S'mores!

We love to eat messy things. The kids have been begging for marshmallows, so Clark lit a fire in the firepit and we enjoyed some toasted s'mores! Yum yum. Even Kenny got in on the fun.

Ghandi had it nailed: “First they ignore you, then they ridicule you, then they fight you, then you win. “

This is a rant. This is my opinion. Sorry, I just need to get it out.

I talked to my kids today about what happened in our country yesteraday and my four year old cries "No! We need our choices!" my 6 year old said "We should move to another country."

They are attacking us at our worst. We are tired! Most of us have been struggling to keep food on the table. We are loosing our houses and loosing our jobs. Of course it would be the best time to strike us hard, because maybe we are a little weak right now. But I say "hold on a little longer"! Dig deep and fight strong! Life Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness: it's worth fighting for.

I am so tired of this! When did the government take over our lives? I am still proud to be an American because I know the people have the power. It is time we use that power to ensure our children have a better life than what 'they' want for us.

If you’re like me, when you call representatives, write letters or attend tea parties, you pick up the tab and sacrifice your own personal time in hopes that someone will listen. I’d much rather spend my time and money with my family, business or hobbies than hoping my actions will result in my federal representatives actually representing. And anyone that could have done anything about the health care bill is in Washington D.C., you can’t meet with them, you don’t know them and you cannot reasonably hold them accountable. How can you really expect them to feel any pressure to represent you? Yes, morally your expectations are valid because they should do the will of the people. Unfortunately, the reality is without the power to exert an opposing force, you will continue to be disregarded as a mere annoyance.In our case, the small market that we can dominate quickly is our state government. From here we can team with other like-minded states and form a block of resistance that has real legal possibilities, much more powerful than rallies, letters and phone calls. Owning our state governments is an absolute necessity.

Ignore the Feds, Empower the States

We have state governments for a reason. Regardless of what today’s media would have you believe, state representatives are not elected state paper-shufflers or federal mandates. State governments share power with the federal government as equal partners in a system designed to decentralize power and protect “we the people” from foreign and domestic threats.

Ignoring D.C. actually means that we must use state governments to defy unconstitutional federal laws, starting with the health care bill today. The federal government itself must be identified as the threat and we must use the legal power of our state governments under the 10th amendment to eliminate the threat, and formally ignore unconstitutional mandates.

Jefferson described the 10th as “the foundation of the Constitution” and added, “to take a single step beyond the boundaries thus specially drawn … is to take possession of a boundless field of power, no longer susceptible of any definition.”

The feds took that step today.

States have many constitutional options when dealing with the federal government including court challenges, nullification and interposition to name a few. Individually, you do not have these, so you must focus on using your influence to make sure your state representatives know about and are willing to use these tools. The first steps are already moving forward as 37 states have introduced Health Care Freedom legislation. In addition, state attorney generals have already stated their intention to challenge these federal bills as unconstitutional.

Individually, “we the people” have a very important role too. We must influence our state representatives, and then encourage them. And, when the going gets tough we must stand shoulder to shoulder with them in defiance of what will be an intimidating federal response. “Ignore the feds, empower the states” must be our mantra.For the most part, the federal government has ignored any resistance to the health care bill. Tea Parties have been ridiculed as radicals of all varieties such as “tea baggers”, “astroturf”, “racists”, and “domestic terrorists”. But, they have never formally acknowledged the existence of this movement. Once we begin to focus our attention on the state governments, everything changes. The media will be unable to ignore a block of defiant states. Personally, you will be ridiculed as a “tenther” (I think this is pretty cool) but once states exhibit defiance it will not be long before the federal government shifts it’s focus to the states not the individuals. That’s when you will know that you are not being ignored anymore.

At a minimum, your state will be ridiculed as out of touch with reality, as constitutional rogues, racists, and more. The governor of your state and your state representatives will be positioned as little more than common rabble rousers and will be the target of incredible pressure to compromise. But this must be overcome before we can win and we must solidly stand with state representatives. Federal funds will be used to coerce states to comply as has been common practice for some time. This will be specifically painful with health care because defiant state’s federal funds will be used to finance compliant state’s health care. However, this cannot be allowed to stand for any significant amount of time so states must be influenced to pass state legislation that denies the federal government what they covet most, tax revenue.

