We Wish You a Merry Christmas..

Thought I'd post a little something here..since I have been rather busy doing everything BUT blogging. My shopping isn't done (still have 2 gift cards to buy), cookies aren't baked (the children MUST have their sugar cookies, frosted.. of course), and Christmas pictures..well.. Not going to happen. They will have to be post Christmas pictures. I never procrastinate, but this year has been something else. Starting with chicken pox before Thanksgiving.. Now the last few days, the days I had planned to finish up the holiday details (pictures, gifts, baking and grocery shopping), I ended up at a marathon birth (I was there almost 30 hours). That put a serious glitch in my plans. Oh well. Must press on!

This year, due to Savannah's busy little hands, I only put the kids hand made ornaments on the tree.
I apologize for the lack of kid-pictures. They will be on here ASAP. Promise. In case I don't make it back here before Christmas...

Merry Christmas to you and yours!!

Love and Blessings!

Staci

Chicken Pox Update

Savannah (18months) has a much worse case than Adrian (4 years old) did... but she is such a trooper. Still no fever, still feeling pretty good. I have been preventing her from scratching by putting her in footy-pajamas. Lots of baths and kisses...she will be just fine.

Did I mention that now Austin (age 7) has them. He was vaccinated for them, but still got them. His outbreak is very similar in severity to Adrian's (not vaccinated for them).

Your prayers are very appreciated...thank you. :)

Spots

We have been over Adrian's chicken pox for well over a week. His spots are healed. He never did get "sick" or even uncomfortable. He didn't even scratch his spots..just the one behind his ear. His most serious issue was a spot on his eyelid.. ouch! But that too is long gone.

Last night Savannah (18 months old) had 8 spots on her belly. This morning more.. but she isn't acting sick either. No fever, no..nothing?
I hope that we get through hers as easily as we did Adrians.

I am thankful for healthy, strong immune systems!!

More updates soon...have to go get Savannah up from her nap..

The Children's Museum

Friends and Family:

We really do have a lot to be thankful for this year...don't we?

I thought of listing all of the things I am thankful for, but I don't even know where to begin. The grace and mercy that the Lord has shown this past year, to those that are closest to me..is more than I can say...

Happy Thanksgiving!

Staci

Chicken Fox

Ironic


Would you believe me if I told you that this morning Adrian (my 4 year old son) came down with chicken pox?? Three days after I blogged about it...


Over a week ago he had a fever for 12 hours, and slept most of the day. Then he was perfectly fine. This morning woke up with about 8 spots. I was trying to figure out whether they were flea bites...or what in the world they could be.


By noon, his 8 spots...are 80+ spots, and blistering. He is running around the house, "I have chicken fox!!!!" "I have the chicken fox!!!!" No other symptoms, no fever. Hmmm.

Wordless Wednesday

What Are You Into This Month??

The Book I Am Into: The Naturally Healthy Pregnancy, The Essential Guide to Nutritional and Botanical Medicine for the Childbearing Year, by Shonda Parker, author of Mommy Diagnostics. No, I am NOT pregnant, just love studying herbs, natural healing, and midwifery related stuff. This book is awesome, I can't believe I didn't find it sooner.

Magazine I Really Like: I can't think of the last time I had time to read a magazine. How about the Vision Forum catalog? If you are needing Christmas ideas for you kids, and want a really special, meaningful gift for them that sparks their imagination...this is where to look!! Request a free catalog today.

The CD I Can't stop Listening To: Victorious Valley Girls Home, just something my friend gave me, that makes me happy! :)

The BLOG I Am Always Reading: Baby Catcher, the day to day happenings of baby catching in poverty stricken Malawi Africa. I don't know how she does it. I would be numb with grief.

What I Am Most Looking Forward To Next Month: As much as I dislike to inevitable winter..I am really forward to Thanksgiving, and then Christmas. I love cooking warm satisfying meals..soups..pies..and most of all: holiday meals. I need some down time to look through some cooking magazines, and cookbooks to get some recipes.
Most of all I am looking forward to Christmas. If it would snow just one day a year, I wish it would on Christmas Eve, so that Christmas day we have a new blanket of snow. I can't wait to see Savannah's reaction to snow, sledding, and Christmas tree lights.

If you are still reading, consider yourself tagged, I would love to hear what YOU are into this month. If you don't have a blog, leave a comment about what YOU are into!

Apology, explanation, and a reality check.

Just thought I would check in and say hello. I want to apologize to all of my friends who I have not called back.. and for emails that have not been returned. I have been so very busy with trying to keep up on the boys school, keep up with housework, and make arrangements for the church play that is in 2 weeks. I help with the scenery, props, etc.. and assist with costumes, make up, etc.. and anything else that needs to be done.

Last week I spent 27 hours at a first time moms house while she labored, and ended up in the hospital with c-section. The 2 days after that were spent trying to do what I wasn't home to do.

