Here's a few pictures from this summer. Last Sunday we took a drive down to the coast for a day of R'n'R. We decided to stop whenever we saw the sun. Well, that happened to Cannon Beach. But, by the time we had exited the exit ramp, the sky was gray again. But, the weather was warm, and we enjoyed our time anyhow. We went to Ecola State Park this time, and these pictures are on Indian Beach. It is absolutely beautiful. You can see the lighthouse (in the background in the first picture), and there are tide pools where we found jellyfish and oyster shells.

The boys loved running in the waves, and those are surfers in the background catching the waves.



























Elise loved riding in the Ergo (my latest awesome carrier), and we did as much hiking as a couple 3 & 5 year old walkers could handle.

We then headed down to Tillamook, as we had promised the boys a tour of the Cheese Factory. As always, we try to cram too much into our relaxing day, making it a busy, busy day. The Tillamook Factory was super busy, so we didn't buy anything (the lines were miles long to buy even an ice cream cone), so we headed across the road and had some fish and chips for supper instead. James was at his finest cooperation, as per usual.

We tried to take a short cut home, which ended up getting us lost and back in Portland, so it ended up a long cut instead. Our map didn't zoom in close enough to see where we were supposed to go, and the signs were poor and somehow we ended up pretty much where we had left off (making a big loop instead of progress!)

This picture is of a bonnet that my aunt bought for Elise at a garage sale. She actually like wearing it, although you can't tell that from the picture. She wore it all day, to church and all. She usually is pulling hats off, so that's unusual.

Here's one from the Cowlitz County Fair, where we went a couple weeks ago. It's a great small town fair, which is free (yay!) although we did have to pay to see the rodeo. The kids found the rodeo a bit boring, mostly because there was so much waiting between action. Then they'd miss the action because they were jumping around, not paying attention. Luke enjoyed petting some animals, but James was pretty hesitant to be so close to them.













This video is our boys (along with their friends) who came up with the idea to drive their car down the driveway. The switch is broken on it, so it only goes backwards, so they came up with the idea to push it up the driveway and then ride down. It worked so well that Greg had to try the fun!

Mundane Bliss

One thought that has run through my head frequently, that I'd like to share with you, is how important mundane chores are. In this world we live in, we'd all love to get a massage, relax in a hot tub, or find a sport that relaxes our mind and refreshes our body (me included). While these are all well and good, often we overlook the obvious, and even complain about them.

If we look at the happiest people in the world, most of them have nothing by material standards. But, they cherish the things that matter. God, family, food, shelter, clothing and the basics. They have to work hard just to live, when we complain so often about the perks and pluses of the abundant life we lead. We often take the basics for granted, and gripe that we have to "make" our food, "maintain" our houses and "wash" our many clothes. Yep, I do that too, regretfully. One quote I heard recently said something to the effect of "if you can't take a few hours out of your week to prepare nutritious meals for your family, then you really need to reevaluate your priorities." I have to say I'm guilty of flying-by-my-seat when it comes to meal planning, but I know that we eat a lot more nutritiously and cheaply when I take the time to plan ahead. And I don't get as stressed overall.

The point that I'm getting to is, that these mundane tasks are what refresh us the most. There is nothing that clears your head like folding a mountain of laundry. Or washing a huge pile of dishes. Or thoughtfully putting cookie after cookie on a cookie sheet and seeing them all lined up in a row when you're done. Although I would never want to trade in my automatic dishwasher or washing machine, I am secretly glad that there are still some chores that require no thought other than taking the time to get them done. This gives me time to pray (which we are to do without ceasing, and it's pretty hard to do if you are talking, listening to music, TV is on, etc.) and to meditate what God wants for my life and how to go about achieving it.

This weekend we had beautiful weather, which gave me the opportunity to hang all my wet laundry on my clothes line. That...was therapy. If you don't have a clothes line, get yourself one! Even a drying rack outside (or inside, which is how I often have to use it in rainy WA) is just about as good. I have one friend who isn't on facebook, because she likes to hang dry her clothes, and figured it out that the time she would spend on facebook she could be hanging out clothes each day. And much more therapeutic too! Very true, although I haven't been able to give up facebook yet! (side note benefit of hanging laundry: about $50 a month was saved by another friend when she switched to hang drying!)

Picture is of Woof Woof, Snuggle Monkey and Cuddle Bear after their "bath" in the washer! (in order of ownership -L, J, E)












Jobs that I am blessed to do which I classify as "therapeutic" due to their monotony: hanging laundry, folding laundry, washing dishes, baking bread, mowing lawn, berry picking, weeding the garden, stirring the soup pot. This is, of course if you don't have a crying baby to tend to while trying to get them done, or whining toddler hanging on your leg. Then, not so fun! But, try one today and just let that phone ring. I think you'll see how much better you feel. And remember to thank God for them, and the ability to do them too!