From here on, resolve will be the key. Not just your resolve, but the resolve of the rest of the citizens in your state. So it’s our responsibility to educate neighbors and make sure the right state representatives are in place.In order for us to reset this country and return to spending time with our businesses, families and hobbies; we must again in no uncertain terms confirm the revolutionary message that the people are the source of power. The federal government must fear the people, and the state governments are the legal method in which to achieve this goal. Jefferson clarified the goal:

“When the people fear their government, there is tyranny; when the government fears the people, there is liberty.”

Ignore the Feds, Empower the States.

Brian Roberts [send him email] is the State Chapter Coordinator for the Texas Tenth Amendment Center

Sew Crafty

I love crafty blogs. I search crafty blogs for more crafty blogs. I think I love it because I am not crafty and I need lots of inspiration. Well, I found this little owl teething toy and I had to make it. I have a little baby boy who is teething for sure, and I wanted to make it with what I already had. I don't keep ribbon in stock so I only had one spool. The wing "tags" are made from scrap fabric. But I LOVE it! When Kenny wakes up in the morning I hope he will too. So thanks goes to this cute blog.

Ain't he cute?!

Quilting for Babies!

I love babies!! And I love my awesome family. I have two sisters who are preggo with girls right now (and yes, I am very jealous!) So I have dabbled into the world of quilting and finished two quilt tops. My wonderful, generous Aunt Jane is going to use her magic quilting machine to make them even more beautiful. At first I thought the heart shape one would be for Sandy and the pinwheel would be for Jamie, but I might be changing my mind, or maybe not. Maybe it'll be easier to choose after they are quilted. So here they are.

I love springtime! It is so choice. I thank heaven for all the rain that has made this desert wasteland look so beautiful!

Awake, thou wintry earth -
Fling off thy sadness!
Fair vernal flowers, laugh forth
Your ancient gladness!
~Thomas Blackburn, "An Easter Hymn"

Give Thanks!

Below is a list of very inexpensive gift ideas perfect for people who would like to let others know how much they are loved.

