Well, it seems I've found some time to write a bit. Lately, things have been too busy for my liking. Not just one thing in particular, but all sorts of little things seem to keep popping up in our day-to-day lives. With the kids being out on break for Christmas, I finally have room to breathe....
The weather has been gorgeous lately. High 70's with plenty of sunshine. The kiddos are outdoors all day, with breaks to eat. They are finding so many ways to be creative. Like collecting and painting rocks, pine cones, leaves and whatever else they find outside. I love it when they enjoy themselves in nature.
My daughter's skin is not improving, but is stable for now. I am committed to praying about it, along with a parasite cleanse, a yeast protocol, some delightful lotions, and vitamins, and mineral supplementation. God's will be done.
We have had help from our local church for gifts for the holidays this season, as well as for food. That has been a tremendous blessing. God is good, very very good.
I have a buddy who is talking about getting some chicks in February, and he's asked if I wanted some. So, it looks like my chicken dream could come true!! Now, if only I could acquire a goat....
I am a wife to my high school sweetheart, mother of 4 blessings from God. I am tyring to incorporate the principles of natural, healing foods, raw foods, allergy-friendly foods as well as locally grown foods. I love all things health, and I try to weave them in my everyday life.
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Muffins on the Fly
Today was a dreary, rainy day. I didn't get any laundry done. With the washing machine and dryer out in the garage, I couldn't bring myself to go thru the storm to get there :(
Another thing I've come across since allowing the kids to go to school this year is the craziness associated with class parties. All of my four kids have to bring something their christmas party. Don't get me wrong. They love school. Really really love school. And they are all excited for the parties. It's just that I have zero dollars (literally, zero) until next payday. It's such a burden to just not be able to get the stuff they need right away. But, I am really trying not to let it bring me down.
I will have a payday before the gift swap day. Not that I really can afford to pay $5 per child for a gift as well as provide a food and drink for each class. With 4 children, it adds up. That was something I miss about homeschooling. For the past 5 years, we never had to worry about that.
But, the decision to put them in school was not made without council from above. Not every christian SAHM must be a homeschooler. Though the majority of people I associate with are, it's simply not where I am in my life right now. God opened many doors for us and provided us with fabulous teachers, as well as some grant money for 2 of the children. I am pleased with everything so far.
The kids are having a great time each day. They are learning SO much more than what we did at home. The exposure is not "horrible" , contrary to what I had believed it to be. And I was really suffering from burnout. I know there are many moms out there who have suffered as well, but it was just my time. I do not take things lightly, and this definitely was not a spur of the moment act. We all just got to the point that we were ready to pull each other's hair out. We needed a breathe of fresh air. And yes, I've tried taking a break from school for a bit. I tried doing nature walks and notebooking and lapbooking and unschooling. It was all fun for a bit. But, it wasn't the solution.
So after much prayer, and long talks, we decided to try school. Every step of the whole process was prayed over. God's hand was in it, and it's been great. I am not looking too far ahead as to what the future holds concerning school. I could very well homeschool them all again next year. Or I could just homeschool a few.Only God knows at this point. Like I said, I don't look too far into the future. It just brings me worry.
Whatever I do, I want it to be the right thing. And only God knows the path ahead of us. I just trust that He will see us through.
Another thing I've come across since allowing the kids to go to school this year is the craziness associated with class parties. All of my four kids have to bring something their christmas party. Don't get me wrong. They love school. Really really love school. And they are all excited for the parties. It's just that I have zero dollars (literally, zero) until next payday. It's such a burden to just not be able to get the stuff they need right away. But, I am really trying not to let it bring me down.
I will have a payday before the gift swap day. Not that I really can afford to pay $5 per child for a gift as well as provide a food and drink for each class. With 4 children, it adds up. That was something I miss about homeschooling. For the past 5 years, we never had to worry about that.
But, the decision to put them in school was not made without council from above. Not every christian SAHM must be a homeschooler. Though the majority of people I associate with are, it's simply not where I am in my life right now. God opened many doors for us and provided us with fabulous teachers, as well as some grant money for 2 of the children. I am pleased with everything so far.
