pen of jen

Closed for a bit

2009-03-07T14:44:00.002-05:00

I am still having problems with blogger. It is hit or miss if I can get in this blog to post, so for now I am going to be posting exclusively on Double Nickel Farm.

I hope to see ya swing by and say hello!
Jennifer

Money spent Not crazy...

2009-03-05T07:11:00.003-05:00

Jennifer Aniston reportedly had a $50,000 haircut! I have always thought she was pretty but perhaps she doesn't? I mean how much can you do to a head of hair that merits $50,000? If I were in her circle perhaps I would have an intervention. She seems to be having some low self esteem, and therefore needed to uplift herself in the fashion of = spend money, feel pretty.

When Britney Spears took hairstyling into her own hands, her mental well being was taken into play and her children were only permitted to visit if another was present.

With the no sense logic of Hollywood and so many Americans addicted to the lights and camera, I see exactly why the stimulus seems to be a good idea. The need to spend money to create the ideal that one is making money is today's catch phrase.

Here is my tip for Miss Aniston, spend whatever you wish, as we Americans have lined your pockets because you spin a believable yarn, but in times where so many are struggling perhaps you should just be a bit more hush hush about it...

And Britney, nothing crazy in the US lasts, so Kudos to you with the clever career move. You now are back in the circuit and I know we bumbling idiots that need to be mind stimulated will sit and be intoxicated by your most certainly NOT SO INNOCENT stage performance.

Funny I read all of Hollywood's story when I was a little girl. I know most of you did too...click here to be sure that you have.

No Christians Need Apply

2009-03-05T07:04:00.006-05:00

I found this on Little Green Footballs. Do you think that this could for one moment say

Christianity
Covered by the Blood
1-800-God-Save

Still Blogger?

2009-03-05T07:02:00.002-05:00

I have been having problems once again with blogger. Sometimes I am unable to log into this account.

Jen

Why?

2009-03-03T09:18:00.003-05:00

Obama sees 'tougher times' for African Americans. Why? Are blacks unable to handle a stressful economy? Is race a factor?

We were called racists for mentioning anything about race during the election.

Now with government spending so much money(and statistically more blacks are on federal entitlement programs) why would blacks have a tougher time? Won't they be afforded more entitlements(I mean nearly a TRILLION DOLLARS TO REBOOT THE ECONOMY), such as education from cradle to grave, food stamps, welfare, birth control, more state funded abortions, additional affirmative action programs, blah blah blah.

I have news for everyone. Obama is NOT trying to unite this country. No, he is trying to divide the country, and has gone out of his way to push a wedge in everywhere. Seems to me, that when one stirs the water that perhaps they want mud.

Obama is pushing the citizens as far as he can, perhaps to civil unrest, rioting, protests, and even talk of revolts, for what purpose? Maybe he, like dictators in the past, wishes to have reason to call in the military.

Wow, to write that is frightening but I am no longer sure what Obama has as an allegiance to , but it is clear it is not the USA.

Remember this, his first televised interview was with a Muslim TV studio. He and his wife were never proud of this country, remember how he spoke about his grandmother? She was a typical white woman. Remember his church that he was a member of for 20 years? Remember Bill Ayers? Obama denied more than an acquaintance relationship, yet post election Ayers reveals a pretty good friendship. Remember how you have to pay your taxes? Obama has mocked us, by placing not one, not two but several tax evaders in his cabinet. How's that for showing us HE DOES NOT RESPECT THE LAWS THAT HE WILL REQUIRE US TO OBEY?

By the way, I believe differently than President Obama. I believe that all of us will be having tougher times because of the TRILLIONS* OF DOLLARS THAT OUR GOVERNMENT HAS GREEDILY ~~BORROWED~~ STOLEN. The money is not to stimulate but to fill every pork barrel in the world. Mind you technically they have no pork in the package...please research and read the package. You will be appalled at what has been inserted by GREEDY POLITICAL LEADERS.

* it will be in the trillions by the time we repay the loans.

Jennifer

Ok Folks

2009-02-27T21:21:00.003-05:00

Nancy Pelosi held a press conference to reassure the American public that everything is going to be just fine. We can take from her strength, confidence, and peaceful expression that assures us that we have no worries about the stimulus and the non-stop spending of our government...
I feel better- don't you??

Something to Think About

2009-02-27T12:28:00.004-05:00

"You cannot legislate the poor into freedom by legislating the wealthy out of freedom. What one person receives without working for, another person must work for without receiving. The government cannot give to anybody anything that the government does not first take from somebody else. When half of the people get the idea that they do not have to work because the other half is going to take care of them, and when the other half gets the idea that it does no good to work because somebody else is going to get what they work for, that my dear friend, is about the end of any nation.

You cannot multiply wealth by dividing it."

Dr. Adrian Rogers , 1931 - 2005

Most Profound Post You Will Read

2009-02-26T21:57:00.003-05:00

Please jump over to Susan's blog, as you will be shocked. If you do nothing else please go over...it is so relevant in today's time and world.

Click here to read her post.

Look for the Positive

2009-02-26T09:56:00.003-05:00

Often when things seem most dismal, we forget to see the positive. In times where the economy is so rough and probably will only get worse, the bright side is that the obesity crisis will work itself out of crisis mode.

Now many people are already in shape and they can take the lead and help those that are obese, into a fitness regime. You see it is important to have a balanced plan of exercise and diet.

Here is who I think should be the next Secretary of Fitness:

Thanks for the crazy email, as it made me laugh out loud and of course share it here!
Jennifer

How to Dress for Suceess

2009-02-25T14:05:00.002-05:00

On my farm blog I share a tip on dressing for success in economic times like we are in. Feel free to jump over and check out my tip here.

Caption Anyone?

2009-02-24T22:48:00.000-05:00

Real or Fake?

2009-02-23T21:34:00.004-05:00

It is surreal to believe that our nation has taken such a twist so quickly. Often times we look for the best in everyone and miss the truth that is right before our eyes.

Just because one says that they love this country means nothing. Their actions tell us differently. I will not rehash all the anti American sentiment that Obama has shown us. I will mention that in the past few weeks he has gone out of his way to align himself with those, that weeks before our nation considered enemies.

Obama has been completely open with with his sentiment and he has about half the population that believe in him.

When we believe in someone often we will not see the truth.

Kind of like these next pictures. The truth is that they are just sidewalks. The reality is that many cannot stop seeing a crevasse or a burning street, even though they are shown the truth.

Photos courtesy of Daily Mail

My question is this: How much more proof do you need that Obama is diligently working to make America a socialist state?

Bailout Brilliance

2009-02-23T16:51:00.003-05:00

People are in need now, so the state of Washington has stepped up to the plate to rescue those hurting...read here what they did.

Boy this is going to stimulate the economy. I am so giddy with how I can hear the registers clicking once again...

And if you can stomach more read this article. If not here is a lovely blurb:

In the meantime, prepare for chaos.
Prepare for harder times than you have seen in your lifetime.
Prepare for more debt.
Prepare for more redistribution of wealth, more unfairness and inequity.
Prepare for one bailout after another.
Prepare for more "emergency" legislation like the so-called "stimulus" bill.
Prepare for unilateral executive action through presidential decision directives.
Prepare for attacks on the free press and free speech.
This is where we are inevitably going with the "change" promises by Obama.
You're going to get change all right.

Friends I am not trying to be a doomsayer. The news is doing it for me-there is Hope by the way...and if you wish to receive a free bible click here.
Jennifer

Hand out or Hand up?

2009-02-23T09:43:00.004-05:00

I have really had no energy to post because of a few reasons. 1) I have been under the weather and 2) I am trying very hard to not *see* the destruction of my nation. I am trying to be upbeat but it is obvious that the leaders are not trying to make our nation greater but worse.

Yes I just wrote that.

I wonder if the readers of Pen of Jen get the reality of the sabotage of our nation by the government?

Here is one of the many proofs that the government desires not to make us great but instead desires to make is worse: If states accept the federal bailout money they must remove the Clinton era requirements on welfare. This means that before if you were able bodied, you were to look for work. Now this will not be the case. HUH????

The government does not wish for those who are dependent on the government achieving their independence...

FAILURE...

Oh and our leaders are already planning the next spendulous campaign...Be informed as this is not over- contact YOUR elected officials and tell them enough is ENOUGH.

Jennifer

Be Informed

2009-02-20T10:11:00.004-05:00

Obama has achieved another milestone: hero.

Big Brother is alive and well in Chicago.

Time limits on homework.

Hard times even for the elite?

It is our time to make a stand...tea anyone?

Be informed read news and understand the times.
Jennifer

UPDATE ON THE UPDATE Caption Anyone? Update: A collage of Captions

2009-02-17T09:32:00.004-05:00

UPDATE ON THE UPDATE~~
Sometimes we get comfortable and forget that we are guest of someone else on a blog. I know I have done it before, and I pray that I will not again.

But~ this is my blog. I chose the format and the style. I approve what is posted and what is not. I made a collage of captions and they stand. If you dislike someone else's comment please refrain from voicing your opinion. This is my blog. I have no problem with you attacking me, or my posts, but I will not stand for name calling or snide snippets. I hope that you all understand.

The economic crisis is catastrophic. Obama said so. He has told us that even that housing solution probably will not work. Having a bit of brevity and taking a photo and captioning it is a release. Of course the current political events are relevant as readers here know I discuss all things.

So I am deleting all comments as I allowed(in my rush today) to let another comment slip through that was calling another childish/juvenielle. This is not the place nor will I permit it.
Jennifer

The captions were ALL hilarious. Some sad as they reflect the current events of the day. I am going to make a collage of the captions submitted...let me know what you think.

Dream BIG!!! "Are you telling me we're up sh#t creek without a paddle?"

What the American economy looks like now, and an example of who's going to be punished by it in the future.

oh that Gilligan, we should have never asked *HIM* for directions..

Up a creek without a paddle? What creek, I didn't see the creek?and hey where's our paddle ?

All aboard the U.S.S. Hope 'n' Change! Man! You sure were thirsty!!!!

Well, mom won't have to worry about us drowning, THAT'S for sure!

Pray for rain!!

Do ya think we can make this thing float in water??

This is the cruise you promised me????

Memories and Mistakes

2009-02-16T09:35:00.005-05:00

Scientist are coming close to being able to erase bad memories. Although I am not a scientist, I wonder how exactly only the bad stuff is erased? In fact I am the person I am because of all the memories, the good, the bad, and the ugly. (Does anyone think mad scientist when they read this?)

Mistakes are part of life. Often times something that you thought was a mistake turns out being your greatest accomplishment. As I think about the lessons I learned because I made a mistake, I am constantly taken back to when President Obama and what he said if his daughter made a mistake. He did not want them punished...

I am not perfect and have made many mistakes. Perhaps you too have made a mistake that causes you to wish to erase that terrible memory. I say forget the hope of erasing the memory, and find someone who will introduce you to the great Eraser. The One that took all the sins of the world away. He can take your sin(mistake) away too. If you wish to know more on how to be forgiven for terrible mistakes you have made in your life email mcbenningministries(at)yahoo(dot)com. Remember this He already paid for your sins. He is just waiting for you to turn to Him.
Jennifer

An Article About Homeschooling

2009-02-13T09:34:00.003-05:00

I found an interesting article about homeschooling that is well worth your read. Here is the article:
Homeschooling: A Breeding Ground For Conservative Ideology
I have been homeschooling for so long that I thought that I had heard every argument against homeschooling. I confess that I was wrong. This quote made me laugh out loud:

Homeschooling is a true vocation and parents devote all the means necessary to it, even if it means tightening their belts. State schools have been financially sacrificed for decades in the US, especially under Republican administrations.

I can actually imagine one stomping their foot at the injustice that a homeschooler can tighten their belts, and devote more time to the homeschool child than the public school can. Do you know what vocation means?

According to the online dictionary vocation means this:
1. a particular occupation, business, or profession, calling
2. a strong impulse or inclination to follow a particular activity or career.
3. a Divine call to God's service or to the Christian life.
4. a function or station in life which one is called by God.

