Peter and Amy's Blog http://www.peterandamy.org/ Weblog of Peter & Amy: planning our life together en-us peter@peterandamy.org 2006-04-28T19:22:01-06:00 hourly 1 2000-01-01T12:00+00:00 2nd Anniversary http://www.peterandamy.org/archives/2006/04/2nd_anniversary_1.html Peter & Amy by big shellTo celebrate our second anniversary, we decided to get away overnight to Galveston Island! We began our adventure with a tour of the Moody Mansion, a very elegant, old home that survived the 1900 storm. The architecture was quite impressive! Then we were off for a walk down The Strand where we visited some of the quaint, little shops, and had lunch at Fuddruckers. The weather was very warm, so, after lunch we went ahead and checked into our hotel (Holiday Inn Sunspree Resort) and enjoyed relaxing, and cooling off in the pool. After getting ready for the evening we went out for some fabulous seafood, then topped it off by splitting a bannana split! We ended our evening with a sunset ferry ride.

On Tuesday morning we had breakfast at IHOP. We then took a long stroll, hand in hand on the beach. We enjoyed splashing in the surf, looking for shells, but mostly just being together. Then we agreed on a round of miniature golf. You will have to ask Peter who won! :-) We ended our trip with a tour of Bishop’s Palace, another one of the historic homes in Galveston, and dinner together at one of our favorite Mexican restaurants.

We had such a wonderful time making some fun, new memories together. We thank God for the blessings of this past year, and look forward to the year to come, knowing that each year together only gets sweeter!

The pictures are in the Anniversary-2nd Album.

]]> 39@http://www.peterandamy.org/ Adventures 2006-04-28T19:22:01-06:00 Arboretum Trip http://www.peterandamy.org/archives/2006/04/arboretum_trip_1.html FlowersSaturday was a lovely, spring day here. We decided to enjoy the oudoors at Mercer Arboretum and Botanical Gardens. Peter's parents joined us for our picnic, and our walk through the gardens. We had a great time!

The pictures are in the Arboretum-2006 Album.]]> 38@http://www.peterandamy.org/ Adventures 2006-04-10T19:50:40-06:00 GasPriceWatch Database http://www.peterandamy.org/archives/2006/01/gaspricewatch_d.html GasPriceWatch.com.

]]>
The website can be used by Mac or Windows users via a browser.

But, there is an added bonus for those of you who have Tiger Mac OS X (V10.4) as you can install a neat little dashboard widget. The widget accesses the GasPriceWatch database and shows you the nearest gas station with the lowest price. Now, all you have to do to see the lowest gas price in your area is press the F12 key and the information is on your screen. After you install the widget -- of course.

Dashboard Gas Widget
]]> 37@http://www.peterandamy.org/ Projects 2006-01-04T18:28:03-06:00 Davis Mountains http://www.peterandamy.org/archives/2006/01/davis_mountains.html We were discussing what we wanted to do while we had this vacation time over dinner. We decided that we had enough time off to head to the Davis Mountains in West Texas. So, we quickly got our things packed, went to the store for supplies and got ready to leave in the morning.

Wednesday (12/28)
We left early in the morning about 5:45am and traveled the 626 miles to Davis Mountain State Park. When we arrived, we set up our camp site, and prepared dinner. Later that evening, we went to a nature presentation put on by the park host for the week.

Thursday (12/29)
After our campfire breakfast, we went to McDonald Observatory. We did the self guided tour of the large telescopes on the mountain. We then drove the scenic 37 mile loop through the beautiful mountains. Later in the evening, we went back to the observatory for the twilight program, which involved a classroom type setting where we learned how to use a star chart, and then headed outdoors for a little hands on experience in recognizing the constellations. The star party followed the twilight program where we were able to view many different stars and astronomical objects throught the telescopes that they had set up at the visitors center.

Friday (12/30)
We had decided to spend the day hiking from our campsite over the mountain to the Fort Davis National Historic Site. It was approximately 6.7 miles one way. The trail was pretty rugged and steep in a few places but, the scenery and the time together were well worth it! Once we got to the fort we only had a few minutes to look around before we had to head back to camp to prepare for dinner before sunset.

