Life in a big family means that we look out for the earth everyday. The fact that it's good for the pocket book might also have something to do with it.


Here's how Mama's family saves the earth, one day at a time:

Reduce: We limit a lot of things.

• TVs - We have one. Can you imagine if we let the kids have a TV in their room? Who needs 5 TVs?
• Other electronics - Same goes for gaming systems, we don't have one, because we only have one TV. We have one cell phone for the family, because someone's almost always home. The kids don't get one. Their brothers and sisters will tattle on them if they leave their boundaries and my children run in a gang together.
• Shoes - they have 2 pair each, play and church. That's 28 shoes, people, which is plenty!
• Juice- we just buy a quart instead of the little pouches. Much easier than unwrapping 7 little straws, then picking up 7 little straw papers before the vacuum clogs. Same goes for little oatmeal packets, little bags of crackers, and so on. We just all dive in to the big bag and share our cooties all around.
  
• Happy meals - don't buy these at all. If we go out, we force the children to share a large fries - cutting neon printed greasy cardboard waste by 90%.
• There are 9 people in house, which works out to 244 sq. ft. of living space per person. Our previous home clocked in at 144 sq. ft. This is less than a family of 4 living in a 1000 sq. ft. - and we have one set of appliances (contrasting 2 families of 4).
• We carpool. Always. Unless Mama is fleeing the scene grocery shopping.
• My children also reduce water waste by never flushing the toilet until Mama catches them and forces them to flip the lever. My older boys contribute by pretending to wash their hair but not actually using water or shampoo.

Reuse
What mom hasn't folded a paper towel in half and then used the other side?

We don't throw away the vacuum the 9 yo dropped down the stairs. A little duct tape, and it's as good as new!

Empty jars are saved for catching bugs, storing leftovers, holding guppies, pantry storage, and catching lizards. Not a day goes by without a Miracle Whip habitat creation!



I also have a large Rubbermaid tub with "tweener toys" - toys that Mister X has outgrown, but the new baby will use. However, since we own everything Fisher Price ever created, it does make birthday gifts difficult. On the other hand, my boys are quite happy with natural toys. Rocks and sticks, anyone?

Everything gets passed along or repurposed!

Recycle
They're called hand-me-downs. And leftovers.

And because I'm a cheap-o, I put all of the kids' workbooks into page protectors so they can use a dry erase marker -and then I can recycle the very same book for the next kid. This also solves the problem of the obstinate child who is playing dumb and messes up the worksheet on purpose. Oh, that never happens to you? Uh, never mind, then.

What did you do for Earth Day?

Our neighbors celebrated Earth Day by lacing their yard with mothballs (an illegal use of pesticide, BTW). It stinks and is so dangerous to pets and children. A single mothball, which looks like a big white Lemonhead, can put a toddler in the hospital. Not sure what to do about that... they are our "cranky" neighbors that are hard to talk to and stole our cat (before abandoning it a few months later).

Labels: Frugal, Mama Says

I have removed the Moms for Modesty button from my sidebar. I do still agree with the premises, but truthfully, I was always a little disappointed it was only a blog button, and nothing more.

I haven't subscribed to the blogger who created it in a very long time. I unsubbed for many and varied reasons, and pretty much forgot about that blog.

It has been brought to my attention that the blogger in question has said quite a few things I do not agree with or support. She recently had a few quite vehement diatribes against rosaries and the claim that Catholics are not Christians.

Her opinion, her blog.

My opinion, my blog:
I am choosing not to help her traffic or appear to support her views by linking to her or posting her button.

(But I still have a hard time finding clothing appropriate for a little girl!)

Labels: Mama Says

We are THAT Family, the new hostess of Works for Me Wednesday, has a themed edition today: greatest hits.

According to Blogger, I have published 85 WFMW posts! How do I pick just one? Which are my best?

Hmmm, maybe it's the homemaking tips:
Stomp on the TP

Organize the Kitchen so the slaves children can clean it

When You Have to Chisel the Oatmeal Off the Floor


Or the cooking ones?
This post is the one that gets the most hits! Make Your Own Hamburger Helper. Despite the fact that I think "use some water" is a valid recipe direction.

Maybe money management:
Invisible Clutter

Hmm, surely I have a good laundry tip!
The Family Closet

Ah, I'm an expert at parenting. Occasionally.
Cure Sibling Rivalry

Aw, heck, check 'em all out!

But, I think my #1 most useful post is If You Have a Toddler.

Because Ikea is a dangerous place. And so is a house with a two year old.

What's your favorite tip I've offered on Works for Me Wednesday?

Check out the other WFMW Greatest Hits!

Labels: Linky love, Mama Says, Works For Me Wednesday

Overheard at my house yesterday:

Miss E: Look, Mom, Baby X likes his upside down piggy back ride!

Me: Don't do that! You could drop him on his head!

Miss E: Yeah, he likes that! KA-THUNK.

Poor baby. And apparently he did like it because he laughed hysterically.


Overheard last week (while Miss E was taking a bath).

Me (ankle deep in water): Miss E! The floor is full of water!

