Hearts for Home

At Cherished Hearts for Home, Gae writes:

In today’s busy and aggressive society mothers at home are not given much encouragement to be committed to their role in being home. In my weekly 'Hearts for Home' post I am encouraging myself and others to commit to thinking about what 4-6 things we can do each week to bring our thoughts, prayers and actions to keeping our 'Hearts for Home'. I am praying that a spirit of gentleness, generosity in thoughts and time along with loveliness and grace would lead us to be all that God wants us to be. I pray also that each person involved in 'Hearts for Home' would also pray for any others involved as well. May you be blessed by this initiative. I pray it brings you and your family many blessings.

So each week list 4-6 things you will commit to that will keep your "Hearts for Home'. Please leave your name and a link to your blog (if you don't have one just leave your list in the comment box) and perhaps a comment so we can all see and encourage each other. If you would like, add the 'Hearts for Home' logo to your side bar as a reminder of your goals.God Bless you this week.

So, here are mine for this week...

1. I commit to turning off the t.v. in order to interact with my children more.

2. I commit to making a genuine effort to get up earlier so that I can spend that time in personal prayer.

3. I commit to some kind of exercise everyday so as to treat the "temple" that my soul lives in just a little bit healthier..

4. I commit to reading my Magnificat every day.

5. I commit to examining my conscience and going to confession this week.

What's for dinner?

Crock pot Pizza Soup! I may have blogged about this before, but, it's worth mentioning it again! This is one of our family's favorite meals! Even the kids have more than one helping! Personally, I LOVE the crock pot! I'm starting to use it more and more because of the time it saves. The recipe for this Pizza Soup is below.....Enjoy!

***One more thing....visit Stephanie's A year of Slow Cooking Blog for tons of wonderful recipes for the crock pot! She also has a brand new cookbook coming out!

Crock pot Pizza Soup

1-1/4 cups sliced mushrooms

1/2 cup finely chopped onion

1 Tbsp olive oil

2 cups water

1 can (18 ounces) pizza sauce

1 cup chopped pepperoni

1 cup chopped fresh tomatoes or 1 can stewed tomatoes

1/2 cup cooked Italian sausage, out of casing and crumbled

1/4 tsp Italian seasoning (oregano, parsley, basil)

1/4 cup Parmesan cheese

shredded Mozzarella cheese

In large saucepan, saute onions and mushrooms in olive oil 2-3 minutes or until tender. Add everything to the crock pot except the cheese. Simmer on LOW 6-8 hours or HIGH 3-4 hours. Before serving, add Parmesan cheese and stir in. Garnish with mozzarella.

****I usually double the recipe so we have leftovers and I also add more meat to make it heartier. Serve it with garlic bread/toast. You could also add any other ingredients that you like on your pizza (bell peppers, olives etc......)

Recommended New Blogs

One of my favorite bloggers, Esther, did a "recommended new blogs" post a few days ago. I LOVED it!! I love visiting new blogs because it introduces you to new people, places and things!
Blessings abound when you see that the world is full of others....just like you who have happiness, joys, struggles and sorrow. It reminds me that God's love is limitless and His blessings are all around me!

Anyway....when you visit a new blog for the first time....you are often led to other blogs...that leads to other blogs...and so on and so on and so on!

I thought I would share a few that I've been keeping all to myself!

The Organized Home

The Urban Homemaker (If you do nothing else at this site....please look at the catalog!)

Catholic Modesty

Montessori Mom (Some of the best ideas I've seen!)

Raising Godly Tomatoes

Donna Young (Oh my....lots of homeschool planning stuff!!!)

The Home School Mom (Lots of homeschool stuff....by state!)

Preschoolers and Peace

The Vintage Attic (Lovely blog hosted by some homeschooled girls)

Sarah's Daughter (I've followed this blog for a couple of years now....lovely...especially if you like to sew! I can barely sew a button....but I can dream, can't I???)

I've decided that as I come across blogs or websites that I like....I will share them with you.

Enjoy these and have a wonderfully blessed weekend!!

Guess what came to visit us this afternoon?????

A little scary!!

Bizarre and sad week in Hollywood!

