Coming Soon!

I apologize for the delay in posting, particularly the giveaway winners.  We have been dealing with issues from a car accident and sickness and the end of the semester and the holidays and hubby being swamped at work and am I forgetting something?  ;) Expect to see the winners posted soon, along with the belated conclusion to my Month of Gratitude!

Xlear SparX Candy Review

Thanks to Moms Meet (www.greenmomsmeet.com), I have the opportunity to review Xlear (pronounced "Clear") SparX candy.
I was way excited to review this product.  From the company: "Xlear, Inc. is committed to providing consumers with the health benefits of xylitol, a naturally occurring sweetener, by manufacturing all-natural, health-enhancing products. Xlear® Nasal Spray is an award-winning, patented saline and
xylitol solution; a complete line of dental health products under the Spry Dental Defense System® brand; XyloSweet®, raw xylitol crystals used as a sugar substitute in cooking, baking and general consumption; and SparX® Candy, a growing line of healthy, xylitol based candies."
My personal dentist has recommended Spry Dental products to me in the past, and xylitol in general, because xylitol helps reduce the likelihood of cavities, among other dental uses (which I will expand upon in a minute).  I loved Spry mints, so being able to try a candy from the company was something that I looked forward to tremendously.
The candy itself comes in a handy plastic tube, which is portable and functional for mamas like myself.  The candy contains natural flavors and colors, and is sweetened, as mentioned, with xylitol, a natural sweetener, so I feel good giving it to my children.  The candy is in cute little "dot" shapes, and is fun to munch and crunch.  My children thoroughly enjoyed the fruity taste, and I loved the texture of it, which reminded me of an easier to chew version of the Runts candy that I ate often as a kid--but this is so much better for me!  ;)  My husband remarked that the candy was crunchy at first, but then almost seems to melt and soften at once with chewing, which he found satisfying.
Beyond the fact that I feel good giving it to my kiddos, I like another benefit xylitol based products like this one provide.  I am on several different prescription medications for minor health issues, and I struggle with dry mouth.  Dry mouth, in addition to being a nuisance, can also lead to cavities.  My dentist recommended Spry Dental products to me because xylitol helps create saliva, which remedies the dry mouth, and these candies have been great to have around when I have the feeling like there is a sock in my mouth.
For more information, check out Xlear SparX online at: www.Xlear.com or on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/xylitol.experts. The candy retails for $1.49 a tube and comes in Berry, Fruit, and Citrus flavors (I like the Citrus).
There is not a giveaway of this product, unfortunately.  However, due to technical difficulties, I am extending the National Geographic Super Readers giveaway until 12/12/12 at 11:59pm, so you can still enter for a chance to win a Super Readers pack for your family!

UPDATED 12/09/12: National Geographic Super Readers Review and Giveaway

Today, I have the opportunity to share National Geographic Super Readers packs to my lucky readers, thanks to Moms Meet (www.greenmomsmeet.com).  At the end of my review, I'll be posting a giveaway as well!

To give you some background on the packs, National Geographic states,
"About National Geographic Kids
National Geographic Kids inspires young adventurers to explore the world through award-winning magazines, books, apps, games, toys, videos, events, and a website. It is the only kids brand with a world-class scientific organization
at its core. National Geographic Kids Books is the leading nonfiction publisher with as many as 100 nonfiction titles each year, including the New York Times best seller National Geographic Kids Almanac and our best selling series
National Geographic Super Readers. Publishing books for kids from 1 to 14 years of age, National Geographic’s best selling titles include: Weird but True series, Treasury of Greek Mythology, National Geographic Little Kids First Big Books series, and Just Joking series.
Find National Geographic online at:
kids.nationalgeographic.com/superreader
kids.nationalgeographic.com
Facebook.com/NatGeoBooks
Twitter.com/NGKidsBks
®, SM, © 2012 May Media Group, LLC. All rights reserved.
About National Geographic Super Readers
• Developed in consultation with literacy education experts, each National Geographic Super Reader is filled
with cool information about nonfiction topics kids love such as dinosaurs, tigers, planes and trains, plus
big, colorful photographs, all in an easy-to-read and kid-friendly design.
• With fun incentives to keep reading, an interactive website, and fun characters to get to know, the National
Geographic Super Readers program has everything you need to get kids SUPER excited about reading.
• At kids.nationalgeographic.com/superreader, kids can sign up to become Super Readers, download the
Super Readers poster, and start reading! Once they finish their book, they can cross it off on their poster
and start getting fun rewards and prizes"

National Geographic provided me with an activity kit (which included a National Geographic reader called Ape Escapes), a program information guide, a poster with reproducible activity sheets, and price incentives likes stickers, badge, and bookmarks.  They also included a very vivid, glossy, hardback book called Ultimate, Weird But True, which had bright illustrations that caught my son's attention from the get go.  This book had 1,000 wild and wacky facts with photos, and my son gobbled up the information.
I feel like this program would be very successful in encouraging young readers to seek out knowledge.  The information captivates them, and the materials are bold and created in such a way to entice reluctant readers to them.
We have not tried any reading programs as a family before because many of them seemed too "academic" on the surface, as in, they seem like they possess the right "stuff" in terms of education, but they fail to possess the ability to lure in children with interesting graphics and information.  National Geographic clearly knows what children are looking for, and it is refreshing to see a program that is neither too "school like," nor is it loaded with cartoon characters from movies and television.  This program focuses on useful information and real world knowledge and packages it in a way that makes kids have fun while learning.
Three lucky readers will win a Super Readers book, poster, bookmarks, and badges.  Each participant is limited to one entry or he/she will be disqualified.  To enter, write a comment about why you feel the Super Readers program is right for your child/children.  Entries will be accepted until December 8th at 11:59pm, and will be chosen via random.org. Good luck!
UPDATE: Due to technical difficulties, I will be extending the giveaway for three more days, and will be choosing a winner on 12/12/12.  Submit a comment to enter until 11:59pm that day.

