Moving Day..........

It's official. This blog has moved to

http://dabubbler.blogspot.com/

Come on over and take a drink.

Need a new Name

It just so happens that my blog name is a registered trademark by someone else, therefore I am in search of a new name. Any suggestions for this geeky conservative Wisconsin girl?????

If we had some global warming......

I wouldn't be FREEZING!!!!!
This Wisconsinite seconds these two Minnesotans.

Wow!

Over the last few days I have been watching my nice neighbors fish while she was out of town........and guess what she brought over...





Thank you neighbor!!!!!! And the boys thank you for the crash em' cars.

It's 2009

This is the year that we will just need to learn to laugh....




And then we can say "I told you so"

Good Bye 2008.....Hello 2009.

Happy New Year Everyone!

The Green Conservative

This is an old post from Gord Gekko but it's still relevant and makes me feel less alone rather than a jumbo shrimp......

The Green Conservative

By Gord Gekko
web posted July 1996

Since its inception the environmentalist movement has been liberal. More disturbing is the fact that the activist segment in that movement is often times anti-capitalist, anti-property rights and prone to issuing alarmist calls to action spotlighting problems that do not exist.

It is no surprise then that the issues that fall under the environmentalist tent are those that conservatives find difficult to relate to or support. Indeed it is hard to support any agenda that relies on emotion over rationality, symbolism over substance.

Be that as it may, the environmentalist movement has done some good. We can credit them with showing us that our actions to have repercussions. They can be lauded for showing us that a healthier environment is to all our benefits. We can do this without buying into the extremist agendas of many of the movement's participants. More so, we can also put forward a conservative environmental agenda that is based on common sense, facts and market based solutions that work.

Our first task is to combat the extremists in the environmental movement. We all remember Paul Ehrlich's assertions that the world was doomed, that over-population, waste and depleted resources would effectively end humanity's reign on planet Earth by the 1980's. We've seen U.S. Vice-President Al Gore play the part with his Earth in the Balance and the major media has played into this doomsaying either by design or ignorance. Fact - The environment in North America is cleaner than any time in the past half-century. "All trends -- cancer rates, air and water quality, human health, acres of wooded lands, and a dozen other indicators of environmental quality in the U.S. -- show improvement, not decline." (Eco-Sanity, p. 9). The planet is not in a perfect state but it is not about to be destroyed by humanity. As the studies pointed out by Bast, Hill and Rue in Eco-Sanity show, food production is going up, oil reserves are constantly discovered, global warming is a no-show, nuclear power is safe, over-population is not a problem, etc. The doomsayers often use inaccurate information, poor models and emotion to create a case. Let's not let them get away with it. Learn the real facts.

We must also assert the case that only under capitalism can we protect the environment. A myriad of studies have conclusively proven that capitalist countries are cleaner, their citizens live longer and they provide incentives to keep it clean (such as property rights). Among the legacies of mass murder, a denial of the individual and a system of pure evil, communism has also left us the immense problem of environmental disaster. Decades of using out of-date-equipment, no environmental controls, and no property rights have left a huge clean-up project in waiting. There are literally thousands of sites all across Eastern Europe alone that point to a callous disregard for humanity. In contrast, the North American environment never approached this condition, and never could of, no matter what the doomsayers say.

Property rights are the greatest incentive for the protection of the environment, not governmental influence. "A market system uses transferable property rights to create incentives to do the right things. Property rights, in turn, consist of having control over the use of a resource. The owner of a resource stands to benefit if the resource is put to its best use. Conversely, the owner will suffer a loss if the resource is misused or squandered. And if the property right is transferable, then owners must consider not only the value they place on a resource, but also the values that others may place on it." (Eco-Sanity, p. 193).

Capitalism also rewards innovation. We live in a cleaner society, not because government mandated controls, but because individuals created solutions to common problems. It is a comforting myth for environmentalists to believe that corporations are evil entities intent on destroying the environment, but that is all it is, a myth. The people who own these companies are rightly in interested in making money, but they are also human beings who desire to live in a clean world. It is they who most often create the inventions that help clean up the world.

