WAR & PEACE

Coyotes were bad last night. Real bad. They howled, yelped, screamed, and sang an opera. The ole' sayin' is true, the varmits were howlin' at the moon. They had come to visit the ranch, hoping for some chicken dinner. Positioning themselves just outside the fence-line; up on the RR tracks, they were driving my dogs bizeek. For hours... yes, hours... yes, the entire night; the canines barked and yelled back and forth; both teams finally collapsed around sunrise, panting with laryngitis. By day break the coyotes were snug in their beds while visions of drumsticks danced in their heads. But the hens were safe. Yep, Ranch Security, namely Andrew Jackson (Jack), & Hankie Doodle Doo (Hank) had saved the day once again. These two mutts had patrolled all night keeping the flock safe from the literal jaws of death. WOW, what an action packed story so far..........
Then Came The Morning.....
At 5AM, when the sun was teasing the day, I went out to check on my man's best friends. Both dogs were in a coma. They were stretched out on the deck, paws scraping the air; in their dreams they had caught the villainous coyotes. Jack was actually smiling in his sleep and Hank was drooling. Ranch Security was tucked in for the day.
Before I went back inside, the sweetness of the air grabbed me. A second pause made me aware of the of doves, larks, finches, and whippoorwills. No extra notes in this song, just the pure bliss of God's symphony welcoming a new day. What an overwhelming sense of peace, and joy, and rest overcame me after a night of sharp sounds and little sleep. All was right in the world.
The events had taught me a little bit about peace. Psalm 29:11 The LORD will give strength unto his people; the LORD will bless his people with peace. Hum....... I must have times of weakness in order for the Lord to give me strength, and times of turmoil will cause me to appreciate the blessing of peace. The pleasantness of the morning was made sweeter after the horrors of the night. I did not enjoy for one single second the bray, fray, or gray of the coyotes. But I think it made the chirps, tweets, and whistles of the song birds that much clearer, nearer, and dearer. God balances our lives with ups and downs so we can need Him more, and He can love us more. Psalm 55:18 He hath delivered my soul in peace from the battle that was against me: for there were many with me. Here again we see the contrast of a war and peace. A battle, and then comfort. A trial, then rest. One is kinda hung to the other.
Next time the coyotes visit I'll be ready. I might just yell out the window a few times myself. As I roll around the bed spending a sleepless night, I'll remind myself of the twitter in the morning. Next time I am facing struggles, I will look for the peace. Next time burdens are dropped on my doorstep, I will know that comfort is coming soon. Peace is there.....I'm gonna look for it, find it, and thank God for it.

MY FAVORITE RECIPE!

Who could NOT love Bisquick? The San Francisco treat, ding~ding......
Do you realize that this post-modern marvel can make pizza, cheeseburger pie, sausage rolls, and oven fried chicken? Then, for a nice side item, you've got biscuits, dumplings, and quick herb bread. As the grand finale' there is monkey bread, impossible apple pie, shortcake, cupcakes, dream cakes, I believe you could even make a wedding cake with this miracle mix! But wait, there's more! Don't forget breakfast! Pancakes, waffles, muffins, and danish! Is there anything this product can't do? World Peace?
I've heard that someone went through Julia Child's Amazing French Cook Book, and made every single dish and wrote a blog about it! Then it became a best seller, & is now a film. Pooh! Pooh! Who cares about sauces, flambee', reductions, and saffron? I just might go through every single Bisquick recipe known to womankind to prove how VITAL this product is! I'm talkin' about rib sticking, high carb treats like: Ultimate Chicken Fingers, Crock Pot Volcano Cake, Easy Fresh Fruit Tart, Taco Chicken, or Spinach Cheese Bread! My mouth is watering like crazy just typing these delights~~~~
Now for the good new: You can read the ingredients on the box! Amazingly, this product, which is a God-send to the culinary world, only has the following ingredients: Enriched Flour, Cottonseed/Soybean Oil, Leavening, Dextrose, Salt, THAT'S IT!!! For your reading pleasure I googled 'dextrose' so we could all be informed eaters. Here's a little hint~ any word that rhymes with 'GLUCOSE', is kin to it! Since glucose is sugar, SO IS DEXTROSE! YIPPEEEEE I love modern science! Anyway, back to our story.....................
Since this is turning into a chemistry lesson, I went ahead and averaged the amount of Bisquick used in most of the recipes. It is 1.3479 cups. Remember this number..........forever if possible....
With this in mind, each serving of this Miracle Mix Meal Maker has only about 200 calories! And NO, that's right; ZERO colesterol, and the added bonuse of 1g of fiber.....WOW! Of course a serving is the size of a nickle, but who minds when you are eating Easy Sweet & Sour Pork that's on the table in 20 minutes?
WARNING! DO NOT CONTINUE READING IF YOU HAVE A WEAK STOMACH!
Unfortuneatley not all baking mixes are created equal. Someone high up on the food chain of command decided to make 'knock-off' Bisquick! It's strange but true. "Why", you may ask? Because they want to SELL it to poor unsuspecting folks who also buy knock off Gucci & Coach bags! There's a huge, gigantic market for this kind of thing! BUT WHAT KIND OF COOK ARE YOU? Hopefully not the kind that wants to save $0.60 in order to feed their loved ones cheap white flour, white lard, white salt, white sugar, white baking soda, and white baking powder!
But wait there's more.
Right now, for a limited time only, you can get a $0.60 coupon at the fabulously official Bisquick web page. Run down to your favorite triple-coupon-store and get an entire box for just pennies!
Be warned~ Bisquick is addictive!!!!!!!!!!!! Just to get you started I have included my very special recipe for Garlic Biscuits ala' Red Lobster. If you have ever eaten at this famous restaurant, you will know the BEST item on the menu is their hot, buttery, fresh from the oven, garlic biscuits. Here is how to whip up these melt in your mouth morsels:

