Organic Part 1 -Why?-

Sometimes when people ask me questions via email I just go ahead and turn them into blog posts. I realize there are probably plenty of more informative and well written articles out there, but for the sake of time & sharing with several friends I'll go ahead and also share with my readers...here is my "two cents".

So, you're thinking of going organic? Maybe you just watched Food, Inc. or an episode of Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution and now you're considering feeding yourself and your kiddos a bit healthier. How did it happen to me?

For me, it started about 7 years ago while I was in college, babysitting for a very natural & organic lady with three boys two years apart [the irony]. Most students put on "the freshman 15", I on the other hand took off the "high school 30". Moving out of Grandma's house helped...I was too cheap to buy all the junk food. Her place is still semi-naughty to go while dieting or being pregnant [which I've basically been one or the other the last 6 years]. Her cabinets are full of wonderful "nacks" as my kids call them. She's got two boys, can you blame her?

At my nanny job, I didn't recognize any of the foods she bought so I started asking questions. Next, I started buying a few organic items every time I shopped. They tasted different, but I knew it was because they were "real". My taste buds adjusted. First, it was milk. Then, the next thing I knew I was shopping where she shopped. Honestly, to this day, I buy certain brand products just because that mom did.

Between meeting her, meeting Charles [also a health nut], getting pregnant, and then feeding my children I've just become generally fond of healthier foods. Do my kids eat drive thru? Yes, am I proud? No. Do my kids eat sugar and things they shouldn't? Yes, am I proud? No. Will you sometimes find regular bread, peanut butter and high fructose corn syrup jelly at my house? Yes, am I proud? No.

I am not 100% organic, I by no means judge others or live for "naturalness", but I do aspire to eat more organically and take better care of myself and my children. I'm thinking long term health enables me to fulfill my two callings: to love God [honor with my body] and love others. I can't exactly take care of my family, much less those outside my home if I'm alway tired, sick or...dead.

Don't take my word for it...read more here

Don't Throw Away Saturday

If you've been following along, you know the last few Saturday's Charles has had to work. I'm not the type to sit around on the weekend while my kids tear up the house [and I am bored to death]. Even to the point that I'm willing to be a bit overwhelmed or even stressed out in public at the possibility of being entertained by a new surrounding. I highly recommend it.

Just don't do what a close friend of mine recently did... [you know who you are]...she just realized today she hasn't left her house in 12 days. Girlfriend! Get out! Please be praying for her y'all, I kid I kid. Love you friend.

So, Saturday I decided to take the kids to an indoor waterpark that looked promising even though I was a bathing suit & life vest short. We made due and headed down 75, which turned out to be a parking lot. So instead of going zero, and I do mean zero. We got off at Dayton mall for 2 hours. Chick-fil-a, Cookie Express and a Gap sale later we were back on the road.

I'm not much of a shopper, and even when I do, I'm more of an online shopper, but I couldn't pass up this 45%-90% every item in the store sale on our way to the car. Even with the kids...I managed to grab a few things.

I got three jean jackets for the boys, 3 Christmas sweaters for our pictures, 2 long sleeve swim shirts for next year, 3 new shirts for Nation, and a new pair of Robeez for Moses.

The kids took a mini nap on the way there, traffic was gone and we all made it out of the waterpark dressing room alive. It was $15 a person for a 3 day weekend pass. I think that's an awesome deal considering in Atlanta it's $30 for the day. 

I loved this place. It was a nice 85 degrees inside, no sunscreen needed, a bar, big screen TVs, several play areas [with gates!] and a lazy river. We took 4 trips to the bathroom before I even gave Nation something to drink if that gives you any idea of how much water he was swallowing while playing [eww]. Obviously I wasn't crazy enough to bring my real camera. 

The kids got up that morning before 7 am and it was nearly 7pm when we drove up that night so they went straight to bed and our angel babysitter came over while Charles and I went out on a date.

We had dinner at Cheesecake Factory [stalked someone leaving their bar seats and averted having to wait]. Dessert at Caribou Coffee, where Charles bought me a beautiful hot pink [on the outside and pink zebra on the inside] coffee sleeve.

The employees assured me that although they were cute, I was likely to throw it away with my cup on accident. Charles agreed that either that would happen or I'd loose it somewhere in the car. Y'all I'm determined to prove them wrong. 

Candra, note to self: Don't Throw it Away.

I didn't have a chance to shower before our date so my hair was still half wet from swimming. I'm ashamed to say I've never been one that's good with bobby pins, but it sounds like a great 2011 resolution. I did manage to make some type of bump to hide the hideousness of my hair. 

While walking to our movie, Unstoppable, we ran into [literally--coffee spilling and all] the guys from our crew. Charles' business is currently employing five contractors here in Ohio. 

They are a goofy bunch. Especially Santa [beard on the end]. We debated discussed last week how they all have me to thank for their job because I introduced them all to Charles either from college or church. The verdict is still out on this one. Either way, Charles is blessed to work with such great guys.

