Sunshine and summertime...July edition

Ya'll, this is my view as I write this. (On my Galaxy!) He is SOUND asleep.

We are 12 hours home from our "halfway cross country road trip" . What an AMAZING week full of family and farms and life lessons and love to live by.

I'm not going to go into detail now...but stay tuned for the next few days as my notebook is FULL of love and laughter and lessons to share.

God is ALL around us. Never forget that.
{BeBlessed} and have a GREAT day!

And I will give you REST.

I am writing this on my phone!  How cool is that? So cool, in fact, that I'm still in bed. Why? Because I CAN'T get out of it.

Believe me when I say that treatment for Cushings Syndrome/ Adrenal Fatigue has been successful. However, in choosing natural medicine versus traditional treatment- there are some very specific things that are 100% necessary for healing.   Key treatment steps that I have started to slack on....BECAUSE I felt better. And, in order to continue to feel better, these steps that I MUST follow for the long haul. I have gotten off track.

They A-#1 most beneficial practice, for me,  has been my water consumption. It is SO necessary for me to continually flush my system.  My kidneys NEED this. My whole body NEEDS it.
After my diagnosis and beginning of my treatment,  I purchased a 32 oz. Water cup called the "Bubba". On an average day, I will drink 4-5 Bubba's of water. That's 125-150 ounces of water daily!  Hydration makes me feel great! 

Taking our mini-vacay this past weekend knocked me off my water horse, though. (Not for LACK of water...at a water park!)
I didn't bring Bubba with me, and instead finding a replacement. ..I just skipped the water intake all together. HUGE mistake #1.

The treatment practice that I have been slacking on the most, though? 
Rest.
The one thing that my medical doctor and my eastern and natural practitioners all prescribed was REST. To "take a daily nap." "Know when to say no". "Make it a game with the kids." "Allow yourself your time."
Well....2 months ago when I was feeling downright horrible, this step was EASY!. HOWEVER, once I started to feel better, and the weather got nicer and nicer and the boys wanted to be outside all day and the pool was so refreshing and...and... and...
The naps fizzled....and I stopped taking MY time to rest.

We have been busy...I have been busy...

SO...this morning...I woke up...absolutely fatigued. My whole body feels weighted down. My head is aching, (not to mention a killer ear ache), my eyes just. want.to.close.

Wake up call! (Haha..."wake up")   I NEED to take care of ME in order to take care of my family. SO, as hard as it is going to be today...I NEED to rest. ALL day. It sounds so incredibly crazy to me. I have 3 boys under the age of 6. HOW?
Well...time to get creative. ;-)
PRAY
Ask for help
Coloring books
VeggieTales
Rewards...yes. I am willing to bribe them today. ;-)

This is a perfect day to work deeper in my study of "Abiding" with the Lord. (www.naptimediaries.com)

I do believe that this study came into my life at the PERFECT time.
Isn't it great how God works?  He is So great!  I thank Him for all of His greatness- providing what we need- when we need it.

** check out my instagram throughout the day for photos of our "Day of Rest" activities. @daniteeple

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28

{ beBlessed } and have a GREAT day

From the Mountains, to the Prairies. ..

During my lifetime, (a mere 36 years) there have been more than enough international crisis that easily could have developed into World War 3.
In the early 90's, when Operation Desert Shield/Storm began, the Patriotism felt within our country was electric. We, as a nation,  supported our troops in their effort to not only help bring justice to the land effected by the disturbed actions of Saddam Hussein but, in doing that, defending OUR freedoms here at home.
Popular fashion quickly converted to combinations of Red, White and Blue...the Eagle would soar above sporting events and an influx of patriotic music began to flood the airways.
At the time, I was just beginning my performance career and some weeks, I was booked to sing the National Anthem 2-3 times at various events and meetings.
Fast forward 10 years.  The fear of an attack on OUR own soil became reality and, again, it was socially acceptable to be patriotic. We, as a nation prayed together,  asking God to help us stand firm and protect the Land that We Love.

