Vote Rick Santorum!

http://www.ricksantorum.com/

Learn more about Rick, his history as a legislator and his stance on critical issues by downloading our PDF "Rick Santorum: A Champion of Traditional American Values."
Former U.S. Senator Rick Santorum of Pennsylvania was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1990 at the age of 32, and from 1995 to 2007, served in the US Senate. In 2000, he was elected by his peers to the position of Senate Republican Conference Chairman.
Senator Santorum became one of the most successful government reformers in our history, taking on Washington's powerful special interests from the moment he arrived in our nation's Capitol. Along with John Boehner and Jim Nussle, Senator Santorum was a member of the famous "Gang of Seven" that exposed the Congressional Banking and Congressional Post Office scandals. It was this record of reform that prompted a Washington Post reporter to write in a recent article that "Santorum was a tea party kind of guy before there was a tea party."
He was also an author and floor manager of the landmark Welfare Reform Act which passed in 1996 that has empowered millions of Americans to leave the welfare rolls and enter the workforce.
Senator Santorum wrote and championed legislation that outlawed the heinous procedure known as Partial Birth Abortion as well as the "Born Alive Infants Protection Act," the "Unborn Victims of Violence Act," and the "Combating Autism Act" because he believes each and every individual has value and the most vulnerable in our society need to be protected.
Senator Santorum fought to maintain fiscal sanity in Washington before it was in fashion, fighting for a balanced budget and a line item veto. He bravely proposed reforming entitlements, cutting spending and even developed a "spendometer" that added up the cost of Democrat amendments to spending bills. This record made him one of the most conservative senators in Pennsylvania's history.
He served eight years on the Senate Armed Services Committee where he led the fight before the attacks of September 11th, 2001 to transform our military from a Cold War force to meet today's threats. He was a leader on US-Israeli relations, authoring both the "Syria Accountability Act" and the "Iran Freedom and Support Act" which he successfully fought to pass in spite of initial opposition by President Bush.
An accomplished author, Senator Santorum penned the 2005 New York Times Best Seller It Takes a Family.
But of all his accomplishments, Rick is most proud of his role as a husband and father. Rick and his wife of 21 years, Karen, are the parents of seven wonderful children: Elizabeth, John, Daniel, Sarah Maria, Peter, Patrick and Isabella.

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Compromises

“You cannot coddle, counsel, or compromise the flesh;you cannot do it.  The only way to deal with the flesh is to crucify it.  You will never defeat what your willing to live with.” Doug Small

Interesting as the Lord has been teaching Keith and I MUCH about any willingness we have to compromise. We are so willing, in our flesh, to live with depravity and excuse varying forms of it either in those around us or ourselves. We must also excuse it if it is a secret delight or something we just wish we could do and not feel guilty.

We find many subtle ways to excuse the flesh and say to ourselves, "I was not doing anything wrong." Overtime we even believe and justify the fact we were not doing anything "wrong". I have a little quote that hangs on our wall at home that we refer to often and though it is not a Bible quote I think it is still very true: "The easiest person to deceive is ourselves."

I often wondered how someone may get to the level to "excuse" things that God obviously says are wrong (even among professing Christians). Those who live a life that I would say is inspiring and yet hold on to a blatant sin or excuse a past sin or others. I think the very subtle way ANYONE can get themselves there to ANY level is a simple thing called compromise. We sear our very conscience toward our heavenly father when we begin to compromise...the thing is we are sometimes blind to the fact it is happening.

To compromise is to set our affections on something that is contrary to the Lord. This is the very essence of the 1st commandment and a very subtle way we break it.."Thou shalt have no other God's before me."

I know for me I have watched some movies to "see" if they were "family friendly" only to discover that almost 90% of films are not....now as a parent it is true I need to put a hedge of protection around my little ones and make sure they are not searing their conscience...but at the same time not pollute my own ability to see God and stay on the right path OR I become a hypocrite. When I fail and watch more films then I should or excuse one "for me" that is not "that bad", but would not wish them to see then believe me they know I am living that double life and in bigger degrees they will do the same.."What the parents do in moderation the children will do in excess." This quote is very true!!!

So in attempting to live my life true toward God I call on those around me who know me best to hold me accountable. I therefore have adopted in my life not watching any films that I do not tell my husband about and my children as they do not excuse hypocrisy in my life. They challenge my decision and help me to stay focused.