Miss E: Oh, yeah. Miss C turned on the faucet.

Me: Well, why didn't you get out and turn the faucet off before it flooded the floor?

Miss E: I didn't turn it on. It's not my job.

Cruel mother that I am, I did insist that it is indeed her job to prevent wanton destruction of our home. And I made her get out of the tub and soak up all the water, too.

This sink is the bane of my existence. Why would they put a sink with no overflow hole in the hall bathroom near the kids' rooms?

Labels: C, children, E, Family Life, Mama Says

Four people have asked me for tips on writing freelance web articles from home in the last two weeks. Many people are looking for ways to bring in some extra money without having to leave their houses.

This is what works for me. I've written various articles for the web since 2006, in addition to writing my blog. I currently only write for one client, but have had several different ones in the past.

This article is how to get started - not whether you should, not whether you have the talent, and not for someone who wants to make a full time income.

This advice is NOT for people looking to write a book, but for people wanting to pull in a little money on the side writing articles for the web or small publications.

How to Find Work
Writer's message boards are good places to start. There are several, but remember YOU should never pay to get work. One "free" sample of your writing is fine, but be careful of places that want you to write for a month, then they'll let you know if they want you.

One site I've used is www.absolutewrite.com - they have a free forum, and includes paid work listings, nonpaid work listings, and there is an entire freelance board as well.

Network locally; many large cities have writing groups. If you can get involved, even virtually, then members might pass leads your way once they get comfortable with you and your writing style.

If there is a magazine type website that you enjoy, search their site to see if they accept submissions.

Craigslist also often posts writing jobs. It's posted in two different places, under "writing/editing" on the jobs list, and under "writing" on the gigs list. Please use discernment and be safe when replying to Craigslist posts! Check out the person who is offering the job, visit their website, Google their phone number, etc.

Many places offer very, very low rates. You are a contractor, and can decide whether or not to take a lowball job.

How to Get Work
Do you blog? I've turned blog posts in to Associated Content and gotten paid. Only a couple ( I really should do more!) Associated Content is a little different, in that you submit your article and the editors then make you an offer ($5-$10, generally.)

Example: My blog post on couponing
My Associated Content article on couponing

I like Associated Content because they pay promptly, you can submit work that has already been published, and you still retain all rights to your work.

Often, you will be required to write a test article and then the company will decide whether or not to contract with you. Usually you will get a writer's agreement, and often you'll have to fill out a W-9.

When writing for hire, be aware that often the copyright of your work belongs to the person writing the check - not you. You cannot reprint them (but can use them as writing samples). Details about retaining rights will be contained in the writer's agreement.

To apply for other freelance jobs, the first thing you need to have is a portfolio. Pull together some writing samples - or write some, that show off your talent. Paste it all into a Word or PDF document. Every job I've ever applied for asked for writing samples, often simply copied and pasted into an email.

If you have ever had published work - even if you were not paid for it - mention that. This could be anything from a contribution to a group blog, to an article published in your church bulletin, to writing the employee handbook at your workplace.

Think long and hard before passing out your blog URL, though. Remember, you are applying for a job! You can mention that you have a blog with X number of visits per week.

I've included my blog URL for some jobs and not for others. I blog about religion, politics, alternative therapies... it's not appropriate for all applications. If you post faithfully five times a week, it can show you are responsible and can meet deadlines. If you post how much you hate peanut butter, and your editor happens to be the Jif heiress, it could cost you a job.

If you are familiar with a particular platform, let them know when you apply. Wordpress seems to be popular among webzines, because it is easy to collaborate and allow team members to post independently.

Pay close attention to style guidelines. You'll have to do things their way, even if you think it's asinine (and you probably will, at some point).

Writing for Print
There are many places to look; many "freebie" and local magazine type publications post writer's guidelines. Look in publications that you want to write for!

Chicken Soup for the Soul almost always is accepting submissions of uplifting stories on various themes. Asimov's Science Fiction magazine accepts unsolicited short stories up to 10,000 words for sci-fi, payment is 5-6 cents per word. You are looking for people that accept unsolicited manuscripts. There is a niche for everyone.

There is significant lag time between submitting an article for print, finding out if it's been accepted, and getting paid.

Your Content
Steady work will not always be original articles or short stories. Often, there are assignments and guidelines. You might be assigned to write a 500 word article on blood pressure cuffs, post blurbs on breaking news, or more.

My steadiest client asks me to write recaps of reality television shows, and I'm assigned certain shows to watch. My current list include Supernanny, Wife Swap, and Kitchen Nightmares.

I started writing scripts for a role-playing video game, until it became clear that was not where my writing talent was strongest.

Many sites also will pay a dollar or so extra if you provide images. If you have a digital camera, this might be a good way to go! Here's an article I did on Mommy's Helpers. I was paid for two pictures in addition to the article. Those are my children, but I was careful not to show their faces. Use common sense. Photo copyrights belong to the person who took the picture, so don't steal images off the web.

How to Get Paid
Many webzines and sites use Paypal, so you may need to open a free account there.