Saturday was so non-stop busy Charles took the kids Sunday to the Creation Museum [again] and then back to the waterpark while I...stayed at home for 9 hours and did a lot of nothing in silence and it was wonderful. Moses was here, but he doesn't really count. He just crawled, ate, napped and smiled.

Thankful Thursday Top Ten [#16]

1. A husband who grammar checks my blogs

And when he doesn't, you are sure to find mistakes because I don't claim to be an expert in spelling, punctuation, or sentence structure. I'm hoping to learn when I have to teach Nation [ha]. Yes, I know, you shouldn't start a sentence with and.

2. Boys who get free cake

This week we went to our favorite bbq place here and the ladies thought the boys were so adorable they gave them free chocolate cakes.

3. New blog design

By far one of the most amazing things I received this year from Charles. I am Christmas morning excited about what she did for my blog.

4. I'll be in GA this time next week

Can someone say Thanksgiving break? Can someone not say 8 hour drive home?

5. Amazon.com's wish lists

I've been using these for years for birthdays & holidays. Especially with the universal wish list option it's an great way to compile all the things online you want for yourself and your family in one place. Also helpful for friends and relatives who otherwise buy you undesirables ask.

6.God's continued work in our marriage

Some days the things God prunes back are rough, but I feel like I'm blooming more than ever and our marriage is flourishing. I didn't say it didn't hurt, but it's going to be beautiful.

7. God teaching me "All excess is rooted in emptiness"

I knew getting into this Beth Moore bible study God would "clean house" in me, but what He's freeing me from makes it tolerable. Apparently [sarcasm here] any unhealthy attachment or addiction is just misplaced worship. I guess no more running to Ben & Jerry instead of the Holy & Spirit.

8. Fun holiday wishlists

Look here & here. Please tell me if you know of any more...I love to "online window shop."

9. God's healing

Solomon woke up at 1 am last night and told me he threw up. He did. Immediately my mind thought about two things. This & earlier this Fall when we all got The Black Plague. I am happy to report that no one else is sick and Solomon was 100% today. You better believe I think Jesus healed him & I'm overly thankful.

10.  Sarah Palin's new show

Okay, put your political views aside. I like [some] reality TV shows and I like her. I am not into politics [I should be more], but she's got an adorable accent I can't resist. I love her hair and I am falling in love with Alaska. I'm adding Alaska to my places-I-need-to-go, first up, Greece, obviously! [What about you?]

***

Every Thursday, I'm inviting you to join me in being thankful. 

You can do this one of two ways.

1-If you don't have a blog:

Comment below in comment section [anonymous or blogger user] with your 10

or

2-If you have a blog:

...write a post about things you're thankful for this week*

...mention this blog & hyperlink back to this post

...use Mr. Linky below by clicking on "Click here to enter"

*You don't have to do it on Thursdays, you can do it any day of the week. 

*Call it whatever you want

*Get creative, you can use words, pictures, poems, vblogs, anything!

*Come back throughout the week and read others lists & make friends!

*Tell others to join

Thankful Thursday Top Ten [#7]

Thankful This Week For:

1. Compassion Bloggers Trip to Guatemala

Reading the stories about their recent trip put things [again] in perspective for me. It also reminded me of the heart I want to continue to have [like the Lord's] for the people of this world.

2. Kid's Alarm Clock

If you're my friend on facebook you know that my kids have gradually been changing their wake up time from 8 am to 5:45 am. I purchased this today in hopes of changing that to 7 am, at least!

3. Documentaries

Since we added Netflix to our Wii, we've watched a few free documentaries. This week we watched Food Inc., The Union & Very Young Girls. 

I was inspired all the more to cut out more jejune food in our family's diet after watching Food Inc., it's a must-see. 

After watching The Union, I am convinced that hemp [from Cannabis] has many amazing uses [dietary, medical, fibre, building material, paper, fabric, weed control, fuel. etc]. It's a conspiracy shame it's illegal to grow. Just watch the movie. 

Very Young Girls was about the sex trade in the U.S. The documentary focuses on a few girls in New York City. It broke my heart, another must see, Jesus help us to make a difference in these girls lives so they don't turn to prostitution as their only hope.

4. Charles new [shorter] work schedule

He leaves at 6:45 am and gets home about 6 pm now, verses 8 pm. Those two hours make-all-the-difference-in-the-world. Still has weekends off.

5. Bow tie Lasagna

Yay for a new yummy, easy & quick meal on the rotation. I got the recipe from my friend Lindsey, who got it from, her good friend [riiight] Ree.

6. "Seven Pounds" 

I wish I was saying I lost that, but that's what Nation said when I asked him how much he loves me. Pounds is his measurement currency of choice these days.

7. Audible.com

I think this is new, nevertheless, its new to me. Usually cheaper than iTunes. I got the two free credits and plan to try audiobooks until my kids are all grown...which is probably only like 30 years from now.

