It's been a very nice summer, but during the summer, I often take a vacation from many of my domestic talents. Sewing, creating, cooking and such are put on hold until the flowers have stopped blooming and the air is cooler. The kids and I have had much fun with many fabulous friends to visit, hike and picnic with in great locations. We've had many great fellowships and potlucks, but it is time to get back into a more productive routine. The kids have really wanted a routine back, where the meals and the schedules are dependable.
Last year we made a feeble attempt at unschooling. It bombed, to say the least. I am sure it is because I didn't do it "right". The kids just want to learn together and discuss together. They want to have our daily talks with God and then walk into a country or an era or a science project together. They may not openly admit they love learning new things, but I am their mom and I know they do love it. They flourish when we are learning something new, sometimes it is even new for me. (nothing against unschooling, I think if it works for you, go for it. We wilted trying it)
We are studying countries, cultures and missionaries this year. So far, it has been very fun. Who knows, we could have a missionary in the making... They are studying Spanish, Algebra 2, biology and several fun computer games. We plan to have a relaxed schedule, always having time for a friend to stop in for a visit. Chris and Andrew will be responsible for 2 meals a week - this should be interesting. I hope they will be brave and try something new....
I have been freezing lots of goodies, making jam and have two quilt projects going. Today I made 5 dozen butternut squash muffins. They won't last long. Tomorrow I will make granola bars for Andrew, who is going camping for the weekend. He is excelling in Civil Air Patrol and is setting his sites on getting into the Air Force Academy. That would be so awesome!
We have friends coming in from LA next week and we couldn't be more excited. The kids are asking for homemade donuts and another trip to the waterfall. What can I say but yes?
Keith has been told there is a potential, don't get your hopes up, expansion. This would make his site one of the the top ones in his division. We are in much prayer about this and have no doubt that the Lord will Bless it, even if the answer is no.
I am looking forward to apple season in Ellijay, fall colors, winter soups and lots of board games being played together. The blessings abound, in more ways than I can count.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Beware of Hartz Flea Treatments
PLEASE do not use Hartz flea treatments for your cats. We gave Lucy a treatment yesterday and today she is not playing and has tremors in her paws. I was gone much of the day so didn't think anything of it this morning. I thought she had gotten her paws wet and was just shaking the water off of them. When I got home, I noticed she was still under the weather and still had shaking paws.
Still in denial, I figured it was nothing. Just before going to bed, we decided to do a search and have found out with Hartz products, seizures and even death can occur! We immersed Lucy in water ( not fun) and have prayed over her. If she is not well in the morning, I will be making a vet visit.
I have written a letter to Hartz and I will NEVER buy another Hartz product ever. I hope you will use the same caution.
Still in denial, I figured it was nothing. Just before going to bed, we decided to do a search and have found out with Hartz products, seizures and even death can occur! We immersed Lucy in water ( not fun) and have prayed over her. If she is not well in the morning, I will be making a vet visit.
I have written a letter to Hartz and I will NEVER buy another Hartz product ever. I hope you will use the same caution.
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
We are Taxed to Death
Literally, every single aspect of our lives are taxed. Why do we tolerate such nonsense?? Have we forgotten that the money we earn, really does belong to us? Why do we so freely and without resistance, allow our hard earned money to go to the government?
The inheritance tax.
Accounts Receivable Tax
Building Permit Tax
CDL license Tax
Cigarette Tax
Corporate Income Tax
Dog License Tax
Excise Taxes
Federal Income Tax
Federal Unemployment Tax (FUTA)
Fishing License Tax
Food License Tax
Fuel Permit Tax
Gasoline Tax (currently 44.75 cents per gallon)
Gross Receipts Tax
Hunting License Tax
Inheritance Tax
Inventory Tax
IRS Interest Charges IRS Penalties (tax on top of tax)
Liquor Tax
Luxury Taxes
Marriage License Tax
Medicare Tax
Personal Property Tax
Property Tax
Real Estate Tax
Service Charge T ax
Social Security Tax
Road Usage Tax
Sales Tax
Recreational Vehicle Tax
School Tax
State Income Tax
State Unemployment Tax (SUTA)
Telephone Federal Excise Tax
Telephone Federal Universal Ser vice FeeTax
Telephone Federal, State and Local Surcharge Taxes
Telephone Minimum Usage Surcharge=2 0Tax
Telephone Recurring and Non-recurring Charges Tax
Telephone State and Local Tax
Telephone Usage Charge Tax
Utility Taxes
Vehicle License Registration Tax
Vehicle Sales Tax
Watercraft Registration Tax
Well Permit Tax
Workers Compensation Tax
STILL THINK THIS IS FUNNY? Not one of these taxes existed 100 years ago, and our nation was the most prosperous in the world. We had absolutely no national debt, had the largest middle class in the world, and Mom stayed home to raise the kids.