The kids are having a great time each day. They are learning SO much more than what we did at home. The exposure is not "horrible" , contrary to what I had believed it to be. And I was really suffering from burnout. I know there are many moms out there who have suffered as well, but it was just my time. I do not take things lightly, and this definitely was not a spur of the moment act. We all just got to the point that we were ready to pull each other's hair out. We needed a breathe of fresh air. And yes, I've tried taking a break from school for a bit. I tried doing nature walks and notebooking and lapbooking and unschooling. It was all fun for a bit. But, it wasn't the solution.
So after much prayer, and long talks, we decided to try school. Every step of the whole process was prayed over. God's hand was in it, and it's been great. I am not looking too far ahead as to what the future holds concerning school. I could very well homeschool them all again next year. Or I could just homeschool a few.Only God knows at this point. Like I said, I don't look too far into the future. It just brings me worry.
Whatever I do, I want it to be the right thing. And only God knows the path ahead of us. I just trust that He will see us through.
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Cleaning out my Clutter
Since we've recently moved, ( a week and a half ago to be exact), My garage has not yet been organized. So, today was my day to accomplish that. The weather was beautiful, 75 degrees, and I was in the mood.
However, we have a full size bed with head-board and foot board that is just waiting to be picked up by someone my husband works with. I was under the understanding that it would be gone Friday. But, it's still there. URRGGHH! This bed is literally blocking my path, and there really is no where else to put it while it waits on a pick-up. I didn't want to just give it to Goodwill, because they still re-sale it. And, my husband and I have had so many things given to us for free, that we really wanted to bless someone who might need it. Apparently there is someone at my husband's work who wants it, we've just had some communication issues. ;) Hopefully those will be resolved by this Friday so that mamma can organize her clutter....
So, being the productive individual that I am =] , I instead assembled some shelves to put in my kitchen. I have always had crafty things for my kiddos to play/work with in the kitchen area. But, I just hadn't figured out where that station might go in this new little house we moved in. But, alas I had an epiphany. And I found a wall that they don't look too crowded on. So, tomorrow will be filled with organizing our family craft items on those shelves.
You see, I have always been one to organize, de-clutter, donate, store, pack, whatever you wish to call it. I am the opposite of a pack rat. And this has helped tremendously with a family of 6. Can't have too much stuff hanging out, or else we start to feel crowded. And when something, anything, just sits there with no "home"( like the stuff in my garage), it's all I can do to ignore it. It calls my name when I'm not busy......"we need organizing. we need a home. Give us a place to call our own." Well, it doesn't actually say those things, but it might as well. So, this garage thing has been bugging me to say the least :) I will just keep chanting Friday, Friday, Friday.
Then there is the hallway that needs a paint job. I have everything but the roller. And payday is not this week, so that'll have to wait as well. We weren't able to go grocery shopping this week, and all that's left isn't worth mentioning. It's going to go to gas.
So, I'm doing what I do best which is make meals out of what we've got on hand. Even if it doesn't typically go together. It's still food. Last night was ground turkey mixed with rice and corn. It was good too. That's going to be dinner again tonight. My hubby will be taking left-over chili from the party Saturday, to work with him. I'd like to have stocked up on a few of the BOGO at Publix. No junk, of course. Just a few things worth getting that I know my kids will snack on. But, oh well. I have so much more to be thankful for. And there will always be more sales.
Since I've cut down my couponing to a bare minimum,(only buying items that are relatively healthy and that we use in a day-to-day basis), I find that I am ok with missing some great sales. Though the concept of purchasing items when they're on sale, not when you need them, was hard for me to adjust to at first, I now see how much that pays off in the long run. But, if ya ain't got it to spend, then it don't matter how much it cost, right?
So, left-overs are simmering on the stove; kids are enjoying the weather outside; and all of my family is here. I am a happy woman.
However, we have a full size bed with head-board and foot board that is just waiting to be picked up by someone my husband works with. I was under the understanding that it would be gone Friday. But, it's still there. URRGGHH! This bed is literally blocking my path, and there really is no where else to put it while it waits on a pick-up. I didn't want to just give it to Goodwill, because they still re-sale it. And, my husband and I have had so many things given to us for free, that we really wanted to bless someone who might need it. Apparently there is someone at my husband's work who wants it, we've just had some communication issues. ;) Hopefully those will be resolved by this Friday so that mamma can organize her clutter....
