Dedicated to the Children who died in the Stony Brook School in Connecticut Shooting

11 Days Before Christmas
WOW!!!

Twas' 11 days before Christmas, around 9:38
when 20 beautiful children stormed through heaven's gate.

Their smiles were contagious, their laughter filled the air.
They could hardly believe all the beauty they saw there.
They were filled with such joy; they didn't know what to say.
They remembered nothing of what had happened earlier that day.
...

“where are we?" asked a little girl, as quiet as a mouse.
“This is heaven" declared a small boy.
"We’re spending Christmas at God's house”.
When what to their wondering eyes did appear,
but Jesus, their savior, the children gathered near.
He looked at them and smiled, and they smiled just the same.
Then He opened His arms and He called them by name.
And in that moment was joy, that only heaven can bring
those children all flew into the arms of their King
and as they lingered in the warmth of His embrace,
one small girl turned and looked at Jesus' face.
And as if He could read all the questions she had
He gently whispered to her, "I'll take care of mom and dad
“then He looked down on earth, the world far below
He saw all of the hurt, the sorrow, and woe,
then He closed His eyes and He outstretched His hand,
“Let My power and presence re-enter this land!
“May this country be delivered from the hands of fools”
“I’m taking back my nation. I'm taking back my schools!"
Then He and the children stood up without a sound.
“Come now my children let me show you around."
Excitement filled the space, some skipped and some ran.
All displaying enthusiasm that only a small child can.
And I heard Him proclaim as He walked out of sight,
“in the midst of this darkness,” I AM STILL THE LIGHT."

written by a Catholic priest and read on Open Line today

My Christmas Wish list

First off, I have to say Happy Hanukah, and a blessed Ramadan to those who celebrate different winter festivals.  Christmas tends to be the greediest time of the year, but is a good time to acknowledge those in need.  How to give:
 
*If you are in the local area of the Town of Clayton, please consider donating clean, gently used, or new blankets to First Baptist Church of Clayton. These blankets will be directly provided to the homeless.

*Clayton Food Pantry is another excellent grassroots organization with an immediate impact on those in need.  You can always drop off donations during services for the food pantry at the First Baptist Church.

* Adopt an animal from the Hendricks County Humane Society, or Heart for Dog Rescue in Danville, Indiana if you are looking for an adorable pet this holiday to make the season jolly and bright.

Rescue a pet from Heart for Dogs in Danville, Indiana

-CSR-

 

Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra with the family

Christina Shepard
 
It's all about the dress.



  

Blossom

This is Blossom, the reindeer.

 

Michael Shepard Christina Shepard

At the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra for Duke Energy's Yuletide Celebration with Michael Shepard and Christina Shepard.  This is my dad.  He is a Vietnam veteran, a marine who volunteered.  He was not drafted.  There is a difference.  He wanted to be the best marine, and world peace when he was a high school senior.  He is also the first college graduate on either sides of his family. 

XXOO, you dad

 

 

Christina Shepard and Daryl Odom, this is my hubbie. 

Happy holidays everyone.

 

-CRS-

Health Care for Small Business Mama

As a small business owner, health care is a top concern.  I am unsure at what point the decision was made that small businesses were responsible to provide individuals health care.  As I am comparing costs, as a woman looking for basic health care services Planned Parenthood stands out above the rest.  Realize I am only comparing time and money, my time is valuable and I do not like waste.  While many people are exclusively focused on the abortion issue, Planned Parenthood has never once in all of my time using their service, even talked to me about abortion, but I am comforted to know they fight for the humane treatment of women is case anything horrible ever happened to me.  Planned Parenthood, and Sheltering Wings, the domestic violence center in Hendricks County, Indiana are two non-profit organizations, I personally have a deep appreciation for, as a woman.

*American Health Network had no Gynecologist services, but suggested IU Health West.  When I called I was second in line on a phone tree.  Below are the comparisions of initial inquiries:

	Phone Service	New Patient fee	Annual Exam	Pap/Lab Fees
Dr. Haak, Hendricks Regional	Immed. Answer	$155	$131	They do not know
American Health Network	NO OBGYN	NO OBGYN	NO OBGYN	NO OBGYN
Avon Obgyn, Dr. Johnston	Immed. Answer		$181	They do not know
Westside Physicians for Women	Phone Tree	$100-250	$150	$50 for pap, lab fees unk.
Southside Obgyn	Immed. Answer	$112 for 20 min.	$90	They do not know
Westside Gynecologist	Immed. Answer	$170-200	$170-200	They do not know
Planned Parenthood	Phone Tree	None	$112	Covered in the pap

-CRS-

Giving thanks

 

This week has been a tidal wave, and next week is thanksgiving.  I want to give thanks for:

1.       My parents

2.       My hubbie and cubbie

Jacob Thayer and Christina Shepard
Cubbie and mama bear

3.       Living in a country where I am free to choose my own religion

Christina Shepard and Daryl Odom
Mama bear and Bear, the original

4.       Living safely in the country I was raised

5.       Pumpkin pie ice cream J

What are you thankful for this holiday season?

