Little Quiver

I am Blessed...Belated Christmas...

2012-01-10T09:21:00.000-08:00

Blessed...

Or Bliss...

I'm still in that newborn-honeymoon-stage...I'm about to find out that he has exceeded the newborn-poundage at my midwife appt. this afternoon. (Here is my pilot cap project)

This was the first Christmas for us that I could tell on people's faces "this is it right?" All children act up, but we have been grateful so far that we've been able to take all our children to a restaurant without the drama that can sometimes follow. Having worked in the restaurant business, I recall the "oh no here comes a table with children" reactions from servers.

Yes, this is me, Thanks to Miss B (sorry I had to do that!)
Our church puts on Bethlehem Live each year. We have somewhere between 5000-6000 move through our modest gymnasium, transformed into the town of Bethlehem. Israel was one of a few babies who played that main role. He preformed for over 2000 audience members.

This, I will never forget :: I could not understand why so many of the teens and children from the school tours KNEW his name. I mean, not the name Baby Jesus, but my baby's name, Israel. Until it finally occurred to me what they were actually saying -"It's Real, It's Real!" - sounds like "Israel"! For more of Miss B's great photography you will just have to stop by her website!

Over the holidays, one extended family member looked me in the eyes and told me how blessed I was with these children, as she described the pain in their own family of pregnancy loss. I looked at her (knowingly from my own experience), and said, "you are so right (with tears in my eyes), we may not have a lot of money but we are blessed with these precious gems!" My heart goes out to the many Mamas that I know, and do not know, those that I've met through this blog, or through Above Rubies who've experienced this painful thing of loss. My 100 year old Grandmother-In-Law just passed away, just days before she'd mentioned seeing a vision of her daughter that she lost (due to pregnancy loss) in heaven, waiting for her. It warms my heart that we have children waiting for us in heaven!

Better late than never - Merry Christmas! (smile)

Little House Birthday Blessing

2011-12-15T11:54:00.000-08:00

Looking for a theme for our oldest birthday child, we decided on a "Little House on the Prairie" birthday party. I'm not much of a specialist in any particular area, so experimentation is the name of the game - especially when it comes to cake making and decorating! (The links take you to past attempts). But we did have fun between the peanut butter puffs, butter cream icing, and pretzels!

Some arrived dressed for the occasion, braids and all!

I had scoured the internet for "Little House Paper-dolls", but to no avail! I decided to set my own hand at making my own, and they actually turned out nicer than what I did come across online. So, once I can scan it, and make it into a down-loadable pdf file, I'll make it available for a free download on my blog, for those interested!

We made butter, by shaking up 35% cream, in a mason jar. (Alot of shaking, while the adults helped). They scrubbed and washed some (clean) cloth diapers on an old fashioned wash board. Coloured their paper-dolls. Ate cake. Played. Watched and episode of Little House on the Prairie. Opened gifts.

And finished off sporting their new "Dear-Friend-Kelly-Made" Bonnets! (Thank-you, Thank-you Kelly!) Once her website is up and running - I will link to her dear handmades!

We didn't send them home with treat bags, partially because I'm not a huge fan. Nope, instead each pioneer girl left with her paper-doll, some butter and a bonnet.

Seven on the seventh! Bonne Fete Ma Belle, my extra set of arms, the other little mother!

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Birthstory: The Israel Story

2011-11-26T14:45:00.000-08:00

That rosy, content, face of a newly fed baby rests on my lap while I type. We welcomed little Israel, 6 lbs, 14 oz. this past November 18th, born in my bedroom at 2 minutes past noon. Surrounded by 2 dear midwives, my husband at my side, my 7 year old daughter and her "sibling support", 16 year old Amy. There is no comparable feeling of relief than when you've just birthed a baby. What an extreme emotional sensation I shared with the 100's of 1000's of other women who also birthed on this day across the world. Going from that intense war physically, mentally and emotionally to it being over...over...over, and this healthy baby resting on my abdomen, chord still pulsating, the midwife is giving him a massage seconds after he is born. I greet him, laughing, crying seconds before, now laughing, welcoming him, and minutes later he has his first breastfeed.

He nurses like a pro. Like he's been practicing this for many months. It's hard to believe that this little one, my smallest of my 4 babies, was my hardest homebirth so far. My waters, with my first 3 did not break without the help of a midwife just prior to baby being born or while I was pushing baby out. I had always wondered what it would have been like to start labour with the breaking of my membranes. Be careful what you wish for, you might just get it. And now that I've experienced it, I don't recommend it.

It was my due date, Thursday November 17th, and my excited Selah, 7, had been saying all day, "I hope it's tonight, God, please let it be tonight". I gently reminded Selah, that I usually start labouring in the morning, and that that is more convenient than labouring all night. But as chance would have it, that evening, it was between 7 and 8pm when I realized, with one hard contraction that my waters had broken. By 8:00 I texted my husband, who was at a church meeting. My midwife had told me to give her a heads up, when contractions were 10 minutes apart, so I did. She'd come over when contractions got to 5 minutes apart. Rene stayed for the meeting, because contractions were not close enough together for him to come rushing home.

My husband and Amy arrived about 10ish. The midwives both showed up somewhere around 11pm. And my contractions were all over the place, without consistency, yet more intense than I had ever felt before. By midnight I was sure I was in transition, and felt like pushing. I'm told that with posterior babies, that's how it is - you just feel some relief with pushing far earlier than it's time to push. Only one of my babies was actually born posterior, but the other 3, I am sure I also laboured with them in posterior position, because of the back labour. When my midwife checked to see if it was indeed time to push Israel, she said, Nope, that his head is not in the right place and I was far from fully dilated. I was shocked. I should know by now the sensation of transition - the "I can't do this anymore", "I'm done". This continued for another 10 hours. Exhausted by morning, my husband and midwives talked about the 18 hour antibiotics, 24 hr. mark induction at the hospital and choices as such.

When I heard, I marched to my room, and said out loud to myself "I'm having this baby by noon!" Not that I'm against hospitals, many women have wonderful experiences, but I knew I was a prime candidate for intervention, with the membranes rupturing before labour, dysfunctional labour, primed for induction, and I was hardly managing as it was. I had a little cry, called up 2 like minded Mama friends, who prayed with me over the phone. Following that, on my midwifes recommendation I took the lemon verbena cocktail at around 10am. The contractions picked up a little, especially in intensity, but not in consistency. My brilliant husband called our Chiropractor. We were desperate, and he would do a house call. If I've ever been on the fence about chiropractors - I am NOT anymore. What I experienced was amazing. I don't typically enjoy adjustments - I just know it's good for our immune system and that it is preventative. Immediately after the adjustment to my sacroiliac, lower spine, neck and lower spine again, I felt a surge of fresh energy. My husband said, "let's use that, and don't sit down". So staying vertical, contractions immediately became back to back, and endorphins were finally kicking in to manage those contractions. Just 45 minutes after that adjustment, Israel was born.

Is there any other time in a woman's life where she feels as savage and ungraceful as when she is pushing a baby out? It is not the time to worry about what you look like. As baby's head was crowning his heart rate plummeted and my midwife said loudly and firmly that I needed to push the baby out now (which I had never experienced with my previous 3 births). With my pushing history, this was going to be interesting. But I was on the home lap, sprinting to the finish line, and with all the power I could muster, he came out with the chord bunched up on his shoulder, causing the drop in heart rate. And he is beautiful, healthy and strong. His name is Israel Chets (pronounced Sh-ay). He has a 2 year old mother who dotes on him all the time, a 7 year old mother who truly is a great help to this mother, while his brother, is eager to show him his tribal fighting dance!

Handmade Birthday Gift Giving

2011-11-16T17:33:00.000-08:00

I was so grateful for all your kind words, thoughtful mothers, on my last blog post! I do find these seasons, although short, some of the most surreal times in of life!

Last weekend our 2 year old daughter was invited to a 3 year old girlfriend's birthday. Now, some families may not appreciate homemade gifts as much as others - but I knew this family enough to know that they would be just fine with the choice....plus, it satisfies my own toy-convictions!

My new favorite site is PINTEREST! It's been around, but I'm not always on the web-ball as to what is the latest and greatest. This site is the greatest though! I'll probably search EVERYTHING here before I do another Google search again. The problem one could run into is the possibility of pinning and pinning, but not doing.

So, searching for a birthday gift idea, I came across this and thus was my inspiration for the Mama and Baby in sling and house-purse. If you are on Pinterest, let me know, I'd love to follow You Too!

Pre-Labor....Labor of LOVE?

2011-11-10T11:44:00.000-08:00

Officially the one week count down has started. I've been fooled before, with periods of false OR pre-labor....I remember clearly when Elousia's labor began, thinking, "OH YA, This is how it feels!". This will be my 5th labor experience, with our 4th living child. Some kind folks often ask if it's my first - I'm not really sure how to respond, but sheepishly tell them it's my 4th (not ashamed - just not sure how to tell them)...their response usually has to do with telling me that I'll know what to expect, like I'm some sort of pro at this birthing thing. "Ya, Right!?!" Ya, the rose-colored memory of my past 3 homebirths, kind of blocks my true memory of how it all began...and can I really manage it this time???

Thanks to Kelly who took these photos, she encouraged me by telling me it wasn't until her sixth labor that she kind of felt like she had a grasp on it....That is the second Mama to tell me that (said in a sing-song voice: "ya, it was about my sixth or seventh that I felt like I could manage this!") Well that's just peachy, I'm a few short of that! Now, I shouldn't be so negative, I love birth, I love pregnancy, I'm devastated by losses.

It's just the "is this it?", nope, "is this it?" syndrome, that drives me nutty! I'm in the zone. I'm distracted. I have a one track mind. If I could just tell the world around me to quiet down and go find something to do, while I focus on what I want to focus on - That would be great!

I had hoped to get into the new birthing center in our city with this birth, for something different. Yes, the above photo shows one of the birthing rooms! Lots of space, large tub for laboring OR waterbirth, bathroom equipped with shower nozzles everywhere to address that back labor, nice wood ladder for dangling off of or pushing...so many lovelies that my home currently does not have...not to mention SPACE! If you are a local, and you are thinking that you want to go with this, I should let you know that a midwife is mandatory over a doctor, because there is no intervention or pain medication available here. It's just like a homebirth...away from home. Alas, they are not open for births until after Nov. 22. For us, now, it's a race against time to compile the birth supplies and prepare my own space! I'll let you know what the final outcome is!

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For the love of Dress-Up!

2011-10-25T11:05:00.000-07:00

I love dress-up!
Some things that I am pondering right now....

These days my goal is to be more disciplined with homeschooling, with the baby due in about 3 weeks....a little break from the regular routine for a couple of weeks after baby arrives will be nice.

This week I added Squaw Vine to my pregnancy tea, hoping it will contribute to a sooner and smoother labor. And nesting has begun.

I met a lovely lady through Kijiji who graciously sold me AND posted to me her prefold diapers. I'm selling my old variety of diapers, and working towards just prefolds and similar stock so that it stacks and packs nicely!

A brief follow up on my week of kcwc? It was a week full to the brim of activity! And I got less sewn than I had hoped. The sewing area, however, is now ready for sewing and that is a great accomplishment in itself.

On the list was a baby quilt (which I am sorry that I have no photos of that yet, but it should be about half done this week), a nightgown for my oldest, made from vintage linens and a 2nd hand pinny or apron.

I did manage to crochet a baby hat or two...no pics I'm afraid, so here is one from another year, and Elousia's vintage coat with added wool felted leaves covering a stain.

There are some gorgeous lovelies on Elsie Marley's kcwc flicker group!

:: October 2011 kcwc ::

2011-10-10T18:38:00.000-07:00

Thank-you to Jenny from Peas n Carrots (my new Above Rubies friend and Waldorf Inspired homeschooler!), for introducing me to the Kid's Clothing Week Challenge at Elsie Marley's Blog! This is just the motivation I need. From Oct. 10-17 the challenge is to sew for one hour a day towards my children's projects.
It just so happens that I'm starting my first attempt this week at a Real quilt. As in, an expert quilting friend, Joyce, is walking me through, starting from the basics, and ending with a crib or throw quilt for this fourth baby, arriving in approximately 5 or 6 weeks.
There are few art disciplines that I really got my hands on the basics other than maybe music and dance....when it comes to the fine arts, fiber arts, hands-on-art, I tend to hack my way through it. Sometimes the results are pleasing, and many times not so pleasing. I learned most of what I know of knitting and crocheting from Youtube videos and other online resources. So, (or should I say "Sew"), I'm excited about Joyce bringing me to the basics of quilting!
Other projects for this week will include some upcycled creations toward's some children's clothing items that have been in the procrastination basket, I mean project basket for a while.
Today my KCWC accomplishment was preparing my work space and washing fabric to prepare it to SEW!

Indian Summer September Moments

2011-10-05T19:03:00.000-07:00

::Harvested Basil in the bath tub::

:: A day of exploring limestone cliffs at Steep Rock - If you want to exercise your adrenalin.....bringing young children to this outdoor adventure is an excellent way::

:: A day at Memere and Pepere's::

::Breathing in the colours of Fall::

How do you eat your Eggplant?

2011-09-14T20:06:00.000-07:00

"Do you crunch them very slowly or eat them very fast?" (from the old Smarties commercial)

A while back eggplant was on the menu for a week. I needed some inspiration, so I posted on old 'facebook', the question, "How do you eat your eggplant?" And I received some egg-cellent dish ideas!

Thanks to some lovely facebook friends, I'd like to share some of their offerings with you. Hope they inspire you as much as they inspired me!

In no particular order, here they are:

~ "Grilled on the barbie with a soya sauce/teryaki sauce...mmmmm AND eggplant curry is to die for!!!" Patsy
~ "Eggplant salsa type thing!" Tami
~ "Eggplant parmesana with homemade tomato sauce all the way...mmmmm!" Adrienne
~ "Cubed, roasted with garlic, onions, peppers, and basically whatever veggies are on hand (tomatoes, carrots, potato, etc.)!" Miranda
~ "I've dehydrated it before in slices with a nut dip on it. In Nigeria, they are called Garden Eggs." Kamla
~ "Fried with lots of garlic:)" Ricky
~ "With tomatoes and lots of curry , onions and garlic with injera." Kelly
~ "Eggplant brushetta!" Angela

There you have it! Some Egg-stravagant eggplant goodness! We had barbecued eggplant burgers with fresh homemade buns and marinated eggplant skewers another day.

In other news, I am quite behind in my blog posts, and have much to share....I had a lovely birthday earlier this month. Yes, I'm 35 now, and my salt and pepper hair is starting to show. Born on Labour Day (for my fellow Canadians) or Labor Day (for my American friends)....I have often said...."and my life has been ironic ever since".

You can expect an upcoming post featuring some lovely birthday blessings from a few dear friends....For a preview, you can see right here some loveliness, coming from Sweet Coralee!

Beauty in Beet Leaves...

