Making good on a Promise....

Way back in 2008, our Country was facing a little crisis....


Thousands of Oklahomans called our Representatives and our Senators...


We told them absolutely NOT to the TARP bill.... and guess what?


Mary Fallin voted FOR it.... I got a nice little form email/letter from her stating that she thought it was best to keep the Country afloat... Thats right, you and Tom Coburn think you know whats best for us... (You will get your own blog post Dr. Coburn....)


And I was hacked.... Amazingly enough, Ms. Fallin started sending out feelers for a run at the Governor's job since our idiot cant be elected to a third consecutive term.... I bet she started to realize that she might not see another term in DC... Or she may be moving herself on up the Political Career Ladder....


And then came her sponsorship of this bill: Puerto Rico Statehood Now, dont email me and tell me that it doesnt give Puerto Rico statehood... I know that - but what it does is open the door for basically PR to decide what it wants to do and if it wants to become a state, there is little we can do about it as previous states (TN and AK) have done it the same way....


So, she signs on to sponsor this crap and then it hits the fan.... Glenn Beck.... Neil Boortz.... Talk Shows galore start talking about this bill and how crappy it is. And guess what - Ms. Fallin has an "dental emergency" and is unable to vote for the crap she sponsored....


And after I called and emailed both OK and DC offices and was hung up on when I maintained my composure and was respectful, I sent Ms. Fallin an email stating that I was going to do anything I could to ensure that she would never hold public office again in Oklahoma.


So this is me not being a liar....


The third straw came recently when Ms. Fallin has REFUSED to debate the other Republican Candidate, Randy Brogdon Yeah, he kind of looks like an elf, but hey - better than a snake or a weasel.... Besides, Will Ferrel did wonders for the public image of elves :)


Now, she doesnt have to debate, but for heaven's sake, Ms. Fallin, dont hold an open forum for Lobbyists. She did just that - Lobbyist Summit - 7/7/2010.... Or are you so arrogant that you think this thing is in the bag?


Mary Fallin is a woman who sees the political system as her JOB - CAREER POLITICIAN - I want someone in office where I ACTUALLY REMEMBER WHAT THEY USED TO DO BEFORE OFFICE....


And yes, this is snide, but I do wonder how smart she actually is.... What does she actually believe? I mean, if you read her website, she does state she doesnt like how TARP has been implemented and the such - but you do not read anywhere - "I made a mistake voting for this bill and wish I had it to do over." Its excuse and justification after another....


I am not telling you who to vote for - Vote for Jeri Askins (gag me) or Drew Edmondson if you want - how much damage can they do with a Republican held Senate/House? But for the love of everything good....


DO NOT VOTE FOR MARY FALLIN.....

My Comment to CENSUS - 2010

I typed a response to the first comment on THIS POST.... Google said it was too large to process and to say that I almost had a heart attack is an understatement... But when I went back, amazingly enough it was still there, so here it is.... *** Turns out that it did post, but not according to the error message I got - I have deleted the 3 exact responses (I kept trying even though I got an error message, obviously) and what is below is exactly what was posted on the other post's comments....

1 - I absolutely know this - I also know that this Federal Law has NEVER been enforced because those that wrote this Federal Law know it wouldnt pass Constitutional mustard...its a bluff at best - and at worst a calculated gamble to do something illegal. I also am willing to deal with the consequences of my actions...

2 - How confidential was CW#2 as she went around my small town asking people about me by name and then telling them Federal Marshals were going to show up?

3 - I got nothing... I still own that city house - some of my things are still in it.

4 - On my end - I am done - unless CW#1 or CW#2 shows up while I am home or manages to get my cell phone number. Then its a play it by ear situation.

It wasnt a game - a game would have been to lie - put down 15 white people living in my house in order garner my city more money. Is that done? Heck yes it is - are those numbers double checked or is it taken on faith that the person answering is honest?

There is nothing that they ask that cant be gained with pretty much a quick Internet search or with the Governments already held information. Spending $40 to $60 is a waste - because the Government is stupid. Spending money to mail me a card saying the census is coming..... and then another one saying saying AGAIN the census is coming is stupid.... Making those stupid commercials, was wasteful...

CW#2 should not have had my name on her list - We built the house we moved to and did not have occupancy until way the end of May - there is no reason, except for incompetence on the other end for my name to be on her list. If there is a CW I answer to, it will be CW#1 - and if you read it, there were no derogatory words or anything for her.

What bothers me about this the most is this right here is a PERFECT example of a Government who no longer asks BEFORE they pass a law if its Constitutional, but does what it wants - KNOWING its ILLEGAL - and then because of who they are know many will comply. They do not enforce the law because the Government knows its out of bounds. The Government passes laws, knowing they are wrong and does as it pleases.

And yes, they have all the information already, so why not give it to them... Because they have all that information, I shouldnt have to give it to them.

This is a major fraud committed on the American people - there are large organizations who use the Census to boost numbers, lie, cheat and steal. This is but another way for the Government to redistribute wealth and if you dont think that is what was done in major urban areas around this country - then I have a Black Panther video you need to see....

Look - there are honest, hard working people working for the Census for a little extra cash. I get that - that I believe was what CW#1 was - what Brad K is - but then there are jerks with clip boards like my CW#2 who I believe skate on the edge of illegal, and then there is ACORN and those affiliated who are involved in outright criminal activities....

You want games? There are your games - it isnt a game to pick up your ball and refuse to play....

July 21, 2010 10:35 AM

Census 2010

Here is my Census 2010 story....

We get the form in the mail.... It was the "short" form and not the one that was pages and pages....


It asked how many would be living here on April 1, 2010.... They got a big ole "5" and we mailed it back.... Thankyouverymuch.....


We then moved - to the farm - aka: Heaven.


And then the phone calls started.... They started at my Mother's house on the farm. "Who else lives out there?" "Do you know any of the people that live south of you?" (which are not related to us) "Are you sure you dont know the people that live behind the gate with you?" She called several times.... My mom is a rock - she told them she didnt know - wasnt giving this information out but would pass on this chick's phone number and then told her to quit calling.


At this same time we got a notice on our front door of our town house that a Census worker had been by and wanted to "complete" our census.... NOPE.... You got everything you are going to get....


According to the form left on our door, it was against the law to identify the people that live in the house.... So where did Census Worker #1 who called my mother get her name and phone number?


So, I have CW #1 and CW #2's phone numbers. I dont call....


I dont call CW #1 until I learn that she has been IN THE LOCAL BANK ASKING ABOUT ME... If anyone knows me and the Hubs and if anyone knows how to get a hold of us.... ARE YOU FREAKING KIDDING ME???? She then tells fabulous Bank Employee (whom I know) that I should speak to her ASAP or I will be talking to the Federal Marshals.... Seriously - she said that....


So - dont think that this is anything anonymous.... Dont think that its just about addresses and numbers....


And so I call.... I use my cell phone and *67 - a little immature, but I was not going to give these people my cell phone number via caller ID. Neither picked up - duh - I wouldnt have either if a call showed "BLOCKED".


Left this message for CW#1 - This is Pearls, I understand I am on your list. Well, according to the Census, it asked where I was on April 1, and I answered the form, mailed it in and have done my job. I did not live in this area at the time in question on the form. I lived in XXXX. I do not belong on your list. I will not be contacting you again and you can cease immediately asking around our town about me."


Left this message for CW#2 - This is the occupant from address XXXX. I filled out our census and mailed it in - I put a "5" on it for those that occupied the home on 4/1 and that is all I am going to answer. Thanks.


Also find out that CW#1 is wife of a guy that holds elected office in our small town. Great.... I have to find a picture of this woman, because I dont want to be at the farmer's market and get introduced without knowing. I dont like getting blindsided - but I dont mind doing the blindsiding ;)


And so far, that is my story from the Census 2010 - I would type "THE END" but something tells me there might be a PS about all this in a future post.

Pray - Praise - Prepare

Caught between a rock....and a car bumper....

Im back - been posting for a bit, but havent launched anything as I am waiting to move everything over to the NEW blog.... There will be big unveiling - I know yall are excited ;)

Anyway - I had to post this....


This past weekend - 2 CONSECUTIVE DAYS - 2 men were killed riding their bikes in the "Community" (area of several small towns and one good sized one - read rural/suburban). The first was a good man, member of our church and was left where he was hit by a hit and run.... The next day - Sunday, another man was hit and killed, but the pickup driver stayed....


Riding bikes, not the leisure ones with baskets, but the serious people with the mirrors on their helmets, has become a big thing around here. Weekends in my rural area and ON THE HIGHWAY I drive, is almost packed with single riders or little groups of them, along with car clubs, motorcycles, and even a few horses every now and then....


There was a rally at the State Capital this morning to demand bike lanes.... Exercise your rights to assemble people!


