Have I mentioned I love Norwex? If I wasn’t a consultant I would be just as much of an advocate because every time I clean with my cloths and use only water, I get this rewarding feeling knowing I am not breathing in or contributing additional toxins and chemicals into my body/our home/atmosphere. My sister asked me recently about the Norwex microfiber wondering how it disinfects, and I explained about the great effectivity of the microfiber and the microsilver that continues the job after you clean. Forgive the advertisement like speech in this next sentence but this is a better explanation of how it works that I am learning more and more about as I go along. In order for a cloth to be considered microfiber the fibers must be 1/20th the width of a human hair, but Norwex microfiber is 1/200th the width making the fibers that much more effective in picking up everything off the surface (99.95% of dirt, grime, bacteria, etc to be more accurate). Then, when finished cleaning, after rinsing out the cloth and hanging it to dry it continue its job with embedded microsilver that eats and kills the bacteria previously picked up. I don’t know about you, but I think that’s pretty sweet. In fact, as I clean (cutting board, counters, windows, stovetops, all wood surfaces, raw chicken leftovers, etc.) I can not help but be in awe of this awesome technology God given intelligence has manifested. So cool. I also recently received my Norwex Cleaning Paste and am having a blast seeing all of the areas in our home that I can clean that I previously could not get stains out of. My darn sink is constantly getting scratched by my hard anodized pots and pans and they leave gray streaks across the white sink. It will not scrub clean with anything but clorox or bleach. I tried the Cleaning Paste and voila! clean! Just makes me feel good knowing this house is just a little cleaner than ever before because I’m actually motivated to do it finally (I know that probably grosses some of you out, but what can I say, I’m not a cleaner).
Have I mentioned I love Downton Abbey. My darling husband detests it, therefore I sneak it in when he needs to work late and get my DA fix! I am a naughty girl and I watch it illegitimately on a website. Ask me privately for this website if you wish to watch the series ahead of time (it is released earlier in the UK). Anyhoo, I indulge a bit in this fantastic show, not for the drama’s sake, but because they deal with all sorts of issues and I feel they do so very tastefully and though I never lived through that time period, they seem to be dealt with realistically as well. I just don’t even know what to say, this show is so good. If you don’t watch it, try it, if you don’t like it after the first episode, try one more. If you still don’t like it, it’s okay, you just were never meant to be a DA fan. Join my husband’s club. If you get hooked, you’re welcome. Well, probably best not to get too hooked ;-).
Current fans, recognize these people? It’s fun to see their real modern selves.
Have I mentioned I love holy days? Also known as holidays. Sadly, we missed our holy day of obligation Mass, the Feast of Mary, the Mother of God. OH so sad. We did not realize (silly us!) that all of the evening masses would be vigil masses on New Year’s Eve. By the time we woke up the next morning, 11 or so (Who knew staying up to watch the ball drop would be so exhausting? Well that and getting up with my baby a couple times in the night), all the masses had passed. We frantically searched and searched for an available mass and nothing was to be found. I love the Theotokos with all of my heart so of course it was very disappointing to miss celebrating her feast day. Sigh. Also, backtracking a bit, Christmas, the Incarnation! Ah, what a gift. It was probably my favorite Christmas yet. A peaceful and joyful morning in Fort Wayne with my husband and two babies (1 in utero) and then on our way to my hometown to celebrate with my family. It was a joy-filled holiday, as to be expected on the feast of that little Babe who changed our universe, our eternity. It was such a blessing and a gift to see all of my nieces and nephews, sisters, brothers, in-laws, mom and dad, and Grandma Straub (we even got to stay with Grandma for a bit!). I can not put into words how incredibly blessed I am to have the family I have – they are a real treasure.
On New Year’s Eve Cory, Henry, baby and I went to Casa’s on Jefferson Blvd. and enjoyed a delicious gluten free Italian feast. We went home very full and very pleased :-). Yum. Then we put little man to bed, I got my water, he got his white russian, and we counted down the last seconds of 2013 and welcomed 2014 with a toast and a kiss. This year has been good to me. Not free of struggle and hardship, but overflowing with blessings, new life, and many lessons. I’m so grateful. Gratitude is the theme of this new year, I’m going to try to keep my eyes open to all of the blessings in my life so as not to let this negative degree weather get me down and to embrace every bit of the life God has granted me.
I’m so grateful for all of my friends and my family here in Decatur too that have blessed us and helped us throughout 2013. I am a better person and we are a stronger family because of them.
Give thanks to God today.
Deo Gratias,
Marie
Heart Wide Open 