 Disclaimer: I received this product for free from the sponsor of the Moms
MeetSM program, May Media Group LLC, who received it directly from the
manufacturer. As a Moms MeetSM blogger, I agreed to use this product and
post my opinion on my blog. My opinions do not necessarily reflect the
opinions of May Media Group LLC or the manufacturer of the product.

Update on Giveaways

I am working on giveaways and reviews of both National Geographic Super Readers packs and Xlear Candies/Spry Dental children's toothpaste, and they should be completed in the next few days. Something for YOU to be thankful for...upcoming goodies! :-)

A Month of Gratitude, #14, 15, and 16

Day #14: I am grateful for the beauty of this earth, for the oceans and lakes, ambling rivers, peaceful plains, and majestic mountains.  I am also grateful for the opportunities that I have to enjoy them, through hikes and travel, and so forth.
Day #15: I am grateful for laughter, and those moments where I can make others laugh, or when I get to experience those rare belly laughs that make me teary eyed.
Day #16: I am grateful for two reliable cars. I know that as soon as I write this that one of them will break down because I am a champion at jinxing myself, but I am thankful that I have a dependable mode of transportation to get me and my family everywhere that we need to go.

A Month of Gratitude, #10, 11, 12, and 13

I'm totally not very good at this whole "updating daily" thing.  ;)
I am grateful today for:
-Second chances.  The fact that we can wake up every morning and start anew.  And as someone who makes a lot of mistakes, I really need that gift.
-My job.  I can be frustrated with my work at times, but I still truly love what I do, and I am grateful that I have an employer who works with me and my schedule, allowing me to still spend the days at home with my little ones.
-Good books.  I struggle going to sleep at night these days without the escape of a good read.  When I first received my Master's in English Literature, I went through a spell where I had trouble reading for "fun" instead of for "work."  Luckily, I am past that, and now have 5 hard copy books and 5 e-books I am working through all at one time.
-My friends.  My friends have taught me that family is what you make of it, and that there's more to the concept than simply blood.  I am blessed to have and know them.

A Month of Gratitude, #7 and #8

I have some catching up to do....
I am grateful for my animals.  Although they shed and make me sneeze, and sometimes they drive me bonkers, they also are so wonderfully cuddly, and they are a constant source of unconditional love, my flaws and mistakes and all.
I am also grateful that we live in an area where I have access to bulk food stores, thrift shops, discount grocery stores, active online yard sale sites, inexpensive local produce/farms, local butchers, reasonably priced organic foods, etc.  This area makes it easy to find high quality clothing, furniture, and food for my family at good prices.  And if I cannot find what I need, there are multiple resources an hour in any direction.

Toddler Was Here

A Month of Gratitude, #6

I am grateful today for modern conveniences that make my life easier: the washer and dryer that remove the dirt and grime from my kiddos' clothes (even though I don't know how to fold said laundry), the bread machine that takes the fear out of yeast and rising dough, the stand mixer that preps cake batter while I work on other tasks, the vacuum that removes the pet hair from my carpets and furniture, the heat pump that can cool and heat my home at the touch of a button...I am a spoiled mama.

A Month of Gratitude, #5

Today, I am grateful for fall...pumpkins, the smell of wood burner smoke in the air, hoodies, fallen leaves, seasonal foods, mild weather, hayrides, warm apple cider and hot chocolate...le sigh. :-)

A Month of Gratitude, #4

I am grateful today for a good night's sleep--the ability to rest, recover, and wake up to start afresh another day.  What a wonderful blessing for us all.  Today especially was nice, seeing as we gained an extra hour to our night--I look forward to the "fall back" portion of Daylight Savings Time every year. 

A Month of Gratitude, #3

Today, I am grateful that we live in a society where we have the right to elect members of our government (or to not elect them, as the case may be).  I might disagree with a candidate, even strongly at times, but I am also grateful that we live in a country where I feel we do not have to worry about having another Hitler in power, or someone who is seeking to destroy us as a nation.  Contrary to what some may feel, while I have strong feelings on who will be the best option for us as President, I believe both candidates would be capable of the job, and would do what they felt was best for the country (I just might not agree with it). 

