Money talks

People sometimes ask me why we wanted to move out here. People also ask me why do I bother cooking from scratch all the time? They ask me why do you bother homeschooling? Why don't you just go buy laundry soap? Why do you want to grow your own foods? Why do you own fire arms?

My answer is this.... Why wouldn't you?

Today I took my sons to a second amendment rally in downtown Erie. Not only did they get to see how our first amendment works but they also had a chance to hear the history and the reason we have the right to bare arms. There was one key point that rings so true that was made there today. Where and how we spend our money. As a gun owner we are normally shunned from most public places if we are carrying a fire arm.  And most Americans are ok with this fact. They have been lead to believe it keeps them safer. While we all know when a public place is under attack people become victims with no chance of defending themselves. We have the right to carry and we also have the right to spend our money with people who agree with that fact.

Find out who in your area allows their customers to carry fire arms. Shop at those stores. Hire those companies. Support those business owners. Vote with your dollars. Your dollars have more power than any voting booth will every give you. I do not participate in Government education because it is not good enough for my kids. I do not buy the chemically laden laundry soaps or cleaners because its not safe for my family. I try to grow as much of my own food or buy from local small farms and stores for my groceries.  I also read labels and watch for companies that sell non gmo products. I hang my laundry to give less to the electric company. I cook for my children and my husband because its healthier for them and cheaper for my household. I own fire arms to protect my family and home. (if the President has secret service to keep his family safe I have that same right to safety).

Shop local! Buy used! Fix things! And remember your money counts! Vote with your dollars, Money talks!

What have I become?

When I was a young adult I was a rebel. I refused to believe that anyone older than me had anything to say was worth listening to.  I above all hated my Aunts. They were always cleaning my room, throwing my make up away, telling me how to behave, and to be a good girl. I had no desire to be a "good girl" and I certainly did not want them in my room.

Their homes were always spotless. They always had freshly made cookies and awesome food to share with anyone who stopped by. If you ever went to their home or even if they came to mine a hot pot of coffee was well on its way, followed by cookies and liquor. Shots for all to put in their coffees while they argued about politics, or "when we came to America" talks (or shouting matches) .

As I became a mother myself and had my own home I struggled with keeping it clean. I struggled with having the laundry folded, put away, and hung. I cooked out of a box and was not very domestic. But then when I hit around 30 and had my last baby something happened.  My dishes were washed, Mt. Washmore vanished, I dusted, I cooked, and my house is normally company ready.  Each year it got better.

Now when I visit them I really enjoy being around them. I love to hear their stories of the "old country" and when they came here. How little they had, how the saved, did their own work, struggled, etc. I appreciate what they have done for us. I appreciate what great examples they are too me. They are not perfect but I sure do not mind following their lead.

We do not get as much company out here in the county but when people do come the house is company ready, the coffee is hot, the liquor is poured but I still have not gotten that cookie part down yet... I am a work in progress.

Farmer Pabon

So what do you do when you move out to rural america? You become a farmer! They boys went to their first 4-H meeting this weekend. We are now doing research on Goats and Chickens! We will be purchasing them both and our family will have goat milk products and eggs!  Isaiah was so excited, he truly was in heaven when he had the chance to not only see all the goats on the farm we went to but to actually FEED a baby goat, he was smiling for hours!  (He also said, "I feel like a daddy!")

We have also started planning our garden. I received my first seeds last week. I will start them indoors on Monday (which is also Isaiah's birthday).  We are looking forward to all the fresh produce we will have! Carlos and the boys will be building my garden boxes, chicken coop, and goat barn.  I would also love a small stand to sell eggs and extra produce to place road side for people who drive by. We are all so excited to really start this homestead!