Workin Thru the Sunshine

Farm Life: Percy Deane - Dorchester Banner

2016-01-13T17:20:00.001-05:00

Farm Life: Percy Deane - Dorchester Banner: The weather had turned cold and the large fields of small grain in North Dorchester were indeed looking good. As I turned down the lane toward the home of Mr. and Mrs. Percy Deane, I could only imagine the many changes that Mr. Deane had witnessed in agriculture during his lifetime. A lifetime that began …

ProBiotics for optimal health

2014-09-24T15:27:00.002-04:00

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It seems like every health expert or website is now advising people of all ages take a probiotic regularly to maintain and boost the good bacteria in their body. In the past, I have always taken them when I have been on an antibiotic but never regularly for general health purposes. Enter hyperbiotics Pro-15.

These small, round, white micro-pearls are super easy to swallow. While I haven't had any crazy amazingly surprising results/benefits thus far, I definitely have felt well and have had absolutely no negative effects also. I also have not been sick. At all. (Except for evil allergies.)

Kept in the fridge, I have taken them on an empty stomach as recommended up to 3 times a day. And with fifteen probiotic strains in one micro-pearl, it's definitely easier than taking my acidophilus, then taking another strain, and another strain, and so forth. I'm still working on completing the bottle, but I will say that I feel probiotics are beneficial for everyone to consume and these are by far the easiest to swallow.

Check out their 2-minute video here with more details, but the company claims that you can experience more energy, lose weight, improve your mood, and relieve sensitive stomach due to their time released formulation. You have nothing to lose and quite a lot to possibly gain by consuming these, so give a try. Here's the science behind the formula to pique your curiosity even more:

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using <a href="http://www.tomoson.com/?code=BOTTOM641501ce816ed3ef80d76491a0cab26c" rel="nofollow">Tomoson.com</a>. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Weight Loss Miracle?

2014-08-26T10:52:00.000-04:00

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According to some, there is a natural supplement that is being heralded, especially online, as a weight loss miracle. While I refuse to substantiate those over-the-top claims, I can honestly say that Garcinia Cambogia extract can and does offer appetite suppressant qualities that are very effective when taken as directed.

For the purpose of this review I used Sonora Nutrition's 80% HCA Garcinia Cambogia Extreme Weight Loss Formula found on Amazon. The package arrived quickly and contained clear instructions on usage. I used it faithfully for about 2 weeks before some personal issues arrived and I had to discontinue use until currently. When taken as clearly directed I did experience impressive appetite suppression and craving control. My husband noticed that I had lost a few pounds! (Ladies, we all know that the real kicker is if the men notice without you asking.)

This specific product lists that at 80% HCA they have the strongest and highest quality formula available anywhere today. As if they needed to top that, they also offer a guarantee that if you are not 100% satisfied they will give you a full refund.

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using <a href="http://www.tomoson.com/?code=BOTTOM08e4307ea4c13b31d0d64c211e1ef068" rel="nofollow">Tomoson.com</a>. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Australian Tea Tree Oil

2014-08-26T10:26:00.001-04:00

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After years of hearing the praises of various essential oils I thought this a most appropriate trial so I could prove for myself how effective or not effective they can be. Tea Tree Oil is well known in the cloth diaper world for it's disinfecting properties and invigorating fragrance. Versatility could quite possibly be this oil's middle name! I used this oil for skincare mainly with immediate results for my breakout prone, hormonal skin. It can be very drying, so do your research and use an appropriate moisturizer also.

This specific tea tree oil came with a wonderful 53-recipe guide to highlight just a sampling of this oil's wizardry. Everything from facial care, skin care, & hair care to cleaning, disinfecting, deodorizing, and medicinal (FYI, do NOT ingest this oil as it is for topical use only!)

