In Memory of my Father (Dec. 1928 - Mar. 1997)

Happy Birthday, Dad. I miss you every day.

Just to let you know... I created a Kumon scholarship fund in your and Mom's names. I wanted to honor you and your commitment to childhood education. This fund will allow children whose families are not financially able to participate in the Kumon program, the opportunity to enroll in and benefit from our services. We already have three worthy (and grateful) participants!

I know this makes you happy. I also know that you and mom are smiling upon me in my successes and (and supporting me in my challenges) in regard to my Japanese-based (thanks Mom) self-owned, educational business (thanks Dad)!

I would not be the woman I am without you.

Quietly, tearfully, lovingly, and respectfully~

~~~Anne

Send a FREE Card of Thanks to Our Military Members

Happy Thanksgiving!

In the spirit of the holiday season, please take a moment to visit www.LetsSayThanks.com .

Once there, you can pick out a thank you card and Xerox will print it and it will be sent to a an American soldier who is currently serving in the Middle East .

Though you can't select who recieves your card, it will go to a member of the Armed Services who cannot be home for the holidays.

How AMAZING it would be if we could get everyone we know to send at least one card of appreciation!!!

Sending a card is FREE and the process is simple and fun. Wouldn't it be wonderful if our soldiers received a bunch of these cards of thanks?

Regardless of your feelings about the current "war situation", our soldiers need to know we are behind them and support their efforts 100%.

Sending a card takes just 10 seconds and is a wonderful way to say thank you to our dedicated military members.

Please take the time to send a card and then pass on a link to this post so others can do the same.

God Bless America and Happy Thanksgiving.

~~~Anne

Arthritis Prevention, Control, and Cure Act of 2009 (S. 984)

The Arthritis Prevention, Control, and Cure Act did not make it through to the Senate floor the last time it was introduced, but it is up for consideration again.

I am asking, on behalf of Cousin Tiger and his son Kelly(who suffers from juvenile arthritis), that you please contact your Senators and support the bill. Just click on the big, red "Take Action" text below and follow the instuctions. It will only take about 30 seconds of your time, but that 30 seconds might make a difference in the life of someone who is suffering from the nation's most common cause of disability.

Hugs and blessings~
~~~Anne

Contact Your Senators Today!
Arthritis Act Introduced in Senate!
Urge Your Senators to Co-sponsor Now!

Take Action!

On May 6, U.S. Senators Barbara Boxer (D-CA), Kit Bond (R-MO), and Ted Kennedy (D-MA) introduced the Arthritis Prevention, Control, and Cure Act of 2009 (S. 984). The bill expands efforts to prevent, treat, and care for people with arthritis through:

• Enhancing prevention efforts related to arthritis;
• Expanding and strengthening research programs relating to juvenile arthritis;
• Establishing a juvenile arthritis population database to track our kids and monitor their treatments;
• Enhancing support for physician training programs; and
• Establishing a loan repayment program for pediatric rheumatologists to address the country's severe shortage of these critical health professionals.

We need your help to advocate for passage of the Arthritis Act and to address the needs of 46 million adults and 300,000 children with arthritis, the nation's most common cause of disability. Together we can fight the pain and disability of arthritis and make 2009 the year the U.S. Congress takes final action and passes this important legislation. Please contact your Members of Congress now and ask them to cosponsor H.R. 1210/S. 984.

You can read quotes from Senators Boxer and Bond in the following news release: http://capwiz.com/arthritis/utr/1/OPRYKLIFRL/OCPEKLIFVR/3310459891