Kid Quotes

I will not say that my kids are the 'cutest', as all kids are cute in some way or another. I love them most of all because God gave each one to me (us) as a precious gift to cherish. Some days I cherish them more than others (depending on how many antics they come up!), but one thing they always do is to make me laugh. Here's the latest:

Luke on the way to the zoo to James "if you see a dinosaur that looks real, but isn't, it's called a 'fake'."

James to Elise when she was using his toothbrush "Give that back to me. Do you want to get big boy germs on you?"

Luke, after a rather rambunctious friend was over and they had been wrestling all day (he was showing me his injuries). I told him to get used to the idea, because most boys just like to wrestle. He said, "kind of like girls just like to boss?" Yep! Pretty much!

Luke after rescuing his Doodle Pad off the deck at bedtime before I locked the door. James asked him why he was bringing it in. Luke said, "well, you don't want it to get stolen, do you?" (I'm sure that would be the first thing a thief would be after. Not his bike or our cars, but a Doodle Pad!)

The boys were discussing when we could get a pet (so we could actually go down the pet food aisle). I told Luke maybe when he turns 6 we could get him one. James said, "I could get one when I turn zero." I asked him when he'll be O. He said, "well, at about 9 o'clock." Have no idea what he meant by that.

James (3) "I want to build a big bonfire up to the sky. But then Jesus would say, "hey, why is there smoke in my house?" "

The other day when we went to the Habitat for Humanity Re-store and when we went up to the antique section (which is mostly broken tables, dressers and such) and as we walked up the stairs he exclaimed, "Wow, this place is bee-yoo-tiful". I do think he actually meant "gigantic" or "humongous" but it was cute, none-the-less.

Me: James, you're always so happy, is there anything that makes you sad?
James: Just when I have to go to jail!
Me: When have you been to jail?
James: Well, never...

Friday Night

Not much going on tonight, but I thought I'd write a few thoughts. The one being: "Note to self: making Chinese food dirties every dish in your kitchen. Remember that before you start!" I did make my Panda Express-like Orange Chicken as well as a recipe that said it was Panda's chow mein, but wasn't. I think with a bit of tweaking I can get it to taste the same, but so far every recipe has been more unlike it than like it. The orange chicken is amazing though (recipe I posted some months back). I did precook the chicken though (while cooking it for another meal earlier in the week), and then pan fried it instead of deep frying, and that seemed to work better (and much safer and faster).

I have a sick little baby girl (cold, low grade fever and last tooth erupting), so today wasn't near as productive as I'd like it to be. I had promised to help G unload his workshop/shed, as it is going through big changes tomorrow. We have had it on our driveway (it's 16'x20'), but in hopes of someday building a real shop on that spot, we decided to move it to another spot. We have a hillside in our yard that is unusable and very hard to mow (actually you can't mow it, you have to weed whack it), so we decided to put the shed on pilings on that, and then build a little bridge out to it. And then someday turn it into a guest house, sauna, studio, bunk house, who knows?













So, I had promised to help, but with a fussy baby, I didn't get much done. We ended up cuddling and watching the Berenstain Bears adventures instead. That's okay too, because cuddling with kids is a pretty good way to spend a day, if you ask me. It seems they grow more every day, and I know it won't be too long when they'll be too big to cuddle (or not want to) with me.














One thing that James did though, was yesterday. He was apparently "helping Daddy", but when Daddy went to find him, he had climbed out onto the far side of that frame for the shed. He was standing way out there, and so Greg asked him calmly to come back (as not to scare him so he'd fall). He turned around, and Greg asked him, "isn't that scary?" (it's a good 6-8 ft. high), and James replied, "yes, fun scary!"

I guess we'll see what happens in the morning. We have a friend who has it all worked out how this move is going to go. I don't have it quite figured in my head, but that's okay. I'm in charge of feeding the crew, so I'll just watch and tend to my own responsibilities. And next time my husband comes home from work with a flatbed truckload of railroad track (not ties, but track!) or something as strange (since he already brought home the track) I won't ask questions. I'll just smile and wonder adventure he's up to next!