Here is the problem - The suburban town that most of the bike riders hail from can flat out afford to pay for bike lanes - in fact, its a great community for bikers, walkers, joggers, park goers, dog walkers, families....


The place the bike riders ride - the gorgeous rural, countryside cannot. And also, they will not.... The areas that are most frequently ridden are hilly, beautiful, peaceful and way out here. I can see why they want to ride their bikes out here - its the reason we live out here. But these communities cannot afford to put in bike lanes. We live with gravel roads, with huge potholes - with gravel thrown in those holes - with a much higher poverty level than the suburban town and people who cannot even afford to feed themselves.


So that leaves the State.... I do not believe that people in Tulsa should pay for anything near me and conversely, I do not want to pay for anything for them.... I know some of my tax dollars do, but I dont have to like it and I can vote it down every chance I get.


But this is a safety issue.... It absolutely is!! Driving is dangerous too.... In fact, I make my daughter take the back roads and not drive Rt. 66. 2 lane highways are the most dangerous and I will absolutely not let my daughter drive them until we are sure of her skill and then only during the day. Sorry, this post isnt about teenage drivers.... Back to topic.... Riding a bicycle on a highway is dangerous - absolutely your right to do so, but dangerous none-the-less....


Bike riding on these back roads is dangerous. It is very hilly and topping a hill going 55 to find myself behind a biker going 20 (maybe) and oncoming traffic with no where to go is dangerous.... We top hills out here all the time and find something - deer, dogs, once a cow and last night a goat (seriously along with a HUGE group of people that had been swimming in a pond and were walking back home). But the difference is, I drive a monster vehicle with a cattle guard just for this purpose - to keep my family safe if I happen to hit something - or if something hits me - There is absolutely NO THOUGHT to not injuring what I hit.... If I hit a biker, I would most likely kill him/her. It isnt a pleasant thought. It makes me sick to my stomach.... And my vehicle isnt alone - we all drive big stuff out here - The Sunday accident was a truck and I bet the hit and run was a truck also..... And if the scumbag happens to read this - I dont care how scared you were - leaving a man where he fell is the most disgusting thing I have almost ever heard... You are sub-human with only the Grace of Jesus to save you which He can do, but do not expect any mercy from your fellow people. May you be left to rot in a hole....


So what to do.... I have no problem with bike lanes - they are great - they keep the flow of traffic moving (which is so much a part of the problem) - it keeps bikers out of the way.... But they dont want to ride in the community that can afford them and where they want to ride cant pay for them.... And for a large part of Hwy 66 coming out of the suburban area, it is 4 lanes which gives people some options.... But it isnt pretty like out here in the country....


Here is my solution.... If bike lanes are the way to go, then bikers need to tag their bikes with the money going for said bike lanes. The Oklahoma Tax Commission collects all state taxes and fees and they are the ones that appropriate where it goes.... It shouldnt be that hard....


And I dont relish another tax and the enforcement thereof.... But this is different - Its kind of like a marriage license - if you dont want to pay the fee (tax) than dont get married ;)


This is not a cheap sport - its expensive.... Bikers take extreme care in picking out their equipment - its nice (and its pretty).... Paying for a bike lane is just an extension of your bike helmet....


And just so you dont think I am totally heartless, I do watch what I do when I drive (especially on the weekends when everyone is out) and if there is a jar for donations, I will do that too..... For non-bikers, it should be a choice.... I license my truck to be on these roads - anyone expecting the same privilege should follow the same laws and put some skin in the game with their own license....


And - if there is a better solution - hit me with it.... Open to any ideas :)


Pray for 2 families that are crushed right now.....1 driver who is racked with guilt....1 driver whose soul is truly in trouble - Praise - Prepare

I thought I was ready....

My munchkins ended their school year yesterday. I thought I was so excited to be free....

We have 1 that is staying, but the boys are here at home from now on....

I am so excited - they are too.... But that doesnt mean yesterday wasnt hard. It was hardest when my littlest whispered the night before "I hope Mrs. XXX will remember me...." My heart just lurched. Baby, she will always remember you. She loves our family, has loved all 3 of my children and we love her....

It was hard to watch my boys say "goodbye" and reassure them we will see their friends again. Some of them we will....and some we will not.... I didnt tell them this - figured if they figure it out, it will be a while down the road and distance will make it easier to accept. Hope the little one doesnt think about it unless he is looking through scrapbooks.

Goodbyes are hard. One thing I have learned moving around so much growing up is that you dont focus on what you left behind - you focus on the adventure ahead. My parents always made the next step something to look forward to.

This is an important skill to teach and it has served me well. It is something I want my kids to learn and how to move past these feelings and focus (a choice) to looking forward....

Scary, but its a skill that may determine who thrives in upcoming days and who doesnt....


Pray - Praise - Prepare

How to get around the Arizona Immigration Law....

I agree with this law - I have read the entire thing.... Its easy to understand - easy to read and takes just about no time at all.... Writing this post will take longer than reading the law and this isnt going to be a long post....

In fact, I have done the search and link for you so HERE IT IS.... And its a link DIRECTLY to the Arizona Senate - its their PDF, so its accurate :) So go read it - I will be here when you get back....

Anyway - If you are illegal and you want to get around this law its a very easy thing to do....

Just 3 things:

1 - Dont get pulled over

2 - Dont commit a crime

3 - Dont pick up people that are loitering to take them someplace else for a job


There - you have it.... Because the AZ law does not allow - READ THAT DOES NOT ALLOW - for random asking of "papers". In fact - it asks for your DRIVERS LICENSE....or AZ ID Card....Or any form of identification where you have to show your birth certificate or immigration papers to obtain.

And on a side note, the United States' Immigration Policy is a joke. Every where else in the world, being in a country ILLEGALLY will get you arrested and imprisoned. Ask those 3 hikers who "accidentally" crossed Iran's border how its going. Are they incensed they were asked to provide proof of citizenship?

Also - when people travel abroad - you carry your passport with you and usually have in it a document that states you are there for business, employment or just for vacation and it states you can only be in that certain country for a specified period of time. THE NERVE!!!!

It astounds me that the USA falls so woefully behind the rest of the world in regards to this....

Cant believe I am going to say this, but lets be like the rest of the world - lets jail those that cross our borders illegally.... And then promptly toss them out!

And no - it has nothing to do with skin color - I dont care if you are white or if you are black or if you are brown.... I dont even care if you are Canadian.... If you are here without proper documentation - if we dont know you are here, you are trespassing - GET OFF OUR LAND....

Pray - Praise - Prepare

.....and please do it soon....time is running out - the stock market is trying to contain itself, but soon and very soon, it will be unable to maintain itself and we will see a drop unlike we have ever seen.... And when it drops, there will be panic.... Be prepared - it will calm you and allow you to be in a position to calm others....

Its Friday.... And theres a Quote....

I hope yours is fabulous - ours is wet. Has been pretty much all week. And we are moving, so this post is just an obligatory post that says that you arent getting anything profound ;)

Here is one of my favorite quotes:

"It is tempting to deny the existence of evil since denying it removes the need to fight it." - Alexis Carrel

There is absolute evil.....there is absolute Truth....

Talk amongst yourselves :)

Pray - Praise - Prepare

Wishing I was Sally Hemmings....

Seriously - if I could be anyone, I would be Sally Hemmings cause she cooked for a living and her man was Thomas Jefferson...

I love him - I. REALLY. LOVE. HIM.

This quote hit me in the face the other day:

"If people let the government decide what foods they eat and what medicines they take, their bodies will soon be in as sorry a state as are the souls who live under tyranny."

This man was so brilliant. He is almost prophetic in so many of his writings!

So - the Government now controls our medicine....they will now come after our food. They have already started....

First the USDA (Damn you, Upton Sinclair - the free market would have cleaned up slaughter houses....sorry - I digress)

Next the EPA....

Next the NAIS....

Next CODEX....

Now in conjunction with Obamacare, the Government will track what you eat - they will do so with your credit cards - they will do so through the school systems - they will do so through your primary care doctor.

There is shortly going to be a strangle hold on being able to get food. Food for years has been kept artificially low. Unless most of the food you purchase comes directly from the farm, coops, or farmers markets, you do not pay "real" food prices.

If you do buy at these mentioned spots - you know how much it costs for a tomato. You know what it costs for wheatberries and if you have it already ground, you know that you paid for that too.... You know that eggs arent $.99 a dozen and milk isnt cheap. You know that not everything is available all year long and that there are ways to save foods you want in "off" seasons.

This new "Energy Bill" - Power Bill, I believe its called - will also raise the prices of food. If gas currently is $3.00 a gallon and your bread is $1.25 a loaf, how much will your bread be when gas costs $10.00 a gallon. Are you prepared to pay more than 3x what you currently pay for food? Is that cheap boxed stuff that tastes a little better than cardboard really worth the price?