Back in my cloth diapering world, just one swipe of a drop, (yes, I said just one drop) on baby's bum clears up any red spots attempting to infiltrate. Cloth wipes no longer get icky smells with the addition of tea tree oil. And diaper washes smell cleaner and get a handy helping of disinfectant with the addition of a few drops into our wash load. Our diaper pail smells better than ever now too with a few drops added to the EO tab.

I have not fully explored the countless uses for this product yet, first aid being my next to try (although I do NOT wish injury on any of the small ninjas lurking in my home). I would definitely purchase Apothecary Extracts 100% Pure Australian Tea Tree Oil again in the future, although it may be another year since they offer a generous 4 ounce bottle. So head over to Amazon and look for this beauty to add to your regimen:

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using <a href="http://www.tomoson.com/?code=BOTTOM404158dd078f2b377523afe39662b67b" rel="nofollow">Tomoson.com</a>. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Wash Your Hair With Mud?

2014-05-23T09:46:00.002-04:00

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial.

Cleopatra's Choice offers an amazing shampoo for all hair types, and it is made with...MUD. Not your typical mud though. This is Dead Sea Mud and this shampoo smells amazing! Adovia's Dead Sea Mud Shampoo cares for all hair types.

I have fine but thick wavy hair. I have been struggling with postpartum issues of hair loss, lack of volume, and oily roots. The opportunity to turn these issues around drew me to this product and I have not been disappointed. My scalp itches much less from my hair loss and new regrowth and the volume I get even letting my hair air dry naturally is amazing. Literally, amazing. I have been able to smooth a bit of leave-in conditioner through my hair, pull it back, and walk out my door with no hair worries. Even my curly haired daughter has used this with great results, although she is not as fond of the fragrance.

I do wish that Adovia offered a matching conditioner as my hair seems to always need it. I have used other brands of conditioner with this in the shower or as a leave-in afterwards with good results though. Perhaps an equally yummy conditioner would be an idea for their next product launch? I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

The Vitamin C Serum You Need

2014-05-03T13:14:00.002-04:00

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial. Valentia Even Glow Serum - Vitamin C 20% truly is a silky smooth liquid gold (literally) for your face and neck. I typically have dry, splotchy skin. Lovely red patches on my cheeks and perpetual dark circles. My skin tone is definitely uneven and cosmetics have been my best friend for years, covering up what even I do not want to see.

I had never used a serum before and was curious after reading great reviews of Valentia's Even Glow Serum on Amazon and various blogs around the web. After applying for Tomoson's review opportunity I was excited to receive my approval message. After the product arrived, I was so eager to try it that I washed my face immediately and applied it according to their instructions. It only takes a few drops, yes drops, and feels so silky!

I have been using this vitamin c serum at a minimum of once a day almost every single day. Admittedly, as mom of 3 young children I have had a couple nights where I was so tired I forgot. I typically wash my face with extra virgin olive oil per typical oil cleansing method recommendations and then apply the Valentia Even Glow Serum - Vitamin C 20% and let it dry. You can apply your normal moisturizer afterwards, but I have not as I do not need as much moisturizer in warmer weather. I feel like my skin tone is much more even now after a couple weeks and I have virtually no more red itchy splotches. I love how my skin feels and I have dared to venture out sans makeup! I know, I know: The horror! While my results are not miraculous thus far, I will continue using this serum daily as my skin adjusts. It has made enough improvement that I believe everyone should at least give it a try. And for the price you have little to lose! Here is my "after" picture as of this morning. What do you think?

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

My real life by Yvonne: A VERY HAPPY 23rd Anniversary!

2012-10-13T15:49:00.001-04:00

My real life by Yvonne: A VERY HAPPY 23rd Anniversary!: Jon and I got married 23 years ago...we eloped and got married at the courthouse after knowing each other for only one month:) We had sligh...

happy days: "mercy triumphs: week two snippets" or "the week t...

2012-09-24T11:08:00.001-04:00

happy days: "mercy triumphs: week two snippets" or "the week t...: happy sunday, friends! i trust this lord's day was a sweet time of worship and rest in the creator! i'm in james: mercy tr...

