Andrea Bocelli- Con te Partiro

Teresa's October Snowman!

Here in South Pennsylvania, right on the Maryland boarder, we had a ton of snow, like 8 inches! A lot has melted today but yesterday Teresa made this cute snowman, she says its a snow girl lol, anyway, its a tiny one now, melted a lot but is super cute :)
October snow is a historic record for the amount we had!

David A Vogel - March For Life

Dear Jesus

When the world has got you down and it seems there is no one else around.Look up and there you will find the Man who is always waiting with an open hand! He is the only one who can understand. Dear sweet Lord Jesus is His name :) He takes away our shame, His spirit is like a warm flame, If we call out to Him, the world can change!
When life gets tough just put on your boots and soldier on better days are always ahead :) What doesn't kill us makes us stronger :)

Sleepytime thoughts

Our little Dog Monica having a nice nap :)
Before U sleep, just gently lay
Every troubled thought away;
Drop your burden & your care
In the quiet arms of prayer.
Sleep in Peace, Remember GOD is awake

Long time without a post.

Life has been busy and I have not taken the time to post in forever, So I thought I would have a little update. Alex graduated from high school in June, and took off to Philadelphia for 2 months to work and live independent in with his friends and thankfully is back home now and is planning to enter college this January for a degree in Social work. The priesthood is still a possible option but he is going away to college for 4 years and he will make his mind up and I am happy for him either way. The college he is going to is 50 min from our home so that makes me happy he isn't going to far. Teresa started high school and is enjoying teenage life and work is busy as always still wishing I wasn't there so much of the week. My mom fell and is recouping so we are praying she heals well.

God Loves All His Creatures... Dogs Included ツ

Our Princess graduated middle school!

And off to high school next year! She is happy summer has started and its time for fun in the sun! Look at that smile :)

Crockpot Chicken Stroganoff

1 lb frozen chicken breast
1 container sliced mushrooms
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 packed onion soup mix
1- 16 oz tub sour cream

Place frozen chicken breast and mushrooms in the bottom of the crock pot. Mix remaining ingredients and pour over. That is it!

Cook on low for about 6-7 hours. Stirring hourly so the sauce doesn’t stick and burn.

You can shred the chicken in the pot with the sauce right before serving it over egg noodles and steamed broccoli. You can use any type of noodle

Recipe from faithful provisions website..looks good I am gonna try it soon!

Teresa is 15!

Happy Birthday to my baby girl Teresa who just turned 15 on May 14th! The Lord has something special in store for her life and she my sweet girl! Here are a couple of photos of her on her Birthday.

Josh Groban - You Are Loved (Don't Give Up) [HQ]

Stand up for the Christian Life!

My fellow Christians, I support you and want to remind you all of one tough thing especially now in this day and age of such impure and liberal media such some of what is on the internet and television..It is quite impossible to live the life of a Christian and not offend someone by doing that which is right! In fact, the scriptures presume that many are going to be offended by the teaching and preaching of the gospel. Jesus offended people by telling them the truth ( Matthew 13:57, 15:12); Jesus even offended his own disciples ( John 6:61)!



Yet not once did Jesus apologize for telling the truth. In fact, in Matthew 15:12, after his disciples told him that the Pharisees had been offended by him, he said, "Every plant, which my heavenly Father hath not planted, shall be rooted up. Let them alone: they are blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch" ( Matthew 15:13-14).



The Bible is clear about the fact that when we stand for truth, we will offend people. The truth of God’s word stands as a solid rock that does not change whether times are good or times are bad



When a Christian believer does anything it should be based on scripture. His or her every area of life should line up with Gods word including speech.



1 Peter 3:15-16 says that we need to prepare to give answer:But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.



So as Christians we should not be afraid to warn people about the dangers unrighteous movies, music and other media which portrays improper lifestyles such as improper jokes, etc, and dress or appearances that are not associated with Godliness. (immodest dress)





The disciples offended many, were put in prison and were killed for their bold testimony, but they also won many to God. When people are not walking according to Truth, they will seek ways to make truth fit their foolish decisions and justify their actions. When someone teaches that we can sin because Jesus has paid for all sins, chances are that they have a sinful habit that they are clinging in to and need to justify.



