Tuesday, March 1, 2011

I'm Back

gotta work on this page, then can start some postings. Too many medical things going on to have time for this.... making time now and taking a break from the doctors. Come on back readers!

Thursday, July 8, 2010

At Candia water park, some see Jesus in a flag


By GRETYL MACALASTER
Union Leader Correspondent

Liquid Planet Water Park has been waiting more than two years for a miracle.

Since Kevin Dumont and his family opened the park in 2008, Mother Nature has sent far too many rainy days.

But this year, just after opening, water park staff members saw an unexpected sight as the lifeguard flag was unfurled. In the middle of the red cross was a shadowy face that resembled images of Jesus Christ.

Since the face on the flag was revealed, the weather has been more than perfect, Dumont said. Business is up over 200 percent from last year.

Today, Father Volney "Von" DeRosia from St. Joseph's Church in Epping will be visiting the park to take a look at the image.

Kevin Donovan, spokesman for the Diocese of Manchester, said it can take years for the Vatican to confirm such phenomena.

"If a priest is able, he will take a look. At this stage, there is nothing more to it," Donovan said.

DeRosia will primarily be looking to see if the image could be intentionally fabricated.

Lifeguard manager Sara Schlachter said as soon as she saw the flag, she recognized the image as Christ.

"I'm not religious at all and I'm not much of a believer," she said, adding that she thinks the discovery of the image and the arrival of good weather are pure coincidence.

100707jesusflag_426px (THOMAS  ROY)

Liquid Planet Water Park has seen fair weather since the flag in question was unfurled. Click on the photo to see a larger image. (THOMAS ROY)

Kevin Dumont's sister, park manager Kelly Dumont, is also a skeptic.

"I think they're all a bunch of nuts. It looks more like a gladiator, or the Beatles," she said of the image on the flag.

To Dumont, it looks like an image of Christ, flanked by two other faces, with a starburst over their heads.

Dumont said he was born and raised Catholic, but is not practicing the faith now. He said he is spiritual, but doesn't believe there is a vision of the Virgin Mary or Elvis in every potato chip.

"This is a little more than that," he said. "We asked for a miracle."

Dumont said staff members have not mentioned the image to customers, of which there have been thousands since the park opened on June 19.

"I don't want to turn this into a freak show -- but if it is something, I don't want it to be ignored," he said.

Free Online Classes for you MOM!

All of us at The Old Schoolhouse® and HomeschoolBlogger.com are very pleased to announce an inspiring, new opportunity . . .

HomeschoolBlogger.com's FREE Classes


We have a vibrant lineup of topics already scheduled for mid-July and August, plus more are being scheduled each day for this summer and fall--just in time for back-to-school planning and preparation!

Here is the schedule of groundbreaking July FREE Classes:


  • Level With Me About Math - Can I Really Teach It?
July 13 - 2 PM EDT/1 PM CDT - Preshow 1 PM EDT/12 PM CDT
Math on the Level - Breathe new life into your math program as John and Carlita Boyles, homeschooling authors of Math on the Level,
share practical ways to bring on revitalization while producing enthusiastic learners! Register Here!



  • Babies & Sign Language - Give Them Their Words
July 14 - 2 PM EDT/1 PM CDT - Preshow 1 PM EDT/12 PM CDT
Talking With Baby - Learn the benefits of signing and why it works. Why is it important to give babies a language? Find out! You'll also learn how reading while teaching can be easy and fun. Register here.


  • Homeschooling: Teaching a Love of Reading
July 22 - 4 PM EDT/3 PM CDT - Preshow 3 PM EDT/2 PM CDT
Spalding Education Foundation - Get an overview of The Spalding Method from Spalding for Home Educators with focus on teaching basic language skills, developing a love of reading, and understanding the structure of language. Register here.

Free Resources from The Old Schoolhouse!


Are you considering homeschooling, or are you curious and simply want to know more? What if you were offered a commendable, complimentary class on homeschooling taught by experienced educators that included hands-on tools for your personal use? The course is called Homeschool 101 . . . Would you like a front-row seat?

The Old Schoolhouse® is thrilled to share this FREE resource with you--a digital supplement to the Schoolhouse Expo . . . The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine's Homeschool 101 Supplement.

