LOL, as I typed the subject line...I'm literally laughing! September for us, is a crazy month. Every year we seem to be less and less prepared for this dreaded month. Although our oldest celebrates his birthday this month, and that is always the highlight, the entire month has stuff going on...every year. From Labor day clear through...we are runing around like chickens with our heads cut off! This year seems crazier as we hope to be closing on our home next month...so in addition to our already insane schedule, we have thrown in packing and paperwork.
Anyone that knows me, knows that I am opinionated and head strong. When I believe in something, I will defend it and argue my point. Yes, I do tend to be a little idealist at times, but I also seek honesty and will admit when I'm wrong. I don't like to be treated like I'm not intelligent or that I am stupid because I'm a lady. This always sends my temper into orbit! It's always interesting around my house when that happens. Joey's response is always, "duck and run....Mom's ticked!" LOL Yep, some things never change....although I have learned to control my temper...for the most part.
I have made remarks that upset people or stir the pot....and believe me, more times than not, it's unintentional! As I get older though, it becomes more clear that opinions and thoughts range drastically from generation to generation. Some people are willing to learn, some are set in their ways, and some just honestly don't care! I will listen to differing opinions, I may even change my thoughts...IF I am given true facts and not just opinions that are based on an opinion that has been drilled into their heads by someone else.
I guess having to different living ideals has helped reshape my thoughts and opinions. I will say, I have been blessed by this scenario. Both of the towns I spent the majority of my life in, were small towns at the time. Now, both towns have grown, considerably and seem more city like. Then I moved to Missouri, and found the life I've now lived for 13 years. It amazes me how 400 miles can make such a huge difference. Although Illinois was my home for 23 years, I can't remember ever being in a farming community that resembles the farm community I live in now. Although life can get hectic here, it doesn't run at break neck speed all the time. Life here is simple, laid back, and for the most part easy. I have been blessed with my Missouri family, and many of the ways they live their lives...we also live. I am not as connected to my Illinois family due to the lifestyle up there and the distance, but they were my first teachers and some I still turn to for their opinions. I miss my family, but it has become such a major system shock going back up there, it's hard to manage. Richard absolutely hates going up there and complains for weeks before hand, and the kids don't adjust well and behave terribly....so it's easier to not go. Since I don't travel alone anymore, for reasons I won't go into, it makes it difficult to ever get out of the state.
As my life as shaped and changed since I've been in Missouri, I have been able to find myself, and in some ways reinvent myself. I have found things that I really enjoy and some that I don't. Did you know, in our community, All businesses(except the grocery store) close at 5 during the week, and at noon on Saturday. That means if you need anything for weekend projects....you have to get it before noon on Saturday or make a 25-45 minute trip to the next town that has a Wal-Mart, Home Depot or Menards?! Yep, it can get frustrating, but you know, you actually do get used to it. If you don't get your materials before the close of business in town....it just has to wait until the next weekend. I guess that just fuels the lifestyle here..."if it doesn't get done today, it will still be there tomorrow!" Although it took me years to readjust to this lifestyle, I can't imagine any other way of living now. This life has allowed me to find a happy medium to who I was/am. In Illinois I was getting to be a party girl, had a really bad temper that wasn't always controllable, and was pretty self-centered. Here though....I have learned to control my temper, I value opinions from those that have made a big difference in my life, I have learned about farming, gardening, canning, livestock, and most of all...I have learned to see the blessings in my life and reflect on those blessings to make our lives better. Richard's parents, grandparents and great grandparents have definitely had an impact on my life, but I think the majority of the gratitude goes to Richard for everything he has taught me, everything he has stuck with me through, and everything he contiues to teach me. I love that we can sit down to have a conversation, say whatever comes to our mind, have our heated discussions, and in the end we find the answer or find a happy medium that we can both live with.
I have spent a lot of time in the last few years reflecting on my life and the way I want my life to go. I am not a church go'er, nor do I intend to be. I do not feeling it is necessary to sit with a bunch of hypocrits every Sunday to have faith in a higher power. I am teaching my children to read the bible, have faith in God, pray everyday, and live a life that is decent. I believe that every sins, that is what Jesus died on the cross for, but I also believe that the choices we make everyday are our own. That will will have to answer for them on judgement day, but I will not be judged and ridiculed by some that attend weekly services to confess their sins and pray for forgiveness...just to go out and do the exact same things for the next week. Once again, this brings up the teaching of our children.
Thankfully, Richard and I have the same beliefs and opinions on raising our kids. We began home educating our children because of a situation that our school district couldn't handle. Although, I always knew this was an option, I had not considered it until just a few years ago. I was brought up in the public school system, and although I did ok and passed with average grades....there was a lot that I was not prepared for in real life, even that many years ago. I was fortunate to be able to be involved in many extra-curricular activities, the academics lacked common sense training. How to think for ourselves, and to make good choices. I was lucky to have a class, taught by an awesome teacher, for half a semester. That did help some...but it definitely need to be a full year requirement! Now, as we are into our 2nd full year, I am finding that I value the indiviualized curricula for home education. Each subject is based on the students progress, not grade level. If a student excels in one subject...you can move on to a more advanced level. If a student struggles in a subject, you can spend as much time as necessary to help them understand it and progress. No matter how long it may take. I know for me...that would have been helpful in Algebra! Which brings into view another common arguement, "I struggled with this subject or that, or I'm not smart enough to teach my kids." Well, let me tell you......there are plenty of people that may agree with this statement, but here is my opinion! (Ha, there's a shocker, huh?!) If you struggled with a subject, it's ok. As you teach your child, you can learn together. That is the nice thing about home education! You have the time and materials you need to teach it and learn(or relearn). This is also a great example for your kids. They see you willing to learn along side of them, and it promotes a life ling desire to learn. If you don't think you are smart enough to teach your kids...guess what, there are full box curriculm sets that give you everything you will ever need! Including access to teachers, professors, and other professionals to help you teach. There are millions, and I mean literally, of web sites available to those who choose to be the educator of their children. Some are faith based, some are not. Although we use a multitude of programs, websites, curriculum and have access to a few fantastic teachers....there are some things you can not learn from school work alone. Teaching work ethic, citizenship, honor, decency, honesty, and thinking for themselves...must be taught by example, and hands on.
For us, home education was a decision that had to be made out of necessity and safety for Joey. There are many reasons people choose to home educate their kids....safety, religion, lack of confidence in their school district, and so many more...are just a few. For us, it started as a safety issue because of a bully and the school district was unable to do anything with the other child. Although I was verbally confident in my ability to home school, inside...I was scared to death! I knew some kids growing up that were home schooled and honestly, we always thought they were odd. I was asked a lot of questions, and honestly I didn't have any answers for them. It made me mad that we were questioned and even madder that I didn't know enough about home educating to get more answers. Now, 2 years into this journey, I have been able to learn more and have found many support pillars....it's different. Richard and I both agree that home educating is the only way our children will be educated. We are a united front. As I have read and talked to other home schooling families, I am finding that everyone receives the same questions and biases. So, I don't feel as bitter or belittled. Between Richard and myself, we know our kids will get the best education possible and still learn to be hardworking, honest and be an asset to whatever community they settle into. They will also be allowed to think for themselves and explore different interest paths. While avoiding the peer pressure, status B.S. of what brand of clothing,shoes, or whatever that goes on, We are given the unique opportunity to allow for plenty of family time, no rushing around for the school bus in the mornings, a lenient schedule that allows for other learning time(grocery shopping, reading labels, cultural, agriculture, etc.) It has been a win/win for our family. We are now beginning to venture into outside interests, and I'm thankful that Joey has found something that interests him. He has never been into sports, and hasn't shown much interest in music. He has now began venturing into 4-H and wants to take guitar lessons. We have let him "come into" this on his own. Not because everyone else is doing it. We have researched the 4-H subjects, found a guitar teacher, and offered him several areas of interests to consider. Following the crowd, is not what we want for our kids. We want them to find their own way, even if it means carving their own paths. We have been called weird, odd, different...you name it. But, I keep reminding myself that some of our greatest members of society were considered the same way. So, for anyone that reads this....you can thank the weird, odd, and different for many of the modern conviences that we enjoy.....including electricity!
