We found out later the reason the landlord of the 14 acres wanted to go month to month was because she was losing the house. This was ridiculous. 3 houses in 3 years lost. The economy was certainly taking its toll.
We made our decision to move so we gave our landlord the 30 day notice. She was very angry. She had already been difficult to deal with but after that she treated us like dirt. There was foul language spoken and she called my husband some very ugly names. We has not done her wrong, she was the one wanting month to month!
We had chickens, pigs, goats, and horses-all that had to be re-homed.
The church did not have a shower so it would be a few weeks before we could move in. It ended up taking much longer.
We put in a bathroom and shower and painted. We moved most of our belongings to storage, and made a small living space out of 1 large Sunday school classroom. We divided it in half with furniture and hanging clothes to make a bedroom and a living room/classroom.
I always try to be a Pollyanna and see the rainbow in every situation. This one was tough. But there was a park across the street, the library within walking distance, a gas station the kids loved frequenting, the rent was free, we had plenty of space outside of the little classroom......we made the best of it.
Even though it was beyond challenging and difficult, my kids to this day say their most memorable times were spent in that classroom! We would listen to Odyssey as a family nearly every night. We spent a lot of time at the park, and we learned to face obstacles together and to pray.
I remember one day in particular, I felt really claustrophobic, the kids blow up mattresses and blankets were piled everywhere, their school books, art supplies, and toys were up to our ears, a hanging rack had just collapsed, and I lost my cool and snapped at my precious babies for arguing or something of that nature.
I immediately felt pricked in my heart...this wasn't their fault. I gathered them around me and told them I was sorry and that we needed to pray for God to help us get a house. I sobbed my heart out to the Lord that day, with my loves all around me. I believed God had something better for us.
We were in the church for 7 months! We moved in, in the heat of summer, and made it through a cold, wet, and rainy winter with a leaking roof and moldy walls/carpet. It was in spring that the black mold was so bad we felt it was detrimental to our health so we knew we had to do something.
My husband had a new job that was a blessing and it had been stable for a few months so finally we were back on the house hunting adventure. This time it was pure excitement!
Our mission is to help parents and teachers to prepare our little arrows to approach life with bravery and courage; to love learning and God's Word, and to be given the tools to grow and develop into strong individuals, in body, soul, and spirit.
2.07.2013
House History Continued 3/6
Fall 2007
By this time, I'd decided we needed more space to roam. I started looking at homes for rent on acreage. I had a dream of my home daycare evolving into a full fledged preschool, on a farm.
I found an older farm house on 14 acres for $1500 per month. We were thrilled! The house was set up perfectly for what we needed. It had a separate mother in law quarters perfect for a classroom and daycare. I promised to work hard to help pay the rent as this was more than we'd ever paid since moving to Chowchilla. Hubby's pest control business and the church wouldn't be able to shoulder it.
It took awhile to do some repairs and what not to be ready for the state inspection for daycare licensing. I found out I needed the landlords signature. She said no. No? My husband called her and gave her our 30 day notice. She recanted.
I finally got my license. Victory!!!! Things were good! State programs pay great for kids whose parents are in the CalWorks program. It was hard work but the money was there.
Spring 2008
We had a 6 month lease for that house. At the end of the 6 months, the witch called to say she was stopping by for me to resign the rental agreement. As I was reading the contract, she muttered everything was the same...except one thing. What's that? "Well, I want to go month to month now". Me, "Really? Why?" Her, "Well just so you can have your freedom and I can have mine too!" Me, "I don't NEED freedom, I need STABILITY."
I had finally got my state license and the head pains were hardly lessened from that ordeal and she was putting us on month to month? This was my livelihood on the line here! I went ahead and signed for at least the next 30 days....
We were really unsure and worried about what to do. We didn't want to make any rash decisions. I prayed and prayed about it.
A few weeks later, I got a letter in the mail from the state saying that they had not been approved for their funding and that the PAST month and 2 months to come were not guaranteed to be paid for. What? We are taking about several thousand dollars of income here and our basic survival! I nearly had a nervous breakdown. It all was just piling up so heavily I couldn't see straight.
I woke up that night in the middle of the night and got up to go pray. I literally felt like I was having a heart attack. My husband, who rarely wakes when I do, sat up and asked where I was going. I hadn't told him about the state letter. I said I was just going to get a drink of water. He said "Is it that letter?" So he had seen it. I burst into tears. He asked "What do you want to do?" I said I didn't care anymore. That I was tired and weary of beating my head against a wall to make ends meet. That I didn't care if I lived in a shack, that I was not going to be homeschooling my kids, being a pastors wife, and work full time while having to move and get relicensed every 6 months. I was done. And I told him we should just move into the church until we got clarity as to what steps we needed to take next.
So that's what we did.......
By this time, I'd decided we needed more space to roam. I started looking at homes for rent on acreage. I had a dream of my home daycare evolving into a full fledged preschool, on a farm.
I found an older farm house on 14 acres for $1500 per month. We were thrilled! The house was set up perfectly for what we needed. It had a separate mother in law quarters perfect for a classroom and daycare. I promised to work hard to help pay the rent as this was more than we'd ever paid since moving to Chowchilla. Hubby's pest control business and the church wouldn't be able to shoulder it.
It took awhile to do some repairs and what not to be ready for the state inspection for daycare licensing. I found out I needed the landlords signature. She said no. No? My husband called her and gave her our 30 day notice. She recanted.
I finally got my license. Victory!!!! Things were good! State programs pay great for kids whose parents are in the CalWorks program. It was hard work but the money was there.
Spring 2008
We had a 6 month lease for that house. At the end of the 6 months, the witch called to say she was stopping by for me to resign the rental agreement. As I was reading the contract, she muttered everything was the same...except one thing. What's that? "Well, I want to go month to month now". Me, "Really? Why?" Her, "Well just so you can have your freedom and I can have mine too!" Me, "I don't NEED freedom, I need STABILITY."
I had finally got my state license and the head pains were hardly lessened from that ordeal and she was putting us on month to month? This was my livelihood on the line here! I went ahead and signed for at least the next 30 days....
We were really unsure and worried about what to do. We didn't want to make any rash decisions. I prayed and prayed about it.
A few weeks later, I got a letter in the mail from the state saying that they had not been approved for their funding and that the PAST month and 2 months to come were not guaranteed to be paid for. What? We are taking about several thousand dollars of income here and our basic survival! I nearly had a nervous breakdown. It all was just piling up so heavily I couldn't see straight.
I woke up that night in the middle of the night and got up to go pray. I literally felt like I was having a heart attack. My husband, who rarely wakes when I do, sat up and asked where I was going. I hadn't told him about the state letter. I said I was just going to get a drink of water. He said "Is it that letter?" So he had seen it. I burst into tears. He asked "What do you want to do?" I said I didn't care anymore. That I was tired and weary of beating my head against a wall to make ends meet. That I didn't care if I lived in a shack, that I was not going to be homeschooling my kids, being a pastors wife, and work full time while having to move and get relicensed every 6 months. I was done. And I told him we should just move into the church until we got clarity as to what steps we needed to take next.
So that's what we did.......
The Abode Saga Continued~2/6 (see earlier post for intro)
Spring 2006
So we were house hunting again. I failed to mention what we were paying for rent when we first moved to Chow. It was $1250 per month. A bit much with little knowledge as to what our income would be, but God was faithful and always provided.
I found a house just down the street from where we lived but it was 1/3 bigger! 3000 square feet! I spoke with the landlord who was asking $1450 per month for it. I offered $1300. He said, "You mean to tell me you want to move from a $2000 sq ft home to a 3000 sq ft home and only increase your rent by $50? And you call yourself a Christian?" I said, "yep." And he said, "Ok you got it."
The house was huge! We had hardly any furniture for it. It seemed so big and empty even when we moved everything in. It was beautiful though. It is still by far my favorite floor plan of homes I've lived in.
It had a draw back of having a large front room that's ceiling was super high and it had uncovered west windows that made it really hot in the summer. It wasn't the most efficient home, but it really was pretty.
We lived there 18 months when the letters started coming there as well. No way not again! Yes again....I had just began the licensing process for home daycare-had a family of 4 children waiting for my services, money was coming in, and we had to move.
We should have stayed and waited for cash for keys. But I made the mistake of telling state licensing that the home was in pre-foreclosure and they refused to come out to inspect it.
So...back to square one we went.
So we were house hunting again. I failed to mention what we were paying for rent when we first moved to Chow. It was $1250 per month. A bit much with little knowledge as to what our income would be, but God was faithful and always provided.
I found a house just down the street from where we lived but it was 1/3 bigger! 3000 square feet! I spoke with the landlord who was asking $1450 per month for it. I offered $1300. He said, "You mean to tell me you want to move from a $2000 sq ft home to a 3000 sq ft home and only increase your rent by $50? And you call yourself a Christian?" I said, "yep." And he said, "Ok you got it."
The house was huge! We had hardly any furniture for it. It seemed so big and empty even when we moved everything in. It was beautiful though. It is still by far my favorite floor plan of homes I've lived in.
It had a draw back of having a large front room that's ceiling was super high and it had uncovered west windows that made it really hot in the summer. It wasn't the most efficient home, but it really was pretty.
We lived there 18 months when the letters started coming there as well. No way not again! Yes again....I had just began the licensing process for home daycare-had a family of 4 children waiting for my services, money was coming in, and we had to move.
We should have stayed and waited for cash for keys. But I made the mistake of telling state licensing that the home was in pre-foreclosure and they refused to come out to inspect it.
So...back to square one we went.
Our Many Abodes 1/6
I do believe the only type of house we've not lived in is a shoe....it wouldn't surprise me if one was somewhere on our horizon that's for sure....
1996-2004
We lived in fifth wheels while traveling for a living, in fact we'd been married 8+ years before we decided it was time to purchase our first home. What a disaster that was. We were so desperate to have a house, we jumped on the first house we looked at, that was listed at the very lowest price on the MLS in our area.
$215,000 for an 1100 sq ft home built in 1965. But it was ours. We had big plans to remodel it and make it spectacular. Those dreams however, were dashed on the rocks when I got sick.
Our lovely Aerostar van blew up while I was going through chemo, warranting the need to refinance our house to purchase another vehicle. We had no idea what a mess we were getting into.
Our hardly affordable house payment of $1700 jumped up to $2200...my husbands housing allowance of $800 for being youth pastor, while paying the same amount in rent for our branch work in Davis, then his regular job going south, along with my being very ill, pointed us in one direction. Foreclosure. We tried to short sell but it never happened. Que Sera there on Elk Way!
For a short time after that, we evangelized and stayed wherever we were put up.
Four months in a small 2 bd mobile home in Tucson Az....
Summer 2005
The call came to apply for the church in Chowchilla. That took months to come to fruition.
Obviously it did eventually. When it did there was no time to lose. We had to find a house and move in in a week and be ready for our first service the next Sunday. We knew not a soul. We brought one dear friend from Elk Grove to help us.
A neighboring pastor was so kind as to call to inform us we were not to contact friends of ours who attended his church to help us. No need to expound here, it was what it was and how it continued to be during our 5 year stay. Just dripping with brotherly love.