Saturday (12/31)
We drove back to Fort Davis to view the site more closely since we ran out of time on Friday. It was interesting seeing the history...you almost could envision the fort during its operation. Later, we drove to Marfa to see Marfa Mystery Lights. It was interesting, and kind of humorous listening to everybodys theory's on the cause of the lights.

Sunday (1/1)
On Sunday morning, we started our approximately 10 hour drive back to Houston. We hated for such a wonderful time to come to an end, but we were glad to get back to our home sweet home. Happy New Year!

The pictures are in the Davis-Mt-2005 Album.]]> 36@http://www.peterandamy.org/ Adventures 2006-01-02T08:04:55-06:00 First Deer Hunt http://www.peterandamy.org/archives/2005/12/first_deer_hunt.html Hunting PartyPeter went hunting for the first time with my Dad and brother, Jonathan, at the family farm. He took Friday off, so we had a long weekend for the exciting hunting trip. The hunters got up early each morning, and bundled up to head to the deer stands. Jonathan and Peter hunted together. Mom and I had coffee and breakfast ready for them when they got back to the house, about 9:30 a.m. The guys worked on the farm, and cleaned out one of the stands in the afternoon. Then it was back out for the evening hunt. They did not see any deer, but Peter was able to get three feral hogs. Two of them he shot from the stand at about 100 yards, (with only one bullet) and the other one he shot from the ground. He is an excellent shot, and proved to be a great hunter!

The pictures are in the Hunting Album.]]> 35@http://www.peterandamy.org/ Adventures 2005-12-05T20:53:21-06:00 Adoption Workshop http://www.peterandamy.org/archives/2005/11/adoption_worksh_1.html This weekend we attended the FamilyLife “If You Were Mine” Adoption Workshop. We were taught the biblical basis of adoption listening to a sermon by Dennis Rainey called “God’s Heart for the Orphan”. We purchased the DVD of the sermon, if anyone would like to hear it. Just let us know. We learned the processes of international, domestic, and foster care adoption. We talked with people who have been involved with adoption. It was great to hear their story, and learn about their experiences. We learned about ways to help minimize the cost of adoption. There were representatives from many local adoption agencies. We learned about starting an orphan ministry in your local church. We learned a lot, and had a good time.

http://www.familylife.com/hopefororphans/

]]> 34@http://www.peterandamy.org/ Projects 2005-11-12T20:57:27-06:00 Product Information http://www.peterandamy.org/archives/2005/11/product_informa.html
Advanced Ambrotose™
For additional glyconutrient health support, new Advanced Ambrotose™ in bulk form is the answer you've been seeking. This revolutionary formula combines aloe-based saccharides with fucose-rich Undaria pinnatifida, a brown seaweed harvested from the clear waters near Tasmania. Safe for up to 60 servings a day, Advanced Ambrotose™ in bulk form delivers a better balance of sugars at a better value per serving than ever before.
Product Information Sheet (PDF)

]]> Ambrotose AO®
Ambrotose AO® combines MTech AO Blend™ with the cellular health support offered by Ambrotose® complex and the nutritional boosters in PhytAloe®. The result: An exceptional, power-packed antioxidant supplement designed to help you stay healthy and counter the effects of free radicals.*
Product Information Sheet (PDF)

Glycentials®
Glycentials is a high-quality comprehensive multivitamin and mineral supplement for healthy adults. This combination of vitamins and co-factors wonderfully complements our other Optimal Health System products. It also delivers the necessary nutrients for fighting stress and extra Ambrotose® complex for cellular communication and performance.*
Product Information Sheet (PDF)

PLUS
Packed with ingredients that help support a well-balanced endocrine system, PLUS contains natural ingredients that support the endocrine system's natural production and balance of hormones in both men and women. PLUS also gives your body support to help burn fat efficiently and recover from stress.*
Product Information Sheet (PDF)