Now, 13 years later -our great Nation (the Free World) is involved in a crisis. It is one that doesn't involve Middle Eastern terrorists, there aren't any weapons involved (well..none that are being used maliciously) and no land or territory is in question.  The conflict we are suffering through, right here on our own soil, is based on the principle of FREEDOM itself and what should be allowed as part of our freedom.
It seems as if the guidelines set forth by our forefathers aren't good enough for our left wing friends of the bipartisan political arena. We hear things like "those rules were created 200 years ago", "things are different now". The knee-jerk legislative reactions to isolated events involving an individual with mental health needs, is disturbing in the least and the illegal maneuvers within our checks and balances system has created such a rift between political parties it seems as if there is no resolution. Whereas our Nation was built with a 2 party model in mind,  this fact is dividing the very land that we call home. Is that what our forefathers intended to symbolize freedom?
Whether you like it or not, our Nation was founded, developed and has thrived as "One Nation Under GOD." Our financial freedom was strengthened "In God We Trust" and we, as Americans,  took an oath of allegiance for ONE Nation, under GOD, INDIVISIBLE with LIBERTY and JUSTICE for ALL.
We are ONE nation. We are not many. We were not created have sub - cultures that celebrate all that the "Mother Country" allows with the bonus prize of American Freedom. Real, Red American blood has already been shed on our soil to escape that! America didn't want to be known as "Little England"...and America doesn't want to be known as an amalgamation of "Little" countries now. We WANT to be AMERICA!
The nations that have created the citizens of this great American fondu pot have brought such unique and amazing people- rich in their own heritage and ethnic traditions.
Some of our early settlers came here through a voyage that they were lucky to even survive. BUT...they came here for the right to live free. Work for personal gain. Worship GOD freely and live a happy life without FEAR of the government or rights being eliminated. This great Nation,  fought for the Freedom of those brought here against their will to fulfill a practice carried over here from the European "Mother Countries". This war, again, fought on our own soil- shedding American blood to fight for "American" freedoms.
And yet...we are fighting a war again. Not to free ourselves from the indoctrination of another country, king or master. We are fighting to KEEP the freedoms that have already been earned. 
What baffles me though..."WE" are not fighting. "WE" are going about our days...occasionally bickering with a political opponent. But, "WE the PEOPLE" are NOT fighting for our country. Our rights. Our land. Our money. Our LEGACY.
Where is the patriotism?
Where are the flag t-shirts?
Where are the patriotic songs?

Instead- an overt display of patriotism- gone -viral earns a mother of 3, backlash so severe as a death wish for her baby?
Really, America?
Land of the free, Home of the brave?
Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness?
We the People of the UNITED States, in order to form a more perfect union...?

Aren't you proud to live here?

Where is your allegiance?

SHOW it.  We have no problem wearing our colors during sporting events...how about EVERY. SINGLE. DAY?

I challenge you.  Be a Patriot!  Show your PRIDE and DEVOTION to your country!

FLY your flag!
SING our Nation's songs!
SPEAK well of your country!
SUPPORT YOUR TROOPS (they are YOURS! Thanks to America)
Get INVOLVED in your government,  not just when it's socially acceptable.  But  ALL the time.

Patriots tend to keep quiet because they are striving to live their INDEPENDENT,  PRIVATE lives- granted to us by our constitution. Where as the "change-seekers" are more vocal due to their younger age and access and knowledge of modern technology and social media.

Let's be VOCAL Americans! Let's SHOW our Patriotism and love for OUR country.

I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands ONE nation, under GOD, INDIVISIBLE with LIBERTY and JUSTICE for ALL!

Lord, protect our Nation as we continue to strive and live in the way YOU see fit.
Amen.

The cheese stands alone...

Hey all!

I have MISSED writing! Wow.  Who would have thought that a break of a few weeks would impact the “normalcy” of a person’s psyche as much as it did?

