Need some gift ideas?

In a year where handmade gifts have made a comeback, my first choice is always to make it personal and crafty. But you don't have to be a crafty person to make these gifts. Most of the work is done for you - if you'd like it to be. We have digital software programs, traditional scrapbooking products and tools, we have storage solutions, a photo printing center and even a variety of frames. We have products that range from quick and easy to skilled and crafty. And I can help you figure it all out...Not sure what to make? Well, I might have just the thing for you. I am a Creative Memories Independent...

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Thankful MEME

Sarah has tagged me for this meme.According to the rules, I have to post six things that make me really happy... and pass it on to give six more people a reason to be thankful!1. I am happy that the Lord showers me with Graces to help me through each day and each trial.2. I am thankful for my husband who loves me so much, he is always giving of himself and making sure me and the kids are happy before his own happiness. Even if it means sleep depravation!3. I am happy for the life within me, that reminds me of God's great mysteries and the preciousness of life from as early as conception.4. I...

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Chasing Fireflies

I've been holding onto this magazine for awhile because I really wanted to blog about this fabulous company that caught my eye. Ever heard of Chasing Fireflies?They have very expensive clothing, toys, furniture, etc. Kind of like Pottery Barn quality. But they are running a 50% off sale on some of the things I had my eye on. I'd try to sew some of them, but I can't find the right fabric or pattern. I am not sure if I'll be buying any of them, but here are some of my favorites!Cozy Cube School Desk:Toadstool Chairs & Table Set:Snowballer: "If I were a rich [girl]....." - from Fiddler on the...

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An announcement!

For those who visit this blog before you see my family's blog, I want you to see my newest post on our family blog. I have an announcement to make and we are in need of prayers!God Bless!Melis...

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Holiday Cheer-up

Okay - feeling a little bit better. Watched the movie ELF with the family, vented a bit, and thought more about Christmas! Thought about what I'd like to sing this year with my family.(Jessica & Nick's version here)While searching for old christmas songs for my ipod to lead a sing along, I came across this incredible new music cd by an actress and now christian singer... Kristin Chenoweth.The big deal was that I wanted the song "Come on ring those bells." Because we have played that every christmas while decorating the tree since I was a little girl, but I no longer have a turntable to play...

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Revealing Myself

The Simple Woman's Daybook ~ Nov 17, 2008FOR TODAY - I am sharing something really real. Most people have a hard time with hearing such raw thoughts from me. If you are not able to handle reading feelings related to depression, this post is not for you. If you are looking to "save" me somehow, this is not why I am writing. Only a miracle from God can save me today.I have mostly good days, today is just not one of them.Outside my window... is sunny skies that are decieving. It's really cold out there.I am thinking... that life is monotonous and inreconciably disheartening. I'm in a reality slump,...

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Advent Conspiracy

I was impressed when I saw this video and wanted to share it with you immediately. I'm going to change my ways this year too. It does make a difference that we're really poor this year compared to others, but I'm more motivated now than before I saw it... HT: Keeper of the Ke...

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We All Need A Tree

I am posting this great story in dedication to all those who are spending many quiet hours up in trees this hunting week. May they use this time to pray and be consoled by God. You may get more than you went out there for. The Trouble TreeI hired a plumber to help me restore an old farmhouse, and after he had just finished a rough first day on the job - a flat tire made him lose an hour of work, his electric drill quit and his ancient one ton truck refused to start. While I drove him home, he sat in stony silence. On arriving, he invited me in to meet his family. As we walked toward the front...

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2012 = 4 more years to prepare

side note - be sure to sign the petition against FOCAH/T: Totus Tu...

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Great Pro-Life Quotes

Mother Teresa said:"The greatest destroyer of love and peace is abortion, which is war against the child. The mother doesn't learn to love, but kills to solve her own problems. Any country that accepts abortion is not teaching its people to love, but to use any violence to get what they want." "The way to plan the family is natural family planning, not contraception...This (use of contraceptives) turns the attention to self and so it destroys the gift of love in him or her. In loving, the husband and wife must turn the attention to each other as happens in natural family planning, and not to...

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Accepting God's Will

The article below is in whole and discusses that even though things happen which do not seem to be of God, that it is still God's Divine Providence. It is God's Will for this election of Obama to occur inorder for our lives to move in a preconcieved way...Catholic Family News Article - 11/5/2008Abandonment to Divine ProvidenceBy Father Reginald Garrigou-LagrangeWhy should we abandon ourselves to Divine Providence? The answer of every Christian will be that the reason lies in the wisdom and goodness of Providence. This is very true; nevertheless, if we are to have a proper understanding of the...

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Fighting though the tears

Well, I've been cheering on this campaign since back when I voted in the Cacuses for Huckabee. The enthusiasm died off for awhile until Gov Sarah Palin came forward to reclaim this republican campaign. There was hope for a wholesome tomorrow with the McCain/Palin ticket. So many of us were moved to campaign for them in our blogs and with friends and family. We felt peace that our country would soon be in good hands. [Though I am in the few who actually aprove Pres Bush and applaud him for his 8 years of dedicated service in tough times.]Last night, while the crowds cheered for Obama, my heart...

