Thoughts of THAT Mom

The Grooming of America

2018-06-20T15:35:00.002-04:00

People often think that when the Holocaust happened it was overnight. They may not consciously realize they think that but many of us tend to think that Germany went from perfectly normal to killing Jews in a matter of days.

Nothing could be further from the truth.

Have you ever heard of grooming a victim? By definition, Grooming is, “The predatory act of maneuvering another individual into a position that makes them more isolated, dependent, likely to trust, and more vulnerable to abusive behavior.”

We are being groomed. Much as Germany was groomed.

The Jews began seeing wide-spread persecution almost immediately after Hitler took office as Chancellor of Germany in January 1933. However, the mass extinction of Jews didn’t begin until after Kristallnacht (aka Night of the Broken Glass) in November 1938.

That’s a 5 year span of time.

During that 5 years, the German people were being groomed.

Many were outraged at how their Jewish friends, neighbors, and co-workers were being treated. Until they weren’t. Many remained outraged but kept silent. Many helped families escape; risking their lives to do so.

But many? Agreed with the actions of the German government. They had reasons to justify the actions; cruel though they may have been. The soldiers carrying out the progressively more heinous actions? Just doing their jobs. Not to be blamed. No accountability.

He who knows not his history...

God help us.

"First they came for the ~~Socialists~~ Mexicans, and I did not speak out—Because I was not a ~~Socialists~~ Mexican.

Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out— Because I was not a Trade Unionist.

Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out— Because I was not a Jew.

Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me." -Niemöller

Homemade Tomato Paste

2018-02-14T15:47:00.002-05:00

I sent my best friend a pic of my chili today which included a jar of my homemade tomato paste. Her immediate question was why had I not yet put that instructional on my blog.

As I’m clearly obligated to do.

Her wish is...almost...my command.

In the "good ole days" before I was a single mom working full-time and going to school...I would have just taken the time to make y'all a batch complete with step-by-step pictures.

But you're not getting that from me.

I will tell you that you won't regret making your own homemade tomato paste. It's easy, it tastes amazing, and is full of so much more flavor and health than the store-bought version. (That last part is totally scientific. I know because I made it up. But it sounds like it would be true.)

I mean just LOOK at the color in that sauce!

You can really see the color here after it's opened.

Tomato Paste topping Vegan Sweet Potato Chili

And no...making it isn't extremely difficult and doesn't even require canning. You can keep the final product in the fridge or freezer should you so desire.

Over on The Kitchn, Marisa McClellan does an excellent job of doing MY old job. She'll tell you how to make and preserve Tomato Paste and even has excellent links through her post on how to make and preserve other homemade tomato products including Tomato Sauce.

This blog is an excellent resource for those looking to cook from scratch and preserve foods!

Will The New Tax Law Affect You If Signed Into Law? How?

2017-12-05T08:46:00.002-05:00

So many stories are floating around about what the new tax law means that I felt it was time for me to once again do what I did with the health care law and break down the changes for you line-by-line; as best I can. As with the ACA, this is a major bill that is way too big for me to cover in its entirety. As such, I will highlight the major areas. However, rest assured that I am reading the bill in its entirety. I will start with the amendments then continue with the bill from the start.

The likelihood that HR1: The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which has now passed both the House & the Senate with promise of being signed into law by the President, will actually become law is pretty high.

Because this is long, I will also do as I did with the ACA and will post this as I get each section finished. I'm simply working this around my life as I can and will add to it as I'm able.

For most of these changes, I'm not going to give my opinion on them one way or the other. I'm just giving the facts, Mam!

Bottom line, though? The lower class and lower middle classes will be hit HARD.

Shall we get started?

*Right off the bat, there are some obvious changes to the Earned Income Credit.

Current income limits:                                              New law limits:

   Single     / Joint                                  Single / Joint
-No children: $15,010   / $20,600                          $16,969   / $24,969
-1 child:          $39,617   /   $45,207                          $15,000   /   $20,550
-2 children:     $45,007   /   $50,597                          $15,000   /   $20,550
-3 children:     $48,340   /   $53,930                          $15,000   /   $20,550

Plus, at the maximum amount of income earned, the amount received will be less. Current amounts earned at the maximum income amounts vs. new amounts at max income amounts:

Current income limits:                                              New law limits:

   Single / Joint                                  Single / Joint
-No children: $510 /    $510                           $3,928    /    $5,780
-1 child:          $3,400    /    $3,400                            $3,578    /    $4,901
-2 children:     $5,616    /    $5,616                            $3,675    /    $5,035
-3 children:     $6,318    /    $6,318                            $4,456      /    $6,103

The new system is clearly designed to favor and reward those who are married and those with no children; regardless of marital status.

*Minimum tax rates & taxes due on higher income brackets defined as incomes starting at $200,000 increases. (All of the numbers below use standard deductions rather than itemized for simplicity. I have also rounded the numbers for simplicity and space.)

                                             2016 tax tables:             New law tax tables:

Ind:         $190K-$413K         $46K   +33% over $190K                  n/a
Ind:         $413K-$415K         $120K +35% over $413K                n/a
Ind:         $415K+         $121K +39.6% over $415K                 n/a
Ind:         $200K-$427K                     n/a                         $46K +35% over $200K
Ind:         $427K+                                 n/a                         $125K +39.6% over $427K
Mar, jt:    $231K-$413K       $52K   +33% over $231K             n/a
Mar, jt:    $413K-$467K         $112K +35% over $413K                   n/a
Mar, jt:    $467K +                  $131K +39.6% over $467K                n/a
Mar, jt:    $400K-$480K                   n/a                          $91K +35% over $400K
Mar, jt:    $480K+               n/a                          $119K +39.6% over $480K
Mar, sep: $116K-$207K        $26K +33% over $116K             n/a
Mar, sep: $207K-$233K    $56K +35% over $207K                 n/a
Mar, sep: $233K+                  $65K +39.6% over $233K              n/a
Mar, sep: $200K-$240K    n/a                      $46K +35% over $200K
Mar, sep: $240K+                n/a                      $60K +39.6% over $240K
HOH:    $130K-$211K       $27K   +28% over $130K                 n/a
HOH:    $211K-$413K $49K   +33% over $211K                     n/a
HOH:    $413K-$441K    $116K +35% over $413K                   n/a
HOH:      $441K+            $126K +39.6% over $441K             n/a
HOH:      $200K-$453K      n/a                        $44K   +35% over $200K
HOH:      $453K+                    n/a                        $133K +39.6% over $453K

Basically, unless your income is over $200,000, you won't be affected by this change. If it does, then you might be; regardless of how you file your taxes.

