Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!!!!!
Have Fun Cookin' and Eatin' :)

Refrigerator Mothers.....

WOW-very powerful movie here folks.....
I always wondered where this phrase came from and by who.
I always have wondered how mothers back in the 50's coped with all the Doctors telling them it was there fault their child was on the Spectrum. That they had caused the Autism in their child.
This movie is VERY touching and shows the struggles these woman faced and the courage and strength they had and still do for their children-never giving up, never giving in,aways seeking the best for their child no matter what and never forgetting that THEY the parents, mothers, fathers, know their children best. This was the one in many things that struck out at me during the movie was the message "Never let anyone tell you they know your child better than you do. I could really relate to the mothers who thought the Dr's new best, thought the school professionals knew what they were talking about. I too like one mother on there, see myself as Stingers protector-I felt my eyes tearing up as this mothers were also. Feeling sadness not that I feel this responsibility-sadness in being disappointed in the acceptance in this world. Finding out the hard way, both Stinger and I, that this world isn't as nice as we thought it was, that this world should respect and care for my son just like any other child. But sadly this is not the case. So I too find myself being the Momma Bear quiet frequently.
The movie is 60 min-but a MUST see.....

http://www.snagfilms.com/films/title/refrigerator_mothers

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Im Alive I Promise....LOLOLOLOL

Well it has been awhile hasnt it?????LOLOLOL
And alot has happend in the world since-eh? ;)But its been pretty same old same old ard here though( a good thing;))
Stinger has been through alot in the past couple of weeks. But he and his tummy are in a much happier place*knock on wood* I did have an apt with the Dr on Monday....seams he thinks Stinger is getting more and more OCD lately. I guess how he described it is that all his anxiety that he feels abt everything is being soothed by him by some OCD behaviors-he seamed to think everything went back to OCD and anxiety and that OCD tendancies were his way of coping. So instead of temper tantrums, and crying-which he used to do quiet frequently-he is using these obsessive repetitions to deal with thinsg -its ghis way of coping with everyday thinsg-his sense of control etc-which makes complete sense. As the aggressive behaviors I have seen in the past have been noticeably getting more and more less frequent. He said as long as his insistance on certian things and behaviors dont disrupt the family and himself-then to just let it be......instead of trying more and more meds etc we are going to see if what he is doing is going to work for him.He said it was a good thing that Stinger was trying his own ideas on how to cope. I never really thought to see it like that ...which was interesting. He also mentioned Tourettes and asked if any other professional had mentioned that to me. He does have some repetitions-but nothing like what I had read abt etc. He hasbeen starting this grunting thing -like he is trying to clear his nose and he will do it constantly-but thats all Ive seen him doing lately-so I dont exactly know where that comment was coming from...???But again he said to just watch it and it might go away on its own...so we shall see.
Flamingo is having her 1st sleep over this Friday. She is sooo excited and has all these girl things planned-LOLOLOL. She came home today and was wanting to know if while her friend is here I could take them shopping. I couldnt help but laugh-I think it was a nervous laugh actually- as I had been thinking that was a couple more years in coming......She sure cracks me up. LOLOLOLOLOL
Monkey Boy had a wonderful VIP wek at school and he came home just beaming each day last week. He was dissapointed that his week ended on Friday-LOLOLOL as I guess he thought it was going to continue all year????.......LOLOLOLOLOL He is doing so well in school and the teacher leaves such nice notes on his charts that come home abt his behavior-which can I tell you, I am sooo pleased abt-and I praise him continuesly-LOLOLOL
Tomorrow the kids have off-some teacher deal. So I was looking forward to sleeping in and having a low key day with Stinger. Tonight at bedtime I was telling him abt my plans-LOLOLOL only to find him in tears. So upset he wasnt going to be doing school and waking up at the usual time. I asked him what was wrong and if he still wanted things to go as usual. He said YES!!!!!And I want you to wake me up at 7.What was I thinking????This is usual and I forgot......We talked abt it and it was decided school would go on as usual. He was giving me a hug and said "Mom-dont you think school is fun, I do?????" I said "Of course Stinger-I LOVE teaching you." How can you not melt with that? What a sweety-eh? He said as I was leaving-"Mom-you can wake me up at 8-Ill let you sleep in for an extra hour." LOLOLOLOLOL
Man- I am sooo truly blessed! What sweet little hearts my kids have....Each and every day I marvel at how young they are yet how much they touch and teach me every day.....I LOVE being a MOM!!!!!!!!Best job on Earth!!!

Getting Ready for Halloween.....

