Big Seats and Flat Feet

I began writing this post the day before the shootings occurred in Newtown, Conneticutt.  I selected not to publish the post until I had the opportunity to review my content.  I didn't want to seem insensitive to anyone affected by the tragedy... even myself.   When I first heard about the incident, they had not yet released any information about the deceased.  I only knew there had been multiple deaths.  As the story unfolded, I watched in horror and disbelief.  Immediately calling my children in to the living room with me, I began crying and hurting for those mothers and fathers.  All I wanted to do was hold my own children near. With that being said, I knew the first thing people would go after would be the guns.  This post wasn't really about gun politics, or gun control, it's about familiarizing my children with firearms so they become safer, better at hunting, or other target sports.  We aren't limited to guns, we also use b...

Sometimes, as a mama... I don't have much time for cooking.  I'm so very thankful my husband hunts and brings home delicious venison which I use in making family meals.  I enjoy this chili recipe because it's quick and VERY easy to fix.  My children could do it!  I always cook mine in a LODGE Cast Iron Pot... I guess any ol' pan will do.  But I think cast iron makes it taste better... dunno... might jess be my imagination! HOT POT OF CHILI Now... chili's good and all... but as my husband often requests; I don't make it the night before he goes hunting.  He says it catches up with him the next day in the tree stand.  And well, the outcome... Let's not talk about the outcome.  Let's just say, keeping a roll of tissue in his napsack/backpack is smart business! OK... wanna know my quick and easy venison recipe?  Here tis: QUICK Venison Chili - Cooked in Cast Iron 1    27oz. Can of Bush's Chili Beans (Pinto Beans in Chili Sau...

Seriously, I previously stated in an earlier blog that I hate Christmas trees.  Ok, I don't want to be labelled as a "hater".  I will just say, I accept Christmas trees for what they are; mess and all.  If you put up a Christmas tree, understandably it's your business and not mine.  AND, yes, for those of you who think I'm a 'hater', I do have a Christmas tree up.  My husband and kids went out into the woods, found the scraggedliest tree they could find and brought it home.  I TOLERATE the leaning tower of cedar, as long as it makes the hubby and kids happy.  Never mind the needles all over the floor... yes, the one's I am constantly finding stuck in my feet, and those pesky pieces that seem to find their way into my bra strap and underdrawers.  I'm having one of those; How DID THAT Happen moments as I type this blog post.  Sweep you say; oh... please, seriously?  Water?  Like you think I don't already do that. I got to thinking.....

Do your kids necessarily need all those things you're going out to get them?  Are you a conservative, preaching to everyone else about that 'sense of entitlement'... WELL, wonder what it stems from? What makes your children think they are all deserving of those items you wrap, hock your gold, run up the limit on the charge card, or sometimes steal for and carefully place under the green glob of shedding mess you are calling a Christmas tree? Is IT the list?  YEAH, you know the one.  The infamous, unforgettable list Santa creates each year.  The Good and Bad list.  Ewww... that's the one!  Is it the list that causes you to do this.  Are you as a parent afraid of not being placed on the PARENTAL "Good LIST"? Who said 'being Good' was rewarded with material things?  Don't we more often than not say to our children, "If you are good, you'll get this... or that."?  Why don't we just teach our children being good is an expectation...