It's getting closer to the end of the year. This is the time that people start wrapping up the old stuff and making plans for the new. We took some time to look at our lives earlier last year and made some changes that I hope we can continue with. We have also made some new commitments to us, to our family, and to our lives.
One of our first commitments was to our health and the health of our children. We have done so much research on various aspects of our lives and our health. After awhile, the info starts to run together. Hubby and I decided that where we wanted to start was discontinuing vaccinations for the kids. I have said several times that this was not an easy decision and it wasn't. People have shaken their fingers at us and told us what bad parents we are. Do the research yourself and then make the decison that best suits your family. Leave ours alone. We also will not do flu shots of any kind.
Another big commitment was organic fruits and vegetables. Did you know that growers can use over 40 different pesticides on an apple? It doesn't matter if you peel the apple, the fruit has already absorbed the poisons. You eat the apple, you ingest the poisons. We have decided that we don't want to do that to ourselves. The produce that we consume is certified organic. That means that not only has the soil that the produce is grown in has been pesticide free for so many years, but the farms around them are also pestcide free. We eat most of it raw, but we do steam some of the veggies. I will say that there is nothing like fresh green beans that are cooked with ham. I know, where did all the goodness go? Into the flavor of the beans. I am from the south after all. It's good with corn bread, too. The kids are eating more fruits and veggies than they ever have. I believe the freshness is the key. Good nutrition and a healthy lifestyle are so important in preventing and curing many diseases and disorders.
I have made a commitment to not be so busy and running all the time. One of our biggest complaints last school year was that we were car schooling more than we were homeschooling. That isn't fair to the kids. It makes it hard for them to learn when they aren't being taught anything. I have made an effort this year to slow down. We do spend several days at home, instead of running like fiends. I am trying to check school work at a decent hour instead of two or three or four days later. That's not fair to my kids. It's also not fair to yell at them because we're running late for something I overscheduled. I am trying to stick with that commitment and learn what the word "NO" means. It is more important to make sure that my kids are getting a quality education than to drive all over town and forget our education.
Another important thing we have done is buy a crockpot. It doesn't seem that special, I know. It has saved us a ton of money on take out and allowed us to eat together as a family at a decent hour. On the nights we're out, it was cook and then reheat when we got home, or stop and drive thru. Those options weren't always the best. We would have to wait for dinner to reheat which could be as long as 45 minutes. That would put us eating dinner as late as 9:30 some nights. By then, we're all so tired, we just want to go to bed and forget dinner. Or we're so hungry we can't do anything but snap at each other. The drive thru option costs too much and just pumps junk into our bodies. The crockpot allows up to sit down at a decent hour and have a nice meal together, and not after 9.
Hubby and I made a commitment to spend more time together. We are reinstating our walks in the evenings. Granted we are power walking, but the warm up and cool down are great times to talk. We are turning the TV off more and just having conversations. I am making a bigger effort to turn the computer off when we are together. He had such a crazy schedule this past summer and it was hard to spend time, but the effort is always worth it. It helps us get connected and stay connected. We get to focus on our relationship, which is so important.
We decided that we will surround our family with people that genuinely care about our family and our kids and share the same core values that we do. That did mean cutting the ties on some friendships that were years old, but also forming new bonds. It has had a phenomenal effect on our family and the way we treat each other. We all still have our moments, but don't we all have those? We needed to pull our family closer together, not let outside influences tear us apart. We spend too much time together to have that happen.
Speaking of outside influences, we started censoring the shows that our kids are allowed to watch and the music they are allowed to hear. At this point, that is necessary. We have seen the negative effects some of the shows were having on our kids and we put a stop to it. The things the kids were saying, and sometimes the things we were saying to the kids, were not acceptable. So we started censoring ourselves as well. If it worked for them, it can work for us as well. And it has. Some of their friends can't believe they don't watch certain shows, but our kids just tell them how our family lives. I am very proud of how they handle the situation when it comes up.
Those are some of the things that we have done. It has made us a better family and drawn us closer together. We are the crazy people that love to spend time together. We will continue to focus on our family in the new year. It is important to us that our kids know how important they are to us and how much they are loved. It is also important that hubby and I focus on each other and continue to grow in our relationship with each other.
Here's hoping your new year is fruitful, prosperous, and joy filled.
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Time keeps on ticking, ticking...
Steve Miller had that right. I don't know where the time has gone. Yes, I do. I was busting my hump trying to prepare for about 12 events in three days. But don't let that fool you. I loved it. I am one of those freaky people that likes to have lots to do. Not house work lots to do, but other stuff lots to do. And suddenly, it's almost Christmas.
I was preparing for our home school Christmas party. I love to have people and entertain and kids running crazy through the house. We don't get much company where we live, so I offered my house for a Christmas gathering of our park families. It was wonderful. The kids ran and played outside until it started to rain. Then those wet, smelly kids came pouring into the house. I handed out towels as they came through the door soaking wet. Loved it! When it stopped raining, they went back outside. Everybody brought a dish. I had a meat and cheese tray, made brownies, and put together a fruit tray. The moms, and one dad, talked and talked and talked. That is my favorite part. The conversations were varied and informative and I have a couple of new websites to go to. The company makes all the work worth every minute.
While I was cleaning like a fiend and making sure I had everything I needed for that event, I was also preparing for a Christmas workshop at church. This year we did a Santa's workshop theme. The kids were able to come in and make gifts for their families. They got to make their own wrapping paper to put it in. They were able to make snow globes, decorate hats and shoe strings, paint sun catchers, put together angel and toy soldier clothes pin ornaments, decorate their picture with Santa, paint the inside of a glass ornament, and put together snowman soup. Santa came to make sure they were working hard like good elves, which they were. We had a toss the bean bag into Santa's bag and pin the beard on Santa. Everybody was a winner and got a prize. Then we had story time and milk and cookies. They all had a great time, and so did the adults that volunteered to help. I have heard nothing but rave reviews. Of course, do you think they would tell me to my face that it was bad? I hope not. At least email me.
