Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and a host of others keep us connected. They are valuable tools to stay in touch. I love my Facebook account! With schools back in session I cherish the photos of all the children embarking on their new adventures for another school year. Family and friends alike enjoy the progressive photos from one year to another. So by all means shutterbug away. There are more photos taken today than at any point in our history. The only Question is what do with them?

As parents, you take extraordinary measures to insure their safety. In today’s world that can be quite a challenge. it seems like the news is full of traumatic events and a significant portion of these stories showcase children both the good and the bad. More bad than good I’m sorry to say. Abuse, neglect, cruelty, mistakes, as well as kidnapping, murder and a variety of others make headlines around the country both here and abroad. As these feature on even our local evening news and our media feeds I thought this would be a good time to review the tips to keep your precious ones off the news and out of the statistics.

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Never give personal information.

It’s the first day of school and we like to proudly show off our accomplishments. Never post your child’s name, school, teacher, or classroom. The same goes for bus information. Give to trusted family or friends directly. What you post to a family member, friend or frustrated adult can be seen on social media by people you defiantly do not want around your children.

Turn off Geotags in phones, tablets and devices.

Funny name, big consequences. Did you know that funny tag is your exact GPS location? Nefarious individuals can use this information to find your home, and even your child’s window. Every photo uploaded with these tags will create a trail of bread crumbs accessible through social media outlets of every place you go. Some also give a location history of where you have been with your phone.

Use a special password.

A special password between children and parents can alert a child to seek help. Imagine an adult approaches your child near their school. They say you parent was in an accident and sent them to pick them up. Scary right? Your child should ask for the special password. If the adult does not know it your child should immediately notify a teacher, administrator, or law enforcement officer. It’s better to have a small delay while it’s checked out, than a missing poster.

Remember to have fun while making sure both you and your child stay safe.

Do you have a safety tip? Share them in the comment section below.

As July winds down to the final few days, we look ahead to what’s to come. That’s right with August just days away we all know that back to School is coming. While parents look forwPlan your shopping around both your budget and the best sales. Most states have tax-free shopping. The items are usually the normal items and in some states where tax is 9 – 10 percent, or higher this can save you a bundle. Most Children see it as the loss of their freedom. To return to the world of teachers, books, papers and learning. Each year at this time we prepare to send our children on the adventure of a new school year.

The transition for most is a happy and exciting. Whether Starting for the first time or transitioning schools as well as grades, it is important that they are prepared to meet this brave new world. Either way it is busy, so here I’ve gathered some ideas to get prepared, organized, and not go crazy while doing so.

Start early. Work, summer camps, shopping, holidays, sports, and not completely blowing the budget can be a challenge. Starting early gives you extra time to fit it all in.

Kindergarten or college students will need some new clothes and shoes. (Probably because they outgrew them in summer.) Most schools provide a list of supplies your eager learner will need. Paper, pencils, folders, the new backpack, and tech. College in particular will need basic household items as well to furnish the dorm room they will call home while persueing their degree. A good Laptop, Netbook, Chromebook, and or tablet will also be in the must have list.

Plan your shopping around both your budget and the best sales. Most states have tax-free shopping. The items are usually the normal items and in some states where tax is 9 – 10 percent, or higher this can save you a bundle. Find the dates for your state in this handy list.

I know I am going to use to my advantage and get a new computer. I’ll share my review and shopping experience soon.

So here starts a new adventure for the kids and time out for parents. Just think with the return of school it means it’s almost football season.

That title is more important to everyday Americans. The regular families. Parents who work both white and blue collar. Children to carry on your families traditions. Growing up our holidays like this were spent with great family, plenty of food, and the pyrotechnics show given in almost every town large and small across the country. Swimming pools and BBQ scents fill the air. Lawn chairs, watermelon, ice cream and red, white, and blue can be seen everywhere.

Laughter, squeals, and firework pops are audible over the playlists of classic rock, Souza marches, and songs of Americana heritage. Any born here should take this opportunity to give thanks for being born here, immigrated, or the men and women of our armed services for protecting our freedoms.

