I promise that it’s not really my intention to be counter-culture, things just always work out that way. It could become increasingly suffocating and frustrating and demeaning if I let it, or let others make me feel that way, but instead it’s taught me the importance of finding my tribe.
Here are the top reasons people think I’m crazy and/or hate me:
- I talk and write about Jesus openly.
- We never go to doctors because I can almost always treat the kids with homeopathic remedies, colloidal silver and an adjustment from the chiropractor.
- I have my babies at home and in water (on purpose).
- I think the majority of processed foods are gross and fake and mostly not food at all. But I love me some Hot Tamales.
- My kids have a crazy restricted diet because it makes their autism symptoms/characteristics better if not almost nonexistent for short spurts like when we’re out and about. For them, it works.
- I promise you they are well fed, even if when you see them they are only eating organic potato chips and dill cashews (because most of their foods aren’t “to go” foods).
- We don’t vaccinate.
- I raise my hands in the air at church. I guess that’s crazy love?
- That church is apostolic (Pentecostal). Love me anyway?
- I don’t like Nutella.
- I am not Republican or Democrat.
- I am a biblical pacifist.
- I really really love mushrooms. Especially with capers.
- I homeschool my kids.
- We broke the news about the truth about Santa, the Easter Bunny and the Tooth Fairy last Dec.
- I like the Twilight series. Love me anyway?
- We want to adopt an inter-racial child.
- We don’t drink tap water. Fluoride is not your friend.
- I use mostly organic products or fragrance or chemical “free” products because of how sick we get otherwise.
- I think environmental issues like reducing waste and cleaning our air are important only because I think we’re stewards of this world. Not because I believe in global warming.
- We muscle test food at the store to see if we’re allergic. Yes, we get looks. Yes, it works.
- I hate reality tv except for dancing shows and Idol. All the rest make me loathe the world.
- My husband is labeled a conspiracy theorist, even though he’s right. Love us anyway?
- I put mustard on almost everything.
So, did I confirm your stereotypes? Shatter them? Until I think of more to add, will you share some things about yourself that make you “crazy”?
{ 5 trackbacks }
{ 79 comments… read them below or add one }
The only thing I think you are crazy for is not loving Nutella ;)
Allie´s last blog ..Recycle Your Easter Eggs!
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Arianne Reply:
April 5th, 2010 at 6:49 pm
@Allie, would you be surprised to know that the biggest shocked response I’ve gotten is about that item? :)
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Melanie Nelson Reply:
April 5th, 2010 at 8:50 pm
@Arianne, Y’all, I have never even HAD Nutella. Don’t be hatin’. ;)
Melanie Nelson´s last blog ..Blog Roll Etiquette and Advice
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Mrs. Cline Reply:
April 5th, 2010 at 9:57 pm
@Melanie Nelson, Me neither, friend. I’m kinda scared to try it.
Mrs. Cline´s last blog ..The Feet That Bring Good News
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This list consists of many of the reasons why I LOVE you!
In fact, a good chunk of them would be on my own list. ;)
Christine´s last blog ..That’s My King
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I can’t imagine anyone hating you over these things, unless it makes them uneasy or guilty due to their own personal insecurities. You know what you stand for and hey, I always though crazy is way better than boring & normal. :)
Steph
Adventures In Babywearing´s last blog ..As seen on Ivy…
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*thought. Always *thought crazy…
Anyway.
Adventures In Babywearing´s last blog ..As seen on Ivy…
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Somehow you are my twin that was lost at birth.
Or maybe I was the lost one…
ANYHOO.
We are sameness in our oddity.
And Iloveyouforeverintheday.
Sara Sophia
Sara Sophia´s last blog ..Today.
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Good grief. I think we may be the same person, save a couple of points there. Crazy good.
Amy´s last blog ..Sweet encouragement
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Nope, I don’t think you’re crazy. (Well, except the conspiracy theory thing…I kid! I kid!) The truth is that if someone doesn’t think you’re absolu-frickin-lutely nuts at some point, you’re not really living your life well, are you?
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This just deepens my already blooming love for you :)
Me Crazy too:
I could have written your list. Except for the Nutella and I had babies in hospital and I’m JUST learning about this arm allergy test thing. WHO KNEW? Love it.
I eat a sleeve of Peeps at a time
I have trouble NOT talking about sobriety/recovery/faith with everyone I talk to, about anything at all. Weather? “Oh, that reminds me, this one rainy day when I was drinking…but then God was whispering to my heart…”
I wish I had chickens in the backyard but my dog would eat them. I want their eggs. And to watch them strut about.
I only grow hair in one arm pit. True story.
I took a shower with a turantula once. It was just there, up in the corner. I hurried.
The End.
Heather of the EO´s last blog ..Nothing
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Rachael Reply:
April 5th, 2010 at 6:31 pm
@Heather of the EO,
Are you doing NAET? We’re all over arm allergy testing! it’s working awesome for us!
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Heather of the EO Reply:
April 5th, 2010 at 6:42 pm
@Rachael,
This is so intriguing to me! No, I know very little. I just saw someone doing it at the co-op and was all, what ARE you doing? Amazing.