There is an "out". Start now paying what real food costs. Get used to paying more for your eggs, your bread, your meat, your greens. Learn how to off-set these costs by growing something. Grow tomatoes and beans. Start with 2 things that will give you copious amounts of food to freeze, can, dry and eat. These two things will make you feel like you can grow anything - throw in some kind of squash and you will think you were born with a green thumb. These plants are almost fool proof ;)

Start now buying locally. Rising gas prices hurt less when there is less ground to cover. If your fruit comes from California it will have to cost more just because of the transportation than the man who has a couple acres that he plants strawberries on down the road. Unless you are in California, then my OK strawberries are cost prohibitive ;)

Something will also happen when you start buying locally. You are now engaging in direct commerce with people who have opted out of the industrial food system. They dont sell their chickens to Pilgrims. They sell it to you. They arent beholding to some huge conglomerate that doesnt care about you, but only cares about profit. Local farms care about you. They exist to make you happy so that you will come back.

You get to know the face of the man that sells your food. China, Latin America, Mexican farmers dont care about you and if they can do something to make an extra buck and get away with it, even if it will harm your family, they will probably do it - its about the money - not the relationship. They may not even know where the food is headed....

Local Farmers are all about the food and all about the relationship. Its what their livelihood is about.

The cherry on top of buying locally is that it tastes better. You get an apple that was made for taste! TASTE! And not because it just doesnt bruise easy and therefore can be transported across country easy or it lasts longer and therefore is still "fresh" when it has gone from Washington to Florida.

Real food is better for you - tastes better - and honestly, is a way to kick the Government a little out of my life.

Find a local farmer or two - make friends - eat well.

Pray - Praise - Prepare

Just a little 'bidness....

Just FYI - I have purchased the domain name: IDriveMyTractorInPearls and have a fab designer working on a new blog layout as I type.

It will be launched soon and all the current content will be moved over. You will have to bookmark the new site and so for that extra effort on your part, I am sorry ;)

The nice thing is that the new site will allow me to expand my topics and allow you to only pay attention to the ones you want. I sometimes feel stupid talking about something that doesnt quite mesh with the whole "world is ending, prepare for the Zombie" thing. And on this plus side, it will allow my mother to ignore those parts of my blog which mortify her, which, lets face it, is most of it....

Pray - Praise - Prepare because honestly, our own Greek situation is just around the corner....

Someone please put the CONSTITUTION in his teleprompter!!!

President BO addressed a graduating class this past Sunday and told them that information is a distraction....

He also seemed to take a hard line on Apple products which makes me think there is something going on behind the scenes there, but it may just be my suspicious nature ;)

This video clip gave me chills... For a President who ran the most technologically advanced campaign in HISTORY - who is attached to his Blackberry like its an iron lung, to now state that information is a distraction would be hilarious if it wasnt so dangerous.

Information is power - Control the words and you control the argument. Words have meaning and they have power. They can break bones and they can hurt you.

Where is the First Amendment? Where is the press? Where is the ACLU?

Everything this administration says - listen very carefully. Do not fall into the trap of thinking that they mean what they say - do not fall into the trap of believing they dont mean exactly what they say. This Administration speaks out of both sides of their mouths....

And again - PLEASE - someone put the Constitution in this man's teleprompter - IMMEDIATELY!!

Pray - Praise - Prepare and currently praying for time and discernment!!

Thought for the day....

In December 2007, there was approximately $800,000,000.00 actual dollars in circulation - paper money....

In December 2009, there were $1,999,897,000,000.00 in circulation.

So - thought for the day.... How much is that bill in your wallet actually worth?

And as a bonus thought - If you read your bill, it is signed by the Secretary of the Treasury - it has USA all over it - It looks like its all official from the United Stated Government. But then right there at the top (of a $1) it has this "FEDERAL RESERVE NOTE"..... Its not backed by the U.S. Government. The Federal Reserve is a PRIVATE ENTITY. You dont get to know who works there - who runs it - you dont get to see their books or their dealings....

Your piece of paper is worth only what the Federal Reserve tells you its worth - this company that answers to no one.... So - what is it worth?

Just takes One...

I hate having to go to the BBC for any kind of "real" news....

Did you hear that Freddie Mac is asking for MORE of our money? Me either.....

The US media is almost another form of taxation....totally voluntary - but it takes money from us and uses it to do damage to our Country. It outright lies - omits important information - and if the story changes, the followup story is usually ignored.

For example - the Hutaree Militia.... Did you know that a judge ordered 9 members released stating "that prosecutors did not demonstrate that the defendants would pose a danger if released."

This is not to say that they are innocent....but they havent been found to be guilty either....

Back to how the Media supports itself. We either pay for it, but mostly its money comes from Advertisers. I have been sorely disappointed with U.S. Business. It used to be that CEO's were cowboys. Men (and Women) who took chances, took on the odds, saw a dream and followed a vision....

Today, they are wussies who seem to rather run to the Government, be coddled, petted, abused, all for approval - a dysfunctional, disgusting relationship.

I want a Company who, when called before Congress, gives those high and mighty Senators the what for. Who would be willing to uncover secrets and tell the American Citizen the truth about those that govern.

I want a Company who goes on National TV and tells what they have done (good or bad) and who was involved in our Government. Who runs an ad that states exactly how much they have given to the current President's 2008 campaign and exactly what was "understood" by the exchange of funds.

I want a Company who takes on the Unions.... Who lets them strike and FIRES EACH AND EVERY ONE or moves to a Right To Work state to make a point! Who lists names, deeds, threats, payoffs.

This bucking the system is one reason we drive Fords. I have always admired Henry (yes, I know he had some Jerk tendencies). I have admired he was the last to offer payment terms for his cars. He didnt want to put his customers in debt. He felt that if they couldnt write a check for his car, they couldnt afford them. Long have I told my Hubs that if there is a company who stands up to the Unions, it will be Ford. Its a family company and as such, has the most to lose.

And from the way the sales figures are stacking up, America seems to agree with me!

Look - we are a forgiving Nation.... Get in front of something - confession - sincerely apologize - demonstrably walk a new path. Who wouldnt get behind a CEO - A company - that does this?

CEOs dont have the Constitution at the top of their lists - they should because would there be the company without it? Probably not.... How many of these Fortune 500 companies were started in the U.S.A.?

Sorry - sidetracked.... CEO's have their shareholders and profit at the top of their lists - that is totally fine - but they need to be wedded with Integrity. Some companies have it (Chick-Fil-A, Hobby Lobby) and some companies (Enron, Gold/Sach, AIG) dont. But their bottom line would SKYROCKET if one company took on this Government - it only takes one.

The first Company will win big (it also may get hammered hard by .Gov). But when other Companies catch on it will be a domino effect and therefore less get hammered.

I know the promises are huge to stay with the Government - threats of exposure - promises of contracts or policy - but this system is not sustainable. Do these companies really think that the Government is going to honor anything promised while Rome is burning? It wont - those people in Washington will look out for themselves (as always) and let everything else go....including you precious CEOs.

It only takes one.... One CEO - one Cowboy - one Family Company - One that wants to come clean.... Just One.

Pray - Praise - Prepare

We PASSED!!!!

We passed. If we were in the city - we wouldnt have - deck railing not up (heck, the floor of most of the deck isnt up) and I need handrails on stairs....but he passed us and he isnt going to come back to see if we did what he said we should. He "just wants me to know the safety hazards in my house".... Ummm, if statistics serves, that would be the bathroom and not my deck railing, but I digress....

Something hit me the other day. I have been praying for time. Selfishly. Praying that this house would finish - praying that things would continue to rock along so we could get into this house....like when it was finished and we moved, then things could fall apart....

I am so very sorry. So many of us are in different stages of preparedness and it never ends... I will never be fully prepared. I will continue to do as I have in the past years and I will also continue to try to ring the bell of getting people's lives squared away - getting their food situation in a better position - getting people to take seriously their Second Amendment - getting people to see that Government is the problem and that they dont create anything that they havent first taken from someone else....

And most importantly, I will continue to pray for time.....

Pray - Praise - Prepare

FINAL!!

Today we get our final inspection for OCCUPANCY!!! So this is the post - more like a Facebook Status Update....but yall understand - especially those that have been paying attention to this for 2 years!!

I have other posts - and I may launch one this afternoon - but right now, if yall pray, I want you to pray for a PASS :)

Yall rock - Pray - Praise - Prepare

Quote of the Day

"What troubles me is when I hear people say that all of government is inherently bad," Obama said after receiving an honorary doctor of laws degree. "When our government is spoken of as some menacing, threatening foreign entity, it ignores the fact that in our democracy, government is us."

This was made during his speech to the graduates of University of Michigan.

Sir - you just dont get it... Or maybe you do - I cant believe that after all your education - after your JD from Harvard....you still dont know that we arent a DEMOCRACY. We are a REPUBLIC.

