tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8964667376298266662024-02-18T18:44:25.269-08:00Keepin It RealClaudia Orgillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17227038464893941331noreply@blogger.comBlogger65125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-896466737629826666.post-38086758520000272232009-07-25T14:38:00.000-07:002009-07-25T18:22:10.058-07:00Eight Principles of Health<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUJxI9HDyxdzYLq7OiueImAKRvIufL4rdXLbRvq5qXeBp7JH1AbrsOzT9eQ2Wkv_act4RyxVcHVriodUyn5X4QnVRvsBifR3scXCuIB2Bd8BMaWaI-DvDFBi-VooTXDlCQ3Mek_BYQS8o/s1600-h/seven+principles+exp..jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362521721027352162" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 231px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUJxI9HDyxdzYLq7OiueImAKRvIufL4rdXLbRvq5qXeBp7JH1AbrsOzT9eQ2Wkv_act4RyxVcHVriodUyn5X4QnVRvsBifR3scXCuIB2Bd8BMaWaI-DvDFBi-VooTXDlCQ3Mek_BYQS8o/s320/seven+principles+exp..jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://www.forevergreen.org/7Principles.html">Eight Principles of Health by Ron Williams</a></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#ffffff;">.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#ffffff;">.</span></div>Claudia Orgillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17227038464893941331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-896466737629826666.post-65222880899391086082009-06-18T12:47:00.000-07:002009-06-18T12:53:40.298-07:00June<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigporrE1AkrPX1D9v9YTwKsiqffKlp7t0QT7E8QjetY2d-eF7qQMYteSJvKj5E0GAKsWA2eMMzlh667bZgKsdfiUPWtYCRq3rreenjiM4uLL54wtC8obfpKpG1Wmw5dEXxX7lTxKQ1unQ/s1600-h/spring+day.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348756837551198722" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 258px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 176px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigporrE1AkrPX1D9v9YTwKsiqffKlp7t0QT7E8QjetY2d-eF7qQMYteSJvKj5E0GAKsWA2eMMzlh667bZgKsdfiUPWtYCRq3rreenjiM4uLL54wtC8obfpKpG1Wmw5dEXxX7lTxKQ1unQ/s320/spring+day.jpg" border="0" /></a> The days are clear,<br />Day after day,<br />When April's here,<br />That leads to May,<br />And June,<br />Must follow soon:<br />Stay, June stay!-<br />If only we could stop the moon<br />And June!<br /><br /><em><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></em><br /><em><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="color:#ffffff;">........................................................</span>-Christina Georgina Rossetti</span></em>Claudia Orgillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17227038464893941331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-896466737629826666.post-81887498673863563462009-06-05T17:00:00.000-07:002009-06-05T17:15:38.228-07:00Make Room for the New<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHWe42R39yua3esoIaQZA5nuZBSEzOR5WC-lFRkGKc4H0jiSW4x6MDaKOUEoPKj040I6rhu3vPp8a4O7JdWNFuG78BxKYxNlJjvn-YfFVJ2aPjD8akc_tmIR37jOaEApCOsfUmfpw0C8E/s1600-h/simple+home.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344000970611164866" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHWe42R39yua3esoIaQZA5nuZBSEzOR5WC-lFRkGKc4H0jiSW4x6MDaKOUEoPKj040I6rhu3vPp8a4O7JdWNFuG78BxKYxNlJjvn-YfFVJ2aPjD8akc_tmIR37jOaEApCOsfUmfpw0C8E/s320/simple+home.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><span style="color:#999900;">Ask yourself: "How do I want to feel?" and remember that <em>we are what we surround ourselves with</em>.</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#999900;">I've been simplifying my home....big time. Every room. Every closet. Even the garage (thanks John). He began cleaning the garage and I simply said, "Don't be afraid to throw things away - we have way too much STUFF!" And it feels so good to walk into a room and actually be able to see exactly what's there! It brings energy to oneself.</span></div><span style="color:#999900;"></span><div><br /><span style="color:#999900;">Here are some simple things to consider when going through all the stuff lingering in every corner of your house:</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#999900;"><em>If it weighs you down, clogs you up or just plain makes you feel bad about yourself throw it out, give it away, let it go and move on.</em></span><br /><br /><span style="color:#999900;"><em>If it just sits there taking up positive energy (contributing nothing to positive energy) let it go. If you're not moving forward you're moving backward.</em></span><br /><br /><span style="color:#999900;"><em>If you agonize over it too long - throw it out. Don't make the decision a hard one.</em></span><br /><br /><span style="color:#999900;">Questions to ask yourself:</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#999900;"><em>Do you really love it?</em></span><br /><br /><span style="color:#999900;"><em>Do you need it now?</em></span><br /><br /><span style="color:#999900;"><em>Can you imagine yourself or anyone in your family ever loving or needing it in the future?</em></span><br /><br /><span style="color:#999900;"><em>If you can't answer yes to one of those questions sell it, donate it, or trash it.</em></span><br /><br /><strong><span style="color:#666600;">Make room for the NEW and NOW!</span></strong></div><div><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">.</span></strong></div>Claudia Orgillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17227038464893941331noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-896466737629826666.post-4164914995563025072009-05-29T13:22:00.000-07:002009-05-29T18:08:01.743-07:0018 Steps to Vibrant HealthIf there's on thing I love - it's learning how to improve ones overall health and sharing it with others...but first, here's what I've been dealing with which has led me to a deeper level of researching and understanding I never thought I'd tap into:<br /><span style="color:#ffffff;">.<br /></span>I've been taking some serious steps to improving my overall health. My energy levels, zest for life, and even my relationship with Heavenly Father have all been negatively affected by prolonged stress and physical suffering which have consumed my life, using up the energy only one body can posses, as it all went towards negative things, and came to a head about a month ago.<br /><br />I've been merely waking up from another <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">unrestful</span> night's sleep knowing I was to face yet another day in which I had to do my best to <em>survive</em>.<br /><br /><strong>Thriving</strong> not <em>surviving</em> is what I want in life and therefore have begun to make some changes to my life as I've realized what my full potential is...(who knew that I truly have the power to change my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">lifes</span> circumstances which have caused me so much misery for far too long?)<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYFgsl13ar9A8tFNR-wyI0HCmEjgMGOwj0yBGvvjmoOVOFfF_3JDux6oUO12oha6OiIE2IApnsBh-RB3dvzQvM6yiKXDWEfEh7lMWbgAAZOc09y8nPEsnooIM7kNfQ6aDBsFRlwiATeJE/s1600-h/sphenoid+bone.gif"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5341355512034415154" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 134px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYFgsl13ar9A8tFNR-wyI0HCmEjgMGOwj0yBGvvjmoOVOFfF_3JDux6oUO12oha6OiIE2IApnsBh-RB3dvzQvM6yiKXDWEfEh7lMWbgAAZOc09y8nPEsnooIM7kNfQ6aDBsFRlwiATeJE/s200/sphenoid+bone.gif" border="0" /></a> I have begun seeing a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">TMJ</span> Dentist and am now going through the treatment to fix my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">TMJ</span> - and my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">sphenoid</span> bone. Yup, not only have I been dealing with pinched nerves, tired jaws and muscles within my face due to my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">TMj</span> I also have an important bone within my head misaligned which has <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">subluxated</span> most of the other bones within my head (which is what has been causing me my physical grief)...needless to say, there have been days where I felt the need to take a baseball bat to my head!<br /><br /><br />But, fortunately, a baseball bat won't be necessary, my <a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.tmjdental.com">Doctor</a> will fix me in a more... gentle way. Many years of stress has had a debilitating affect on my Adrenal system which I'm attempting to restore with Dr. <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Christopher's</span> Adrenal formula. Also, my hormones have been off my whole life (which, in fact, could be due to that misaligned <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">sphenoid</span> bone) but, just in case it isn't, I'm also taking Dr Christopher's Hormonal <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Changease</span> to help fix that as well.<br /><br />I've learned so much through all of my reading and researching. So now I give a bit of info to you:<br /><br /><span style="color:#ff6666;"><strong>18 Steps to Vibrant Health</strong><br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgNFUb70TwQXBOjnohzJ9d6LNORWuj_E21v0fMxkxjWhkALsQ8qeYQY0cP05vq2wuGe3fqD22jCla-Zh5Zp0YlE4aUfmj2YAIgV-OtwRUHv-6gL76hOkPnNzL2n6SOznfRvJk9-_rSszo/s1600-h/mind+body+spirit.