Heather of the EO´s last blog ..Nothing
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Arianne Reply:
April 5th, 2010 at 7:00 pm
@Rachael, YES, we’ve done it for years, can’t even tell you how much has been healed and how much it’s helped the boys’ autism specifically. I’ve NEVER heard anyone else know of it before — wow!
[Reply]
Rachael Reply:
April 5th, 2010 at 7:07 pm
@Arianne, that is awesome! we just got back from an appointment today and I am a huge believer! we need to talk! I’ve referred like 100 patients to my local guy
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Arianne Reply:
April 5th, 2010 at 6:50 pm
@Heather of the EO, You’re so funny, because I feel like I can’t NOT talk about grief/loss/faith with everyone too. I am even more socially awkward now, since apparently that was possible…
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Oh. And I love what Sarah said. Living out loud = good.
Heather of the EO´s last blog ..Nothing
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Crazy is different and different is good, yes? Without crazy, the world would be vanilla, and I don’t know about you, but it’s not my favorite flavor.
Me crazy? I’m almost perfectly split between a sanguine temperament (outgoing, fun-loving, adventurous) and a melancholic temperament (contemplative, artsy, organized). On any given day, I have to balance the two inner Kellys as if they are bizarre conjoined twins. I don’t drink soda. I haven’t watched any prime-time TV in about 8 years. (Unless you count “Good Eats.” Alton is my man.) I won’t eat Peeps when they are fresh. I am borderline obsessed with the concept of real food. I am so comfortable in my own skin, I freak people out sometimes. I have seen God do miracles.
Shall I go on? (Just the idea of sitting here thinking up more crazy made me laugh. Who does that?!?)
Kelly @ Love Well´s last blog ..I Found Jesus
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Arianne Reply:
April 5th, 2010 at 6:52 pm
@Kelly @ Love Well, I’m split too, and I think it makes people nervous how you could be all fun and talky and then disappear and need quiet and alone and that doesn’t mean anything is wrong. So, YES. I have also seen God do miracles!
And YES think of more and YES it made me laugh to do it too. The laugh was a little evil scientist, but still…
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Oh Man I WISH I could eat only organic and put mustard on everything!! I don’t think “you crazy” I think “you awesome”! lol
Hmmm….
I drive my Hubby crazy because I like to “talk” about things.
I drive myself crazy because I have NO will power and eat whatever I want whenever I want to. sigh… that’s why I can’t lose the 20 pounds that I want/need to.
I drive my boys crazy because I don’t allow toys in our house. They can have books, legos and transformers, but NO TOYS. It really cuts down on our clutter and forces my family to think creatively when buying them gifts ;)
I drive my dogs crazy because I LOVE LOVE LOVE ‘dog torture’ and do things like buy pizza in town, then drive home, a 45 minute drive, with the car smelling like pizza. I ask them if they want to go outside, then go into the bedroom. I go get in bed, wait for the little one to crawl under the covers, then get up and go back into the living room. He HATES this about me :)
Mindy´s last blog ..ground’s eye view
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Arianne Reply:
April 5th, 2010 at 6:54 pm
@Mindy, “you awesome” LOL!
I love the no toy rule. Can you come be in charge at my house?
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Oh my gosh. If it was possible, I love you now more than ever.
Musings of a Housewife´s last blog ..Random Reader Questions Vol. 11
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Arianne Reply:
April 5th, 2010 at 6:54 pm
@Musings of a Housewife, Muah.
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Shut up! I should’ve known there was more meat to why I love ya! I love a good Hallelujah service, but I’m not hanky waver myself. My husband is a conspiracy theorist too…it makes me giggle. And I could go on and on… I’m so glad your crazy. {{HUGS}}
Jenny86753oh9´s last blog ..First #sgftwitterchicks Tweetup
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Arianne Reply:
April 5th, 2010 at 6:56 pm
@Jenny86753oh9, “not a hanky waver myself” Ha! No one like that at my house, is that typical? Makes me laugh – there are people more crazy than me?
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While we don’t make all the same choices, the only one I can say I just don’t understand is not liking Nutella. We really try to stay away from processed foods, but that Nutella is SOOOOO yummy!
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Arianne Reply:
April 5th, 2010 at 6:57 pm
@Casey, I think it’s a texture thing? Don’t know, because I really want to be cool and like it.
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Fabulous post!!!!! You’ve made me feel not quite so “weird. ” Mwah!
Myra @ My Blessed Life´s last blog ..Layered Texas American Dip
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Totally have a girl crush on your after this post!
I could tell you all about our voodoo witch doctors for allergies, hypnobirthing and all that jazz. But we Mormon’s keep our hands seated at all times in church . . . :)
But we do have apostles . . . does that make us apostolic?
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Arianne Reply:
April 5th, 2010 at 6:58 pm
@Rachael, I’ve been told people are usually referring to Pentecostals when saying “apostolic” but who knows… :)
Love that you called them voodoo witchdoctors…that’s what people think, too!
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Hehe, if you are crazy so am I.