And for the umpteenth time, let me explain this.... A Democracy means that the majority of votes wins - all the time.... It means that the South would have been able to continue with Slavery, that Blacks would still be segregated, that we could have a National Religion (if the votes are there, they are there). It means that the least in our society would be the most vulnerable. If you want to check out a Democracy, I would direct you to Cuba, Venezuela, and the previous Communist Soviet Union (Lenin/Stalin).

Democracy doesnt work out because at some point, you get a self serving SOB in the office who does what he wants.... He smooth talks his way into office and before you know it, he has cobbled enough power together that the only way to get him out is war - it isnt pretty and it darn sure isnt easy.

Now, back to what this Country is supposed to have - A REPUBLIC. It means that we are governed by LAWS not VOTES..... It means that there is protection for the least in our society.... That if something isnt right a law can be passed that EVERYONE must respect.

But somehow along the way - we keep hearing about "DEMOCRACY".....we have become a Country that respects persons and not laws. If we were still a respecter of Laws, our own Senators and Reps would pay their taxes every year and not just when they are caught....an automatic "You dont get to work in the Government" card would be played when prospective hires havent paid their taxes - but let me make this clear - you had better be sure you pay yours or you get to go to jail.....

People realize that taxes need to be paid. I am not against paying taxes. However, it would be so much easier to pay taxes if taxes WERE APPLIED FAIRLY ACROSS THE BOARD and if those telling me to pay my taxes ACTUALLY PAID THEIRS.....

When I read the Declaration of Independence, I can relate to so much of what they were feeling....and all I think is - UH OH - Here we go again.....

Pray - Praise - Prepare

Scumbag University

I am totally convinced that no matter which party, all career politicians are scumbags. You may love yours.....You may love Ron Paul.....but if you cant remember what they did before they went to Washington, chances are, they are graduates of Scumbag University.

Ron Paul is great, but he was a co-sponsor of the Puerto Rico HR2499 voted on yesterday.... So was Mary Fallin (who happened to have to have emergency dental surgery here in OK on Wednesday when the story broke so she was unable to be able to vote yea or nay.)

I called Ms. Fallin's offices here in OK and in Washington too. I even sent her an email. Told her I didnt appreciate the sponsorship and that enough was enough (she voted for the 1st bailout and then voted "No" on everything else) and that not only would I not be voting for her for Governor, but I would be campaigning against her.... I have no idea who I am campaigning for, but it may end up being just a "Just Not Mary" campaign for me....

Actually, my new benchmark for a political office may be that someone has never held political office before. Which means no incumbents.....which does hurt my heart a little bit - because I do love Jim Inhofe.......sigh......

Sorry for it being so short - heading to a Homeschooling convention today and that is all I have been thinking about!! WooHoo!!

Pray - Praise - Prepare

San Francisco is outraged....

They are boycotting all things Arizona (I am sure Arizona is soooo upset.....)

Well, San Fran, I doubt Arizona would be having the problems its having if self-righteous cities, like yourself, didnt declare themselves "Sanctuary" cities. You basically told everyone willing to break the immigration laws, to just come right in.... And how do they get to you, holier than thou, San Fran? They have to cross in TX, NM, AZ, or CA....

I am sure the border states thank you for being so selfless in giving law breakers a break.

Immigration reform isnt about racism. In fact, if you think about it, an undocumented person is in a unique position to be victimized. They are kept at low wages, they are forever afraid of being found out, they are linguistically disadvantaged.

To promote ILLEGAL immigration is racist - it lacks a caring about people as created beings, endowed by our Creator.....

To ask people to sign the guest book on the way in isnt saying we dont want you, it says, welcome - we do want you, but we want to know who is staying with us. To lack this basic courtesy is theft - outright theft.

Do not let anyone tell you, you are racist for opposing ILLEGAL immigration. Do not get caught in a semantics debate - ITS ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION....these arent undocumented citizens - these arent citizens at all.... To ask that these laws be enforced are no more outrageous than asking for DWI laws to be enforced, identity theft laws or any other laws that people are held accountable to....unless you are in this administration, then you dont have to pay your taxes....but I digress....

And if you find yourself on the side of San Fran, for the love, people, you dont help your cause when you smash refried beans on things - that is just nasty....

Oklahoma vs. Constitution

Oklahoma passed a law the other day, 2 actually, that were vetoed by the Governor (you remember him - the goofball) anyway, our legislature overturned his veto and passed a law that mandates a woman have a sonogram before an abortion.

The Gov didnt like it: Democratic Gov. Brad Henry has called the legislation "an unconstitutional attempt by the Oklahoma legislature to insert government into the private lives and decisions of its citizens."

Amazingly enough, this post isnt about whether or not OK's law is constitutional or whether I think its right or wrong. What I want to discuss is the Gov's sentiments about the Government inserting itself into private lives and decisions of its citizens.

You cant have it both ways.... You cant tell me I can do what I want with my body and then tell me I have to buy insurance to protect it. You cant tell me I have to have a sonogram and then turn around and tell me I cant have a medical procedure if I want one....

You are talking out of both sides of your mouth and you are starting to make me dizzy - honestly, you are starting to hack me off....

How ironic if the argument the Left has used for years in order to grant unfettered ability to murder children is actually their undoing in this entire health care Government over-reach? How glorious would it be if this argument is actually the nail that drives a beginning death blow to an ever extending Government?

(And if you think the "murder babies" comment was a little hard, just look up late term abortion and read how fully formed babies are just left to die or killed after they are born.)

And lets not forget this little gem from the Governor's remarks:

Henry said he was disappointed by Tuesday's vote. "It signals the beginning of another costly and possibly futile legal battle for the state of Oklahoma. Both laws will be challenged and, in all likelihood, overturned by the courts as unconstitutional," he said. "I fear this entire exercise will ultimately be a waste of taxpayers' time and money."


Or this gem from the Senate's Spokes Person in 2008 (When it was controlled by the Dems...):


"Politicians have no business making medical decisions. When they do, it seriously undermines doctors' ability to give patients the best medical care and does absolutely nothing to improve the health of patients," she said.

Please spare me your derision, Mr. Obama Lap Dog - you do not care about my pocketbook or what the taxpayers pay or support.... Thank Heavens, we are done with this annoying period of OK history in November!

Mr. Brad Henry your opinions are laughable - Griping when Government steps in....is such a two-faced turn when your own words regarding the Healthcare (Obamacare) bill are remembered:

"I do think it is an important debate to have in Congress," Henry said. "Health care really is a federal issue. "

Pray - Praise - Prepare

Americans are lazy....

This and that you are racist are the 2 main reasons the BO Administration is going to be taking up immigration.

I had a nice childhood. That might be an understatement. I had a great childhood. It was absolutely Leave it to Beaver if the Beav got to learn how to play tennis at the neighborhood club. It was wonderful. I have a great family....

All that to say, there was NEVER a time that I can remember when these words didnt come out of my dad's mouth - "I would dig ditches to feed you." This told me 2 things.

1 - That he loved me more than I could understand.

2 - That there was nothing beneath him and by default, beneath me.

When I met my husband, he was working several jobs and going to school full time. Totally supporting himself. He had some of the same qualities my dad had - mostly an excellent work ethic. These words were almost never spoken in my house "excellent work ethic" - but instead, my dad would say to find someone that "worked hard." He didnt advise me to find a doctor, or someone that would support me well or anything like that, but just someone that "worked hard."

He understood how just those 2 words could transform a young man into a man who could take care of his daughter. How those 2 words could play out for any boss or company. How those 2 words are promoted and given shots at success that most other 2 word pairs just dont see....

Several years ago, when my husband left the job he had always known and struck out on his own - I knew he could do it.... But that didnt mean I didnt plan things out in my head - if something went south, what would I do... My first job I was going to go for was at Target. I figured I could clothe my kids and feed them.... No job beneath me....

This was a long way to the point that I dont think there are jobs that Americans just wont do. If anyone heard the Beck radio show today, he went on a tirade that he couldnt find a kid to mow his lawn. I think living in CT and working in NYC has jaded his perspective. I have to turn away boys hustling lawns every summer. They go door to door - print up colorful fliers - print and cut out business cards. Each one trying hard to get the next yard to mow. I have even had boys push their lawn mowers all over the neighborhood - just knocking on doors and willing to knock it out right then and there....

We arent lazy. Well, some are, but I bet that goes away when they are hungry.... What Americans have forgotten or what has not been taught is the reason so many people came to this Country - the chance - THE CHANCE - of a better life.... They packed up everything they owned - some leaving family knowing they would never be able to go back to see them and they left.... They left not really knowing much except what they had heard - hearsay - and these people gave up everything. They came here with nothing and did anything they could to make a living. Taking job after job - working hard - and worked their way up. It may not have been them personally, but their sacrifices made it possible for their children to move up and even their grandchildren had it better.... Because they worked hard.