We rented a modest sized (2000 sq ft) home in a nice gated community. It wasn't the exact house I had hoped for-it had white carpet and I had a toddler. That toddler happened to be my only companion as I viewed the home-I spoke with the landlord while she ran around banging closet doors. The landlord was desperate to rent it out. He offered 2 months free rent if I'd take the keys that day. We could not pass that up as we were broke-the church account was in the red upon our arrival. No job to speak of yet, we were strictly riding on faith.
The backyard wasn't landscaped but he promised to have it done before fall. (This was late August)
That never happened. 2 months later he said it was too rainy to do the yard-we must wait till spring. By mid winter we noticed certified letters were arriving and odd photographs randomly being taken of the home. The tell tale signs of a foreclosure and a trial membership to foreclosures dot com confirmed our fears.
So 8 months in we were house hunting again.....
1996-2004
We lived in fifth wheels while traveling for a living, in fact we'd been married 8+ years before we decided it was time to purchase our first home. What a disaster that was. We were so desperate to have a house, we jumped on the first house we looked at, that was listed at the very lowest price on the MLS in our area.
$215,000 for an 1100 sq ft home built in 1965. But it was ours. We had big plans to remodel it and make it spectacular. Those dreams however, were dashed on the rocks when I got sick.
Our lovely Aerostar van blew up while I was going through chemo, warranting the need to refinance our house to purchase another vehicle. We had no idea what a mess we were getting into.
Our hardly affordable house payment of $1700 jumped up to $2200...my husbands housing allowance of $800 for being youth pastor, while paying the same amount in rent for our branch work in Davis, then his regular job going south, along with my being very ill, pointed us in one direction. Foreclosure. We tried to short sell but it never happened. Que Sera there on Elk Way!
For a short time after that, we evangelized and stayed wherever we were put up.
Four months in a small 2 bd mobile home in Tucson Az....
Summer 2005
The call came to apply for the church in Chowchilla. That took months to come to fruition.
Obviously it did eventually. When it did there was no time to lose. We had to find a house and move in in a week and be ready for our first service the next Sunday. We knew not a soul. We brought one dear friend from Elk Grove to help us.
A neighboring pastor was so kind as to call to inform us we were not to contact friends of ours who attended his church to help us. No need to expound here, it was what it was and how it continued to be during our 5 year stay. Just dripping with brotherly love.
We rented a modest sized (2000 sq ft) home in a nice gated community. It wasn't the exact house I had hoped for-it had white carpet and I had a toddler. That toddler happened to be my only companion as I viewed the home-I spoke with the landlord while she ran around banging closet doors. The landlord was desperate to rent it out. He offered 2 months free rent if I'd take the keys that day. We could not pass that up as we were broke-the church account was in the red upon our arrival. No job to speak of yet, we were strictly riding on faith.
The backyard wasn't landscaped but he promised to have it done before fall. (This was late August)
That never happened. 2 months later he said it was too rainy to do the yard-we must wait till spring. By mid winter we noticed certified letters were arriving and odd photographs randomly being taken of the home. The tell tale signs of a foreclosure and a trial membership to foreclosures dot com confirmed our fears.
So 8 months in we were house hunting again.....
2.06.2013
Diet Update~and a fave foodie item
(((Sigh))) Well I will be honest. I have not seen the results I was hoping for although I have been more than diligent in completely avoiding all grain and sugar, keeping daily carbs to 30 or less, and keeping my calories at 1200 daily for exactly 30 days now. And no I have not exercised. I was hoping to shed about 10lbs before really jumping on that.
I did read it can take 5-6 weeks for ones body to acclimate to these changes and that it may not become an efficient fat burning machine until then and we are not there yet so I am trying ever so hard to be patient! I have only lost 6lbs since the first of the year. I know that's a decent start but it's still not what I was hoping for. The alarming thing is that I've been stalled for about a week at one spot. Very alarming.
Anyhow, I rarely have cravings, however, today I saw some valentine cookies that were tempting. And my son made sugar cookies last night that called out for a nibble but I did refrain.
I can't say this has been super difficult, in fact it's been fairly easy. Now if only it would work for me! I am going to give it till the full 6 week mark, then I will reformulate my plan. I do believe I'm on the right track. I just didn't think such drastic changes would result in such non drastic differences. I mean the fat girl says "might as well pig if the weight isn't coming off anyway right?"
I sometimes worry I have a thyroid issue. That bugs me because from what I gather there's not much help for that-naturally or medically. I would like to read Maria Emmerich's book on Healthy Metabolism but I'm not about to pay $92 for a BOOK.
Hoping to find one on eBay or something-apparently her work is highly sought after at the moment.
Ok so you know how you can order a burger at In N' Out called protein style??? Well....tonight I put In N' Out to shame. So much that my daughter who had chosen not to eat since we were having BURGERS, just had to dive in and try it. We both loved it. Of course I winced as I popped the freshly toasted bun off the grill-and gave it to my other children. But a little mayo and mustard on a nice, crisp lettuce leaf was absolutely awesome wrapped around my perfectly grilled patty with cheddar cheese. Scrumptious!!!! Now let the fat melt away already!!!!!!
I did read it can take 5-6 weeks for ones body to acclimate to these changes and that it may not become an efficient fat burning machine until then and we are not there yet so I am trying ever so hard to be patient! I have only lost 6lbs since the first of the year. I know that's a decent start but it's still not what I was hoping for. The alarming thing is that I've been stalled for about a week at one spot. Very alarming.
Anyhow, I rarely have cravings, however, today I saw some valentine cookies that were tempting. And my son made sugar cookies last night that called out for a nibble but I did refrain.
I can't say this has been super difficult, in fact it's been fairly easy. Now if only it would work for me! I am going to give it till the full 6 week mark, then I will reformulate my plan. I do believe I'm on the right track. I just didn't think such drastic changes would result in such non drastic differences. I mean the fat girl says "might as well pig if the weight isn't coming off anyway right?"
I sometimes worry I have a thyroid issue. That bugs me because from what I gather there's not much help for that-naturally or medically. I would like to read Maria Emmerich's book on Healthy Metabolism but I'm not about to pay $92 for a BOOK.
Hoping to find one on eBay or something-apparently her work is highly sought after at the moment.
Ok so you know how you can order a burger at In N' Out called protein style??? Well....tonight I put In N' Out to shame. So much that my daughter who had chosen not to eat since we were having BURGERS, just had to dive in and try it. We both loved it. Of course I winced as I popped the freshly toasted bun off the grill-and gave it to my other children. But a little mayo and mustard on a nice, crisp lettuce leaf was absolutely awesome wrapped around my perfectly grilled patty with cheddar cheese. Scrumptious!!!! Now let the fat melt away already!!!!!!
2.05.2013
My Son's Daybook
I know I promised a post about our house and I'm hoping to get there sometime today but here I am again with another random thought.
Ok so we homeschool right? This post is probably best for my homeschool blog at www.discoverytreelearningcentre.blogspot.com and perhaps I will post it there as well but this can pertain to anyone who has their kids in any school.
We homeschool through a public charter school that lines out our curriculum and lesson plans. That's a whole issue in itself. It has pros and cons. Mostly cons in my ever to be humble opinion at the moment.
Since our school is this format, this post can pertain to anyone in regular school or not since we use regular public school material.
I have never really had to put much thought into the content of my kids' curriculum. I've always been able to choose the curriculum I want and I always chose what I believed to be wholesome and thorough.
What I'm thinking about right now, along with several other areas of quackery based learning, is the dreaded DAYBOOK for 8th and 9th grade.
For the most part, the 9th grader has been able to meander through hers easily enough-she has a teacher that is an English major so she focuses on writing and while it hasn't been a breeze, we've coasted through adequately.
The 8th grader however, is another story. He has done really well this year in developing writing skills. But this book is so stupid even I read the passages and mutter kosher obscenities as I go.
His passage is examining a writers perspective on how death will come. So joyful and triumphant! For an 8th grader? I could see possibly for a philosophy class but for 8th grade English? Analyzing and dissecting a poem on the arrival of death.
Not that death isn't something we all know we will face one day-but in 8th grade?
Truly another mark against being forced into a curriculum that someone else has chosen based on whatever reasoning.
For now, he will plow through this nonsense and get an A in English but I will have it known that this will not happen again!!!!
Reminds me of a funny story regarding the 4th grader. His English passage merely mentioned "witchcraft", and he automatically shut his mind off and said he absolutely could not follow through with reading the passage. These kids are so funny.
I'm so looking forward to getting back in the swing of formulating my own curriculum packages for each student.
I think I need a solo planning retreat to line everything out. Ah yes that sounds amazing.
Ok so we homeschool right? This post is probably best for my homeschool blog at www.discoverytreelearningcentre.blogspot.com and perhaps I will post it there as well but this can pertain to anyone who has their kids in any school.
We homeschool through a public charter school that lines out our curriculum and lesson plans. That's a whole issue in itself. It has pros and cons. Mostly cons in my ever to be humble opinion at the moment.
Since our school is this format, this post can pertain to anyone in regular school or not since we use regular public school material.
I have never really had to put much thought into the content of my kids' curriculum. I've always been able to choose the curriculum I want and I always chose what I believed to be wholesome and thorough.
What I'm thinking about right now, along with several other areas of quackery based learning, is the dreaded DAYBOOK for 8th and 9th grade.
For the most part, the 9th grader has been able to meander through hers easily enough-she has a teacher that is an English major so she focuses on writing and while it hasn't been a breeze, we've coasted through adequately.
The 8th grader however, is another story. He has done really well this year in developing writing skills. But this book is so stupid even I read the passages and mutter kosher obscenities as I go.
His passage is examining a writers perspective on how death will come. So joyful and triumphant! For an 8th grader? I could see possibly for a philosophy class but for 8th grade English? Analyzing and dissecting a poem on the arrival of death.
Not that death isn't something we all know we will face one day-but in 8th grade?
Truly another mark against being forced into a curriculum that someone else has chosen based on whatever reasoning.
For now, he will plow through this nonsense and get an A in English but I will have it known that this will not happen again!!!!
Reminds me of a funny story regarding the 4th grader. His English passage merely mentioned "witchcraft", and he automatically shut his mind off and said he absolutely could not follow through with reading the passage. These kids are so funny.
I'm so looking forward to getting back in the swing of formulating my own curriculum packages for each student.
I think I need a solo planning retreat to line everything out. Ah yes that sounds amazing.
2.04.2013
On a Lighter Note
Since my last post was rather transparent *hehe* I had a little random thought I'd post to lighten things up.
It's nothing profound at all but in the frame of mind I've been in lately I just need to focus on the lighter things in life.
Isn't going to bed so awesome? I love when it's about 8:00pm and I know bedtime is just around the corner. I know for sure I am not the best proverbs woman because I certainly love my sleep. Eeeks and my poor hubby is always railing on me to get up and make him breakfast. I promise it's something he rants about every single day. And for 16 nearly 17 years I have held my ground that I am a woman of the 2000's not his mother's era! There's the cereal dear! (((Sigh))) I'm bad.
Anyway....you know what else I love? I love waking up in the middle of the night -well I wish I didn't wake up-but when I do, it's so awesome when I look at the clock and realize its only 1 or 2 am and I still have 5 or so glorious hours of sleep. Ahhhhhh.....what's that scripture about slothful sluggards and their sleep? That's me!!!