While not identical, I’d say we’re more alike than not.
Wanna share a room in the looney bin?
Sara Joy´s last blog ..You Capture – Feet
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Arianne Reply:
April 5th, 2010 at 9:31 pm
@Sara Joy, As long as it doesn’t have Nutella…
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Ohhhhh, my best friend’s mom taught me to muscle-test foods, I don’t know ANYONE else who does it!
This makes me want to make a list of why people think I’m crazy. Super fun. :)
Cameron´s last blog ..Favorite {Photo} Friday–Lightness
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yeah….i pretty much still think you’re awesome!
lisa @thebeadgirl´s last blog ..Easter….
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I’m missing something here… What’s this muscle feeling thing to see if you’re allergic? I’m intrigued.
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Wow, biblical pacifist? I think there are 5 of us on the planet. :) Just kidding, but I’m seriously impressed to read that.
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I knew most of this already…except the nutella thing *gasp* freak! lol
I can think of a million more why I’m not liked but then that might open the eyes wider of those who do like me. hehehehe
Lori´s last blog ..Still Trying to Believe
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Arianne Reply:
April 5th, 2010 at 8:52 pm
@Lori, Do it, do it, do it…
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LOVE IT!!!!!!!!
Jesse Woodrow´s last undefined ..If you register your site for free at
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Not crazy at all…I agree with so much of what you listed…some is new to me…arm allergy testing????…so do you rub the food on the arm?
I have little support for most of the “crazy” things about me. Except my hubby…although I have had 4 babies in the hospital and use some drugs and was induced with all four…I am more and more intrigued by homebirth or at least completely natural at the very least. Hubby not so interested in home birth…we are expecting our 5th in late Septmeber…early October.
Processed food disgusts me…finding new ways everyday to make natural whole foods as connvenient as possible!
I believe homeschooling is awesome just not for me.
I would love to hear more about Homeopathic ways to treat my kids…3 with allergies & asthma…many meds for the last several years. youngest very healthy (ocassional cold) but I breastfed 23 months…the other three 0-6 months max breastfeeding…gotta believe it made a difference.
Thanks for sharing…I love honesty and love your blog.
[Reply]
Arianne Reply:
April 5th, 2010 at 8:54 pm
@Jen Martinson, No it’s not related to the skin type allergy testing, it has to do with Applied Kinesiology.
My first birth was a hospital birth, the rest (including Mabel) were home births. :)
[Reply]
Ha–if you be crazy, then I be crazy.
I was raised in an extremely counter-cultural homeschooling family, so I’m actually considered much more “normal” these days just because I wear jeans and listen to music that isn’t classical or from a hymnal. But my husband’s family still thinks I’m off my rocker for our water-birthin’, non-vaxing, extended breastfeeding, cosleeping, babywearing, cloth diapering, real food eating, local farmer supporting ways. They don’t even realize how really only semi-crunchy we are. We won’t even get started on how crazy people think we are for our don’t-fit-a-mold spiritual beliefs.
Now mushrooms and mustard? We may have to break fellowship over those two.
I will love you for all your crazy as long as the sun and the moon shall endure.
Ashleigh (Heart and Home)´s last blog ..Mailing
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Arianne Reply:
April 5th, 2010 at 7:41 pm
@Ashleigh (Heart and Home), You know that I included the mushrooms and the mustard just for you, right? xoxo
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Um, I think you are even more incredible after reading this list. I aspire to do so many of those things. Counter-culture is way more interesting than normal anyway.
Tricia´s last blog ..Positive
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I don’t think alot of the stuff on that list is “counter culture”. I think alot of the natural, homeopathic stuff is becoming more popular. Speaking openly about Jesus, however, IS counter culture.
You go! :)
p.s. What if the child was not inter-racial…would you still adopt?
Rach´s last blog ..Happy Easter
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Wow! I definitely DO NOT think you’re crazy. With the exception of just a few things, this list is very similar to what my own would look like. I have had lots of conversations with my husband about how we are the “black sheep” of the family (especially mine).
I had completely forgotten about the muscle testing thing. Thank you for reminding me!
Also, I don’t like Nutella either!
Laura´s last blog ..Preparing for Deployment: A Series
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Arianne Reply:
April 5th, 2010 at 8:56 pm
@Laura, We are so, so, so, the black sheep. There aren’t enough “so’s” to describe.
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Dill Cashews? Mushrooms with capers?
Crazy people like you make the best friends. Wish we could meet personally.
Brenda´s last blog ..Goin’ To The Gym
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I LOVE your list :) If it’s wrong to be crazy, I don’t want to be right! (I’ve wanted to use that saying forever… ha!)
But seriously, you’re living your life, and what about that is not to love?
Corinne´s last blog ..April Warmth Raining Down
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ok, didn’t post some of my “crazies”
diagnosed with OCD when I was 15. it’s annoying.
I too can eat a sleeve of peeps in a sitting.
sometimes the beauty of my life overwhelms me and i get panicked, thinking maybe i’m not living it right.
sometimes i get really bitter about losing 5 babies.
i love to repaint rooms, but none of the colors go with anything and it ends up looking like a third grader did it.
i really REALLY think that worship “teams” on Sunday morning are cheezy.
