Point and Click Camera Review

If you are looking to buy a new point and click camera, I have a great recommendation.  After having to put up with my Nikon cool pics for two years, this is such a breath of fresh air! Not that I spilled water on it on purpose, or that I let beach sand ruin the shutter, or let it get beat up by kids and spilled on by leaky sippy cups, but I am so glad to see that thing go!

Aside from being a very affordable camera (with a $40 coupon from Costco to boot) the Canon SD940 Power Shot is so user friendly.  I literally took it out of the box, charged the battery, and started using it without looking at a single direction in the user's manual- and it took great pics.  I love that I can just click a picture and not have to hold down the button for 10 seconds while it thinks about taking a picture (like my Nikon cool pics did).   It also has so many other short cuts that my other camera didn't.  It's small size is another plus. I was surprised to take it out of the box and discover it was even smaller than my old camera.  The only draw back was that it didn't come with a carrying case, but I saved the one that came with my old camera, so I didn't mind.

I am so glad I went with Canon this time!  Not that I am going to pass up my Dad's old Nikon d50 SRL when he's ready to sell it, but as far as compact camera goes, this one's a sure bet. 

Boycott Home Depot

Just in case you weren't aware of what Home Depot has become, here's some info. We have been boycotting Home Depot since we first became aware, earlier this summer, of how they enjoy scandalizing children with their lewd gay pride parades and how they have taken the motto "Homo Depot" to heart. Thankfully we have two other hardware stores- Lowes and True Value close by that we can go to instead of Home Depot.  Just to clarify-- my position on this is the same as the Catholic Churchs' - we love the sinner, but hate the sin. The sin being the homosexual behavior.  Having gay tendencies is not a sin- acting out in them is a sin.  Just like having selfish tendencies is not a sin; acting out in selfishness, is a sin.  Allowing our children to become numb to homosexual behaviors is just as bad in my book.  I believe in preserving children's innocence.  Allowing children to see such distorted behavior teaches them that this is ok- whether or not we say so or not.  Boycotting Home Depot may seem like an insignificant act, but any little thing we can do helps.   

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The Home Depot: See it in their own words September 27, 2010 The Home Depot's own website shows it embraces the spread of homosexuality, including gay marriage. On its website, The Home Depot states it "is honored to say we support the following diversity-oriented organizations:" It goes on to list at least three groups which radically support the homosexual marriage agenda in America - The Human Rights Campaign, Out and Equal Workplace Advocates and Diversity Best Practices. That's not all! The Home Depot sanctions its very own homosexual employee group, which receives financial backing by the company, The Home Depot Pride (Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender) employee group. The Home Depot marches in numerous gay pride parades and sets up Kids Workshops at gay pride festival events each year (more photos and list of events are available at www.boycottthehomedepot.com). And there is more... The Home Depot responded to an annual survey by the Human Rights Campaign. Here's what the company offers: - Full health insurance benefits to homosexual employees and "partners." The Home Depot recognizes two homosexual men who sleep together as "married." - Insurance for complete sex-change operations. - Requires some employees to attend diversity (homosexual acceptance) training. TAKE ACTION 1. If you have not done so, sign the Boycott Pledge at BoycottTheHomeDepot.com. 2. Call your local store manager. Let the manager know that you will not be shopping at The Home Depot until the company stops supporting the homosexual agenda. You can find the number here. (click "Store Finder"). 3. Print the paper petition and distribute it at Sunday School and church. Sign the Boycott Pledge Now! It is very important that you forward this alert to your friends and family members. Sincerely, Tim Wildmon, President American Family Association Help us Financially Donate Online to AFA One-Time Monthly Text the letters "AFA" to 20222 to give $10 Standard messaging rates may apply. 2011 Holy Land Tour with Tim Wildmon Join Tim and walk where Jesus walked. Tour dates are March 11-19. Direct from Atlanta. twholyland.com

Happy Birthday, Liam!

My first-born turned four today and what a momentous birthday it is.  In the past couple months we've seen him turn into a school-ready boy, alive with a eagerness to learn about other things than trains!  For two years, he lived, breathed and thought about trains morning, noon and night.  Even though he still likes trains a lot, he's realized that there is more to life. He's learning new things - like the alphabet, about God, French and numbers- even learning to write- something he really doesn't like, but tries hard anyway.  He's matured so much that he is no longer a toddler- he's officially a preschooler.  I never thought I'd be able to say that when he was born- it seemed like such a far off thing.  I am so proud of the boy he's becoming and I love him so much. Happy Birthday, Liam!!

E is for Eucharist and Elevation

Something you won't learn in a public school...

