Thursday, December 20, 2012

Five Days Until Christmas

 
Only five days until Christmas!!!  So much left to do!
 
I have no idea how we're going to get through! 
 
 But I know that we will and I know that we must! 
 
It's wouldn't be the same if we didn't all fuss!
 
Presents to give and to buy and to wrap.  
 
Children in blankets to snuggle in your lap. 
 
This year will be over, another fresh and new! 
 
Merry Christmas to All and a Happy New Years too!
 
Picture From Here
See you on the 26th!
Hugs and Kisses,
Jessi and Bree
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Tuesday, December 18, 2012

Guns and God in School

Friday morning the word began to spread about the unthinkable horror unfolding in Connecticut. A man walked into an elementary school where he murdered 20 children, ages 6 and 7, and 6 adults.

By the time afternoon arrived many parents had rushed to pull their kids out early from school. Simply to give them hugs and take their precious babies home.

Monday came around and most parents had a hard time sending their kids to school. Just the thought that this could happen anywhere, to anyone, at anytime has hit home. It is literally unbelievable that anyone could do such a thing to children, to babies. These were someones little angels, their joy in life and so young...its heart breaking.

Of coarse it makes you think..."What can be done?" "What could we do to keep our kids safe?" School is supposed to be one of the safest places for children to go, yet school shootings happen more and more each year.

I agree that there should be something done but I do not agree with the ideas people are tossing around.
Here are the most popular, radical options you can choose from.

Bring guns into schools
or
Bring God into schools

I'm sorry but neither of these are a solution. Not even close!

Guns~
I am or was (depending on if I need to renew) a member of the NRA. I also have a concealed weapons permit. I know how to correctly operate a firearm. I treat any firearm with the deepest, up most respect. I believe in the rights to own and bare arms.
But I think it's ludicrous to think sending guns INTO school is a good idea. Not only is it a horrible idea but its almost as if your asking for another school shooting to occur!
First, I do not know one single teacher, aid, or administrator that would carry a gun at school. Think of a teacher. (usually) they are sweet, warm, good tempered, kind and helpful. Its not in a teachers nature to bring a gun into their classroom. I am not speaking for all teachers, I'm sure there are plenty that would carry a firearm at school. I'm just saying that with as many teachers that would carry a gun there would be 3x as many that would not.
Oh yes, lets ask our underpaid teachers to now add in more training and classes outside of work, as well as more expenses out of their owns pockets. Because if you want to be realistic there would need to be lots of strings attached. Each gun toting adult would need to be properly trained, and keep up on their certifications. Most likely have to attend more specialized classes. File and pay for a concealed weapons permit. Purchase a handgun. And require regular shooting practice, taking more of there non-existent spare time, in which they would then need a membership at a gun club. The list could go on.
Second, bringing guns INTO our schools is almost asking for a school shooting. But now lets give the suspect and endless amount of weapons and ammo. Walk into a new classroom, get a new gun! Genius! Come on, this will now also give that troubled student or adult the means to get a gun if they didn't have means before.
I also truly believe you would see an increase in the rate of school shootings. Most, if not all are premeditated. Could you imagine that student or adult being at school, already on the edge...something or someone setting them off, heck there's already a gun in the classroom, Furious and mad, who knows what they'd do. Crime of passion. No time for any logic to sink in or for any warning signs to alert people.
Remember I am pro guns! But this "solution" is just asking for it it to happen. You walk into a classroom and you would know where to get it and who had it. You might as well just leave it on the desk.

God~
I will just come right out and say it. I am not religious. Do I have a problem with religion or what an individual chooses to believe in? No. To each his own. I have been educated and I very knowledgeable on Christianity in fact. But do I believe bringing God into schools will stop these horrible acts of violence? NO!
I actually believe bringing any religion into schools and teaching it would make the situation a whole lot worse.
Lets force something so touchy as religion onto our children and teens and watch them rebel more. In today's society people are more free to be true to themselves and believe in what they want. Religion is no longer required or scared into you. Most people I know who were forced into religion hate it now.
I do understand the point made by someone where they would say "if you look back in the day when religion was taught in schools there were no school shootings" I see your point, but that was a very long time ago. The same point could be made with abstinence and drugs, but its no longer realistic.
What is realistic is embracing change and individuality. For example, teaching abstinence is not realistic, you adapt and teach safe sex and give logical advice to protect our teens from things. But they will inevitably make their own choices and sometimes pregnancy and disease still happen.
I also understand that someone who believes in god will not understand why someone wouldn't. For anyone religious or non religious they believe that what they know and believe in is the truth and others are wrong. So how can we even make this argument when there would be so many others to consider. God is not the only thing people have the option to believe in. Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, Judaism, Spiritual, Hinduism, etc...so why we would automatically choose, especially in today's diverse world, that one specific or more swayed religion be brought into our schools.