While I was shopping and preparing for that, I also had to get ingredients and supplies together for a lasagna Christmas dinner with the youth. I made two, and brought a whole one home. Cool by me. That meant I didn't have to cook the next day. That was a lot of work, too. Setting up, tearing down, cleaning up. The youth enjoyed it and we got to say good bye to our associate pastor, who was with us for the last time. She is moving to a new church and we are going to miss her to pieces.
And if that wasn't enough, hubby and I had to do the Christmas shopping. Aaarrrrgghh! Will it end? Yes, too soon. We took our time and even managed to stop and eat sushi for dinner. He had to stop yesterday and pick up a couple of things we had forgotten. I got most of it wrapped, and will probably finish it tonight. Just in time for it to get torn open. I'm pretty excited about the kids opening their presents. We didn't go huge this year, and even put some Christmas money in the Hawaii account. We also were able to do birthday shopping for January and February.
We have all the fixings for Christmas dinner. While I'm out today, I'll pick up black eyed peas for New Year's dinner. We pick up our pasture fed beef on December 31, just in time for dinner. I wanted a roast or a big cut of beef and there it is. We're also having roasted potatoes and butternut squash, broccoli, and maybe some homemade rolls. If you're coming over, let me know. I need to figure out a dessert because we are going to need something sweet. Maybe a cheesecake. Who knows?
So, I've been busy. It has been a great Christmas break for our school. We've taken a break until the New Year, and I am glad to not have that on my plate. We are on hiatus from dance and co-op as well. Hubby has four days off for Christmas and we are going to enjoy every minute of it.
Merry Christmas to you all! May God bless you this upcoming year and through all time. May peace and joy and love be your constant companion.
I was preparing for our home school Christmas party. I love to have people and entertain and kids running crazy through the house. We don't get much company where we live, so I offered my house for a Christmas gathering of our park families. It was wonderful. The kids ran and played outside until it started to rain. Then those wet, smelly kids came pouring into the house. I handed out towels as they came through the door soaking wet. Loved it! When it stopped raining, they went back outside. Everybody brought a dish. I had a meat and cheese tray, made brownies, and put together a fruit tray. The moms, and one dad, talked and talked and talked. That is my favorite part. The conversations were varied and informative and I have a couple of new websites to go to. The company makes all the work worth every minute.
While I was cleaning like a fiend and making sure I had everything I needed for that event, I was also preparing for a Christmas workshop at church. This year we did a Santa's workshop theme. The kids were able to come in and make gifts for their families. They got to make their own wrapping paper to put it in. They were able to make snow globes, decorate hats and shoe strings, paint sun catchers, put together angel and toy soldier clothes pin ornaments, decorate their picture with Santa, paint the inside of a glass ornament, and put together snowman soup. Santa came to make sure they were working hard like good elves, which they were. We had a toss the bean bag into Santa's bag and pin the beard on Santa. Everybody was a winner and got a prize. Then we had story time and milk and cookies. They all had a great time, and so did the adults that volunteered to help. I have heard nothing but rave reviews. Of course, do you think they would tell me to my face that it was bad? I hope not. At least email me.
While I was shopping and preparing for that, I also had to get ingredients and supplies together for a lasagna Christmas dinner with the youth. I made two, and brought a whole one home. Cool by me. That meant I didn't have to cook the next day. That was a lot of work, too. Setting up, tearing down, cleaning up. The youth enjoyed it and we got to say good bye to our associate pastor, who was with us for the last time. She is moving to a new church and we are going to miss her to pieces.
And if that wasn't enough, hubby and I had to do the Christmas shopping. Aaarrrrgghh! Will it end? Yes, too soon. We took our time and even managed to stop and eat sushi for dinner. He had to stop yesterday and pick up a couple of things we had forgotten. I got most of it wrapped, and will probably finish it tonight. Just in time for it to get torn open. I'm pretty excited about the kids opening their presents. We didn't go huge this year, and even put some Christmas money in the Hawaii account. We also were able to do birthday shopping for January and February.
We have all the fixings for Christmas dinner. While I'm out today, I'll pick up black eyed peas for New Year's dinner. We pick up our pasture fed beef on December 31, just in time for dinner. I wanted a roast or a big cut of beef and there it is. We're also having roasted potatoes and butternut squash, broccoli, and maybe some homemade rolls. If you're coming over, let me know. I need to figure out a dessert because we are going to need something sweet. Maybe a cheesecake. Who knows?
So, I've been busy. It has been a great Christmas break for our school. We've taken a break until the New Year, and I am glad to not have that on my plate. We are on hiatus from dance and co-op as well. Hubby has four days off for Christmas and we are going to enjoy every minute of it.
Merry Christmas to you all! May God bless you this upcoming year and through all time. May peace and joy and love be your constant companion.
Monday, November 30, 2009
Messiness
I was cleaning up my room and the top of my desk. My FIL had finally given me the recipe for the stuffing he makes every Thanksgiving. It is a secret he has guarded for years. I printed it out and could not wait to make it. Except for the fact that I lost it. I have no idea where I put it. I didn't even have it saved in my computer anywhere. I had to very humbly email him and ask if he would resend it. He did and I have it in about 14 places now. This post actually has nothing to do with that or cleaning, but what I found when I was cleaning. Tricked you again.
