Heritage

Have you seen this?

I don't watch much live TV anymore. I am spoiled by my dvr. Sometimes I wish I had no televsion at all. But, today, in a rare but short streak of quietness, I turned on the tube and saw this commercial. I was so moved. It looks just like that playstation game that I beg my husband not to play around Gavin...something about stealing cars... I just had to go online and check it out. This is what I found.


Kudos to you, Interstate Batteries!

The power of believing or You gotta have faith

Matt 17:20 The transfiguration

...I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.

We began a new Bible study last night. New year, new study, new president....lots of new stuff. It is a Beth Moore study, Believing God. I am psyched about it. We listened to her on a cd last night I love her southern drawl. With any study you must keep yourself focused on the Word of God and measure everything up to it. I know some of my family are skeptics of evangelists. My personal thoughts are if someone can motivate you to study the Bible more and that book stops collecting dust, it's a move in the right direction.

It sounds pretty 'back to basics' Believing God, right? I think I could do the exact same study every year and learn something new. This study is mostly old testament with some paralleling to the new. It originates from a concept in Isaiah 43:10. Last night we were flipping pages so much my book was smoking (must have been the dust). Can't wait to shake all the cobwebs out and get down to the nitty gritty.

All weekend the verse I typed above has been swimming around in my head. Can my faith really move mountains? It reminds me of another verse in Philippians 4:13, 'I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength'. I know it was faith that got me through my fight with cancer. I know it is faith in the Lord that gave me the strength to make it through two pregnancies back to back. The Lord gives me strength to move mountains (of laundry) every day. Why is it so hard for us to believe it? Is it because we don't think miracles happen any more? Are we afraid to give God the credit for his Master Plan? I am not sure. Some days go by and I think I will never be able to make it to tomorrow. I should be so thankful to the Lord for his presence (and for the Holy Spirit who guides me in understanding) in my meager little life.

I have a friend whose husband is battling the big bully of lung cancer. I am going to write this 'faith can move mountains' verse in a card for him this week. I pray that he will believe the truth of it and his faith and God's love will help him get through the journey he is just beginning.

A few years ago I found a little plaque on clearance in the holiday section. It said, "Believe". I bought it because I wanted to hang it year round in my house to remind me that God is with me all the time and to remember how important my faith is. (If I could only find it in one of my closets.) With my faith and His love I can be the best mom,wife, sister, daughter and friend to others in my life. Thank you Lord for giving us your Word so that we can study it and believe in you. I pray that all who do not know you will find you and with faith, believe.

It's where I live...

A couple of years(and two kids)ago, when I quickly coined a name for my new found online journal, I had no idea what MOMMYVILLE would really be like.

The 'label' mommy is one thing. The entire ever-changing job description should become a written document that must be signed in blood before you ever even look at a boy. Life, as a mother, is completely and utterly incomprehensible.

I had no idea what I was getting myself into.

I LOVE my children. In fact (don't you dare tell my husband) I love being pregnant. I think I could be pregnant forever. It is truly 'pleasantville'. Once those little bodies are outside of me the real work begins.

With my first child I did everything by the book. Read every mommy whisperer article, magazine or encyclopedia to be sure I was right on track with the rest of those one child families. When the second one came I relaxed a little. Yet, I still mostly followed all the rules. Now, I am amazed if I can make it 'till 9 am without a breakdown (mine not the kids'), AND we are adding again to our family in a few short months.

It's really hard to explain why it is so overwhelming. I can't put my finger on one little thing. It's the culmination of a million tiny pieces that make it so (for the sake of those people who haven't yet had children let's call it) interesting being a mommy.

For example;
Yesterday I thought I had everything ready for the day when my darling hubby comes to me looking for a piece of his uniform for the game. "Isn't it in the washer?" I ask. "No, it's still in my bag", he says. I stare at him, dumbly. In my head I am saying (or maybe I actually said it out loud, "You mean to tell me I have to go and find your bag and unpack it as well as do all your laundry, well, EXCUSE ME for filling up my day with other frivolous things like feeding your children and cleaning your house and making your bed and..."

Other things I was doing or thinking of doing at that moment included; weeding and mulching the garden, politely turning down an invitation for lunch (whoever invites a mom and her three kids better be expecting a circus), printing out stats to bring to the announcer of the ball game, listening to the whining and begging of two children wanting to go to the pool before dad's ball game, and taking care of my 8 month old(see how the third child ends up at the end of the list?). Sigh.

