I want to talk a little this morning about commercials.
Yes. We have TV in the house. 2 huge flat screen TV gods in our house. We don't watch them much. I pre-record some of my favorite shows, which include cooking with Giada and for my girly side..."What Not to Wear," which is, for the most part, family friendly. I have a few other shows I like that I pre-record so the girls can sit down and watch with me, "The Dog Whisperer" is another favorite in the house. But the problem is, even if the show is okay for the kids to watch, the commercials, no matter WHAT time of day...are HORRENDOUS! Seriously!! They are awful! I feel like I am being assaulted in my own home.
Here is the trick...you have to have another show that you can bounce back and forth between and you mute the commercials to make sure they're little ears can't hear anything. But, if the show that you are bouncing back and forth between happens to go on commercial break at the same time, then it is mass scrambling to make sure the kids don't see anything inappropriate. Which, most of it is...especially in the evenings, but really no matter what time of day. So, it just is not worth it. If it's not pre-recorded, we don't watch.
If we watch a movie, the kids are not allowed to watch the previews, because...once again---inappropriate!
Even if it's "G" rated...does it mean that it's safe for your kids? You can't count on Hollywood or any other money-making film people to decide that for you. We must take responsibility for our own children and do the parenting ourselves. We don't need our kids having their innocence robbed from them by the TV because we are too lazy to parent.
I don't think that all of TV is bad. A lot of it can be good. I just pre-recorded a show about cameramen who film some incredible stuff, like the inside of a beehive and learning about all the bees and everything that goes on in there! How cool is that??? I love to sit and watch stuff like that with the kids. I'm just saying...that we have to be HYPER VIGILANT and extra sensitive to what our kids are watching, what WE AS PARENTS are allowing to go into their heads! One hour of bad information or filth can do some serious damage, or shall I say...one minute of a commercial that is for a movie (coming out this month in a theater near you!) that is filled with sex and violence can do some harm--and it's only a minute long!!! I just hate those commercials. HATE THEM!
But lets talk about something else that irritates me. If they aren't commercials for movies or TV shows that mostly have to do with sex, half naked women, or a lot of blood and horror...then they are commercials that mostly depict a man as being a mass idiot. It's like every commercial that has to do with any product placement in the home, whether it be from socks, to scent sprays to make your home smell better, they have to belittle the man. You NEVER see the woman belittled in any way. Just the man. I hate that. I don't want my daughters growing up thinking men are idiots! Yet every commercial's message is mostly about that! I want them to think of their father as dependable, smart, loyal, educated, capable and so much more. My husband is wonderful! He gets up really early to go to work, just to provide for this family. He went and got a degree that would help him out in the job market, just to provide for us, and he does it with a happy heart, and he comes home with a smile on his face, like he doesn't mind providing for us, putting a roof over our heads and food on the table. Isn't that heroic? Why would I want anyone else telling my little girls that men are idiots? Of course, there is a lack of responsibility amongst a lot of men today, but shouldn't we hold them to a higher standard and perhaps depict men as heroes? Maybe then they'd at least try to live up to those standards. Just sayin'....
And that, is my rant for today....
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Prepared?
Have you noticed the price of gas lately?
It's rapidly rising.
But what does that mean? That it's JUST the gas prices that go up??? Ha! I wish.
If I can, just for a moment chant Sarah Palin's motto "Drill BABY, Drill!!"
I wish our country would stop relying on other countries for our fuel, when we have the resources RIGHT HERE. But...what can you say...we have a small group of EARTH WORSHIPPING hippy people that are all for going green and even though they are the minority, they impose their belief system upon the rest of us. And, it is indeed their own belief system--dare I say religion. Yeah, I dare...it's their religion.
Don't get me wrong people...I am ALL for being a good steward of the earth. It is our job to keep it clean and all of that. But, I worship the CREATOR, and NOT the CREATION. Big difference. So...um...if God gave us those resources to use...why not use the stuff we have on our OWN SOIL?? Where is the common sense these days??? I just don't get it! Makes me nuts. Don't even get me started on our money borrowing President who makes the matter worse.
Okay, so that's the other part...if the Republicans can do some good and chip away at this debt, our dollar might have a chance to stabilize. But...we shall see. I can't say I've been impressed with either party for any length of time. So, I hope they start making some big changes. Well, one party in particular, I've never been impressed with if I must say the whole truth.
