~Witchy Mama~ Pagan Parenting

Almost Imbolc

2012-01-31T12:22:00.000-05:00

I am so excited - it is almost Imbolc! You know what this means, don't you? Winter is more than half over! (Can you tell I am not a fan of Winter?) I cannot wait to see the Sun earlier in the mornings and feel warmer temperatures.

I am already planning a yard makeover. We have contemplated a pool because the kids love to swim, but then we need to consider the type of pool we can afford as well as a swimming pool fence and I am not sure I want all that just yet.

Maybe we will start simple with some flowers, herbs, and a mini garden. Landscaping takes lots of time and money!

Awesome Family Weekend

2012-01-22T19:33:00.000-05:00

As crazy as this place can get with three Witchlets running around, I love when we are all here together. I miss the noise when it's quite. Maybe I should invest in a noise machine to help me with this, LOL.

I had Olivia this weekend and although I anticipated some fighting between her and Dante, I was pleasantly surprised at how well they got along! Here they are doing arts and crafts, TOGETHER!

They made animals out of hearts. I know, sounds odd. They got the idea from the magazine My Big Back Yard. Here are the finished masterpieces:

Getting Rid of the Sickness

2012-01-22T11:54:00.000-05:00

I recently blogged about 5 Must Haves During Cold and Flu Season and yes, I do have all of those things but I think I started taking them much too late. I wound up sick but luckily recovered rather quickly, except for an annoying cough. Coughs I get from being sick seem to linger forever.

I am all better but now I feel like I should be wearing a nurse uniform or something because I have spent the entire week taking care of everyone else! I guess this is all part of a mommy's job, huh? Either way, I love my job :)

Next on the agenda I am going to have Olivia gather information about Imbolc so we can get the altar decorated for it.

Olivia's First Tarot Deck

2012-01-21T16:29:00.000-05:00

I thought now was a good time to get Olivia familiar with tarot. I want her to pick her own deck, one that calls to her but before doing that, I wanted her to have a basic understanding of tarot. I have the Rider-Waite Tarot deck and never really used it much. I prefer my Dragon deck, so I offered her the Rider-Waite deck because I feel it is simple, perfect for learning.

Of course I had her smudge the deck first. We used a sage smudge stick to cleanse the deck and remove any lingering energies from it.

Technology Brings Peace of Mind to Parents

2012-01-21T16:28:00.000-05:00

A new baby in the house means some big changes for everyone. Your schedule will be changed and the things you would normally do might be harder to manage with a little one in the house. To do your best to get all the things done you need to while caring for your new baby one of the newest baby monitors is essential. Gone are the days of simple baby monitors that allow you to hear into your baby's room. These baby monitors are more portable and full featured than ever.

One of the favorites for baby monitors is the great colored monitor. These monitors have a portable wireless hand set that can go with you anywhere with a color screen monitor showing your child including audio. The cameras themselves are actually made to look like great accents to the baby room and are also cordless and portable. The ability to not only hear you baby but see the baby brings a whole new level to peace and security. Although these video baby monitors are more than those you can purchase that have great sound only they might be worth the money just to give you that peace.

Some digital baby monitors even include motion sensors on the baby's bed that alert you when the baby rolls over or there is a weight difference on the mattress. This lets you know that the baby is in the position you have left them in. These great features make it easier than ever to get things accomplished that you need to while your baby safely sleeps in their room or plays in their playpen nearby. The price range for these monitors range from approximately $20 to $200 and are easily available online or at local retailers. Think about your daily routine before you make your selection and choose one that will work well for your family dynamic.

5 Must Haves During Cold and Flu Season

2012-01-18T14:55:00.000-05:00

Echinacea

Echinacea has been used by America Indians for hundreds of years. It is native to the North America Plains, but varieties of the species are now found on most continents. This herb increases levels of properdin, a chemical which activates the part of the immune system responsible for increasing the defense mechanisms against virus and bacteria attacks.

Its anti-bacterial effect makes it a good herb for treating many viral and bacterial infections. Echinacea also helps to sweep dead cells and other debris through the channels of the lymphatic system and sends white blood cells to fight the infection. When you feel a cold coming on - take echinacea. It is important to try to take echinacea before the full onset of a cold or flu to give the best chance for a fast recovery.

Garlic

Garlic has anti-bacterial properties that help the immune system to fight infection, it is an excellent boost to the immune system. The reason for this is garlic contains several helpful compounds, including allicin, one of the plant kingdom's most potent antibiotics. Garlic combines well with echinacea and together make a strong fighting force against infections.

