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Monday, September 28, 2009
Saturated Saturday: Rest the Hip!
Almost all better now!
Hubby and I did manage to sneak in a trip to the local library. I was picking up Spanish Books... I actually don't know what he picked up!
Friday, September 25, 2009
Thoughtful Thursday: Do We Neglect?
During this past vigil one of the ladies began to open her heart to me. It was quite insightful and so I share this with you because of the wisdom within her words.
"Mrs. Smith" proceeded to tell me about her children and their families who attend Mass at our parish. She told me the pain within her heart regarding how they quickly left after Mass and, at times, did not even wait for her to leave the actual church. She could not understand why they could not wait a few minutes so that they could converse and visit even for a short while. This family or that family need to go here or there and did not have time to stick around- even for their own mother/grandmother.
Mrs. Smith opened up even more into some very profound words of wisdom which I should like to share with you.
I will paraphrase since I cannot exactly quote.
" I see these families with such precious children living their lives. They go to school and it is often public school. They are involved in all sorts of sports, music, dance, and have friends coming in and out of their home. What is wrong with all of this?
Well, how much of it is centered on God? When the children attend a public school- is God ever mentioned and if He is mentioned, is He exalted in His absolute truth? Do these sports have any inkling of God within their books of rules and fun? Are the friends of these children filled with the pure love of God? Do they know God? Do these friends pray the rosary with these children or is that just not done? How many times do these families push a God centered activity for one of these activities? How many families become complacent with their lives because they are so convenient? I love my children and grandchildren and want to see them on the path to God, but so many times I do not see that. Unfortunately, they see me as an old woman and fail to see the experience behind these old eyes. They don't realize that I was in their same shoes and made the same mistakes ( or almost made the same mistakes). Would it kill them to stop for a moment, analyze their own life and the lives of their children? Would they see it centered on God or man? "
It was a heart wrenching conversation, and it lasted only twenty minutes. Do I regret the twenty minutes? How could I? We were in front of an abortion clinic watching women go in and out while their "men" waited outside in cars or on the sidewalk. We were praying for the lives of those souls while mourning the possible loss of souls even dearer to our hearts.
Such a short conversation can have a life altering affect on a person and I really hope that all who read this will take the time to analyze their own life. Is it centered on God? Is your marriage centered on God? Are the lives of your children centered on God?
Where is God in your life?
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
WheELIN' WEDNESDAY: Money Maker?
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Tuesday's Tip: The Ten Challenge
Monday, September 21, 2009
Musically Manic Monday
Music: Christmas practice starts October 4th
Work: We are winding down a huge project and dissolving my division on September 30th. We will see what the future holds for all of us!
Projects: Spanish is at the top of the list this week as well as finally painting our banister posts. I have decided it is better to have small goals every week so as not to feel so overwhelmed and finally then lose it royally. I also am going to strive again to keep the house and laundry relatively decent.
Trips: Need to start looking for a plane ticket to Arizona to help my sister when she has the baby.
Presents: Hubby is supposed to have a new camera picked out and ready to give to me this week or next week!
What is going on in your world this week?
Spiritual Sunday:
16th Sunday after Pentecost
Today was the first Sunday without our parish priest. He has been transferred to Texas and it was a very odd day. Father was never on time, his sermons averaged 80 minutes, he was full of energy and was a real go getter, no excuses kind of priest. He is dearly missed by this parish and I think it will take another special person to fill the huge shoes he left behind.
Saturated Saturday
Headed to Target for a quick trip and then attended Saturday Mass and opened the parish bookstore.
Came home and worked in the yard and in the house until I couldn’t limp around anymore (I have injured my hip and it is just now starting to heal after a week). I managed to dust half of the bookcases in the living room with a promise to myself to finish them next Saturday.