-CRS-

Traveling to Canada

Now that Chippy's is closed for the season, it's time to do what old soldiers do best:  wander aimlessly around the globe, otherwise known as traveling. 

 

Last year, my dad and I visited Boston, Salem, and Maine.  This year, my dad and my son will travel to Canada retracing the route Prince William and Kate took on their honeymoon.  We do not have quite as much time, but we hope to have pics to post for you of Ottawa, Quebec, and maybe Prince Edward Island (Anne of Avonlea).

-CSR-

Last Chance for Chippy's this summer!!!

Chippy’s will be closing just after Labor Day.  

Do, especially if you are one of our dearest friends, who stop by in pj pant and flip flops just before close for your midnight snack, plan a final voyage to Chippy’s as we are hibernating for the incoming winter.  I would personally hate to close and not say good bye for the season.

As we have survived four seasons now.  I never knew when Chippy was just a twinkle in my eye, how I would become a contributing factor in the summer memories of children and families in our area.  Two of our regulars said when they grow up, if they cannot find each other, they plan to meet at Chippy's.

How precious is that!  

This has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.

-CSR-

Back to School

Yikes!  

Nothing is more stressful on a parent or child than a change in schedule, or separation, at least in my experience.  

Share a banana split to keep connected today!

-CSR-

July 15, 2012 is National Ice Cream Day

July 15^th is National Ice Cream Day.  

Ronald Reagan, the model of character, dedicated the third Sunday in July as National Ice Cream Day.  

Chippy’s will be celebrating on Saturday, July 14^th!  

-CSR-

Mother's Day celebrating with brown eggs at Chippy's's

I am a new mother adding to my flock.  My baby chicks arriving soon from McMurrayHatchery.  Now if only I could convince hubbie I need honeybees.  I will have collected an entire ecosystem.

Look for our brown eggs at Chippy’s.  They are huge, and flavorful.  Many people say, they never want to eat "store bought" eggs again.

-CSR-

Arbor Day in Small Town Indiana

I cannot emphasize enough how important  planting a tree is.  As I drive down the road in Clayton, I see several older trees cut down for construction.  None are being replanted. 

One plants the tree, but the next one enjoys the shade.

-Chinese proverb

Meaning, we might be the ones to plant, and take care of the tree, and never get to enjoy it, but someone did the same thing for us once.  We need to do all we can to leave this world a better place than we found it. One simple, yet beautiful way is to plant a tree.

Eastern redbuds, magnolia, flowering dogwood are beautiful in the spring.  Many of the maples bring beautiful fall foliage, and evergreens provide color all the year round.

When you are all done, and hot and sweaty, stop by for a “root” beer float!

-CSR-

Sunrise Service

Easter Sunday many of the churches have special events planned.  First Baptist in Clayton has “Thorn” posters all over to advertise their special event.  

I will be doing well to get “das frat haus” clean, dressed, and to church on time, as my guys are only self-motivated to be outdoors and “muddy.”  

This is another reason Chippy’s is not open on Sunday.  Even God rested one day a week.  My love to S. Truett Cathy, founder of Chick-fil-A, for taking the lead, and modeling how one can be a Christian and a successful business person.  

-CSR-

Celebrating Our 10th Wedding Anniversary

Arriving at our 10^th wedding anniversary is an absolute miracle.  My husband and I are a dual military family, meaning we are both soldiers.  We have completed four deployments, two each, and numerous military schools.  Since we are not full-time soldiers, we have also had our civilian careers, and educational responsibilities.

Add to this, we are a blended family meaning, he was divorced with a daughter.  I was divorced with a son.  We came together to make one family, and raise our children together.

Plus, we opened Chippy’s Ice Cream Parlor in 2008.  Many people claim opening a business together can be the end of a friendship, or a marriage.  For us, it has brought us closer together.

My husband is the greatest son to his mother, father to our children, my best friend, and life partner.

Thank you for your love and patience with me over the years.

"Sometimes I have believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast."

-Lewis Carroll

-CSR-

First Sign of Spring Break

Chippy’s Ice Cream Parlor is open for the season, marking the official first signs of spring break in Clayton, Indiana.  Chippy’s is always open from spring break to Labor Day.

Our most exciting feature, at least what our friends at Chippy’s are raging over, are the waffle bowls instead of waffle cones and farm fresh brown eggs.  

Waffle bowls don’t leak.  

Last year I became a licensed retailer of eggs.  I raise my own so I know exactly what they eat (leftover ice cream), how they are treated (fat and happy), and where they have been (eating  my vegetable garden! Uhhh!!!)  I gave them the leftover chocolate soft serve ice cream last week, and am awaiting a chocolate egg.

*This week Chippy’s has sold 10 gallons of Chocolate ice cream!  That’s a lot of Chocolate, one scoop at a time.

-CRS-