R. I. P.

Honest-Scrap

Guess what?? I have been honored with this "Honest-Scrap" award from Judy at Benmakesten!

Let me just say from the get-go that Judy has one of the greatest blogs I've ever visited! Seriously! You could spend all day there and never get bored! She recently included me in a weekly feature called Daily Blessings Weekly Interviews! The questions were a lot of fun to answer but also very challenging! Please take a few minutes to stop by her place and visit!

Now...to keep this award, I must do the following: 1) Say thanks and give a link to the presenter of the award. (Hence, see the beginning of this post) 2) Share "ten honest things" about myself. 3) Present this award to 7 others whose blogs I find brilliant in content and/or design, or those who have encouraged me. 4) Tell those 7 people that they've been awarded HONEST SCRAP and inform them of these guidelines in receiving it :)

Ok...so...number one was taken care of at the start. Number two is to share ten things about myself:

1. I hate to fly! You know...the "need a drink before I even get on the plane" kind!

2. I really, really like my kids! They are so unique and such specials gifts!

3. I procrastinate a lot and have many unfinished projects in my house (and my mind).

4. One of the biggest regrets I have in life is not learning to speak Italian so that I could communicate better with relatives.

5. I have a tendency toward anxiety/panic attacks....since I was a little girl.

6. I almost never finish a a Novena prayer that I start (see #3).

7. I am a FOXNEWS addict!

8. I love to cook but at ages 8, 5 & 3, my kids aren't very adventurous about trying new things and so I stick to about 4 main items that I cook over, and over, and over, and over, and over....etc.....

9. Sometimes I wish I had been born in a different time....late 1800's....early 1900's....or even in the 1950's. I long for a simpler time when things were black and white and all this gray area that has been caused by political correctness didn't exist.

10. My parents are deceased (1982 & 2006) and I miss them both terribly!

Now, I would like to bestow this award to the following people/blogs!

1. Elizabeth at Turtle Cottage

2. Therese at Musings of a Mom

3. Sarah at Ora et Labora - Journey of Truth

4. Therese at Aussie Coffee Shop

5. Michelle at Mama in High Heels

6. Chris at Burning the Candle at Both Ends

7. Carrie at Quite the Normal Life

Now, I could go on and on with more than 7....but today...I feel like following the rules! Please enjoy all of these blogs....these are true women of God and I know you will be blessed.

Sunday Fun

I thought I would share some random shots from our day today....

We ran across a slip-n-slide in the garage today! I'm not sure where we got it (or when) but it sure was an answer to prayer today. It was well into the 100's when these pictures were taken.

The girls are always ready to pose.......they're just two big hams!!

Last year sometime, I received some of these flower seeds as a gift. I don't have a green thumb, but, I scattered them around the yard to see what would happen. Nothing happened last year....but look what showed up this spring! Aren't they gorgeous!

Aren't these so pretty?

For Mother's Day, Dan bought me one of those "upside down" tomato plant thingys that the advertise on tv. To tell you the truth, I wasn't sure it would work....but look!!! My first cherry tomatoes of the season. I can't wait until I can pop one of those suckers right in my mouth!!

This is also a picture of our first pecans of the season! We have two beautiful trees that give us lots of pecans....at least until the squirrels get to them!

This is our outdoor cross. Our Lord watches over our kids as they play. We also use it for our outdoor Stations of the Cross during Lent.

It was so hot this afternoon that these flowers were wilting. I think it made our Blessed Mother sad to see them shriveling up!

Dan and the kids brought this home to me one day when I was under the weather. I think they are petunias. Anyway....just when I think they're going to die...they perk back up! I love flowers!

This is the bumper sticker on our car. I love making a statement when we drive around!

Thanks for stopping by!! Oh, and Nathan is feeling better! He tried to play in the water with the girls...but he just wasn't up to it. He's been on the couch all day! I guess Star Wars: The Clone Wars is a good remedy for the stomach flu!

Dear Stomach Flu.....

