Tomatoe Grace

 

It's that time of year again.  The vegetables....not coming in like I want, but still the harvest is enough and there's hope for more.  But these girls....

They steal my heart.

Every time.

They make it skip a beat.

And make it explode with laughter.

They're the perfect part of our crazy.

Yep, these two sisters have a huge part of me.

 

Memories and tomatoes, all wrapped up in one.

Pretty good if you ask me!

Yummy and goofy too!

 



 

Always entertaining.

Always loved, so very loved.

By eachother,by me, by any and every one who knows them.

 

And randomly crazy, oh so random!

 

This food sieve....generations old.  The perfect birthday gift from my Grandma a few years back.  If I'm right, it was her Grandmother's before it was hers.  And now her Great Granddaughters share the kitchen with it once again.

 

And the boys, those crazy boys.  Yep, they're the other piece of the puzzle!  I never, ever would have guessed my heart could have this much room for this much love.  With each day, each year, each crazy kitchen moment, and every wild parenting challenge....it continues to grow.  A limitless grace.  Thanks you Jesus for the four greatest kids ever.

They're pretty amazing.

 

RANDOM KID QUOTES OF THE NIGHT.....

 

Alaina:  Gracie thinks North America is Texas....like all of it.

 

Gracie:  I love my sister.

 

Cass: Uhhhh....I don't know what to say....HELLO.

 

Aiden:  Ummm whatever.

True story, that's just kinda how we roll!

I'm now inspired to actually capture their randomness while theyr'e unaware....to steal their perfect words when they least expect it.  That will be fun.

 

We can do ALL things through Christ who gives us strength.  And it is ONLY through Christ that I am anything, anyone, with any sort of plan and purpose.  May all I do this week be in love!  And may the little (and big) eyes and ears around me continue to be the grace, the blessing, the motivation, and inspiration that they are.  And they don't even know it!  I guess that's how amazing works.

 

Jennifer

Summer's In FULL SWING in our neck of the woods!

 

Join me this week over at HOMESCHOOL SURVIVAL for some summer survival tips!

 

 

 

Love in Christ,

Jennifer

 

School Year 2013-2014

Homeschool Year #1 Complete!!!!

Wow!

That's HUGE for us!

 

 

I look forward to printing these pictures for each kid to put in their school album!

 

 

Most importantly....GOD HAS BEEN FAITHFUL!

So thankful for these memories!

 

 

 

 

Here's a video to watch and enjoy!

Please forgive the mistake or two or three.

A Reminder of Grace

Several weeks ago we had a pretty fierce storm. 

We know the drill.....

Watch the radar

Keep Tuned into local weather alerts

Pay attention and Listen

 

The lights flickered and suddenly it sounded like the house was being pounded inward from every direction by the rain.

 

That's when I gave the word and we rushed into the main bathroom of our house.  We live in a mobile home and I believe this is the safest room-if there is one.  It has no windows and seems to be in the best location if any of the big trees come down.  In the middle of this, we hurried into Cass' bedroom and drug his double size mattress into the bathroom floor, along with the weather radio.  It was here that we stayed and listened to the storm and the weather updates, on a now battery operated radio.

 

Let me explain that this isn't exactly a rare occurrence around here.  We live in a land of frequent severe thunderstorms, tornado watches, and the occasional tornado itself.  Most of the time, the worst that happens is we lose power for a day or more and/or spend the night in the bathroom floor.

 

I didn't go to sleep during this storm, and later in the night when it calmed down, I moved me and the kids back into our bedroom for the night.  I did peek out the front door and see a big limb off of a tree.  But I had no idea until morning what had happened outside.

 

 

To give you an idea, this shed is located behind the house.  There is usually only grass on the ground.  You can see a line of trees down behind Gracie, extending past both sides of the picture.

 

Here is a closer picture of what was happening outside of the house.  Where the skirting is 'ruffled' is  where we went to get the mattress and only steps away from the bathroom we ended up in.