8. The blogs I've started reading

They have awakened [cheesy I know] new ideas, creativity & a hunger for learning. I never really considered adopting, or owning a farm, planting a garden, or getting better at photography...until now.

9. Trader Joe's macaroni & cheese

I think I'm going to just pass on ever looking at the calorie content on this box of sweet goodness.

10. Other moms

Especially the ones who've been-there-done-that. I so enjoy hearing other moms stories and gleaning from their experiences. I feel so comforted by their wisdom, advice and at times [similar] struggles. It's nice to know I'm not alone.

Whether they are pretending to be a Miner, Knight, Batman, 80's kids-with-Lego-box-hat, or Woody [from Toy Story]...just being with my boys all day is what I'm always thankful for. 

[You Capture]

The Irony of Boredom

Nation was laying on the floor this morning [when we usually go outside, but Friday's have been cleaning days] and said..."Mom, I'm tired." But immediately I discerned, the word he was looking for was...Bored. Poor thing had run out of things to do and didn't even know the word to describe it. Oh, don't worry, now he does and proved it by using it several times today. Even telling me once, "Mom, you are making me boring" [translation: you aren't entertaining me enough].

I think that's the milestone between childhood and adulthood. True boredom. Or maybe it's the difference between childhood and mommyhood. I can't remember the last time I thought "Man, I have nothing to do, I sure wish there was something to keep me busy...I'm just lying around running out of ideas." Thankfully imagination keep us busy in both "hoods." To my little boys it's chasing make believe creatures and building tall towers [out of anything that can be stacked vertically]. But in mommyhood it's climbing Mt. Laundry and swimming across Lake Dishes. All require survival skills.

The irony of it all is...when you're a child all you complain about is running out of things TO DO, and when you're an adult all you do is complain about all you have TO DO. 

Things we do inside while mom cleans & we've decided our toys aren't interesting:

We wrestle

Yes, Solomon is usually in a diaper & Nation in his underwear

[it's Green, less laundry, don't hate]

We brush our teeth for fun

We kidsquat.

The natural position small children daily find comfortable

[Makes midwives happy too]

Oh Dear, what if Nation had been a twin?

We watch Shark Boy & Lava Girl

this "your brain on drugs" look is why some parents don't let their kids watch TV

[Side Note: please go look at who is Skark Boy in the movie]

We accidentally take photos of our blinds

Color edits in above pictures inspired by this unedited picture above.

[Side Note: everyone who wants their kids to nap should purchase room darkening shades. Especially if your room faces East, or your kids room faces West].

Don't feel too sorry for my kids, I later took them to the park & to the pool. Should I mention I had to give Nation a massage to make him be still & fall asleep? Then I proceeded to temporally loose him at the park. That's why we call him The Flash. Never stops moving...Never slows down.

Experiences in Packing

TGIF. After 5 long 12+ hour days for Charles, it was so nice to have a date night [in] with my husband. Ironically, we watched Date Night. Hilarious. Some of the "boring married scenes" could have come straight out of our life. Just proves that every marriage has those same fights/struggles. Made me feel better about my marriage, just laugh at yourselves. Keep it light.

Like I've said before, we've traveled several times and I remember some of our earlier trips Charles would pack too many socks, no underwear and not enough shirts or pants. Occasionally a giant keyboard he never had time to play either. There was once a battle over bringing a funnel, which we did end up using and he had the last laugh. Nevertheless, we've gotten better at packing what's important. Proud to announce the keyboard stayed at home this year [along with the funnel].

Things I didn't pack, but now have [thanks Ashley & Natalyn]:

1-Honey bear 

[it's not easy to pour out "a little" honey with a 20 gallon container]

2-The scale 

[currently next to fridge. plan to step on that evil device next week]

3-Rachel Ray pots 

[the ones here are umm...almost already ruined by me]

4-Workout videos 

[why are they so hard to actually turn on?]

5-Bread knife 

[homemade bread is useless unless accompanied by a proper bread knife]

Things I almost didn't pack [for risk of car space], but am glad we squeezed in: 

1-The exersaucer 

[for Moses entertainment & safety while not in my arms]

2-All 9 of the appliances 

[anyone want to guess them?]

3-Box fans 

[because we're a little on the trashy side]

4-Scrapbook stuff 

[plan to actually do this next week]

5-Lifevests & swimsuits 

[I'd hoped we would swim at the pool, well that's been an understatement lately]

STORY[S] OF THE DAY:

During naptime The Flash [aka Nation] dumped out all the clothes in the drawers I just organized two days ago [summer and winter for the boys] into one big pile in the room and then the dresser fell...thankfully without an ER bill...not on top of him.

At the park Nation & Solomon kept picking up dried duck poop and telling me it wasn't poop. I am so over germs at this point. Three boys, please, I don't have time for Purell. [Actually I did, incase some of you are panicking right now.]

Eastwood MetroPark

This lovely park lived up to it's description: a 185-acre lake, beautiful shady picnic areas, a winding shaded lagoon, 3-mile loop trail, fishing, boating , swimming and a playground.