*The corporate tax rate is increased from 20% to 28%. If you think this won't affect you, as the consumer, even though your taxes aren't personally being raised here...then you don't understand how business works.

*A "charitable" deduction will be allowed for 25% of tuition payments made for "qualified religious instruction" between December 31, 2018 and January 1, 2021.

What qualifies as "qualified religious instruction"? I will quote, verbatim,

     "For purposes of this subsection, the term `qualified religious instruction' 
     means academic instruction or training regarding a particular 
     religion (including tenets, doctrines, beliefs, rituals, 
     customs, and rites) of a type not generally offered in public 
     school curricula, which is provided by a teacher or other 
     instructor who is certified as having had significant post-
     secondary religious studies."

So there you have it. For the record (warning, opinion ahead) I don't agree with this measure. Yes, I am a Christian. No, I do NOT agree with this. I don't believe the government should be giving a deduction for some types of education if it is not giving a deduction for all types of education...and to that end, allowing those with kids in public school deduct expenses THEY spend on their kids as well. Because anyone with a child in public school knows that a public school education isn't a free one either. But I digress.

*The mandatory health insurance tax imposed through the Affordable Care Act is hereby repealed through this bill. To confirm all of what this bill repeals, I would have to go back and read the entirety of the referenced sections of the ACA which are being struck through and mentioned as being repealed. However, the only thing specifically mentioned as being repealed is the health care tax. As such, it is the only thing I will mention. That being said, it appears, based on the wording, that there is a large section of the ACA that would actually be repealed should this bill be signed into law. As someone who has benefited from portions of the ACA, I find this a bit disheartening. While I didn't think the ACA was the best solution, it was better than nothing. It was a start.

*The Dependent Care Credit will see changes:

                                      Current Limits:                      Changes with This Bill:

Income limit to receive full credit: $15,000                                  $30,000
% of allowable expenses:                  35%                                        50%
% of allowable expenses:                  20%                                        35%
Dollar amount credited-low end       $3,000                                     $6,000
Dollar amount credited-high end      $6,000                                     $12,000
Refundable credit?                            No-not currently                     Yes, this will become refundable

*Tax credits will be extended for alternative fuel vehicles. Previously, this credit had expired on December 31, 2016. However, this credit has now been extended to December 31, 2021 which means it should cover anyone who purchased an alternative fuel vehicle this year as well.

*The amount a person can gift you after death without taxes has been lowered to $9,149 per year. After that:

$9,150-$12,700 = taxes $1,839 + 35% over $9,150
Over $12,700 = taxes $3,082 + 39.6% over $12,700

*I'm not going to list all of the details as it varies and in some cases, they've removed the amounts (odd) and have just left it open for interpretation (I guess?), but tax benefits have also been extended for the following energy efficiency items. Most of these had previously expired on December 31, 2016 as well.

-Solar electric (extended until 12/31/21)
-Solar water heating (extended until 12/31/21)
-Wind energy
-Fiber Optic, solar cell, geothermal cell...and I don't know what other kind of crap they listed here. Sorry, guys. This is way out of my league. I need an engineer or someone who understands this stuff to write this part of it, I guess.

*The President doesn't benefit by this act. Seriously. There's a section in there that "certifies" this. *eye roll*

*Permanent income tax relief for the middle class. Whereas the previous section laid out income brackets where taxes where increasing, this section details income brackets where taxes will decrease. (Again, all of the numbers below use standard deductions rather than itemized for simplicity. I have also rounded the numbers for simplicity and space.)

                                             2016 tax tables:                New law tax tables:

Ind:         $0K-$9K              10% of taxable income              same
Ind:         $9K-$38K            $928 +15% over $9K $952 +12% over $9K
Ind:         $38K-91K       $5K +25% over $38K              n/a
Ind:         $39K-$70K              n/a                    $4K +22% over $39K
Ind: $70K-$160K                  n/a                    $11K +24% over $70K
Ind:         $160K-200K                      n/a                    $33K +32% over $160K
Mar, jt:    $0K-$19K           10% of taxable income           same
Mar, jt:    $19K-$75K         $2K +15% over $19K     $2K +12% over $19K
Mar, jt:    $75K-$152K       $10K +25% over $75K   $9K +22% over $77K
Mar, jt:    $152K-$231K     $30K +28% over $152K                n/a
Mar, jt:    $140K-$320K             n/                        $23K +24% over $140K
Mar, jt:    $320K-$400K                   n/a                    $66K +32% over $320K
Mar, sep: $0K-$9K            10% of taxable income         same
Mar, sep: $9K-$38K          $928 +15% over $9K       $952 +12% over $9K
Mar, sep: $38K-$76K $5K +25% over $38K      $5K +22% over $38K
Mar, sep: $76K-$116K      $15K +28% over $76K                   n/a
Mar, sep: $70K-$160K          n/a                     $11K +24% over $70K
Mar, sep: $160K-$200K                n/a                     $33K +32% over $160K
HOH:    $0K-$13K         10% of taxable income                  same
HOH:    $13K-$50K     $1K   +15% over $13K      $1K   +12% over $13K
HOH:    $50K-$130K     $7K   +25% over $50K             n/a
HOH:      $52K-$70K              n/a                          $6K   +22% over $52K
HOH:      $70K-$160K          n/a                        $10K +24% over $70K
HOH:      $160K-$200K           n/a                          $32K +32% over $160K

*"Qualified military spouse" for the Work Opportunity Tax Credit for Military Spouses is amended to define a "Qualified Military Spouse" as:

     "The term 'qualified military spouse' means the spouse or domestic partner (as 
     recognized under State law or by the Armed Forces) of a 
     member of the Armed Forces.''

I will read and add more later, but I'll have to stop there for now.

Mall Puts Out Emergency Alert for Stranded Husbands

2017-11-28T04:58:00.001-05:00

Authorities at Galleria Mall in Las Vegas issued an emergency alert today asking all wives, girlfriends, mothers, significant others, or anyone who might be lonely to please come claim the hundreds of men who have been abandoned at the mall this holiday weekend.

Employees at the mall didn’t realize the severity of the situation until closing time Sunday when they were forced to shepherd out scores of men from stores like Dick’s Sporting Goods, Game Stop, and The Sharper Image.

“We even had to have security cut off the line at Starbucks so they could actually shut down for the night,” recounts one employee. “I think that’s when we realized the severity of the situation. We let them stay until Monday hoping some of them would just naturally wander out and go to work. Unfortunately most are still here, eyes glazed over, as if trapped in a mindless prison with no way out. Every woman or child who walks by; they look at hopefully. I've never seen such a thing in my life!"