As I reflected this morning, I really made myself laugh. Who would've guessed at the person I have become. I know, 15 years ago, I wouldn't have been caught dead on farm, let alone knowing anything about a natural life style or even meditation. Although I am a constant work in progress, I really like the person I have become. I love making my family, my priority. I love knowing that my family eats 3 meals a day together, we learn together, we play together, and we have strong family values. We don't make time for family....we make time for other things. Our family is our first priority. Everything and everyone else, comes after the needs of our family. That sounds cold and uncaring to some degree but it's the truth. For many years, jobs, school, hobby's, etc....came first. Now, the family is first. It's really humbling to watch so many others and know that, that could be us. Rushing around every morning to meet the bus, get kids to daycare, get to work, work all day long, rush to pick up kids at daycare, rush home to throw together a meal out of a box, blow through homework, and baths and then rush to bed...just to get up the next day and do it all over again. I know that most people do this....but it doesn't work for us. So before I get a bunch of nasty messages, I am NOT judging....just grateful! We have made MANY sacrifices to allow for our lifestyle. And yes, many people don't agree with it and many are happy to tells us that we are hippies/weird, etc. All I can say is thank you.
We are a family that has been truly blessed. Despite a rough start, several obsticles, and because of many lessons learned, we are truly happy and honestly believe in what we are doing. We appreciate the help that has been offered, those that have helped us to make some of our toughest decisions, and are grateful to those that we turn to for advice. The 2 teachers(you know who you are ;)) I talk to on a regular basis that have helped shape our curriculum, you ladies have really helped me to gain focus. Your support, honesty, and guidance has definitely been a breath of fresh air! To those that have listened to me whine during difficult home school days....thank you for not suggesting reentry into the public school system, but instead reminding me why we are on this venture and for supporting us.
As I continue through this crazy month of birthday parties, festivals, candle parties, and packing.....I continue to pray for health, and safety for our family and friends. May you all be blessed!
Salli
This crazy but wonderful life we live. Home education, self-sufficient living, learning, growing, and finding our way on our farm and in life. Teaching frugality, logic, and common sense. Grab some coffee and enjoy my regular writings on current subjects and interests.
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Saturday, May 21, 2011
Inspired
A friend posted a story on face book today about friendships. For me, that has been something I have really questioned as of late. It seems that we have so many that come into our lives, whether for a season or a lifetime. It has had me looking at friendships in my life and wondering who is here for a lifetime and who is just here for a season. I have a few that I know are here for a lifetime. I know there have been some that were there for the season. I do wonder how, from time to time, how someone can enter your life and then be gone. While others, you long to have a lifetime friendship, but it just never comes to flourish.
I have friends from high school that I would love to reconnect with and have a great friendship, but distance keeps us, at what I call "arm-length friends." I have a few high school friends that even though we don't talk on a regular basis, I know I can count on and they can always count on me. Then there are still others, that have come into my life, during my adult life, that I thought were friends...but were simply fair weather friends. And still others that have become friends, seemingly out of the blue. I know each has been put in my life to teach me a lesson, that I hope I am learning.
As I try to teach my children the value of true friends, I hope they are as blessed with true friends as I have been. I will always be here for my friends, whether they are seasonal or lifetime.
I have friends from high school that I would love to reconnect with and have a great friendship, but distance keeps us, at what I call "arm-length friends." I have a few high school friends that even though we don't talk on a regular basis, I know I can count on and they can always count on me. Then there are still others, that have come into my life, during my adult life, that I thought were friends...but were simply fair weather friends. And still others that have become friends, seemingly out of the blue. I know each has been put in my life to teach me a lesson, that I hope I am learning.
As I try to teach my children the value of true friends, I hope they are as blessed with true friends as I have been. I will always be here for my friends, whether they are seasonal or lifetime.
Monday, May 2, 2011
My opinions ( may be controversial!)
It's so amazing to me how big social media has become. The biggest seems to be Facebook and Twitter. Although I still haven't figured out twitter, I use facebook daily. I love being able to keep up with what my family & friends are doing, even when they live hundreds of miles away. Even with all the good that comes from these social outlets, I can't help but long for the "old" days. The days when you met friends/family for lunch to visit and catch up on family news, when friends got together with their kids and enjoyed a meal, when you would go out with friends for social entertainment. When parents were still fully involved in their kids lives, and discipline was not in the hands of the government. Do I sound old? LOL, well if you ask my 10 yr old....I am. I don't think so, I am only 36!
I remember when I was his age though. If I talked to my parents the way kids talk to there's today....I would have been missing teeth! If we would have behaved the way most kids do today, we would either not have been able to sit, or grounded for months. That is not to mention, if we had even suggested at dressing the way kids do today, we wouldn't have been allowed to leave the house. Were my parents strict? HELL YES! However, I grew up respecting my elders, dressing like I had some sense, and behaving in a way that was respectable. I remember knowing, if you got in trouble at school...you were going to get paddled there, and then get it again when you got home! Parents were involved, there were not parents saying their kid wouldn't do anything wrong....parents, then, knew their kids acted up. There were bullies then too. The difference is we were taught that you never start a fight, but you sure as heck better finish it! If we were bullied, and there were a few kids that were bullies, we took care of it! They shoved, we shoved back, if they hit we hit back. The good kids were never in trouble for defending themselves. The bullies were in trouble, kicked off the bus, kicked out of school...or dealt with by the parents. We didn't have the drug issues either. Yes, they were around...but not to the extent that they are now. I remember kids, in high school, that smoked pot. BIG DEAL! I hear stories of kids now doing meth. Really?! Personally, I would rather see people smoke pot, that even think about meth, cocaine, or any number of other deadly drugs. I have never used any type of drug, but that's not to say that my kids will not try them at some point in their lives. Although I hope they don't. I will do everything I can to educate them to understand the deadliness of them! My opinion is that pot should be legalized and taxed just like cigarettes and alcohol. And this brings up another area. Alcohol. Did you drink under age? I did. I knew I could go to one of my best friends house, sit around the bon fire have a few drinks, call my parents, and they would come get me. They told me then, just as I have told my oldest now... I know you are going to try it. Just use your head! Do not ever drive after drinking, do not ever ride in a vehicle with someone who has been drinking. My kids will always know that they can call my husband and I, and we will go get them. My kids will never be perfect, as none of us ever will be while on Earth. I want them to make wise decisions, but I refuse to shelter them from some mistakes or they will never learn necessary life lessons.