Phyt•Aloe®
A blend of Ambrotose® complex and a dozen dehydrated raw fruits and vegetables, including broccoli, brussels sprout, cabbage, carrot, cauliflower, garlic, kale, onion, tomato, turnip, papaya and pineapple.
Product Information Sheet (PDF)

*This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

If you want more information about purchasing products as a Member or becoming an Independent Associate, contact me via email or or try our Mannatech Associate website: http://www.mannapages.com/pgnystrom/ .]]> 33@http://www.peterandamy.org/ Health 2005-11-07T21:28:14-06:00 MannaRelief http://www.peterandamy.org/archives/2005/11/mannarelief.html There is a benevolent organization started by Sam and Linda Caster (the founder of Mannatech) and Don and Lydia Herndon called MannaRelief.

“MannaRelief maintains two proven programs carefully developed to bring healing and wholeness to some of the world’s neediest children: orphans, children with disabilities and children with life-threatening illnesses.”

You can sponsor or donate to children so they can receive nutrition supplements.

http://www.mannarelief.org/

]]> 32@http://www.peterandamy.org/ Health 2005-11-03T18:18:07-06:00 Interesting Articles http://www.peterandamy.org/archives/2005/10/_introduction_t.html The first article explains the basics of glyconutritionals.
“Introduction to Glyconutritionals”

The second article discusses why we don’t have enough nutrients in our foods.
“From the Farm to the Kitchen Table: A Review of the Nutrient Losses in Foods”

The third articles discuses supplementation of these saccharides.
“Is Saccharide Supplementation Necessary?”

These articles came from the Glycoscience.org website.

]]> 31@http://www.peterandamy.org/ Health 2005-10-31T19:59:12-06:00 Hurricane Rita http://www.peterandamy.org/archives/2005/09/hurricane_rita.html We are safe, and back home. We did not received any damage to our house.

On Wednesday, Galveston County issued a mandatory evacuation of all coastal areas due to Hurricane Rita which at the time was forcasted to hit Galveston as a category 5 hurricane. I was released from work on Wednesday afternoon, and we started preparing to leave our house. We boarded up the house, and packed what we could into the truck. We left around 6:00pm for my parents house in SW Houston, and we did not arrive til 10:30pm. It was a 4.5 hour drive to drive 45 miles. We had it easy compared to some, but for some time we drove at 2-5 mph. It was very slow. We rode out the storm with my parents.

Boarded House

The hurricane eventually came ashore a little farther east of us, near Beaumont, as a Category 3 hurricane. We received high winds (~90mph), and rain from the storm. We were fortunate that the storm missed us and spared us from total destruction. We are very thankful that the Lord was watching over us, and helped us through the storm.

The pictures are in the House Album.

]]> 30@http://www.peterandamy.org/ Adventures 2005-09-24T15:53:59-06:00 Health & Living - Optimal Health System http://www.peterandamy.org/archives/2005/06/health_living_o_1.html I have uploaded the May Mannatech Product Magazine which describes a little more information about the Optimal Health System for those of you that are interested. I am still learning about these products for myself so I may time to time add things that I find.

The article “GLYCONUTRITIONALS: CONSOLIDATED REVIEW OF POTENTIAL BENEFITS FROM THE SCIENTIFIC LITERATURE” on the Glycoscience website talks about the potential benefits of glyconutrients which includes immune system modulation, cancer, microbial infections, diabetes, metabolic disorders, hormonal function, stress, osteoporosis, and many other biological effects. You will have to read it to see them all.

Elsewhere on the site, they have more scientific links about implications for Cancer, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Asthma, Inflamation, Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Antimicrobial Activity, Recovery from Viral Infections, Failure-to-Thrive Syndrome, and Cystic Fibrosis.

Each red number is a reference number which links to the abstract of the scientific paper that has studied these effects. It is amazing to see all the research that is being done to study the effects of glyconutrients on the body.