Another added bonus is the benefit it has on your family. These chores give your family a sense of accomplishment when the job is done which builds self-confidence. It gives you time to discuss the matters on your heart or mind that day, and what the proper response as a Christian should be. It gives you time to teach your children about hard work and trains them to be a good employee someday. It also teaches a child patience over instant gratification. Weeding the garden shows how to tell the difference between weeds and vegetables. It teaches them about the plant life cycles and the need all living things have for water and nutrients. There is so much that can be taught while doing these mundane chores. And last but not least, it provides the quality and quantity time with them (both in one shot), that they so need!

Kids, kids and kids

Well, through all the craziness in my head, one thing keeps me going each day. It's these beautiful children that God has entrusted to my care. They shower me with love, give me purpose each day and make me laugh (something not too many folks can do, sorry to say). Here's a few of the latest:

James: Mom, at that cowboy fight the other day, I heard some horses saying "ouch" not "neigh".
Luke: It wasn't a cowboy fight, it was a rodeo.
James: Yeah, at that yodeo...

Luke: I feel sick
Me: What kind of sick- your head, your tummy?
Luke: No, just the regular kind. Can I have some tea?
Me: What kind?
Luke: Well, it doesn't matter, as long as it's not DECAF!

Tonight Luke stepped off the curb where a car was coming (and he had forgotten to look). Greg reminded him what could happen if a car didn't see him and hit him (that he could get hit and fall to the ground). James piped up "and then you'd be DEAD". Akk! James quite regularly lays on the floor and says, "Hey look Mom, I'm dead!" in a very cheerful voice.

A Few Solutions

Since the last post, I have been seriously praying and pondering potential changes in our life. I've come up with a few things that I'm trying to implement, and welcome more if you have any! Here goes:

1) Ruthlessly declutter my house, and get rid of unused stuff. Decluttering my house will help me declutter my mind. It seems that if things are messy, unorganized or just too full; then everywhere you look you see work. I'm hoping that reducing "stuff" will help me to stay more organized with less work and less overwhelming-ness. I do need more bookshelves, so am trying to get that one in order too.
2) Get good exercise each day. Not just a walk with the kids, but actually get my heart rate up in the target zone and feel beat when I'm done. I'd love to swim laps each day, as that has been my best form of "stress relief", but since it's just not possible, I'm trying the other forms of exercise that I can do from home.
3) Get the kids to bed earlier so that Greg and I can both get more sleep and some time with each other each day. This is hard for me because I'm a night owl, and don't like getting up early, but I'm trying!
4) Do a gall bladder/liver cleanse. The liver is the most important cleaning tool our body has, and if it is congested, nothing will work right. I figure I'll start there, and do more thorough cleansing if needed to follow.
5) Take 5-HTP if necessary. This is an amino acid that makes your body produce more serotonin improving mood, assisting with sleep and aiding in depression symptoms. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/5-Hydroxytryptophan)
6) Reduce my own expectations of myself. Good parents take the time to make good choices for their families, and this wears a person out. Less time/thought into decision making, especially minor decisions.
7) Closure on burdening thoughts (that I can) so they don't keep recurring.
8) Take deliberate time each day for my husband and children, and for myself.
9) Reduce dish use in the house to reduce kitchen clutter, and strive to wash each dish after using. Our life can handle this at this point, but hasn't been able to at times with a new baby, and then bad habits form.
10) Open up my journal again and log my thoughts more often. I used to write daily from age 12-30, but have neglected it since I had children.
11) Plan a vacation. We've got 9 days awaiting us in the beginning of Sept., so are planning what to do with it. Criteria: no visiting anyone, no deadlines (except campground checkins/outs), no more than 2-3 hours of driving every few days, must have swimming pools or areas, etc.

So, that's my start. I'm feeling hopeful and trying to turn everything I can over to God, since He knows better what to do with it anyhow.

In Praise Of Mothers

This post is difficult for me to write, although I feel very necessary, as acknowledging our weaknesses often assists in solving problems and getting it out in the open sometimes is the hardest on our pride (which is often what first needs attention to!) It also is hard to ask for prayer requests if you don't let people know you are struggling.

This past while (say 6 months or so), Greg and I have both struggled with coping. Feeling overwhelmed by pretty much everything, tired all the time, in yet unable to see what to do. We've tried simplifying our life as much as possible, and can't really see how things could get much simpler. The other night we stayed up late talking (something that isn't always advised because you tend to be overtired and problems seem much bigger than they actually are). But, it's also sometimes necessary because otherwise in the daytime you try to justify your feelings, ignore them, and pretend as if they aren't there. Anyways, I voiced my struggles, and he admitted to feeling the same way. We both have felt like we're just getting by in survival mode. We concluded that night that we were too tired to find any solutions, but that we could pray and see how we felt in the morning.