Teaching is a vocation. Instead of whining for more money, perhaps the children of the nation would be better served by the example set by the homeschool families. Instead of trying to determine what can be taken from the homeschool example a barb is tossed towards Republicans. This is a sad state of affairs that the article while correctly listing that homeschoolers are often times more prepared for college, we can only take the negativity towards homeschooling.

Take the title. If you are a conservative and your children are in public school, you are being told volumes. Public schools are liberal breeding grounds. So no matter what you try and instill in your child, the public schools have more time to subject your children to an ideology that you disagree with.

Another interesting point of the article is that homeschool parents are often untrained to educate their children, yet the movement is successful and children are learning. Do you understand the implications of this?

Of course I am not trying to change your minds on whether you should homeschool or not. But if public school failure is the blame of Republicans then what are you political beliefs? As a conservative are you willing to stand idly by and allow the blame to be placed on Republicans?

Just as the stimulus package will prove, dumping more money into anything rarely attains results unless the goal is firm and not wavering. Public schools no longer focus on the basics, but every political wind blowing its way. The curricula is outdated before it hits the classroom, and the bias is obvious in the textbooks. Ponder the texts that had several pages devoted to a man that had not even been elected president. Consider the revisionist textbooks-the liberal agenda of tearing down the walls of family.

By the way it is my vocation to

“Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old, he will not depart from it" (Prov 22:6).

Jennifer

Really?

2009-02-12T14:17:00.005-05:00

In the times where BIG government has reached an all time high, once again we are shown the true colors of the Left.You see, single moms have been the bleeding heart banner of the Left. Over and over we get to hear heroic tales of single moms raising incredible children(think the road to the White House), yet the woman who is emulating Angelina Jolie in looks, and Mrs. Duggar in motherhood, receives NO MERCY.

Heaven forbid she set up a website asking for help. Folks if she were pregnant(naturally) I would say the same thing-this didn't happen by herself. She had a licensed, trained physician implant the embryos. Hmm...the silence is DEAFENING.

I think that every church in the nation should send her homemade quilts, baby clothes, food, and on and on and on. HOW DARE all the baby suppliers discriminate against her because her doctor was playing god, but ill prepared to do so. In our presidential position(messiah like Obama) we have the same case. I mean the good doctor just listened and OBEYED to the great man of HOPE and CHANGE.

Let me make this very clear, I am not for this IVF nonsense where so many are implanted. I absolutely believe that the mother is at risk for carrying so many, as are the babies because of the increased chance in prematurity, and other health issues. Just for the record I had one baby in 1995 that was 10 weeks premature. I would have loved the internet access that we now have. I would have set up a site asking for prayer, and even gas coupons because Bill and I had to rotate who would drive the 225 miles to the hospital that I was life flighted to(Fourth spent nearly 10 weeks in the hospital the first time). Our other children were 6, 3, and 2. It was incredibly difficult to experience all the emotional activities that occur to a preemie. Bill and I had the ordeal of being asked to authorize surgery for her...without anesthesia, as the surgeon told us she could die from the anesthesia. I cannot imagine having to deal with this times eight.

SHE IS SINGLE. We have embraced woman's rights in this nation. We have given a woman the ultimate authority in deciding whether the fetus in her lives or dies. SO THE NEGATIVE ATTITUDE PERPETUATED BY THE MEDIA NEEDS TO STOP. This mother just choose something that you on the Left believe a woman of sound mind would not choose. She choose to be a mother, and have a large family. That is the reality of this whole argument that is being continued.

I say YOU NEED TO STOP...If you do not wish for a woman to have this incredible power to cease or permit life then we can have a civil conversation. But ALL I HEAR IS YOUR DOUBLE STANDARD.

I KNOW THAT THE DOUBLE STANDARD IS SOMETHING THAT WE HAVE HAD TO DEAL WITH FROM THE LEFT...NO MORE.

If you have any clothing from your children or babies that you no longer use, wash it up, pack it up and send it her way. In these times(MSM) words, if you are fortunate enough to have some extra money, offer to pay a utility bill for a few months. You get the idea- let us recapture our nation. This is her blog.

Oh and the doctor playing god? Why are we keeping him protected?

BTW- if she aborted the 8...we would have never known about it- BECAUSE THIS WOULD HAVE CAUSED NO STIR...AS IT IS HER RIGHT.
Jennifer

Who Knows Best About Your Money?

2009-02-11T09:58:00.002-05:00

h/t Gateway Pundit

Advice for Valentine's Day

2009-02-09T22:15:00.002-05:00

Dear Readers
I am a very average person. If you saw me on the street, you probably would smile at me, because I would at you. But you would not be able to describe me aside from the fact that I am short.

I love being loved. I love loving my husband. Sappy but true, I really love him. You would notice him on the street for two reasons: he is very tall, and within minutes you would believe that you had met your old buddy from school. He is very personable, and just one of those people that is always upbeat.

One day my husband and I crossed paths and two days after our first meeting he proposed. Six weeks later we married. We decided early on that I would stay at home and Bill would work. Even before we had the children I became Bill’s helpmeet at home. I decorated our first tiny home with frilly girly things, and baked the only thing I knew how to bake…Chinese food from the can (you know the type it has two cans connected and then you buy the crunchy noodles to serve on the top). Side note-Bill told me after one dinner to never make it again. You guessed it: I botched a canned dinner!

But I never botched rushing to the door and greeting that young man. I would rush to the door and hug him and welcome him home to his castle. I would serve him meal after meal of a young woman learning how to cook. He ate everything after the Chinese dinner without complaint, as my eyes filled with tears when he told me never to make him that again. I think I broke his heart with the pain I felt that he knew he caused. It is a sorry trait that I have that my eyes well up with tears easily.

But the years passed and my cooking actually was bringing Bill’s co-workers over with him for dinner (Bill was in law enforcement-civilian and military). I was pleased that Bill could rest assured that the home was our haven-comfortable, cozy, clean, and safe…all things that one in law enforcement does not see in daily job, and therefore needed this to recharge.

Year after year for a few years we added extra little people to love. Mixed between were a few losses as pregnancy and I were not so compatible. Four children, in my opinion, ended up with the very best of Bill’s and my characteristics. I am in awe that we were able to bring them into this world.

I am no longer that young woman that had a car break down in Nevada…although the very amazing thing is that a bad situation of car problems changed my life forever. I met Bill as a result of that clunker car! I am a bit wider than when we met, a whole lot grayer, and more in love than I was when we met.

And I will tell you why, which is where the advice part of this post comes in to play. I am more in love with my Bill, because when I look into his eyes, I see how much he loves me. I see the depths of compassion, desire, anticipation, passion, hope, the future and a woman that I do not see when I look in the mirror. I see in his eyes a beautiful woman that is in his mind the most incredible woman on the planet. So you see that is the advice- speak with your eyes. Don’t rush off to Jared’s and buy a diamond, or flowers, but tell a love story to your spouse with everything in your soul, through your eyes. I will tell you this, I sometimes cry wondering how I ended up so fortunate. Somewhere out there I am sure a country song could be applied.

So this year get a bit corny and open up your heart and soul to the one that you love. As for me and my cutie this is our 21st Valentines Day as husband and wife so I am hoping you will appreciate that my advice is still of a newlywed couple and we haven’t experienced life yet- aside from 36+ moves in several states, several countries, had four children, experienced a life threatening injury, and live on a farm that we named the Double Nickel Farm for no other reason other than once we bought the farm we didn’t have two nickels to rub together.

Oh and Bill, I look forward to the next twenty-one years as so far you have taken me around the world…what is next?
I love you, and I will update this advice when we are married 42 years.
Jen

Part 1: Preparation- I am not able to publish it here...click on the farm on top right I published it there!

2009-02-08T21:41:00.001-05:00

A Simple Story

2009-02-07T15:48:00.004-05:00

Here is a story I heard when I was a young woman.

Long ago a young brave Indian was out in the mountains looking for game. He was not too far up in elevation but the temperature was chilly. As he walked he saw a rattlesnake, and he blinked twice as the snake began to talk to him.

"Please pick me up and take me down to the valley, as I am so cold" the snake said to the Indian. "No" the Indian said, because of course this was a rattlesnake. But after much pleading with the Indian the snake convinced him that he would not strike him.

The Indian picked up the snake and carried him down the mountain. Once he was in the valley he placed the rattlesnake down...and bam the snake struck and injected his poisonous venom in the Indian.

"Why" the Indian asked? The snake smugly replied "You knew what I was when you picked me up!"

I believe wholeheartedly that this story is relevant today. Our leaders are trying to buy our way out of a bad situation. The financial problems are a result of overspending and poor money management. A large percentage of the stimulus is going to PORK(so nothing will improve, it will be more of the same)

This is not a cloudy day that soon will be replaced by sunshine. So now to this thought:

We have picked up this snake...NOW WHAT?

Surprise!

2009-02-03T20:09:00.007-05:00

Here are the newest additions to the farm! One of our ewes gave birth this afternoon to twins! So you can imagine the total and complete excitement of this new farm family!!

Esther and the twins.

The twins!

I will post more on the farm blog-the sheep are Navajo Churro which are of the southwest.
Jennifer

Navajo Churro wiki link- the Navajo Churros are one of a few breeds that the rams can have four horns...we have a ram with four horns(named appropriately enough Quatro!)

Something to Ponder

2009-02-02T10:34:00.002-05:00

To the global Mother Earth crowd:

I am the problem.

I do not believe in your story.
I did not believe the Big Bang(as believing in something from nothing is a religion, just as my faith in God "In the beginning, God created")
I do not believe that my carbon footprint is evil because I live in the United States, while a woman in China is not responsible for her footprint. Equalize the standards or I am not going to pay attention.
On that note, if Al Gore is permitted to abuse the environment in his private jet because he is an alarm sounder then where can I sign up? Please send my private jet to the White Sands of New Mexico as I would love to begin saving the planet viewing from above the lovely National Park.

I am the problem.
I have three brothers and four sisters and they all tragically had more than their share of little carbons. Some even had double the alloted number of children. Bill has two brothers and four sisters. They too broke the carbon reproduction figure.
I am once again the problem. I am a fan of using toilet paper instead of cloth wipes.
I am the problem because I heat my home with wood heat, because no one would permit more nuclear power plants which could and should provide low cost power.
I am the problem because I serve meat to my family. I do not see the animal as a god and therefore place it where God told me to, under man.
I am the problem because I realize that to become earth friendly you expect one to spend oodles of money retrofitting the home into a green palace. The truth is coming closer to the surface- $$$$
I am the problem because sometimes I take two hot baths in one day. If I ache and feel the need or even if I just wish to soak and read a good book.
I am the problem because I drive a BIG GIANT TRUCK(F-250) and you would prefer that we have no vehicles to transport hay or animals or pull trailers to the farm.
I am the problem because I see our colleges and universities as being high-jacked by your agenda of America as the EVIL ABUSER OF THE WORLD.

I am the problem.
I do not believe in your story because it is about making money more than the planet.

If I believed your story I would feel inclined to die early as my very presence is part of the plague.
If I believed your story I would feel inclined to impress upon the viral humans that their offspring are just tissues until birth so off as many as you desire before term.
If I believed your story, I would have no foundation of truth- I mean the very premise of man being here is a happen chance of luck and survival. So I would do what ever it takes to make me and my family on top...survival of the fittest you know. Who says that killing is wrong? or theft? I mean what is to stop me from wiping out millions of virus/humans that are destroying my planet.

If I believed your story I would understand that any type of physical pleasure is fine as I am just an animal that made it higher on the evolutionary ladder...so have at it with children, men, women and any sort of lower animal species.
If I believed your story then it really doesn't matter what I accumulate here on earth as I am just awaiting my role as worm food, so I may as well be one who cheats clients out of millions or the bum living in the dumpster behind McDonalds.

If I believed your story I would not ride in cars, live in homes or use anything man made as remember man is the problem. I guess I would have to go around unclothed as clothing even animal or vegetation is taking from the environment.
If I believed your story I would not be able to go by a bookstore or a library without weeping as I reflect on the massive amount of trees that had to have been destroyed to provide the reading pleasure for the viral humans.

I do not believe the environmental story. What do you believe?