I think that the “retrograde”…

{which is what I nicknamed it every time the Farmer and I had an argument. ;-)}

 has left us and energy is again aligned, so I will return to my site with my JULY FAVORITE THINGS!

 

1.       America

2.       Jesus

3.       My boys ;-)

4.       The Farmer

5.       The Lego Movie       

6.       Amazon Prime Music { Galaxy users…THIS feature is RIDICULOUS! Say goodbye to your iTunes}

7.       Headbands and turbans from SheDoesJustice.com

8.       My new journaling Bible

.

9.       SheReadsJustice.com {great online studies and BEAUTIFUL study packs that come with bonus pretties}

10.   Mandisa!!! – Who doesn’t want to wake up and DANCE to “Goodmorning!” ?

11.   Gel Nail Polish

12.   Gel Nail Polish that I can do at home with my OWN UV lamp.

13.   SUNSHINE

14.   Mercy

15.   Young Living Essential Oils. ALWAYS. FOREVER. THE BEST. {www.youngliving.com distributer 1401485}

16.   Summer Rain

17.   Sodus Bay

18.   My parents

19.   Washi tape

20.   Summer learning

21.   The Mid-West and my family that lives there!

22.   MyDisneyExperience.com

23.   Carol Tuttle and Dressing Your Truth {dressingyourtruth.com}

the turband AND the sunnies

24.   WHITE D&G sunglasses. {simply deLICIOUS}

25.   The Stars and Stripes

26.   Short hair {it may be a BIT too short at the moment…but MAN is it easy in the summer}

27.   ColorME temporary hair color.

28.   Zulily {my very 1^st experience with this amazeball company has now turned in to 4 experiences.}

29.   SimpleAddiction.com   {CHEAP but QUALITY  accessories}

30.   New Planner year starts in July! {I use The Well Planned Day planner from HEDUA.com for schooling. I am going to explore a NEW style of daily planner this year!- I just haven’t chosen one yet.}

31.   My ANNIVERSARY!

32.   Starbucks French Roast Coffee

33.   Pretty mugs to drink said coffee

34.   Mr. Sketch scented markers

35.   New York State Parks

36.   Lake Ontario

37.   Summer Breeze

38.   Fresh Produce

39.   Natalie Grant's new album

40.   My POOL

41.   Knowing that I have taught my 2 older children to swim enough that we can enjoy the pool all day with just my supervision.

42.   Th1nk lifechange bible studies. A great way to spend in daily study

43.   Vacation Bible School! (I LOVE me some VBS)

44.   Baby turtles hatching

45.   Fishing

46.   Disney Snow White inspired engagement ring. WHERE was THIS when we got ENGAGED???

47.   Knowing that I will be spending Christmas at the Magic Kingdom helps me sleep at night. ;-)

48.   The Disney Company for continuing to bless my family with special things.

49.   My husband…have I mentioned him yet?Goodness, I love that man.

5and for the BIG CHEESE:     V-A-C-A-T-I-O-N

{{beBlessed and have a GREAT weekend!}

When the Moon is in the 7th house, and Jupiter aligns with Mars...

Ok...now that I have myself singing through the soundtrack of HAIR...

Anyway.
I haven't posted in a little over a week. There IS a reason for that, and some of you may call me crazy, but I bet if you looked into it a bit and evaluated your own feeling lately, you may just see my point.
With my diagnosis of Cushings...and all of the crud that comes along with it...being foggy brained, lethargic, all around miserable, is the norm. I am striving to drink my water, take my supplements and do my best to feel well.
HOWEVER, this funky thing called the Mercury Retrograde, is sabotaging my treatment!
Not only can the misalignment of the planets mess with our bodies...it most DEFINITELY messes with our minds.

 "Mercury does rule the mind, mental clarity, talking, self-expression and overall communication. During the Retrograde period, a person's intellectual, communication and mental processes are less acute. They become careless, mistake-prone and forgetful." writes Larry Schwimmer.

He goes on to list other "no-nos" until the stars begin to align again.
I am going to copy them here and pray that all of you get through this planetary shift well. Don't make any promises or life changing decisions.  PRAY PRAY PRAY and I will see you on the flip-side.