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5341355781336423410" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 209px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgNFUb70TwQXBOjnohzJ9d6LNORWuj_E21v0fMxkxjWhkALsQ8qeYQY0cP05vq2wuGe3fqD22jCla-Zh5Zp0YlE4aUfmj2YAIgV-OtwRUHv-6gL76hOkPnNzL2n6SOznfRvJk9-_rSszo/s320/mind+body+spirit.jpg" border="0" /></a> <span style="color:#00cccc;">1. Pure water - at least 8 glasses per day - keeps fluids flowing, flushing out the bad - 75% of our bodies are fluid! (distilled, with pinch of sea salt - has lots of minerals our bodies need)<br />2. Fresh Juice daily<br />3. Eat Whole foods - Fruits, vegetables, grains, nuts, seeds, and meat every now and then (our bodies need some of the vitamins which come from meat but we only need to eat meat ONCE a month in order to obtain those vitamins) Eat a salad at every meal. Fruit salads, green salads, whatever it be but, green salads, especially are necessary for a healthy body.<br />4. Bowel Cleansing - A good bowel cleansing is so refreshing and energizing. (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">blessedherbs</span>.com)<br />5. Cleansing and Detoxification (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">herbdoc</span>.com)<br />6. Breath Deeper - More oxygen means more life and energy.<br />7. Stretching, walking, moving<br />8. Water Therapy - Alternate hot and cold in shower 1 minute each 7 times - gets good things flowing and feels so good!<br />9. Laugh more<br />10. Natural cleaning - Clean with natural products. (Amway, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Shaklee</span>, Dr. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">bronner</span>)<br />11. Stop Television - Talk, read, play games, go for walks instead.<br />12. Trashing - Dump old unused stuff and bad emotional <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">memorabilia</span>.<br />13. Love life!<br />14. Express yourself - Hold it in and rot!<br />15. Help Others<br />16. More physical intimacy - Yup, you heard it.<br />17. Listen to yourself - What is your self talk? Is it positive? What's your body telling you?<br />18. Love yourself<br /></span><br /><strong><em>How to simplify your home, whole foods recipes, and more - <em>coming soon</em>!</em></strong><br /><br />I can't end this blog without giving a <em>big</em> thanks to my dad who has made it possible for me to see Dr. Wall.Claudia Orgillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17227038464893941331noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-896466737629826666.post-9523956990031666062009-05-05T21:35:00.000-07:002009-05-05T21:39:05.249-07:00<object width="480" height="295"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/RhLlnq5yY7k&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0xe1600f&color2=0xfebd01"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/RhLlnq5yY7k&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0xe1600f&color2=0xfebd01" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="295"></embed></object>Claudia Orgillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17227038464893941331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-896466737629826666.post-52155644428387959632009-04-15T14:39:00.000-07:002009-04-15T15:16:48.318-07:00Dabbling away<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVHtmFBNBsIqty7x2j4xwc8akZl47T2rMOSulNNkWZRcezGSHJLDDCyXqFC4cQqsdoysdWggDR78Pfft9VOAHuoQhcksHGRHbODn0JKtEy1E6dnD4Dglj0grzC1ou76VeVC0FW1__VrPI/s1600-h/treehousejpeg.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325036525646345282" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 295px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVHtmFBNBsIqty7x2j4xwc8akZl47T2rMOSulNNkWZRcezGSHJLDDCyXqFC4cQqsdoysdWggDR78Pfft9VOAHuoQhcksHGRHbODn0JKtEy1E6dnD4Dglj0grzC1ou76VeVC0FW1__VrPI/s320/treehousejpeg.jpg" border="0" /></a> As like most people, life has been busy.<br /><br /><br />Aside from living every day with the symptoms of TMJ I've been keeping my spare time busy with working on the illustrations for a language learning book set which I have been dabbling with for the last year and a half but have put more serious focus on in the last 6 months as I finish writing the stories, plugging away at illustrating for those stories, and work on the details which will help make the set a success.<br /><br /><span style="color:#ffffff;">.</span><br />But, concerning my TMJ - I found (more like was led to by a caring Father) to a "TMJ Dentist" who will, hopefully, rid me of something so....inconvenient and debilitating -once we're able to come up with the money neccessary to go through the whole treatment plan. But there's hope and I now realize that there is no other way - I have to face this head on and get rid of it once and for all.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE0pUgpJ9kPQkbuyHhdzY4EPEap8Ll3awqcZa1w2LRVYXJqyZyjr0vvF2DHuUbah5fygrK4SEy3tCrIJuTjvCVXOCSvOUOTKjvqL2YyDj9HrMktj1C5hOfg6pIwbLg5H1dr7hOgiK3tsw/s1600-h/tysday.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325044054785446210" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 168px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE0pUgpJ9kPQkbuyHhdzY4EPEap8Ll3awqcZa1w2LRVYXJqyZyjr0vvF2DHuUbah5fygrK4SEy3tCrIJuTjvCVXOCSvOUOTKjvqL2YyDj9HrMktj1C5hOfg6pIwbLg5H1dr7hOgiK3tsw/s320/tysday.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />But, as for some exciting news - Tyra was baptized and on her birthday of all things! It was a wonderful day. Most of our family was there to celebrate "Tyra's day." I love to see these little ones grow and progress. We set out a "Tyra table" with all of her favorite things sitting upon it for all to see.<br /><span style="color:#ffffff;">.</span><br /><br />This table included: a scarf she knitted, books such as Julie of the Wolves, a unicorn book set, Ida B., The Last of the Whangdoodles, a few things she embroidered, a photo of her favorite people (Jesus, Beethoven, Annie Sullivan, Helen Keller, and Florence Nightingale), a photo of Katara "water bending", her oil painting, her piano music, horses, a large jewel and other things.<br /><br /><br />For those of you with kids, isn't it wonderful watching these little ones become who they are as they are drawn to things which naturally interest them and feel passionate about things which genuinely touch them? It's .... <em>wondrous</em>!<br /><br /><br />Homeschooling my children has definitely been trying (I'm not wanting pity - we chose this path, after all!) but, it's been trying in a good way. I am continually evaluating my strengths, my weaknesses, my selfishness, my pride, my ambitions, my controlling attitude, my desires etc. etc. and am always working towards creating a home that is a place my kids want to be - "...a house of prayer, a house of fasting, a house of faith, a house of learning, a house of glory, a house of order, a house of God."Claudia Orgillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17227038464893941331noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-896466737629826666.post-65707904569834235902009-02-26T08:45:00.000-08:002009-02-26T15:18:54.270-08:00"We are all pencils in the hand of God." -M.T.<div align="left">I haven't posted on this blog for a while. To be honest, I'm not sure I want to keep this blog going. Sometimes the blogging world seems to suck me in and take me away from things that are more important - things that I know I should be doing and that make me feel good. But, I do feel good about sharing messages that have changed me for the better. And I share them in hopes that they might, just by a hair, improve someone elses life as well.<br /><br />I've wondered, is life more about serving each other or teaching each other "lessons"? I've come to the conclusion that it's all about serving each other which, in turn, allows us to learn life's lessons through such service. How? Because you teach about selfless love. And love is fundamentally what our eternal journey is all about. It's what we're here to learn and understand, it's what brings us joy, it's what makes up Gods power.<br /><br />I've been sick for nearly 3 weeks. Yes,<span style="font-style: italic;"> three weeks</span>! I caught a nasty virus that lasts for two weeks. About one and a half weeks through it I felt better for almost one day when suddenly fatigue, body aches, chills, etc. etc. came upon me again and lasted up until well, yesterday. I went to the doctor who gave me a prescription for a sinus infection and I'm on my way to good health again.<br /><br />I've come to understand, in these last few weeks, how humans naturally yearn for someone to care about them while they suffer. When someone cares about you it feeds the soul, brings physical strength, and buoys the desire to live. I've realized how important it is to <span style="font-style: italic;">physically</span> serve one another - touching, healing, and giving to one another to help ease each others burdens, sorrows, and sufferings.<br /><br />Mother Teresa knew what she was doing beyond what we understand. As she nursed those suffering on the streets of Calcutta she nursed them knowing the chances of survival were slim. But, most importantly, she nursed them knowing they were given some love by a caring hand before they left their experience here on this earth.<br /><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP7FVeqJhZKZvoLN5gL-2Tx_OVzxJ6viX4BswXUSr2Epl2O2n3pxf6nu4tXL9uNFjrF7vB_VcZILZg6uR8WTZhci06kwLP5OQKkENi_UuZBv1hBAO331TnbCNPar8sjgkmZ1kOJ_oyP30/s1600-h/mothertheresaserving.