Patriotic Holidays and their Place in our Lives

Memorial Day weekend is now upon us and I'm at the end of my rope.  Thankfully my parents and loved ones taught me the meaning behind holidays and due to a family over-researching habit it drives me batty to see them misused - but it drives my friends who are veterans and/or active duty even more over the edge.

This post may anger or upset some of you - don't shoot the messenger.  This is about the TRUTH - even when it's painful and/or difficult to hear.  We're going to cover the 5 major American Patriotic holidays today and when to celebrate and/or honor what.  Fasten your seatbelts ladies and gentleman, some of you might end up a bit surprised by some of these.

VETERAN'S DAY

On November 11, 1919 President Wilson declared the first Armistice Day, set aside at the time to honor the current surviving veterans of World War I and their efforts in preserving world peace. 

In 1954 following World War II where nearly every family in the USA sent at least 1 loved one into harm's way the holiday was expanded to include all American veterans of all wars.  The first "update" came on June 1 expanding the holiday to all veterans of all wars America had participated in and changing the wording from "Armistice Day" to "Veteran's Day".  The second came on October 8th when President Eisenhower gave the first Veteran's Day Proclamation calling to "insure proper and widespread observance of this anniversary, all veterans, all veterans' organizations, and the entire citizenry will wish to join hands in the common purpose."

THIS is the holiday when we honor veterans who are living from all American Wars.  We are also invited to honor veterans who have passed on who did not die in combat or as a result of combat related injuries.

PATRIOT DAY

In the wake of the attacks of September 11, 2001, President George W. Bush made an official proclamation on September 14, 2001 that September 11 would be a "National Day of Prayer and Remembrance for the Victims of the Terrorist Attacks on September 11, 2001".  Congress swiftly took action and on a law was in place by December 8th of that year.  On September 2, 2002 the official proclamation by President Bush declared September 11 to be Patriot Day.

THIS is the holiday when we honor those who passed on September 11, 2001 in the terrorism attacks including the first responders who were killed.  We are also invited to remember and pray for those who survived and for their health and well being.

INDEPENDENCE DAY

On July 4, 1776 the Declaration of Independence was born but it's history and timing is far more complex than this one date in history.  Starting on April 5, 1764 with the Sugar Act (The American Revenue Act of 1764) taxation on the 13 colonies began to rise.

By July 4, 1776 the American Revolution was already running with the banner flying high.  Following the Boston Tea Party, the Intolerable Acts had already wrecked massive economical devastation and the First and Second Continental Congresses had already met.  General George Washington had already taken control of the Continental Army and Paul Revere's famous ride was a memory.  The Battle of Bunker Hill was also already completed and Benedict Arnold was already proving one of the most useless men to lead in military history.

From July 1-4, 1776 Congress debated and revised the Declaration of Independence.  On July 2 as a British fleet and army dock in New York, independence is officially declared by the Congress without the release of the final document.  On the morning of July 4 the Congress officially adopts the document and permits the printing of 24 copies (the Dunlap Broadsides), only 2 are currently known to exist. On July 5 the President of the Congress, John Hancock, officially releases the document and begins dispatching it to New Jersey and Delaware.

The first public reading took place on July 8 and the stakes were upped on July 19 when Congress ordered the document engrossed (officially inscribed) and signed by it's members.   Starting on August 2, 56 men committed high treason by signing their names to the Declaration of Independence.  The signers varied immensely in every way possible including age (26-70) and background.  Contrary to popular current belief, these were not "simple men of a simple time" - they were revolutionaries who had already undergone massive oppression by their homeland.

THIS is the day we celebrate our independence from Great Britain.  It is also when we honor  those who died to bring us our freedom in the Revolutionary War. 


CONSTITUTION DAY

Up until September 17, 1787 America was a concept at best.  She had no governing laws, no true and holding sense of who she was.  States were consistently at war with each other passing laws that caused more problems than solutions.