1. Don't Make Agreements. It's a horrible time for negotiating contracts or making decisions. Avoid entering into any agreements or signing any legal documents. Whatever you put into writing may require serious revision when Mercury goes direct. There is something in the details that you may miss. And, there may be something you don't know that you will only know when Mercury goes direct. I had a friend who got married during the Mercury retrograde; three weeks later, her new husband decided to tell her about the two children he had out of wedlock.

2. Don't Accept or Start a Job. If you do, you may regret it. I had one client disregard that advice. She accepted a new job and by the time she started the month after, when Mercury went direct, the company had changed her job so much that it no longer resembled the one that she had accepted. Her reporting relationship had also totally shifted from the great guy she was going to work for to the loudmouth, chauvinistic boss from hell! During Mercury retrograde, things are not what they seem to be.

3. Don't Try to Close the Sale. Closing a deal is often based on taking advantage of great timing. Unfortunately, you're timing couldn't be worse when Mercury is retrograde. If you're "selling" your ideas or your company's products, avoid trying to "close the sale" during Mercury retrograde because you may be "stalled" with excuses and delays. Or, somehow your customer will misunderstand your presentation. If you get the order, the customer may cancel it or change his mind.

4. Don't Initiate New Projects. Avoid launching new projects or making that "big presentation." People may either not understand it or oppose it. You may find out later that you left out a vitally important detail that you didn't think of. If your project is adopted, it may either fail or have to be totally restructured at a later date to succeed.

5. Scheduling Meetings. Avoid (or minimize) scheduling meetings and events during Mercury retrograde, because you're more likely to experience confusion, mistakes and cancellations. I once had a client whose business was "offering public seminars." He had a ridiculously high number of cancellations and "no shows" for his seminars during the four times a year of Mercury retrograde. I told him to stop booking his seminars during those dates. That advice solved his problem.

6. Avoid Traveling A Lot. If you can't put certain trips on hold, just be aware that you can expect an unusual amount of last-minute flight cancellations, meeting postponements and long transportation delays. Allow extra time when traveling; make sure your bags are very secure. Take extra precautions, because during this time they may be more likely to be lost or stolen. Re-confirm your reservations, appointments and addresses for your meetings, as delays and cancellations can be expected.

7. Don't Purchase Computers or Begin Installations. This is when you'll discover that you bought the "computer from hell." You'll regret not buying the three-year warranty the salesperson suggested. And, when you install your new software, expect glitches. Hard drives fail, so make sure to back them up ahead of time.

8. Don't Repair Your Auto unless you absolutely have to. Repairs on the equipment in your car should be delayed. If you have to repair it, make sure to triple-check the work that was done. Understand that you may find out when Mercury goes direct that the repair wasn't properly done and will have to be done again.

9. Don't Buy Things. That is - unless you enjoy making purchases that you'll later regret because you discover that something was wrong with the purchase. I once bought an expensive suit during the retrograde, only to find that two weeks later (when Mercury went direct), the same suit was on sale at 40% off. In fact, it's a bad time to buy anything because you may eventually find out that it was "too big or too small," or it just didn't fit right and you'll need to return it. If you buy a gift for someone, be prepared for reactions like, "Thanks, but green is my worst color!" or "I already have one just like that."

10. Don't Select a Roommate or Move in With One. I have a very good friend who invariably finds himself looking for a roommate during the retrograde. Recently, he chose a person he was sure was the perfect roommate. Their credit checked out. They seemed nice enough and said all the right things at their "lets get to know each other" meeting. But once Mercury went direct, he found out that instead of being a "neat-nik," his new roommate was a slob, loved to play music loudly, and watched TV into the wee hours of the morning because of he was an insomniac.

{beBlessed} and (try to) Have a GREAT day!

Who is a farmer?

 Before the “local food movement” began, not many people could answer the question; “Where did your dinner come from?”  Fortunately, the desire to become a healthier nation, and in turn, utilize the local growing population- most of us can, indeed, pinpoint where their food comes from.