Coming Full Circle

In other entries, I have mentioned the fact that my church counsels its members to have a food storage and to be prepared for those little emergencies and crises that come up along life's path.  I have also mentioned that, in the past, before I understood the value of this advice, that I used to gleefully make fun of the women who became excited over traditional things like storing wheat or making their own bread/flour. 
I have now come full circle...in addition to the seven #10 cans of wheat that we have on our shelves, I just purchased 100 lbs. of wheat, and a few pounds of spelt and rye, and I am anxiously awaiting the arrival of my new Wondermill so I can make my own whole grain flour (I'm also getting a hand operated mill for Christmas).  (To be fair, once I received the diagnosis of insulin resistance, and was told to avoid commercially processed foods and to eat more whole grains/fiber...and less carbs/sugars/fats...the idea of processing my own flour became appealing, perhaps even necessary.)
So, who's laughing now?  I stand corrected in my views.  :)

A Month of Gratitude #2

Today, I am grateful for my children.  I might get frustrated sometimes, and feel lost as a parent, but they still provide me a joy that nothing else even comes close to.  They warm my heart and soul, make me laugh, teach me how to enjoy the little things in life, and their sweet spirits are an example to me of how to embrace and experience life.  They are my motivation to be a better person, and I am grateful for what they show and teach me every day.  I never realized how much I can learn from little ones.  I love them so much.

A Month of Gratitude: #1

Throughout the month, I will be posting something that I am grateful for each day in November.
Today, I am thankful for the counsel my church gives to keep a food storage and a 72 hour kit. When facing a "super storm" such as Hurricane Sandy, it was a relief to me to know that we would have food, water, and light, should we need them. The counsel is even more important to heed when you have a family that relies on you. So, today, I am grateful for my food storage and emergency preparations.

On the Fast Track...To Diabetes?

I have been having several reasonably minor, yet annoying, health issues lately, and have been in and out of doctors in an attempt to solve what has been going on.  I have been battling chronic fatigue and a general sense of just not feeling well for months now. I have had blood work and ultrasounds and everything else, and in the meantime, because it has been a fight some days to even want to get out of bed, I am now battling depression (something I am prone to).
I found out yesterday that my triglycerides, cholesterol, and sugar levels are out of whack, and that they suspect that there might be plaque or thickness or something in my arteries (I have no idea what any of this means over the phone while I was driving and using a hands free set up...need to get a copy of the lab work).  They are watching me for diabetes, saying I am "insulin resistant," and want me to change my diet and my exercise routines, allowing for less processed foods, less fat, less carbs and sugars, and more fiber/whole grains, plus exercise for 30 minutes as many times a week as I can handle.
I felt a bit of a blow to my pride--I felt like I took OK care of myself, I mean, not the best, but I have never smoked and don't drink, and we have been trying to eat a healthier diet (we have a long way to go).  But I will use this as a wake up call and as a positive opportunity to change my life for the better, and to help my whole family learn to have better habits and routines when it comes to their health.
It's still scary.  Wish me luck. 

Giveaway Sneak Peek

I am teaming up with National Geographic to provide you all a review of a National Geographic Super Readers pack, and they will be giving three of said packs out to readers in a future entry. Stay tuned for the review and giveaway in the month or so. :-)

Asheville, Days Three and Four

On Sunday morning, my friend made us yummy cinnamon rolls for breakfast (they completely hit the spot...so good).  They were a great way to start out our day of traveling about 30 miles or so of the Blue Ridge Parkway.  We visited the Folk Art Center (basically a visitors' center right outside of Asheville along the Parkway) before we ventured out to see the mountains.  We crossed the French Broad River and made out way through the mountains (sometimes literally, via tunnels).  The views/overlooks provided us breathtaking panoramic views of the mountains on either side, and we snapped a lot of pictures.  Being in the Appalachians is a wonderful chance to ponder simplicity and what truly matters in life.  Being out in the middle of nowhere reminds you of what truly matters.  You've left the stress behind you, and you're out in the majesty of what God has created and given you.  You reflect on your forefathers who lived in the mountains and who were the epitome of self sufficiency and provident living.
We traveled back to Asheville and lunched at Burgermeister's (a turkey reuben for hubby, and a catfish po' boy for me) before heading out with Amy and Jake (Maya was at a friend's house) to the Biltmore, the largest home in America (250 rooms and land encompassing 8,000 acres).  We didn't pay to see the house, and Amy's pass did end up being enough to get us in, so we instead went around Antler Hill Village (I believe that was the name) on the ground.  We toured the Biltmore winery and visited the on site farm to see the animals (a goat even climbed into my lap!).  Jake really enjoyed the animals, as did I, but the people around were very, um, wealthy, and it wasn't always comfortable at times.  Hubby and I dealt with one really rude man in particular who was upset because hubby "almost" touched his son with a gate.  It was a bit embarrassing.  At least it was a reminder of what I do not want to be.
At home, after the kiddos were in bed, we were able to get one on one time with Amy, just talking and watching television.  It was so nice to have time just with her to talk about things, life, whatnot.  I think that was one of my favorite parts of the trip.  It's wonderful to find people who understand you and who you can relate to.
Monday, we unfortunately had to leave (I admit, I was teary eyed, and oh, I miss Splenda the dog...she became my little pal).  We breakfasted at Waffle House, which I haven't had in YEARS, and hubby had never been to one. On the ride home, we stopped and snapped photos on the overlooks along I-26 in North Carolina and Tennessee, our last views of the mountains there for a while.  The trip home flew by.  We opted not to stop at the gorge again and just blew through, though we did meet back up with my mama and walked through the mall and lunched with her in the afternoon before heading home.
The children were thrilled to see us, which made me feel so good inside, and the animals seemed to miss us as well.  Buddy seemed to do well being at the kennel (he can be easily stressed), but Sunflower, our foster kitty, is still acting a bit nervous a day later.  She is very happy to be home.  The kids loved their Build a Bears, too.  We are unpacked and home, a bit sad that such a wonderful trip is over, but happy to see our loved ones.  We are hoping to go back to Asheville twice a year.  :)