So, back to gas prices...
Those prices really have an affect on everything. EVERYTHING.
So, to prepare...we are stocking up on canned goods and such...just in case. My guess is that by summer time, gas will be 5 bucks a gallon. That should put a dent in the grocery budget for the month. Who knows where America will be in the next 10 years. It used to be great, but every great nation falls.
Now, I have a question. I do know some Christians who really think that saving money is considered "hoarding" and that isn't putting your faith in God. But then, how do they pass over that verse "Look to the ant thou sluggard! Consider her ways and be wise." Proverbs 6:6? Ants actually do stock up for winter, and aren't we supposed to consider that? Didn't God reveal the king's dreams to Joseph and he knew there would be famine in the land, so during times of plenty, he stocked up, and was considered wise. So, is preparing for what seems to be harder times ahead and storing up canned goods and things...is that also hoarding? I don't see a difference. Truly. Sometimes I don't understand how my own kind think.
Anyways, just some things I've been thinking about lately.
Oh, and I am all about green...
haha, I love it!
It's rapidly rising.
But what does that mean? That it's JUST the gas prices that go up??? Ha! I wish.
If I can, just for a moment chant Sarah Palin's motto "Drill BABY, Drill!!"
I wish our country would stop relying on other countries for our fuel, when we have the resources RIGHT HERE. But...what can you say...we have a small group of EARTH WORSHIPPING hippy people that are all for going green and even though they are the minority, they impose their belief system upon the rest of us. And, it is indeed their own belief system--dare I say religion. Yeah, I dare...it's their religion.
Don't get me wrong people...I am ALL for being a good steward of the earth. It is our job to keep it clean and all of that. But, I worship the CREATOR, and NOT the CREATION. Big difference. So...um...if God gave us those resources to use...why not use the stuff we have on our OWN SOIL?? Where is the common sense these days??? I just don't get it! Makes me nuts. Don't even get me started on our money borrowing President who makes the matter worse.
Okay, so that's the other part...if the Republicans can do some good and chip away at this debt, our dollar might have a chance to stabilize. But...we shall see. I can't say I've been impressed with either party for any length of time. So, I hope they start making some big changes. Well, one party in particular, I've never been impressed with if I must say the whole truth.
So, back to gas prices...
Those prices really have an affect on everything. EVERYTHING.
So, to prepare...we are stocking up on canned goods and such...just in case. My guess is that by summer time, gas will be 5 bucks a gallon. That should put a dent in the grocery budget for the month. Who knows where America will be in the next 10 years. It used to be great, but every great nation falls.
Now, I have a question. I do know some Christians who really think that saving money is considered "hoarding" and that isn't putting your faith in God. But then, how do they pass over that verse "Look to the ant thou sluggard! Consider her ways and be wise." Proverbs 6:6? Ants actually do stock up for winter, and aren't we supposed to consider that? Didn't God reveal the king's dreams to Joseph and he knew there would be famine in the land, so during times of plenty, he stocked up, and was considered wise. So, is preparing for what seems to be harder times ahead and storing up canned goods and things...is that also hoarding? I don't see a difference. Truly. Sometimes I don't understand how my own kind think.
Anyways, just some things I've been thinking about lately.
Oh, and I am all about green...
haha, I love it!
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Blast from the Past Thursdays!
I haven't done a Blast from the Past one in a while. I haven't been blogging much at all, so I thought I'd throw one in today...
This is a picture of Todd getting his MBA right before we moved from Alabama to Iowa. It really was amazing how that all worked out, the timing was impeccable...but isn't that the way God works? He was getting out of the Air force, we had to be moved out of base housing by a certain time, and Todd just happened to be wrapping up his Masters. Oh my goodness, that was a lot of hard work. Working full time and attending night classes...we didn't see each other much, and Heidi was a little baby then, I am very proud of his accomplishments! He is a hard worker and wonderful provider for our family! Oh my, and having that MBA has certainly opened doors for us later on in life!