 

Use your imagination here.  This specific line of damage started past the edge of the first picture of the post.  It began far from the house and did a whole lot of damage before making its way here.  It went through the trees as I've tried to show in the pictures above.  It messed with the skirting on the edge of the house....and then it literally STOPPED.  Right there, right before the area where the kids and I were sheltered.  Just.  In.  Time.

 

Let that soak in.

 

The next morning, the kids yelled that there were trees down in the back, big trees.  I stepped outside and my heart literally stopped and sank into my belly.  We ventured outside and with every step, I saw something that I'll never forget. 

 

I saw the exact measure of grace we were given that night.  The weeks since have held discoveries of many more places effected by that night's storms.  And a whole lot of cleanup with eventual results.  

 

Since that morning I've been unable to help it.....I keep comparing this storm to God's protection in our lives.  We go through times in life knowing things are rough and knowing God is with us.  But it's not always then that we realize just how much grace we've been given.  It's often not until the storm has passed that we are able to see.  To look and feel of the damage, to sense the hurt from which we've been spared.  Often Grace is best measured in hind-sight.  Looking back and being able to see just how much our Savior has protected us from.  I believe that feeling will be endlessly multiplied in the time we will walk and talk with Jesus.  Until then, I'll remember to trust HIM in the storms.  My hope is that you will too.

 

Life carries on in the days since.  Springtime filled with all things spring.  Baseball.  Soccer.  Softball.  End of school work.  Little friendships growing.  Family together.  Gardens planted.  Yards mowed.  Flowers planted.  Hearts healing.  And most of all.....lives lived.  The tragedies coming from storms in other states remind us that the same God that gives....He also takes away.  Still HE is mighty and He knows what He's protecting each of us from....even those whose lives were lost to a storm's fury.  Pray for those families.  Thank God that He isn't done with you yet.  Be inspired by the stories of faith pouring in from survivors. 

 

 

Today I give things to HIM in all we have.  For my husband, my best friend.  For our four beautiful and healthy children.  For little friendships and lives growing.  For lessons learned and storms survived.  For protections unknown and Grace we often don't see.

 

The Lord is righteous in all his ways, and holy in all his works.  Psalm 145:17

Louisiana House Bill 1091

Okay Dog Owners and Hog Hunters, there is yet another bill working it's way through into Louisiana Law that I think you will find of interest.  It looks like we have only until Tuesday April 22nd to stop this bill from passing into the Senate and getting one huge step closer to becoming law.  First, let me introduce you to....

 

LOUISIANA HOUSE BILL 1091  By Representative Tom Willmott

 

ANIMALS:  Prohibits the transportation of dogs in pickup truck beds on certain roadways unless humanely secured

 

Scheduled for Floor Debate on 4/22/14

(Final House Vote before moving to Senate)

 

This may or may not mean anything to you.  For our family, it's another jab closer to stepping on our rights as dog owners and a family that hunts with our dogs.  For us, it's a silly place for government to step in and could very well add to the slippery slope of losing our rights as dog owners.  I believe the people supporting this law think it's a public safety issue to have a dog riding unsecured on a pickup bed on Interstate Highways.  If you're like us, we know many people and many dogs that have done this for a long time with no incident.  And also like us, you can probably come up with a list of other hazards to our citizens that need much more attention....such as an overreach of government control on things that don't need fixed. 

 

If you feel the same way, please consider taking a few moments this weekend to shoot an email and or voice mail to your representative.  You can find your representative and contact information HERE.

 

If you're not great with words, feel free to use the same words we have.  Here is a sample email you might find handy....

 

 

 

Dear Representative_________________,

 

It has come to my attention that House Bill 1091 is up for floor debate and a final vote this coming Tuesday, April 22nd.  This bill seeks to prohibit the transportation of dogs in pickup truck beds on certain roadways unless humanely secured.

 

I am a dog owner, who cares very much about the safety of my animals and other citizens.  With that being said, I find this law an attack on my personal rights and lifestyle.  The practice of dogs riding unrestrained in truck beds is a long lived way of doing things for many of us here in Louisiana-and something that has not represented a hazard to myself or anyone/dog that I know.