I realize that you think you're hot stuff by lurking in this house for days on end and infecting my children one by one. It was really rude to make Dan hold the bucket for Nathan...on Father's Day no less! But, I've got your number! I'm armed with more Lysol and anti bacterial soap than you can handle. You will NOT rule this house! After all, I have a sign that says "No Soliciting" on my door! Move along now!

Sincerely,

The Widener Family who has had ENOUGH!

Too Hot!

It's 9:59pm and still 93 degrees. I have the A/C down and the ceiling fans on! Tomorrow is to be more of the same. Can anybody tell that summer has arrived?

This is what we have to look forward to this week....






THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN JACKSONVILLE HAS ISSUED A HEAT ADVISORY...WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM TO 8 PM EDT SATURDAY. A LARGE RIDGE OF HIGH PRESSURE AT THE SURFACE AND ALOFT WILL BUILD EASTWARD ACROSS THE REGION AND PROVIDE FOR NEAR RECORD TEMPERATURES. THE COMBINATION OF A HUMID AIRMASS AND THESE VERY HOT TEMPERATURES AT OR ABOVE 100 DEGREES SATURDAY WILL RESULT IN A PERIOD OF HEAT INDICES THAT WILL REACH OR EXCEED 110 DEGREES. THIS EXCESSIVE HEAT WILL CONTINUE THROUGH THE WEEKEND WITH SIMILAR HOT TEMPERATURES EXPECTED ON SUNDAY. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... A HEAT ADVISORY MEANS THAT A PERIOD OF HOT TEMPERATURES IS EXPECTED. THE COMBINATION OF HOT TEMPERATURES AND HIGH HUMIDITY WILL COMBINE TO CREATE A SITUATION IN WHICH HEAT ILLNESSES ARE POSSIBLE. DRINK PLENTY OF FLUIDS...STAY IN AN AIR-CONDITIONED ROOM...STAY OUT OF THE SUN...AND CHECK UP ON RELATIVES AND NEIGHBORS. IF POSSIBLE...CONDUCT ANY OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES EARLY IN THE MORNING OR LATE IN THE EVENING WHEN TEMPERATURES ARE COOLER.

Update post

I just wanted to give everybody a quick update on the happenings in our house over the last two days.....

1. Well, Olivia did indeed have the stomach flu and Amelia was not far behind her. Both girls were pretty sick yesterday morning but by the time I got home from work, they had much more energy and were hungry! I made chicken noodle soup for dinner with Ritz crackers. Everybody ate well and everyone managed to keep everything down! All three of the kids spent the day with Dan's sister today. They seemed to have tons of energy (as usual) and were bouncing off of the walls when I got there. I'm waiting for the ball to drop for Nathan! Keep your fingers crossed!

2. I had an appointment with my oncologist yesterday. I have been very anxious about this appointment for some time. My stomach was doing flip-flops yesterday morning too and I wasn't sure if it was because of my upcoming appointment or because I'd held the bucket for Olivia all morning! Anyway, the first thing that came out of the doctor's mouth was "Oh my gosh your hair has come back so curly"! It really has! It looks as though I've spent tons of money on a perm! He has warned me though that I am not to cut it or dye it until it is at least 2 inches long (which it is not, yet) or my hair could be permanently damaged.

In order to save you from all the boring details about the appointment, I'll just say that I have an appointment for a mammogram on July 21st! This will be my first since the diagnosis last year.

Then, as long as everything comes out fine for that, I don't have to see him again until September. At that time, he will schedule me for a PET Scan which I will have in December. If I can pass both tests cancer free.....I will have reduced my risk of a recurrence by 50%! Apparently, those statistics are based on the particular type/grade of cancer I had and the particular type of treatment. Most recurrences happen within the first 3 years.

I'm just going to take one test at a time. I can't say I'm not going to worry about it because...I know I will.

All I can do is just ask for your prayers on July 21st and put it all in God's hands!

3. Lastly, today is my Mother-in-Law's birthday!!! She turns 81 today!!

Happy Birthday, Nancy! And may you have many, many more!

Sigh.....

Who ordered the stomach flu? I didn't. I'm not in the mood.

We are in SOOO MUCH TROUBLE!!!!

This just in from the Drudgereport.....