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The Founding Fathers

The Founding Fathers On Redistribution
From various sources:



“To take from one, because it is thought his own industry and that of his fathers has acquired too much, in order to spare to others, who, or whose fathers, have not exercised equal industry and skill, is to violate arbitrarily the first principle of association, the guarantee to everyone the free exercise of his industry and the fruits acquired by it.” — Thomas Jefferson, letter to Joseph Milligan, April 6, 1816

“A wise and frugal government… shall restrain men from injuring one another, shall leave them otherwise free to regulate their own pursuits of industry and improvement, and shall not take from the mouth of labor the bread it has earned. This is the sum of good government.” — Thomas Jefferson, First Inaugural Address, March 4, 1801

“Congress has not unlimited powers to provide for the general welfare, but only those specifically enumerated.” — Thomas Jefferson

“The moment the idea is admitted into society that property is not as sacred as the laws of God, and that there is not a force of law and public justice to protect it, anarchy and tyranny commence. If ‘Thou shalt not covet’ and ‘Thou shalt not steal’ were not commandments of Heaven, they must be made inviolable precepts in every society before it can be civilized or made free.” — John Adams, A Defense of the Constitutions of Government of the United States of America, 1787

“With respect to the two words ‘general welfare,’ I have always regarded them as qualified by the detail of powers connected with them. To take them in a literal and unlimited sense would be a metamorphosis of the Constitution into a character which there is a host of proofs was not contemplated by its creators.” — James Madison in a letter to James Robertson

In 1794, when Congress appropriated $15,000 for relief of French refugees who fled from insurrection in San Domingo to Baltimore and Philadelphia, James Madison stood on the floor of the House to object saying:

“I cannot undertake to lay my finger on that article of the Constitution which granted a right to Congress of expending, on objects of benevolence, the money of their constituents.” — James Madison, 4 Annals of Congress 179, 1794

“[T]he government of the United States is a definite government, confined to specified objects. It is not like the state governments, whose powers are more general. Charity is no part of the legislative duty of the government.” — James Madison

Well as you can see Im trying out a new photo program-its a little slower-but my PhotoBucket isnt saving right-so had to find something else :)
Monday I went and voted for the very first time*embarrased* I left with my very own sticker even;)LOLOLOL There was hardly anyone there-so it took maybee 15 min.....but we had the touch screen and it was very easy.....So it went rather smoothly. But I feel honored that I can vote and will be voting from here on out.
Its kind of a busy week-every class doing things this week at school,etc. Monkey Boy is just all smiles as he has some interesting and fun things to do at school. Today he went on a walking field trip to see a gigantic turnip-LOLOLOL He said it was HUGE and he was the only one strong enough to pull it out!LOLOLOL;) Hmmmmmmm....LOLOLOLOL Friday he has a Halloween party at school and Im sure he will come home having loaded up on cupcakes and other goodies... Flamingo has been in her room just as happy as can be playing with all of her B-day goodies. She had an awesome B-day and was very pleased with everything and the cake and ice cream :)She had the last piece tonight. I dont know if the 2nd grade will be doing anything on Friday-but I imagine they will be-but what I dont know. Im trying to find some fun things for Stinger and I to do on Friday. He LOVES crafty things so I imagine we will have a full day of crafts-LOLOLOL
Tomorrow night we will be carving the pumpkins-Stinger is already talking about how good those seeds will be coming out of the oven.I think he enjoys them better than the candy he will be coming home with. He's not a big fan of candy being all together in a trick or treat bag-as the candy he doesnt like seams to contaminate the few he does like....so we shall see....we go through this at Christmas time too with the candy Santa puts in stockings....LOLOLOL Lucky for him usually Santa remembers this and he has ones he likes in there -mostly.....but Santa knows that everything better be wrapped just in case.....;)
We have decided to forgo the trip ard town to the shops as Stinger has pleaded not to do it this year like we did last year....so guess we will just be doing chili/ trunk-or- treat. Which is still fun and alot of candy-so they are all excited. Ill be sure to post pics :)
Stinger had a meltdown tonight-havent had one of those in a good while...he got VERY upset when I told him to get off the computer. He then procedded to go into the school room and was hitting himself in the head with things....I have never seen that before. Got me kinda worried and I went in there only to be shouted at.....sigh.....but he eventually calmed down and we had a "talk" and needless to say tonight at bedtime he gave me an extra long hug and told me he loved me so much and that I was the BEST Mom ever.....:)
So I guess I handled that one all right. whew.... I tell ya-those make up sessions make everything worth it....hugs and kisses from him are seldom given-but when they are-they are sooo double sweet!

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Theme #10

THEME

The time will be changing again. I think on Sunday but not sure. Anyhow this is our 10th Homeschool Memoirs so this week it’s going to be about 10 timely facts about you! Write 10 interesting, crazy, weird, fun facts about you! Include facts about you as a woman, a wife, a mommy, a homeschooler, a homekeeper, a taxi-driver, a cook, etc .

1. I graduated high School from ICS Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

2. Have lived in Africa, England, Indonesia

3. I will own a horse one day.......

4. I have freckles-more in the summer:)

5. I love the smell of rain, fireplaces, puppy breath

6. Born in Texas

7. Favorite food is Duro Watt with Injera-(Ethiopian chicken dish)

8. I can blow air out of my eyes and make it bubble-LOLOLOL

9. I love to fester abt silly things

10. Served 4 years in the United States Coast Guard( met hubby who was also then active duty Coast Guard)

U.S. Treasury Freezes Gold Mints, Gold Coin Sales

more great news.......sigh...