I found a list of books that I have read. One of the big things with my friends awhile back was a list of books that really had an affect on you. It could be good or bad, it just had to mean something to you in some way. I never posted my list because I didn't have enough books to list. I just couldn't think of more than a handful that had a profound affect on my life either way. I'm sure there are many, but here are some of the ones I found.
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. That is my go to book. If I need something to read, something for the pure joy of reading, something to fill my time, whatever the reason, that is my book. I have loved that book for many years. It is one of the few that I actually saw the movie first. The movie was incredible in itself, but the book is so much more. It is moving and telling and leaves so many emotions and thoughts and feelings raw about justice and injustice and love of all kinds. When I saw the movie, I didn't know there was a book. My mom used to sit and watch "old movies" and we had to watch, too. That was the time of one TV in the house. Mom always said since she paid the bills she controlled the TV. I hated that as a kid, love it as a mom. When I found out there was a book, I was all over it. It is my number one book on any favorites list. Read it if you haven't.
Eaters of the Dead by Michael Crichton is an awesome book. I tried to read Jurassic Park and couldn't. It bored me, until the movie came out. After I saw the movie, I decided to pick up the book again. I actually enjoyed the book that time. I decided I needed to read everything he had ever written, so I went to the library. Eaters of the Dead kept me up way past my bedtime, but it also kept me engaged and reading until I was done. Most books I can put down and finish in the morning. Not this one. It also wans't a huge book, so that helped. It is not what you think it is. It is about a foe that comes in darkness to fight Vikings. This foe eats the flesh of the dead warriors. It was done as The 13th Warrior, which was a good movie, but was in no way the book. It was different than his other books and I have already requested it from our library so I can reread it again.
Whispers was the first Dean Koontz book I ever read. It scared the crap out of me. It scared me so bad I reread it as soon as I was done with it. It started a long love affair with his books. I normally love them and have read most of them. There were a couple that I didn't think were up to par, but there's always a couple. I could not figure out the twist in this one until almost the end. I pride myself on being quite intelligent, and with as many books as I've read, I usually figure out the plot at least half way through. Not this one. And when I did, I almost slapped myself silly. I just thought, duh. That is also one that I like to reread from time to time. If I see it on the book shelf at the library, I grab it. That, to me, is one sign of a good book- rereadability.
Nancy Drew and the Mystery of the Old Clock by Carolyn Keene. When I was a youngster, this was the first one of the series that I read. I had to read every one of them. I even read all the Hardy Boys because of this book. My imagination led me on great mysteries while I read this book and all the subsequent ones. I love it so much, I have led one of my girls to them. Too old right now for the baby, but the big girl loves them. This is a fantastic series for female empowerment. If you have not read them, or your female children have not, I highly recommend it.
That's just a few out of the millions I'm sure I've read. A friend from high school that I reconnected with through Facebook sent me some books. I have only read one of them so far, but I am looking forward to some time to sit down with a little peace and quiet, and devour some written words. I am not one of those people that wants a Kindle for any reason. I don't want digital reading. I want to hold the pages in my hand and and feel the paper. I love the feel of a book in my hand. And if it's a great book, that's always a bonus. I like to turn off all the electronics, turn the lights down low, snuggle in bed, and travel the world and universe at my leisure. Any reading suggestions from the peanut gallery?
I found a list of books that I have read. One of the big things with my friends awhile back was a list of books that really had an affect on you. It could be good or bad, it just had to mean something to you in some way. I never posted my list because I didn't have enough books to list. I just couldn't think of more than a handful that had a profound affect on my life either way. I'm sure there are many, but here are some of the ones I found.
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. That is my go to book. If I need something to read, something for the pure joy of reading, something to fill my time, whatever the reason, that is my book. I have loved that book for many years. It is one of the few that I actually saw the movie first. The movie was incredible in itself, but the book is so much more. It is moving and telling and leaves so many emotions and thoughts and feelings raw about justice and injustice and love of all kinds. When I saw the movie, I didn't know there was a book. My mom used to sit and watch "old movies" and we had to watch, too. That was the time of one TV in the house. Mom always said since she paid the bills she controlled the TV. I hated that as a kid, love it as a mom. When I found out there was a book, I was all over it. It is my number one book on any favorites list. Read it if you haven't.
Eaters of the Dead by Michael Crichton is an awesome book. I tried to read Jurassic Park and couldn't. It bored me, until the movie came out. After I saw the movie, I decided to pick up the book again. I actually enjoyed the book that time. I decided I needed to read everything he had ever written, so I went to the library. Eaters of the Dead kept me up way past my bedtime, but it also kept me engaged and reading until I was done. Most books I can put down and finish in the morning. Not this one. It also wans't a huge book, so that helped. It is not what you think it is. It is about a foe that comes in darkness to fight Vikings. This foe eats the flesh of the dead warriors. It was done as The 13th Warrior, which was a good movie, but was in no way the book. It was different than his other books and I have already requested it from our library so I can reread it again.
Whispers was the first Dean Koontz book I ever read. It scared the crap out of me. It scared me so bad I reread it as soon as I was done with it. It started a long love affair with his books. I normally love them and have read most of them. There were a couple that I didn't think were up to par, but there's always a couple. I could not figure out the twist in this one until almost the end. I pride myself on being quite intelligent, and with as many books as I've read, I usually figure out the plot at least half way through. Not this one. And when I did, I almost slapped myself silly. I just thought, duh. That is also one that I like to reread from time to time. If I see it on the book shelf at the library, I grab it. That, to me, is one sign of a good book- rereadability.