I do have a lot of opinions but what are my answers? I'm not sure there is one clear answer. In some cases better parenting was the solution, in others putting a stop to bullying would have been the answer, mental health is a huge factor, the list could go on. In the specific shooting of Sandy Hook Elementary we may never know. But I do feel a huge effort needs to be focused on bullying in schools and getting more resources, help and aid to those whom have mental health issues.

Arguing about Guns and God are not helpful or even a solution. I understand many people want something done or want to use energy and resources into an answer but we all have to understand that there is no clear or right one. Be aware, educate yourself and your children and have a plan for any shooting scenario and love your family, friends and kids every chance you get!

Inform your kids to contact a teacher or administrator if they see bullying at school or may possibly need mental health help, tell them it's "ok to ask for help!" There are also plenty of resources online and in schools!
Resource to help stop bullying: Stopbullying.gov

Resource for mental health issues: Mentalhealth.net

A came across a blog post via Facebook that was really helpful in understanding mental health and the effects that it could very likely have on people unaffected by it. Please read and share, it's really a great article.
Thinking the Unthinkable 

Love your children everyday and always kiss them goodnight~
Tonight I will also be signing my name only, seeing as these are my personal feelings and views. Thank you all and have a good night, hopefully I didn't piss too many people off ;)~
Bree

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Monday, December 17, 2012

Thank our Teachers!


With the tragic, recent Connecticut School shooting many parents are wanting to show their appreciation to the wonderful teachers that make it their priority to keep our kiddos safe!

 Here are some great ideas from last years Teacher Appreciation Week and the End of School Year Gifts! Make sure to follow the links below to see the tutorials or where to purchase these great gifts! 

Any of these would be great to say THANK YOU!
Show your teacher how great you think they are! 
Thank Them!



We can never thank our teachers, bus drivers, school administrators, and parent volunteers enough~
Bree and J
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12 Easy Christmas Treat Gift Ideas {From LBB}

Follow this link to babble for the gallery and how to:
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R-Rated Elf on the shelf photos

Farm House Sisters introduces:
Elf Story Boards

Story Board #1
 Story Board #2

Story Board #3

More Naughty Elves!!!
"Try and chew me up again Dog and I'll FRY you into doggy biscuits!"

"errrrrrrrrr.....ahhhhh! Much better! Take a bite of THAT!"

"Alright Vanilla, play your cards right and these ladies will be unwrapping our..."

"Ya, that's right...I know how to word the ladies over! Who has two thumbs and is getting lucky tonight??? THIS Elf!!!"

"What?!?!?!? I get bad nose bleeds..."

Please oh PLEASE share your Naughty Elf pics! We'd love to see them!~
Bree and J
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Friday, December 14, 2012

Heart Ache Today

I have a hard time posting anything funny or upbeat today due to the horrific tragedy in Connecticut this morning. Our hearts ache and we are disgusted that anyone could ever do something so horrible. The fact that a school was the target and 18 children and others were murdered makes everything all that worse. Then the poor children who are still alive that will now have to deal with something like this so young...how scary. You hope and wish you can shelter your children forever but the sad, awful truth is that there are horrible monsters out there. 
Our hearts go out to all the parents, children, family and friends whom have lost a loved one in this horrific ordeal and we hope that in time they will be able to find some sort of peace. Nothing for them will ever be the same. 
Hug and love your babies not only today but everyday!
And a HUGE THANK YOU to the teachers, administrators, fire fighters, police officers and volunteers that helped evacuate, care for and comfort the rest of the students to safety.

NY Times coverage on this story if you have not heard:

"A gunman killed 26 people, 18 of them small children, in a shooting on Friday morning at an elementary school in Newtown, Conn., about 65 miles northeast of New York City, a law enforcement official said.

The gunman, who was believed to be in his 20s, walked into a classroom where his mother was a teacher. He shot and killed her and then shot 18 students in the classroom. He also shot seven other adults.The gunman then killed himself inside the school. The shooting ranks among the worst in recent United States history.  