It is the responsibility of every Christian to seek and know truth for themselves so that they can be thoroughly equipped for every good work and have true intimacy with God as they learn to conform to the example of Jesus Christ. Bible convicts men of their guilt. Its up to us to lead them to the Truth, Amen!



In Christian Love,

Amy

"Oh my God" Jars of Clay, take a moment, listen to the words, and pray for the world

If you are Pro Life read this the Pro Life voice must be heard

A pro-life group that monitors the use of cells from babies victimized by abortions is today highlighting a biotech company, Senomyx, which it says produces artificial flavor enhancers using aborted fetal cell lines to test their products.

The group Children of God for Life is calling for a public boycott of major food companies partnering with Senomyx.

Debi Vinnedge, the director of the pro-life organization, tells LifeNews.com today that, in 2010, her group wrote to Senomyx CEO Kent Snyder and pointed out that moral options for testing their food additives could and should be used. But when Senomyx ignored her letter, the group wrote to the companies Senomyx listed on their website as “collaborators” warning them of public backlash and threatened boycott. They included food giants PepsiCo, Kraft Foods, Campbell Soup, Solae and Nestlé. (See update below.)

“The company’s key flavor programs focus on the discovery and development of savory, sweet and salt flavor ingredients that are intended to allow for the reduction of MSG, sugar and salt in food and beverage products,” the Senomyx web site says. “Using isolated human taste receptors, we created proprietary taste receptor-based assay systems that provide a biochemical or electronic readout when a flavor ingredient interacts with the receptor.”

Vinnedge says a boycott is important because the collaborating companies provide Senomyx with research and development funding plus royalties on sales of products using their flavor ingredients.

“What they don’t tell the public is that they are using HEK 293 – human embryonic kidney cells taken from an electively aborted baby to produce those receptors,” she said. “They could have easily chosen animal, insect, or other morally obtained human cells expressing the G protein for taste receptors.”

Vinnedge says she has contacted the food companies working with Senomyx, but said it took three letters before one company, Nestlé, finally admitted its relationship with Senomyx and company officials claimed the line of cells from abortions was “well established in scientific research”.

Both PepsiCo and Campbell Soup also responded.

PepsiCo wrote: “We hope you are reassured to learn that our collaboration with Senomyx is strictly limited to creating lower-calorie, great-tasting beverages for consumers. This will help us achieve our commitment to reduce added sugar per serving by 25% in key brands in key markets over the next decade and ultimately help people live healthier lives.”

Related Links

Children of God for Life
Campbell Soup officials told the pro-life group: “Every effort is made to use the finest ingredients and develop the greatest selection of products, all at a great value. With this in mind, it must be said that the trust we have cultivated and developed over the years with our consumers is not worth compromising to cut costs or increase profit margins.”

While Campbell Soup didn’t state they would change their methods, their response, gave Vinnedge hope.

“If enough people voice their outrage and intent to boycott these consumer products, it may convince Senomyx to change their methods,” she said. “Otherwise, we will be buying Coca-Cola, Lipton soups and Hershey products.”

UPDATE: Within hours of its press statement to LifeNews.com, the pro-life group received notice from Campbell Soup that the company has severed its ties with Senomyx. Juli Mandel Sloves, Senior Manager of Nutrition & Wellness Communications at Campbell Soup Company, told Vinnedge, “We are no longer in partnership with Senomyx. This fact was discussed during the Senomyx conference call with its investors earlier this month.”