Currently, officers are questioning each man individually to see if he remembers his name &/or the name of the person who brought him. Pastor Bill Mac who happened to be among the crowd, “With any luck, some of them will remember a phone number or address too...but in this day & age, that’s a rare find! I don’t even remember mine!”

Parents Devastated As Children Falter in Faith

2017-11-03T17:37:00.000-04:00

Devastated parents, David and Cecilia Robertson of Holland, MI. learned Tuesday that their son had strayed from the blue Wolverine faith in which he was raised. “We just never could have expected something like this,” David said, “You think you're doing everything right...and then...your children just walk away.”

Cecilia recounts what she could have done differently to keep her son from “Going Green”. “We never even so much as allowed the color green to darken our doorsteps! It just wasn't allowed! Then, I looked outside at the grass which we took SO much pride in. What color was it? Green. We ALWAYS had to have that stupid green grass! Could WE have caused this?! Could this REALLY be OUR fault?” As Cecilia bursts into tears, David tries to comfort his wife to no avail.

In Oklahoma, the Dunstans are facing a similar story. Despite decorating their home and kids in orange and black year-round like a constant Halloween festival to show their OSU Cowboy pride, one of their children has gone astray. Jacob explains, “All we can do is pray. We can just take our child to the Lord and hope that he comes back to the light.” Holly, “You want to support your children. You want to let them know that you love them, no matter what path they choose. It's really hard, though, when they have literally chosen a path that is completely opposite to how you raised them. I mean, you don't want to call your child a sinning, heathen, devil child to his face, but...” Jacob, “It really makes you question yourself and your parenting. I mean, we have 2 other children! Are we going to screw them up too?”

The situation gets far stickier when the children decide to go to college at the opposing institution. Jacob still shudders at the thought of writing that check, but supposes he'd rather his child have Acollege education even if it IS at the University of Oklahoma. The Dunstans are currently searching to hire look-alikes to attend their son's basketball games as they don't think they can bring themselves to sit on the Sooner side even if it is to cheer on their son.

Who Will Speak For You?

2017-08-14T21:51:00.001-04:00

I have only one thing to say. But I didn't say it although it is something I have oft-quoted.

"First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out—Because I was not a Socialist.

Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out— Because I was not a Trade Unionist.

Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out— Because I was not a Jew.

Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me." -Niemöller

People ask why I still claim my Jewish ancestry even though I've never been a practicing Jew.

Because people sacrificed for my family. They put their lives on the line for mine. And for that...I'll always be grateful. A part of MY family would not be here had a German not been willing to literally sacrifice his or her own life for that of my family.

Are you willing to do that for another?

"Greater love hath no man than this, but that he lay down his life for his friends."

But what about for people he doesn't even know? Because that's what they did for my family. And for countless other Jewish families.

And THAT is why I still talk about my Jewish ancestry proudly. And always will.

It's a part of me.

People in my family took our Jewish name to their grave afraid for the lives of our family should it be revealed. Because that fear never left them. Because of the type of people we saw this weekend.

But I will NOT be silenced.

I am a Christian with Jewish ancestry who grew up BaptiCatholic who found out recently that she's also 1/8th African American. I've also got a little Native American thrown in there for good measure. Because America.

I would venture to say that most of us are more alike than we realize.

He who knows not his history is doomed to repeat it.

I pray with everything in me that we know our history.

Silent No More

2016-10-10T23:54:00.001-04:00

What happens when that's "just the way it is"?

What happens when a 13yr old girl has heard a constant stream of the men in her life talking about how if a woman is raped then it's her fault. She was asking for it. She was probably the one to blame.

What happens?

That 13yr old girl stays silent.

I know.

Because *I* was that 13yr old girl. And I have NEVER spoken publicly about this.

In 26 years.

Because of fear.

Those closest to me, my kids, my (ex)husband...they know...but I have never gone public with what happened to me before now...or where the "man" who raped me (and 3 other girls who I know of) is today.

Because the rapes were never reported...4 of them...the "man" (a 16yr old kid at the time) who did this to us...is now a police officer. Who is married. With teen girls.

And all of that terrifies me.

There's an entire town we won't move to because of where this person works. Because I don't want to ever have to encounter this person.

Rape culture. Sexual assault. It's what all guys do, right? Us girls should just have to deal, right?

No. Not on my watch. Not in my house. Not in my America.

Not to my children.

They have been raised differently.

Parents Banned from Nearly 40 Churches for VBS-Hopping

2016-06-25T23:07:00.001-04:00

A Columbus couple has been banned from 37 area churches for what authorities can only describe as "VBS-hopping". CPS was alerted when the children began showing up at one VBS wearing the shirt for a neighboring church's VBS. There were also telltale signs such as Kool-Aid stains on the children's mouths that were a different color than the Kool-Aid being served at that church's VBS.

Still, no one could have suspected how deep things had gone. By last count, it is estimated that the children of Frank and Stephanie Flowers attended approximately 37 VBS programs this summer alone. "They were going in the morning, in the evening, and even to special weekend programs," said an unnamed source close to the investigation.

Columbus Police Department wouldn't comment on an on-going investigation, but members at several churches interviewed say this isn't the first time they recall having the children enrolled in their VBS program. It's believed that the Flowers have never in their lives paid for daycare during the summer months.

Betsy Brooks, the VBS Coordinator at First Baptist Church of New Albany said, "It makes me shudder to think that had it not been for one mistake in choice of wardrobe...just a t-shirt...we'd have never known."

Accused Mother, Stephanie Flowers said, with a shrug of her shoulders, "We really didn't think it was THAT big a deal. We've been church-hopping 'grown-up' services for 15 years now." She claims they were just trying to follow His word, "What Would Jesus Do? I think the Bible makes that clear! Jesus said, 'Let the little children come unto me'!"

You Asked, I Answered: Our Soy-Free Salad Dressing, Drew's All Natural

2014-08-18T15:23:00.000-04:00

Several of you have asked how it's possible that I managed to find a soy-free salad dressing. You looked everywhere before resorting to doing without or always making your own.

I have nothing against making my own (and have done so many times), but there's nothing like being able to pick it up at the store once in awhile. There's a reason grocery stores and department stores became successful. People sometimes want a break from making everything on their own all the time. (Or a lot of the time sometimes.)

And that's okay.

So...the dressing. Yes, a soy-free salad dressing really does exist. I wish I could tell you that it exists in a land without using canola oil. Unfortunately, I can't go that far. What I can tell you is that the company that makes this dressing does at least use all GMO-free products (including their products that DO include soy) and doesn't use any artificial colors, flavors, or additives.