As a Christian I believe that God made this planet for man. Man is the problem, but God sent His Son to resolve our sins once and for all. God gave a book of hope and joy for us to reflect upon in all times. He even gave us a glimpse into the future(well for man) and we can read the Bible today as if we are reading or watching the news as the prophecies foretold so many years ago are unfolding before our eyes.

Perhaps you are in the middle of the issue, not really believing in the Global crowd anymore than you believe in the God crowd. I just have one question for you, who taught you everything that you know, because I promise you the Christians have not been welcome in our public schools since the late fifties...as teaching God's way. The educational system is lined with those who are smarter than God, therefore the truth that they share is exclusive. If they were so sure that they had the truth then let God in. But they can't because it is faith to believe in millions and billions of years, just as it is to believe in God- but with millions and billions they get to be the hero...and the Creator is denied.

One day you will die. Do you place all your faith in a system that man says created itself or will you ponder the possibility that God created it all? Either way death seals the door. Ponder that as you read the computer screen, because the randomness of the internet creating itself is what the notion of in the beginning BANG...
Jennifer

Something to Ponder -I am still having problems

2009-02-02T09:27:00.003-05:00

Multiples? Yay!

2009-01-31T22:02:00.007-05:00

I believe Blogger is going to allow me to post photos and words and YAY! Lots has happened on the farm and in the family. Bill and Second could not fly due* to delays in weather for oldest graduation from Basic Training. So they decided to drive as we know how important it is to have family there when you graduate. They made it to Oklahoma City when our son Bill called and told us that they canceled graduation due to the horrible ice storm that hit Kentucky:(

Bill and Second headed home. Our oldest son made it to his advanced training so all is well. Now to the photo above. On my farm blog(link on top right corner) I shared that we traded wood for four female goats(1 momma her twins, and a pregnant momma). Today I went to town for groceries when Bill called me and told me Jen, Helga(the goat) had her baby...

No, she had twins...

Then I received the biggest surprise of my being a farm wife...TRIPLETS!!!
This is the runt. So far all are doing well. Well they are doing well- because we brought the 'kids' all inside for the night. Our barn for Helga is not super warm, and it is to drop below 30 tonight. As farm life is supplementing our income...inside the kids are, snuggled in a bin by the woodstove. Actually the runt is being bottle fed right now.

By the way, in the second photo in the background is my very best friend EVER! We increased our African goose population by one more. This fellow...George, came from the same flock as the first five. But the five will not include him, so I am his flock. Not my daughter-who he honks loudly at, or any of the guys.

To be honest as embarrassing as it is to confess, I kind of like having this attention. George follows me every where, sits on my lap, and lets me pet him. He acts more like a dog then Pepsi-in first photo in background.

Well so far all seems ok. I was not able to enter my farm blog. Is anyone else having any problems?

I am working on switching to something else as the lack of control has really troubled me. Hopefully more soon. I am going to try and insert a title...sigh, I hope these photos do not disappear.
Jennifer

* oops I spelled do-not due...and I am once again able to enter my blog. Well kind of it took two tries and my password was wrong, then finally it was correct?!?!

2009-01-26T12:41:00.002-05:00

Now I can write in the post section but not in the title section. Go figure.

I am having problems posting...it seems I can only write in the title section!?

2009-01-26T12:38:00.000-05:00

What to do, what to do...

2009-01-22T11:40:00.013-05:00

I have the solution as to what to do with the prisoners at Gitmo. They have quite the resume and would be perfect in one place in American society.

Before I go on I am going to list the credentials of these prisoners: they hate Americans, most also hate Jews, and desire Israel wiped off the map, they are rogue in the desire to kill-murder-end the lives of others, they have survived making all sorts off bombs that did not go off in the process of making them, and no country wishes for them to be "returned".(this is important because they need to understand that they can have the decadent lifestyle along with all their other aspirations of death and destruction)

We need to train these prisoners to become abortion doctors here in the grand old USA. Yes, I believe that they are qualified just by the desires and presence to kill what they view as unwanted. So we set them up in offices across the land aborting fetuses.(well to the prisoners we better refer to them as what they are American infants- but we can still call them fetuses so that we can pretend that they are not life *wink wink*)

Once we set them up in office they will not have time to do anything else as we abort nearly 4,500 babies per day. This would be the dream job for terrorist overseas hoping and praying to kill infidels in large numbers. I mean in a good year they could kill ONE MILLION AMERICANS, perhaps with some funding(well more funding) from the government they could take that number even higher.

And if the USA Today, Fox News and CNN are correct in their reporting, Obama is planning on funding abortion clinics overseas so any terrorist that cannot get in our country via the southern border can perform the nasty deed of slaughter elsewhere and the victims will be brought to them all wrapped up in a nice package of the mother.

No I am not trying to offend anyone but I am not able to sit blindly by and pretend that the thousands killed on 9-11, and the troops that have been killed since the war are any less or more of value than the 1 million babies that Americans extinguish each year. We live in harsh times- but if we are going to be more transparent and open with the truth- then roll up your sleeves and let's get honest.
Jennifer

Oh that's all you have to do?

2009-01-21T12:15:00.003-05:00

It is now the era of I'm sorry.

I'm sorry I did not pay my taxes...

I'm sorry that we are in an economic crisis, but I spent $170,000,000.00 on the inauguration.

I'm sorry but whites are racist so I am going to say so in an inaugural prayer.

I'm sorry that Bush was president and we Hollywood folks despised him and his buddies...but hey we are pledging to be "servants" to Obama. (hmm isn't slavery and servitude what the Left states Obama overcame?)

I am sorry that is for sure. I am sorry that we are a country where half the citizens believe that the government knows what is best done with YOURS- MINE AND THEIR money.

I am sorry indeed.
Jennifer

Caption Contest

2009-01-20T10:59:00.003-05:00

Time once again for the weekly Caption Contest. Have fun and feel free to enter as many captions as you wish. Winners will be announced on Friday.
Jennifer

Thank You President Bush

2009-01-19T19:54:00.005-05:00

I have one thing to mention as we end the Bush presidency and begin the Obama Presidency and that is of praise. Praise God that Agents Compeon and Ramos sentences were commuted today. Thank you President Bush for fixing this grave injustice.

My many posts about Agents Compeon and Ramos:
My post here closed with that prayer on July 20, 2007.
Fan or Fanatic
Duncan Hunter
Reflective Thoughts
It's Time to Release these Men
This is Insane
Where's the Outcry?

I will post about George Bush soon...as I have had nearly total respect for him. I pray that he and Laura have a wonderful transition to the private sector!
Jennifer

Caption Contest Winners

2009-01-16T10:31:00.004-05:00

First Place: Tom Blogical said..."...and it goes from 0 to 60 in 2.4 minutes!"

Second Place:Penless Thoughts said..."I may be slow, but I'm sure"

Third Place:Jungle Mom said..."Peddle faster, Wilma!"

Honorable Mention:Shane Rios said..."ok ill give you a 70 Minute head start you wont even be a quarter through the race."Says the Ferari.

Pat said..."If this energy efficient guy would use some energy to move out of my way, I'd pass him!!"

Timeless Classic:RightKlik said...The turtle and the hare.

Caption Contest

2009-01-13T10:40:00.008-05:00

Time once again for the Caption Contest! Have fun and feel free to enter as many captions as you wish. Winners will be announced Friday.
Jennifer

Seriously? Updated

2009-01-12T01:08:00.004-05:00

We all know what this photo is used for-as it is a kitchen gadget. As a home schooler for many years, I have seen this every time I think of our public schools. You see we are pouring so much money into our schools yet there is not one level of controlling the money. It drains through so fast that before the year is over we have heard at least 30 times how underpaid teachers are , and that they often spend their own money to support classroom activities. One enterprising teacher actually sells ad space on his exams to fund the printing cost.

Now I am not against teachers, nor wish to be the state's babysitter. What I am against is the absolute con that we the public are sold each year. Test have been repeatedly "dumbed down" for students to take. What this means is that all the tax dollars funding the schools are being used elsewhere instead of learning. When the social education takes precedent over the basics of reading, 'riting, and 'rithmetic, then we realize what happened to the money. We need to stop the gay awareness agenda- we all get that there are many sexual orientations. Stop building or attempting to build gay schools, trans-gender bathrooms, and readers for primary grades teaching pride in diversity, as the pride is really a shunning of traditional.

I am at a loss at the current cry from a Detroit public school. The mismanaged finances have reduced the principal into a beggar on the local corner, "Hey ~~mister~~ moms and dads, can you spare a roll of toilet paper, some garbage bags, and hey even a roll of paper towels?" Can you imagine this image? Well you don't need to as Principal Naomi Khalil is doing just this.

I say time to stop casting frowns towards the home school movement. Mismanaged schools across the nation condemn the very notion of homeschooling, all the while not educating as much as pandering. Take back the schools. If the teachers are not being paid enough force higher salaries for them...not the CEO's of the districts(Superintendents). Oh and I think that if I were to pick a secretary of Education I would pick the teacher ambitious enough to resolve the funding without taxing an already strapped citizen.
**************************

Rightklik wrote a great post on this subject that is well worth reading.

The public schools need to be revamped. I refrained from mentioning test results of home school vs. public school as I am not suggesting all students should be home schooled, but Pat did mention this fact. So I will expand on it, homeschoolers are testing far higher than public school students. Take a moment and chew on that, because the movement pays for the public school, then on a shoestring(usually) pays for their children's school needs.

~Money is not the answer.
~Being trained in education is not the answer as most parents do not have a degree in education, yet do quite well teaching their children.

Your thoughts?

To the Left and to the Right...More of the Same?

2009-01-12T00:37:00.007-05:00

This of course is a picture of George H.W Bush, Barack Obama, George W. Bush, Bill Clinton, and Jimmy Carter. Looking at the photo, I see a space I guess in my mind, I place Ronald Reagan in. With Reagan we would have 6 presidents, all who became presidents after Roe v. Wade.

The numbers add up this way: 20 years of Republicans in office, and 12 years of Democrats in office. Now for my thoughts- if Republicans are the party of Pro-Life, then why hasn't any measure been taken to cease this action, or at the very least boot the issue back to the states as it is a States issue?

I have seen many bloggers that took a stance against Obama because he is Pro-Choice. McCain has been in our legislative body for 25+ years...what did he do to cease abortion?

You see my quandary with writing this post don't you? Until we determine what our issues are, the Right is exactly like the Left, voting for the party all the while not sure what the party is all about. It seems to me that the Right is not a party of life , but uses that as a factor to gather a conservative religious vote.

I say if we are fortunate, and our country is not taken so far into socialism that we cannot fix it, that we should really determine what our political parties stand for, and hold them accountable and STOP voting for something that clearly is never going away.
Jennifer

Caption Contest Winners

2009-01-12T00:23:00.005-05:00

First Place: Pat said..."everyone in unison now, MAMA!!!"

Second Place: Glenn Bartley said...Don't be afraid - I'll move in and nip from the right, you guys go center and left. Just another tasty morsel but bigger.

Third Place:Jackie said...Happy Chicks Anonymous

Honorable Mention:CONNIE'S THOUGHTS FROM THE HEART said...Oh My!!! The sky is falling!

Timeless Classic: Tom Blogical said..."My, what a big beak you have, Mommy."

~And Blogical one more time because of the Burp~ Tom Blogical said..."We ate Jen for taking our picture and putting it on her blog for a Caption Contest. No winners this week! Burrrrrrp!"

Please forgive me for not posting the winners on Friday. With my laptop out of commission I am sharing the other computers with the family. Our Macs are sloooooooooooooooow, and the other computer is for school, IM'ing, and generally teen everything, so I pulled back. It has been a nightmare to not post. When I check on blogs on the Mac I am shown the evil circle rainbow(thinking delay).

My solution? To stay up late and use time no one wishes to use!
Jennifer

Pen of Jen has been called what?