I also realized that I was choosing to watch the films more and more as Keith is away often and it can fill in the loneliness at the end of the day. I understand now that my heavenly father would wish me to run to him rather to to a movie to get relief at the end of a trying day! If I seek anything else that would mean that I am running to it rather then to God to get from it ONLY what God can give.

¹³He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.

 ¹⁴Happy is the man that feareth alway: but he that hardeneth his heart shall fall into mischief.

Proverbs 28

Election Year 2012--Our Thoughts!

As we gear up for yet another election year we are seeing the signs (literally) everywhere! We have, as I think, most Americans desired that we have a godly man with virtue whose desire was to do what is best for our country in the fear of the Lord to run the country. Because of our desires and "concerns" we can be exhausted in our search for who to support for public office.....even if we support someone to public office they may not make it past the primaries then yet comes yet another decision as who is best to support. Rather then become down or fearful I have seen so much positive in this years election...crazy I know, but stay with me!

As we drive around I notice many signs advertising home based businesses. We have also noticed many building being leased as there is an eager pursuit to established many small and family run businesses...I understand the reasons as many have found employment near impossible to find, jobs being cut, being required more and more from one person as they cut more and more people as the bigger businesses seek to cut their overhead due to a decrease in spending and debts. More and more people are attempting to live within their means and cut debt. This is not bad...unless you are a mega business that runs on debt and uses others money to make your payments ect....this is good! As God's word tells us..."The rich ruleth over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender."

That would bring us to the federal deficit......Americans owe and if you believe God's word to be true then we are a servant to the lender.....what happens when we can not pay....what happens if others fail to pay us...Europe's crisis should be a wake up call and we should NOT be so focused on ourselves, but on our future and the name of Christ!

We see that big corporate America has taken over and the small business man does not even threaten them as competition...this throws customer service out the window and right checks and balance systems set up at our founding in the dust as ancient irrelevant text...but are they???? Was not our country established as a Christian nation? Do the scriptures no longer apply? I beg to differ...scriptures are not only for the past but have great application for today!

A personal example we can offer to this dilemma in our country followed our Christmas celebration. For Christmas this year all kids old enough to ride bikes got new bikes! We knew we needed 6 of them and looked high and low for the best deals and selection. Due to time and our needs we settled on Toys R Us. We felt confident that if any "issues" arose from our purchase we could return the new bikes---our whole reason for buying new rather then good used bikes! 

Since these bikes were a gift we purchased one week before Christmas and did not take the kids with us.....all the bikes were fine except for one. Rather then go into a deeply long issue the design of the bike was poor and used a plastic piece rather then durable metal ...due to this vital part the bike would ride for maybe 30 mins and then slip and make it unable to be ridden....and we repaired ourselves once, but feared it would continue and eventually if we continued to repair we would break the piece, so we felt it best to return ASAP so ensure we had "warranty" on our product. I checked the receipt for their policy on returns and saw nothing prohibiting the return and it had only been ridden for about 30 mins total time.

We made a time to return the bike and hooked up the trailer for a 45 minute drive to return the bike. We walked into the store and told them the issue. The manager insisted that they repair the bike....Keith explained that the bike could be repaired, but the fault was in that the plastic piece would just slip again and we did not care for the design and would rather pick out another bike. The manager refused and said that the policy was that once a bike had been ridden it was considered used and therefore they could not take it back. I was amazed the bike only had a bit of dirt on the tires but other then that it was in mint condition! We had had the bike 14 days and had the original receipt showing that we purchased several bikes and they were for Christmas.

Amazed at this policy I wrote the company an email and here was the response:
Recently you requested personal assistance from our on-line support
center. Below is a summary of your request and our response.

Subject
---------------------------------------------------------------
Re: Returns


Discussion Thread
---------------------------------------------------------------
Response - 01/04/2012 04:33 PM
Dear Anita Kilpatrick:

Thank you for your inquiry regarding our return policy. We will gladly accept returns within 90 days of the purchase date on most items sold at any "R" Us store in the U.S or Puerto Rico. Simply return it within 90 days of purchase,with your receipt and original packaging. Items must be returned unused and with the original packaging and since the bike you are returning as you stated in the original email your daughter rode it we will not be able to return the Bike for you because it was in fact used. Please note that "R" Us stores reserve the right to refuse a refund.