I do wake up naturally around 7, but it takes everything inside my to haul myself up to tackle my day.
Tomorrow I'm going to post about my house. I'm going to describe some if the houses we've lived in and then show you what I can about this place we live now. Should be fun!!!
It's nothing profound at all but in the frame of mind I've been in lately I just need to focus on the lighter things in life.
Isn't going to bed so awesome? I love when it's about 8:00pm and I know bedtime is just around the corner. I know for sure I am not the best proverbs woman because I certainly love my sleep. Eeeks and my poor hubby is always railing on me to get up and make him breakfast. I promise it's something he rants about every single day. And for 16 nearly 17 years I have held my ground that I am a woman of the 2000's not his mother's era! There's the cereal dear! (((Sigh))) I'm bad.
Anyway....you know what else I love? I love waking up in the middle of the night -well I wish I didn't wake up-but when I do, it's so awesome when I look at the clock and realize its only 1 or 2 am and I still have 5 or so glorious hours of sleep. Ahhhhhh.....what's that scripture about slothful sluggards and their sleep? That's me!!!
I do wake up naturally around 7, but it takes everything inside my to haul myself up to tackle my day.
Tomorrow I'm going to post about my house. I'm going to describe some if the houses we've lived in and then show you what I can about this place we live now. Should be fun!!!
2.01.2013
Lunches~Reinvented
Making my poor husband a lunch every day I must admit is not one of my favorite chores. I know I should do it with joy-but making lunches period has just never been my forte.
Recently, however, he has been working so many hours, is usually gone from sun up to sun down, and eating on the road is not only taking its toll on his stomach, but on the pocket book as well. It's been brought to my attention that if I am not going to get up when he does and make him breakfast, (*hangs head in shame*) I had better at least make something for him to take for lunch and snacks on the road. Of course, I agree-and definitely don't want to resort to 5am breakfast makings. (I am such a bad example)
I think the reason I have avoided the lunch making is because in my mind for the past few years it has been so mundane-sandwich, chips, drink. Drink, sandwich, chips. Chips, drink, sandwich. Yuck!!!!! Who wants a soggy sandwich anyway?
So I began thinking....and doing a little hunting online for better ideas.
I had purchased a package of deli containers from Smart&Final a few months back, with the intention of using them for boys Lego organization. We did use some of them but the boys decided they'd rather organize them differently. (Translate: dump)
I'd seen a layered salad to go pin on Pinterest, stored in mason jars which I loved. I totally use mason jars for this too, my husband is good about returning the containers, BUT the disposable ones, (which I reuse) are much lighter, less hassle if they do get left in the car and need to be tossed, and are just the perfect size for a magnificent salad.
I got dip/dressing sized containers at The Dollar Store.
I also bought a few sets of bpa free (can't have Alzheimer's stealing my husband too early) divided containers made by ziplock from Amazon. I couldn't find them at Walmart or Target. These I use for fruit, hummus, nuts, cheese, etc. I really do try to make everything "real". No artificial flavors, or preservatives if I can help it.
I don't eat grains, so most crackers available are out for me, and that makes it pretty hard to get crackers that pass the scrutiny. I pick my battles and that is not one of them. So I just buy what he likes, which is club or ritz, but he'd be fine with something a little more healthy if I felt like spending the extra money.
Anyway, it's worked out really great to make lunches this way. It's sort of a spin off the "Bento Box" lunch theory.
I make up several of the salads, and containers with snacks, and he can pick what he wants to take.
The kids really like them too! On Tuesdays only 2 kids need a school lunch. The other 2 are home at lunchtime. But they like my lunch packings so well they ask for those instead of a normal ol' quesadilla and veggies. (Or whatever totally boring fare i may have planned) It's funny. I don't mind though because I feel I am able to squeeze in more nutrient dense selections and they eat them much more readily.
Next, I want to try to use cute packaging tricks. Like fancy cutters and pretty toothpicks. I sometimes make little "kebabs" on toothpicks and I thought getting cool ones would be fun.
I also am working on a quick breakfast plan. I got a toaster oven so I'm working on some ideas for things I can make ahead that can be grabbed and toasted quickly during the week.
But now I need a nap. ;)
Pictured below are a few of my latest presentations. One is a southwestern tri-tip salad with chipotle ranch dressing, the box has hummus, pretzels, mango with tajin, and caprese bites with crackers.
So now you know why I'm put in time out when I forget or fail to prepare lunches. I just might have some pretty spoiled family members on my hands!!!!
That's ok though...I have fond memories of my mom forcing alfalfa sprouts on me every day. I was so worried I'd look like a dinosaur at school while I ate. But now I know it's because she really cared about me and my health. My mama is the best when it comes to making healthy meals.
So I will carry on as she taught me and continue to find ways to make sure my husband and kids don't end up fat, sick, and nearly dead!
Recently, however, he has been working so many hours, is usually gone from sun up to sun down, and eating on the road is not only taking its toll on his stomach, but on the pocket book as well. It's been brought to my attention that if I am not going to get up when he does and make him breakfast, (*hangs head in shame*) I had better at least make something for him to take for lunch and snacks on the road. Of course, I agree-and definitely don't want to resort to 5am breakfast makings. (I am such a bad example)
I think the reason I have avoided the lunch making is because in my mind for the past few years it has been so mundane-sandwich, chips, drink. Drink, sandwich, chips. Chips, drink, sandwich. Yuck!!!!! Who wants a soggy sandwich anyway?
So I began thinking....and doing a little hunting online for better ideas.
I had purchased a package of deli containers from Smart&Final a few months back, with the intention of using them for boys Lego organization. We did use some of them but the boys decided they'd rather organize them differently. (Translate: dump)
I'd seen a layered salad to go pin on Pinterest, stored in mason jars which I loved. I totally use mason jars for this too, my husband is good about returning the containers, BUT the disposable ones, (which I reuse) are much lighter, less hassle if they do get left in the car and need to be tossed, and are just the perfect size for a magnificent salad.
I got dip/dressing sized containers at The Dollar Store.
I also bought a few sets of bpa free (can't have Alzheimer's stealing my husband too early) divided containers made by ziplock from Amazon. I couldn't find them at Walmart or Target. These I use for fruit, hummus, nuts, cheese, etc. I really do try to make everything "real". No artificial flavors, or preservatives if I can help it.
I don't eat grains, so most crackers available are out for me, and that makes it pretty hard to get crackers that pass the scrutiny. I pick my battles and that is not one of them. So I just buy what he likes, which is club or ritz, but he'd be fine with something a little more healthy if I felt like spending the extra money.
Anyway, it's worked out really great to make lunches this way. It's sort of a spin off the "Bento Box" lunch theory.
I make up several of the salads, and containers with snacks, and he can pick what he wants to take.
The kids really like them too! On Tuesdays only 2 kids need a school lunch. The other 2 are home at lunchtime. But they like my lunch packings so well they ask for those instead of a normal ol' quesadilla and veggies. (Or whatever totally boring fare i may have planned) It's funny. I don't mind though because I feel I am able to squeeze in more nutrient dense selections and they eat them much more readily.
Next, I want to try to use cute packaging tricks. Like fancy cutters and pretty toothpicks. I sometimes make little "kebabs" on toothpicks and I thought getting cool ones would be fun.
I also am working on a quick breakfast plan. I got a toaster oven so I'm working on some ideas for things I can make ahead that can be grabbed and toasted quickly during the week.
But now I need a nap. ;)
Pictured below are a few of my latest presentations. One is a southwestern tri-tip salad with chipotle ranch dressing, the box has hummus, pretzels, mango with tajin, and caprese bites with crackers.
So now you know why I'm put in time out when I forget or fail to prepare lunches. I just might have some pretty spoiled family members on my hands!!!!
That's ok though...I have fond memories of my mom forcing alfalfa sprouts on me every day. I was so worried I'd look like a dinosaur at school while I ate. But now I know it's because she really cared about me and my health. My mama is the best when it comes to making healthy meals.
So I will carry on as she taught me and continue to find ways to make sure my husband and kids don't end up fat, sick, and nearly dead!
My Precious Nieces
I have two of the most adorable nieces on the planet. I am getting a little nephew soon as well and I just couldn't be happier.
A few weeks ago, I was lucky enough to be able to spend a weekend with Quinn and Skye while their parents went on a little getaway. I decided to journal our time together in a letter to them as it meant so very much to me:
"Dear Quinn and Skye,
What a wonderful and special time we had with you while mommy and daddy got to go to a very special party for work.
We had fun riding the train to come see you! We had been counting the days-it was the last hurrah of our Christmas vacation and we couldn't have been spending it better but to be with you!
I wanted to tell you that it made me very happy and proud of the big girls you are growing up to be that you didn't cry or fuss for mommy and daddy while they were gone. This to me means that you are very stable and confident little girls and that says so much for your mom and dad and how they are raising you!
There are many moments that I want to remember but I wanted to write a few of them down so we won't forget how silly, how sweet, and how loving you are.
Skye: You were swinging on the swingset when mommy and daddy left. So much fun! When Elyse came late Saturday afternoon, you were not too sure about her. You would look at her and just burst into tears! Then you would hold your little arms up to me and would not have me put you down. Of course Elyse knew this is how little girls about 17 months old are! And I was just very glad that I could provide the comfort you needed. This went on for a few hours-I cooked dinner with you on my hip and we made the best salmon together! Then we did the dishes. you loved to climb up on the dishwasher door, hand me things and say "tatoooo!!!" (thank you)
By 7:00 sharp, you were ready for bed. After your bath and warm jammies were put on, we got your binkie and went to sissies bed to lay down. You didn't waste one minute! You were fast asleep in no time. I almost dozed off myself! But then your sister needed a new movie put on so I put you in your crib and went downstairs. You only woke up 2 times during the night and then you woke up at 6:00am when it was still dark outside! I thought maybe if you got in bed with me you would fall back asleep but that was not the case! You were knocking on the wall and kicking your little feet and I knew you were more than ready to start your day so we went downstairs.
Later we went for a walk and you did not like it when I would stop the stroller! You would point your finger straight ahead and babble to me to get moving. Then when sister got out to walk, you wanted out too! You are little miss monkey see monkey do for sure.
When we got home, it was almost time for your nap, but mommy and daddy were coming and I wanted them to be able to see you so I let you stay up. You were being so silly! Shaking your head from side to side getting very dizzy I'm sure.
You are just the sweetest little punkin on the planet. I love you with all my heart!
Quinn: Oh my where do I start! I was so worried you would be upset when mommy and daddy left but you did not even flinch. You took everything in stride just like a great big girl and I am so proud of you! Of course you had times of being frustrated just like any little girl your age would, but you always bounced right back to being the darling, and funny sugar pie you are.
You do like Dora a whole lot! I was cracking up when you made poot noises after each title of episode you did not want to watch. You were also very very silly saying "poopoo" anyway you could think of! We had fun being so silly! We played the bonk heads I love you song game and you really liked the "cheese cheese please excuse my sneeze" song.
I love talking with you. I thought it was really sweet when I was laying down with you while you watched a video on my phone you kept reaching over and rubbing my face to check and make sure I was still there. I was so sleepy! You had taken a late nap so you were not so sleepy-but I knew I didn't get to spend that sort of time with you very often so I was very thankful. I was worried you were going to cry and ask for mom and dad. But you just handed my phone to me and said "I'm done now, I'm tired." And you went right to sleep.
