find these futuristic construction cars at Monkey Bean Toys and Amazon: Automoblox Limited Edition 2007 C9 Sports Car - Pink
Baby Sprout Naturals
babyearth
Birth Announcements on Recycled Paper
Bajo Toys
Bla Bla Kids
Blue Orange Games
Branch
Naturally dyed, 100% fibers, organically grown, handmade and recycled products. Briarpatch Games
BunnyburyBaby.com
Chelona: Find Chelona at LaLa Natural
Crocodile Creek. Find Crocodile Creek at Oompa, and Padilly.
Craftsbury Kids
Mom Approved Newborn Toys at ebeanstalk.com
Free Shipping on all orders of $65 or more! Use coupon code FREE OVER $65 at checkout.
Fat Brain Toys
Geomag: Geomag has recently updated their line with fashionable pastel colors.
Golfini...100% cotton toys
Green Toys...plastic made from corn? Sounds yummy.
Go Natural Baby
Order Heros in the US from Lala Naturals
Holgate Toys We pledge that our product is made of 100% natural kiln dried hardwoods, non toxic paints, and quality engineered.
Holztiger: Find these fabulous wooden toys at stores like Moolka, Rosie Hippo, Oompa, and Mauliko.
idbids: Find them at Amazon. IdBids - Scout Eco Friendly/Organic Set:Book,BackPack,Toy: White
ImagiPLAY: Everything they produce is made from renewable, sustainable materials.
Isabubu Designs
Also to celebrate you can offer them the coupon code "gogreen" to save 15% off of their orders through October 31st.KangarooBoo
Kathe Kruse: The most gorgeous dolls and stuffed animals on the market. Found at stores like Moolka, Oompa, and Magic Cabin.
KidBean
LaLa Naturals
Lana Natural
Shop Organic and Eco-Friendly Products for Baby at The Land of Nod!
Lauri Toys
Lego
Mahar dry goods
Magic Cabin.
Mama's Earth
Maukilo
Maple Landmark Woodcraft
Melissa and Doug at Monkey Bean Toys
MiYim Toys
monkeybean Toys Free shipping on all orders of $75 and up.
Moolka
Nest Products
North Star Toys
Nubius Organics Everything for baby: clothing, diaper bags, skin care, and toys.
Nuno Organic
Nova Naturals
Oompa
Our Green House
Pastel Toys: Find the best selection at Wild Dill
Roy ToySage Baby
Selecta
Sckoon
Sculpey Polyform Products
The Silly Wagon
Slinky (Poof-Slinky Toys)
Speesees
spot on square
Sprig
Streamside Farm USA Made barns
Swaddle Designs
TAG Toys
Togu
A Toy Garden
Tumbleweed WoodWorks
Uncle Skunkle Toys
Under the Nile
Voila Wooden Toys
Whittle Shortline
Wikki Stix
Wild Dill
Wonderworld Toys
Zen Design Group: Creating environmentally friendly (no batteries), kid powered toys.
Zid Zid
You can find Zid Zid products like this fantastic Bus Backpack at www.designpublic.com Enjoy Free Shipping on your $50 order at Design Public!
Zoe and Sprout
Zome Toys and Tools
Lala Naturals Award Winning toys!
Quiet Hour Toys
Everybody LOVES a Slinky, right? Head to Poof-Slinky
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Significance of the Pickel
When I was trying to design this site I knew that I had to come up with a new name, something a little more catchy than Adopt Two Boys. So, I went with what I know and what people call me: Pickel.
So, the significance of the Pickel:
When I was growing up my dad hated to stop the car on road trips so my inventive mother decided to pack an empty pickle jar for the boys to pee in. They would climb into the way
back of the station wagon, pee, cap the jar, and leave it until we stopped. Mom would empty it and we go on...I ended up having to use the dang thing too and I have damn good aim now.
Needless to say, I married a Pickel. So, at our wedding we (my husband and I) brought out a Pickle Jar full of every married couple's names. So, when anyone clinked a glass or rang one of the bells on the table we pulled a name from the pickle jar and they had to kiss too.
We don't carry a pickle jar in our car because my husband won't allow pickles in the house (won't eat relatives, he says). So, we use a m lemonade jar. AJ has great aim. And, he, in fine tradition, calls it the Pickle Jar.
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Salicylate Free Sunscreen, Banana Boat
Summer time is the hardest allergy season for us because we have to deal with not only finding appropriate snacks for the road and camp but we also have to find sunscreen.
After spending our first summer with an undiagnosed rash I began looking into sunscreen as the culprit. I had read that products like shampoos, lotions, and soaps could cause as much trouble as foods and because AJ is reactive to almost everything it was entirely possible.
Through a food elimination diet we learned that AJ is salicylate intolerant and salicylates are one of the main ingredients in sunscreens. Why?