This is our heritage. We arent lazy. At the most, some are out of practice....

Mr. Beck - I think you need to get out of the North - out of states that are owned entirely by Unions - visit a Right to Work state - heck, Beck, visit the South. We are strong stock down here and we know how to work.

Chase this rabbit....

Ok - we are going to go Biblical for a minute - I Corinthian 13 - the love chapter.... You have probably heard it even if you have never picked up the Bible - but if you have been to a wedding in a church, this part was probably read...

⁴Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. ⁵It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. ⁶Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. ⁷It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. ⁸Love never fails.

Been reading this and having it preached the past few Sundays and let me tell you, its working on me. When I am impatient, I am not loving my kids, my spouse, the person in the car next to me, enough. When I am unkind, I am not loving enough.... This hits hard and it hits close to home.

So this past Sunday was about hope. Hope always - ALWAYS - goes with Love. When you love someone, you hope the best for them. Its why a mother of a death-row inmate thinks (hopes) her child is innocent. She loves them - she wants the best for them - she has hope for them.

And of course, I pondered this all day and into the next..... And then I started comparing it with the Hope message of the recent election - the hope message that so many wanted to believe. Which leaves me to trust.... Love always trusts...

But this past election had no hope and no trust. This administration doesnt give hope. It doesnt want the best for those it governs. It believes you cant do anything. You cant find a job without the government giving you one. You cant find a home without the government making the payments for you or having the bank reduce your payment. It doenst think you can take care of yourself and so it does everything short of just sending you a check each month....oh, wait...it does that too....

It does all these things by making you envy what it tells you "should" have. It does it by getting you to covet what someone else has or does or is.

Please people, understand that this Government does not love you - It does not give hope - It does not trust. It works against these ideas by doing everything that LOVE IS NOT.

Read 1 Corinthians 13 again.... Now, do you really see this Government as being able to give you hope or does seeing this lie from the Government make your skin crawl a little bit?

Pray - Praise - Prepare

Just a little business....

First - GOOD JOB ARIZONA.... In case you dont know, Arizona passed and the Governor signed, the most aggressive anti-illegal immigration law in the country. And that is just fine for them.... In fact, Massachusetts has universal health-care and that is just fine for them.... This is a Country made up of individual States. And they seem to be realizing the power they have let ebb away from them since a bloody and tragic war. Problem is, once a right is not used, it atrophies until it a big ole pain getting it back.... But states are starting to take it back - to try to enact laws that have the PURPOSE of being challenged in an effort to have the Supreme Court decide in their favor.

More power to them.

And not all states have to take up the same battle. Some states have taken the 2nd Amendment head on. Some have taken the right to bear arms and ignore Federal law when those guns dont cross state lines. Some are planning on taking Federal mandates head on. Some have an interest in stopping illegal immigration.

Each states' needs are different and therefore, there seem to be many challenges, of all different types, starting to get talked about and hopefully starting to wind their way to the Ultimate Deciders in this Country.... God bless them and may God guide those on that Court....

Sorry - the post just got away from me.... I intended to just give some KUDOS out and then to also say that I am not going to post on the weekends. Family time - and even though that may not mean that I dont write - I will be able to make sure I have 2 extra days to ensure that there are posts for the entire week. And if posts start to back up, then I *may* on occasion post on Saturday just as a bonus. But dont go expecting it - you are not entitled to a blog post ;) You dont have a right to a blog post.... Sorry, got carried away with myself - sometimes I just crack myself up.

So, Happy Friday. We are packing, cleaning and praying for our house to pass final inspection on Tuesday.... Guess yall will know Wednesday, heck, I will post on Tuesday if it passed....since yall have been following along for years now ;)

And just FYI - packing food is a big ole pain - that stuff if heavy - HEAVY - and I didnt realize I had so much..... So move to where you want to live for the rest of your life and then start your food storage. That is my advice and I am sticking to it....

Pray - Praise - Prepare

This post inspired by The Hubs....

We were chatting the other day - actually, it is really comforting and comfortable to be on the same page as the one you walk though life with (yeah, I know its a preposition). Even if that page is one that you dont really show other people because it would generally horrify them......You know the page - the Apocalyptic page - the one at the back of the book that most people pretend isnt there.... Anyway, enough with the metaphors....

We were talking and I just asked, "Where do you see things really ending up...." And although his answer wasnt Patriots bleak, it wasnt sunshine and roses either. It isnt going to pretty, but he was proud of where I had positioned the family in regards to my "jobs" and I was proud where he has fulfilled his roles....

The topic came around to how funny it was that the same people who argue Darwin and Evolution also are the EXACT ones that argue that it is my job to give everything I own to someone else to "save" them.... Social Justice (and not in a good, Biblical way)..... And thats when The Hubs said, you need to blog that....

Oh the irony.....

Oh the two-faced-ness....

Oh how stupid you look when you argue points you havent thought completely through....

Evolution would leave man, animals, plants to fend for themselves.... It means that things are in a continued state of change and funny how those that say we must "SAVE THE PLANET" want to maintain the status quo of said Earth....

There wouldnt be little bridges to get 6 frogs across..... Or a complete stand still because of 1 salamander.... There wouldnt be "Social Justice" for those that make the wrong choices, squander chances or just refuse a better life.

Seriously Left - it is becoming increasingly clear why you WONT have this debate - why you just yell louder and louder that we are racists - why you seem to NEED to create drama, urgency to pass anything - you NEED people to NOT THINK....

Because when people think....they realize that You, the Left, obviously arent..... thinking, that is....

Still thinking about food storage....

There was a good comment under the 3 Pronged Attack post soooo long ago, but its not there now...

I have no idea where it went, but I accidentally deleted Mr. Mayberry because I couldnt tell which trashcan went with the sex spam and mistakenly deleted his - Sorry Mayberry ;)

Anyway, the comment referenced the fact that they ate food storage one summer for 2 months and they ate the pre-packaged stuff first and it surprised him.... Been thinking about that alot.....

I think I would be the exact same way. In times of stress, I would do what was easy - EASY - so yes, I would exhaust the ready-mades, the heat and eats, the just add milk/butter before I cracked open a bucket of wheatberries.

No, the easy isnt the best for you and no, its not the lowest form of calorie intake. But it can be quite cheap when used with coupons and it can last quite a good while due to the artificial stuff :)

And yes, this is just another shameless plug to clip those coupons. There isnt a faster, cheaper way to build a food supply than with coupons. Again, its not the most nutritious food, but if the world ends tomorrow, are you going to argue with me about a few calories here and there? No, you will be sorry you didnt finish off that jar of Nutella. And if you have no idea what Nutella is, then you have missed out on one of the greatest things ever made in Europe and exported to these United States.... Google it.... Or look at one of my old posts ;)

Do you think Obama refunds campain funds?

So, if Goldman Sachs was so EVIL that now the SEC needs to punish them with a civil suit, then they are surely EVIL enough to be gone after criminally.....

But that might cause a problem - why? Because so many in the Obama administration have Goldman Sachs on their resumes....

So here is the question - If GS is so AWFUL - how is it its former employees are now so QUALIFIED to run this Country?

And if GS is deserving of a civil suit, then by God, Fannie and Freddie need to be included in the SEC suit and certainly in CRIMINAL CHARGES.....

My bet is that Goldman is being thrown on the alter so that the BO Administration can take a tighter control on yet, another industry.

Hey, here is an idea. If you want to clean up an industry, then send the guilty to JAIL.... Make no special allowances for ANYONE - hear that BO Admin? Do something WRONG/ILLEGAL/UNETHICAL, you pay the price.... Let companies that fail to do their duty fail, shutter their doors, face the angry mobs....

But what you DONT DO is give the angry mob's money to the company to keep them open.... Or as we are seeing, those angry folks will most definitely VOTE you out at the next opportunity!

All I know, is that after giving THE MOST MONEY FROM WALL STREET, I would expect more from my bought and paid for politician.... I wonder if Goldman Sachs can get its money back from Obama?

And NO - this isnt about a failure of capitalism. We havent had TRUE capitalism for a long while - The FED isnt capitalism.... Bailouts are not capitalism.... Taxing banks in order to create a slush fund to avoid failure is not capitalism and honestly, this FIAT money system we have going on world wide is not capitalism.

How about before we give up on capitalism, we actually give it a try? How about if you make it, you keep it and you get to decide who it goes to - and how about if you dont make it, you fail, you pick yourself up, set an example for your kids and keep trying.

How about we just give it a try for maybe 1 year - 18 months tops and I bet we dont even recognize this Country at the end of it.... And I bet that is a good thing....

Oklahoma Militia.....

I dont know if you have heard, but there is talk in Oklahoma about a STATE militia.... Not just a bunch of peeps who call themselves a militia and run around in the back 40 in camo with guns (not that there is anything wrong with that....im just sayin')..... A STATE LEGISLATED Oklahoma Militia.