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Friday's Favorites: Yes to Carrots
For Normal to Dry Skin Yes To Carrots is a complete family of skin and hair care products that combine the anti-oxidant power of Beta Carotene from orange organic fruits and vegetables, with Dead Sea Minerals. So why Carrots? Well, you've probably heard your whole life that carrots are good for you. True as it turns out, in more ways than one. When it comes to natural ingredients, carrots are the best known vegetable source of Beta-Carotene, a powerful anti-oxidant that helps reduce daily damage to your skin and hair. Together with Dead Sea Minerals,Yes To Carrots is the perfect solution for normal to dry skin. Click here to find our more about the delicious ingredients in the Yes To Carrots range. | For Oily / Combination Skin Yes To Tomatoes is a complete family of skin and hair care products uniquely combining red organic fruits and vegetables and Dead Sea Minerals. So what's so special about tomatoes? Well, in addition to their amazing skin-balancing properties, that gorgeous red color comes from Lycopene, a potent anti-oxidant, excellent at fighting free radicals. Together with Dead Sea Minerals, this special combination not only promotes healthy skin, but also absorbs excess surface oils, perfect for balancing oily/combination skin. Click here to find our more about the delicious ingredients in the Yes To Tomatoes range. | For Normal to Sensitive Skin Yes To Cucumbers is a complete family of skin and hair care products combining the refreshing, soothing and calming power of green organic fruits and vegetables, with Dead Sea Minerals. Are Cucumbers really that good for you? The short answer is yes! Cucumbers are naturally hydrating, and are a fantastic source of both vitamins C and K. Combined with Dead Sea Minerals, Yes To Cucumbers are a wonderful treat for sensitive skin. Click here to find our more about the delicious ingredients in the Yes To Cucumbers range. |
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Thoughtful Thursday: Fight against Washington (received in an email this week)





In case you didn't see any of this....interesting
Thank God for FOX!! since the mainstream press & TV networks barely mentioned this, if they mentioned it at all.
One report said that "several thousand conservatives" gathered in Washington, DC!
I think this gathering should be appreciated as the extremely important historical event that it is. This is the first great conservative anti-statist manifestation in American history. The conservative movement, which developed in the post-WWII, Cold War environment has now fully matured into the most significant political movement of the 21st century. I believe that this day could be referred to in the not too distant future as the day that changed America. This was the day the great silent conservative majority finally found its voice.
Many of the attendees were quite meek and timid and were unsure of exactly what to expect, this being the first time in their lives they’d been involved in a protest movement. Their fears evaporated early in the day and I saw people reveling in the camaraderie , the joy and sheer civility that was exhibited at the entire event. Chants of “Freedom, freedom, freedom”, “No more czars! No more czars!” carried through the air without the slightest hint of rancor or incivility which is the norm at the leftist rallies I have photographed over the years.
The two photos above show a tiny fraction of the two million ABC estimates attended. I saw signs and heard lots of comments comparing this event to Woodstock. At the time this photo was taken, around 1:00 p.m., Pennsylvania Avenue was still jammed completely, and the mall was packed from the Capitol Building past the Washington Monument. See aerial photos here.
Protesters came from every state in the union. This man came from San Antonio, TX. He said that he was really sorry he hadn’t brought his family. He stated that being a black conservative he was afraid to expose his children to what he expected would be a lot of liberal abuse. He was thrilled with the tenor of the event and the fact that no liberals were present to harass him. He spoke about how incredibly intolerant the left is to black individuals who don’t bow to the party line.
These Ohioans took a day off their rodeo bullriding schedule. They said they’ll be back at it tomorrow.
Mike Pence (R-Indiana) was one of the speakers who addressed the crowd: “After years of fighting runaway government on this hill, you people look like the cavalry to me..I believe we are on the verge of a great American awakening.”
San Diego radio host Mason Weaver said from the podium: “I came here because I thought you might want to hear a black man speak without a teleprompter…This government is trying to make a nation of dependent people. Americans have always been independent people…This is not a Republican thing, it’s not a Democrat thing. It’s not a black thing or a white thing. It’s an American thing…We the people are telling them ‘No more! We’ve had enough!”
In the very center of the photo, above the Silence is Consent – Can You Hear Us Now sign, you can see Pennsylvania Ave., which at this time is totally blocked with protesters who cannot move forward to the Capitol area. Sorry, full up.