2009-01-07T00:09:00.003-05:00

I wrote all about my newest handle tossed at me. I am sure it was meant to be negative, but am no longer convinced. Jump over and read what happened here. Oh and I really posted a photo of me this time!Lol~

Let me know what you think...
Jennifer

Caption Contest

2009-01-06T09:32:00.005-05:00

It's Caption Contest time once again! Have fun and feel free to enter as many captions as you wish. Winners will be announced on Friday.
Jennifer

He Never Left...sigh

2009-01-04T16:02:00.003-05:00

It's true, Governor Richardson has announced he will not become Obama's secretary of Commerce, due to some clouds hanging over him.

The corruption in government has no top, no bottom, no political party, no race, no gender~it is everywhere. The notion that Obama has the moxie to align himself with so many that are openly involved in corruption, scandal, terrorism, socialism, and Marxism is very telling. It is as if a nuclear blast occurred and only the cockroaches have survived.

I am sad for my country because no longer are deeds and slimy transactions done in dark corners, they are done in broad daylight with all to see.

H/T Blogical Conclusions

Caption Contest Winners

2009-01-02T10:16:00.003-05:00

First Place: mRed said...Ralph marveled at the kid's imagination when they complained that the trampoline hurt.

Second Place: Pat said...It's too hot to be jumping around, so let's just chill in the shade under this thing!!

Third Place: Shane Rios said...We are the Under "Deer's"

Honorable Mention: Jackie said...The perfect trampoline for the procrastinator.

Tom Blogical said..."You're sure nobody uses this thing...right Buck?"

Timeless Classic: Pam said... "Oh DEAR!"

Have a safe weekend!
Jennifer

Happy 2009

2008-12-31T18:37:00.001-05:00

Happy 2009!

Farmer and wife have photo up on the farm blog, so feel free to swing over and *meet* Pen of Jen once and for all~Double Nickel Farm~

Caroline Kennedy and Bored Housewives

2008-12-30T15:19:00.003-05:00

I read a post on a blog today that the comments took on a life of their own. Funny how that happens, yet I noticed something that makes me sad. In the discussions as to whether Caroline Kennedy is qualified to be the next senator from New York she was compared to a bored housewife.

Silly thing is that this was meant to be negative, and made me take a step back and realize that like a line from a movie, “a house wife is never going to be good enough”. The stereotyping of stay at home women is so negative that few women ever admit that they desire to stay at home.

I find it interesting that often working women disparage the stay at home wives as if it is something worthless in life to do. Often stay at home in the public mind means uneducated, fundamental wife who doesn't know any better. This makes me very sad, as we have completely belittled the very role that cares and nurtures for the children. Yes friends I know that dads stay home too, and sometimes mothers have to work. But those that stay home are not doing so because they have no options. No, most women stay home for the family. The rearing of the children is as important as giving birth. It is an understanding that staying home day by day and providing for the needs of the children does make a difference in the child's life.

Clearly if I desired to, I could have found numerous child care providers for my kids and then could have been in the workforce. I most certainly would have been nearing my 20 year retirement.

So what is different about Caroline Kennedy and the average housewife? Well the average housewife runs a home, manages money on a shoestring, and provides meals, transportation and cleaning services all in a 24 hour day. Camelot for the average housewife usually comes after the kids are in bed, and the hot soaking tub is calling. The average housewife of 2008 understands the real American and forgoes fantasy politicians for Joe the Plumber reality. When we elect our politicians we need to be considering our peers and who would be placed on a jury if we were in trouble. You see the jury consideration at least gives us a chance for America.

If we keep electing people who are filled with hot air and bling, we will never see change that makes a difference. As a housewife- I most definitely would not have voted for the bailouts or a raise for myself. I would be in the trenches so to speak and truly understand when someone tells me that they cannot afford dental care. I would not offer to provide socialized health care- no instead I would tear down the walls of the insurance industry. I would remove those who have no medical degrees from determining health care. I also would stop the social agenda in public schools. I would forget the nonsense about how many mothers or fathers a child has, and instead reinstate recess. It is time to get our children active again, as we keep spouting off the need for reducing obesity in children, yet we take away any and all means for maintaining developing bodies.

Now I have just been sitting at the kitchen table trying to be the quarterback in the game, but perhaps it is time that some regular Joe’s step up to the plate. I believe that common sense and some fiscal responsibility are needed across the board in our government.

Why are we so enamored with those who have so much money that they cannot relate to someone who makes less than $30,000 a year? Money is not the key, nor is an education that is more of a social agenda than a place of learning. Our government is really old news, and sees every problem resolved by money.

I am no Caroline Kennedy, and am sorry that in her moment to stand up, she has the whole of Camelot covering her. I am sorry that she grew up not knowing her father as I share that with her. But if the Democrats wish to play fair, Caroline Kennedy in her six degrees of separation is as qualified as Hilary Clinton was to become the senator from New York. Both were intimately related to a president. In fact Caroline carries the bloodline of not only a president but also a senator, and a couple of congressmen and a former attorney general. If she is appointed or not no longer matters to this kitchen table quarterback because the bottom line is not about what we the American citizen need, but what Congress can get in pork.
Just my thoughts
Jennifer

Caption Contest

2008-12-30T00:07:00.003-05:00

It is Caption Contest time! Feel free to enter as many captions as you wish. Winners will be announced on Friday.
Jennifer

First and (Not So) Worst

2008-12-28T21:58:00.004-05:00

I haven't done a First and Worst in awhile so to wrap up my year on the farm I thought I would share some First and Worst Farm things.

This year brought the first time I raised one day old chicks(March 2008)...in the master bathroom to start. Worst thing about this...well nothing, it was actually pretty incredible.

This year brought the first time I raised one day old ducks(April 2008)...in the master bathroom to start. The worst thing about this- they are not chickens and smell and are ever so gross and messy. They lasted one week inside and my daughter and I decided because we had to clean up after them, that we would risk them dying outside. Fortunately they lived to be the first 4 of now 18 ducks!

This year brought the first time I have ever mucked out sheep, donkey, and fowl barns for a barter of 5 Navajo Churro Sheep. It was also the worst ever mucking job. I had poo on me of many critters and well it was GROSS.

This year brought the first time another farmer gave us goats to get us started. There is no worst with this one as I was so humbled that I broke down crying because of this generosity.

This is the first year we bought an entire flock of hens from a family, to include feed trays, pens, and a coop that was so heavy and we transported it on the back of the truck on back roads traveling about 15mph. The worst thing about this was that we bought this flock from a family that the dad has terminal cancer.

This is the first year we raised turkeys from day old chicks. The worst thing about this is two-fold. One being that no matter what about 15% of turkeys just die(yep we lost one) and two: I found out that even compared to dogs I like turkeys as pets the best~and sigh...we are not raising pets but food:(

This is the first year that we got geese. Only one from a little critter and 5 adults. The worst thing about geese is that they refuse to allow anything to enter the farm yard unannounced- oops that is NOT a bad thing as they are incredible watchdogs.

This is the first year that we traded a bit of wood for 4 more goats(one is pregnant) the worst thing about this is we are guessing as to the due date as we do not know when she got pregnant. I like to keep efficient records and not knowing worries me. Soon we will understand goat nature and this will not be so nerve racking.

This is the first year that I ended the life of another living creature. The worst thing about this is that I knew that we would be killing the animals for food, and that meat comes from animals, but it did humble me more than any other thing. In one moment we were provided with food, and we thank God every day-yet it was and will always be a somber day whenever we butcher.

This is the first year my plans for a garden were so grand. The worst thing is that my plans for what was to be grown did not coincide with the Lord's plans. The best thing about His plans was that we were blessed with a growing tip and many many pumpkins.

This is the first year that I ripped out carpets by myself. The worst thing about this is that on every subfloor it looked like something was murdered. Talk about creepy dreams since then(just kidding).

This is the first year I have all teenagers. The worst thing about this is the fact that it means that my babies are growing up!

This is the first year that I am the shortest person in the family. It took 20 years but here I am looking up to each of my children and Bill...I have no worst with this, as I wished that my children would not be as short as me.

This is the first year I have been the daughter of a US Army soldier, the wife of a former US Army soldier, and the mother of a US Army soldier. The worst thing about this is that I know what the ultimate price is having grown up without my dad, who was killed in Vietnam. I pray that I never finish what could be the worst thing a mother...

This is the first year that I have spent half my life with my husband. Pretty much no worst on this one either. Just neat that on my first year on the farm that this milestone happened.

I am sure I could go on and on. Thank you for visiting me, and uplifting me- as sharing my humble life has been part of the reason that my year filled with so many Firsts was not as hard as perhaps it sounds.

Thank you from all of us,
Bill Jennifer
First(Bill)Second, Third, and FoUrTh.
The Double Nickel Farm Family.

Open Invitation to CEO's

2008-12-27T00:00:00.003-05:00

Where is the America that paved its own path? When did our nation go from being the leader, to being the whiner? Everyday another business is crying and moaning about needing a bailout. It is impossible for me to understand how the taxpayer should bailout the car companies and banks, yet repossessions and interest rate spikes have not ceased. We are expected to be honorable to our commitments but they are not. I no longer see strength in our businesses. I see a system that is corrupt and will eventually become top heavy with over-educated persons that will expect to keep their bonuses and the burdened nation will bail them out.

This never made complete sense to me, why the government keeps doing this, business after business, company after company, bank after bank, until I read about the kiosk in an airport to allow fliers to buy a carbon offset for their usage.

This is why the bailouts occur. No one needs to be responsible anymore. Screw the planet. I mean supposedly our earth is in peril due to abuse of the highest magnitude. We are using all the fossil fuels, overeating, using nuclear, coal, and electricity when momma earth is building up to implode. It is dire folks. Al Gore told us so, and then proceeded to fly to and fro making sure we stop abusing the planet.

How on earth can anyone believe that the earth is at risk when the saving grace is dumping money on it…yep, that will save the planet? Wonder who Mother Earth banks with?

Typical of the times of today, the problem with failing businesses has many roots, but the result of bailing them out is monumental. You see this solution does not ensure that another bailout will not occur. When I make a banking error the bank does not dump more money in my account. No, in fact they add on more charges to make sure I understand that mistakes are costly.

It will be costly if the businesses fail. It is going to be more costly to have bailed them out, as now they know the game. The CEO’s will continue to have a salary that some foreign countries fantasize about for their national budgets. I could care less what anyone is being paid if the company foots the bill. But if the government bails out a company then it is time to get a housewife involved. It is time for some serious crunching of numbers, no matter how simple one thinks I am, I would be cautious and careful with money that is not my own. I would not need to have a spa, or luxurious jets, and in fact would drive my own truck to any meeting; unless parking was on the street, then perhaps I would drive my small car (parallel parking is not my favorite).

Well I look forward to 2009 and more beggars pleading their cause. I would love to invite the CEO’s over to the Double Nickel Farm, and show them how to stretch the dollar and spend resourcefully, you know as if their livelihood depended on it(like we do).
Jennifer

Caption Contest Winners

2008-12-26T09:51:00.003-05:00

First Place: Glenn Bartley said... Mmm that mouse was fine, a little more cruncy than usual but fine nonetheless!

Second Place: Tom Blogical said..."Ahhhhh...keyboard take me away!"

Third Place: Hon Rosie said...A-B-C-D-E-F-G-..... Won't you take a nap with me?

Honorable Mention: Kim said... Bury me with my laptop please.

Pat said...Surfin the web is purrr-fect!!

Timeless Classic: UncleHenry said...I've heard of lap dogs, but laptop cats?!?

Thank you for participating in this weeks Caption Contest! Have a great week and come back next Tuesday for another exciting contest!
Jennifer

Merry Christmas

2008-12-24T18:24:00.003-05:00

Wishing you and yours a safe and Merry Christmas from the Double Nickel Farm Family!

Caption Contest

2008-12-23T00:23:00.002-05:00

It's Tuesday, so it is Caption Contest time once again! Feel free to enter as many captions as you wish! Winners will be announced on Friday.
Jennifer

Found

2008-12-22T09:47:00.005-05:00

Found-flying in my front door...yesterday

Found-great blog while enjoying my guest post time on another blog...RightKlik

Found- a replacement for Governor Richardson... Of course I am biased to the gentleman on the right. He is sporting a beard(first time in 21 years) fluent in both English and Spanish, and well is a pretty darn nice guy! Seems like we elected our President-elect for some pretty surface traits too. Perhaps this shallow trend is a good thing?!(Oh and for any SNL comedy, when we go in the hills for wood, we CAN SEE Mexico, New Mexico, and Texas!!!!!!)