This is a picture of Todd getting his MBA right before we moved from Alabama to Iowa. It really was amazing how that all worked out, the timing was impeccable...but isn't that the way God works? He was getting out of the Air force, we had to be moved out of base housing by a certain time, and Todd just happened to be wrapping up his Masters. Oh my goodness, that was a lot of hard work. Working full time and attending night classes...we didn't see each other much, and Heidi was a little baby then, I am very proud of his accomplishments! He is a hard worker and wonderful provider for our family! Oh my, and having that MBA has certainly opened doors for us later on in life!
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Cake making!!
I had to make a dessert for going over to a friend's house for dinner tonight, so this is what I came up with. It's going to be awesome.
First let me share the ingredients...
2 boxes of Duncan Hines Butter Chocolate cake. I always use Duncan Hines for all my cakes. They are my favorite.
The filling is:
1 pint of whip cream
1 tbsp of instant vanilla pudding
1tbsp of karo syrup
about 8 crushed Oreo cookies
Whip together the first 3 ingredients until thick then add the crushed cookies...cover and put aside in the fridge until if firms up a bit.
I took my 10inch rounds and cut them in half.
Before laying the first layer on the cake plate, I put some frosting down first to act like glue. You don't want your cake sliding off...
First I put fudge down underneath the whipped topping. Just regular ice cream fudge from the store. It is thick and GOOEY and wonderful!!!
Then, I added my filling...
Then I put the top on...
Then more fudge...
Then more filling...
Then I cut my other cake in half. ***I should probably share with you about now that, before I even begin cutting in half, I cut the top round bubble off the freshly baked cakes...right out of the oven, because I want them to sit evenly and not be tipsy. So, when you layer, make sure that the very top layer is actually the BOTTOM that isn't a serrated part of the cake because if you put the serrated side on your very top piece, it isn't firm and doesn't hold up under the heavy icing on the top and will crumble.***
Then I begin a new layer...more fudge...
More filling...I start in the middle and spread out to the sides...
Then add the very top...which is actually the BOTTOM, flipped over on the top...
Then chocolate icing on the top and sides. I start on the top, work my way over to the sides, then down the sides of the cake. I use a cake spatula, and the trick is...don't pick up your spatula while spreading, it pulls the cake up and you get crumbs in your frosting---just a little tip for making it look prettier!
Hmmm....it still needs something....
There! Crushed Oreo's on the top make it look better!
Wa-la!! Pretty easy right??!! Maybe I should bring a jug of milk with me....
First let me share the ingredients...
2 boxes of Duncan Hines Butter Chocolate cake. I always use Duncan Hines for all my cakes. They are my favorite.
The filling is:
1 pint of whip cream
1 tbsp of instant vanilla pudding
1tbsp of karo syrup
about 8 crushed Oreo cookies
Whip together the first 3 ingredients until thick then add the crushed cookies...cover and put aside in the fridge until if firms up a bit.
I took my 10inch rounds and cut them in half.
Before laying the first layer on the cake plate, I put some frosting down first to act like glue. You don't want your cake sliding off...
First I put fudge down underneath the whipped topping. Just regular ice cream fudge from the store. It is thick and GOOEY and wonderful!!!
Then, I added my filling...
Then I put the top on...
Then more fudge...
Then more filling...
Then I cut my other cake in half. ***I should probably share with you about now that, before I even begin cutting in half, I cut the top round bubble off the freshly baked cakes...right out of the oven, because I want them to sit evenly and not be tipsy. So, when you layer, make sure that the very top layer is actually the BOTTOM that isn't a serrated part of the cake because if you put the serrated side on your very top piece, it isn't firm and doesn't hold up under the heavy icing on the top and will crumble.***
Then I begin a new layer...more fudge...
More filling...I start in the middle and spread out to the sides...
Then add the very top...which is actually the BOTTOM, flipped over on the top...
Then chocolate icing on the top and sides. I start on the top, work my way over to the sides, then down the sides of the cake. I use a cake spatula, and the trick is...don't pick up your spatula while spreading, it pulls the cake up and you get crumbs in your frosting---just a little tip for making it look prettier!
Hmmm....it still needs something....
There! Crushed Oreo's on the top make it look better!
Wa-la!! Pretty easy right??!! Maybe I should bring a jug of milk with me....
Monday, January 10, 2011
My children...they really BLESS me!!