So, being the productive individual that I am =] , I instead assembled some shelves to put in my kitchen. I have always had crafty things for my kiddos to play/work with in the kitchen area. But, I just hadn't figured out where that station might go in this new little house we moved in. But, alas I had an epiphany. And I found a wall that they don't look too crowded on. So, tomorrow will be filled with organizing our family craft items on those shelves.
You see, I have always been one to organize, de-clutter, donate, store, pack, whatever you wish to call it. I am the opposite of a pack rat. And this has helped tremendously with a family of 6. Can't have too much stuff hanging out, or else we start to feel crowded. And when something, anything, just sits there with no "home"( like the stuff in my garage), it's all I can do to ignore it. It calls my name when I'm not busy......"we need organizing. we need a home. Give us a place to call our own." Well, it doesn't actually say those things, but it might as well. So, this garage thing has been bugging me to say the least :) I will just keep chanting Friday, Friday, Friday.
Then there is the hallway that needs a paint job. I have everything but the roller. And payday is not this week, so that'll have to wait as well. We weren't able to go grocery shopping this week, and all that's left isn't worth mentioning. It's going to go to gas.
So, I'm doing what I do best which is make meals out of what we've got on hand. Even if it doesn't typically go together. It's still food. Last night was ground turkey mixed with rice and corn. It was good too. That's going to be dinner again tonight. My hubby will be taking left-over chili from the party Saturday, to work with him. I'd like to have stocked up on a few of the BOGO at Publix. No junk, of course. Just a few things worth getting that I know my kids will snack on. But, oh well. I have so much more to be thankful for. And there will always be more sales.
Since I've cut down my couponing to a bare minimum,(only buying items that are relatively healthy and that we use in a day-to-day basis), I find that I am ok with missing some great sales. Though the concept of purchasing items when they're on sale, not when you need them, was hard for me to adjust to at first, I now see how much that pays off in the long run. But, if ya ain't got it to spend, then it don't matter how much it cost, right?
So, left-overs are simmering on the stove; kids are enjoying the weather outside; and all of my family is here. I am a happy woman.
Sunday, December 7, 2008
A Few Pics Of My Family
My middle girl, early in the morning.
My oldest, and I.
Me and my allergy-girl ;)
A Picture of the Wall E Cake-one of the kids tried to dip their fingers in it!
My little man on the front Porch .success
Looking back at the party yesterday, I couldn't be happier at the way the day unfolded. First of all, I got to see a friend of my from my "younger" days. It was a very happy event for us both! Her two children played great with my kiddos.
Secondly, all of my family, that I invited, was able to make it out. Everyone got along and really enjoyed themselves.
Thirdly, my honey's big pot of chili was delicious!!! Coupled with the hot dogs on the grill, we all ate and were filled.
And, lastly, the cake turned out wonderfully!!! My aunt let us borrow her camera for some pictures. I'll have to make time to upload them soon. The lemon cake was dense, and moist. Not too bad for a GFDF first ;) The icing we chose was not so healthy, but I figured, "what the heck?" It was only a one-time thing. Special occasions are full of "one-timers". So, ours was no different =] The ironic thing about the cake was that my allergy girl is so used to not eating cake, that although she was allowed to eat it, she still chose not too, lol! So, she ate the unhealthy icing. Now, it was still GFDF, but it was not homemade. So goes these things.
On another note, I believe I will be getting some chickens soon!!!! OOOHHHH!! My girlfriend who's moved back into town recently (the one mentioned earlier who came to the party with her 2 little ones) had chickens and knows all about raising them and caring for them and housing them. She is excited to get with me and show me the ropes. I cannot wait for some eggs!! I have seriously wanted chickens for nearly 5 years now. We just never had the land.
Last Saturday was our first day in a new house. We are still renting, but from people we know. The land is roughly an acre larger, maybe a tad more. It has grape-vines, a persimmon tree(man I love persimmons!), 2 fig trees, and a pear tree. Also, we've been told that wild berries grow along the property line. How wonderful is that?
So, now that we have land enough, we can get chickens. I will be praying that this is meant to be.
My girlfriend also had a garden back home, so she is gong to be bringing over her tiller and will help me when planting time comes.