We must also stay away from the environmental organizations themselves. In the past they have relied on emotion, not facts. I've often believed that they are their own worst enemies. Instead of creating rational solutions to problems, they deal in campaigns that focus attention on high-profile (but minor) problems that capture public attention for a brief moment and are soon forgotten. Have you heard anything about the rain forest lately?

The movements themselves are also often times anti-capitalist. Their pro-Socialist/neo-Marxist 'solutions' rely on massive governmental intervention in the economy and environment. Many in the movement have argued that the free market and property rights must be chained to their agendas. Even more dangerous though, is the hidden layer of hatred towards man and industrial society.

Dr. Michael Berliner, Ph.D. Executive Director of the Ayn Rand Institute posited recently in his article Environmentalists: The New Life Haters, "The ideal world of environmentalists is not 20th century Western civilization; it is the Garden of Eden, a world with no human intervention in nature, a world without innovation or change...Had the environmentalist mentality prevailed in the 18th and 19th centuries, we would have had no Industrial Revolution, a situation environmentalists would cheer..."

Berliner explains, "The guiding principle of environmentalism is self-sacrifice, the sacrifice of longer lives, healthier lives, more prosperous lives, more enjoyable lives. But an individual is not born in servitude. He has a moral right to live his own life for his own sake. He has no duty to sacrifice the needs of others and certainly not the needs of the non-human."

While I doubt that most environmentalists know that this would be the end result of their belief system, it is a logical conclusion. As conservatives we have to make sure that we do not fall in with this group.

So what specific ideas should conservatives articulate? Here are some basic steps that should be advanced:

• Conservatives should stress continuously the argument of private property. It is the most important principle that we should be fighting for. Owners of property and resources know best how to manage their individual cases. A government cannot set realistic standards for every person in their jurisdiction and their programs do not offer the incentive of private ownership.
  
  
• Federal government regulation must be removed. We are all familiar with the cases of how regulations have created ludicrous situations for individuals and businesses all across North America. The costs of these regulations have eaten up enormous sums of money and created an atmosphere where the environment is in conflict with capitalism.. As Jonathan Adler points out, "Emphasizing economic costs sets up a dynamic that pits environmental protection against corporate profits, a debate that is difficult to win." (National Review, The GOP Goes Green, May 6, 1996.)
  
  
• Emphasize that only free market capitalism provides incentives for a cleaner environment. Capitalist countries have the best living conditions and are cleaner than their less freer counterparts. If something is in the self-interest of a human being, then they will pursue it. And only an individual can decide what that is.
  
  
• Combat the alarmists who preach crisis at every turn. They have an incredibly poor record and never recant. As Eco-Sanity points out, these alarmist campaigns are an excuse for fund-raising and little more. Greenpeace itself is merely an advertising vehicle for the environmental movement. They operate no preserves, protect no wild-life directly and yet they raise millions every year. The alarmist uses fear...we use common sense and facts.
  

The above suggestions are merely a general platform as specific recommendations have been made elsewhere. I hope though that I have made the point that you can be a conservative and be concerned with the environment. The conservative movement can capture the high ground in this debate if we remember to stress smaller government, more freedom of action and a cleaner environment. As long as we stress individual freedom and choice, we do not compromise conservative sensibilities.



A smart greenie. That has to make you smile :)

Winter Wonderland

Who doesn't like sitting on top of snow banks?

Happy Birthday E!

Today is my youngest son's 2nd birthday. Where has time gone? Good thing I have my camera to capture it :) Happy Birthday E!

DETERMINATION

I just love this photo. It really captures who Jr. is. It shows his determination, his stamina, his zest for life. This kid never backs down. He just goes full steam ahead towards his goal..........and he's not even two yet.

Norah Jones

I have an awesome friend who is taking me to the Norah Jones concert this Saturday. I haven't been to a concert in 5 1/2 years. The last concert I saw was U2 and I'm not sure if Norah can top Bono or not but I'm sure it will be awesome. I hope I don't look like a total geek when I'm covering my ears because the music is too loud. LOL

Summer Is Finally Here

Summer is finally here and I could not be happier. To celebrate I locked myself in the basement and actually created something....(smirk) I'm making the invitations for my brother and sister-in-law's baby shower and I stamped until my little fingers were cramped and could stamp no more.

Pictures coming soon.

My brother finally got married

Congratulations to my brother Steve who got married last month. Here's my favorite picture from the day.