The first attempt at a unifying document was back on November 15, 1777, the Articles of Confederation, was not ratified until March 1, 1781.  America was officially declared but still well in strife as the American Revolution began to wind to a close.  Following the Treaty of Paris on September 3, 1783 Great Britain withdrew her troops but what was left was a tattered and torn and very loosely formed union.  We'd found freedom - we just really didn't know what to do with it yet.

Eventually something had to come or our union was going to end up dissolved.  On May 14, 1787 the Federal Convention met in Philadelphia to revise the Articles of Confederation.  Only 2 states were present at the time so all action was suspended until May 25 when delegates from 7 states (a quorum of over 50% of the states) had arrived.  They toiled until September 17 when they reached a consensus and the Constitution of the United States was born.  Later that day, the Bill of Rights would also be brought to the table.

The Constitution would not be ratified (adopted by all states) until June 21, 1788 and George Washington took office almost a year later on April 30, 1789.

THIS is the holiday when we celebrate the true founding of a cohesive country and the amazing and wonderful minds who brought us the American Constitution, a living document that has upheld the Republic for over 200 years.  This is the day America came together and united and American Exceptionalism began to take root and thrive.

MEMORIAL DAY

Of all the days, this is going to be the most controversial because it has become the most distorted of the bunch.  By three years after the Civil War, local observances were being held to honor the dead on May 30 called "Decoration Day".  The graves of those who fought and died during the war were decorated with flower.  Many cities claim to have held the first ceremonies but Congress and President Johnson declared in 1966 that it was Waterloo, NY to have the official honor for their ceremony on May 5, 1866.

By the end of the century observances were held on May 30 across the country, honoring the sacrifice of those who paid the ultimate price for the unity of our country.  It was not until after World War I that the remembrance was expanded to include those who perished in all American wars. 

Memorial Day wasn't declared an official national holiday until 1971, over 100 years after the tradition began.  This declaration also shifted it to the last Monday in May instead of the traditional May 30 date.  The first official celebration was held at Arlington National Cemetery and the tradition of placing small American flags on the gravesites of those who died in combat was born.

Recent "adaptations" of remembering all loved ones who passed are actually against the founding and basis of this holiday.  Remember them on their days of passing or for those of us who remember All Souls Day and All Saints Day this is the appropriate time for that honoring of life.  Memorial Day is to honor American veterans who have paid the ultimate price for us to have our freedom during combat.  It is not to remember "all veterans who have died" or "all people who have died".

In an effort to stem this tide of shifting focus on Memorial Day on December 28, 2000 President Clinton signed into law the National Moment of Remembrance, calling all Americans to pause at 3 PM local time on Memorial Day as a moment to remember those who gave all for our country.  Many radio stations and television stations honor the moment by airing a recording of Taps and bowing heads in silence.

This Memorial Day, let us remember their sacrifice with honor and dignity, particularly at the time of 3 PM locally.

May God continue to bless America and all who have served her in every capacity.  May we be blessed to know we have been honored with the opportunity to live in the greatest freedom ever given to mankind and may He gift us with the wisdom to keep our beautiful flag waving brightly over our country.

Essential Oils, Choices, and Fighting for the Little Guy

I recently made an informed decision based on research, thought, and theory.  I'm rather excited about it, but more importantly, I want to share the why behind my choice with you.  Many of you will know that previously I have *not* supported this company so it may seem a bit like I've "gone out of my gourd" but bear with me for a few moments.

This is a conversation I've been having in my head for over 2 years.  Many of you know I use essential oils in my home.  In fact, last May I rescued our family tent using them and those who know me personally have often seen me pull a small blue or green bottle out of my purse for various reasons.

I'm generally not a huge fan of MLM companies.  I'm *really* not fond of being associated with what can be (at best) high pressure sales tactics and (at worst) outright lies and fabrications.  Unfortunately MLM essential oil companies have sadly fallen into a category of people who make me cringe.  I've literally been badgered, verbally beaten up, and physically CHASED by representatives from both doTERRA and Young Living.  Who wants to be associated with that kind of behavior???