The last few home births I have attended have all ended in transports to the hospital. No medical emergencies or anything horrible...just lack of progress at home, and the moms need help because they were physically and mentally exhausted. Home birth is only for low risk, uncomplicated births. Once there is anything abnormal or risky...we take them to the hospital right away. This has happened to the last 3 moms. They all resulted in healthy babies, and happy mama's. But it is discouraging to watch these poor women who have their ideas and dreams of what home birth will be like, crushed by the reality of a medical birth. I have been pretty lucky so far, with all of the other births I have attended, until these last 3, about 99% of them were beautiful, uncomplicated home births. I guess this is just my reality check.

October 24, 2007

I took these last night from my backyard (with my new camera..thanks Em!!)

Okay, maybe I do like fall.

The "why's and how's" of living and eating "healthy"
(click links in blue)

The "why".

1 Cor 6:19 "What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?"
And, because I care what I am putting into my body, and the bodies of my family. God entrusted me with raising these little people, I intend to do my best.
People often wonder WHY 1 in 4 people are diagnosed with cancer, WHY the diabetes rates are so high, WHY obesity is an epidemic, and WHY heart disease is the #1 killer. I will tell you why. Look at the way we eat, and treat our bodies.

The "how"

It's much easier to eat the standard American diet (SAD) than to scrutinize everything.
Here are some of the changes I have made, and why.
- no longer use white sugar. Evaporated cane juice crystals, turbinado sugar, and sucanat are much healthier options. Available at the grocery store.
- no longer buy regular milk. Organic milk, or raw are much healthier options. Perhaps try Rice Milk. Regular (store bought) milk contains hormones (that are given to the cows so that they will produce more milk), and antibiotics (given to cows because of their living conditions, and mastitis due to milk production). These things are passed on to you in the milk. Research shows that this is why young girls are reaching puberty at a much younger age. Also a contributing factor as to why we are immune to all but the strongest antibiotics.
- no longer use white flour. Zero nutritional value in it. It has been bleached with a chemical similar to chlorine bleach. Whole grain flours are much healthier. I do use organic AP flour sometimes.
-no longer buy commercial meats/poultry. We raise our own chickens, and occasionally buy meat from farmers we trust. My family also likes venison, which we always have on hand (thanks to my hubby, and Jackson)
-I only buy 100% juice. No sugar added. My kids are allowed 1 cup a day, the rest of the time they are encouraged to drink WATER.
-buy organic whenever possible. Organic produce and grains have not been sprayed with toxic pesticides, and herbicides. Organic dairy products (milk, cheese, eggs, etc.) have been fed organic diets, are free of pesticides, and herbicides, and have not been given growth hormones nor antibiotics.
- make my own bread whenever possible. No, I don't knead and roll the traditional way. I dump all the ingredients in my handy-dandy bread machine, push the button, and walk away. 3 hours later...home made bread. Yum!!!
-I buy organic packaged, and canned foods when I buy canned and packaged. Kashi brand is really good. I buy that brand of cereal for the kids, we also buy their granola bars, and snack crackers. My local grocery store (Meijer), has it's own brand of organics, that are very affordable.
-no longer use regular laundry detergent. The perfumes, etc.. that are added are toxic to our bodies. Your skin is the largest organ right?? Well, it's absorbing whatever is placed against it, slathered on it, etc... I switched to "Free and Clear" from the grocery store. Every brand makes it now.
-no longer use body lotion. I can't even pronounce the chemicals that are in there. I now use (for me and my entire family) organic, unrefined coconut oil.
-no longer spray perfume directly on my skin. When I do use it, I spray it on my clothes.
-no longer use regular body soaps/bars. Sodium laurel/laureth sulfate is bad, bad, bad. I buy homemade soap, or Dr. Bronners castille soaps.
-no longer use Cascade type automatic dishwasher detergent. It contains chlorine (toxic), and I don't want my family ingesting chlorine. I use BioKleen brand instead.
-no longer use antiperspirant/deodorant. Contains aluminum which has been linked to Alzheimer's disease, and cancers. I use the health food store kinds.
-no longer use toothpaste containing fluoride it is toxic. Research that one, it is very interesting.
-we try to only eat "out" twice a month. Note: try. :)
-Oh yes! and last but not least: We DO NOT VACCINATE. I do not want my kids immune systems compromised by poisons (mercury or thimerosal) that don't make them "immune" anyway. I wrote about it here and here. Read more about vaccine dangers here.

I have been asked "how do you afford to buy organic and the healthy stuff"?? Honestly, I quit buying the other stuff. I no longer buy soda pop, packaged convenience foods, junk food, frozen pizza's, and sugary snack items. This leaves a lot of money to spend on the good stuff.
I make my kids "snacks", baked items, etc.. And they eat a lot of fruit instead of snack crackers and potato chips. We did not do this all at once. I started replacing things one at a time. I didn't want my kids or husband to starve to death, or to think that Mommy flipped her lid. :)

I would love to hear your thoughts (positive or negative) , or healthy ideas. I'm always learning. And don't misunderstand me. I am not claiming that my diet is perfect. But I try. I still have a couple of hang-ups. I love Coke, love it (so I don't keep it in the house). And I love coffee, which I'm not even sure how to function without it. Rumors are that it is indeed possible.