2011-09-01T08:41:00.000-07:00

The Words of the Kevin Prosch song "Kiss the Son" rehearse in my mind and heart a lot these days:
(If you scroll down to the end of this post, you can press play and listen to the song, for your convenience).

When you've been broken, broken to pieces
And you heart begins to faint, 'cause you don't understand
When there is nothing to reap from the ashes
And you can't even walk into the fields of grace

But I bow down and kiss the Son
I bow down and kiss the Son

When the rock falls, falls upon you
And you get ground to dust, no music for the pain
You open the windows, the windows of Heaven
and then you open me and crush me like a rose

But I bow down and kiss the Son
Oh, I bow down and kiss the Son

Let the praise of the Lord be in my mouth
Let the praise of the Lord be in my mouth
Thou you slay me I will trust you Lord

Ya, I bow down and kiss the Son....

In this season of bringing in garden harvest, and crushing it, drying it, freezing it, processing it....feels familiar to the season of my heart. No, there is no loss of life - I have so much to be grateful for...

After investing our hearts and our prayers for the past six months into a change in vocation, location and lifestyle for our family the door was closed. We move on......

I will trust Him...

Therapy is....

2011-08-12T14:33:00.000-07:00

Kneading dough...
Reading with my children...
Meditating on a Psalm of comfort...
The days my husband has off from work...
Watching my children play together outside happily...
Drinking a good homemade caffè breve in a beautiful mug..
The smell of one of my children during a hug - smells like heaven...
Listening in the dim lamp light to my husband read to our children...
Sipping a cup of herbal and dried fruit tea at the end of a long day...
Knitting with wood/bamboo needles with inspiring and natural yarn...
Being outside and taking in the sky, feeling the wind and breathing in...
Early in the morning, while the family sleeps, the fresh quiet air in my lungs...
Enjoying the sand under my feet at the beach - and finding sea glass treasures...
The smell of Lavender Oil on my linens, in our hair, in the bath - not meaning to rhyme - but everywhere...

These are a few of my favorite things... What are yours?

{this moment}

2011-08-05T06:37:00.000-07:00

"{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. ", Soule Mama

Where the Wild things Grow

2011-08-03T07:40:00.000-07:00

This is year 2 of working a shared garden space. Which is a huge blessing to us. We are unable to garden at our home in the city, besides the pots of greens, some herbs, and a bean tee pee on our front steps, house plants and the occasional batch of sprouts and homeschooling plant experiments....Keeps our hands in the dirt at least a bit on a regular basis.

About 1/2 hour outside the city some dear friends offered for us to share their large garden space, so we share in the work as much as we can.

If you've read past posts you'll know about my little obsession with wild weeds! It's just so fascinating to me how we pull out these "troublesome" weeds - which in many cases are edible, medicinal and power packed with nutrients. Just to name a few that get yanked out on a regular basis; Lambs Quarters, Plantain, Dandelion and there is so much more!

This weekend after some weeding (snacking on some of that too), we spaced the beets and I'm currently dehydrating batches of beet greens to use for soups, salads, and beet-green-chips (which the 'littles' love). I'm hoping to pickle this first batch of beets - pickled beets and pregnancy go hand in hand for me!

Back to the edible weeds. Mon amour and I discuss how perhaps the art of eating weeds faded when folks became less dependent on the land and chose more "palatable" foods. Plantain has often peaked my curiosity. Chew it a apply it to bee stings and other skin ailments, steam it like spinach, or eat the baby greens in salad....this is well known information. But the seeds - I have read, soaked in water, become a little gelatinous like chia seeds or flax seeds....I'm thinking that there my be some Omega 3s in there.

So we got ourselves some tall plantain stems that grow near rivers, brought them home - shucks, they weren't brown like the should be when you harvest them in the fall....but then I read that some folks fry up the seed pods in butter anytime of the year - so I thought, I'm sure they could be tasty dried out in the oven under 150. We gave it a try - Lovely! Delicious! Nice on salad, it has a nutty taste like hemp seed!

Any wild weed revelations or recipes stirring up in your home? I'd love to hear about it!

A Couple of Comfy Corners of a Cottage

2011-07-19T14:50:00.000-07:00

It's a tiny little cottage, but it's been in the family for 4-5 generations....so it's special.

Nana's little touches all around make it inviting and restful!

I tried to capture the shadow on the cottage kitchen wall of the clothes line and a dragon fly on the screed door - a little strange - but there was beauty in that moment!

Every room contains some marks of my Great Grandparents who ran a popular cafe at the beach sum 70 years ago.

Playing, playing and playing....

Every Mama likes Quiet Time! Something that my own Mama instilled in me, "every child no matter what age needs to have some Quiet Time Play each day, so Mama can too!" - she would say. When I was little it was called "F.O.B. time" ; Feet On Bed! We've been calling it Quiet Play ON your OWN bed....Hey, sometimes they end up falling asleep, good thing they are on their beds.

Of course we are at the beach EVERY day, rain or shine. This year we've started the tradition of matching up cottage weeks with the beach swimming lessons.

This vintage beach town has so much cute - appeal. This year they painted the below block some "currant" colors like taupe, egg-plant and black....I didn't bother taking a picture, because I already had this one - and I love to remember the colorful-vintage look it did have!

Papa works most of the time, when we are the beach, but he does commute. Which is so nice! I feel some how connected to all those women who spent their summers with their children at this beach in the early 1900's while their men commuted on the "Daddy Train"!

That's it - glimpses of our week living at the beach! Wish it was longer....

In the mood for a chocolate milk shake for BREAKFAST?

2011-07-08T08:32:00.000-07:00

I am!

That's right a real chocolate milk shake. Ooops, there isn't any milk - but there is store bought kefir in it. I'm outta step in making kefir these days, and need to come upon some fresh culture to culture it. SO the store bought stuff is A LOT more sweeter (than I would recommend).....

A blender stuffed with fresh frozen spinach later, we added....

~freshly picked strawberries from a local, non-spray, natural farm
~ yogurt scraped in from the bottom of the jar
~a pour of the flavored kefir
~whey protein powder
~1 heaping spoon of organic (just peanuts) peanut butter
~and the dark wonderful ingredient, Cocoa, 2 Tbsp.

Chocolaty Goodness!

This is all part of my pregnancy-health-initiative. Apparently my midwife was a little alarmed to tell me that I had gained twice the amount of weight than I did in my last pregnancy by 17 weeks. I think if we took an average from ALL my pregnancies, not just my last in which I gained the least amount - I'm really probably ok. BUT, I thought I'd be a little more conscious of the flour-y/grain-y goodness type foods at certain meals. So HELLO spinach-protien-chocolate shakes!

No Mice Transformed into Prancing White Horses....

2011-07-06T13:35:00.000-07:00

Nine years ago today....

We got ready....

Little ballet dancers danced at the family farm...

We got married!

Joyeux Anniversaire Mon Amour!

First Feeling of Fascinating Felting

2011-06-28T14:13:00.000-07:00

Thank-you to artist friend Tammy, for spending some of her Arts Day with us, teaching and guiding us through our first felting lesson! I really should have started shooting the moment she dumped her beautiful colourful array of wool rovings...but of course my mind wasn't there.

I'm surprised by how hidden this handwork seems to be to the general public. At times when I've mentioned felting to other crafters, I'm met with a blank stare, like they are imagining me cutting out pieces of craft felt from Michel's Craft store and doing something with that!

Tammy graciously led us through molding our balls of roving in warm soapy water, on a blustery day. It is a patient activity and young ones are there a minute, gone a minute, back for a minute, gone to play for another. We did end up throwing them in the clothes dryer later in the day, after Tammy had rinsed the soap out.

The children played quite thoroughly with their felt balls until Joash's got thrown deep into the Day Lilies which should bloom soon - we'll have a better search after they've bloomed.

My dear Mother picked up a large bag of raw wool from a thrift shop, it appears that it must have sat in someones attic for an eternity, and felted itself into dreadlocks of wool. Tammy confirmed my suspicion that it may be not the best wool to work with. But since it is what I have right now - and I'm still very much in the novice stage of felt works...we are going to work with it some.

I'm carding it a little at a time and we'll see where that takes us. Technically we should be doing a little handwork each day (amongst homeschooling), so we'll play with this for now.

Here is a great story about a sheep to a little boy's sweater, written by Farm Mama. The works of wool have been around for centuries. We see their glimmers in fairy tales like Sleeping Beauty, Mother Holle, The Six Swans and many other heart warming tales. It is amazing to me to consider how involved people were in thriving to survive. People historically were producers not just consumers like they are today. Waking up some of those sleeping skills will continue to be a passion of mine!

These shoes are one of my favorite felt creations from Etsy seller Bure Bure, and her blog. Yes, Felt is back!

Experimental Essential Oils Project

2011-06-23T10:29:00.000-07:00

Last night we were admiring our dying Peonies my neighbor had picked for us...their lemony-rose-lily smell, addictive. One of my daughters expressed her wish to somehow hold on to the smell. So our spontaneous project today, was inspired by this wish.

Living in the Canadian Prairies, my dream of growing a field of lavender and then harvesting it for both the dry herb and distilling it into an essential oil, may be far fetched. But I can simplify my dream for the time being.
We harvested the Peony petals and filled an 8 ounce mason jar, and in line with my lavender fantasy, we filled a second jar with Lavender leaves from the large pot outside (that husband dear got me for Mama's Day).

One day I do hope to actually keep a garden/herb prep/homemade remedy journal. It is a good idea, for now some labels will have to suffice. We used Grapeseed Oil, although Sweet Almond Oil would probably be a better choice.

Filling the jars first with the petals and leaves, we then covered them with the oil, making sure they were all under the oil. We shook them and will intend to shake them daily (one of daughter's joyful tasks) for the next 3 weeks - keeping them from sunlight. Yes, a dark bottle would be nice....but this is simpler, I don't have to deal with a tiny opening to get the leaves in or out!

Straining it will be the last step in our experiment. If this turns out positively I may just be reporting back with a new Peony-Wild Rose Deodorant story!

::Any links to herbal oils/essential oil making in the comments are welcome::

Waldorf School at Home

2011-06-15T11:47:00.000-07:00

I should have assumed that we would be a little backwards.
My parents had strong opinions about the education system....which of course would effect my views. Academics this year have not been the enjoyable part of school at home, by any measure. Some folk would say that we unschool....but I needed something more.
I took the plunge and bought a used Christopherus Waldorf curriculum....after doing some research, this seemed to be in high demand.

We've been at it for 3 or 4 weeks and I am sold! The day and rhythm is much more peaceful and everything ties together. The activities and academics are not isolated external lessons that are disconnected from their emotional selves. It just seems a lot more wholesome. I was impressed to see my 6 year old daughter's drive to wind an entire skein of wool into a large ball in a single afternoon for handwork.

She may not read as early as some of her other schooled and homeschooled peers, but the loving words of mature mother's who've raised responsible deep feeling people, have encouraged me not to make external academics our main focus. The issues we face in society are so rooted in the heart....why would I not want to take concentrated interest in cultivating their hearts, creativity and a discerning compassionate mind?

::~::

It's never easy saying Good-bye

2011-05-13T10:31:00.000-07:00

This week, we said Good-Bye, with breaking hearts....I'm still emotional as I write this. Dogs have been in apart of my life, most of my life. But by far, this special one (due to the love, care, and direction of mon amour, my husband), was dearest to me as well as her sister, Nikki (whom we lost 1 1/2 years earlier). They were Belgium Shepherds, the most beautiful, family dogs you could ever have (in my biased opinion).

Soleil, (sun in French), was all black. She reminded me of the wolf in Little Red Riding Hood, but she was gentle despite her appearance. She was 15 1/2, outliving her lifespan by 2 1/2 years. Before we had children, these were our babies, they went where ever we went. Hiking, they carried their own backpacks from time to time. They LOVED retrieving, especially in the water, and they loved cuddling on our bed with us before the babies came.

They brought so much color to our lives. So many times, when they would blow there soft soft coat (1-2 times a year), I contemplated getting it spun. Some folks would find that a little weird, although they wouldn't if it was as common as spun sheep's wool.

We made crayon blocks this week to work on blending color in some of our homeschool activities. Our first blending exercise we chose was to fill the page in a rainbow color sequence. Rainbow day, as it turned out, was an emotional rainy day with tears for losing Soleil.

I confess I get very sappy when it comes to losing our pet friends. You can talk to my brother, he made me play a song over and over, that I wrote for our childhood dog, Sparky, called (are you ready for this?) "Angel in disguise". Yes, sappy indeed, but true.

Missing you and loving you Soleil!

Some Sweetness from Mother's Day

2011-05-09T08:47:00.000-07:00

I guess you could say I am passionate about reclaiming Motherhood as one of the most important roles of our nation. It is a creative, innovative, nurturing role to play. It is so rewarding and so tiring sometimes too. God Bless the Mothers, the Mothers who mother us, but do not have children of their own, the foster Mothers, the Mothers who have laid their lives down for their children in a war torn country, the Mothers of sick children...and the list goes on.

Lavender. Lavender has so many healing and calming qualities. It is one of the most versatile oils, safe for children and pregnant Mamas. One of my dreams one day is to plant a whole field of lavender. Then dry it for teas, sachets, and more, and hopeful also make some essential oil out of it as well.

In our growing zone, it could be an interesting experiment. So for now (until I have that field), I will be more than satisfied with my pot of lavender. It is a perennial of course, but I am not sure how perennials do in pots all year long. If anyone has insight about this, I am listening.

After a nice afternoon with my In-Laws, celebrating the day, we headed to Little Italy (in our city) to this Mama's favorite Gelati spot. I never tire of Cacaopat (super dark chocolate Italian icecream).

One area that our children are a little deprived in is candy. I think some folks think that we over monitor the candy gifts of friends and family. But we closed this day with a little trek to Sugar Mountain. It was our children's first time in a candy store, and it will be saved for the very rare occasions. If was fun to see the vintage candy like Popeye cigarettes, fizzy candy, toffee and all the rest. A "Sweet" day indeed.

Toy Storage Solutions Part 2

2011-04-27T10:34:00.000-07:00

As I'm allowing the "new me" (with child) to emerge and take shape...I'm inspired by outside inventiveness these days.
Here is one such find!

I'm continually thinking up and concocting toy storage solutions, but it never occurred to me that an architecture firm could provide some answers to the dilemma. The French architecture company, Agnes et Agens has turned storing solutions into an art display.

It's fun, clean and orderly. Splash some vintage toys here and there and it definitely sparks some joyful feelings. I might be tempted to paint it my own choice of colors.

Fans of sustainable furniture, we are - ya, the flea market finds and upcycled creations.

Perhaps this is a little off topic, but it comes to mind. A couple of years ago my husband tried his had at making our first cardboard chair. Perhaps because it was more time consuming than originally thought, or the way life has gone, unfortunately so far, it has also been our last cardboard furniture creation.

It looked something like this, only with one less squiggle. We gave it to my brother for Christmas - because handmade gifts are close to the BEST! However, this cardboard chair one comes to you from Moss . In terms of storage, your seat or a vase or a pile of nice displayed practical books might be nice.