Ingredients:

2 ½ cups Bisquick baking mix (do not substitute)

¾ cup cold whole milk (do not substitute)

4 tablespoons cold butter (1/2 stick)(don't substitute here either!)

¼ teaspoon garlic powder (no substitutions allowed)

1 heaping cup grated cheddar cheese (do not substitute, please)

Bush on Top:

2 tablespoons butter, melted

¼ teaspoon dried parsley flakes (you may cheat here)

½ teaspoon garlic powder

pinch salt (you can cheat here too, but don't blame me if your family feeds them to the dog)

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees.

2. Combine Bisquick with cold butter in a medium bowl using a pastry cutter, large fork, two knives, or a hoe. You don't want to mix too thoroughly. There should be small chunks of butter in there that are about the size of peas. Add cheddar cheese, milk, and ¼ teaspoon garlic. Mix by hand until combined, but don't over mix. This is VITAL............

3. Drop approximately ¼-cup portions of the dough onto an ungreased cookie sheet. If you make them too small, they sort of dry out too much.

4. Bake for 15 to 17 minutes or until the tops of the biscuits begin to turn light brown.

5. When you take the biscuits out of the oven, melt 2 tablespoons butter is a small bowl in your microwave. Stir in ½ teaspoon garlic powder and the dried parsley flakes. Use a brush to spread this garlic butter over the tops of all the biscuits. Use up all of the butter. Makes one dozen biscuits.

That's it! These biscuits stand alone! Serve these Yum Yums with anything you want!

Psalm 34:8
O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.

clothes pins

I just finished hanging out some white items on my newly hung line. They look beautiful rippling in the breeze. As pretty as dancing daisies. Daintier than a passing cloud...........

The linens smell wonderful. No candle or spray can compare, though it's been tried. It is like earth, and wind, and flowers, and clean........all wrapped up in a hint of summer.....................

I had two choices of clothes pins. The old fashioned wooden soldiers that you cram down over the corners of your laundry, or the spiffy wood and wire, spring loaded clips that look like an alligator head when view sideways. I have both. I use both. Both work.

Now, sometimes the stiff solid pine pins get dirt inside of them and leave stains on the corner of my best garments. And sometimes the springy pins explode into three untidy pieces when i stuff too-thick-of-an-item between its jaws. Then my once clean skirt floats to the ground and rests in a puddle. The gator type clips wait for me on the line, patient for my return. The straight and narrow clips hide in an old ice-cream bucket under a tree. No matter, each little tool fills the cotton twine when needed. I have both. I use both. Both work.

When rearing my family, I find that words are my biggest tool. Claiming Proverbs 31:26 helps me to stay focused on what type of words should be spoken, "She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness." Wise words, kind words. Wise words direct paths, organize thoughts, and express God's authority. Kind words comfort, encourage, and love. I have both. I use both. Both work.