ABC TURNS PROGRAMMING OVER TO OBAMA; NEWS TO BE ANCHORED FROM INSIDE WHITE HOUSE

Tue Jun 16 2009 08:45:10 ET

On the night of June 24, the media and government become one, when ABC turns its programming over to President Obama and White House officials to push government run health care -- a move that has ignited an ethical firestorm! Highlights on the agenda: ABCNEWS anchor Charlie Gibson will deliver WORLD NEWS from the Blue Room of the White House. The network plans a primetime special -- 'Prescription for America' -- originating from the East Room, exclude opposing voices on the debate.

MORE...... Late Monday night, Republican National Committee Chief of Staff Ken McKay fired off a complaint to the head of ABCNEWS: Dear Mr. Westin: As the national debate on health care reform intensifies, I am deeply concerned and disappointed with ABC's astonishing decision to exclude opposing voices on this critical issue on June 24, 2009. Next Wednesday, ABC News will air a primetime health care reform “town hall” at the White House with President Barack Obama. In addition, according to an ABC News report, GOOD MORNING AMERICA, WORLD NEWS, NIGHTLINE and ABC’s web news “will all feature special programming on the president’s health care agenda.” This does not include the promotion, over the next 9 days, the president’s health care agenda will receive on ABC News programming. Today, the Republican National Committee requested an opportunity to add our Party's views to those of the President's to ensure that all sides of the health care reform debate are presented. Our request was rejected. I believe that the President should have the ability to speak directly to the America people. However, I find it outrageous that ABC would prohibit our Party's opposing thoughts and ideas from this national debate, which affects millions of ABC viewers. In the absence of opposition, I am concerned this event will become a glorified infomercial to promote the Democrat agenda. If that is the case, this primetime infomercial should be paid for out of the DNC coffers. President Obama does not hold a monopoly on health care reform ideas or on free airtime. The President has stated time and time again that he wants a bipartisan debate. Therefore, the Republican Party should be included in this primetime event, or the DNC should pay for your airtime. Respectfully,Ken McKayRepublican National CommitteeChief of Staff.

MORE,.....ABCNEWS Senior Vice President Kerry Smith on Tuesday responded to the RNC complaint, saying it contained 'false premises':"ABCNEWS prides itself on covering all sides of important issues and asking direct questions of all newsmakers -- of all political persuasions -- even when others have taken a more partisan approach and even in the face of criticism from extremes on both ends of the political spectrum. ABCNEWS is looking for the most thoughtful and diverse voices on this issue. "ABCNEWS alone will select those who will be in the audience asking questions of the president. Like any programs we broadcast, ABC News will have complete editorial control. To suggest otherwise is quite unfair to both our journalists and our audience." Developing...

New Drawer Handles

Last weekend when I painted the girls room (pictures to come in another post!), I also decided to paint their old dresser. The unfinished wooden dresser was given to us by a very dear friend. It was actually two 3-drawer dressers that were pushed together. Since it was unfinished wood, I thought that this would be a good time to beautify it too! So, I sanded it down and painted it a lavender color. I think it looks pretty good!

Then, I started looking around for drawer pulls that would match the color scheme I have going on. I didn't find anything I liked at any of the local stores. So, I started searching the internet. I ran across several that I really liked, but they were between $8 - $10! Wow...that's way too expensive when you need 12. So, a friend of mine had some wooden ones she had purchased for a craft project and she gave me 12. I decided I would paint them myself. I finished them last night with a couple of coats of varnish. Here is how the process went:

At first, I couldn't figure out how I was going to hold them and paint them without getting finger prints all over them. So, when I was at the craft store, I bought some wooden dowels and some of the flower foam stuff. I think this worked out really well.

I used the light mint green from the bedroom walls as a base coat for the knobs. I had to do three coats just to cover the wood grain properly.

Instead of brushes, I bought some paint pens....this worked really well. It was tricky though as there was nothing to rest the edge of my hand on while drawing. I had twelve to paint and none of them are exactly the same.


A very hard to see pink flower!



A much easier to see pink flower.