With the advent of social media we are all familiar with the policies swirling through current events. To agree or disagree is not the important question here. Recognizing that we have the right to disagree, we all must learn to get along and live together. All who stand within our shores should be proud to be an American. Our Flag, Government, and our values shape this great place we call home, never let anyone tell you that you are unlucky to be here. With no fear of imprisonments, torture, and many horrors that we see abroad. Is all fair and just here, no but looking around the world you could do worse.

As we Celebrate the founding of this nation on July 4, we remember those who came before. Immigrant, native, man, woman, child. Let us focus on the good and work toward solutions that resolve our arguments. This Wednesday, as we spend time with family and friends, bbq or take-out, enjoy the time and festivities.

If you find yourself in a quiet moment, add a special song to your playlist, wave the flag and proudly display what makes up the best part of our country, We The People.

Please drink responsibly and remember that alcohol and fireworks can be a bad combination.

Okay this has been sadly neglected as i have once again been down sick, So seeing as the new predictions for the 2018 season are makinf the rounds I thought this would be a good time to review the basics as we once again face possible storms. We ue most items gathered here for almost all natural disasters Mother Nature throws our way. All household members should know what to do in case of any kind of emergency, Get a plan for Hurricanes, Tornado, Fire, Flooding, some even recommend for home invasion and terror attacks. We also have a nuclear power facility and chemical plant near by so keeping current on local news is a must.

For Hurricanes we use both our local news tv and radio, as well as alerts from our counties Emergency Management. The Alerts for sevalerts like severe storms, flash flooding, Amber, and security, Active shooters, Police chase or fatal crashes on roadways. They come direct to our phones so at home or on the gowe get the information to keep our family safe.

Click the link to see both an explanation of why and when we worry as well as a great list of items to include in your kit. We rotate the food items out to the pantry throughout the year and always have stock of what we might need. We are adding new things like solar chargers for cell phones and tablets, new flood blocking water dams, new medical devices and recently added the new super bright led flash lights that are super tough and the batteries last much longer than the old incandesenct style.

Keeping this ready the whole year through for us means if there is any major storm headed our way our only preperations include filling our water tanks, gasoline in vehicles and for generator, and get medication refills if needed. Get cash and a quick easy trip to buy any last minute needs, wash any dirty laundry, and make sure the house is clean so Mother Nature can bring it on!

https://jensperspectiveblog.com/2017/09/04/hurricanes- what-you-need-to-know/

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We had this at a popular restaurant  several years ago.  It was new and different and we loved it!  As it turns out it was rotated off the menu so I came home and started my own copy cat recipe.  On a quick trip to a store for something I found a McCormick seasoning for it.  I followed their recipe and after many experiments came up with my own simple, restaurant tasting version.  Hope you enjoy it as much as we do.  This is fabulous any time of year.  Especially Fall/Winter.

McCormick makes a spice blend for it.

Jens’ White Chicken Chili

1 pkg boneless, skinless, Chicken Breast or Thighs about 2 – 3 lbs.

2 Cans Great Northern or Navy Beans do not drain

1 can Diced Green Chili’s

2 pkg McCormick White Chicken Chili Seasoning

2 cups heavy cream

1/2 cup shredded mozzarella Cheese + extra for garnish

4 Tablespoons chopped Green Onion (if desired).

In large dutch oven style pan, cook chicken until golden on both sides over medium heat.  Remove from pan.  Cut or shred chicken to bite size pieces approx 1/2 in.  Return Chicken to pan.  Add diced Green Chili’s and beans with liquid.  Mix 2 season pkg with 2 cups heavy cream.  Add to pan.  Simmer on medium low 10 minutes.  Stir occasionally.  add 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese.  Once cheese melts serve piping hot, garnish with chopped green onions and extra cheese if desired.  Keeps well in freezer I recommend a double batch.  (One to eat today, one for an easy frozen meal later.)

Available in most stores.