As I watched the State of the Union address, last night, I couldn't help but raise my eyebrows...several times! Most of you know that the last 3 years, I have not agreed with most of President Obama's views. However, the more I research and the more I listen to the mindless bickering between both parties, friends, and family...I can't help but understand WHY our country is in the shape it's in. President Obama said a few things that resonated with me. In his remark from the Constitution, that the government should not get involved in things that the people could do better themselves, I think this is right. Our federal government has been out of control for years. Long before Obama, before the 2nd Bush, and even as good as the domestic economy was, even under Clinton. From my own research, and helping my son learn history, the federal government began rolling down hill during the Carter era. So, to blame the current economy, and current events on G.W. Bush, or President Obama is hypocritical and misinformed. Every current politician has their own personal character flaws, in my opinion. Not to mention, not a single American, is not going to agree 100% with any candidate. While I believe our President has some strong ideas, I also agree that a couple of the Republican candidates for president have a few ideas that I also agree with. I do not believe the State of the Union should have been used as a kick off for his re-election campaign, I do believe that the constant bickering, and lack of values is a complete waste of tax payer money! It's not enough that tax payers pay the outrageous salaries of our Congress and President. We are also burdened with their lack of financial knowledge. It's not just Democratic nor is it just Republican. BOTH parties have neglected to understand even the basic understanding of budgeting, let alone knowing anything about the Constitution! I don't care what generation you are in, the Constitution of the United States of America, The People's Bill of Rights...were intended to be the supreme law of the land. Do I think of myself as Tea Party Activist? NO! I am an American! I am a Mom, and a wife. I worry that my kids will never know what it truly means to be free, and what it took to keep our freedom. I worry that if one day I have grandchildren, they will be so debt laden that they will not ever know the American dream. I worry that the special interests of this country are being put above the average American person. I worry that the morals and values of not only our politicians, but also our people are falling apart. Do I believe all the promises made by any candidate? NOT HARDLY! I am not naive, and I believe that a majority of what they spew out is basically lip service. The majority of Americans are well aware that it takes ALL 3 branches of government working together to get anything accomplished. I'm not a churchy person, however, I do have a strong faith. But in my opinion, if we all went back to the basics of the bible..."Do unto others, as you'd have done unto you," respect, honesty, and moral values...we'd all be much better off. Do I see this happening? Yeah right! HA! I'm so tired of hearing this one is a Christian, this one is a Mormon, this one is a Muslim, or a Jew. You know what....we are PEOPLE! We all bleed red blood, and all have a desire to do the best we can do for our family. We are the PEOPLE of the United States of America! All the last 12 years have shown me is that, we are forgetting this! We see in color, we see in religion, and we don't see in our neighbors/friends, communities anymore. We look to the government for handouts, we expect the government to take care of our irresponsibility's, and our desire for instant gratifications. In my opinion, it's time for Americans to wake up, take responsibility for their own lives and learn to use discretion, learn to budget, re-learn to help their neighbors and communities, it's time to get back to the laws written in the Constitution, and learn to live within their means. No matter who becomes President in November's election...nothing will be fixed until everyone can get over their petty and childish bickering, and start working for the people who have hired them. I believe that the politicians should NEVER, have a salary greater than that of a citizen who works hard every day, no politician should pay less in taxes than I do, no politician should be allowed to make a career of being a politician, and NO politician should have benefits, pensions, or expense accounts greater than those hard-working Americans that have to struggle to pay their bills or buy groceries! Here's a thought...one party for President, and one party for Vice-President! Level the playing field, and use the best ideas from BOTH parties!
We need American energy. We need the pipeline, we need more drilling on U.S. soil, we need more coal plants, and Nuclear plants. We need the currents plants and drilling equipment to be modified and updated. As Americans, we need to be self-sufficient. We need to raise our GDP, we need to raise our productions right here in the U.S., We need to penalize those that produce products outside of America and than bring them into this country to sell, we need to reward those companies that have or bring jobs back to America. Yes, I heard this line in the S.O.T.U. I do agree with this! Americans need jobs, and we need these companies to bring back the jobs to employ them.