Ginger

Ginger is another of natures' antiviral herbs. It contains nearly a dozen antiviral compounds. Ginger is pain relieving, antiseptic and antioxidant. It is valuable for preventing and treating colds, sore throats and inflammation of mucus membranes. Ginger reduces pain and fever and has a mild sedative effect that will encourage rest. Drink a tea, or soak fresh ginger in hot water, take as a tincture and include it in your food.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is very good for the relief of cold symptoms and to help the body fight infection. The best source of vitamins is always fresh fruit and vegetables. Citrus fruit is especially high in vitamin C. Combine orange, pineapple, seedless grapes, lots of fresh ginger, banana, pink grapefruit, cantaloupe in a blender. Add orange juice if more liquid is needed.

Goldenseal

Goldenseal is both antiseptic and immune stimulating, increasing blood supply to the spleen. The spleen is the bodies staging area for the fighting cells in your immune system. Berberine is present in goldenseal, and activates the special white blood cells which are responsible for destruction of bacteria, fungi, viruses and tumor cells.

More Info

My Son, the Bookworm

2012-01-18T14:52:00.000-05:00

Thanks for the post from Sylvester Campbell

My son is a bookworm, and does really well in school. As parents, my husband and I try to give him all the resources he needs to excel. It can be hard on us since neither of us ever went to college or did extremely well in school. Usually we don’t know all of the right things to do, and he needs to tell us what he needs. We want him to have the same opportunities all of his friends at school have even though we never got them.

My son started asking us for clear wireless internet a few months ago. After some serious contemplation and budgeting analysis, we decided that we could afford it and got it for him. I didn’t think it would make such a huge difference in his life since he always had internet access at school. He is so happy since we got the wireless internet connected that he is behaving like an angel and doing every single chore we ask him to.

This is huge for the parents of teenagers! I guess we did the right thing in waiting to connect the internet, because now our son really appreciates it.

Our Yule

2011-12-26T17:05:00.000-05:00

My mom ad grandma came over on Yule. It was really nice, I am so glad we have all finally come to a compromise. They come over on Yule and give the kids gifts. We go there on Christmas Eve and have dinner.

Here are the Witchlets all excited to open presents:

(wow, Livi looks scary, LOL)

Dante got a drum set (what were we thinking!?)

Yule altar; very simple :)

Have a Blessed Yule

2011-12-22T11:04:00.000-05:00

I hope you all have a wonderful Winter Solstice

Yule tree is Up

2011-12-20T13:05:00.000-05:00

It has been forever (well it feels like forever) since I had a chance to sit down and blog. CJ and I have been working like crazy - he is still sending out resumes for permanent work; even sent one to rv repair place and of course Coca Cola.

However, amidst all the chaos, we at least got the Yule tree up! Only lights on it for now because the kittens will not leave it alone!

Last Minute Yule Gift Ideas

2011-12-20T12:47:00.000-05:00

My kids gave me a list of things they want - I did not ask for these lists. Just funny to me because Dante's list was all about Transformers. Wyatt's list had learning toys/games on it. Olivia's list was practical - from clothing to 3 different colored ski jackets (she doesn't even ski) to art supplies.

I have some last minute things I'd like to get them but unfortunately I do not have the cash to get what I really want. I gave my mom and grandma all my good ideas! Help!

Cold Here!

2011-12-07T14:16:00.000-05:00

Thanks for the post, Vernon Lowe

It gets cold in the Northeast in the winter, I’m not sure if you’ve heard. I know it sounds ridiculous but the weather alone was really asking me to move because I couldn’t bear the thought of three more months of shoveling snow and trying to dig my car out from a mountain of white powder. I knew there was something else out there for me so I moved to San Jose – boy what a life change that has been!

I got a house with San Jose home security and a dog for the backyard even which is just great – I love that I actually own my own place. I’m making friends left and right and you can actually go to the pool ALL YEAR ROUND here which kind of blows my mind based on where I was coming from.

I think there’s definitely something to be said for how much the weather affects your mood and you know, my mood hasn’t been this good in a really, really long time.

Dante is 'Out'

2011-12-05T13:53:00.001-05:00

I know it has been a while since I updated and then today things have gotten so crazy I haven't shut up!