Now - I have friends, acquaintances, peeps on the street, who think this idea is insane. And honestly, I had an initial adverse reaction. And like I like to do, I tested WHY I thought it was a bad idea... And mostly, it came down to the connotation of a militia. Kind of like the Branch Davidians ruined the word "Compound", some "interesting" people have ruined the word "militia" for me.

But when I start to really think about it, I say its a good thing. Here are my reasons:

1 - I know we have the "National Guard" - and a Militia might be kind of the same thing, but this would be entirely OURS - OUR STATE GUARD - OUR PEOPLE - OUR DEFENSE - OUR PROTECTION. If the US Government doesnt like it, isnt supportive, I have to wonder why? Would their motives towards our State be more in their interest and not ours? If so, then all the more reason for an Oklahoma Militia.

2 - I cant think of anything better than having TRAINED citizens knowing how to use the weapons they already own. Seriously - wouldnt you feel better knowing your neighbor knows how to use that AR-15 instead of just showing it off at the neighborhood bar-b-que?

3 - Oklahomans would have some skin in the game. Oklahomans would have to decide if they are going to actively participate in what goes on in their state. It is a line in the sand. Its a wake up call. Its a splash of cold water to wake up so much of those that are still asleep.

4 - Finally, this is the core - THE CORE - of our 2nd Amendment right. If I waver on this one, then I waver on all of them.

It boils down for me that FREEDOM IS DANGEROUS. It is dangerous for those that want to take it - Its dangerous for those that want to keep it - Its dangerous to live in it.

Thomas Jefferson said as much: "I prefer Dangerous Freedom Over Peaceful Slavery"

Freedom means that I may be injured by an idiot next door. Freedom means that I may crash and burn and have no back up. Freedom means that I may be asked to take care of a neighbor out of charity because they are old. Freedom means that I may have to give more than I am comfortable giving - food, money, blood, time - because I want my kids to have the same shot at life that I enjoy or would like to enjoy.

Freedom ultimately is trust.

So, yeah, I support an Oklahoma Militia. Not because I think we may need it for defense, but because we need it to remind us exactly what we are SUPPOSED to be.

So, if it still sounds like a bad idea to you, if you feel the Government should take care of you - Then, Mr. Samuel Adams said it best...

"If ye love wealth better than liberty,
the tranquility of servitude
better than the animating contest of freedom,
go home from us in peace.
We ask not your counsels or your arms.
Crouch down and lick the hands which feed you.
May your chains set lightly upon you,
and may posterity forget that you were our countrymen."

Yeah, I am SOOOOO Sorry....

Its been forever - FOREVER and although it may sound empty, I have thought about you every single day.... Seriously.... EVERY. SINGLE. DAY. Mostly filled with guilt, but also writing in my head.

My absence has not been apathy - far from it. My heart has been heavy with concern who are not farther down a path of protection. My heart has been filled with thoughts of dear people I have "met" through this endeavor. My life has been packed - PACKED - with house and home and family.

The house is almost finished. We have final plumbing and HVAC inspection tomorrow morning and hope to get our Certificate of Occupancy this week or early next week after The Hubs has had a weekend to work straight. And on a side note - this house is truly HIS house. Granted I got to pick out all the fun stuff for the most part, but it was put together by him. He over saw the construction - he built what he could (and it was plenty) and I have no doubts that if time permitted he could have built this entire house with his own two hands. He built the well house and plumbed the well and our house has water because of him.... But I will fully test that theory on outbuildings on the property and maybe even a guest house someday ;)

When not occupied with house stuff, family has occupied our time. Trying to make sure we spend time together - making sure everyone is where they need to be at the right time with the right items....and we have been busy planning for next school year. We are bringing 2 out of 3 of the munchkins home next year. Yup - we will be homeschoolers...... Our oldest will stay at the school that has been school since kindergarten. This kid is one of those kids that is golden where every they are.... Public - Private - Home.... We have been pleased with the private, Christian education our children have received. We would not hesitate to send them back if we thought that best or led to do so.... However, honestly, we can do better. Yup.....

How could we not - our attention is on 2 little people and not 60 - we dont have to keep stragglers engaged, just 2..... We can follow tangents, chase rabbits - do what we want with things that interest our kids. And, no matter what wonderful things teachers say about why they chose their profession, no one loves these kids or has as much of a vested interest in their education as their father and I. NO ONE. And we are excited! EXCITED!!!!

So, all that to say, I have missed you - I have been writing and have things scheduled and I hope that you can forgive another extended leave ;) And just FYI - just because I havent been typing, doesnt mean that I havent been lurking on yalls sites..... I have and sometime I even commented.

Miss you and lets get back to it!

3 Pronged Attack.....

As I was packing up food that I had just purchased because I didnt have room in this house, I decided it was time for another FOOD STORAGE post :)

In thinking about it - about saying something that hasnt been said before, I realized I wanted to give you a new view of Food Storage.

Food Storage IS nitrogen packed whole wheat berries......

Food Storage IS Kraft Mac and Cheese.....

Food Storage IS seed stored AND growing in your backyard kitchen garden......

You see - Food Storage is more than just any one of these all by itself. Any of these all by themselves is GREAT, but it lacks depth, variety, and longevity....

For example - having TONS of beans, rice, wheat berries, salt, powdered milk and some honey is great. It will keep you alive for as long as it lasts. And if properly stored, can last darn near FOREVER......

But honestly, how long would you like to eat it? I think after about month 6, I might be praying for a permanent ending ;)

But if you add to those wheat berries, some prepackaged, store bought goodies, I could limp along indefinitely..... This is where my couponing comes into play. I have posted on this before, but to keep you having to go the archives and search, or having me do it for that matter, I will quickly retell my method. I clip all the coupons in the Sunday paper. I dont read the drivel, but I do love those coupons. I then found the local store that doubles the coupons. Love that store for this.... Anyway, they put out a weekly circular and I match my coupons with what is on sale - and ONLY WHAT IS ON SALE..... Because, honestly, if I were just going to use the coupons, there would be cheaper stores to visit, even if they dont double the coupon.

Now - there are things that I buy that if I were to just choose on merit, I probably wouldnt choose. Certain hair care products that arent my favorite, certain deodorants that I just dont think do the job on a 105 degree summer day, certain artificially flavored/colored, corn syruped crap that I wouldnt just buy and put in my kids..... But I do buy it.... I buy because it ends up free sometimes and if not free, dirt cheap.... I buy because there are times that the artificial crap just is a comfort and a fun little treat.... I buy because the expiration date is years away because of said artificial crap.....

This past week's couponing I spent more than usual. I spent about $120 on 3 trips in and out the store (they only double the first coupon and I want all my savings). I had not been couponing in several weeks and had a bunch of things to use and could be used. This amount spent is WAY above average - usually about $40 or less is a weekly expenditure. Anyway, I got about $400+ worth of food. Mostly boxed items - Hamburger Helper, pasta boxes, fruit snacks. I also got a bunch of ham chunks, yogurt, plastic cups, and hair products.

Most goes into storage to be rotated as needed or as liked when dinner needs to be quick. Some is used pretty quickly since it is a perishable. How is this not a WIN/WIN for my family and my food storage pantry?

But, prepackaged, easy food like this wont help you make it in a crisis....especially if the electrical grid is down. Why? Because most of this stuff needs milk....needs butter..... Needs something added to it.

So you do need that long term storage stuff. You need nitrogen packed wheat berries - powdered milk - powdered eggs - powdered/canned butter. You need canned meats. A side note on canned meats - I find most of them gross.... There is a slime on the top - you know what I am talking about. And yes, if my kids were starving, I would suck it up, probably fry it and thank my God for Spam.....

But living now with all the conveniences, I am taking a different approach. I buy the Chicken Helper and cans of chicken..... I like crab and buy cans of crab and a few cans of Tuna and use those in the Tuna Helper. I dont want to end up with items that require things that might be difficult to fix because of lack of available ingredients. Think about long term possibilities, even in your coupon choices - in your ease today.

So - you have your long term items - you have your easy items....but they wont last forever. There may be a possibility that at sometime in the future going to the store and purchasing Madagascar Vanilla......Brazilian Bananas.....Argentinian Beef.....might not be possible - there may not be the choice or it may not be fiscally viable.

You need to be able to grow your own. You dont have to plow up your backyard this afternoon. But what about a small kitchen garden? What about learning how to coax seeds into sprouting and following through the growth process.....What about learning how to harvest the seeds that amazingly keep the process going? What if you had the satisfaction of clipping some greens for your dinner's salad? What about a fresh tomato?

Adding seeds to a long term storage is a cheap, easy option. Seeds arent that expensive and can be kept long term. Practicing now improves your skills set, improves your health and really is a fabulous hobby. Of course, this hobby will naturally lead to canning, drying, and a sharing of fabulous recipes :) But making the title "6 Pronged Attack....." just sounded a little ridiculous :)

So, this is my 3 pronged approach to food storage.....

