New Years Eve Fun!

Check out my friend Maria's blog: http://www.mariadismondy.com/cgblog/23/21/Party-like-it-s-2012/ for super cute New Year's Eve ideas. She did her homework! :)

Thanks to some super creative/thoughtful friends (recipe club, Laura and Jod) I think I have an idea of how we are going to celebrate 2012.

Here are some ideas:
(along with the person responsible for the idea!)

*Party hat desserts (Maria's blog)
*Matching PJs for the kids and possible iron-ons saying Happy 2012! (Laura)
*Sparkling wine in fancy glasses (Jod and my parents)
*Homemade pasta necklaces and crowns/hats (Laura)
*Sparklers in the snow (me)
*Homemade confetti out of news papers and construction paper scraps (Kelly)
*A New Year's Eve time capsule. Either a video or letter describing your hopes, goals, etc. for 2012. You aren't allowed to read/watch it until the next NYE. (me)


Do I have creative friends or what???? :)

Holiday Frustrations!

This blog serves as my documentation/journal of my personal trials and tribulations of motherhood. The good, the bad and the ugly! I like sharing the messy kitchen picture or the story of my kids picking their nose in the middle of the Christmas concert at school. I don't mind talking about the long days at home and mid-afternoon slumps. Its nice to talk about things that have worked for me and things that have NOT worked. Often I have others, through the blog or emails, share their own struggles and it makes me feel like I am not alone on this crazy journey.

Well today I'd like to share some of my personal frustrations about the holidays. I'd like to first start by saying that Christmas morning was magical. Four and five year olds are the perfect age for a magical Christmas. The kids woke up at 2am and 4am hoping Santa arrived. Finally at 6am we ran downstairs and jumped around in excitement when the kids realized Santa did indeed come to our house!

The magic came to an abrupt end with a 3am puker Christmas night! Yup...a stomach virus hit the house and it wasn't pretty....one man down! At 7am on December 26th another man was down...sore throat and a fever. The current status is two healthy kids and two kids not feeling so hot. Hoping the fun ends there! :)

Our long time healthy spell ended quickly. I guess I am a little compulsive and keep detailed mental notes of the kids health... I am continuously intrigued with why people get sick. I feel like I am very in tune with my own body and take action as soon as I feel something coming on. If I catch something early, I feel like 90% of the time I can stop it dead in it's tracks. But with the kids....its much harder to do that. So my obsession with being healthy is what drives me to learn about food, supplements, etc.

I always think I have it figured out.... We had not had a cold/flu since last May! But right when you think you have it figured out, you get hit hard with a reality check. You may remember my post about Lana's seizure and how that made me question everything I am doing. Anyway, I could see this illness wave coming from a mile away, even though I was hoping we would fight through it. Kids can not function on consecutive late nights, tons of junk food, etc. without getting run down/ill. We had about three parties, three nights in a row and I could slowly see my kids start to loose their luster. Their color changed, their eyes looked dull and BAM! I don't know about your kids, but mine never eat well at these parties. Usually its a roll with butter for dinner and then dessert. They are to excited to sit down and focus on their veggies. I don't blame them...

I will never forget a nutritionist I met with one time telling me every time you eat sugar, you can count on a suppressed immune system for 4-6 hours immediately following your sweet treat. So what is a mother to do? Be the weird/mean parent who doesn't let their child indulge at the holiday party? We are certainly paying the price for all of our partying! Was it worth it...thats hard to say! All in all, I feel extremely grateful for healthy kids and count my blessings daily. This bout of illness is manageable and short-lived....but challenging at times.

I am hoping your post holiday let down was a little less eventful! :)

Pajama Party
2011!

No School + Husbands Working + Cold Weather= A mom that must get creative!!!

It's been a long week of good quality time with the kiddies....so Maria and I came up with a fun idea. We surprised our kids with new pjs and told them they could wear them all day! We also planned on doing breakfast for all three meals. Oatmeal for breakfast, pancakes for lunch and an egg casserole for dinner.

The kids really enjoyed making holiday themed pancakes. We made snowmen, with bacon for the scarf, and chocolate chips and blueberries for the face/buttons. You could also use powdered sugar for some snow!

The kids and parents enjoyed having a low key pajama day on this rainy December day. :)

Halo Drama!

Even though Ben's angel halo caused major drama for him during the Christmas concert, he still pulled through with a killer performance. :)

Christmas at Great Grandmas!!!

Santa (uncle Andy) stopped by and brought smiles and toys to all the good boys and girls!!!!

One of my favorite things in the world.....when my oldest friend and I have girly playdates with our little darlings!!!