Rach´s last blog ..Happy Easter
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Arianne Reply:
April 5th, 2010 at 8:51 pm
@Rach, I love the third grader comment! Ha!
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How did we not sit down and pow-wow at Blissdom? HOW? I nodded my head in agreement with you on so much of this list! And, oooo, muscle testing! We call it ” going to see the witch doctor” but I’ve seen some serious improvements.
Sending you hugs and kisses (around a mouthful of Nutella)…
Lora Lynn´s last blog ..Lone Zorro Fresh Prince
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Arianne Reply:
April 5th, 2010 at 8:36 pm
@Lora Lynn, I know, it’s a bit of travesty, really.
xoxo
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a long time ago, i made a list of things that people thought were weird about me. i’ll have to repost it. guess what? turns out that a lot of my friends share my weird characteristics. coincidence? probably not. :)
you are awesome, just the way you are. we should keep listening to mr. rodgers. ya know?
laura´s last blog ..Charlie
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Arianne Reply:
April 5th, 2010 at 8:50 pm
@laura, oh Mr Rogers! Sigh. The greatest.
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Well, I’ll promise not to think you’re crazy if you promise not to think I’m crazy for going to the doctor, loving my epidural and my hospital births, loving processed foods (not all but more than I probably should!), vaccinating my kids, feeling guilty for even *thinking* about raising my hand even an inch (Baptist!), never having tried Nutella, not knowing what a biblical pacificist is, hating Twilight, drinking tap water, having no idea what an allergy arm test is, and thinking mustard is the devil’s own condiment. :)
Erin´s last blog ..Behold the Easter Cuteness
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Arianne Reply:
April 5th, 2010 at 8:49 pm
@Erin, This just CRACKED ME UP! Yes I love even mustard haters. ;)
P.S. I think it’s called the “Baptist nod” when y’all really get goin’ in church? :P
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Erin Reply:
April 5th, 2010 at 8:53 pm
@Arianne,
yeah but you know we reserve the nod only for situations of extreme Spirit-filling.
(I’m so not a good Baptist when I’m driving in my car, though. Or dancing around my kitchen, singing into a wooden spoon)
Erin´s last blog ..Behold the Easter Cuteness
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Arianne Reply:
April 5th, 2010 at 8:58 pm
@Erin, You have my hubs and I just laughing so hard! If Baptists and Pentecostals are friends, what’s next…dogs and cats living together??
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Erin Reply:
April 5th, 2010 at 9:04 pm
@Arianne, I guess we’ll have to keep it our little secret. Otherwise I might have to undergo church discipline.
Erin´s last blog ..Behold the Easter Cuteness
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Susan (5 Minutes for Mom) Reply:
April 6th, 2010 at 12:57 am
@Erin, I love your response here Erin and Arianne’s response back.
The best thing EVER is when we can laugh and celebrate our differences… if only the whole world could do that, we’d all be okay.
(By the way, I’m somewhere in between you too… I wish I were more crunchy, I admire Arianne for her list and wish I could say ditto to each one, but that’d be quite a lot of lies. LOL.
I love me a good epidural, I stress about vaccinations, but do it anyway. I’ll raise my hands in church, but have never spoken in tongues or anything like that. I’m a peace lover. I shocked myself that I enjoyed the Twilight movies, but never read the books. Hate the taste of unfiltered tap water, but do let my kids brush their teeth with flouride toothpaste. Never heard of that muscle allergy testing thing. I like the taste of Nutella, but don’t eat it very often. I recently realized that a tiny bit of mustard on a sausage just might be a good thing.)
Susan (5 Minutes for Mom)´s last blog ..5 Minutes for Books: Readable Classics
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Arianne Reply:
April 6th, 2010 at 12:18 pm
@Susan (5 Minutes for Mom), embrace the mustard! :)
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I love that you are living intentionally and not afraid to talk about it. We (as Christians) are called to be in this world, but we are not of this world. Of course people are going to think we are crazy. We should look and sound different. Thank you for inspiring me!
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Arianne Reply:
April 5th, 2010 at 8:58 pm
@McKt, “living intentionally” — wow. What a great way to look at it. What a confirmation. Thank you!
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other than the nutella thing – I’m totally with ya and completely tracking. Do it girl…
DesignHER Momma´s last blog ..Gage Flips Out!
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MUSTARD! Be my friend. :)
FireMom´s last blog ..Fire Trucks, Big Boys and the Rush to Grow Them Up
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You know what the beautiful thing about life is… we all get to be and do what we want… and it’s our world. You’re not crazy… just very normal. I mean my God… I live and breath the Housewives series – do you think I’m crazy? ;)
xo
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Arianne Reply:
April 5th, 2010 at 8:59 pm
@Audrey – Mom Generations, it’s one of the things I love about you. Your “crazy” obsessions are just as “crazy” as mine!