We need regulations and government interference out of civilian business! I know personally of businesses harassed by the EPA, and those businesses will likely close their doors if it continues. That means over 100 people in our small community would lose their jobs, my husband included. These unaccountable agencies are over stepping their intended purpose and go against our very Constitution! The many agencies that have been developed over the years, have long been unaccounted for and have overrun their intent. All of them, at one point, had a purpose...but are outdated, and costing more American jobs. In the respect, I am fully supportive of Dr. Ron Paul. Start eliminating many of the departments and return the power to each individual state. We the people are smarter than we are given credit for, and have become more dependent on federal government than our founders ever wanted.
Our military should never have to go without any of supplies needed to accomplish their missions, or keep them safe. Our service members have fought, served and some have given their lives for our freedom. There is absolutely NO excuse that they should have to go without needed supplies when they are sent to protect our country. These service members and their families give everything for this country, and we should always thank them, make sure they get their paychecks, make sure they get the health care they are entitled to without all the red tape! These men and women are the defenders of our country and our freedom.
So, as I wrap up my personal thoughts on last nights State of the Union address, I will say this...no matter who you support during the elections, just keep in mind that only a fraction of their promises will ever be met. Not necessarily because they don't try, but because of the special interests, lobbyists, and the constant bickering on Capital Hill.
Wishing you all happiness and prosperity,
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.
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Excited that I can help!
I seem to have so many exciting times in life. We had a year and a half of roller coasters, while waiting on a closing, for a home that never came to fruition. Within 2 days of that heartbreak, we began a plan that was inevitably the path that was meant to be. We bought 25 acres, a modular home, horses, chickens, built fence, took a hay field and turned it into our home....in less than 3 months. Now, that the holiday season has ended...my new adventures begin. I am so excited about it that I can hardly sit still!
A good friend of mine, called a few days ago and introduced me to a company that I had never heard of. Being the skeptic that I am, I decided to do as much research as I could. As you may know, I am a HUGE advocate of Natural Health. Natural diets, natural life styles, and leaving the box stores behind. We grow our own garden, we raise chickens for fresh eggs, and are in the process of purchasing a cow for milk. So, when I find something that aligns with my beliefs, I will promote it to the best of my ability. After all the research and articles I could find, had been read....I can honestly say that I am blown away!
Now, because I am not "officially" part of this company, YET!, I will not give out the name. What I can tell you is this: If you are wanting to lose weight, gain weight, tone up muscle mass, have more energy or even make some extra money and earn some free product...this company is second to NONE! This billion dollar company, is partnered with a publicly traded company, they have seasoned and successful leadership, they have products that are nutritionally better than ANYTHING on the market, the products contain only natural ingredients(vitamins/minerals/etc), no high fructose corn syrup, they contain no lactose, no gluten, and are Kosher certified. The products (for 30 day supplies) range from $29-$249 months. The business requires an investment and work. It is $500 to start, and you must purchase a monthly kit. They offer the best online and offline marketing available. They offer several avenues of making money, but best of all...you are offering not only weight loss/gain, muscle tone, energy...but also an avenue for optimal nutrition.
Yes, I am excited about this company and their products! Yes, I will be working with this company, and yes...as soon as I am part of this company...I will be shouting this from the roof tops!
To my health AND yours!
Salli
A good friend of mine, called a few days ago and introduced me to a company that I had never heard of. Being the skeptic that I am, I decided to do as much research as I could. As you may know, I am a HUGE advocate of Natural Health. Natural diets, natural life styles, and leaving the box stores behind. We grow our own garden, we raise chickens for fresh eggs, and are in the process of purchasing a cow for milk. So, when I find something that aligns with my beliefs, I will promote it to the best of my ability. After all the research and articles I could find, had been read....I can honestly say that I am blown away!