If you have some unique toy storage answers, please Do share! Feel free to add your link to pics. or blog post!

Explained Procrastination and A Visit

2011-04-14T09:43:00.000-07:00

Spring is peeking around the corner....Here in the Canadian Prairies, the weather taunts and teases us. "Spring is here, no it's not, yes it is, no it's not"....The snow is mostly melted, but the wind is cold today.

I have a couple of reasons for my silence around here. But I do want to apologize to those generous caring folk who've dropped by and not seen any updates from week to week. I know how that is, visiting friends blogs, and wishing they would update it - sorry about that.

My #1. reason for being tardy is technical difficulties.

Yes, I am a snob in the sense that I cannot bring myself to write anything unless there is at least one photo. That is just how it goes. But on the upside of this, my technical difficulties were as a result of a very great blessing. MY NEW (new to me) PENTAX K100! I know nothing about photography except that I like to play! My trusty Sony point and shoot has served me very well....but I have secretly been desiring to delve a little deeper - and my husband GREATLY surprised me with this never-used-used digital SLR.

My #2 reason for being away...is because I've been away, kinda. I haven't totally been myself these days, I think it's because I'm not just me anymore. What I'm trying to say is that the sixth member of our home will be arriving by the time the snow prepares to return next year. I'm just finishing my 10th week OR his/her 10th week.

On a completely different note, we dropped by spontaneously at Uncle Rob and Auntie Lois' place a little while back. These are from there. They host Farm Fest each year. And this is the most amazing out outhouse. You may not be able to read the sign, it says, "Outhouse of Wonder". It is a double, with mosaic tile around the seats of the outdoor thrones, and displays a stunning large porcelain mosaic tile covered sink, hidden around the side (the snow covered it enough that it did not seem photogenic).

Dear Aunt Lois, a force to be reckoned with when it comes to warmth and affection, threw together some delicious homemade pitas filled with hot buttered chicken for supper . Everyone needs togetherness with saints such as these! It is women like her, and like Kate and like my Mom, who I draw strength from. Their wisdom and listening ear puts strength in me. I hope that one day I can be as inspiring and blessed in the art of hospitality as they are.

{this moment}

2011-03-25T08:02:00.000-07:00

"{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. ", Soule Mama

Our hands play a huge role in active domesticity......

2011-03-21T13:35:00.000-07:00

"...but I do like my hands.
In fact, I am very proud of them.
I like the way they knead dough,
create stitches,

hold yarn,
thread needles,
sort beads and
buttons and
deal with fiddly sewing machine parts.
Sometimes I watch them
as if they don't belong to me
and am secretly delighted
when they seem to know what to do .
They may not be able to play (amazing) piano,
make lace or spin sugar,
but most of the time they do what I need them to do..........

Our hands play a huge role in active domesticity.
We employ them to carry out harsh activities,
such as scrubbing, scouring, washing....

.......yet these same hands are also our entree into the kinder world of gently arts.......

.........Softness, gentleness, warmth, coolness, strength and fragility are all at our fingertips when we knit and stitch and quilt and bake." Jane Brocket, The Gentle Art of Domesticity Pg. 78

A Fresh Start With Homemade Deodorant

2011-03-10T15:02:00.000-08:00

My modern dance students laugh at me because of my devotion or obsession with homemade products like homemade deodorant. I know it's not a condescending, laugh but one with respect actually, at my intensity perhaps?

I’m dead said against antiperspirants. There is more and more research that indicates a direct correlation between breast cancer and antiperspirant use. For years I’ve been using natural deodorants sold in the health food section. Deodorants like Jason, Lush’s Aromaco and Aromarant, and other organic brands.

Realistically these "natural deodorants" have known carcinogenic ingredients, though. Another issue I've faced with varying hormones that nursing or pregnancy bring, is that I often had to apply these natural deodorants a gazillion times a day.

This is a homemade deodorant recipe is based off of the type of ingredients that I’ve seen in some of Lush’s deodorants.

~1/4 C. Cocoa Butter

~1-2 Tbsp Coconut Oil

Melt, blend, remove from heat and then add:

~1-3 Heaping Tbsp of Baking Soda

~10-15 drops each of essential oil: Lavender, Patchouli, Sweet Orange, and 5-10 drops of an antiseptic oil like Tea Tree or Cedar Wood.

These are the oils I used but you could make up your own blend.

Mix this thoroughly. Using a spatula, scrape your mixture into a mold of some sort. I used a 1-2 ounce plastic container. Let it harden and remove. Depending on your climate this deodorant maybe a solid deodorant that you massage on, or for warmer climates it may be more of a paste that you administer in a pea size amount on your underarm. You can also just keep it in a warmer OR cooler place for your preference.

This is seriously the best deodorant I’ve used, and a simple beautiful satisfaction comes from knowing you did this yourself.

It can get a little messy, but isn't a bathroom or shower filled with chunks of this or pastes of that, or clear wordless bottles look SO MUCH BETTER....if feels much more restful than the busyness of cluttered-color-overloaded shelves that smell of artificial blah. Rather than the smelly cleaning isle of the grocery store, those spa like storage corners will look and smell fresh and clean and resemble more of a garden.

What is your homemade deodorant regime?

Designing with the simplest PC tools!

2011-03-09T13:43:00.000-08:00

Originally this tutorial was posted in here. I'm happily preparing to dissolve that blog - so in celebration of that, I thought I'd move this post here!

Power Point is my main tool for graphic design when creating banners and buttons for my blog and other little projects.

If you have a Mac or photoshop I’m sure you can much much more. But if you are like me and you have a regular PC and not any kind of special photoshop software you can still make fabulous buttons or banners using your own photos.

Open up PowerPoint
Click Insert then click Photo; Choose your image and it will fill the entire space. If you are making a button you may only want one image or two at the most. Clicking on the corner of the image you will see that you can adjust the size to make it smaller – which is something you will want to do only if you are adding more images.

Click Insert, click “Word Art” OR “Text Box”, click on image where you want the image to be.
Type your text in
Highlight your text and click on the font, size, colors, outlines – basically play around – move your text around – add a second text box for other text; and this enables you to really play with spacing, that you would not be able to if you enter all your text into the same box.

If you are creating a banner, you will want to adjust images to approx. the same height or width depending on whether or not it is a vertical or horizontal banner. And then line up your images.

Click “Save As” and make sure you scroll down and save it as a JPEG.
Close your powerpoint program and open the newly saved JPEG and then simply click Edit and Crop your creation into the desire shaped button or banner and Save!

To Do or Not To Do...

2011-03-01T12:20:00.000-08:00

Part of my initial motive for blogging was accountability...I think I've drifted a little from that vision, so in the flavor of rekindling this goal....

Daily, I want to...
Wake-up Early, Go to bed not too late
Read
Write
Knit/Crochet
Sew
Home School
Declutter
Prepare home cooked meals or leftovers
Get outdoors depending on weather.
Hold my children and play and read to them.

Every Other Day, I want to...
Practice Music(song/voice/guitar/piano practice)
Bake/Cook/Can/Dry/Something in the kitchen other than the 3 meals
Exercise (Burst or Resistance training)
Organize

Weekly, I want to...
Plan most of the week's meals
Work on choreography for classes/recitals
Quilting
Social activities (visiting other families or having a mama and her children here).
Painting/Fiber Art project

Monthly, I want to....
Read 2-3 books
Have 1-2 garments sewn
Have 1-3 items knit/crocheted
Have a tidier more organized creative space and home!

As it comes to mind and the pages of my journal I may add or subtract to this list.

{this moment}

2011-02-18T06:37:00.000-08:00

"{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember." Soule Mama

Always Looking for Toy Storage Solutions

2011-02-01T09:03:00.000-08:00

Toy storage solutions bring peace of mind, peace in the house and even beautify some uncomely toys that end up getting collected. Organization does not come naturally for me - but I do have a counterpart (my Husband), who has given me the sweet taste of how lovely some organization helps a house or day flow.

After Christmas with the influx of new toys I was in the market for ideas for better toy storage solutions. One of being which; all the new art supplies. The large Ovaltine can that we used for both crayons and markers was at it's max and overflowing.

So like many creations that happen in our house (in more defense than offense!) I finally bit the bullet and made a few of these. Yes, you've seen them before - pretty much every artsy mama, homeschooling mama, stay home mama who sews has made one of these. Sorry I don't have a pattern. I dug through my basket of felted sweaters waiting to be made into soakers that didn't quite happen, and rummaged through scrap fabric shelves to piece together - giving the shiny markers a more homegrown feel.

Feel free to leave your link to one of your winning toy storage solutions in the comments - and I'll be sure to stop by, and maybe implement some of your cleverness!

Angels On Guard

2011-01-15T14:39:00.000-08:00

My mother use to sing, "14 Angels watch over me" when I was a little girl. Yesterday I saw first hand, some of those watching over me and my three littles - as life flashed before my eyes.
Driving conditions yesterday were less than ideal, and I hit a patch of black ice - even though I was going under 50Kilometers/hour in a 60Km zone (I don't know how many miles that is), with 4 studded winter tires, I still fish tailed and saw myself sliding and spiraling into on coming traffic.

When we find ourselves in moments like these - even some Atheists would cry out to God! And call out I did!

As I spun towards the traffic coming right at me, the car slid back to the right side of the road and into a snow bank. The whole lower left side of my car buried - and I breathing my prayer of thanksgiving! Two caring kind folks stopped, to help assess the damages. One in a dark pick-up truck said he had a tow rope, and that he would pull me out - I said that he was an angel (thinking honestly at that moment that he may very well be!) - he said that he hadn't been called that before.

Miracles do happen every day....My thoughts and prayers are that I would be awake enough to notice the big and small miracles! My ongoing miracle challenge for this ADD mother is in organization. But I will NOT give up. I'm starting to post some unfinished projects on Etsy so to continue the phenomenon of transformation in my home and projects!

Safe blessings to you and your household - What miracles are you grateful for?

Move over Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins!

2011-01-07T09:41:00.000-08:00

We discovered a new holiday favorite this year - Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins! After cooking up 10 lb. pumpkin and making some creamy soups - I still had A LOT left of course. And went to the drawing board.

With my truck load of cookbooks I often wish for some sort of search data base! Just type in my ingredients and then up would pop the cookbook names and pages of the choice recipes in .22 seconds flat! Would that take all the fun of traditionally looking through my cookbooks? I just received an email telling about the dying art of books, in the hard copy. I dunno - I think there are too many of us, who like to snuggle up with a real book...not the eerie glow of a lapbook...just doesn't have the same draw;)

Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins.....(Starbucks has something like this as well)

::Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Prepare 18 muffin cups.::

1 Cup of Cream Cheese ( you can substitute yogurt cheese like we did here, by draining yogurt through a cheese cloth).
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla
3 tablespoons brown sugar

::Beat this fillin until smooth. Set aside.::

Topping:

4 1/2 tablespoons whole wheat flour or flour of your choice
5 tablespoons sugar/coconut sugar/rapadura
3/4 teaspoon cinnamon
3 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons chopped pecans (toasted for about 10 minutes on a cookie sheet in the oven at 350 degrees)

::Mix flour, sugar, cinnamon and pecans.Add butter and cut it in with a fork until crumbly. Set aside.::

Muffins:

2 1/2 cups flour (I used 1&1/2 cups white, 1 cup whole wheat)
2 cups sugar of your choice
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
2 eggs
1 1/3 cups cooked pumpkin puree
1/3 cup of olive oil
2 teaspoons vanilla

::In a large bowl, sift together flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon and salt. Make a well in the center of flour mixture and gradually incorporate eggs, pumpkin, olive oil and vanilla. Mix until smooth.::

::Fill cups with pumpkin mixture until they're about 1/2 full. Carefully add one tbsp of the cream cheese mixture in the middle of the batter. If using paper cups, try to keep cream cheese from touching the paper. Sprinkle on topping. Bake at 375 degrees for 20 to 25 minutes.::

What's keeping you cozy these days?

Good Old Fashioned Fun

2010-12-30T11:25:00.000-08:00

The highlight of our Christmas season has been the more relaxed schedule that my husband has had - our whole family has enjoyed this! Thus earlier this week, we loaded up the 'littles' and headed off to the park for some tobogganing and skating! I not really thrilled about taking the 1.5 year old down the hill, so while Papa and the two older ones hit the hill, the youngest and I high hit the ice - no not literally;)

With my husband's hockey skates and the babe in the sleigh we took off to the ice rink and frozen creek. I had such a blast, I was sorry that we don't do this every day! There was a season in my life where I went cross country skiing 5 days a week - what a joy - refreshing - invigorating - beautiful exertion! I was feeling the same!

A dear friend of mine has 3 of her children in a rural one-room school house style Mennonite School ( it may be 2 rooms - nevertheless, you get the picture). Outdoors there is a skating rink, and every day they skate! What an awesome addition to a quaint school experience; to skate at morning break, lunch and afternoon break. Those children must sleep amazingly!

What kind of outdoor on indoor winter activities do you enjoy?

Toys that delight young and old!

2010-12-20T10:28:00.000-08:00

The season of giving, gifts, and that means toys as well, is upon us! And my obsession with Etsy is acceptable! My favorite toy stores are the farmer's markets/artisan markets and Etsy. I picked up these 2 play covered wagons from Etsy store: Tweet Toys by Willow Baus

....to go along with our love for the 'Little House' series!

This month we finished our 3rd Little House book, Farmer Boy. And I have to say, that it was my favorite so far. That women, Mrs. Wilder Senior was AMAZING! If there is any women that I know of like this one, she was it!

I also purchased this PDF pattern off Etsy store Woolhalla
When I have some of these beauties completed I'll be sure to post some pics. For now, my crochet needles are moving as quickly as possible in time for Christmas....and Mrs. Wilder comes to mind, as her knitting needles moved so quickly that they heated up with the friction they caused!

How are your holiday preparations coming?

Oh for the Love of Squash!

2010-11-16T14:21:00.000-08:00

The days are gradually getting cooler..and darker - like the clouds are weighing heavy with imminent snow that does not come....it will...one of these days.

Each day we add another winter accessory to our outdoor play.

At Lilian's a week or so ago we shared the most delicious pumkin soup...I tried to replicate it, and although the children polished their warm bowls off, they agreed that I should get Lilian's recipe from her.

One of the dishes we've been enjoying this late Autumn has been this Maple-Nut baked butternut squash;

One butternut squash: cut in half with an ax (no, just kidding, that's too dangerous! But it is a hard cut.) Scoop out the seeds.

1Cup of chopped Frozen Apples (preferably sour) in each half. (2C.total)

1/2 C. of Walnuts in each half.

A sprinkle ground rock sea salt over both.

A modest pour of Real Maple Syrup over both halves.

Bake at 350 for one hour.

Let cool for 5 min and carefully scoop all of it out and Serve!

This inspiration comes from Mama Lois - Farm Mama to many!