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5307170277143619954" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 206px; height: 141px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP7FVeqJhZKZvoLN5gL-2Tx_OVzxJ6viX4BswXUSr2Epl2O2n3pxf6nu4tXL9uNFjrF7vB_VcZILZg6uR8WTZhci06kwLP5OQKkENi_UuZBv1hBAO331TnbCNPar8sjgkmZ1kOJ_oyP30/s320/mothertheresaserving.jpg" border="0" /> </a>Even though not all of us are sick or dying we all suffer in some way. Which gives us a perfect opportunity to go out and serve anyone, anytime, anywhere. We need to feed souls, bring physical strength, and buoy the desire to live to those around us as we care for one another. We need to pray to have our usual way of living and seeing things be opened up so we may be led to those whom we can serve and so we may be made aware of how we can serve them. Then we need to pray for courage to go forth and serve in ways that, more than likely, aren't deemed as being "normal".<br /><br />Mother Teresa knew her calling - to be a nun living in the slums - was something which had never been requested or done before but she knew this calling was from God and after some patient waiting she was granted permission to leave her monastery of 20 years. Her face went pale when she was told she could go but promptly asked, "May I go right now?"<br /><br />She began her work in the slums by lifting a dying woman in her small arms and carrying her from hospital to hospital - none of which accepted the diseased woman who, in this act of love, died in the small caring arms of Mother Teresa. This first experience of serving the suffering people in her city didn't stop her from doing what she felt called to do - a calling which has helped those who suffer (and those who are willing to serve) throughout the world.<br /><br />This world is in need of caring hands, an open mind, and a willing spirit to set a new standard of service toward one another.<br /><br />In the words of Mother Teresa-<br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2YAo3XfoiyS56eafBc2VZgRhDxSPwEULbOkzEay_dg9vRONcJHGMYCRjiVGqDGdqzf32W2r0y45Xu4bJxAzN6CTslchmfPsJ4gEZmpit1Mf2wXf2qWcSrbD2wOiSxxNcN6wWPZ-GoJUc/s1600-h/serving+others.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5307179344388447554" style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; float: left; width: 200px; height: 150px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2YAo3XfoiyS56eafBc2VZgRhDxSPwEULbOkzEay_dg9vRONcJHGMYCRjiVGqDGdqzf32W2r0y45Xu4bJxAzN6CTslchmfPsJ4gEZmpit1Mf2wXf2qWcSrbD2wOiSxxNcN6wWPZ-GoJUc/s200/serving+others.jpg" border="0" /></a></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">"</span><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:Arial;" >Give yourself fully to God. He will use you to accomplish great things on the condition that you believe much more in His love than in your own weakness."<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></span></span><a href="http://0.0.0.3/"><br /></a>Claudia Orgillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17227038464893941331noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-896466737629826666.post-39531401027799466382009-01-21T10:29:00.000-08:002009-01-21T10:30:28.455-08:00PostsMy most recent posts can be found <a href="http://www.chrysalidsjourney.blogspot.com/">here</a>.Claudia Orgillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17227038464893941331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-896466737629826666.post-57540033508538130632009-01-01T09:26:00.000-08:002009-01-01T09:43:11.170-08:00Favorite GiftOne of my favorite gifts to give this year was my most recent oil painting. It was of my sister in laws three children. I used each child's favorite color to be their background color. All three were painted on a 12X24 canvas.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSYijvsjkNqxNsSkhOcg_Z-widP5ppuELfFrfsP32V3OiNfeOaK538NWktiDsTqGAPPnOm7NzS3d8QakC-MeqFBfJG5lVsEHebn9O8BgFkAwW1X-TB8A6whSAoZCTVcph_lMnYCIT61SU/s1600-h/three+orths.png"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286378871553081090" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 198px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSYijvsjkNqxNsSkhOcg_Z-widP5ppuELfFrfsP32V3OiNfeOaK538NWktiDsTqGAPPnOm7NzS3d8QakC-MeqFBfJG5lVsEHebn9O8BgFkAwW1X-TB8A6whSAoZCTVcph_lMnYCIT61SU/s400/three+orths.png" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ1lBbpUTKqX6H7fPcdcd9-IPYsPr5wxIRjrhV3pZb32knNuV33wWc0ZOHFhKrbfHlDnb_oZiVixMM_LZiex3HmiSHXJ7EA7XQoYJL-jh4NQFkEbkBi4mJpKxQr-nI6BPKy2nQQJZkHpY/s1600-h/madison.png"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286378970258309426" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 319px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ1lBbpUTKqX6H7fPcdcd9-IPYsPr5wxIRjrhV3pZb32knNuV33wWc0ZOHFhKrbfHlDnb_oZiVixMM_LZiex3HmiSHXJ7EA7XQoYJL-jh4NQFkEbkBi4mJpKxQr-nI6BPKy2nQQJZkHpY/s400/madison.png" border="0" /></a> Madison's was my favorite. I love the expression on her face and I love the lighting on her face as well, not to mention, she has beautiful facial features.<br /><br />I did this same type of portrait painting of my own children before I attempted this <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">piece</span> but, seeing as how it was my first portrait painting ever, and especially after having these work out much better, I think I'll dump my progress on that one and start over. I used too much brown in theirs.<br /><br />I realized that children naturally have a lot of beautiful pink colors highlighting their faces....it's the adults which lack that pink luster.<br /><br /><span style="color:#ffffff;">.</span>Claudia Orgillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17227038464893941331noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-896466737629826666.post-36447786042567595942008-12-05T09:19:00.000-08:002008-12-05T09:34:24.863-08:00St Nikolaus TagTomorrow it St Nikolaus Tag. It's a German tradition where, before children go to bed, they set out their boots in front of their bedroom door (originally it was in front of their house) and leave a paper within the opening of one of the boots with a list of what they'd like for Christmas.<br /><span style="color:#ffffff;">.</span><br /><br />In the morning when they awake, and if they've been good, they find nuts, an orange, maybe an apple, christmas chocolates, and a candy cane in place of their special list. If they've been bad, well, then they recieve a lump of coal. Fortunately, we haven't had any of that in our home yet.<br /><br /><br />All this was explained because, below you will see that Ethan is quite prepared for this event.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmSIkEjqqP17vGu2di7yLjT6FXbd_31saxBcFbmYfOmfH1P5TaUYxgvqmFClkyo4EmmOIin-mBfURSPIqqhX3nByE159Usft3ziXW86ow3oXO9lFt0Il7eqREBVAf3JH_NwRNWl0PW3oE/s1600-h/ethans+list.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5276359320212441394" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 331px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmSIkEjqqP17vGu2di7yLjT6FXbd_31saxBcFbmYfOmfH1P5TaUYxgvqmFClkyo4EmmOIin-mBfURSPIqqhX3nByE159Usft3ziXW86ow3oXO9lFt0Il7eqREBVAf3JH_NwRNWl0PW3oE/s400/ethans+list.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Apparantly, he derived such a list making idea from an article from the Friend magazine where a boy, earlier in the story, told about how his list was "as long as his arm". (Later on he is taught that giving is better than getting.)<br /><br />We realized this when we heard Ethan say, "My list is <strong>longer</strong> than my arms!"<br /><br />Hmmmmm. I think we've got some workin' to do.<br /><span style="color:#ffffff;">.</span>Claudia Orgillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17227038464893941331noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-896466737629826666.post-9405029978967268672008-12-02T08:49:00.001-08:002008-12-02T10:45:36.442-08:00Venting...<div align="left">It would have been nice to <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">receive</span> that phone call, my sister and I both urged our parents to make, letting us know our daughter's made it safely to their destination....<em>even if it is 2am.</em><br /><br />I awoke at 2am thinking, "they should be calling shortly." At about 2:30 I began to <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">worriedly</span> drift off to sleep. I awoke on the hour at 3:30, 4:30, 5:30 and didn't get much sleep after that. "Why hadn't they called?" I saw visions of a plane plummeting into the dark ocean, I saw <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Tyra</span> homesick and wanting to call me, but, for whatever reason couldn't, and I saw my parents comfortably talking away (and laughing) with family while I lie in my bed wondering if my daughter still lives...<br /><br />I called my dad's shop at 8:30 and asked my sister, who answered the phone, if she'd heard from my parents. She had in fact and everything was "just fine." Well, suffice it to say, it wasn't "just fine" in my book! <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Apparently</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Tyra</span> and her cousin Alyssa completely conked out after the plane ride and are in a deep sleep. . . that doesn't mean my parents couldn't call though and at least let us worried mother's know that all is well!<br /><br />I was ready to give them a lecture...until I found out that the reason my sister had talked to them so early this morning is to let them know that "<em>someone"</em> had crashed my mom's car this morning.