Asheville, Days One and Two (In Words)

Our trip to Asheville, NC, in words....
You've seen some of the (many) pics we have taken during our trip.  Now, I am going to start the recap of days one and two of our first vacation in three years.
My friend Amy had invited us to visit her in Asheville, NC.  A lot of people say to come visit, but it's a casual thing.  What can I say?  She really meant it. :)  I was thrilled to see a friend from my college days and her two lovely kiddos, Maya and Jake, who are similar in age to my own little ones.
Per some recommendations, hubby and I decided to go on this trip sans kiddos, and while I missed them, I am grateful we did because the time together was very needed.  We get a lot of time together here in town, per se, but our dates consist of things like grocery shopping and errands, and we struggle with real "quality" time together, or at least coming up with ideas for it beyond dinner and movies.
We left on Friday at about ten AM.  We stopped to visit my mama at work along the way, and while there, we snagged a replacement wedding ring for hubby (she works at a jewelry store).  That was an unexpected surprise, and I am grateful we managed to get a great deal on one that fits him well.  His old ring was a bit too big, and it was made of tungsten carbide, which cannot be resized.
Along the route, we stopped at the New River Gorge Bridge, the longest span bridge in the eastern United States, famous for its scenery and bungee jumping (which we didn't do, obviously).  We have been there before, but the bridge is an engineering marvel, and since it was fall, we knew the view would be spectacular.  It did not disappoint.  The Autumn colors as we traveled onward were breathtaking.  We traveled through Maryland, West Virginia, Virginia, and Tennessee (land of Dolly Parton!) before making it to North Carolina.  One thing I noticed about the South is that there are rocking chairs at the rest areas.  It's great, and a bit hilarious.  I have loved rocking chairs since I was a child, so for me, it helps me to feel right at home.  :)
We arrived around seven thirty and did some shopping at Asheville Mall before meeting up with my friend.  She lives in the cutest two story blue house, and the homes in general in Asheville have way more charm and personality than the nearly identical ranchers that permeate my neighborhood.  I am in awe of how vastly they differ, and the various ways that their residents have made them "their own."  Once at the house, we met her daughter Maya, (baby Jake) was in bed, sat and listened while her mama read her some bedtime stories, and went to bed early.
Saturday morning, we visited some local stores with Amy and family after a breakfast of pancakes.  The stores were Second Gear, a used sporting goods shop, Small Terrain, a shop for all things urban homesteading, The Littlest Birds, a children's apparel and supplies consignment shop, and we also had lunch at Bandido's, a Latin fusion restaurant owned by Amy's friends that serves 100% locally sourced food (I had the goi rolls with plum sauce--divine). All of the stores were funky and fun, and I especially thought that the idea for Second Gear was an exceptionally good one.
In the afternoon, we did some more shopping at aforementioned mall (we bought Build-a-Bears for our kiddos...way expensive and a splurge, and I snagged some ridiculously discounted, yet comfortable hiking boots), and I went to my first REI.  (I was unimpressed with REI.  Low selection, and too expensive for our taste.)  We attempted to find the Blue Ridge Parkway, but got lost, which ended up alright in the end because we found a beautiful drive full of golden fields, lush forest, and farmland.  While not exactly mountainous, it was peaceful and lent an atmosphere of simplicity and Southern charm.  We wanted to grab some authentic Carolina BBQ once we were back in Asheville, but struck out (one place was closed, and we trekked beautiful downtown Asheville in vain looking for one place that we never found).  Instead, we went to Burgermeister's, another local place, serving burgers and sandwiches in a funky '80s-meets boudoir pics-meets '70s camp-meets an old jukebox motif (amazingly cool), and we both had the best burgers we have EVER tasted--no exaggeration.  I had a regular grass-fed beef burger with fixings and homemade potato wedges, and hubby had the bison burger with homemade potato salad, which he enjoyed.
We then came home, chilled with Splenda, Amy's ridiculously loving and well behaved black Lab, before calling it a night.
Soon will be the story of days three and four....  :)

More Pics From Our Asheville Trip (With WV, VA, and TN Mixed In, Just For Fun)

On the Road to Asheville, Day One in Pics

I will write a worded update shortly. Pics from our drive to Asheville, NC to see a friend. Traveled through Maryland, WV, Virginia, Tennessee, and NC.

Get Ready...