Some places pay by the word (for example, require a 300-500 word article at 3 cents a word) or by the piece (1000 word article for $10). Some pay for a group of articles; $100 a week, and you'll post 6 news items of 400 words.

Many sites also will pay a dollar or so extra if you provide images. If you have a digital camera, this might be a good way to go! Here's an article I did on Mommy's Helpers. I was paid for two pictures in addition to the article.

Sometimes you have to invoice the company (a simple table in Word can do that for you) and sometimes they will keep track. You should always keep copies of your work and keep records, so if you wrote 310 words, you get paid for 310 words.

Remember that you are a contract worker in most cases, and you will have to pay your own taxes. Most places that pay cut checks once a month. For example, one website I write for pays Net 30. This means I invoiced them for work done in November by the end of November, 2008. My check was mailed 30 days later, at the end of December.

How to Keep a Client

• Produce good content, and double and triple check for spelling mistakes and grammatical errors.
• NEVER, EVER plagiarize or copy someone else's work. EVER!
  
• Always be on time, if not a little early. NEVER, NEVER miss a deadline.
• Don't take editing personally, and promptly correct anything the editor requests. I prefer to communicate almost exclusively through e-mail, because it is difficult to have a professional phone conversation around here! Also, when I email I always have a written record of the conversation I can refer back to later.
• Be prepared to be a team player, even if you are working alone from home. There are other writers also writing content for the same site or publication, and sometimes you have to cooperate or be gracious.
• Be professional. You are being paid to write. Treat it like a job.

Art: At The Writing Table by Charles Soulacroix.

Labels: freelance life, Mama Says, Working from Home, writing

The American Baby Code

Article 1. The purpose of the American Baby Code shall be to provide for a better distribution of babies. To assist couples who wish to prevent overproduction of offspring and thus to reduce the burden of charity and taxation for public relief and to protect society against the propagation and increase of the unfit.

Article 2. Birth control clinics shall be permitted to function as services of government health departments or under the support of charity, or as non-profit, self-sustaining agencies subject to inspection and control by public authorities.

Article 3. A marriage license shall in itself give husband and wife only the right to a common household and not the right to parenthood.

Article 4. No woman shall have the legal right to bear a child, no man shall have the right to become a father, without a permit for parenthood.

Article 5. Permits for parenthood shall be issued by government authorities to married couples upon application, providing the parents are financially able to support the expected child, have the qualifications needed for proper rearing of the child, have no transmissible diseases, and on the woman’s part no indication that maternity is likely to result in death or permanent injury to health.

Article 6. No permit for parenthood shall be valid for more than one birth.

Article 7. Every county shall be assisted administratively by the states in the effort to maintain a direct ratio between county birth rate and its index of child welfare. When the county records show an unfavorable variation from this ratio the county shall be taxed by the State…. The revenues thus obtained shall be expended by the State within the given county in giving financial support to birth control…..

Article 8. Feeble-minded persons, habitual congenital criminals, those afflicted with inheritable diseases, and others found biologically unfit should be sterilized or in cases of doubt should be isolated as to prevent the perpetuation of their afflictions by breeding.

Is it The Onion? A quirky Simpsons episode?

Nah. It's from the founder of Planned Parenthood, Margaret Sanger.

You might notice I have a button labeled "Fight FOCA". I haven't blogged about it because so many others have done such a better job. I did write a little about it pre-election.

Go. Read. Pray.


Art: Waiting to be Weighed, Timoleon Marie courtesy AllPosters.com

Labels: Catholic, In The News, Mama Says, politics, Prolife

***UPDATE AGAIN***
Popping this to the top again.

Mama Says:
How can Obama lead a people, if he won't recognize a person?

Wow, my poster has spread across the blogosphere! Well, not across, but it's popping up all over in our little corner of the World Wide Web!***UPDATE*** I'm moving this to the top of my page again as several more people linked over the weekend.

If you are new to this site, and would like to know more about why I feel so passionately about this, please check out the links on my right sidebar under Prolife and Politics.

Or watch this video, and see what Obama fought to keep legal.



I wanted to acknowledge those who are spreading the word. Again, anyone is welcome to grab the sign and post it on their blog. I'd appreciate a link back, and leave a note in the comments so I can get you up on this page! Or, fill in the Mr. Linky yourself! I plugged in everyone I knew about already.



Anyone who posts this poster on their blog with a link back to me will get some Mama linky love!

Was your link removed? Only sites with the actual poster on their site (sidebar or in a post) will be on Mr. Linky. Let me know if you have any issues - maybe I just didn't see it!

Labels: Linky love, Mama Says, politics, Prolife

TLC has a new reality show, The Secret Life of a Soccer Mom. The show goes like this:
Mom gave up a dream job or fulfilling career in order to rear her little sprouts. She often wonders what coulda been. Tracey Gold gives them the opportunity to find out. All the mom has to do is lie to her family on a consistent basis while she sneaks off for a week of work experience in her chosen field.

I did not watch the whole show. There was a much more interesting program on the Science channel about the Microsoft vs. Netscape debacle of the late nineties... I guess that tells you how interesting I found it! I flipped over during the Sonic commercials.