I really think it shows there true colors. Laid back and like to have fun. Not the stiff, drama type.

Unfortunately I did not get to take very may pictures. I myself was in the wedding along with my hubby and oldest son. I have to trust that the photographer (go Grandpa Bob) did a good job.

Here's another great picture from the day. A handsome duo if I do say so myself.

Photo of Little E and Papa

Smoking Ban

Wow....a smoking ban in Wisconsin. Having a son who has asthma.....I'm thrilled. I know a lot of conservatives believe that this is taking away peoples free will and wasting tax payers dollars, however smoking is not something that is just unhealthy for the smoker it is unhealthy for all those around the smoker. People can avoid institutions that allow smoking which is something we practice as a family for my sons health but it is a lot harder than one might think. For example my son, husband and I were in a wedding. Lucky for us the reception hall was non-smoking other wise we would not have been able to stay. Driving back from a trip up north we stopped for gas. My son went in with his father for a potty break and to pay for the gas and the place was full of smokers. It's almost impossible to avoid the cloud of smoke in today's world. I know I'm a paranoid mom looking out for my son but what about all the kids that don't have anyone to look out for them. This ban will help them, my son, and a lot of others.

I'm not a Dole supporter nor did I vote for the guy and I believe that this ban is a ploy for power but I like the idea of not having to worry about my son gasping for air because someone wants to die a premature death. For once there's a good side effect of his chaos.

Angels

Sometimes angels are walking right next to us for years.........and then suddenly we realize that they are our angels. Taking care of us and watching out for us.

Thank you my angels!

Off to Preschool

My little Dude has his first day of school today. This time around there was no crying. In fact he even told me "See you Later Mom". Last year there was the PLLLEEEASEEE STAYYYY! And tears. It's awesome seeing my little dude turn into a little man. He's brave. He's kind. And I love him!

What Kind of Coffee are you?

I LOVE Coffee!!!!! Normally I don't these silly little quizzes but this one was kind of fun. Grab your cup of Joe and give it a whirl....

You Are a Cappuccino

You're fun, outgoing, and you love to try anything new. However, you tend to have strong opinions on what you like. You are a total girly girly at heart - and prefer your coffee with good conversation. You're the type that seems complex to outsiders, but in reality, you are easy to please

What Kind of Coffee Are You?

Whooo Hooo ----I've Been Creating

Hello Everyone!
Summer is coming to an end......I know this because my allergies have been going haywire......and I have been in my dungeon (craft room) creating! I'm having a stamp camp at my house this coming Monday and will be teaching everyone how to make the attached cards. My stamp camp theme is Birthday Wowza and it is just going to be a hoot. There are still a few spaces left if you would like to join us. Just send me an e-mail or for more info go to http://home.wi.rr.com/angelart/Events.htm . Also, my new webstore is up and running. Take a look at it and let me know what you think. http://trisha.ismyangel.net

Have a glorious day and Happy Creating!!!!

Where did summer go?

I can't believe that summer is almost gone. On the bright side......I'll be able to start creating again. It's hard to be down in my dungeon creating when it's so nice outside. Summer in Wisconsin is too short to be inside. I have so many awesome pictures from the summer that need to be scrapbooked. My son caught his first fish!!!!! My youngest started walking and said his first word.......DUDE! Of course he pronounces it DUUUUDDDe. He-he-he! Lately I've been creating a lot of cards. I love the instant gratification.

ATTITUDE - quote from Charles Swindoll

The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life. Attitude, to me is more important than facts. It is more important than the past, than education, than money, than circumstances, than failures, than successes, than what other people think or say or do.It is more important than appearance, giftedness or skill. It will make or break a company ...a church ...a home.The remarkable thing is we have a choice everyday regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day. We cannot change our past ...we cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way.We cannot change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude ...I am convinced that life is 10 percent what happens to me and 90 percent how I react to it. And so it is with you... we are in charge of our attitudes.