Now, I've finished my honey chamomile tea, so should skeedaddle off to bed now!

Sanctity of Life

These past few days I've been dialoging with an old co-worker via Facebook. He and I have never shared opinions, although I feel we have tried to respect each others. This time (I haven't talked to him in years, but he posted a video promoting euthanasia which I felt necessary to comment on), we disagreed again. I voiced my points and then he his. Then, he added in that "those religious fanatics who also don't want to give women a choice" are the ones stopping the whole legal euthanasia from progressing. I responded by adding that it's a woman's choice to sleep around or to remain pure, and that if she chooses purity, then she really never has to make the difficult choice whether or not to abort her baby (I would hope, if she's in a stable married relationship). With these type of discussions, you never know if your point is taken as intended.

Also, the discussions rarely get very far due to spiritual differences (Godly vs. humanistic just never agree). But, with this guy, I will pursue. Back when I met him, he was an avid atheist. By the time we parted ways (we worked together many hours at 2 different jobs- in the ER and at the pool) for a good 4 years, he did admit that there must be a God and also admitted that he wished that he had the peace that I had in my life. (He also knew 3 of my Christian cousins in town, although he didn't know we were related until my one cousin died and he saw us all at the funeral)

Anyhow, just as I was pondering how to get my point of the sanctity of life across to him, this video popped up on Facebook from 3 different friends. It was just the answer I had wanted. In yet better than I could have come up with. Although I doubt he'll even watch it, I did send it on to him and he can do as he pleases. I've prayed for him off and on through the years, knowing that he is searching diligently (in all the wrong places) for peace in his heart. If only he can know this peace that Jesus gives, which passes all understanding. Maybe in time...he will.

http://vimeo.com/5387154

Tacos, tacos, tacos

I've had this recipe in my book for about 4 years, and never made it. I certainly don't know why. These are amazing. I'll share my other favorite 'taco' recipes too, since tacos are so easy (especially with kids), and they are a meal-in-one.

Hawaiian Tacos

Ingredients

• 1 lb. bulk Italian sausage (hot if desired)
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
  
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Dash bottled hot pepper sauce
• 12 taco shells (we used flour tortillas, easier for kiddos)
  
• 1 recipe Hawaiian Pineapple Salsa (recipe below)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (4 oz.)

Directions

1. In a large skillet cook sausage, onion, and garlic until sausage is browned and onion is tender; stir to break up sausage. Drain off fat. Stir in pepper sauce. Spoon meat mixture into taco shells. Top with Hawaiian Pineapple Salsa and sprinkle with cheese. Makes 12 tacos (4 servings).

2. Hawaiian Pineapple Salsa: Combine 3 Roma tomatoes, seeded and chopped; 1 cup seeded, chopped cucumber; one 8-ounce can pineapple tidbits, drained; 1/3 cup chopped onion (I used green onions); 1 or 2 fresh jalapeño peppers, seeded and chopped; 2 tablespoons snipped fresh cilantro (more is better!); and 1 tablespoon packed brown sugar. Cover and refrigerate up to 2 hours; if refrigerated more than 30 minutes, serve salsa with slotted spoon.

3. *Note: Because chile peppers contain volatile oils that can burn your skin and eyes, avoid direct contact with them as much as possible. Wear plastic or rubber gloves. Wash hands and nails well with soap and warm water.

http://www.bhg.com/recipe/sandwiches/hawaiian-tacos/

Fish Tacos with mango salsa

Ingredients

• 12 ounces fresh or frozen skinless fish fillets
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
• 3 tablespoons mayonnaise or salad dressing
• 1 teaspoon lime juice
• 1-1/2 cups packaged shredded cabbage with carrot (coleslaw mix) or shredded cabbage
• 8 corn taco shells, warmed according to package directions
• 1 recipe Mango Salsa

Directions

1. Thaw fish, if frozen. Rinse fish and pat dry with paper towels. Cut fish crosswise into 3/4-inch slices. Place fish in a single layer in a greased shallow baking pan. Combine olive oil, cumin, and garlic powder. Brush over fish. Bake in a 450 degree F oven for 4 to 6 minutes or until fish begins to flake when tested with a fork.