With that background I offer you my tale.

Essential Oils University is an organization I have chosen to follow very closely.  In January they began doing FREE ($150 value) testing on Blue Tansy due to the adulteration and outright lies in the market.  They are single-handedly ferreting out the charlatans and rubes among the industry one test at a time.  For that, I applaud Dr. Pappas and his team.  I'm always a fan of consumer protections and those who fight for the little guy.

I watched over the past month as friends cheered on Dr. Pappas as one test after another was released (in another group) for those who were submitting samples and exposing fraudulent companies.  Go Get 'Em!  A rally the size of the Super Bowl was going on across the internet among oil enthusiasts.  Companies are threatening to sue Dr. Pappas...it's been a zoo.

As I sat and watched all this unfold I came to two very important conclusions:

1. I wanted to find a way to support Dr. Pappas and *know* that the oils he's tested are the ones in my collection because I *trust* his ethics and I want to support him being able to provide testing like this to expose charlatans.  After all, if we're all cheering him on from the sidelines, shouldn't we be backing that up with our choices for purchasing?
2. There is only 1 company I knew of that has 100% of their oils tested by Dr. Pappas.

This put me in a dilemma.  Do I switch my oils to a company that frankly I've previously outright bashed???  Am I really going to *gasp* make the conversion to this company?  It was a thought that made me cringe.

One of their "Wellness Advocates" had been in constant contact with me recently.  It doesn't hurt that she's also a dear friend who's son is my son's best friend.  Our circles constantly cross each other and at times are barely distinguishable.  She'd made the choice recently to make her oil business her full time job and has been doing a wonderful job.  She's well educated on oils and chooses to know what she's doing instead of putting her head in the sand and blindly recommending the latest photo on Pintrest without discerning the accuracy of the information.

So, I had a stable upline to join - now....what about the ridiculous statements sadly made by those "Wellness Advocates" without ethics and education?  Moms actually burning and harming their children with oils due to inappropriate usage (primarily lack of proper dilution rates).  The list could go on. I took some time to watch some footage from what is being put out by the organization to the "top off the food chain".  

Guess what?

They're pushing proper (ALERT - there are *many* different standards) dilution rates.  They're advocating the "Wellness Advocates" to understand their responsibility to their clients and recruits.  I'm seeing seminars and webinars about how to properly promote the products to avoid FDA lawsuits AND I'm seeing websites, promotional materials, and literature connected with the company and "Wellness Advocates" changing to comply with current federal law!

WOW!  Looks like someone is at least attempting to clean up their act!  Now it comes down to the individual "Wellness Advocate".  Is he/she going to take the reins, learn the new material, and put him or herself in a protected place where the business can still thrive?  Some are, some aren't.

There are horrid reps in every company.  We've all met them.  They're the same people from this company who literally chased me through a parking lot.  They're the cosmetics rep who doesn't understand "I have an allergy to red/blue mica, please stop trying to sell me purple eyeshadow!".  They're the kitchen gadget pusher who brings her entire kit to *every* pot luck and proceeds to lecture you on how you made your own offering vs. how you *should* have done it.  They're the home decor rep who you no longer allow in your home due to her sighs and shaking of her head.  These idiots cannot be avoided no matter what company you choose to work with.  They're everywhere - and they definitely overpopulate the MLM industry.

Do I let the bad eggs separate me from the potential?  Do I go with what I *know* is a safe oil (based on everyone loving this scientist...) and simply adjust the usage to my own personal dilution standards I have adopted for my family?  Do I put myself out there as a "Wellness Advocate" who is willing to give you the TRUTH and help you learn to educate yourself?