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I can track with everything you listed…except Twilight and Dancing with the Stars {{shudder}}. People think I’m crazy because I wrote about about the occult and tell them ghosts are actually demons masquerading as family, friends and beings of light. Lots of people think I’m crazy because I’m a vegetarian and bake vegan. Eh. Crazy is as crazy does :)
Kristine McGuire´s last blog ..Searching for Community
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Arianne Reply:
April 5th, 2010 at 9:01 pm
@Kristine McGuire, Girrrrrl. Wow. Yeah, we need to chat more. I was vegan for a year! I know that doesn’t sound like a lot, but it helped my health (thyroid) immensely.
I know people either love or hate DWTS, but please tell me you like So You Think You Should Dance…don’t break my heart!
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Kristine McGuire Reply:
April 5th, 2010 at 9:10 pm
@Arianne, A vegan diet is so good for health I really need to make the switch. My downfall…cheese. I have yet to try a cheese substitute I can live with to lure me away (although I still need to try Daiya).
I’m sorry…I don’t like So You Think You Can Dance (don’t cry!) but I did like the dance show they had with all the professional troupes from all over the world. THAT was awesome!
Kristine McGuire´s last blog ..Get Up, Get Dressed!
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Real Life Sarah Reply:
April 5th, 2010 at 10:02 pm
@Kristine McGuire, OK, so I totally agree with you on the ghosts thing! But So You Think You Can Dance? ROCKS!
Real Life Sarah´s last blog ..Join Me at Ocean Isle Inn Family Weekend with Miss Lori!
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Kristine McGuire Reply:
April 6th, 2010 at 9:22 am
@Real Life Sarah, What can I say I just can’t get down with the reality dance off’s…but I promise not to point and laugh :D
Kristine McGuire´s last blog ..Clothe Yourself with Kindness
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Maybe I’m the crazy one for never having tried Nutella? And I totally agree with what someone else said – “you awesome.” :)
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Arianne Reply:
April 5th, 2010 at 9:02 pm
@Jane – Mom Generations, You don’t need to, trust me. Your tastebuds and the part of you that does not want to be traumatized — will thank you.
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I can forgive the Nutella thing. Maybe? LOL
You are definitely NOT crazy in my book.
Secret Agent Mama – Mishelle´s last blog ..Weekly Winners {The Easter Edition}
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I don’t believe in normal. Never have. I think we’re all crazy in our own special way ;)
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*yuck* Nutella.
I have many “obsessions” but can’t list them because I don’t realize they’re obsessions…because I’m obsessed. :)
Love ya true soul.
Melody´s last blog ..Not Bluffing
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Arianne Reply:
April 5th, 2010 at 9:26 pm
@Melody, Yay! Another one on my “Nutella is evil” team. :)
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I like this! I don’t think you are crazy, maybe because I’m like you in certain ways. “) But I have one question: what is muscle testing food?
I like that your hubby is a conspiracy theorist. Does that mean that he likes to debunk things like if we really landed on the moon?
Very cool list of “crazy” things. even though you’re not in my book by this list.
50centlove´s last blog ..Little Miss
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Arianne Reply:
April 5th, 2010 at 9:29 pm
@50centlove, Oh muscle testing has to do with Applied Kinesiology, it’s a bit hard to explain and I’ve been looking for some good links but am not finding any that suit me. I will do a post on this!
Oh and no comment on the moon thing… {{snicker}} :)
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Well, if you’re crazy, I am too…we have a lot in common!!
Muthering Heights´s last blog ..A New Tradition?
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Best post ever. Love it. And now I have about a million questions of course – I always love hanging with you and learning so much from you – because we are so different but yet alike. Miss you mucho. xo col
ClassyMommy´s last blog ..Home Office Progress Report
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Wow,
I had no idea we had so much in common! =)
Just a couple points are different in my case!
We should chat more often.
Denise
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85%.
You lost me on the natural childbirth thing.
Alli´s last blog ..Holy
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“I think environmental issues like reducing waste and cleaning our air are important only because I think we’re stewards of this world. Not because I believe in global warming.”
—Amen sister, I do the same thing. I’d agree with you on most of the rest, but the birthing in water at home, well, you are a stronger woman than me!!!!
Fantastic post.
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You’re awesome….for every single loving, thought-out decision you make. I love our similarities and our differences – you are just you. :)
ExtraordinaryMommy´s last blog ..Lemonade Stand Saturdays- rallying to End Childhood Hunger
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Of all the crazy things I COULD have expected to read, there were none of them. :)
You’re probably saner than most of the people I know and wish I didn’t have to.
My nephew loves Nutella and keeps trying to get me to try it but I’ve never had the nerve to taste test it. Maybe my taste buds have passed the “what kids like to eat” stage cos’ that just doesn’t LOOK good.
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Love it!! Only I’m pretty mad bc I have a post in my drafts called “Love Me Anyway?” I’m crazy too…and in a lot of the same ways!
Nutella is awesome though, sorry. But oh how I wish I didn’t love it. I can’t even buy it anymore bc I go through a jar so fast;)
Me, crazy? Well, I vlogged my last birth (birth center w/midwives).
