Get the Swidget 1.0 widget and many other great free widgets at Widgetbox! Not seeing a widget? (More info) Mrs. D: July 2009

Mrs. D

Name:
Location: DC Metro Area, United States

I adore The Lord. I'm in my 40's. Completely in love with my husband, a mother of 3 girls ages 23, 21 and 18 and one little man that turned 3 in December. I don't own a gun but I believe in your right to own one, if you so choose. I vaccinate but I believe in your right not to, I don't homeschool but believe in your right to educate your child the way you see fit. I don't attend a "church" but I read the Bible everyday. I do not support our current administration and do not feel it is Biblical to "get behind" a man with such unGodly actions. If a child survives an abortion it is nothing short of Gods will that that child live. How ANYONE professing Christianity can support an administration that will use their will to override Gods and kill that child anyway is beyond my understanding. I'm not so convinced that we are in the End Times but I am sure our country is out of control and headed for disaster. You can call me nuts but I'll just call you part of the problem for being uninformed and asleep at the wheel.

Thursday, July 23, 2009

Free World eBook Fair

Got this in an email this morning from a Yahoo Group. I haven't checked it out yet but thought I'd pass it on.

Recommended Website:World eBook Fair http://www.worldebookfair.com/

ClickScholar Nancy Hogan recommended this website where you can download free eBooks (including children's classics and some modern and commercial titles) from a selection of over 2 million titles between now and August 4th. If you don't make the deadline, there will be another World eBook Fair beginning October 15, 2009 offering 1/2 million free downloadable books that include even more modern and commercial titles.

But right NOW and until August 4th, you can access free eBooks by downloading them to your computer, MP3 players, PDA's, iPods, Kindles and Sony's. Not only that, but the World eBook Fair is including programs a person can use to read some of these eBooks on cell phones.

Their goal is to spread literacy and provide access to free books to billions of people. To that end they offer the eBooks in over 125 languages!Go pick out some summer reads now!

Diane Flynn Keithfor
ClickSchooling
http://www.ClickSchooling.com

Labels:

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Food Storage MSM News Link

Today Show:Families brace for financial fallout

Labels:

Sunday, July 19, 2009

My Food Storage Space

WOW! Uncool, huh? Those things on the right in the back are CD towers that my mil gave me. I rearranged the shelves to hold soups, some canned beans and jar of of sauce. The white shelf at the top holds femine products, baby wipes, a bag of plasticware (forks, knives, plates, ect.), food saver, tea bags and a shoebox full of first aid products. The containers in the front (blue) are scrapbooking supplies which I really need to do something with becasue I don't scrapbook. What a waste.

The only real organization here is the bottom shelf which holds my canned vegies. On the other shelves you'll find...mac & cheese, oatmeal, cake mixes, boxes of pasta, cereal, pb&j and other various things we use a lot of.

I am really glad I took these pics. Guess what I'll be working on this week?

I had someone ask me about my food storage since I have a couple of links in my side bar, lol. I have to say I am in no way, shape or form someone to mentor, guide, or even give out advise on the subject as I'm fairly new to this and basically just keep a supply of things we eat often. It's an extra pantry really.

When the Boy Child was born we got ourselves a Costco membership and it's saved us a boatload. Albeit a small toy boat, but a boat just the same. One thing I will let you in on is to check your different area warehouses. We found that the Coscto in Frederick has lower prices and less crowds than the Costco nearest us. When I say lower prices I mean some items are a dollar or even two cheaper. We also have their American Express credit card and earn quite a bit of cash back. We pay it off weekly.

Big Daddy has off on Tuesdays so we pack up some drinks and snacks in a cold pack cooler type thingie and we make a day of it hitting the Free Family Film Festival Regal Theaters, library, post office, bank, Costco, Goodwill (Frederick's Goodwill has wonderful books but keep an eye on the prices. I've seen and brought to their attention, that some of their prices are higher than the manufactures marked prices and I've seen dollar store merchandise marked higher than a dollar) and whatever else we need/want to do.

