These are important observations. I know the "but we're not partisan" line probably comes from whomever is in charge of the rallies. But the part about why didn't the "other side" protest during Bush's administration...well, I'm ashamed to admit, I wasn't really paying attention--the right kind of attention in particular. :( I think many people are in the same boat. I have to disagree with the idea that the TEA Parties and protests are a product of the right-wing media--considering I don't listen to the right-wing media and neither do our family friends who voted for President Obama and are now upset. Many people who do listen probably attend the protests, but I do not believe that the discontent is largely a product of it. I became disgruntled as far back as the CPSIA legislation, then the bank bailouts, then the auto bailouts, etc--all just from reading regular newspapers. For some people it may be a feedback loop, but by-and-large I think describing it as such discounts people's legitimate concerns and does little to further discourse. In a way it just fans the fire that people do not feel like they're being heard when they're described as astroturf. I voted. I've called my representatives. "Leaders" are still turning to ad hominem attacks instead of taking the time to actually hear the concerns. While I generally support the TEA Party protests, I completely disagree with those individuals who refer at all to Hitler or Nazis. Dumb "argument" and diminishes the horrors of history. I also disagree with people who refer, even obliquely, to violence. Again, dumb. Cicero stood down armies of people demanding their debts be forgiven with his eloquence and logic--the same should happen now. I just wish the crazy fringe wasn't being used to define the crowd. :(

"Do you know that books smell like nutmeg or some spice from a foreign land? I loved to smell them when I was a boy. Lord, there were a lot of lovely books once, before we let them go." — Ray Bradbury A room without books is like a body without a soul.Cicero How very sad the school decided to do that. :(

Didn't Congress approve (and President Bush sign) a bill that bans incandescent (regular) bulbs? They're supposed to be gone by 2010 or 2012 or something like that. I did want to add that most of our bulbs are the new CFLs and we haven't had any go out in a long while.

I agree that some of the items are pretty trivial (curlers and face cream, for instance). I think the "dressing for breakfast" aspect indicates a woman up and ready to dive into the work for the day--which would apply to a woman slogging along with her husband to eke out a living. The first work of the day being getting breakfast, such that it is, ready for the family. A lot of the items on the test (silly as the test is) could apply to any woman (or man for that matter) at any point in history--are you a gossip? are you faithful? do you stay within your budget? are you respectful to those who wait upon you?

First, I'm more interested in the personality changes. I want to be less naturally grumpy. I want to be gentler, more understanding. With hubby, I want to be more respectful and yes, submissive (in a healthy natural way, not the icky way which isn't really a concern anyway as he's not the sort of man that would take advantage or be abusive). I want to be a joy to be around, not someone people have to put up with. I want my tone of voice, attitude, etc to be good. I want to not be so lazy. I want to be confident without being a pompous jerk. I want to be intelligent without making others feel like they're dumb. I want to be more tender and cheerful rather than a sour old hag (maybe not hyperbole; only slight if it is). I want to be more giving, helpful, thoughtful in my home-towards my hubby. I want to encourage, not discourage hubby. This might be an odd recommendation, but perhaps read (or watch) Pride and Prejudice and Anne of Green Gables and the Laura Ingalls books. The examples of exemplary behavior would be good models to emulate. A close second is being feminine. I'm definitely frumpy at best. Some of it isn't help-able. I don't think I can wear heels (I fall enough as it is, but I think I'm going to try anyway). I don't think heels are necessary in order to be feminine. Audrey Hepburn, a very feminine and classy lady, loved wearing ballet-style shoes. I'm not sure I totally get the speech one but since I'm pretty gruff, it's certainly something to work towards. And even the speech itself can be more quiet-natured and less crass<?>. It's just not necessary to say "man" or "word" in the same way one would curse. Framing how things are said in a positive vs. negative way could be part of it. I know people who say things like "Do you not make your husband's lunch anymore?" versus "Do you still make your husband's lunch?" The first way, even spoken in a reasonable tone, still raised my hackles. The first way sounds passive aggressive / assumes the worst. Or, if you use commands frequently, consider rephrasing the statement to sound less bossy (I need to take my own advice here; I've been using too many imperatives with my 2-year-old ds!). :blush: <sigh> I know for me, just changing how I say things will go a long way toward making me sound less stern. Well, off to take a dose of my own medicine...:D