They offer several varieties including Caesar, ranch, Italian, thousand island...you get the idea. (All of the basics plus several varieties.) We regularly use the buttermilk ranch, Classic Italian, and Caesar. The Thousand Island and Creamy Italian occasionally make an appearance. Yes, I know. We're boring. We're okay with it.

This is our favorite dressing. It's not only soy-free, but also a vegetarian Caesar (for my 2 veggie kids). Yes, you read that right. It's a Caesar that's vegetarian. That's a VERY hard one to find.

You can purchase their products online directly from the Drew's site, from an online grocer like Vitacost, or from a local grocer. Find one in your area here. (The site doesn't list Natural Grocers as a place to find their products in Tulsa, but that's where I bought mine just last week.)

Just as a note, not all of their products are soy-free. Specifically, the line that I posted above (in the circular bottle) are the ones that are soy-free. The ones in the traditional salad-dressing shaped bottles are NOT soy-free.

For those who have other allergies the particular dressing pictured above also meets the needs of those who have gluten-free and/or egg-free loved ones.

Let me know of any soy-free products that you enjoy!

Have a favorite soy-free mayo? I lost my old favorite when we left Trader Joes land so I'm on the hunt for a new one.

The Mom Who Wanted To Potty

2014-06-02T11:09:00.001-04:00

Everyone knows what to expect. You try to potty and your little ones follow you.

The new mom might close the door only to find eager little hands peeking under the door or worse...banging excitedly. The bang might mean "I need a cookie NOW!!!!" Or it might mean "I've set the cat on fire and released a legion of army ants from the ant farm onto the recliner!!!" When it's child number one, you rush to the rescue quickly learning that the world will collapse if you ever even think of going to the restroom. You learn that if you do potty, you do so without privacy. By child number three, you're musing to yourself how much your husband will appreciate his new recliner-mates later as you finish your business before opening the door.

Regardless, part of what helps you get through this "stage" is knowing that eventually it will end. You'll get your privacy back. There will come a time when you close that door and no one calls your name asking for something or wanting to having a philosophical discussion at ONLY that moment.

LIES!!!! IT'S ALL LIES!!!!

IT. NEVER. ENDS.

Ever.

Listen to me, people. It goes on FOREVER!!!!

And worse...your HUSBAND reverts back to his days as a child and starts doing this too.

Mothers, you will never again pee in silence. Ever. You have lost those days. They're gone. Forever.

This has been today's encouraging word to young mothers.

(And there's more where that came from, ya'll!)

(See that Oklahoma creeping back in there? It's what happens when the Tulsa turned Vegas girl moves back to Tulsa.)

Hallo (Evil?) Ween

2013-10-31T16:30:00.000-04:00

There's an article about Halloween making it's rounds today.

I couldn't get past #2 in this article without asking if this family celebrates Christmas or any other holiday that originated as a pagan holiday. Based on their reasoning given here for rejecting Halloween, one could logically conclude that they don't.

For the most part, I don't agree with the rest of her article or her underlying premise that everyone participating in Halloween is doing scary, evil, "sexy", and/or bad things for a day whether their heart intentions when doing so are bad or good.

There's nothing evil that we're temporarily doing for a day. We're not living any differently today than we do any other day. There are no false pretenses we're making therefore no one we're "leading astray" by panhandling for candy from those willingly giving it out.

I don't believe we're aligning ourselves with the world by our kids getting candy on Halloween anymore than we are by putting up a tree at Christmas.

Or did we want to go there too? Did we need to also pull down THAT sacred cow? Because if we're going to say that one is bad, then let's stop and evaluate ALL of the pagan holidays that we, as Christians (or the Catholic Church to be more accurate) co-opted.

Now, all of that being said, I will say this: Choosing to abstain from any holiday is a personal decision. There is nothing wrong with making that decision. The only wrong comes in, in my opinion, when you judge others as less than yourself or as less of a Christian because they aren't making the same choice as you.

This is not a sin issue, in my opinion. Rather, it's a decision to be made between you and your spouse according to your convictions for your family and situation.

Instead of judging those who choose differently than you, let's operate in love.

Love others.

You can't ever go wrong operating in love and grace, in my opinion.

But also, free chocolate.

A Simple Word

2013-10-30T03:18:00.001-04:00

You know that message you sent to someone where you said something as simple as "I'm thinking about you" or "I'm praying for you" and you thought it wasn't much?

Well you were wrong.

It may have very well meant the world to the person who received it.

So thank you.

"Evil" Music In Church?

2013-10-21T13:05:00.000-04:00

A local church has done it again! They have, yet again, allowed "evil" music to darken their doors. (Du Dun....)

This past weekend, Central Christian Church here in Vegas sang Katy Perry's "Roar".

(To be clear, this isn't a post about Central. I'm not here to defend Central. They don't need my defense. You will know them by their fruit and their fruit speaks well for them. Plus, they're not the only church who is playing music like this. They just so happen to be the one I'm using as an example because we used to attend this church. As such, I'm extremely familiar with this church and their practices.)

Here's the deal. Music, in and of itself isn't inherently evil. Some lyrics can be pretty bad, but the music itself isn't bad. The artists singing said music or even clean lyrics can be sinners. (Then again, isn't EVERY person singing EVERY song a sinner? Hmm....)

Yeah, but Amy...have you not SEEN the way some of these people dress? They're CLEARLY worse sinners than ME. Yeah, well, I'm not even about to get into a fight about how a sin someone might have on the outside makes them a worse sinner than you simply because you can do a better job of hiding your sin.

OH NO. She did NOT go there.

Oh yes. I did.

...and we'll now move on as I think my point as been made.

Who cares if they sing a song in church that happened to be first released on a secular station? Well, okay, clearly some people DO care. I'm saying they shouldn't. Yes, I'm presuming to tell others what they should think. Because, well...just because I am.

Look, if THAT'S what it takes to get someone in the doors of a church and then subsequently they hear the gospel of Jesus Christ then I'm okay with that. I'm pretty sure Jesus is too.

What?!?! Now you're presuming to speak for JESUS too?! Wow! You're pretty ballsy young lady!! You should go read your Bible again! Or for the first time. Or...something.

(Like how I called myself a "young lady" in there? Yeah...just snicker quietly to yourself and move on, please.)

Yes. I am presuming to speak for Jesus too.

Why?

Let's chat for a minute about those beautiful hymns that every good Southern Baptist grew up singing, shall we? They were written to the tune of bar songs of their day. Yes...BAR songs. As in the SECULAR songs of the day. You know, like the songs that the Katy Perry's of yesteryear were singing. So basically, that hymn...was Katy Perry's "Roar"...and then someone changed the words a bit and it became a hymn and now we hail it as the end all and be all of Godly music. This was back during the time of the Reformation so...400 years ago, give or take.