In the morning, I had gone to sleep with Skye and you woke up and found me gone. You told me that made you sad and it made me sad too. I didn't want you to be sad! But you were very happy as we held hands and went downstairs to watch Dora. :) You had a fun day going for a walk to see cows and playing outside with Ava.
When we were being silly while watching strawberry shortcake, you were teasing me about pulling my socks off. I had holes in them and you were sticking your fingers in the holes and pulling them. I was laughing because you were so funny! Then I got distracted and looked away and suddenly you tried to take a little bite out of my leg! It hurt but most of all my heart hurt when I knew you realized you had hurt me and your tears broke my heart. You are such a sensitive girl and I didn't mean to make you feel bad-I know you were only being silly like we like to do!
You sat on my lap as we watched a few more episodes until it was time for daddy to take us to the train station. You are my sugar plum girl and I love you so much!
I will always remember this special weekend spent with my special girls.
I hope we can do it again soon!!!!"
I love my family so much and these girls are so very special to me.
A few weeks ago, I was lucky enough to be able to spend a weekend with Quinn and Skye while their parents went on a little getaway. I decided to journal our time together in a letter to them as it meant so very much to me:
"Dear Quinn and Skye,
What a wonderful and special time we had with you while mommy and daddy got to go to a very special party for work.
We had fun riding the train to come see you! We had been counting the days-it was the last hurrah of our Christmas vacation and we couldn't have been spending it better but to be with you!
I wanted to tell you that it made me very happy and proud of the big girls you are growing up to be that you didn't cry or fuss for mommy and daddy while they were gone. This to me means that you are very stable and confident little girls and that says so much for your mom and dad and how they are raising you!
There are many moments that I want to remember but I wanted to write a few of them down so we won't forget how silly, how sweet, and how loving you are.
Skye: You were swinging on the swingset when mommy and daddy left. So much fun! When Elyse came late Saturday afternoon, you were not too sure about her. You would look at her and just burst into tears! Then you would hold your little arms up to me and would not have me put you down. Of course Elyse knew this is how little girls about 17 months old are! And I was just very glad that I could provide the comfort you needed. This went on for a few hours-I cooked dinner with you on my hip and we made the best salmon together! Then we did the dishes. you loved to climb up on the dishwasher door, hand me things and say "tatoooo!!!" (thank you)
By 7:00 sharp, you were ready for bed. After your bath and warm jammies were put on, we got your binkie and went to sissies bed to lay down. You didn't waste one minute! You were fast asleep in no time. I almost dozed off myself! But then your sister needed a new movie put on so I put you in your crib and went downstairs. You only woke up 2 times during the night and then you woke up at 6:00am when it was still dark outside! I thought maybe if you got in bed with me you would fall back asleep but that was not the case! You were knocking on the wall and kicking your little feet and I knew you were more than ready to start your day so we went downstairs.
Later we went for a walk and you did not like it when I would stop the stroller! You would point your finger straight ahead and babble to me to get moving. Then when sister got out to walk, you wanted out too! You are little miss monkey see monkey do for sure.
When we got home, it was almost time for your nap, but mommy and daddy were coming and I wanted them to be able to see you so I let you stay up. You were being so silly! Shaking your head from side to side getting very dizzy I'm sure.
You are just the sweetest little punkin on the planet. I love you with all my heart!
Quinn: Oh my where do I start! I was so worried you would be upset when mommy and daddy left but you did not even flinch. You took everything in stride just like a great big girl and I am so proud of you! Of course you had times of being frustrated just like any little girl your age would, but you always bounced right back to being the darling, and funny sugar pie you are.
You do like Dora a whole lot! I was cracking up when you made poot noises after each title of episode you did not want to watch. You were also very very silly saying "poopoo" anyway you could think of! We had fun being so silly! We played the bonk heads I love you song game and you really liked the "cheese cheese please excuse my sneeze" song.
I love talking with you. I thought it was really sweet when I was laying down with you while you watched a video on my phone you kept reaching over and rubbing my face to check and make sure I was still there. I was so sleepy! You had taken a late nap so you were not so sleepy-but I knew I didn't get to spend that sort of time with you very often so I was very thankful. I was worried you were going to cry and ask for mom and dad. But you just handed my phone to me and said "I'm done now, I'm tired." And you went right to sleep.
In the morning, I had gone to sleep with Skye and you woke up and found me gone. You told me that made you sad and it made me sad too. I didn't want you to be sad! But you were very happy as we held hands and went downstairs to watch Dora. :) You had a fun day going for a walk to see cows and playing outside with Ava.
When we were being silly while watching strawberry shortcake, you were teasing me about pulling my socks off. I had holes in them and you were sticking your fingers in the holes and pulling them. I was laughing because you were so funny! Then I got distracted and looked away and suddenly you tried to take a little bite out of my leg! It hurt but most of all my heart hurt when I knew you realized you had hurt me and your tears broke my heart. You are such a sensitive girl and I didn't mean to make you feel bad-I know you were only being silly like we like to do!
You sat on my lap as we watched a few more episodes until it was time for daddy to take us to the train station. You are my sugar plum girl and I love you so much!
I will always remember this special weekend spent with my special girls.
I hope we can do it again soon!!!!"
I love my family so much and these girls are so very special to me.
Post Birthday Brain
Well yesterday was a great day. I always love celebrating with my kiddos, even if they don't have a party-just making their day special means so much to me.
On Sunday, we took the kids to the snow as an early "pre celebratory" event. We ate a nice dinner at the restaurant in Kings Canyon. Elyse had invited a friend, but the friend cancelled at the last minute so we went just as a family. It was by far THE most amazing day at the snow. I took TONS of pictures and will post them soon in a special post just for that day.
Then yesterday, we had planned to go to Visalia to meet my parents, eat sushi, and celebrate some more but Chandler has been sick all week,(he's coughing like a seal as I type) then my mom came down with it, so we felt it would be best to postpone our plans.
So we set Chandler up with plenty of books, games, and snacks and he was fine with us taking Elyse out to buy a gift and to dinner.
We took her to Boot Barn because she is going to start horseback riding again and needed new boots. My lands, have the prices ever gone up since I last bought riding boots! Poor dad nearly choked on his tongue when we saw the price tags. I should have researched that a bit more before going inside that's for sure. But we agreed and settled on a good pair that will last her a long time-and if any consolation is needed for the hefty price tag, at least we wear the same size so if she grows out of them I can keep them. 😍
Next, we went to Yoshinos's for sushi. The kid is a sushi fiend. We were a bit apprehensive as we have been spoiled by a lot of amazing sushi and we did not wish to be disappointed. We were not! It was great-except the non sushi eaters had little choices and the ones they did choose (teriyaki salmon) was a bit spendy. ($8 for a child)
Anyhow, I'd ordered a small portion, believing I'd scoot by without binging on the rice/sugar filled fried delicacies. Anyway I wasn't very hungry. Eating low carb has that effect. I'm hardly ever hungry.
Elyse had ordered small also, but was still hungry when hers was gone. She had admired dad's choice, so we ordered one to split. It was great. We paid extra to have it baked. (Love baked sushi!)
So I was resolved to the fact I had completely blown my diet. Of course birthdays are known for that. But I really had hoped I would be able to stay on track because that seems to be the bane of my existence. Birthday binges. Celebrations. Parties. Weddings. They all result in one thing. SUGAR.
Earlier in the day, I'd had a brainstorm for making a dessert Elyse would like. She is quite health conscious and has mentioned many times how much she would love to get an Edible Arrangement. I looked up the website to place an order and nearly plopped out of my chair. $85 for a mediocre bundle of pineapple and strawberries?!?!? Plus tax and shipping??????? No thank you! My daughter is worth every penny of course but I know she would much rather have that amount of cash to buy something tangible.
So my busy brain got to work. With the help of Pinterest, I put a plan into action and headed to Walmart. 45 minutes and $35 later I was back home laying out my supplies. It was easy and so fun. It turned out great-she had no idea I'd made it, except when she recognized a ribbon I'd used before. It was a huge hit-she ate till she was stuffed.
But while I'd been so hot to trot to get it made, I'd also taken a few bites of strawberries that I normally wouldn't even notice. (I've never cared for strawberries) Oh. My. Word. They were amazing. Trust me, I knew what strawberries taste like, but I guess going sugar free for so long made the flavor really pop in my mouth and before I knew it, I was inhaling them as I worked. Not sans chocolate either. Yes it was demonic possession for sure.
The guilt was so heavy. So eating the sushi that night basically was just my way of saying Que Sera and throwing it to the wind. Happy Birthday.
I went to bed last night with horrible heart burn. I never get that. I woke up at 1:00am with a scratchy throat. I panic when that happens-with the kids having been so sick the past few weeks, I absolutely cannot afford to get sick!!! I got up and took an array of immune boosting supplements. I slept fitfully. I woke up at 6am and tossed and turned to go back to sleep. By the time I did, my alarm went off. I hit snooze once. When the alarm went off again, I knew I had to get myself out of bed to get Elyse off to school.
I didn't notice anything abnormal while getting dressed. I am not a morning person so I generally attribute any ill feelings to that. I didn't eat or drink anything before driving E to school. We were chatting and whatnot when suddenly I felt really lightheaded. When I got home, I stumbled to the coffee pot. I took care of menial chores and took a B-complex vitamin. I cut up some fruit for the kids and sat down to help Caeden with his math.
Then nausea started in...and brain fog. Major brain fog. Lightheaded and yucky. Just BLEH. I felt weak and sort of clammy too. Gahhhh I can't get sick!!!!
I drink water. And cave to the starvation I'm suddenly feeling. Cave to hummus and pretzels.
And sit down to snoop on google about the effects carb binging has on the body. Here is what I found. I literally laughed out loud when I read this because it pinpointed my problems to the T.
Incredible. Kinda sad too!!!!! It means that as long as I'm living these foods will affect me this way. Because to be honest, I've always struggled with feeling ill after eating a lot of carbs. So there it is. I now know what triggers my health issues. Sugar. Rice. Wheat.
http://www.marksdailyapple.com/what-happens-to-your-body-when-you-carb-binge/#axzz2JfrihSVb
Pictured below are some iPhone snaps of the fruit bouquet and my girl and I doing the sushi binge.
Overall, it was a great day and even though I'm having a major carb hangover today, I'm so thankful for the great day we had.
Now I need a job to help pay for those boots!!!
On Sunday, we took the kids to the snow as an early "pre celebratory" event. We ate a nice dinner at the restaurant in Kings Canyon. Elyse had invited a friend, but the friend cancelled at the last minute so we went just as a family. It was by far THE most amazing day at the snow. I took TONS of pictures and will post them soon in a special post just for that day.
Then yesterday, we had planned to go to Visalia to meet my parents, eat sushi, and celebrate some more but Chandler has been sick all week,(he's coughing like a seal as I type) then my mom came down with it, so we felt it would be best to postpone our plans.
So we set Chandler up with plenty of books, games, and snacks and he was fine with us taking Elyse out to buy a gift and to dinner.
