Yes, they are all mine!

We have now found a dentist.  Something I had yet to do in the past year since we moved here to GA.  First I made the 5 kids with teeth (one w/ only 2 teeth is not old enough yet) appts for a check up and cleaning.  They all passed inspection with no cavities (all are cavity free!) and very little plaque.  Woo Hoo! 

Next came Mr. Muscles.  He had to have a check up and such.  They found a couple of cavities.  No big deal right?  Nope.  Wednesday he spent over 2 hours getting a root canal.  My poor hubby has a huge fear of dentists and doctors so this was very hard.  They gave hime some good drugs to relax him before his appt.  He liked them a lot better than the nitrous.  That stuff makes him feel horrible.   He still has to go back for a temporary crown and then one more time after that for his permanent crown.  Poor fella.  I will wait a little while to tell him he has 2 cavities yet to be filled.  Don’t want to overload him. 

Yesterday my 8 year old ds, Short Man, got braces on his top teeth.  The four adult teeth he has gotten in front didn’t have enough room and so they came in crooked.  The braces will be on for 9 months to straighten them out and give the other teeth room to come in.  He loves his braces!  They are not like they used to be at all.  I remember when it was a death sentence for a kid to get braces.  These things are very small and he just loves all the “goodies” he got to take care of them.  LOL  Hey, whatever makes him happy right?  Even if it is over $600.  At least he will have straight teeth and thank you Lord for monthly payments.

Ok, kids and hubby are either done or getting there so whose turn is it?  Mine.  I went in for a check up and they end of giving me a perio-cleaning.  I have had a deep cleaning so a regular cleaning is not an option.  My gums were sore for 2 days.  Not really painful but sore.  That makes momma a little grumpy.  I did notice that Mr. Muscles and youngin’s gave me a wide berth.  LOL  I still have one more appt coming up for a little cavity.  They said it won’t take long but it still needs to be taken care of.  I need my wisdom teeth out but that is going to have to wait until spring.  At 31 years old I think they can wait a few more months. 

The dentist really likes our family.  We are probably financing something special for them.  LOL  Thank you God for giving Mr. Muscles overtime opportunities!!  Amen

All for His glory, ~Rhen

Did you know that yogurt significantly increases your bodies metabolism to burn fat?  Not only does it increase your metabolism, help you to burn unneeded fat but it also puts the healthy bacteria back into your stomach.  These bacteria are essential to good health and a strong immune system.  Strong immune systems are VITAL -especially to moms who get no sick days!!!   I can't eat yogurt but I do love the smoothies like the organic and natural ones from Stoneyfield.  Mmmmmm- the strawberry one is my favorite!  I drink one before each workout as well.  So ladies, eat up or drink up but get your yogurt!!!

All for His glory, ~Rhen

By Aubrey Hampton

If you want natural products, you have to be willing to search them out. Learn to read labels, and refuse to settle for half-natural hair and skin care. Below I've listed and described the "ten most wanted"—the ten chemicals I most want to see off the labels of so-called natural hair and skin care products.

1. Methyl, Propyl, Butyl and Ethyl Paraben — Used as inhibitors of microbial growth and to extend shelf life of products. Have caused many allergic reactions and skin rashes. Studies have shown that they are weakly estrogenic and can be absorbed by the body through the skin. Widely used even though they are known to be toxic.

2. Diethanolamine (DEA), Triethanolamine (TEA) — Often used in cosmetics as emulsifiers and/or foaming agents. They can cause allergic reactions, eye irritation and dryness of hair and skin. DEA and TEA are "amines" (ammonia compounds) and can form cancer-causing nitrosamines when they come in contact with nitrates. Toxic if absorbed into the body over a long period of time.

3. Diazolidinyl Urea, Imidazolidinyl Urea — These are widely used preservatives. The American Academy of Dermatology has found them to be a primary cause of contact dermatitis. Two trade names for these chemicals are Germall II and Germall 115. Neither of the Germall chemicals contains a good antifungal agent, and they must be combined with other preservatives. Both these chemicals release formaldehyde, which can be toxic.

4. Sodium Lauryl/Laureth Sulfate — A cheap, harsh detergent used in shampoos for its cleansing and foam-building properties. Often derived from petroleum, it is frequently disguised in pseudo-natural cosmetics with the phrase "comes from coconuts." It causes eye irritation, scalp scurf similar to dandruff, skin rashes and other allergic reactions.

5. Petrolatum — Also known as petroleum jelly, this mineral oil derivative is used for its emollient properties in cosmetics. It has no nutrient value for the skin and can interfere with the body's own natural moisturizing mechanism, leading to dryness and chapping. It often creates the very conditions it claims to alleviate. Manufacturers use petrolatum because it is unbelievably cheap.

6. Propylene Glycol — Ideally this is a vegetable glycerin mixed with grain alcohol, both of which are natural. Usually it is a synthetic petrochemical mix used as a humectant. It has been known to cause allergic reactions, hives and eczema. When you see PEG (polyethylene glycol) or PPG (polypropylene glycol) on labels, beware—these are related synthetics.

7. PVP/VA Copolymer — A petroleum-derived chemical used in hairsprays, styling aids and other cosmetics. It can be considered toxic, since inhaled particles can damage the lungs of sensitive persons.

8. Stearalkonium Chloride — A quaternary ammonium compound used in hair conditioners and creams. Developed by the fabric industry as a fabric softener, it is a lot cheaper and easier to use in hair conditioning formulas than proteins or herbals, which are beneficial to the hair. Causes allergic reactions. Toxic.

9. Synthetic Colors — Used to make cosmetics "pretty," synthetic colors, along with synthetic hair dyes, should be avoided at all costs. They will be labeled as FD&C or D&C, followed by a color and a number. Example: FD&C Red No. 6 / D&C Green No. 6. Many synthetic colors can be carcinogenic. If a cosmetic contains them, don't use it.

10. Synthetic Fragrances — The synthetic fragrances used in cosmetics can have as many as 200 ingredients. There is no way to know what the chemicals are, since on the label it will simply read "fragrance." Some problems caused by these chemicals include headaches, dizziness, rash, hyperpigmentation, violent coughing, vomiting, skin irritation—the list goes on. Advice: Don't buy a cosmetic that has the word "fragrance" on the ingredients label.

www.aubrey-organics.com

All for His glory,

~Rhen

Most people in the US have such a weak thirst reflex that they often mistake it for hunger.  That means that when their bodies need water they grab food.  They don't need the food and it just adds to some peoples' weight issues.  Another problem is that when some people are thirsty they grab a coke, soda instead of water.  That only masks the thirst.  More carbs and calories added .

Bottom line- drink more water!!  Be healthy and stay safe all.

All for His glory,

~Rhen

Here is an interesting article about Wal Mart and its organic products.

http://www.organicconsumers.org/articles/article_3809.cfm

All for His glory,

~Rhen