Found-time to craft this years Christmas tree ornament...Double Nickel Farm

Jennifer

Finally Change

2008-12-21T06:19:00.004-05:00

"We have a lot of work to do to fix the damage the Bush administration has done,"(source)

I like that every four years we have an election in hopes of fixing what is wrong with the current administration. President-elect Obama has made health care a lead area that needs changed. In a measure to ensure women equal access to abortion this is part of the plan to advance reproductive rights(pdf here).

Strike Budgetary Restrictions That Block Women’s Access to Abortion Care. Bans on public funding for abortion services have severely restricted access to safe abortion care for women, disproportionately affecting poor women, women of color, and certain immigrant women. The President’s budget should strike language restricting abortion funding for (i) Medicaid-eligible women and Medicare beneficiaries (Hyde amendment); (ii) federal employees and their dependents(FEHB program); (iii) residents of the District of Columbia; (iv) Peace Corps volunteers;(v) Native-American women; and (vi)women in federal prisons. The budget submitted to Congress also should omit language known as the Federal Refusal Clause (Weldon amendment) and call on Congress to reject this language in its annual health spending bill. The Weldon amendment denies federal funding if an “agency, program, or government subjects any institutional or individual health care entity to discrimination on the basis that the health care entity does not provide, pay for, provide coverage of, or refer for abortions.”24

Fixing the access to abortion...under the Bush administration since the start of the war in Iraq here is the ticker of how many abortions have been performed in the United States(source):

How can this be fixed? Isn't fixing a problem making it better? If the Bush Administration failed the women that Obama list in the pdf, how many more abortions will occur each year? The war began in 2003, so in nearly six years we have ended the lives of 7.5 million Americans. Do you honestly believe that all of these pregnancies were the result of rape? Or incest? Or health issues? Or drug related?

Do you see how a fix will only be a continuation of the war waged on our very own citizens. We can hope for change, we can elect change, BUT HOW MANY MORE ABORTIONS give you hope? One, fifty, ten thousand?

If we do not cease,we will wipe away the next generation from in the womb, CHANGE is coming, and it carries not hope, but despair.

some links: Black Genocide
Wacky Wednesday
Pro Life Blogs

Hats Off

2008-12-20T11:03:00.003-05:00

I neglected to give a big thank you to American Airlines. Yesterday my son was bumped to first class on his flight home. I am so very thankful for this kindness to my son. He was treated with such respect and consideration that I am forever sold on American Airlines.

To borrow a Shawn Hannity saying: " American Airlines YOU ARE A GREAT AMERICAN!"

Jennifer

60 Mile Drive to El Paso

2008-12-19T20:51:00.009-05:00

3 teens dressed to greet

(Bueller? Yes, I am of the 80's and Ferris Bueller's Day off is a favorite of mine!)

The big arrival!

Mom's favorite!

Quick stop to The Olive Garden

Goof troop behind

First sleep in 24 hours...

Trip home to New Mexico and time with our son PRICELESS!

Basic Food Groups

2008-12-18T09:42:00.005-05:00

I thought I would share with you a couple blurbs from my son's letter that we received yesterday. He is in Basic Training at Fort Knox, Kentucky.

I realize I miss all the small things in life. I put my gear away after a road march, I laid down on a concrete floor and actually thought it was comfortable. I miss carpets, though, and sleep ( I never understood how Dad said he could sleep anywhere...until now), and being completely full...

They do give me three meals a day but it is only enough to take the edge off. I have become sort of a scavenger. Hunger is the best way to get over being a picky eater. I'm not starving or anything, just hungry! So I finish everything I have real fast and look for people who are picky eaters and eat what they don't want.

A little later in the letter he puts in his request for the four food groups when he comes home over the holidays: Salsa, French toast, Oatmeal, and Frosted Flakes. We no longer require the Food Pyramid (photo courtesy USDA).

By the way friends, my son left as the pickiest eater ever! His body only got any fruit or vegetables via salsa. I cannot tell you how enjoyable it has been to see him grow in his letters. Clearly Basic Training is not a party, but he is in good spirits. By the way we are not used to rain, snow, and the weather that many of you are all too familiar with in the eastern states. He does mention often how cold it is, how gray and dreary the day is without sunshine, and RAIN. Yes he is a desert kid.

I just thought I would share this as my son has a break and is coming home over the holidays. We must not forget that many of our troops are overseas and long for the simple things in life. Please remember our troops in prayer over this holiday season, and support those who are sending care packages to them.
Jennifer

Caption Contest Winners

2008-12-18T09:22:00.004-05:00

First Place: Pat said... Alejandro needed a large screen monitor and keyboard so he purchase the home kit from the local market!

Second Place: Tom Blogical said..."Aw, gee. All I wanna do is send a telegram. How's a fella supposed to do that on this new-fangled contraption, anyway?"

Third Place: Jackie(Keepin' Sane With the Littles) said... "I can't wait till Obama gives me money for a new computer!"

Honorable Mention: Jackie(Family Daze) said...IThirdWorld

Pam--in Jerusalem said...Necessity is the mother of invention.

Timeless Classic Award:{tie} Jungle Mom said...Cuban Technology.
Tom Blogical said... "Thanks, Fidel!"

Thank you once again for participating in this weeks Caption Contest. Living on the Double Nickel makes me appreciate this photo all the more, as I believe at times we are as goofy as the kid in the photo!

Come on back next week for another Caption Contest!
Jennifer

Caption Contest

2008-12-16T00:01:00.003-05:00

It's time for this weeks Caption Contest! Have fun and feel free to enter as many captions as you wish. Winners will be announced on Thursday.
Jennifer

Once Again

2008-12-15T09:42:00.003-05:00

No longer should we be surprised at the media and its ability to spin. With the media spinning how bad life is in the United States one man is leaving:

Roberto Espinoza is going back, too. After 18 years as a mechanic for a General Motors dealership in Denver, his work permit wasn't renewed and he didn't want to remain in the country illegally

.

This is an impressive quote, considering the possibility that he had children here and this is the only life they know. Mr. Espinoza had a great run working for an auto dealership for so long; in fact I don't know too many people to have stayed in one job over their work careers. But I am taking his leaving in a different light.

He is not vested in the United States. When the chips are down, so to speak, he runs. The fighting spirit of America seems not to have been instilled in him.

The interesting thing about the article is that we are led to believe that our economy is the root of many returning to Mexico. Tucked neatly in the middle of this next paragraph we are given a wink and a nod to the reality of the problem:

Layoffs, dwindling job opportunities, anti-immigrant sentiment and the crackdown on illegal immigrants are forcing hard choices on many Mexican nationals in Colorado. Though not an exodus, some are returning to a nation they haven't seen in years

.

There has been a crackdown on illegal immigrants in the United States. We like to believe that working here and living here are privileges and that one should enter the US legally~ this is not discrimination. Our emergency rooms cannot continue to carry the burden of illegals having medical treatments. Our public schools have ESL (English as a second language) programs and no longer is English the language needed to graduate high school.

In my local DMV office, I have listened to entire transactions completed in Spanish. I have no problem with Mexicans, or Spanish speaking people, but DMV should be a place that we require English. When we lived in Germany I had to take the drivers test, and I did so learning the traffic signs and such, not expecting anyone to cater to me, but the reverse. I also worked very hard on learning German as I was a guest in their country.

This quote is why so many are fed up- illegals are being joined in with legal immigrants.

Whether for economic or anti-immigrant reasons, Rico said, "People are looking for alternatives within the United States."

We are NOT anti-immigrant in this nation. Think of your own pedigree and where YOUR family immigrated from, but with a few taps on a keyboard fantasy becomes fact for the MSM. I love this land but I see a huge problem with the MSM and their spin. The illegal vote was huge in the past two elections. I see this anti-illegal sentiment spun into discrimination by turning it into an anti-immigrant sentiment.

My faith in any story coming from the MSM continues to be non-existent.

Thursday Thoughts: Update

2008-12-11T17:00:00.005-05:00

I read something that surprised me, and may surprise you about President Bush. This is what President Bush said on Monday. What do you think?

Anyone that doesn't share President Bush's view about the Bible may find this link Revelation like. Interesting?!

Any thoughts?
Jennifer

Update:
I was very surprised to learn that President Bush does not take the Bible literally and that although he does not take the Bible literally he believes-

"The important lesson is 'God sent a son,'"

As a Christian the lesson is not that God sent a son, but His Son Jesus Christ.

I was not suggesting any thoughts other than the surprise and the irony of the two stories one requiring a literal interpretation and the other not. I hope that clears things up.

Caption Contest Winners

2008-12-11T13:16:00.004-05:00

First Place: Tom Blogical said... "It'll be fine. Just put the kids on top. Make sure you tie them down, though."

Second Place: CONNIE'S THOUGHTS FROM THE HEART said...Uh,Oh, I think I have bit off more Christmas tree than I can chew.

Third Place: Pat said..."hello??? Anyone seen my angel off the top of my head??? I lost her about ten miles up the road doin 55!!"

Honorable Mention: FoUrTh said... MISSING!

Age: 4

Height: 6'3

Last seen wearing: lights

Reward!!!!!!!!

Timeless Classic: Tom Blogical said..."You're a mean one, Mr. Grinch..."

Thank you for participating this week! If you wish to see out-takes of Double Nickel Christmas photos(of old) click here!
Jennifer

Buying Presents for the Most Difficult Person

2008-12-10T11:57:00.004-05:00

Are you wondering what to get that special person on your Christmas list who is so hard to please? Are you struggling as this person is so picky and you haven't done so well in the past?

I saw one local business that decided to help you in your vague search.

Looking for the Thing? Look no further!

Jennifer

Caption Contest

2008-12-09T00:07:00.004-05:00

Time for this weeks Caption Contest. Have fun and feel free to enter as many captions as you wish. Winners will be announced on Thursday.

In the Mailbox

2008-12-07T23:05:00.005-05:00

In my email tonight:

A worried woman went to her gynecologist and said: Doctor, I have a serious problem and desperately need your help! My baby is not even 1 yr. old and I'm pregnant again. I don't want kids so close together. So the doctor said: 'OK and what do you want me to do?' She said: 'I want you to end my pregnancy, and I'm counting on your help with this.' The doctor thought for a little, and after some silence he said to the lady: 'I think I have a better solution for your problem. It's less dangerous for you too.' She smiled, thinking that the doctor was going to accept her request. Then he continued: 'You see, in order for you not to have to take care of 2 babies at the same time, let's kill the one in your arms. This way, you could rest some before the other one is born. If we're going to kill one of them, it doesn't matter which one it is. There would be no risk for your body if you chose the one in your arms. The lady was horrified and said: 'No doctor! How terrible! It's a crime to kill a child! 'I agree', the doctor replied. 'But you seemed to be OK with it, so I thought maybe that was the best solution. The doctor smiled, realizing that he had made his point. He convinced the mom that there is no difference in killing a child that's already been born and one that's still in the womb. The crime is the same!

I am aware that this is fictional and that in the US it is not the same. Killing a child outside the womb =crime; killing a child inside the womb= not a crime(well unless you need to have 2 murders to use the death penalty).

H/T Sarah

Governor Richardson

2008-12-05T09:00:00.007-05:00

Just by the hair of his chinny-chin-chin, did my soon to be former Governor squeak into his new position as Obama's Commerce Secretary. Did Obama think that the rugged look would balance his current picks? Here's what Obama said:

“I think it was a mistake for him to get rid of it,” Obama said with a smile. “I thought that whole Western, rugged look was really working for him. For some reason, maybe it because it was scratchy when he kissed his wife, he was forced to get rid of it. But we’re deeply disappointed with the loss of the beard.”(source)

In case you have missed photos of Governor Richardson sporting the rugged look:

photo credits: ~first photo of Bill Richardson
~second photo Heath Haussamen

I wonder who will now sport the look in New Mexico now that the governor is leaving?