What happened? Can you spell 'politicians?'
All of these taxes exist, because we allow it.
The inheritance tax.
Accounts Receivable Tax
Building Permit Tax
CDL license Tax
Cigarette Tax
Corporate Income Tax
Dog License Tax
Excise Taxes
Federal Income Tax
Federal Unemployment Tax (FUTA)
Fishing License Tax
Food License Tax
Fuel Permit Tax
Gasoline Tax (currently 44.75 cents per gallon)
Gross Receipts Tax
Hunting License Tax
Inheritance Tax
Inventory Tax
IRS Interest Charges IRS Penalties (tax on top of tax)
Liquor Tax
Luxury Taxes
Marriage License Tax
Medicare Tax
Personal Property Tax
Property Tax
Real Estate Tax
Service Charge T ax
Social Security Tax
Road Usage Tax
Sales Tax
Recreational Vehicle Tax
School Tax
State Income Tax
State Unemployment Tax (SUTA)
Telephone Federal Excise Tax
Telephone Federal Universal Ser vice FeeTax
Telephone Federal, State and Local Surcharge Taxes
Telephone Minimum Usage Surcharge=2 0Tax
Telephone Recurring and Non-recurring Charges Tax
Telephone State and Local Tax
Telephone Usage Charge Tax
Utility Taxes
Vehicle License Registration Tax
Vehicle Sales Tax
Watercraft Registration Tax
Well Permit Tax
Workers Compensation Tax
STILL THINK THIS IS FUNNY? Not one of these taxes existed 100 years ago, and our nation was the most prosperous in the world. We had absolutely no national debt, had the largest middle class in the world, and Mom stayed home to raise the kids.
What happened? Can you spell 'politicians?'
All of these taxes exist, because we allow it.
Monday, August 3, 2009
How refreshing
What can I say? It was such a refreshing weekend having Pennie and the girls here. It was a long, cool drink alongside a roaring waterfall, literally and figuratively. Being that Pennie is a sister in the Lord, it was totally priceless to me to reconnect with a sister. When you move out of town and still haven't found that special sister-in-Christ, your old church family relationships become all the more valuable. The same feeling happens when Connie comes. Refreshment, deep connection and priceless.
Friday we awakened to a very rainy day, and cinnamon rolls. It wasn't so bad until we sensed the kids were getting restless. Being that it was still gray, we opted for bowling. The thought of bowling made me yawn; they can bowl any time, they came here for the mountains! I wasn't about to fret about it, I went out on the porch and prayed. Can I tell you that within an hour, the skies were clear? The mountains it is! We went to a great creek that had fabulous boulders and rocks to climb. All the kids got barefoot and enjoyed the cool, rushing water! Then we drove up the mountain and walked amongst some ominous boulders! Mission accomplished!
Saturday we drove to one of my favorite waterfalls and swam in the very cold water. The waterfall was really coming down, unlike the trickle we had last visit. It was therapeutic in so many ways. Keith treated us to some freshly grilled burgers and we lingered as long as we could, to drink in every last drop.
Sunday was special because it has been 3 years since I have worshiped with any of my old church family. I don''t think I can even put it into words how it made me feel. Pennie, thanks so much for making the long trip, and thanks for being YOU! The girls were delightful as usual! I can't wait to try Todd's new bacon burgers - I'll let you know how we like them! Our home is your home, come back anytime!
Friday we awakened to a very rainy day, and cinnamon rolls. It wasn't so bad until we sensed the kids were getting restless. Being that it was still gray, we opted for bowling. The thought of bowling made me yawn; they can bowl any time, they came here for the mountains! I wasn't about to fret about it, I went out on the porch and prayed. Can I tell you that within an hour, the skies were clear? The mountains it is! We went to a great creek that had fabulous boulders and rocks to climb. All the kids got barefoot and enjoyed the cool, rushing water! Then we drove up the mountain and walked amongst some ominous boulders! Mission accomplished!
Saturday we drove to one of my favorite waterfalls and swam in the very cold water. The waterfall was really coming down, unlike the trickle we had last visit. It was therapeutic in so many ways. Keith treated us to some freshly grilled burgers and we lingered as long as we could, to drink in every last drop.
Sunday was special because it has been 3 years since I have worshiped with any of my old church family. I don''t think I can even put it into words how it made me feel. Pennie, thanks so much for making the long trip, and thanks for being YOU! The girls were delightful as usual! I can't wait to try Todd's new bacon burgers - I'll let you know how we like them! Our home is your home, come back anytime!
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