We took her to Boot Barn because she is going to start horseback riding again and needed new boots. My lands, have the prices ever gone up since I last bought riding boots! Poor dad nearly choked on his tongue when we saw the price tags. I should have researched that a bit more before going inside that's for sure. But we agreed and settled on a good pair that will last her a long time-and if any consolation is needed for the hefty price tag, at least we wear the same size so if she grows out of them I can keep them. 😍
Next, we went to Yoshinos's for sushi. The kid is a sushi fiend. We were a bit apprehensive as we have been spoiled by a lot of amazing sushi and we did not wish to be disappointed. We were not! It was great-except the non sushi eaters had little choices and the ones they did choose (teriyaki salmon) was a bit spendy. ($8 for a child)
Anyhow, I'd ordered a small portion, believing I'd scoot by without binging on the rice/sugar filled fried delicacies. Anyway I wasn't very hungry. Eating low carb has that effect. I'm hardly ever hungry.
Elyse had ordered small also, but was still hungry when hers was gone. She had admired dad's choice, so we ordered one to split. It was great. We paid extra to have it baked. (Love baked sushi!)
So I was resolved to the fact I had completely blown my diet. Of course birthdays are known for that. But I really had hoped I would be able to stay on track because that seems to be the bane of my existence. Birthday binges. Celebrations. Parties. Weddings. They all result in one thing. SUGAR.
Earlier in the day, I'd had a brainstorm for making a dessert Elyse would like. She is quite health conscious and has mentioned many times how much she would love to get an Edible Arrangement. I looked up the website to place an order and nearly plopped out of my chair. $85 for a mediocre bundle of pineapple and strawberries?!?!? Plus tax and shipping??????? No thank you! My daughter is worth every penny of course but I know she would much rather have that amount of cash to buy something tangible.
So my busy brain got to work. With the help of Pinterest, I put a plan into action and headed to Walmart. 45 minutes and $35 later I was back home laying out my supplies. It was easy and so fun. It turned out great-she had no idea I'd made it, except when she recognized a ribbon I'd used before. It was a huge hit-she ate till she was stuffed.
But while I'd been so hot to trot to get it made, I'd also taken a few bites of strawberries that I normally wouldn't even notice. (I've never cared for strawberries) Oh. My. Word. They were amazing. Trust me, I knew what strawberries taste like, but I guess going sugar free for so long made the flavor really pop in my mouth and before I knew it, I was inhaling them as I worked. Not sans chocolate either. Yes it was demonic possession for sure.
The guilt was so heavy. So eating the sushi that night basically was just my way of saying Que Sera and throwing it to the wind. Happy Birthday.
I went to bed last night with horrible heart burn. I never get that. I woke up at 1:00am with a scratchy throat. I panic when that happens-with the kids having been so sick the past few weeks, I absolutely cannot afford to get sick!!! I got up and took an array of immune boosting supplements. I slept fitfully. I woke up at 6am and tossed and turned to go back to sleep. By the time I did, my alarm went off. I hit snooze once. When the alarm went off again, I knew I had to get myself out of bed to get Elyse off to school.
I didn't notice anything abnormal while getting dressed. I am not a morning person so I generally attribute any ill feelings to that. I didn't eat or drink anything before driving E to school. We were chatting and whatnot when suddenly I felt really lightheaded. When I got home, I stumbled to the coffee pot. I took care of menial chores and took a B-complex vitamin. I cut up some fruit for the kids and sat down to help Caeden with his math.
Then nausea started in...and brain fog. Major brain fog. Lightheaded and yucky. Just BLEH. I felt weak and sort of clammy too. Gahhhh I can't get sick!!!!
I drink water. And cave to the starvation I'm suddenly feeling. Cave to hummus and pretzels.
And sit down to snoop on google about the effects carb binging has on the body. Here is what I found. I literally laughed out loud when I read this because it pinpointed my problems to the T.
Incredible. Kinda sad too!!!!! It means that as long as I'm living these foods will affect me this way. Because to be honest, I've always struggled with feeling ill after eating a lot of carbs. So there it is. I now know what triggers my health issues. Sugar. Rice. Wheat.
http://www.marksdailyapple.com/what-happens-to-your-body-when-you-carb-binge/#axzz2JfrihSVb
Pictured below are some iPhone snaps of the fruit bouquet and my girl and I doing the sushi binge.
Overall, it was a great day and even though I'm having a major carb hangover today, I'm so thankful for the great day we had.
Now I need a job to help pay for those boots!!!
1.31.2013
FIFTEEN
I simply cannot believe that it has been fifteen years since my precious, gorgeous baby girl was placed in my arms. I still remember the unbelief and amazement I felt when I looked at her face and how beautiful she was.
My first born baby girl.
She still amazes me with not only her beauty, but her strength, grace, poise, fortitude, diligence, and zest for life are qualities I notice every day. I knew she was a star when she was born; but she has surpassed my expectations in every way.
~I love you my Ellie Wren...my sweet song bird who's brightness shines in my life brighter and brighter each and every day. May God's grace continue to be upon you and may He keep you and guide you all your days.
Always know that I love you more than life itself. Wishing you the happiest birthday baby girl. ~Momma~
My first born baby girl.
She still amazes me with not only her beauty, but her strength, grace, poise, fortitude, diligence, and zest for life are qualities I notice every day. I knew she was a star when she was born; but she has surpassed my expectations in every way.
~I love you my Ellie Wren...my sweet song bird who's brightness shines in my life brighter and brighter each and every day. May God's grace continue to be upon you and may He keep you and guide you all your days.
Always know that I love you more than life itself. Wishing you the happiest birthday baby girl. ~Momma~
1.29.2013
A "Loving Family"
We all have seen them before, the sad bundle of artificial flowers, brightly colored mylar balloons, wreaths, crosses and whatnot marking the spot of a terrible traffic accident. The fact is always so sobering, while we drive so easily and speed by an average intersection or corner, only to realize someone had an incident there, where they took their last breath. So sad.
A few weeks ago, while driving down a major street we drive on every day, we noticed clustered around a stop sign, some flowers, and a few small candles burning. The kids were intrigued and asked why they had been placed there. I explained how people make little memorials on the side of the road where their loved ones have died.
I hadn't seen them there before so I googled the intersection and discovered the accident had taken place the evening prior to our noticing the array. A small Honda civic, a four way stop sign, a big utility truck who did not stop, resulted in the deaths of two innocent lives. I explained what happened to my children. Their first reaction was placing the time it took place, and mentioning how grateful they were their teacher, who had been at our home until right before it took place, had not been involved.
The article was short and to the point. The victims names were not published as I am not sure family had been notified at the time of the article being published. That article was the only explanation of their fate I was able to dig up online. No memorial, no article touting safer driving laws, no anything. Just two nameless individuals, departed into eternity in a mere few seconds.
As the days went on, we drove back and forth past the site on our way to town for church and school. The little site grew bigger. More flowers, more balloons, and most of all, more candles. Lots of candles. Always burning.
One night, it was cold and rainy, and we noticed only one little candle was weathering the cruel winter night. The next morning, we could see the little spot had once again been attended to, as new candles replaced the old ones, and little crosses with names engraved had been added. Now we could learn the names of these two people. No one we knew, but they were only 33 and 35 years old. Quite possibly a husband and wife, or two siblings, as they shared a last name.
That night, as we drove by again, the kids noticed the candles all burning brightly once again. They spoke about it. And Caeden said something that although was simple, it touched my heart. Softly he said, "Wow.....they must really be a loving family". I swallowed the lump in my throat and agreed with him that yes, indeed, they were a loving family.
I do not know them, probably not very many other people knew them or know the family, but my heart aches for them. A family who just a few weeks after Christmas, lost two members in one moment. While their names never made news, or their story was never really published, this family made an impact by demonstrating to my children, how loving and devoted they were to one another. While I know this happens all over the world, in every country, state, city, town, and community, I wanted to share this today, and embrace life; for it is but a vapor. And I hope that when my days on earth are gone, that being a part of a "loving family" will be a great piece of my legacy.
A few weeks ago, while driving down a major street we drive on every day, we noticed clustered around a stop sign, some flowers, and a few small candles burning. The kids were intrigued and asked why they had been placed there. I explained how people make little memorials on the side of the road where their loved ones have died.
I hadn't seen them there before so I googled the intersection and discovered the accident had taken place the evening prior to our noticing the array. A small Honda civic, a four way stop sign, a big utility truck who did not stop, resulted in the deaths of two innocent lives. I explained what happened to my children. Their first reaction was placing the time it took place, and mentioning how grateful they were their teacher, who had been at our home until right before it took place, had not been involved.
The article was short and to the point. The victims names were not published as I am not sure family had been notified at the time of the article being published. That article was the only explanation of their fate I was able to dig up online. No memorial, no article touting safer driving laws, no anything. Just two nameless individuals, departed into eternity in a mere few seconds.
As the days went on, we drove back and forth past the site on our way to town for church and school. The little site grew bigger. More flowers, more balloons, and most of all, more candles. Lots of candles. Always burning.
One night, it was cold and rainy, and we noticed only one little candle was weathering the cruel winter night. The next morning, we could see the little spot had once again been attended to, as new candles replaced the old ones, and little crosses with names engraved had been added. Now we could learn the names of these two people. No one we knew, but they were only 33 and 35 years old. Quite possibly a husband and wife, or two siblings, as they shared a last name.
That night, as we drove by again, the kids noticed the candles all burning brightly once again. They spoke about it. And Caeden said something that although was simple, it touched my heart. Softly he said, "Wow.....they must really be a loving family". I swallowed the lump in my throat and agreed with him that yes, indeed, they were a loving family.
I do not know them, probably not very many other people knew them or know the family, but my heart aches for them. A family who just a few weeks after Christmas, lost two members in one moment. While their names never made news, or their story was never really published, this family made an impact by demonstrating to my children, how loving and devoted they were to one another. While I know this happens all over the world, in every country, state, city, town, and community, I wanted to share this today, and embrace life; for it is but a vapor. And I hope that when my days on earth are gone, that being a part of a "loving family" will be a great piece of my legacy.
1.28.2013
Fresh Air
Awwww life just speeds too quickly. Today we spent several hours at my parents' property in Visalia, just breathing the fresh air! I love this photo-she was imagining she was sitting on a "trail to home"!
1.23.2013
Spicy Fish~Healthified
We have a very favorite Chinese restaurant in Visalia we like to frequent called Canton. It is so good, we would eat there any time, even holidays!
There are many items on the menu we really like; one of them is called "Spicy Fish". It used to be "Spicy Sea Bass", I'm not sure if inflation called for a downgrade or what but it's now simply, "Spicy Fish". Regardless, it's quite tasty and everyone clamors for the last piece!
So in my quest for a healthier lifestyle, I'm determined to take some of our favorite dishes and remake them using healthier ingredients.
The following is my rendition of "Spicy Fish". I used tilapia.
Please keep in mind I didn't measure anything. I rarely do when I'm experimenting.
First, I cut up 2 jalapeños and about 8 green onions.
In a bowl, I cracked 3 eggs and blended them with some salt and onion powder.
In a separate bowl, I used about a cup of almond flour and 1/2 cup of coconut flour. I tossed in a few tbs of flax meal as well. (Last 2 items optional) I then and added salt and onion powder to that. I whisked it around real well.