Now, because I am not "officially" part of this company, YET!, I will not give out the name. What I can tell you is this: If you are wanting to lose weight, gain weight, tone up muscle mass, have more energy or even make some extra money and earn some free product...this company is second to NONE! This billion dollar company, is partnered with a publicly traded company, they have seasoned and successful leadership, they have products that are nutritionally better than ANYTHING on the market, the products contain only natural ingredients(vitamins/minerals/etc), no high fructose corn syrup, they contain no lactose, no gluten, and are Kosher certified. The products (for 30 day supplies) range from $29-$249 months. The business requires an investment and work. It is $500 to start, and you must purchase a monthly kit. They offer the best online and offline marketing available. They offer several avenues of making money, but best of all...you are offering not only weight loss/gain, muscle tone, energy...but also an avenue for optimal nutrition.
Yes, I am excited about this company and their products! Yes, I will be working with this company, and yes...as soon as I am part of this company...I will be shouting this from the roof tops!
To my health AND yours!
Salli
Saturday, January 14, 2012
Super Mom or Super Crazy?!?!
As so many, myself included, spend time on Facebook everyday...it's interesting what you actually learn. A friend of mine, had a post this morning from a blog. That blog was one I had never seen. As I was reading through it, several realizations hit me and I learned that I am not the only Mom that goes through this! So, from this Mom's view point, here is my day...
By 5 am, if I'm not already awake, Richard wakes me up with "coffee is ready, get up!" : ) We drink our coffee, and talk about several things we can't when the kids are awake. Some days we talk just a little, but relax, in complete silence, and just "be." By 6 am, he is getting ready for work, I am packing his lunch(since we now live too far for him to come home), and getting our day planned. Between 6:30 and 7 am, he leaves for work, and then I have about 30 minutes to myself before the kids get up. By 8 am, the kids are up, Joey is rushing out the door to take care of the animals and many times to take the 4-wheeler to Grandma's so he can visit(and she usually has breakfast going that he loves!). Chloe and I eat our breakfast and I start getting that mess cleaned up, running her to the potty chair, starting laundry, fielding phone calls for candle orders/parties or calls from Richard asking me to do something he forgot. 9 am seems to be the magic hour! Joey is home from Grandma's, chores are done, Chloe has settled into playing(briefly), laundry is going, the dishwasher is going and now the day is officially under way. This is usually the time I get dressed, start planning our evening meal, writing out bills, monitoring our budget, answering a million "why's" from Chloe, solving some sort of drama for Joey, and attempting to catch up with a few friends online. The 10 am hour, is the "witching hour," in our house. 10 until noon is the yucky part of the school work. That's when we have to sit at the table, work on worksheets, discuss whatever book he's supposed to be reading, have some drama over the importance of learning, and finally finish in time for lunch. 12 -1 pm, is lunch and free time. Since I fix 3 meals a day...I usually always have dishes, the dishwasher is always running, and I seem to always be cooking! 1-3pm it's time to come back to the table for more of the yucky part of school work. More covering of required subjects, working around Chloe screaming or having a total meltdown, both kids wanting snacks, more phone calls, and trying to get Chloe down for a nap. By this time everyday, I question my sanity, my parenting ability, and am looking for my Calgon! 3 pm is Joey's release from the formal school day. Now, the life skills come in again. At 3, there's chores to be done again, housework that hasn't been done, supper to start, Chloe's finally napping - so everyone must be quiet, and some sort of drama with chores not going "as planned!" By 6 pm, supper is ready, Richard's home from work, there's been at least 1 arguement between Richard and Joey, Chloe is up, we are rushing to the potty chair a million times and demanding Richard's attention. I am exhausted but dishing up the kids supper, plus Richard's and mine. We finally sit down to supper and I'm almost too tired to eat. By 7 pm, I'm cleaning up supper, Richard is playing with Chloe and attempting to find a common interest with Joey. I sit for a few minutes and get online, only to be stopped with someone's needs or wants; more sippy, can't get the remote to work, "honey, I don't know what she's saying or wants," or on a mission to find out why she's quiet. 9 pm is supposed to be showers/baths and reading time....I say "supposed," because it usually doesn't work that way. By 10, Joey is sleeping and Chloe is fighting not to go to sleep. It's a constant battle to get her to bed. It's usually 11:30 before she finally crashes. Then, I can finally crash. I am usually so tired, I either crash instantly or I'm soooo tired that I lay awake for another hour before finally drifting off. Then at 5 am, the day starts all over.