Although I didn't always understand the lessons my parents tried to teach me, and didn't always agree with the way they handled some of the issues that came up...but as a parent myself, I know they did what they felt was right. Kids do not come with instruction manuals, and no 2 kids are alike! I know many of the stunts I pulled as a teenager, I did because they told me I couldn't. I have 2 kids that do the exact same thing today! I have learned, with my kids, that even though 2 kids are born in the same family, with the same parents...these 2 kids are opposite as night and day!
It worries me that so many changes have been made in the school system that have actually made things worse. Kids today, go much longer than I ever remember going....yet, they are losing intelligence at record levels. The kids today are being taught to the standardized tests issued by the federal Dept. of Education and the government. Although I believe our kids should be tested to be sure they are learning what is taught, I don't believe that the tests they are being taught to is right. The kids today are coming out of school...including college, as educated idiots! Many are book smart but are seriously lacking common sense to live as productive citizens! Do I have a sure fire answer to change all of it, not hardly. I do, however, have the answer for my family and my kids. We have been home educating for a year now. Although it has been a difficult journey so far, I would not change it! I can teach my kids what they need for LIFE! Since most of life does not go by the book, they need to be equipped for that. When I see high school kids driving around in brand new vehicles, that mommy & daddy bought for them, I want to smack the parents! What kind of responsibility does that teach kids? If we go broke, giving our kids material things that are not necessary...we are in turn teaching them to do the same things for their kids. Thus, the economic path we are currently on. Spend, and spend, with no regard to how you are going to pay for it, then whine and complain that the government should bail you out. BULL SHIT! If you don't know how, or never learned how to work hard for a living, save your money, and live within your means, then you will always be dependent on someone else to support you. I have issues with this.(Obviously!) I grew up, working! As soon as I was old enough I babysit to earn money for things that weren't necessary. My parents bought us the necessities. Anything extra, (those awesome new shoes, or that high dollar pair of jeans) we had to earn the money to buy ourselves. When I turned 16, I went to work at McDonald's , then at a local restaurant serving hot dogs...so I could earn money. My parents values, have taught me the values I want to instill into my kids. Work hard, work harder, save, live within your means, don't blame others for your short falls, never depend on someone else to support you and use your head for more than just a hat rack!
Again, my own up-bringing has given me a different insight than some. Yes, many of my opinions and thoughts are controversial at best. However, I was brought up by 2 sets of parents, with different view points, and that has helped me to level the need intelligence to make a decent life for myself. Do I blame my parents for some of the decisions they made personally, or in some of the repercussions they delivered? No way! Everyone is different and everyone has their own moral values. Everyone makes mistakes, and hopefully they learn from them. It is not my right, nor my responsibility to judge them.
And again, this brings up yet another area. I am firmly planted in my faith. I believe and trust in God and my savior Jesus Christ. However, in NO WAY will I ever push my beliefs, or spirituality on anyone! I do not have sit in a building full of hypocrites to be faithful to God. I do not have to sit in that same building to be judged by these "religious people," because of what I'm wearing, how I raise my children, or my family's financial situations. I can pray in my home, sitting in nature, or anywhere....and God will hear me all the same. I receive emails, and see hundreds of posts on Facebook, daily about scriptures, and the supposed lessons of the bible. Although I read the bible, and we are blessed enough to be able to teach our kids with the bible, I do not believe I need to forward an email, or post hundreds of articles on Facebook, proclaiming my love for God. It aggravates me to read all these postings and emails. Yes, I read God's word, but my take on the versus, are usually different than those telling me what it supposedly says. It is my opinion that Jesus died on the cross to forgive us of our sins. God was very familiar with how life on Earth would be, and the trials we would face. I have never believed that God nor Jesus, were all brimstone and fire. I believe my God is a loving and forgiving God!
I am a very opinionated person. I try to keep my views to myself...although, I am finding it harder as common sense becomes not so common! I am very independent in my thoughts, the way I live my life and the way I look at world affairs. I am against trusting the government to make things right, supporting me or my family, and invading into my life, where I don't think they have any right. Gee, am I starting to sound like I'm running for President?! HA! No way!!!!!! There isn't enough money in this world to pay me to take that job!
Now, on to another taboo subject...politics. Yep, I am going to piss off many people...so let's add a few more to the list! ;) As you can probably guess from the earlier points of this blog...I do not want government involvement in my life. I think all politicians are liars, and if they aren't that way when they start out...they end up that way. I have met several politicians that seem like great people. However, many are won-over by the big money lobbyists in D.C., the promises of a better"job," after their political term, or just totally lack common sense. Which again, is not so common! It is my understanding, from reading, learning and now teaching, the Constitution of the United States, that the President, and House of Congress is their to protect us from outside threats, to aid the states in keeping order, and to protect American soil from enemy forces. No where does it state that health care is a right instead of privilege, nor is it stated that major corporations have the right to run the domestic affairs. It is not up to the government to support, for extended periods of time, the people living on welfare/food stamps/cash assistance/etc. The government programs for each of the previous were intended to help families that had hit some hard times, so they could get back on their feet. NOT to support worthless people to lazy to get jobs, and quit having kids! I have paid many tax dollars to support the latter and I am pissed about it! Do you know that if we ran into some hard times right now...we could not get help?! I don't care if you are Republican, Democratic, Independent, white, black, green or purple....Not everything is about racism, the different parties don't mean squat! A politician is a politician, is a politician. They will tell you what you want to hear to get elected, then they will follow their own agenda. That's the way it is. The sad part is, we continue to elect the same people and believe that one party is better than another. They are the same. The big corporations in this country, run this country. Until our politicians do their jobs, fight for the American people, and quit taking lobbyist's money; nothing will change. Too many people believe that the political parties are the parties they were 50 years ago. That's not the case. As we have so sadly found over the last several years. Our last president cheated his way back into office, led us into a war that right or wrong, cost many U.S. soldiers, but was their vowing the destruction of those that led attacks on Sept. 11th. By the time he was out of office, our country was broke, and falling faster than anytime in the previous 30 years. Our current president...well, I am just not sure. Again, my thoughts, I don't believe he had enough experience to start with. He is an amazing speaker, and had a lot of ideas. I do not agree with all of them, but when he is just a puppet to the congressional educated idiots...what are you going to do?! I think we should put a 4 year term limit on ALL government offices! No more than 4 years as a Senator, Congress person, and even on local politics. Some of the old way of thinking has been in there for 20 plus years. It's hard to get anything accomplished when those in charge are not up-to-date with the world around them. Too many of us get into heated discussions about politics, and we blame the President for our own short comings. Here is what I would LOVE to see! A strong National Defense program. Even though bin Laden is now gone, there are still thousands of radical terrorist world wide, ready to try to set demise to the U.S. Our military should NEVER be without the necessary equipment, and protection they deserve to defend our great nation. Nor should their families ever have to worry about receiving their pay, or benefits they are entitled to! This is a Constitutional Law! These soldiers put their lives on the line to defend us all, and they should never be denied because of our lack of budgeting knowledge! We need to build our allies, support their efforts and encourage democracy within their countries...this in turn