Once, I was in a hurry and just threw wet blankets, quilts, and comforters over the line to dry. The hodgepodge eventually scattered all over the yard. A big casualty that had to be presoaked, spot-cleaned, & rewashed. In my haste, I actually made more work for myself! Ditto when I scatter words without thinking about their eternal value. A harsh word here or an impatient snarl there can add up to a child that scatters. It will take tons of wise and kind words to wash away the stains of a hurt spirit because of hurried, mean words.

So while I fold my crisp whites, I'll practice some. When I see my family I want to clean their spirit with words. Wise & kinds words. Words that dance like daisies.............

I have both. I use both. Both work.



I might have to google who invented cloths pins & send them a thank you card.........

BE SURE!

I had to go t0 Pekin today (about 30 miles away) in order to purchase a much used baking ingredient that is not carried at the grocer in my town. On the way home I was enjoying the scenery, nice green fields, nice brown marshes, and nice red cows. The farm folks, farm trucks, farm implements, and myself were just amblin' down the two lane enjoying the speed limit.
In my rear view mirror I could see a dark sedan coming up in a hurry. The car passed me in a flash, then overtook the Chevy in front of me. Quick as a wink the blue blur maneuvered around a large tractor/road grader ON A CURVE. It is a good thing we all slammed on our brakes and the semi in the opposite lane did some fancy foot work! I was sure it was going to be a head on collisions & I had freezer items so I could NOT have a delay!
Up the road I could see the navy auto winding in and out of traffic in an effort to be the first in line to somewhere!
Everyone settled back into a nice line of defensive driving, but in a hand-full of minutes, low and behold we came up upon the sports car. It was being visited by a very nice black & white car with some very festive lighting on top. I could not tell what the occupants were discussing, but no one was smiling. Except ME! Ha, ha, I was giggling like crazy and felt very smug!
Then it happened!
I had been listening to a CD by the Committed Quartet, and skipping around so I could listen to the songs that featured my son-in-law Heath Bartlett. He started belting out, "Everlasting Blood". Oh, my......................
My mind fell to spiritual issues and Numbers 32:23 But if ye will not do so, behold, ye have sinned against the LORD: and be sure your sin will find you out.
That gal with the crazy driving was found out! She was busted! But I was reminded of the times I do not obey. My black and white BOOK may not have fancy lights, but it contains the Words of the Lord of Lights! Daily I break HIS law. Often I drive along in my life thinking HE is not watching or caring. Now, God does not sit around in a speed trap waiting to bust me, but I need to remember my wrong actions have consequences somewhere down the road. Just like that dark car, my little mind gets going too fast, trying to get ahead of God, not caring about others, and just doing what it wants. AND just like that dark car, it will catch up with me, God says so. It won't be worth it, it never is....................
So, I prayed a little prayer that the mercy and patience shown by God toward me would be the same mercy and patience the State police might show toward the vagrant driver. But I was still crackin' up the whole way home.............