High Needs

2012-08-27T13:59:00.000-04:00

What a high needs child is.... from: http://www.askdrsears.com 1. Intense: Intense babies become the intense toddlers, characterized by one word -- "driven." They seem in high gear all the time. Their drive to explore and experiment with everything in reach leaves no household item safe. 2. Hyperactive: This feature of high need babies, and its cousin hypertonic, are directly related to the quality of intensity. Hypertonic refers to muscles that are frequently tensed and ready to go, tight and waiting to explode into action. The muscles and mind of high need children are seldom relaxed or still. 3. Draining: High need babies extract every bit of energy from tired parents -- and then want more. Babies take the fuel they need from you without considering whether they leave anything behind in mother's gas tank. The seemingly constant holding, nursing, and comforting leave little energy left over for your needs. 4. Feeds Frequently: Not only do high need babies breastfeed more frequently, the need for breastfeeding lasts longer. These babies are notoriously slow to wean. They realize that they have a good thing going and it would be foolish to give it up quickly. It is not unusual for high need babies (unless forced to wean before their time) to breastfeed at least two years. 5. Demanding: Being demanding is the trait of high need children that is most likely to drive parents bananas, but it is also the trait that drives children to succeed and excel. A high need child with a corresponding demanding personality will, if nurtured and channeled appropriately during the formative years, exhaust teachers as she did her parents; yet she will also be able to extract from adult resources, such as teachers, the level of help and education she will need to thrive in academic and social endeavors. 6. Awakens Frequently: "Why do high need babies need more of everything but sleep?" groaned a tired mother. You would think that high need babies would need more sleep; certainly their tired parents do. 7. Unsatisfied: Not being able to satisfy a baby's needs is very frustrating for parents of high need babies. It seems like a direct attack on your abilities. After all, isn't a contented baby the hallmark of effective mothering? Wrong! There will be days when you nurse, rock, walk, drive, wear, and try every comforting technique known to man or woman, and nothing will work. 8. Unpredictable: Along with their unpredictability, these children show extremes of mood swings. When happy, they are a joy to be around; they are master charmers and people pleasers. When angry, they let everyone around them feel the heat. 9. Super-sensitve: This acute sensitivity to their environment can become a rewarding asset as a high need child grows. These children are "tuned in" to what is going on around them. They are not distant children. Their keen awareness stimulates their curiosity, which in turn stimulates learning. They become kids who care.

"EB"ing a Mommy: To my baby on your 3rd birthday,

2012-05-18T12:56:00.001-04:00

"EB"ing a Mommy: To my baby on your 3rd birthday,: Help me to find the words to say to you today. I'm so sad. I know you wouldn't want me to be sad, baby, but I am. I can't help ...

I'm not who I was

2012-03-17T14:38:00.001-04:00

It is a blessing to live close to those who have known you forever. They know all your intricacies and the quirks that make you who you are. They know your past so there's no awkward conversations trying to explain why you are the way you are and how you got this way. Sometimes they don't know how to help you move forward. They remember who you were and see you that way always. They see who you were in those inconvenient growing stages like being a teenager...you know what I mean! I don't know about you, but I'm not who I was then. I don't think the same way or like the same things or make the same choices. I have opinions about things now that I'd never heard of or experienced then. I am still me, but better, and still growing by the magnificent grace of God. As parents we don't want our children to be different than we were or are. We want to live vicariously through them. We want them to make choices different than ours. We want them to live our lives, only better. But our children are not ours. It's not up to us how they live their lives. God's will is infinitely better than what we could even imagine. We have to let go. Push our birdies out of the safe nest and out into whatever God's will holds for them. And we have to respect that we might not always agree with what God has chosen for them or what they feel God is leading them towards.