strengthen our own economy. However, when we have American citizens without homes, food and basic necessities...OUR OWN COUNTRY COMES FIRST! Immigration....HA! I told you this would be controversial! ;) While 99% of the American citizens came from immigrants....we need to keep in mind how they became citizens! They went through the process. They studied, they took the test, they learned the language! If there are immigrants here illegally, ship their asses back to wherever they came from! Deport each and every one of them. You want the promise of this country, follow the law! If you are here on a visa...you have ZERO American rights; if you are here illegally you have ZERO rights. If we deported every single illegal immigrant, and made our own borders secure, we would not have many of the problems we have. Including rising health care. Health care, yep this is another hot button for me. First of all, this is not a right! Health care was a non-issue until the health insurance companies sent lobbyists to D.C. and made people feel like less of a person when visiting a doctors office without insurance. Health care is an individual decision. Forcing this law down the throats of people who work hard, run small businesses, and who CHOSE not to have traditional health care is not only wrong, but illegal by Constitutional standards! This is not a government issue, should not even have been discussed let alone put into law, and in my opinion should be put into the round file! If Americans were smart, they would dump their insurance companies, find an alternative to help with any catastrophic event and pay cash when visiting a doctor. The money they would save by not having insurance premiums, astounding deductibles, and questionable pencil pushing medical judgements would be life saving! There are so many alternatives to insurance that are not only affordable but ten times better! Health care should be solely in the hands of the TRAINED medical people, and the patient. NOT INSURANCE COMPANIES! I personally, have issue with some pencil pushing, educated idiot determining my medical needs. Which brings me to a few more points. Although doctors go through medical school, and come out with the current knowledge(even though they are taught by drug companies), once a doctor has been in practice for a few years, their knowledge becomes out dated. At that point they have to rely on what the drug reps tell them as to what drugs do what, and what the side effects are. Rarely do any doctors have the time to research the hundreds of new drugs that are brought out every year. Let alone the fact that if they even hint at an alternative source of healing...they are threatened, go to jail or lose their medical license. The "war of cancer," is a great example! The American Cancer Society, National Cancer Institute and others of the type would lose BILLIONS of dollars each year if people found that cancer is being cured all over the world without surgery, chemo and radiation....and has been for over 100 years! About 90% of all diseases can be treated and possibly cured with diet changes. But, you won't hear that from any "medical expert!" Why? Because those "experts" would lose tons of money. So, back to my presidential bid...HA! Campaigning. I believe that ZERO money should be allowed to be taken from ANY corporation for presidential, congressional or senatorial bid! I believe, if you want to be elected, you go talk to the American voters, you ask for campaign funds from them, whatever they give is what you have to work worth! PERIOD! You want elected...you better be willing to get your hands dirty, and put mouth where their money is! As for doctors.....yep, I have an opinion here too! ;) The one thing that most people don't know is what happens to these doctors, their practices, and their training. Did you know, if you have Medicare; the senior programs, it takes doctors an average of 6 months from the date of your visit to get paid. If you use Medicaid, the program designed to help families with a hand up, it can take doctors as much as 9 months from your visit to get paid. Here is another perspective! Imagine for a moment, you use the medicaid program. You go to the doctor in January. The office visit is $175. Now, just so you know....when the doctor turns that into medicaid, he is not going to receive that full $175. Of that $175, medicaid will bargain with him. They tell that doctor that they will only pay $50 of that $175. Do you know what happens to the other $125? Yep, that doctor has to write that off! Now, imagine that doctor sees 10 patients a day with medicaid, 5 days per week. On this scenario, that would total $25,000 per month that doctor has to write off! The other $10,000....he may not see for as much as 9 months! So, when you go to a doctor and complain about the rising costs of office visits and treatments....this will give you an educated perspective. Insurance companies are no different. They use the medicaid schedule(the $50), and pay only 20% above that, typically. So, when you talk to folks who are offering "Discount Medical Programs," guess what....you are getting the same thing as insurance for a fraction of the price....with no one but you and your doctor making decisions!
I believe that each state's rights are important! My state, I have to say, is amazing! The State of Missouri, still has some common sense left in it. For the most part, our state is a state of hard working people, with high moral values, and a strong sense of family. At least that is how it is in the rural areas. Rural America is becoming less and less with the abundance of big cities, urbanization and the constant need to spend money on things that don't matter. I am fortunate enough to be able to live in a rural area where family comes first, my husbands job is with a family company, the boss still believes in rewarding hard work, we pay our own bills, raise our children with morals, grow a garden, eat as much fresh, natural food as possible and instill these values into our children.
As I watch and listen to family and friends, with their struggles, and hardships...I can't help but feel even more blessed that I got away from the rat race, found a slice of heaven on earth, and can raise my children with the values our forefathers brought with them to the new world.
May God bless you!
Salli
I remember when I was his age though. If I talked to my parents the way kids talk to there's today....I would have been missing teeth! If we would have behaved the way most kids do today, we would either not have been able to sit, or grounded for months. That is not to mention, if we had even suggested at dressing the way kids do today, we wouldn't have been allowed to leave the house. Were my parents strict? HELL YES! However, I grew up respecting my elders, dressing like I had some sense, and behaving in a way that was respectable. I remember knowing, if you got in trouble at school...you were going to get paddled there, and then get it again when you got home! Parents were involved, there were not parents saying their kid wouldn't do anything wrong....parents, then, knew their kids acted up. There were bullies then too. The difference is we were taught that you never start a fight, but you sure as heck better finish it! If we were bullied, and there were a few kids that were bullies, we took care of it! They shoved, we shoved back, if they hit we hit back. The good kids were never in trouble for defending themselves. The bullies were in trouble, kicked off the bus, kicked out of school...or dealt with by the parents. We didn't have the drug issues either. Yes, they were around...but not to the extent that they are now. I remember kids, in high school, that smoked pot. BIG DEAL! I hear stories of kids now doing meth. Really?! Personally, I would rather see people smoke pot, that even think about meth, cocaine, or any number of other deadly drugs. I have never used any type of drug, but that's not to say that my kids will not try them at some point in their lives. Although I hope they don't. I will do everything I can to educate them to understand the deadliness of them! My opinion is that pot should be legalized and taxed just like cigarettes and alcohol. And this brings up another area. Alcohol. Did you drink under age? I did. I knew I could go to one of my best friends house, sit around the bon fire have a few drinks, call my parents, and they would come get me. They told me then, just as I have told my oldest now... I know you are going to try it. Just use your head! Do not ever drive after drinking, do not ever ride in a vehicle with someone who has been drinking. My kids will always know that they can call my husband and I, and we will go get them. My kids will never be perfect, as none of us ever will be while on Earth. I want them to make wise decisions, but I refuse to shelter them from some mistakes or they will never learn necessary life lessons.
Although I didn't always understand the lessons my parents tried to teach me, and didn't always agree with the way they handled some of the issues that came up...but as a parent myself, I know they did what they felt was right. Kids do not come with instruction manuals, and no 2 kids are alike! I know many of the stunts I pulled as a teenager, I did because they told me I couldn't. I have 2 kids that do the exact same thing today! I have learned, with my kids, that even though 2 kids are born in the same family, with the same parents...these 2 kids are opposite as night and day!