We will accept returns within 45 days of the purchase date on the following products: Video games / accessories / systems, computer software, VHS, DVD, music, electronics, radio control,trading cards and collectibles. The original receipt is required for a refund or exchange and the item must be returned in it’s unopened, factory sealed package. If the item has been opened, it can only be exchanged for an identical item.

You can also find more information about our return policy on our corporate website at www.toysrusinc.com. Thank you, once again, for contacting the "R" Us Family.

Sincerely,
Chey 2803
Corporate Guest Relations

Customer (Anita Kilpatrick) - 01/04/2012 04:55 AM
I did have the original reciept and purchased the bike assembled and therefore had no pack material to return other then the bike itself.
Is that still the policy if I had the original reciept?
I was returning in less then 14 days of purchase.
Please advise?

--- On Wed, 1/4/12, Customer Support wrote:

From: Customer Support
To: kilpatrick.family@yahoo.com
Date: Wednesday, January 4, 2012, 4:10 AM

Response - 01/03/2012 10:10 PM
Dear Anita Kilpatrick,

Thank you for taking the time to share your comments with us regarding our return policy. Unfortunately, the store was following the policy as it is required to do. All returns and exchanges must be accompanied by a receipt, be within in the set timeframe, and have all the original packaging. Please visit the link below for more information on our return policy.http://www1.toysrus.com/guest/storPoliGuarantees.cfm

We value all your feedback, positive and negative, as it helps us to understand how our guests feel and gives us an opportunity to evaluate any possible issues. Hearing from you has helped us to do just that. Again, we appreciate your feedback, and look forward to serving you again in the future!

Sincerely,
Chey 2803
Corporate Guest Relations

The “R”Us Team

Customer (REMOVE THIS CONTACT CHANGE THIS CONTACT) - 01/02/2012 10:25 AM
Dear Valued Guest,

Thank you for contacting RUs.com. I have forwarded your email to the
appropriate team for their prompt review, and you may expect a response
from a Guest Service Specialist within 3 to 5 business days.

Thank you again for contacting RUs.com. We value your business and look
forward to serving you in the future!

Sincerely,

Guest Service Teamwww.ToysRUs.com (800) ToysRUs / (800) 869-7787www.BabiesRUs.com (888) BabyRUs / (888) 222-9787
Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week!!




Original Message Follows:
------------------------


To: customer-service@toysrus.com

From: kilpatrick.family@yahoo.com



Order Number:

Name: Anita Kilpatrick

Phone Number: 804-966-5410

Wrote: Is it the policy of Toys R US on bikes to NOT allow returns..that
they consider them like cars and you are NOT allowed to ride them and
return them (even if it is within 14 days of purchase)?

I was told by a manager that when we returned the bike (Christmas gift
--I bought 1 week before Christmas and returned one week after Christmas
so 2 weeks) that we would have to allow them to try to fix the bike and
come back in like 2 days to pickup and if it broke a second time we
could see if they could issue a refund.

We drive 40 miles one way to store and I would not have purchase all 6
bikes from there for Christmas if that was the policy!

The bike, we purchased, has white wheels and we live on a dirt road so
it did have dirt on the tires when we returned...as my daughter had to
try it out. WE felt the bike had a design flaw (plastic sprocket and it
kept slipping out--even after you would put it back in after she would
ride about 30 mins and therefore it would not ride).

We wanted to return the bike for another model as we felt this one was
flawed (in design) but we were told we could NOT do that....???? Is this
true?

Thanks,

Anita Kilpatrick


[---001:003973:00119---]





Okay, so much for "the customer is always right" huh? This use to be the ethic by which businesses survived...I can not count how many times our orders for food were wrong and they refused to offer refunds or correct the issue...although there has been some good ones as well....this is where our smaller run businesses can really challenge the big business and offer some healthly competition, but if government always bails out our overspending big cooperation's then there is no healthy economy!

After this issue I have resolved to always check return policies and get them in writing!

Soon after this issue we went down to our local social security's office to get a card for one of our children (agree or disagree here), but this is only one child and most of the others I did not even file get the card...most hospitals have a policy to send off for the cards. Since only one child does not have a card we took the birth certificate, hospital proof of birth, our ID's and proper forms down to the office. This was after repeated attempts to get through the mail and getting the information page from the SS Office to make sure we had ALL documents needed.