2. Meanwhile, in a medium bowl stir together mayonnaise and lime juice. Add cabbage; toss to coat. Spoon some of the coleslaw mixture into each taco shell; add fish slices and top with Mango Salsa.

3. Makes 4 servings

4. Mango Salsa: In a medium bowl combine 3/4 cup chopped, peeled mango or peach; 1/2 medium red sweet pepper, seeded and finely chopped; 2 tablespoons thinly sliced green onion; 1/2 jalapeño chile pepper, seeded and finely chopped; 1-1/2 teaspoons olive oil; 1/4 teaspoon finely shredded lime peel; 1-1/2 teaspoons lime juice; 1-1/2 teaspoons vinegar; 1/4 teaspoon salt; and 1/8 teaspoon black pepper. Makes 1 cup.

http://www.bhg.com/recipe/seafood/fish-tacos/

Greek-Style Turkey Burgers (or make into tacos too)

1/4	cup fine dry bread crumbs or 3/4 cup soft whole-wheat bread crumbs
1	egg, slightly beaten
1	tablespoon milk
2	teaspoons dry Italian seasoning (like Good Seasons)
1/4	teaspoon salt
1	pound lean uncooked ground turkey or chicken
4	pita bread rounds, or 4 whole-wheat hamburger buns, split and toasted
1	recipe Greek Salsa
1/4	cup crumbled feta cheese

1. In a medium bowl stir together bread crumbs, egg, milk, Italian seasoning, and salt. Add turkey; mix well. Shape turkey mixture into four 6-inch-long by 1/2-inch-thick oval patties or four 1/2-inch-thick round patties.

2. Place patties on the unheated rack of a broiler pan. Broil 4 to 5 inches from heat for 11 to 13 minutes or until no longer pink (165 degrees F), turning once halfway through broiling time. For tacos, just scramble fry the meat with the seasonings and omit other ingredients.

3. Serve the burgers in pita bread rounds. Top with Greek Salsa and sprinkle with feta cheese. Makes 4 servings.

Greek Salsa: In a small bowl stir together 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar, 2 teaspoons olive oil, and 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning. Stir in 1 cup finely chopped tomato, 1/4 cup finely chopped cucumber, and 1/4 cup finely chopped, pitted kalamata or ripe olives. Makes about 1-1/3 cups.

http://www.diabeticlivingonline.com/recipe/turkey/greek-style-turkey-burgers/

This one isn't a taco, but the "salsa" is amazing (or relish, as they call it).

Seared Tuna with Grapefruit-Orange Relish

Ingredients

• 2 teaspoons sherry vinegar or white wine vinegar
• 2 teaspoons soy sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium grapefruit, peeled and sectioned
• 1 medium orange, peeled and sectioned
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped red onion
• 2 tablespoons snipped fresh cilantro
• 4 4-ounce fresh tuna steaks, cut 3/4 inch thick
• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• Fresh cilantro sprigs (optional)
• Salt
• Pepper

Directions

For citrus relish, in a small bowl combine vinegar, soy sauce, and ginger. Whisk in the 1 tablespoon olive oil. Cut grapefruit sections into thirds and orange sections in half. Stir fruit pieces, red onion, and the 2 tablespoons cilantro into vinegar mixture. Set aside.

Rinse fish; pat dry. In a large skillet heat the 2 teaspoons olive oil over medium-high heat. Add fish and cook for 6 to 9 minutes or until fish flakes easily when tested with a fork, turning once. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Serve the fish with citrus relish. If desired, garnish with cilantro sprigs. Makes 4 servings.

http://www.bhg.com/recipe/seafood/seared-tuna-with-grapefruit-orange-relish/

Enjoy!!