Salicylates are an aspirin like product. Currently, octyl salicylate is the major salicylate component of sunscreen. Allergic contact dermatitis from salicylates have been reported only rarely. "The salicylate portion of the molecule absorbs ultraviolet light, protecting skin from the harmful effects of exposure to sunlight. The ethylhexanol portion is a fatty alcohol, adding emollient and oil-like (water resistant) properties."
At this time, the only sunscreen that AJ does not react to is Banana Boat Baby Tear Free Sunblock Lotion. It contains none of the ingredients that are salicylate derivatives. I researched sunscreens many times over and this one is the only one that works for him. I don't vary, I don't trust others, and my son stays rash free all summer.
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
They Touch Your Soul
I remember hiding from my family and crying to my first dog, Scruffy, that no one loved me; that she was the only one that really "knew" me. At the time I was sure she understood everything I was saying. She cuddled right into me, staring intently at me as the tears ran from my eyes and patiently waited for my sobs to cease.
She knew just how to ease my pain.
Today, as I stood in the Vet's office waiting to say my goodnight to Cole there was no one to console my pain. Again, like when I was a child, tears streamed from my eyes and sobs overcame me. This time, however, the guilt of possibly killing my own dog started to creep in and it's wrenched out my heart.
Cole has never been one to leave a garbage can alone, nor has he ever gone hungry. He has eaten a champagne glass, corn cobs, ribbon, a 15 pound fruit cake that had been soaked in rum for 10 days (and yes, he was VERY DRUNK and thus, VERY HUNGOVER), diapers, kitty litter and kitty food, used feminine hygiene products, tin foil, and every food one could imagine: green beans, onions, cupcakes, an entire Sam's Club Box of dehydrated oatmeal (and then gallons of water), a 5 pound bag of dehydrated cherries, raisins, a pan of brownies (with chocolate chips), coffee grounds, and entire raw pork roast, a peach pie, etc.
One can say that Cole has an indestructible gut.
Until now.
When I left the Vet's office the doctor's were prepping him for surgery because yesterday he ate several nails, a few screws, some picture hangers, and some construction hardware. They are currently in his bowels.
As I write this he is resting peacefully and under heavy painkillers for the evening. He made it through the surgery but they were unable to get any of the metal out (one finishing nail, a screw, two picture hangers, and something unidentifiable from our construction project). They are hoping it will all pass tomorrow morning.
I am exhausted and emotionally drained. Monday we put Miss Kitty down because she was starving herself and right now I feel like Karma is kicking me in the ass. I keep seeing Kitty out of the corner of my eye and I keep hearing thumps upstairs that I think are Cole...and then I remember that they are both not here with me.
These animals have become so much a part of my life that I am lost in this house without them, Cole especially. He is not curled up beside me snoring like the old man he is. It hurts my soul to know that I left the garbage out...that if I had closed the door he would not have eaten such fatal objects.
These animals have touched my soul in ways I would never have imagined and they have taught me much more than some people have. At times they have been the only ones to comfort, the only ones to welcome me home on stormy days, and the only ones to keep me warm on cold nights.
In all of his nine years Cole has taught me that love really is unconditional no matter how many times you've been kicked, hit, or had your ears pulled, that a good dip in the pool is fabulous on a hot summer day, that you should never waste good food, that retrieving something for fun is dumb, that a good cuddle will solve everything, that nothing is better than your best friend, that mailmen bring the best treats, and that dogs are not just background in a family...they are family.
And Miss Kitty? Well, Miss Kitty taught me that when it is time to go, go gracefully...because Kitty was as graceful as all get out.
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Saturday, May 3, 2008
Independence
I recently told one of my friends that for the first time since AJ joined our family I was able to sit back and watch him, thoroughly enjoying him acting and playing like a little boy.
I read, with introspect, how other bloggers like Stephanie and Jenna, watch in awe as their children grow and amaze them each and every day. I love that they can see the wonder in their children's eyes, see their intelligence and creativity, and that they can recognize that even though they only get a few hours of sleep a night that the rest of the hours in their days are precious.
When we adopted AJ we were full of all of that hope. We wanted, after infertility, to have a child. We specifically wanted a "normal" child and we actually indicated that on our adoption papers because we were not sure if we could financially or emotionally raise a special needs child.
After three difficult years raising a child that was, according to the orphanage caregivers and the director, a "normal" child, AJ's personality is finally emerging and my anxiety and grief is diminishing.
I told my therapist last week that I was, for the first time, enjoying my son. Oh, sure, there were moments that I enjoyed him...days or weeks that I saw glimpses of happiness in both of us. There were moments that he would smile and bat his eyes at me to get something he wanted but there were never true emotions from him...except anger and frustration, of course.
He always seemed so guarded, so on the edge of balancing his entire self...like he never wanted to reveal what was really behind his facade. But now we are seeing the true AJ. We see sadness, joyfulness, fright, and love.
The sadness hurts my heart, the joyfulness fills it with glee, the fright worries me, and the love makes me ecstatic. I am enjoying his hugs, kisses, and random I Love You's.
If you adopted, how long did it take you to truly enjoy your child?