<br /><br />Well, maybe that wouldn't have happened if they would have been faithful to their duties and called me last night. :)<br /><br />I think I'll spare them the lecture.<br /><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDVkFMBt-E2C7gjJUzJHpyXK6VAQj4p5c8T-Qz3Fp1GDZXcnDNKewQU8t2CkO7Gf0Lt46Q4ZCWREIJZU-HWG_4YfVcQREPuy7Sw4nF3UZw3lndwXlv5hEQmkUEhrfOt9zhkxLAA3ZBdQs/s1600-h/tyrasmealbeforehertrip.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5275249856154308674" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 281px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 162px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDVkFMBt-E2C7gjJUzJHpyXK6VAQj4p5c8T-Qz3Fp1GDZXcnDNKewQU8t2CkO7Gf0Lt46Q4ZCWREIJZU-HWG_4YfVcQREPuy7Sw4nF3UZw3lndwXlv5hEQmkUEhrfOt9zhkxLAA3ZBdQs/s320/tyrasmealbeforehertrip.jpg" border="0" /> <p align="center"></a><span style="font-size:85%;">(Call me ... pathetic, but I left <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Tyra's</span> breakfast plates, just the way she left it before she left, all day yesterday.)<br /></span></p>Claudia Orgillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17227038464893941331noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-896466737629826666.post-4650512423605591052008-12-01T12:45:00.000-08:002008-12-02T08:48:25.607-08:00Glenn Beck Article, Tyra LeavesAs I traveled to one of Glenn Beck's speeches, 6 months or so ago, saying, "Glenn who?", I was hesitant about going and, fighting through traffic, I heavily considered turning around and going back home. But the experience I had by being there, the feeling that was there, the words that were spoken, the songs that were sung, and the spirit that was there made it an experience I'll always remember. It was an awakening.<br /><br />Although Glenn has his own talk show on the radio I tend to only read his talks every now and then. I decided I'm going to start sharing the one's that I feel necessary to share with others through this blog.<br /><br />So, <a href="http://www.glennbeck.com/content/articles/article/198/18737/">here's</a> one I feel all should read.<br /><br />This isn't going to be a place to argue whether we believe him or not. One can believe whatever they want to and choose to be offended or not. . . so, take it for what it's worth.Claudia Orgillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17227038464893941331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-896466737629826666.post-4403855237942444602008-12-01T07:34:00.000-08:002008-12-02T10:41:29.465-08:00Tyra has left to Germany.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXd-PSWDgdpmwUm7JJPXhW8h7i4vbWbXPdGfEr0B6CSYuCGZQsY62Icg1NblLrYtlaTUkk3mh1b9_ycLhRESQas2wXoBqz2NwJwtInI9GbzxnqjfNF3LYTDIajIr_xtB9sjVEnaaCEsYA/s1600-h/tyraleaving.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5275264723190126546" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 264px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXd-PSWDgdpmwUm7JJPXhW8h7i4vbWbXPdGfEr0B6CSYuCGZQsY62Icg1NblLrYtlaTUkk3mh1b9_ycLhRESQas2wXoBqz2NwJwtInI9GbzxnqjfNF3LYTDIajIr_xtB9sjVEnaaCEsYA/s320/tyraleaving.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Tyra left to Germany at four this morning. As I write she's flying over the US. (yikes!)<br /><br />We'll really miss her but hope she'll remember forever, and look back upon with fond feelings, the experiences she'll have.<br /><span style="COLOR: rgb(255,255,255)">.</span><br /><span style="COLOR: rgb(255,255,255)">.</span>Claudia Orgillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17227038464893941331noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-896466737629826666.post-36279893673452436642008-11-28T19:36:00.000-08:002008-11-28T21:08:19.481-08:008 FavoritesI've been tagged so here goes...<br /><br />1.Post rules on blog<br />2. Answer the 6 "8" items.<br />3.Let each person know they've been tagged by leaving them a comment.<br /><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold"><br />8 Favorite TV shows...I'll do books</span> <strong>instead</strong><br /><br />1. Jane Eyre<br />2. Guide me to Eternity<br />3. The Hiding Place<br />4. 1776<br />5. 5000 Year Leap<br />6. Ida B.<br />7. The Count of Monte Cristo<br />8. Standing for something<br /><br /><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">8 Things I did yesterday...I'll list today's</span><br /><br />1. Went to Utrecht art store-bought some supplies<br />2. Went with family to Tracy Aviary<br />3. Went to Thanksgiving Point Gardens (it was free today!)<br />4. Ate ice cream and fries at T.P.<br />5. Decorated our home for Christmas<br />6. Changed Tyra and Ethan's beds into bunk beds<br />7. Took a break as I posted this entry on my blog<br />8. will be...going to bed.<br /><br /><br /><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">8 things I look forward to</span><br /><br />1. Tyra coming home from Germany (no, she hasn't even left yet)<br />2. Christmas party with our friends<br />3. Christmas party with girls I grew up with<br />4. Being able to open our chocolate filled advent calendars<br />5. Christmas<br />6. John's Kung-fu test being over with<br />7. Christmas school break<br />8. TMJ being completely gone...one day.<br /><br /><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">8 favorite restaurants</span><br /><br />1. Mimi's Cafe<br />2. Johnny Carino's<br />3. Olive Garden<br />4. "Deutchen Laden"<br />5. Vosen's<br />6. Flour Girls and Dough Boys<br />7. Papa Murphey's pizza....mmmmmm<br />8. The Roof<br /><br /><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">8 things on my wish list</span><br /><br />1. Publish one (or all) of my children's books<br />2. Finish my Language Learning Books<br />3. Become a better painter<br />4. Better guitar skills<br />5. Serve more people - continually<br />6. More patience<br />7. A calm spirit<br />8. 100 percent understanding about life<br /><br /><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">8 people I tag....</span><br /><br />anyone who wants to.Claudia Orgillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17227038464893941331noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-896466737629826666.post-69784005353226159102008-11-12T14:11:00.000-08:002008-11-14T08:45:07.584-08:00It's Official!!!<div align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC0fr7JjCUFhvR-DY-uFr1XaC238jcRd8To_R5Tdk4WvvjcbX1z1GYYrQqkt6HSUOsrjGd73WGopD9Z8ckMi6EME2liXT93gqaKOJTkvU6fQiEoJRLiy-VtklGBnH0HEHoajqdX-qPRvI/s1600-h/tyra08.png"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267899948998769394" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 125px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 164px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC0fr7JjCUFhvR-DY-uFr1XaC238jcRd8To_R5Tdk4WvvjcbX1z1GYYrQqkt6HSUOsrjGd73WGopD9Z8ckMi6EME2liXT93gqaKOJTkvU6fQiEoJRLiy-VtklGBnH0HEHoajqdX-qPRvI/s320/tyra08.png" border="0" /></a> Tyra is going to Germany in a couple weeks!!! </div><div align="left">.</div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"><div align="left"></div><div align="left">My dad has been trying to talk me into letting her go with him for years...but, I felt she was way too young and wouldn't enjoy herself much. </div><br />Well, he and my mom are going in a couple weeks and he was, once again, trying his persuasive speech on me and probably felt much like a child about to open his biggest present ever when I told him she was probably ready now.<br /><br />Not only is my dad taking Tyra but he's taking her cousin Alyssa! They are going to have sooo much fun! They'll get to ride in the plane, surprise their Old Oma they love so much, and be able to take in (as much as a 7 year old can take in) the different culture of Germany <strong>and</strong> go to <strong><em>Seiffen</em></strong>!!! Oh, how I envy her.<br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLPsWkxpEOV0Le8jL7rjD5vZAU3kFIOzPz7b1K3DVZd0Jg5Tqk8Vb21hD5GgxAlB4NS38Z00qWg3IDTj215s6_-LR8mqWdj4PysBTXSMtLK4bizFydposr9P4vxHahCCI3u202bpP1G-I/s1600-h/seiffen.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267899649370207730" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 221px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLPsWkxpEOV0Le8jL7rjD5vZAU3kFIOzPz7b1K3DVZd0Jg5Tqk8Vb21hD5GgxAlB4NS38Z00qWg3IDTj215s6_-LR8mqWdj4PysBTXSMtLK4bizFydposr9P4vxHahCCI3u202bpP1G-I/s320/seiffen.jpg" border="0" /></a>Seiffen is a little village filled with Christmas lights, smells, and, most wonderfully, German Christmas ornaments and decorations. It's heart warming!!! I bet she'll love it.</div><br />***I haven't been talking to John much....(he's in Brazil :) )<br />So, sorry if this is how you find out that it's a for sure thing before we get to talk, John! Talk to you tonight! (hee,hee) </div><div align="left">.</div>Claudia Orgillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17227038464893941331noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-896466737629826666.post-70237338588527815392008-11-11T08:17:00.001-08:002008-11-12T07:21:19.771-08:00Expelled<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2fsoPlLx4lh74R1buxiQDVCzQZq-FRAleSnFL5xAjUZWKq5CyP5sZNejUrtoLfhFbTXyfFUplrsO3x-WeousFs8F14j4Lm4wDRHmndg397YE5W7YGwiAMjlLWoKcWrBFIZ6MluoqB9SA/s1600-h/benstein.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267435036275900674" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 287px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2fsoPlLx4lh74R1buxiQDVCzQZq-FRAleSnFL5xAjUZWKq5CyP5sZNejUrtoLfhFbTXyfFUplrsO3x-WeousFs8F14j4Lm4wDRHmndg397YE5W7YGwiAMjlLWoKcWrBFIZ6MluoqB9SA/s400/benstein.jpg" border="0" /></a> <strong><span style="color:#cc0000;">Bravo Ben Stein! Bravo!