This is our typical day. Now, I am NOT complaining, nor would I change much. I just don't think people realize what's involved for us. Fortunately, I have Richard's Mom who takes the kids for me, so I can have a break once in awhile.
Having 2 kids and having them at very different ages has proven a challenge for me. My kid's personalities are different as night and day. Joey, now 11, although he has become more dramatic as he gets older, is the laid back-easy going child. He's a loving and caring child, with a heart of gold. He's willing to do anything and help with anything....except cleaning his room! ; ) Chloe, now almost 3(March), on the other hand, is my high maintenance child. She demands attention from the time she wakes up until she finally crashes at night. She is demanding, in to everything, climbs on everything, and has many traits that Joey never had. We've had to try to conquer the biting, pinching, hitting and throwing things as she seems to get more ornery as she gets older. Even as babies, these kids were completely opposite. Joey was a difficult baby. I think he spent the first year of his life crying! I lived on coffee and sadly, cigarettes. I had gained 83 pounds while pregnant with him. I left the hospital 45 pounds lighter, and was down to 100 pounds within 3 weeks. I looked and felt like crap! With Chloe, she was the "perfect" baby. She rarely cried, she mostly slept through the night from the time we brought her home. She slept in her crib, and was just easy. I only gained 45 pounds while I was pregnant with her, but it took longer to lose it too. Honestly, by the time I had Chloe, I didn't care if I lost it or not. Chloe was my "surprise" child. I was past the "baby" stage. I was happy with having just Joey, and it has taken me a while to get readjusted to having 2 kids, actually longer than I thought it would.
As different as their personalities are, it's sometimes a juggling act between the kids. Then you have the days when both kids wake up in poor moods and those are the days that I wonder why I was chosen to have kids. I know many in my family have laughed, and said that my kids each have an aspect of my own personality. That may be, and that may also be why we hit heads...but it doesn't make the days any easier!
As we start a new year, in our new home, with so many new adventures and so much uncharted territory....I can only wonder what this year will bring about. Personally, I have found myself trying to find myself! LOL...if that makes any sense! Aside from our regular daily schedules, I'm still trying finish unpacking, organizing, reorganizing, finding a better less hectic schedule, make more time for me, and finish projects that need done here at home. I'm learning new tasks, and doing so very willingly, and learning the life of a farm wife/mom. Although, we have lived outside of town since we've been married, we now own a farm and livestock. I have found some great support in friends, other home school moms, family, a group of farm women, and neighbors. The end of 2011, brought not only major changes in our lives, but also a change in my perspectives. An awakening of sorts.
I say awakening, because a lot of my personal thoughts have been altered/changed completely. This year Richard and I will celebrate our 13th anniversary. Although most people change over the course of their life/marriage, I find that my personal changes have been pretty extreme. To go from a "city" girl, living life fast and loving every minute to being a country boys wife, mom, and living in the sticks in a different state...has allowed me a lot of room to grow. I have been given the best of both worlds. 14 years ago, I didn't know the slightest about canning/freezing food, I didn't know how to take care of livestock, I didn't understand the concept of not having everything at my fingertips. Although, my life in Illinois was full and fullfilling...it was lacking substance, purpose and direction. Early on in my marriage, my life was still lacking in many departments....who would have guessed that the course of my life would be altered so dramatically...and with my knowledge and not doing so kicking and screaming!