Life is good. God is awesome. I am blessed beyond measure. I hope that I can always keep in the front of my mind, and heart that He is in control, and all things work for good to those that love Him, and are called my His name.
Secondly, all of my family, that I invited, was able to make it out. Everyone got along and really enjoyed themselves.
Thirdly, my honey's big pot of chili was delicious!!! Coupled with the hot dogs on the grill, we all ate and were filled.
And, lastly, the cake turned out wonderfully!!! My aunt let us borrow her camera for some pictures. I'll have to make time to upload them soon. The lemon cake was dense, and moist. Not too bad for a GFDF first ;) The icing we chose was not so healthy, but I figured, "what the heck?" It was only a one-time thing. Special occasions are full of "one-timers". So, ours was no different =] The ironic thing about the cake was that my allergy girl is so used to not eating cake, that although she was allowed to eat it, she still chose not too, lol! So, she ate the unhealthy icing. Now, it was still GFDF, but it was not homemade. So goes these things.
On another note, I believe I will be getting some chickens soon!!!! OOOHHHH!! My girlfriend who's moved back into town recently (the one mentioned earlier who came to the party with her 2 little ones) had chickens and knows all about raising them and caring for them and housing them. She is excited to get with me and show me the ropes. I cannot wait for some eggs!! I have seriously wanted chickens for nearly 5 years now. We just never had the land.
Last Saturday was our first day in a new house. We are still renting, but from people we know. The land is roughly an acre larger, maybe a tad more. It has grape-vines, a persimmon tree(man I love persimmons!), 2 fig trees, and a pear tree. Also, we've been told that wild berries grow along the property line. How wonderful is that?
So, now that we have land enough, we can get chickens. I will be praying that this is meant to be.
My girlfriend also had a garden back home, so she is gong to be bringing over her tiller and will help me when planting time comes.
Life is good. God is awesome. I am blessed beyond measure. I hope that I can always keep in the front of my mind, and heart that He is in control, and all things work for good to those that love Him, and are called my His name.
Saturday, December 6, 2008
The Big Day
So, today is the party for my sweet allergy girl ;) I got together with a friend from my church, and she agreed to decorate the cake with GFDF icing. And she went ahead and took my cake recipe with all the safe ingredients required, and baked the cake too!! God is good to me. I am just thrilled that she will get to have her cake and eat it too......
DH is going to make a huge pot of nourishing chili, to keep the chill of the day at bay. My only complaint is that my littlest one, my baby boy, is coming down with a very annoying, dry cough, that he just can't seem to keep under control. Considering we live in a small town, and only have 1 option as a health food store, I will be making a trip sometime soon to pick him up a homeopathic combination remedy to help him deal with this ailment. Poor thing. It has always pained my to have my children sick.
I used to be notoriously trying to blame someone for giving my kids a cold, or whatever they had. I suppose as a new, very young mom, I felt that by getting to pick whom I thought gave it to them, that I was in some way able to justify the whole thing. Well, after 4 children and many bouts of sickness, I realized that some things just happen. And it's no one's fault. Even if it was, the energy spent on pondering "who came in contact with who, and on what day; and let's be sure to avoid and/or keep our eye on that kid next time" was just that: energy spent!! And goodness knows I don't need to expend any more energy than is already necessary ;)
So, when my kiddos come down with something, I usually am fortunate enough to have on-hand the items I feel are best for their healing. But, not today. I don't really have anything other than Slippery Elm, Mullein, Licorice for the lung congestion. And for the immune system, I have Vitamin C, Vitamin A, Zinc Lozenges, and Echinacea. Nothing for his poor little cough. So, off I go to visit my friends at the health foods store =]
DH is going to make a huge pot of nourishing chili, to keep the chill of the day at bay. My only complaint is that my littlest one, my baby boy, is coming down with a very annoying, dry cough, that he just can't seem to keep under control. Considering we live in a small town, and only have 1 option as a health food store, I will be making a trip sometime soon to pick him up a homeopathic combination remedy to help him deal with this ailment. Poor thing. It has always pained my to have my children sick.