ACTION: Contact the companies at:

Kent Snyder, CEO
Senomyx
4767 Nexus Centre Drive
San Diego, California 92121

Edmund M. Carpenter, CEO
Campbell Soup
1 Campbell Place
Camden, NJ 08103-1701

Paul Bulcke, CEO
Nestlé USA
800 North Brand Boulevard
Glendale, CA 91203

Jamie Caulfield, Sr.VP
PepsiCo, Inc.
700 Anderson Hill Road
Purchase, NY 10577

Irene Rosenfeld, CEO
Kraft Foods/Cadbury Chocolate
Three Lakes Drive
Northfield, IL 60093

Mr. Torkel Rhenman Chief Executive Officer
Solae
4300 Duncan Avenue
St. Louis, Missouri 63110
Source: www.lifenews.com

Economy!

Its what we hear about in the news, the Economy, have you felt the pinch in your everyday life? My family has. We feel the struggle just to get by and pay the bills and still put gas in the car and food on the table so I am trying to do all I can to save money. A few things I am doing: Never driving unless its to work and Church or if I need to go to the kids school or doctors. No extra trips or visiting friends unless I am in that area, so Sundays when we go to Mass we do our "visiting" visit my mom, meet friends for coffee to catch up once in a while, etc. Thats the day I do the grocery shopping or I also grocery shop after I get off work at the store near my work. The kids get to enjoy all our errands on Sunday lol, and we have a tradition of getting 1 dollar ice cream cones at baskin robins (I gave up ice cream for Lent but I always get a beverage :) On my days off, (I work 4 10 hour days to save gas money) I stay home. The kids have got used to this and know not to ask to go anywhere as we live 15 min from town. In doing this we get more time together at home which is actually great. Also there are several grocery stores in the town that I work and go to Church so I used to just shop one store but now shop sale items at each one and try to use coupons at the one that doubles the coupons. The stores I enjoy have websites which are www.foodlion.com and www.giantpa.com and also a great place to stock up on basics is www.aldi.com at that place you bag your own groceries but the savings are amazing. A loaf of bread is like 79 cents. I got a bag of apples for 1.99 :) A half pound of sliced checdder was 1.79 or so. No sales all Aldi's brand which is actually very good quality. I try to turn off lights of course we have heard of this time and lower the thermostat in the cold months. What are you doing to battle this economy and high gas price era we are in?
I would love to hear your tips to save money!
God bless,
Amy

Loudest Cat Purr in the world, this cat is too cute

Harry Stewart - End Of My Journey Remix

\
when people say the don't believe in God, because of all the hardship this life brings ...believe just believe in Him cause we will understand it, better by and by...at the end of our journey...life is hard, so hard, don't give up...keep on going..till the end...till He calls you home and then its all gonna make sense, this hard life will become a glorious one

Our cat Tony sunbathing by the door

Tony is trying to stay warm this winter :)

My daughter Teresa's painting!

She is my talented girl

Prayers for my teenagers, in trying times, as in trying my nerves lol!

Thoughts become words, words become actions, actions become habits, habits become character, character becomes destiny...will we do the right things when no ones looking, even if its the hard thing, because its who we are, because its right?
This is my one wish for my children..to be a good person..for this world..to secure their true ...destiny in this world..my little prayer tonight...

Praying that they understand actions speak louder than words and that they will understand wisdom comes with time and to listen to their elders!

St. Valentine

Historical factsNumerous early Christian martyrs were named Valentine.[5] The Valentines honored on February 14 are Valentine of Rome (Valentinus presb. m. Romae) and Valentine of Terni (Valentinus ep. Interamnensis m. Romae).[6] Valentine of Rome[7] was a priest in Rome who was martyred about AD 269 and was buried on the Via Flaminia. His relics are at the Church of Saint Praxed in Rome,[8] and at Whitefriar Street Carmelite Church in Dublin, Ireland.