The next day we were still overtired, and ended up coming home from church and the whole house took a nap (well, the people in it did!). Then we went for a bike ride and had dinner and a visit with some friends. This all went well, but Monday morning came and the problems still seemed to loom. Mondays are always difficult for me, and this was no better. Overhanging fog and clouds each day lately haven't helped. I feel like summer has completely evaded us except for a handful of nice days. Monday when I talked to Greg (on his coffee break), we were discussing what should be done. One of us suggested "lets call our Moms and see what they have to say". So, he called his Mom, and I called mine. We should have done it months ago. Moms are so wise, (well, ours are, and we are very thankful for that...they know us better than anyone else!) and offered alot of not only solutions, but prayers and wisdom into what may be causing this lack of coping.

When Greg got home from work, we discussed what our Moms had said, and here it is (collaboratively, in no particular order).
Potential Stresses:
1) Having kids over age 30. You just get more tired and don't bounce back as fast as if you were 10 years younger. We don't like to admit that, but I'm sure it's true. We are getting older and can't expect the same of ourselves as if we were younger.
2) Not having a family support system nearby. My mom mentioned that she had gone to a local fair near them and ran into a few of my old classmates. She visited with them and noted how they had never had the challenges that some of us who have moved away from our family have had to face. Life is pretty safe and easy for most of them, since they have a built-in support system nearby.
3) Lack of sleep. With Greg getting up at 0430 for the past almost 5 years and 3 kids who haven't slept very well until they are 2, we've become a couple of pretty sleep deprived souls. I don't know how to solve this, but acknowledging it helps lower our expectations of ourselves.
4) Need a vacation. Although we likely need a visit-the-family vacation, we also find those the most stressful. Riding in the car buckled in for a few days, taking the kids to a strange environment to see people they don't know very well, and sleep in strange houses is not usually a fun time for tired parents. We need to go relax somewhere where we can just think about eating and sleeping and enjoying our kids for a while. We're working on that, and hopefully can get something in before the end of the summer. Greg's parents usually visit us every summer and this summer were unable, and I think that that has been harder on us than we would like to admit. My parents did come, but were only at our house for 2 days, one of which we had company the whole day. We also enjoyed my brother and his wife, and that was a real needed boost.
5) We are both perfectionists. I don't like to hear that, because I like to think that I'm not one. Although we're not perfectionists in the way most would think of them (tidy house, impeccable kids, etc), we are when it comes to moral obligation, following what we believe is right and our own expectations of ourselves. I really don't know what to do about this one, because I feel like we've relaxed as much as we can in the areas that will allow it. Other than letting the house go to pot, never bathing our kids or brushing their teeth, losing our "schedule", becoming completely unreliable (things that others seem to be able to get away with); I don't know how to do this. I feel doing those things would actually make our life alot more stressful for the crap we'd be putting up with due to undisciplined kids, more lack of sleep, more whining, etc.
6) Not being willing to share our burdens with loved ones who care. I have always been one that people have relied on for "being strong". I feel guilty burdening others with my problems, especially when I feel like I have nothing to be complaining about when so many others are filled with "real" problems. But, inability to cope is inability to cope, no matter what the burden at hand is. Both our parents encouraged us to talk to them more, share what's on our heart and to not try so hard to be strong all the time.

These things all ring true, so we've been figuring out what to do about them. Some other suggestions were taking a few different vitamin supplements that help with nerves and mood, getting a checkup to make sure nothing is out of whack (thyroid, adrenals, anemia) and just limiting our social activities. I'd love to limit them, but we feel like we will go crazy if we don't get out as much as we do (which isn't much).

Two of the ideas that have been flowing regularly through my head are these. The first is just being a kid again. To ride my bike as fast as I can down the driveway and down the "lease road" (a road at my parents that leads to their oil pumpjack) with my hair flowing out behind me. To be at my Grandpa and Grandma's sleeping in their sproingy beds and getting up and Grandma doting on me all day while the box fan blew the curtains up in their dining room on a hot summers day. To just sit in the back seat of our old Chrysler and let Dad and Mom drive me wherever we needed to go. All these thoughts focus on lack of responsibility. It just gets weary being responsible all the time. I don't know how to avoid this when you are a parent, other than completely shirking your duties.