Usually I love TLC's reality programs. Love me some Jon and Kate, love me some Roloff fun! I did not care so much for this one. The mother in the show is a control freak. Not only does she lie to her husband about going to the spa (she is really working on dresses for a fashion show), host Tracey Gold encourages it by calling unexpectedly during the family breakfast. "Who was that?" her husband asks. "Um, uh.... Helen. Yeah, Helen." Mom is not very good at lying.

She has a flock of assistants taking over her duties at home, cooking, cleaning, and taking care of the children. Apparently, the family doesn't like the fake-mom's cooking, because they think dinner tastes weird. Mom covers by blaming it on a new sauce packet that contains onions.

The mother's attitude towards her husband is revealed in an interview with her school aged daughter, Kayla. "My dad is clueless, because he's a man and they do not know how to do anything," she says. BTW - the dad is a medical doctor, not exactly the typical sitcom ignoramus! This is a shining example of why mothers at home should watch how they talk about their man! Do we want our daughters to see men as friends and partners, or as clueless children who must be managed and manipulated?

A large part of the show seems to be knowing laughter at ho incompetent the dads are and how easily the moms get away with lying to their whole family. I suppose most people would not have a problem with that, but how would the moms feel if they suddenly found out their husbands had been ditching work, hiring people to cover for them, and taking scuba diving lessons all week? How would she feel if he told her he was going on a business trip to Cleveland, but really went on casting calls in Hollywood - and had his secretary, sister, and the dry cleaner lie for him?

I probably will be skipping this one. Future episode feature a mom who dreams of being a cop and one who dreams of being a chef. I don't know what fibs they use as an excuse to get out of the house. I think this show, instead of encouraging an often lonely and marginalized demographic of stay at home moms, actually celebrates their dissatisfaction. Instead of helping women see value in their vocation, their teased with a carrot of career satisfaction - all while driving a wedge between themselves and their loved ones.

And... while I'm on the subject of reality shows.... Housewives of Orange County? You're not a HOUSEWIFE if you are not married and don't stay home taking care of your family and your house. But I guess Spoiled Divorcee Workaholics isn't as catchy of a title.

Labels: Mama Says, Rants and Raves

Miss C is giving me a run for my money. She is more accident prone than any of my other children - guess she takes after Mama!

Sunday we had a party to go to and I made a pasta salad. Husband dear wanted me to put olives in it. I opened the can of olives, then decided that they just wouldn't taste good in the recipe I was using. So, lazy cook that I am, I just put the whole can (opened) into the fridge.

Monday, Miss C decided to look for a snack. One glance at the open can of olives was all she needed - we all love them around here. She stuck her hand in to get one out and... you guessed it... sliced the dickens out of her finger. It doesn't help that in the ensuing screaming/blood flinging/olives rolling on the floor debacle I accidentally stepped on her foot.

Monday night, her finger was looking bad. I realized that the poor girl hasn't had any tetanus shots. I washed her finger out again (husband dear had to hold her down) and thought about taking her to the doctor on Tuesday. It looked a lot better in the morning, though.

Wednesday, Miss C was playing with Mr P in their room. He tried to pull her up on his bed - and suddenly Miss C is crying and screaming. She wouldn't move her arm. I called husband dear home and took her to the doctor - luckily, there is a walk-in Doctor's Care clinic here that stays open until 8 pm so I didn't have to give an arm and a leg at the ER.

The doctor diagnosed Nursemaid's Elbow and popped it back in. We got some X-rays just to make sure nothing else was wrong, but as soon as her elbow snapped back into place, little Miss C was back to her happy, giggly self.

Believe it or not, even though Miss C is our sixth child, I hadn't even heard of this. I've only had to take a kid to the ER three times (once when Mr R drank a bottle of cough syrup while I was giving a dose to his brother. That boy chugged the whole thing in less than 30 seconds! Once Mr R got Chlorox Cleanup in his eye. Once when Mr R tried to cut Mr P's finger off with a pair of scissors.)

Perhaps Miss C is my new Mr R - Heaven help me!

Mama Says:
Handy First Aid Tip: When I worked at an emergency room, we cleaned out minor wounds with baby shampoo. It gets it clean and doesn't sting! Get a little tub or basin, put some gauze pads in it, pour about a dime sized amount of baby shampoo, and fill tub with water (applesauce or pudding cups are about the right size). Wash out the wound using a new piece of gauze (no double dipping!). The first piece has the most soap, the last piece has less soap. Rinse with clean water.

Labels: children, health, Mama Says

Recently, it came out that we are slowly poisoning ourselves with hormone disrupting BPAs in our water bottles. Refilling plastic water bottles is a no-no too.

With stainless steel water bottles and thermoses running $20 and up, what's a cheap Mama to do?

My experiment reusing a Snapple bottle was a failure. It's glass, and they don't really seal very tightly when you refill them. "Leaks like a Huggies" is not a good quality in a beverage container.

Finally, I found a solution!

It's stainless steel, ergonomically designed to easily fit in hand or pocket, holds 7 oz, and a twin pack is less than $10!