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What if...

What if the bishops could and would say more? What would they say...(This video uses a generic voice, which is hard to listen to - but the video has great information...

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Read before you vote, please.

Dear Friends and Family,I have come across many encounters with people who are choosing their political candidates based upon personal problems over moral issues. Issues that our church and GOD has deemed for all time - an unchangeable cause and top priority - the right to life (Pro-Life). IF there is no sanctity of life at all stages (from conception to natural death) than only other evil will follow that candidate’s reign. So I feel moved to share with EVERYONE I know, no matter your stance or religion, a portion of what I have learned during this election campaign. I share this because we...

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Election Novena: Joyful Mysteries

The Joyful Mysteries, as prayed for this year's election, were written by myself. I hope this can help you in further reflection as it did for me and my family. It may not be a "wow-you-over" kind of prayer, but it's something...1. The Annunciation = The "Yes!"May we too say "yes" to voting for our values, not just because it is our obligation - but because we desire it too. May we say "yes" to going to the polls, to accepting our role as Faithful Citizens. May we put God's will above our own. God's will to let all living things prosper and die on his own terms - not ours.2. The Visitation =...

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Illuminating Mysteries

While praying the Mysteries of Light last Thursday in Adoration, I noticed a trend in affirmation of my earlier thoughts and the need for the Sacraments. Read along and open your heart to the Guidance of the Holy Spirit incase he has a message for you too.1. Christ's Baptism in the Jordan a. We are to set an example of ourselves, as Jesus did that day. b. The Sacrament of Baptism is especially necessary to enter Heaven, and also to be able to move from having a life to living it for a greater purpose.2. The Wedding at Cana a. Even Mary says, "Listen to my son." She directs attention to Him,...

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I know EXACTLY what I am doing.

FOLLOW-UP: For those who came to this blog from my email link sent on election day, click here to make your comments. It is a copy of my email with a link to a followup letter from a bishop after the election was over. So many seem to agree that what I have written is not a harsh opinion, rather a serious truth.Last night I watched Hannity'sTop Ten Reasons not to vote for ObamaHere they all are, and I agree with every single one of them. Well put Hannity!10. Judgement9. Media Darling; 8. A Heartbeat Away7. Consistancy; 6. Out of the Mainstream5. To Many Democrats; 4.Divisive Politics3. Taxes...

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Having faith and living faithfully.

Courageous Love: Lesson 3 Faith and the Life of GraceWomen's Study Group meeting on Oct 23, 2008We open with prayer, and discuss next Sunday's Gospel. The discussion went something like this...Next Sunday's Gospel: Matthew 22: 34-40The Greatest CommandmentHearing that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, the Pharisees got together. One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question: "Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?" Jesus replied: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment....

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4th folder, 4th picture MEME

Okay, I've been holding off - but it didn't take too long...Open the 4th picture in the 4th folder of your "My Pictures" folders. Here's mine... Its my first day of ... forever.In just a couple week's that photo will be 29 years old. God Bles...

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Civic Duty as Catholics - this weekends homily

Jesus says in this weekend's readings...'Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's.' I strongly urge you to read my dad's homily from this weekend about a Catholic's civic duty, click here!OR visit his website anytime: A Wealth of WisdomGod Bless you and your...

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It's not a bailout, it's a Rescue Plan!

I got an email this past week from a friend, labeled "Non-partican" - yeah right.It was from: Donald E. Wildmon, Founder and Chairman American Family AssociationMaybe you got it?Well I did, and it pissed me off to no end. While I wanted to reply quickly with "you mnoron, how can you be so gullable and pass this on to more gullable people?" I decided to write this about my own knowledge on the $700 bil rescue plan. I never got the nerve to send it to her, so here is my reply on my blog - the one I write about anything and everything I want to without disregard to who sees it.I need to vent!-----------------I...

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What happens when a Senator dies?

THIS IS A NONPARTISAN JOKETHAT CAN BE ENJOYED BY BOTH PARTIES!NOT ONLY THAT-- it is POLITICALLY CORRECT!!While walking down the street one day a US senator is tragically hit by a truck and dies. His soul arrives in heaven and is met by St. Peter at the entrance.'Welcome to heaven,' says St. Peter. 'Before you settle in, it seems there is a problem. We seldom see a high official around these parts, you see, so we're not sure what to do with you.''No problem, just let me in,' says the man.'Well, I'd like to, but I have orders from higher up. What we'll do is have you spend one day in hell and one...

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The Dignity of Women

Notes from reading "Courageous Love" written by Stacy MitchLesson 2: The Dignity of WomanhoodThis particular lesson is about being a woman and also what that means in marriage.Q1a: In what ways has modern feminism advanced the cause of women?A1a: Modern feminism has done some good by bringing to attention the works and efforts of women. However there is a difference between taking pride in your work and bring prideful. Feminism has opened up opportunities for the "feminine touch" to reflect in our society. Single women and mothers are now able to be self sufficent financially when they have...

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