The other thought that keeps running through my head is to be going fast enough to leave my burdening thoughts behind. Whether it be swimming laps, rollerblading, biking or running; I just want to be going fast enough that my thoughts escape me for a while. With little kids, you don't go anywhere fast. Even a bike ride seems extremely slow and monotonous. I just want to pedal as fast as my bike will go. Yesterday on our bike ride Greg and I took turns staying with the slow one (Luke) and the other rode fast and actually got some exercise. That felt really good. We've been trying to do that each day, and it seems to really help clear my (our) head so that I can start with a clean slate again.

I would, however, solicit your prayers for peace, for wisdom, for the ability to let go of the things we need to let go of (not sure what those are yet), and for direction. But, one thing is for sure...we are very thankful for our wise Mothers who see us how we are, love us despite our faults and encourage us in a Godly way. Any suggestions are more than welcome.

Zoo Trip

We have an Oregon Zoo membership, which we've tried to get our money's worth out of. It's hard to get down there though, as usually when we've wanted to go, it's pouring rain or there's heavy traffic between our house and there. We have gotten there a good amount of times, so that makes me happy, as well as our children. They have a new "Predators of the Serengeti" area that the kids love, so we always make a trek through there each trip while focusing on the other areas as well.













This time we ended up going in the summer (since it is now summer!) and couldn't find a parking spot anywhere in the 3 lots we meandered through. Instead of being frustrated, we decided to head further up the road to Washington Park and check that out instead. Well, low and behold there was a train that would take us right back to the zoo for the day, and there was a plethora of parking spots available. And we'd get to see a bird's-eye view of the zoo as we passed through it, so got to see elk, wolves and elephants from a totally different angle.














So, we hopped aboard and whizzed through the beautiful park back to the zoo. The zoo has 3 trains, so we rode the Oregon Express to the zoo that morning (which these pictures show us on, as well as a picture of the silver Zooliner which we met on the way).













When we got there, we decided to see the insect house and the Lorakeet Landing (2 areas we hadn't been before). The birds are so cute and chirpy, so the kids liked seeing those close up. Also seeing the walking sticks (they'd seen them in books, but didn't believe such a thing existed) as well as tarantulas and other bugs. Then we headed over to get an elephant ear (you can't leave the zoo without one, you know!) and eat our lunch. Then to see the lions, cheetahs, painted dogs, hippos, "giraffe eating hay" (James' request), zebras (we joke about them each time as Luke dropped his water bottle in their pen last summer which was quite a disaster to a 4 yr old), etc.













By then it was time to get going home, so we went back to the train station. The Zooliner was there waiting for us, but the line was long. When they loaded up, we didn't make it on it, as it was full up. So, we thought we'd be getting back on the Oregon Express, but low and behold up pulls the Steam Engine (which the boys had really wanted initially, and they only bring out on special occasions or super busy days). Well, today classified as a busy day, so they brought it out. We were the first riders of the day (in the first coach car, so we were able to see the firebox and all the workings), so got to be part of their engine checks and watch them fuel up and all. The boys just loved it!!













We then headed home on the Oregon side on Hwy 30, since the I-405 was totally backed up, and we knew we'd be in traffic for many hours if we headed home the usual way. After a stop at Sauvie Island for some fresh produce (yum, yum), we got home tired and happy! Well, Greg and I were tired, but the kids were ready to keep going since they slept the whole way home!

Daddy Time

Probably one of the things I love most about my husband (well, there are a ton of things, so it depends on which day he's doing what), is when he teaches the kids things. I just love watching the boys soak up whatever information he is giving them, and can see them getting empowered with skills and knowledge.

Yesterday it happened to be changing a bike tire. Luke's tire went flat, so he went to Dad to see what needed to be done. Here's a couple pictures of them grossly interested in patching the hole and learning about getting the tire off and back on the bike again.

I can just see them becoming more of little men each day with the skills their Daddy teaches them. I feel so bad for kids (boys especially) that don't have the blessing of a Daddy who takes the time to pass on what he knows to them. They love him so much, and I hear almost every day, "I wish Daddy didn't have to work, I miss him". And the welcome he gets when he gets home from work, would make any Dad smile. We hope and pray (and are saving and planning) so that someday Greg can work from home so that the boys can spend alot more time with him. Melts my heart!!

More Marriage/Dating Stuff

It seems like this topic has been on my heart alot lately, since I have friends getting married, friends newly dating, friends single and wishing they had someone, friends shacking up and justifying it, and friends getting divorced. Such a complex issue, in yet if we follow God's Biblical plan, we CAN guarantee love, happiness and security (which is what we all strive for, isn't it?)