There were notable differences though, in the behavior of these attendees. Although the legend of Woodstock is that there was a friendly atmosphere of camaraderie, the truth is that most people were there for the drugs, sex and rock and roll. Today in D.C. there was a true kinship amongst these people based on shared values and intellectual understanding of what America is and how its future is imperiled by big radical government.
No one was having sex in the Reflecting Pool let alone the mud, and I saw no one projectile vomiting on the steps of the Capitol. There were no warnings to avoid the bad acid which would send you on a trip to the hospital. Not just a different era, but a different level of civilized behavior and thought. Oh, and by the way, these people didn’t leave tons of garbage behind when they left. Actually they left no trash behind at all.
Obama Lied, Capitalism Died.
We are the mob!
Support Class Envy! Redistribute Wealth.
Madam Speaker: Kiss Our Astroturf!
The Only Thing We Have to Fear is Obama Himself – - – Compassion is Voluntary, Not Compulsory!
WALNUT – Workers Against Lazy Non-Producers United Together — the conservative answer to ACORN. Didn’t have to ask them if they were receiving any taxpayer money like radical left-wing ACORN. Different DNA!
Proud members of the “Angry Mob” and they’re armed with their votes.
Your wallet…the only place Democrats are willing to drill! – Don’t share my wealth – share my work ethic!
Right-wing extremist armed with the constitution.
Who are the commie czars?
Marxism – the opiate of the asses – Posters from the Peoples Cube are proliferating amongst protesters.
Stop Making Profit! — Report all Capitalist Activities to flag@whitehouse.gov
World’s #1 Crypto-Marxist. Endorsed by Fidel Castro: The most powerful progressive candidate to the U.S. presidency.” – GRANMA, Havana, May 26, 2008
Nancy Pelosi has accused patriotic tea-partyers of “carrying swastikas” implying that they are Nazi sympathizers. This event was wall to wall hammers and sickles and words like “socialist” “communist” and “Marxist” etc. It continues to fascinate me how long the Democrats will tolerate this without ever commenting on it. Either they like it, or there’s something to it.
Ever present at Tea Parties are Sons of Liberty reenactors. The couple on the left is from Tennessee and the young lady on the right is not but she joined in the photo. The clothing for the couple was hand stitched by the lady on the left. And boy do they love America,
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Wheelin' Wednesday: Gift for Survey
I do have one deal to write about. I do have a picture, but I still can’t load them! The frustration is pretty intense with regard to this. Hubby and I have purchased products that are just not compatible with my older camera and so we are now looking for a new camera. In the meantime, we will just have to deal with lovely descriptions.
Anyways…..
A while back I had blogged about testing razors for SCHICK. Well, this week I received a package in the mail from them with a thank you letter attached. The box contained an assortment of products:
Intuition Plus refill cartridges
Mainstay Reed Diffuser
Aloe Moisturizer
Tanning Lotion
Three kinds of sun screen
Lip balm
This was all free to me and a fun package to open and enjoy!
Tuesday's Tip: Going Natural/Organic

Monday, September 14, 2009
Musically Manic Monday: What Will The Week Hold?
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Saturated Saturday: Sleep
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Thoughtful Thursday:
The accessibility that children in this generation have is absolutely mind blowing. I am nonplussed when I see computers, cellular phones, ipods, mp3 players, and games accessible to these children. The majority of their time is spent in a virtual world. Conversations no longer occur in person, via letter, or over the phone. No, it is now comprised of an abbreviated (and often misspelled) version of the English language. Like adults these days, the only thing I can identify is the colour of a child’s hair and if they have dandruff problems. I literally cannot see their eyes, nose, mouth, or smile (or lack, thereof). They are completely absorbed in their own world which brings me to the thoughts of a very smart girl.
One of my choir girls and I were talking about music and we passed onto the subject of ipods. She made a statement which I found quite profound. She stated that the ipod in itself was very selfish. I asked her to elaborate and she went on to explain her thoughts behind the statement. The ipod is for you and you alone. No one else can hear the music. No one can communicate with you. It is completely for you and about you. And do you know what I thought? I agreed with her 100%. It is for the selfish person. One could posit and say that it isn’t selfish since you are making sure you don’t disturb anyone with your music, but is that really a strong foundation? Why do you not put the ipod down, let the silence surround you, and listen for God. Why do you not make a sacrifice and give up whatever music you are listening to- which is most cases is not edifying in the least.