I believe I will die in my kitchen. I am constantly cleaning up the high chair, sweeping up massive amounts of crumbs and stuff, doing the dishes, cooking, cooking, cooking, making bottles, cleaning bottles, emptying the dishwasher, trying to fit the pans in the cabinet, putting the chairs back to the table, scrubbing the rug under the table, putting shoes away and taking out the garbage. It is a full time job. I can't believe I ever even get to leave that room. For a few moments, when the kitchen is clean and the table is set and the hot food is just about ready and all the happy, hungry faces are looking at me and thinking, "thank you mom" (because it doesn't ever really get said, but I KNOW they think it). For those few seconds it is PURE BLISS being a mommy. Then someone spills milk and all h-e-double hockey sticks breaks loose.

But, even if only for that precious moment, I am genuinely happy to live in MOMMYVILLE. You can call me Mom, Mommy, Mother, Hey You or Wonder Woman, just don't expect me to answer you I have a kitchen to clean.

***This post was entered in the July Write-Away Contest at Scribbit.

A Pee Party?

Golden Showers Garden Party

The Crunchy Chicken has another challenge. The comments suggest using diluted urine on your garden could help your produce PRODUCE!

Hmmmm...

Not sure I am up to the challenge but, we may have people over that weekend. Do you think if I asked them to pee in a bucket (for the good of the earth) they would call me crazy?

Probably.

Kindness is beautiful...

I found this link today. Wouldn't the world be a wonderful place if we all were a little bit kinder? I know I could use a reminder. Maybe these cards or a poster will help me out a bit.

http://www.giftofkindness.com/cardsposter.htm#card

It's okay...my letter to the editor

One of my favorite pieces of children’s literature I actually first read when I was an adult. The Okay Book was written by Todd Parr and embraces all kinds of human differences. His words speak to children about acceptance of everyone even those people who have freckles or wear two different kinds of socks. The world is a diverse place but there is room for all of us, every one.

Diversity probably isn’t the first word that comes to mind when you think of our little village. But, I believe my town has a wonderful mosaic of people with a treasure chest of awesome talents.

Through my recent experience with the Horizons group I have come to realize that we have some amazing people who call this place home. I am not just talking about the successful, educated professionals, either. I know that our poverty level is only judged by our pocket books, because we are rich in quality of life.

This little corner of the universe can certainly count it’s blessings; there’s the store owner who spends more time at the store than she does at home, the mechanic who (if you ask him to) will pick up your car at your home to service it, the busy farmer who (on his way home from a 12 hour day) will stop long enough to scoop out your driveway, the beauty salon that cuts hair way past my bedtime, the cafe that doubles as a provider of hot meals to those of us who can’t get up or out to feed ourselves, and the list goes on and on. Our community not only supports an elementary school and a high school, but a preschool, child care center, swimming pool, city park and campground, two ball fields and a watering hole. How many other communities with a similar population can say the same?

The outpouring of kindness and generosity that my family experienced during my recent illness is hard to describe in words. Not a day goes by without an encouraging word from someone, not to mention the countless amounts of meals, care and financial support that came for us with perfect miraculous timing. This is an excellent example of the richness that is found in our community. Genuine care and compassion is just another normal day in the life here in my town.

It goes without saying that I have a tremendous amount of appreciation for every single unique person in this community. Collectively we form a beautiful, special life for each other. I joyfully celebrate the love that my neighbor has for me. I make every effort to teach my children that same unconditional love, which isn’t too difficult because all they have to do is call this town home.

I failed cheerleading tryouts in the 7^th grade, but that can’t stop me from shouting from the top of my roof. “I LOVE MY TOWN!”. You may even see me do a cartwheel or a somersault. (I would if I could) This is the best little village in the whole wide world. All our unique talents and character traits make up one enormous and wonderfully magnificent collage. It wouldn’t be the same without your piece. Kindness is beautiful, isn’t it?

Alternative Christmas

I do LOVE to get a good buy. I enjoy finding the perfect gift for someone. But, you know what is even better? Giving gifts that someone really needs.