Then again, I couldn't really use it while driving. Or teaching my Sunday School class. Or while watching the kids play in the yard. Although, the neighbors probably wouldn't be surprised to see me guzzling down at 10 am. I know my boys have driven them to drink.

Hmmm... back to the drawing board;

Labels: Mama Says

Not even board games are safe!

Cranium's Cadoo game recalled for violation of the lead paint standard (do your kids put the dice in their mouths? Mine do. Even the ones old enough to know better.)

You can see a complete list of children's items recalled due to lead paint violations here.

My First Kenmore stove set is recalled, too. This is due to poor design. When the door is open, the whole thing can fall over on your child.


Visit last month's Not Made In China Linkymark carnival for more links and ideas for safe toys.


Mama Says:
You should probably stay way from the cheap metal jewelry entirely. For more information on why Chinese metal jewelry has so much lead, read this. Or this.

Labels: Mama Says, Recalls

Mama Says:

I'm going to try to attend the SC March for Life this Saturday, January 12 in Columbia, SC.

Anyone else going? Want to meet up? Drop me a line!

Phil Kline is the featured speaker - I'll be there if husband dear doesn't have to work!


Also, please keep Baby S in your prayers. She is one year old and has Downs Syndrome, and as is so often the case, needs heart surgery. Thanks!

Labels: Mama Says, Prolife

So... I want to change my template to a three column and get one of those nifty headers. I have no idea what I'm doing. But I want it to be as cheap and painless as possible. Any ideas, links, tutorials? I'm even kicking around the idea of getting my very own domain.

Thanks. I knew I could count on you.

Labels: Mama Says

I think some mail has been misdelivered.

Well, it did have my name on it, and our house number, but it couldn't possibly be for me. It's an offer to subscribe to the exciting new magazine Cookie, "the magazine for the woman inside the mother". Well, if the woman inside the mother is self-seeking, worldly, and sees motherhood as a hobby to pass the time and not as a vocation, I guess. I'm not all that concerned that other mothers see my child in designer clothes and with fully prepared with the kiddie yoga sessions programmed into my Blackberry, so we will never miss a class, unless it comflicts with shopping for the perfect vase, of course. Although, if you're interested, they do have an informative article on choosing the right yoga program for your tot.

The copy inside is actually trying to entice me to send them my $12 with tidbits like this:

From a beautiful, cashmere soft designer hoodie for your child... to a dazzling pair of freshwater pearl earrings to for you...

and this

What do smart, sexy, stylish moms do?

Sorry, but if anyone is getting designer cashmere, it's not the toddler. And what does a designer hoodie look like, anyway? Any mother worth her salt knows to avoid clothing that must be removed over the head as much as possible - especially mudwear outdoor clothing.

Smart, yes. Stylish and sexy? Not so much. Of course, the brand of "sexy" they are promoting is probably the one that the world glorifies, the enticing of men to look lustfully at a a woman (why on earth would that be a goal for a smart woman?) Nine pregnancies in ten years are a good indicator that I'm sexy enough without the magazines help, thank you very much.

I went to their website and saw that they have a featured columnist called Crabmommy. Click on "hear her whine" to access the columns. I've got way to much whining around here, already.
Why would I want to read about a mother who calles her child "crabtot", bemoans the hideousness of having to travel alone with her child, and then finishes by wishing a "happy happy to those of you who do the Jesus birthday thing."

I think I'll pass.

Labels: Mama Says, Rants and Raves

Curious George is bad, and not just because his toys are lined with lead.

Seriously. This little monkey is a bad influence, and if it weren't for the Chimp Lobby he'd have been locked up years ago.

Proof? Let's take just ONE of his books: Curious George takes a Job.


He huffs painkillers.

He vandalizes vacant apartments.


He scams restaurants.

He willfully violates health codes.



And then he decides to become an actor. We all know how that story ends - Former Chimp Actor in Rehab, with a DUI thrown in for flavor.

Although, as long as George stays at least 500 yards away from the criminal entity that is Dennis the Menace, we might be safe.

Labels: Mama Says, Rants and Raves

Truth posted this on my Golden Compass post, and I'm posting it here so I can reply in more depth than the combox allows. Also, now I don't have to think up a post for Thursday. Win-Win!

Truth writes:

Hi! I'm a semi-regular reader, and though I usually lurk and enjoy your wonderful blog, I felt compelled to comment on this. I am currently reading the His Dark Materials trilogy, and am about 1/3 through the final book, the Amber Spyglass. I am curious, however, to know why there is so much controversy surrounding the books and movie. So Phillip Pullman is an atheist, and yes, there are anti-tyrannical themes in his books, but there is always a tyrant/bad guy to be defeated in fairy tales. I've heard (read) so many people say they'd never even think of reading Mr. Pullman's books, but that implies, to me, that people are perfectly willing to allow others (in this case, the Catholic League) to do the thinking for them. Whatever happened to reviewing the information and making a judgment based on facts? I get the distinct impression that the church wants to discourage Catholics from even picking up the books, almost like they're afraid people will be swayed by a work of fiction; that they'll somehow be 'enlightened' by a children's book, and the Church in therefore threatened. Not being a Catholic (as I'm sure it's obvious), I don't understand blindly following the Church's suggestion - aren't you even the slightest bit curious about the books that have caused the flap? They're an interesting and entertaining read, but since I am sure of my convictions, I know that a fairy tale won't change my beliefs or values, and didn't hesitate to find copies of the books as soon as I heard there was controversy brewing. Please know that this is not meant to be antagonistic, and I truly do wonder why there's been such a huge outcry against this trilogy. Thanks for your time and your point of view. Truth