The aforementioned quiz and the list mentioned above seem to be aimed in slightly different directions. For instance, what do manicures and pedicures have to do with being a 1930s woman? My grandma always kept her nails clean and trimmed but never manicured--if you work with your hands enough the paint just gets chipped. The quiz seems mostly directed to behaviors and character, whereas the list seems to be mostly directed to appearance. (Note: I am not saying that the goal of being more feminine is not laudable.) I have not yet read anything about the Fascinating Womanhood book, so perhaps I am misinterpreting its aim. It also occurred to me that not being very feminine and delicate--according to the cited list--is a far cry from "how horrible I really am" (and, again, I doubt you are horrible). :001_smile: Perhaps combining the quiz and the list will help you achieve the results you're seeking???

Interested!

:grouphug: I scored "high", but I have dirty little secrets that need working on. <Sigh> So, to reiterate, I think you have a great idea. I've enjoyed looking at the sites others have shared and look forward to reading what you have found, too.

Are you sure you aren't just being hard on yourself when you're answering the questions? (same goes for others) Many of the statements on the quiz ask, essentially, whether you are rude, selfish, and immature. Based on the posts you've written elsewhere , I have not gotten that impression of you AT ALL (same goes for others). Granted, I have not actually met any of you, but I doubt you are mean to salespeople, are suspicious and jealous, snobbish, criticize your husband in public, or let your hose have crooked seams! :) That's not my sense of any of you at all! I think we can often be our own worst enemies. That's not to say there aren't things we can improve, though, since we probably all can be guilty of being crabby or whiny occasionally or not keeping the house as tidy as we'd like or serving supper at 6:00 sharp (goodness knows I have plenty to improve on on that front!).

I am unsure what you're trying to "change". I don't mean to pry (so feel free not to answer) :) , but I'm not sure how best to address your question/concerns? What sorts of womanly arts? The quiz posted did not have much to do with womanly arts (at least how I define them). By the way, I love your idea. I am very much attracted to learning "womanly arts". :)

Womanly arts like fiber arts? gardening? animal husbandry? home food processing? creative frugality (a la flour sack aprons, etc.)?

The ring sling is very easy to make. Get the rings from slingrings.com--they are only $4 per pair and they are specifically made to carry the weight of a child. The ring sling I made has a "cap" flap that can be turned over onto the shoulder to help distribute the weight. You only need about 1 1/2-2 yds fabric. I made mine over a year ago, but I think I remember it taking less than an hour to make. I think the pattern I used is a maya wrap pattern.

We always try to have two cats. Even if they don't really play together, they do at least keep each other company when we're gone and I think it can improve some cats' disposition. Our first cat, Sully, whom we adopted as a kitten, started growing into a mean cat--lashing out after he was done being petted, attacking us if we went to pick him up, etc. He had never been mistreated. Then we got a second, slightly younger kitten, hoping he needed another cats to play with. Having Mikey join our family had a nearly overnight effect on Sully. Sully no longer lashed out or attacked us. He is now a very patient and gentle cat--very little children can pester him and he'll ignore it for awhile. When he has had enough he gets up and leaves. After Mikey died, Sully seemed lost and depressed. We got another half-grown kitten and the two of them are becoming friends (though, Sully sometimes gets fed up with Angel's constant desire to tease him). Angel and Sully play and sleep together now.

I echo this. A nurse friend of mine recommended Johnson and Johnson in particular. She said to just cleanse the eye with a little of the shampoo and rinse well several times a day. I don't remember for how many days she recommended, however. Hope the eye gets better soon!