This year my family decided to adopt a family in need. We want to make it a family tradition. We will take the money we would have spent on each other and the 10 grandkids and either buy groceries or clothing and some gifts for a family who wouldn't otherwise be able to enjoy the holiday.

We had sort of a family meeting around the dinner table and we all decided this would be the best use of our energy, time and what little money we have to spend. We talked about the benefits to our children and our families. We talked about how we have been blessed in the past by people. One Christmas, while we were at church, someone came and put gifts under our tree and left a box of groceries. That was really neat. I remember that my brothers got football jerseys. They were so excited.

Now that we are all grown up it's time to return the favor.

Some people just do good things...

How would you like to help a few great charitable organizations with just a click of the mouse? All you need to do is click this link and select which charity you’d like to help. Tiny Prints will donate $0.10 each time someone participates at no cost to you. What a great way to help make a difference!

Fun and Educational, what more could you want?

Have you heard of this site?

Check it out! I am addicted.

It's Rally in the Valley time...

Students at the local school are conducting a "Coat Drive" to help other kids who may be less fortunate. Often times we think of issues like toke to be a big city problem. However, the village has it's own need only on a smaller scale. Please consider donating "gently used" winter clothes to the "Rally in the Valley Coat Drive".

• the drive will run from November 13-23
• there is a need for coats of all sizes
• please make sure the coats are in good condition and have been recently laundered
• drop off items at the Administrative Office in the school on the above select dates
• local families will be given first preference, a small supply of extras will be kept at the school for future use, and any excess items will be donated at the county level to other schools or families in need

Thanks for your help and cooperation in this Rally!

Ever heard of IBC? I hadn't...

Click on the this link to hear about Inflammatory Breast Cancer. It was news to me.


SEATTLE - Breast cancer is something women think they know all about: Look for lumps; have mammograms; see our doctors.

But none of that will save you from one silent breast cancer killer that women know virtually nothing about.

It's called "inflammatory breast cancer," and it's something every woman must know about.

Lemon sniffing anyone?

If you had asked me yesterday if I ever got morning sickness, I would have told you no. Never, with any of my preganancies. BUT, every late afternoon I feel ill and really thirsty and like I could sleep for 20 hours or so. So I broke one of my tmi (toomuchinformation) rules and went to the www for help. Guess what?

• Morning sickness can occur at any time of the day, though it occurs most often upon waking, because blood sugar levels are typically the most depressed after a night without food.

I guess I need to eat a bigger lunch or an afternoon snack. Good thing I have a bit of Zofran left! (I promise I'll ask first)

Treatments for morning sickness typically aim to lessen the symptoms of nausea, rather than attacking the root cause(s) of the nausea. Treatments include:
* Avoiding an empty stomach.
* Eating five or six small meals per day, rather than three large ones.
* Ginger, in capsules, tea, ginger ale, ginger beer or ginger snaps
* Vitamin B6 (either pyridoxine or pyridoxamine), often taken in combination with the antihistamine doxylamine (Diclectin®).
* Lemons, particularly the smelling of freshly cut lemons.
* Accommodating food cravings and aversions.
* Eating dry crackers in the morning.
* Trying the BRATT diet: bananas, rice, applesauce, toast and tea.
* Drinking liquids 30 to 45 minutes after eating solid food.
A doctor may prescribe anti-nausea medications if the expectant mother suffers from dehydration or malnutrition as a result of her morning sickness, a condition known as hyperemesis gravidarum. In the US, Zofran (ondansetron) is the usual drug of choice, though the high cost is prohibitive for some women; in the UK, older drugs with which there is a greater experience of use in pregnancy are preferred, with first choice being promethazine otherwise as second choice metoclopramide, or prochlorperazine.

2 more glorious reasons to adore coffee

Reason #1

Starbucks, here I come.

In a small study of female college students, researchers found that a caffeine supplement seemed to lessen the muscle pain that crops up a day after a challenging workout.

Check out the article on this blog... The Cheerful Oncologist.

Reason #2

This one is almost totally unbelievable...

Coffee could hold the cure for baldness.

Scientists have discovered caffeine stimulates the growth of tiny follicles in the scalp in men who are starting to lose their hair.

Peanut, Peanut Butter -N- Salmonella???