1. 7-UP: 7-UPlifting ideas for a wonderful holiday season. (include seven uplifting thoughts/ideas)
2. 7-UP:7-UPlifting thoughts for a good week. (include seven uplifting thoughts/ideas)
3. A bar of soap with a note: Just a little visit with you washes away the blues.
4. A bundle of anything (towels, scrapbook supplies, cookies): Just a bundle of thanks
5. A dishcloth or gloves: Thanks for the handy work Job well done
6. A juice pitcher filled with candy canes- We pitcher you raising a little cane during the holidays! Have a merry Christmas!!
7. A package of seeds: My love for you just keeps growing!
8. A picture of a clown with a wrapped fireball candy glued to the nose: No clowning around, we love being your _____________.
9. A plate of cookies: Wishing you ____________ from your "Crummy" neighbors.
10. A rope with a knot in it: When you get to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on we'll come runnin'!
11. A small bunch of bananas: We just went bananas when we heard you were sick!.
12. A spool of thread with a note attached: Friendship is the thread used to weave the material of life.
13. A sucker: A visit with you makes our life sweeter.
14. An Apple: You're such a polished person
15. Any Angel: Hoping you have a Heavenly Christmas!
16. Any gift: Bundled up with warm wishes!
17. Any gift: Just a Little Christmas Cheer from Happy Hearts this time of year!! Merry Christmas!
18. Any homemade food: Seasoned with Love
19. Any homemade treat: Wishing you a scrumptious Christmas!
20. Any kind of rolls: Here's a sweet treat Rolled up with warm Holiday Wishes! Merry Christmas!
21. Any soda: We're soda-lighted for have you for a friend.
22. Any soda: We're soda-lighted to wish you _______________.
23. Any soda: We're soda-lighted"to get to know you better.
24. Any sweet treat mix: Wishing you a rich _______!
25. Any sweet treat: A sweet treat for a sweet friend!
26. Any sweet treat: Hoping you have a Rich and wonderful Holiday !
27. Any sweet treat: Wishing you a ______ filled with sweetness!
28. Any sweet treat: Wishing you a day full of sweetness
29. Any Sweet Treat: Wishing you a season filled with sweetness!
30. Any sweet treat: You're so Sweet...having you as neighbors is really a treat! Have a Heavenly Holiday Season!
31. Anything Angel: Hoping you have a Heavenly __________
32. Anything Angel: Thanks for being such an Angel!
33. Anything Santa: HO-HO-Hoping your Christmas is heavenly!
34. Apple anything (Pie, cobbler, crisp, muffins): Sending you a Bushel of love!
35. Apple Anything: You are the apple of my eye, ________!
36. Apple Cider w/wassail mix: A little something to spice up a cold winter day!
37. Apple Cider w/wassail mix: A little something to spice up Your Christmas!
38. Apples and Hershey's Hugs: A teacher can't live by apples alone... She needs Hugs too!!
39. Bag/box of Whoppers: Hope you have a Whopper of a ____________.
40. Banana Bread: Banana Bread just for you, because we love you a whole Bunch, too!
41. Bananas: If we could choose our friends, and we searched the whole world through, we'd go "bananas" trying to find a better bunch than you!
42. Bananas: We miss you / love you / hope you get well a whole bunch!
43. Barq's Root Beer: Wishing you a wonderful ____________, it shows you're "Barq-ing" up the right tree.
44. Basket of Bath Items: When you feel like a basket case, take a break...and slow your pace.
45. Basket of rolls and bear shaped honey: Have a honey of a day!
46. Bath oils, bubbles, salts: Some days can be a strain on our body and brain, so when you feel stressed, a hot bath is best, it truly will help keep you sane!
47. Bear shaped honey or stuffed bear: Hoping our honey of a friend has a beary _______________
48. Bear shaped honey or stuffed bear: You are Beary Special
49. Bear shaped honey: Have a Bear-y Sweet ________!
50. Bell : With each chime of this festive bell, may a Christmas wish come true, and bring you peace and happiness to last the whole year through!
51. Bell : With each chime of this festive bell, may a Christmas wish come true. And bring you peace and happiness to last the whole year through! Merry Christmas!
52. Box of light bulbs, candle, battery-operated candle: Have a bright and radiant Christmas!
53. Box of light bulbs, candle, battery-operated candle: Hope your Christmas is full of the light of Christ
54. Box of light bulbs, candle, battery-operated candle: May the light of Christ be with you always.