Vintage Swapping

2010-10-29T12:37:00.000-07:00

This summer I had the great pleasure of participating in vintage swap ~THank-yoU Heather~

It's about time to "show and tell" - better late than never....I'm think I said the same thing last time;) I enjoyed putting together the above package for my lovely partner, a Montessori preschool teacher Evangeline. I'm already forgetting what was in it...A green floral velvet vintage dress that had been cut shorter, that I had held on to FOR YEARS for a project that never happened - passed that on...some lace, a Scottish felted scarf, vintage glass buttons and other notions...I've forgotten if there was anything else?!

Evangeline sent me the most adorable package...It included some "Workbasket" vintage issues which has absolutely priceless advertisements in it, besides some great projects including knitting 2 socks at one time, one inside of the other! I intend to give that a try....Very very cute sewing cards - perfect for my 3 and 5 year old (although I'm tempted to frame a couple of them instead)...a French matching game; Bois et Champs....priceless invitations for a kitchen shower....

Some vintage linen n'lace, a collection of buttons (my almost 6yr. old has been using these for math).....A lovely collection of fabrics for some fun projects!

Thank-you Evangeline!

A Season of Learning, Turning, and Swirling

2010-10-16T13:41:00.000-07:00

I'm back.

I've been here, just quiet.

Officially we are all set into our fall schedule/groove. And it is our official first year of homeschooling. I'm so grateful for some of the mature women in my life who've raised gems amazingly and their words of encouragement and relief when I've gone and confided in them my needless concerns.

A goal: Create an environment that nurtures in my children a hunger for learning. And that the heart of learning would be what is TRULY important, more than academics, more than perfectionism, more than worldly accomplishment.

A pleasure in my life these days is the 2 days of dance I get to teach AND enjoy taking class too! Hello long lost muscles, how are you? I've missed you, and am truly enjoying the little torture I put you through in Ballet, and recall the pleasure of learning to release you in Modern.

So with that I shall leave you with our favorite Creative Movement activity this season:

Lying on the floor each draped in some fabric scarves (preferably the Granny ones you find in thrift shops; they are the most fluid moving), we are Geese. Rising to the music of the drum, resonator bars and the melody of "Wild Geese":

Wild Geese are flying high in the sky

Wild geese are singing an autumn lullaby

Winter is coming

Winter is near

Wild geese are flying high in the sky....

....and we fly throughout the room with our scarves, swirling them high and low, gliding throughout the space in no particular pattern, throwing them high in the air and catching them with our knees, elbows, heels and head.

Happy flying!

What is truly important to you, to communicate to your flock?

East to God's Country

2010-08-28T12:55:00.000-07:00

It is hard to believe that less than a week ago we were in "beautiful Lake of the Woods", or God's country. Which brings back memories of when I traveled by bus from Winnipeg to Nova Scotia in my early 20's to attend Granville Ferry's Dance Intensive....my protective mother told me "please don't sit in the back of the bus, that is where ex-inmates sit"...I learned very quickly that the most interesting people sat at the back of the bus also. Sorry Mum.

T'was at the back of the bus where all the Atlantic Canadian Maritimers were sitting - and they couldn't stop talking about "God's country", meaning Newfoundland, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia.

Well it has been several years since I was that far East - so for now, we enjoyed a little East of us, Lake of the Woods. We love hiking and trying out different trails - with the 3 'littles' Literally in Tow at times - it takes us about twice the time for each trail.

I never tire of the views, smells, sounds, lack of sounds, plants, mosses, trees and water. And I wonder what it would be like to live there all the time. We drank up every minute and even did some excursions in the rain - and happily arrived to our heated pop-up!

We bumped into a few familiar faces along the way, which was a nice surprise, and surprise it was in the middle of no-where at times. Some of the most interesting conversations I had with people were with random folk I met in the laundry facilities at the campgrounds we stayed. One couple topped it off for adventures - a newly wed from PEI cycling their way across our wide country. You can follow their journey here.

I have some catching up to do. Those who left comments on older posts while I was away - I will get back to you;) Also my lovely package arrived from my Vintage Swap partner, so I'll have to tell all about that. I would love to share with you some of the exciting plant discoveries we made on our trip - can't seem to go very far without bringing along some plant/tree field guides...and we are gearing up for our first official year of homeschooling.

Splashing the lazy summer days away....

2010-07-27T09:22:00.000-07:00

Really, are the summer days that lazy? Maybe a few of them...but there also filled with the buzz of activities we all need to get done before our Canadian Prairie's harsh winters set in.

Besides work, my husband always has construction projects on the go, and soon we'll be selling several campers that he has fixed up....So, if you are in the area and are in want of a camper...we have a few newer ones and a couple of older ones soon to be ready - we've already had a few folks renting them - and no I'm not talking about mice or other wild visiters!

The berries have all been taken care of; some in jam, and the rest frozen for smoothies and other such for thourghout the year. Towards the end of summer, there will be the surge of harvest ready to be frozen, canned and dehydrated. For now, as much as possible - the children and I spend time at the beach, in the family cottage.

Nana, says we should just stay the whole summer there - That would be nice....makes me realize that I can live on a lot less - and by that I mean less stuff. Living in a 500sqft place with 3 young children and grandparents and all!
I'm told that the newest trend in house building, is down scaling in terms of square footage. I'd love to hear what your thoughts about downscaling are!? Smaller spaces would also mean less to clean!!!

Have a Splashing good week and long weekend!

Lady's Slippers and No Knead Bread

2010-07-15T12:35:00.000-07:00

It has been a little quiete in this space lately....but nevertheless there has been a buzz of summer activity. In this post I wanted to share just a few highlights from over the past 30 days.

My valiant husband, of all days of the year...it was Father's Day...faced the enemy head on, rushing through forest and field, braving the mammoth armies of mosquitoes to bring home these. The rare Lady's Slipper grows in droves near my In-Law's country property.

The same hero, who knows me only too well, surprised me earlier this month, with Edible& Medicinal Plans of Canada . Regarding Lady's Slippers it says,

"The rhizomes (the part most commonly used) contain an active compound called cypripedin. Rhizomes were used for menstrual disorders, headaches, insomnia, stomachaches, kidney troubles in children, urinary tract problems and nervousness" ...pg 200

One refreshing place we've been at is the lake. Our family cottage was built by my Great-Grandfather. They say 60-90 years ago there was a train called "the Daddy train" that went back and forth from the beach to the city. The Mamas stayed at the lake all summer long with the children, while the Dads commuted by train. I could get use to that!

You should know by now, if you've read this blog before, that I am ADD, and many times it is all just a run-on-sentence of rabbit trails. :: :: :: ::

I had seen this book online before, but it wasn't until I came across Heather's post that I actually got motivated to find Healthy Bread in 5 Minutes a Day. I decided to take it out of the library, since our cookbook collection needs some serious de-cluttering - before I add another book!

This method is fascintating because it is along the same lines as Traditional Foods, in that the grains are in a sense being soaked. The dough is made the day before (no knead), and then you take from the refrigerated dough as you need over the next 5-14 days (depending on the recipe).

This jewel of a grain grinder came to me for $25 from our Chiropractor - he seemed happy to get it off his family's hands - and said it was a lot of work. It is manual labor - and I'm hoping that my valiant husband will one day hook it up to a stationary bike.

We enjoyed homemade bagels for the first time (recipe out of the same book), with our homemade yogurt cheese (which is just yogurt left to drain through a cheese cloth over night) - flavored with homemade jam.

So this is a summary of my month - I'll end with an online project that I really enjoyed; My interview with a fellow Canadian Mama-preneur, Miss Mouse and her lovely Etsy Store! Below, is one of her lovely quilts.

Miss Mouse graciously contributed one of her handmades for the healthy challenge that I was hosting. And I'm excited to announce the winner tomorrow on From Home.

Braided Onions and Food Carving

2010-06-23T18:41:00.000-07:00

She, my oldest and biggest helper, is now ready - for what I've been waiting for.....reading chapter books together. We've embarked on the heart warming series; Little House on the Prairie. It was our favorite, growing up.

"....Onions were made into long ropes, braided together by their tops, and then hung in the attic beside wreaths of red peppers strung on threads. The pumpkins and squashes were piled in orange and yellow and green heaps in the attic's corners.....

....."The attic was a lovely place to play. The large round, colored pumpkins made beautiful chairs and tables. The red peppers and the onions dangled overhead. The hams and venison hung in their paper wrappings, and all the bunches of dried herbs, the spicy herbs for cooking and the bitter herbs for medicine, gave the place a dusty-spicy smell.

"Often the wind howled outside with a cold and lonesome sound. But in the attic Laura and Mary played house with the squashes and the pumpkins, and everything was snug and cozy.

...."Laura had only a corncob wrapped in a handkerchief, but it was a good doll. It was named Susan. It wasn't Susan's fault that she was only a corncob."

Little House in the Big Woods, Laura Ingalls Wilder

Now with food on my mind, I just have to share this with you;

and this,

Dear friends of ours from Thailand, talented in food carving, show their skills!

....With Silver Bells and Cockle Shells....

2010-06-17T12:22:00.000-07:00

How does Your garden grow....

One step....

Two Step...

Three Step ...

Four....

If you don't have room on your small postage stamp urban yard, like us, you can do like we did. We put out to friends and family that we were looking for a place to garden. Quickly, we received a generous invitation to plant with another family; a two family garden!

Merci beaucoup, chers amis.

Treasure the time.....

2010-06-05T19:26:00.000-07:00

In these weeks we've celebrated two of our three children's birthdays. It is hard to believe that one year ago, on a bright May day, this was me working through a labor contraction;

And the bright button is One.

Three under 6, and the common comment is ::WOW that is busy:: Perhaps, but it could be busier. I'm not Catholic, but there is something that I admire about that Mary woman....she "treasured these things in her heart".....I want to remember the years when my children were little as a time when I treasured them and the time in my heart, even amongst the busyness of life.

It takes a little longer when they are helping...and a little messier....but I will choose to treasure the time....treasure the words they say....like when out of the blue, almost 3, Joash asks in a staccato-cracky-voice if he can "please have a cup of tea"......

Yes, he is a proud 3, here with Papere. Bonne Fete, mes petits choux!

Horse-Dung and Childcare

2010-05-26T10:08:00.000-07:00

No the two are definitely not related, but I could not resist the title considering my train of thought.

I've heard the term "tomato staking" before, in regards to child rearing. It has to do with the idea of having your children near to you at all times - it is similar to attachment parenting. To be honest, I have never really studied or read to much into the philosophy, but found it natural to keep my children close and be sober minded and careful of who looks after them if or when my husband or I are not around.

In the first year of our first child being born, our baby was probably babysat by grandparents only once or twice. I don't remember any other childcare. Since then, 3 children later, childcare outside of myself or husband, is still very sparse in this household.

Some midwife appointments, occasional small choreography contracts with schools, and special occasion dates with hubby seem to be the main events where I am in need of childcare. Most of those are lovingly taken care of by my mom, who lives in our neighborhood. On the occasion that my commitment is not very long, my mom encourages me to go get a coffee somewhere and to take my time. I welcome the advice and do it!

On some such occasions if I am in the vicinity of a Chapters or ANY bookstore, THAT is where you will find me. Books are wealth, "readers are leaders" - so I've heard - we love books don't we - especially on the subjects we are passionate about, or that have beautiful illustrations!

I came across a discounted "Culpeper's Complete Herbal" reprint from 1653. Oh what a find - in my opinion! I just had to share with you one of recipes! To be honest I'm not sure if all the advice in the book should be taken seriously - but there must be validity to many of Nicholas Culpeper's findings!

"Some use this medicine: Take so many strawberries as you shall think fitting, and put them into a distillatory, or body of glass, fit for them; which, being well closed, set in a bid of horse-dung for twelve or fourteen days, and afterwards distil it carefully and keep it for your use. It is excellent water for hot inflamed eyes....and for such other defects in them as may be helped by any outward medicine." pg. 368

I don't unfortunately have any horse-dung readily available - but thought this was fun enough to share! If you are ready to try it out - let me know how it goes ;)

Heritage, Memorial and Heaven

2010-05-19T19:52:00.000-07:00

Heritage is important - it contributes to our identities and confidences and if shame, then we must to rise above it. It maybe fitting to play this video as you read today's post, allowing the music to accompany your read;

Part of my heritage, that which I am proud of and even cherish, is my parent's involvement with the St John's Boy's Schools in the 70's and early 80's. I was only a little girl, when I ran about the boarding school and property, cheered with them at snow shoe races, welcomed them home after their canoe trips...my Dad-the Headmaster, all shaggy from the lack of shaving and each man thinner than when he left for the canoe trips. I enjoyed October Fests where I was crowned Queen. I reveled in the dynamics of community living, tried to sneak into the chapel and eat communion wafers with Jamie Voss. Dug my hand into the barrel of what I believed to be icing sugar, but was rudely surprised by the flour-taste, more than once - in the school kitchen while my mom was cooking for 70 or so people. And made sure that I was NOT on the field during a rugby practice.

This all took place in Southern Ontario, and chances would have it, today I raise my own family just blocks away from where my own Dad went to the first St John's School, under the direction of Frank Weins. Who was my Dad's God Father. Yesterday marked some closure of an era of this unique, unforgettable school, education and philosophy. We walked together as a family in our Sunday best, passing by tulips and fruit trees in full blossom, past the first location of the St John's school on St. Cross Ave, and on to the Cathedral to attend the packed memorial service for the recent passing of Frank Wiens.

When my Mother first let me know of his passing, a thought, almost like a memory, a picture really...crossed my mind. There was a group of young men, they were sitting around Frank Wiens, in Heaven, talking and reminiscing about the school. I'm not sure what the reader thinks as you are reading this - you can chalk it up to either an over active imagination or perhaps some revelation - whichever you choose is fine with me. A flood of warmth came over me seeing this picture in my minds eye, these young men who've gone on before meeting Frank Wiens and enjoying his company and words of affirmation.

The memorial service ended with Compline, and with the Hymn of St John's; I feel the wind of God today

I feel the winds of God today

Today my sail I lift

Though heavy oft with drenching spray

And torn with many a rift

If hope but light the water’s crest

And Christ my bark will use

I’ll sail the seas at His behest

And brave another cruise

It is the wind of God that dries

My vain regretful tears

Until with braver thoughts shall rise

The purer, brighter years

If cast on shores of selfish ease

Or pleasure I should be

Lord, let me fell thy freshening breeze

And I’ll put back to sea

If ever I forget Thy love

And how that love was shown

Lift high the blood-red flag above

It bears Thy name alone

Great pilot of my onward way

Thou wilt not let me drift

I feel the winds of God today

Today my sail I lift

Signing Off,
one of Felletti's kids.

Today's Show and Tell

2010-05-04T11:43:00.000-07:00

The milk is warmed, and now just cooling for this week's batch of yogurt. Finally I soaked some black and white beans overnight, and am planning on putting together this Feta, Sun Dried Tomato, Bean Loaf. We'll see how this first attempt will turn out!

