A Letter to Local 106 President

*Update*

Evidently the domain administrator of the disparaging web site, who declares they have no affiliation with Local 106, has blocked my google account from linking to his site. An independent internet domain search firm was hired with interesting findings which you can make an informed decision about here. A quick google search of the domain administrator's name turns up some interesting information.

Bellingham and Whatcom County citizens - do not be fooled!!

I have also copied the exact web address so you can go to the site yourselves.

Many of my local friends have asked for some clarification regarding this situation. You can find a helpful timeline of events here.

As another side note, while I e-mailed both the union president and vice-president - I have not heard back from either of them.


Dear Local 106 Firefighter Union President (Bellingham, WA),

I am writing in regard to a web site I was recently directed to along with a political cartoon and article in Cascadia Weekly.

http://sites.google.com/site/scabmedics/

Cascadia Weekly Article

As a union firefighter's wife and local county resident, I feel compelled to tell you how embarrassed I am to be associated with fellow union members such as yours who have shown such a lack of integrity in the midst of this local debate. Your union members' actions speak for themselves - when have mud slinging and name calling ever accomplished anything positive in a community? It displays a complete lack of maturity and professionalism. No matter what side of this issue one is on, as fellow citizens and servicemen, we are compelled to treat one another with dignity and respect.

In regard to boycotting the September 11th Firefighter competition - I will not. District 7 firefighters have faithfully served my family for many generations. I see no disrespect to fallen firefighters - in fact, what better way to honor them than to showcase their service and abilities at a firefighter competition? In my opinion, this is just another means by which Local 106 is displaying their lack of integrity with hateful and disparaging actions.

Being a parent, I know that I am not solely responsible for the actions of my children - those I have been given the responsibility to lead. Taking that into consideration, I also know that it is my attitude and example that sets the tone of our family and sets the precedent for their behavior. I hope that you will consider the way in which you have led those you have been given responsibility over and the example you have set for them. It is my desire that as you take genuine inventory of your own actions and the actions of your union members, that you will be able to stand before this community knowing you have acted only for their betterment.

Finally, with all sincerity I would also remind you - your voters are watching.

Sincerely,
Cutzi (I included my last name here)

A Perfect Union

Because I love design.

And a good laugh.

I present to you:

Catalog Living



Thanks for sharing, Julie.

Wrong Side

What seems to have happened at my house this morning is that, while I have woken up on the very right side of the bed... my children have woken up on the very wrooooong side.

Between 7:30 and 9:30 a.m.:

Steele has been continually disrespectful.
Adia has used every excuse she could think of to not pick up her playdough.

• I'm too tired
• I have to go to the bathroom

In the mean time, Steele picked up his and her share of the playdough and Adia proceeded to walk into the bathroom, stand next to the toilet and pee her pants.

Xochi threw a fit in her seat and while arching her back and flailing about, she knocked her tray, along with all her food, onto the floor.

Even though I was very proud of myself for making a deliciously, healthful breakfast - both Steele and Adia have decided that they don't like egg cupcakes or sweet potato with cinnamon.


So what's a mama to do? I'm using avoidance techniques. Steele and Adia have been directed to sit in silence at the table until their meals are finished and I have decided to sit down at the computer and post a bit about our weekend. (with a few disciplinary breaks here and there) And then it's off to swim lessons!

Every year our adoption agency, Adoption Ministry of YWAM, hosts a picnic for all their adoptive families. In the past, we haven't been able to attend so I really wanted to make it this year. We have been so blessed by their ministry and love all the staff. It's also a wonderful opportunity to connect with other families. The picnic was three hours away so we decided to combine it with a trip to see Justin's parents. We were also able to fit in dinner with Adia's birth mother Sunday evening. It was a full, fun, exciting weekend. Of course, I didn't manage to bring out my camera at the picnic but I was able to get a couple sweet ones of Adia and Amanda.

Adia has a wild look in her eye for some reason!

Not completely recovered from smashing her finger in the bathroom door.

Riding bikes down Grandma and Grandpa's sweet hill.

Just a leeetle crash.