55. Box of light bulbs, candle, battery-operated candle: May your days be happy, your heart be light, your Christmas merry and the New Year Bright!!
56. Box of light bulbs, candle, battery-operated candle: Thanks for letting your light shine!
57. Broom or Feather Duster: You're dust the finest __________ we know!
58. Broom: You're "dust" the finest neighbors we know! Merry Christmas!
59. Bubble gum or bubble bath: May your holidays bubble over with fun!
60. Bubble gum or bubble bath: You have a bubbling personality.
61. Cake or Cupcakes: You take the Cake ________, We think you're first rate!
62. Cake with frosting: When it comes to _______, you're the icing on the cake.
63. Calendar: Keep Christ in your heart the whole year through!
64. Calendar: Keep Christmas in your heart the whole year through!
65. Candle: May your days be happy, your heart be light, your Christmas merry and the New Year bright!
66. Candy Canes: Hope you enjoy raising a little "cane" during the Holidays!
67. Caramel corn or popped popcorn: Just popped by to wish you well!
68. Caramels: Hoping you have a rich and wonderful day!
69. Carrot Cake: I really "carrota" lot about you!
70. Cheese ball and crackers: Spreading a little cheer
71. Cheese ball and crackers: We don't mean to sound "cheesy", but we hope you have a "ball" this Holiday Season!
72. Chex Party Mix: Remember Santa Chex his list twice to see who's been naughty or nice..so be good for goodness sake!! Merry Christmas!!
73. Chex Party Mix: Santa "Chex" his list twice to see who's been naughty or nice... so be good for goodness sake!
74. Chocolate Mousse Mix: Merry "Christmousse"!
75. Chocolate Orange : Orange you glad it's Christmas? Hope your Christmas is a Sweet one!
76. Christmas music or church music: May the sweet songs of Christmas make your heart rejoice!
77. Christmas music or church music: May this music bring the spirit of Christ into your home.
78. Christmas music: May the sweet song of Christmas make your heart rejoice!
79. Christmas music:May the merry sounds of Christmas bring a joyful melody to your holiday season
80. Christmas stocking or filled jar: Have a fun filled Christmas this year
81. Christmas stocking or filled jar: May your days be filled with joy
82. Cinnamon Rolls: Here's a sweet treat Rolled up with warm wishes!
83. Cinnamon Sugar for toast: May your Christmas be sprinkled with sweetness, laughter, and love!
84. Cleaners or sparkling cider: You add sparkle and make our life brighter!
85. Cleansers or sparkling white toothpaste: You add sparkle and make our lives brighter!
86. Cocoa Mix: Just something to keep you warm on thse cold winter days
87. Cocoa Mix: Wishing you a warm and wonderful Christmas!
88. Cookie Dough: Everyone Needs a little extra Dough for Christmas!
89. Cookie dough: Here's a little extra dough for Christmas!
90. Cookie dough: Your a smart Cookie!
91. Cookies with sprinkles: May your Christmas be sprinkled with joy and laughter this holiday season!
92. Cornbread or corn muffin mix: We're not trying to be "Corny", we just want you have a ___________!
93. Crayons and coloring book: May your days be colorful and filled with joy!
94. Divinity: May your Christmas be Divine and your holidays so fine!
95. Divinity: May your Christmas be Divine and your Holidays so Fine! Sweet Christmas Wishes!
96. Donuts: "Donut" you know we love you?
97. Eggbeater: Have an "eggstra" special ____________
98. Eggbeater: Have an Eggstra Special Holiday !
99. Eggnog: Have an Udderly Moovalous Holiday!
100. Filled Basket: Wishing you a basket full of blessings
101. Filled Basket: Wishing you a basket full of Christmas blessings
102. Flower: If friends were flowers, we'd pick you!
103. Flower:You make friendship bloom all year round!
104. Frozen or ready-to-eat pizza: Warm up to a wonderful holiday season topped with Christmas cheer.
105. Frozen or ready-to-eat pizza:Your the Topps! Or You have Pizza-z!
106. Fruit Basket: May your _________ be festive and fruitful!
107. Fudge: Fudge a little on the calories and enjoy a day off from your diet!
108. Gallon of milk: Have an "udderly moovalous" day!
109. Gift certificates from a fast food place: Lunch is on me!
110. Gift certificates from a fast food place: Man can not live by bread alone.
111. Gift Certificates of your time: Make gift certificates that say things like: Good for one scrapbooking session-with my supplies! Good for ___ hours of babysitting!
112. Ginger bread House: Nibble, Nibble like a mouse, We hope you'll nibble at this house!