My friend asked me yesterday what my favorite scripture verse was. I have to choose just one? I think I settled on this:

John 8:32
And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

I would love to hear yours.

T.G.I.F

(above: Savannah's first piggy tails) Don't let her cuteness fool you. She has become lovingly known as "the tornado", going from room to room, leaving behind complete destruction. So far this week she has emptied the pantry, cleared several bookshelves, dumped the dogs food/water bowl(many times), and figured out how to open the toilet-bowl lid, and put EVERYTHING in there within reach (toys, toilet paper rolls, sippy cups, books and my.hair.brush) I won't even start on the list of things she has thrown away in the kitchen trashcan. Guess what I am buying this weekend..you guessed it! A new trashcan, with a lid.

Adrian's new favorite hobby: self photography.

Have a great weekend!!! :)

Happy 10th Birthday Jackson!!

where does the time go?

seems like yesterday you were this little :)

So sorry I got this up a day late, we were just so busy with your birthday, and your (and Austin's) baptism yesterday, that I didn't get around to it. Love you Buddy.

This "MeMe" at Adventures In Babywearing made me smile. Of course she is much more cool than me, just check out her answers.

1. YOUR ROCK STAR NAME: (first pet & current car)
Patches Windstar

2.YOUR GANGSTA NAME: (fave ice cream flavor, favorite cookie)
Chocolate Chocolate Chip (umm...I'm the wrong color for that name)

3. YOUR “FLY Guy/Girl” NAME: (first initial of first name, first three letters of your last name)
Slaw (oh dear.why can't I be cool????)

4. YOUR DETECTIVE NAME: (favorite color, favorite animal)
Blue Flamingo

5. YOUR SOAP OPERA NAME: (middle name, hospital where you were born)
Jo Rose

6. YOUR STAR WARS NAME: (the first 3 letters of your last name, first 2 letters of your first)
Lawst (Lost is my Star Wars name????...I am so not cool)

7. SUPERHERO NAME: (”The” + 2nd favorite color, favorite drink)
The Pink Teaser (as in Ice Teaser)

8. NASCAR NAME: (the first names of your grandfathers),
Clarence Clarence (I couldn't have made that one cool if I tried)

9.WITNESS PROTECTION NAME: (mother’s & father’s middle names ),
Eldon (My mom doesn't have a middle name so this one doesn't really work)

10. TV WEATHER ANCHOR NAME: (Your 5th grade teacher’s last name, a major city that starts with the same letter)
Pink Pasadena

11. SPY NAME: (your favorite season/holiday, flower).
Summer Sunflower

12. CARTOON NAME: (favorite fruit, article of clothing you’re wearing right now + “ie” or “y”)
Pineapple Skirty

13. HIPPIE NAME: (What you ate for breakfast, your favorite tree)
Granola Palm

14. YOUR ROCKSTAR TOUR NAME: (”The” + Your fave hobby/craft, fave weather element + “Tour”),
The Bloggin' Thunderstorm Tour

Can't wait to see yours!!!

Hope you are having as nice of a weekend as I am. :) This morning Savannah and I went out to breakfast with a friend, then shopping. She is growing so fast. My little baby girl is now very much an independant toddler. She was so cute at breakfast, quiet as can be, inhaling her happy-face pancake at IHOP, while us girls had time to catch up.

Oh! Chicken Pie!

Me and my conservative ways.

I hesitated to add this, worried that I would run off what few readers I do have. Oh well...here goes.

I have added a new button to my side bar. Maidens for Modesty has a list of values, values I hope to instill in my sweet daughter as she grows into a young lady.

Growing up I remember several times my own mother saying "Don't even think about wearing THAT out of this house"
In this day and age, I think it is so important to teach our daughters dignity and respect for themselves in the way they dress and act.

Maidens For Modesty values:

*We believe in dressing in modest apparel, as it says in 1 Timothy 2:9 - "In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, ....."
*We believe in saving our bodies and not exposing them to others, but protecting what God has given us.
*We believe in being modest in the way we act, talk, walk, and carry ourselves.
*We know that true modesty begins in the heart, and is an attitude more than what we wear.
*We believe in behaving discreetely and with modesty.
However, our clothing usually displays our true self, and we believe in dressing modestly to be a witness to others.
*We know that modesty isn't a legalistic set of rules, but rather guidelines to help determine what we should wear.
*We believe in presenting discretion and dignity in what we wear and how we behave- "As a jewel of gold in a swine's snout, so is a fair woman which is without discretion. " ~ Proverbs 11:22
*We believe in helping to protect men from the visual attack by dressing modestly as their sisters-in-Christ
*We believe in dressing in a way that glorifies God, not our body.
*We believe that modesty and purity are always in fashion!
*We believe that modesty isn't old-fashioned - you don't have to wear colonial dresses (like the ones in the picture) or have waist-length hair to be modest!
*We believe that fear of the Lord is the most beautiful thing - "Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised." ~ Proverbs 31:30

More beautiful zoo things...