Do you think that 400 years ago our ancestors could imagine us singing modified versions of their BAR songs as our beloved hymns? What do you think their reaction would be if they knew that we were DEFENDING those bar tunes as the end all and be all of Godly music? Probably the same reaction WE'D have in another 400 years if our descendents were defending Justin Beiber songs as the end all and be all of worship music. We'd think they were a little silly/crazy...or perhaps that they'd all out lost it.

But...what if they'd moved on from Justin Beiber and were simply then singing what appealed to people of THEIR time? What if they were singing what would draw people in to church so that they would hear the gospel THEN? We'd probably think that was a LOT better than keeping people OUT of church for the sake of keeping Justin Beiber songs IN.

Note...not for the sake of keeping GOD in church, but for the sake of keeping a particular type of SONG in church.

There is a difference. A HUGE difference.

The bottom line for me is this. Those who might "darken" the doors of churches like Central because of songs like "Roar" will end up also hearing songs like this: Drew Bodine "Torn".

And THAT is why churches like Central play those "evil" songs. It's also why Godly lyrics were put to those bar tunes so long ago.

Don't Point Too Close! (The Second Part)

2013-08-26T14:04:00.002-04:00

It seems I need to clear a few things up.

First, no, I did NOT pay $21 to go to the museum. You all should know me better than that by now. We got free tickets. (I know, shocker, right?) However, it would have cost $21 had we paid.

Second, yes, I realize that some people do think that rotten spam in the shape of Australia is art. Those same people would probably be blown away by an empty milk crate in the middle of the floor sitting next to a silver bean bag chair by a pile of trash and a pair of smelly old shoes. Artistic genius! Or...not?? (Especially being that either roughly describes my 11yr old son's bedroom.) I'll let you be the judge.

But, how spectacular for those people who can see the art in those works! I guess. I'm suppose I'm just not avant garde enough to get it. (I'm so NOT avant garde, in fact, that I'm not even sure if I spelled it correctly or if I'm even using the words or phraseology correctly.)

I'm just not hip. There. That's using my language. Although I'm sure my 14yr old would contest that as well.

I think I just need to go put on my mom jeans and quit trying.

Don't Point Too Closely...Or Else!!!!

2013-08-25T22:05:00.001-04:00

Apparently, the Laguna Beach Art Museum is clamoring for reviews. It's no wonder with what they're calling art. (Slats of insulation and cereal boxes on the wall.) No joke. THAT is the "art" that they're displaying. It wasn't a break room and they're not renovating. I checked. Twice.

And boy are they serious about their "art" too!

Our son was pointing at a box of cereal hanging on the wall. He was staring at it in awe thinking that surely it was a joke. This couldn't really be the exhibit; could it?

The curator saw our son in the midst of his crime...of pointing and staring at art in an art museum...and immediately yelled at him, "Don't point too close to that!!!"

Our son naturally looked at him dismayed. I did too. Had this man really just said what I think he said? Without thinking, I said, "What?!" asking for the lunacy to be repeated...and it was.

As my whole family then realized what had been said, we all promptly responded (after my laughter) by raising our hands and pointing at whatever "art" happened to be in front of us.

Poor guy. I don't think he knew what to do with the likes of us. From the pointing too closely to my 14yr old daring to ask if the bean bag chair was for sitting on. (It wasn't. A coat of silver paint had apparently rendered it "art" as well.)

What really made this museum a tragedy, though, is that the real art was hidden in dark corners and in stairwells. The art & artists in those areas should have been THE featured exhibits.

You know, unless you consider blank canvas stretched over a pallet to be art. If so, then my 11yr old has some FANTASTIC pieces he'd like to sell you. For that matter, I've got a ream of paper you might like to see. You can...for only $21. I can even hire someone to tell YOUR family not to point too closely at the box of Cheerios on top of my fridge.

Twitter Account Causes Loss of Scholarship

2013-07-18T21:40:00.001-04:00

I hope some day kids listen and hear what we're saying. What you put on your social media accounts or online anywhere CAN and often DOES negatively affect your future. Ohio State stopped recruiting a top player because of what he put on his Twitter account.

This guy was likely looking at a partial or full-ride scholarship...all down the drain because he was irresponsible on Twitter.

Some would say his parents should bear some responsibility for any child's actions online. I agree. I believe parents are incredibly lax when it comes to monitoring their kids online. BUT...I also don't think many parents know HOW to monitor their kids online. Many just truly have no clue what's out there and just don't understand the dangers that exist online. Perhaps we need to do a better job of educating parents?

Parents, kids...it doesn't stop there. Schools and employers alike check social media accounts before deciding whether to accept or hire someone. It's now part of a routine background check for some schools and employers. Everyone should have a good understanding of that before hitting that "post" or "send" button. If in doubt, don't. Don't assume that you can go back later and delete. Google cache keeps a history of nearly every web page forprettymuchever (that's an official length of time). You are better to have never posted something than to post it and regret it later.

Parents, we need to be more diligent in watching our kids and helping guide them as they are learning this lesson. Kids, or more specifically, teens...try to remember that we love you when we tell you no on opening an account somewhere or tell you that you should delete something (or shouldn't post it in the first place). We're looking out for not only your today, but your future as well. Someone once said that a good guide is this: Would you feel comfortable with your future spouse and your kids seeing what you're posting today. If the answer is no, then it's a good bet that you probably shouldn't be posting it. Also, if you feel the need to hide it, then you probably shouldn't be doing it.

Let me say it once more for effect and to make sure that everyone sees it: What you put on your social media accounts or online anywhere CAN and often DOES negatively affect your future.

If in doubt, don't.

Independence Day

2013-07-04T02:08:00.000-04:00

Dictionary.com defines "independence" as freedom from control, influence, support, aid, or the like, of others. It gives "freedom" as a synonym.

What is "freedom"? It is defined as being "exemption from external control, interference, regulation...and the list goes on". Among its many definitions are also, "a liberty taken" and "civil liberty, as opposed to subjection to an arbitrary or despotic government".

Dictionary.com also lists the synonyms "freedom", "independence", and "liberty" as referring to an absence of undue restrictions and an opportunity to exercise one's rights and powers. It says that "independence" implies not only lack of restrictions, but also the ability to stand alone, unsustained by anything else.

I think understanding the definitions of these words is important. No, I think it's vital.

Far too many have given up their liberties, their freedoms, and their independence for dependence on our government. And they like it that way. Many would like more dependence on our government through government health care and/or insurance, government control of banks and auto companies, and government oversight of anything the government can find to regulate.