Have you struggled to find quality curriculum for your homeschool? With thousands of choices available to you, how do you find the perfect resources that fit your particular family? Is it even possible?

The TOS Product Review Team works hard to check out a variety of products in their own homeschools, and then they report on them with extensive written reviews of each product. The team is delighted to share this FREE resource with you--another quality digital supplement to The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine . . . TOS Lab Presents: Your Guide to Examining Curriculum.

Are you looking for something shorter and convenient to hand out to curious friends and family? Our newest brochure examines public schooling vs. homeschooling.

What About Public Schools? is ideal. Print it out and pass it around at your next group meeting or share it electronically among your members. Help fellow members better understand the advantages of homeschooling!



We also have our fantastic "Escape the Homeschool Matrix" article available, which has been most popular!

Could you or those you know use a little more confidence? Our Homeschooling With Confidence brochure answers ten of the most commonly asked homeschool-related questions. We trust it will be a blessing to the families in your area. Share it freely. It would be perfect as a handout at an
orientation meeting!




Free E-Books


What about a dose of E-couragement? Have you jumped into the E-Book craze? Electronic information is increasingly popular. In addition to the list above, three of our most popular E-Books are available to download for free--no strings attached.

You read correctly--free E-Books for you, your friends, your family, your readers, and anyone else you can spread the word to!

Get ready to plan a year of enthusiastic homeschool learning with consistent input from the Lord! Take the guesswork out of your planning, systematically organizing your homeschool this year with the E-Book, The New School Year: Planning Your Course and Letting the Lord Determine Your Steps. Written by homeschoolers from a Biblical foundation and using plenty of personal experience, this book will help take your homeschool to a whole new level. From curriculum to field trips, and from co-ops to homeschooling with the heart in mind, God is by your side. Let Him be your guide!

If you are still wondering about E-books, the
E-Book is also completely free to download!
Discover all you ever wanted to know about E-Books, their use in homeschooling, and even how to publish your own! Gain a better understanding of the many ways E-Books can improve your homeschooling by quickly and resourcefully linking you with the latest information on a seemingly endless supply of lessons, encouragement, support materials, and more! E-Homeschooling is hyperlinked to additional reference material, purchasing sources, and free E-Book websites to sample and enjoy.

Learn about how the public school system began and who started it in our E-Book Are Public Schools an Option for Christian Kids? What was the original intent of this system? As a Christian parent, can you confidently make the decision to place your child in the public school environment day after day, year after year?

What is being taught there? What is the national drop-out rate? Is God being honored, respected, and lifted up? This E-Book is perfect for providing a little education for adults!

TOS Freebie Directory

The Old Schoolhouse® would also like to help others receive free items for use in their homeschools. Our amazing Freebie Directory is a wonderful list that offers 40 free items from vendors within our homeschool community. These are free to pass on, and there is no need to buy anything.

Summer months are a great time to encourage families and bring refreshing encouragement to blog readers, a little excitement to your web page, or just spread the word about the blessings of homeschool-
ing. Our desire is to encourage you as a homeschooler,
as well as to equip you with tools and resources.

We wish all of you a blessed start to the new homeschool year!


Thank you,
Paul and Gena Suarez

Pandora Radio-create your own radio station for FREE!

The Music Genome Project®

On January 6, 2000 a group of musicians and music-loving technologists came together with the idea of creating the most comprehensive analysis of music ever.

Together we set out to capture the essence of music at the most fundamental level. We ended up assembling literally hundreds of musical attributes or "genes" into a very large Music Genome. Taken together these genes capture the unique and magical musical identity of a song - everything from melody, harmony and rhythm, to instrumentation, orchestration, arrangement, lyrics, and of course the rich world of singing and vocal harmony. It's not about what a band looks like, or what genre they supposedly belong to, or about who buys their records - it's about what each individual song sounds like.

Since we started back in 2000, we've carefully listened to the songs of tens of thousands of different artists - ranging from popular to obscure - and analyzed the musical qualities of each song one attribute at a time. This work continues each and every day as we endeavor to include all the great new stuff coming out of studios, clubs and garages around the world.

