Happy Birthday Big-E!

Happy Birthday to my 7 yr. old guy! You are so special and such a blessing sweetheart! We love you VERY VERY much! Hope your day is special.

Legislation

Ever wonder where you can find out what's all being discussed on Capitol Hill? My husband came across this site recently as is finding it helpful for political information. It is rather disturbing to see the enormous amount of legislation that our Congress-people are supposed to be voting on, but at least there is somewhere to find out what it is all about. I hope you find it helpful.


it is - http://www.opencongress.org (or click on the link above if it works)

Are you ready to DO something about it?

Pause the player down below and watch this... then it's up to you to go to www.youtube.com to watch the other clips. It is one of those things that is just plain worth it. I have talked with a lot of people, it seems, who feel like they are just waiting for someone to shout "Tea Party!" (Boston...that is). It is almost as if we are on the brink of a mixture between the Revolutionary and Civil Wars; Revolutionary because we are convinced our government is corrupt and leading us astray and we are ready to rid ourselves of its control and Civil because it seems we are so distinctly divided Left & Right on which way to go: conservative or liberal, that I fear we will pack up to our own sides of this country and not coexist anylonger. At least this clip gives an idea of a way to foster hope in these wearying times... the only TRUE hope of course is found in Scripture. And we all know from Scripture how this will all end...but in the meantime it sure is refreshing to hear Americans talking like Mr. Beck below.

When the goin' gets tough....

...the tough get READY. No one needs to be reminded that "things" are getting tighter, tougher, and a little uncertain economically and politically. I DO think it's important to remember though that we can be as prepared as possible in the midst of these things. There are a lot of very useful online resources (as well as at the library) to help with this. I will include some of my favorites at the end of this post. Here at home we are making a kind of check list to help ourselves feel more prepared for whatever turn this country is making. Take a look at it and let it encourage you to begin one with our family's needs, talents, and priorities in consideration.

-Make a larger, more productive garden this year. (and be prepared to freeze and can what we get).
-Stock up on the basics (bread-making materials, dry goods, etc).
-Revisit the old financial budget and make as many adjustments as possible allowing for vast cut-backs where possible. (starting a budget if you don't already have one is darn near mandatory).
-reducing any and all debt (eliminating it is best!).
-learning skills you might need in the near future (fishing, sewing, gardening, canning, home remedies, etc.).
-keep an eye on local and federal political climates - and respond accordingly. This government IS movable by the people. (for better or worse)

Here are some of my favorite websites on all these topics:

Frugal/Homemade cooking and shopping:
http://www.hillbillyhousewife.com/index.htm

http://www.menus4moms.com/frugal/meals_for_hard_times_2.php

http://oldfashionedcooking.com/

Outdoorsmen resourses:

http://www.pearloutdoors.com/

http://www.urbanexod.us/discuss/index.php?PHPSESSID=l4hr6lm5gh2imdkhq1bni6oo07

Natural Health/ Healing:

http://www.bulkherbstore.com/

http://www.welltellme.com/discuss/

http://www.morethanalive.com/Beeyoutiful?gclid=CNOklPyCnpkCFSEgDQodA0hcDg

conservative, good speech

This is worth watching. Pause the player below and enjoy. The rest of them are available on either Huc Pac website or youtube.

Great puzzle maker

Here is a link to a really cool home schooling tool.
It is a free puzzle maker. You can put in some words or facts and make your own work sheets for whatever lesson you are working on. Or have your older students make the puzzle themselves. A really great resource!

http://puzzlemaker.discoveryeducation.com/

quirky favorite things

I am a sucker for pretty things that are ALSO practical - especially if it can be used in more than one way. I love it when things that look like decor are actually usable... in the same respect I like to put things I use out as part of the decor until I need to use them. For example, I have a bright red porcelain pitcher bowl that sits on a shelf in my kitchen. It looks as though it is a "special one" that is only for show but it isn't - I use it all the time.

This is a picture of one of my favorite lamps. I like it because it is funky and usable and because my Grandma gave it to me. I love just about everything she gives me. It is just a mason jar with a special lid that has lamp wiring attached. I put some cute stuffed toys in it that my husband got as a gag gift from our nephew. That actually makes it kind of creepy, but I could put anything in there to change the look...