I’m thankful to family and relatives who help me with all my computer ventures. They set up the computer for me, one in particular help me set up my blog, and if I have any problems then there’s always one of them to fix it for me. Yesterday, my husband helped me position all the cords better. That was great! I don’t know the difference between CAT5e cables and other cords or what needs to be plugged in where.  So I’m very thankful for all the help I get!  I’m learning as I go, so as time goes on I plan to learn more and more.  But in the meantime…I want to say thank you to all of you who have helped me!

I combine the following to make a delicious & healthy peanut butter sandwich:

• Toasted Cinnamon Raisin Ezekiel Bread* (found in the frozen section at Central Market or at health food stores)
• Reduced Fat Jiff Peanut Butter
  
• Cinnamon to sprinkle over the peanut butter
• Sliced banana – optional (for those who like peanut butter with banana)

(*Ezekiel Bread is organic, sprouted 100% whole grain bread, all natural, no preservatives, low glycemic, makes a complete protein…and is great tasting bread, especially toasted!)

I think beautiful glassware adds such a special touch to a special dinner. We are not formal at our house, however, and most of the time I’m in a hurry and set the table real fast. Once in a while, though, I might take a little more time and set the table a little nicer. But on special occasions such as holidays and birthdays, I always like to set a formal table so I get out the china and stemware. There’s something about adding stemware to the table setting that adds that special touch. Riedel carries some beautiful glasses which I think would be pretty to serve iced tea, a year round beverage in the south.  They carry a selection of beautiful glassware and crystal, and are backed by 250 years of glassmaking excellence.

Oh, what women have to go through with their hormones! First, it starts at an early age around twelve or so when many experience cramps and that “yuchy” feeling once a month. That goes on for a while until they reach their thirties when many start experiencing the symptoms of premenopause which include PMS, weight gain, infertility, fibroids, endometriosis, etc. This goes on until perimenopause when symptoms such as greater weight gain, irregular periods, heavy bleeding, hot flashes, night sweats, insomnia, mood swings, thinning skin, fatigue, memory loss, etc., begin to occur.

I wish I had known in my thirties and especially my forties what I do now. So many things affect our hormones such as diet, lack of exercise, stress, hormones in our toiletries and in the beef we eat, toxins, etc. These things affect our hormones to the extent that our hormones get out of balance and start causing the above mentioned symptoms. I am now using natural hormone supplements prescribed by my doctor. Let me stress the word…natural. They are not synthetic. They are compounded by the pharmacist, made especially for me, and are definitely making a huge difference in the above mentioned symptoms.

If you’d like to read more, then I recommend reading this chapter called“Hormone Balance Made Simple” by Dr. John R. Lee, who was “an international authority and pioneer in the use of natural progesterone cream and natural hormone balance.”

After watching a video about the safety of fluoride in our water by Dr. Bill Osmunson, I decided to sign the petition for Congress to have hearings about fluoridation.  It’s especially dangerous for babies.  (I’m glad Baby J’s bottles are made with bottled spring water.)  According to the CDC, one third of children are showing signs of too much fluoride on their teeth.  And if you look on toothpaste tubes, if someone swallows toothpaste, they are to call the Poison Control Center because the fluroide is not safe.   There is as much fluoride in a pea size measure of toothpaste as there is in an 8 ounce glass of tap water.  That doesn’t sound good to me.  Dr. Osmunson urges everyone to check out both sides of the issue for themselves and sign the petition for hearings on fluoride safety.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=_Ys9q1cvKGk

Here are a few good ideas for fighting a cold:

• Get plenty of vitamin C which acts like an antihistamine and helps a runny nose and congestion. Eat 2 cups or more of fresh fruits like oranges and strawberries.
• Eat plenty of lean protein, especially chicken. Lean meats contain zinc which helps strengthen the immune system.
• Get plenty of beta-carotene which is an antioxidant and is found in vegetables such as sweet potatoes, carrots, and pumpkin.
  
• Eat lots of brightly colored fruits and vegetables such as green salad, red peppers, and blueberries.
• Saute garlic and onions which contain sulphur and add to food to help the immune system fight off infection.
  
• Eat non-fat yogurt which contains healthy bacteria to fight harmful germs in the intestines.
• Snack on nuts which contain needed nutrients.

(And be sure to wash hands often with soap, don’t share towels if sick, and disinfect doorknobs, phones, and other shared items.)

Tomorrow is moving day for our daughter and son-in-law, and we’re going to help them move. They are buying their first house, a cute, older house with three bedrooms, two baths, and a two car garage…the typical, average house. Only it’s not going to be just a house, because it will be a home filled with love from the moment they move in it. It’s a home they are thankful for because they prayed about making the right decision in their move. So on their first night in their new home, they will be all cozy with their new baby (well, he’s six months old so that’s still kinda new), their dog, and their two cats. And I am very thankful for how blessed they are!