U.S. Treasury Freezes Gold Mints, Gold Coin Sales

As of yesterday, the U.S. government has shut down its gold mints. No more official gold coins are being minted in the United States of America. The sales of all U.S. Treasury gold coins has been frozen until further notice. All American Eagle gold coins are sold out across the nation. There are simply no more coins left.

Why would the U.S. government freeze the production and sale of gold coins right in the middle of peak demand for those coins?

There are two possible answers to this. The first reason is called "Executive Order 6102," signed into law in 1933 by FDR. You can read about it here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gold_confiscation

The second reason -- which I admit is speculative at this point -- is that the mints are being converted over to stamp out coins in a NEW currency designed to replace the dollar. When the dollar collapses (which could happen in a matter of months or years, depending on the global finance situation), the U.S. needs to be ready to introduce a replacement currency, at which point the citizens will be offered perhaps five cents on the dollar to exchange worthless dollars for the new currency. By the way, there is speculation that the new currency will be the Amero, but I should warn you that a lot of the information floating around the internet on the Amero is pure nonsense based on privately-minted "Amero" coins that have nothing to do with the U.S. Treasury.

In any case, the U.S. gold mints have been frozen, and gold coin sales from the mints are frozen. Historically, this is a possible precursor to gold confiscation. It is a sign that the federal government is desperate in its attempts to limit the financial options of the People. The government, simply put, doesn't want the People to be able to buy any more gold, because there's a rush right now OUT of the dollar and INTO gold.

(This is from Natural News)

Preparing For a Recession......

I found this today and Its a good starting point-at least for us :)

Preparing for a Recession?
Survival Tips and List

There's word going around that the United States is looming toward a recession. Even though we won't feel the effects of it for about 6 months, it is coming. How can it not with the way the dollar is dropping, the sky high price of oil, the banks are getting nervous, the stock market is dropping, people are losing their homes, and the United States so far in debt that it is impossible to get out?

The United States Is In Deep Doodoo!
Forecast: U.S. dollar could plunge 90 percent
Memories of a 77 yr old Grandma of the Great Depression
New Year 2008 may destroy USA�s struggling economy

I'm starting a list here of some things we are going to do to try to prepare for this... somehow. What did they do during the Great Depression? How did people survive? This is going to take some research. But this is what I have so far. This is my "starter" list. Numero uno is "Get out of debt ASAP."

100 Items to Disappear First - Here is a list of the first things that will disappear off the grocery shelves.

Supplies for a Recession

1. Get out of debt ASAP. Right now the best thing to do is diversify. Have one bank for personal checking account and a different bank for savings, yet another for each business account you run. That way a crash doesn't wipe you out.

Obviously, this is a great time to only keep in the bank what you need to pay such as the current bills, and keep the rest either at home, or converted to gold, silver, or euros. With the dollar plunging as fast as it is, the "straddle" will be gone in just a few days. WhatReallyHappened.com

2. Buy seeds. How will you feed yourself without having to trade for food?
3. Keep your job as long as possible.
4. Buy gold coins and silver coins. If you are going to buy gold or silver coins, avoid "collectible coins" and just go with straight metal. It is easier to get your money back out of investment coins than numismatic ones. Collector's value will decline with the economy, so avoid the fancy ones. Stick with maple leaves, half eagles, krugerands, etc.
5. Think about how you are going to cook.
6. Invest in solar power, or build a windmill We are going to try to build a Vertical Wind Turbine
7. Stock up on nonperishable foods, canned foods, dry milk, sugar, flour, rice and beans.
8. A supply of bottled water.
9. Stock up on personal items. Soap, shampoo, toothpaste, insect repellent, candles.
10. A good axe, a few flints, large amount of matches (dip them in melted candle wax to waterproof) store in a few separate containers, and a few lighters. spade, water purification tablets, duct tape.
11. A pair of strong knives for hunting, cutting, etc. Bow and arrows. A fishing pole.
12. Comfortable warm clothing, including hats, gloves, boots, and blankets.
13. A sturdy tent or two, a few big tarpaulins,
14. Basic medical supplies like aspirin, alcohol, first aid kit.
15. A couple of guns and a good supply of ammo.
16. Two-way radios, short wave radios, watches that don't run on batteries, and an LED flashlight. A map and compass. A bicycle.

Basicly, think about this. If the electricity gets shuff off, what will you do? How will you cook and how will you keep warm? Think about no gas at the gas station, which will reduce truck delivery of goods and supplies. The price of food is going to go up bigtime.

Our dollar bills will be worthless. Hopefully the collapse of the banking system will cause the government to be forced to print special money for the duration of the recession. We may wind up unemployed and on food stamps.

