Megan's Baby Shower!

Saturday the 5 of us (Me, Kenny, Murray, Laura and Russell) drove to Spring so we girls could go to Megan's baby shower. We had so much fun - and got to see their new house for the first time. Megan is so beautiful - an has just a few weeks left before Logan gets here. They got a lot of great gifts - and we got to see some family we haven't seen in a while - the beautiful Laird girls (and Aaron and Avery too) !

Avery was the only boy allowed at the shower - he is very mushy cuddly and looks just like his Daddy - Aaron.
Bethany's beautiful Elaina kept Laura and the rest of us laughing as she demonstrated all the fun things she was learning to do with her tongue!

Mimi and Nana showed of a couple Logan's new t-shirts!

Me, Mom, Megan, Betty and Laura.

Murray got in on a little of the fun - this is what happens when you get in the middle of gift organization time!

Please Pray for our Troops.

I know we hear this phrase a lot - but I got a reminder this past week not to let it become so commonplace that it just becomes something we say. ( I hope that sentence makes sense!)

This past Wednesday my cousin's brother-in-law, Tim Cunningham, was killed while serving in Iraq. He was an Army Ranger who had married just a couple of years ago and has a 13 month old daughter. His brother (my cousin's husband) who is also an Army Ranger, escorted his brother back to the United States over the weekend and they will have the funeral this Thursday.

I know many of you do not know them (some of you do), but if you feel comfortable doing so please say a prayer that God will shower this family with His presence this week and in the months to come.

Okay, since tomorrow is earth day, thought this week I would write about what we can do to protect the beautiful world that God has entrusted to us. I have just recently jumped on the "Green" bandwagon - and truthfully, most of the changes don't require that much extra work, and some are kind of fun! For example, I used my sewing machine to make a bunch of cloth napkins, and now we use those instead of paper towels or napkins - and every meal feels a little fancier! Here are some other ideas I pulled from the web site www.earth911.org.

Green Shopping Tips
A family of four can save thousands of dollars a year simply by buying products in the largest size they can use and by buying long lasting reusable items. Think about the effect of your purchases on the environment when you shop. Items with excess packaging and products that need to be discarded after only a few uses cost more money, use up valuable resources and create more waste.

Buy Products in the Largest Size You Can Use; Avoid Excess Packaging
A family of four can save $2,000 a year in the supermarket by choosing large sizes instead of individual serving sizes. Remember, 10 cents of every shopping dollar is used to pay for packaging. Small sizes use more packaging for each ounce of product than larger sizes. So, if you buy large sizes, you save money, reduce waste, and help the environment. That is a really good buy. Here are a few good examples; look for others the next time you shop.

+Buy cereal in a large box instead of in individual serving sizes.
+Buy juice in concentrates and use reuseable containers instead of single serving packages.
+Save money by buying bottled water in a large plastic jug instead of six packs of 16 ounce bottles.
+Buy large packages of sugar and flour.
+Avoid the small boxes of raisins and buy the same amount in the 24 ounce box.
+Buy Products in Containers That You Know You Will Be Able to Recycle

Buy Reusable and Long Lasting Items
Products that can be reused are cheaper in the long run than those you throw away and buy over and over again. Goods that are designed to last a long time are also cheaper in the long run than those that wear out quickly. A family can save $1,000 each year buy buying reusable and long lasting products.

+Use rechargeable batteries in toys, flashlights and radios. You can save $200 a year by using rechargeable batteries instead of disposables in one CD player used two hours a day.

+Use cloth diapers instead of disposable diapers. You’ll save $600 per child by using a laundry diaper service instead of disposable diapers.