It worries me that so many changes have been made in the school system that have actually made things worse. Kids today, go much longer than I ever remember going....yet, they are losing intelligence at record levels. The kids today are being taught to the standardized tests issued by the federal Dept. of Education and the government. Although I believe our kids should be tested to be sure they are learning what is taught, I don't believe that the tests they are being taught to is right. The kids today are coming out of school...including college, as educated idiots! Many are book smart but are seriously lacking common sense to live as productive citizens! Do I have a sure fire answer to change all of it, not hardly. I do, however, have the answer for my family and my kids. We have been home educating for a year now. Although it has been a difficult journey so far, I would not change it! I can teach my kids what they need for LIFE! Since most of life does not go by the book, they need to be equipped for that. When I see high school kids driving around in brand new vehicles, that mommy & daddy bought for them, I want to smack the parents! What kind of responsibility does that teach kids? If we go broke, giving our kids material things that are not necessary...we are in turn teaching them to do the same things for their kids. Thus, the economic path we are currently on. Spend, and spend, with no regard to how you are going to pay for it, then whine and complain that the government should bail you out. BULL SHIT! If you don't know how, or never learned how to work hard for a living, save your money, and live within your means, then you will always be dependent on someone else to support you. I have issues with this.(Obviously!) I grew up, working! As soon as I was old enough I babysit to earn money for things that weren't necessary. My parents bought us the necessities. Anything extra, (those awesome new shoes, or that high dollar pair of jeans) we had to earn the money to buy ourselves. When I turned 16, I went to work at McDonald's , then at a local restaurant serving hot dogs...so I could earn money. My parents values, have taught me the values I want to instill into my kids. Work hard, work harder, save, live within your means, don't blame others for your short falls, never depend on someone else to support you and use your head for more than just a hat rack!
Again, my own up-bringing has given me a different insight than some. Yes, many of my opinions and thoughts are controversial at best. However, I was brought up by 2 sets of parents, with different view points, and that has helped me to level the need intelligence to make a decent life for myself. Do I blame my parents for some of the decisions they made personally, or in some of the repercussions they delivered? No way! Everyone is different and everyone has their own moral values. Everyone makes mistakes, and hopefully they learn from them. It is not my right, nor my responsibility to judge them.
And again, this brings up yet another area. I am firmly planted in my faith. I believe and trust in God and my savior Jesus Christ. However, in NO WAY will I ever push my beliefs, or spirituality on anyone! I do not have sit in a building full of hypocrites to be faithful to God. I do not have to sit in that same building to be judged by these "religious people," because of what I'm wearing, how I raise my children, or my family's financial situations. I can pray in my home, sitting in nature, or anywhere....and God will hear me all the same. I receive emails, and see hundreds of posts on Facebook, daily about scriptures, and the supposed lessons of the bible. Although I read the bible, and we are blessed enough to be able to teach our kids with the bible, I do not believe I need to forward an email, or post hundreds of articles on Facebook, proclaiming my love for God. It aggravates me to read all these postings and emails. Yes, I read God's word, but my take on the versus, are usually different than those telling me what it supposedly says. It is my opinion that Jesus died on the cross to forgive us of our sins. God was very familiar with how life on Earth would be, and the trials we would face. I have never believed that God nor Jesus, were all brimstone and fire. I believe my God is a loving and forgiving God!
I am a very opinionated person. I try to keep my views to myself...although, I am finding it harder as common sense becomes not so common! I am very independent in my thoughts, the way I live my life and the way I look at world affairs. I am against trusting the government to make things right, supporting me or my family, and invading into my life, where I don't think they have any right. Gee, am I starting to sound like I'm running for President?! HA! No way!!!!!! There isn't enough money in this world to pay me to take that job!
Now, on to another taboo subject...politics. Yep, I am going to piss off many people...so let's add a few more to the list! ;) As you can probably guess from the earlier points of this blog...I do not want government involvement in my life. I think all politicians are liars, and if they aren't that way when they start out...they end up that way. I have met several politicians that seem like great people. However, many are won-over by the big money lobbyists in D.C., the promises of a better"job," after their political term, or just totally lack common sense. Which again, is not so common! It is my understanding, from reading, learning and now teaching, the Constitution of the United States, that the President, and House of Congress is their to protect us from outside threats, to aid the states in keeping order, and to protect American soil from enemy forces. No where does it state that health care is a right instead of privilege, nor is it stated that major corporations have the right to run the domestic affairs. It is not up to the government to support, for extended periods of time, the people living on welfare/food stamps/cash assistance/etc. The government programs for each of the previous were intended to help families that had hit some hard times, so they could get back on their feet. NOT to support worthless people to lazy to get jobs, and quit having kids! I have paid many tax dollars to support the latter and I am pissed about it! Do you know that if we ran into some hard times right now...we could not get help?! I don't care if you are Republican, Democratic, Independent, white, black, green or purple....Not everything is about racism, the different parties don't mean squat! A politician is a politician, is a politician. They will tell you what you want to hear to get elected, then they will follow their own agenda. That's the way it is. The sad part is, we continue to elect the same people and believe that one party is better than another. They are the same. The big corporations in this country, run this country. Until our politicians do their jobs, fight for the American people, and quit taking lobbyist's money; nothing will change. Too many people believe that the political parties are the parties they were 50 years ago. That's not the case. As we have so sadly found over the last several years. Our last president cheated his way back into office, led us into a war that right or wrong, cost many U.S. soldiers, but was their vowing the destruction of those that led attacks on Sept. 11th. By the time he was out of office, our country was broke, and falling faster than anytime in the previous 30 years. Our current president...well, I am just not sure. Again, my thoughts, I don't believe he had enough experience to start with. He is an amazing speaker, and had a lot of ideas. I do not agree with all of them, but when he is just a puppet to the congressional educated idiots...what are you going to do?! I think we should put a 4 year term limit on ALL government offices! No more than 4 years as a Senator, Congress person, and even on local politics. Some of the old way of thinking has been in there for 20 plus years. It's hard to get anything accomplished when those in charge are not up-to-date with the world around them. Too many of us get into heated discussions about politics, and we blame the President for our own short comings. Here is what I would LOVE to see! A strong National Defense program. Even though bin Laden is now gone, there are still thousands of radical terrorist world wide, ready to try to set demise to the U.S. Our military should NEVER be without the necessary equipment, and protection they deserve to defend our great nation. Nor should their families ever have to worry about receiving their pay, or benefits they are entitled to! This is a Constitutional Law! These soldiers put their lives on the line to defend us all, and they should never be denied because of our lack of budgeting knowledge! We need to build our allies, support their efforts and encourage democracy within their countries...this in turn strengthen our own economy. However, when we have American citizens without homes, food and basic necessities...OUR OWN COUNTRY COMES FIRST! Immigration....HA! I told you this would be controversial! ;) While 99% of the American citizens came from immigrants....we need to keep in mind how they became citizens! They went through the process. They studied, they took the test, they learned the language! If there are immigrants here illegally, ship their asses back to wherever they came from! Deport each and every one of them. You want the promise of this country, follow the law! If you are here on a visa...you have ZERO American rights; if you are here illegally you have ZERO rights. If we deported every single illegal immigrant, and