Over the Christmas season, my kids really got into the spirit. Of course, how could you not?? Our tradition is to deck our house out (even the bathroom!) in Christmas decor the day after Thanksgiving. It's lovely...
..it makes me feel warm and cozy!
So, they started giving to each other with little surprises from their bedroom and putting presents to each other under the tree. Such a blessing to see them willingly giving each other their "treasures."
One of our rules in the house is...no toys in the living room. They have a nice big bedroom and play room they are allowed to have toys in, but none in the living room area. One night after finishing up cleaning the kitchen and sending the munchkins off to bed, I noticed a huge lego box next to the tree. Like a grinch, I holler up at the kids "Why is the lego box under the tree? Why are these toys down here?"
Reagan sheepishly comes out and tells me that she needed the lego box to put her present to Heidi in and then placed it under the tree. "Oh," I replied..."So, you dumped all the legos out of the box in your bedroom to use that box to put your gift in?"
..."Um, yeah"...It makes perfect and logical sense to a 5 year old, I can respect that...
"Well," I said, "I have a bag for you to put it in instead, you can do it in the morning, then pick up all the legos and put them away...okay kiddo?"
Giggling Reagan says "Okay mom!" and skips off to bed. Silly kid.
I still didn't know what she had given her sister. I gave her the bag, she put her gift in, taped it up and put it under the tree. Later on, Reagan comes to me and says..."Mom...Heidi asked to play with my Chloe baby doll again..."
"Oh, are you going to let her?"
"I can't, I put it in the bag for her Christmas present, she's going to like her gift, huh?" Reagan says, with her big one dimpled grin and blue eyes sparkling.
Such a thoughtful girl, she took the one thing from her toys that she knew her sister would love and generously placed it under the tree.
My heart melted. I am so blessed, those little ones...they bless me.
Later on in the month, Heidi...who was growing her bangs out, did not want me cutting her bangs. Not even for a Christmas picture. Ugh. She looked sloppy with them in her eyes, all 3 months of length in her face. Yuck. So, Meemaw...(my mom) bribed her with 5 dollars to let me cut her bangs and said she can grow them out after the holiday season. Heidi took the bait...smart Meemaw...why didn't I think of that?
Christmas Eve was spent in Aberdeen with my brother and darling sister in law and my parents, we hadn't seen my parents in almost a year! Heidi had asked on the way down if she could ask Meemaw for her money. I was a little irritated with her, I mean...ugh...so selfish! She hadn't seen her grandparents in nearly a year...why couldn't she just hug and kiss them and tell them how much she missed them? I told her, after a while of visiting, then she may ask. She was very good, and very polite and waited very patiently before asking. Meemaw happily handed her the 5 dollar bill. Heidi came up to me and said, "I'm giving this to Reagan for Christmas mom! I know she will be very happy!" So that is why she wanted her money! I was too quick to judge her. I have to ask...are these really MY children? I feel very undeserving and thankful, and blessed all at the same time.
Children, are truly a blessing from the Lord!
Aren't they JUST the sweetest???!!!
..it makes me feel warm and cozy!
So, they started giving to each other with little surprises from their bedroom and putting presents to each other under the tree. Such a blessing to see them willingly giving each other their "treasures."
One of our rules in the house is...no toys in the living room. They have a nice big bedroom and play room they are allowed to have toys in, but none in the living room area. One night after finishing up cleaning the kitchen and sending the munchkins off to bed, I noticed a huge lego box next to the tree. Like a grinch, I holler up at the kids "Why is the lego box under the tree? Why are these toys down here?"
Reagan sheepishly comes out and tells me that she needed the lego box to put her present to Heidi in and then placed it under the tree. "Oh," I replied..."So, you dumped all the legos out of the box in your bedroom to use that box to put your gift in?"
..."Um, yeah"...It makes perfect and logical sense to a 5 year old, I can respect that...
"Well," I said, "I have a bag for you to put it in instead, you can do it in the morning, then pick up all the legos and put them away...okay kiddo?"
Giggling Reagan says "Okay mom!" and skips off to bed. Silly kid.
I still didn't know what she had given her sister. I gave her the bag, she put her gift in, taped it up and put it under the tree. Later on, Reagan comes to me and says..."Mom...Heidi asked to play with my Chloe baby doll again..."
"Oh, are you going to let her?"