I was doing some online retail therapy, immersed in sierra designs products, when I got a call from the guidance counselor for the elementary schools the Witchlets attend. Apparently last week Dante told his teacher that pappy's mom grammy, was sick and in the hospital and we did not get to the hospital in time to see her and he was unable to give her the picture he drew a picture for her so he left it there at the hospital because she will come back to life.

This guidance counselor conveyed to me that she was just concerned because she said she doesn't know what our religious beliefs are, but she wants to make sure that people are not telling my child something that could be against our beliefs - ie, that when people die they come back to life.

I explained that we did in fact get to the hospital on Thursday to see grammy and we also visited with her a the house on Saturday as well and that she did not pass away until early this morning. Of course this news surprised the guidance counselor but I told her Dante loves to exaggerate things.

I told her that what he said about her coming back to life does kind of fall along the lines of our religious beliefs. I explained that we are Pagan not Christian and we do believe in a form of reincarnation. Then, there was dead silence followed by, "Oh I see....."

Guess I just outed my son from the 'Broom Closet'

RIP Gram

2011-12-05T08:09:00.000-05:00

As I was writing the last entry I had no idea my grandmother had already passed. My father called me about 7am to say she died around 3:30 this morning. I am sad yet feel a sense of relief.

For me, today will be like any other day. Witchlets to school, work, and laundry. I also need to look into getting a pair of reading glasses, something I have been putting off doing. Guess I just wait to hear about services for my grandmother.

Sometimes life is so disheartening.

December's Not So Good So Far

2011-12-05T06:14:00.002-05:00

Hello friends, sorry I have been so quiet lately. My gram, (dad's mom) is dying. She was okay but got pneumonia - and well, her heart hasn't been in the best condition - more specifically, the valves surrounding her heart. Anyway, the pneumonia basically did her in. At 88, the doctors feel she is too old for any type of heart surgery so there is nothing that can be done. She was on oxygen at the hospital but that was it, so no reason to keep her.

She went home with my Aunt Sandy (she's lived there for years) and is on oxygen there. Now, my aunt has her hands full because my uncle recently had his leg amputated, so she has been taking care of him. Even though she has had several types of Physical Therapist Jobs, this has really just been a bit too much for her. I went to see my gram on Saturday - most of the family was there. Hospice had been called in. She is resting but is in pain so morphine is being administered. On Saturday, she was alert and gave the Witchlets hugs - it was sooo sad :( Yesterday my dad said she isn't eating and not as alert. We're all just waiting now.....

Dad and Grammy

On top of this, an Internet friend of mine, whom I met on a Disney forum, was taken off of life support last night. She was in Disney in October when she began having stomach issues. Upon arriving home she went to the doctor and a gastroenterologist - found out she had stage 4 anaplastic lymphoma. Her kidneys started shutting down and she went into cardiac arrest during dialysis. Then things began to brighten and she was coming around a bit-doctors were preparing to give her chemotherapy but suddenly she took a turn for the worst. Her father and fiance decided to take her off of life support.

Heather and Gene in WDW in Oct. 2011

VIsiting Family

2011-11-25T10:48:00.001-05:00

We are at my husband's family's house in Ohio right now. It's been a crazy 2 weeks leading up to this trip. We had to get the Honda up to snuff, tire rotation, oil change, etc. before this 8 hour drive. I even looked into auto estimating just in case, but we got here with no incidents :)

CJ's mom has a tank full of insects and such, (they are dead) the Witchlets call it a 'treasure chest' - Olivia took a picture:

We will be here until tomorrow. NO black Friday shopping for me! I am waiting until Cyber Monday so I can shop online. If you're going to do the same, I have some coupon codes for:

Lauren Klein Jewelry - I LOVE her stuff

Baby Stuff Gifts - Awesome personalized baby gifts here and lots of holiday items

Music and Books 4 Kids - I already got a personalized CD for Wyatt through this site. He LOVE it - you can see a video here: Sing-a-Long with Mickey

If you want any coupon codes for any of these sites, let me know, just leave me a comment :)

SPAM is No Fun!

2011-11-15T06:07:00.002-05:00

Hello everyone! This blog gets a lot of Spam comments - usually on the 'popular' posts, of course. Anyway, I have the spam filter on and sometimes a genuine comment gets put in the spam filter by the system. I'm not sure what the determining factors are, but it happens.

I do check the spam section to find the real comments so if you don't see your comment, it's possible it went to the dreaded spam filter, but I will see it and move it to where it should be :)

3rd Place!