Isaiah 40:8 The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever.

Lincoln Park Zoo

Did you watch Oprah today??? Vaccines were called out onto the carpet today. Jenny McCarthy and Holly Robinson-Peete explained how their childrens autism was caused by vaccines.

New Dress

This morning I ordered this beautiful little dress for Savannah, from a fellow blogger Audrey, at Sewing the Seams Of Love. She has some really beautiful items, at extremely reasonable prices.

Pop over there and order one for your baby girl!!!

How Ever Will I Do It?

How will I be able to raise my daughter to be a lady, in this society?

I hate shopping. I know, I know. Weird. I shop only when it is absolutely necessary. And since I discovered online shopping, really the only time it is necessary, is groceries.

I hate shopping because it reminds me of everything I despise about this world. Teen girls in short, shorts with "naughty" written across the bum, complete with a too-snug tee shirt banishing "My moms thinks I'm at the library". Teens on cell phones. Belly rings, glitter. Rows upon rows of plastic made-in-China toys.. Screaming, demanding children "I want thhhhhat!!!!!" All of this, topped off at the checkout, with racks of magazines of scantily clad women, and Paris Hilton worship. Did I mention the non-verbal cashier? I leave most stores as if they were on fire.

I won't even talk about the "keeping up with the Jones's" plague.

How am I going to raise my daughter to be a lady, in this society?

In a society where bad girls are good....and good girls are.. weird.

Titus 2:12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;

Romans 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

I have been doing a lot of self examination lately. How I dress. How I speak. What I say. How I react to things.

I know everything I do, my little ones are watching. My daughter is watching.

And I know, that more is caught, than taught.

Summer Fun
This is what my boys have been up to lately. Fishing, fishing, and more fishing.

(above) Jackson, 9, with his biggest bass ever, his Daddy, and Tess in the background.

(above) Austin, 7, with his biggest bass, and a bunch of tough-guys!!!

(above) Adrian, 4, with the Petersons kitty, doing what he does best.

And, last but not least...my kiddo's with Emma, dear friend, and babysitter extraordinaire. Kinda looks like a mug shot. :)

Wordless Wednesday

A very special thank you to my dear friend that gave me my brand new digital camera yesterday!! Love ya!

No go.

I spent the perfect end of summer day in Chicago trying to coax Andrea into labor. But at the end of the evening we decided, or shall I say her baby decided, that it was not the day. But the day was not wasted, I learned so much, and we had the best Moroccan dinner downtown.

The kids had an awesome time...and Austin (age 7) caught a huge bass. He was so proud. :)

Can anyone tell me how to get pictures from email (from my camera phone) to my computer?? Apparently I'm an idiot.

Maybe today is baby day..............

Labor Day

I have already had the BEST weekend. My sister was here for 3 days, and we had the best time catching up, and chasing kids. I regret not using her camera, and stealing some pictures for my blog. Not much I can do about it now that she is on a plane.

Another dear friend of mine, Brooks (and her kids) were in town from Virginia for the weekend. It was nice visiting with her, even if it was only for an hour. (By the way Brooks, you look fabulous!)

I have a wonderful Labor Day picnic planned for this afternoon, complete with dear friends waiting for us. But, it's LABOR DAY. A first time momma in Chicago is anxiously awaiting the birth if her first child, and plans to "take something" to get things going this morning. I wish she would just wait for nature to take it's course...but I also know the 10-months-pregnant feeling. So I am waiting for the call from my senior midwife.

My poor, poor children (kidding) will probably miss the picnic (Daddy is working making the big-holiday bucks). Assuming I leave for the birth in Chicago, they will spend an afternoon at their very favorite place. The Peterson's, who have a beautiful house on a lake, where they get to do their very favorite things..fishing, and tubing. I know that as soon as they get out of bed I will hear that familiar "has that lady went into labor yet or what???" because they are ready to go. (Thank you Emma for giving me a wonderful place to take them when I go to births, I love and appreciate you so very much!!!! I also appreciate the love and care you give Savannah while I'm away.)

Have a wonderful and safe holiday! :)

Home Sweet Home School

Deuteronomy 11:19 And ye shall teach them your children, speaking of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.

20 And thou shalt write them upon the door posts of thine house, and upon thy gates:

Ephesians 6:4 .... but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.