Nancy Drew and the Mystery of the Old Clock by Carolyn Keene. When I was a youngster, this was the first one of the series that I read. I had to read every one of them. I even read all the Hardy Boys because of this book. My imagination led me on great mysteries while I read this book and all the subsequent ones. I love it so much, I have led one of my girls to them. Too old right now for the baby, but the big girl loves them. This is a fantastic series for female empowerment. If you have not read them, or your female children have not, I highly recommend it.
That's just a few out of the millions I'm sure I've read. A friend from high school that I reconnected with through Facebook sent me some books. I have only read one of them so far, but I am looking forward to some time to sit down with a little peace and quiet, and devour some written words. I am not one of those people that wants a Kindle for any reason. I don't want digital reading. I want to hold the pages in my hand and and feel the paper. I love the feel of a book in my hand. And if it's a great book, that's always a bonus. I like to turn off all the electronics, turn the lights down low, snuggle in bed, and travel the world and universe at my leisure. Any reading suggestions from the peanut gallery?
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Excuses are like...
I could finish that thought, but we all know where I'm going with that. They are all the same and they all stink. I am surrounded by people who say "I would, BUT". You would but you don't want to take the time. And that's OK. Just say "I don't want to". I would much rather you were honest, with me and with yourself, than start offering excuses.
This blog has helped me see that I, too, am good at offering excuses. I can hide my head in the sand with the best of them. If there is an issue I don't want to deal with, I can put it to the back of my mind and not think about it. I can convince myself that I am doing the right thing. Not always the smartest egg in the bunch, but there's my excuse #1.
I was talking about budgeting and menus on Thanksgiving. I make my menu for at least two weeks, but usually three. I base it around hubby's paychecks and our organic co-op. It helps me know what I need from the co-op, and what I need from the store. It helps me stay on budget. It helps me know what coupons I'm looking for. It helps me not feel so panicked about dinner on our long days and nights we're gone. It helps me be accountable. "We could never do a menu or budget. We always change our mind about dinner and have a hard time with a budget." You can't because you don't want to. It's not for you. Continue to live your life, but don't offer excuses. I do it because I want to. I have a financial goal I am trying to reach. i think about being debt free and a trip to Hawaii.
I had a friend who wanted the boy to go to a Boy Scout meeting with her son. I said no, because I didn't want the boy to think he was going to be in Boy Scouts. I have no desire to put him in Boy Scouts. I don't have the time, and it's not my thing. Yes, I know, we're talking about the boy. But we're also talking about the person who would take him to meetings. That would be me. We're talking about the person who would have to shuttle him to all the activities. Again, that would be me. Hubby has been working so much that I am responsible for getting all the kids to our activities. Not shuttling around and making a tight schedule even tighter. Thanks, but no. I told her that was not an activity that we would be participating in, but thank you for the offer.
One of my favorites is "I could never home school". Yes, you could. You don't want to. And that's fine. You don't have to is the glorious thing about it. I didn't think I could either. I love it. Here's the other that just kills me. "I don't want to spend that much time with my kids." Then why did you have kids? Really? It's a choice that not all of us have to make, or feel we have to make. We were forced into a situation and this was the best solution. It has been amazing for us. If you don't want to, don't. But be honest about it.
Hubby is the excuse king. Some of our conversations are him making excuses and me tearing them down. It's like taking down a wall brick by brick. It can be exhausting, but I want him to know what a great man he is and what he's capable of. I do know that he comes by it honestly. I come by my bitchiness honestly, too. Some things just travel generation to generation. The baby is getting really good at offering excuses. I just work on her like I work on her papa. And people wonder why I'm so tired. I bust down walls all day.
I don't always realize that I am offering excuse after excuse. It's like I suddenly hear myself and realize I am doing what drives me crazy about other people. I have to stop myself and just get honest. Isn't that always the way? I point out what others do, then turn around and do it myself. I've done that most of my life. Look, there's excuse #2.
This blog has helped me see that I, too, am good at offering excuses. I can hide my head in the sand with the best of them. If there is an issue I don't want to deal with, I can put it to the back of my mind and not think about it. I can convince myself that I am doing the right thing. Not always the smartest egg in the bunch, but there's my excuse #1.
I was talking about budgeting and menus on Thanksgiving. I make my menu for at least two weeks, but usually three. I base it around hubby's paychecks and our organic co-op. It helps me know what I need from the co-op, and what I need from the store. It helps me stay on budget. It helps me know what coupons I'm looking for. It helps me not feel so panicked about dinner on our long days and nights we're gone. It helps me be accountable. "We could never do a menu or budget. We always change our mind about dinner and have a hard time with a budget." You can't because you don't want to. It's not for you. Continue to live your life, but don't offer excuses. I do it because I want to. I have a financial goal I am trying to reach. i think about being debt free and a trip to Hawaii.
I had a friend who wanted the boy to go to a Boy Scout meeting with her son. I said no, because I didn't want the boy to think he was going to be in Boy Scouts. I have no desire to put him in Boy Scouts. I don't have the time, and it's not my thing. Yes, I know, we're talking about the boy. But we're also talking about the person who would take him to meetings. That would be me. We're talking about the person who would have to shuttle him to all the activities. Again, that would be me. Hubby has been working so much that I am responsible for getting all the kids to our activities. Not shuttling around and making a tight schedule even tighter. Thanks, but no. I told her that was not an activity that we would be participating in, but thank you for the offer.
One of my favorites is "I could never home school". Yes, you could. You don't want to. And that's fine. You don't have to is the glorious thing about it. I didn't think I could either. I love it. Here's the other that just kills me. "I don't want to spend that much time with my kids." Then why did you have kids? Really? It's a choice that not all of us have to make, or feel we have to make. We were forced into a situation and this was the best solution. It has been amazing for us. If you don't want to, don't. But be honest about it.