The first thing I would like to point out is the Bill Donahue and the Catholic League is not the Catholic Church. It is his opinion that a boycott of the film is in order, and because his organization is well known and respected, many Catholics will consider his suggestion and probably act on it (i.e., not seeing the movie). No one can read all of the books that are published every year, and we all discriminate in our choices of reading material.

As we pick and choose our media, almost everyone relies on an outside source to help them discern what material is worthy of their time. That's why we have movie reviewers! That's why Amazon lets you Rate This - and read other reviews too.

Recently, some American bishops have been warning the faithful to avoid the books. This is perfectly appropriate, since their job is to shepherd us. A shepherd doesn't let his sheep jump over a cliff, and then decide whether cliff-jumping is safe. A good bishop should let his flock know if and when there is a potential danger ahead as well. The Church does not feel threatened - it is looking out for threats to our souls.

As far as I know, no Pope has ever officially condemned a movie (not even The Exorcist) although often individual priests will discourage viewing questionable materials on a case-by-case basis. I don't even think there's an Index anymore.

The point being - the CHURCH is not telling Catholics not to read these books and trying to keep them from thinking for themselves. Instead, a lay organization made up of Catholics is encouraging parents to not blindly follow the marketing hype and is telling them to think for themselves.

Many authors are atheists, Wiccan, Buddhist, and so on. The views of the author do not matter until and unless they permeate the book. Pullman has specifically stated, and the writer/director of the movie has stated, that the works are deliberately created with to be anti-established religion, and are deliberately aimed at children. This is what has parents in an uproar.

The key is that it is aimed at our children. I read books and watch shows that I would never let my children watch. Why? I am an adult. My conscience is better formed, my emotions more mature. My worldview is not developing as theirs is. I can separate fact from fiction.

I know many Catholics who have read, and enjoyed the Harry Potter books, for example. There were quite a few Internet threads, and even a book I think, on Christian symbolism, or using events in the book to strengthen a child's moral sense. I did not let my children see any of the films. In my opinion, they were too young. My oldest is about two years behind in emotional development (he's 9 but acts more like 7). I am his mother, and it is my duty to make these decisions. I am also the consumer, and it is my right to spend my money as I choose.

The issue is not whether simply reading a book would change your beliefs. If reading Pullman's book causes one to suddenly become an atheist, then there was a lot more going on than just the influence of a book. However, it is naive to think that a book will not influence one's beliefs or attitudes. Most books are written with the idea of causing influence, especially in the science fiction and fantasy genre. Although the characters are removed from our world, they are instantly recognizable as they struggle against the same things we do - we can identify with them. Science Fiction works are purposely set as allegories of alternate futures, or of policies taken to extremes. Is it a coincidence that Asimov's Robot series came out around the time the Civil Rights movement was just starting to coalesce? (I, Robot appeared in 1950 and the book is about ten thousand times better than the movie.) The best SciFi/Fantasy is a commentary on our times.

The fact is, once a child has seen something, you can never take it back. You can never "un-expose" them to bad things. I speak as one who was scarred for life by the clown in Poltergeist ;)

Mama Also Says
Kind of related, but also kind of random:

Coca-Cola's claiming that they are sponsoring the movie to "raise awareness on the plight of the polar bear" is just stupid.

Labels: Mama Says, Rants and Raves

I told you I was bad at Memes. SAHMY Says tagged me for this meme over a month ago; last week Hadias at A Day in the Life of tagged me again. Here goes!

CRAZY 8's MEME

8 things I'm passionate about...
My family (c'mon, everyone has this one! I told you I'm boring!)
Prolife activities
Homesteading/surviving WWIII with a pocketknife in a log cabin
Saving money (it's a sickness. But at least I'm not blowing the paycheck at the spa)
Education - both of my children and continuing education for myself. DIY, of course.
Comparative religion (I talk to every missionary who shows up on my doorstep. And invite them back. I'm in the middle of JW meetings, right now.)
Natural medicine/Nutrition based medicine/FDA Mockery and Skepticism Did you know they are developing a vaccine for cavities? And that the biggest contributor to the American Diabetes Association, who issues guidelines of diabetes treatment, is Hershey Corp. and Cadbury-Schweppes?
Screenwriting and then picking apart every television show and video I watch with commentary on bad dialogue and missed opportunities to heighten dramatic tension. Especially on Season Two of Heroes (oh, how the mighty have fallen). My husband really, really loves me.