A simplified variation of the Three Bean Terrine from Full of Beans

4 1/2 C. cooked beans (kidney, white, or whatever)
1/2. C. crumbled Feta (I'm doing a homemade ricotta instead, fairly different, but oh well)
1/4 C. shredded Cheddar cheese
3 Eggs
1/4C. Sour Cream
300 g Spinach or similar Greens
2 tsp. Lemon Juice
1/4 tsp each of Salt, ground Nutmeg, ground Thyme and fresh ground Black Pepper
1/2 tsp each dried Basil and Chili Powder
3 Tbsp. chopped Sun-Dried Tomatoes
2 Tbsp. Millet
1 Tbsp. chopped Walnuts or Almonds
1 1/2 tsp Yeast Extract (Marmite) - I'm going to use Braggs and Worcester Sauce instead
2 cloves Garlic

Grease loaf pan, and line bottom only with waxed paper cut to fit. Blend all ingredients in a food processor, scraping sides down frequently. Spread in loaf pan. Bake in preheated 350 F (180 C) oven in a pan of water for 1 hour 15 minutes or until tester inserted in center comes out clean. Cool on rack for 10 min. Turn out onto serving platter.

My mom sent me this encouraging video recently; enjoy!

Now, do you want a bicycle powered grain mill as much as I do? Or what about some sort of bicycle powered power source for the coffee grinder, grain mill, food processor and blender?

A Weekend of Washing the Soul

2010-04-27T13:44:00.000-07:00

I feel washed.

This past weekend I had the great pleasure of attending my third Canadian Above Rubies retreat. This year was pretty spectacular. Spending Friday evening through Sunday afternoon with an incredibly unique group of women. Hearing the heartbreaking stories of infant loss, life's challenges and exchanging inspiration was truly a cleansing experience. I love Nancy Campbel's writing - and hearing and meeting her three daughters is always a pleasure. We enjoyed Serene and Pearl last year, and this year Evangeline came along and blasted out encouragement. She began each of her sharing times by blowing a small shofar (ram's horn), calling us up to the adventure and Land of Motherhood. Yes, I know what some of you are thinking - sounds cheesy - It is definitely one of those "you had to be there".

These are a few shots of my vision poster I created a number of years ago. It still inspires me to look at it today. The writing in the center is the very same quote I posted here.

This quote sums up the vision of Above Rubies.

One of the most refreshing part of the weekend is all the different women we meet. As eccentric and alternative as I feel I'm perceived amongst my community at home at times, I feel quite the contrary amongst the interesting blend of company at these retreats. I'm just one of the bunch, who perhaps chooses to birth at home, makes choices contrary to main stream society, and in fact really not as extreme as some of the other beautiful women I meet.

One of the most heart warming scenes (besides the breathtaking Canadian Shield spread), is the amount if nursing babies and toddlers. Every where you look at an AR retreat, some one is breast feeding. It is not often you find yourself in the company of 150 or so women with at least a quarter of them accompanied by a nursing baby or toddler!

I hope for you this week, that you find the moments, the community that inspires and refreshes you!

The First Recorded Entrepreneur Woman In History

2010-04-22T13:21:00.000-07:00

One of the projects that I have been working on, only now is it starting to manifest, is putting my business online. The new site is Patty-JeanStHilaire.Com, LittleQuiver is still my baby (no pun intended) - but for marketing purposes, this will be my work site.

The very first post, is about what, or rather WHO inspires me. Of course, all of us could probably name a dozen people or so, who inspire us. I've chosen one industrious woman to highlight. I love that this first recorded entrepreneur woman in history, shops around for the best yarns and fabrics! Have a peak.

Cinnamon and Honey - Could save a life

2010-04-14T08:59:00.000-07:00

I'm so sorry that I cannot give credit where credit is do. The below is an email forward, from my sister-in-law, who is an expert in health, nutrition and alternative health education. We are very blessed with a good ample supply of raw honey from my Husband's parents - who keep bees. It is fascinating to visit with the children and learn incredible facts about these life giving insects. We in the prairies experience harsh arctic-like winters, and yet the bees stay alive in their hive, and even make an appearance outdoors on some a sunny winter days.

Enjoy!

  Honey… Honey is the only food on the planet that will not spoil or rot. It will do what some call turning to sugar. In reality honey is always honey. However, when left in a cool dark place for a long time it will do what I rather call "crystallizing".   When this happens I loosen the lid, boil some water, and sit the honey container in the hot water, turn off the heat and let it liquefy. It is then as good as it ever was. Never boil honey or put it in a microwave. To do so will kill the enzymes in the honey.

Cinnamon and Honey…
Bet the drug companies won't like this one getting around. Facts on Honey and Cinnamon: It is found that a mixture of honey and Cinnamon cures most diseases. Honey is produced in most of the countries of the world. Scientists of today also accept honey as a 'Ram Ban' (very effective) medicine for all kinds of diseases. Honey can be used without any side effects for any kind of diseases.

Today's science says that even though honey is sweet, if taken in the right dosage as a medicine, it does not harm diabetic patients.   Weekly World News, a magazine in Canada , in its issue dated 17 January 1995 has given the following list of diseases that can be cured by honey and cinnamon as researched by western scientists:

HEART DISEASES…

Make a paste of honey and cinnamon powder, apply on bread, instead of jelly and jam, and eat it regularly for breakfast. It reduces the cholesterol in the arteries and saves the patient from heart attack. Also, those who have already had an attack, if they do this process daily, they are kept miles away from the next attack. Regular use of the above process relieves loss of breath and strengthens the heart beat. In America and Canada , various nursing homes have treated patients successfully and have found that as you age, the arteries and veins lose their flexibility and get clogged; honey and cinnamon revitalize the arteries and veins.

ARTHRITIS…Arthritis patients may take daily, morning and night, one cup of hot water with two spoons of honey and one small teaspoon of cinnamon powder. If taken regularly even chronic arthritis can be cured. In a recent research conducted at the Copenhagen University, it was found that when the doctors treated their patients with a mixture of one tablespoon Honey and half teaspoon Cinnamon powder before breakfast, they found that within a week, out of the 200 people so treated, practically 73 patients were totally relieved of pain, and within a month, mostly all the patients who could not walk or move around because of arthritis started walking without pain.

BLADDER INFECTIONS…

Take two tablespoons of cinnamon powder and one teaspoon of honey in a glass of lukewarm water and drink it. It destroys the germs in the bladder.

CHOLESTEROL…Two tablespoons of honey and three teaspoons of Cinnamon Powder mixed in 16 ounces of tea water given to a cholesterol patient, was found to reduce the level of cholesterol in the blood by 10 percent within two hours. As mentioned for arthritic patients, if taken three times a day, any chronic cholesterol is cured. According to information received in the said Journal, pure honey taken with food daily relieves complaints of cholesterol.

COLDS… Those suffering from common or severe colds should take one tablespoon lukewarm honey with 1/4 spoon
cinnamon powder daily for three days. This process will cure most chronic cough, cold, and clear the sinuses.

UPSET STOMACH…Honey taken with cinnamon powder cures stomach ache and also clears stomach ulcers from the root.

GAS…According to the studies done in India and Japan , it is revealed that if Honey is taken with cinnamon powder the stomach is relieved of gas.

IMMUNE SYSTEM… Daily use of honey and cinnamon powder strengthens the immune system and protects the body from bacteria and viral attacks. Scientists have found that honey has various vitamins and iron in large amounts. Constant use of Honey strengthens the white blood corpuscles to fight bacterial and viral diseases.

INDIGESTION…Cinnamon powder sprinkled on two tablespoons of honey taken before food relieves acidity and digests the heaviest of meals.

INFLUENZA…A scientist in Spain has proved that honey contains a natural ' Ingredient' which kills the influenza germs and saves the patient from flu.

LONGEVITY…
Tea made with honey and cinnamon powder, when taken regularly, arrests the ravages of old age. Take four spoons of honey, one spoon of cinnamon powder, and three cups of water and boil to make like tea. Drink 1/4 cup, three to four times a day. It keeps the skin fresh and soft and arrests old age. Life spans also increase and even a 100 year old, starts performing the chores of a 20-year-old.

PIMPLES…
Three tablespoons of honey and
one teaspoon of cinnamon powder paste. Apply this paste on the pimples before sleeping and wash it next morning with warm water. If done daily for two weeks, it removes pimples from the root.

SKIN INFECTIONS…Applying honey and cinnamon powder in equal parts on the affected parts cures eczema, ringworm and all types of skin infections.

WEIGHT LOSS…
Daily in the morning one half hour before breakfast on an empty stomach, and at night before sleeping, drink honey and cinnamon powder boiled in one cup of water. If taken regularly, it reduces the weight of even the most obese person. Also, drinking this mixture regularly does not allow the fat to accumulate in the body even though the person may eat a high calorie diet.

CANCER… Recent research in Japan and
Australia has revealed that advanced cancer of the stomach and bones have been cured successfully. Patients suffering from these kinds of cancer should daily take one tablespoon of honey with one teaspoon of cinnamon powder for one month three times a day.

FATIGUE…Recent studies have shown that the sugar content of honey is more helpful rather than being detrimental to the strength of the body. Senior citizens, who take honey and cinnamon powder in equal parts, are more alert and flexible.. Dr. Milton, who has done research, says that a half tablespoon of honey taken in a glass of water and sprinkled with cinnamon powder, taken daily after brushing and in the afternoon at about 3:00 P.M. when the vitality of the body starts to decrease, increases the vitality of the body within a week.

BAD BREATH…
People of South America
, first thing in the morning, gargle with one teaspoon of honey and cinnamon powder mixed in hot water, so their breath stays fresh throughout the day.

HEARING LOSS… Daily morning and night honey and cinnamon powder, taken in equal parts restores hearing. Remember when we were kids? We had toast with real butter and cinnamon sprinkled on it!

There is a fairie in my house

2010-04-13T06:56:00.000-07:00

Play

There is always something on the go in the kitchen - everyday - stock, yogurt, komubcha, or something. And the laundry in the song that does not end, like I was singing yesterday.

God, help me to play each day!

Chronic Procrastination Syndrome

2010-04-12T08:17:00.000-07:00

Did you know there was such a thing? Chronic Procrastination Syndrome! Apparently there was a man who was taken to court by the IRS for not paying his taxes, and he claimed not guilty on the basis of his problem of chronic procrastination syndrome. If you Google the phrase "chronic procrastination syndrome" the story will come up in the first couple of results.

My husband often refers to this t-shirt. And then there was the time my brother borrowed a video from the library called, "how to overcome procrastination". Do you think anyone ever actually watched this video? I am quite sure that the library only kept it to collect the overdue fines that it brought in by the borrowers. Yes, my brother did return it rather late, he did however, manage to watch the first 15 minutes of it. This "how to overcome procrastination" video was produced in the 80's and kept it's true 80's Glam. I was told by him, that the first few minutes of the video was the dedicated to congratulating the viewer for actually putting the video into the VCR and pressing play.

If you are curious about CPS, there is a facebook group dedicated to the topic of this chronic procrastination syndrome. I believe it is a lighthearted group of college students.

Overall, I can say that I struggle with CPS - but I also think that just about any and every creative person does. I love what my dear friend Coralee says - that she is an ADD-crafter. Is that what you called it? Please correct me if I haven't got it right. Which reminds me that we've got to get on a date for our next crafting night, Coralee! - Dear me - back to the topic.

As always I enjoyed the Vintage Swap! My swap partner, Maribeth, is a gracious soul indeed - and you'll find out why in a moment. She sent me this lovely collection. And she had me "pegged" (pun intended!) I have a little secret love of clothes lines! Love, love, love everything about clothes lines, the smell of fresh laundry dried in the sun and wind, the way the sun bleaches the stains out of my diapers - love it. Amongst this happy collection, was a new book full of OLD photos and lovely accounts of laundry days of the past. I have read before of the legacy of handwritten recipe books that were passed on generation to generation - which are now extinct. But, in this book I was enlightened to the legacy of handwritten house management journals. What a find THAT would be. These journals contain nuggets of tried and true household hints, like specific recipes for meals on washing day and the like. Washing Day :: WOW :: and today, like many modern homes that is EVERY day - sigh - we have too much. Perhaps it would be an interesting experiment for a week or two or more, to pair down the wardrobe to a couple of things. THEN laundry day may be once a week.

A number of weeks ago I showed a sneak peak of what I had sent Maribeth. It was the day, our due date for sending vintage swap packages, and to my dismay a couple of items and "walked away" (in little hands) from my stashed package. In my flury of "this can't be late" - I made the decision to send what was left in a "part 1" and send the "part 2" when it was recovered, late. I never did take a picture of the lost items. But they were recovered; a french children's book, with poems and darling drawings that reminded me of the darling creatures Maribeth makes. Keeping with the theme of chronic procrastination syndrome, of course after "part 2" was in it's package, it was still more than another week before I could bring it to a post office. This is why I referred to Maribeth as a gracious soul!

My thoughts about Chronic Procrastination Syndrome is to take one day at a time. Keep my chin up, and work to overcome this distracted disorder, one bite at a time.

Hope that you and I will get lots done today ;)

BUT most of all I hope for us, that our homes would be a haven of peace and joy whether or not everything is accomplished!

If you have any suggestions or cures for CPS,

your comments are quite welcome here!

Organic Pasta Pizza Pie

2010-03-30T06:42:00.000-07:00

Tonight we will have pasta pizza pie. This is a new 'keeper' recipe for our family. Last week I made extra so to serve one night this week.

Thank-you to all of YOU, who encouraged me in my 5-day challenge last week. I'm considering setting for myself some kind of 5-day challenge every week. Any focusing activity for this a.d.d mama is a good activity. This week will be list week. I want to make a commitment to write a list of 5 things I want to accomplish every day. Sounds simple enough. While many live this everyday - it is foreign enough for me to include it in a challenge!

The organic canned tomatoes that I buy only come whole instead of crushed. So for pizza and pasta sauces I always throw them in the food processor with some tomato paste, garlic, rosemary, oregano, and basil.

Cook the pasta!

I was lucky enough to find this organic locally made pasta - of course the best is to make your own - although that would be for another day. Beat 2 eggs per pie, and mix it into the pasta. Press pasta into a pizza pan or pie dish.

Top with your toppings. I was low on veggies - and so saved them for the salad. Thus loaded this one up with homemade cottage cheese and local grass fed beef, topped with different cheeses. I remember reading somewhere, that if you had to choose between organic produce OR organic meat (perhaps because of budget), you'd be better off choosing organic meat, because of ALL the chemical, pesticide laden food that average livestock are fed; they are much higher in toxins. This will all change one day! Right?!

Bake as you would your average pizza. 375 for 30 min. perhaps?

One of my 5, on my list everyday this week is to - Enjoy the Outdoors!

Have a beautiful day!

Something of Sentimental Value - Day 5

2010-03-26T07:33:00.000-07:00

This mug is very special to me.