2011-11-12T18:42:00.000-05:00

Olivia had a cheering competition today and her squad placed 3rd - which is great because there were more than 3 squads that competed and only three places! She is the blond in the front on the riight (when looking at the picture)

Importance of Bunk Beds

2011-11-12T18:32:00.000-05:00

Loft beds and bunk beds were conventionally reserved for kids. Parents loved and still love the whole concept as bunk beds make it possible to maximize the room space. With bunk beds, you save space that would otherwise be occupied by another bed. This space can be used to store away your kids' stuff, toys and clothing.

The modern day bunk bed market has seen an influx of more and varied designs. Bunks beds are no longer being used by kids only; they are also being used by their older siblings or parents. With some bunk beds for adults including full-sized beds, more grownups are finding the bunk bed roomy and comfortable. Some designs also feature a work desk. This way, you can always climb up and rest after working. It is important to keep the work area well-lit.

Bunk beds for adults are great options for those who love reading in bed. Some of these beds come with built-in bookshelves to keep your books within reach. If you want to accommodate your older kids, full on full bunk beds for adults are ideal. This way, your kids will be comfortable without sacrificing space.

Click here to shop for bunk beds.

Hello November!

2011-11-06T14:51:00.000-05:00

Well, I was just sitting here working (checking out Google results for Spine surgery Houston - might be able to help a client with this term), when I realized I didn't even post pictures of my Samhain altar and that, wow, it is already a week into November! Here is my Samhain altar:

The flowers from my wedding are there and they still look nice! I am so glad I got married on Samhain!

Amazing Samhain!

2011-10-31T21:09:00.000-04:00

It's official, I am a Mrs. Witchy Mama now! We were married this afternoon. The Witchlets enjoyed being there :)

Dinner with the family

Then off to do some serious trick or treating

Candy check!

Hope you all are having a wonderful Samhain! Blessed Be )O(

Getting Married on Samhain

2011-10-30T08:26:00.001-04:00

Normally I would not consider doing anything ON a Sabbat because Sabbats themselves are special enough. However, this year is so so so special, I have decided to get married.

I have been with CJ (also referred to as Zyon) for almost a decade. In that time we have had so many things thrown at us (yes, I am sure most couples have) but I truly believe he and I withstood some of the worst situations ever - situations that easily split people up. In fact, over the summer it got to the point where he and I were going to go our separate ways, for good.

To save you all from the drama, let's just say that he and I both got our acts together and are now FINALLY on the right path. Since we've been together for so long, an engagement just doesn't make sense - jumping ahead to getting married does, so we've decided to do it on Samhain.

So, tomorrow at 3:30pm, the Witchlets, my mom, and my grandma will accompany us for a quick ceremony at the District Magistrate. Then, out to dinner to celebrate and afterwards, trick or treating with the Witchlets! What better way to cerebrate?!

We just want to make it official tomorrow. We will be planning a handfasting ceremony for next year. I am excited! I can't wait to start another chapter in my life.

Halloween Weekend Snowstorm

2011-10-29T15:29:00.000-04:00

People are without power, trees are down causing all sorts of messes, and there is no end in sight yet...

Unbelievable for October in PA.

Halloween Church Events?

2011-10-26T13:15:00.001-04:00

Maybe I am just a cynical Bitch, but I was quite disturbed when my kids came home from PUBLIC school with a postcard invitation from "Crossover Church" sponsoring "Trunk or Treat" - YES...TRUNK or Treat...see for yourself:

So a very conservative church (who isn't even around here - at least I have never heard of them and when doing a Google search, found nothing about them here in PA) is hosting a gathering for children for Halloween - a holiday that is very against their beliefs...to make things safe for these kids - so, come get candy out of the trunk of a car!! LMAO - sorry, that just sounds soooo wrong.

I wonder if they will be proselytizing...

Move or Remodel

2011-10-21T11:37:00.000-04:00

This morning when I took Wyatt to school we got detoured down a road I had never been on, in all the years I have lived in this town! To my surprise, there were several houses for rent on this street and they were nice houses.

I hate owning a home - it's too expensive, too time consuming, too much of a pain in the butt. However, I am currently a homeowner - in a house that needs lots of work. Lately I have been pondering whether it is better to move r simply fix this place up. I have used my Tarot deck for guidance but I got some mixed answers. Sigh. Guess the Universe isn't ready to answer me :(

I never really used Runes. If you have, how do you like the results vs a Tarot deck?