Two giveaways sponsored by big name companies coming soon to my very own little blog. Stay tuned during the next month...way excited to share these with you..... :-)

Dreamy

I have found myself thinking about "dreams" lately.  Not the kind where we fly or our teeth fall out or we end up at school naked, but dream cars, vacations, houses, basically dream "stuff."  A lot of people I know who are close to my age are pursuing these things, and as I approach age 30, I think, "Am I doing something wrong that I just don't care about these things?  Is it wrong to be content with four people in a one thousand square foot home?  Is there something wrong with wanting backyard chickens instead of a dream house?"
The thing is--I pursued my dreams once.  I ended up thousands of dollars in debt, a pit I am still trying to climb out of.  I lost my sense of gratitude, humility, and practicality.  I still lose sleep over wondering how we are to pay our bills, even though we should be living comfortably on our income. 
Do we have to reach these "dreams" by the time we are 30?  What happened to saving them for when the children are grown, and we can hopefully pay for them in cash? 
I have several dream cars...I love cars...and the thing is, I doubt I would ever buy them, even if I was wealthy?  Why?  Because part of the fun is the dream.  When you want to have the best of everything, what else is left to live for?  I'd rather have practical, functional stuff I can pay for than all of my dreams fulfilled before my life is even halfway through. 
Wanna know what my dreams are?  I want to have land when the kids are grown...either an old farm house to restore, or a one level, modest, new construction.  I want to be able to raise my own animals for food, to grow my own produce, and to be able to enjoy the country life.  I want to go to England, France, Italy, Greece, and Ireland (my mother land, as I call it).  Hubby wants a "project car," an old, beat up luxury car or sports car to restore and sell.  Those are our dreams.  Someday, I hope we can achieve them.  And hopefully can do so while breathing easy financially.
Until then, we can wait.

More Wordless Wednesday

Wordless Wednesday

Mother Earth News Fair

I spent two extremely jam packed days at the Mother Earth News Fair in Seven Springs, Pa. Mother Earth News is a magazine chock full of useful knowledge for those who are interested in a more sustainable lifestyle. They have an event full of seminars, workshops, and vendors who are focused on helping others fulfill their goals to become more self reliant. I attended classes on homesteading, cooking with homegrown foods, family nutrition, etc. I also attended a seminar with Jenna Woginrich, a fantabulously awesome gal who left her desk job to pursue a life writing and homesteading. She even signed two books for me. I highly recommend attending this event next year if you can. I was so encouraged in my endeavors to pursue a more provident, sustainable life. If you wanna read Jenna's blog, go to http://coldantlerfarm.blogspot.com
Wanna check out the event? http://www.motherearthnewsfair.com

Stay Tuned For Giveaways!

I am now an official Moms Meet blogger. Thanks to Kiwi Magazine and other sponsors, I will now be able to provide product reviews and giveaways of fun Eco friendly products for families. Can't wait!

My Baby Boy Goes to School

This picture was taken during Goob's first day of pre-K.  Mama is both excited and happy for him, and a bit heartbroken, but at least he loves the new change in his life. 

Simple Things

I am at a point in my life where I need to make some decisions as to what I want "to do with myself."  I need to overhaul a lot of areas in my life, and I am pursuing new paths and ideas that I would never have considered before. 
Being at a place where decisions need made can be a bit overwhelming.  While reading a book, I came across this quote:
"Oh Lord, let me go back once more to this land of simple things." -EE Patton
I think this needs to be the philosophy that ultimately guides my choices, my actions, and my decision making process.  Too cryptic?  All will be revealed in time.  :)

Lindy Hop

As I have mentioned before, I volunteer at the local animal shelter.  While there, I meet many wonderful animals with very distinct personalities. 
Recently, I had the privilege to meet Lindy, a spaniel mix. As I went to walk her, I noticed that her hind legs didn't work very well, and would collapse under her frequently.  Yet, until I had her on the lead, I would never have known.  Up until then, all I saw was a wonderfully happy, bright dog, that just oozed gratitude for being alive.  Even when she struggled to walk, or when she messed herself, she was vibrant, trembling with excitement and sheer joy, and her eyes just twinkled.  This was a dog that was so happy to be on this earth, spinal injuries and kidney troubles and all.
She found a wonderful foster mother to take her home, but sadly, it turns out that Lindy's happiness was an amazing, yet heartbreaking, front of fortitude and strength.  Her troubles were worse than we all realized, and she died in her foster family's loving arms this afternoon.
Although I only knew her for a short time, her life was a testament to me that we must be grateful for the time we have on this planet, that happiness and strength can be found, even in seemingly insurmountable circumstances.  It makes you think--if she can do it, so can I.  The lessons we can learn from the animals and creatures in our lives, no matter how meek or small.
Rest in peace, my Lindy Hop, and I thank God for the foster who provided you such a loving home in your last days. 