It belonged to my Dad. I never saw him drink out of it. It was stored in our bathroom vanity when I was a child. Inside the mug was hard soap and a shaving brush. For those who know me, you know that I am very familiar with head injury, and it's affects on family and the individual with the brain injury. My Dad had a very serious head injury when I was 6. I love my Dad very much, and hold to those precious memories pre-car accident...like this mug.

It is my favorite mug by far.

If you come to my house for tea or a cup of coffee, particularly at a time when you and I are the only adults, I will always offer you your choice of mug or tea cup. It is a part of the beautiful ritual of drinking something hot together. Choosing which mug you find most identity with or beauty or whatever!

I hope my post is not too emotionally loaded, but it is a little something that is special that I wanted to share with you today!

Blessings on this Friday before some very special celebrations next week.

Day 5 - Fini

A Cure For Fussy Babies (Day 4)

2010-03-25T10:31:00.000-07:00

Dealing With Fussy Babies and Infant Sleep Problems

On this Day 4 of my 5-Day Challenge my post is two fold. Today I'm writing in response to a recent conversation on facebook - proud Mommies of newborns who are sleeping on their own through the night AND I'm also testing out some more SEO with the use of the tag phrases, "fussy babies" and "infant sleep problems". But don't you worry dear google, my post will be appropriate to the tag phrases.

Sleep; A precious commodity in a parent's life.

Sleep; something we are ALL emotional about.

A most common question a mama receives in the first weeks of baby's life is, "how is your baby sleeping?" Sometimes I'd like to knock that naive, well-meaning person over the head, when I get asked that. How do YOU think a newborn sleeps? Like a baby. Lots of waking, lots of nursing.

Infant sleep problems are normal for Most babies. Dr. Sears provides a wealth of resources and encouragement to parents with fussy babies. Our solution was to have our babies in bed with us. It seemed natural to us, and it seemed unnatural to put our baby in a crib, alone in a room down the hall. Hard core NINO mamas (Nine months In Nine months Out) feel that fussy babies best thrive in an outdoor womb, which would be baby wearing and co-sleeping. Baby wearing can really help fussy babies and even cure infant sleep problems.

Baby wearing and co-sleeping with babies, have been practiced in most cultures for millenniums. It has only been in the last century or two amongst industrialized countries that fussy babies have been left to cry it out in their cribs alone.

There are 2 complaints I have received from disapproving parents of our sleep choices. The first, that parents will not get intimacy - I'm not going to go into detail here, except to say that this is not a problem. There are many co-sleeping choices. Co-sleeper cribs, bassinets, hammock beds like ours, are just a few solutions for the infant with sleep problems. With baby close by, it is easy to then bring them into bed to nurse. The second complaint is that we are spoiling our babies. I assume that this is rooted in Christianity somewhat; "taming the flesh". Here is my approach. A mother working outside of the home may need or want to create an independent baby quickly and will train her newborn to sleep on their own for extended periods of time. I will not argue with the fact that co-sleeping and wearing fussy babies can and may create a dependent baby, or even a needy baby. But I do believe that there is more and more evidence that a worn, co-slept, dependent baby creates a more independent toddler and grown child. Keeping baby close to us in these early years, we believe is creating a foundation of security and offers them a springboard into confidence and independence later - while still holding to a healthy respect and closeness with their parents.

The most valuable practice I learned as a new mama was nursing while lying down. After my first and hardest birth, a home birth as well, I could not sit to nurse for several weeks. The healing process was long and slow and I honestly did not feel I had a choice, when it came to co-sleeping and nursing in bed. Now we thank God for the journey we had, as it laid the foundation for us in our parenting choices today!

My heart goes out to you Mamas if you have a fussy baby or are dealing with infant sleep problems - it can be hard on Mom and Dad. We also have had seasons of fussy babies. Joash, our 2nd, I was told he had colic - but I did not agree - Yes, he could be categorized with fussy babies BUT he was consolable in a sling!

Wise blessings to you and your family in your parenting choices!

Day 4 - Fini

Day 3: Spring Flowers Bring a Snow Storm This Morn

2010-03-24T08:26:00.000-07:00

It is indeed almost a miracle - Day 3 - AND WHIP Wednesday! My projects are some spring cotton baby hats. It is time to make Elousia her tulip hat - I don't have a pattern - it is something more freestyle. When it is completed, if there is interest, I can definitely share some guidelines.

We awoke this morning to a return of winter - hopefully a brief return - although we have been quite spoiled here in the prairies, where winter is Harsh normally and very often not over until mid April...gardens don't go in until the long weekend in May usually.

So THESE lovely daffodils were not grown locally, a gift for having the honor of adjudicating a Modern Dance exam yesterday.

We recently said goodbye to an old 3rd or 4th hand dining table that was sadly beyond repair. We love having guests for meals and the average dining table really does not have the room for 2 families - So we a were the happy recipients of a 'banquet table' (not my favorite - but it will do), and a couple of church pews for seating. I was very happy that my lovely husband scraped off the gum last night - as it was getting to be quite the temptation for the young ones. The space where the hymnals usually occupy now are the happy home of blocks and other treasures!

Excuse my sewing and handwork ignorance, but would some kind soul please share with me WHAT this IS? AND how is it used? My mother had it in her sewing drawer for all my years and it has been passed on to my sewing drawer - BUT I have no idea what it is or WHAT it is used for! Any and all input would be WELL RECEIVED!

Thank-you in advance - Good Morning and Good Day!

Day 3 - Fini

SEO and Breastfeeding

2010-03-23T07:46:00.000-07:00

What does SEO and breastfeeding have in common? Sounds like a joke - actually I don't know what they have in common.

Today on Day 2 of my 5 Day Blog Challenge (hooray I got to day 2 - sometimes we have to celebrate every little victory!) I thought I'd share a glimpse of my recent journey into online marketing AND a how SEO and breastfeeding are connected. A while back I shared about my endevor into the world of home business, and into the arena of healthy ethical chocolate. I learned quite quickly that I'd rather not do it the traditonal way and come across like I'm pushing nothing but my product.

The best way, I thought, would be to market it online...ER! Yikes! I am not internet savvy by any means, so some study and courses would be a good addition! Wow - there is a wealth of information out there, and it really is attainable.

On with my story. My first exercise in SEO or Search Engine Optimization (Getting found in the search engines), was in keyword search. Basically finding keywords or phrases that are getting searched and have a low number of search results. For example "home business" has an incredible amount of competition and little old me will not get into the first few pages. However the phrases "breastfeeding basics" and "extended breastfeeding" there is little competition. So I started my experiment.

I am naive at times, and assume the best. I should have thought about this a little more thoroughly, but my mommy mind is dominant. I created a YouTube video about nursing necklaces, using the above phrases in my title and tags. WOW, I thought, the first day in running it had already over 100 hits! 'This keyword thing really works!', I thought. A nobody on YouTube can sometimes struggle to get 10 hits in the first WEEK! Perhaps you already know where I'm going....I started visiting a couple of my new subscribers and THEN I realized I had picked the wrong phrases to experiment with - yup - I was being found by breast searching folk, just not as many of the breastfeeding mamas I was aiming for.

Day 2: fini

Have a great day! Enjoy the sun - if you have it where you are!

5 Day Blog Challenge and Green Recipe Success

2010-03-22T10:34:00.000-07:00

Someone asked me recently what I put in green smoothies. Here is a compilation of an average smoothie in our home.

Organic Greens
Banana (frozen or fresh) - this is the main sweetener and covers up any spinach taste
Berries (usually frozen)
Yogurt
Flax Seed (some Omega 3; ground before adding)
Nut or Seed Butter
Filtered/Spring Water

Sorry no measurements.

Blend and Serve!

In the spirit of keeping it real, I have come to notice one of my biggest challenges! My biggest challenge is leading a disciplined life. I'm not talking about disciplining my children - I'm talking about myself. As mothers, as artists, we or I want to do a million things and counting. Distraction is more than a daily occurrence - it's more like every minute!

So I want to present myself with a challenge, a focusing exercise! What do they say, it takes like 30 days to cultivate a habit?

My challenge to myself is a 5-day blog challenge. I know it is not much - but it is a start! I guess it will be sad if I can't even keep that;)

Have a beautiful day!

Day 1 of my 5 day challenge

Vintage Gifts On Their Way

2010-03-10T10:03:00.000-08:00

~
It was the day of our deadline as I sent the small vintage gifts on their way. Just wanted to share a small peak at it...Of course after they left my hands, other vintage items crossed my mind - 'shucks I should have added that AND that!'
~

Finally, I think I can say that our home is healthier, after a lengthy winter sick spell. Fennel tea here, always good for throats, mama's milk, and colic...With a seed or the bark of a herb, it's best to simmer rather than steep to really take advantage of the healing qualities.

We were blessed last month with a surprise - We were the happy recipeints of a blog giveaway. Thank-you so much Miss Mouse Crafts and fellow Canadian - (Canada you kicked buttocks at the Olymics)!

Go and check out her delightful Etsy shop HERE! I love Miss Mouse's handmade maple buttons

amongst her other unique and lovely items - WOW.

Have a day of delight and wonder...here comes dose of my day to day real life...gotta run, there is some little one cryn'

No use crying over sour milk!

2010-02-25T11:57:00.000-08:00

I've never been more of a fan of milk then I am now. Though you will pretty much never find me drinking a glass of milk. Downing a tall, cold glass of it has no lure on me. However, if you mention a small 4oz glass of cream, accompanied by a warm, soft chocolate chip cookie - you have all my attention.

Since being introduced to Nourishing Traditions and the Weston A. Price foundation, we have become genuine fans of REAL milk (Raw, unpasteurized). When first dealing with the fresh stuff, I was nervous...my acquaintances ridiculed and scared us with cautionary words, which I would later learn, was based out of ignorance. Please don't take offense if you are reading this and you were one of those caring folks!

What an amazing feat, Michael Schmidt has accomplished! As we push to regress so that we can progress here in Canada!

Real milk is like any other probiotic food, in that each batch, (if you will), is different. Some are winners some losers.

(Yay Canada last night!)

I currently found 5 gallons of fresh but sour milk...what a waste - folks would say. Not so. With large pots presently on my stove, I am cooking it up, slowly. Then I'll add approx. 1/4 cup of Apple Cider Vinegar per gallon of milk. After it cools somewhat I'll strain it, separating the whey. The new product that will emerge is old fashioned cottage cheese, or ricotta.

What to do with ricotta? Some of you know more than I. Feel free to share what you do with ricotta! We mix it in salads, top it in pizza, in quiche, casseroles, and pastas. I plan on sharing the mountain of ricotta that will come about today. And the crumbled stuff that we keep, I'll freeze in meal sized servings. I did try subbing some ricotta in some sort of cheese cake recipe...it did not go well. Perhaps I chose the wrong recipe. I'm still learning how to use kitchen utensils, let alone following recipes.

Lovely Thursday AND rest of the week to you!

p.s. I have not forgotten the vintage baby giveaway - it is on it's way - to be at the beginning of a new blog launch.

Dehydrating the s l o w way!

2010-02-08T19:43:00.000-08:00

Yes, how did I dry this, is the question. I asked myself that. A little while back my dehydrator shorted and it melted, sadly. Now, less a the proper tool, I thought I'd put it in the oven on the lowest setting....and then the light in my head went on - "oh ya, this is my 'one small change' addition this month"! I assume that my ovens do pull A LOT of power. So I changed the regime - when I'm pulling something out of my oven - in go my peels, to soak up the drying heat while the oven cools s l o w l y - because it is an old oven! Thanks for asking Garden Mama!

Our One Small Change Update

2010-01-31T19:34:00.000-08:00

This week we've had some time to put this post into practice! People who know me, believe that I'm of the mindset of prevention - and I AM - but in my weakness I still fly to my books on holistic remedies for answers when fevers flare in effort to avoid medicating if possible (how do I prepare that concoction again?).

The 'littles' have been on and off sick for a couple of weeks now - but this week it erupted in a volcano of...shall I say it?....

s n o t !

Our Cough-Syrup of choice is raw honey infused with garlic and onion, and a drop of oil of oregano per tsp. "Gulp it down as quick as possible!" I say, as Papa follows them with some fresh squeezed orange juice. It is NOT tasty!

So between a mountain of extra laundry, a few nights of less sleep (Isn't that just part of the life of families with young children?), enjoying some extra time with our hard working Papa (he took the week off) - that is our week in review.

Our month in review. January twenty-ten. One Small Change (thanks to Hip Mountain Mama) has been both a success and challenge! I started at the beginning declaring that we were going to sprout! I had forgotten how sprouting is like having a pet, much like a kombucha mushroom or sourdough....it needs some attention - that - unfortunately for my seeds - I did not give that good of attention. So it became apparent by mid month that I was going to switch my habit for One Small Change and incorporate sprouting at a later date.

The habit that we incorporated this month was the use of cloth wipes for dipes instead of disposable wet wipes. I really should have done it a long time ago - we cloth diaper much of the time, so you would think by now I would have a cloth wipe regime going on....(blush) I did not. So what better time to make That change than now!

February welcomes our next small change and that one we started implementing this past week. As I was rushing through the pages of this or that plant/remedy book, I came across some teas. Teas of dried orange, lemon, and grapefruit peels. So this month instead of throwing of composting our citrus peels, (and I've added the odd apple slices and other organic fruit remains), we're drying them. I'll follow up on the how the teas go!

Something else that is in the works, is my first blog giveaway! This past year I graciously accepted a huge amount of vintage infant and children's wear from the 60's and 70's. One grandmother had kept all her favorite items that her children had worn some 40 years ago - and she passed much of it on to me. Some I have already passed on, some I had for sale in my Etsy store, some my family enjoys, and some I want to give away to some other vintage loving folks.

This is the beginnings of a Vintage Baby giveaway that I hope to have put together this upcoming week - so visit back shortly!

Am I related to Star Trek's Spock?

2010-01-24T13:07:00.000-08:00

This is my brother.

Mike!

"I like Mike and my bike likes Mike"

(we always sang, growing up)

~ sorry 'felletti', I didn't ask if I could use this photo...but you know FB's policies.~

I love my brother. He is a well of creativity and a compassionate soul!

AND he just so happens to look a bit like Zachary Quinto, the new Spock in the latest Star Trek movie. Well, this post was inspired by my 2 yr. old son's latest hair cut....I know I am biased but this picture is TOO cute to keep a secret!

Perhaps he will follow in his Grandfather's footsteps as another Trekkie !

~Have a Great Day!!!

Haiti's on my heart..steps toward sustainable living; make your own laundry detergent

2010-01-15T14:51:00.000-08:00

Soule Mama pretty much summed it up....thinking about Haiti....Haiti's on my heart...sobering.

Well how CAN I follow that - everything seems frivolous...and yet we live...we keep on, keeping on...I did take Soule Mama's challenge to heart - asking myself, "what can we do?" So I'm going to consider what we can give out of our home over the next little while.

It does bring home for me the importance of integrating more sustainable living habits into our everyday lives. Creating for our homes and families environments that are not completely dependent on industry and the market place.

Today I bring to you a few laundry soap recipes, you may or may not already be aware of.