It has been quite an adventure, you could say a little crazy - but now that we've created this extraordinary collection of music analysis, we think we can help be your guide as you explore your favorite parts of the music universe.

We hope you enjoy the journey.

Tim Westergren
Founder
The Music Genome Project

Have fun! Create your own radio station! Click HERE to get started.

Mrs. Murphy

sorry for the ads, dont know how to take them off!


Summer is the perfect time...
to take stock of your situation; to determine if you need to make some changes; to organize and regroup; to recharge and refocus...
But not all at once! Summer is also the perfect time to curl up with a good book and give no thought to any of the above.
But when you do decide that you are ready for another push on the swing or an encouraging pat on the back, download and print this FREE ebook brought to you by Knowledge Quest and The Old Schoolhouse (and a few others as you will see when you open it up and read it).


Home School Coupon Book
Have you downloaded this fantastic coupon book yet? If you are planning to purchase any curriculum this summer, you should check this out! Many curriculum publishers are offering free shipping and others are offering discounts at 25% and higher.
It's free! You can download it today.
Home School Coupon Book

I hope you are getting some lovely summer weather you way. For us, it has finally arrived and we are heading to the beach!
Enjoy your day!

C-SPAN Classroom Special Offers

C-SPAN's New American Presidents Timeline Poster

C-SPAN is delighted to announce our new American Presidents Timeline poster FREE for classrooms. The 6ft long poster details the lives and public service careers of every president, plus key historical events, Supreme Court cases, and technology milestones throughout 280 years of Presidential history. They are free of charge to C-SPAN Classroom members. To reserve yours, simply click HERE, then go to "Get Offer" below! *(limit of one poster per member and only available to members with an address inside the continental U.S.A.)

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Whew....making it...

Lourdes was AMAZING, France is beautiful and much of my French from high school actually came back to me! We were the lammos with the throw away camera, and my printer/scanner is broken so pictures will be in a while. But, we did it all in Lourdes and I have never drank so much water in my life!

You arrive in the gates and walk past the most beautiful basilica that comes to 3 chapels one on top of another. The art work is amazing, the sculptures of saints, breathtaking. You pass this and there it is, just RIGHT THERE, the grotto. Sometimes there is a long line and some times no one is there. I went through to run my hands along the walls and pray probably 4 or 5 times. The small pool (that pumps 17 thousand gallons of water, pure Pyranese mountain HOLY water) that Saint Bernadette dug with her hands is right there, and a statue of Mary as she appeared to St Bernadette is in the nitch with the original rose bush still in bloom at her feet. Candles are lit non stop. There are stations to fill up bottles with water as well as a stations of the cross face washing trail which I did.

Next to the grotto are the baths, men and women are separated and the Ave Maria is sung non stop. When you go in you turn around and they hold up a blue sheet for privacy for you to get undressed (you are in a room with about 7 other women). When you are naked they wrap you in the blue sheet. When it is your turn you go in to a stone bath where you step down in the Lourdes water, they pray with you, all your intentions and when you are done they take the blue sheet away, you step all the way to the end, sit and they lay you back holding your arms. You get up and they wrap you in a white sheet, ask for our lady to pray for us, St Bernadette pray for us, and you go back to get dressed. The first time was a bit confusing, so I did it a second time, this time I felt the holy spirit wrap me in it's arms, that's the only way I can describe it. It was so beautiful I cried. I cried a lot this trip and have already been granted many of my prayer requests, which I plan to keep to myself. One interesting thing, when you rise from the water, if you look down, you are not wet. Just maybe some drops on your feet.

We chose the grotto, right under Mary's feet, next to the candles with a Franciscan Priest to renew our vows, it was quick, but it was right. I could never have found a better man, I love you hubby.

We met amazing people, friends for life. Also, I have never prayed so much in my life, and it was so cleansing. I prayed for so many of you too, you know who you are, I don't feel I should name you all. I hope and pray you let me know when something happens you feel has come from my request for intercession.

I have felt a calling for some time, years actually, and while walking in town shopping there it was fluttering in the breeze outside a shop, a beautiful and simple mantilla. I now wear a prayer veil to mass. There, I said it. Now the girls want ones too. Yea!