I used to be notoriously trying to blame someone for giving my kids a cold, or whatever they had. I suppose as a new, very young mom, I felt that by getting to pick whom I thought gave it to them, that I was in some way able to justify the whole thing. Well, after 4 children and many bouts of sickness, I realized that some things just happen. And it's no one's fault. Even if it was, the energy spent on pondering "who came in contact with who, and on what day; and let's be sure to avoid and/or keep our eye on that kid next time" was just that: energy spent!! And goodness knows I don't need to expend any more energy than is already necessary ;)
So, when my kiddos come down with something, I usually am fortunate enough to have on-hand the items I feel are best for their healing. But, not today. I don't really have anything other than Slippery Elm, Mullein, Licorice for the lung congestion. And for the immune system, I have Vitamin C, Vitamin A, Zinc Lozenges, and Echinacea. Nothing for his poor little cough. So, off I go to visit my friends at the health foods store =]
Thursday, December 4, 2008
A Traditional Birthday Party?
So, since I've resolved to head back on my path towards health, I have a challenge to face. This weekend has already been designated my allergy girl's birthday party. DH has invited too many people over, IMHO. People who are flocking to eat a traditional birthday fare. Well, Publix isn't getting any money from me this time around. I am going to go with a coconut flour recipe.
I have enjoyed Bruce Fife's recipes in the past for incorporating the wonderful coconut into my cuisine. I've usually tweaked some ingredients, but with pretty good results. However, I am not a cake baker,maker,decorator...whatever you might like to call someone who enjoys and is good at the whole process. So, I am not going to alter the recipe for the cake.
I am thinking of doing a lemon cake. That will be a first. The ingredients called for are pretty basic:
butter
coconut milk
eggs(12 yummy eggs,mmmmmm)
sugar (less than a cup ;)
salt
lemon extract
coconut flour
baking powder
baking
Sounds easy enough (fingers crossed). As far as the frosting goes, I am undecided. She really, really wants the Wall E theme. So, I am guessing I can just purchase the cake toppers from the grocery store. Put them on the cake and Voila!!! I hope she'll be happy. I have to admit to the kids being a bit spoiled on the whole cake thing. Since I really don't bake, I have let them splurge on the whole healthy options during their parties. They are used to professionally decorated, themed, colorful cakes. I don't know if I'm gonna cave and buy food dye or not. Even off the bandwagon, I've never bought food dyes.But, I don't know if I can justify the cost of driving 45 minutes away just to purchase over-priced natural food dyes. Only time will tell on this outcome.
But, I do feel positive about the cake part =]]
Hubby will be doing a large pot of chili. That's really easy to keep healthy, whew!! And then we are going to give the kids skewers for their hot dogs in leu of buns. My allergy girl never has buns anyways, but it's going to be nice for all the kids to not have buns with her.
All this hype over a birthday is what makes me dread them. We end up buying "junk" that we never buy on a normal basis. I strongly dislike spending my DH's hard earned $ on junk! However, he really enjoys the festivities, and everything that goes along with it. Although he does support me and my decisions(and there have been some crazy ones on my extravagant search for healing and rejuvenating), he generally prefers the SAD diet. And since couponing this past summer, let's just say that he's been happier with my pantry now, than in the previous 10 years, lol!!
To sum it up, I am going to try to make the party a nourishing event as possible, in such a way that individuals on all sides should be pleased ;)
I have enjoyed Bruce Fife's recipes in the past for incorporating the wonderful coconut into my cuisine. I've usually tweaked some ingredients, but with pretty good results. However, I am not a cake baker,maker,decorator...whatever you might like to call someone who enjoys and is good at the whole process. So, I am not going to alter the recipe for the cake.
I am thinking of doing a lemon cake. That will be a first. The ingredients called for are pretty basic:
butter
coconut milk
eggs(12 yummy eggs,mmmmmm)
sugar (less than a cup ;)
salt
lemon extract
coconut flour
baking powder
baking
Sounds easy enough (fingers crossed). As far as the frosting goes, I am undecided. She really, really wants the Wall E theme. So, I am guessing I can just purchase the cake toppers from the grocery store. Put them on the cake and Voila!!! I hope she'll be happy. I have to admit to the kids being a bit spoiled on the whole cake thing. Since I really don't bake, I have let them splurge on the whole healthy options during their parties. They are used to professionally decorated, themed, colorful cakes. I don't know if I'm gonna cave and buy food dye or not. Even off the bandwagon, I've never bought food dyes.But, I don't know if I can justify the cost of driving 45 minutes away just to purchase over-priced natural food dyes. Only time will tell on this outcome.