Rabbit Trail: SOAP NUTS!? Have you ever tried these? Can you tell me how to use these properly? I did research soap nuts before I bought my first sack - I LOVE the idea - just hasn't 'washed out' the way I had hoped (pun intended). Apparantly there is no soapy residue - so technically you could really be saving on water as well, because you do not need a rinse cycle. But sadly, after MANY loads, I have not found that our clothes are getting clean - If YOU have some direction in this area, I am all ears.

::Liquid Laundry Soap::

1 bar good quality real soap grated

1/2 cup borax

1/2 cup washing soda

6 cups hot water

6 liters (quarts) of hot water

Combine soap, washing soda, borax and first amount of water in a saucepan and stir over low heat until dissolved. Place into your container (I either use a 3 gal bucket or a 10L water jug) and slowly add second amount water. Stir or shake gently. Let set 24 hours, stirring or gently shake occasionally. Use about 1 cup per load.

:: Dry Laundry Soap ::

12 cups Borax

8 cups Baking Soda

8 cups Washing Soda

8 cups bar of good quality soap (grated)

Mix all ingredients well and store in a sealed tub.

Use 1/8 cup of powder per full load
I use a variation of this; basically I fill a pail with 1 part borax, 1 part washing soda and 1 part grated bar soap, and perhaps some baking soda.

Nancy I hope this is useful??? I'd like to continue to find other options - so if you know of others, folks, feel free to drop a link or post YOUR advice! I'd be happy to repost on our laundry recipe ventures. Yellow House had a great laundry tutorial a while back as well.

:: Blessings AND have a lovely weekend, hug your loved ones close - read Soule Mama's post - and hold life dear!

:: New Day Giveaway ::

2010-01-11T18:57:00.000-08:00

This morning we awoke to a beautiful sight. There was horror frost on all the trees, branches and brush...creating a world right out of a story book. During our walk with the 'littles', it was hard not to walk with our necks cranked back, gazing at the wonderful, icy, crystal branches.

It is such a relief to feel the weather warm up a little...sunny, prairie winters can be glorious when the temperature is as it was today....A couple of days ago, it was -23 with a crazy wind chill - just running to and fro from the family vehicle, I wind-burnt my ear....it wasn't too bad.

Twenty-Ten....It feels weird to say!

Hip Hip Hooray FOR a Brand New Day....

I have high hopes for this year and many new year's resolutions. Like every year I hope to be MORE organized, a little more simplified.....presently there are about 6 garbage bags full, and several boxes to giveaway - hooray - for each decluttering accomplishment....and as I type this I am QUITE glad that you do not see the desk top beside me :)

One of this year's NEW things for me, is being introduced to network marketing. I'll admit besides the fact that most network marketing companies truly have superior products (Norwex, Miessence, Usana and a million others), I did not have the most optimistic view of them....my feelings have changed. We are still 100-mile-diet-folks, as I've mentioned in the past. While the concept of paying households instead of the big-bad-box-stores is a really significant thought to me. I'm thinking the bad rap that network marketing companies may have, comes from the "hard sales" pitches and the 'you'll make a million dollars' takes. Like many other stay at home mamas helping the household along, with a little other income here and a little other income there, helps us all accomplish our family dreams a little sooner. If you haven't already, come and join my ethical chocolate giveaway, it closes midnight January 15th.

Blessings to all and to all a GoodNight!

going green baby green

2010-01-06T14:11:00.000-08:00

What A LOVELY week - A WONDERful start to this new year AND new decade! T'was a snowy day yesterday - You know the KIND...Big, Soft, Fluffy snowflakes that fall at a Slow, S L O W speed! My friend had her first baby this week - and she invited me to be a birth attendent - OH....if you haven't noticed I LOVE Birth, pregnancy and all the magic that happens there! She was amazing, she asked for the drugs right at the right time - when she was fully dilated, thus did it naturally and narcotic free! It was truly fate that I sadly missed the actual birth part - between dear husband's schedule and nursing my own baby - I had to leave just as she was ready to push.....when the story unfolded later, I knew it was best I wasn't there, else I may have lost my cool with the OBGYN - I won't mention it now - don't want to spoil your day, all to say that, like many births she DID some UNNECESSARY things......On to a brighter side - WHAT a BEautiFUL Baby she was, gorgeous! By whatever measures, whatever circumstances something AMAzing came! So in this year of new beginnings....taking BABY steps there is a wonderful thing happening through Hip Mountain Mama. Just under 200 people are envloved so far with One Small Change . AND so I am jumping on board aswell - the Blog community is really a wonderful thing!

When an idea or concept crosses my path more than once....I think the Creator is speaking to me! This week I participated in a Green Smoothie challenge brought to us by Enchanted Chameleon ! She had some fabulous smoothie recipes to cheer us on with. I was encouraged, encouraged that I should really be sprouting again on a regular basis - SO THAT is what my change will be for this month! A weekly Sprout Jar. I love feeding my children LIVE, nutritious, flu-fighting foods...so this is perfect....and a perfect ingredient to our daily green smoothies! We buy locally as much as possible, we cannot grow cocoa beans sadly - perhaps one day - so the next best thing is ethical chocolate right? So sprouting it is! THanks Hip Mountain Mama and Enchanted Chameleon!

I'm dreaming of a wood Christmas...AND li'l rag curl tutorial

2009-12-30T20:20:00.000-08:00

Perhaps it should be more accurately said, "I'm dreaming of a green Christmas..", and by green I don't mean snowless...(although we weren't far from that in our Canadian prairie city this year)! Green - ecofriendly - sustainible - LESS PLASTIC!

HOORAY! It's happening! 3 children in 5 years can equal ALOT of plastic in gifts and hand-me-downs. I hope I'm not sounding ungrateful - I am VERY grateful for my family blessing our children, and it is definately NOT expected. This year I can say honestly that I am truly thankful for family's thoughtfulness. Some new wood toys and rag dolls grace the floors and corners of my home! I found some used Ryan's Room on ebay that were in great shape - and I was happy to give them a new home.

In other news Thank-you to Rural Mama for the lovely swap! I sent her a hardcoverd book on plant dyes, some healthy chocolate and mama magazines, she sent me some loveliness from her home to mine, some handmade soap, beautiful sewn cards and holiday copper earings that I adore! Thank-you!

:: - :: - ::

I am haveing a healthy chocolate giveaway on the facebook group, Chocolate Revelation. Have a look! In the process of building a healthy chocolate blog, I'm hoping to chart my adventure there!

:: - :: - ::

Thank-you to Garden Mama for asking about our rag curls! My mother curled our hair in rags before special occasions and her mother curled her hair in a rags and so the story carries on for who knows how many generations! My hair is not very curl-friendly...I remember my mother trying to do a home perm on me in the early 80's - I think it was called a Tony? Well it stuck for ABOUT a day - that is how straight my hair is! My oldest daughter however was blessed with my husband's gene's in this area! BUT, as I do not have much experience with curls - it easily becomes frizzy and flatish a day or so after wash day. So we've started a little ritual of rag curls once or twice a week, and that seems to really keep it in some ringlettes, less frizz, and less tangles (YAY).

As my mother did, we rip a rag into some strips and curl a section around the strip, until the hair-wound-rag is close to the head, then we tie it - just once, OTHERWISE you may be cutting it out of the hair after. We put these in after hair has been washed and wet and detangled.

Have a wonderful New Year's celebration! We'll be heading over to my parents 30th New Year's Crepe breakfast....Hope your day is just how you like it!

Live Nativity; bringing perspective

2009-12-17T20:36:00.000-08:00

To say that the last couple of weeks have been busy would be an understatement. Dear husband has been working around the clock towards a good cause. Bethlehem Live is in it's third year running, with 400 some volunteers and 100's and 100's of hours!

Herod's palace is often my children's favorite stop - the scariest for some young ones. My innovative husband found some left over rundown set from the movie, "Shall we dance" - in the free classifieds....sorry I did not get a photo of it.

It may be a little difficult to make out - BUT - here is a limited edition; The last tour of the weekend is often the goofy tour, and so this scene was graced by a pillow fight between King Herod (played by Chiropractor friend, Herod history expert) AND the Magi!

The market place was a little dim, thus my phone photos! The smell of spices fills the air.

The live animals are always a great hit; sheep, llamas (were there Llamas in Bethlehem?), chickens, a pony, a calf, a bunny, and faithful Molly the donkey....

....this may be a little hard to make out - this chicken layed an egg in this basket while being carried around during the last tour.

Just over 5000 people of all ages and walks of life visited our little "Bethlehem"...It was amazing how many folks teared up when they arrived at the manger scene to see a new baby child. The amazing story is that the family who played the characters of Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus, were regular tourists in the previous Bethlehem Live - and as a result of their experience last year, made dramatic spiritual changes in their lives!This is probably my favorite photo of all, taken with my modest phone! Retired angels - after hours of standing, singing, singing, brief sitting, standing, singing, singing, standing, they gather their possesions for retirment from angel choir work until next year!

Last week, was also the week of my first car accident - a little bit of whiplash and car/mental/emotional wreckage; it wasn't bad AT ALL - just shocking, and a little frustrating. I'm just glad we are all ok!

In light of that, things that warm me lately (Not in any particular order) :

1. My 7m baby's 3 1/2 teeth smile and laugh

2. My 2 1/2 yr. son's heart felt gratitude and the little prayers he prays

3. 5yr. Daughter's songs, dramatic play and the quiet moments beside her crocheting

4. My husbands kisses on my forehead

5. The breath of my infant sleeping beside me at night

6. Melted healthy chocolate in some cream or milk for a thick, rich hot dark drink

7. Curling my daughters (already curly) hair in rags, and seeing her bouncy ringlettes

8. The new, thoughtful, heartwarming magazine, The Rhythm of the Home...Speaking of which they are haveing a giveaway! Which I would LOVE to win!

Have a lovely warm weekend - and I don't mean temperature wise!

Lilian's Recipe and Food for thought!

2009-12-08T11:14:00.000-08:00

The Background

During some of my pregnancies, a treat was a (naturally) decaf espresso breve drink from a coffee shop. I'm no coffee connoisseur, but I do know that Breve means; made with steamed Creme rather than the usual 2% or whole milk. I was surprised by the response often - "definitely NOT a diet drink", said in a sing-song voice of the server, or "oh, YOU can do that because you are pregnant" (did they know that I would indeed have mine Breve when I'm NOT pregnant from time to time? Oh How I love writings like Nourishing Traditions that say it like it REALLY is; The Cookbook That Challenges Politically Correct Nutrition and the Diet Dictocrats! Or the truth about FAT in Mary Enig's Eat Fat Lose Fat. I will not claim to know all about diet, INDEED we are ALWAYS learning! I did have the privilege of growing up in a home, where my mother jumped from one fad diet to the next, and we learned the science behind it and experienced the success' and failures. I am of the opinion that although I believe good whole fats like, animal, raw dairy, and coconut/palm/olive oil is of utmost importance to the young and adults in their child bearing years, I have also seen that a raw vegan diet does very well for some women who are close to menopause and folks fighting cancer!

When we started eating animal fats, then came the question, organic? The funny thing is that the more you learn about food, real food, natural food, how it is grown and raised....it is incredible how you can walk into a supermarket and realise how very little REAL food is being supplied there. Just over a year ago, my husband and I took the Maximized Living (Great Information here) 6wk course, and one of the observations revealed was that if you are considering organic and the cost - to choose organic meat before you reach for the organic veggies. Because pound for pound, considering what the animal ate - how chemical laden was his food? I am an advocate for both!We rarely will buy certified organic! It is difficult and expensive for some farmers to maintain their certification. We buy local, from "grassroots" farmers who are raising and growing food naturally and organically without the certification. Certified would be lovely - but it is a little more rare to find where we live. While the fact that my chickens are ALWAYS whole, I do sometimes miss making up a dish that requires only chicken thighs/breasts. But I know I'm feeding my family nutritiously dense food - healing and immune boosting! I should also mention that these farm free range chickens are like little turkeys!

The above recipe is from my friend Lilian! In the past I made embarrassing batches of gravy when I cooked a roast or a chicken - so when Lilian was over AND I was cooking a chicken, she came to my rescue. Now my gravies have transformed and have received winning reviews, thanks to Lilian! I had her copy it in one of my more-often-used cook books, for a quick find. I'm still new to this kitchen thing!

All I do need now is a real gravy boat (is that what it is called a boat?), rather than the creamer that we presently use! And it all comes back to creme! I'd love to hear anyone else's passed on recipes!?

Vintage Swap; Better Late than Never

2009-12-04T14:30:00.000-08:00

Better Late Than Never, my Mama always said, or in other words, justifying procrastination. And in this case some technical difficulties - Here are the lovelies I received from Elizabeth through Vintage Swap. My first Swap! What excitement there was in our house, when we welcomed this package in October.

Some beauties to add to my kitchen! I adore any old cookbook - and just in time for Christmas baking! Recently inspired by Julia Childs, like many bloggers out there, A lovely apron! The dish (my husband loved too), has a date with me and butter (speaking of Julia). Oh yes - butter and I have a close relationship! And to the multitudes of sorry folks ingesting plastic, ahem, I mean margarine, I am so sorry for your loss - loss of relationship with beloved butter! And to add to these pieces, some fabric jewels, velvet, and wonderful ric rac!

I'm so sorry the cutest ever flour bag missed the photo shoot! But it is already destined for a glass frame in my kitchen! I can cross this post off of my list below! Thank-you so much Heather and Elizabeth!

Have a Lovely weekend AND for northerners like us, Enjoy the impending snow!

2009-12-02T14:11:00.000-08:00

It is suppose to bring you HERE

Don't go too far, I am planning a healthy chocolate giveaway in the future!!!!! And if you are concerned about wrappers there are some great initiatives like this one!

Guerrila Garden Knitting

2009-12-01T10:48:00.000-08:00

I need, I make; is my crafting moto!

We have a dear friend, whom I've known since I was a wee lass - She is like an aunt to me - and she is a "gorilla gardener"! In her 60's she travels about the old parts of our city on her bicycle with a basket, digging up perrenials in empty lots and replanting them on bulivards and what not. The empty lot across the street from her tall white character home, has become one large vegtable garden, where she teaches children in the neighborehood how to plant, keep and harvest the garden. The entrance to the garden has a handpainted sighn; Guerrila Garden!

Speaking of Guerrila - here is some garilla knitting I discovered on Main St. in our city! I love these random acts of art!

Beat the Flu

2009-11-19T10:48:00.000-08:00

I just received this from my AboveRubies email subscription - and thought it was so valueable! I'm tucking some of these wonder recipes away for sure!

BEAT THE FLU THIS WINTER!

Dear friends,

As we approach flu season, it is good to be reminded of ways to prevent it. There are better ways to prevent the flu than being vaccinated. Check out the following points to keep yourself and your family in good health during this winter season.

1. AVOID ALL SUGAR

This means to not only refrain from sugar, but all foods containing sugar, which are most foods on the shelves of the supermarket. Read labels very carefully. In fact, when you read the labels first, will find that you will have to put most foods back on the shelf.