Sharing the Gospel

I found this list on how to share the Gospel with others. Sometimes we don't know if we should say something or not. Sometimes we do need to be blunt right from the start, "are your sins forgiven in the blood of Jesus?" but other times (such as with coworkers, neighbors), being the Christian that Christ wants us to be and being a "light to the world" is more the route to take. But to always be "ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:" 1 Peter 3:15

1. Treat everyone you meet as if they are Christian brothers and sisters who are dear to you. In short, Love them as they have never been loved.
2. Be continually joyful. Everyone is attracted to joy and no one will fault you for it. They will want what you have.
3. Be successful. Be the best at what ever you do. Everyone admires success and sincere effort. They will respect you for it.
4. Be helpful. Give something into the lives of everyone you meet. Make them feel better about themselves in a clean and pure way.
5. Be generous. When others see you giving, they will recognize God in it.
6. Be gracious and cheerful in your righteousness. Don’t be prudish and standoffish in your convictions. When you decline to participate in sin, don’t do so in a way that says “I am better that you, and you are a dog.”
7. Be open. People are scared of the unknown. Let people get to know you and see that you don’t bite and you don’t have any secrets.
8. Don’t do religious things to be seen of men. Let your righteousness be purity of heart and intention.
9. Speak of God and Jesus occasionally when it is spontaneously true. For instance, you might say, “Isn’t it a beautiful day God has made?” or “God has blessed me with good health.” On occasion you might say something like, “If it were not for Jesus Christ, I would be on my way to hell.”
10. Follow the Holy Spirit’s leading in knowing who is ready to receive the message. In time someone will open up to you and ask a question like, “Why are you always happy?” or “Why don’t you XXXX?” Answer then honestly, telling them of your commitment to Christ and of your conversion. When the moment seems right tell them the gospel story in detail. Win just one person and it is all worth it.

From nogreaterjoy.org

Day By Day

I'm finally feeling better after a week of lying on the couch in pain. I won't go into the ailment, but let's just say the pain was worse than having a baby, and about as awkward too. During this time, a friend had given me a bag full of used magazines to read. I was very thankful for them, as otherwise I would have been rather bored just laying there. My kids were here too, but they mostly just played quietly nearby, and were a big help to me. Anyways, in one of the magazines (Guideposts) there was an article about a guy who was a frequent flier and one trip he was unable to use any of his portable devices on the flight. He didn't know what to do with himself, so he decided to pray. He prayed for anyone and everyone, and before he knew it, the flight was over. What seemed like a long flight soon disappeared when he was engaged in prayer. He decided that in the future, that would be a much better use of his flight time than his iPod, laptop or other electronic device.

The lesson I learned was, that our world can always use more prayer. It not only helps the people being prayed for, but also gives comfort and hope to the person praying. I did have much time to pray myself last week, and felt not only the presence of God, but also felt lifted up by the prayers of others. I wish I did remember to pray more often, but it seems like the chaos of life just interrupts my solitude so often.

The verse that kept coming to me through the week though was 2 Corinthians 12: 9, 10:

"And he (the Lord) said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly will I glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong." (bold accenting my favorite parts)

The other part I'd like to share with you is a song that's been running through my head lately too. I found a decorative plate holder (with no plate) and was trying to think of what to do with it. I finally decided to use it as a book rack, and placed a songbook in my kitchen window so that I can sing while I'm doing the dishes (or anytime I'm at the sink, which is many times a day). The song I've had this past week, has been so encouraging to me, and I've been singing it every day. I love Andy Griffith's version of it, but this one by Selah is good too! Enjoy!

His Eye Is on the Sparrow

Why should I feel discouraged, why should the shadows come,
Why should my heart be lonely, and long for heaven and home,
When Jesus is my portion? My constant friend is He:
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.

Refrain

I sing because I’m happy,
I sing because I’m free,
For His eye is on the sparrow,
And I know He watches me.

“Let not your heart be troubled,” His tender word I hear,
And resting on His goodness, I lose my doubts and fears;
Though by the path He leadeth, but one step I may see;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.

Refrain

Whenever I am tempted, whenever clouds arise,
When songs give place to sighing, when hope within me dies,
I draw the closer to Him, from care He sets me free;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.

Refrain

If not that, then what??