This world is made up of temptations and distractions and all of these things are for the sole purpose of taking your mind off of God. Now, my husband and I do not have children, but we are susceptible to these temptations. During Lent I give up the radio and watching television to help keep that time more somber and reflective on God. Why am I not doing this year round? Is it not important to give time to God without any distractions? I took a step this morning. I woke up, and knelt down at my bedside to pray my morning prayers. I am ashamed to say that my morning routine usually consists of praying while driving to work. This in itself is not bad, but it is also not a step towards true contemplative prayer. Prayer should not be grouped with things one can multi-task. We should put time aside in our day to completely pray to God and meditate.
What if you took a step in that direction? What if you helped your children take a step in that direction?
Here is a list of ideas to help you along:
Set aside time to pray and read spiritual works.
Power down and have your children power down for an entire day.
Choose a two hour period when the family is not allowed to use the cellular phone, computer, games, or music devices.
Make it mandatory that you or child cannot “text” when visiting family or friends.
Have a silent time (my mom practices this on Good Friday) when no one is allowed to talk for a period of time.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Musically Manic Monday: Habla Espanol?
Monday, September 7, 2009
Saturated Saturday: The Day in Review
I headed to the post office and then to Hobby Lobby to pick up the Winnie the Pooh prints. After everything was said and done-it was just better to not go with the frame options they could provide. A quick trip home and then I was on my way to pick up flowers for the altar, Mass, and then back home. There, I picked up Hubby and we both headed out to vaccuum both our vehicles. Back home, dinner was made, dishes were washed, laundry was done, and finalized everything with a collapse into the shower.
How was your weekend?
Friday, September 4, 2009
Friday's Favorites: A Three Day Weekend
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Tuesday's Tip: Tea Tree Oil
Specific Uses
Acne - Dab on pure or add to warm water and rinse. You can add it to any facial wash you use.
Athlete's Feet - Being a fungal based problem, Tea Tree Oil does a great job eliminating the problem. Put 2-3 drops in your palm and add a carrier oil or lotion and apply at least once a day.
Boils - Wash the area surrounding the boil thoroughly and then apply full strength with a cotton swab two to four times each day for four days. A gauze pad saturated with the oil may also be applied directly to the boil for up to twelve hours.
Bug Buster - We keep a spray bottle mixed with 15 drops of Tea Tree Oil and a quart of water to repel insects. In the summer ants tend to come in our patio door or along the exposed wall. When we see that begin, we spray our natural Bug Buster several times a day for several days and they'll find somewhere else to go. Natural doesn't work fast like chemicals, but then it doesn't kill a little bit of you either! Another favorite bug repellant is Clove Oil.
Burns - Being a non-greasy and volatile oil, Tea Tree Oil is excellent for burns. Any of the oil which has not been absorbed within 10 minutes will evaporate, allowing the skin to breathe. Speedy treatment is essential. The burn should be put under cold running water or packed in ice for one minute. Then, alternate applications of Tea Tree Oil and cold water for ten more minutes. The oil may be poured from the bottle directly over the burn. The oil can be applied liberally twice daily for three to four days if necessary.
Cankers (Mouth Ulcers) - Apply the oil full strength directly to the canker sore several times until sore heals. One or two applications are reported to do the trick for most people.
Cold Sores - Apply the oil full strength daily for a week.
Cuts - Clean the wound and apply the Tea Tree Oil directly to the cut two to three times the first day. You can continue to apply the oil twice daily for up to seven days thereafter.
Dandruff - Add Tea Tree to your shampoo for dandruff, dry or oily scalp, and itchy scalp. Use 10 drops to an 8 ounce bottle.
Diaper Rash - Apply 2-3 drops of oil mixed in your palm with a carrier oil (not baby oil - it contains mineral oil which causes Vitamin A deficiencies).