113. Grater and cheese: To a grate neighbor
114. Grands Cinnamon Rolls (Pillsbury): Have a grand holiday!
115. Grands Cinnamon Rolls (Pillsbury): We think you're grand!
116. Grands Cinnamon Rolls (Pillsbury): Happy Grandparents' Day!
117. Gum: By Gum, You're a great ___________!
118. Gummy bears: You're Beary Important
119. Heart Ornament: May the joy and love you give away, come back to you on Christmas Day
120. Heart: Make a cute woven heart and insert the story Love's Best When You Give It Away
121. Hersheys Hugs: A friend always knows when you need a little hug!
122. Hershey's Hugs: Here's a hug for when you need it.
123. Hershey's Kisses in a wire wisk: We "whisk" you a Merry "Kissmas".
124. Hershey's Kisses in a wire whisk tied to a bottle of root beer: We whisk you a Merry Kissmas and a Happy Root Beer!
125. Holly wreath: Happy Holly-days!
126. Homemade Chocolates: You're so sweet... having you as _______ is a real treat!
127. Homemade Frozen Rolls: Here's a little holiday treat. Rise and bake, it can't be beat! Warm fresh rolls just for you. Top with butter that's all you do! Warm Holiday Greetings to you,
128. Homemade Ice cream of a Frozen Treat: Here's the Scoop: Hoping your Holidays are a Blizzard of fun!
129. Hostess Ho-Hos: Hope a merry HO HO HO fills your heart the whole year through! (Put a santa sticker on the label)
130. Ice Cream Snowballs and Hot Fudge: Here's some packaged snowball treats: Just Drizzle Hot Fudge and its ready to eat!...Enjoy!!
131. Ice Cream: Have a Cool Yule!!
132. Ice cream: Instead of "I scream", have some "ice cream!" Hope your week goes better.
133. Jar of jam: Hoping your Christmas is jam-packed with cheer.
134. Jar of Jelly: A copy of the story of 'Twas the Night Before Christmas" with the words "And it shook when he laughed like a bowl full of jelly" underlined! Merry Christmas!
135. Jar of Jelly: Jelly is like love: you can't spread it around without getting some on yourself! Merry Christmas!
136. Jar of Pickles: Just in brine, Our wish for a ___________!
137. Jolly Ranchers: Have a Holly Jolly Christmas
138. Jolly Ranchers: Have a Jolly day!
139. Juice pitcher filled with candy canes: We pitcher you raising a little cane during the holidays.
140. Lamb: Have "eweself" a Merry little Chistmas!
141. Lamb: We miss / love ewe!
142. Life savers: You've been a life saver!
143. Lifesavers: You've been a life saver! Have a great Christmas!
144. Loaf of bread: For being there when you were "kneaded", for "rising" to the occasion, large or small. For never "loafing" on the job for helping others "heel" with TLC. Not matter how you "slice" it, you do a terrific job loving others.
145. M&Ms: Have a Merry & Most wonderful Holiday Season!
146. M&Ms: Give a bag with the M&M Christmas poem.
147. M&Ms: Have a merry and most wonderful holiday season!
148. Matches: No one Matches you as _______!
149. Matches: To our matchless friends.
150. Measuring cup or spoons: Wishing you a joy beyond measure!
151. Measuring Cup or tape measure: Wishing you Joy Beyond Measure!
152. Microwave popcorn and sodas: Pop, pop, fizz, fizz, oh what a good friend you is!
153. Mints: Our friendship was mint to be!
154. Mints: Your kindness mint so much to me!
155. Mints: You're worth a mint!
156. Mints: We really mint to tell you we love you!
157. Mints: Friends like you are worth a mint!
158. Mints: That mint so much! Thank you.
159. Mints: We mint to wish you a Merry Christmas
160. Muffins or muffin mix: You're gettin' muffin for Christmas!
161. Mug filled with Hershey's Hugs mix: Sending you a hug in a mug.
162. Mug with hot chocolate mix: Just sending a chocolate hug in a mug.
163. Mugs with hot chocolate mix: To our special friends who are so Dear; We wish you all a cup of Cheer!
164. Mugs: To a Special Teacher dear, wishing you a Cup of Cheer!
165. Mugs: To our special friends who are so Dear, We wish you all a cup of Cheer!
166. Nail polish: Just to put a little color into your life
167. Now & Later: We thought we should get our Visiting Teaching done Now rather than Later.
168. Nuts, peanut butter, brownies with nuts, or nutty candy bar: It's the nutty time of the year again, so please don't lose your cool! Relax, and munch this little treat and have a Happy Yule!
169. Nuts: We're nuts about you!
170. Orange or chocolate orange: "Orange" you glad we're friends?
171. Ornament: Gift of Myself - Print out this gift-box shaped ornament, and place a picture of you, your child, or the Savior in it.