I have spent the last year, learning to reflect and be grateful for everything I have/don't have. I have spent the past year learning to appreciate even the smallest of blessings. I can only pray that everyone can take 30 minutes a day to thank God for each and every breath you take, each and every blessing - no matter how small, and learn to love the person that is reflected in the mirror everyday.
2012 is going to be a year with a multitude of changes/adventures/and rediscorvery for me and my family. One of my goals for this year is to update this blog on a more regular basis and maybe in my silly/unconventional blog posts help someone, in some way, rediscover themselves or to realize that we are all in this together! : )
God Bless!
Salli
By 5 am, if I'm not already awake, Richard wakes me up with "coffee is ready, get up!" : ) We drink our coffee, and talk about several things we can't when the kids are awake. Some days we talk just a little, but relax, in complete silence, and just "be." By 6 am, he is getting ready for work, I am packing his lunch(since we now live too far for him to come home), and getting our day planned. Between 6:30 and 7 am, he leaves for work, and then I have about 30 minutes to myself before the kids get up. By 8 am, the kids are up, Joey is rushing out the door to take care of the animals and many times to take the 4-wheeler to Grandma's so he can visit(and she usually has breakfast going that he loves!). Chloe and I eat our breakfast and I start getting that mess cleaned up, running her to the potty chair, starting laundry, fielding phone calls for candle orders/parties or calls from Richard asking me to do something he forgot. 9 am seems to be the magic hour! Joey is home from Grandma's, chores are done, Chloe has settled into playing(briefly), laundry is going, the dishwasher is going and now the day is officially under way. This is usually the time I get dressed, start planning our evening meal, writing out bills, monitoring our budget, answering a million "why's" from Chloe, solving some sort of drama for Joey, and attempting to catch up with a few friends online. The 10 am hour, is the "witching hour," in our house. 10 until noon is the yucky part of the school work. That's when we have to sit at the table, work on worksheets, discuss whatever book he's supposed to be reading, have some drama over the importance of learning, and finally finish in time for lunch. 12 -1 pm, is lunch and free time. Since I fix 3 meals a day...I usually always have dishes, the dishwasher is always running, and I seem to always be cooking! 1-3pm it's time to come back to the table for more of the yucky part of school work. More covering of required subjects, working around Chloe screaming or having a total meltdown, both kids wanting snacks, more phone calls, and trying to get Chloe down for a nap. By this time everyday, I question my sanity, my parenting ability, and am looking for my Calgon! 3 pm is Joey's release from the formal school day. Now, the life skills come in again. At 3, there's chores to be done again, housework that hasn't been done, supper to start, Chloe's finally napping - so everyone must be quiet, and some sort of drama with chores not going "as planned!" By 6 pm, supper is ready, Richard's home from work, there's been at least 1 arguement between Richard and Joey, Chloe is up, we are rushing to the potty chair a million times and demanding Richard's attention. I am exhausted but dishing up the kids supper, plus Richard's and mine. We finally sit down to supper and I'm almost too tired to eat. By 7 pm, I'm cleaning up supper, Richard is playing with Chloe and attempting to find a common interest with Joey. I sit for a few minutes and get online, only to be stopped with someone's needs or wants; more sippy, can't get the remote to work, "honey, I don't know what she's saying or wants," or on a mission to find out why she's quiet. 9 pm is supposed to be showers/baths and reading time....I say "supposed," because it usually doesn't work that way. By 10, Joey is sleeping and Chloe is fighting not to go to sleep. It's a constant battle to get her to bed. It's usually 11:30 before she finally crashes. Then, I can finally crash. I am usually so tired, I either crash instantly or I'm soooo tired that I lay awake for another hour before finally drifting off. Then at 5 am, the day starts all over.