Festivus!?

2008-12-04T12:00:00.003-05:00

As we work on the farm, we often discover items left by the former owners. This morning we found a 5' long metal pole and I immediately thought of Seinfeld and this.

I am no longer surprised at the quantity of ~~debris~~ stuff that we uncover in every nook and cranny of the farm, and instead consider our finds as archaeological discovery's!
Jennifer

Caption Contest Winners

2008-12-04T10:36:00.002-05:00

First place: UncleHenry said..."Kris Kringle Pinned by Apprentice Elf in Shocking Pro Wrestling Upset!"

Second Place: Tom Blogical said...Proof that a belly like a bowl full of jelly is better than a water bed.

Third Place: Pat said....and I in my Santa suit and baby in my lap, had just settked in for a long winter nap.....

Timeless Classic: Tom Blogical said..."...and to all a good night."

Thank you for participating in this weeks Caption Contest. Want to know what I am doing? Read this.
Jennifer

Bucket List

2008-12-02T11:22:00.004-05:00

The bucket list is swirling around blogland so of course I did it(see below- I put in bold if I did). The bucket list was compiled by someone that I assume compiled the list of things to do before one kicks the bucket.

I thought that this was kind of neat so I compiled my own list.
Here is my list:
1. To always catch my breath as I look at the mountains out my front door
2. To avoid all the rattlesnakes that reside in the southwest
3. To have the items in the back of the fridge *identified*
4. To always thank God for hot water as I fill the tub for a lovely soak
5. To build my dream kitchen(only planks and all vertically challenged friendly)
6. To share my faith daily
7. To keep re reading His word
8. To finish painting the house in and out(waiting until the turn of the year)
9. To love and cherish my children the spouse they choose and the grandchildren that they give me.
10. To be as madly and deeply in love with my sweetie as I am today, until my final breath.

Well that is it...
Jennifer

Internet Bucket List:
1. Started your own blog 2. Slept under the stars 3. Played in a band 4. Visited Hawaii 5. Watched a meteor shower 6. Given more than you can afford to charity 7. Been to Disneyland/world 8. Climbed a mountain 9. Held a praying mantis 10. Sang/played a solo 11. Bungee jumped 12. Visited Paris 13. Watched a lightning storm at sea14. Taught yourself an art from scratch 15. Adopted a child 16. Had food poisoning 17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty 18. Grown your own vegetables 19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France 20. Slept on an overnight train 21. Had a pillow fight 22. Hitch hiked 23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill 24. Built a snow fort 25. Held a lamb 26. Gone skinny dippin 27. Run a Marathon 28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice 29. Seen a total eclipse 30. Watched a sunrise or sunset 31. Hit a home run 32. Been on a cruise 33. Seen Niagara Falls in person 34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestor 35. Seen an Amish community 36. Taught yourself a new language37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied 38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person 39. Gone rock climbing 40. Seen Michelangelo’s David in person 41. Sung karaoke 42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt 43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant 44. Visited Africa 45. Walked on a beach by moonlight 46. Been transported in an ambulance 47. Had your portrait painted 48. Gone deep sea fishing 49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person 50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris 51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling 52. Kissed in the rain 53. Played in the mud 54. Gone to a drive-in theater 55. Been in a movie 56. Visited the Great Wall of China 57. Started a business 58. Taken a martial arts class 59. Visited Russia 60. Served at a soup kitchen 61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies 62. Gone whale watching 63. Gotten flowers for no reason 64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma 65. Gone sky diving 66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp 67. Bounced a check 68. Flown in a helicopter 69. Saved a favorite childhood toy 70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial 71. Eaten Caviar 72. Pieced a quilt 73. Stood in Times Square 74. Toured the Everglades 75. Been fired from a job 76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London7 7. Broken a bone 78. Been on a speeding motorcycle 79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person 80. Published a book 81. Visited the Vatican 82. Bought a brand new car 83. Walked in Jerusalem 84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible86. Visited the White House 87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating 88. Had chickenpox 89. Saved someone’s life 90. Sat on a jury 91. Met someone famous 92. Joined a book club 93. Lost a loved one 94. Made a baby 95. Seen the Alamo in person96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake97. Been involved in a law suit98. Owned a cell phone 99. Been stung by a bee

Don't forget to enter the caption contest!!!

Caption Contest

2008-12-02T06:51:00.003-05:00

Time once again for the Caption Contest. Feel free to enter as many captions as you like. Winners will be announced on Thursday.

Since it seems to be necessary...

2008-12-01T20:45:00.002-05:00

I found this on this blog- I do not know where she found it, but it is how I have felt since the day became a mother.
Jennifer

Simple Beauty

2008-12-01T10:15:00.005-05:00

Almost finished prepping for Christmas!

2008-11-30T17:23:00.003-05:00

Busy day here on the farm...my order on line was delivered and I had to inspect it to make sure all was "just so"...

I am not sure if I mentioned that my sweetie's birthday is Christmas day, so I really have to go all out...

My biggest setback is worrying if Bill will know what I bought him, before he opens the gift. He often seems psychic...as he is 20 for 20 on presents that I have bought him...

I pray that I concealed the present with some skillful finagling of the ribbons and bows...

what do you think???

do you think he will know?!?!?!?

{Bill if you are reading this post, now is the time to look away}

Kidding of course!!!Thanks for the cute email:~) my friend!
Jennifer

Gift Cards...Choice on Earth

2008-11-28T11:23:00.003-05:00

Well I am beyond measure~ sickened. Planned Parenthood(funded by: you know...taxpayers)is offering gift cards during these financial hard times. Read this article on World Net Daily.

Now I have written about Planned Parenthood before and each time I do I feel the need to throw up. When we continue to see the removal of anything that resembles Christ this Christmas season, do we need to reflect? I mean, clearly when we ponder the reality of our connection to the Lord, I ask you this "Who moved"?

God most certainly did not. We have been pushing God away for so long that the season that was to celebrate the birth of His Son is now not Peace on Earth, but a hell on earth.

During this Christmas season may we give back CHOICE ON EARTH TO THE PRECIOUS WEE ONES THAT are also made in His image.
Jennifer

Caption Contest Winners x 2

2008-11-28T11:10:00.004-05:00

First Place: Momma Roar said...
Can you hear me now?

Second Place: Tom Blogical said...

"Watson, is that you? Come in here, I need you."

Third Place: Shane Rios said...

Is this a phone or not i thought u said it was a phone GOODNESS!

Honorable Mention: CONNIE'S THOUGHTS FROM THE HEART said...

Hello? yes, this is Jim, You are calling from where???

Timeless Classic: Tom Blogical said...
Hey! I can hear the ocean!

First Place: Pat said...
"You can run, but you cannot hide from me!!"

Second Place: Shane Rios said...

"Hey guys i just found out something" "what is it?" "This is one of those bendy guns"

Third Place: Tom Blogical said...

"That turkey with the "Eat Ham" sign around his neck sure is going to be surprised."

Honorable Mention: Mobunny said...

Somebody is going to have to tell me when to shoot.
This mirror is all fogged up.

Timeless Classic: Tom Blogical said...

Some people are just way too much into paintball.

Thank you so much for participating in the Caption Contest held here. I never cease to laugh out loud when I see the captions!
Jennifer

Neat Article to Read today...

2008-11-27T09:29:00.001-05:00

check this out-here...thank you Michelle Malkin!
Jennifer

Happy Thanksgiving

2008-11-26T00:53:00.004-05:00

Wishing you a wonderful Thanksgiving from our home to yours.

The Bailout is so WoNDerFul

2008-11-25T10:49:00.003-05:00

Let's see Citibank gets a bailout- here. All the while Citibank will NOT cease this contract...here. So we the public continue to bailout poor management and then allow these mismanaged companies retain a TWENTY MILLION DOLLAR naming right* for a stadium~that what? You guessed it, we will pay exorbitant fees to enter and watch the big game.

It is time to say NO...

We must cease...

No More...

FYI: both presidential candidates... voted for the bailout and the continuous bandaging of companies that are RAPING the citizens.

I feel like I am in the twilight zone. Right is wrong, and wrong for the citizens is not wrong for the corporation that what??? You guessed it, expects us~ to continue to use their services. Here's the question- Will you continue to support this?

*I forgot to state that the 20 million dollars is every year for twenty years!*

Caption Contest

2008-11-25T00:29:00.004-05:00

Time for another caption contest. Enter as many captions as you wish, and winners of this contest, as well as the previous contest will be announced on Thursday.
Jennifer

Editorial

2008-11-22T13:27:00.002-05:00

Well I have been remiss in my blogging and have decided to enlighten my friends and "anonymous" with what is going on.

First-This is my blog as long as I am permitted to use this for free(hence the constant reminder to back up your writings on Word or the likes). I write things that I find interesting...that is it.

Second-I am not one who is politically correct. If that is a problem then it is your problem. Do not explain to me why you are on foodstamps, medicaid, wic, or why companies need to be bailed out...because I will be very direct to you. I am compassionate and understand charity, as no matter how little I have my family and I always share. I do understand why some may need assistance-I will not repeat that I understand helping others. Believe me...but I refuse to pretend that the majority of those utilizing these programs are anything other than conditioned. Yes I said that...perhaps another day I will write about conditioning.

Third-I write about abortion. That makes me a criminal for some reason. I have to pamper people so I don't offend them or someone they know that has had an abortion. I am sorry for the way our nation has convinced women that this is not a life...BUT TO PRETEND FOR SOMEONE IS WELL POLITICALLY CORRECT---see previous paragraph.

Fourth- My blogs have turned into a walk through the formerly known spirit of the American Dream...yes I said that too. I am not being proud or pompus...having nothing and having to reinvent oneself IS THE AMERICAN WAY. Had we succumbed to the liberal notion, we would never have known that we could do this! Farm life and transforming into a farm family has had many ups and downs, but they are ours to enjoy...and cherish. We are much better for leaning on the Lord and eachother. I thank God that there is still enough of the fire in the American dream that we journeyed to this path.

Fifth- I support the military...Sadly many in our nation do not get that our nation is the nation it is because of the military. We have proudly defended this nation. Yes there were previous occupants...this is same anywhere...look at Europe, Asia, Africa, South America, and Australia- we are not evil and should not apologize for having the freedoms we have. I am the daughter of a soldier killed in Vietnam, the wife of an Military Policeman, the mother of a new Army soldier and I know what men do when they enlist. I get that the sense of nobility and honor and morals that we see lacking in our streets are alive and well in the armed forces. I love the lifestyle and my 19 year has written most about this, as these traits were not too apparent to him in his college life. I also know that although many would like to play make believe this is not about George W. Bush and whether or not he served in the military. He is the Commander in Chief and that is who our troops follow, as they will follow President Obama and how they served President Clinton. So if you don't like our military and the responsibility of defending our borders and yes interest, so be it...but remember this, I will allow a bit of a leeway in your comments because I believe that my dad died for YOUR right to disagree. Just remember my second point BECAUSE Europe and their condescending attitudes towards us, WOULD love for you to move and then you can hate us in the millions.

Sixth- to my dear friends who have left so many nice comments on my blogs thank you. I had to stop publishing the good ones as anonymous would not let things go...here or on Double Nickel... I am a blogger by accident, but I love to blog. I love to visit. I especially must thank one blogger who shares my like of Abbot and Costello- you are the very reason that I wished not to write this post. You are the American I often write about- you are blunt, direct, and hilarious...and yet you walk with honor. Whether you agree or disagree with another and you are respectful of the other. Thank you. I wished not to have to address this because you are why I continue on. I know once you wished to stop blogging(and I pleaded for you not to stop) and once for me(and you wrote a pretty nice post for me), and we stopped in our lives and made a stand to lift up the little guy so to speak. I love that about you. I am grateful to you for this, as you remind me of the American dream too. Not the silly wack job notion of materialism...but the western attitude we all embrace and lift up, and no I will not embarrass you by mentioning you...you know who you are!