I wish you could see me now. I wish I could show you how I'm not who I was. Brandon Heath

180 Movie

2012-02-20T14:19:00.002-05:00

The One Where I'm Just Well Done

2012-02-14T15:25:00.003-05:00

It's one of those mornings where both my kiddos want to crawl under my skin...clingy, whiney, completely unsatisfied with ANY. THING.

Little man woke up at his typical 5:30am waited until 7am to eat and then wanted to go promptly back to bed. I'd have been a fool to not comply :)

Little Miss, however, has just potty learned at a little over 3 years old, and is taking to holding her pee so she can play longer. And just forget about the dirty side of potty learning. Slow and steady...she'll get out of pull-ups for that soon (we hope). She also switched to a toddler bed! Now, if only she'd stay in bed long enough for her to fall asleep...

"Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD:

and the fruit of the womb is his reward."

Psalm 127:3 (KJV)

I've been AWOL here lately. It's the time of year hubby and I get scared. Both our kids were born at the end of October. Little Man came when Little Miss was just 15 months old and was born the week before her 2nd birthday. Let's just say Little Man has reached 15 months now and it's *that* time of year. Playing it safe isn't always safe enough.

As humans we want to control every. thing. *ESPECIALLY* when it comes to family planning. Being smart while surrendering total control to God is scary for us.

A baby would financially devastate us right now. We're just looking up out of the valley we are in. It's a long climb out from where we are. We want God's will in our lives and for our family. But our controlling human spirits *really* don't want our next baby to come in the midst of this.

And so at this time of this year we wait, stress, worry about things we should not control, and pray.

Philippians 4:6-7 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Taking a Quick Breather

2012-01-05T14:21:00.002-05:00

As if the holiday season isn't frantic enough, our home was blessed with RSV, bronchiolitis, ear infections, and bloodwork. All of this just for Little Man. Little Miss had a cold which she insisted we all share in, of course :)

A little info about the bloodwork: When Little Man was born, he was diagnosed with Primary Carnitine Deficiency courtesy of his newborn screen. (Don't Google it, you'll be terrified.) We were set up with a geneticist and genetic counselor and traveled to Baltimore and had enough testing between him and myself that we ought to be prunes now.

In September 2011, things were still unclear and we took a radical step and took him off his medicine (4x a day) for 3 months and then we'd do more tests. We had the testing done right before Christmas, and we waited...and waited...and this morning I got the results.

Little Man's liver has normalized and is functioning 100% and we DO NOT have a primary carnitine deficiency after all!!! There are some minor details to bear in mind during future pregnancies, but he's just a normal boy now. Praise God from Whom ALL blessings flow!

Additionally, we await the scheduling of an appointment for Little Miss in Baltimore or Philadelphia with a plastic surgeon. (We don't think she's beautiful enough so she's going in for a few tweaks) *NOT REALLY!*

See the dark spot on her cheek, back near her ear? Well, it's been there for a couple months at least and we do not know where it came from or what it is. It feels like there's something inside it. We'd love to find out that she somehow got a pencil point jammed in her face, but we do not know how or when that would have happened without her flipping out about a boo-boo, etc. SO...we have to see a plastic surgeon about having it removed. Pray that the appointment will get scheduled soon and we can put this all behind us!

As a final note, Little Mitten Man is no more :) Little Man was able to take off his mittens much sooner than anticipated and have a super fun Christmas using his tiny hands. Just a little tender and red. What a blessing!

Give Thanks-ing

2011-11-28T15:14:00.001-05:00

At our home, Thanksgiving day was wonderful. This year we were with my family at my grandparents' farmhouse. We had the massive turkey and just about anything else you can imagine to stuff into your face! Talk about a classic :)

On our way home, we headed to my in-laws home for a quick visit before heading the kids home to bed. All was well until we went to leave...and heard little man scream. I was in the same room with him, but with my back turned. All I can say for sure is I felt sick when I turned and saw him fallen in front of the gas heater screaming in pain.