"E" is for Eucharist, Elevation and Egg!

While Eucharist doesn't make the short E sound, elevation does. It was in our Letter Practice workbook from Catholic Heritage Curriculum.  I explained what elevation means in reference to the Mass and then on Sunday I was able to point it out to Liam. Hopefully it makes Mass a little more meaningful to him.  I do love using a Catholic home school curriculum. There are so many opportunities for mini religion lessons.

Chalk Art in Downtown

Don't you love artists who take the time to spend a leisurely afternoon "painting" the streets with cool art?   I do. Especially when it's on a beautiful Sunday afternoon with my family in downtown Fredericksburg. Here are some pics of another fun time across the river.

A young artist working on his mermaid

The chalk drawing next to this one is very neat too.  Unfortunately the rain washed away most of the chalk art this morning.

The Fredericksburg Train Bridge

The rain made these appear very faded, but you can still see the wonderful talent out little city has.

This artist let a bunch of kids help her draw leaves and such.

The kids wishing their one of their favorite shops with the moving trains was still open. 

Some Quick Takes

Here are some updates on the Clay Rosary Girl

1. Homeschooling (four days of it so far) is going better and better every day.  I'm getting into a groove,  Liam and Analee are learning to follow the schedule, everyone is happy! We've zoomed through a letter a day, but those were letters I had already taught him awhile ago, so now I guess I'll have to slow down do a letter every other day or so. I would eventually like to get my day into a "rule" like Holly Pierlot suggested in her book, A Mother's Rule of Life, but for now it's a lose schedule which will be turned upside down when the baby comes, I'm sure. BTW, In confession last week, my priest suggested I read this book...kind of funny... and maybe about time I implement my rule...

2. The baby is doing well and I am drinking more fluids and trying to keep my feet up as much as possible. I think I found out why the amniotic fluid took a nose dive.  I was using a new glue that had xylene in it for some of my new jewelry pieces. I never thought it would be so harmful, but apparently it is pretty toxic and I should have used it outside or in a very ventilated room.  I'm praying that the baby is alright and I can carry him to full term.

3. My "nesting" before the baby comes is including organizing all the annoying drawers, corners, or shelves in my house that have become cluttered. I am going through them one by one and making them organized and clutter free so that my life will be simpler (according to Holly Pierlot, again).   So far, my pots and pan shelves are making me happier and my Tupperware shelves are looking good.  Now, I'm onto the 10 other trouble spots... I'm working my way toward household bliss.

4.  Home school Coop (on Wednesdays) is turning out to be one of the best days of our week. I get to chat with other moms while Analee plays with kids her age, and Liam is another room learning school and social skills.  I love it. One of the reason I like Virginia so much is the huge home school community. When I tell people I home school, instead of getting a weird face from them, they say, "oh that is becoming so popular now! Good for you!" I don't have to explain myself and or my reasons.  It's wonderful.

5. I am working on putting together a mailing list for Clay Rosaries (I know, about time, right?!). So if you get an email from me that you don't want, just email me back and I'll take you off the list.  In hindsight I should have had an option right off the bat whether or not people wanted to be on the list.  So now all the email address in my inbox of people who have inquired about clay rosaries, or who have ordered before, or who have expressed interest, are going to be on my email list.

6. I am reading Rome Sweet Rome, by Scott and Kimberly Hahn just for fun since it was on my shelf and have yet to read it.  It's so good that I have trouble putting it down and I am about go read it now!  Don't you just love when  non Catholics who hate Catholics start to realize that the Catholic Church has ALL the answers and then they themselves become have to become Catholic?! I'm lovin' it.  

Catholic Children's Jewelry Now Available

I now have a fabulous collection of children's jewelry in my store! As, I said before, it is girly to the max! My daughter approves. My son wishes there was something for him to wear. I keep telling him that I will make his some thing when I get the time- and I will.  So, the boys will have to wait, but for now, the girls will be happy! Here's a few things in my shop. Click on the caption below each image to view it in my shop. 

Child's Multi-Bead Bracelet

Immaculate Heart Jewelry Set

Immaculate heart Ribbon Necklace

St. Therese Jewelry Set

Miraculous Medal Necklace

Our Lady of Guadalupe Necklace

Kathleen's Catholic and I'm Honored!

I just read a beautiful little blog post from Kathleen's Catholic and she talks about how the chaplet she recently purchased from me is an inspiration to her.  Made. my. day. Thank you Kathleen for sharing!

Some Quick Takes

Here are some random things going on in the life of the Clay Rosary Girl.