This is not the country our founding fathers intended for us to have. This is not the country many fought and died for.

I'm reminded of the words of Benjamin Franklin, "He who would give up essential liberty for temporary security deserves neither and will lose both."

When most of us think of July 4th, we think grilled hot dogs, potato salad, and fireworks.

Is that what the Founding Fathers thought of when they celebrated July 4th? Were they thinking of fireworks as a way to have fun with their family? Or did they have a long, hard fought battle for independence from Britain on their minds?

On July 4, 1776, the Continental Congress ratified the Declaration of Independence. It was the start of our nation. The start of our freedom. The start of our independence from an overbearing government who made decisions on behalf of the States without proper representation.

What happened? Do we still have that freedom? That independence? Are we properly represented now? I know we HAVE representatives, but are they truly representing us? Resolutions are put before Congress, the public demands they be voted down, and then they pass? That doesn't sound like true respresentation to me.

In the spirit of commemorating that day 237 years ago, I'd like to deliver a Declaration of my own to the United States government. I can't take credit for this Declaration, though. It was written 237 years ago by Thomas Jefferson on my behalf.

Only now, I'd like to ask the United States government; regardless of party, to take it as a letter THEY need to heed. They need to look at this and remember why our country was created. Why our independence was sought. And what the grievances were against the British government. They need to remember what the States were seeking when they declared independence. They didn't want to break off from Britain, but they found they had no choice after fighting and trying for years to obtain proper representation for the States.

This Declaration was not made lightly. They deliberated and fought among themselves before they finally agreed to declare their independence. They did so only because they truly felt like they had no other choice. They had tried many times to resolve their differences peacefully.

I'd like the current United States government to note that we, as the American people, are trying to peacefully resolve our differences with them. We are desperately screaming out for them to listen! We want them to hear that our government has gone astray and we need to do something NOW...before it's too late.

Please, take a moment from your fireworks today and think about that first July 4th. Then, think about where we are now. Think about what will happen if we do not restore the proper balance of power to our government...and quickly!

"The Unanimous Declaration of the Thirteen United States of America,

When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.--That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, --That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security.--Such has been the patient sufferance of these Colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former Systems of Government. The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States. To prove this, let Facts be submitted to a candid world.

**He has refused his Assent to Laws, the most wholesome and necessary for the public good.
**He has forbidden his Governors to pass Laws of immediate and pressing importance, unless suspended in their operation till his Assent should be obtained; and when so suspended, he has utterly neglected to attend to them.
**He has refused to pass other Laws for the accommodation of large districts of people, unless those people would relinquish the right of Representation in the Legislature, a right inestimable to them and formidable to tyrants only.
**He has called together legislative bodies at places unusual, uncomfortable, and distant from the depository of their public Records, for the sole purpose of fatiguing them into compliance with his measures.
**He has dissolved Representative Houses repeatedly, for opposing with manly firmness his invasions on the rights of the people.
**He has refused for a long time, after such dissolutions, to cause others to be elected; whereby the Legislative powers, incapable of Annihilation, have returned to the People at large for their exercise; the State remaining in the mean time exposed to all the dangers of invasion from without, and convulsions within.
**He has endeavoured to prevent the population of these States; for that purpose obstructing the Laws for Naturalization of Foreigners; refusing to pass others to encourage their migrations hither, and raising the conditions of new Appropriations of Lands.
**He has obstructed the Administration of Justice, by refusing his Assent to Laws for establishing Judiciary powers.
**He has made Judges dependent on his Will alone, for the tenure of their offices, and the amount and payment of their salaries.
**He has erected a multitude of New Offices, and sent hither swarms of Officers to harrass our people, and eat out their substance. (Added by me: New Offices=Czars)
**He has kept among us, in times of peace, Standing Armies without the Consent of our legislatures.
**He has affected to render the Military independent of and superior to the Civil power.
**He has combined with others to subject us to a jurisdiction foreign to our constitution, and unacknowledged by our laws; giving his Assent to their Acts of pretended Legislation (Added by me: The United Nations)
*****For Quartering large bodies of armed troops among us:
*****For protecting them, by a mock Trial, from punishment for any Murders which they should commit on the Inhabitants of these States:
*****For cutting off our Trade with all parts of the world:
*****For imposing Taxes on us without our Consent:
*****For depriving us in many cases, of the benefits of Trial by Jury:
*****For transporting us beyond Seas to be tried for pretended offences (Added by me: For detaining us because we have spoken against the government or belong to a group that the government has decided might commit a crime in the future but for which no crime has actually been committed.)
*****For abolishing the free System of English Laws in a neighbouring Province,
establishing therein an Arbitrary government, and enlarging its Boundaries so as to render it at once an example and fit instrument for introducing the same absolute rule into these Colonies:
*****For taking away our Charters, abolishing our most valuable Laws, and altering fundamentally the Forms of our Governments:
*****For suspending our own Legislatures, and declaring themselves invested with power to legislate for us in all cases whatsoever. (Added by me: For creating "Executive Powers" and appointing "Czars" both of which bypass our
Constitutionally-created Legislature and allow laws to be made without any input from those whom we have elected to represent us.)
**He has abdicated Government here, by declaring us out of his Protection and waging War against us.
**He has plundered our seas, ravaged our Coasts, burnt our towns, and destroyed the lives of our people.
**He is at this time transporting large Armies of foreign Mercenaries to compleat the works of death, desolation and tyranny, already begun with circumstances of Cruelty & perfidy scarcely paralleled in the most barbarous ages, and totally unworthy the Head of a civilized nation.
**He has constrained our fellow Citizens taken Captive on the high Seas to bear Arms against their Country, to become the executioners of their friends and Brethren, or to fall themselves by their Hands.
**He has excited domestic insurrections amongst us, and has endeavoured to bring on the inhabitants of our frontiers, the merciless Indian Savages, whose known rule of warfare, is an undistinguished destruction of all ages, sexes and conditions.

In every stage of these Oppressions We have Petitioned for Redress in the most humble terms: Our repeated Petitions have been answered only by repeated injury. A Prince whose character is thus marked by every act which may define a Tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a free people.

Nor have We been wanting in attentions to our Brittish brethren. We have warned them from time to time of attempts by their legislature to extend an unwarrantable jurisdiction over us. We have reminded them of the circumstances of our emigration and settlement here. We have appealed to their native justice and magnanimity, and we have conjured them by the ties of our common kindred to disavow these usurpations, which, would inevitably interrupt our connections and correspondence. They too have been deaf to the voice of justice and of consanguinity. We must, therefore, acquiesce in the necessity, which denounces our Separation, and hold them, as we hold the rest of mankind, Enemies in War, in Peace Friends.