And finally Seventh- I am a Christian- I am not going to mince words. I am not perfect...but I will write of my faith in Jesus Christ. I will not stop this either, and could not even if I tried. Oh and I am not going to pretend that our nation was not a Christian nation either. I also am not going to stand by and remain silent when words and there meanings are changed.

So forgive me for not clearing the air sooner. Oh and I will apologize that this comes out like a *firecracker* going off...I am only 5'0" ~~tall~~ short and things have only a short fuse then they have no where else to go!
Jennifer

Bait and Switch?

2008-11-12T17:59:00.001-05:00

Yep, read it here...

Time to tighten your belts friends...and this should be very concerning to us all.
Jennifer

Caption Contest

2008-11-11T00:05:00.003-05:00

Time once again for the Caption Contest. Have fun and enter as many captions as you wish. Winners will be announced Thursday.

Alarming?

2008-11-07T09:29:00.004-05:00

I read this a few weeks ago from the Army Times. I am posting the entire article that Chuck Baldwin wrote for his campaign. No I did not vote for Mr. Baldwin, but this made me leery prior to the election(and more so now). Mind you, I am a former Army wife and have lived on bases on the east coast, west coast, and in Europe)we have military bases all over the US, so why the need to deploy troops here? Please read this, and think about it, as I do believe that times are most certainly changing, and are you ready?

U.S. Army Troops To Serve As U.S. Policemen?

by Chuck Baldwin

October 1, 2008

According to the Army Times (dated Tuesday, September 30, 2008), "Beginning Oct. 1 for 12 months, the 1st BCT [Brigade Combat Team] will be under the day-to-day control of U.S. Army North, the Army service component of Northern Command, as an on-call federal response force for natural or manmade emergencies and disasters, including terrorist attacks."

The article continued by saying, "But this new mission marks the first time an active unit has been given a dedicated assignment to NorthCom, a joint command established in 2002 to provide command and control for federal homeland defense efforts and coordinate defense support of civil authorities.

"After 1st BCT finishes its dwell-time mission, expectations are that another, as yet unnamed, active-duty brigade will take over and that the mission will be a permanent one."

The Times column also reported that the Army brigade "may be called upon to help with civil unrest and crowd control . . ." It seems that the Army's new domestic duties also include "traffic control" as well as subduing "unruly or dangerous individuals."

The brigade will be known for the next year as a Consequence Management Response Force, or CCMRF (pronounced "sea-smurf").

I am assuming that the planners and promoters of this newfound function for the Army brigade envision the Army assisting local first responders in dealing with natural emergencies such as hurricanes, earthquakes, and the like. Good intentions notwithstanding, to assign domestic police duties to the U.S. military is extremely disturbing.

To understand my concern for this new "homeland Army brigade," it is important that we rehearse the principles of liberty as they relate to standing armies.

One of America's most sacred principles has always been that the U.S. military was never to be used for domestic law enforcement. The fear of standing armies ran very deep in the hearts and minds of America's founders. The tyranny and misery inflicted upon the colonies by British troops weighed heavily upon those who drafted our Constitution and Bill of Rights. In their minds, the American people would never again be subjected to the heavy weight of army boots. Furthermore, they insisted that America would have a civilian--not military--government.

And after the fiasco of the abuse of federal troops in the South following the War Between the States, the doctrine of Posse Comitatus was enacted into law. The Wikipedia online encyclopedia says this about Posse Comitatus:

"The Act prohibits most members of the federal uniformed services ... from exercising nominally state law enforcement police or peace officer powers that maintain 'law and order' on non-federal property. . . .

"The statute generally prohibits federal military personnel and units of the United States National Guard under federal authority from acting in a law enforcement capacity within the United States, except where expressly authorized by the Constitution or Congress. . . .

"The Posse Comitatus Act and the Insurrection Act substantially limit the powers of the federal government to use the military for law enforcement."

The Posse Comitatus Act was passed in 1878 and was universally accepted as being a very just--and extremely important--law of the land.

But in 2006, President George W. Bush pushed a Republican-controlled Congress to pass the John Warner National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2007, which included a section titled "Use of the Armed Forces in major public emergencies." This section provided that "The President may employ the armed forces to restore public order in any State of the United States the President determines...." In effect, this bill obliterated Posse Comitatus.

When the Democrat-controlled Congress passed the 2008 National Defense Authorization Act, however, the restrictions of Posse Comitatus were restored. But when President Bush signed the Act into law, he attached a signing statement (Executive Order) indicating that the Executive Branch did not feel bound by the changes enacted by the repeal. Translated: President Bush wiped out Posse Comitatus by Executive Order.

Now, just a few months after expunging Posse Comitatus, President Bush has authorized an Army brigade to be assigned the new role of dealing exclusively with domestic law enforcement and related duties. This evokes serious questions.

Who will give the order to send U.S. troops against American civilians, and under what circumstances? What will the rules of engagement be? How will "unruly" and "dangerous" be defined? How will soldiers be asked to deal with "crowd" or "traffic" control? And perhaps the biggest question is, Once we begin to go down this road, where will it lead?

For several years, the federal government has been accumulating to itself more and more authority that was historically understood to reside within the states and local communities. More and more, our police departments have taken on the image and tactics of the armed forces. And to a greater and greater degree, the rights and liberties of the American people are being sacrificed on the altar of "national security." It seems to me that to now ascribe law enforcement duties to the U.S. Army only serves to augment the argument that America is fast approaching police state status.

If Hurricane Katrina is the template that our federal government is using as a model for future events, Heaven help us! Do readers remember how National Guard troops were used to confiscate the personal firearms of isolated and vulnerable civilians shortly after that hurricane devastated the New Orleans area? Do you remember how representatives of the federal government were calling upon pastors and ministers to act as spokesmen for gun confiscation? Is this what the new Army brigade is preparing for? And do President Bush and his military planners envision an even broader role for military troops on American soil?

Add to the above rumors of thousands of plastic caskets--along with thousands of portable prison cells--being shipped and stored across the country, and one is left to ask, Exactly what is it that our federal government is planning?

I think there is an even bigger question, What exactly will members of our armed forces do if and when they are commanded to seize Americans' firearms, arrest them at gun point, or even fire upon them? How many soldiers and Marines love liberty and constitutional government enough to resist such orders, should they be given? And how many officers would resist issuing such orders?

Remember, it is the job of the armed forces to kill people and blow up things, not to do police work. Then again, Presidential administrations from both major parties have been using the U.S. military as U.N. "peacekeepers" for decades now. So, was all of this preparation for what is yet to take place in the United States?

God forbid that any of the above should actually take place in our beloved land, but I believe it would be naïve to not see that the actions and attitudes of the federal government over the past several years do nothing to assuage such fears.{SOURCE}

Caption Contest Winners

2008-11-06T12:10:00.003-05:00

Thanks for participating in this weeks caption contest!
First place: Shane Rios said...

My name is: Gonna eat you alive.

Second place: Tom Blogical said...

Good morning, Comrade Nikita.

Third place: Jungle Mom said...

we need to 'paws' and reflect upon our vote.

Honorable mention: Momma Roar said...

Why can't we all just get along?

I really appreciate the humor in blogand! Thanks for cracking up the Pen of Jen judges and gang!
Jennifer

Apple of my Eye!

2008-11-05T21:55:00.003-05:00

Friends I have been having trouble with my eyes...no matter how things may seem...my line of vision helps me smile and continue day in and day out!

Regardless

2008-11-05T12:26:00.002-05:00

No matter who won the presidency, my family will continue on a path that we have been on for awhile. We will continue to prepare for times ahead, and live as we believe we should.

As to the election and the candidates, and winners and losers, we as a nation, have come out on the loosing end of the stick. Our elected officials have shown that they are for big government and it did not matter one iota what letter followed their names(R or D). The buyout has become a free for all, and we the citizens shall pay heavily. Prepare for programs galore, schmoozing with the Europeans, and the wee little TEST, that Joe Biden told us was coming.

But mind you, the other team would have had their hands tied...

For those who stood behind either candidate for whatever beliefs they held, remember this, times are changing, and we will either be prepared or not. That is YOUR choice.

As for me and my family we rest in the Lord, and are feeling the need to stay as diligent as ever on our humble path.

Praying in New Mexico,
Jennifer

Election Day Caption Contest

2008-11-04T09:35:00.003-05:00

I know that I have not done a caption contest in awhile...so here goes. Winners will be announced on Thursday.
Jennifer

How much wood does a woodchuck Chuck?

2008-10-31T23:22:00.001-04:00

Vote Twice??

2008-10-30T09:57:00.002-04:00

Christian duty~Acorn~Get out the Vote~cHanGe~ Inexperienced~ Woman~ not woman~ over 30 years in Washington~ only 25+ years in Washington~ prisoner of war~ born in Hawaii~born in Panama(US base)~TAXES UP~DOWN WELFARE~~~ education for all~ free healthcare~ ANYTHING FREE IS SURE TO COST MORE THAN WE CAN AFFORD~ messiah~ another George Bush~ ashamed of our country~ family company causes alcoholism~TAXES~ CANT YOU SEE I AM BLACK??~CANT YOU SEE I am AN OLD WHITE GUY???

effigy of white woman NOT a crime~ effigy of black man a crime????

have I mentioned TAXESSSSSSSSSSSSSSS?????

OH AND DONT FORGET TO VOTE EARLY AND IF YOU ARE IN A STATE like New Mexico...vote twice NO ONE CAN TELL YOU....in ohio dont forget to list your favorite park bench as your address...BECAUSE OF THE hOUSING crISis perhaps all we will be able to finance is a park bench...then all the judges will be making FAIR JUST HONORABLE rulings...

have I mentioned taxes??????????????????????????

Palin 150,000 in RNC clothes...OBAMA RAISED AND spENT 150,000 MILLION in September...which MADE MORE HEADLINES??????????????

I am DONE..........taxes taxes taxes taxes....ok now I am done.

Holy Smokes!

2008-10-28T11:58:00.001-04:00

The most clear article on Media Bias...by one of their own. Please jump over and read it here.

Indoctrinated? Updated with new link

2008-10-27T21:55:00.004-04:00

I have been watching the documentary Indoctrinate U. Wow. I have heard all kinds of stats about Christian families that send their children off to public universities, 3 out of 4 will lose their faith. But I was not prepared for the stats on liberals vs. conservatives on campuses.

What amazes me so much is the fact that families like mine, that do NOT utilize entitlements and student aid, but pay for each class and credit are paying for our next generation to hate our very nation and its ideals. Good riddance...may we NOT get what we deserve by allowing this disaster to occur.

Let me make this very clear...if one has no degree the Left attacks and has a I'm smart you're dumb condescending attitude...you all know what I mean, think JOE THE PLUMBER and the commotion of the Left into his background...all because he asked a question.

The Left has taken HOSTAGE our universities...and we pay the bill and allow our loved ones to attend...no wonder Acorn is succeeding so well. Oh and how is Acorn related to universities? Well in NMSU in Las Cruces Acorn workers went into an upper level English class to register the students to vote. The workers spoke of CHANGE??? Sound familiar?
UPDATE
I forgot to link Blogical Conclusions. He had video on how to change a nation...please if you do nothing else allow yourself the 16 minutes to watch the link...it is chilling-and remember this...the video is from 1985. It all relates to the leftist swing at our universities...I even had the children watch. Thanks Tom:~)

I saw this on the Documentary channel: here are viewing times of Indoctrinate U;
Monday, October 27th : 09:00 PM - 10:30 PM

Tuesday, October 28th: Midnight - 01:30 AM
(Starts after midnight Monday)

Saturday, November 1st: 05:00 PM - 06:30 PM

Sunday, November 2nd: 02:00 AM - 03:30 AM

Tuesday, November 4th: 03:00 AM - 04:30 AM

(All times Eastern U.S.)

The Documentary Channel is available on satellite and many cable
systems nationwide. Check your provider for channel information.

Some Links

2008-10-24T11:38:00.004-04:00

This link should trouble us all. Iceland has oodles of terrorists?

Living so close to the border, I know that our border is porous, and leaking northward, so seeing that we are about to miss a deadline...well doesn't surprise ,me-no, kidding as securing the southern border has never really been important.