8 things I say often
Are you bleeding?
Are you Dead?
You'll survive If I'm feeling particularly maternal, I might offer them a wet rag, which every mother knows cures all ills, real or imagined.
Get out of the tree (Monkey blood runs strongly in this family)
Oooh, hims a vishious vewociwaptor to Baby X who has Claws of Steel no matter how often we clip his nails. Say it aloud for full effect.
I'm not paying that much! I'll do it/make it/cook it/ myself!
It's "Yes Ma'am, NOT Yes Sir" My children are often gender confused and manners challenged.
"Let your YES mean YES and your No mean No." They're not even teenagers yet, but they have the shoulder shrug/grunt down and Ida Know has taken up permanent residence around here.

8 books I've read recently...or am currently reading
Bible I don't read so much as do particular studies on theological teachings and concepts. Although my Bible study is on Matthew so we are reading that chronologically (Check out this verse. It's a howler! Deut. 25:11-12. Can't you just see the Israelite leaders mediating this dispute?)
Country of the Pointed Firs, by Sarah Orne Jewett - I picked it up after reading My Antonia by Willa Cather and reading about it in the preface.
Catch-22 by Joseph Heller - It's my 'car book', so I'm reading it very slowly. What? No one else has a book they keep in the car for those dull moments at the drive thru, bank, or waiting for husband dear to fillup the tank? I'm still a nerd, I guess.
Foxfire 1, 2, and 3
Born Fundamentalist, Born Again Catholic by David Currie.
The Treasure Box by Orson Scott Card. It was different from his Ender series, and bordered on fantasy in usual Card tradition. Also made me tear up, in usual Card tradition.
House of the Scorpion
Adventures in Thrift, for Hadias' Blogger Book Club. It's page turner click-througher!


8 things I want to do before I die...
Take a cruise through the Panama Canal
Write a movie that gets made
Go to medical school and work for Doctors without Borders or similar organization; be a medical missionary.
Have a home with a proper library, and read all the books
Learn to decorate a cake, including roses without using fruit rollups.
Learn to control my temper (and my tongue. Can we say acerbic? That's me.)
See Christopher Hitchins convert and repent
See my husband convert and receive the sacraments.

8 songs I can listen to over and over again, and probably have...
I don't listen to music much. I actually probably couldn't name 8 songs (but I could hum you a bar or two until you recognize it!)

There's the one from Andrew Lloyd Weber's The Secret Garden I like.

There's that funny one about Captain Kirk and crossing the border from years back.

Weird Al usually makes me laugh.

Creed from Petra is a good one. Also This is My Prayer. Totally awesome song for someone whose husband has to leave home for work.

O Salutaris, Hostia is my favorite hymn.

That's only six, but that's as good as it gets. Sorry. I'm a talk radio junkie.

8 things that attract me to my friends
They are kind
They are not foolish (I so do not need soap opera drama in my life)
They are steadfast, not fair weather friends
They are not afraid to disagree, but do it in a friendly way
They love my children (and I love theirs)
They understand, often without words
They are okay with the fact that I am not a hugger and don't get offended
They are passionate (about something.)

A faithful friend is a sturdy shelter: he that has found one has found a treasure. Sirach 6:14

8 things I learned in the last year
Pork and mustard is not BBQ, despite what any South Carolinian might tell you. It might be called BBQ, but unless there is a cow involved it just ain't right.
I don't like the beach. Thank goodness the nursling gives me an excuse to hang out away from the sun, salt and sand.
I miss snow even though scraping the car was a most-dreaded chore.
You should measure the width of the fridge door before installing it in a narrow walkway. Not pointing fingers here - I'm just sayin'
Making strange and exotic things such as salami and yogurt at home is not very difficult
at all!
Even a seventh baby can still throw you for a loop.
Your breadmaker is your friend
AT&T still stinks. Every month we have some sort of problem with the bill, and a totally unrelated problem with our service. I don't have any other options right now, though.

I don't know who to tag, because, honestly, I've seen this all over and I think everyone's already done it! If you visit and you haven't done it, consider yourself tagged and leave a comment so I'll know where to find you!

Labels: Mama Says, Meme

Another rerun that is perfect for today! New and improved with the actual chapter and verses of the Scripture paraphrases! Am I on fire today or what? LOL

Today is the Feast of All Soul's Day in the Catholic Church. It's one of only 2 days when priests are obligated to say three Masses - the other one's Christmas - meaning you should probably show up even though it is not a HDO and you just went yesterday.

My Baptist/Non-Denominational/But Definitely Not Charismatic, aka "Generic Christian" husband just doesn't get most Catholic holidays, but this one in particular flummoxes him. Today we go to Mass to pray for the dead. Not in a Witch of Endor divination kind of way, but in a "Go Team Go" kind of way. We're not looking for lotto numbers or the name of our future mate, we're asking God to have mercy on them.

See, Catholics believe in an immortal soul. They believe that when someone dies, just because they are separated from their body does not mean they have no idea what's going on down here on earth with the rest of us mortals. Scripture tells us that the angels in Heaven rejoice when even one sinner repents (Luke 15:10) Catholics believe the Saints in Heaven are rejoicing too, especially the souls of that sinner's family and friends, who knew and loved him on Earth. This is why Catholics pray to the Saints - we ask them to pray for us, just like we would ask our neighbor or parishioner to pray for us. Except they pray for us literally in front of the throne of God.