Ok, one very quickly answered prayer, a better living situation. We got offered a NEW house in a new neighborhood 2 days after our return. So, for the past 2 weeks we have been settling in and now the twins are out of our closet and in their own room!

Health wise, I'm feeling stronger but have problems with joints now. Had a bone scan on Monday, Pet scan on the 26th. Waiting for the Dr. to call with test results, always waiting.

The only bad thing to come of this was my identity was stolen and someone went on a shopping spree in San Diego spending $1200. We got it back.

Special thanks to my parents who gave up so much time and put up with me and my crazy moods after my butcher shop hysterectomy. They came through, showed amazing patience and bonded wonderfully with the girls. I can't thank them enough. I love you Mom & Pop.

Special thanks to those who watched our kiddos while we were in France, especially Anne who was their surrogate mom, Lynda my baby lover, Kathy & Mike who fixed my pool, Pam and everyone else, thank you so much.

I have been sure to learn true humility and humbleness; a year ago I came to a new place, knowing nobody, a stranger with a big bag of real serious issues, and I was welcomed by the arms of Christ himself in the wonderful people I have met and who have helped me. Tearing up now.

Well, we are getting ready for our oldest niece to come out for a month and "mothers help", then my sil and more cousins, then our wonderful nanny, who has become my daughter, my friend, my rock, who saw me go from a normal woman through a mastectomy, chemo-bald and barely walking, radiation, tests after tests and helped raise my girls to love God, and nurture my premie twins all the way through it as I came back to life.

That's where Mrs. Murphy is now.

God bless you all.

btw, the "Song of Bernadette" is not near the true story.

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

Bon Jour!


We are here! Waiting for our connector to Lourdes. Flight was fine, not too long (since no babies or kiddos!) but very little comfort or sleep. Thank you all for all your prayers, can't wait to pray for all of you!


God Bless,

Mrs. Murphy

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

Bon Voyage!

I'm off to Lourdes! Hours to the plane, please pray for our safe trip, and a true spiritual and physical renewal and healing. And for the safety of my children while we are away.

God Bless,
Mrs. Murphy

Saturday, May 15, 2010

Welcome to Mary's Dowry Productions! We are an Independent Catholic Film Company based in England, United Kingdom. We produce original Catholic DVDs on England's Saints and Martyrs. We are named after an ancient title for England, given by Kings for centuries to Our Lady - Mary's Dowry. On our website you can watch trailers, see production stills and BUY our growing range of Catholic DVDS. Our films are available worldwide in all region formats.

Thanks Prudence for sharing this neat site with me! I'm going to add it to the side bar so if anyone is looking for saint movies, this site will be up and able to help!

God Bless,
Mrs. Murphy

Friday, May 14, 2010

Novena to Holy Spirit begins TODAY

Click HERE for the link to the daily prayers.

Much Love,
Mrs. Murphy

Monday, May 10, 2010

Whats been up?

I've been in hiding lately, my own fault. No school, no house work, no faith...sigh. Well, here's what happened now, I get over my chemo menopause and start a non stop bleed, like an overnight every half an hour for 3 weeks. So my blonde Jonas brother Dr. says ok, you need a hysterectomy, stat, lets call down your oncologist. He comes down and reviews my labs, way too much blood loss, ok, full hysterectomy a go. It's Wednesday. They say, how's Monday? Wow.

Monday, full hysterectomy, with a bladder "nick". Ahem, a 4cm "nick". In hospital for 2 days, go home with Foley in, yea, then comes some real pain. Blood, clots trying to make its way down the foley. I got so backed up with blood and clots in my bladder because my great drs sent me home with the wrong medication, I spent Easter in the ER. Here's another how great gov health care is, are you looking forward to this Obama fans? The EMTs ask me like 4 times if I could be pregnant, then, how many pads am I going through? Ambulanced to the ER, wheeled right through and dropped off in the WAITING ROOM. Good luck, see ya.

Hours later, finally got a good gyn to come in, review and straighten me all out. Got a bladder flush that got all the blood and clots out, got to go home no more foley.