Food allergies on the rise for children.
~I wrote about cooking from scratch on Double Nickel, and what is added to foods(white bread) it is alarming to find out what is in foods~

Iran's Presidential preference! Is anyone surprised?
*************************************************************************************

The media and election junk is bizarre. I really cannot believe how every cycle does this spin about-

~~but I must mention that I believe that times are slipping towards a rough route...regardless of which party fills the White House. Who will walk us through these times seems to be the question.

And I cannot seem to write without closing with my advice...please work hard on paying off your debts. Put away some money and as the year comes to a close consider not spending so much on the holidays...
Jennifer

Funny Thing Happened

2008-10-22T20:47:00.003-04:00

Of course! Since I posted how hot it has been...we had a very cool, windy day! Too funny!

And we added to our farm today. We bought 14 ducks for $15.00! This was a tremendous find and we had a duck roundup to collect them! It was quite fun.

For those of you who asked if I made the potholders in the photo, no I did not make those, although I have slowly been crafting items to be sold by Double Nickel Farm. So if you are interested, we should be up and running near the end of January. We will be selling soaps, potholders, dish scrubbies, aprons, and a Double Nickel Farm cookbook. I have most certainly forgotten some items that we will be selling.

Since my camera is dead, I will share an older photo of our original flock of ducks(in August), we surprised ourselves with how neat they are.

******************************************************************************
I have been avoiding blogging about much partly because my son was spending time with us, but also because the election nonsense is getting absolutely pathetic. We need to hold the MSM(main stream media) accountable or take our money elsewhere. I will not say anything else about this except, friends I will continue to urge you to pay off debt.
Jennifer

New Mexico Autumn Weather

2008-10-21T23:26:00.005-04:00

Today on my journey into town...the glaring of this

made this so hot...

that I needed to use these while driving!

I love New Mexico! How is autumn where you are?

Save Save Save

2008-10-03T09:41:00.003-04:00

In my writing I have often shared that my life was one of consuming and climbing that ladder(or supporting my husband in his upward climb).

In light of the recent economic eye opener(as it has been coming a long time)...I am once again sharing advice from experience. As a result of an accident our lives changed quite dramatically. Because we had savings and little debt we were able to recreate a direction to proceed. But with the constant buy outs and programs available, I am unsure if many Americans know that it is possible to stand on ones own feet.

It is not just the government that has SPENDING issues! It is ALL Americans. We need to learn to curb the spending. Who cares if you can charge something, or that you could qualify to purchases a GIGANTO house! The question is this, if times got tight due to a health issue of anyone in your family, or like us the head of the house had a life altering accident, then what will you do? All the sudden the garbage that you charged on the credit card mean zip.

So here is my advice...reduce the clutter you have in your house by selling things, on eBay, at yard sales, on consignment, at an antique or thrift store, and put the proceeds against the debt. If you use products that are costly, assess the need, or determine how to stretch it out(for example add water to shampoo can stretch it.) Oh and on the home and car, pay off extra every month.

Now back to not spending...Halloween is an event in the US, that has sky rocketed for the stores. They are going to make $5.77 BILLION DOLLARS OFF YOU(source). This means that we are for one day of the year spending an astronomical amount of money. Not any portion of money for a family meal, as in Christmas, Thanksgiving, Easter, and even the Independence Day Holiday...no the money spent on Halloween is for candy, decorations, and costumes that are cheap, probably laced with some chemical(made in China), and will be thrown away or end up at a thrift store.

DO NOT BE PART OF THIS WASTE. Our spending habits are exactly why the government is offering a $700 BILLION dollar buyout on STUPID money management. Yes I wrote that. Stupid. And if I understand the little pork added to the bill, another $110 billion has been added to this.

Our leaders are not hearing from you because in actuality this nation has run our checkbooks in the ground. Stop spending. Save money and quick buying junk.

YOUR KIDS WILL SURVIVE...try simple costumes or perhaps not celebrating a holiday that worships the dead, and evil. Instead stay home make some popcorn, and play a game with those you love. You will be amazed at how much fun this is.

Jennifer

Thank You

2008-10-03T09:39:00.000-04:00

Dear Friends---
Thank you for all the kind words, and support for my son Bill. I really appreciate knowing so many are supportive!
Jennifer

Go Army (new title:)

2008-10-01T18:50:00.008-04:00

Yes, I said that. My oldest son swore and his Dad and I were happy! That's because after much prayer our son was sworn in the US Army in Fort Bliss, Texas this afternoon!!

We have been enjoying our time as a family, as we know that the kids are all growing up and that this enlistment will be what takes our oldest all over the world and gives him a life that many will not understand. But he will follow the footsteps of many in our family that have served this nation with honor and pride. He follows Bill his dad, his grandfather who was killed in Vietnam, his uncle(my brother) who just retired, and many great uncles that served in both the Vietnam war, the Korean War, and World War II. We have always been proud of this ~~young~~ man. He has been exactly what an older brother should be. He has been a delight to me, and a champ to his dad.

I have kept my children anonymous in blog land to protect them, but today I will introduce you to him, and instead of First, I will introduce my other Bill...

We call him Little Bill, which is silly because he is 5'10"...Here is Bill with his Dad.

So now you understand more clearly why I have not been around too much in blog land. Bill moved home a month ago to help us wrap up our first year on the farm before he enlisted. We have enjoyed our time with him, and therefore my time elsewhere has been limited.

I will be pretty out of things until he ships out, and ask you to include Bill in your prayers(along with all of our military).

Oops and an Explanation

2008-09-24T12:26:00.000-04:00

First off I have a few blogs and since June I have been graciously given several awards. Some have been awarded to Pen of Jen, some over at the other ones. I am making a promise that I will post about them and thank those who have sent them to me so kindly. I apologize for not posting on them sooner, as the flooding and our first year on the farm have been a tremendous learning curve that requires more time than I realized.

Secondly about the neat little gadget on following blogs and having followers. I have 49 blogs on my follow list and several followers. I choose to keep these anonymous. I realized that one of the blogs I follow is published, but rest assured that I am following many blogs. Is this some quirky thing for me to be more reserved or anonymous? I am sure! But don't feel offended if you do not see my name under your followers(I can hear my husbands* thoughts on this as he would say we should follow but One)...I am one that reads your blogs...

I removed my stat counter, so I no longer can pretend that I am writing for me, then rush and see who visited! But if you have a stat counter... I know that depending on the day, you can see if I arrive whether it befrom Las Cruces New Mexico, Tularosa Basin New Mexico, or someplace in Colorado. This is because we have internet via satellite.

Thank you ~thank you~ thank you~ to all of you that stop by and read what I have written. Even though I have removed the stat counter, I do like the idea that someone has dropped by!

Have a great day!
Jennifer

*Hi Bill...yes you are in my head even when you are gone. No I do consider this to be a disease(anymore! lol<3)

Caption Contest

2008-09-23T00:03:00.001-04:00

Have fun and enter as many captions as you wish! Winners will be announced on Thursday.

Zipity Do Dah

2008-09-22T16:12:00.003-04:00

CNN has a report showing that John McCain has 13 cars and some are foreign made cars.(Source)It further goes on and shares that Obama has only one car- a hybrid car.

Funny thing, trying to be environmental and globally sound looks silly with an airplane that is clearly showing us the change we will see...
Here is Obama's airplane.

Then I found this report, that shares with us the fifty richest members of Congress.

I have received a zillion emails forwards and nonsense on both candidates and how awful, evil, or vomity the other one is...I have news for all of us- these people, are spending so much money convincing us that they are different, that they are the one who will change Washington DC, yet both political parties forget that whatever was said 4 years ago cannot be brought out today.(for that matter we cannot use their own voting record to show how they feel about abortion, taxes, or whatnot).

I doubt that the annual income that Bill brings home is more than the monthly income of either candidate-yet we own three vehicles. One for the great gas mileage, one to haul the family, and the truck for the farm. We own them all and they ARE ALL AMERICAN MADE VEHICLES, all paid for, 1 five years old, and the other two 9+ years old.

I want to elect someone who does not cater/molly coddle, nor take money to do what the rest of us do naturally. I WANT to elect someone who respects LIFE from the womb to the grave. Quite honestly I have NO respect for the politicians spending millions and millions and millions and MILLIONS AND millions and MiLLIOns and millions... of dollars throwing mud, flying to and fro(and campaigning in Europe--all the while we the voters are here in the US)...

And if Obama is for change...then why does he speak of women making less than men, then he pays his own staff of men and women exactly the way the world does? McCain actually pays more to the women. Check Wizbang for this link.

It is time for change. It is time for this nation to get back to basics. It is time to understand that if we desire to be the nation we fought the British for, that we better remember that we did respect the Creator.

I am confident that God wants one thing...for us to receive His son. Aside from that we have made our bed as a nation. We have kowtowed so long that we can see that change means nothing, just as BAD no longer means bad in today's lingo.

To my politicians: If you desire to have a genuine housewife help YOU not waste our nations money, I am available from 6 pm-8pm weeknights and all of Saturday. I will not cost too much, but be prepared for directness...a friend has given me the name FIRECRACKER, I resemble this so I take it as a compliment.

As you all go about these next fifty days or so, hum the zipity do dah tune, as we are all entering into the fairy tale stage.
Jennifer

17th Annual White Sands Balloon Festival

2008-09-20T11:15:00.012-04:00

This is how Saturday in Southern New Mexico began!

We went to the edge of Alamogordo NM, and watched balloon crews set up and launch Hot Air Balloons!

Of course the Pen of Jen gang made the morning a complete success!

September in New Mexico

2008-09-19T23:29:00.004-04:00

September at White Sands can only mean one thing...the annual Hot Air Balloon Festival! I wrote about last year and the Hot Air Balloons and the experience we had to actually be part of a ground crew...here and here

I will be writing about the events as they unfold tomorrow depending on the weather. It is raining and lightening right now, so I hope all clears up for tomorrow.

Since we have moved we will be getting a different view and we are actually planning on donuts and hot chocolate on the roof while we take photos...as we are closer to the White Sands.

Here are some pictures from last year...

Be sure to click on the links as the photos from last year were truly incredible!

pen of jen

Closed for a bit

Money spent Not crazy...

No Christians Need Apply

Still Blogger?

Why?

Ok Folks

Something to Think About

Most Profound Post You Will Read

Look for the Positive

How to Dress for Suceess

Caption Anyone?

Real or Fake?

Bailout Brilliance

Hand out or Hand up?

Be Informed

UPDATE ON THE UPDATE Caption Anyone? Update: A collage of Captions

Memories and Mistakes

An Article About Homeschooling

Really?

Who Knows Best About Your Money?

Advice for Valentine's Day

Part 1: Preparation- I am not able to publish it here...click on the farm on top right I published it there!

A Simple Story

Surprise!

Something to Ponder

Something to Ponder -I am still having problems

Multiples? Yay!

I am having problems posting...it seems I can only write in the title section!?

What to do, what to do...

Oh that's all you have to do?

Caption Contest

Thank You President Bush

Caption Contest Winners

Caption Contest

Seriously? Updated

To the Left and to the Right...More of the Same?

Caption Contest Winners

Pen of Jen has been called what?

Caption Contest

He Never Left...sigh

Caption Contest Winners

Happy 2009

Caroline Kennedy and Bored Housewives

Caption Contest

First and (Not So) Worst

Open Invitation to CEO's

Caption Contest Winners

Merry Christmas

Caption Contest

Found

Finally Change

Hats Off

60 Mile Drive to El Paso

Basic Food Groups

Caption Contest Winners

Caption Contest

Once Again

Thursday Thoughts: Update

Caption Contest Winners

Buying Presents for the Most Difficult Person

Caption Contest

In the Mailbox

Governor Richardson

Festivus!?

Caption Contest Winners

Bucket List

Caption Contest

Since it seems to be necessary...

Simple Beauty

Almost finished prepping for Christmas!

Gift Cards...Choice on Earth

Caption Contest Winners x 2

Neat Article to Read today...

Happy Thanksgiving

The Bailout is so W*oN*Der*Fu*l

Caption Contest

Editorial

Bait and Switch?

Caption Contest

The Bailout is so WoNDerFul