Last spring I wrote a post about the negative aspects of high fructose corn syrup. I fully intended to follow it up with a post on what sugars you should look for instead, and how to recognize good from bad. It didn't happen (I never had time to do the research required). But, my favorite blogger did. So, I'm posting the link to her blog, which tells about all the different ones, and hopefully it'll be of use to you. Since recently reading Nourishing Traditions, I know that this is where she got most of her information. She also mentions that if you can't find substitutes (or aren't willing to pay a little extra) then you'd be better off just reducing your intake. The average American eats 175 lbs of sugar every year. That is compared to 2 lbs recorded in the early 1800's. I'm sure we could all reduce our overall intake, and our health would increase for the better.














One thing she doesn't mention, is that brown sugar in the store is just as processed as white sugar. They just add molasses back to it after to get the brown color. I was disappointed to find that out, in yet when I read my package in the cupboard I found "ingredients: cane sugar, molasses". :(

Here's the HFCS one, in case you've forgotten what it said:
http://somerosaga.blogspot.com/2010/03/high-fructose-corn-syrup-exposed.html

Explanation of sweeteners:
http://www.passionatehomemaking.com/2008/09/my-favorite-natural-sweeteners.html

Starbucks Pumpkin Scone recipe

Another amazing recipe. I love making scones, and I have a ton of pumpkin to be used up in my freezer (from my 5 huge pumpkins that voluntarily grew in my garden last summer), so this was a perfect answer to both things. I didn't do the white frosting, as they are sweet enough without, I just did the spiced drizzle. Yum, yum!!

Starbucks Pumpkin Scones

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 7 tablespoons sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 6 tablespoons cold butter
• 1/2 cup canned pumpkin
• 3 tablespoons half-and-half
• 1 large egg

Powdered Sugar Glaze

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tablespoon powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons whole milk

Spiced Glaze

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 3 tablespoons powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons whole milk
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 pinch ginger
• 1 pinch ground cloves

Directions:

Prep Time: 15 mins

Total Time: 30 mins

1. TO MAKE THE SCONES:.
2. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Lightly oil a baking sheet or line with parchment paper.
3. Combine flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and spices in a large bowl. Using a pastry knife, fork, or food processor, cut butter into the dry ingredients until mixture is crumbly and no chunks of butter are obvious. Set aside.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together pumpkin, half and half, and egg. Fold wet ingredients into dry ingredients. Form the dough into a ball.
5. Pat out dough onto a lightly floured surface and form it into a 1-inch thick rectangle (about 9 inches long and 3 inches wide). Use a large knife or a pizza cutter to slice the dough twice through the width, making three equal portions. Cut those three slices diagonally so that you have 6 triangular slices of dough. Place on prepared baking sheet.
6. Bake for 14?16 minutes. Scones should begin to turn light brown. Place on wire rack to cool.
7. TO MAKE THE PLAIN GLAZE:.
8. Mix the powdered sugar and 2 tbsp milk together until smooth.
9. When scones are cool, use a brush to paint plain glaze over the top of each scone.
10. AS THAT WHITE GLAZE FIRMS UP, MAKE THE SPICED ICING:.
11. Combine the ingredient for the spiced icing together. Drizzle this thicker icing over each scone and allow the icing to dry before serving (at least 1 hour). A squirt bottle works great for this, or you can drizzle with a whisk.

If you'd rather just print off a copy yourself, here's the website.
http://www.food.com/recipe/starbucks-pumpkin-scones-214051

English Toffee Bars

I have a new favorite treat. My friend D introduced me to them last winter when we were over at their house and they are so easy to make, all with ingredients you actually have in your house! D said that when she was a kid growing up in New Hampshire, her family always made these on sauna night when they'd have lots of company. If you grew up out there, you may have had them before, but since I'm a prairie girl, I've never heard of them.

ENGLISH TOFFEE BARS

1 c. brown sugar 24 sq. saltines 1 c. butter (2 sticks) 1/2 tsp. vanilla 6 oz. chocolate chips Arrange saltines in a single layer on a greased 9x13 cookie sheet. Bring brown sugar and butter to a boil and boil for exactly 3 minutes over medium heat, stirring once or twice. Remove sugar/butter mixture from heat; stir in vanilla and pour over crackers. Bake in oven for 5 minutes. Keep a constant watch on it because ovens vary in temperature and it will burn very easily. Allow cookie pan to cool for 5-10 minutes, or until it is set. Distribute chocolate chips evenly over the top; spread with a knife when they have softened. Cool by putting in the refrigerator or freezer. To get it out of the cookie sheet, turn opposite corners like you would an ice cube tray and the whole sheet of toffee should pop out. Then you can cut, break, or tear off pieces as neatly or haphazardly as you like. Then either refrigerate until dessert, or freeze until the gala event.