]]> 29@http://www.peterandamy.org/ Health 2005-06-10T07:12:37-06:00 Commenting on Articles http://www.peterandamy.org/archives/2005/06/commenting_on_a.html FYI,
If you want to comment on articles, you need to sign up for a TypeKey profile. It is free, and it verifies your email address. I implemented this system because of Comment Spam, which someone added to the website and it was not very nice.

You can register here. I require that TypeKey send me your email address, so you need to place a check next to the box (When you comment on a weblog, send the weblog owner your email address) in the typekey profile.

]]> 28@http://www.peterandamy.org/ Projects 2005-06-01T18:26:01-06:00 Vegetable Garden http://www.peterandamy.org/archives/2005/05/vegatable_garde.html Garden We planted a vegetable garden in the backyard this spring. It has been doing really well. We planted tomatoes, cucumbers, squash, zucchini, sunflowers, bell peppers, and onions. The bell peppers have not grown, much at all. But, everything else has really produced. I think we are going to have a bumper crop of tomatoes.

The pictures are in the House Album.

]]> 24@http://www.peterandamy.org/ Projects 2005-05-28T09:16:43-06:00 We started taking glyconutrients! http://www.peterandamy.org/archives/2005/05/we_started_taki_1.html We are just learning of a new field of nutrition science called Glycoscience. It is an emerging field of science that shows how plant sugars impact living systems and has promise in helping people maintain healthy bodies. It as been discovered that some of these plant sugars or Glyconutrients have been shown to help cells communicate between each other and help cells recognize other molecules in the body. [Or should I say that is my initial understanding of it.]

]]> We learned about Glyconutrients through Amy’s mom. They have been taking the supplements for almost a year and have had positive results. We started taking supplements from the Optimal Health System developed by Mannatech. As shown in the Optimal Health System brochure, the Optimal Health System contains Ambrotose (glyconutrient), Glycentials (multi-vitamin & minerals), Ambrotose AO (antioxidant), and PLUS (phytohormones).

Mannatech is a company that has patented formulations of glyconutrients and produces them for the public. They started selling them in health food stores, but it was not getting out to the public. So, they started a multi-level network marketing system where people become an Independent Associate to share the products with family, friends, neighbors & acquaintances. You can purchase the products through an Independent Associate by becoming a Member or becoming an Associate yourself through me.

The “Why Mannatech?” brochure has a better explanation of Mannatech.

If you want more information about purchasing products as a Member or becoming an Independent Associate, contact me via email or or try our Mannatech Associate website: http://www.mannapages.com/pgnystrom/ . Also, I will add this information to our Contact page.

The technology sounds promising and many people have benefited from the glyconutrients. It has been a learning experience for us, and we just wanted to share.

]]> 27@http://www.peterandamy.org/ Health 2005-05-18T18:15:30-06:00 1st Anniversary http://www.peterandamy.org/archives/2005/04/1st_anniversary.html We had our first year wedding anniversary on April 24th of 2004. We planned a getaway trip down to Corpus Christi on North Padre Island. We arrived on Sunday evening. After a lovely dinner together at Johnny Carino’s, we strolled along the beach, and watched the moon come up. On Monday morning, it was raining. So, we went to breakfast and then decided to stay dry inside the Texas State Aquarium. We saw everything from jellyfish to dolphins, and enjoyed the experience together. On our drive back from the aquarium, the sun made its appearance. The rest of the afternoon and evening we spent taking long walks on the beach. We had worked up an appetite with all of our walking, and had a late evening jaunt to Red Lobster. We checked out of our hotel on Tuesday morning, and headed toward Rockport to see the Texas Maritime Museum. They had some artifacts on display from the 1686 shipwreck of the Belle. After our visit to the museum we walked out to the Bay, and soaked up a bit of the afternoon sun. We headed home with lots of fun memories, cherishing the gift that we have found in each other, and anticipating many more anniversaries to come!

The pictures are in the Anniversary-1st Album.

]]> 26@http://www.peterandamy.org/ Wedding 2005-04-26T09:50:15-06:00