</span></strong></div><div align="center">(<a href="http://www.expelledthemovie.com/videos.php">Here's</a> a link to his movie trailer if you haven't seen it yet.)<br /><br /></div><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhITjL_DnF9079Nq7014H1_Uw0quRCbXSklgkZIwwrlarfLcfta_8ZEIANLmxwKbaQxlhduNdKFmHaYHVK_PA8DHnJ779GaQOYN-CiJ7Xi58R7IvWd9hZlbY41thO-sU7mKS18eY17NMxA/s1600-h/academic+freedom.png"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267435036966936722" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhITjL_DnF9079Nq7014H1_Uw0quRCbXSklgkZIwwrlarfLcfta_8ZEIANLmxwKbaQxlhduNdKFmHaYHVK_PA8DHnJ779GaQOYN-CiJ7Xi58R7IvWd9hZlbY41thO-sU7mKS18eY17NMxA/s400/academic+freedom.png" border="0" /></a>If you want all voices (especially that of "Intelligent Design") to be comfortably allowed and accepted in the science room, you can visit a part of Ben Stein's <a href="http://www.expelledthemovie.com/academicfreedom.php">site</a> and "sign" the "I support academic freedom" petition. Signing this petition will help keep the fact that God had a hand in all creation as an option to be considered and discussed within the classroom.</p><p>.<br /><br /></p>Claudia Orgillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17227038464893941331noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-896466737629826666.post-83858083939323822352008-11-05T12:57:00.001-08:002008-11-05T12:58:13.696-08:00Wordless Wednesday<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyhLFlcvpk1KJCqogq3oFE-v93GOmWZypw2VPYgRS2sTQ3r2sTCDOvquSrpT-_N_7_zIpVQ-XEYZLZb7J_tDZo7elhOlL9m4UR4FQdiLUeEzHxVyZN14IOdJaYsemtFZgN8wjJn-ueR_A/s1600-h/george+washington.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5265280669376837090" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 245px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyhLFlcvpk1KJCqogq3oFE-v93GOmWZypw2VPYgRS2sTQ3r2sTCDOvquSrpT-_N_7_zIpVQ-XEYZLZb7J_tDZo7elhOlL9m4UR4FQdiLUeEzHxVyZN14IOdJaYsemtFZgN8wjJn-ueR_A/s400/george+washington.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div>Claudia Orgillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17227038464893941331noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-896466737629826666.post-6764557183550683122008-10-29T11:31:00.000-07:002008-10-29T19:32:19.147-07:00Christmas Part II(This entry is in reference to the comments posted to my last blog entry "Santmas or Christmas" ...)<br /><br />It's neat that you (the Orgill's) have shared and still share such treasured memories. It sounds fun and uniting...I like the thoughts that have been shared. I'll have to think about this one for a while. :)<br /><br />About gifts - Ya know, it's not the media that has influenced my thinking about gifts. It's finances...some friends of mine who have commented may understand:) So often there's so much stress involved in the holiday season when you don't know how to pay (not only for food, gas, and bills) and not only for special gifts you long to see brighten your own children's faces, but for a decent gift for all the other gifts you need to and want to give...it tends to leave a bad taste in your mouth when it gets to be ... like one recent Christmas for us. It's impossible to understand unless one has been through it.<br /><br />But, at the same time, there's so much we've learned by having gone through such a trying time (as we struggled with more than just finances) during such a special season. There's so much we learned as we observed what others were doing around us and as we strived to discover what it was we could learn through it all on the inside.<br /><br />It's taught me that not only during Christmas time, but throughout life; meaning, purpose, service, and joy is found in people. It's taught me to be aware of and sensitive to others' situations. To give to others who are needing a little cheering, who are struggling, who, during a time such as Christmas, want to be able to give like everyone else around them. It taught me to stop and be aware of one another's personal or obvious battles and do what I can to lift ones spirit with a message of hope and helpful advice. It taught me to look to the Lord and lean on Him at all times, especially during the hardest and darkest of times.<br /><br />I am so grateful to the Lord for it was He, and only He, who knew the extent of our suffering. It was He, and only He, who helped us through, <em>pushed</em> us through, <em>lifted</em> us through, the last season. Our family wouldn't be together if He didn't. Oh, how I love the Lord! He has the right to having most of my attention during His season. I am just so grateful to Him.<br /><br />But, concerning gifts - I think planning ahead is a good thing. Which is, I'm happy to say, what I've been doing this year...most gifts are already purchased and although my gifts may not be as fancy or as expensive as the gifts that are given to one another or even that I'll recieve, they'll be gifts that come from the heart because they're gifts we enjoy and hope others enjoy as well. That is what true gift giving is all about during such a wonderful time.<br /><br />The traditions the Orgill's have spoken about sound wonderful. Such a thing must be the authentic reason for the season, to find what brings true happiness and contentment to our soul, our families, and let it bloom and burst during the best season of the year.<br /><br />Thanks for all your comments. I look forward, more than I did before, to the up coming season and to spending it with all of you. I've been able to find and clarify the happy medium for myself and have rooted further peace and joy because of it.<br /><br /><div align="left"><em>And to John - I love you so much. Y</em><em>ou are my gift this Christmas.</em></div><div align="left"><em>.</em></div>Claudia Orgillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17227038464893941331noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-896466737629826666.post-37326710024940023452008-10-21T15:20:00.000-07:002008-10-22T10:14:20.176-07:00Santmas or Christmas?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUImowIosZvFB-gJYtshNCZ_Bt3OLLipFILDDFC9uxh87osCszbOIxWm-NeRfBxKY33ko3YrHQjag4k2aUUXvp7nuHF6xei-iycg4rZODt5GkyruNV_p7q1RCTzsQL1lutuAVIC3yWnLI/s1600-h/christmaslittlegirl.png"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259739025736036290" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUImowIosZvFB-gJYtshNCZ_Bt3OLLipFILDDFC9uxh87osCszbOIxWm-NeRfBxKY33ko3YrHQjag4k2aUUXvp7nuHF6xei-iycg4rZODt5GkyruNV_p7q1RCTzsQL1lutuAVIC3yWnLI/s320/christmaslittlegirl.png" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><span style="color:#006600;">This is a photo of me gazing at the mystifying Christmas tree, probably dreaming of what Santa thinks I deserve or wondering what I'll end up getting on the upcoming exciting day called Christmas. I might've been gazing at one of the German wooden Christmas ornaments and imagining them come to life as I so often did during those cozy Christmas seasons. </span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#006600;">We never received many Christmas presents as a young child. It was always the anticipation of it all that created the wonderful memories and feel of the whole December event. It seems that Christmas gifts are overdone nowadays. I know I'm not the only one who feels this way. Things, things, and more things, is what Christmas ends up being about. True giving is wonderful! It brings a joy to one's heart. But, things seem so distorted now. It's frustrating to have to buy, yet another, gift for, yet another, gift swap. </span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#006600;"></span></div><div><span style="color:#006600;">We gave our children 3 gifts each for our own family Christmas last year. But, after going to both grandma's houses the total of those gifts increased by about <strong>10</strong> toys / presents <strong>each</strong>. No, I'm not exaggerating. They didn't even know who's presents were whose. . . that's how much they appreciated what they got. </span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#006600;"></span></div><div><span style="color:#006600;">Oh, how I long for a time where one present per each child (totaling 3 presents after the visits with the grandparents) are the extent of Christmas gifts. I think there's something truly wonderful in being able to value what we get instead of tossing one present aside after another anxious to open the next present from the pile of presents lying in front of oneself.</span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#006600;"></span></div><div><span style="color:#006600;">Where's the true giving and receiving in it all?</span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#006600;"></span></div><div><span style="color:#006600;">In an effort to keep that beautiful Christmas spirit, this year, we have decided to get the kids one gift to share (this year it'll be a puppet theater with puppets) and a book for each one of them. And we'll be asking grandparents to keep the gifts at least down to 2 gifts per child... hopefully this will help. Of course, there are other things as well. Such as focusing on Christ...