Then I heated olive oil in a skillet-enough to cover the bottom of the pan about 1/4 inch deep.
Dip the fish fillets in the egg mixture then the "breading" mixture. Fry in the hot oil! Add in a few handfuls of the peppers/onions. When the edges of the fish start to look browned, gently flip them over and cook a few minutes longer.
I served it with steamed brocolli. A very tasty Paleo/Low Carb meal.
There are many items on the menu we really like; one of them is called "Spicy Fish". It used to be "Spicy Sea Bass", I'm not sure if inflation called for a downgrade or what but it's now simply, "Spicy Fish". Regardless, it's quite tasty and everyone clamors for the last piece!
So in my quest for a healthier lifestyle, I'm determined to take some of our favorite dishes and remake them using healthier ingredients.
The following is my rendition of "Spicy Fish". I used tilapia.
Please keep in mind I didn't measure anything. I rarely do when I'm experimenting.
First, I cut up 2 jalapeños and about 8 green onions.
In a bowl, I cracked 3 eggs and blended them with some salt and onion powder.
In a separate bowl, I used about a cup of almond flour and 1/2 cup of coconut flour. I tossed in a few tbs of flax meal as well. (Last 2 items optional) I then and added salt and onion powder to that. I whisked it around real well.
Then I heated olive oil in a skillet-enough to cover the bottom of the pan about 1/4 inch deep.
Dip the fish fillets in the egg mixture then the "breading" mixture. Fry in the hot oil! Add in a few handfuls of the peppers/onions. When the edges of the fish start to look browned, gently flip them over and cook a few minutes longer.
I served it with steamed brocolli. A very tasty Paleo/Low Carb meal.
1.20.2013
"Cocoa Pebbles" Cereal (healthified)
A huge childhood weakness of mine was....Cocoa Pebbles.
My mom was one of those meanies that only allowed us to have puffed wheat, puffed corn and occasionally plain Cheerios for our cereal selection. When Honey Nut Cheerios came out they were of the devil and never allowed.
Every blue moon, she temporarily lost her sanity and for a snack, not breakfast, she would let us pick out a fun cereal flavor. I always chose Cocoa Pebbles, my brother chose Cap'n Crunch. I could probably count on one hand the times that happened though.
Our mom was the one who was always running down the street after us after leaving for school with toast and oj. She was very mindful of our health and I'll always be grateful that I know she really cared. She sent us the nicest lunches-pita bread sandwiches with alfalfa sprouts and all...sadly we traded them out for pizza bagels and all sorts of unhealthy delicacies.
It's amazing though, how we learn over time, how detrimental even the things we thought were healthiest actually can be.
I'm reading "Wheat Belly" right now so I'm cringing over the years and years of damage I suppose I must begin reversing.
Hah! Well anyway, as you know, I'm off sugar completely. Well today, I cheated and had one chocolate covered strawberry. One! Then I was feeling nutritionally devoid so I drank a blueberry odwalla drink for dinner. These items might have cancelled out any success I was going to be seeing this week. Only time will tell.
So, back to my post title.
I try to incorporate coconut oil into my daily partakings and it's getting late and I was wondering how I was going do that without cooking up a meal or making a big ol' smoothie. I really like its taste since I have very little sugar I don't need anything super sweet to satisfy a sweet tooth. I decided to try to make some chocolate sauce with coconut oil, cocoa powder and xyla which is the sugar substitute I've been using and really like.
I placed about 2 tbs of CO in a saucepan on very low. It melts immediately, I added about a tbs of unsweetened cocoa powder and a teaspoon of the xyla.
It looked exactly like Hershey's chocolate syrup. Not quite as sweet but very close.
So then I started wondering what I was going to put this lovely concoction on.
On a whim, I remembered how I had read chia seeds make a nice pudding texture if soaked long enough. (I wasn't sure how long but I was thinking 5 mins or so) So while my sauce cooled, I poured 1/2 cup of unsweetened vanilla almond milk in a bowl and added 1 tbs of chia seeds. I waited a few minutes and stirred. I could tell it wasn't enough chia so I added 2 more tbs. Within minutes, the mixture was thickening up nicely. So I added my "chocolate syrup" and stirred some more.
Suddenly it hit me! It looked exactly like miniature cocoa pebbles cereal!!!!! Here I've been so deprived of any type of cereal whatsoever and I was about to delve into a perfect miniature replica guilt free?!?!?
I was rather apprehensive to taste my whimsical experiment. It was great!!!!! The seeds still had enough crunch to seem cereal-ish, the chocolate sauce was light enough, the sweetener kinda clumped a bit resulting in delightful bursts of chocolatey sweetness and overall I was pleased as pudding to have whipped up such an easy and healthy version of cocoa pebbles cereal!!!!!!!!
Can't wait for breakfast now!!!!!!!!
My mom was one of those meanies that only allowed us to have puffed wheat, puffed corn and occasionally plain Cheerios for our cereal selection. When Honey Nut Cheerios came out they were of the devil and never allowed.
Every blue moon, she temporarily lost her sanity and for a snack, not breakfast, she would let us pick out a fun cereal flavor. I always chose Cocoa Pebbles, my brother chose Cap'n Crunch. I could probably count on one hand the times that happened though.
Our mom was the one who was always running down the street after us after leaving for school with toast and oj. She was very mindful of our health and I'll always be grateful that I know she really cared. She sent us the nicest lunches-pita bread sandwiches with alfalfa sprouts and all...sadly we traded them out for pizza bagels and all sorts of unhealthy delicacies.
It's amazing though, how we learn over time, how detrimental even the things we thought were healthiest actually can be.
I'm reading "Wheat Belly" right now so I'm cringing over the years and years of damage I suppose I must begin reversing.
Hah! Well anyway, as you know, I'm off sugar completely. Well today, I cheated and had one chocolate covered strawberry. One! Then I was feeling nutritionally devoid so I drank a blueberry odwalla drink for dinner. These items might have cancelled out any success I was going to be seeing this week. Only time will tell.
So, back to my post title.
I try to incorporate coconut oil into my daily partakings and it's getting late and I was wondering how I was going do that without cooking up a meal or making a big ol' smoothie. I really like its taste since I have very little sugar I don't need anything super sweet to satisfy a sweet tooth. I decided to try to make some chocolate sauce with coconut oil, cocoa powder and xyla which is the sugar substitute I've been using and really like.
I placed about 2 tbs of CO in a saucepan on very low. It melts immediately, I added about a tbs of unsweetened cocoa powder and a teaspoon of the xyla.
It looked exactly like Hershey's chocolate syrup. Not quite as sweet but very close.
So then I started wondering what I was going to put this lovely concoction on.
On a whim, I remembered how I had read chia seeds make a nice pudding texture if soaked long enough. (I wasn't sure how long but I was thinking 5 mins or so) So while my sauce cooled, I poured 1/2 cup of unsweetened vanilla almond milk in a bowl and added 1 tbs of chia seeds. I waited a few minutes and stirred. I could tell it wasn't enough chia so I added 2 more tbs. Within minutes, the mixture was thickening up nicely. So I added my "chocolate syrup" and stirred some more.
Suddenly it hit me! It looked exactly like miniature cocoa pebbles cereal!!!!! Here I've been so deprived of any type of cereal whatsoever and I was about to delve into a perfect miniature replica guilt free?!?!?
I was rather apprehensive to taste my whimsical experiment. It was great!!!!! The seeds still had enough crunch to seem cereal-ish, the chocolate sauce was light enough, the sweetener kinda clumped a bit resulting in delightful bursts of chocolatey sweetness and overall I was pleased as pudding to have whipped up such an easy and healthy version of cocoa pebbles cereal!!!!!!!!
Can't wait for breakfast now!!!!!!!!
1.18.2013
Worst Day Everrrrrrr
*Groan* Normally I wouldn't do this but today is just one of those days that I am going to write down as one of the worst days ever so I can look back on other "bad" days and sort of compare!!!
It started off fine...but hubby had SAID he was going to get up super early and go to WORK which he decided not to do. It's not that I care if he goes to work or not; Lord knows he works hard enough, bless his heart. But when he stays home...lets just say...my schedule gets all wonky and my morning spins out of control. He has fun with the kids which I appreciate, but they get really hyper and its super hard to get them to chill.
Then he informs me he needs me to take him to Fresno to blah blah blah with a car and rental car blah blah blah.
Before we leave I get a phone call from...the PRINCIPAL of my kids' school-I'd submitted a request to transfer one of my kids' teachers this semester due to a multitude of unacceptable issues-all of which he poopoo'd and did his best to convince me to stick it out with her when she has my daughter AND I nearly in tears every single meeting and is completely impossible to please. (((Sigh))) Oh joy of charter schools.
C informs me we are out of coffee and can I please get him some?
"Yes dear, of course"
So we go-we take E to her Spanish final on the way to Fresno.
Of course...things never go as planned and we are running 30 mins behind schedule. We eventually get the chores done though then pick E up from Spanish.
When I get home, I realize I have 30 mins to get my stuff together for my photo shoot. I'd planned to get all of it together during the MORNING instead of galavanting all over creation.
"Mom, what about coffee?"
"I know buddy I know!"
So I contact my client and let them know I'm running late. (Ultimate class I know) Luckily they were more than understanding.
So hubby and E take off for Sacramento as planned. (I forgot to mention that earlier)
So I have to get my kids some food before I head BACK to Fresno for my shoot. And COFFEE. To save time, I break down and drive 12 mins away for a $4.55 coffee for my spoiled son.
Then as I'm flying down to Little Caesars to deposit into my dear children's bountiful health supply, the light turns yellow on me and I slam on my brakes and...voila...eau de toilette de cafe en la carro! The WHOLE thing spilled out all over my dash. I was so frustrated by this point I nearly wrecked my car.
I got pizza-luckily within 2 mins-the pizza gods must have known not to mess with me there.
I raced home, dropped off the food, meanwhile A tells me C was sitting on her while I was gone. You're kidding me right? No. So I give "the speech". The BIG speech. The biggest speech everrrr...the front door is wide open during this speech because I had just come in, and I glance outside (we live isolated on 3 acres) and lo and behold there's a little Mexican man standing in my doorway absorbing my speech. He probably couldn't understand a word I said but I'm certain my tone and volume was plenty. Mortification.
He was there to replace our hot water heater.
I kennel the dogs, I lock all the doors and leave for the photo shoot.
No offense but 3 year olds are super hard. You can't reason with them and they rarely fall for bribery. Cute as a button! Oh so tiring though.
-3 hours later-
Finally, I'm on my way home.
Just in time to get C to youth. We stopped on the way and he went inside for me and bought coffee. Whew. Another successful endeavor.
I drop him off, then come home to eat as suddenly I'm famished. (With 334 calories to spare!) I open a brand new container of cottage cheese to have with leftover grilled chicken breast. I'm suddenly SO hungry I accidentally got some cottage cheese on my finger so I lick it off. It tastes sour. I check the date. Should be fine. *sniffffff* I do the sniff test. I'm not sure if its supposed to smell that way or not. Suddenly the chicken looks wangy too. I can't eat either. I throw them both away-container and all. I settle for 1/2 avocado and a cheese stick. Make that a whole avo. Ahhh much better. Now the leftover cold cardboard dressed like pizza
won't taunt me anymore.