Disinfectant - Use 15 drops to quart of water in a spray bottle. Use on countertops or for general cleaning. Tea Tree Oil along with Sunshine Concentrate will give you all the cleaning and laundry supplies you need in your home.
Ear Aches - Rub two or three drops of the oil on the outer ear or dilute three drops of the oil in one teaspoon of olive oil and put a few drops of the diluted mixture in the ear twice daily.
Fleas - Use 10 drops to 8 oz. of water and spray on animal's coat as you rub it in. It will be good for their skin also. This needs to be done daily until the problem is under control in the home. After all fleas are gone you can put it in a spritzer bottle and give your animal a spritz all over once or twice a day if fleas are in the area.
Fungus Nails - Andrew Weil, M.D. in "Natural Health, Natural Medicine", says Tea Tree Oil will clear up fungal infections of both toenails and fingernails even if they are resistant to strong systemic antibiotics.
Gums/Teeth - Add 2 drops to a little water and swish around mouth --- or add a drop to your toothbrush and apply while you brush. Does a great job for receding gums, pyorrhea, gingivitis, plaque, and bad breath from dental sources.
Infected/Sore Nails - Applied several times a day.
Insect Bites and Stings - As soon as possible, apply the oil full strength directly to the bite with a finger or cotton ball.
Laundry Disinfectant: Add one teaspoon per load to disinfect laundry such as diapers or to prevent transmission of fungal infections.
Lice - Mix five drops of Tea Tree Oil in a teaspoon of shampoo and wash the hair. Repeat this treatment twice daily until the lice are gone.
Mites - Cats and dogs get ear mites. They are not transmittable to humans, but infestations are very contagious with pets in contact with other animals. We have used TEA TREE OIL diluted. I use 10 drops in a tablespoon of olive oil (you can use another kind). Then I take a small eyedropper and squirt it in one ear at a time, instantly covering the opening with the ear flap. I spend a full minute massaging the ear to keep the animal from shaking it all out before it gets into the ear canal and begins doing its work. Massage as long as you can and rub the animal's head to make it a plesant experience so you can repeat this twice a day for a week. Consistency equals results.
Pimples - Apply full strength with a cotton swab two to four times each day for four days.
Scalp Problems - Itchy, dry, scaly or oily scalps can be helped with Tea Tree Oil. Use as shown above under "Dandruff."
Sinus & Bronchial Congestion - Rub a few drops of the oil on the nose and sinuses and/or rub the oil on the chest. The vapors may be inhaled by adding five drops of the oil to a bowl of steaming hot water or to a vaporizor.
Skin Problems - Use one teaspoon in a tub of bath water for a very invigorating bath. It is reported to help sooth and disinfect the skin in cases of psoriasis, eczema and so forth.
Splinters - First, soak the afflicted area in hot water to soften the skin. Then, apply Tea Tree Oil full strength. Remove the splinter with a sterilized needle. Clean the cut, dry the area and reapply the oil. For deep slivers,Black Ointment, pine tar or lily of the valley herb applied to the area and covered with a dressing will help to draw the sliver to the surface.
Sunburn - Dilute one part Tea Tree Oil with ten parts of olive oil or coconut oil and spread freely over the affected areas. This is reported to be soothing and pain-relieving and to reduce blistering and peeling. People have also applied tea tree oil full strength to sunburn.
Thrush in Infants (Mouth) - Dilute a few drops of tea tree oil in the child's saliva to reduce the strong taste and paint onto the afflicted areas with a swab. This can be repeated twice per day for two days. Discontinue if there is no improvement.
Ticks and Leeches - Apply Tea Tree Oil to the live tick or leech and surrounding skin. Leave for 20 minutes. The tick may fall off. If not, remove it carefully (make certain no part of the tick is left in the skin). Continue applying the oil to the bite three times per day for up to seven days.
Vaginal Yeast Infections - Use one teaspoon of the oil in a 500 ml. douche daily. You can also soak a tampon in the oil and insert. It can also be taken internally. See the directions for Candida Albicans.