Hubby is the excuse king. Some of our conversations are him making excuses and me tearing them down. It's like taking down a wall brick by brick. It can be exhausting, but I want him to know what a great man he is and what he's capable of. I do know that he comes by it honestly. I come by my bitchiness honestly, too. Some things just travel generation to generation. The baby is getting really good at offering excuses. I just work on her like I work on her papa. And people wonder why I'm so tired. I bust down walls all day.
I don't always realize that I am offering excuse after excuse. It's like I suddenly hear myself and realize I am doing what drives me crazy about other people. I have to stop myself and just get honest. Isn't that always the way? I point out what others do, then turn around and do it myself. I've done that most of my life. Look, there's excuse #2.
Saturday, November 21, 2009
To Give or Not to Give
Interesting discussion hubby and I had tonight. I love my hubby. He talks like a redneck, he acts like a redneck, and well, he is a redneck. But he is also one of the most intelligent people I have ever met. I tell him one of the things that attracted me to him was his brain. Don't get me wrong. I am an ass woman and he has a mighty fine one, but I can't have a conversation with it. I love the fact that I can talk about anything with him. Sometimes he has to walk away and think about it for a little bit. That gives me time to think and see his point of view, too, so that's not a bad thing. As quickly as stuff flies out of my mouth, I can't guarantee I'm keeping up with me either. You've read my blog. You can't keep up all the time. Here's another wild ride.
We talked about charity as gifts. I have this great idea that maybe this year we will give donations to a charity or organization that our family members support, or like, or think is a great organization. If I don't agree with the premise and views of a certain organization, I'll find an alternative that meets the needs of both parties. He didn't like the idea at first. He had to go work in the shed and think about it for awhile. That led to a great discussion about the reason for the season and who's responsibility it is to raise children. We were all over the place with that one.
You should all know that Jesus is the reason for the season. Without Christ there would be no Christmas. It is a time of year based on giving- of ourselves, our resources, our emotions, every thing we have should be for others. We were given the greatest gift ever. How can we not turn around and give that gift to others? How can we not show others by our actions, words, and deeds that there is a precious gift waiting for them?
That being said, there are people out there that would be ungrateful whatever the gift. There is nothing that is good enough except what they want. I have definitely been one of those people. If I didn't get what I wanted, I was disappointed. Hubby and I talked about car stereos and not getting one. Practical gifts suck. Socks, underwear, and rocks are not appropriate for gifts. Because you need them is one thing, but who likes to open that gift. Yeah, I've been ungrateful way too much in my life.
But who needs to explain to the children that a charitable gift is a great gift? Is it my responsibility as the aunt to make sure that my nieces and nephews know that there are those less fortunate that need the money in a far greater way than they do? Hubby's brothers and their families are not well off by any means, but neither are we. We lived for way too long above our income level, but there are times when even that can't be helped. When you have to feed your family and keep a roof over your head, you do what you have to.
Do my nieces and nephews really expect great gifts from me, or do they expect that from their parents? When you were a kid and you opened a gift from your aunt or uncles, did you expect the greatest gift ever? Or did you just know that you were getting a hand knitted sweater with your name across the front? And that it was made a little big so you could wear it for a couple of years? The matching hat was always atrocious. Who did you expect the good gifts from? Your mom and dad, and Santa. We could have the Santa discussion, but that would really piss me off. (Here's your hint that we still believe in Santa in this house.)
I still have some nieces that are too young to understand that a gift to others made in your name is a great gift. When you're 4 and 5 and 6, you really just want the Betsy Wets Alot doll instead of a piece of paper that says you donated $50 to children less fortunate than you or an animal rights group to make sure that pandas will still exist in 50 years. So is that fair to the older kids that can understand? Will they want that piece of paper instead of a gift card to the local video game store? Maybe that's what we'll do. Betsy Wets Alot to all the little ones, and gift cards for the big ones. But what can you get for $10 at the video game store? Not much. We were there last night.
Where do you stand on gifts? What opinion do you have about charitable gifts? Would you rather get a gift card, or a flannel nightgown? Practical, or fanciful? The real reason for the season, or what I want is what I want? We're still talking about it. Hopefully we'll have it figured out by Christmas.
We talked about charity as gifts. I have this great idea that maybe this year we will give donations to a charity or organization that our family members support, or like, or think is a great organization. If I don't agree with the premise and views of a certain organization, I'll find an alternative that meets the needs of both parties. He didn't like the idea at first. He had to go work in the shed and think about it for awhile. That led to a great discussion about the reason for the season and who's responsibility it is to raise children. We were all over the place with that one.
You should all know that Jesus is the reason for the season. Without Christ there would be no Christmas. It is a time of year based on giving- of ourselves, our resources, our emotions, every thing we have should be for others. We were given the greatest gift ever. How can we not turn around and give that gift to others? How can we not show others by our actions, words, and deeds that there is a precious gift waiting for them?
That being said, there are people out there that would be ungrateful whatever the gift. There is nothing that is good enough except what they want. I have definitely been one of those people. If I didn't get what I wanted, I was disappointed. Hubby and I talked about car stereos and not getting one. Practical gifts suck. Socks, underwear, and rocks are not appropriate for gifts. Because you need them is one thing, but who likes to open that gift. Yeah, I've been ungrateful way too much in my life.
But who needs to explain to the children that a charitable gift is a great gift? Is it my responsibility as the aunt to make sure that my nieces and nephews know that there are those less fortunate that need the money in a far greater way than they do? Hubby's brothers and their families are not well off by any means, but neither are we. We lived for way too long above our income level, but there are times when even that can't be helped. When you have to feed your family and keep a roof over your head, you do what you have to.