If you buy Peter Pan peanut butter or Great Value peanut butter you may be interested in this link.
They are recalling all jars with the code 2111 on them for fear of salmonella poisoning. Spinach is one thing...everyone eats peanut butter!

Help Wanted

This Sunday we have planned a kickoff event to present Horizons to the community. My biggest fear is that we will not do a good job of 'splaining things and people will not understand what an positive impact they can make, hence the FREE FOOD.

Here is what the community guide says;

'The Horizons program is about the changes a community can make to move from waiting to leading, from talking to action, from control by a few to the participation of many, and from indifference to pride. Ultimately, it is about community leadership that can act to reverse your town's economic and population decline, and thrive. You can read about the experiences and achievements of previous Horizons communities by going to www.nwaf.org,(click on Programs and then click on Horizons).'

you had me at community...

I think everyone knows my commitment to my little village. It is not a burden to me, I WANT to be involved. This community is my life. My children will, God willing, attend grade and high school here and grow up here. They will be shaped and formed into who they will be by the example and leadership they see in the teachers, the store clerks, the postman, the coaches, the business owners, the city employees, the church members and the other children here. Isn't that reason enough for me to want to be involved?

It begins with awareness.I think we tend to overlook the impact of poverty on the life and vitality of our town. What is poverty anyway? Is it people who can't pay their bills? Is it children who don't have clothing that fits? Is it people who cannot afford high speed Internet? Is it a town that does not provide an alternative to drinking to teenagers on Friday and Saturday nights? Is it a town that instead of working together to achieve goals, consistently tries to break each other down? Is it not identifying the assets we already have? Is it a village that has lost dialogue with each other? How do YOU define poverty?

If you think you have an answer to that question then you need to be at the meeting on Sunday. We are looking for people of all ages and backgrounds to help us identify what poverty is to our community. Your committment to involvement would include attendance at 5 study sessions over the next month or so. It will take a little time and bit of effort. Your commitment to do something about it will help the community to make a plan of action and reduce poverty as we collectively define it.

Can't make it Sunday? Let one of us on the committee know (or comment to this post with your name and I won't add it to the blog so the world will never know)
and we can get your name on the list to be one of the 30 study group participants we need for this program to be a success.

Thank you for your vested interest in our little village.

Lead your community by example.

Take the Pledge

"I pledge to do my part to save energy and help reduce the risks of global climate change by replacing at least one light in my home with an ENERGY STAR qualified one."

sign up here

Here is a coupon for any GE Energy Smart CFL product. Coupon

This guy is SHINING!

Have you heard about this? Wow, I am not sure I would have done the same.

'Subway superman' saves stranger who fell on tracks

This tale of heroism is emerging from the bowels of New York City:

A 50-year-old construction worker (and Vietnam vet) saved a man who had fallen onto subway tracks by sheltering him in a trough between the rails as a train passed over them about 1 p.m. ET. Wesley Autrey rescued Cameron Hollopeter, a film student, who apparently suffered a seizure and fell from the platform, according to Newsday, which called Autrey a "subway superman."

"I saw the two white lights and said 'Whoa, you ain't got no time.' I just grabbed him," Autrey told reporters. "I just dove on top of him and held him down because I knew there would be enough clearance for us."

Transit officials estimate the pair had two inches to spare.

Neither man was hit by the train. Emergency workers took Hollopeter to the hospital.
http://blogs.usatoday.com/ondeadline/2007/01/subway_superman.html

New Year's Resolution - SAVE THE WORLD

I have always loved learning. Recently my dh and I enjoyed watching Al Gore’s documentary An Inconvienient Truth. We were astounded by the sheer magnitude of the effects that Global Warming is having on our little planet Earth. I kept asking my husband, "Can you believe that?". It was shocking to say the least.

I had heard about it, knew that it was something bad that was slowly happening to the atmosphere. I knew about hairspray and California's car emmssion laws. But I have never seen the facts and the figures like Gore has shown them. Makes me feel pretty ignorant.

It's overwhelming how much we have already lost. I am only one person, how can I make a difference, right? Recently a friend blogged about this and linked me to the movie's website. I clicked around and found some things that I am already doing and some very simple things I can add that will greatly reduce the amount of carbon dioxide my family generates. That makes me feel better and one step closer to being successful with my resolution. You can save the world, too.

Think you don't matter? Click here to find out how much you impact global warming.