 

At the end of the day, I find this bill an excuse for more government regulation where none is needed.  I feel there are many other pressing issues that need our law makers and law enforcement's attention.  Please consider taking a stand against this bill that will do nothing other than hinder dog owners like myself, as well as law enforcement officers from keeping their attention on more pressing matters.

 

PLEASE VOTE NO to House Bill 1091 this coming week. 

 

THANK YOU,

 

______________________

 

 

 

 

Please take time before Tuesday to email or call your rep's office.  Each voice makes a difference and this is just one of many attempts for lawmakers to get their fingers into a way of life that we are trying to protect!

 

 

 

For more information of past work we are trying to accomplish, you can visit the following posts....

 

HOUSE BILL No. 958 Update:  Bill 958 did NOT make it out of committee this year.  Instead, it was decided that a study would be done on this issue.  Good work people.  Keep your eyes and ears open for more information to come on the issue of transporting Live, Feral Hogs.

HOG HUNTING better known as HOGS, DOGS, & HATERS can also be found in your April issue of Tuskers Magazine and is a good read on what it is we're aiming to protect.

 

 

And now, to ask a favor from you.....

 

I've done the homework here, as well as give y'all specific breakdowns in who and when to contact.  My husband Tommy and I are glad to help fight to preserve this heritage for our children and generations to come!  Now I'm asking that after you make your calls and send your emails, to PLEASE take a minute to share this post with any and everyone you can.  Facebook is an awesome platform, so get busy and paste the link to this post in every dog, hog hunting, and other dog hunting group that you can!  THANK YOU!

 

HAPPY EASTER WEEKEND!  HE IS RISEN, HE IS KING, and HE IS THE HEAD OF OUR HOME and the HEART OF ALL WE DO!!!!!

 

JESUS REIGNS!

 

You can contact me directly at jenwhitten8@yahoo.com

 

 

 

Louisiana Homeschool Lessons

Wow....we've had an eventful few weeks!

Many things to share in the days to come!

Surprise sister visit and walking by faith!

Spring schedules & the tricky art of 'doing it all'!

Tornado....God proves right on time!

Current issues and future plans for protecting our hunting and dog rights.

Those are only to mention a few!

Yes, there's much to be written!

So as our life settles back to 'normal', I'll leave you with a Louisiana Homeschool Lesson!

Visit HERE at HOMESCHOOL SURVIVAL for a little bit of a Southern Challenge!

Remember if you'd like to have our posts delivered to your inbox, visit the left sidebar to signup for email delivery!

House Bill No. 288

UPDATE:

This post was originally posted approximately a year ago and Titled Louisiana House Bill No. 958. Once again-the same type of bill has been proposed-this time it's House Bill No. 288 being proposed by Representative Major Thibaut. For the sake of streamlining the process of equipping  hunters to speak up for their rights-I'm simply going to replace last years details with updated information. Since they're trying to pull the same type of nonsense law out of their valuable public service skills-this will be very easy. The only information changing will be the above mentioned  name on the bill proposal and I will fill in dates as I learn them! Now it's y'all's turn.....let's get busy with the phone calls and emails! Happy hunting....and advocating for your rights!...Jennifer

LOUISIANA HOUSE BILL NO. 288

A week ago I posted an article.  Its reach was pretty far.  Its content seemed to serve as a voice for a large number of hog hunters like myself, my husband, and so many of our friends.  If you're unfamiliar with this article you can GO HERE to read it. 

There were many of YOU, just like us...

Ready to stand up for what we believe in to protect our rights as hog hunters and dog owners.

There's a time to speak up for these things and one of those times is NOW.

This past week many of you were made aware of a law being proposed in our state of Louisiana.   A law that will prohibit the transport of 'live feral hogs'.

Now, I am fairly educated.  But I will be the first to admit that I didn't pay that much attention when it came to 'government'.  Since I spend my days raising & teaching our kids, taking care of pups, and hunting with my husband-I'm not exactly a walking resource on the 'law making' process in Louisiana-or anywhere to be more exact.   I don't think I'm the only one. 