I recently prayed for a resurrection that I didn’t get to see. But that won’t stop me from praying again. I definitely believe in miracles (even the big ones). And yeah, we almost never go to the doctor.
Love your blog!:)
[Reply]
Arianne Reply:
April 5th, 2010 at 10:00 pm
@Sarah Valente (Kingdom Mama), I just totally love this comment. And miracles.
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Sarah Valente (Kingdom Mama) Reply:
April 5th, 2010 at 10:23 pm
@Arianne, seriously, I’ve been following you through Twitter but never gotten around to following your blog. WILL now. I can’t believe how nice your readers are though! I only brought up my feelings about global warming once;)
I’ve definitely found a new blog for my blogroll.
[Reply]
Arianne Reply:
April 6th, 2010 at 12:20 pm
@Sarah Valente (Kingdom Mama), Aw, thank you – and yes, the best readers live here! :)
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Super interesting list! I’m a pretty new reader so I don’t know you at all, but what I love about your list is that things kept catching me by surprise. I’d be nodding in agreement (home-birthed water babies and non-processed foods and the like) but then recoiling with a ‘no!’ (really just about you not believing in global warming. not looking for a debate, just sharing my reaction) ;) Anyway, I like your honesty and your stereotype-busting. And you may be the first person I’ve encountered who doesn’t like Nutella!
Elizabeth (@claritychaos)´s last blog ..(spring)break
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Arianne Reply:
April 5th, 2010 at 10:06 pm
@Elizabeth (@claritychaos), I knew people would most likely agree and then SO NOT as they continued to read…it was very scary for me to post this! On the one hand I think it’s crazy that these things are seen as radical, but other times I don’t even think about that and just live and let live. I’ve never really “come out” about some of these things at all before. Thanks for reading :)
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I have never tried Nutella, does that mean I’m crazy too?
I think all of these things are wonderful reasons TO love you! And I learned we have a lot in common! Minus the processed food and vaccines, but I do know how important that is for autism!
I definitely need to come around here more often!
Real Life Sarah´s last blog ..Join Me at Ocean Isle Inn Family Weekend with Miss Lori!
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Arianne Reply:
April 5th, 2010 at 10:04 pm
@Real Life Sarah, Yes, you bring up a great point — life with autism has brought me to most of these choices in life!
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Here’s the thing: I think you’re kinda crazy on some of this stuff…I don’t agree w/you on a few points, but DOES IT MATTAH? a) I still love ya & b) hope you still love me!!!
xo
:)
Robin ~ Pensieve´s last blog ..True lies or true thighs?
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Arianne Reply:
April 5th, 2010 at 10:02 pm
@Robin ~ Pensieve, I sorta think I have to be at least kinda crazy to survive the things I survive (or as a result of them) and to write how I write. Just had that revelation right here in this comment box…
LOVE YOU, yes I do.
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No matter how you package love, no one can get enough of it. That’s how we feel about you sweet, Ari!
We’ll take you and your mustard pickle hot tamale ways any day.
And reality TV, it should only use its powers for good and not evil. Yes, totally could not agree more. Nutella is overrated, tap water is delish – coming from one who lived in countries where it can actually kill you – rocking out in worship is the bomb, I’m not allowed to be Republican or Democrat since I am South African, conspiracy theory was a really bad movie, I love epidurals, but I love Jesus the most.
We are all a little crazy. Crazy/Beautiful.
Can’t wait to spend hours in a car with you getting the first hand version!
thegypsymama´s last blog ..The Good News
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Arianne Reply:
April 5th, 2010 at 10:07 pm
@thegypsymama, You remind me to be thankful for all my options, that I can even choose these things. So many, have no choices! When we have Jesus in common we have EVERYTHING in common.
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Oh my gosh, I love this. I eat more processed food than I’m happy to admit and I only use mustard if there is NOTHING else available. I’ve never tried Nutella, and I loathe mushrooms.
I think I’d be okay with having my babies at home, but can’t say honestly, since I’ve never had a hospital birth either.
And, oh sister, I am totally a hand waver. In the pew, in the car, in the shower!
Mrs. Cline´s last blog ..The Feet That Bring Good News
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Arianne Reply:
April 5th, 2010 at 10:11 pm
@Mrs. Cline, The processed food opinion comes from the fact that it made my kids SO SICK, then we all went off it and anytime even Jacob or I try to eat it we are SO SICK again. All of these things resulted from life taking me there down that path, it’s so fascinating how God works and molds us. :)
Ask Beth sometime what she thinks about me and “real cheese”. ::snicker::
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YES. This semi-uptight, Presbyterian, Velveeta-eating, epidural-loving girl very much loves you anyway. *grin*
Anyway, when I put my groceries on the checkout counter, I have to line up everything symmetrically. Square dinner plates make me nervous. I talk out loud to my dog way more than is probably normal. So no, sister, you definitely don’t have the corner on crazy. ;)
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Arianne Reply:
April 6th, 2010 at 12:22 pm
@Shannon, “square dinner plates make me nervous” Ha! Would it surprise you to know that my dinner plates are square AND rectangle (two kinds. they rock.)? Love it. Love you.