Valentine of Terni[9] became bishop of Interamna (modern Terni) about AD 197 and is said to have been martyred during the persecution under Emperor Aurelian. He is also buried on the Via Flaminia, but in a different location than Valentine of Rome. His relics are at the Basilica of Saint Valentine in Terni (Basilica di San Valentino).[10]

The Catholic Encyclopedia also speaks of a third saint named Valentine who was mentioned in early martyrologies under date of February 14. He was martyred in Africa with a number of companions, but nothing more is known about him.[11]

No romantic elements are present in the original early medieval biographies of either of these martyrs. By the time a Saint Valentine became linked to romance in the 14th century, distinctions between Valentine of Rome and Valentine of Terni were utterly lost.[12]

In the 1969 revision of the Roman Catholic Calendar of Saints, the feastday of Saint Valentine on February 14 was removed from the General Roman Calendar and relegated to particular (local or even national) calendars for the following reason: "Though the memorial of Saint Valentine is ancient, it is left to particular calendars, since, apart from his name, nothing is known of Saint Valentine except that he was buried on the Via Flaminia on February 14."[13] The feast day is still celebrated in Balzan (Malta) where relics of the saint are claimed to be found, and also throughout the world by Traditionalist Catholics who follow the older, pre-Second Vatican Council calendar.


While sending cards, flowers, chocolates and other gifts is traditional in the UK, Valentine's Day has various regional customs. In Norfolk, a character called 'Jack' Valentine knocks on the rear door of houses leaving sweets and presents for children. Although he was leaving treats, many children were scared of this mystical person. In Wales, many people celebrate Dydd Santes Dwynwen (St Dwynwen's Day) on January 25 instead of (or as well as) Valentine's Day. The day commemorates St Dwynwen, the patron saint of Welsh lovers. In France, a traditionally Catholic country, Valentine's Day is known simply as "Saint Valentin", and is celebrated in much the same way as other western countries. In Spain Valentine's Day is known as "San Valentín" and is celebrated the same way as in the UK, although in Catalonia it is largely superseded by similar festivities of rose and/or book giving on La Diada de Sant Jordi (Saint George's Day). In Portugal it is more commonly referred to as "Dia dos Namorados" (Lover's Day / Day of those that are in love with each other).

In Denmark and Norway, Valentine's Day (14 Feb) is known as Valentinsdag. It is not celebrated to a large extent, but is largely imported from American culture, and some people take time to eat a romantic dinner with their partner, to send a card to a secret love or give a red rose to their loved one. The flower industry in particular is still working on promoting the holiday. In Sweden it is called Alla hjärtans dag ("All Hearts' Day") and was launched in the 1960s by the flower industry's commercial interests, and due to the influence of American culture. It is not an official holiday, but its celebration is recognized and sales of cosmetics and flowers for this holiday are only exceeded by those for Mother's Day.

In Finland Valentine's Day is called Ystävänpäivä which translates into "Friend's day". As the name indicates, this day is more about remembering all your friends, not only your loved ones. In Estonia Valentine's Day is called Sõbrapäev, which has the same meaning.

In Slovenia, a proverb says that "St Valentine brings the keys of roots," so on February 14, plants and flowers start to grow. Valentine's Day has been celebrated as the day when the first work in the vineyards and in the fields commences. It is also said that birds propose to each other or marry on that day. Nevertheless, it has only recently been celebrated as the day of love. The day of love is traditionally March 12, the Saint Gregory's day. Another proverb says "Valentin – prvi spomladin" ("Valentine — first saint of spring"), as in some places (especially White Carniola) Saint Valentine marks the beginning of spring.

In Romania, the traditional holiday for lovers is Dragobete, which is celebrated on February 24. It is named after a character from Romanian folklore who was supposed to be the son of Baba Dochia. Part of his name is the word drag ("dear"), which can also be found in the word dragoste ("love"). In recent years, Romania has also started celebrating Valentine's Day, despite already having Dragobete as a traditional holiday. This has drawn backlash from many groups, reputable persons and institutions[42] but also nationalist organizations like Noua Dreaptǎ, who condemn Valentine's Day for being superficial, commercialist and imported Western kitsch.

Valentine's Day is called Sevgililer Günü in Turkey, which translates into "Sweethearts' Day".