BABY SITTING

I am baby sitting my granddog, Eyelee. Her mommy is away, and her daddy is working so I am taking care of her this week. I had planned to take photo's and write a little book called, "Eyelee Goes To Grandma's". The idea was to make her pancakes, take her to the park, go swimming, read her books, nap together, and document all the fun times my granddog had at my house this week. After today the new title will be, "Eyelee Lives To See Another Day."
It started when she dug under the fence and went on a running spree down the highway. Being half greyhound she could outrun papa and granny. So, papa got in his pick-up and went lookin' for the now named, "Devil Dog From Hades". He could tell where she was by the blare of horns and the disarray of cars in the ditch. While papa ventured in the truck, grandma jumped on her trusty steed, Ezra, and raced around the acreage screaming at the top of her lungs, "EYELEEEEEEEEEEE!"
Papa finally spotted her in the next town over. That naughty girl ran from pops, but he faithfully stumbled after her in his worn cowboys boots, trying not to have a heart attack! As Devil Dog ran away, she inadvertently stumbled into a goat pen and gramps was able to collar her and drag her to the truck. Meanwhile back at the ranch, grandma is having a complete nervous breakdown thinkin' her 8 million dollar granddog is squished on the interstate or even worse: kidnapped! I didn't know whether to kill her or give her a pedicure when grandpa pulled in the driveway with our wayward child. My heart was racing until midnight while Eyelee snored on the couch.
Now it is 4:16am and I am writing yet another adventure. My 50+ year old bladder aint what she use to be, so I visit the bathroom about 3:00am. My house is dark so i am use to feeling my way to the restroom. I am NOT use to feeling warm wet on my feet or warm squish between my toes. The over head light told a sad tale of what a dogs tummy does with a new type of dog food after an exciting day. It is an amazing act of science how a 50 pound dog and leave 75 pounds of poo on the floor. It is also magical how one bowl of water, when added to a dog, converts to 578 gallons of pee on the carpet. Grandma,(me), had to get her entire arsenal of carpet cleaners, floor cleaners, mops, buckets, rags, gloves, and gas-masks in order to bring order to her floors.
I wanted to mumble, I wanted to grumble, I wanted to whoop some dog flesh. But as i knelt and scrubbed, it was the perfect position to analyze the situation. I was not caring for the dog, because I love the dog, I was caring for the dog because I love her owners. I thought of how precious my daughter and her husband are to me. I thought of the fun we had had together just the night before. I remembered the laughs and words of encouragement. I mused on the shopping trips smelling candles, and the crazy talks on the phone. I realized that although I no longer have any Windex, Tilex, or Kleenex, I have a special spot in my heart for two folks who I am glad to," Be What They Need".
My husband had taught me this concept years ago, and I don't know whether to hate him or love him for it. His theory is that as your children age, you not longer get to dictate how and when you want to show your love and affection. THEY determine how and when you will demonstrate your care. Being what they need means getting a pizza when you would rather hold your new grandbaby. Being what they need means driving 3 hours to have lunch with them. Being what they need means forking over some cash, no lots of cash, when they call. Being what they need mean sending important documents next day mail. Being what they need means spending your grocery money on treats. Being what they need means lending your car, painting a dresser, driving through the night, scrubbing a garage floor, and typing a term paper. Being what they need involves cooking banana pudding, Ezekiel bread, chicken and dumplins, stuffed shells, and making tons and tons of tea. It means buying special outfits, sending care packages, going to a T-ball game, cleaning up after a wedding, praying faithfully each and every day, and even watching an 8 month old pup. Being what they need is showing a level of selfless love that emulates how our Saviour loves us.
It will probably be another hour before I get the Mount Vesuvius explosion under control. But I will enjoy every second. Yep, this cowgirl is smilin'. Smilin' because she loves her children. She loves being what they need.

THINE HEARTS DESIRE

Psalm 37:4

Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.

What is your hearts desire for your spouse? What is your hearts desire for your children? What is your hearts desire for yourself? Think about any other desires you have.
According to Psalm 37:4, If you delight in the Lord, He shall give the desires of your heart. So, it is important to study what exactly delight is. The Bible tells you what delights God.
Obedience Delights God. 1 Samuel 15:22 And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams. Read His Word and follow scripture as closely as possible. Purpose in your heart to obey each day.
Rejoicing Delights God. Proverbs 8:30 Then I was by him, as one brought up with him: and I was daily his delight, rejoicing always before him; Keep a joyful heart. Situations may be bleak, but your attitude and response can be positive. No one can take your joy, and don’t give it away. Smile from the inside out!
Honesty Delights God. Proverbs 12:22 Lying lips are abomination to the LORD: but they that deal truly are his delight. Be honest with your words. Watch the way you deal with your taxes, bills, and finances. All actions and business transactions should be done above board. Be honest.
Lovingkindness, Judgment, and Righteousness Delights God. Jeremiah 9:24 But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the LORD. Lovingkindness is favor, kindness, and mercy. This is how you should treat others, with kindness, mercy, and striving to meet needs. Judgement is to govern according to God’s Word. Live a principled life that lines up with the Bible. Righteousness is morally right. Live a separated life.
REWARD: Psalm 37:4 Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. When you obey, rejoice, behave honesty, show lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, you delight God. He then promises to give you the desires of your heart. But there is something else He promises. Isaiah 58:14 Then shalt thou delight thyself in the LORD; and I will cause thee to ride upon the high places of the earth, and feed thee with the heritage of Jacob thy father: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it. He will cause you to ride upon the high places. Doesn’t this sound nice? Soaring around on the mountain tops? The Lord also says he will feed you with the heritage of Jacob. This is exactly what we want for our families, a Godly heritage. A heritage where the Lord reigns.
God is so very good to us. He loves us, meets our needs, cares for us, guides us, and then on top of everything else, He gives us a recipe to receive the desires of our heart. Thank you Jesus, help us to delight in You daily.