We pray today for the dead in Purgatory. Purgatory is another Catholic doctrine that Luther wasn't too fond of and got rid of when he decided to invent his brand of cafeteria Catholicism, accomplished by switching from the Alexandrian Septuagint canon of the Old Testament Scriptures to the Palestinian Canon.

Basically, Catholics believe that sin marks your soul. Makes it look like the undercarriage of your car after a jaunty 4-wheeling adventure. (Catholics also believe that Baptism leaves an indelible character on your soul, forever marking you as belonging to His Church). We don't believe that we are a dung heap covered with a blanket of snow, as it were. If that were the case, well, there'd be a lot of cr** in Heaven, covered or not, which doesn't make much sense because we know that everything in Heaven is perfect - not just masked by a quick spray of Febreze, as it were. Catholics believe that Christ actually forgives and forgets, and the marks caused by sin are actually removed. Our souls, in Heaven, are actually snow white through and through, not just a thin layer.

Often, sin has a great impact both externally and internally. We have do penance and make reparation in order to actually get all the grubbies off our soul. We can ask for forgiveness and receive it, but if you've ever been a teacher, you know that sometimes there's residue left over even after erasing. Purgatory is the stopover to perfect our souls before we are admitted to the Beatific Vision. Kinda like the Lion in the Wizard of Oz got his hair curled and beribboned before getting an audience with the big Kahuna. Purgatory is not a second chance - if you die condemned, then, well, you're condemned, and we all know where that leads. Straight down.

The fact that people suffer temporal punishment for sin even though they are forgiven is not new. David was forgiven for his tryst with Bathsheba, but his son still died (2 Sam 12:11-14). Moses was forgiven for smacking the rock twice, but he still wasn't allowed to enter the Promised Land (Deut. 34:4). If you have been forgiven, but your temporal punishment isn't finished yet, that's where purgatory comes in.

Catholics also believe that no man is an island... we're all in this together. Just as St. Paul beat his flesh and suffered to make up what was lacking in the body of Christ (Col 1:24), His Church, our suffering isn't wasted. We can offer it up in place of the penance and purgation (hence the word, Purgatory) our brothers and sisters in Christ should suffer. We can help a brother out.

And nothing helps out the suffering souls like a Mass offered on their behalf. So go to church today. If you can't make it, at least take the example of the children of Fatima, and do some small penance. If you don't have a hair shirt, put a rock in your shoe. If you can't go on bread and water all day, skip meat at one meal or pass over dessert. For a real penance, make brownies and give them all away. And don't forget to offer it up!

DISCLAIMER: This is not an exhaustive theological dissertation. But I can give you links for some if you're interested.

Labels: Catholic, Mama Says

Carolina Canonball recently asked readers to divulge their vices - specifically their cable vices. I was surprised at how many people watched Family Guy and kept it a secret! Husband dear just started watching it (we're slow about the zeitgeist around here) and it's pretty funny. But I would never admit to watching it in person.

I'm going to 'fess up. Husband dear and I have our must see TV - namely Heroes and Lost (Lost will be back in February). The good thing (or bad, depending on your perspective) is that we are on Eastern time, which means that these shows start at 9 or 10 pm. Which is good, because they are not for little eyes!

My other big vice? Big Love. That show about Mormon polygamists starring Bill Paxton and Jeanne Tripplehorn. I accidentally started watching it because we got free HBO for a while after signing up for service at our new house - I thought it was a documentary about polygamy until I saw the A-list (ok. B-list) cast. I'm totally hooked now.

Another bonus: we don't get HBO anymore, because I'm not gonna pay for it (as wonderful as Crashbox was - the first educational children's show that did not make me lose my mind!). BUT... we do have Blockbuster online, with unlimited rentals and the complete first season is out. I have to get them one disc at a time, with 2-3 episodes per disk. This is great because I can skip the stupid steamy boring scenes where they show how much they like being married, KWIM? Plus I can watch it after the kids are asleep.

And... I'm not sure I should admit this, even in anonymous Internet land... I like reality shows. Specifically, one called Better Half, wherein experts have to teach their spouse how to do their job, then the spouses compete. Hilarious! The first episode I saw was stand up comics - to professional comics had to teach their wives (one was a neurologist!) to do a set in front of a crowd. I missed last week's, which had award winning hairstylists trying to teach their husbands to cut a new, edgy style in two days. That's comic gold, baby.
I also watch SuperNanny (I find the naughty spot hilarious. There's something that doesn't work for me, although we do corners around here). It's like rubbernecking for moms... the parenting is such a wreck, you can't look away.

My all time favorite show? How Clean is Your House on BBC America. Kim and Aggie find some truly horrible hovels (how about an organic goat farmer that hasn't mopped her floor in seven years? Eww!) and clean them up. Makes my house look almost Martha Stewart-worthy! The kids watch this one with me though.

How about you? Confess in the comments!

Labels: Family Life, Mama Says