Yes.  I did.  Introducing my new dōTERRA site after ALL this crazy (aptly named for my miliary family "Semper Gumby").  Stay tuned as we talk more in the next few weeks about a wide variety of things but the ONE thing that matters to me most - my family.  I hereby promise this site will *never* be "all dōTERRA, all the time" but you will hear when something works....and when it doesn't.  And you will also hear the amusing anecdotes you have come to rely on, gardening information, and a wide variety of other happiness from the middle of nowhere which I am blessed to call home.

TRUTH: The New Super Power

This morning a good friend of mine asked me to read and give her my take on an article on The Daily Beast entitled "Jesus Christ Wasn't Down with Marriage".  She felt I was the best she personally knew to pick apart this particular atrocity of "journalism".

First off, propaganda isn't journalism.  These are two very different things.  If you're going to call yourself a news source, then please learn the difference and behave accordingly.  This article is atrociously slanted toward the LGBT movement.  There's nothing wrong with that - but it does tend to taint the reader in one direction or the other straight off the cuff.

If you're going to refute Christianity using the Bible, stick to the actual facts.  The Biblical implications in this article are simply partially correct.  The author chooses to pick and choose her battles...and does not pick them very wisely. 

Let's tear into this with the meat of her "defense" that Jesus was not in favor of marriage.  I'm going to skip the political posturing on both sides of  facts and break this down into the 5 major claims made by the author, starting with the portion on the New Testament since according to this author only the Old Testament supported the institution of marriage:

1. Wedding of Cana

Claim: "facilitating drunkenness at the Wedding at Cana is less evidence of Jesus’s support of marriage than of his desire to keep the party going"

Ummm.....no. First off this miracle was performed at the request of Mary, not on Christ's whim. Secondly if the family could not provide an adequate feast, it was a shame upon the entire family within their community. Imagine going to a wedding, being told there's a full reception, and you get there and it's fish sticks, mac and cheese, and watered down lemonade with only enough to feed 1/2 those in attendance. It doesn't look kindly on the bride, groom, or their families. Some things don't change.

2. The disciples abandoned their wives to follow Christ.

Claim: "Jesus promises the disciples that anyone who leaves “brother or sister or father or mother or children” for his sake would be rewarded in the age to come. And he’s not just a home wrecker in theory; tradition maintains that some of Jesus’s disciples were married, but their wives are not mentioned in the Gospels."

Mute point. All of the disciples were SINGLE MEN. They were not married and none had children. So.....not so much. How does one establish a celibate priesthood by bringing married men and their children on the road?

3. Be celibate if you can. If not, get married.

Claim: "Paul is clear that he would prefer that followers remain unmarried and celibate like him. If you really can’t handle celibacy and find yourself on fire with lust, then you should marry."

TRUTH. Finally - a piece of this that actually WORKS. Yes, Paul called all people to celibacy but if they could not, then they should marry. Easy enough. In fact, the Church STILL does this today, calling noble men and women across the globe into holy servitude as priests, nuns, friars, brothers, sisters, and a myriad of other things.

4. Romans were pro "Traditional Marriage".

Claim: "In the first two centuries of the Common Era the real advocates for “traditional marriage” were the pagan Romans. The Christian tendency to reject marriage was one point of contention between the imperial authorities and the fledgling religion. In the legends that describe the activities of the Apostles, Jesus’s followers preached celibacy and sexual abstinence to the Roman aristocracy. And according to Christian apocrypha, sabotaging the sex lives of Roman officials was a surefire way to lose your head."

Ummm.....no. I'm 100% certain St. Valentine of Rome who was martyred in approximately 380 AD would help me refute this as well. He was martyred for performing Christian marriages, primarily for the soldiers of Rome. Christians rejected Roman marriage - which allowed for easy and simple divorce, was often prearranged between families, and contained very little, if any, moral obligation. They favored (as the Church does today) Sacramental Marriage.

The easiest way to break this down is to look at the Church today in Europe. Marriages *must* be performed by an agent of the State in Germany (and other European countries). They cannot be legally performed by clergy. They must take place in the courthouse and are more legal proceedings than "weddings". So those who are getting married in the Church go first to the courthouse and then go to the Church and get married in the eyes of God. You get married twice in order for a marriage to be Sacramental. This is even common among those who are not of the Catholic faith.

