I'm a slacker!

I know, I know. It's been soooooo long since I've updated everyone. There has been so much going on.

My business is going very well, but as always, cash flow is still not stabilized, so we have been having up and down months financially. There is certainly no shortage of work for me and I'm actually turning some away, there is so much. That's the good part! I've got several new large projects of my own in the works as well as continuing work for my wonderful, regular clients.

Www.blog-mi.com is a new venture I developed to market here in Michigan. When I talk to small business owners about websites for their businesses, so many are concerned about the cost. So, I've developed a system to offer affordable website solutions to Michigan businesses and residents as well. Check it out for yourself at www.blog-mi.com and see what it's all about. When the rough patches are smoothed out, I have a wonderful client in Texas who will be launching this same system in his state. If more people are interested, other states could follow.

I have taken on my first Intern from the local college to not only provide some extra help here in the office, but to give back to the local educational community. Technology internships are difficult to find locally (I know, I've been there) so the least I can do is offer my experience and business as a worksite for some students. If they don't find a worksite to complete their internships, they don't graduate. I'm really enjoying the experience and am looking forward to helping more students next term.

I am planning to move my office out of the house and into a commercial location in about three months. I only have so much room here at home and I want to bring more people on board to work with me so I can work to bring in more projects. The business is ready to grow and people around here need jobs! It's win - win!

On to family updates......

The kids are getting big of course. Keith and Chris just celebrated their birthday's last month. Keith in now eight and Chris is three. Keith is becoming quite the speller in school and just loves to read! Angela has come a long way in her reading and spelling since before the holidays and we are all so proud of her. Her teachers are very impressed with her progress and she has been working so hard by reading every night. Daddy has started taking all three of them to the public library each week to read new books (we've read all the books here in the house). The kids are just loving all the books at the library and they bring home one each for the week.

My father has not been doing so well, however. He was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer during the holidays and had unsuccessful surgery right before Christmas. He is now well into his chemotherapy treatments and will begin radiation next week as well. He has been handling the treatments well so far, but is starting to lose his appetite. Pray for healing and comfort for him during this difficult time.

That's it for now. I have to get back to work. I'll post some Christmas and Birthday pictures very soon and try to update more often. Just give me a kick in the rear every now and then if I don't!

Happy Halloween

Another holiday has come and gone with a few extra pounds in tow. Halloween candy is just so addictive when it comes into the house by the bagfull! This year we had Batman, a ballerina, and a sailor! Very cute.

Always busy here, but I did get some more pictures added to the gallery. Check out the rest of the Halloween pictures under Special Events. And make sure to check out the new Snapshots for August, September, and October.

Mattel issues massive recall due to lead paint and magnets!

Well, the news is in - Mattel has issued a recall of about 9 million toys that either contain a lead paint hazard or contain small magnets that can be swallowed. The recall includes millions of Polly Pocket sets and Batman action figures. While no injuries have been reported with this recall, a spokesperson has stated that the recall is intentionally large to prevent any injuries from occurring. This is the second recall by Mattel in the past two weeks that involved lead paint. Read the MSNBC article for more information. Visit Mattel's website for an updated list of recalled items.

Second Mattel Recall?

There are reports buzzing this morning about a possible second recall of toys with lead paint hazards. No official recall announcement has been made yet, but after the last recent major recall, Mattel is expectedly cautious. Rumor has it that this new recall involves a different Chinese manufacturer. The last recall involved Lee Der Industrial Co. in China’s Guangdong province. Mattel does not plan to continue using that contractor and China has begun an investigation into the company. We'll keep you posted of any new information as it becomes available.

Fisher-Price Recalls Sesame Street and Dora Toys

All Parents need to know that Fisher-Price is recalling nearly a million Sesame Street and Dora the Explorer toys due to high lead levels in the paint. The toys were made in China between April 19, 2007 and July 6, 2007. More information and important links are available at Hot Topics Around The Web.