Being the lazy cook that I am, I just put the broiler on and watch them until they sizzle a bit. They are fine without chocolate chips too, if you don't have any.

The Mysterious Art of Conversation

Whenever I get into a crowd of people, I analyze conversation. The reason I do is because conversation still puzzles me after how many thousands (or even millions) of conversations that I've had in my life. It seems like some people are just born experts, some people flounder through their whole social experience, and I am hopefully somewhere in the middle. But, that depends much on the topic at hand as well as the audience.

My problem with conversation(s) is this: some people talk too much (this can be me at times). Some people talk too little (this can also be me). Some people are know-it-alls (this can be me). And some people are clueless to the topic but pretend they're not (this can be me too). Finding that balance is a life long job, with the variables changing readily, making me never know when I am over-stepping (or under-stepping) some unwritten boundaries.

I constantly am thinking "I don't want to sound like an idiot" or "I don't want them to think I'm preaching at them" or "what if they misinterpret what I mean" and so on. With good friends and family this isn't a problem, because I know them well enough that I know that they either DO know what I mean (even if my words aren't as well chosen as they could be), or they love me enough to overlook my inconsistencies. But, for those casual acquaintances which I'm trying to improve on, I feel that somehow I need to prove myself or make sure they know that I am 'valid' in some way.

Another thing I've found is that because I read alot of research books, I do have alot of information up there in my head (about the topics that us moms seem to discuss on a regular basis). But, that doesn't always mean I should share it. People get defensive (me included), when others try to cram information down their throats. I don't want to be that person, in yet know that often am without recognizing it. What is usually NOT brought up though, is what I don't know (which is thousands of topics, of which I'd like to learn). I do try to always be learning more by asking questions, but to keep a conversation going, you must be willing to share answers as well as ask questions.

In a crowd I tend to be more of a listener than a talker (although it depends on who the crowd is), and during this time, I get a chance to look much more into what the person/people are portraying, rather than just saying. One thing that really bugs me is when people talk too much. They talk just to hear themselves talk, and don't let others even join in, other than to nod in approval. I have a hard time holding these talkers as very credible sources, because if you do that much talking, when are you listening? Most of us learn the most by keeping our mouths shut and listening, so it's really hard to listen when you're doing all the talking, hey? The Bible says that the tongue is "deceitful, who can know it?" and that is very true.

By now, I'm really no further ahead than when I began this post, but just thought I'd share what's been on my mind lately. I've been in situations lately where I have been immersed in much conversation, thus giving me the opportunity to ponder how it all works (or doesn't work, as sometimes regretfully happens!) Any thoughts?

Boys, boys...

The other day we were garage sale-ing (still don't know how to spell that word, since it isn't a real word) and came across a garage sale. We had to park a few houses down, as the street was full in front of the sale. While we were walking, the boys were chatting at me, and I realized that what they were telling me summed up their personalities quite well.

Luke: "These yards are sure small, but they sure are clean. I like all those plants."
James: "That guy has a boat trailer, but his truck has no hitch."

Luke notices aesthetics. He notices clean vs. dirty vehicles, tidy vs. messy yards or rooms. Much to my dismay, he'll say, "Wow, that car is dirty!" when the driver is right there with the window open. Things like that.

James notices details. How can a guy own a boat trailer and have a truck with no hitch. That just doesn't work. He'll see vehicles all the time and points out the minute differences between them. If there's a van like ours, he'll notice if the rims are different, or the trim. Or "that's a truck like Grandpa's, except the door handles are a different color."

I love seeing how individual God made them, and how He shows us this in so many different ways!