So......same thing. You can be married as a Roman, but to be Christian (Catholic) you must be married in the Church and follow HER rules for marriage, not just Rome's (which were severely lacking).

5. Young Christian women were encouraged to abandon their families and husbands for missionary work.

Claim: "There’s no shortage of stories of young Christian women who abandoned their families and husbands in order to join Christianity and branch out on their own as missionaries. When she overheard the Apostle Paul preaching through a window, a young woman named Thecla was inspired to abandon her fiancé, cut her hair short, and dress as a young man spreading the good news. A cross-dressing single woman with a successful career?"

The closest to proof this author can provide is Thecia leaving a FIANCE to follow the Apostle Paul. Ummm....if all these wives were abandoning their children and husbands, why not use one of THEM who is well documented as an example....?

Oh....wait.....that's because there aren't any. This is a favorite passage of the Bible for me. Thecia chooses to be one of the first female religious! She sets a pattern we still follow 2000 years later! She followed her heart, found the strength to tell her fiance "Sorry, but this isn't a good idea" and off she went. Talk about the strength of women through Christ!

The Sisterhood of the Traveling Veils

Tonight after Mass I was accosted but in order for you to understand the tale of happenstance I must back up approximately 2 hours to the time allotted for Reconciliation at our parish.

****DISCLAIMER**** - I am not "anti-city people".  I was one once.  For the sake of understanding this post please note that I attend a "small by your standards" Norvus Ordo parish that's 45 miles from the next priest available.  On a "good Sunday" we have approximately 150 people in attendance.  There's only 1 Mass per day, 2 to fulfill Sunday obligation.  This story occurs on a Saturday Vigil Mass when I usually attend since I'm too lazy to wake up early enough to attend the "early in the morning to me" Mass with the nearly 1 hour commute to get there.  I veil - I began the practice before I was even Catholic.  I often tie my veil under my hair so it isn't as noticeable as well as to prevent toddler hands from taking off with it. ****END DISCLAIMER****

My son's Mass clothes were in the car so after he changed I ran the ones he wore to town outside while he was spending some time recanting to Father one half of the tale he would inevitably hear about our family that evening.  When I came back in an elderly gentleman who appeared to be of "city origins" was standing in the back of the parish floundering around a bit.  He saw me and came over and quietly asked where the confessions were being held.  I pointed to the door behind me (unmarked, no lights, could be a broom closet for all he knew) and told him they were there.  Full of anxiety he asked me of there was a screen and I told him our parish's "set up" (a chair and a place to kneel with a small curtain and a short wall and then you can walk around and sit/kneel with Father and a 6 ft. crucifix if you prefer).  He went and sat down and I thought we were done.

I knelt down behind the last pew and started my own examination of conscience and a few minutes later he came and tapped me on the shoulder and asked if he could bother me.  Of course I stopped for a minute and agreed.  He asked how he would know it was time to go in.  I told him when the door is open, you can enter.  The next person out would be my son and he was more than welcome to go next, I needed more time anyway.  He thanked me and went back to his seat.

I didn't see him again afterwards due to "the usual mommy things" and trying to get in some spare prayer time so when I noticed him at the end of Mass still in his pew after I finished my prayers I thought I might have a chance to make sure all was well and wish him safe travels on the way home.  I ended up walking out silently near this gentleman and a lady in a veil who appeared to be his wife.  

As we walked out she reached up and removed her veil and I took off the long scarf I was wearing in lieu of a veil that week.  She immediately turned as she saw the flash of blue to the side of her and realized what I'd done.  Halting in her tracks she spins on one heel and says "OH!  You wear one too!"  I gently started to explain I tie it under my hair due to the toddler but quickly ran out of breath as I was squished half to death by this tiny woman in glee.  She turns to me and says, "You know, there are more of us" as if she is imparting some kind of massive secret. 