Ok, so full Hysterectomy means uterus, tubes and ovaries all out. No more hormones. Instant BAD menopause. I spent a few weeks just crying, but its getting better. My parents came to help and were a blessing when needed. In the beginning I just needed to have some one watch the kids so I could curl up with my narcotics and cry because, come on? What's next?

In all the meantime we are on pins and needles because my Godson, Drew, had taken a real bad turn in his health. It's bad enough feeling sorry for myself, then there is the guilt I have not been there, done enough. He knows neighbors as family better than his godmother and I cry over that as well, and to think our time on Earth would be cut off without.....more. And for a child to be suffering too, is so much worse, you feel so helpless.....It's been a heart wrenching few months.

I'm beginning to feel like Job. So I get some control and BOOM, my best friend is moving, NEXT MONTH. FAR AWAY. So, my faith is really being tested right now, I'm waiting for something good to happen, anything. Next week: Lourdes. I am praying something happens to shake me up, to renew my love for God and Mary that I have had before, instead of feeling so alone. St. Bernadette, please heal my hurting soul and let me follow God's path with acceptance and humility instead of pain and tears. I am always thinking of Jesus on the cross, why has thou forsaken me?


Well, that's what's been up.
God bless you for even reading my story.
Mrs. Murphy

Happy Mother's Day!


One day late.... Sorry! Click HERE

Sunday, March 28, 2010

Happy Palm Sunday!



Ever Wonder how to make those neat crosses from the palm leaves? My brain doesn't work that way, so I found a how to step by step! Click HERE to see how.

God Bless,
Mrs. Murphy

Do your kids like LEGOS?

How LEGO® SmartTM Is Your Class?


LEGO Duck
Do your students understand key science, technology, engineering, and math concepts - not just on paper, but through demonstration?
Now through July 2010, LEGO® Education is gathering contestants for the 2010 LEGO® SmartTM Creativity Contest, challenging classrooms across the United States to become LEGO Smart!
As a previous contestant you are eligible to participate in this year's challenge!
All contestants must complete the online preregistration form available at www.LEGOeducation. us/CreativityCon test. After a contestant's preregistration has been received, an e-mail notification will be sent within 48-hours regarding his or her contest status.
The 2010 LEGO Smart Creativity Contest challenge, including prize information and contest rules, will be e-mailed to all qualified contestants on Monday, August 2, 2010.
The 2010 LEGO Smart Creativity Contest will require the use of a LEGO Smart Kit. Only teachers, home educators, after-school program directors, and others working with students (K-12) within the education field are eligible to compete in this year's challenge. All previous contestants, provided they meet the above eligibility requirements, are invited to compete. New contestants will be limited to the first 10,000 new, registered, and qualified contestants.
For more information, visit www.LEGOeducation. us/CreativityCon test or contact Debra at dsmith@LEGOeducatio n.us.


We are thrilled to announce the opening of our Divine Mercy Product Giveaway! Hurry! The Giveaway closes on Divine Mercy Sunday, April 11th.
How does one enter the giveaway? Simply participate in CHC's Spring Survey to be entered to win!

Holy Week!

For Good Friday
Thanks for passing this to me Rose (and Rose's Dad!)

Imagine what might happen if every Catholic in the world would pray a Rosary on the same day! We have an example in October of 1573, when Europe was saved from the invasion of the mighty Turkish fleet, by the praying of the Rosary by all Christians!

So, on Good Friday, let us all pray a Rosary for peace in the world and the return of moral values into our communities. If possible, please pray your Rosary between Noon and 3:00pm.

Also, please e-mail this message to every Catholic on your address list, and ask them to pass it along to every Catholic on their lists. Let's unite in praying one of the most powerful prayers in existence, for these intentions, on one of the holiest days in our Church year.

Thursday, March 25, 2010

Please say a quick prayer for me

We just got notice that I need a hysterectomy on Monday, the open, full, everything out kind. I'm just asking for a quick prayer to guide the hands of the medical staff and surgeons, love and comfort showered on my husband, babies and family, and for a quick recovery before I go to Lourdes!

I continue to pray for all of you as well.

God Bless,
Mrs. Murphy