i just received the bestest gift on the whole planet from my friend Annette. A HAM BONE! What could be more useful?? I hurried home from church just to play with my new prize! The extra fatty part went to Jack (the mutt in charge of yard security) and some of the crunchies went to Hank (loyal friend of Jack). Then i got my 72 in butcher knife and sliced off some pieces to fry up in my perfectly seasoned cast iron skillet. After finding a bandaid to cover the gash i made with the butcher knife and throwing a few more pieces to my furry friends, I placed the bare bone in a crock pot with 2 pounds of dried white beans and filled the pot to the top with nice cold water. I'm gonna let that baby go for the entire night then make some fried cornbread in the morning. I might even eat it for breakfast. YUM!!! It does not get any better than this. Yippeeeeeee!!! I am so blessed!

There is nothing on the planet better than a Sunday nap zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

Deteronomy 11:7

But your eyes have seen all the great acts of the LORD which he did.

GOOBER LOVE

BEANS! I love those interesting goobers! God just didn't make a better carbohydrate! Boiled, baked, refried, cold, hot, lukewarm, they fill the gullet and hang around for awhile! Nothing at the grocer will be less expensive or feed more faces!
COOKING: Best way, with the least after blast, is to do the over-night-soak method. Clean your dried beans in warmish water while rubbing them between your hands. Then place in a huge pot or bowl and fill the bowl up to the rim with nice cold water. Let that sit over night. In the morning, dump the water out, rinse the beans, then get ready to rumble! A nice rule of thumb is 3 cups of water per one cup of beans. Throw this in a crock pot or a nice big soup pot. Simmer for about 3,000 hours. lol no just kidding, in the crock pot it will take ALL day, in the soup pot it will take about 4 hours. Now, if you want to add fat-back (bacon), or some special seasoning now is the time, but DO NOT ADD SALT. This will make your beans tough and take longer, like forever, to get soft. When your pintos, etc. are done, then add salt, pepper, red pepper, garlic, onions, you name it!
USES: A well seasoned pot of beans goes great with rice or over mashed potatoes. Navy beans scream to be eaten with crunchy cornbread. Black beans sit mighty well on top of nacho chips! Pinto's or black beans are super duper smashed up and made into refried beans. You just need to drain them, then whirl them around with your mixer adding the reserved bean juice as needed. Want to go traditional? Use your potato masher instead of the mixer. NOW, comes the fun part, after you add salt to taste and a few dashes of garlic, you get to sort of fry them in a skillet. Traditionally they are 'refried' with lard. I'm not sure it is legal to buy lard anymore, but any shortening will do. This step gives the beans that authentic Mexican flavor. Throw these on tortillas, tacos, quesadillas, and other fine Latino flat thingys. You can also add well drained beans to salads for a bit of color that is cheaper than winter tomatoes and taste 91.2% better!
RECIPES: My numbero uno favorite is black beans seasoned with garlic served over just cooked steamed rice, and served with lime slices and a side of pico de gallo. I would be doing you dirty if I did not include my SECRET-NO-LONGER-A-SECRET-RECIPE for Pico de gallo which mean rooster's beak (go figure) Method: Chop two tomatoes (roma works great) and then add double or triple the amount of onions. Don't fret if they are hot, they will calm down once they sit in the fresh lime juice. Add chopped jalapenos to your taste. Honestly you can leave this out if you want, I have! Add some fresh cilantro, I love cutting it with my new red kitchen scissors, and then squeeze some lime juice (one or two limes) over the whole thing. Salt to taste, it will need a bit. Mix and stick in the fridge for a few hours. This keeps amazingly and is better than salsa. You can use bottled lime juice if you want. This is a super condiment on anything you whip up!
Go to allrecipe.com today and gather some great goober useres. Your budget, and ranch hands, will thank you!