I am super excited to get back to school. That probably sounds strange. I am thinking of starting the day after Labor Day. I am still waiting for some of our new school books to arrive. Here are a few of things I am using this year:

Simply Grammar: Some old-fashioned teaching models are timeless. In this revised and expanded edition of First Grammar Lessons by Charlotte Mason, you'll discover one of them---the simple method of narration that focuses on conversation as a natural means of teaching grammar to your fourth to eighth graders.

Considering God's Creation: This hands-on approach to learning science is a wonderful alternative for all types of students! Chapters cover all aspects of God's creation, including the natural world, solar system, the human body, animals, plants, weather and more.

Spelling Power is a multi-sensory, multi-level spelling customized program.

This is by no means all that I am doing. This is just a few things I am excited about. I am still using Abeka math. Hoping to find a new curriculum next year for math. I am not excited about Saxon. We will see.

My thoughts and prayers are with all of you home schooling mommies out there, that are still reading this.

Have a great school year.

12 Years Ago Today.

...the perfect day.

Happy 12th Anniversary my dear.

Welcome Aboard!!!

This is my fifth year "home schooling". My intention was never to be the "teacher" and my kids the "students". I never had any intentions of turning one of our rooms in our home into a classroom...with little desks lined up, etc.. That is just not what we do. I have read sooo many home school books. So many ideas. So many curriculum's. What I do has evolved in so many ways.

I heard about "unschooling" and a light came on!!!! Most people have no idea what unschooling is. This is not exactly what I do..but you get the idea.

I plan to put all of the stuff I'm going to use this year up soon. I am so excited for school to start this year. :)

The following is from http://www.unschooling.com/

Ever hear of the private school Waldorf? (click link) This is what they do.

What is unschooling?
Have you ever described 'red' to a person who is color blind? Sometimes, trying to define unschooling is like trying to define red. Ask 30 unschoolers to define the word and you'll get thirty shades of red. They'll all be red, but they'll all be different. Generally, unschoolers are concerned with learning or becoming educated, not with 'doing school.' The focus is upon the choices made by each individual learner, and those choices can vary according to learning style and personality type. There is no one way to unschool. Click here for more definitions.

If you don't do school, what do you do?
Read, play, sing, dance, grow things, write. All of these things and more are things unschoolers do. We do them because they interest us and bring us joy or because they help us accomplish our dreams. We do the things that have meaning in our lives and contained within those activities is real learning.

You mean I'm supposed to let them run wild?
Unschooling doesn't mean not being a parent. Children need loving adults interested in helping them grow and learn. Choosing to build a lego village will include the opportunity to learn math and culture, maybe even history depending on the type of village. We do chores, have a family life, and participate in the wider community. The children are actively engaged in living and learning during all of this.

But, what about math?
It's easy to see how children can learn many things without using traditional, formal methods of teaching, but many people see math as a huge stumbling block, mainly, because most of us have learned to hate math because of the way it was taught in school. There are a great many ways to encounter math in the real world. Geometry can be found in quilt making, algebra in painting a room. Shifting perspectives, from textbooks to the real world is sometimes difficult, but math that is actually used is math truly learned.

Is this legal?
Yes. Each state has its own specific guidelines that many unschoolers choose to live within. Some, like NY, are more difficult than some others, but there are unschoolers in every state in the union.

How do you know they are learning?
You will know by listening to them speak, by watching them play, just by being with them. You will know they are learning at 8 the same way you knew they were learning at 18 months. You will see them use their skills and knowledge. This does take some effort on the part of the parent. The information is not contained on a worksheet or within a report. It is not all nice and neat and tied up with a grade. It's spread out over the course of the day while the children are living their lives. You have to be observant and tuned into your child, in order to know.

The nice thing about this is that it's great fun to observe your children so closely, to be so in tune with their lives. It brings contentment to both parent and child to know each other so well.

Yeah, yeah...I know.... Ladies don't usually blog about politics.


But this time it is important.
More important than breastfeeding.
More important than midwifery (my current passion).
It is about the future of this country.
The future of YOUR children, and mine.
The future of all of those thousands of American soldiers over in Iraq.
They too, are some one's children.


And Ron Paul wants to BRING THEM HOME. NOW.


So. Could you take a moment to learn WHO this guy is?


Ron Paul is a true freedom loving statesman, and a Republican candidate for the Presidency, 2008.
He is a Texas Congressman. And he wants to fix what is WRONG with this country.
He is unlike any other candidate.
Watch one You Tube video, or Google video, and see for yourself.
He is amazing.
He will blow you away.
I double dog dare you to watch just one clip of him. Do it.

International Breastfeeding Symbol! Look for this symbol when looking for a breastfeeding friendly location.

Businesses that display this symbol make it clear that we (breastfeeding mamas) don't have to hide in the bathroom stall to feed our baby.