I smiled and told her I knew and we began to part ways, her recounting the encounter of the strange woman who actually veils at the N.O. parish in the middle of nowhere to her husband and I began to gather wool in my head about what a delight it was to meet her and the "Sisterhood of Veils" that exists across the world. 

Whatever your veil is made of, be it the finest French or Spanish lace as hers was or the far more humble $5 Walmart clearance polyester scarf I had on my head know that it's about so much more than you.  Your veil is your connection to Mary and to God but it's also your connection to hundreds of thousands, possibly even millions of women who veil around the world in humble grace and awe of His Divine Presence.

And if anyone knows who this delightful little woman was, please tell her she brought a huge smile and one of the best hugs I've had in months to this "strange woman who actually veils at the N.O. parish in the middle of nowhere".  I've never gotten a hug at church before other than my toddler.  It was a refreshing experience.  May the Lord bless her and her husband and their travels and may they reach wherever home is safely.

Reflections

Today the Lord gifted me with some spare time for reflecting on things.  I am always grateful when those moments come - to see how far we have gone and what we have accomplished; to see the ways, both miniscule and ginormous, that God has been working in my life.

It's been 13 months since my husband was taken out of work due to the worsening of his disability.  Some things haven't changed one bit.  We still live in the same home, go to the same church, drive the same car, homeschool, etc. In fact on the exterior I don't think many people have noticed much of a change, if any.

At times, much to my fury, other things that have not changed: his disability is *still* not improving enough for him to return to work and the therapists say it could take 3-5 years.  Despite this information the VA refuses to up his disability rating because "there's a chance at recovery".  *sigh*  Great.  What about NOW?

It's the interior of our lives that has changed so much.  I pray more.  I've learned to trust God more.  I've spent more time with my family than I've ever been blessed with in 12 years of marriage. I've been given the distinct opportunity from God to fall in love with my husband all over again.  I've had the chance to see more of the state of Montana than ever before thanks to a wide variety of doctor's appointments all over the state.

My oldest son has gone from being a Cub Scout to a Boy Scout.  He is now dual enrolled in 2 troops and so busy I can barely keep him where he needs to be.  Our youngest has passed his second birthday and discovered the word "spaz", much to his delight and our chagrin.

My husband has gone through many phases: exhausted from trying to keep up a charade of health to scrambling to try and fix his health to where he sits now, the proud owner of his own business who is working on his dreams. He has grown so much, especially as a father.  He has time for the boys now and they can't imagine a world where that goes away again.

Friends have come and gone and come again.  These are the moments in your life when you find out where people truly stand.  Do they *really* have your back or are they just more fair-weather friends who bail out of the ship the very moment things don't go their way?  I am grateful for the new ones in my life but I am even more grateful God gave me yet another opportunity to sort the wheat from the chaff.


To those who have prayed: Know that God has heard you and that we could not possibly be more thankful for His new plans for our life. 

To those who have left: Thank you for getting out of the way so God prepare us for even greater things.

To those who have stayed: Thank you for sojourning on with us.


So often in my life I find myself reflecting back to works of literature I have read and seeing how the meanings morph and shift as I grow older.  This particular poem is one we have all heard but many do not know the actual story behind it.

From 1912 to 1915 Robert Frost traveled to England where he developed a friendship with another writer named Edward Thomas.  The two frequently took long walks together and Edward's frequent issues with indecision on which way to travel further led to Mr. Frost penning this now famous poem with tongue in cheek about his friend's difficulty when they came to a crossroads. 

Mr. Thomas took the poem far more seriously than it was intended as did the rest of America, much to Mr. Frost's chagrin.  It became his final push of inspiration to join the British Army in World War I.  Two short years later, shortly after arriving in France, he was killed on April 9, 1917 in the Battle of Arras.