The first thing that comes to mind is a story I heard the very next day after I wrote my last marriage post. My sister told me of some friends of theirs who got married in an arranged marriage (she was a "mail order" bride from the Philippines). They were married about 2 weeks when they decided it wouldn't work, so they went their separate ways. Now 15 years later (yes, 15!) they got back together, and are happily married and making it work. That gave me hope for those who may think that divorce means the end. It is never the end! We never know what God's plans are, and if the couple is willing to be mature, stay in contact and work through their differences; reconciliation is possible. Marriage is a contract between man, woman and our righteous God in heaven. The same God who made the heavens and the earth...in yet so many people these days regard it with less value than their mortgage contract.

The next thing is a list of things to look for in a potential spouse. These things should be in place before a relationship is pursued in any stretch beyond friendship. Because, once you are in a "relationship", getting out is very difficult if you are emotionally attached and then red flags appear (and there may not even be red flags, but a lack of green lights instead). (been there, done that...never again!) These tips are from the book To Train Up a Child by Michael and Debi Pearl. I am going to paraphrase and sum up the paragraphs, since the chapter itself is quite lengthy. These were from letters they wrote to their own children to advise them what to look for in a spouse when their children were teenagers.

1) The person you marry will be the lifelong parent of your children (for good and for bad). That person will be 100% of the influence when you are not with your children, and at least 50% when you are. This is more important than the decision of who you will live with for the rest of your life. You are an adult; the children will be mold-able and vulnerable to all the influences in the home. Any traits that bug you now will likely show up in your children, and be magnified many times. Can this person be trusted with God's heritage for generations to come?
2) That the person love the Lord and be His true disciple. This means that they show that they use the Bible as their life's road map in all decisions, and are willing to follow God's truth above all else. A person who takes their Lord for granted will also take their spouse and children for granted.
3) Cheerfulness. There is nothing else that will help you endure whatever may lie ahead. No one can make a discontented person happy, and there is nothing worse than living with a complainer. Find someone with that wellspring of joy that comes from within, and you will have found one of the most valuable and practical qualities.
4) Thankfulness. Nothing can make an unthankful person, thankful. It is an outward expression of what is in a person's heart. Again, look for joy that comes from the Lord.
5) Attitude towards parents. Respect or disrespect. How do their parents treat each other? This has been every young man and woman's most important influence, so how have they been influenced will often show how that person relates to others, deals with stress, communicates problems, etc.
6) Avoid anyone enamored by their own looks. Better to marry someone homely who is content to love and be loved than one who is going to spend all their time trying to maintain their fading, imagined beauty.
7) (for men) Avoid a girl who wants to pursue their career outside the home. A wife must be your help-meet and be there for your children to raise them.
8) Love for children. If children come into your life, you want someone who will love them and give them the best that life can give them (time and energies)
9) (for men) Don't put yourself in an occupational position that will leave you out of a position to be a good father. Plan your trade/occupation to maximize your role as a father. Many successful business men are lousy fathers. (and get a trade/occupation before you look for a wife, as it is much harder after)
10) (this one is mine, for ladies) Make him work for you. If he lives far away, make sure he comes and visits you FIRST, before you go and visit him. A man doesn't appreciate a girl who is too available. He'll love you much more if he has worked hard to pursue and 'catch' you. If he can't find time or money to come and see you, he obviously doesn't want you bad enough to make some sacrifices! Talk is cheap, but baby, time's expensive!! (My dear husband borrowed money to come see me the first time, and then later sold his 2 favorite guns to buy my engagement ring. Now that, was sacrifice, if you know how much he loves guns!!) This goes along the same lines as sex before marriage. It reverses the order of how things should flow (but of course isn't sinful), and thus ends up in disrespect and lack of trust. Men are programmed by God to pursue women, period. Our society would like to convince otherwise, but don't be convinced. Why would a woman even want a man that can't be a man? You could later expect alot more disappointment out of him.

Another piece of advice I heard on Dave Ramsey the other day. It is the 4 causes of marital stress, usually caused by people not discussing it before and coming up with solutions before the problem hit.
1) Religion- not agreeing on basic doctrine/beliefs
2) Money- not discussing how to handle money/lack of money
3) In-laws- not discussing boundaries/time spent/amount of influence
4) Children- not agreeing on how to raise children
These need to be grounded and agreed upon before people ever get married, because they are foundational.