made our own borders secure, we would not have many of the problems we have. Including rising health care. Health care, yep this is another hot button for me. First of all, this is not a right! Health care was a non-issue until the health insurance companies sent lobbyists to D.C. and made people feel like less of a person when visiting a doctors office without insurance. Health care is an individual decision. Forcing this law down the throats of people who work hard, run small businesses, and who CHOSE not to have traditional health care is not only wrong, but illegal by Constitutional standards! This is not a government issue, should not even have been discussed let alone put into law, and in my opinion should be put into the round file! If Americans were smart, they would dump their insurance companies, find an alternative to help with any catastrophic event and pay cash when visiting a doctor. The money they would save by not having insurance premiums, astounding deductibles, and questionable pencil pushing medical judgements would be life saving! There are so many alternatives to insurance that are not only affordable but ten times better! Health care should be solely in the hands of the TRAINED medical people, and the patient. NOT INSURANCE COMPANIES! I personally, have issue with some pencil pushing, educated idiot determining my medical needs. Which brings me to a few more points. Although doctors go through medical school, and come out with the current knowledge(even though they are taught by drug companies), once a doctor has been in practice for a few years, their knowledge becomes out dated. At that point they have to rely on what the drug reps tell them as to what drugs do what, and what the side effects are. Rarely do any doctors have the time to research the hundreds of new drugs that are brought out every year. Let alone the fact that if they even hint at an alternative source of healing...they are threatened, go to jail or lose their medical license. The "war of cancer," is a great example! The American Cancer Society, National Cancer Institute and others of the type would lose BILLIONS of dollars each year if people found that cancer is being cured all over the world without surgery, chemo and radiation....and has been for over 100 years! About 90% of all diseases can be treated and possibly cured with diet changes. But, you won't hear that from any "medical expert!" Why? Because those "experts" would lose tons of money. So, back to my presidential bid...HA! Campaigning. I believe that ZERO money should be allowed to be taken from ANY corporation for presidential, congressional or senatorial bid! I believe, if you want to be elected, you go talk to the American voters, you ask for campaign funds from them, whatever they give is what you have to work worth! PERIOD! You want elected...you better be willing to get your hands dirty, and put mouth where their money is! As for doctors.....yep, I have an opinion here too! ;) The one thing that most people don't know is what happens to these doctors, their practices, and their training. Did you know, if you have Medicare; the senior programs, it takes doctors an average of 6 months from the date of your visit to get paid. If you use Medicaid, the program designed to help families with a hand up, it can take doctors as much as 9 months from your visit to get paid. Here is another perspective! Imagine for a moment, you use the medicaid program. You go to the doctor in January. The office visit is $175. Now, just so you know....when the doctor turns that into medicaid, he is not going to receive that full $175. Of that $175, medicaid will bargain with him. They tell that doctor that they will only pay $50 of that $175. Do you know what happens to the other $125? Yep, that doctor has to write that off! Now, imagine that doctor sees 10 patients a day with medicaid, 5 days per week. On this scenario, that would total $25,000 per month that doctor has to write off! The other $10,000....he may not see for as much as 9 months! So, when you go to a doctor and complain about the rising costs of office visits and treatments....this will give you an educated perspective. Insurance companies are no different. They use the medicaid schedule(the $50), and pay only 20% above that, typically. So, when you talk to folks who are offering "Discount Medical Programs," guess what....you are getting the same thing as insurance for a fraction of the price....with no one but you and your doctor making decisions!
I believe that each state's rights are important! My state, I have to say, is amazing! The State of Missouri, still has some common sense left in it. For the most part, our state is a state of hard working people, with high moral values, and a strong sense of family. At least that is how it is in the rural areas. Rural America is becoming less and less with the abundance of big cities, urbanization and the constant need to spend money on things that don't matter. I am fortunate enough to be able to live in a rural area where family comes first, my husbands job is with a family company, the boss still believes in rewarding hard work, we pay our own bills, raise our children with morals, grow a garden, eat as much fresh, natural food as possible and instill these values into our children.
As I watch and listen to family and friends, with their struggles, and hardships...I can't help but feel even more blessed that I got away from the rat race, found a slice of heaven on earth, and can raise my children with the values our forefathers brought with them to the new world.
May God bless you!
Salli
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Life's roller coaster...
As I sat to reflect this morning, it occured me that I should have been a poster child for the 70's! HA! Although my family lives our lives as most did many years ago, I am finding people look at us as though we have a third eye growing out of our foreheads! I laugh at how those who knew my life prior to living in Missouri, must see me now! We grow a huge garden every year(even though the last 3 years have been mostly mud & weeds!), I learned to can and freeze the food we grow, I have worked toward making our food/life all natural, and am even studying to be a Natural Health Consultant. Does this make me a delayed "flower child?" Maybe....but I see it as making more conscious of my surroundings, more healthy for my family, and less dependent on a royally messed up world.
As I read through FaceBook, and emails from friends and extended family....I have to rub my head! The life style has begun moving at break neck speeds, life revolves around McD's/Burger King/Fast Food, and cramming as much into one day as possible. All the while, missing the whole point in life. The term "stop and smell the roses...." yeah, it really does mean just that! Take 5 seconds to just breathe! We put so much focus on stressing over things we can't control, trying to make our kids more educated(in turn making them dumber!) taking God out of schools, and home, allowing our schools to teach that discipline is abuse, and in general just becoming so stressed that health is declining, and so are relationships. The world has honestly gone mad! Mad, I tell you!
I began my "step-outside-the-box," life when I married my husband and we had our Son. Although I tried working outside home in the beginning, I just couldn't do it. I couldn't let a babysitter/daycare raise my child. I know there are many that do not have that choice. We did, and we made MANY sacrifices for it. We decided I would stay home to raise our son. Although that has not always been easy, and there were many times we could have used an extra income, we did it. By the time our son was just a few months old, I realized that doctors don't know everything and most of the advice they give comes from a book....not life experience. That, and learning to be a stay-at-home mom, I would say were the beginning of my life as an outside-the-box adult. (As a back story, I grew up with parents on opposite ends of the spectrum, in regards to doctors. One chose to go to doctors and regard their opinions, the other chose not to go unless you were dying!) So, where does this leave me? LOL! As the "flower child of my extended family!" : D
As my son grew, and more was changing in the lines of health care, I quickly discovered that I didn't like direction it was taking. I did not like the fact that we inject viruses, poisons, and bacteria intentionally into our children. I didn't like that insurance companies were literally in charge of the care you received, nor the high prices they charged to be non-educated in medicine but allowed to practice medicine in terms of what they allowed or did not allow you and your doctor to do medically. This came to a head, so to speak, when I had my run-in with cancer. 26 years old, a 1 year old baby and the diagnosis of cervical cancer. I had a fantastic doctor, that I still trust today, that helped me understand it and helped me to get answers. In December of 2001, I had an electrical surgery to remove the infected area. I was terrified, as anyone finding out they have cancer would be. I went through the surgery, and here I am 10 years later. Along with fear of cancer, I was told I would not be able to have anymore children. Now, however, cancer does not scare me, at least not to the degree I was 10 years ago. Now, I know there are options out there that do not include surgery, chemo, and radiation. I have never understood the concept of making people deathly ill, filling them full of radium, and 9 times out of 10 they die from the side effects of those treatments and NOT the cancer itself.