Be watchful of Costco as well. They sell for instance, can tomatoes by the case. I don't recall the price of those tomatoes but I know I can get them cheaper at the grocer during a sale and sometimes I can get hold of a coupon as well. Same with cereals and canned vegetables. And lately a couple of our stores have been running double and tripple coupons. When these things go on sale I stock up. You want to be watchful of yourselves at warehouse stores, i.e. -I- need to be careful there. I love their books and the extra neat things there. Do I have to explain myself because it's embarrassing and has taken me some time to be able to just walk on by those isles speed walking to where I need to be. Get in and get out is my motto now. Taking the boy Child helps in this area. I rarely stop for the few samples they give out anymore. (Anyone else notice they have cut back big time on the samples?) Some of the things we get there regularly are
whole chickens, lunch meats, granola, sugar, flour, chicken nuggets, nuts, peanut butter, Kirkland brand detergents, moist cat foods, yeast, juices, water, snacks for the Boy Child and his friends, big cans of fruit.

Last summer it was suggested I get some buckets from the local bakery for gardening and I acquired quite a few. I now use some of those to store sugar and flour. I break down the flour in freezer packs of 6 and half cups (amount I use in bread) and about 5 lbs of sugar in each pack. It tends to feel like a lot of work after returning from a shopping trip but it is well worth it. I was also able to get a Food Saver on special through Survival Blog last summer and that has helped keep meats fresher longer.

Last summer we got a new fridge and put the old one in the garage. We've been blessed to able to keep it full. It's mostly sodas, juices, milk and water. Don't go gettin' a new fridge. You'll be surprised looking around the web as to the many areas and ways to keep a food storage stock. I use the furnace room in the basement as my food storage room. It was the most logical place but I've seen and read of people using all kinds of places in their home for storage. I had some shelving from the old closets that hubs hung and some pretty sturdy plastic shelving I put in there that was just holding clutter in the garage. It's worked out well and didn't cost me anything. I'm not very organized and the room is not something I want to show off but in order maybe motivate you to start a food storage in your home I took the above pics.

I felt the urge, like many people, last spring to start prepping. I am very thankful. Hubby sells high end cars. It hit us hard, this economic mess. It's one thing to lose your job and go on unemployment but another thing when you work on commission and end up OWING your employer come payday. There were a couple of months there we had to write THEM a check to cover the health insurance. It's not been easy but having an extra pantry has made a lot of difference. Have a supply of the basics shampoo, conditioner, soaps, TP, all the things you use and take for granted daily. You NEVER know what can happen and/or when. It's just good business to be prepared. I am beginning to feel that urge again. I don't know what that means but I am being motivated to inventory and organize what we have and continue with stocking up. Naturally, finances limit me greatly right now, but I have a garden that seems to be doing wonderful right now and I need to learn to can. I was able to pick up some canning jars at the Chinese Embassy (WalMart) in the spring but that's as far I am right now. Guess I need to get my hands on some canning supplies and a Balls Blue Book. I don't do Craigs List or Freecycle so if you have suggestions please share them with me. I checked WM Friday night in the isle with canning jars and seen nothing to help me start canning.

If you don't use coupons a great way to start your food storage is to start using them. Use the money you save in coupons to purchase a couple of extra can goods, a pack of sugar or whatever.

Go ahead and check out some of those links on my sidebar. I spent a lot of time and energy trying to do it in an organized way, making list of things I have on hand, wanted to purchase, meals. It didn't work for me. I spent more time planning than I did anything else. It's a character flaw with me. Procrastination is right up there next to perfectionism. If I couldn't do it right why bother with it at all? Or I'll get started as soon as I...pick a good spot, clean up this area, make a list, get these shelves or those containers. Don't be like me. Just do it! Get your local grocer flyers and check out the sales. Just do it. Prices are going to go up, not down. Don't go nuts and get your storage all at once either. It's a process. A couple of extra cans this week and a couple of exta boxes next week. Oh, another thing, CHECK THE EXPIRATION DATES ON EVERYTHING. You'll be surprised how quickly the dates will sneak up you. And rotate your stock. Oldest in front and/or most easily accessible.

If you're new to all this I will suggest you first check out http://foodstoragemadeeasy.net/. They have a lot of good advise, links and general information to get you off to a great start. And if you have a thought or idea to share, feel free. Don't think that if you don't have a food storage started your ideas are not worthy and please don't think if you've been doing it a long time your ideas are "old news". As you can see I could use some tips, tricks and organizational ideas.