Pictured: Ruby and Lana (Mini Marthas) making homemade gingerbread playdoh.

Cell Phone Saga

Does anyone else stress about cell phones? I do! I recently purchased one of these rock crystal lamps and love it! I can't say it has done anything for us...physically...but I do enjoy the look of it! It is very therapeutic to look at and it serves as our downstairs night light. I put it in our family room where we watch TV and use our laptops. I'd like my husband to put one in his office at work, but he questions the effects of the little lamp. Infact, he often jokes with me at night and says, "I just feel so amazing when the lamp is on!" Ha ha ha! He is sooo funny! :) As I mentioned before, I like the look of it and hope it has some positive effect on our home environment. Read below about my new little lamp:

"These salt crystal lamps are considered natural air ionizers. These crystal salt lamps create negative ions in the air which help in getting rid of impurities present in the air. It all naturally cleanses the air in environment that is located. Rock salt lamp also eliminates computer radiations. Salt lamps can be used in offices as well as in homes as they restore and endorse energy.

Salt candle holders are striking as well as beneficial. These salt candle holders produce negative ions when get warm and purify the air. They also put an end to the humidity in the room. In addition remove computer radiations from the place where these salt candle holders are placed. These decorative salt candle holders are the best alternative for giving to friends and family.

With the help of bath salt crystals, various ailments can be treated such as arthritis, aches, respiratory problems and muscles spasms as well as insomnia. It is an old remedy and has been used by people for a very long time."

The other picture of the cute retro phone came to me as a gift idea from my friend Maria. I actually would like to get one for me! I usually chat to on the phone during that crazy dinner hour when I so desperately crave adult conversation. I often have trouble balancing my cell phone on my shoulder while I prep dinner and get in a quick phone conversation. I read the reviews and it looks like people really like this product. Read below:

Retro Handset found on Amazon.com: "Eliminates up to 99 percentage of the radiation absorbed compared to a direct use of mobile phones"

Kids these days are being initiated with electronics...it just can't be good for their physical and mental well being. I wish I could say my kids aren't going to have cell phones, video games and Ipads, etc....but I know that is not realistic. I have such an uneasy feeling about the effects of these devices. Only time will tell.....

Check it out!

I know most of you read Kelly Hampton's blog, but if by chance you don't, you MUST check out her blog post documenting her North Pole Christmas party for her little girl. It might be the cutest thing I've ever seen!

Prayer time at the Thanksgiving play! I thought this picture was cute and much better than last year's pictures of my boys picking their nose for most of the play. :)

A Yummy Pancake Idea!

First Time is a HARM!

After carrying the kids around (and breaking our backs) our homemade ice rink last year, we thought it was in the best interest of our physical well-being to invest in "learn to skate" lessons. Although the first class ended in tears after some pretty good spills, I do think it will be a fun winter activity.

Garlic lovers are in luck..... Anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, and anti-bacterial all in one! If you have a hard time eating garlic raw, try to add it to your soups, stews, sauces, etc. at the very end of the cooking process to obtain the most nutritional benefits. Also, let the crushed or chopped garlic sit for a little bit before changing the temperature to maximize the health benefits.

Fortunately, for me I love garlic. Infact a few years ago, Jake and Ben came down with a nasty virus and I read about the health benefits of garlic and an interesting home remedy. Their virus settled in their chest so the recommendation was to make homemade chicken stock/soup and load up with garlic and onion. Sounds normal..right? The next recommendation was a bit odd but worth trying. Crush fresh garlic and smear it on your child's chest and then cover with a warm was cloth. The garlic is suppose to penetrate the mucus and help break it up. Your kid will probably need a bath before going to school but hopefully they will feel better.

http://www.saltwater-kids.com/2010/12/thrifty-gifts-bird-seed-ornaments-for.html

Christmas Countdown!

I can't believe it is already December 5th! Time flies around the holidays. We are doing yet another holiday countdown. Everyday the kids get a message from Santa indicating an activity, craft, charitable project, or fun surprise for the day. So far we have found little surprises under our pillow, went ice skating, made hot cocoa and read a christmas book, and made the ornaments seen above. The ornaments were extremely messy! My recommendation is to do it in your garage, if at all possible. I think these will be a good gift for grandparents and friends.

Tonight's countdown activity was super fun! Check out www.portablenorthpole.tv/home for a personalized video to your kids, from Santa. You can download pictures and Santa reviews your child's activities, talks about goals for the year, and their wish list. It is ADORABLE! My kids loved it...well all except one. Luke had a melt down because he was pretty sure he was on the naughty list. :) He had a near panic attack waiting for the final result...NAUGHTY or NICE! Fortunately, to his surprise, he was on the nice list.