A 9-year-old student said he was in the gym when the shooting erupted.
“We were in the gym, and I heard really loud bangs,'’ said the boy, as he stood shivering and weeping outside the school with his father’s arms draped around him. “We thought that someone was knocking something over. And we heard yelling, and we heard gunshots. We heard lots of gunshots. We heard someone say, ‘Put your hands up.’ I heard, ‘Don’t shoot.’ We had to go into the closet in the gym. Then someone came and told us to run down the hallway. There were police at every door. There were lots of people crying and screaming.'’
Another student at the school told an NBC affiliate in Connecticut: “I was in the gym and I heard like seven loud booms, and the gym teachers told us to go in the corner and we huddled. We all heard these booming noises, and we started crying. So the gym teachers told us to go into the office where no one could find us. Then a police officer told us to run outside.”"
To read the rest of the story follow this link to NY Times

Never take a minute with your loved ones for granted~
Bree and J
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Happy Birthday Jessi!!!


Happy Birthday to one of the greatest, coolest people I know! You are truly as close as a sister can be! Found this special Tigger E-card just for you! See you tonight so we can party it up!

Love Ya~
Bree :)

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Thursday, December 13, 2012

This weeks "some-funny-ecards"


Always love a good laugh~
Bree and J
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Sisters on Facebook

Follow Farm House Sisters on Facebook too!
I'd say we're pretty funny!!!


Have a wonderful day~
Bree and J
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Beautiful 10 Minute Card Garland

 Find Lametta tinsel -- thin, flexible wire covered in shiny tufts -- it's available at craft stores or by mail order. Narrow ribbon and twine work, too; use metallic finishes for maximum shine. Drape several strands across a mirror; affix to back of frame with thumbtacks. Hang cards with 1-inch double-ring paper clips. (from marthastewart.com) 

Make a card garland and I'll send a card~
Bree and J

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Wednesday, December 12, 2012

Farmhouse Sisters is on the MAP!!!

Thats right! We are now popular enough to get SPAM! And man let me tell you how interesting these comments are and the places they originate from. Let me share some with you...

Free Naked Girls?!?!?!?! Hmmm...how do they know we like to be naked??? LMAO!!!
"Hi I am so delighted I found your web site, I really found you by accident, while I was researching on Yahoo for something else, Regardless I am here now and would just like to say cheers for a incredible post and a all round enjoyable blog (I also love the theme/design), I don’t have time to go through it all at the minute but I have book-marked it and also added your RSS feeds, so when I have time I will be back to read much more, Please do keep up the superb b. Here is my web site - From: free naked girls on... "
Post they made this comment on "Aren't we just a bunch of Liars!"

This ones great, its spam ASKING if we get spam??? WTF???
"Hi, i гead your blog oсcasionally and i own a sіmilar one and i was just curious if you get a lot of spam rеsponses? If so how ԁο you pгevent it, аny plugin or anything уou can reсommend? Ι get so much lаtеly it's driving me crazy so any help is very much appreciated.From: My page Seized Cars
Post the commented on The Seattle Foundation "GiveBIG" for Campfire USA

Even better, they are commenting on use going back to using cloth diapers. Hmmmm...
"It's amazing to visit this website and reading the views of all mates regarding this paragraph, while I am also eager of getting know-how. From: My web site :: The Tao of Badass
Post they commented on Baby's Back to Cloth Diapers

Nothing says "GiveBIG" and donate to a non profit foundation like a gambling website!
:Please let me know if you're looking for a author for your weblog. You have some really good articles and I think I would be a good asset. If you ever want to take some of the load off, I'd love to write some material for your blog in exchange for a link back to mine. Please blast me an e-mail if interested. Regards! From:  Here is my page :: online gambling
Post commented on The Seattle Foundation "GiveBIG" for Campfire USA

Have a fantabulous day~
Bree and J Pin It

6 Great Holiday Wreaths



Present Wreath: 
Cover small containers, such as old jewelry boxes, with weatherproof paper, which will hold up outdoors, unlike wrapping paper; seal with all-weather tape. Add decorative bands in contrasting colors, if desired, and tie with ribbon. Attach to a flat wooden wreath form (ours is 18 inches) using a hot-glue gun. Affix a satin bow.