I hope they are not going to have to undig all the bomb shelters that they filled in and buried back in the 1960's! Remember those days? I do. I can remember them passing out Government Surplus too after the Cold War ended. It consisted of powdered milk, a block of American Cheese and butter.

So the first thing I'm doing is cleaning out the pantry and taking inventory. Then I bought some storage containers at a Dollar Store. The large container only held about 8 lbs of flour though.

I think the main food that they did not have during the Great Depression was sugar and coffee. So even if you don't use either, you could get them to trade with.

Foods that I've started to stock up on, buying when on sale, and storing in the top shelf of the pantry.

salt, pepper, oil, vinegar
flour, sugar, oatmeal
beans, rice
tea, coffee
dried potatoes, ie hamburger helper mixes
mayonaise, catsup
canned soups
canned meats
canned fruit
canned tuna
dried milk, water
wine, brandy

toothpaste, soap, shampoo
toliet paper, wet wipes
alcohol, peroxide, first aid kit
laundry detergent, bleach

Be encouraged. My grandmother raised 8 children during the depression.

72-Hour Family Emergency Kit from the University of Colorado
Survival Guide from Homeland Security News
Be Ready List on the Homeland Security website - The Ready Campaign has outlined the top 10 items for a basic emergency supply kit: water, food, radio, flashlight, first-aid kit, whistle, moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties, wrench or pliers, local maps, and personal items.

Informing the Relatives

Here's what my mom said when I asked her if she thought we were heading into a recession, she said, "Oh, they're always saying that." And here's what my daughter said when I told her to get out of debt, she said, "Well, I asked my boss if he thought we were heading toward a recession, and he said, "A recession won't affect the company, people will always need electricity."

------------------------------

Hi Jen, it was good talking to you last night. When I talked to Vlad about the Amero, he said that when Russia fell into a recession that their money was switched too. He said that their government announced that people would have 3 days to go to the bank and switch their money to the new currency, and they were only allowed to switch so much.

He also said that he can remember riding on a bus during the winter, and people had stuck the old money on the frosted windows of the bus. He said it sure was strange. The old currency was worth nothing.

So maybe they will do a switch in the states too. He said all we can do is "stay informed"

I grab all my news from one spot. They seem to post the information I'm looking for. So it's not like you have to scour the internet trying to find out what's going on.

http://www.whatreallyhappened.com/

Here's what the media is not covering on television. That Israel is invading Palestine, Ron Paul, and the North American Union.

mom

17 reasons America needs a recession - Think positive, this 'slow motion train wreck' is good for the U.S.

So it's pretty much up to you whether or not you prepare for a recession, but even as a Girl Scout, when I was younger, the Girl Scout motto was, "Be Prepared."

Glenn Beck To Join FOX News!!!!

WHOOT!!!!!!!!! Man-what an honor-eh? KNEW I liked this guy! Im pleased he is leaving CNN an going to Fox where his views will be more appreciated;)LOLOLOLOL

"Glenn Beck To Join Fox News Channel

It's official. Glenn Beck is bringing his TV program to Fox News Channel in the Spring of 2009. The program currently airs at 7pmET and 9pmET on Headline News and will occupy the 5pmET slot on FNC. Beck will continue his daily radio show The Glenn Beck Program as well. Said FNC founder and chairman Roger Ailes, "As we embark on a new political landscape, Glenn's thought provoking commentary will complement an already stellar line-up of stars at FOX News."

Beck added, "I am thrilled and profoundly humbled to have the chance to bring my program to FOX News. Expanding my audience is exciting, but I'm really looking forward to joining Mr. Ailes and his world-class team."

Firestation----->Co-Op Fieldtrip

Homeschool Memoirs #9: The _____ Family

THEME

This week’s theme is about your family. Don’t worry. I’m not going to make you write a long essay about all the great things your family does. Just something little diddy that I know everyone will have fun with!

Watch the youtube video below and then take this song and add your own words, about your family. The end of the first three lines should rhyme. Can’t wait to see what you come up with!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VM6uqj0_jQc

Lryics to “A Homeschool Family“

Some people say were nutso.
Mysterious and gutso.
Our neighbors think were putzo.
A homeschool family

We drive a black Suburban.
We learn about conversion.
Our six year old cooks spurgeon.
A homeschool family.

We learn about our History.
Its no longer a mystery.
Were understanding History!!!!!
A homeschool family.

(Neat!)
(Cant be Beat!)
(Sweet!)

The parents are the teachers.
We dont listen to the screechers.
We never sit on the bleachers.
A homeschool family.

Have recess under a tree.
And then we read abt bees.
Our nine year olds finally free!!
A homeschool family.

We never leave our hive .
Our children are ALIVE!!!!
They’re champions of Pride.
A homeschool family.

This was LOADS of FUN!!!!!!! Enjoy!!!! :) He-He!

This and That.....

Well its been awhile since I updated on here abt what is going on in our neck of the woods.