"I can't, I put it in the bag for her Christmas present, she's going to like her gift, huh?" Reagan says, with her big one dimpled grin and blue eyes sparkling.
Such a thoughtful girl, she took the one thing from her toys that she knew her sister would love and generously placed it under the tree.
My heart melted. I am so blessed, those little ones...they bless me.
Later on in the month, Heidi...who was growing her bangs out, did not want me cutting her bangs. Not even for a Christmas picture. Ugh. She looked sloppy with them in her eyes, all 3 months of length in her face. Yuck. So, Meemaw...(my mom) bribed her with 5 dollars to let me cut her bangs and said she can grow them out after the holiday season. Heidi took the bait...smart Meemaw...why didn't I think of that?
Christmas Eve was spent in Aberdeen with my brother and darling sister in law and my parents, we hadn't seen my parents in almost a year! Heidi had asked on the way down if she could ask Meemaw for her money. I was a little irritated with her, I mean...ugh...so selfish! She hadn't seen her grandparents in nearly a year...why couldn't she just hug and kiss them and tell them how much she missed them? I told her, after a while of visiting, then she may ask. She was very good, and very polite and waited very patiently before asking. Meemaw happily handed her the 5 dollar bill. Heidi came up to me and said, "I'm giving this to Reagan for Christmas mom! I know she will be very happy!" So that is why she wanted her money! I was too quick to judge her. I have to ask...are these really MY children? I feel very undeserving and thankful, and blessed all at the same time.
Children, are truly a blessing from the Lord!
Aren't they JUST the sweetest???!!!
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Learning
I've just been thinking a lot about the things that nag at my heart. Wanting to be more like Christ, but not wanting to give up myself in doing so. Today, before the breaking of the bread today in church, I really asked the Lord to search my heart and bring before me the things in which I need to lay down before him, repent and ask the Lord to restore me and make me more like Himself.
As the pastor was talking this morning, he said something that I have been hearing a lot of lately and something that the Lord has been bringing to my attention for a while now. He talked of loving people, and not just the ones that are easy to love...that is easy! But, to build Christ-like character, love the ones that are difficult to love. Okay...okay I give up!! I will work on loving those that are difficult for me to love this year. How though? The people that really get on my nerves, I don't spend time with...obviously...I run into them on occasion at the grocery store or at the orthodontist, and that is about it. I can pray for them, I will pray for them, because that is where it starts, I'm just waiting for the Lord to take away the feeling of irritation when I see them and have a loving and content spirit towards them. I can't change them, but the Lord can change ME!
I was arguing with God today as he was working on my attitude towards these people that get under my skin. Most of the argument really boiled down to me saying to God "But Lord, I want them to see me as equal! I want them to see that I love you JUST as much as they do! I want them to see me as the Christian that I know YOU know I am..." But you see...it really doesn't matter, not one single bit. I do not live for them, or what they think of me. I live for my Lord, and I live for Him to change me and make me a better person.
I am a Bible believing Christian. I love the Lord. I wear pants. I wear make-up. I encourage my kids to go to school to be whatever they want to be. I encourage my kids to first seek the Lord in their decisions. I home school, but I know that many Christians do not, and I am okay with that and I'd be happy to be friends with anyone that didn't. The Bible does not say to home school specifically...pluck whatever scripture you may out of the Bible, but I am sick and tired of pure legalism. Convictions are different than commandments and I realize that everyone has different things they are convicted by. We are under God's perfect Grace!
So anyone who reads this, this is just a sliver of who I am as a believer. No secrets and no hidden agenda. I don't really care anymore what any Christians think of me. My Lord knows me best, I am laying this down at his feet. Through Him I can love anyone, not on my own of course...but with His love through me. No more grudges and prejudices against different types of Christians. It's time we learn to love one another. I am ready to love the ones that seem to be unlovable!
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Blast from the Past Thursdays!
My little 2 year old Heidi. She had just turned two. She found some red lipstick in a bathroom drawer and did a pretty good job of getting it on her lips...don't you think?
She didn't like it on her hands...so she wiped it on her shirt to get it off...and then my white carpet. That was a NIGHTMARE to get out. I'm just glad I wasn't too mad to take a picture.
Kids make our lives interesting don't they?
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