Do my nieces and nephews really expect great gifts from me, or do they expect that from their parents? When you were a kid and you opened a gift from your aunt or uncles, did you expect the greatest gift ever? Or did you just know that you were getting a hand knitted sweater with your name across the front? And that it was made a little big so you could wear it for a couple of years? The matching hat was always atrocious. Who did you expect the good gifts from? Your mom and dad, and Santa. We could have the Santa discussion, but that would really piss me off. (Here's your hint that we still believe in Santa in this house.)
I still have some nieces that are too young to understand that a gift to others made in your name is a great gift. When you're 4 and 5 and 6, you really just want the Betsy Wets Alot doll instead of a piece of paper that says you donated $50 to children less fortunate than you or an animal rights group to make sure that pandas will still exist in 50 years. So is that fair to the older kids that can understand? Will they want that piece of paper instead of a gift card to the local video game store? Maybe that's what we'll do. Betsy Wets Alot to all the little ones, and gift cards for the big ones. But what can you get for $10 at the video game store? Not much. We were there last night.
Where do you stand on gifts? What opinion do you have about charitable gifts? Would you rather get a gift card, or a flannel nightgown? Practical, or fanciful? The real reason for the season, or what I want is what I want? We're still talking about it. Hopefully we'll have it figured out by Christmas.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Gobble, gobble
No, this isn't a post about what I am thankful for. My friends have these thankful journals going on Facebook. Every day they list something new they are thankful for. Not me. This post is about one of the most self absorbed I could post. It's about Thanksgiving at my house.
My in laws are getting older. My FIL had a stress test recently and failed. Because of that, the doctors want to do a heart cath. They are doing that in the morning. If that doesn't work, they are talking surgery. My MIL said we may not have Thanksgiving. Whatever! It's on my calendar and I'm ready. I love turkey day. I like to eat so much I put myself in a turkey coma. Do not think for one second that I am not concerned about my FIL. I very much am. I am also worried about how much more crap the doctors can fill him with or prescribe for him. But they come from the time of trusting that doctors are doing what's right for you. They don't understand that we live in the time of I need to pay off my house on the golf course and need to prescribe more stuff for you to pay those bills. They won't even consider that there are alternatives out there that can work better than a prescribed pill. But back to me.
My BIL is going to smoke a turkey. I should mention that I cannot stand smoked meat. Everytime he smokes a roast, or turkey, or ham or whatever, hubby tries to make it a good thing. I just give him that look that says, "We have had this conversation so many times and I cannot believe you want me to be happy about this." He has a rough job being married to me. I know he wants me to be supportive, but I am not eating even one bite. I won't be having any of his turkey because I am making one of my own.
I really want to make oyster dressing. Have you ever had it? My step mom makes it, and it is wonderful. The drawback is that my SIL is allergic to shell fish. Although we don't have the best relationship in the world, I don't want her dead, either. If we do Thanksgiving here, I need to make a traditional dressing. But I am going to make an oyster just for my family, or for whoever wants it. I also have some other things working that are a little different. I don't like being like everyone else. I like different things than most people.
I would like to get the recipe for my FIL's stuffing. It is moist and delicious. I can honestly say that I had never had stuffing before, but had always had dressing. It was never in the bird. This is cooked in the bird. He has done stuffing longer than hubby can remember. It is a recipe that comes from my FIL's mother. I am hoping that he will come off the recipe soon. I try every year, but he isn't ready yet. He's so funny because he always hides a little for himself. He puts what he can on the table, but there's always that secret stash. The funny thing is, nobody is really sure where he's stashing it. We have looked, but can never find it.
Pies are a big thing at Thanksgiving for me. I like to bake pies. I like pecan pies, chocolate pies, pumpkin pies, whatever. I love to make cheesecakes. I do an awesome Oreo cheesecake that is out of this world. I made it for Easter a couple of years ago to rave reviews. By rave reviews, I mean there wasn't anything left when everyone finally went home. I might do the Kentucky Derby pie. That is sooooo good. Sugar in a crust is what I call it.
I got to cook with my mom last year. That is something I haven't gotten to do in so many years I cannot remember. It was a very special Thanksgiving for me. It was great for my family. We got to spend time with Mermie and Uncle Jessie. I loved that part. We used to try to get to my dad's for Thanksgiving. He lives much closer and the trip is easier. The last few years, though, it's been really hard for hubby to get the day after Thanskgiving off. Stinkin' seniority. I would really love for my dad to come here. That would be great for us.
I really am not as superficial as this post may make me seem. I like what I like. I am a great hostess. I want you to like what I like, too. If there is something new that I can show you or give you or expose you to, then bully. I like nice things, good food, and great company. You should stop by sometime. We'll see how much I can get you to focus on me.
My in laws are getting older. My FIL had a stress test recently and failed. Because of that, the doctors want to do a heart cath. They are doing that in the morning. If that doesn't work, they are talking surgery. My MIL said we may not have Thanksgiving. Whatever! It's on my calendar and I'm ready. I love turkey day. I like to eat so much I put myself in a turkey coma. Do not think for one second that I am not concerned about my FIL. I very much am. I am also worried about how much more crap the doctors can fill him with or prescribe for him. But they come from the time of trusting that doctors are doing what's right for you. They don't understand that we live in the time of I need to pay off my house on the golf course and need to prescribe more stuff for you to pay those bills. They won't even consider that there are alternatives out there that can work better than a prescribed pill. But back to me.
My BIL is going to smoke a turkey. I should mention that I cannot stand smoked meat. Everytime he smokes a roast, or turkey, or ham or whatever, hubby tries to make it a good thing. I just give him that look that says, "We have had this conversation so many times and I cannot believe you want me to be happy about this." He has a rough job being married to me. I know he wants me to be supportive, but I am not eating even one bite. I won't be having any of his turkey because I am making one of my own.