According to Jewish tradition the 15th day of the month of Av – Tu B'Av (usually late August) is the festival of love. In ancient times girls would wear white dresses and dance in the vineyards, where the boys would be waiting for them (Mishna Taanith end of Chapter 4). In modern Israeli culture this is a popular day to pronounce love, propose marriage and give gifts like cards or flowers.

!source: Wikipedia, thank you Wikipedia :)

Groudhog day

The groundhog says and early spring but I would like to be snowed in with the family how bout you?

Time Flies! One Song Glory - Adam Pascal Live (Official Video)

Time Flies

The house is getting quiet, The kids are growing fast
The pitter patter of little feet is a memory of the past
I miss those days of laughter and joy and innocence of youth
When my babes were sweet and kind and just so very cute

Now its time for a new chapter, a new season of my journey
I pray that it holds good memories and not so many worries
Its has been oh so tough just to keep afloat
I am ready to charter new waters in this brand new boat

One kid off to college, one in high school soon
I am going to cry my eyes out when he graduates in June
The nest is getting empty, What am I gonna do?
I don't know how to knit or sew.. I haven't got a clue

Where did those years go anyway, the memories are so clear
Like they were just yesterday I will always hold them dear
I pray they listened to me about the important stuff
Maybe I didn't cover everything I hope I said enough

About life and love and being kind and living for the Lord
and living by the law of God I hope this struck a cord
All we can do is hope and pray and send them on their way
And just sit by patiently, they will be back again someday

My daughter be kind, gentle and true and graceful and polite
My son be strong and wise and sweet and love with all your might
I pray this world is good to you and all your dreams come true
But no matter what life brings I am always here for you!

by Amy

rockstar

The happy strum of the guitar in the night

Makes everything feel allright

You feel the meaning, the story is told

The beautiful music starts to take hold



Of your fear, and of your concerns

You savor every moment, and your heart yearns

For this moment to never end...

Cause it feels like everyone is your friend!



The feeling is rare, nothing can compare

You sit gazing in your chair

and witness art so pure

The fans scream for more



Its good to kick back, relax, and chill

Being part of the crowd, oh what a thrill!

So rock on rockstar, show me what you got!

Oh yeah you got talent, not just a little, but a whole lot!



Inspired awesome riffs you play

Right on! Your gonna make it big someday!

by amy

for my husband Mark

Walkin' along the shore, a scenic gentle tide

Then you came along, with your stoic little smile

Salt water in the breeze, and you by my side

Sunrise over water, the waves go on for miles



You sit and paint the landscape

Your paint drips in the sand

I enjoy watching your little artist world

As I try to get a suntan



I get a little angry as you glance at another cutie

You say "I am a painter, capturing beauty is my duty"

I say, "good one babe, do you use that line alot"

You say "only when it works, but your clever.. I forgot!"



I forgive your little antics, because your boyish little ways

Have stole my heart already, and I just met you today

Your a funny little honey, your disposition is so sunny

I don't even really care that you lack a thing called money



Are you the one to take me away on a horse to a beautiful land?

I can finally see the colors you paint, my world is no longer bland.

So my love give me your hand and lets go for a swim

In this neverending sea of life, together till the end

by amy

The Band Perry - If I Die Young this song is beautiful

I'm a stay at home mom, for 2 weeks :)

Work is slowing down and I have been there 10 years this year so I am going to take some of my vacation time starting Jan 9th till the 22nd so my plans are to do some house cleaning, cook every night for my family and enjoy doing what I wish I could do which is being a stay at home mom and being there every day when the kids get home from school. We are predicted to get some great snowy weather here in the 10 day forcast so with any luck the kids will have some snow days for us to enjoy. I will also not miss putting gas in the car at like $3.10 a gallon. I am blessed to have this time with family and will even get another great week like this in the summer although its harder to get time off at my job in the summer (many people take off for vacations so its harder to get that time approved). Due to finances we will once again not be planning any away vacation, its just too much with the price of gas and boarding 2 dogs so we will hopefully do some fun things around here nearby in Pennsylvania and Maryland. I still believe a womans place is at home (unless your Sarah Palin becuase we need her as president lol) if at all possible and I hope you understand I would not be working if it weren't necessary for basic bills. God bless and enjoy your families they grow up all too quickly! Alex goes to college next year this Christmas I had tears of joy and of pain because I know he is about to start his own life but isn't that what its all about..letting the baby birds fly to their destiny! :)
Love to all!
Amy