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The Diaper Diaries Reply:
April 7th, 2010 at 8:16 am
@Shannon, I line up my groceries on the conveyor belt too!!!! I always wonder what the people around me must think. This has made my day that I am not the only one ;)
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ok, I have never had nutella! I can hear the gasps!
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Arianne Reply:
April 6th, 2010 at 12:23 pm
@niri, save yourself the money and the grossness, and don’t ever remedy that situation. ;)
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I think it’s awesome that you write and talk about Jesus openly, and mushrooms and capers rock! :)
JaimeM´s last blog ..Remember These?
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Nah, not enough for me to think you’re crazy. Got any more? I’m curious about muscle testing. I heard a little about it from your sis.
I eat at least one piece of raw spaghetti before dumping it into the pot. Mmm.
Sheena´s last blog ..A Simple Easter
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okay, since you don’t drink tap water, what water DO you drink? i don’t drink bottled water because of the bpa (& most bottled water is just tap water anyway). i get reverse osmosis water from whole foods, because it seems to be the cleanest option (though not actually “clean”). do you have a better plan that i need to know about? please share!
also, your list is almost all ME.
p.s. do you have a doctor (slash voodoo witch doctor) that you use & love? i’d love to know who if you’d love to share. i’ve been looking for somehwere in the charleston area to go.
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Arianne Reply:
April 6th, 2010 at 12:26 pm
@lauren, We buy distilled water, it’s the only water we know won’t still have any junk from the tap in it (and there are a lot more culprits than just the fluoride). We are saving for our own water distiller so we can use the tap water and just clean it ourselves. :)
We see Dr Brian Class in Mount Pleasant, Class Family Chiropractic. He is AMAZING and so incredibly nice and his staff is amazing. They do a whole program with you to get you healthy again, rather than you just popping in now and then. Check it out! :)
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Love it. Thank you. We’re not too far off over here…inspiring and comforting.
I’m crazy because I don’t let my kids watch tv. (Crazy to my mom-friends at least).
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Arianne Reply:
April 6th, 2010 at 12:27 pm
@Jennifer, I blocked all but 4 channels on the tv so the kids think those are “broken”. If I had my way we’d have no tv stations at all, just movies now and then!
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Jennifer Reply:
April 11th, 2010 at 2:00 am
@Arianne, My boys think that the only reason the “square thing” is in the house is for us to see UCLA sports =) They’ll fall over when they move out on their own and realize the truth…=)
Jennifer´s last blog ..Quick read – Don’t get mad, get enlightened.
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I must say I am crazy for several of the same reasons . Standout exceptions: I love Nutella and I feel too self conscious to raise my hands in the air at mass (not a very catholic thing to do – but should be!). Keep up the crazies!
Dawn Sandomeno´s last blog ..Sensational Spring Dinner Party Menu!
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We are all crazy in one way or another :) Though I am curious about floride-why not? I actually make sure my toothpaste has it in it because I always thought it fought cavities. I’m with you on global warming.
I use shopping bags -that are super cute -and recycle like crazy, but certainly not because I think global warming/climate change is going to hit us in “The Day After Tomorrow” style-though I like that move, so there is one crazy thing for me.
Miche´s last blog ..Easter With Kids
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Arianne Reply:
April 6th, 2010 at 12:29 pm
@Miche, check out http://www.fluoridealert.org/ to get started on fluoride research.
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Another person who believes in muscle testing… wow. I also raise my hands in the air at church, have jumped up and down before, cry in church, close my eyes and get lost in the spirit… all good stuff. :–)
Nell
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I love you even though you do not love Desperate Housewives as that is the only TV indulgence I have before 10. My kids are also huge mushrooms and mustard lovers so we can always share that snack with you all.
Jennifer (Savor)´s last blog ..Whole Wheat Panko Breaded Tilapia with Vegetable Relish
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Arianne Reply:
April 6th, 2010 at 12:29 pm
@Jennifer (Savor), now I’m hungry…
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Re: reality shows, I mostly agree with you, but Extreme Makeover Home Edition and Undercover Boss are great, upbeat shows.
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Arianne Reply:
April 6th, 2010 at 12:31 pm
@Peggy, you’re right, I no longer watch Extreme Home Makeover just because I was WEEPING during every episode and it was too hard. It’s great though!
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I only think you’re crazy for liking mushrooms and not like Nutella. CRAZY.
Oh, and I love the part about raising your hands in church. I’m Presbyterian (AKA the frozen chosen), so I’d kicked out of church if I did that, but that doesn’t mean I can’t appreciate being moved like that!
Hmm, let’s see. I love natural childbirth, too. I’m not even sure I want to have more children as much as I just want to have more labors! My next birth will definitely be a PLANNED home birth.
I could happily drink straight coffee creamer. When I was a kid, my mom would have to hide those little containers of coffee creamer at restaurants because I’d chug them like little mini-creamer shots.