</span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#006600;"></span></div><div><span style="color:#006600;">Does anyone else ever feel that it is so odd how this make-believe Santa Claus figure (even thought he is such a jolly and fun person to think about) is such a strange thing to focus on when, of all things, of all people, it is Christ who should be receiving the attention? Isn't He worthy of ALL of our attention during such a wonderful season? Santa brings such a pleasant feeling to Christmas but I often wonder what we're missing out on if we <em>solely</em> focused on Mary and Joseph's journey to Bethlehem, the beautiful birth of Jesus Christ, the wise men's story as they followed the star to worship this new sweet born babe instead. </span></div><div><span style="color:#006600;"></span></div><div><span style="color:#006600;"></span></div><div><span style="color:#006600;">.</span></div><div><span style="color:#006600;">Santa becomes such a wonderful figure children think about during the Christmas season. He becomes real<strong> </strong>to them. What if the yearly experience these precious little children have was about Christ instead? It seems absolutely beautiful to me.</span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#006600;"></span></div><div><span style="color:#006600;">...I just don't get it sometimes. Maybe we should pretend that it's Jesus in the sleigh whipping those reindeer, landing on our roof, and coming down our chimney... hey, at least we'll be focusing more on the REAL thing! I love imaginary things but it doesn't seem in order to be believing in something imaginary which takes focus away from the most important birthday ever!</span></div><div><span style="color:#006600;"></span></div><span style="color:#006600;"><div><br /></span></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHAS8BcInPY2MuPPDpwDabmStzGjugHr1BBqbkflcvHqJlDmUCWElmHsyNm5gbF-q3VlhcH0abXBfA0PtS6oiD7wRLv-t12lBgFXvMX-x-a8VfqafS5X45sG0-Y4tKR6ek5nPTN2pK9CA/s1600-h/easter.png"><span style="color:#006600;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259745010226332082" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHAS8BcInPY2MuPPDpwDabmStzGjugHr1BBqbkflcvHqJlDmUCWElmHsyNm5gbF-q3VlhcH0abXBfA0PtS6oiD7wRLv-t12lBgFXvMX-x-a8VfqafS5X45sG0-Y4tKR6ek5nPTN2pK9CA/s320/easter.png" border="0" /></span></a><span style="color:#006600;"><br />Hey, Easter bunnies are great, cute, quick, and cuddly. But once again a strange and foreign creature comes and steals away attention from something so wonderful and real... Jesus Christ, coincidentally enough, yet <em>again</em>. I can imagine a great council taking place in heaven with Heavenly Father and Jesus at the head of the meeting just shaking their heads at us little people on this earth as they say, "First a man who flies in a sleigh, now a mutant Easter bunny! What'll these people think of next?"</span> <div><span style="color:#006600;"></span></div><div><span style="color:#006600;">So, what it comes down to is 3 changes (for us):</span></div><div><span style="color:#006600;">1) Focus more on Christ. Maybe by reading many written stories of Christ's birth or by acting out plays of the same story. We can read all versions of his birth in the scriptures during Christmas season.</span></div><div><span style="color:#006600;"></span></div><div><span style="color:#006600;">2) Less presents</span></div><div><span style="color:#006600;"></span></div><div><span style="color:#006600;">3)Carry out our own wonderful holiday traditions. (Like I said it was the anticipation of it all which kept our spirits high and happy. Our home often smelt of lovely and delicious german pastries my mom would carefully bake. And she had such a wonderful touch with decorating our home which kept the excitement of the coming Christmas day high as well.) . </span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#006600;"></span></div><div><span style="color:#006600;">What are your thoughts for this up-coming season? What are you and your family doing to keep the focus on <em><strong>Christ</strong>mas</em>?</span></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div>Claudia Orgillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17227038464893941331noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-896466737629826666.post-62071459831246910162008-10-17T19:04:00.001-07:002008-10-18T08:12:27.916-07:00Anti Plague Formula<span style="color:#cc6600;">I'm making Dr. Christopher's anti-plague formula in two weeks and am only making it this one time. (It's a big process and I'm making a big batch not only for my family but my brothers and sisters families). I'm recieving help from a Master herbalist named Charlene who has been making this formula for over 10 years.<br /><br />I feel so grateful for knowing about this formula and so I have to share it with those I know and am offering to make extra for those who want to purchase some.<br /><br />If you'd like some please place your "order" through e-mail </span><a href="mailto:claudiaorgill@hotmail.com"><span style="color:#cc6600;">claudiaorgill@hotmail.com</span></a><span style="color:#cc6600;">. (I'm keeping a gallon of it for me and my family in our food storage.) The formula takes about 1 week to prepare and make - so it'll be ready in about 3-4 weeks. <em>I'll only take orders seriously if they have been paid for within 2 weeks...lets say by <strong>November 1st</strong>. </em><br /><br /><strong>It'll be $40 for one quart (4 cups).</strong><br /><br />It's $15 for only 2oz in stores! So at this price it's only $1.25 per ounce and its <em>fresh</em>! It can store for years in the freezer and is good for about a year in the fridge.<br /><br />Here's a little about it:</span><br /><br /><em>"This is the best remedy for colds, flu or any communicable disease (especially bacteriological). It strengthens and stimulates your immune system and should be used as a tonic and preventative at the dosage of one tablespoon of syrup per day. If infected, increase to one tablespoon per hour."</em><br /><em></em><br /><em>"The anti-plague formula is built around garlic, which is well known as a natural anti-biotic. It destroys the unnecessary and harmful bacteria throughout the body. Garlic contains a very high amount of sulphur, one of the best minerals used as an oxygen carrier. Oxygen is the breath of life and sulphur will carry the oxygen in the body directly to the infected area. Germs cannot live in a good supply of oxygen, therefore, the infection is cleared quickly. This is an organic wonder, so garlic may be termed a wonder herb. </em><br /><em></em><br /><em>In addition, <strong>apple cider</strong> vinegar acts as disinfectant. The ingredients found in <strong>black walnut</strong> act as herbal destroyers of fungus. <strong>Marshmallow</strong> is the enemy of gangrene and peritonitis. It is a softening emollient that will aid in removal of the inorganic deposits broken up by the solvent gravel root. <strong>Wormwood</strong> relieves pain and kills pinworms and other unwanted parasites, etc. <strong>Mullein</strong> works on the bronchial track. <strong>Oak bark</strong> tones and firms the cells in the muscles, cartilage, and flesh. It is also an aid in rebuilding the circulatory system and feeding it. <strong>Scullap</strong> is one of the finest nerve repairing and rebuilding aids. It works especially well on the proliferant that causes the good cells to multiply rapidly and push out the waste and dead-cell structure, being supplied with the wonderful allantoin. <strong>Lobelia</strong> is the great catalyst to combine the herbal entities to a smoothly operating whole." Dr Christopher</em><br /><em></em><br /><span style="color:#cc6600;">All herbs mentioned above, plus the apple cider vinegar, garlic and honey make up the ingredients of this wonderful concoction. All herbs will be ordered from </span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.mountainroseherbs.com"><span style="color:#cc6600;">Mountain Rose Herbs</span></a><span style="color:#cc6600;"> and all other ingredients will be organic or U.S.P. grade.<br /><br />* * *<br />Enjoy getting your food storage together! Hard times may be ahead, but, I feel they will be happy times as well.<br /></span>.Claudia Orgillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17227038464893941331noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-896466737629826666.post-41096211971275630752008-10-09T08:38:00.000-07:002008-10-09T10:38:32.329-07:00Being Prepared<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSL2rdIfP8PbD6bprXTe7EhTF7EPtjhw1IMXc4zccIWyZLH3X0FzDKsj1LLQY-Hfle9AerTCUPnS_l6hjzBcOaZEUpBeDf6JGCB4-p0nZ3K8C8ROZ9e6xjLDquPuawi-OEJlkUsaXvuNM/s1600-h/food+storage.png"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5255206041098663266" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSL2rdIfP8PbD6bprXTe7EhTF7EPtjhw1IMXc4zccIWyZLH3X0FzDKsj1LLQY-Hfle9AerTCUPnS_l6hjzBcOaZEUpBeDf6JGCB4-p0nZ3K8C8ROZ9e6xjLDquPuawi-OEJlkUsaXvuNM/s320/food+storage.png" border="0" /></a><br /><div>It's obvious that we are spiraling down into an economic crisis. Who knows, maybe things will get better. I don't like the "doom and gloom" talk or feel and don't intend to create that in this blog. But I did want to list some things I have (or will soon have) in our food storage that makes me feel a little more comfortable with the way things are going.<br /><br />#1 Is an "<a href="http://www.dietaryzone.com/dr-christophers-heal-super-garlic-immune-anti-plague-52-16-oz.html">anti-plague</a>" formula. The link doesn't give too much information. <a href="http://healingtools.tripod.com/antplg.html">Here's</a> another one. I've just heard (mainly from <a href="http://www.greensmoothiegirl.com/">Robyn Openshaw</a> and the people she has influenced) that this is amazing stuff. There's a lady in American Fork that makes some and sells it but she's usually always backed up for a month or more, it can also be purchased in herbal stores. And it stores for years (atleast the one the lady makes does - I don't know how long the store bought ones last.)