1. We started homeschooling today! My son is almost 4, so I thought I'd give this homeschooling thing a shot. I figure I can't screw it up too bad- it's only preschool!  Seriously though, I've always felt a calling toward teaching, which is why I got my degree in elementary education. But after teaching in classroom for a couple years, I realized it wasn't for me and wasn't going to work out if I wanted to stay home with my children.  So, this is the best of both worlds- I get to teach and I get to stay home with my children! We are using the Catholic Heritage Curriculum mostly. Today didn't go as planned, but I didn't expect it to.  Liam had fun and learned- goal accomplished!

2. I had an unexpected hospital stay this past weekend. I was admitted on Friday and got out on Monday.  On Friday, I had a sonogram and found out the baby's amniotic fluid was on the low side and was admitted to the hospital right away. It was scary because I am only 31 weeks along and it could have meant an emergency c-section. Thankfully, after IVs and bed rest, the fluid level went up a bit and I was able to come home on strict orders to drink plenty of fluids and take it easy- oh and the perinatal doctor also *prescribed* milk shakes once a week at Carl's :D  I got one on the way home!  I am very thankful for my Mother in Law who was able to come and take care of my kids and the home while I was gone.

3.  I am very close to finishing up my new children's jewelry line. I have included new first Communion pieces, and many other fun jewelry sets. My inspiration for this line: my super girly 19 month old daughter. She raids my jewelry box all the time and anytime she sees a clay rosary, it's around her neck.  Now hopefully she can leave my stuff alone!

4. I am changing time frame for getting orders out.  I used to try to get orders out within one to two business days of a person ordering it.  Now it's going to be 2- 5 business days.   Doctor's orders!

5. I've finished Holly Pierlot's book: A Mother's Rule of Life: How to bring order to your home and Peace to your Heart.

It's about putting one's vocation into a rule (just like nuns and brothers in religious orders have a rule they live by).  So as a wife, mother, bead maker, daughter of God, I have certain things I am called to do.  By ordering my life into a rule (kind of like a schedule, but with much more purpose), I am free from a life of chaos, exhaustion, and feeling like I always I have too much on my plate.  Holly writes her book from the perspective of a homeschooling mother of five, but her words of wisdom are good for any mother to hear. 

I've made a very rough copy of a rule and I intend to work out the kinks as I go. I'm not sure how it's going to work with an infant, but I will try it out.   I really like the idea of giving every moment to God- and when I don't feel like doing something that is on my rule- like cleaning, schooling or laundry, I can do it anyway, knowing that this is God's will for me.

Etsy Rosary Guild Giveaway

They are having another monthly giveaway over at the Etsy Rosary Guild blog. Click here for the link to the giveaway. Kris from Journey Designs is giving away this beautiful set. The contest ends on Septeember 19.

Rosary Giveaway Winner!

We have a winner!!! It's the Ax Lady from Whirlwind Lodge! She chose this rosary and I will be sending it out to her as soon as I get her address. Thank you to everyone who participated!  We ended up with over 300 entries! Thank you all for spreading the word about Clay Rosaries and Catholic Icing!

 

New Jewelry and a Custom Rosary

Here are the jewelry pieces I've promised to show you with the new calla lily bead and the black and white cross.  I have put them in my etsy shop (click on links above), but I will also put most of them on my website.  A few pieces are one of a kind, so they will only go on Etsy.

Here is my first charm bracelet:

I made this with the Christian music lover in mind.  I plan to give one to my sister in law who is a very talented singer.  I've had the music beads made for some time, but I wanted it make sure this was not just any old music bracelet- this had to be a Christian music bracelet! I added the purple beads because they looked so pretty.  If you would like a different color glass bead other than purple, I'd be happy make something different for you.  This bracelet is very high quality.  I used a sterling silver chain and sterling silver small silver beads and silver plated brass pins to put it all together.  The cost for this bracelet is $30.00.

Next is a very cool looking black and white cross bracelet. The crosses on this bracelet are 1/2 inch tall, so you can really see the detail on these crosses.  I double strung it with high quality stretchy cord and used silver plated brass beads to accent these ornate cross beads.

This calla lily necklace I remade 3 times until I finally found the perfect look for it. I love that this is exclusively Catholic! I will be getting mine blessed since it includes a Miraculous medal and a crucifix.

Here is a custom rosary with the calla lily beads and the Divine Mercy centerpiece. I will be making bridal rosaries (or for anyone, really!) with these beads as well.

The rest of the jewelry and descriptions can be found on Etsy and you can click through any of the pictures in the Etsy block (on top or below) to purchase them.