I'll post more pictures of the dresser and the entire room once everything is finished. I still have to find window treatments. I tried Home Depot, Lowe's, Target and Walmart yesterday and was not able to find what I want. I'm going to try on line later today or whenever I have time.

27 Years Ago...

27 Years ago today I lost my father. I was 17 at the time (he was 47...too young). To this day, every time I see an American Flag, I think of my wonderful dad.

As Father's Day approaches, and your dad is still living, please tell him how much you love him and how much you mean to him. Don't wait until it's too late.

I fell off....

...........the Weight Watcher wagon. My excuse is that I have an appointment next week with the oncologist and I'm very, very nervous! Sadly, I eat more when I'm stressed! It's too bad I'm not more disciplined in this area. I know that it's just a matter of making a choice to deal with my anxiety in another way. I'll weigh in again this Thursday and I'll be able to assess the damage. I'm holding out hope that it hasn't been a total bust.

In the meantime, I'll just concentrate on biting my fingernails and other ways of worrying until I get the all clear from my oncologist.

Remember, most loving Virgin Mary, never was it heard that anyone who turned to you for help was left unaided. Inspired in this confidence, though burdened by my sins, I turn to you for protection for you are my mother. Mother of the Word of God, do not despise my words of pleading, but be merciful and hear my prayer. Amen.

Some pictures of Dan and Nathan's Disney/Ft. Wilderness trip!!

Happy Birthday!!!!

Happy Birthday to the love of my life who turns 49 today! I love you honey!!!

Home Improvement

Have you ever watched "Weekend Warriors" on HGTV? Can I just say that after careful consideration of the claims mentioned in that show......it's a FARCE!! I say this from personal experience! Let me explain...

Dan and Nathan left for a two day trip to Disney on Sunday afternoon. This gave me the idea (and opportunity) to paint the girls' room and get rid of a few things. I bought all my supplies (paint, brushes, pans, sandpaper, tape, etc...) on Sunday night and woke up ready on Monday morning! NEVER take on a project like this when you are home with two girls 5 and under!!! Trust me on this one. My thought was to have the girls play outside in the back yard while I painted their room. Mother Nature had other plans....it poured all day long. So, by lunchtime, I had the holes filled and sanded as well as all the trim taped off. Finally, at about 1:00pm...I began to actually paint! I chose two colors to alternate walls. This took waaaay more time than I thought. By dinner time, I had only two walls painted.

After dinner, I sanded and painted the girls dresser. Phew!! I was achy and sore! During this entire day of painting....the girls were whiny and were constantly getting into things. This was NOT one of my better parenting days. At one point, Amelia and Olivia were standing on one of their plastic chairs...and then they both fell. Olivia was fine but Amelia (in her normal dramatic self) milked it for all that it was worth. To tell you the truth....I had no sympathy at all.

I got up this early this morning and I've done all the edging for the second two walls. Now, all I have to do is to roll them. Unfortunately, these are such pale colors that they truly need a second coat....but they AIN'T GETTING ONE!!! So there!

I still have to go to Home Depot for some drawer pulls...and grocery shopping (we have bare cupboards here!). I need to take all the tape down and put the girls room back together...all before the boys get home tonight. I'm exhausted!

To reiterate.....those people who do complete home renovations in a weekend are pretty much lying! It can't be done....at least all by yourself!

NEVER AGAIN!!

Prayer Request

Can I please ask you to pray for a very good friend (R.F.A.) who was just diagnosed with ALS.
For several weeks, she has been having problems with her speech and with balance. For a while they though she might have Guillain-Barre Syndrome, but, that was recently ruled out.

At this point I don't know how progressed the disease is or if there is any medication/clinical trials that she might be eligible for. This is going to be an uphill battle for her and since she lives in Arkansas...and I live here in Florida..about the only thing I can do is to pray.

Will you please join me in praying for the complete restoration of her health or at least that the deterioration process can be slowed.

Interview

Over the past several weeks, I've had the pleasure of meeting Judy from BENMAKESTEN! Her blog is packed full of great things for moms of all walks of life! Recently, she asked if she could send me some interview questions for a new blog feature called Daily Blessings: Interviews with Others. Trust me on this one.....these are not questions for the faint of heart!

