Karen’s Opinion

We enjoyed the holiday season by getting together with our family. It is becoming harder to do that though because our kids are beginning to move away from their home towns. I have been thinking about trying to get together in Tennessee or Ohio at a theme park or somewhere that offers different types of entertainment. I want to find a place that has something for everyone, old and young.

For the past few years, my mom has talked about going to Branson, Missouri. She has heard about the beautiful views and comfortable weather they have there. I have been there before and know she would love the shows. I still remember the look on my mother in-laws face when Andy Williams took her hand and sang directly to her. I didn’t think she would ever wash that hand. The shows are fabulous and are geared towards young and old alike. With 49 theaters, I think we can find something to see that suits us all.

The Hilton Branson Convention Center Hotel is a terrific spot to book rooms for all of us. Their holiday packages make it most affordable to visit during the holiday season. It is within walking distance of all the shows and shopping areas. Because the Hilton Promenade at Branson Landing is in the heart of historic downtown Branson, it would give our history buffs a chance to satisfy their curiosity and still let us shoppers shop til we drop.

Branson is a wonderful vacation spot any time of the year.

Did you enjoy gathering with your family during this holiday season? We were fortunate that my husband’s mother, my son and his fiancé were here. We ate Chinese food on Christmas Eve. That has become our tradition. I used to cook a big meal but it was difficult to get everything ready, go to church and not be completely worn out. Take out is much better. My husband’s brother passed way this week and so it has been a difficult time for us. My daughter is in the military and was not able to come home. That made it especially hard for us as a family. Through modern technology, we were able to use our web cam and have Stacy join us as we opened gifts. She took her turn and opened gifts with the rest of us.

Our military service members and their families need our support. Many are struggling to make ends meet let alone provide gifts and necessities for their families. Sears has done a wonderful thing by bringing a program called the Sears Heroes at Home Wish Registry. Service men and women have registered at the Sear’s website and our donations will be used to purchase Sears gift cards. These cards will then be donated to those registered service members and their families. This is one way, (not tax deductible), that you can let your military families know how much you value their sacrifices. Visit the wish list section and read some of the emotional wishes from our military families. You will be inspired to donate. Our troops are worth our efforts.

Ah, the Christmas holiday is over. We decided to have our carpet store open today in case someone got some money for Christmas and decide to put a down payment on a much needed floor. We also thought that some people might decide to tackle projects around their home while they have a few days off from work. They might need some adhesive or metal and stop by our store. I actually think it is just my husbands way of making sure he gets to stay home and not go shopping with me.

I love to shop during the holidays. My daughter and my nephew will both be celebrating birthdays in the next few days. While many people are out shopping for those last minute gifts from Kmart, I will be looking for some terrific bargains for birthday gifts. I always find great buys at Kmart on gloves and scarves. I don’t think I have paid full price for winter wear for many years. I also replenish our pajama and flannel nightgowns. No matter how I was our clothes, those cotton nighties seem to shrink. I love the prices Kmart has on sleepwear. Our Kmart is just down the road from our store so that makes it one of my favorite stops.

There has been a lot of controversy concerning the use of stem cells. I think that the reason for that is because there is not a lot of information. Misunderstandings are often the result of not enough information. Stem cell collection does not always have an association with abortion. If that were the case, I would not even consider writing about the topic. Two of the collection processes are cord blood collection and menstrual stem cell collection processes. It is important that more people learn about these processes. Science is honing in on other miraculous uses for these precious cells, potentially impacting countless numbers of lives in the future.

Stem cells have been proven to be able to treat over seventy diseases. They have also been used in more than eight thousand transplants worldwide. These statistics alone are proof that the processes are important for health issues known and unknown to all of us. Who knows the potential of these cells? Research continues on how stem cells can be used.

C’Elle is a collection of menstrual blood process that meets standards established by the FDA. This process is available to all women. The cost may be prohibitive for some. That being said, there is a way to help make the process affordable. Give a gift certificate for stem cell preservation.

Christmas is season of giving. I think the best gift I receive every year is having my family together. Most of us have the basic necessities needed for comfortable lives. Instead of trying to think of a purchase for the sake of gift giving, wouldn’t it be wonderful if you could give a meaningful gift? Consider a gift certificate for C’elle for those important people in your life. Is this gift something you would be interested in giving? Please, let me know your thoughts on this subject. Are you one of many who has discounted stem cell collection because you associated it with abortion?