I really want to make oyster dressing. Have you ever had it? My step mom makes it, and it is wonderful. The drawback is that my SIL is allergic to shell fish. Although we don't have the best relationship in the world, I don't want her dead, either. If we do Thanksgiving here, I need to make a traditional dressing. But I am going to make an oyster just for my family, or for whoever wants it. I also have some other things working that are a little different. I don't like being like everyone else. I like different things than most people.
I would like to get the recipe for my FIL's stuffing. It is moist and delicious. I can honestly say that I had never had stuffing before, but had always had dressing. It was never in the bird. This is cooked in the bird. He has done stuffing longer than hubby can remember. It is a recipe that comes from my FIL's mother. I am hoping that he will come off the recipe soon. I try every year, but he isn't ready yet. He's so funny because he always hides a little for himself. He puts what he can on the table, but there's always that secret stash. The funny thing is, nobody is really sure where he's stashing it. We have looked, but can never find it.
Pies are a big thing at Thanksgiving for me. I like to bake pies. I like pecan pies, chocolate pies, pumpkin pies, whatever. I love to make cheesecakes. I do an awesome Oreo cheesecake that is out of this world. I made it for Easter a couple of years ago to rave reviews. By rave reviews, I mean there wasn't anything left when everyone finally went home. I might do the Kentucky Derby pie. That is sooooo good. Sugar in a crust is what I call it.
I got to cook with my mom last year. That is something I haven't gotten to do in so many years I cannot remember. It was a very special Thanksgiving for me. It was great for my family. We got to spend time with Mermie and Uncle Jessie. I loved that part. We used to try to get to my dad's for Thanksgiving. He lives much closer and the trip is easier. The last few years, though, it's been really hard for hubby to get the day after Thanskgiving off. Stinkin' seniority. I would really love for my dad to come here. That would be great for us.
I really am not as superficial as this post may make me seem. I like what I like. I am a great hostess. I want you to like what I like, too. If there is something new that I can show you or give you or expose you to, then bully. I like nice things, good food, and great company. You should stop by sometime. We'll see how much I can get you to focus on me.
Saturday, November 14, 2009
History 101
We have very interesting discussions at the park. Most of us are not native to this area, even though there are a couple. One of our moms grew up as a military brat and has lived in several interesting places. One of the moms grew up in family ministry performing and traveling. I grew up in a little Texas town proud to be an American, a Texan, a Southerner. I have always joked that if I stepped foot above the Mason Dixon line I would burst into flame. I used to say that about church, too, but for that we have God's grace. Good thing. As much as I'm at church, I would be nothing but a pile of ashes.
I love to get free curriculum. Don't we all like to get things for free? I have subscribed to a homeschooling magazine for the last couple of years that I absolutely love. For being on their preferred customer email list I get two free e-books a month. Sometimes I really enjoy them. They are uplifting, or supportive, or have some really good ideas that I can implement into our schooling and our lives. Today, I got one that just pissed me off. It really is just my attitude and doesn't reflect on the author, just the subject.
The e-book was an interview with a woman that wrote a book about the Civil War. Her slant was slavery. One of our discussions at the park one day was about the real reasons for the Civil War. Just a quick clue, it really did not have much to do with slavery. It was for the same reasons as most wars. No, not oil. It was about power and money and political gain. Slavery became a go to that most Northerners could get behind and support. That was the red herring.
Most of the cotton at that time was grown in the south. In order to make lots of money, the plantation owners needed a source of free, expendable labor. That happened to be the slave. This is the point that I should tell you that it was not just black men that were slaves. Native Americans were also a source of slaves for many years. They were shipped all through out the south and to Cuba to work sugar cane plantations. The cotton was then shipped up north where it was processed into whatever product it was bought for. The north was advancing far quicker than the south due to the industry. The south was still bogged down in agriculture as it's main source of income. The north wanted the cotton, but also wanted as much money as they could get out of it. That's the nature of business. They wanted the plantation owners to start getting mechanized when it came to harvest time. Faster harvest means more cotton in a faster manner. That would have cost the plantation owners a pretty penny they didn't want to spend.
Politicians wanted to redo the lines of jurisdiction. Gerrymandering is a really cool word I think. I like the way it sounds, I just don't like what it means. It means that the lines are redrawn to give one political party more votes, or more power. The more votes you have, the more power you have. In the case of the Civil War, it also meant more money. The south was very against redrawing lines. It would change boundaries and borders and they would lose out. Instead of playing nice, they had to fight about it.
Another reason was the forcing of one's beliefs on another. I will never agree with the fundamentals of slavery in any way. I also do not believe in forcing my way of life on others. The way I live and raise my family is the way that I live and raise my family. If I want or need your help, I'll let you know. The pride of the southerner was at stake. Pride comes before a fall. Abolitionists were becoming more and more vocal about their views. The more attention you can draw to your issue, the better your argument, the more people will agree with you. It is the same way today. I love a good debate. It has me drawn to both sides as a spectator, passionate as a particpant. Abolitonists drew many supporters and eventually the underground railroad was formed, which encroached on the rights of the plantation owners and the way of life of the southerner.
Did you know that the South won the war? All of the history books that you read say the north won and the slaves were freed. Let me tell you a story that I learned in the eighth grade. My American history teacher was Rhonda Bowen and she was phenomenal. The woman could tell a story like nobody's business. Here is the story that I love to share and am now sharing with you. She did all the research and I would love to have her info. If any of you know how to get in touch with her, please have her contact me. She was one of my favorite teachers. Here we go.