~Charles Swindoll

Dodge Ball

Amazing! That is how I would describe the lesson learned at church this morning. We saw a video called Dodge Ball. It was about a father who took his son to the mall where there was a huge kiosk filled with toys. The little boy begged and pleaded for one of the toys and gave his father "but I have to have it!". And then the little boy said "but I though you loved me!" The father new that this toy was not safe for the 2 1/2 year old boy so he had to pick up his son and leave the mall. They went across the street to a sporting goods store. There the little boys eyes were filled with a wall of Dodge Balls. The father said that the boy could pick anyone he wanted. The boy choose the orange one. The lesson in this story is that God does not always give us what we ask for. He has the vision to see more than we can. Just like the father could see that the toy was not appropriate for the boy at this time. God still loves us and he knows what it is best for us.

New Adventure

I've signed up to be an independent demonstrator for the Angel Company. I'm so excited to start my new business. I'll be teaching people how to create cards, scrapbook pages, and other items created with rubber stamps. I'll be posting some new creations after my starter kit arrives later this week.

Rooarrrrr!

Nothing can stop the gigantic baby! Happy 10 months little guy!

Looooong Week & Happy Father's Day

Boy oh Boy has it been a long week for us. All the guys in the house had a stomach bug. And poor little Eric got an ear infection to boot.

A little late but I would like to say thank you to all the great men in my life in honor of father's day. My hubby Ric who is a wonderful daddy to the boys and is always there for all of us. My dad, Danny, who not only is a great papa but also thought me many valuable lessons throughout life. And to my father-in-law Kent who did a great job raising my hubby and is a wonderful papa. Happy Father's Day!!!!

Girlfriends Rock!

Kudos to my friend Carrie for being a supportive friend that is always there. Tonight we meet at Starbucks to chit-chat, people watch and enjoy our Banana Cream frapaccinos (yummy). Sometimes all it takes to rejuvenate the soul is a laugh and smile from a friend.

Reality

The other day as I'm off to Super Walmart with my two boys, I pulled over at my son's request to fix his mini DVD player. I pulled into a parking lot, pressed play on the DVD player, and then made a "U"ie in the parking lot to continue on our journey. That's when my son pipes up and says "Mom, you're a spaz!". I just bit my tongue and pretended I didn't hear him. The belly laugh that I wanted to let out would surely only encourage the child. Now what I'm wondering.........Is this something my husband calls me when I'm not around? Does my child think that his mom is full of life and a fun spirited person who just lets loose (I'm hoping that's it but I really don't think so)? Or, does my child think that I'm funny in a Ha-Ha...you should ride the short bus kind of way? Which ever it is......I'm going to keep being the Spaz mom that makes her kids laugh.

Smile

Thank you to all those who have served and are serving in our armed forces. You make it possible for all of us to SMILE.

I created this digital layout with a kit called Lucky Stars from Digital Design Essestials. I got my inspiration from Lemonyr's gallery on SBB.

Daddy's Helper

My son LOVES helping his Daddy with projects around the house. This page I did recently for his baby book since I noticed I was missing a November 2003 page.....oops.
I made the background papers myself in Photoshop. I have a few other digital layouts you can check out at http://www.scrapbook-bytes.com/gallery/showgallery.php?cat=500&ppuser=36422

Puddles

Yesterday, Sam, Eric and I played in puddles on the driveway. It was a moment that I wish I could freeze in time forever. Watching my little boys giggle and seeing their smiling faces melted my heart. It was E's first time playing in a puddle. It's amazing the simple joys that a child can find in such ordinary objects. It's amazing that such a small child can teach us so much about life and what it really is all about.

The Super Star

Here's a picture from my son's preschool program. I could not have been prouder of him. He has grown so much since his first day of preschool. He use to suffer from seperation anxiety but now he's a little social butterfly. He has learned that Jesus loves him. He has learned how to write his name. He's learning to channel his innter artist (I just love that) and so much more. I can't believe that he is only three and then again I can't believe that he is already three.

What its all about

These are the reasons that I endure more than I ever thought possible.

Choices

Today I think we should all choose to be happy. Every morning we wake up and we have a choice to make. We can either choose to be grumpy and angry or we can choose to focus on the good things in our lives and be happy. I have many little blessings in my life that make me VERY happy just thinking about them. Life is too short to be mopping around. We never know when our life is going to end so why not be happy while we are here. Happiness is contangious! With that said if we all "choose" to be happy wouldn't planet earth be a better place to live?

start

the journey has begun