We, therefore, the Representatives of the united States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States; that they are Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved; and that as Free and Independent States, they have full Power to levy War, conclude Peace, contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all other Acts and Things which Independent States may of right do. And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor."
Signed by 56 brave men. Full list of signatures can be found here.

Is Snowden the Enemy?

2013-06-22T11:00:00.000-04:00

A Facebook friend said that it's the job of those in government to keep their mouth's shut. He doesn't see people like Snowden as heroes. Instead, he says they nothing more than people with no self-control who can't be trusted.

I disagree. Long ago, a group of men bravely declared their independence from an overbearing government that had begun to rule them without proper representation. Their words are worth reading again: The Declaration of Independence

We are not called to be loyal to our government. The government, which consists of people who have been hired by the people are called to be loyal to the people upon whom their jobs depend. They are called to represent US; not the other way around. When they do not, then they should be called to accountability for that.

I think we have forgotten the government's role. We have so willingly handed them full control forgetting that THEY are supposed to represent US. I'll say it one more time. The government is supposed to represent the people. NOT the other way around.

And in the Snowden/NSA case: The NSA's actions very clearly violate the 4th Amendment of our Constitution. It's cut and dry, in my opinion. I also find it absolutely ludicrous that our government would file espionage charges against Snowden. Irony, anyone? I mean, seriously? Pot, meet kettle.

Okay. I'll stop now.

But I mean really...

I Hyper-Control My Child's Electronics...Unapologetically

2013-06-21T09:00:00.000-04:00

Yes, I hyper-control my child's electronics. No, I won't apologize for it. I think it's necessary. I think it's vital. I think it's a must. Okay, I feel like I'm just repeating myself. I'm pretty sure you get the point by now. I believe that it's imperative that we, as parents, exercise our duty and our responsibility to monitor our children online for their own protection.

How? Why? What? They let you do that? Is that possible? WHAT?

Yeah.

That's often the response I get from parents. I'm quite surprised how little parents know about monitoring their child's electronics. Many want to, but just don't know how. Or they think they have the electronics monitored but don't realize that there are holes in their monitoring. Those who have young kids remember themselves as teens and think...um...yeah, right. Sure your teens turn their iPods in every night. Uh. Huh. (Side Note: I don't understand that attitude. They're my children and they live under my roof. If I say to turn it in, they'll turn it in or they won't have it. It's that simple. But that's a horse for another blog.)

Now I'm no expert nor do I play one on TV, but I have learned a few things along the way. Our kids have a simple, shared, ancient flip-phone and iPod touches. To grossly simplify the monitoring, each of those has contact and parental restrictions.

What do those restrictions mean?

On the phone, "Contact restrictions" means that the kids cannot add contacts on their own. Why is that important? On the phone, it means that we are the ones who determine who they can talk and text with. If we don't add that contact info and allow it, then they cannot talk or text with that person. We keep it this way because there is absolutely no way for us to monitor texts on this phone. We're not comfortable with that. As such, they are only able to text with us and emergency contact adults. On the iPod, it's the same, except that we also don't allow adding of emails as that's how they contact via Apple messenger. That's one of those holes that many people miss.

That's about all there is to the flip phone. Like I said, it's an ancient, basic, "dumb" flip phone.

The other restrictions on the iPod (or an iPhone or iPad) are under the "General" tab in the "Settings" section. From there, scroll down to "Restrictions". Once in there, you can disallow Safari, Facetime, Installing Apps, Siri, explicit language, & in-app purchases. You can also set the ratings for apps that you do allow your children do download. You can also set the i-device so that your children cannot add an e-mail account, contacts, or allow other apps (such as Facebook, Twitter, etc) to access the photos on their camera. If you want to allow one of those accounts, you can set up the one they will have and then "don't allow changes" so that they cannot add anymore. (Or in the case of contacts, add the ones they are allowed to have and then set it so that they cannot add anymore.)

Again, for us...so little can be monitored that we don't allow texting, calling (or calling apps), access to the app store, Safari, etc. We'd just rather not take a chance.

Of course, I've only covered mobile devices here...and even then, only a small segment of them. The basics are this...if you care to monitor your kids online, then look for the restrictions under the "settings" section of your device.

So, yes, I'm THAT mom. I'm the mom who won't let her kids freely text. I'm the mom who won't let her kids "Facetime". I'm the mom who places restrictions on her kids and limits what they see and do online and the people with whom they can communicate on their phone and iPods. Yup. That's me.

And I'm okay with that.

SOS Mom Saver: Is Your Home As Safe As It Should Be?

2013-06-20T19:19:00.000-04:00

Do you have more than one story on your house? Then you NEED this:

Kidde KL-2S Two-Story Fire Escape Ladder with Anti-Slip Rungs, 13-Foot

Photo Courtesy of Amazon.com

No, Really.

You do.

This won't save you time or money, but it very well could save your life or that of your children. It's not a gimmick. It's a safe way out of the house should a fire leave you or your children trapped in a room.

You can buy the one linked above at Amazon.com or you can purchase one in person at Walmart.

Ideally, you should have one for each bedroom that is slept in. If you can't buy all of them now, start with one. One is better than none...and at least gives all of you an escape should you be trapped upstairs.

No, this isn't a pleasant topic, but it's an important one. After hearing yet another story of a child dying because they didn't have a way to escape from a second floor bedroom...it was time to broach the topic. I was shocked to hear a friend say that she didn't even know these existed.

Well now you know.

So go buy one!!

Disclaimer: If you click on the above link and purchase the ladder, then I will get credit for that purchase as a part of the Amazon affiliate program. However, I don't care if you purchase through that link. I DO want you to buy this item if you don't already have one and live in a multi-story home but could care less whether you do so through that link, by going directly to Amazon, or by driving to your local Wally World! Just please buy one. K? Thanks.

Me? Couponing?

2013-06-03T13:53:00.001-04:00

I don't know where you'd get the idea that I had been couponing again. Nope. No idea where that thought would come from...

SOS Mom Saver: What's In Season When?

2013-05-30T19:03:00.001-04:00

Most of us have heard that the best way to save money on produce is to buy in season.

But what does that mean?

How do I know what's in season when? Does that mean in season here or in season in another state? Well...Yes.

The closer to the source of the produce, the cheaper it will be. If you're in California or Florida where they grow oranges, then they're going to be cheaper for you than if you're in Michigan. If gas costs are up, then those oranges are going to be even MORE expensive in Michigan.