</div><div><br />I've purchased the recipe and directions for making it and have contacted the woman above who will help me make it and so am thinking about making a batch myself. If anyone is interested in buying any from me please let me know. I'm guessing it'll be about $20-$30 for a good sized bottle of it.<br /><br />#2 Wheat. (of course!) Not only for making bread but for growing as <a href="http://www.living-foods.com/articles/sproutbenefits.html">sprouts</a>.<br /><br />#3 Frozen fruits, greens, grape juice, and (soon) chopped up <a href="http://www.garlic-central.com/garlic-health.html">garlic</a>. Now we just need to get a generator.<br /><br />#4 <a href="http://www.greensmoothiegirl.com/whole-food-green-drink.html">Green drink powder</a> - I really want to know that I have things on hand that can keep my family healthy when (or if) things fail.<br /><br />#5 Water. Lots of it. I still need to get more.<br /><br />#6 Cloth diapers<br /><br />#7 Formula (I never know how <em>little</em> milk I'll be making when I have a baby)<br /><br />#8 My bulk storage: rice, beans, salt, oatmeal, popcorn, and my wheat<br /><br />#9 Seeds. So we can grow our own produce during the appropriate months.<br /><br />#10 <a href="http://www.warmers.com/ItemDetails.aspx?itemid=HWLESx40&gclid=COGklOfPmpYCFSRaiAodtHSs6A">Hand Warmers</a>. I love the idea of having these during the cold winter months. Especially if there is no heat. Wal-Mart sells them. I feel that one can't have enough of these. I'd like to hear other ideas as to how to stay warm during the cold months.<br /><br />#11 Cream of Wheat and Cracked Wheat. They make a good filling breakfast. And a little goes such a long way. And all it requires to make it edible is water (and a bit of sugar or honey go on top.)<br /><br />Extras. A few extras I like having are: <strong>Crayons and paper</strong>, (I hate to think of a child during a time of economic failure {or something like that} that isn't able to color) <strong>cake mixes</strong>, (a birthday cake for a birthday seems like an extra treat during hard times) and <strong>Chocolate Milk mix</strong> - the "just add water" kind. (I imagine warm, sweet, creamy chocolate milk in a child's mouth giving the comfort to him or her that all will be well again.)<br /><br />I listed much more than I thought I would but, when I think about it, there's quite a bit to get together and have. Other things that are important are having a stash of small bills handy and some gasoline.<br /><br /><em><span style="color:#3333ff;">What things have any of you stored which make you feel at ease if disaster strikes?</span></em><br /><em><span style="color:#3333ff;"></span></em><br /><em><span style="color:#3333ff;">Love to you all. </span></em><br /><em><span style="color:#3333ff;"></span></em><br /><em><span style="color:#3333ff;">.</span></em></div>Claudia Orgillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17227038464893941331noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-896466737629826666.post-11635022029025622082008-10-04T21:47:00.000-07:002008-10-06T07:26:30.286-07:00The 5 Love Languages!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuZRk4Mj36-CVmdnJn7WNf5r-CPyrQEkTZLBiFXLxYt2OhtlWUQYxQrgRZZOMZk4KnUdDcZ3ny5dxc-btHOrkgA8tzXMoVcRyk4aFAN-4ThsFkRznOgdi3UoxoExWL3GzYDLdEpuRguHs/s1600-h/love.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5253531720094622898" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuZRk4Mj36-CVmdnJn7WNf5r-CPyrQEkTZLBiFXLxYt2OhtlWUQYxQrgRZZOMZk4KnUdDcZ3ny5dxc-btHOrkgA8tzXMoVcRyk4aFAN-4ThsFkRznOgdi3UoxoExWL3GzYDLdEpuRguHs/s200/love.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>We had an interesting (but good) lesson in church last Sunday. It was about <a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.fivelovelanguages.com">the 5 love languages</a>. This discovery by Gary Chapman says that we have different love languages. The languages being: Quality Time, Recieving Gifts, Physical Touch, Acts of Service, and Words of Affirmation. I was a little concerned at first as to whether or not this lesson would include the teachings of Christ in it but, I'll admit, once the teacher wrapped up the lesson it was pretty well balanced and it ended on a strong spiritual note. </div><br /><div></div><div>Her handouts were 2 tests we can take. One for the husband and one for the wife. John and I took these tests and our guesses as to what the other persons love language is was right. It was a good reminder though.</div><br /><div>The eye opener for me was when I asked Tyra and Ethan the questions to this test. (The words obviously had to be changed and simplified). The outcome was a huge eye opener for me in that after I discovered what their love language was so many things clicked in place. (Oh, so that's why you always do this or ask for that?) </div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>And I especially enjoyed when, after discovering the result, I would ask them so you like it when mommy and daddy do this or that don't you? And both Ty and Ethan genuinely and sincerely looked me in the eyes and said, "yes." and then yearned for some of their love language after we had talked about it.<br /><br />It's made a difference in our home. How so? Because if one of the kids are getting cranky or really acting up I just figure that more than likely they're lacking the kind of love that they can interpret as love. So we clearly and easily know OK this person is needing this type of love. We give it and it works miracles. It's really been a blessing in our lives. And made things even happier and healthier in our home.</div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>It's interesting how we all hunger for love. And interesting also, is that we hunger for it in different ways from others.</div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>Here's a link to <a href="http://www.greaterquest.com/LoveLanguages.asp">one of the quizzes</a>. Like I said, just simplify what it's asking, for the kids. (I always began with - "would you rather...") They'll know which one they like more and the outcome may be surprising!</div><br />And see directions as to how to interpret the outcome <a href="http://purplekangaroopuzzle.blogspot.com/2005/10/five-love-languages-and-two-quizzes.html">here</a>.<br /><br /><em><span style="color:#990000;">Hope this helps to bring a little more love into your lives!<br /></span></em>Claudia Orgillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17227038464893941331noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-896466737629826666.post-82276665510172404692008-09-30T10:07:00.000-07:002008-10-01T08:14:18.487-07:00Good grief!A couple weeks ago the kids and I went to a wedding reception. We ran into someone I've known since I was little. She is a kind, hard working, woman. But, I admit, I'm quite frustrated with how she interacted with my kids (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Tyra</span> mainly). I'm not only frustrated with her but <em>her kind</em>.<br /><br />She naturally asked <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Tyra</span> what grade she's in, which is fine, she was kindly starting up a conversation with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Tyra</span>. Once <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Tyra</span> informed her that she's <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">homeschooled</span> she began to quiz her. Saying things such as, "So are you learning things like 11+21?" and then began to ask her multiple math questions and proceeded to give <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Tyra</span> a math lesson right then and there in the middle of the reception as her husband stood waiting for her at the door.<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Tyra</span>, under pressure, had a hard time even answering the question "What about 4+3?" I know she knew the answer but here she was suddenly undergoing a math test by this woman she doesn't even know-she buckled.<br /><br />So I'm left feeling frustrated. Why is it that people either A) have to prove to themselves whether homeschooling is a good thing (or not) by testing <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">homeschooled</span> kids? or B) Why does one make an assumption as to whether or not someone is smart (or not) by asking them academical questions?<br /><br />I'm convinced that if she would have talked to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Tyra</span> in a human-like way, asking her what she is interested in or (if the woman's need be) ask her what she has been learning, I'm sure she would have been impressed with this little, yet big, individual.<br /><br />Does one, when encountering a stranger/possible friend for the first time, ask them questions such as "Can you factor the polynomial <span style="font-size:130%;">x<span style="font-size:78%;">3</span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">yz</span></span><span style="font-size:85%;">4</span>-<span style="font-size:130%;">x</span><span style="font-size:78%;">2</span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" style="font-size:130%;">yz</span><span style="font-size:78%;">3</span>+2<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">xy</span><span style="font-size:78%;">2</span><span style="font-size:130%;">z</span><span style="font-size:78%;">2</span>?" to determine whether they are an intelligent or capable individual? The answer is obvious.