Besides me sitting ard the radio and watching the news-same old same old with me. LOLOLOL I have NEVER been so interested or attuned to what is going on than I have in the last couple of months. SOOO many things are depending on this election. I truly worry abt our future with Obama, yet I will worry abt our future also in other ways no matter who is President. But my issues with Obama are mainly trust issues. I just dont feel comforteable with his associates, his views on international policy, his everyone deserves what everyone has earned mentality-spreading the wealth so to speak. Something that has come up lately caught my attention as well as many others-his talk with the plumber abt how he wasnt abt giving less to him, but having those under him have equal access to what he had. Sounds good doesnt it-everyone equal. BUT that is SOOO Not what AMERICA is all about. We are abt attaining what we have by working hard for it-for advancing in a job well done. I dont want the average Joe- Shmoe who is a slacker at work getting promoted to what another has worked so hard for-it just doesnt seam fair. So I have BIG issues with that statement that he made.
Its little things like this that have me worrying-Do we really know him-do we really know what he will do as President? I admit Bush had his faults, but he was someone who put our country first he was Patriotic and Im not sure Obama feels as strongly abt our Country as a President should.....I dont think Obama is the "change" our country needs-He makes me VERY nervous......
Anyway-I tivo'd the debate tonight and Im gunna watch it in a bit so we shall see-but it doesnt look good guys :( Ive got a very uneasy feeling abt things and how things are looking......:(

Flamingo had her teacher conference. She is doing excellent :) WHOOT!!!!! "Is such a joy to have in the classroom"-though her talking needs some attention-LOLOLOL-hmmm guess she gets that from me-just ask Nana and Papa abt all my N's in citizenship for gabbing-LOLOLOLOL The teacher did mention something that was a surprize. She said that directions frequently get lost with Flamingo. Such as put up your coat, get out your book, and turn to page12. Flamingo will only get the first direction. I asked if it was her talking that was causing this and she said no-that she just misses directions-like she cant compute that much info. Which is weird as I have never noticed that at home.....but concerning as teacher has even noticed it at school-so I will be watching for this-I havent noticed it still at home......but great reports all the way ard! Way to go Flamingo!!!!!! :)
Monkey Boy got absolutely awesome reports from his teaher! She just LOVES him-she went on and on abt how he is her favorite-hush-hush.....LOLOLOLOL How he is doing above average and how he may not choose the best peers to sit by...but how he never lets their actions interfere with his following directions-LOLOLOL WOW! I bet my jaw abt hit the floor! SOOO awesome-eh? The teacher is soooo funny -I really like her too:)You know when you just click with someone-well that is this teacher and I :)So thats always a good thing!

So very good things going on at school for the two kiddoes :)WHOOT!!!!

Stinger is doing awesome with school-we are kinda struggling with learning our math facts-especially our multiplication-and hey-I guess he gets that from me too-I had the hardest time in Elementary school with that. I remember playing 'Ard the World' at school and never getting to go on as I never beat anyone......LOLOLOL Darn it-this was one of the main concerns I remember my teacher saying in England and a reason I think I was held back when we moved to the States......So Dad and Mom-what did you do to help me remember them-or did they just click one day?????I dont knwo how to help him remember them......
I dont know if Im supposed to stall and learn these or go on to other more advanced material even if he doesnt have these facts down......he gets the harder concepts really well-hes just struggling with memorizing these math facts......sigh....so I dont exactly know what Im supposed to do with this.....go on or wait until he has these down-and what if it really takes him a LONG time? So I have decided to just go on-just keep reviewing and going over them with him in a fun way every day and hopefully they will click like they did with me????
But other than that things are wonderful-and he and I are really enjoying school still-he still wants to do school on weekends-LOLOLOLOL so thats a good sign things are going well;)

So all in all things are going smoothly ard here* knock on wood*

We are getting all excited abt Halloween. The kids already have their outfits. 2 transformers and
a pretty blue witch. :)The house is decorated all spooky.......the weather is getting crisp and cold-especially at night......My favorite time of year. When you go outside and its cool, but not too cold and you can smell the home fires burning......thats the best smell in the world-other than puppy and horse breath that is LOLOLOLOLOL;)LOLOLOLOL

Well sheesh-Ive been waiting and waiting for this final 3rd letter. Here it is-some GOOOOOD stuff :)
We will be making some changes in our Christmas spending for sure.......needs...not wants......
Anyway-take a gander :)

Glenn Beck: What Can I Do to Prepare?

October 15, 2008 - 3:00 ET

Guys,

Here is the third letter I promised you. In my earlier letters I've explained "what happened" and "what's coming." Today, I want to answer the questions you've asked regarding "what can I do to prepare myself and my family."

Related Articles: Glenn Beck: What happened? Glenn Beck: What's Coming

The focus has to be on 'value' and 'values.' These are the concepts that too many of us have forgotten, celebrities dismissed as old-fashioned or politicians tried to convince us were no longer necessary.