Which I refuse to do anyway. I think if a person is uncomfortable with a mother nursing her baby, he/she should look the other way. And if they are still uncomfortable, I will loan them a blanket, they can put it over their head, and go sit in the bathroom. :)

And yes!!! I am still nursing my 14 month old. That alone offends half the population. I might blog about that another day.

My Personal Favorite Natural Remedies

Oreganol (oil of oregano)- A natural antibiotic, for use in eliminating:

- colds and flu: several drops under tongue, rub into soles of feet for infants, or into chest (think Vicks VapoRub) for older kids

-respiratory illness: same as above

-ear infection: a couple drops warmed into ear canal, may need to dilute with olive oil

-yeast infection: several drops under tongue, 3 times a day until condition clears.

-staph infection: internally and externally

-bacterial infection: internally and externally

-Toothaches/oral lesions: Apply directly to involved region as often as needed.
-Athlete's foot/ ringworm: Apply directly to involved areas twice a day.
-Seborrhea: Apply to involved areas gently. Take also internally, 5 drops twice a day.
-Sunburn: Rub on involved region.
-Rash or hives: Rub on involved region twice or more daily.
-Psoriasis or eczema: Use internally primarily for adults. In children, apply small amount to the lesions once or twice a day.
-Warts: Saturate a cotton ball and apply to wart with paper tape. Repeat twice daily. Also, take the oil internally, 5 or more drops twice a day Available online, or at the health food store.

Arnica gel- a topical pain reliever for bumps and bruises. Fast relief for muscle pain, and stiffness swelling. This stuff is awesome! You can find it in the homeopathic section of your health food store. I use it on my little ones bumps on the head (when learning to walk), and for the inevitable bruises the older boys get all over their legs from who knows what.

Supertonic- a liquid concoction made from organic garlic, habanero peppers, horseradish, onion, and ginger in a base of organic apple cider vinegar. Make it yourself (just ask me for the recipe) or buy at:

http://www.herbdoc.com/ Whenever anyone feels a cold coming on, or has the sniffles..this will chase it off!!! I gargle it for a sore throat.

Echinacea- Boosts the immune system. It works by boosting the number of immune cells and the amount of natural immune chemicals in your body and then stimulating them into being more active. There are literally hundreds of other known and researched healing and protecting abilities of Echinacea besides colds, flu, sore throats and upper respiratory infections. A partial list includes inhibiting tumor growth, killing strep and staph bacteria, halting urinary tract infections, healing infected wounds, relieving hives and allergic reactions, stopping allergies, neutralizing toxic and poisonous insect and animal bites and stings, etc. I buy from http://www.herbdoc.com/ (You can make your own..just ask me how)

Since putting my kids on a regular regimen of Supertonic and Echinacea in cold/flu season, we have hardly had a cold, and no flu!! This stuff works!

My favorite stuff for prevention in a few days.

Have a great weekend!

Our Most Used Home Remedies

by Rabeka Joy Anast of Welltellme.com
April 2005

I have three children now, ages 4 and under. None of them have ever needed to go to the doctor. Any day I am expecting a broken limb to change that record, but until then... these are the home remedies we have used to keep us all healthy and smiling!

EARACHE- Garlic oil (crush a fresh clove in a tablespoon of warm oil, let sit 5 minutes, strain, administer two drops per ear, three times daily.

EYE INFECTION - Honey (stings!) or Colloidal silver drops four times daily (feels like water in the eye).

RESPIRATORY- Garlic press (crush a fresh clove inside a folded paper towel, pour hot water over, wring out and apply to chest for 90 seconds. Garlic in honey (half clove minced, coated with honey in a teaspoon, take orally twice daily. Echinacea tincture or The Immune Booster.

HEAD COLD - Garlic press on soles of feet (see above) and/or cinnamon essential oil smeared on soles of feet, Echinacea tincture or The Immune Booster, Eucalyptus essential oil baths.

FEVER - Warm/cool sea salt baths, Tylenol, Chamomile tincture.

SORE THROAT - Garlic press on neck and feet, Echinacea tincture or The Immune Booster, warm Garlic water gargle (pour hot water over crushed garlic, strain, and gargle water.)

NAUSEA/STOMACH VIRUS - Spearmint tea with raw honey, yogurt (stay hydrated.)

TOPICAL INFECTION - Garlic press, or Goldenseal press (tablespoon of powdered Goldenseal in paper towel, pour hot water over, steep for 30 seconds, apply to infected area 2 minutes.
DIAPER RASH - Lanoline, Aloe Vera, sea salt bath.

SKIN IRRITATIONS- Tea tree essential oil, or Neem essential oil, applied topically.

PREVENTION IS THE BEST CURE!!! The first sign of illness in our home (a whine, a warm head, a runny nose...) is treated immediately with a dose of garlic and honey, and cinnamon essential oil on soles of the feet for two days in a row minimum. As a result, most illnesses are nipped in the bud. We rarely ever actually "get sick". If cousin Billy has a cold, and shared a cup with Tommy, give Tommy a prevention treatment, and make sure he doesn't lower his immune system with any sugar-sweets for 24 hours.