When Robert E. Lee surrendered his troops, he did not have the authority to surrender all of the southern troops, only those he was in charge of. In those days, there was no cell phone, internet, or radio. There was no way to contact all of the troops and tell them that Lee had surrendered. There were troops in Texas that didn't get the message and continued to fight. After running out of ammunition, food, and the ability to care about war anymore, they laid down their arms. Both sides agreed to stop fighting without either side surrendering. They basically just walked away. Many, many years later, a gentleman doing research on the war realized what happened. He was able to find the last remaining southern soldier and the last remaining northern soldier. He had them both agree that they would play a chess match in Denver, Colorado to determine the winner of the Civil War. The flight carrying the northern soldier crashed, killing all aboard. He never arrived at the chess match, which meant a forfeit. The south won.
I love that. When we were discussing the war at the park, it was amazing to me the many different ways that we were taught about a basic fact in our country's history. Many of our northern moms only knew about the slavery aspect. They had no clue about the socio-economic factors or the power struggles that actually led to the war. Many of us raised in the south had different views given to us as well. We will rewrite history many times, distorting truth from fiction. There are things that are going on right now that are causing strife in our country. It may be written that all Americans were in favor of these things. Abraham Lincoln was one of the most hated men of his time, but history shows him as a man of greatness. How do you know truth from fiction? You do the research. You look at all angles, all views. How will history remember you?
I love to get free curriculum. Don't we all like to get things for free? I have subscribed to a homeschooling magazine for the last couple of years that I absolutely love. For being on their preferred customer email list I get two free e-books a month. Sometimes I really enjoy them. They are uplifting, or supportive, or have some really good ideas that I can implement into our schooling and our lives. Today, I got one that just pissed me off. It really is just my attitude and doesn't reflect on the author, just the subject.
The e-book was an interview with a woman that wrote a book about the Civil War. Her slant was slavery. One of our discussions at the park one day was about the real reasons for the Civil War. Just a quick clue, it really did not have much to do with slavery. It was for the same reasons as most wars. No, not oil. It was about power and money and political gain. Slavery became a go to that most Northerners could get behind and support. That was the red herring.
Most of the cotton at that time was grown in the south. In order to make lots of money, the plantation owners needed a source of free, expendable labor. That happened to be the slave. This is the point that I should tell you that it was not just black men that were slaves. Native Americans were also a source of slaves for many years. They were shipped all through out the south and to Cuba to work sugar cane plantations. The cotton was then shipped up north where it was processed into whatever product it was bought for. The north was advancing far quicker than the south due to the industry. The south was still bogged down in agriculture as it's main source of income. The north wanted the cotton, but also wanted as much money as they could get out of it. That's the nature of business. They wanted the plantation owners to start getting mechanized when it came to harvest time. Faster harvest means more cotton in a faster manner. That would have cost the plantation owners a pretty penny they didn't want to spend.
Politicians wanted to redo the lines of jurisdiction. Gerrymandering is a really cool word I think. I like the way it sounds, I just don't like what it means. It means that the lines are redrawn to give one political party more votes, or more power. The more votes you have, the more power you have. In the case of the Civil War, it also meant more money. The south was very against redrawing lines. It would change boundaries and borders and they would lose out. Instead of playing nice, they had to fight about it.
Another reason was the forcing of one's beliefs on another. I will never agree with the fundamentals of slavery in any way. I also do not believe in forcing my way of life on others. The way I live and raise my family is the way that I live and raise my family. If I want or need your help, I'll let you know. The pride of the southerner was at stake. Pride comes before a fall. Abolitionists were becoming more and more vocal about their views. The more attention you can draw to your issue, the better your argument, the more people will agree with you. It is the same way today. I love a good debate. It has me drawn to both sides as a spectator, passionate as a particpant. Abolitonists drew many supporters and eventually the underground railroad was formed, which encroached on the rights of the plantation owners and the way of life of the southerner.
Did you know that the South won the war? All of the history books that you read say the north won and the slaves were freed. Let me tell you a story that I learned in the eighth grade. My American history teacher was Rhonda Bowen and she was phenomenal. The woman could tell a story like nobody's business. Here is the story that I love to share and am now sharing with you. She did all the research and I would love to have her info. If any of you know how to get in touch with her, please have her contact me. She was one of my favorite teachers. Here we go.
When Robert E. Lee surrendered his troops, he did not have the authority to surrender all of the southern troops, only those he was in charge of. In those days, there was no cell phone, internet, or radio. There was no way to contact all of the troops and tell them that Lee had surrendered. There were troops in Texas that didn't get the message and continued to fight. After running out of ammunition, food, and the ability to care about war anymore, they laid down their arms. Both sides agreed to stop fighting without either side surrendering. They basically just walked away. Many, many years later, a gentleman doing research on the war realized what happened. He was able to find the last remaining southern soldier and the last remaining northern soldier. He had them both agree that they would play a chess match in Denver, Colorado to determine the winner of the Civil War. The flight carrying the northern soldier crashed, killing all aboard. He never arrived at the chess match, which meant a forfeit. The south won.
I love that. When we were discussing the war at the park, it was amazing to me the many different ways that we were taught about a basic fact in our country's history. Many of our northern moms only knew about the slavery aspect. They had no clue about the socio-economic factors or the power struggles that actually led to the war. Many of us raised in the south had different views given to us as well. We will rewrite history many times, distorting truth from fiction. There are things that are going on right now that are causing strife in our country. It may be written that all Americans were in favor of these things. Abraham Lincoln was one of the most hated men of his time, but history shows him as a man of greatness. How do you know truth from fiction? You do the research. You look at all angles, all views. How will history remember you?
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