You will note that in the above lists, there is nothing about love. That is because if you find a person that meets all the qualities you want in a spouse, you will love them. And God will make them very attractive to you. Seeing the love of the Lord in anyone makes them beautiful, but even moreso in a future spouse. When I first saw how Greg handled a major crisis in his life (by relying on God), it gave me a pretty good idea how committed he was to being trust-able, and how committed he was to following God's Holy Word, and this made me very attracted to him in many ways. There is nothing like a crisis to reveal people's true colors, so it wouldn't hurt to hope for one to see how your potential mate will react! ;)

A Visit to the Dentist (again)

You may recall our last trip to the dentist. http://somerosaga.blogspot.com/2009/04/do-i-have-teenager-on-my-hands.html To add to that, the dentist was rather undesirable. So, thankfully we have a dentist friend (who I should have gone to the first time, but it was too long to wait, as I wanted an appt. that week). Anyhow, I saw this friend at our camp out, and was reminded again to get my boys in for a checkup. The difference about this clinic is that the parents don't go back in with the kids. I was hesitant about that, but she (the dentist friend K) said that kids do great with it.

When we got there, the boys waited patiently. When it came time to go back, Luke was called first. He went willingly, and let them do all their stuff. By the time James was called, he had lost his nerve. He had (mistakenly) thought he could go back when Luke did, so was afraid to go on his own. I then went back there with him, and he absolutely refused to do anything we wanted him to do. He finally opened his mouth, and she at least got a look in there. Everything looked fine, so we called it a day. He did proudly tell Daddy that he was "good" at the dentist so he got a toothbrush. Better luck next time.

I was asking K (the dentist) what the best prevention of cavities in kids is, since I don't care to have any more than I have to (neither boy had any, thankfully). She said, "without a doubt, eliminating sugar". Juices (sweetened or natural), sweets, candy, and especially those things with hidden sugars (breakfast cereals, peanut butter, chocolate milk, breads, condiments, mixes (pancake, cornbread) etc.) I can vouch for the chocolate milk (or strawberry, which is my kids favorite for rare occasions). When Luke was about 1, he had a small carton of chocolate milk for the first time at supper when we ate out one time. He bounced off the walls from then (about 5pm until 1am, non-stop) So, you can imagine what it does to older kids (the same only less noticeable, but still causes disobedience) I was appalled to hear a little boy from church tell me that he is the only kid in his kindergarten class that drinks white milk. Every other one drinks chocolate. No wonder they need Ritalin so they can sit still. Too much sugar!! (and too many ignorant parents!)

Not only is the sugar (of whatever variety) bad on the teeth, it's also bad from the inside out, which no amount of brushing and flossing can fix. In a book I'm reading called Nourishing Traditions (which I'll do a review of when I'm done), Sally Fallon states that "Last, but not least, sugar consumption is the cause of bone loss and dental decay. Tooth decay and bone loss occur when the precise ratio of calcium to phosphorus in the blood varies from the normal ratio of 4 parts phosphorus to 10 parts calcium. At this proportion, all blood calcium can be properly utilized. Dr. Melvin Page of Florida demonstrated in numerous studies that sugar consumption causes phosphorus levels to drop and calcium to rise. Calcium rises because it is pulled from the teeth and the bones. The drop in phosphorus hinders the absorption of this calcium, making it unusable and therefore toxic. Thus, sugar consumption causes tooth decay not because it promotes bacterial growth in the mouth, as most dentists believe, but because it alters the internal body chemistry. Orthodox nutritionists admit that sugar causes tooth decay, although they may be mistaken about just why this is so, but their warnings to avoid tooth decay by limiting sweets are disingenuous. Most people would be willing to pay the price for bad teeth as long as they did not have to stop eating sugar. After all, teeth can be repaired or replaced. But poor teeth are always the outward sign of other types of degeneration in the body, degeneration that cannot be repaired by mechanical means."

That tells me that not only teeth are being destroyed from the outside, but are weakened from the inside as well. I would have to vouch that in my own family that has been true. My parents both had horrible teeth. When I was growing up though, sugar was very limited in our house. My brother would get severe asthma if he ate any sugar (and I mean ANY), so the whole family went without. Out of us 4 kids, there were only 2 cavities by the time we had all left home, and one of those was under my brother's braces in a spot he couldn't brush!

Going without sugar is difficult to manage, since it is in almost everything you buy. But, the best way to avoid it is to make things from scratch. Avoid processed/packaged foods, and you eliminate the majority of sugars. Sugar is a wonderful preservative, so companies use it to increase shelf life. In a world where we want freshness, shouldn't we be avoiding "shelf life"? In most recipes (cookies, cakes, and other sweets) you can cut the sugar in half, and no one will notice. (try lowering it a bit each time you make it, and see how low you can go) There are many non-refined sugars out there too, which I intend to someday blog about, but have to gather sufficient info first. They are sugars still (so still spike blood sugar), but are good for using to avoid so much processing, and often have some health benefits, as opposed to none!

Another suggestion our dentist friend made was to chew Xylitol gum. She said that it changes the pH in your mouth which discourages bacteria growth. We can buy a brand called Spry at our health store, but Epic was also recommended (buy online). The regular gums at the store usually have some Xylitol in them, but not enough to be beneficial. (you need about 1 gm per day minimum, which is 1 piece) I've been keeping that in stock so when the kids want gum, they can chew something good for them. It's the same price as regular gum, and tastes the same too.