"the Pill"

It is with great trepidation that I write this post. This is a private subject, but one I've pondered many times over the years (to myself, since I don't know where others stand on the subject). The reason I feel it necessary to share though, is because the subject was brought up to me again. I used to be faced with this dilemma weekly (if not daily) when I worked in the ER. Women came in regularly with complications because of "the Pill", and every one of them was as misinformed as the next as to the fact that complications can arise. "My doctor never told me that" "It's supposed to be safe" "Why am I miscarrying? I'm healthy." Over and over women would come in to the ER with vaginal bleeding, cramping, miscarriage, DVT's (deep vein thrombosis- a blood clot in the leg or arm) or worse pulmonary embolism (blood clot in the lung) and wonder how it could happen to them. More often than not, the ER doctor would tell them it was from taking the Pill, and that these were "normal" side effects. Every woman that comes into the ER with 'female' problems requires a chaperone when the male Dr. is present, so I've listened in on thousands of these conversations due to my job description at the time.

I was reminded again of this subject as my Mom sent me an interesting article from a pro-life magazine she gets which featured an article on the 50th anniversary of the Pill. So, I'll share what the article says, and you can take the information and do what you want with it.

1) History - started with the feminist movement led by Margaret Sanger (founder of Planned Parenthood) who met up with a medical research doctor, an infertility specialist and a reproductive biologist. Her dream was to come up with a pill that would block ovulation. It worked and in 1960 the US FDA approved such a pill. Various churches that had been previously opposed to contraception, but changed their approval of it due to public demand.

2) How it works - the hormones progesterone and estrogen trick the ovaries into thinking that they have already released an egg, thereby preventing any further ovulation. The Minipill just has progestin, and may prevent ovulation, but more effectively works by thickening the mucus around the cervix which inhibits the sperm from entering the uterus. Birth control patches work the same way. Should the pills fail and the user become pregnant (which is unlikely after extended use due to increased hormone levels, but still does happen), the pills have a backup function by acting as an abortfacient by inhibiting the embryo from implanting itself to the uterus. The emergency contraceptive pill (morning after pill) is little more than increased doses of the Minipill. Many women conceive and then abort each month, an estimated one abortion per year that a woman is taking the pill, without them ever knowing they were pregnant. It is estimated that at any given time, 100 million women are currently on the pill.

3) Bitter Pill - When the pill first came out, it heralded women's rights activists as unprecedented agent of equalization. Unfettered by a disruptive pregnancy, women could now remain sexually active while getting a post-secondary education and able to climb the ladders of power with their male counterparts. Indeed, this has occurred. One concern with that is, that instead of what used to be a "mating market", modern contraception split this market into two categories, a "sexual relationship" market and a "marriage market". Under the new system, women in their younger years have the upper hand in the sex market, but once they enter the marriage market they become disadvantaged. This is due to women having a limited number of child-bearing years, and men an unlimited. So, women must meet the marriage market before menopause, where men can continue on as long as they wish. Women suffer the most, because newlyweds enter marriage with more distrust and lack of commitment (from previous promiscuity), and it's usually the men who stray from the marriage first. This leads women to feel the need to remain in the workforce and be financially independent. When both spouse specialize in the same area, (namely providing an income), this in turn decreases the comparative advantage obtained in marriage. The bonds of marriage weaken, because of overall lack of interest in each other (because they don't appreciate each others differences, but instead are competing against each other). This in turn brings up the incomes of the homes, which brings up the prices of houses and standards of living, which drags even the innocent folks into the mix. Then the financial burden makes the woman feel more like she needs to be working and thus has less time to raise the family. Can you see how the woman gets the short end of the stick again? She now has to work full time, and raise a family in a limited number of years. No wonder she's depressed, making her difficult to live with, causing another reason for her husband to look elsewhere for happiness. She also takes the brunt of post-abortion trauma and health risks, if she chose this at any time in her life.

4) Side effects - Besides the ones listed above, there are 60 more that are potential which I won't list, but you can read for yourself at http://www.thepillkills.org/sideeffects.php

Information: The Interim, July 2010 by Joseph Jalsevac
http://www.theinterim.com/features/the-pill-at-50/

Very interesting, I thought. I know there are many other dynamics that have evolved over the past century to lead to some of the problems we face today, but I do think this article is pretty accurate from their stance. Especially in an un-Godly world. Those of us with Jesus in our hearts, hopefully wouldn't live promiscuously before marriage, to avoid some of the major pitfalls that come from that lifestyle.