The oranges are going to be cheaper for everyone when those oranges are in season because they grow with less assistance and in greater quantities when in season.

There are a lot of variables that can affect produce prices. A hurricane that wipes out the citrus crop in Florida is going to affect us all by raising prices or causing a shortage as would a flood, drought, or fire that destroys crops in California.

The bottom line, though, is that all other factors aside, buying when the produce is in season will save you the most money.

I couldn't possibly list what is in season in every area of the country every month. I could tell you some general guidelines to go by. For example, oranges and other citrus fruits will be in season in the winter, melons and berries will be in season in the summer, and apples and different squashes will be in season in the fall. Your BEST bet, though is finding out what produce is in season in your area. If nothing is currently in season in your area, find the state closest to you with in season produce and know that those items will be your cheapest buys.

Epicurious and Sustainable Table will give you a general idea of what is in season in your area each month. Local Harvest goes one better, though. It will direct you to farms in your area. Many of those farms list what they grow each season on Local Harvest. Even better, many will let you buy directly from them to save even more money. Plus, you'll be getting the produce directly from the source which is ALWAYS best!

If you can't buy directly from a farm in your area, check your grocery store sale ads. Typically, the produce that is currently in season will be the cheapest! In the summer, we stock up on berries when they're $.99 for 6oz to 1lb (depending on the berry) and freeze enough to get us through the winter.

This was our first cucumber ever!!!

It's always a little scary at first to start gardening; especially if you've never done it before. I promise you, when you see the fruits (literally) of your labor, the hard work will have all been worth it!

Then the Watermelon Had to Die

2013-05-23T17:21:00.001-04:00

The picture above only tells part of the tragic story. It is only half of one watermelon...but it says oh so very much. It is evidence of the tragedy that has been occurring multiple times a day for the past couple of weeks here at the Thompson household.

The death of the watermelons.

But what you have to understand is that it's not my whole family working together to devour these tasty melons. Oh no! It's just one of us. That's right. And it's the tiniest one of us at that! Not only that...these aren't the baby watermelons. No, they're the mid-sized ones.

That's right! My little Whitney, our Peanut, has single-handedly eaten 11 mid-sized watermelons in just 7 days. I haven't a clue where she's putting it. Well, except that she's also on a growth spurt. So there's also that. I guess, then, that it's fair to say that she's putting it in new clothes. Clever girl, that one! Figured out a way to use fruit to get new clothes!

Disclaimer: Several watermelon WERE harmed both in the making of this blog AND in the growing of my Peanut.

And I guess I'm okay with that.

SOS Mom Saver: Homemade Popsicles

2013-05-02T19:15:00.000-04:00

I've been getting ready for summer by dehydrating foods we'll eat while out and about this summer. Now, it's time for me to fill my freezer with healthy popsicles.

Feed my kids popsicles for breakfast? Why not?

(What kind of a mom ARE you? You'd feed your kids POPSICLES for BREAKFAST?!?! I'm not sure I can keep reading your blog!)

I promise. I'm not crazy. In fact, I can almost guarantee that YOU will feed YOUR kids popsicles for breakfast too after I'm done with you. These aren't your typical "is there even any actual fruit in there" popsicles. These are popsicles that you and/or your kids make from scratch. And it's EASY!

The easiest way to make popsicles at home is to use pre-packaged fruit juice that you'd buy at the store. If you purchase a juice from the Lakewood "Just" juice line, or the Knudsen "Pure" juice line, then you'll be giving your kids pure fruit juice popsicles. (Thankfully, these are now carried in most grocery stores. As a bonus, they also come in organic varieties.)

I like to go a step further here, though. I like to find creative ways to use the fresh fruit that I get...especially as it gets past its prime. (I know every one of us has that apple that gets lost in the back of the fruit drawer in the fridge.) Many people think these fruits are trash. The opposite is actually true. The riper the fruit gets, the sweeter it becomes. I wouldn't eat it plain, but I'll freeze this fruit straight to use in smoothies or...my kid's favorite...puree the fruit and make homemade popsicles.

The ingredients are incredibly simple:

A blender, food processor, or smoothie maker
Popsicle holders (or small cups)
Lids for the popsicle holders or small popsicle sticks
Fruit...Be creative!
Some sort of liquid: Yogurt or Kefir can be used for a thicker popsicle. Juice or water can be used to make it more light.

We got these molds on sale at Albertson's for $2.49 each, but you can find them at Wal-Mart, Target, and other discount stores as well. WARNING: The lids typically do NOT hold up well! I would highly recommend that you have wooden sticks on hand because the lids WILL eventually break on these cheap holders.

The fruit is in! It's ready to go!

It's blending! (The blender pictured has long since died. I now have the mother of all blenders; a Vitamix...which I LOVE! Someday, I will update these pictures.)

Ready to pour! This is when the kids run over and try to eat some before we pour. They usually end up eating a good bit of this "fruit sauce" before I get it all poured. I fought them off this time just for you. You should feel special.

Children have been fended off and pouring begins!

They're all poured now and ready for the freezer. Wasn't that easy?

Once you put them in the freezer, they'll be ready in about 12 hours...although my kids are usually trying to grab their first one well before that.

Doesn't that look delicious! And it's FULL of nothing but fruit! How awesome is that? So go tell your kids they can have popsicles for breakfast now, K?

Why We're Heading To Tulsa

2012-04-21T23:20:00.000-04:00

Rather than trying to message everyone who has asked separately, I figured I'd just update everyone at once here. First, thank you everyone for your prayers. Our family appreciates them. Some of you know the details, but here's the summary: In the last couple of weeks, my dad was diagnosed with colon cancer which has spread throughout his body, started chemo, & is now in ICU with his liver & kidneys failing. My brother & I who live out of state are traveling tonight & tomorrow to Tulsa to join our other siblings. I am thankful for wonderful friends who stepped in at the last minute to take our dogs & keep watch over our house & cat. Thank you. You are a huge blessing to us! I think everyone knows that more than anything, we pray that our loved ones would come to know Christ. That has always been my prayer for my family. One by one, I have seen them come to Christ. What an amazing treasure to know that we will see our loved ones again in heaven after their time here is done. I cannot imagine a greater thing in life than having that blessed assurance. That remains my prayer for every member of my family. I would ask that you join me in this prayer specifically at this time. Nothing makes you think about this more than when you face losing someone you dearly love. At least when you lose someone who is a follower of Christ, you can have the peace that comes from knowing that you will see them again. I can imagine nothing more heart-wrenching than losing someone you love...and knowing you'll never see them again. What has happened with my dad has happened so quickly. It has awakened me to the importance of talking to your loved ones now...before it's too late.