Anyways, there is our latest info from our trip to the dentist.

Summertime Eating

Well, we finally had our first "hot" day! It reached the high 90's in town, and is usually 10 degrees cooler here. (Got to 87 here). I love it. I love the heat. I love the smell of hot tar on the roads, whirr of the fans, and just being outside drinking iced tea (Good Host imported from Canada, of course!).

I go through phases of eating/making my favorite foods, and this is mine from last summer, and likely this coming summer as well. My cousin M (Adam's Apples blog on my favorites list) put it in our Kurtti family cookbook, but for those of you who don't own one of our family's fabulous cookbooks (which I use weekly), here is the recipe.

Pasta with Feta & Veggies
1/2 pkg. favorite pasta (we like shells or tricolor rotini)
3 T. butter
1/2 c. Parmesan cheese
1/2 c. Feta cheese
1/2 lemon
2 c. veggies: tomatoes, peppers, green onions, zucchini (or whatever needs using up)
2 optional chicken breasts or meat of choice (we like turkey pepperoni or ham)
garlic salt
fresh ground pepper

Cook pasta according to package directions. While pasta is cooking, chop whatever veggies you want to use (usually a minimum of peppers, tomatoes and onions). Drain pasta and keep in pot. Add butter while hot. Stir until butter melts, then squeeze lemon juice over (or pour from bottle~) Add Parmesan, chopped veggies, Feta, and meat (if using). Stir until cheese coats pasta and veggies. Add garlic salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm, room temperature or chilled.
(we also add 1 c. or so of shredded cheese too, if using it for a main dish, which we often do on hot summer nights.)

If you are going to be making it to serve later, add the Feta right before serving so it remains full flavored.

My other favorite is Southwest Chicken Salad, also in the same cookbook. For a couple summers we made it at least once a week.

Southwest Chicken Salad
lettuce/spinach
grilled chicken breasts (with Lawry's seasoning salt and pepper)
canned corn, drained
black beans, rinsed and drained
green onions, chopped
guacamole
tomatoes, diced
cilantro, chopped
black olives, drained and sliced
shredded Mexican blend cheese
tortilla strips
Dressing:
1/2 c. honey
1 t. dry mustard
1 t. salt
1/2 c. apple cider vinegar
1/4 c. lime juice
1/4 c. finely diced onion
1 c. canola oil
Grill chicken breasts with seasoning salt and pepper (George Foreman works great). Slice into strips. Then top lettuce with any or all of toppings listed (or add your own). Make dressing out of honey, mustard, salt, vinegar, lime juice and diced onion. Add oil slowly while mixing until dressing is well incorporated. (makes 2 c. dressing) It works good to do buffet style with this salad, so then people can choose which and how much toppings they want.

Hope you're enjoying the summer thus far too!

Rascal Girl

Here's a few pictures of our littlest mess maker. This little innocent face can cause more damage than a tornado, in about as much time too! These pictures were taken with her cast still on her arm (you can imagine the damage with 2 good arms!), and she was quite proud of her damage. She keeps us saying, "grrr!" and "oh, I just love you so much" at the same time all day long!














"Um, yep. That was a white dress before I fell in the garden, sprayed myself with the hose, played in the sandbox and soaked my cast. My other favorite thing to do is chase chickens. Through tall wet, slippery grass. Mom loves those messes too!"


















I had just mentioned the week prior that I had never used the sweater drying rack that came with my dryer, and that I should just get rid of it, for the space it takes up. Well, it got use that day, drying out her splint for a couple hours! (They recommended using a blow dryer, but that would have taken much more time.) Thank goodness for Oxyclean!!

Cooking with Cast Iron

Last summer when my in-laws made their annual trip up here, my father-in-law was telling me (us) about something he had read or seen that warned of the dangers of Teflon pans. I used them mainly, although have owned this stack of cast iron all along. The dangers come when the coating on the pans get scratched, and many carcinogens seep out into your food. This can happen by scraping your pan with something abrasive, or by continual use so that the coating wears off, or by cooking with high heat (even if the pan looks good, the toxins can be leaching out if your heat is high).













Well, my pans were nearing the end of their life span anyways, so I decided to do a bit more research and after that, tossed them. Not worth the risk, especially since I had used them with high heat often enough (and who hasn't if you've ever made a stir fry?!) This led me to pull out my old cast iron ones that I've collected from garage sales, and begin to use them. I found out how to season them (http://www.motherearthnews.com/Real-Food/1999-12-01/Seasoning-Cast-Iron.aspx) and off I went. I followed instructions, and only cooked greasy things in them for a good amount of time, and never washed them with soap, scraped the food off when fresh, as well as reseasoning them if they looked like they were getting un-seasoned. Well, I've had pretty good luck (or my skill level has improved, I should say) and the only thing leaving me challenged is pancakes.