Upon entering the grocery store, the produce aisle is laden with colorful signs highlighting the local farms that have provided the glorious fruits and vegetables that we fill our carts with. The meat aisle features locally raised cattle, pig and poultry. It’s wonderful to be able to make the decision to purchase our food that didn’t have to travel very far to end up in our refrigerator. It’s even better when we can find these items at markets and roadside stands.

Still, the question remains, though. WHO are these people we call “farmers”? The answer is simple. A farmer is a man you pull up next to at a stop light. A farmer is the woman, with her children in line at the grocery store. A farmer is the man, with his family, who sits in front of you at church. A farmer is educated. A farmer is highly qualified.  A farmer puts YOUR need for healthy food consumption ahead of HIS own sleep, HIS own family time, HIS own hobbies. A farmer looks just like you, but deep down inside, he has a spark that continually ignites a passion to work the land, cultivate the gifts that God has given, and provide the best quality product he can.

THIS is who a farmer is.

The mission of the American Farm Bureau is “To Serve and Strengthen Agriculture”.  Farm Bureau is a non-governmental, volunteer organization financed and controlled by member families for the purpose of solving economic and public policy issues challenging the agricultural industry.

Throughout the country, each state and county chapter of American Farm Bureau consists of a volunteer board of directors. These men and women, strive to provide the best possible representation to their area farmers. When a need arises within the local agricultural community, Farm Bureau is available to assist it’s member farms in any way possible.

American  Farm Bureau protects family farming and the preservation of open space. It coordinates farmer donations to food pantries across the country.  Your local Farm Bureau ensures that the voices of farmers are heard by the local government agencies, by the state law makers in Albany and by our National leaders in Washington D.C..

American Farm Bureau supports ag-education within the schools and our communities; helping to better support the agricultural leaders of our future. But, most of all, Farm Bureau maintains and supports your LOCAL agricultural industry and jobs.

Farm Bureau supports EVERY FARMER.

How can YOU help bring YOUR food to YOUR table?

Join us! Whether you are a far

mer and become a full member, or an agricultural supporter and become an associate member, YOU are helping us grow and raise the best possible food for your family.

If you would like more information, or would like to know how you can get involved in a local chapter of Farm Bureau where you live, I would LOVE to help you.

Wild Geese that Fly with the Moon on their Wings...

It's June 1st -and that means FAVORITE THINGS TIME! I really could have kept going and going and going...but here are my top 50. Excuse the crazy numbering.  I have NO idea why they are doing this. ENJOY!

June Favorite things!

1    1.  Sushi

2.       Sunshine

3.       Bright colors

4.       Lamentations 3: 22-23

5.       Dick and Jane books

6.       Colorful pens

7.       Green grass

8.       New growth

9.       Sleep

10.   Acupuncture

11.   Disney Princesses

12.   Walt Disney World

13.   Lazy rivers

14.   Peepers

15.   Warm days

16.   Cools nights

17.   Young Living Essential Oils

18.   Painting

19.   Fun notebooks

20.   Filofax

21.   My pool

22.   Listening to my kids read

23.   Naps

24.   Home school

25.   Washi taple

26.   My pool

27.   Chinese herbs

28.   Prayer

29.   Contact paper

30.   Sharpies

31.   Little baby apples

32.   Crocs

33.   Baby giggles

34.   Sand boxes

35.   Road trips

36.   My dog

37.   My cat

38.   My pool….do we see a trend?

39.   Free things

40.   Etsy

41.   The Thrive Mom’s Community

42.   Insta

43.   Butterflies

44.   Flip Flops

45.   Sleeping with the windows open

46.   My 90 year old Aunt and all of her awesomeness

47.   My nieces and how happy they make my boys

48.   John Frieda no Frizz hair products…this stuff is NO JOKE

49.   My pool

50.   Sunsets over the bay

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{{beBlessed} and have a GREAT day!

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