Other fun December countdown activities (mostly stolen from pinterest and friends) are watch a christmas movie, decorate cookies, visit santa, write a letter to santa, decorate the snow with red and green food coloring mixed with water in a spray bottle, drive around and look at christmas lights, support a food drive, celebrate Jesus's birthday, do a ginger bread house, draw names and go shopping for one of your siblings, donate toys (each kid has to pick the number of toys that correlates with their age), etc. etc. Fun and crazy times ahead!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Gift Idea

This would be a cute gift for grandparents for a holiday gift! This came from Pinterest! :)

A tip for cold season...

Set up a cool mist humidifier in your child's bedroom. Make a solution of the following in a small bowl:

1. 2-4 drops of peppermint essential oil
2. 2-4 drops of eucalyptus essential oil
3. 2-4 drops of winter green essential oil

Take a cotton ball and dunk it into the solution. Tape the cotton ball near the tip of the humidifier. The refreshing smell will instantly clear your sinuses.

A Few Halloween Ideas!
(Warning: sprinkles + a two year old= A MESS! :))

1) A Naughty Halloween Mix:
Candy Corn
Raisins
Chocolate Chips
Peanuts

Mix together and put in cute Halloween bags and pass out to teachers, neighbors, etc.

2) A Science Experiment:
Cut gummy worms with kitchen shears in long thin strips. Soak them in a solution of 2 T. baking soda mixture mixed with 1 cup of water for 15 minutes. Take works out of solution and put in a container of vinegar. The chemical reaction will cause the worms to wiggle. Mixing sodium bicarbonate and acetic acid causes carbon dioxide bubbles making the worms float and move.

3) A Halloween Treat:
Another good gift to make for friends and family are Halloween pretzel rods. In a sauce pan, heat chocolate chips and butter. Cook on low heat and stir frequently. Dip the pretzel rods in chocolate and cover half of the rod. Roll dipped rod in different Halloween sprinkles. We found candy eye balls and Michaels which turned out pretty cute. Wrap 4-6 rods in cellophane and tie with a pretty Halloween ribbon.

Halloween Countdown

We kicked off our countdown with our annual pumpkin carving party/contest tonight.

Day 6 will be a costume parade at school.
Day 5 will be dinner in a pumpkin.
Day 4 will be make a Halloween craft.
Day 3 will be make a spooky lunch...hot dog mummies and Halloween cookies.
Day 2 will be a Halloween party at Aunty Nicki's house.
Day 1 will be deliver Halloween treats to the neighbors.

Little Hunters!

After dad's weekend hunting trip, the kids were inspired to dress-up in their hunting gear. Lana, I am sorry if you hate me for this one day! :) :)

Holiday Baking Gone Healthy!

Lately, the boys have been complaining that their "lunches" don't have treats in them like the other kids in their class. I decided to try baking to remedy this problem. I AM NOT A BAKER...however I have to say I am having fun trying to be a baker.

Here are some baking tips I have come across from my favorite experts/websites that make me feel better about the kid's new lunch treats.

1. Substitute cocoa chips for when recipes call for milk chocolate chips. Check out the health benefits of cocoa chips:

Benefits of Cocoa

"Loaded with antioxidants, cocoa can slow the aging process and fight disease. Studies suggest that it may help maintain healthy blood pressure levels, improve blood flow, and keep your heart healthy. The flavonoids in cocoacan even help promote healthy heart function. Cocoa also contains a natural compound called phenyl ethylamine, known to promote happiness and relaxation."

2. Add chia seeds, ground flax seed or wheat germ to the recipe for additional health benefits.

3. Add fruit and vegetable purees.

4. Instead of canola oil use healthier oils like olive oil or grape seed oil.

5. Substitute whole wheat flour for white flour. Only use 3/4 cup of whole wheat to 1 cup of white flour. If using white flour, choose unbleached.

6. Choose aluminum free baking powder.

7. Add nuts for a protein punch.

8. Use honey and maple syrup instead of artificial sweeteners.

9. Avoid food coloring and artificial ingredients.

10. Check out nourishmd.com for healthy baking recipes.

Freeze your little goodies and stock up your freezer with some tasty treats. Ohh and please send your favorite baking recipes over to me! :)

Happy Fall!!!

Family Fun

Check it out!

Next time you are at Trader Joes, pick up some ginger beer. I actually first bought it after attending a party for Oprah's last show. Each guest had to bring a dish or drink that represented O! Amy made Oprah's favorite drink...which included ginger beer. Very similar to ginger ale but contains real ginger and lots of it. I have heard that ginger is great for indigestion, heart burn, nausea, etc. After having two episodes of heartburn last week, I gave it a whirl. Took a few sips and I said good-bye to the indigestion. I love the taste too. It might be worth picking up next time you are out.