Out came the ice cubes! As we looked him over, we are so blessed that only his little hands were burned. He was so tired and in pain that we couldn't get him calmed. Little Miss came running in hearing her brother screaming and was so very upset. Hubby and I ended up leaving her with her grandparents playing with play-doh and taking a miserable baby home alone.

Once home, he was able to nurse a tiny bit and fall asleep. Waiting for a call back from his pediatrician's office, we put him in his bed. Of course, as predicted, we were sent to the ER for evaluation.

Second degree burns covering both palms and fingers. After a call to Hopkin's Pediatric Burn Center, they bandaged him up and sent us home with a goody bag of medical supplies to keep him mittened.

Now, he's healing. He's teething with 4 molars at once and has chewed open 2 finger blisters. His left palm burst this morning. We've upped the ante with bandages and even put socks over them to help prevent chewing as much as possible! We head for our follow up visit tomorrow morning. I'm expecting them to debrid :( I know it's healthy, but we're talking about my baby here. PRAY that God would continue to bless Little Mitten Man with a gentle countenance and pliable spirit. (and that Mommy and Daddy will get some small measure of rest one night soon since LMM sleeps in our room)

"...give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."

1 Thes. 5:18

Some Days Are just....well, yeah

2011-11-14T21:23:00.001-05:00

Today I am thanking my God for the gift of a longtime friend who worked a deal for us to get the kiddos to a chiropractor. Taylor went today for the first time, and it was amazing, and she has 4 spots that needed help. We'll be heading back 2 more times this week for her adjustments. Maybe after she's straight we'll schedule Logan's check-me-out.

This sums up how I felt today...sorry he felt that way too!

my sunshine. period.

l. o. v. e. my sweet little man

they really, seriously, do love each other

These are what we spent our afternoon doing instead of napping. Praise Jesus that my dear mama takes great photos. These are the kiddos 3 & 1 year portraits. They were tired. Their mama is stressed. Logan is getting 4 molars at once...very slowly I might add. Taylor doesn't grasp the concept of "look here" so there's a LOT of shenanigans involved in getting her to look the correct direction. But, I must say that out of the bajillion pics we got I love even the bad ones because it's my beautiful babies :) I've never tried crack, but it's fair to say that they are my crack. I'm that addicted to these lovebugs. I love my life :)

Just a couple more to show off. I know that's wrong, but I think they're a hoot! Hope y'alls week got off to an equally grand start. Here's to Tuesday!!!!!

So you think I'm a snob...

2011-11-10T10:16:00.000-05:00

Can't tell you how many times I've heard people whispering this about me or had friends say they used to think this about me. Let me share a bit with you on this:

I am an introvert. I am quiet by nature. I observe everyone very closely before opening my mouth or sometimes even before making my presence known. I wanted to become a sociologist and study people for a living. I should have stuck with it. It's what I do. Everyday. I watch people. Creepy, right ?! Ha!

I am a closet extrovert. I used to enjoy taking pills because they took me out of my head and I could be the person I think I should have been if my life could be different. I was fun. And funny. I had lots of friends around me all the time. I dream of being friends with lots of people, but in reality my circle is actually quite minuscule. It takes a lot for me to call you friend. I don't easily trust, and I don't put myself "out there" often.

My brother and momma are extroverts. I want to be like them. But I am not; I am just me. Much to their annoyance at times. They can be loud and draw in an entire room. They like to have fun and do so frequently.

If you are in search of a great support person behind the scenes, I'm your girl. I'll love you even when you fail and I'll drink coffee with you any time. I need caffeine to function, so I'm always up for a cup o' joe. If you need a shopping partner, I'm there. I love to shop for deals especially. My highschool buddy used to recommend everyone Christmas shop with me. My door is always open and my heart is always ready to listen and support. I love me, most of the time. How about you?

Wahoo for babies!