On Minimalism

Lately, I have been reading a lot of blogs and essays concerning the subject of minimalism.  I'm not talking about the literary or artistic movements, nor am I talking about the home decor trend of everything stark black and white and barely there.  I'm talking about living a minimalistic lifestyle--rejecting, even rebelling against, consumerism, getting rid of unwanted and unused items, getting out of debt, pursuing passions and life goals over material goods, etc.
This lifestyle appeals to me, even though it is the complete antithesis of my life a few years ago.  I think it attracts me because it *is* the polar opposite of my former dreams and goals, and those goals, the need to possess lots of (and the best) stuff have wreaked havoc on my life, my health, and my sanity.  Being able to focus more on living a self-reliant lifestyle, having less "things" to worry about, being able to say "NO!" loudly and firmly to the trappings of consumerism, will all lead to my ability to pursue my dreams and my passions that truly matter--and what a more fulfilled life that will be, not only for me, but for my family as well. 
I want to be able to have a firmer resolve, to spend less, to give more, to share my time and abilities with others, to reject jealousy, to conquer my goals and chase after my heart's truest desires.  I want to choose to tromp around outside in this big, wide world when I need comfort, instead of going up to the mall to snag some little thing that provides me temporary happiness--only until I get it home.  Can you imagine being able to live a life where you mainly rely on yourself and your family, instead of what society or friends tell you is important?  Can you imagine being able to live without a mall or Walmart?  Can you envision being able to grow your own food, or make your own, most of the time, or to find outlets for the freshest food you can, instead of relying on processed convenience foods?  That makes my body happy just thinking about it.
This kind of life is possible, with a true desire and conversion to a philosophy of minimalism and self-reliance.  It's better for your family, the environment, and for you.  And I want to examine it more closely and pursue the changes necessary to obtain it. 

Backyard Chickens

So...I kinda want to have a garden, and I also think I want chickens next Spring.  Very lofty goals for someone who can't keep a plant alive (I had a houseplant that I named Seymour, who thrived until I forgot to water him for weeks on end), and whose pets own her, and not the other way around.
However, the idea of growing my own fruits and veggies, and having my own eggs, sounds so divine.  I'd have lots and lots of help with gardening and growing my own produce, so I feel okay there, if nervous.  In the meantime, I share this with you, per friends' recommendations, if any of you have the same crazy chicken fever as I do:
Backyard Chickens

I'm SO There....

If you live in the Mid-Atlantic states, you should consider going to the Mother Earth News Fair in Seven Springs, Pa.  It is a HUGE event chock-full of vendors and exhibits encouraging self-reliance, a DIY attitude, organic and natural living, emergency preparedness, and so forth.  Plus, they will have amazing speakers, like Joel Salatin and the beyond inspiring Temple Grandin, animal rights activist and spokesperson for autism awareness (she is autistic herself).  (I linked the miniseries based on her life.)  I'm not able to make the fair on the day she is speaking, but if I did, I'm pretty sure I'd pass out at her feet from the exposure to sheer awesomeness and inspiration.  :)  There will be kids' activities, too, and loads of yummy, healthy food vendors and products for sale.
The fair page can be found here. 

Lean, Mean, Green Machine

Lately, I've been interested in becoming more "green." The notion of living a more sustainable lifestyle, reducing/reusing/recycling, and cherishing today's resources to ensure they will be there tomorrow, well, all of those goals are really conducive with my desire to have a simpler, less materialistic, more grounded lifestyle. However, like the famed philosopher Kermit the Frog once said, "It's not easy being green." For starters, recycling...sure, in theory it seems easy, but there's sorting all of the trash, figuring out what can be taken to the local recycling center, which only takes certain items/plastics and not others. Then, there's keeping my kids out of the bins. See, my kids view the recycling bins like they would ball pits at Chuck E. Cheese--which means I sort out the items again and again. After that, it's getting the recyclables to the center, which is a 30 minute drive, one way, from our house, with children in tow. So, needless to say, our recycling endeavors have hit a roadblock.

Then, there's the desire to buy humanely produced, organic, local foods...the hope to fulfill as many of those labels as I can when I purchase an item at the grocery store. But, there's a lot involved. Sometimes, we as consumers have no idea whether or not an animal has been humanely treated in order to give us our eggs or our milk. How do we know if a worker has adequate working/safety conditions producing our crops/coffee/what have you? A lot of organic foods cost more--a lot more. Some people don't have access to inexpensive, locally produced meats and produce. Making informed food choices is not so easy, either.
 There's SO MUCH that can be done--using less water/electricity, buying used items whenever possible, cloth diapering instead of using disposables, growing your own food, writing to congressional representatives over pertinent environmental issues close to our hearts, riding bikes or driving fuel efficient cars instead of taking big SUVs everywhere, buying fair trade coffee and chocolates and produce...as mere individuals/families, it is SO easy to get bogged down with feeling like we need to do it all. I applied to become a Mom Ambassador for Moms Meet, a group of several hundred thousand moms who meet in small, local groups to discuss eco-aspects of parenting, families, pet-raising, and the like. I so desperately want to be more "green," but I think to myself, "Ugh, I'm such a fraud. We aren't even recycling, for God's sake. I'm not green at ALL."
But, the thing is--it's not about doing it all. It's about doing the little things. Little changes add up to something majorly big. I try to buy more used items, or to donate and give away what we don't want/use anymore to compensate for the new things we buy. We are trying to make more informed choices regarding what we eat. We buy more organic foods, we're eating less dairy, I have vowed to either buy locally raised farm eggs or cage-free organic eggs from the store from now on. We make more of an effort to become more involved in our community, to appreciate the outdoors more. Doing the little things is better than nothing at all. One little thing leads to another, which leads to another, and maybe it inspires someone to make a change in their own life, which leads to MORE changes, and suddenly, one little thing turns into something BIG. Little things can change the world. Even if we're not recycling.