172. Oven mitt filled w/treats: We have to ad-mitt you're a great neighbor!
173. Paper towels: Blot out your troubles, absorb the Christmas spirit.
174. Paper Towels: Blot out your troubles; absorb the Christmas Spirit!
175. Pasta and spaghetti sauce: Have a pasta-tively easy dinner night.
176. Pasta: Have a pasta-tively happy holiday!
177. Pencil and notepad: Hope your Christmas is something to write home about!
178. Pencil and notepad: Just a note of Thanks!
179. Pencil and Notepad: Merry Christmas from our pad to yours!
180. Pencil and Notepad: Merry Christmas to a note-worthy friend!
181. Pie: Just a little hi and a slice of tasty pie!
182. Pie: Wishing you a scrumptious Holiday
183. Pie:No matter how you slice it you're a great dish.
184. Pitcher with Kool-aid: Thanks for being a "Kool-aid" when things were tough
185. Plant: The kindness you show makes our friendship grow and grow!
186. Plant: The kindness you show makes our friendship grow and grow!
187. Popcorn Balls: Hope you have a ball
188. Popcorn Balls: Hoping you have a Ball this Holiday Season!
189. Popcorn or Carmel Corn: May your Holidays be Poppin'!
190. Popcorn: Just "popped" by just to say Hi!
191. Popcorn: We just popped by to see how you are.
192. Potpourri: May this sweet scent bring back thoughts of warm Christmases long ago!
193. Puzzle: We were puzzled over what to get such great neighbors like you, so we hope this fits together to wish you a Merry Christmas!
194. Recipe: Just like you friend... it's tried and true, just for you! Happy Baking! or Happy Holiday Baking! or Merry Christmas Cooking!
195. Rice Krispie treats: Snap, Crackle, Pop! We think you're tops!
196. Root beer: We're "Root"-ing for you to have a great ___________
197. Root beer: We're "rooting" for you.
198. Salsa and tortilla chips: Have a hot and spicy ____________!
199. Salsa: Add a little spice to your life
200. Scouring pad/sponge: I'd scour the earth for a friend like you!
201. Snickers bar: Don't snicker; just be glad you got something.
202. Socks: You're the pair I'd pick!
203. Socks: Fill with chocolate coins and the Legend of the Christmas stocking poem.
204. Soup mix: 'You're souper'
205. Soup or soup mix: Wishing you a Souper ________!
206. Sparklers: I love to see your sparkling smile it makes me want to smile
207. Sparkling Cider: Wishing you a sparkling holiday season!
208. Spices or Seasoning mix: Seasoned with love: Happy Holidays
209. Spices or Spiced Cider Drink Mixes: Hoping your Holidays are Spiced Just right!
210. Sprite: May your Christmas be Merry and Sprite!
211. Sprite: May your Christmas be Merry and Sprite!
212. Squeeze-it Juice drink & Hershey's Kiss: Here's a squeeze and a kiss, to remind you you're loved and missed.
213. Star ornament: Remember the reason for the season!
214. Star ornament: Christmas Star Poem
215. Stocking or filled jar: Have a fun filled christmas this year!
216. Stocking: Fill with chocolate coins and the Legend of the Christmas stocking poem.
217. Strainer: We couldn't restrain ourselves from wishing you a very Merry Christmas!
218. Stuffed animal: "Pawsing" to wish you a Merry Christmas!
219. Stuffed animal: Pawsing just to say _________
220. Sugar Cookies: Rolling out a batch of cheer, for someone we think is very dear!
221. Sugar Cookies: Rolling out a batch of Christmas cheer, for someone we think is very dear!
222. Swedish fish: Catch the Spirit
223. Swedish fish: To a missionary: Congratulations on your call to become a "fisher of men"!
224. Tape Measure or ruler: with By the yard it's hard, by the inch it's a cinch and together we can do it.
225. Toffee or peanut brittle: Doesn't matter how you break it, you're the greatest!
226. Tray of goodies: We tray-sure your friendship.
227. Tray of treats: We "traysure" your friendship!
228. Treat mix or bread mix: Whip up this mix for a quick holiday fix!
229. Veggies and Dip: Dip into the holidays and a healthy New Year!
230. Veggies and Dip: Dip into the visiting teaching message.
231. Warm casserole or bread: Bundled up with warm wishes
232. Whisk Broom: Take a break from a busy day, and sweep all your cares away!
233. Wooden spoon w/favorite drink or baking mix: Not a creature was stirring...
234. Wooden Spoon: Whether stirring up cakes, cookies, soups or souffles, you'll find this spoon useful in so many ways, but whatever it's used for it says, Merry Christmas from us to you!
235. Yule Log: We send you warm greetings this Christmas Season!