I have conflicted views about vaccinations and waver back and forth on my stance, mainly because my mom spent a year in the hospital with polio when she was 9 and still has a lot of polio-related problems. What I love about the issue is how so many of us put our OWN experiences into play when we make a decision, and what I really love is that I have no doubt in my mind that each and every person makes the decision that is best for their family, which is just really cool.
I’ve only recently started liking mustard. I still prefer ketchup on most things.
We canceled our cable because we watch so little TV. That’s not to say that Luke doesn’t watch Bob the Builder every so often during quiet time, but mostly, we don’t watch TV.
I haven’t been to the chiropractor since October, and that makes me want to cry. I need to find my way there three times a week!
I love the conspiracy theory part, because Shane was just laughing at me for watching all these 9/11 conspiracy theory documentaries. They raise some good points!!
Erin´s last blog ..Randomize
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Erin Reply:
April 6th, 2010 at 1:13 pm
@Erin, OMG, I just left the longest comment ever. QUICK, SOMEONE TAKE AWAY MY INTERNET.
Erin´s last blog ..Randomize
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Oh we all have our own brand of crazy :) I have people who think I’m crazy because I don’t eat a lot of meat, cloth diaper, wear my babies, sew, knit, home birth…whatever I do it is crazy to someone.
I think that those who don’t follow their own path and only conform to society norms are crazy…but like I said, we all have our own brand of crazy.
I happen to like yours ;)
Kim´s last blog ..January to April…
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The boys are looking so grown up and happy. I think we are almost the same person. I noded yes to about 95% of your “crazy” traits. I would label them has “the things that make me fabulous” traits. Thanks for sharing!
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I totally love this post. For a lot of reasons. The pictures are fun. The words are readable. And it rings true-as-true can be.
The scariest posts to publish are always the best!
And I discovered that we have a lot of similarities too…
Stephanie´s last blog ..How Social Media Has Made Me A Better Mother
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I am moved by this post, Ari. Greatly moved with your strong identity, beliefs, knowledge of self and your surroundings and the world. “Crazy” is just a synonym for “I don’t understand or want to take the time or am just to intolerant to understand the beliefs, needs, wants, desires, or very SOUL of another.” You are the least “crazy” person I know because you KNOW what you KNOW and live your knowledge with a tolerance for the souls of others.
What makes me “crazy”? I talk to angels. They answer. I have a strong devotion to the Blessed Mother. I rage against injustice. I put A-1 sauce and black pepper on just about anything. I am crazy shy. I pray. A lot. I want to write a rap song. I appreciate civil disobedience. I learned more from my inner-city students about life than I ever could have learned anywhere and those young people shaped my life. My children (all 4 of them… some people do not believe that someone can love “step”-children) and Barry are my great gifts from heaven and I thank God for them every, every day.
I love you!
Sharon – Mom Generations´s last blog ..“Tell me a story about my Daddy when he was little…”
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I love your list. I want to go to church with ya!! I cannot get on board with the Nutella however. I don’t have it in my house because my hubby is allergic to nuts which means I would be forced to eat the whole jar myself. Probably in one setting. My weird thing? When I adjust the volume on the TV or the radio it must be to a multiple of 5. I seriously can’t handle it if it isn’t. Which is sometimes frustrating when 20 isn’t loud enough but 25 is too loud. Dang, when I read that outloud it is all kinds of crazy.
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Could you BE more inspirational? There are a few things I don’t totally see eye to eye with you on (mustard? EW) but that is why this is amazing … you aren’t afraid to be exactly who the Lord made you to be because HE is behind you. Thanks for being exactly you. I like you :)
Mary´s last blog ..MaryMassey: Dear @pandora_radio: Just a tip, I’m ALWAYS still listening. With love, Mary (cc @apeasyt)
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hehe, I just started following you last week but rarely have time to comment! Love your list…other than the nutella and mushrooms, lol. My kids haven’t been to the doctor in…in…yep, we usually visit the health food store instead. And we *heart* our chiropractor!
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I am weird, too! I have a lot of the same crazy traits! Love it! I am just now learning about natural health, whole foods, chemical-free living, etc. I just did what I was taught but now realized how important this is in our family. I no longer vaccinate as my youngest son’s body and mind changed horribly after his last shots. I was ignorant but I choose to be ignorant no more. :-)
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I love this post! Thanks for sharing, I guess the things that make me “crazy” could be:
1. I write Bible studies, print them on my home computer and teach them. More times than I can count I hear “there are so many good studies, why don’t you use them?”
2. I have three girls, 17, 13, and 11 and I don’t know every detail of their lives.
3. I’m a church gal, if the doors are open I want to be there!
Jenny Smith´s last blog ..A totem pole lesson
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I found this post through Capri By the Lake and it gave me a good chuckle. Crunchy moms stand out and the best thing to do is laugh about it. I have a friend that sends her son to the children’s area at her church with a nametag saying, “My name is Dutch. No cookies please.”
I linked to your blog at http://www.mommypotamus.com/link-love-from-the-mommypotamus-2/ so my friends can have a laugh, too.
Mommypotamus´s last blog ..Meal Plan Monday
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