I Am a Moms Meet Ambassador

If you are interested in discussing parenting topics centered around eco-friendly and natural issues, or are wanting to try samples of eco-, natural, and organic products, I encourage you to find a Moms Meet Group near you.  Moms Meet is sponsored by Kiwi Magazine, and is an organization of mommy groups who meet to discuss ways to change our families and planet for the better.  I am a Mom Ambassador for our area, which means I will be creating and leading a Moms Meet group for our local region.  If you are interested in finding, or starting a group, click the link below:

Bean Turns 1!

My lovely little Bean turned one year old on Sunday.  On Saturday, we celebrated with a party where family and a few friends attended to show love to my beautiful little girl (and also to my son).  It is so hard to believe that it has been a year since she entered our lives.  My baby, you are a joy and a light in our lives.  I live for your smile and your sweet giggle.  I look forward to experiencing the world anew with your inquisitiveness and curiosity every day.  We love you more than we can say.

Included are a few pictures from the big day/party, and at the end of this entry, I am sharing the birth story I wrote a couple days after she was born. 
----
Forgive me if some details are TMI, but I LOVE labor/delivery stories, and I want to keep mine forever.
I went in at 7:30am to be induced because the baby was measuring large (7 lbs. 11 ounces at 37 weeks). Once I did the paperwork and was admitted, they administered Cytotec (?) by pill because I was still only at a one (after WEEKS of only being at a one) and barely effaced.
Once that happened, suddenly, low and behold, I started having contractions--long ones. Some were three minutes in length. I felt a lot of intensity at this point, and a fair amount of pain, but held out. During the long contractions, the baby's heart rate would decelerate, so they gave me oxygen in the hope that her heart beat would regulate...it did. I was measured at my next check at a 2.
My water was broken soon after. I didn't remember the constant wet gush when they did so with my first labor, but it kept coming and coming, and I was so frustrated with the feeling of it, combined with increasingly dreadful contractions. I had tears in my eyes when my nurse, Karen (who delivered James), came in, and she asked if I wanted my epidural, which I did. I was only at a 3.5, which discouraged me because I wanted to hold out longer, but the pain was INTENSE.
The epidural hurt this time. I don't remember it hurting with James, but I didn't like the anesthesiologist, so I blame that. I progressed pretty fast...they administered some pitocin only when I stalled out a bit. I went from a 3.5 to a seven at the next check. The epidural made my blood pressure drop to the eighties/forties, so I was given ephedrine (?) via IV. I felt pretty miserable when the blood pressure dropped--that feeling scared me a lot. My contractions were VERY painful yet again, epidural and all, so I asked for it to be checked/boosted.
Five minutes after a new anesthesiologist came in, I felt funny--it wasn't a clear need to push, like I felt with James, but it was stronger than the pressure that had been growing and growing for the last while. Lo and behold, it was time to push--I was complete.
Pushing was harder than I remember it being with James. Karen had left, and another nurse had taken her place. I felt like I kept pushing and pushing and making little progress. The baby was moving, but she would still sneak back up a bit after a push was completed. Eventually, I was told they could see the head, and after trying a few different methods of pushing, we were at the finish line--so I thought. Once the head was out, the "burning ring of fire" of crowning did not go away--it intensified beyond anything I have EVER felt in my life. I couldn't figure out what the problem was. I felt a lot of pushing inside of me with the doctor's hands, and pain, and I wanted to keep pushing, but the pushing was UNBEARABLE--yet, I didn't want to stop because I wanted the baby OUT. It turns out her shoulders got stuck in my pelvis (shoulder dystocia), and the doctor had to shift my pelvic area and corkscrew the baby out in order to deliver her vaginally.
9 lbs., 8.2 ounces, and 20 inches long--my lovely was finally here. I think they showed her to me, but I can't remember if they placed her on my chest right away because they had to place her over to the warmer to give her oxygen after the delivery. I think I was still in shock because of the pain and not understanding what had happened. I did not get an episiotomy--I tore, but it wasn't as bad as the episiotomy I had with James, thank goodness. Her delivery, to me, was a miracle because it didn't end in surgery.
I wanted to breastfeed--so badly--because I couldn't with James. I tried to nurse the baby shortly after birth. There were some tugs, but she wasn't latching due to flatness on the part of the mama, so it wasn't a riproaring success. Because she was large, apparently that can lead to a tendency for a baby to have hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), so they supplemented with formula, and when you take a baby who can have a quick meal or barely anything (and hard work at that!) from Mommy, needless to say, she loved her formula. We've changed formula a few times with her due to gassiness and fussiness, but she's going to be a formula baby.
It's hard for me to accept in some ways. I bought all the books, all the products, in order to nurse. I thought I could do both--nurse and supplement, but it makes her unhappy, gassy, and fussy. Most of my experience during those few days was not the most positive, but there were a few feedings where I felt SUCH a connection with my new baby. The first morning with her, she and I sat in my bed while Josh slept, with her gently nursing away, both of us dozing in and out, for three hours. It was sheer and utter bliss. That night, she happened to be able to latch well (not our strong suit), and knowing I could feed and satisfy her, and that she wanted the closeness, was such a boost to my spirits. It hurts to know it's not going to work out to continue--she HAS to have formula, and that is also what she wants, but I will cherish those few moments with her at my breast. My heart ACHES to have those back, but we'll have closeness in other ways.