This article, and many other wonderful articles, remedies, and natural solutions to common ailments are at: http://www.bulkherbstore.com/

I am frequently asked "why use herbs, and not the store bought stuff?"

I use herbs because they are natural. The are not chemicals. Synthetic chemicals are fine for my cars engine, and maybe to scrub the toilet with, but NOT to put into my kids bodies. I always try the natural method first.

Are they as effective as the "store bought stuff?"

ABSOLUTELY!!! Just yesterday, Adrian started complaining of an earache. Right away I put a few drops of warmed garlic oil into his ear, and put him down for a nap. He woke an hour later still complaining of pain, so I did give him some Tylenol. He quickly fell back to sleep, and I placed a whole, peeled garlic clove on the outside of his ear (he didn't even notice because he was sleeping). He woke up this morning with no earache. Now isn't that better that a trip to the Ped. and a prescription for an antibiotic? I have been reading a lot about how kids today have been given so many antibiotics that their bodies are becoming resistant to the common antibiotics, and so the doctors have to prescribe the strongest antibiotics available, the ones that used to be reserved for the "super bugs" Scary.

I will share my FAVORITE natural product in a couple days. The best thing ever!!!

Harry Potter? No thank you.

Romans 12:9 ... Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.

This is excerpts from an article :
Potter books: Wicked witchcraft?
by Julie Foster

To understand the controversy surrounding the books, it is necessary to review their content.

Set in England, the books chronicle the life of young Harry Potter, whose wizard parents were killed by the evil Lord Voldemort. Because Harry escaped the death curse of Voldemort, he was given a mark on his forehead – a lightening bolt. On his 11th birthday, Harry receives an invitation to the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Each of the four published books represents a year at Hogwarts.

Voldemort is a non-physical "dark magic" being who inhabits the bodies of various characters in the books. Perhaps most notably, Voldemort possesses Quirrell, Hogwarts' "Defense Against the Dark Arts" teacher.
Voldemort taught Quirrell, "There is no good and evil; there is only power, and those too weak to seek it."

"I made a very conscious decision right at the beginning that I was writing about someone evil, and I wasn't going to tell a lie. I wasn't going to pretend that an evil person is a paper cutout and no one really gets hurt. OK, if you're writing about evil, I think generally you have a responsibility to show what that means, and that's the way I'm writing them. I think they're quite, well actually, I think they're very moral books," Rowlings (Author) told a television news program.
Many agree with the author's premise, but critics object to the use of witchcraft and wizardry in fighting evil, not to mention the book's graphic depictions of evil. Even the good wizards in Harry's world cause eyebrows to be raised in many circles. One such example is found in Headmaster Dumbledore.

There are varying degrees of opposition to the Harry Potter books, from those who choose not to allow their own children to read the series to those who would have the book banned. One woman, filmmaker and occult expert Caryl Matrisciana, focuses her efforts on explaining what she believes are the dangers of the series and how the books portray a lifestyle diametrically opposed to that of the Christian.
Matrisciana, with her husband, Patrick Matrisciana, has spent 25 years researching the occult. ...... Eventually, she became a Christian and worked through the British media to raise awareness of the dangers of the occult.
Matrisciana encourages Christians in her new hour-long documentary video to take an honest look at the world children fantasize about when reading Rowling's books.
"Through Harry Potter books and audios, children as young as kindergarten age are being introduced to human sacrifice, the sucking of blood from dead animals and possession by spirit beings," the video states.
Many parents, regardless of their faith, may not wish to have their children read about evil non-physical beings who drink the blood of animals to gain power. But the books are marketed to children ages 9-12. For Christians in particular, the acclamation given Harry Potter's world is seen as unbiblical.
"My greatest concern is that godly fear that protects mankind from dabbling in the spirit world is being taken away from children who read these Harry Potter books. The terrors and horrors of black magic and occult practice, rituals, ceremonies and demon possession are being normalized," she said. "Alarmingly, the Potter books are engaging in pagan discipleship, disciplining our children to spiritual alternatives and also turning them away from the biblical principles and God's protection."
Some children who read the books, often more than once, may find themselves attracted to the magical world Harry lives in, she said. In attempting to create their own spells and charms, kids may turn to other books that teach witchcraft.
Just as Christians find themselves increasingly attracted to Scripture and the things of God, dabblers in the occult become more deeply entrenched in the dark arts, remarked Matrisciana, who lived through the experience herself.

The bible is pretty clear on such subjects:

Galations 5:16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. 17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. 18 But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law. 19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, 20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, 21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.

1Thess 5:21 Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. 22 Abstain from all appearance of evil.

1Samuel 15:23 For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, he hath also rejected thee from being king.