So, over the years, I had begun studying everything I could find on natural health. I knew there had to be a better way. This is not to say that the current medical practices do not have a place, but I personally, don't think they do! Since I really didn't know much of what to look for, I was very limited as to what I would find, and the internet was not anything close to what it is today! Over the last 10 years, I have increasingly learned more and more. By Summer of 2008, we had become a family of natural everything! We had learned enough, and had the priviledge of meeting a great Natural Health Doctor Joseph Mercola. That Summer we began using everything natural we could find. I hadn't felt that good in years! I had quit smoking, and had begun running. That July, I found a lump in my left breast. I was paranoid! I worried that it was cancer, and I knew that several of my Aunts had had breast issues....but was unsure of what they were. I had it checked, to find it was a cyst. (I still have it today!) I found out in September of 2008, that God's will is much stronger than that of any medical professional. I found out I was pregnant with our second child. When I found out...I was almost 5 months along, and I think I spent 2 months crying. I was beyond the stage of thinking I could take care of another child...and honestly was quite happy having just 1! Since our regular doctor did not work in the obstetrics area, we had to find an OB. I had 3 to choose from that practiced in the hospital we knew we would be going to. The one I chose, I did so because he seemed fairly reasonable when Richard had seen him a few years earlier for an issue. That poor doctor didn't have a clue what to think of me! I told him we were doing things my way or we would find a doctor that would. I refused a bunch of tests that I did not feel were necessary. Since I was pregnant, and there was not an option of abortion, I didn't care to find out if my child had the signs of autism, spina bifida, or an other "dis-ease." I check my sugar on a regular basis anyway, because of low blood sugar, so that was another no-go test. I refused the flu shot, and pnemonia shot. The doctor was there specifically if there were a problem! Haw many years did women have babies without all the garbage they go through now?! By the time we got to D-Day :) Every doctor, nurse and staff member knew of me. My doctor was out of town, shock!; ) So, we got the doctor I had wanted anyway. He said we would do things my way, unless we ran into a problem. I was good with that. We found out pretty fast that my cancer surgery had caused massive scar tissue and wouldn't allow for that section of m cervix to thin. I can tell you, that was the most pain I had ever experienced! Doc had to lift my cervix over our daughter to allow her to be born naturally. PAIN, was not the word for it! Anyway, although about 2 weeks late, and without too many other trials, our beautiful little girl was born. Even though the doctors and nurses were not happy, I went home 12 hours later. My thought is; I was not sick, there fore I did not need to be in the hospital. Both our daughter and I were healthy, we needed to be at home bonding with our now bigger family. We have continued to do more and more natural health, at home. When our daughter was 4 months, I took her to get her first round of vaccines. (I did not like the idea of this to begin with, and am completely against it since!) Our daughter had a severe allergic reaction to these vaccines. She ran a fever of 102-104 for close to a week, lost almost 6 pounds in a week, and cried continuously. I can tell you that after that experience, I knew we would be looking into those vaccines. Come to find out, the base they use for all vaccines was in those 3 vaccines she got. Since they can not pin point which, if not all, of those vaccines caused such a terrible reactions....she can not have any more vaccines. THANK GOD! Needless to say, my son will not be getting them either. The bases they use contain aluminum, 50 times the EPA and FDA allowances FOR ADULTS! These bases, are not only disease causing, but at the level they use, can kill a small mammal.
So, here we are back to the "flower child," category. I will work with any natural health physician, to treat illnesses as they occur. The thought of schools, and federal governments telling us we have to poison our children is appalling. Then I read and find out that the flouride that is pushed on our kids in school, ie swish, is a chemical waste product. That causes cancer! We no longer use flouride tootpaste.
Well, now that you have a brief run-down of the last 12 years of my life.....
We get back to our foods. Every year we plant a huge garden. The last 4 have been 60'X70'. We grow corn, tomatoes, peppers, onions, radishes, carrots, and a lot more! I learned to art of canning, and freezing fruit and veggies, and meat! Since my husband is a hunter, we usually have deer and turkey available to substitute our local grown beef and pork. Now that we are buying our first home, I will have home grown chickens and eggs, ducks and their eggs as well. I have began learning about herb gardening, after several failed attempts. Since we won't have a normal Summer this year, due to moving....I am quickly studying up on container gardening, and organic compost. So, for any of you that come visit us...don't be grossed out by the bucket with the coffee grounds, egg shells, and peelings. This weekend I will begin my seeds in my little plastic greenhouses.(Thank you Dad & Dee!) So, you can follow my journey this Summer with the new gardening practices, and all organic fertilizers and compost!
I wish you all a great and healthy life. You can find your own natural way of life with a little internet research, the old farmers almanac, and a lot of publications.
God Bless!
As I read through FaceBook, and emails from friends and extended family....I have to rub my head! The life style has begun moving at break neck speeds, life revolves around McD's/Burger King/Fast Food, and cramming as much into one day as possible. All the while, missing the whole point in life. The term "stop and smell the roses...." yeah, it really does mean just that! Take 5 seconds to just breathe! We put so much focus on stressing over things we can't control, trying to make our kids more educated(in turn making them dumber!) taking God out of schools, and home, allowing our schools to teach that discipline is abuse, and in general just becoming so stressed that health is declining, and so are relationships. The world has honestly gone mad! Mad, I tell you!
I began my "step-outside-the-box," life when I married my husband and we had our Son. Although I tried working outside home in the beginning, I just couldn't do it. I couldn't let a babysitter/daycare raise my child. I know there are many that do not have that choice. We did, and we made MANY sacrifices for it. We decided I would stay home to raise our son. Although that has not always been easy, and there were many times we could have used an extra income, we did it. By the time our son was just a few months old, I realized that doctors don't know everything and most of the advice they give comes from a book....not life experience. That, and learning to be a stay-at-home mom, I would say were the beginning of my life as an outside-the-box adult. (As a back story, I grew up with parents on opposite ends of the spectrum, in regards to doctors. One chose to go to doctors and regard their opinions, the other chose not to go unless you were dying!) So, where does this leave me? LOL! As the "flower child of my extended family!" : D
As my son grew, and more was changing in the lines of health care, I quickly discovered that I didn't like direction it was taking. I did not like the fact that we inject viruses, poisons, and bacteria intentionally into our children. I didn't like that insurance companies were literally in charge of the care you received, nor the high prices they charged to be non-educated in medicine but allowed to practice medicine in terms of what they allowed or did not allow you and your doctor to do medically. This came to a head, so to speak, when I had my run-in with cancer. 26 years old, a 1 year old baby and the diagnosis of cervical cancer. I had a fantastic doctor, that I still trust today, that helped me understand it and helped me to get answers. In December of 2001, I had an electrical surgery to remove the infected area. I was terrified, as anyone finding out they have cancer would be. I went through the surgery, and here I am 10 years later. Along with fear of cancer, I was told I would not be able to have anymore children. Now, however, cancer does not scare me, at least not to the degree I was 10 years ago. Now, I know there are options out there that do not include surgery, chemo, and radiation. I have never understood the concept of making people deathly ill, filling them full of radium, and 9 times out of 10 they die from the side effects of those treatments and NOT the cancer itself.