I lie down hoping to snooze.
Not happening. The phone convo with Mr. Sanchez is haunting me. Not that it was evil or bad; things just didn't go the way I had planned. Now I have to decide how I'm going to deal with this.
I get the text from C he is ready to be picked up.
We return home. I inform kids I am officially "off duty" and will be going to take a shower and then head to bed. I gather my things and head to the bathroom. I turn on the water to get it hot. A little spurt and that's all comes out of the faucet. What? I try again. Nothing. I try the sink. Nothing. Nada. Zip. Zilch. Goose egg. Hmmmm something must not be connected. Last night I repaired our garbage disposal so fixing a hot water heater shouldn't be too difficult right?
I go outside where the hot water heater is...errr WAS. Was? WAS? That hole? Where it WAS? It's GONE? They TOOK our HOT WATER HEATER AND DID NOT REPLACE IT???????? I am trying to decide whether to throw a for real temper tantrum or just double over laughing. I did neither. I called the hub. I said a few things. I am still lying here trying to figure out what to do. I guess cold sponge baths will have to do as I am simply TOO tired to go hunting for a hotel.
Sooo...here I am! The more I type the madder I get but in a way...it sounds petty. Sort of silly I guess. It could be worse. I could be homeless. I guess I truly have had worse days. Days so bad you would never know about them because I certainly wouldn't be posting about them hahahaha...
So I'm listening to my youngest sing Silent Night in her off key cuteness even though Christmas is long gone...and boys are playing video games completely oblivious to the shower issue....they won't mind!
And...I take a moment to reflect on the fact that even though my day was awful, and even though I feel very alone and like the world is against me, I really cannot complain. At least...at least I have a washcloth...at least I have some leftover cardboard pizza...at least I have 3 little warm bodies to hug and kiss tonight before bed...and I have family that loves me no matter what. And a God who cares and understands even the petty, silly, wonky, issues that I have. I really do want to be thankful.
So how do you like my day?
It started off fine...but hubby had SAID he was going to get up super early and go to WORK which he decided not to do. It's not that I care if he goes to work or not; Lord knows he works hard enough, bless his heart. But when he stays home...lets just say...my schedule gets all wonky and my morning spins out of control. He has fun with the kids which I appreciate, but they get really hyper and its super hard to get them to chill.
Then he informs me he needs me to take him to Fresno to blah blah blah with a car and rental car blah blah blah.
Before we leave I get a phone call from...the PRINCIPAL of my kids' school-I'd submitted a request to transfer one of my kids' teachers this semester due to a multitude of unacceptable issues-all of which he poopoo'd and did his best to convince me to stick it out with her when she has my daughter AND I nearly in tears every single meeting and is completely impossible to please. (((Sigh))) Oh joy of charter schools.
C informs me we are out of coffee and can I please get him some?
"Yes dear, of course"
So we go-we take E to her Spanish final on the way to Fresno.
Of course...things never go as planned and we are running 30 mins behind schedule. We eventually get the chores done though then pick E up from Spanish.
When I get home, I realize I have 30 mins to get my stuff together for my photo shoot. I'd planned to get all of it together during the MORNING instead of galavanting all over creation.
"Mom, what about coffee?"
"I know buddy I know!"
So I contact my client and let them know I'm running late. (Ultimate class I know) Luckily they were more than understanding.
So hubby and E take off for Sacramento as planned. (I forgot to mention that earlier)
So I have to get my kids some food before I head BACK to Fresno for my shoot. And COFFEE. To save time, I break down and drive 12 mins away for a $4.55 coffee for my spoiled son.
Then as I'm flying down to Little Caesars to deposit into my dear children's bountiful health supply, the light turns yellow on me and I slam on my brakes and...voila...eau de toilette de cafe en la carro! The WHOLE thing spilled out all over my dash. I was so frustrated by this point I nearly wrecked my car.
I got pizza-luckily within 2 mins-the pizza gods must have known not to mess with me there.
I raced home, dropped off the food, meanwhile A tells me C was sitting on her while I was gone. You're kidding me right? No. So I give "the speech". The BIG speech. The biggest speech everrrr...the front door is wide open during this speech because I had just come in, and I glance outside (we live isolated on 3 acres) and lo and behold there's a little Mexican man standing in my doorway absorbing my speech. He probably couldn't understand a word I said but I'm certain my tone and volume was plenty. Mortification.
He was there to replace our hot water heater.
I kennel the dogs, I lock all the doors and leave for the photo shoot.
No offense but 3 year olds are super hard. You can't reason with them and they rarely fall for bribery. Cute as a button! Oh so tiring though.
-3 hours later-
Finally, I'm on my way home.
Just in time to get C to youth. We stopped on the way and he went inside for me and bought coffee. Whew. Another successful endeavor.
I drop him off, then come home to eat as suddenly I'm famished. (With 334 calories to spare!) I open a brand new container of cottage cheese to have with leftover grilled chicken breast. I'm suddenly SO hungry I accidentally got some cottage cheese on my finger so I lick it off. It tastes sour. I check the date. Should be fine. *sniffffff* I do the sniff test. I'm not sure if its supposed to smell that way or not. Suddenly the chicken looks wangy too. I can't eat either. I throw them both away-container and all. I settle for 1/2 avocado and a cheese stick. Make that a whole avo. Ahhh much better. Now the leftover cold cardboard dressed like pizza
won't taunt me anymore.
I lie down hoping to snooze.
Not happening. The phone convo with Mr. Sanchez is haunting me. Not that it was evil or bad; things just didn't go the way I had planned. Now I have to decide how I'm going to deal with this.
I get the text from C he is ready to be picked up.
We return home. I inform kids I am officially "off duty" and will be going to take a shower and then head to bed. I gather my things and head to the bathroom. I turn on the water to get it hot. A little spurt and that's all comes out of the faucet. What? I try again. Nothing. I try the sink. Nothing. Nada. Zip. Zilch. Goose egg. Hmmmm something must not be connected. Last night I repaired our garbage disposal so fixing a hot water heater shouldn't be too difficult right?
I go outside where the hot water heater is...errr WAS. Was? WAS? That hole? Where it WAS? It's GONE? They TOOK our HOT WATER HEATER AND DID NOT REPLACE IT???????? I am trying to decide whether to throw a for real temper tantrum or just double over laughing. I did neither. I called the hub. I said a few things. I am still lying here trying to figure out what to do. I guess cold sponge baths will have to do as I am simply TOO tired to go hunting for a hotel.
Sooo...here I am! The more I type the madder I get but in a way...it sounds petty. Sort of silly I guess. It could be worse. I could be homeless. I guess I truly have had worse days. Days so bad you would never know about them because I certainly wouldn't be posting about them hahahaha...
So I'm listening to my youngest sing Silent Night in her off key cuteness even though Christmas is long gone...and boys are playing video games completely oblivious to the shower issue....they won't mind!
And...I take a moment to reflect on the fact that even though my day was awful, and even though I feel very alone and like the world is against me, I really cannot complain. At least...at least I have a washcloth...at least I have some leftover cardboard pizza...at least I have 3 little warm bodies to hug and kiss tonight before bed...and I have family that loves me no matter what. And a God who cares and understands even the petty, silly, wonky, issues that I have. I really do want to be thankful.
So how do you like my day?
The "Diet" update
Ok so I mentioned last week I was doing some major lifestyle changing right? Don't think I said it but didn't mean it and never planned to mention it again! No sirreeeee!
So...I have been 12 days with no sugar, no bread, no wheat, no pasta. What I have had that I should not have had, is rice two times, and diet soda. The diet soda I believe really messed me up. I have also had too much processed meats like sausage and deli meat. The nitrates and MSG in those is horrific.
So my goal is to eliminate those as well. It should not be too difficult to find healthy replacements.
I was not seeing the results I wanted in the first week, so I am also eliminating nuts and berries for NOW. Limiting cheese too.
I AM however, eating fats. Like butter, coconut oil, full fat coconut milk, avocados, flax oil and so forth.
Now, I have not seen the weight fall off like I'd hoped. I have only lost 1.4lbs. But...I am hoping the effort I've invested will soon be paying off. Only time and patience will tell.
Here is what I've noticed-I have no cravings. Don't get me wrong I do like cake, and if I saw a piece I can't deny my mouth might water. But it isn't consuming me. I am sleeping better at night and waking up really early without feeling groggy. I have experienced some detox type feelings-aching, lightheadedness etc. But I read that goes away. And right this moment I don't feel any of that. It's almost lunchtime and I do feel a little hungry but not like "I-must-have-a-big-mac" feeling. It's like-"my body needs fuel, what should I give it?"
So I will keep you posted! All you that care LOL
So...I have been 12 days with no sugar, no bread, no wheat, no pasta. What I have had that I should not have had, is rice two times, and diet soda. The diet soda I believe really messed me up. I have also had too much processed meats like sausage and deli meat. The nitrates and MSG in those is horrific.
So my goal is to eliminate those as well. It should not be too difficult to find healthy replacements.
I was not seeing the results I wanted in the first week, so I am also eliminating nuts and berries for NOW. Limiting cheese too.
I AM however, eating fats. Like butter, coconut oil, full fat coconut milk, avocados, flax oil and so forth.
Now, I have not seen the weight fall off like I'd hoped. I have only lost 1.4lbs. But...I am hoping the effort I've invested will soon be paying off. Only time and patience will tell.
Here is what I've noticed-I have no cravings. Don't get me wrong I do like cake, and if I saw a piece I can't deny my mouth might water. But it isn't consuming me. I am sleeping better at night and waking up really early without feeling groggy. I have experienced some detox type feelings-aching, lightheadedness etc. But I read that goes away. And right this moment I don't feel any of that. It's almost lunchtime and I do feel a little hungry but not like "I-must-have-a-big-mac" feeling. It's like-"my body needs fuel, what should I give it?"
So I will keep you posted! All you that care LOL
1.16.2013
Kind Produces Kind
If kind produces kind, what are you producing?
When I look at my children, I see myself and their dad in so many ways. Good and bad. It helps me to examine myself and to fine tune things in my character that I may find unattractive or unlike-able.
We often laugh when we see personality quirks or characteristics in our children that remind us of ourselves. Sometimes the resemblance is not so funny!
Some things are in their genes without even being exposed to the grandparent they mimic.
We secretly refer to our oldest daughter as "Lois", when she gets bossy or as we say, "biddy". Lois is her paternal grandmother, who she has seen about 4 times in her 15 years. She can't help it. Her genetic makeup is set.
Our youngest daughter pulls "Mary" stunts all the time. The boys have strong "Maxi" tendencies. Maxi has been dead for 10+ years! It's inevitable that our children will carry traits that we have handed them.
Additionally, we teach them with our actions. We can gently guide and formulate unfavorable characteristics to be less glaring. We can teach them how to overcome obstacles we faced during our upbringing.
We also lead by example. If I am kind, I will produce kind children, if I love, my children will love, if I am a hard worker, I believe my children will be hard workers.
Consequently, if I gossip, my children will gossip, if I am bitter, my children will be bitter, and if I don't love others, neither will they.
You get the picture.