What do you think - is there an area where you need to spend more energy or expand your expertise? Mine is absolutely the 3rd prong....gardening..... But flipping through a seeds catalog and its all I can do not to dig under the backyard this afternoon.....

Pray for time - time for our Country

Praise for the time we have had and the Country we have

Prepare for the future - to put this Country back together if need be.....

Does $4.00 a gallon gas help with our Creditors?

Just finished reading a VERY interesting article RIGHT HERE..... You can read for yourself (I know you can read) but for you lazy twerps, this is the quick synopsis....

There is the Greenspan-Guidotti Rule which "predicts" when a Government will go "bankrupt." In order to keep afloat (and creditors happy), the USA must keep 100% of our short term (12 months) debt in gold/oil/foreign currencies. READ THE ARTICLE for the full explanation, but suffice it to say, we are short....duh....

Nicely, the USA is the largest holder of gold: 8,133.5 metric tonnes of gold (it is the world's largest holder). That's 16,267,000 pounds. At current dollar values, it's worth around $300 billion. The U.S. strategic petroleum reserve shows a current total position of 725 million barrels. At current dollar prices, that's roughly $58 billion worth of oil. And according to the IMF, the U.S. has $136 billion in foreign currency reserves. So altogether... that's around $500 billion of reserves. Our short-term foreign debts are far bigger.

It became obvious that the speculation of Gold rising to $2000+ and the price of gas rising in the current summer months is good for our short term debt future. The problem is that we do not have in control of the finances, an administration that is looking to solve the problem.

Our short term debt crisis will be exacerbated by an Administration that has an even shorter-term vision....Election in 2010.....

Add to this a looming crisis between Iran and Israel during which the price of a barrel of oil will natural rise and this could help in easing our credit crisis, but destabilizing our National economy.

I dont have any answers - I can see a potential way out - a way to avoid a Wiemar Republic-like scenario which is interesting as monetizing the debt has NEVER NOT resulted in exorbitantly high interest rates.... But that would depend, again, on an Administration that would be proactive in solving this problem and not propagating is evil agenda.

May November, 2010 come quickly - May Citizens/Patriots wake fully up - May God bless America

Pray - Praise - Prepare

Quote of the Day

I dont usually do Quote of the Day, but I love me some Hermit and he is FUNNY....

If this ice is going to melt today, it had better get started. Right now I'm living in a demented Christmas Card.

LAUGHED OUT LOUD!!!!

It seems Bin Laden has released a new tape and again, he is hacked off at the USA. This time its because of Global Warming.....


I found this a hoot! First, I cant imagine that blowing people up and setting off all of the explosives is really that great for the environment either....


But mostly I laughed because I really thought Bin Laden was smarter than to believe this nonsense.... Shame on me....

How do you let your light shine?

Seriously - Ice is here....and therefore, electricity is on the mind. More accurately, lack of electricity is on the mind.


What is your plan for light? (I know - there are some things that might come before light in regards to a power outage - heat, food, etc. but right now we are talking light).


You have so many options - you have batteries (rechargeable) for lanterns and flashlights. You have double mantle lanterns that use gasoline or white gas. There are candles. And then there is the old school kerosene lamp.


We have candles but our main source of light is the kerosene lamp.


They are easy - its old school technology, so you pretty much make sure you have a wick, kerosene and the lamp is in good condition. If you have ever watched any of the old westerns you have seen kerosene lamps and may have even learned how to use one :)


*****They are dangerous - as all fire plus flammable liquid are - and therefore should never be left alone or burning after you go to sleep.... They should also be kept on a sturdy foundation (table - counter)...


Here is why I like kerosene..... Its relatively cheap. The lamps can be picked up at Walmart or any camping supply for less than $10 (I got mine for $5) in addition to the 2 that my grandfather handed down to me. Those 2 are my favorite - love those lamps..... The kerosene can be picked up at Home Depot or Lowes for less than $40 but if you take your own container and google "kerosene" and your location you can find a dealer selling it for less than $4.00 a gallon which would make it 1/2 the cost at Lowes.


Kerosene keeps really well. If you did buy a 5 gallon drum of it at Lowes, it would keep for years - YEARS..... *** Do your own research but be wary - those that say it only keeps for 6 months probably have a reason to resell you some quickly :)


Another GO KEROSENE reason is that you can burn your lamp 5 hours a day EVERY DAY OF THE YEAR and only use 12 gallons of Kerosene. $100 will get you light for a year. Personally, I dont see me burning 5 hours in the middle of the summer since its daylight savings and also Kerosene puts off HEAT!!


This leads me to another reason I love Kerosene - the heat.... Several lamps going can heat quite a large space.


So my reason:

1 - Fairly cheap start up cost
2 - Comparatively cheap long term cost
3 - Comparable to a 50watt bulb
4 - Light PLUS heat
5 - Long term storage friendly


Now - WHAT YOU MUST KNOW.....

* You must trim your wicks to keep the carbon down

* You must use in a well ventilated area (Kerosene lamps burn "good air" and expel "bad air"

* You could burn your house down - seriously....


*** Disclaimer - there is more info out there to ensure you use your lamp to its maximum benefit while keeping the risks to the absolute minimum. Do your homework - we are talking about YOUR family, YOUR life and YOUR home.... :)


This is also the beginning of our "lighting" plan.... It would make a "dim" world view if this is the plan entirely :)


As always - Pray - Praise - Prepare

Ice and Snow....Snow and Ice....

Here it comes again. Unlike Christmas, 2009, this stuff will have ice with it - and wind (lets not forget the wind - its always windy here). When you get to around 1/2" of ice and wind, power lines start coming down. When power lines come down, they go back up in a very precise way. The more people in a down grid get priority (after essentials - hospitals, fire departments, nursing homes, etc) and the farther out you are (the less people) the longer it takes for crews to get your power back on.


Our last REAL ice storm was in 2007. It was nasty. We lost power for 24 hours (actually a little less). We camped next to the fire and the kids had a blast. People way out didnt have power for over 2 weeks.... Not so much fun....


I wont bore you with another entire post about my preparations for an ice storm, but I will take this time to pat myself on the back {reaching and patting} since on this list "Winter Storm" is listed as my #2 prep reason.... And I am pretty much ready.

We can handle this.....

We will look upon it as an adventure.....

We will make good memories.....

In addition to physical preps, a shift in thinking is just as valuable - especially if you have kids....

If you are in OK - be safe - be warm - be prepared....

If you are out of OK - same to you :)

As always - Pray - Praise - Prepare

2, 3, 4.....or more?

My hubs and I have a disagreement. He believes that there needs to be only 2 political parties for maximum effectiveness in our Federal Government. He believes that any additional parties would just water everything down and therefore there would never be a consensus.


I think hes wrong. And, bless his heart, I get to explain why..... (If he wants to explain in further detail his opinion, he is more than welcome to comment, get his own blog or nicely ask me to allow him to guest post).... Although I did a very accurate job ofsuccinctly portraying his viewpoint, ifIdosaysomyself.


I so see his point - I really do and I have struggled with my own personal viewpoint - but here it is. If we are going to be a free society - a free market comprised of free men, then competition is good - scratch that - competition is necessary - absolutely a bedrock principle.


I think the less one party has a majority, the more those scumbags answer to those at home - the less they are able to game the system with their pork, their deals, their corruption. The less they have a party's backing, the more their true compass are those people at home and the Constitution they swore to defend.


The less they have a party, the more they have to actually work together and KNOW what is in the crap they sign.....


But its not that easy - Here where I live, we have a closed primary which means that I HAVE to be a member of one or the other party to vote. I get to vote anyway I want in the general election, but D's vote for D's in the primary and R's vote for R's. And Heaven help the off brand Political Party.....good luck even getting on the ballot. I couldnt vote for the Libertarian Party this last time around.....


Some states allow Independents to vote for either but it is up to the individual parties in the individual states. For example - D's let anyone vote in the primary in CA this past presidential election.....


The parties have rigged the system as much as possible - DUH.....


So what do we do? You pull your registration - You register as an Independent - more Independents exists now than D's.....How cool is that? You let each party know they are boats filling with water and that people are jumping ship. Actually, You register any way you see fit....again, the more the merrier in regards to parties.


And you learn the rules in your own state. This is my plan.... I am going to register I. However- I have marked on my calendar the dates by which I have to register as a D or an R to be able to vote in the primary (or I am praying a viable 3rd party). Neither party will be able to count on me in deciding Who to run - they wont be able to count me on their rolls as they make their plans for the upcoming election. Its not a perfect plan and it does put the pressure on me - the pain of switching, going to the Tag Agency - all of it on me.


But you know what? I am cool with that because for far too long, people have depended on someone other than themselves. They depended on the D and the R and look where it got us?