<br /><br />There's so much more to one's character. Who are they <em>really</em>? How do they feel about life? What drives them? What are they interested in? How do they relate to you? How much do they love to learn? How well are they able to connect with you in a humane manner?<br /><br />Whether or not one knows a math problem is frivolousness (unless one is asking to learn).<br /><br />Whether or not one has a good, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">well</span>-defined, clear thinking, mind and character which thrives with an unclouded awareness as to what his own values are is what is vital.<br /><br />Good grief, the last thing these kids need is to feel that academical facts are what makes them worth talking to or, of all things, what makes them an intelligent person.<br /><br />There's so much more to intelligence than math problems or the like!Claudia Orgillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17227038464893941331noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-896466737629826666.post-8073109412224828762008-09-20T17:14:00.001-07:002008-09-20T17:48:46.156-07:00Great FoodsI've been really happy with some meals we've come across which have become part of our regular diet. Why, yes, I'll share...<br /><br /><br /><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfBVfwqUTMxjU5-glXe7Byapcr_Oh0leAsEjtOU1aMjcIRQBtozlFoA3hB89J4mqUeEcr6yM2_hCoR1eVFd-nWVTNiZuw88RzxEeqMfhbByz4lGfqAZnu7_3zeVmex4KdfcjJdmsMLRkM/s1600-h/tomatoes.bmp"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5248261764689279698" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 195px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 123px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" height="163" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfBVfwqUTMxjU5-glXe7Byapcr_Oh0leAsEjtOU1aMjcIRQBtozlFoA3hB89J4mqUeEcr6yM2_hCoR1eVFd-nWVTNiZuw88RzxEeqMfhbByz4lGfqAZnu7_3zeVmex4KdfcjJdmsMLRkM/s320/tomatoes.bmp" width="245" border="0" /></a> First we have tomatoes. Nice and wonderful. Red and round. Not to mention fabulously healthy. What do we do with these luscious "fruits"? We boil them for 30 seconds or so until their skin is peelable. We peel them. Chop them up and freeze them....lots of them. Why, you ask? So we can use them for spaghetti sauce throughout the year.<br /><br />The spaghetti sauce is quite simple and quite tasty. It's been handed down from John's grandma to his mom to her children. The recipe is as follows:<br /><br />About 2-3 cups of tomatoes of the frozen tomatoes (let thaw or sit in hot water to defrost), about 6 tbsp of brown sugar, 1-2tsp of oregano, a large sprinkle of salt, let it warm up (don't boil it or it kills the tomatoes healthy enzymes) and Voila you've got spaghetti sauce! Some spaghetti and some cheddar cheese make it a real spaghetti meal and garlic bread is great with it as well.<br /><br />We love this meal an extra lot because it's quick, easy and its definitely healthier than a box of macaroni and cheese. We've even use it as the sauce we dip our grilled cheese sandwiches in! </p><p><strong>BIG P.S.</strong> Store bought tomatoes DO NOT work. Only the farm fresh tomatoes (or home grown tomatoes) work. Trust me, I've tried it. I buy my tomatoes from the little farmers market stands along the road for $15-16 a box.<br /><br /></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY8L1wTWKZHUC88yLO0eh-e54-lsPKbtAy_GQiWvE-J4i4CNhirLthL11wf_W29kriBRE7VJayfDqm2j0c5xIghZnksZsek_M7TXL1rjbDEStf3RZP_cKSInp9jKJKHoQWb2Gcr8wOS6w/s1600-h/spinachsalad.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5248261766385824610" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 134px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 118px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" height="144" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY8L1wTWKZHUC88yLO0eh-e54-lsPKbtAy_GQiWvE-J4i4CNhirLthL11wf_W29kriBRE7VJayfDqm2j0c5xIghZnksZsek_M7TXL1rjbDEStf3RZP_cKSInp9jKJKHoQWb2Gcr8wOS6w/s320/spinachsalad.jpg" width="158" border="0" /></a> Mmmmmm. My favorite salad. </p><p>It consists of this: Spinach, cut up apples, cranberries, sliced almonds and honey mustard salad dressing (all natural). I love it. I could eat it every day. In fact, we pretty much do.<br /></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPDyEBiEI5GzWii0_0wvku9AWyFXPKq_C-zYrDhqwUsInnrkfJLZks18NnRrLM922vlPjuPy1LNc4BUYqYIU5zwr3gsaUUMZgQJsQTORZo9D_HQ3Lic4u8lTDORaRF8Ux7CiL4amB167Y/s1600-h/concordgrapes.bmp"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5248261766736282002" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 170px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 166px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" height="243" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPDyEBiEI5GzWii0_0wvku9AWyFXPKq_C-zYrDhqwUsInnrkfJLZks18NnRrLM922vlPjuPy1LNc4BUYqYIU5zwr3gsaUUMZgQJsQTORZo9D_HQ3Lic4u8lTDORaRF8Ux7CiL4amB167Y/s320/concordgrapes.bmp" width="219" border="0" /></a> Concord grapes. Pick as many as you want at Thanksgiving Point. What do we do with these? We have made them into juice. How? By picking them (obviously), washing them, chopping them up a little in a blender, simmering them, and straining them with some cheese cloth wrapped over the top of a large bowl or pot, (tightened onto it with a rubber band) and finishing off the straining process by scraping, smashing and adding a little water to the grapes over a seive. </p><p>It's messy, it's very purple but it's SOOO yummy. And, I might add, deliciously healthy.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNqtg88yesT1D7zJiVyzVZY1ZvhfucXvNVDnuoWaiWc2EvfAsuT3TqAvGfkeGATCRO2gS8rCK099ipVcHA4nQP1wawG0bhV5k_Z4gGxEd7EFaYJ-asW93jsd7akgwfp95HBZNiLBUY6Zo/s1600-h/peachesrice.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5248261770804268530" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 162px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 157px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" height="218" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNqtg88yesT1D7zJiVyzVZY1ZvhfucXvNVDnuoWaiWc2EvfAsuT3TqAvGfkeGATCRO2gS8rCK099ipVcHA4nQP1wawG0bhV5k_Z4gGxEd7EFaYJ-asW93jsd7akgwfp95HBZNiLBUY6Zo/s320/peachesrice.jpg" width="187" border="0" /></a>And, last but, of course, not least. Is our Thai dish. Originally it's used with mangoes but we were introduced to this meal using peaches and love it that way. </p><p>All it contains is "sticky rice" (called calrose rice - you can buy it most anywhere in the oriental food section of the grocery store...or just use any rice), cut up peaches, and coconut milk (it's canned and is also found in the oriental food section of the store). It's a dish you don't have to feel guilty about eating throughout the day. You can eat this for breakfast, lunch, even dinner if you add something a little more filling like bread to it, and it's good for snacking between meals. </p><p>The kids come to me complaining quite often about how hungry they are...so I point them to the sticky rice and they love it! </p><p><strong>PS </strong>here as well. Store bought peaches are okay but don't even compare to the farmers market peaches. Once again $15 a box which makes about 15 frozen baggies of cut up peaches.</p><br /><em>Thanks Rosanne for introducing us to this one as well!</em>Claudia Orgillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17227038464893941331noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-896466737629826666.post-25942976231547232402008-09-13T13:42:00.001-07:002008-09-13T14:48:50.165-07:006 Things Which create a Joyful Home<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSOTQcHSueIJNN_UTKBji91ELLL8g5pNOQnlfXQWgCwK_QElsDlQmFxy63JjEv9jAiEEwgrZGOS-NoF4onLQ1_vL1N_Ztchzz6pvJgC0yCbpZ1nPsX6O2H5a4U9wLk7zJKynxkE2piq50/s1600-h/kinkade_-_home_is_where_the_heart_is.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5245626069768128034" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" height="219" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSOTQcHSueIJNN_UTKBji91ELLL8g5pNOQnlfXQWgCwK_QElsDlQmFxy63JjEv9jAiEEwgrZGOS-NoF4onLQ1_vL1N_Ztchzz6pvJgC0yCbpZ1nPsX6O2H5a4U9wLk7zJKynxkE2piq50/s200/kinkade_-_home_is_where_the_heart_is.jpg" width="267" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Aside from the uncommonly craziness of a few days before, our home has been filled with peace and joy. This is the most it has ever been filled with such feelings of unity and understanding. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>There are 6 things I feel are attributing to this and I felt the need to share:</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>1) Saying thank you and please to one another</div><br /><div>2) Complimenting one another</div><br /><div>3) Loving touches, pats, hugs and kisses</div><br /><div>4) Listening to one another, acknowledging feelings</div><br /><div>5) Laughing with one another, laughing at things which normally annoy</div><br /><div>6) Ignoring bad behavior</div><br /><div>(unless it is the kind of a behavior which breaks an already solidified rule - which will result in the loss of a privelige)</div><br /><div></div>Claudia Orgillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17227038464893941331noreply@blogger.com0