Cornbread has been awesome (as recommended by a friend). I also do Pannukakku (baked pancake or Dutch Baby) which turns out fabulous. But pancakes just don't turn out well. I need such low heat to keep them from burning, that the tops dry out before it's time to flip them. So, if any of you have tips on solving this problem, I'd love some advice. Perhaps a thinner batter would help, or more grease on the pan.

Now, all I need is a cast iron Dutch oven to use on my woodstove, and I'll be set. I need a good deal before that will happen. I'm sure as I'm scouring Estate sales or garage sales I'll be able to find one that someone doesn't know the value of, and will be willing to part with for a few pennies. I love the thrill of the search! Especially if I'm in no hurry to find something.

The Joy of Jam (or is it Preserves?)

A couple years ago, Greg's friend G was out garage saling and came across a 1953 version of The Joy of Cooking. Well, actually he came across 2 copies, so he kept one for himself, and gave the other to me. I haven't used the cookbook a whole lot, but have referred to it occasionally as well as cooked from it occasionally. It boasts nearly 1000 pages of recipes, tips and menus from the very plain to very elaborate. It is certainly a wealth of information on cooking, of which I am always wanting to learn more.

Fast forward a few years. New produce place opens in town. Selling Meyer lemons. I've heard they are simply amazing, so I buy a few with good intentions. They sit there for a little longer than they should, (as I'm waiting for the perfect thing to do with them) and they are overripe, on the verge of not edible any more. I look online for recipes, and find one for lemon marmalade. The author notes that she got her recipe from the Joy of Cooking. So, I pull out my book, and there it is. Not only a recipe, but one calling for just lemons and sugar. No pectin. Hmm. I had never heard of not adding pectin, but I didn't have any on hand, so was eager to try. Note: I did know that fruit had pectin already in it, but had never seen recipes as such. :)

In the Joy of Cooking book that I have it says that "no recipes for jams or jellies made with commercially prepared pectin are given, because a much greater proportion of sugar to fruit is required and because special instructions invariably accompany the purchase of this product." I found that to be a funny statement, because most people my age likely don't even know (as I didn't) that you can make jams and jellies without adding commercial pectin. It's just the thing you do!

Well, I whipped up a batch of Meyer Lemon Marmalade, and it was fabulous. I can't even describe the amount of flavor that stuff had. On whole grain toast. Oh yes, positively yummy! So, then yesterday Greg brought home a few pints of very ripe strawberries (remember, he has a coworker whose parents own a fruit/veggie farm and supply us with lots of goodies all summer) and I looked in my old faithful book and there was a recipe for me for strawberry preserves. Not seeing a recipe for jam, I went ahead with it. I was wondering what the difference was, and found this for a definition. "The difference being that preserves still contain chunks of fruit, whereas jam is more like a fruit puree." While it's cooling and jelling right now (and seems to be doing just fine, as I licked the bowl it was in), I did find a recipe for jam and it called for pretty much the same ingredients (berries, sugar, lemon juice for acidity) and same instructions.

So, if you are like me and happen to love reading cookbooks, look for an old copy of The Joy of Cooking and pick it up. You'll be doing yourself a great favor! I have learned so much from it, as it explains the 'why's' more than just the method. (My aunt used to read cookbooks before bed every night and I thought that was THE lamest waste of time. Now I do the same thing. It seems that pretty much everything I've said I'd never do, or say, or be...I happen to find myself doing, or saying or being!)

Thanks, G!













Strawberry Preserves
Wash and stem and mash 4 cups of strawberries.
Add 3/4 c. sugar per 1 c. berries (3 c.)
Sugared fruit is permitted to stand 3-10 hours before cooking. Heat very slowly with as little stirring as possible until all the sugar is dissolved. Boil the preserves rapidly for 15-20 minutes, taking care to prevent burning. 2 minutes before taking preserves from stove, you may add 1/3 c. lemon juice. Pour into sterilized jars and hot water bath to seal (as you can other jams).

I'm going to freeze them once they cool so I don't have to can them. This gave me 5-1 c. jars of preserves. Once you hit the 15 minute mark boiling, the jam starts to get more clear (as opposed to foamy), that was when I added the lemon juice. I also used a splatter shield while stirring the boiling mixture, as it burns when it splatters (even in a big pot). The lemon juice aids in the jelling process, and is necessary for 'low acid' fruits.