So I say bring on the Constitutionalists, the Libertarians, the Greens, the Secessionists, the Independents, the Socialists, even the Communists. Its time we know where everyone stands. Because I am fine knowing you love Stalin, its the hiding it and lying about it that I have had enough of.....


Pray - Praise - Prepare

Seriously....

What is a prepper without an apron?


I have friends that blog - and no, not like yall, my prepper friends....


Friends I know, that I love, (not that I dont know and love yall), but friends I have coffee with on a regular basis (see, that does leave yall out....)


They blog about their lives, their kids, their marriages, their God. They rock.


Well, one of my girls is having a giveaway all week - she is calling it - Week of Awesomeness. Love me that Cindy Beall. She is funny. Anyway - todays giveaway is by another girl that I LOVE - LOVE - LOVE.


Kim makes aprons - not just any ole piece of fabric tied around your waist - but they are fun and beautiful and quirky (love me quirky) and some she makes even have a towel BUTTONED TO THE FRONT - how perfect is that because one of those pockets would have been used for my dish towel, but that perfectly placed button frees up another pocket....(**The giveaway does not have the towel - you can buy one of those yourself ;)


Long way (and hopefully amusing) around to tell you to go here and try to win yourself an apron.


On a serious note, Cindy blogs to marriages in trouble. REAL trouble - not the "he left the seat up and I am annoyed" trouble - but "they walked out because they have himself (or herself) a little something on the side" trouble. If you know a couple like that - if you are a couple like that - God can put your marriage back together. He can make your marriage so great that you praise the hell you walked through because of the miracle He has given you on the other side. Seriously. I serve a God that can do that and so much more. Pass Cindy's blog on if you know someone in this situation. And even in you arent, read Cindy's story (Our Story on the right hand side of the blog) - it is not all that short, it is pretty heart wrenching. The story of the betrayal, the forgiveness, the reconciliation.....AMAZING. God rocks.

Chili's is my fave....

I love me some Thin Mints. I love me some Southwestern Egg rolls from Chilis. My husband loves him some Buffalo Wings.


I have no intention sitting around a table and reminiscing about what we would eat if things went back to normal. Like that scene in Jericho - Dad wants a big steak....


There are websites who dedicate themselves to copying restaurant recipes. Yes. They. Do.


Google: "copycat recipes" and then your favorite restaurant or dish item and POOF you get a list.


There are also cookbooks you can purchase (of course there are) but I prefer the old school method of either writing the recipe down on my recipe card (they just are so much easier to read than trying to keep a book open while cooking) or printing it directly off the computer.


We are expecting awful weather in a couple of days - YIPPEE!!!! I bet I get my kids home on Friday, but today I am off to get some fun foods in case my hopes come true. Most will be out tomorrow and if I didnt happen to make it out, we would be fine, but some fun stuff is always nice.....

Stay warm.


Pray - Praise - Prepare

Fourth branch of the Government, my rear end....

The press is supposedly the fourth branch of the Government, meaning, it takes on each and every other branch (Legislative - Congress; Executive - President BO; Judicial - Supreme Court). It used to be that the press looked for every way to expose corruption or a newsworthy story, no matter which administration was in office. It seems now, that if a Republican holds office, this holds true, but if the Democrats control a branch, then it might as well be labeled the unofficial press secretary.

All this to say, I dont trust the news - I believe they either omit, skew or outright lie. I believe they are fed stories and therefore rank no higher than the National Enquire. Although the National Enquire did break that story about Edwards and shouted it for over a year before anyone paid attention, so maybe the press is lower than they are....

Anyway - a long way around to get to the point of this post - If you want to know what is going to happen in regards to the financial system, read the UK press before you read any of the "green shoots", sunshine up your skirt stories over here.

Want to know if the recession is over? Want to know if inflation is on the rise? Want to know what the banks are doing behind closed doors?

Read the Guardian....Read the Telegraph.....Read the BBC.....

The British Press are the 4th Branch of Government over there....and our economies, while having some very distinct differences, travel parallel (kind of) roads.... Watch their economy - watch what their press says about it....

Its also almost alarming to read the UK's press regarding the United States. Stories you wont find on your Yahoo page. Those Brits dont sugar coat much.....and they certainly dont put on a happy face for the Americans.

Who would have thought that the Fourth Branch of Government might turn out to be a red coat?

Pray - Praise - Prepare

A little link I LOVE....

I like watching Glenn Beck. The problem is that at 4:00 (if I am home) is when I go to the kitchen to start fixing dinner.... I dont have a TV in the kitchen, so either I turn it up really loud in another room or I am running back and forth to check things out. This does not work well for me....

My computer, however, is always attached at my hip (or in this case, on the counter).

I have found this WEBSITE that I love.... It plays Fox News all the time.... So, at 4:00 pm you will find me watching Glenn on my computer in my kitchen....

I love modern technology.....

Now, if only iPhone and the peeps that make the Flash Player would kiss and make up and I could watch Hulu on my phone, my life might almost be complete ;)

Pray - Praise - Prepare

Change I can believe in.....

The people that voted for CHANGE last November, voted for it again last night.


They voted for it because the hopes and promises made to them on the campaign trail in 2009, have not come to fruition. They were lied to, ignored, patronized. They still want CHANGE. They want the same things they wanted then..... Only now they realize that the one that promised CHANGE cant give it to them - doesnt care about them and actually, used them. They are starting to realize that CHANGE comes from each individual and yesterday, each individual made their own CHANGE. Some voting for an "R" for the first time in their lives - I call that CHANGE.....


Those that saw CHANGE for what it was voted too....


This time - all were on the same side.


I do not hold that Brown as the end all be all - although he is handsome, charming and can give a great speech. And now that he is a 1st term Senator has enough experience to run this Country. What I do hold to is that people are paying attention. What used to be a handful of people holding onto a truck that had slid of a cliff is now a crowd that has come to help. With enough people we can pull this thing back up. It will be the hardest thing we have ever done.


But so was telling The British Empire to take a flying leap.... Turns out we come from some very fine stock....


Pray - Praise - Prepare

How I got rid of my Gold Guilt.....

First, you might ask me what is "Gold Guilt".... Its that feeling after listening to ALL the commercials, pundits, other preppers that say that EVERYONE needs to be owning gold.


I admit it - I sent away for the Goldline packet - December of 2008, and THEY ARE STILL CALLING ME.... I have half a mind to send them the info back, but I am afraid it wont stop them and then I would be out my time, postage and their DVD ;)


I had that feeling that I should have some gold - I did the math if I had bought 12/2008, how much it would be worth now.... And yes, I would have made some bucks. It kind of made me sick to my stomach and thats when I knew I needed to take these thoughts captive. I was falling for COMMERCIALS.... Doing the math gave me a panicky feeling.... I knew I had to take a step back and decide for myself what was the best avenue for my family, act accordingly and throw off all the other crap.


So, this is where I went....


I thought through my objective - WHY I am doing what I am doing for my family....

I thought about what would be the BEST way to reach those desired goals....

I decided that Gold wouldnt get me where I needed to be by the desired deadline....


Here were my thoughts. I prep - I store food - I store supplies - I store resources - and I do it to best take care of my family regardless of what is going on whether it be circumstances brought on by weather, Washington or whatever. Life happens -- I want to be able to keep on rocking.... Gold will not do that - Its like having bucks in a bank - it does me no good when ice has taken down the power lines.


We are in the middle of building - yes, if I had put our house fund into Gold, I would have a lot more money now - that would do alot in regards to what we could do with the house - but we would still be in the drawing stages. It would have put us 2 years behind schedule and not about to move in. Gold would have cost me time and no matter how much gold you have, you cant buy time with it....


Look, I am not saying that if you are squared away, got a good refund, saved your pennies and you want to, that Gold is not a good buy. It is - but it isnt what will keep the world from burning down around you. What if we are heading towards high inflation? Wiemar Republic inflation.... What will Gold do for you? You would still have to cash it in and then run to buy what you need before those dollars are useless. OR You will have to wait until everything stabilizes and then cash in your coins. So, during the crisis, you are in the same boat as the person who doesnt have gold. (I understand that your gold will likely go up and therefore you would have more dollars to buy items, but if there is massive inflation, even if you have more dollars, the buying power of said dollar goes down, you may come out ahead, but I am not sure you would be that much ahead. "Prepper" type items will undoubtedly go WAY UP, maybe to the point saving and purchasing with gold wasnt the best option....)


Honestly, I would rather use my funds to buy the utmost BEFORE any event and not wait until DURING or AFTER. But thats just me. I also maintain that if I have extra funds, I would purchase silver and not gold. But that was an entirely different post....


And it bears mentioning again - this was the conclusion I came to for MY FAMILY....everyones' situations are different as well as their motives, their state of preparedness and their bank account. Make your own financial decisions or at least discuss them with someone who does this for a living or at least plays one on TV.