This is me....

I am such an opinionated person, and honestly...it's caused me a lot of grief. This however, will not change who I am, and what I think! In the grand scheme of things, it would probably have saved me a lot of arguments if I kept my mouth shut...but I would also be neglecting my own thoughts, opinions, morals and values. While I grew up quick as a child, I learned early on that whenever your opinion differs from others you are labeled either a trouble maker, or an extremist. In later years, I have been labeled everything from weird, to being too opinionated to being a hippy. All I can say, is this:

I am a wife, a home schooling, stay-at-home-mom, I have a home business, I believe in my Constitutional rights, I believe the Bill of Rights, I believe it is my right to keep and bear arms, I believe it is my right to voice my opinion, I believe it is my right to live my life as I deem right(without harming others), I believe it is my right to raise my children as I see fit, I believe it is my right to decide the best health care options for my family, I believe it is my right to know what is put in my food and to be able to make educated decisions on whether to eat it or not, I believe that it not my place to judge anyone by their choices, I believe that everyone is entitled to live their lives how and with whom they chose(without harming anyone) and without being judged by others. I believe that I am a woman, NOT a victim. I may be made on a smaller scale than male counterparts, but I am only limited by my own beliefs. I do not believe I am entitled or feel resentful if someone makes more money or has more success than I do. I believe jealousy is a waste of time and energy, and stems from insecurity. I do not classify myself - politics, religion, or class. I am a United States citizen of Irish, Native American, German and English descent. I believe in a higher power of creation, I am not concerned with the continual battle of God versus evolution. I am more concerned with being available to help family, friends and neighbors than I am with helping people I do not know. I am a firm believer in living a minimalistic life and not competing with anyone. I can be comfortable in heals and a evening dress or suit, just as I can be comfortable in jeans, work boots, and thigh high in manure. I love my organic style gardens, I love herbal remedies and natural health, I love spending time with our animals, and my life revolves around my husband and my kids. I stay current on politics and current news, I only half believe what the media reports, and always research/educate myself on anything that comes into our lives. I believe that government has overstepped it's intention and that too many have become dependent on government handouts. I believe it's a sad day when jealously, envy and lack of work ethic become cause to take "from the rich and give to the poor." While I also believe that when it comes to taxes, everyone should pay their fair share...although taxes were not intent to be permanent. I believe if I go out and spend too much, take out too many loans, or rack up credit card debt...that is my own fault. Not something that requires a law, or an over sight panel, or even constitutes government intervention. I believe that while college is necessary for specialized careers, college should not be a requirement to get a job, nor should it cost more to get than a new home. I believe that the intervention by government into our health care is atrocious! It wasn't enough to have non-medical degree pencil pushers telling policy holders what would and would not be covered under their plans...Those are between doctor and patient. Just as privacy is continually being taken from the hands of Americans citizens, now health care has become a requirement and not something you got if you could afford it. I personally will still not carry actual health insurance, but instead opt for a health care discount plan and save our family thousands of dollars every year. Especially since they won't cover natural health anyway! I am a firm believer that anyone, can accomplish anything if they are willing to work for it, and be willing to put in the effort. I believe we are only limited in our potential by those we associate with, and the limits we place on ourselves.

While this is just a brief summary of who I am, I think this gives an accurate description of what I stand for! I am not Democrat, I am not Republican, I am not rich, nor am I poor, I make my own decisions and don't blindly follow the masses. I am an American, the grand-daughter/daughter of veterans - who so believed in their country and her Constitution, that they chose to fight for her and for our rights. I am a descendant of those native to America, whose red skin has been abused, neglected, and taken for granted for hundreds of years; not to mention 3 fiery tempered heritages. I do not feel that I have been wronged and expect everyone to pay for the radical/racist moves of people hundreds of years ago. I do however expect people to grow up, let go of a past you can not change and start today, treating each other with respect. I do not associate with people that only bring negativity, I do not tolerate disrespect of my family or I, and I will argue my point until it is heard. I am not afraid to stand on my own two feet, even if it means standing alone, nor am I afraid to defend myself by whatever means are necessary. I am capable of doing/being ANYTHING I choose...and no one will tell me any different. I am capable of taking care of myself, if necessary and am not afraid of being alone. I do not believe that my circumstances dictate the path I choose. I believe in treating others as they treat me.



This is me. Good, bad, or otherwise...this is who I am. This is what I stand for. This is what I believe and what my values are. For those new to my blog, and who think they know me...this is me. Whether you agree with me in whole or part, I expect my beliefs to be respected and I will respect yours, even if I don't agree with them.

Hoping you can define who you are, what your beliefs are, and what your values are. Our grand creator is the only true judge of the life you live. It's up to you to live a life of intent.