Much like Mr. Thomas, this poem has meant so much more to me than a jest between friends.  I apologize to Mr. Frost for not taking his words at face value but sometimes the Lord gives us the ability to write something that is truly meant to mean something very different for others.  Every songwriter in the world can attest to this happening to them, yours truly included.

The Road Not Taken
By Robert Frost
(first published in 1916 in the collection Mountain Interval)

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,

And sorry I could not travel both

And be one traveler, long I stood

And looked down one as far as I could

To where it bent in the undergrowth;

Then took the other, as just as fair,

And having perhaps the better claim,

Because it was grassy and wanted wear;

Though as for that the passing there

Had worn them really about the same,

And both that morning equally lay

In leaves no step had trodden black.

Oh, I kept the first for another day!

Yet knowing how way leads on to way,

I doubted if I should ever come back.

I shall be telling this with a sigh

Somewhere ages and ages hence:

Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—

I took the one less traveled by,

And that has made all the difference.

The Big Week!

The big week has come.  The plants have been selected and are all paired nicely with their companions.  We tilled this weekend and are all set to start turning in some extra nutrients (I like manure, peat moss, and compost personally) during the week and then Thursday through the weekend we'll be putting the seeds and seedlings into the ground.  I promise to share pictures. :D

How are your gardens going?  I know many of you have a jump start on me but I'm ecstatic to be sharing with all of you. :) 

ENOUGH

Apparently I have yet again missed the "gravy train" parents ranting on both sides of the fence about food allergies, food sensitivities, and anything else that might cause them to have to think twice (or would rather NOT have to think twice) about what they are serving someone else.

I'm the mom of 2 boys - neither has severe food allergies (thank God) although one does have some very minor apple sensitivity issues.  I have NEVER in all the years I have worked with children (now 20+) had a problem with a child and their dietary needs.  EVER.  If you're one of my Scout Moms, CCD Moms, Homeschool Party Moms, then you already know that I care DEEPLY about these things and your child's safety because I would pray that if the tables were turned you would care as much about MY child.

I am HONORED to have the chance to work with your children.  I am BLESSED to have the opportunity to spend time with them and have them help change MY life - yeah, that's right - MY life.  Your kids make ME a better person and I am grateful.  Food allergies, medical issues, and all.  Your children give me the gift of seeing the world through their beautiful, intelligent eyes and I am the better for it each and every day.

I've been the person who has gone to a party and not been able to eat ANYTHING I was served.  I've been the girl who had to quietly push food into a napkin so she didn't offend anyone.  I've flushed chili down a toilet to keep a host from being embarrassed.  Attending food events is often a nightmare for me because of my food allergies and my desperate attempts to keep anyone else from having to deal with them. I have even ended up in Confession LYING to get out of attending these events to save myself and hostesses from embarrassment that I inevitably know would ensue.

My own experiences are why I never mind helping my kids.  I even *gasp* don't allow them to have "substitute treats".  What's good enough for one is good enough for all.  Scout Campout?  Make sure everyone can eat what is on the menu and pick food using the democratic process.  CCD Snacks, yup - I'm the Mom sending carrots and dip or fruit kabobs.

You know what the funny thing is?  I've NEVER had a child complain.  Not in 20+ years of doing this.  Maybe it's because I try very hard to make certain all is still "yummy" but more than likely it's because I don't allow them to play favorites.  I've had gluten free, dairy free, food coloring free, vegetarian, vegan, soy free, diabetic, etc etc etc.  Never a problem - not once!  Sure, sometimes we had to get rather creative, but we made it work!  And the kids are BETTER for it because they're learning to work together and actually CARE about other human beings!  *I* am better for it because I get to use my creativity to create new and exciting things in the world of food!

Stop the whining - ALL OF YOU.  I get that it stinks on both sides of the fence.  Telling a kid "no" is NOT the end of the world - on BOTH SIDES.  If ALL of us could be just a little more compassionate maybe our children can focus on solving world peace rather than arguing over whether or not cupcakes are an acceptable snack.