I checked out the list--thanks for posting the link! However, I didn't see Pedialyte or Gatorade listed as things to keep. We try to keep Gatorade (the light-colored Rain type) on hand to help ward off dehydration. Should those be included in one's stockpile? I, too, was going to blow this off as media hype, especially since nothing really came of it last spring. Now, I'm not so sure...

My two favorite kinds of slings are the ring slings (I have a Maya wrap and some homemade ones) and the BabyHawk mei tai. I use the ring slings until baby can hold his head up pretty well. Then, I switch back and forth between a ring sling and my BabyHawk (using the ring sling primarily at the grocery store or when I need to get the baby in a sling quick). My second son spent most of his infancy in a BabyHawk since he refused to be parted from me. I also have huge babies (my second son was 10 lbs 12.5oz) and the BabyHawk helped spread his weight over both my shoulders. I could also put him on my back more comfortably with the BabyHawk--then I could do chores, fix dinner, and interact with my daughter while still giving my son mommy-contact.

I think yes. There is no one way to be a mom. There is no one way to be a homeschooler. I think a Christian could be loosely read as "one who follows Christ". This could be someone who tries to live humbly and give charitably of their possessions and in good works, turns the other cheek, stands up for what is right and good, and tries to live intentionally following Jesus' teachings and wisdom from the Bible. I think this could even include those who do not believe in anything divine. I also do not think the Bible has to be read literally in order for the reader to gain wisdom. I think many passages can be read to best effect if read metaphorically. Let God be the judge as to whether or not someone was true to Him. Just my opinion...

I wonder if she may be a bit of a perfectionist, oddly enough. Perhaps she grew up being held to such high standards (in her mind or otherwise) that she is irrationally rebelling ("I'm not perfect and you can't make me") or she sets such high standards that she fears not attaining them and will then lose the "title" of perfect and perfectly clean. I know a grown woman who fits the first description and lives in a terrible mess (almost, but not quite as bad as the chick-poo on the beds house someone else described). The woman I know has made similar comments about people who keep clean houses (not directly to the clean people, though--just to me). The gal you describe doesn't sound like a very self-confident person. I wonder if she's so impressed by everything you can accomplish that she feels intimidated. I'm not excusing her behavior by any means! Good heavens it's bad manners! Do you think a private letter or conversation, honestly addressing the effects of her comment would help ameliorate the issue/relationship? Some people respond well to respectful honesty. :)

Yep, the site is down. Perhaps they're adding updates???

The recipe for the Swedish Egg Coffee, from Swedesburg Lutheran Church Women Cookbook: measure 1 Tbsp coffee for each cup of water (about 12 cups for their pot). Add 1 large egg or 2 mall ones, and a small amount of cold water. Mix well. When water boils, add the coffee mixture to the water. Let boil well, but NOT for very long (emphasis added). Remove from fire. Pour out from spout and return to pot (use a wire strainer to get the grounds). Add a little cold water to settle grounds that are left. Now it is ready to drink and enjoy. [You may have let it boil too long--that makes it a bit acrid.] Our old coffee maker broke and until I got around to replacing it we made coffee this way in a large pot every morning for about 2 months. You may also be smelling it in your urine because you may be a bit dehydrated (at least that's when I notice it more). Sorry, too, for the TMI. :001_smile: Our regular recipe: for 10 cups tap water measured in the Mr. Coffee pot, we use a 1/2 cup of coffee (the container recommends 1 Tbsp/1 serving). I tend to use Maxwell House Original Roast. But, when I get a nice bag of beans I grind them in a Kitchenaid grinder for a 10-15 seconds--not too fine. I store the fresh grounds in the fridge in a mason jar. Our Mr. Coffee only has an on/off switch--nothing else. I hope your coffee turns out well! :cheers2: (pretend those are mugs of coffee). :) P.S. We pour our pot of coffee into a large Stanley thermos right after it is made to keep it from getting that burnt taste (and it saves a teeny bit of electricity).