This is our typical day. Now, I am NOT complaining, nor would I change much. I just don't think people realize what's involved for us. Fortunately, I have Richard's Mom who takes the kids for me, so I can have a break once in awhile.
Having 2 kids and having them at very different ages has proven a challenge for me. My kid's personalities are different as night and day. Joey, now 11, although he has become more dramatic as he gets older, is the laid back-easy going child. He's a loving and caring child, with a heart of gold. He's willing to do anything and help with anything....except cleaning his room! ; ) Chloe, now almost 3(March), on the other hand, is my high maintenance child. She demands attention from the time she wakes up until she finally crashes at night. She is demanding, in to everything, climbs on everything, and has many traits that Joey never had. We've had to try to conquer the biting, pinching, hitting and throwing things as she seems to get more ornery as she gets older. Even as babies, these kids were completely opposite. Joey was a difficult baby. I think he spent the first year of his life crying! I lived on coffee and sadly, cigarettes. I had gained 83 pounds while pregnant with him. I left the hospital 45 pounds lighter, and was down to 100 pounds within 3 weeks. I looked and felt like crap! With Chloe, she was the "perfect" baby. She rarely cried, she mostly slept through the night from the time we brought her home. She slept in her crib, and was just easy. I only gained 45 pounds while I was pregnant with her, but it took longer to lose it too. Honestly, by the time I had Chloe, I didn't care if I lost it or not. Chloe was my "surprise" child. I was past the "baby" stage. I was happy with having just Joey, and it has taken me a while to get readjusted to having 2 kids, actually longer than I thought it would.
As different as their personalities are, it's sometimes a juggling act between the kids. Then you have the days when both kids wake up in poor moods and those are the days that I wonder why I was chosen to have kids. I know many in my family have laughed, and said that my kids each have an aspect of my own personality. That may be, and that may also be why we hit heads...but it doesn't make the days any easier!
As we start a new year, in our new home, with so many new adventures and so much uncharted territory....I can only wonder what this year will bring about. Personally, I have found myself trying to find myself! LOL...if that makes any sense! Aside from our regular daily schedules, I'm still trying finish unpacking, organizing, reorganizing, finding a better less hectic schedule, make more time for me, and finish projects that need done here at home. I'm learning new tasks, and doing so very willingly, and learning the life of a farm wife/mom. Although, we have lived outside of town since we've been married, we now own a farm and livestock. I have found some great support in friends, other home school moms, family, a group of farm women, and neighbors. The end of 2011, brought not only major changes in our lives, but also a change in my perspectives. An awakening of sorts.
I say awakening, because a lot of my personal thoughts have been altered/changed completely. This year Richard and I will celebrate our 13th anniversary. Although most people change over the course of their life/marriage, I find that my personal changes have been pretty extreme. To go from a "city" girl, living life fast and loving every minute to being a country boys wife, mom, and living in the sticks in a different state...has allowed me a lot of room to grow. I have been given the best of both worlds. 14 years ago, I didn't know the slightest about canning/freezing food, I didn't know how to take care of livestock, I didn't understand the concept of not having everything at my fingertips. Although, my life in Illinois was full and fullfilling...it was lacking substance, purpose and direction. Early on in my marriage, my life was still lacking in many departments....who would have guessed that the course of my life would be altered so dramatically...and with my knowledge and not doing so kicking and screaming!
I have spent the last year, learning to reflect and be grateful for everything I have/don't have. I have spent the past year learning to appreciate even the smallest of blessings. I can only pray that everyone can take 30 minutes a day to thank God for each and every breath you take, each and every blessing - no matter how small, and learn to love the person that is reflected in the mirror everyday.
2012 is going to be a year with a multitude of changes/adventures/and rediscorvery for me and my family. One of my goals for this year is to update this blog on a more regular basis and maybe in my silly/unconventional blog posts help someone, in some way, rediscover themselves or to realize that we are all in this together! : )
God Bless!
Salli
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