~Sal~

My Blank Book - Chapter 2(February)

As February came in with many questions, it will prove to be a long month!

Feb. 6th - On the 4th, R's brother was deployed, again, to Afghanistan. I can only imagine how this is affecting his daughter. I would not want to have to explain a 1 year deployment to a 3 year old, who is 100% Daddy's girl. The same day, we found out that R's grandfather has colon cancer. After many months of hospital visits and health decreases, now it's cancer. Although I would love to do so much, I am limited with a 4 year old. Our 12 year old, has taken on so much responsibility over the past year. In addition to his daily chores, he checks on his grandmother daily and has spent a lot of time with R's grandparents. Some of the time has been for fun, while some has been to help out with younger legs. I am a very proud Mom! With so much illness in R's family over the past year, it has required both R and J to step up. Both have daily conversations about the health of family, their well being, and all though I am family...I keep my opinions to myself to avoid any backlash. I voice my concerns to R, and he takes it from there.

I keep our household running as smoothly as possible. However, many times I feel like I am raising 3 kids. The oldest(R) requires different attention, and continual lessons in empathy. J has such a large heart that I have to remind him he can't save/help everyone. Then there is the youngest. Very determined, strong-willed,short tempered and independent. Doesn't matter what you tell her, she is going to do what she wants, when she wants, and how she wants to do it. She is the type of child every parent wishes on their kids, when they are younger.(I hope you have kids just like you one day!)

Feb. 12th - What can I say today? I have terrible Spring Fever! I am itching to get in my gardens, and get the front of our house looking pretty. I am anxious to get gravel in the driveway so we can get in and out. I am anxious to have windows open, and the fresh breeze of renewed energy blowing all around me. Valentine's Day is just a couple days away, and it's a holiday that we just don't do much. I don't like all these Hallmark holidays! I am a firm believer in showing your affections and appreciations everyday and a single day of flowers/meals/chocolates, seems to be a waste of time. I'm not a typical girlie girl, so it just doesn't do much for me. When we were first dating and even first married, I would get flowers every so often for no other reason than just a token of affection. Now, I'd rather grow my own, so I have my favorites. Plus, I can grow a 14 X 3' bed of flowers for the cost of 6 from a flower shop. I don't like to eat out much, I prefer my own food. I am not a big fan of chocolates either. It was 14 years ago, TODAY, that R actually "proposed" to me. That means our wedding anniversary of 14 years, will be in June. I can't believe it's been so many years, nor the fact that we actually made it through to this point. After everything we have been through, we are still together and stronger than ever. I'm not going to say that things are perfect or always good even. We've had our share of ups, downs, bends, road blocks, and had every reason imaginable to throw in the towel. We still have moments that I think, we both would rather do so, but we've always stuck through it and battled to keep us together. Is our life perfect and free from issues, heavens no! We spend much more time talking, and exploring compromises to make sure we are both moving forward. We try very hard to avoid confrontations with each other, and even when they do arise, we work through them the best we can.

Feb. 19th - What a roller coaster of weather we've had! We've had 60 degrees, we've had thunderstorms, we've had freezing rain, and snow. Welcome to the weather patterns in Northern Missouri! Spring fever is in full swing in our house. We are itching to get outdoors and work on some much needed and a few wanted projects. We have measured off property lines, measured the front of the house for my court yard, decided on placement of trees and the orchard, decided on the placement of my wild garden, decided on the actual driveway and how to get the rock in here and keep it here. We have a lot of work to do this Spring/Summer/Fall. We know we have a lot of upgrade to do on the house, but there's only so much time and money to go around. Since today is windy(30mph), cold and just outright blah....it will be a day of housework.

Feb. 27th - Another day of reflection for me. We've had 2 snowstorms in the past week, and our little hayfield is beautiful! We have family that has gotten very ill and has given us many scares over the past week. We are keeping our lives going as we must, but some days it's a little overwhelming with everything that is going on. I try to stay positive and find something to learn from, in each experience, but it's a bit much sometimes. We are coming up on Miss C's 4th birthday and trying to decide what to do. We know that with the family health issues some family won't be able to be here if we keep the birthday party set as is, yet I worry that if we do try to change it, it will keep being pushed off until it isn't able to happen because of the health issues. I am not certain of what to do, but there have been enough changes in her life that I don't want to upset her any more by not having her party. I don't know what to do. I am struggling with this. As much as I want everyone possible here for her, I just don't know how to handle this! I guess I need to reflect and pray that something positive happens!

February 28th - As we hear about the slow fading of my husbands grandfather, it breaks our hearts. We pray for peace, comfort, guidance and healing for all our family. This month closes on a sad note, but it is another lesson in the paths all our live will eventually go. It's a reminder to spend every moment possible with family, love unconditionally, and cherish every bit of time you have with family.