So, over the years, I had begun studying everything I could find on natural health. I knew there had to be a better way. This is not to say that the current medical practices do not have a place, but I personally, don't think they do! Since I really didn't know much of what to look for, I was very limited as to what I would find, and the internet was not anything close to what it is today! Over the last 10 years, I have increasingly learned more and more. By Summer of 2008, we had become a family of natural everything! We had learned enough, and had the priviledge of meeting a great Natural Health Doctor Joseph Mercola. That Summer we began using everything natural we could find. I hadn't felt that good in years! I had quit smoking, and had begun running. That July, I found a lump in my left breast. I was paranoid! I worried that it was cancer, and I knew that several of my Aunts had had breast issues....but was unsure of what they were. I had it checked, to find it was a cyst. (I still have it today!) I found out in September of 2008, that God's will is much stronger than that of any medical professional. I found out I was pregnant with our second child. When I found out...I was almost 5 months along, and I think I spent 2 months crying. I was beyond the stage of thinking I could take care of another child...and honestly was quite happy having just 1! Since our regular doctor did not work in the obstetrics area, we had to find an OB. I had 3 to choose from that practiced in the hospital we knew we would be going to. The one I chose, I did so because he seemed fairly reasonable when Richard had seen him a few years earlier for an issue. That poor doctor didn't have a clue what to think of me! I told him we were doing things my way or we would find a doctor that would. I refused a bunch of tests that I did not feel were necessary. Since I was pregnant, and there was not an option of abortion, I didn't care to find out if my child had the signs of autism, spina bifida, or an other "dis-ease." I check my sugar on a regular basis anyway, because of low blood sugar, so that was another no-go test. I refused the flu shot, and pnemonia shot. The doctor was there specifically if there were a problem! Haw many years did women have babies without all the garbage they go through now?! By the time we got to D-Day :) Every doctor, nurse and staff member knew of me. My doctor was out of town, shock!; ) So, we got the doctor I had wanted anyway. He said we would do things my way, unless we ran into a problem. I was good with that. We found out pretty fast that my cancer surgery had caused massive scar tissue and wouldn't allow for that section of m cervix to thin. I can tell you, that was the most pain I had ever experienced! Doc had to lift my cervix over our daughter to allow her to be born naturally. PAIN, was not the word for it! Anyway, although about 2 weeks late, and without too many other trials, our beautiful little girl was born. Even though the doctors and nurses were not happy, I went home 12 hours later. My thought is; I was not sick, there fore I did not need to be in the hospital. Both our daughter and I were healthy, we needed to be at home bonding with our now bigger family. We have continued to do more and more natural health, at home. When our daughter was 4 months, I took her to get her first round of vaccines. (I did not like the idea of this to begin with, and am completely against it since!) Our daughter had a severe allergic reaction to these vaccines. She ran a fever of 102-104 for close to a week, lost almost 6 pounds in a week, and cried continuously. I can tell you that after that experience, I knew we would be looking into those vaccines. Come to find out, the base they use for all vaccines was in those 3 vaccines she got. Since they can not pin point which, if not all, of those vaccines caused such a terrible reactions....she can not have any more vaccines. THANK GOD! Needless to say, my son will not be getting them either. The bases they use contain aluminum, 50 times the EPA and FDA allowances FOR ADULTS! These bases, are not only disease causing, but at the level they use, can kill a small mammal.
So, here we are back to the "flower child," category. I will work with any natural health physician, to treat illnesses as they occur. The thought of schools, and federal governments telling us we have to poison our children is appalling. Then I read and find out that the flouride that is pushed on our kids in school, ie swish, is a chemical waste product. That causes cancer! We no longer use flouride tootpaste.
Well, now that you have a brief run-down of the last 12 years of my life.....
We get back to our foods. Every year we plant a huge garden. The last 4 have been 60'X70'. We grow corn, tomatoes, peppers, onions, radishes, carrots, and a lot more! I learned to art of canning, and freezing fruit and veggies, and meat! Since my husband is a hunter, we usually have deer and turkey available to substitute our local grown beef and pork. Now that we are buying our first home, I will have home grown chickens and eggs, ducks and their eggs as well. I have began learning about herb gardening, after several failed attempts. Since we won't have a normal Summer this year, due to moving....I am quickly studying up on container gardening, and organic compost. So, for any of you that come visit us...don't be grossed out by the bucket with the coffee grounds, egg shells, and peelings. This weekend I will begin my seeds in my little plastic greenhouses.(Thank you Dad & Dee!) So, you can follow my journey this Summer with the new gardening practices, and all organic fertilizers and compost!
I wish you all a great and healthy life. You can find your own natural way of life with a little internet research, the old farmers almanac, and a lot of publications.
God Bless!
Monday, March 7, 2011
Wow! March? Really?!?!
I am amazed by how fast time is flying by. My birthday, turned out to be the best one yet! My husband threw me a surprise party with our local family, and friends. Even his brother and sister-in-law were able to extend their stay, to be here! My great friend, had a huge party and is truly an amazing and awesome person & friend! I don't I will ever forget this!
January was very LONG! I realized that, although I love Winter and snow, I need some sunshine and time outdoors! We had a blizzard the end of the month that dropped 25 inches of snow in about as many hours. It was beautiful, but I am glad it's gone! : ) I started back to college, and found out quickly how tough it is to go to school myself, take care of 2 kids, homeschool, and attempt to keep up with groceries, homework, and housework.
February flew by also! Candle sales picked up again, we had Christmas with my Mom, and got back to our home school schedule. Not to mention my school work.
So, here we are, starting March. This is a busy month for us. We are back to full home school schedule, my homework, and Chloe turns 2 on the 14th. The end of February we finalized our home loan requirements,(all but the down payment!), we have begun paying off debts, and really looking forward to our big move this Summer. We are doing some packing as time allows, but the majority will be done in May/June. I have Candle parties/orders/fundraisers going on all over this month. I have been working towards some organization in our house and our schedules. I am finding that I have to have these to get anything accomplished.
There's really not a whole lot new in our house, but yet our house is buzzing with excitement.
Wishing you many blessings!
Salli
January was very LONG! I realized that, although I love Winter and snow, I need some sunshine and time outdoors! We had a blizzard the end of the month that dropped 25 inches of snow in about as many hours. It was beautiful, but I am glad it's gone! : ) I started back to college, and found out quickly how tough it is to go to school myself, take care of 2 kids, homeschool, and attempt to keep up with groceries, homework, and housework.
February flew by also! Candle sales picked up again, we had Christmas with my Mom, and got back to our home school schedule. Not to mention my school work.
So, here we are, starting March. This is a busy month for us. We are back to full home school schedule, my homework, and Chloe turns 2 on the 14th. The end of February we finalized our home loan requirements,(all but the down payment!), we have begun paying off debts, and really looking forward to our big move this Summer. We are doing some packing as time allows, but the majority will be done in May/June. I have Candle parties/orders/fundraisers going on all over this month. I have been working towards some organization in our house and our schedules. I am finding that I have to have these to get anything accomplished.
There's really not a whole lot new in our house, but yet our house is buzzing with excitement.
Wishing you many blessings!
Salli
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)