It's not rocket science. It's not profound wisdom. But it's true. And when I look at others, I wonder if they realize what they are are producing. When children are heard tearing others apart, you know that's what they hear at home. When children are catty and cruel, it shines a revealing light on where they come from.
Kind produces kind in many environments. It's not limited to family. School, work, church....wherever you are, look around. Take inventory of the kind that is being produced. Is it what you want for your future? Are the people you rub shoulders with the types you want your children looking up to and using as role models?
What is a role model anyway? Isn't it someone you admire and trust? One who exemplifies virtue, honor, and integrity? One who displays the fruit of the spirit which is love, patience, long suffering, kindness, peace, goodness, self-control, joy, and gentleness?
(Galatians 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control.)
When I think of a role model, or someone I would want to be producing likenesses of, this is what I imagine. I don't demand perfection, we are human and make mistakes. But I do believe we should be at least striving to meet these criteria. I know I fail every day at being the wife, mom, teacher, and friend that I want to be. But I am striving and I won't stop.
I pray we all grasp this thought; and that self-centered-ness and lack of concern for the kind we are producing doesn't cause our fruits to be poorly propagated and to whither and die on the vine.
~Lord, let my life be a living testimony and example of what You want. I am not asking to be great, I am not striving to blow minds with deep thoughts or scholarly expoundings. I simply want your light to shine through me. I want to produce kind in your image. Amen~
When I look at my children, I see myself and their dad in so many ways. Good and bad. It helps me to examine myself and to fine tune things in my character that I may find unattractive or unlike-able.
We often laugh when we see personality quirks or characteristics in our children that remind us of ourselves. Sometimes the resemblance is not so funny!
Some things are in their genes without even being exposed to the grandparent they mimic.
We secretly refer to our oldest daughter as "Lois", when she gets bossy or as we say, "biddy". Lois is her paternal grandmother, who she has seen about 4 times in her 15 years. She can't help it. Her genetic makeup is set.
Our youngest daughter pulls "Mary" stunts all the time. The boys have strong "Maxi" tendencies. Maxi has been dead for 10+ years! It's inevitable that our children will carry traits that we have handed them.
Additionally, we teach them with our actions. We can gently guide and formulate unfavorable characteristics to be less glaring. We can teach them how to overcome obstacles we faced during our upbringing.
We also lead by example. If I am kind, I will produce kind children, if I love, my children will love, if I am a hard worker, I believe my children will be hard workers.
Consequently, if I gossip, my children will gossip, if I am bitter, my children will be bitter, and if I don't love others, neither will they.
You get the picture.
It's not rocket science. It's not profound wisdom. But it's true. And when I look at others, I wonder if they realize what they are are producing. When children are heard tearing others apart, you know that's what they hear at home. When children are catty and cruel, it shines a revealing light on where they come from.
Kind produces kind in many environments. It's not limited to family. School, work, church....wherever you are, look around. Take inventory of the kind that is being produced. Is it what you want for your future? Are the people you rub shoulders with the types you want your children looking up to and using as role models?
What is a role model anyway? Isn't it someone you admire and trust? One who exemplifies virtue, honor, and integrity? One who displays the fruit of the spirit which is love, patience, long suffering, kindness, peace, goodness, self-control, joy, and gentleness?
(Galatians 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control.)
When I think of a role model, or someone I would want to be producing likenesses of, this is what I imagine. I don't demand perfection, we are human and make mistakes. But I do believe we should be at least striving to meet these criteria. I know I fail every day at being the wife, mom, teacher, and friend that I want to be. But I am striving and I won't stop.
I pray we all grasp this thought; and that self-centered-ness and lack of concern for the kind we are producing doesn't cause our fruits to be poorly propagated and to whither and die on the vine.
~Lord, let my life be a living testimony and example of what You want. I am not asking to be great, I am not striving to blow minds with deep thoughts or scholarly expoundings. I simply want your light to shine through me. I want to produce kind in your image. Amen~
Seaweed Snacks *Cough Cough*
I have no clue what possessed me to do it. Perhaps it was the whirlwind run to the store for toilet paper with 20 mins to spare before school teacher arrived...or perhaps it was my monthly hormone surge in action...or my undying love for sushi and wasabi tastes...or the fact it was on sale for $.98...or simply a combination of the above but for some odd and ridiculous reason, I thought maybe I would enjoy said post title. Not.so.
I ripped the package open with great hopes....when I saw the homemade green cellophane lying there in little squares and realized I'd paid nearly $1.00 for this box of air my heart sank. It must be tasty though! So I gingerly picked one out of the package, careful not to pinch it's delicate corner too harshly. Perhaps it's sort of like pop rocks or chicherones? You know, airy and flakey with a spicy wasabi kick? I popped it into my mouth trustingly.
The taste that flooded my mouth with just a mere smidge of this-whatever you call it-nearly flipped my insides outside. I am not exaggerating! I frantically reached for my coke zero that I hadn't opened yet. As I madly unscrewed the cap it commenced to baptize me and my console with its contents due to our lively jaunt from store to car moments prior. I didn't care-I poured the soda into my mouth with it still spewing foam everywhere.
What.was.I.thinking? I still don't know. But I know one thing and that is I may be a bean sprout eatin hippy girl at times but the seaweed snack effort was over the top.
Luckily, I had also grabbed a sea salt and chocolate KIND bar which saved my seered taste buds and writhing stomach from further distraught.
Thank.the.lord.
I ripped the package open with great hopes....when I saw the homemade green cellophane lying there in little squares and realized I'd paid nearly $1.00 for this box of air my heart sank. It must be tasty though! So I gingerly picked one out of the package, careful not to pinch it's delicate corner too harshly. Perhaps it's sort of like pop rocks or chicherones? You know, airy and flakey with a spicy wasabi kick? I popped it into my mouth trustingly.
The taste that flooded my mouth with just a mere smidge of this-whatever you call it-nearly flipped my insides outside. I am not exaggerating! I frantically reached for my coke zero that I hadn't opened yet. As I madly unscrewed the cap it commenced to baptize me and my console with its contents due to our lively jaunt from store to car moments prior. I didn't care-I poured the soda into my mouth with it still spewing foam everywhere.
What.was.I.thinking? I still don't know. But I know one thing and that is I may be a bean sprout eatin hippy girl at times but the seaweed snack effort was over the top.
Luckily, I had also grabbed a sea salt and chocolate KIND bar which saved my seered taste buds and writhing stomach from further distraught.
Thank.the.lord.
1.15.2013
Parenting
Where are my manuals? I should have four big, fat, thick ones somewhere around here but they are nowhere to be found.
Yesterday was a doozie of a day. It was Monday-automatic 20 pts off there of course. Then my plan to change up
our routine was received with ball and chain like rebellion. Lazybones did not want to get out of bed due to sore muscles from a weekend of boyish activities. When he finally did wake up, he found the littles had drank all the milk so he had none and that tipped him even further off the kind and courteous chart. After a spat with his siblings, and a meltdown from said siblings, and a meltdown from mom, then prayer together, we pieced our day back as best we could and made some progress.
It was fabulous example of a true Monday. Daddy was working out of town so he was able to escape the mayhem. And the massive pile of clean laundry in my room waiting to be folded and put away. (((Sigh))) No it never ends.
I truly needed God's help yesterday and I'm so glad He helped us get through!
I need His wisdom everyday! In fact I need it again today. When those you count on as friends seem to turn away-I'm thankful that He never turns away. I have so many friends I can trust, but I am grateful I have Him I know I can trust any day or any hour.
I am very sensitive when it comes to my children and their being accepted and loved. We've always had people in our lives who make them feel that way.
When we evangelized, we were spoiled rotten. Seriously. People gave endlessly to our children. We settled in Sacramento when our oldest daughter was 4. We had so many wonderful friends there. It was amazing. So many lifelong friendships were established during that time! I can never never put into words how amazing our friends became during the 5 years we were there. Most of them are faithful and true to this very day-although miles have come between us, there is no question of the depth of our connections there.
I miss it terribly. I fact, tears stream down my face right now I miss it so badly. (Btw I lost all my phone contacts so if you're reading this do text me so I can have your number again-I have Holly and Misha but that's about it)
When we pastored a church, we were the givers, we were the ones making sure everyone felt welcome, we were the ones hosting parties and events, putting Sunday school together to minister to every child we could possibly touch. Our kids learned to be givers. They learned to minister. They learned long suffering, they learned kindness, they learned what it's like to do without. They learned what it's like to have a mama sitting at social services asking for help. They learned what it's like to have nothing in the cupboards until a few random bags were anonymously placed on our front porch. They learned to appreciate canned corn and canned beans. They learned what loneliness is. They learned how to reach out beyond themselves and draw others in. Most of all, they learned to trust God.
Now we are in a new place. A new place with new friends, new experiences, and new challenges. I truly need help with these new changes. I am believing the lessons learned here will be just as valuable as the ones from the past.
As my friends, I implore you to pray for me. :)
Yesterday was a doozie of a day. It was Monday-automatic 20 pts off there of course. Then my plan to change up
our routine was received with ball and chain like rebellion. Lazybones did not want to get out of bed due to sore muscles from a weekend of boyish activities. When he finally did wake up, he found the littles had drank all the milk so he had none and that tipped him even further off the kind and courteous chart. After a spat with his siblings, and a meltdown from said siblings, and a meltdown from mom, then prayer together, we pieced our day back as best we could and made some progress.
It was fabulous example of a true Monday. Daddy was working out of town so he was able to escape the mayhem. And the massive pile of clean laundry in my room waiting to be folded and put away. (((Sigh))) No it never ends.
I truly needed God's help yesterday and I'm so glad He helped us get through!
I need His wisdom everyday! In fact I need it again today. When those you count on as friends seem to turn away-I'm thankful that He never turns away. I have so many friends I can trust, but I am grateful I have Him I know I can trust any day or any hour.
I am very sensitive when it comes to my children and their being accepted and loved. We've always had people in our lives who make them feel that way.
When we evangelized, we were spoiled rotten. Seriously. People gave endlessly to our children. We settled in Sacramento when our oldest daughter was 4. We had so many wonderful friends there. It was amazing. So many lifelong friendships were established during that time! I can never never put into words how amazing our friends became during the 5 years we were there. Most of them are faithful and true to this very day-although miles have come between us, there is no question of the depth of our connections there.
I miss it terribly. I fact, tears stream down my face right now I miss it so badly. (Btw I lost all my phone contacts so if you're reading this do text me so I can have your number again-I have Holly and Misha but that's about it)
When we pastored a church, we were the givers, we were the ones making sure everyone felt welcome, we were the ones hosting parties and events, putting Sunday school together to minister to every child we could possibly touch. Our kids learned to be givers. They learned to minister. They learned long suffering, they learned kindness, they learned what it's like to do without. They learned what it's like to have a mama sitting at social services asking for help. They learned what it's like to have nothing in the cupboards until a few random bags were anonymously placed on our front porch. They learned to appreciate canned corn and canned beans. They learned what loneliness is. They learned how to reach out beyond themselves and draw others in. Most of all, they learned to trust God.
Now we are in a new place. A new place with new friends, new experiences, and new challenges. I truly need help with these new changes. I am believing the lessons learned here will be just as valuable as the ones from the past.
As my friends, I implore you to pray for me. :)
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