After waiting over 1 hour at the office and watching most people become frustrated and leave with no resolve for what they came there for...it was now our turn. I was confident that these others had NOT read the information and failed to bring what was needed. I knew I had taken a couple of weeks to gather all the documents and go over the SS check list. When we made our way to the window and presented the package of information  we were told we would have to go down to the DMV and get a photo ID issued by the state and bring it to the SS Office then we could apply for the card...the birth certificate is not proof of identity (now we are dealing with a minor NOT close to 18). When I asked what we would need to get a photo ID for the child they said, A" birth certificate. " Okay, I am no braniac, but that seems an unnecessary step....why the need to use a birth certificate to get a ID to get a SS card--when a birth certificate is not enough proof to the SS card office.

They also wanted us to send --through the US mail our military ID's to show proof of our ID. Keith informed them that is a federal offense and the lady with the SS office argued that she worked there and it was not....hmmmmm???? What does this mean...

 Your Military Identification Card is government 
property. It is your responsibility to maintain your military identification card on your person at all times and report its loss 
or theft to the proper authorities immediately. Your negligent behavior has jeopardized the security of our military 
installation as well as the security of military installations around the world. You are required to report  the loss of your 
Identification Card to the Provost Marshall and the ID card section of the PSB to have another Military Identification Card 
re-issued immediately.



You are here by notified that if this type of conduct continues, actions may be initiated under the Uniform Code of Military 
Justice to separate you from the Army prior to your scheduled ETS Date IAW AR 635-200.  If you are involuntary 
separated, you could receive an Honorable Discharge, a General (Under Honorable Conditions) Discharge, or a Under 
Other Than Honorable Conditions Discharge. If you receive a discharge Under Other Than Honorable Conditions, you will 
be ineligible for reenlistment and for most benefits, including payments of accrued leave, transitional benefits, the 
Montgomery GI Bill, VA benefits, and You may also face difficulty in obtaining civilian employment. 

Any member of the armed forces who,  without proper authority; (1) sells or otherwise 
disposes of: (2) willfully or through neglect damages, destroys, sells, or loses military property;  may be punished under article 108.




We are counseled over and over on this issue...if we sent our Drivers Licence we could not legally drive...which was somewhat suggested to us to "try" and countless others do it. Has anyone read the back of their Drivers License? They claim this is what you must do but you could face serious consequnces if you do as they instruct???? Seems like a break in our system...I amazingly had an idea to cut spending...eliminate unnecessary steps like the ID and use the same form they will (ie, a birth certificate) to allow us to get a SS card....

I know that may eliminate some government jobs, but here is a question...is the government really helping us by supplying employment and creating jobs or making us dependent? Does this create a society with a good work ethic or lazy, slothful, uncaring people who want the most pay for the least work...and this question from military family???????

Don't fear we will soon be there on the front with you as Keith retires from military service and enters this unfamiliar ground of the civilian work! However, even in the military they are told to hurry spend all their allotted funds to "justify" their jobs and to write countless papers to "justify" them as well.....I can not imagine this system is different on the outside!

With this sort of system and dependency we have created a HUGE federal deficit that if NOT fixed our children will inherit and become slaves to someone.....

Here is my novel idea and one I plan on writing to my elected officials this year....(I will of course consider wording ect...)

I would willing consider voting for ANY candidate who donated their campaign funds to the federal deficit and I feel I am NOT alone in this. I hear that Obama has raised almost 1 billion dollars in campaign funds. This amount applied to our debt would be a HUGE help. I seriously do not think he would have to worry about a lack of media as that would be uncommonly noble and I think would catch the eye of media. This sort of noble deed would also prove that he is worthy of such an office as he is to lead for the good of our country and to be an example to the world of "Americans" and what we stand for and should not be desired for employment or pay. Although some men seek fame and fortune we are needing noble men to serve and I wonder who is noble? We are to be leaders NOT followers and we should be showing the world the best approach to life! A elected official MUST live a higher level as they are to be examples to all and inspiration to the future generations...the current trend has not produced this sort of nobleness and must be weighed. The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results....it simply must change! How about we give the majority of the working class of American people the voice rather then the bailed out corporations who helped get us here? How about learning to think in the future rather then the present?

I will support ANY noble man who seeks rather then his own good the good of the nation....where is such a man?

A Great Post To Note!