Sugar makes a perfect environment for viruses. Sugar completely destroys your immune system. It destroys the germ-killing ability of white bloods cells to kill bacteria and viruses up to five hours after intake. It interferes with the transport of vitamin C which is needed to fight the flu and robs the body of nutrients such as zinc that are vital for the immune function.

Sugar affects everyone, but has more serious consequences for children. Keep your children away from all sugar and especially when flu viruses are around. That means at Christmas time too!

Also, please reduce carbs as they turn to sugar in your body. Especially eliminate all whites--not only white sugar, but white flour, white pasta and white rice. Completely eradicate pop and sweet teas. I refuse to have sugar in my pantry.

2. BUILD UP YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM

The stronger your immune system, the less likelihood of getting the flu or any disease.

Here are some ideas for building up your immune system for you and your children. You can do what suits you best--or do them all!
My daughter, Serene, who has eight children, gives herself and the children the following once a day or more as needed.

COLD AND FLU FIGHTER
½ cup chopped onion
A whole bulb of chopped garlic
2 TBS chopped fresh ginger root
1 chopped jalapeño
Put all ingredients in a quart jar, cover with raw vinegar and let sit 4 - 6 weeks. Strain out vegetables and use 2 TBS. or more each day. If you do get a cold or the flu, take every hour. Serene gives her children 1 TBS. each day as a preventative.

VITAMIN C
1, 000 mg morning and evening

GRAPEFRUIT SEED EXTRACT
Give children three drops in water once a week. If you notice any signs of flu or colds in the family, give three drops in water once a day. Adults should take 10 - 15 drops in water at the slightest sign of a cold or flu. You can obtain this extract at a health food shop.

TODDLER MIX
To make it easier for toddlers to take these vitamins, mix the following:
1 TBS. or more of yogurt (no sugar added)
Crushed Vitamin C tablet, smaller dosage for toddler
Juice of ½ orange
2 drops Grapefruit Seed Extract
Stevia for sweetening
Mix together and give to toddler as needed.
VITAMIN D3
1,000 mg each morning to children
1,000 each morning and evening for adults. Most adults need much more than this. The consensus is that anything up to 5,000 mg a day is safe and beneficial for most people. After a hydroxyl test, most people find they need more than this. The optimum levels for the body are 60 - 90 ml. Vitamin D builds the immune system and also fights cancer.

COCONUT OIL
This is a marvelous food that builds up the body's own natural defenses against viral infections, disease and cancer. Take as much as you can each day. You can't take too much. Use the Extra Virgin Unrefined Coconut Oil for medicinal use. Put 1 TBS. or more in your smoothies. Use it for all your cooking instead of other oils. You can use Expeller Pressed for cooking.

If there are any signs of flu in even one of the children, Serene gets her children to take a banana and dip it into coconut oil (about 2 TBS coconut oil). This is an easy way for the children to eat it. You can also get the children to put the coconut oil behind their ears and massage it into their lymph glands and also in their nose.

Use coconut way every way you can. Use it for all cooking instead of other oils. To try some delectable recipes with Coconut Butter (it is called butter when it is cold and goes hard, and oil when it is soft in the summer or heated) you can order COCONUT RECIPES by Serene Allison from the Above Rubies website: www.aboverubies.org

RED PALM OIL

This is another super oil. I only use Coconut oil or Red Palm oil for cooking in our home. Every other oil turns to Trans fat when it is heated. Not only are these safe oils to cook with, but they add many nutrients to your body. Both Coconut oil and Red Palm oil strengthen the immune system.
You can put a little Red Palm oil in your smoothies. My husband spreads it on his bread, but I have to admit, I cannot take it that way. But use it as much as you can in your cooking. The following is a smoothie recipe to try:

Ginger Sunrise
2 fresh oranges
2 lemons, peeled with knife, removing yellow rind, but keeping the white pith
1 - 2 bananas (great for children, eliminate for adults as fattening)
2 TBS. Red Palm Oil
1 large handful of flax seeds or chia seeds
2 TBS. Coconut oil
2 chunks fresh raw ginger (about 1")
Sweetening - Stevia
Ice cubes
Blend very well in Vita Mix or good blender until smooth.

3. SLEEP

There is nothing like lack of sleep to run down your immune system. Sleep and a healthy diet are your best preventatives against the flu and colds. Make sure you have adequate sleep, especially during flu season. Try to get to bed early.
I grew up with the old wives' tale that the hours of sleep before midnight are the most beneficial. Science has now proved this adage, although I must admit I have broken the rule most of my life. I am now trying to go to bed earlier. The plan is to go to bed no later than 10.00 pm--9.00 pm is even better.
Staying up much later than 10.00 pm causes your adrenal glands to make cortisol. This is taxing on the adrenal gland and can lead to adrenal fatigue. Does this sound too hard? It is actually better for your health, and you will accomplish just as much by getting up earlier in the morning. And remember, I am preaching to myself!

4. OTHER PREVENTATIVES

I have a friend who uses the following for her family. The taste is wonderful.

ELDERBERRY COLD AND FLU FIGHTER SYRUP

½ cup elderberries (check the Internet for dried elderberries)

4 cloves

1 cinnamon stick

1 TBS grated fresh root ginger

2 cups water

Bring to a boil and simmer for 20 - 30 minutes. Add ½ cup honey. Store in refrigerator. Take 2 TBS. each day to prevent colds and flu. If you have the flu, take every hour. This recipe only keeps two weeks in the fridge so you will need to make a fresh batch every two weeks.

CHOPPED GARLIC

Any easy fighter is to chop up 1 or 2 garlic cloves very, very finely. Pop in your mouth and swallow before you have a chance to taste the flavor or imbibe the smell. This is an easy and wonderful way to fight the flu. I find this simple and effective.

THIEVES OIL

Many folk use the following Natural Antibiotic Recipe using Young Living Therapeutic-Grade Essential Oils. Here is the recipe from Quick Reference Guide for Using Essential Oils, compiled by Connie and Alan Higley, 10th edition.

12 drops Thieves Oil

6 drops Oregano Oil

2 drops Frankincense Oil

Put drops in a "00" size capsule and ingest one capsule every 4 hours for 3 days, then every 8 hours for 4 days.

BURIED TREASURE - ACF (Acute Cold and Flu Formula)

This is highly effective for fighting colds. You can purchase it as your local health food store or online. Our daughter, Pearl, always has it on hand for use at the first sign of a sniffle.

HORSERADISH

Horseradish root is a powerful antibiotic and useful for fighting the flu, as well as urinary tract infections and even cancer. I have just harvested the roots from m y garden and am getting ready to prepare it as a sauce and to use in other recipes. Check the Internet for all kinds of wonderful recipes.

Prepare the following to use as needed. Slice or chunk the horseradish root, place in blender and grind, adding small amounts of vinegar for a good consistency, about 1 TBS vinegar (I use apple cider vinegar) to 1 cup horseradish. The vinegar preserves the horseradish and enhances the flavor. Vinegar stops the heat-building enzyme activity that grinding causes. If you want hotter horseradish, wait before adding the vinegar. Adding the vinegar right away will make the horseradish milder.

Horseradish will take your breath away, bring tears to your eyes, but at the same time clear all your sinuses, help ward off the flu and make you feel great!

You can add 1 TBS. of horseradish to your coleslaw or even to your meat loaf you are preparing.

CUT AN ONION

This is another old wives' tale that I grew up with, but I still do it and believe it works. If someone gets a cold or flu in the house, I cut an onion in half and put it in a strategic place. Supposedly the germs go to the onion. If my husband has a sniffle, I cut an onion and put half by his side of the bed and half by my side of the bed. He complains of the smell but puts up with it!

HYDROGEN PEROXIDE

A lot of germs come through the ears. As a preventative, pour a little Hydrogen Peroxide in the ear. I love to feel it bubbling in my ear. Do it once a week (perhaps on the weekend), one night in one ear and the next night in the other. I find it easier to do it this way as the peroxide doesn't run out from one ear when pouring it in the other ear.

THYM-UVOCAL

An herb which strengthens the immune system and fights off infections. Check the Internet for purchase. Adults only.

5. WASH HANDS FREQUENTLY

Wash your hands frequently throughout the day, especially before eating. Wash under running water for 20 seconds or sing HAPPY BIRTHDAY while washing. It is most important to train your children to do this.

6. DO NOT TOUCH EYES, NOSE OR MOUTH

I find myself doing this and am having to get into the habit of not rubbing my eyes, mouth or nose. Teach your children about this also.

7. NETI POT

Check the Internet for a Neti Pot to clear nose and sinuses.

8. AVOID FLU VACCINATIONS, ESPECIALLY THE H1N1 SWINE FLU VACCINATION

The H1N1 vaccination has many dangers. Check out more information before allowing yourself and your family to become a victim to these shots.

The Swine Flu Vaccine, unlike other flu vaccines, contains squalene, an additive which when introduced into the bloodstream, causes crippling auto-immune diseases like Lou Gehrig's disease, Lupus, Multiple Sclerosis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, polyarteritis nodosa, and Guillain-Barre syndrome.

Squalene in vaccines has been strongly connected to the Gulf War Syndrome. The H1N1 vaccine contains 1 million times more squalene than the vaccine given to Gulf War soldiers (which resulted in 140,000 veterans contracting the auto-immune disease Gulf War Syndrome). The use of squalene is illegal in the USA and UK but is being allowed under the emergency pandemic decree. Dr. Russell Blaylock states, "If you receive the vaccine, there is little you can do to protect yourself--at least by conventional medicine. It will mean a lifetime of crippling illness and early death."

The US government has given vaccine manufacturers (Novartis, Baxter, Glaxo-Smithkline, CSL) complete legal immunity from any deaths or injuries resulting from their vaccines.

Blessings from NANCY CAMPBELL

http://www.aboverubies.org/

I hope that was as valueable to you as it is to me!

Juggling for Mothers 101 AND Upcoming posts

2009-11-17T20:24:00.000-08:00

The title of my post is a little deceptive, as it may construe that I have some answers on multi-tasking for mothers....I can not offer too much advice in this area, as it is an area of constant growth, maturity and immaturity, in my life.

As a little girl I never could decide what I wanted to be when I grew up. When asked, I usually answered with about 5 different titles and career options. In university I started out in classical music (who was a kidding - imagine me an Opera singer, or an elementary school conductor - oh - the irony is that I never spent a day in my life playing in a school/class band!)....and then after a year or so of that, I moved back to my first love which was dance - not ballet - one could never do that; skipping back and forth (no pun intended) - but modern dance is more forgivable and abounding in more creativity than classical ballet....I'm getting to my point, one day a well meaning friend said, "Patty-Jean, you've got to pick one thing and stick with it - if you really want to become an expert!" This idea horrified me, with the possibility of being bored. Boredom was my worst enemy and my biggest fear, in those days. I wrote a song about it called, 'I hate being bored'. And yet how I would just LOVE to be bored at times today!!!!! Sigh, imagine all the creativity that could happen in the time of boredom!

One person says "don't put your eggs all in one basket" and another says, diversify! diversify! Confusing. But, I do have to say that I LOVE Variety!

I LOVE LOVE crafting for my family and for gifts!!! I hope to be that Prov. 31 Woman who creates loveliness for her household and home. And yet I'm not sure if making and selling is for me?! (Etsy ;()....It's like the first time I was invited to a Stampin Up party.....my heart stopped beating for a minute when I found out that we were all going to make the SAME card. Don't get me wrong we need these kinda folks...

So today I feel like I am juggling...and dancing and trying to fit it all in. It is only 3 classes a week that I teach - I love to keep my foot in the door, while Mothering is #1 for me. Schooling at home is important too! Eating healthy and traditional -making yogurt and other concoctions is wise too. And as much as I was NOT looking for a business, I think one came and found us - who cannot part with chocolate - I sure can't! And what is better than chocolate? Why the healthiest chocolate in the world! Anyways, it is not my desire to turn this into a sales pitch!

Some of my thoughts for upcoming posts:

-~~My lovely stash from Vintage Swap~~ (once I get some better photos)

-~~Laundry Detergent Recipes~~ (suggested by Nan)

-Kombucha tutorial (suggested by Garden Mama - with the change in weather my brew has changed, so I'm in the process of herding my scoobie)

-Chocolate of course, and the health of it

-Marketing for dummies like me :)

-Remembering Nikki

-Lilian's Gravy Tutorial

-Chocolate Wrapper Initiative

P.S. I do love suggestions for future posts!

Have a lovely week!

Hurry to GardenMama

2009-11-05T20:56:00.000-08:00

There is a lovely 3-part giveaway happening on the Lovely Blog GardenMama, and it finishes tomorrow!!! So Hurry!

Well the season is reving up...and inside, I often feel like I want to slow down, with the change in weather.....drinking a little more tea....

I guess it is a good thing to have quality clothes for the dolls...sometimes I think our dolls are better dressed than the children - as handmade items are not always planned out well and end up fitting the dolls better!

Sigh...

2009-10-30T16:40:00.000-07:00

Another glance at fall and the impending cooler weather...

This evening our appetizer was freshly juiced carrots, celery, apple and ginger - and winning combo for a immune booster! I liked the zingy taste - but not everyone did!

I'm enjoying my son's play lately - tea with the dinosaurs! It happens in different corners of the house...I find a little abandoned tea party of dishes, always accompanied by toy lizards and dinos.

I'm looking forward to putting these lovelies on Elousia's feet in a little while...speaking of Vintage...my parcel arrived this week, from my Vintage Swap Partner. It was Lovely! I will post photos next week!

Hope you weekend is swell!

vintage swapping and tales of my week

2009-10-23T19:37:00.000-07:00

A sneak peak at the package I sent out last week....I'm a little nervous, I hope my Vintage Swap partner, Elizabeth, will like it!

This is my first swap - and I love this idea! The Vintage Swap blog is chalk full of blogs of lovliness!

I'm a little behind here as we've battled a little flu around our house here - YUP - I'm sure it is the H1N1! (said in a sarcastic voice) Which is JUST a flu - and can be dangerous to anyone who's immune system is already compromised - like EVERY flu. I received an email recently with a list of the odds of one dying of this flu - You are more likely to die falling in your bathtub than dying of this flu! Something to keep in mind.

And I'm also behind in the WIP wednesdays - I was thinking it should probably be called WIP Week - for me! Last week my oldest daughter, Selah(4) and I put this Mama w/ Baby in a sling, together - a gift for a special birthday party she went to (when she wasn't sick - no, we were not spreading the flu around). Being invited to birthday parties is SO EXCITING for little people...I'm sure you've experienced the..."2 more sleeps? 1 more sleep" syndrome!

Well, this is a busy weekend for us - but it will give way to a little family vacation next week for a few days, south of our province!

Have a Lovely weekend...something hot, in a cozy cup.....a quiet moment with fiber or fabric in your hands...and a warm cuddle from one of your loved ones - is what I wish you!