Links to the other Wreaths:


Oh....Martha, Martha, Martha....you've done it again...or shall we say your employees have. COL!
All Wreaths Thanks to Marthastewart.com

When you can't do your own crafts find some awesome ones to share, just make sure you give credit~
Bree and J
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Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Oldie but Goodie...Photos

1993 called, it wants it's scruchie back.  I am still friends with some people who knew me back then, how you let me walk the halls like that?! and YOU call yourself a friend!!
I actually really liked my red dress with it's puffy sleeves and the deep V collar with the lace applique.  The faux mullet hair-do however was unfortunate, thanks mom! ;)
The only known picture where all four members of my family are present.  My brother is in a infant carrier on my dad (yes, nearly invisible .. lucky for us he WAS able to breath in that contraption they called a "baby carriers" back then) and we got to sled down the hill with a plastic garbage bag.  We had been camping but I often had the crazy un-tamed hair on regular days as well.
The only proof that I once was a member of the drill/dance team in high school during the winter sport season of 1995.  You can still get those tights in that color that make you look like you have oiled your sunburn...slick, shiny...ooooohhh yeah! ;)
Here I was a peasant girl in a dance recital.  Somewhere there are more awesome outdoor shots that were taken in my backyard...of me frolicking through the meadows collecting flowers...over the river and through the woods to grandmothers house I go! COL!

Oldie but goodie memories~
Jessi and B
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LBB "Almost R Rated Elf on the Shelf" ** HILARIOUS**

LBB has done it again! I love her and her blog! 
This stuff is hilarious!!! 
Lots of links I'm sorry but oh-so worth it!


Share your Elf on the Shelf ideas on the Farm House Sisters Facebook Page

Here are some Kid Friendly Elf on the shelf photos for you:

Have fun with your Elf on the Shelf~
Bree and J


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Monday, December 10, 2012

Instagram Mania

This is what I'm working on right now. My craft/work/office area...

Here is some more of my instagram fun! 
I'm hoping to post a new pic everyday...and to try and think out of the box with my pictures!
Feel free to follow me "BMETZGER4" , Jessi has yet to join the band wagon! But she will ;)
Tiny tree but huge Christmas spirit!
Photography: Christmas Mini Session Set up
Yup...he's a ham
Puddle jumper
My favorite place in town serves wine in a mason jar!
=D
Rainy days
Detour
Love the sun filter
What carries me through the day
Indeed
Instagram will take your photos to a whole nother level!~
Bree and J

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Favorite Posts: Bree's

You might want to read it before you read my explanation as to why this is my favorite. You might be surprised to know why it is my favorite...
Bree's Favorite Post: Back to my routine...I guess...

It may seem odd that the post that exposes all my broken pieces to my life is my favorite but it's not my favorite for any happy reason. Not because it was a good memory, true to me, enjoyable, or a favorite thing to do on the weekend.
It's my favorite because this was the first moment I unleashed the truth, no matter who wanted to believe it or not and no matter what consequences came my way. It was what I wanted to do and the decision to post it was all MINE.
It's different to tell your close friends and family your skeletons because if they're your true friends they will always understand.
This moment was the first moment of my true independence. Looking back there were alot of things not right, alot of controlling and unhappiness. In this moment of telling literally the entire world wide web of my heart break I felt I had cut the strings and was finally able to breathe fresh clean air.
I knew by posting that or posting anything would always come with strings attached, drama caused and gossip spread but none of it bothers me anymore...really hasn't from day one. It is very sad people, even at an elevated age, that people still talk that talk but Karma always comes around and the truth always comes out.
The day I posted that was the first day to my new beginnings. My fresh start. The first day to getting back to me and who I want to be and not what someone else wanted me to be. I learn everyday new things about myself and will never let anything get in my way to being who I really am. I'm not sure when the last time I was happy in my life...I always thought i was but would have never really admitted I wasn't.
Though my road has had many bumps, tears and stress along the road I am always reminded of my right choices. I will always and never change my outlook on life:
Everything happens for a reason and always find the positive in a situation.

Enough of Bree's Blah, blah, blah....lets get back to crafts, DIY and all sorts of fun things~
(don't worry...I will always share too much...stay tuned!)~
Bree and J Pin It

Favorite Posts: Jessi's

Jessi's Favorite Blog Post:
To view the entire post follow this link: Nothing much and my latest stalker dream
Why is this her favorite?? Because its the one most true to who she is. In fact, I'm going to break her dream down by each paragraph (red text is from my point of view, lol)

Dream Paragraph #1:
I did have an amazing dream about the mother of all thrift stores. 
(she is utterly and totally obsessed she'll even hide sometimes when she goes to goodwill...like I'll think she is nuts but I get irritated cause I got left out!) It's one of my favorite recurring dreams, where all the freeways I've driven become one and brings me to what I think is the old look of the South Center Mall but in my dream we call it the Sea-Tac Mall (These are 2 very different and far from each other). (ok, now thats just pure craziness right there) And in the same parking lot (weird I know) is the "Giant Thrift Store".  There's no name on the building but you know what it is.  Warehouses full of furniture and housewares. (no name huh Jess...sounds like a underground black market for thrifts) There's even one for clothing but I usually skip looking for clothes but the stairs for the furniture department are there.