"Stop your fretting. The future does not depend on you. It depends on the One on whom you depend."

RC Sproul Jr.

Go here for GREAT reads!

Familial Curses?

To read go here!

"God tells us in Exodus 20 that He will visit “the iniquity of the fathers upon the children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate Me,” (verse 5).  That might settle the issue, but then God also told us this, “In those days they shall say no more: ‘ The fathers have eaten sour grapes, And the children’s teeth are set on edge.’” (Jeremiah 31:29).  Does this mean that there was, in the old covenant, familial curses, and that in the new they no longer exist? I think not....."

Favorite Quote This Year!

"Heaven is not for those that know their good enough, it's for those who know they are not."
----Tom Harmon

 ^3"Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." Matt.5:3

Ringing in the New Year!

Last night we rang in the year 2012!!!! I can hardly imagine that it is 2012 already!!! Where did all this time go and how much of that time have I neglected to redeem? The children are getting older and I know there are precious few Christmas and New Years celebrations with all of them at home----sniff...sniff!!!

Anyway, we rang in the New Year in typical Kilpatrick fashion. First we started by taking down the old Christmas ornaments off the tree before New Years arrived and adding to the tree New Years ornaments, streamers, hats, noisemakers, and balloons! We like to get the most out of the work to put them up!!!

Next, we sat out the food for our annual Kilpatrick sandwich and finger food banquet! This year we had all manner of sandwiches, chips and dips, egg rolls, and desserts! Yumm and boy were we full by nights end!

We try to find games that all can play and this year we included charades, pictionary (Kilpatrick version), and a scavenger hunt (mom won yeah)! Mom had the most fun I think!

We tried to ring in the New Year with each of the differing time zones (except the ones PAST our time). We missed some, but made the rest!!! We tried to include in our banquet things that would represent each of these areas!

When the count down came for our New Year Dad loaded the gun to fire the annual New Years shots in the air and the kids armed themselves with all sorts of confetti noise poppers!!!! We had glow sticks ect...and Joshua honked the horn.....I think we started a chain reaction through here and MANY others were shooting and honking as well!!! After the year was rung in and a fast sweep through we went to get ready for bed and meet in Mom and Dad's room!!!

After everyone met we read our Proverbs and cleared any offences that might have occurred during the day (as is our custom). After reading and clearing we shared one thing that we wished or resolved to do for this New Year 2012!

Dad also had a card that he signed that was in the movie Courageous and is called the resolution....he signed it on New Years Day officially 2012 just after midnight with John and Hannah as witnesses. For those interested the Resolution states:

I do solemnly resolve before God to take full responsibility for myself, my wife, and my children. I WILL love them, protect them, serve them, and teach them the Word of God as the spiritual leader of my home. I WILL be faithful to my wife, to love and honor her, and be willing to lay down my life for her as Jesus Christ did for me. I WILL bless my children and teach them to love God with all of their hearts, all of their minds, and all of their strength. I WILL train them to honor authority and live responsibly. I WILL confront evil, pursue justice, and love mercy. I WILL pray for others and treat them with kindness, respect, and compassion. I WILL work diligently to provide for the needs of my family. I WILL forgive those who have wronged me and reconcile with those I have wronged. I WILL learn from my mistakes, repent of my sins, and walk with integrity as a man answerable to God. I WILL seek to honor God, be faithful to His church, obey His Word, and do His will. I WILL courageously work with the strength God provides to fulfill this resolution for the rest of my life and for His glory. As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. Joshua 24:15.

You can purchase these as well at CBD!


Well, that sums up our celebration may the Lord bless and keep each of you this new year!

HAPPY 2012!!!

Blog Heading

I had to rewrite my title as my oldest son did not want to imply that our family has a "crazy" life. After listening to him I decided on the above heading!!!

"The Sensational and Uncommon Life of the Kilpatrick Family"

As a mama I learn something new everyday.....mostly I learn how much I have yet to learn!

Today, my Esther, taught a friend and myself her meaning of a word.

"Wookie" = cookie

Now, how cute is that?????? "Mama, can I have a wookie?" Thinking there is no way I can say no to that...especially since that just means she wants a graham cracker!

I LOVE these stages!

Lord, please help me to learn to enjoy each and every moment!

No Time!

I know I have had no time to write, call, or blog!!! Life is FULL of well.....life and I could not imagine it ANY other way!