The good news is that our current economic mess is manmade. We did this to ourselves by continuing to elect politicians who sold our country to militant community activists, greedy mortgage brokers and Wall Street types who placed profits above anything else. We were all involved, Republicans, Democrats and Independents. We made this problem by choosing to believe the lie that we could have it all and have it right now. But being manmade means we also have the capacity to solve it.

It is not going to be easy. I believe that the economy is going to get a lot worse. The 'experts' are telling us that we're headed towards at least 10% unemployment and a possible 10 year period of economic stagnation. I fear it could be much worse and so do many of the people that advise me on these matters.

What follows are the things that my family is doing to prepare for substantially tougher economic times.

Your Finances

I'm not a financial expert but even the 'experts' didn't know what our grandparents knew: unnecessary debt is something you have to avoid, it is not a good thing. In our version of the Roaring 20's, the financial elite had lawn parties in the Hamptons where invited guests arrived via helicopter. The parties we had didn't involve helicopters and other excesses but our job as responsible Americans will be to identify our 'helicopters.'

Soon, the Wall Street crowd will turn to the actual economy and the conversation and pressure will change to consumer spending. Remember, YOU are the engine of the US economy. Wall Street NEEDS you to spend. I pray that we hold fast to the 'storm clouds' that are still gathering and ignore the lures and lies that will attempt to hook you back into your old style 'lawn party.' We will continue to spend and consume. We just need to focus on a few out of fashion American values such as thrift, value and moderation.

You know what your family can afford and what it needs. Kids still need to go to college, broken cars still need to be repaired and worn-out appliances still have to be replaced. What needs to change is how we shop. We need to look for value and we MUST live within our means.

How do you know when you're getting something for a good value? Just imagine buying it (whatever it is) in front of dad. Can you imagine telling dad that you 'need' to spend an extra $3,000 so your car can come with that 'must have' automatic self-closing sunroof option? Or paying an extra $650 on a washing machine option so it can connect to the internet? I'm beginning to think that if dad won't spend the money on it, I probably don't need it. Dad is great at spotting value and it's his sense of values that makes him so good at it. I always try to think like my grandfather when I want to buy something, if in my head, he says, "Why, you've got a perfectly good one now," I know I don't need it.

The economy is in for a very rough landing. I think it's more and more probable that we hit a major long-term recession. That's not a reason to panic but if we know what's coming we can start to prepare now.

I don't know who you get your financial advice from (advisor, friend, on your own) but you need to ask these two questions:

First, what caused the current economic crisis?

If you can't answer this question or your financial planner can't give you an easily understandable answer, please get more information or think about replacing your financial planner. You need to know what got us here because that will help you understand what's coming.

Second, how bad will things get?

No one knows what's specifically coming our way but I do know that all possibilities are on the table. Whoever you're getting your financial advice from must be willing to admit that he or she doesn't have all the answers and that we are in relatively unchartered waters. If they don't think that this is a once in a lifetime event and just about anything could happen, move on.

Hyperinflation: Printing Money is Not the Answer

This is the real devil in our 'bailout' packages that seem to be coming every day. The same people that told me that there is no way we could go into a recession, let alone, a depression now tell me Wall Street and our politicians are too smart to create these doomsday conditions.

I don't know about you but I sure haven't been impressed with the Wall Street and Washington genius so far. After all, they weren't smart enough to figure out that 0% down on a 125% loans to individuals that were not required to present ID or a paycheck stubs was trouble.

I do know that if the answer was just to print more money our politicians would have solved this crisis $1.8 trillion dollars ago. But printing more money is not the answer, in fact, it's causing other problems and possibly setting us up for a long-term disaster. Every American must read up on and ponder what I believe is the real possibility of hyperinflation.

This past summer we had a $152 billion stimulus package, followed by a combined $123 billion bailout of AIG, which was followed by another $700 billion bailout bill. As I write this, politicians are promising swift action on yet another stimulus plan and the government has announced a direct injection of $250 billion into several large banks. No problem has ever been solved by just throwing money at it but plenty of problems have been caused by doing just that.

Countries that have tried to spend their way out of an economic crisis have always triggered inflation (i.e. Argentina, Israel and Iran). Hyperinflation is caused when people lose faith in the value of a currency, too much money is printed and there is no corresponding increase in productivity. So instead of printing $50 and $100 bills the government prints $300 and $500 bills but your $500 bill only buys $50 worth of goods. Soon the $500 bill is replaced by a $1000 bill.

One of the best examples of hyperinflation is the Weimar Republic where that government actually printed a one-trillion dollar bill and you still couldn't buy a newspaper with it.

Germany took its first inflationary steps when it decided to fight World War I on borrowed money. It didn't want to raise taxes and there was relatively little in national savings so it borrowed money to build and arm its war machine. Does this sound familiar? It should, it's what we're doing now.

The War which started in 1914 officially ended in 1919 and during that same period of time the prices of goods in Germany doubled. In other words, inflation was running about 20% a year.