Cool things about Christmas

My Christmas tree this year!
The one about Xmas is very interesting! I have always hated when people put Xmas instead of Christmas and always will, but here is why it started....
Xmas
This abbreviation for Christmas is of Greek origin. The word for Christ in Greek is Xristos. During the 16th century, Europeans began using the first initial of Christ's name, "X" in place of the word Christ in Christmas as a shorthand form of the word. Although the early Christians understood that X stood for Christ's name, later Christians who did not understand the Greek language mistook "Xmas" as a sign of disrespect.


More interesting things...
The Christmas Tree
The Christmas Tree originated in Germany in the 16th century. It was common for the Germanic people to decorate fir trees, both inside and out, with roses, apples, and colored paper. It is believed that Martin Luther, the Protestant reformer, was the first to light a Christmas tree with candles. While coming home one dark winter's night near Christmas, he was struck with the beauty of the starlight shining through the branches of a small fir tree outside his home. He duplicated the starlight by using candles attached to the branches of his indoor Christmas tree. The Christmas tree was not widely used in Britain until the 19th century. It was brought to America by the Pennsylvania Germans in the 1820's.

Christmas Lights
The appeal of the Christmas light is often likened to the starts in the sky, or the glisten of freshly fallen snow in the moonlight. Early Christmas lights were not quite as safe as today's light strings. Candles were used in trees inside the home, and lit in windows. Hot flames and live trees were not the safest mix, but the temptation to add lights to Christmas decorating was too strong to curb. Many factors have contributed to the widespread use of Christmas lights, including lighting contests promoted by manufacturers, war propaganda using holidays as an opportunity to bond the nation, and local celebrations across the country to try and start traditions of hope and peace. Light strings are now found in all shapes, sizes, and colors, as well as in cool-to-the-touch LEDs.

Poinsettias
Poinsettias are native to Mexico. They were named after America's first ambassador to Mexico, Joel Poinsett. He brought the plants to America in 1828. The Mexicans in the eighteenth century thought the plants were symbolic of the Star of Bethlehem. Thus the Poinsettia became associated with the Christmas season. The actual flower of the poinsettia is small and yellow. But surrounding the flower are large, bright red leaves, often mistaken for petals.


The Date of Christmas
The idea to celebrate Christmas on December 25 originated in the 4th century. The Catholic Church wanted to eclipse the festivities of a rival pagan religion that threatened Christianity's existence. The Romans celebrated the birthday of their sun god, Mithras during this time of year. Although it was not popular, or even proper, to celebrate people's birthdays in those times, church leaders decided that in order to compete with the pagan celebration they would themselves order a festival in celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. Although the actual season of Jesus' birth is thought to be in the spring, the date of December 25 was chosen as the official birthday celebration as Christ's Mass so that it would compete head on with the rival pagan celebration. Christmas was slow to catch on in America. The early colonists considered it a pagan ritual. The celebration of Christmas was even banned by law in Massachusetts in colonial days.

Mistletoe and Holly
Two hundred years before the birth of Christ, the Druids used mistletoe to celebrate the coming of winter. They would gather this evergreen plant that is parasitic upon other trees and used it to decorate their homes. They believed the plant had special healing powers for everything from female infertility to poison ingestion. Scandinavians also thought of mistletoe as a plant of peace and harmony. They associated mistletoe with their goddess of love, Frigga. The custom of kissing under the mistletoe probably derived from this belief. The early church banned the use of mistletoe in Christmas celebrations because of its pagan origins. Instead, church fathers suggested the use of holly as an appropriate substitute for Christmas greenery.