But, I do feel positive about the cake part =]]
Hubby will be doing a large pot of chili. That's really easy to keep healthy, whew!! And then we are going to give the kids skewers for their hot dogs in leu of buns. My allergy girl never has buns anyways, but it's going to be nice for all the kids to not have buns with her.
All this hype over a birthday is what makes me dread them. We end up buying "junk" that we never buy on a normal basis. I strongly dislike spending my DH's hard earned $ on junk! However, he really enjoys the festivities, and everything that goes along with it. Although he does support me and my decisions(and there have been some crazy ones on my extravagant search for healing and rejuvenating), he generally prefers the SAD diet. And since couponing this past summer, let's just say that he's been happier with my pantry now, than in the previous 10 years, lol!!
To sum it up, I am going to try to make the party a nourishing event as possible, in such a way that individuals on all sides should be pleased ;)
This, first of days
So, today I decided to create a blog so that I, and my children can look back at our lives, and glean from them things that are edifying. Things that will help us grow, learn, and inspire along our lives' journey.
I have been an advocate of health since 1995. My passion has evolved and grown these past 10 years to become something solid. Something to which I have gained much knowledge about.
I have learned to prepare foods from scratch. I have been involved with a local co-op in order to buy fresh, organic produce as well as raw dairy and grass-fed meats. I have learned to prepare gluten-free, dairy-free foods as well. One of my little ones has an allergy to gluten, and dairy. I have jumped on the raw food movement too. I loved Nourishing Traditions as equally as I loved Angela Stokes. You could say I am "All over the place with all things health!"
I have taken the many things I've researched and studied and rolled them up into this big plethora of information. It's stored in my brain, in case you wonder what I did with it. Oh yeah, I even jumped on the couponing bandwagon. Saved loads of money. But, in the process, I lost my sense of direction concerning health. And, now my family is suffering with nasty colds, rashes and weight gain. How could this happen to me? Me, who knows sooo much and has been practicing the principles of coconut oil/herbal/homeopathic/anthroposophic/organic/allergy-free/microwave-free/almost-bought-a-goat-phase/driving hours for raw milk/homeschooling SAHM of 4???? How indeed!! Ashamed is what I am.
So, this blog is me trying to right the wrongs I've done. Things that were wrong for my family, that is. I will try to be faithful and track my progress. However, I don't even own a working camera. I am broke. My hubby works too many hours. And my children are in school(I know, I can't believe it either). So, this will be a long process. A tedious process. But, I think I am up to it. God-willing. He desires good health for us, and good health I am seeking. I will just re-trace my steps.
I have been an advocate of health since 1995. My passion has evolved and grown these past 10 years to become something solid. Something to which I have gained much knowledge about.
I have learned to prepare foods from scratch. I have been involved with a local co-op in order to buy fresh, organic produce as well as raw dairy and grass-fed meats. I have learned to prepare gluten-free, dairy-free foods as well. One of my little ones has an allergy to gluten, and dairy. I have jumped on the raw food movement too. I loved Nourishing Traditions as equally as I loved Angela Stokes. You could say I am "All over the place with all things health!"
I have taken the many things I've researched and studied and rolled them up into this big plethora of information. It's stored in my brain, in case you wonder what I did with it. Oh yeah, I even jumped on the couponing bandwagon. Saved loads of money. But, in the process, I lost my sense of direction concerning health. And, now my family is suffering with nasty colds, rashes and weight gain. How could this happen to me? Me, who knows sooo much and has been practicing the principles of coconut oil/herbal/homeopathic/anthroposophic/organic/allergy-free/microwave-free/almost-bought-a-goat-phase/driving hours for raw milk/homeschooling SAHM of 4???? How indeed!! Ashamed is what I am.
So, this blog is me trying to right the wrongs I've done. Things that were wrong for my family, that is. I will try to be faithful and track my progress. However, I don't even own a working camera. I am broke. My hubby works too many hours. And my children are in school(I know, I can't believe it either). So, this will be a long process. A tedious process. But, I think I am up to it. God-willing. He desires good health for us, and good health I am seeking. I will just re-trace my steps.
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