Deut 18:9 ¶ When thou art come into the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee, thou shalt not learn to do after the abominations of those nations. 10 There shall not be found among you any one that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, or that useth divination, or an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch, 11 Or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer. 12 For all that do these things are an abomination unto the LORD: and because of these abominations the LORD thy God doth drive them out from before thee.

Proverbs 3:7 ¶ Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.

Romans 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

I wonder what Jesus Christ thinks of a society that literally worships Harry Potter?

Hmmm.

Adrian's accident: the long version

Friday night, Adrian (he is 4 years old) has been riding his smaller 2 wheel bike for some time now. Jeremy (hubby) took the training wheels off his new bigger bike. Adrian went speeding out onto the road to show his brothers, and lost control in the loose gravel, landing directly on his chin. He pushed his 2 middle top teeth up into his gums, and scraped his chin up pretty badly. Poor little guy. So Friday night we iced his chin, and put him to bed thinking it was just a scraped up chin.

Well, Saturday morning when he woke up he could not open his mouth and was telling us his jaw was hurting. So I took him to the ER, and they did a CT and determined his jaw is in fact broken, fractured mandible. They could do nothing for him there. So we head home.

Sunday he is acting perfectly fine. Not complaining of pain or anything, he is even trying to eat the foods he likes, yet chewing carefully.

Monday we set an appointment for a consultation on his broken jaw. We are of course dreading what we believe to be the inevitable: plate and screws in his jaw bone, anesthesia, wiring his jaw shut... etc.

Tuesday we go see the doctor. She reviews his CT, and does an exam. She decides that she will leave him be, and that his jaw is already healing on it's own. She tells us that a child Adrian's age can heal a fracture in 3 weeks. She would like to see a follow up CT one month from his accident to confirm that he is healed properly. She also recommends "putting him in a box". This means: no bike, no scooter, no trampoline, no rough housing, etc... That will be the hardest part.

Today, Wednesday he is acting as if nothing has happened. He does chew his food rather carefully, but other than that, back to normal.

Thank God, for all of the answered prayers on this one. :)

Thankfulness

To realize the value of a sister
Ask someone
Who doesn't have one.

To realize
The value of ten years:
Ask a newly divorced couple

To realize
The value of four years:
Ask a graduate.

To realize
The value of one year:
Ask a student who has failed a final exam.

To realize
The value of nine months:
Ask a mother who gave birth to a stillborn baby

To realize
The value of one month:
Ask a mother
Who has given birth to
A premature baby.

To realize
The value of one week:
Ask an editor of a weekly newspaper.

To realize
The value of one minute:
Ask a person
Who has missed the train, bus or plane.

To realize
The value of one-second:
Ask a person
Who has survived an accident.

Time waits for no one.

Treasure every moment you have.

-author unknown

Grandma Hoffman's Honey Pie

1c. honey

3 eggs (beaten)

3T. butter

1t. vanilla

1c. pecans

dash nutmeg

1/4t. almond extract

9" pie shell

Boil honey, wisk in eggs, add rest of ingredients, pour into shell.

Bake at 325 deg. 25-35 min til center is firm.

Hot water pastry crust

3/4c. vegetable shortening

6T. boiling water

2c. AP flour

1t. salt

In a tall bowl, place shortening, add boiling water. Stir vigorously until an emulsion forms. Stir in flour and salt. Stir until dry. Pour onto wax paper. Pull up sides of wax paper, and form a ball. Open and divide ball into 2. Roll out each ball between 2 new sheets of wax paper 1/8 in. thick. This crust is always flaky and perfect. Makes 2 9" pie crusts.

Proverbs 31

10 ¶ Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.

11 The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.

12 She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life. 13 She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands. 14 She is like the merchants' ships; she bringeth her food from afar. 15 She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens. 16 She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard. 17 She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms. 18 She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night. 19 She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff. 20 She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy. 21 She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet. 22 She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple. 23 Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land. 24 She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant. 25 Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come. 26 She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness. 27 She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness. 28 Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her. 29 Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all. 30 Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised. 31 Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.

3 births in 2 days

I have a had a very busy couple of days.

Tuesday afternoon, July 3rd. a new mama gave birth to her first child, a 7# baby girl at home. Mama and baby are doing great.

Wednesday, July 4th, at 6am, a dear friend of mine gave birth to her sixth child. I have never seen anyone make childbirth look so easy. She had 11# 4oz. baby girl in a beautiful water birth. Mama and baby are doing great.

Wednesday night, also July4th, another friend of mine gave birth to her forth son, at home into his daddy's waiting hands. 7# 4oz. Mama and baby are doing great.

Thank you Lord for these beautiful, healthy babies. I felt so honored to be at each and every one of these births.

And she's off....

Savannah is officially walking. Friday morning, a few solo steps. Saturday, all the way across the living room, with the biggest smile you could ever imagine. Then she gets so excited to get to her destination that she dives...and falls. Still smiling, gets right back up, and off she goes.