When One Door Closes, Another One Opens

Dear Chippy's family,

Thank you for all of your support over the past five years, but hubbie says he wants his summers back, so we will not be operating Chippy's this summer.

I remember our grand opening, when our rainbow covered sprinkles were delivered to the wrong building, and I freaqued out screaming "You can't have grand opening without rainbow sprinkles."

 

Each and every family member through the door has been a rainbow colored sprinkle in my life. I will especially miss the little red head with his orange sherbert.

Sweetest wishes to you all,

The Chippy family

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-