Some resources to prayerfully consider that provide alternatives to hormone contraception:

Love & Fertility by Mercedes Wilson
http://www.amazon.com/Love-Fertility-Avoid-Achieve-Pregnancy-Naturally/dp/0963312545

Taking Charge of Your Fertility by Toni Weschler (tcoyf.com)
http://www.amazon.com/Taking-Charge-Your-Fertility-Anniversary/dp/0060881909/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1283406057&sr=1-1
Both these books use your body's three different fertility signs to achieve or prevent pregnancy. They have claim a 0.3% failure rate when used effectively (which is lower than pretty much every other contraceptive device out there), and ARE NOT the famous (or infamous) "rhythm method". They also explain the many causes of infertility, and what to do naturally about them first, so that you are more prepared when you do go to the doctor and the doctor can better find out what the problem may be.

I would also urge you to most of all seek God's leading above your own when making these difficult, challenging decisions. As with all medical questions or concerns, I say, "don't completely trust your doctor, DO YOUR RESEARCH!" They are human, just like you and me.

Good Gravy...

I don't claim to be an expert cook by any stretch of the imagination. As you may recall, I still have never cooked a decent turkey, and have had many flopped ones on the record. But, I have to admit, that I have finally learned how to make an awesome chicken, and awesome gravy. I'll share my thoughts with you, in case you've struggled making them deliciously as well.

My awesome chicken comes from a lack of planning on my part. I invited some friends over for dinner, and failed to take the chicken out of the freezer to thaw in time. So, I threw it frozen into the slow cooker, and turned it on. I don't care for slow cooker-ed chicken, as it is too mushy and not crispy enough. So, to finish it off, I put it in the oven to crisp it up. It was the most moist, wonderful chicken I've ever had. It tasted alot like the deli rotisserie chicken, only better. I've done it a couple times since, with just as much success. Plus, it doesn't heat up my house having the oven on all day, as I can fit it in my toaster oven (in a 9x9 pan) rather than the full sized one. I put butter and garlic on it, as well as any other spices I'm inclined to. Usually I put the spices under the skin, but when it's frozen, that isn't possible. As for the spices, I always recall my Grandpa K leaning over my Aunt B's shoulder while she was preparing a chicken once, saying, "Now, you remember to salt and pepper that cavity well!" So...I always salt and pepper the cavity well! (It ended up that it was about 1/2 hour on high in the slow cooker, then about 3 1/2 hours on low, and then 1 hour at 350F in the oven)

As for the gravy, after 7 years of marriage, I can finally say that my gravy is worth eating. The rest of the time, it was tolerable, but certainly not good! I came across a recipe for gravy in my Taste of Home cookbook one day, and decided to try it. I have owned this cookbook my whole married days, but never looked in the back in between the napkin folding section and the index. So, here it is...
1/4 c. butter
1/4 c. flour
2 c. pan drippings or broth
In a small pan, melt butter. Mix in flour to make a roux (med/low heat). When flour is all blended, slowly pour in your drippings. Simmer until thickened, and season to taste (if necessary). If you added lots of spices, salt and pepper to your chicken, you likely won't need to add anything more now. This recipe is much better (in my opinion), because all other recipes require you to make a flour/water paste (or water/cornstarch) and I could never get it the right thickness (either it was too watery or else like glue), and I would always get lumps in it. This avoids both those problems, and is tasty to boot.

And...if you have read my previous post about the Nourishing Traditions way of eating, you can never get too much butter! Even those watching their weight should not reduce butter in their diet. They should reduce refined sugars and flours and heat treated oils (shortening, margarines) instead. We need good amounts of good fats to keep healthy (brain health, joint health, nervous system health, digestion health, and so much more). When I was a kid I always would lick the butter off the packages when my mom was baking, so, as you can tell, I've been a fan of butter for a good many years!