Check out my interview answers here! And please take a few minutes to browse Judy's wonderful blog. You will NOT be disappointed!!

Emergency Room Experience

Since my ER experience with Nathan is still fresh on my mind, I thought I would share a laugh with you from one of my favorite comedians. No bad language at all (unless you consider "hell" a bad word). Hilarious!!!

I wonder if I should change my blog colors?????

Your Blog Should Be Red

Your blog is full of intensity and passion. You are very opinionated - and people love or hate you for it. You have the potential to be both a famous and infamous blogger.

What Color Should Your Blog or Journal Be?

Hearts for Home

At Cherished Hearts for Home, Gae writes:

In today’s busy and aggressive society mothers at home are not given much encouragement to be committed to their role in being home. In my weekly 'Hearts for Home' post I am encouraging myself and others to commit to thinking about what 4-6 things we can do each week to bring our thoughts, prayers and actions to keeping our 'Hearts for Home'. I am praying that a spirit of gentleness, generosity in thoughts and time along with loveliness and grace would lead us to be all that God wants us to be. I pray also that each person involved in 'Hearts for Home' would also pray for any others involved as well. May you be blessed by this initiative. I pray it brings you and your family many blessings. So each week list 4-6 things you will commit to that will keep your "Hearts for Home'. Please leave your name and a link to your blog (if you don't have one just leave your list in the comment box) and perhaps a comment so we can all see and encourage each other. If you would like, add the 'Hearts for Home' logo to your side bar as a reminder of your goals.God Bless you this week.

So, here are mine for this week...

1. I commit to interacting with my children in a more purposeful and gentle way.

2. I commit to being a better steward of the resources that God has allowed me to have by planning meals, buying only what we need, and getting the clothes out of the washer on time so I don't have to rewash them :)

3. I commit to spending more time in personal prayer and reflection.

4. I commit to being a better wife and to work towards spending more quality time with my husband.

5. I commit to at least getting started on my Advent Calendar because it's going to take every bit of the next six months to get it done.

Why don't you take a few minutes to go visit Gae and her blog to get started on your Hearts At Home!!

Nathan Update...

Our pediatrician didn't seem to be as concerned about this little incident as the ER MD was. I'm not sure whether to be glad about that, or not! She said she didn't think it had been infected at all...just really irritated. She was also questioning why the ER doctor didn't do a culture on it.
This, of course, was a question I could not answer.
Ultimately, she is an excellent physician and I trust her completely. She gave us a stronger topical antibiotic and told me to put him on oral benadryl. She bandaged him up and said he'd be good to go in 4 or 5 days.

I took everybody to Chick-Fil-A for lunch as a treat! On the way home, we got a flat tire! Dan had to leave work to come and rescue us! All is well now!

......and this is just Day 3 of summer vacation!!!

Summer adventures to the ER!

Well, that didn't take long! The last day of school was Friday and I've already been to the emergency room!

Apparently, Nathan scratched a pimple or bump of some kind on his thigh (near his knee) and it became infected. I noticed about a week ago that it was bleeding. We put some antibiotic cream on it and then covered it with a band aid. Well, by Saturday...it was gross. It had turned black and had a red ring of cellulitis all around it. He said that it hurt really bad all the way up his leg to his groin area. This had ALERT/WARNING written all over it. I thought about waiting until Monday to have it looked at, but I just had a bad feeling about it.
It was a good thing too because the ER doctor said we had about another 24 hours before he would have needed IV antibiotics!

The ER doctor cleaned the "wound" out really well, put another band aid on it and gave him an oral dose of antibiotics...then sent us home with instructions to have him keep it covered, use warm compresses and keep his leg elevated until we see our regular doctor on Monday....for which we have an appointment in 50 minutes!

The first thing I did when we got home from the hospital on Saturday was to cut those nasty, dirty fingernails of his..(boys are just gross)! Keeping him on the couch has been a challenge! I've had to endure endless episodes of Ben 10: Alien Force. I've watched two Harry Potter movies and one Indiana Jones. We played checkers, UNO and prayed a rosary.

Hopefully, this is not a trend for the rest of the summer!!