Dream Paragraph #2
In last night's version, I was actually there with the Petersiks from YHL and I was star-struck. (she has stalker tendencies with YHL (young house love) its a blog, she would seriously stampede babies to get to see these people, lmao!!!) I think they are the bees knees! (dork) We rode there on an old school bus (she has this paranoia of being late for the bus and/or missing it...dated from early childhood..something we both share in common...prob cause we ARE always late to everything), John (dude from YHL) was driving and Dave was wondering where we where going but I knew as soon as we took the exit off the freeway.  I remember being bummed that we had gotten Evie a babysitter because Sherry and John had their adorable daughter with them and the girls would have played so well together. (notice how I'M NOT included in this dream...fine have a playdate with your imaginary people, col) Dave opted to wait in the bus as he hates thrift stores and garage sales lol.

Dream Paragraph #3
I find so many amazing things when I'm "there"!  One of the good finds towards the end of the dream was an octagon leather tufted ottoman that needed some work.  They wanted $100 for it!  It was big but falling apart and I was so mad that they wanted so much for it! (good girl Jess!, that IS outrageous, I never would have paid $100 for that, though it was to die for...like I was there ;))  I actually threw it down and shouted that I was "sick of people charging so much for garbage!" and then woke up to the alarm clock.  Crazy! :)  Aren't dreams wonderful?  I would never throw furniture in real life or shout out the injustice of high priced used/broken furniture in public but it's obvious what my brain thinks of the whole thing lol. (What do I think...that you need to find that octagon leather tufted ottoman...for sure! And even better we need to find this awesome thrift store..I'm in need (not really) of some junk I don't yet know I need!)

Yet again my mind reading skills are awesome~
Bree and J

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Sunday, December 9, 2012

Best thing in Bree's world today!!!

I live in the f-ing woods now where internet seems to not exist! But I outsmarted these squirrels...
Verizon 4G Hotspot baby....

Time to bust this shizzzz-nit out! 
I'm having blogger with-drawls! 
Now I have internet....ANYWHERE I go!!! 
Are you ready my peeps! 
LETS GO!
Posts start tomorrow!!! 
I swear! 
Cross my heart and never hope to die! ;)

Who's ready the this blog to go off the charts?!?!?!~ (insert two thumbs pointing at me)
This girl right here!!!~
Bree and J
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Monday, November 19, 2012

Aren't we just a bunch of Liars!

 
 
That pretty much sums it up for these last 3 weeks! 
 
We've packed, moved, unpacked, dented and fixed a truck, missed the bus, straighten the garage, laundry, missed the bus again, had playdates, walked in a parade, pinned on pinterest, held babies, held tantrumed two-year-olds, had parent/teacher conferences, dealt with the passing and etc of a family member, baby-sat, sat on by babies, learned about King Tut, drove in downtown Seattle in large truck-once at night and once in day in the rain, taken pictures, had pictures taken, done very few crafts and we are about to go crazy! 
 
We really do love our readers and are grateful for you hanging in there for us! 

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Thursday, October 18, 2012

Regular Scheduled Posting

Regular Scheduled Posting 
to resume mid next week. 
Yep...moving again! 

~Bree and J
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Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Oldie but Goodie...PHOTOS

WHOOOOOAAAAA........Bahahahahaaaa!!!!
Look what I found while packing...
Happy 1st Birthday Bree!!!
My mom thought it was a "genius" idea to blow out my hair...the brush it after it was dry.
YA...damn straight I can rock a fro!
*sigh* I still love you mom even though I HAVE NO clue what you were THINKING!!!
My mom and I!
Too bad Brooklyn was too big for that swim suit! LOL
I would LOVE to do a reenactment of this shot...20 year later! Find me some heart shades and we're ON!
"Whaahoooo...I'm SO AWESOME!"
And then they grow up...

Now to find some of Jess, BAHhahhaha~
Bree and J

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