Chick Pea Tacos
(Thanks Nicole!)

1 small onion, chopped
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 celery stalk, chopped
1 green bell pepper, seeded and chopped
1 15-ounce can chickpeas, drained
3 - 5 tablespoons salsa
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1 dash cayenne pepper, or to taste
8 - 10 taco shells

Directions:

In large sauté pan, heat oil over medium heat. Cook onion, celery, and green pepper until softened. Add chickpeas, salsa, cumin, and chili powder. Stir and cook until warmed. Mash chick peas slightly with a fork for better texture. I also add black beans and adjust the flavor using the seasonings. Serve in taco shells with cheese, sour cream and lettuce.

Bamboo Steamer

My late grandfather was an engineer and was very passionate about the dangers of using a microwave. He believed they were going to cause cancer, miscarriages and other health issues. He told us to never stand in front of a microwave while it was running. I do have a microwave and use it frequently. Its just so damn convenient! However, his warnings ring in my ears every time I use it.

This month my mini health goal is to reheat leftovers in a bamboo steamer, as seen above. For example, I am going to cook up a pound of breakfast sausages (which Creswick farms is now making/selling) on Sunday and reheat them with the steamer during the week for breakfast. I purchased one at Bed, Bath and Beyond for $14.00. You boil some water in a pan and rest the steamer on top and its suppose to heat your food within minutes. You can also stack several layers so you can reheat an entire meal at the same time. Of course it won't be as snappy as the microwave, but I am going to give it a try and see how it works.

Maybe one day we can say good-bye to our microwave....I really don't know how people do that!! For now, we are taking little baby steps! :)

Sweet Little Leah!

Here is a picture of my adorable God daughter! Maria, Dave
and Ruby welcomed her into the world last Tuesday.

Update: Raw Milk Adventure

As I have said before, health and nutrition have always been a hobby of mine. I am excited to eventually make it my next career choice but for now I just like to spend my extra time (which is next to none) reading about various health/nutrition topics. I think I mentioned that my first real interest was as a teenager but my goal was only for weight loss purposes. Then I went to college and studied nutrition for teaching purposes. I taught Life Management which encompassed nutrition, cooking, parenting, money management, etc. Now, I have reached a point in my life where I study nutrition for the purpose of good health.

Along the journey, certain decisions/choices were no brainers...like taking a whole food multi-vitamin or consulting holistic practitioners for more information. Changing over to raw milk was a choice I thought long and hard about for a few years. I wouldn't recommend it to anyone because a) I am not a licensed practitioner/nutritionist and b) because it has to be something YOU have a comfort level with.

I would highly encourage people to do their homework and learn about this fascinating industry. As you may already know, it is very controversial. I am 95% comfortable with my decision but from time to time worry about the food borne illness controversy. However, the longer I do it and the more I learn, I gain a lot more confidence in my decision.

My holisitc MD told me to read "The Untold Story of Milk" by Ron Schmid to help me understand the politics and benefits of drinking raw milk. Reputable raw milk has been known to cure/improve allergies, asthma, eczema, intestinal disorders, autism, obesity, and boost your overall immunity. We have been drinking raw milk and eating raw butter and cheese for 7 months. In the last 7 months, the kids have been really healthy. Interestingly enough, the kids got sick about a month ago with a fever/cold and I wasn't able to get my milk during that time period, which I thought was certainly related. Jake also had a spot (possible eczema) on his face for about a year. I took him to the dermatologist three times and we couldn't seem to get it cleared up. About three months into drinking the milk, I noticed the spot had disappeared. Again, could be a coincidence...but I think NOT! All in all, the kids (and hubby) love the taste and I am absolutely noticing an improvement in our overall health.

I must also mention that I am the type of person who likes my meat cooked well! So you can imagine that this was a BIG step for me. Choosing the right farm is the most important choice you will make if you decide to give raw milk a try. We decided to go with Hicks Dairy Farm because their milk is tested daily and they sell their milk to Horizon, a well known organic milk company. They said in their twenty years of selling milk, they do not have one reported case of illness.

Between the health benefits and supporting a local farm, it really feels like a win/win situation. Not to mention, it taste really good. The butter might be the most delicious thing EVER!

Happy 9th Anniversary to my hubby!

(wow...we did lots of celebrating this month. Three birthdays and one anniversary later! :))

Happy 5th Birthday Jake & Ben!