+Use a real camera instead of disposable ones. If you take 24 pictures each month you will save $144 each year.
+Use washable plates, cups, and silverware for parties and picnics instead of disposable products.
+Use an electric razor or hand razor with replaceable blades instead of disposable razors.
+Buy high quality/long life tires. They cost less per mile traveled and reduce the problem of disposing of used tires.
+Use a washable commuter mug for your morning coffee and eliminate a Styrofoam or plastic cup every day.
+Bring bags to the market, either cloth ones or your old paper and plastic ones. Many markets will credit your bill for using your own bags. When buying only a few items, don’t take a bag.
+Clean and service your appliances, computers, tools, and cars so that they will enjoy even longer lives. And, before you replace them, check to see if they are repairable. Consider sharing equipment that is used infrequently such as hedge clippers, pruners, fruit pickers, or chain saws.
Happy Green Shopping!!!

Most of us lead a very comfortable, sheltered life compared to the rest of the world. That is why Kenny and I sponsor a 6 year old girl from Malawi named Pilirani. Take a moment and pray to see if God is leading you to do the same. We choose to give through World Vision, though there are other organizations that also do an amazing job (ex: Compassion International). Feel free to ask us if you want to know more. The link to sign up is http://www.worldvision.org/. Here is a picture of beautiful Pilirani!

I found what I think is a good article on shopping organic - and what it really means...

Organic foods: Are they safer? More nutritious?
Find out what factors might influence your decision to buy or bypass organic foods.
From MayoClinic.com

Several differences between organic and nonorganic foods exist. Become a better informed consumer for your next trip to the supermarket.

Conventional vs. organic farming

The word "organic" refers to the way farmers grow and process agricultural products, such as fruits, vegetables, grains, dairy products and meat. Organic farming practices are designed to encourage soil and water conservation and reduce pollution. Farmers who grow organic produce and meat don't use conventional methods to fertilize, control weeds or prevent livestock disease. For example, rather than using chemical weedkillers, organic farmers conduct sophisticated crop rotations and spread mulch or manure to keep weeds at bay.

Here are other differences between conventional farming and organic farming:

Conventional Farmers
Apply chemical fertilizers to promote plant growth.

Spray insecticides to reduce pests and disease.
Use chemical herbicides to manage weeds.

Give animals antibiotics, growth hormones and medications to prevent disease and spur growth.

Organic Farmers

Apply natural fertilizers, such as manure or compost, to feed soil and plants.
Use beneficial insects and birds, mating disruption or traps to reduce pests and disease.
Rotate crops, till, hand weed or mulch to manage weeds.
Give animals organic feed and allow them access to the outdoors. Use preventive measures — such as rotational grazing, a balanced diet and clean housing — to help minimize disease.

Organic or not? Check the label

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has established an organic certification program that requires all organic foods to meet strict government standards. These standards regulate how such foods are grown, handled and processed. Any farmer or food manufacturer who labels and sells a product as organic must be USDA certified as meeting these standards. Only producers who sell less than $5,000 a year in organic foods are exempt from this certification.


Products certified 95 percent or more organic display this USDA sticker.

If a food bears a USDA Organic label, it means it's produced and processed according to the USDA standards and that at least 95 percent of the food's ingredients are organically produced. The seal is voluntary, but many organic producers use it.

Products that are completely organic — such as fruits, vegetables, eggs or other single-ingredient foods — are labeled 100 percent organic and can carry a small USDA seal. Foods that have more than one ingredient, such as breakfast cereal, can use the USDA organic seal or the following wording on their package labels, depending on the number of organic ingredients:

100 percent organic: Products that are completely organic or made of all organic ingredients.
Organic: Products that are at least 95 percent organic.

Made with organic ingredients: These are products that contain at least 70 percent organic ingredients. The organic seal can't be used on these packages.
Foods containing less than 70 percent organic ingredients can't use the organic seal or the word "organic" on their product label. They can include the organic items in their ingredient list, however.

You may see other terms on food labels, such as "all-natural," "free-range" or "hormone-free." These descriptions may be important to you, but don't confuse them with the term "organic." Only those foods that are grown and processed according to USDA organic standards can be labeled organic.

Organic food: Buy or bypass?

Many factors may influence your decision to buy — or not buy — organic food. Consider these factors:

Nutrition. No conclusive evidence shows that organic food is more nutritious than is conventionally grown food. And the USDA — even though it certifies organic food — doesn't claim that these products are safer or more nutritious.