O*B*E*D*I*E*N*C*E

Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience.
Ephesians 2:2

‘Children of disobedience’ sounds like a visit to Wal-Mart or the doctor‘s waiting room. It seems in every store, each parking lot, and most public places, children are whining, crying, running away, screaming, or begging for attention.
Most of these issues are obedience issues. Somewhere along the line an authority is not being obeyed. It could be God, a Pastor, a parent, or a teacher. In Ephesians chapter two; I believe God put some principles that can be followed to help our children obey.
1. vs. 4 But God…. Obedience starts with God. If a child knows who his authority is, he will grasp the idea of obedience. Children are trained to obey so that they will obey God. Ultimately it is God who should be pleased with a child’s behavior. Mommy; pray, read your Bible, and seek His help.
2. Vs. 6 ….hath raised us up together…. Together is a wonderful family word. Parents need to decide on a game plan together. The family needs to obey authority together. Mom needs to obey dad. Dad needs to obey the preacher, policeman, and boss. The entire family should be a picture of immediate, joyful, obedience.
3. Vs. 6 ..sit together in heavenly places… The closest place to heaven is your church. Bring your child to every service. Your plan for obedience will be reinforced at church. Train them to sit still, pay attention, and follow the preacher. Place them in the nursery. Let them attend Sunday School alone. All these tasks teach obedience. Have your child sit next to you until they are married.
4. Vs. 7 ..That..he might shew… You need to show, or train your child to obey. Let them know exactly what you want. Practice situations with them and make it fun. While driving, train your children how to behave at your destination. They should know how to behave in stores, restaurants, church, school, and when company is over. Ask questions and drilled over and over and over. Train how to come when called, and to smile and say, “Yes Sir”. Train in one area at a time. If children does not obey joyfully and immediately, it is not obedience.
5. Vs. 7 …in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.. Training should be done with kindness and patience. Yelling is not training. Spanking is not training. Children learn by love and example. Kindly explain 1,000,000 times how to do a task with immediate, joyful, obedience.
6. Vs. 8 ..it is the gift of God… Reward immediate, joyful, obedience with the gift of praise. It is the best gift you can give, and it does not cost anything. When your child is especially well behaved, allow him to call dad at work, or grandma to share the good news.
7. Vs. 10 ..good works… Remember that obedience takes work. Train daily. Be consistent everyday. Have a game plan and stick to it. Pick your battles and work hard.
8. Vs. 14 …peace… This is what we all want in our homes, peace. The peace that comes from children who do their chores, don’t fight, enjoy each others company, and love the Lord. This is God’s plan for a happy home.

Sure this is a bunch of work. Sure it takes tons of time and a heap of energy, but what worth while doesn’t? Ride em cowgal!

All Creatures.............

I love animals. I love their hair, their smell, and their teeth marks on my shoes. I also enjoy what they teach my child. Like which cleaning products work best on pet stains, and what happens when a dog eats a box of crayons. But pets teach life lessons, too.
Pets teach responsibility. They teach the PARENTS how to be RESPONSIBLE in training their child to care for the animal. Kids will not naturally feed, water, or clean up after the little critter. Make a chart of what needs to be done daily. Do the chores with them until they have mastered them. Then they can do the chores alone and just check items off the list. It is not the animals fault if your child neglects it, it is YOUR fault for not training your child to obey and finish a job.
Pets teach unconditional love. Animals naturally love their owners. Pets want to be with, sleep with, and slobber on your children~their special eating partners. Dogs go into super-hyper-frenzy when you pay them the least bit of attention. A piece of fat back tossed on the floor turns into a sultans feast! In turn, kids learn to love beasts that stink, make messes, cost money, and ruin their new Nikes. Children learn patience when pups yelp all night and need to go to the fire hydrant every 8.2 seconds. Real character is displayed when there are “O No’s”, on the rug, “What’s?” in the closet, and “Yuck’s” on the front porch. Yelling does not solve these problems. Taking the time to work through them does. What better way to prepare for marriage? In sickness and health, poverty and wealth, the kitties, doggies, horsies, and fishies need to be fed, sheltered, cared for and loved.
I went a bit overboard with goats, turkeys, chickens, pigs, cows, horses, dogs, cats, fish, iguanas, salamanders, frogs, turtles, snakes, hamsters, ducks, rabbits, and birds. But 4 of my children are happily married so maybe it was a good plan. Get your kid a pet!