So, I've done my homework.  I've made the phone calls.  And I've come up with what I hope will serve as an easy guide to what's going on here.  AND to make sure WE ALL know that time is of the essence and there IS A WAY for you to make a difference.  I'll do my best to share what I've learned.
 

FIRST LET'S GET UP TO SPEED

HOUSE BILL NO. 288 by Representative Thibaut looks to prohibit the transport of live feral hogs

The bill can be found HERE.  Included are penalties that one 'shall' be subject to if the law is violated. 

A quick little graph of how the law making process works in Louisiana can be found HERE.  But basically, it's like this....

1.  A House Representative presents a proposed bill (In this case Representative Thibaut)
2.  It is referred to a specific house committee (In this case Natural Resource & Environment)
3.  That committee hears/reviews the bill and they make a report on the bill.  It is my understanding that the bill can be stopped inside the committee.  If so, it stops there.  If not, we go on to number 4.
4.  The bill gets presented/debated on the floor of the House of Representatives.
5.  The Bill is either voted for or against in the House of Representatives. If against, it can either be reconsidered or receive no further action.  If approved, it then goes on to the Louisiana Senate.
6.  From here, pretty much the same process of #'s 1-5 is repeated in the Senate.  If all gets approved, it goes on to the process to get final approval and enactment as law.

Where are we now?

The Bill has been assigned to the Natural Resource & Environment Committee.  My checking shows that it is likely to be 'reviewed' by this committee as early as (To Be Updated).  So, theoretically-the committee could approve this bill, pass it on to be voted and approved by the entire House, and move it onto the Senate possibly as early as (To Be Updated).  (Remember, this is based on my understanding of information received)  That's a lot of work and a whole lot of possible progress to be made in a very short time.  That's where we come in.

MOST IMPORTANTLY, WHAT CAN YOU DO?

Our first and perhaps most effective approach needs to be to 'kill' this bill right where it's starting!  It would be awesome to stop it in committee.  If not there, then lets get it stopped in the House so it won't even move onto Senate.

Like I shared in the 'Hogs Dogs & Haters' article, our voices do make a difference.  What matters is that we let the people who are making these decisions and laws know how we feel about this proposed law.

HERE'S HOW

1.  Email or call your specific House Representative (CLICK HERE to find your rep)  and let them know you are AGAINST HOUSE BILL No. 288.  Share your thoughts, opinions, and reasons.
2.  Encourage your like minded friends to do the same.
3.  Email or call EVERY representative that you can on this specific committee.  Remember they will be reviewing and making a report on this bill in a (To Be Updated)!  Go HERE to find the list of Representative on this committee.  Print the list then go through and find links to each member's contact information.
4.  Encourage your like minded friends to do the same.

I don't mind sharing what I will be emailing to the representatives in this committee.  It might give you an example of how to word your own opinions:

Dear Representative_____________,

My name is ______________ and I live _______________.  I understand that house Bill No. 288 will be reviewed by your committee within                        .  This bill would have a very negative impact on the sport of Hog Hunting.  This impact is more than personal, it could also affect many businesses throughout the state that rely on this sport as the heart of their income.  Please strongly consider stopping this bill in its tracks because of the impact it will have on myself and others.  We often catch and transport live hogs for the purpose of training hunting dogs or to castrate so that down the road they can be fit to kill as food.  Please contact me if you'd like further information.  Please STOP Bill. No 288 that would prohibit the transportation of live feral hogs.

Signed,

________________



REMEMBER:  This is just a sample.  It would be great to add your own thoughts and concerns.  The more representatives on this committee that you can email and call, the better we will be heard!  And remember to contact your own representative too!

There you have it-with instructions and links as well.  I hope this helps make it easier.  PLEASE voice your opposition to this bill.  Don't think your opinion doesn't matter!  Don't wait until after a law is passed to take action.  Take charge and BE HEARD AS SOON as you can!

THANK Y'ALL and GOD BLESS!  Feel free to comment with questions or concerns.

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