Labels: ,

Friday, July 17, 2009

Islamic Supremacist Group Holds First U.S. Conference

A group committed to establishing an international Islamic empire and reportedly linked to Al Qaeda is stepping up its Western recruitment efforts by holding its first official conference in the U.S.

Hizb ut-Tahrir is a global Sunni network with reported ties to confessed 9/11 mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and Al Qaeda in Iraq's onetime leader Abu Musab al-Zarqawi. It has operated discreetly in the U.S. for decades


Now, it is coming out of the shadows and openly hosting a July 19 conference entitled, "The Fall of Capitalism and the Rise of Islam," at a posh Hilton hotel in a suburb of Chicago.

Hizb ut-Tahrir insists that it does not engage in terrorism, and it is not recognized by the State Department as a known terror group.

But some terrorism experts say it may be even more dangerous than many groups that are on the terror list.

Read the rest of the article at http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,533525,00.html

Wednesday, July 8, 2009

You Go Girl

Labels: ,

Tuesday, July 7, 2009

Our Judeo-Christian Nation

Labels:

Monday, July 6, 2009

Common Sense Obituary

Today we mourn the passing of a beloved old friend, Common Sense, who has been with us for many years. No one knows for sure how old he was since his birth records were long ago lost in bureaucratic red tape.

He will be remembered as having cultivated such valuable lessons as knowing when to come in out of the rain, why the early bird gets the worm, life isn't always fair, and maybe it was my fault.

Common Sense lived by simple, sound financial policies (don't spend more than you earn) and reliable parenting strategies (adults, not children, are in charge).

His health began to deteriorate rapidly when well intentioned but overbearing regulations were set in place. Reports of a six-year-old boy charged with sexual harassment for kissing a classmate; teens suspended from school for using mouthwash after lunch; and a teacher fired for reprimanding an unruly student, only worsened his condition.

Common Sense lost ground when parents attacked teachers for doing the job they themselves failed to do in disciplining their unruly children. It declined even further when schools were required to get parental consent to administer Panadol, sun lotion or a Band-Aid to a student but could not inform the parents when a student became pregnant or wanted to have an abortion.

Common Sense lost the will to live as the Ten Commandments became contraband, churches became businesses, and criminals received better treatment than their victims.

Common Sense took a beating when you couldn't defend yourself from a burglar in your own home and the burglar could sue you for assault.

Common Sense was preceded in death by his parents, Truth and Trust; his wife, Discretion; his daughter, Responsibility; and his son, Reason. He is survived by three stepbrothers; I Know My Rights, Someone Else is to Blame, and I'm A Victim.

Not many attended his funeral because so few realized he was gone.If you still remember him, pass this on. If not, join the majority and do nothing.

Labels:

Sunday, July 5, 2009

Thoughts to Ponder


Thoughts to Ponder

The most destructive habit..................Worry
The greatest Joy....................................Giving
The greatest loss.............Loss of self-respect

The most satisfying work..............Helping others
The ugliest personality trait...............Selfishness
The most endangered species...dedicated leaders

Our greatest natural resource..............Our youth
The greatest "shot in the arm".....Encouragement
The greatest problem to overcome................Fear

The most effective sleeping pill........Peace of mind
The most crippling failure disease.............Excuses
The most powerful force in life........................Love

The most dangerous pariah..................A gossiper
The world's most incredible computer...The brain
The worst thing to be without......................... Hope

The deadliest weapon...............................The tongue
The two most power-filled words.............."I Can"
The greatest asset................................Faith

The most worthless emotion................Self-pity
The most beautiful attire........................SMILE!
The most prized possession................. Integrity

The most powerful channel of communication...Prayer
The most contagious Spirit.......Enthusiasm

Labels:

Saturday, July 4, 2009

School house Rock - Fireworks

Labels: ,

American Flag Etiquette

American Flag Etiquette

Federal law stipulates many aspects of flag etiquette. The section of law dealing with American Flag etiquette is generally referred to as the Flag Code. Some general guidelines from the Flag Code answer many of the most common questions:
  • The flag should be lighted at all times, either by sunlight or by an appropriate light source.
  • The flag should be flown in fair weather, unless the flag is designed for inclement weather use.
  • The flag should never be dipped to any person or thing. It is flown upside down only as a distress signal.
  • The flag should not be used for any decoration in general. Bunting of blue, white and red stripes is available for these purposes.
  • The blue stripe of the bunting should be on the top.
  • The flag should never be used for any advertising purpose. It should not be embroidered, printed or otherwise impressed on such articles as cushions, handkerchiefs, napkins, boxes, or anything intended to be discarded after temporary use. Advertising signs should not be attached to the staff or halyard.
  • The flag should not be used as part of a costume or athletic uniform, except that a flag patch may be used on the uniform of military personnel, fireman, policeman and members of patriotic organizations.
  • The flag should never have any mark, insignia, letter, word, number, figure, or drawing of any kind placed on it, or attached to it.
  • The flag should never be used for receiving, holding, carrying, or delivering anything.
  • When the flag is lowered, no part of it should touch the ground or any other object; it should be received by waiting hands and arms. To store the flag it should be folded neatly and ceremoniously.
  • The flag should be cleaned and mended when necessary.
  • When a flag is so worn it is no longer fit to serve as a symbol of our country, it should be destroyed by burning in a dignified manner.

Read a more comprehensive set of flagetiquette rules for display of the American Flag.

Flag Folding Ceremony


The flag folding ceremony represents the same religious principles on which our country was originally founded. The portion of the flag denoting honor is the canton of blue containing the stars representing the states our veterans served in uniform. The canton field of blue dresses from left to right and is inverted when draped as a pall on a casket of a veteran who has served our country in uniform.


In the Armed Forces of the United States, at the ceremony of retreat the flag is lowered, folded in a triangle fold and kept under watch throughout the night as a tribute to our nation's honored dead. The next morning it is brought out and, at the ceremony of reveille, run aloft as a symbol of our belief in the resurrection of the body.


(Wait for the Honor Guard or Flag Detail to unravel and fold the flag into a quarter fold--resume reading when Honor Guard is standing ready.)

  1. The first fold of our flag is a symbol of life.
  2. The second fold is a symbol of our belief in the eternal life.
  3. The third fold is made in honor and remembrance of the veteran departing our ranks who gave a portion of life for the defense of our country to attain a peace throughout the world.
  4. The fourth fold represents our weaker nature, for as American citizens trusting in God, it is to Him we turn in times of peace as well as in times of war for His divine guidance.
  5. The fifth fold is a tribute to our country, for in the words of Stephen Decatur, "Our country, in dealing with other countries, may she always be right; but it is still our country, right or wrong."
  6. The sixth fold is for where our hearts lie. It is with our heart that we pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.
  7. The seventh fold is a tribute to our Armed Forces, for it is through the Armed Forces that we protect our country and our flag against all her enemies, whether they be found within or without the boundaries of our republic.
  8. The eighth fold is a tribute to the one who entered in to the valley of the shadow of death, that we might see the light of day, and to honor mother, for whom it flies on Mother's Day.
  9. The ninth fold is a tribute to womanhood; for it has been through their faith, love, loyalty and devotion that the character of the men and women who have made this country great have been molded.
  10. The tenth fold is a tribute to father, for he, too, has given his sons and daughters for the defense of our country since they were first born.
  11. The eleventh fold, in the eyes of a Hebrew citizen, represents the lower portion of the seal of King David and King Solomon, and glorifies, in their eyes, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
  12. The twelfth fold, in the eyes of a Christian citizen, represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies, in their eyes, God the Father, the Son, and Holy Ghost.

When the flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost, reminding us of our national motto, "In God we Trust."


(Wait for the Honor Guard or Flag Detail to inspect the flag--after the inspection, resume reading.)


After the flag is completely folded and tucked in, it takes on the appearance of a cocked hat, ever reminding us of the soldiers who served under General George Washington and the sailors and marines who served under Captain John Paul Jones who were followed by their comrades and shipmates in the Armed Forces of the United States, preserving for us the rights, privileges, and freedoms we enjoy today.

Labels: ,