2011-11-07T10:07:00.000-05:00

So the sweet newborn guy I'm watching was born this morning at 1:51am! The Dr's were figuring the due date to be more like Dec. 6th, so I was shocked to get the call. SO EXCITED! I've been missing having a baby around, and although we would welcome more babies, it's surely up to our God and not us, and now really isn't the best timing anyway.

Dumpling boy and sitting next to me here going through a bag of sippy cups trying them out, of course. What a sweet little peanut he is. His poor sister, Pumpkin, is so full of drama. Typical girl, right?

I am lucky enough to stay home with my babies, taking care of our house for as long as we have it. I live on coffee, could use a bit of sleep...and energy..., and obviously have a fairly random thought process if this post is any clue to the directions my brain takes.

I'm trying to get healthier and branch out my tastes; hubby is not. I'm a plan ahead-er and list maker (for what it's worth anyway) and never have enough hours in a day to do what I desire. I dream of having a craft room again like I had in my parents basement where I can paint, and sort through my thoughts and emotions.

I cloth diaper here at home. I wish I were ambitious enough to make it work full-time, but I am a lazy mom. I have enough to do already that doesn't get done, so why add to it? I've recently become hooked on prefolds and covers...totally old-school, right?! Econobum is fairly rocking my world there. If you like something other than prefolds, I'd totally recommend Babykicks 3g's. I had heard of them, and I knew, sorta, that they were based right in my hometown of Salisbury, MD, but until I received one in a swap I had never tried one. I'm all about cheap and I just can't see putting $20 into a diaper...even though I know it's worth it and saves in the long run from buying 'sposies. If I could have a couple diapers from each brand to try out, I'd be in love. I am just obsessed with trying and reviewing cloth dipes and figuring out what works for us. As a side note, the best cloth wipes I've found are baby washcloths and water. Why bother with a wipes solution when God gave us water?! Their heineys are clean and happy and we don't fight rashes, so why fix what ain't broke?

I suppose I've rambled enough, but I just needed to get back on here and jump in!

What If

2005-08-14T14:07:00.000-04:00

What if you're right

He was just another nice guy

What if you're right?

What if it's true?

They say the cross will only make a fool of you

And what if it's true?

What if he takes his place in history

With all the prophets and the kings

Who taught us love and came in pease

But then the story ends

What then?

But what if you're wrong?
What if there's more?
What if there's hope you never dreamed of hoping for?
What if you jump?
And just close your eyes?
What if the arms that catch you, catch you by surprise?
What if He's more than enough?
What if it's love?

What if you dig
Way down deeper than your simple-minded friends
What if you dig?
What if you find
A thousand more unanswered questions down inside
That's all you find?

What if you pick apart the logic
And begin to poke the holes
What if the crown of thorns is no more
Than folklore that must be told and retold?

You've been running as fast as you can
You've been looking for a place you can land for so long
But what if you're wrong?

But what if you're wrong?
What if there's more?
What if there's hope you never dreamed of hoping for?
What if you jump?
And just close your eyes?
What if the arms that catch you, catch you by surprise?
What if He's more than enough?
What if it's love?

2005-07-19T23:34:00.000-04:00

It's in the sliences
The words you never say
Always starts the same way

I promise you
From the bottom of my heart
I will love you til death do us part
I promise you
As a lover and a friend
I will love you like I'll never love again
With everything I am

I see you look at me
When you think I'm not aware
You're searching for clues
Of just how deep my feelings are
How do you prove the sky is blue
The ocean's wide
All I know is what I feel

Oh, there are no guarantees

What I'm trying to say to you

You're everything I am

With everything I am

2005-07-19T23:30:00.000-04:00

Ain't it funny how some feelings you just can't deny
And you can't move on even though you try
Ain't it strange when you're feeling things you shouldn't feel
Oh, I wish this could be real
Ain't it funny how a moment could just change your life
And you don't want to face what's wrong or right
Ain't it strange how fate can play a part
In the story of your heart