Three years later, in 1922, those same goods doubled in price in just 5 months! The process continued to accelerate until menus in cafes had to be re-written throughout the day just to keep up with rising prices. When someone got paid they were met by their spouse who would literally run to spend the money as quickly as possible and no one saved money because the longer you held on to it the less you were able to buy. With no one saving and no countries lending any more money, the government did the only thing it could do, crank up the printing presses and print more money.

The same economic laws that applied to the Weimar Republic apply to America today.

Our government tells us that inflation was recently running at 5.4%. What they don't tell you is that in 1983 government changed the way they measure inflation. If the government used the same inflation measures that it used in 1983 inflation would be running between 10%-12%. Naturally, when the government altered the way it measured inflation it coincidently found that it wouldn't have to pay out as much money in Social Security and other benefits pegged to inflation.

We won't see a true spike in inflation until next fall. It's coming unless the government makes serious changes. If we continue to borrow billions of dollars a day from foreign countries while printing trillions more we are inviting, no begging, for hyperinflation to come and pay us a visit. Please consider this as you decide who to vote for in this upcoming election. Anyone, at any level, running for office who isn't talking about REAL and considerable cuts in government programs and avoiding new spending is either a fool or lying about what's coming.

You can prepare your family for economically tighter times. Our family has been preparing by buying food now that will last us for another 3 to 6 months. I want to be clear: we didn't run out and buy it all at once. Instead, when we went shopping and saw something on sale that we new we would be using in the next 3-6 months we bought a few more than we normally would. We're in the process of doing the same thing with our kids' clothes and shoes. They're growing-up and will need the next size-up in pants, shirts and shoes so Tania and I keep our eyes open for sales and when we see something that's a good value we buy it now knowing that in a year or two our kids will be able to use it and that prices could be substantially higher.

I think this is a good investment and a good way to spend money today that may be worth less tomorrow. Don't run out and liquidate your savings or assets to buy shoes and shirts for the next 10 years, plan and purchase with prudence and moderation.

Guns

You've asked me if you should go out and buy a gun. This is a very personal decision and I struggled for over 2 years trying to make this decision. I never wanted a gun in the house but after discussing it with Tania (and Adam) we decided it was the right decision for our family to have a gun in the home for self-defense.

Before we even thought of buying a gun and bringing it into our home, we spent countless hours at various gun shops asking lots of questions. We also reached out to the NRA (which, as you know, is one of the only organizations that I believe in and belong to) and took several courses in shooting and gun safety. If you're willing to make that kind of commitment then, and only then, can you start to consider whether or not you should purchase a gun.

If you decide to buy make sure you have a home safe that can be easily opened by you and your spouse. Also, when selecting a gun, make sure you ask your dealer for a gun that doesn't take exotic or hard to get ammunition.

The gun laws may DRAMATICALLY change with the election of the next President and a new Congress. Time may be of the essence on this issue so vote with that in mind.

Values

Why are we so different from grandma and grandpa? Remember how they made our clothes? They knitted sweaters and gloves, mended tears and placed patches over holes in our jeans and shirts. What do we do today? We go out and buy our kids clothes that are intentionally faded, frayed or torn. Our grandparents would think we were nuts for doing that.

How many times did we hear, "who left this light on" or "turn off the light when you're not using it." They didn't say this because they were swept up in the latest environmentally friendly fad; they said it because they hated waste. They didn't see themselves as conservationists but at their core they were the first truly 'green' generation.

It's their example that inspired me to re-discover the traditional American family eating plan in our home. This plan applies to mom, dad and all four kids. It's simple: if you don't finish your dinner, it's wrapped and put in the fridge and the next day you have to finish your leftovers.

What a great decision this has been because I'm more careful about what I put on my plate and have already had dinner table discussions with my kids about being grateful for what we've been blessed with and why it's important to avoid wasting food.

Gardening

Tania and I are planning on planting our very first garden next year (yes, I promise to send you pictures to prove it). We've already bought the fertilizer and seeds. In a way this is going to be our modern day Victory Garden our parents and grandparents planted during World War II.

A lot of people think we're planting the garden just for the food and although that's part of it, Tania and I really believe that our family will grow closer by all gardening together. Our hope is that our children will have a greater appreciation for the meals they eat when they experience the work in growing the food they will eat.

We've got so much to learn. I've already learned that there is a difference between heirloom seeds (not genetically modified) and those seeds which have been genetically modified. There are advantages and disadvantages to each type, so familiarize yourself with their respective pluses and minuses. Research what grows well in your area and what you will need to keep your plants healthy and growing.

I do want to share something I learned about seeds. Heirloom seeds are capable of producing viable seeds. So you will always have seeds to plant for the upcoming year. Several genetically modified seeds have 'terminator technology' (that's their phrase, not mine) which will prevent these seeds from reproducing viable seeds.