Quality and appearance. Organic foods meet the same quality and safety standards as conventional foods. The difference lies in how the food is produced, processed and handled. You may find that organic fruits and vegetables spoil faster because they aren't treated with waxes or preservatives. Also, expect less-than-perfect appearances in some organic produce — odd shapes, varying colors and perhaps smaller sizes. In most cases, however, organic foods look identical to their conventional counterparts.

Pesticides. Conventional growers use pesticides to protect their crops from molds, insects and diseases. When farmers spray pesticides, this can leave residue on produce. Some people buy organic food to limit their exposure to these residues. Most experts agree, however, that the amount of pesticides found on fruits and vegetables poses a very small health risk.
Environment. Some people buy organic food for environmental reasons. Organic farming practices are designed to benefit the environment by reducing pollution and conserving water and soil.

Cost. Most organic food costs more than conventional food products. Higher prices are due to more expensive farming practices, tighter government regulations and lower crop yields. Because organic farmers don't use herbicides or pesticides, many management tools that control weeds and pests are labor intensive. For example, organic growers may hand weed vegetables to control weeds, and you may end up paying more for these vegetables.

Taste. Some people say they can taste the difference between organic and nonorganic food. Others say they find no difference. Taste is a subjective and personal consideration, so decide for yourself. But whether you buy organic or not, finding the freshest foods available may have the biggest impact on taste.

Buying tips
Whether you're already a fan of organic foods or you just want to shop wisely and handle your food safely, consider these tips:

Buy fruits and vegetables in season to ensure the highest quality. Also, try to buy your produce the day it's delivered to market to ensure that you're buying the freshest food possible. Ask your grocer what day new produce arrives.

Read food labels carefully. Just because a product says it's organic or contains organic ingredients doesn't necessarily mean it's a healthier alternative. Some organic products may still be high in sugar, salt, fat or calories.

Don't confuse natural foods with organic foods. Only those products with the "USDA Organic" label have met USDA standards.

Wash all fresh fruits and vegetables thoroughly with running water to reduce the amount of dirt and bacteria. If appropriate, use a small scrub brush — for example, before eating apples, potatoes, cucumbers or other produce in which you eat the outer skin.

If you're concerned about pesticides, peel your fruits and vegetables and trim outer leaves of leafy vegetables in addition to washing them thoroughly. Keep in mind that peeling your fruits and vegetables may also reduce the amount of nutrients and fiber. Some pesticide residue also collects in fat, so remove fat from meat and the skin from poultry and fish.

Okay, so I'm finally posting a pic of Murray. Here is a random pic Kenny took of him in our living room.



And here is what he looks like when he thinks you are giving him something stinky.

We have a new little mascot at the United Way office - actually 3 of them, but I could only get a good picture of this one. He is very small, and apparently mischievous, since opossums are supposed to sleep during the day. I think they are living under our back steps. We call him Fred.

My beautiful nephew! Here is the latest picture - I love that he looks like he's smiling and he has my brother's mouth...He is so incredible.

Kenny here - I obtained my shortwave radio license about ten years ago and have met some very interesting people on the radio waves. I thought I would take this hobby and put it to use in my community. I took some courses in meteorology and then started to use these skills along with my licensce to become a part of skywarn. This association is linked with the national weather service in which I report to during severe weather warning emergency officials to activate city warning alarms. This is a photo I took in Lewisville,TX. Intense wall cloud trying to form a tornado. This photo was shot at about 2-3 miles away from cloud formation. I actually was able to capture this phenomonon, but my truck did receive dime to quarter size hail dents trying to get southeast of the storm to capture the perferct photo. I measured winds up to 58 miles per hour. Storm dynamics are unbelievable, I got hooked on the science behind the storm. This photo was taken at the end of march 2008, only the beginning of north texas severe weather season.

Okay, so I just recently noticed the section of the menu at Starbucks that features drinks all under 200 calories - even venti size! My new Starbucks fave is the Coffee Frappachino Light. Yum. I am however, having to ration my visits due to my lack of a Starbucks budget.