I just found the creamery online. I think they are available through mail order! That is, if you think you and your family can eat 12 little 6 oz yogurts before the expiration date (I think we can :)). I'm willing to order it as a special treat since it is going to be a little expensive, I think. http://www.bufaladivermont.com/001.html Hope this helps.

I have had water buffalo yogurt--it is excellent. Plain is a bit sharp, but the vanilla or blueberry is very yummy. The yogurt is very rich and creamy--much better than regular cow yogurt. The Whole Foods near me (well, it's at least 30 minutes away) has stopped carrying it, however. Where have you found some? I would love to get some again!

I think it is absolutely worth it to make tortillas from scratch. I haven't price-checked them in a long while, but considering they are little more than flour, salt, sortening and water, they should be pretty inexpensive. I have never tried freezing mine ahead of time, so I cannot answer your third question. I use lard instead of Crisco--much tastier, I think. My trusty cast iron skillet and my rolling pin make perfectly tasty (albeit not perfectly round) tortillas. Here is the recipe I use: Flour Tortilla recipe http://www.texasrollingpins.com/tortillarecipe.html 3 cups unbleached flour 2 tsp. baking powder 1 tsp. salt 4-6 Tbsp. vegetable shortening or lard about 1 1/4 cups warm water Mix dry ingredients in a large bowl. Add vegetable shortening or lard. Or use a combination of half lard, half shortening. Use a fork or a pastry cutter to cut in the shortening or just do it the old fashioned way and use your hands. Next add warm water a little at a time until your dough is soft and not sticky. You do not need very hot water.Knead the dough for a few minutes. Now you will pull off pieces of dough to form about 12 small dough balls. Let them rest for at least 10 minutes, longer if you like. This is a good time to heat up the comal (I use my cast iron skillet). You will want to set it at medium to high heat. If it is too hot the tortillas will cook too fast. Now you can roll out the dough with your tortilla rolling pin or palote (I just use my regular ole rolling pin). It is a good idea to dust each ball with a little flour just before you roll them out. Lay the palote in the center of the dough ball and roll up, center and roll down. It is good to lift the dough and turn it. Again, rolling pin in the center and roll. Roll them out fairly thin. Lay your tortilla on the hot comal. It takes just a few seconds to cook. Flip to the other side. When they are done it should have lots of nice brown speckles. Place them in a towel. If you would like you can use a tortilla warmer to keep them warm longer. They are ready to be served!

I agree--it really depends on where you live. I made a little less than that as a starting teacher in Iowa about 5 years ago. It was a fine salary there, but it would not have worked at all in AZ (where we lived for awhile) where perfectly normal ranch-style houses in perfectly normal middle class neighborhoods were going for a perfectly outrageous $300,000 or more!! Would this job tide you over until he can get a better job? It may not pay the bills in full now, but can you dip into an emergency fund until he can get a better job? I hope it all works out for your family soon. :)

I haven't read all the replies yet (will get to it because I love finding super recipe books). But, in any case, here are 3 of my favorite recipe books. While I haven't tried all the recipes in them, I also have not yet had any icky dishes out of them either. 366 Delicious Ways to Cook Rice, Beans, and Grains. by Andrea Chesman Everything we've tried is pretty quick, easy, and flavorful. I really like the cowboy and cornbread recipe. Not Your Mother's Slow Cooker Cookbook. by Beth Hensperger and Julie Kaufman (the meatloaf over a bed of potatoes recipe is my new favorite way to cook meatloaf) The New Best Recipe. from the editors of Cook's Illustrated. Some of the recipes in this book are just too rich for my blood ($$$), but there are others easily modified to be less expensive and some that just are fairly inexpensive to make. I LOVE the creme brulee recipe in here and the angel food cake recipe. There's also a recipe for fried tilapia that was really good--my kids kept asking for more.