I'm for reasonable and safe genetically modified seeds and food. They allow people to grow crops where they normally wouldn't be able to and are more robust against disease and predators. Coming-up with all that technology is expensive so these seed producers recoup their costs by limiting the ability to reproduce. You need to have those seeds that are capable of reproducing.

Out of everything I have planned for next year, I can tell you that gardening ranks at the top. It is long term, it brings the family together on a project and it not only teaches my children science but the value of hard work. Does that make me a true sick freak?

Good Books

This is going to sound hokey but we all need to read the Constitution, the Declaration of Independence and the Federalist Papers. We need to go to the original sources, not someone's interpretation of them. Reading these documents will remind us of what our Founding Fathers really intended for us. Their words will inspire us and renew our faith in America.

We need to familiarize ourselves with the founding principles our country and Constitution are built on. We need to better understand the Founding Fathers, what they believed and how they lived their lives.

The books we read should teach us about our heritage. They should inspire us and educate our children. We need books that tell us the greatness of America's past and the promise of her future. We need to read about the mistakes the government has made so we can avoid taking those same paths. The books that I think best capture these principles are:

• The 5000 Year Leap
• The Real George Washington
• The Real Benjamin Franklin
• The Real Thomas Jefferson

Each of these books dramatically demonstrates that America was built on the collective sacrifices of individuals who willingly gave their "lives, fortunes and sacred honor." They remind us that real power rests with "We the People," not Wall Street, Washington or Hollywood.

Also, read books on history that can help you see what may be coming based on our past. The parallels are truly frightening. We are going down the same path by making the same mistakes. These books include:

• The Forgotten Man (on the mistakes of the great depression)
• Woodrow Wilson and the Roots of Modern Liberalism (arguably the world's first fascist leader and one reason why our children are now taught in school that the Founding Fathers and the Constitution are irrelevant)
• Liberal Fascism (reveals the real danger and roots behind the nanny state mentality and what it means to America's future)

Family Time

As a country we've neglected our most important asset and resource: our children. We've become so busy trying to provide the best for 'things' and opportunities for them that we work longer hours, spend more time away from home and too often don't give them the attention they need and deserve. If the economy starts to sink, this situation will get worse.

One of the best things we can do now is to build stronger ties with our spouse and children. Our family gets together once a week for a 'family night.'

This past week Raphe had the lesson, "my favorite animal." I was in charge of the game, everyone had to imitate their favorite animal and Tania baked cupcakes for our snack. It's amazing what miracles have taken place in those short 30 minute 'family night' get-togethers. We may have forgotten this in our 'Roaring 20's' mentality but it remains true: simple things have real and lasting value.

Tania and I also set aside time for just the two of us. We have date nights where just the two of us go out. It's usually nothing fancy. Sometimes we go out for a walk or just window shopping. We've even gone on a 'date' to the grocery store to pick-up some groceries. It's not really what you actually do but the fact that we spend time together. It refreshes me. It brings us together. I love this time.

Finally, just continue to seek out those sources you trust and continue to ponder and think the unthinkable. While these things hopefully don't ever take place, they are certainly possible and unfortunately becoming more probable everyday.

The good news is that there's still time to prepare ourselves and our families. We created this problem and we can solve it but there won't be any shortcuts or an easy way out.

We must vote for those candidates of any party that reflect these values: hard work, self-determination, smaller government, fiscal responsibility and honesty. Look to the character of anyone you chose to support. Their past does matter if they haven't learned from it. Their personal life is as relevant as their public one. We must be able to trust those who will be advising and leading us on what our country must do next.

The problems we face in this country can be traced back to the lack of trust. Our whole system fails if we do not trust it and right now we do not have that trust. In the last 20 years we have lost trust in our presidents, congress and court system. It was lost when politicians argued over the definition of 'is,' the duplicity on our border security, during the OJ trial, by a renegade 9th Circuit Court of Appeals, the 2006 Republican Mark Foley sex scandal and the 2008 Democrat Tim 'more moral future' Mahoney sex scandal and so many other hypocrisies and double-crosses. Our lost of trust was inevitable.

Our political system was not designed around the people in power or really even us. It began with the core belief that we were created and given rights by God. For America to truly fulfill its promise we must restore our faith in the only thing that is solid, unchanging and real: God.

As we find ourselves not trusting our leaders, institutions or even our currency, remember the secret is simple and found as close as your pocket or purse. How appropriate that on the symbol of our present troubles we find the answer: IN GOD WE TRUST.

Only those who are mentally, emotionally, spiritually and temporally prepared will be strong enough to help themselves and others. Many will be fearful if these things come to pass but if you prepare now, fear is the one thing you will not have to worry about. You are not a victim. You are not a survivor. You are a leader. You are an American.

We are all Americans. Let us recommit that, regardless of where we stand politically, we will do the tough things to save our nation because the task at hand requires no less.

The Americans of the past did not look for leadership to come from the politician in the White House for they knew American leadership only came from your house.

Fear not, stay strong and lead the way.

glenn