A Combo Entry: What We Store And How We Prep (Cereals), and Bargain-hunting For Books

This will be a two part entry because I want to keep up with the "What We Store and How We Prep" series in this blog, but I also want to explore how we can snag inexpensive books, for those of us bookworms on a budget.
One of the more "silly" things we store in our food supply is cereal.  Any parent can immediately understand why.  For the whole family, cereal is yummy, has a decent shelf-life, can be filling, and is relatively easy to stockpile, if you know what you are doing. 
Right now, we have nine boxes of cereal on hand.  Some are Cheerios, seeing as I have itty-bitty kids in the house, two are Kellogg's Frosted Flakes, some are organic granolas, organic raisin bran, and all natural, un-frosted wheat squares.  There are an additional two opened boxes of Kashi Blueberry Oat Clusters and Cheerios on the top of our fridge.
For those of you who enjoy the comfort of cereal as much as we do, here are some tricks of the trade:
1) Shop with coupons when your supermarket is having a combination sale.  For example, my store will run sales where you can get $6.00 off instantly when you buy four boxes of cereal at full price of a certain brand.  Say, it's Kellogg's this week, and each box at regular price runs $3.29.  Times that by four, and you get $13.16, minus the $6.00 off sale, and that takes it to $7.16.  Add a coupon to the mix.  Most cereal coupons give you so much off of multiple boxes, which, in this case, you are buying.  If you have a coupon for $2.00 off of three boxes, take $2.00 off of $7.16, and you just scored four boxes of your favorite brand name cereal for $5.16.  If your grocery store doesn't do this, look for some that will.
2) Warehouse clubs often have great deals on "staple" cereals, like Cheerios.  We buy the most commonly used cereals in our home this way.
3) Check scratch and dent grocery stores.  I get organic cereals at a local discount grocer for $1.75 a piece.  Even if they are a month or so past their best-by date, they are still good.
4) Bulk food stores often have plain cereals, like corn flakes and such, and even generic Lucky Charms, for bulk, but are stored in plastic bags instead of boxes.  These too can be a good deal.
5) If you like organic cereals, but not the price, sometimes, if you look diligently, stores will occasionally put them on sale if you buy multiple boxes of a brand.  These sales are worth the splurge if you are into organic food, and will often make the organic cereals competitive.  I recently caught Kashi cereals on sale for $2.00 a piece if I bought three.  That is cheaper than the generic line of non organic cereal.  But, you have to look for them.

Now, onto another subject dear to my heart.  Books.  Lately, I have been devouring all the wonderful books I can find.  I unfortunately love the splurge of a brand new book, and my bank account has taken a bit of a hit as a result.
That being said, I love used books, too, and have recently been enjoying books via my Kindle Touch as well.  You can find both for cheap or free, with work.
For your Kindle: There are many resources for FREE Kindle books.  Books on the Knob is a link that I have posted on the list to your right, and they will showcase free books worth mentioning.  Also, there are lots of lists that can be emailed directly to your email account (though I don't often have the time to look at those as much), such as EReaderIQ.  You can look under the Kindle Store (Amazon)'s Best Sellers lists, and they will have the Top 100 Best sellers for various genres of free books that you can peruse.
Hard copy books: Check out yard sales, thrift stores, and library book sales for treasures that often cost mere cents.  Today, at my local library, I bought two self help books, a book on training a household dog, and a book about the Apollo space missions--for $1 TOTAL. 

Hopefully, you've gained something from these tips.  Happy shopping!

Looking for Organic and Sustainable Food in Your Area?

Here's a nifty website that lets you find sustainable and/or organic food in your area? 
Eat Right Guide

Little of This, Little of That...

A lot of random thoughts are brewing today...we'll see where they take me.
Animals.  I've had animals on the brain a lot of late.  We still have our foster kitty, renamed Sunflower (or Sunny, for short).  I renamed her something more positive than Crybaby was, and I swear her personality has brightened under the name change.  She has a propensity for searching out sunbeams and laying in their path, and since I call her "my little sunflower," she started answering to that, and it stuck.  We've dealt with a few minor health issues along the way, but she is adjusting quite well to our family.  Even the dog plays well with her (most of the time).
As I've mentioned, I volunteer at a local animal shelter.  Our main mission is to save as many lives as we can, so we can match adoptable animals to potential forever homes.  However, as with anything in life, there is occasional loss.  During my shift yesterday, I spent some time helping with some sick kittens in our kitten nursery.  Our shelter director was called out on an emergency, and we were unable to euthanize a very ill kitten, and a volunteer was holding it and attempting to comfort it as much as she could.  I felt compelled to take a turn with the kitten.  I wasn't sure why, but it made my heart ache, so I took over the duties with this little kitten.  It was not easy.  The kitten was in respiratory distress and suffocating on fluid.  I held it in a blanket, as close to my chest as possible, up against my heart, as I caressed its fur, tiny head, and ears, and attempted to make it as comfortable as possible.  It passed away snuggled against my breast.  I spent a lot of the evening angry--angry at pet owners who refuse to care for their animals, who don't spay and neuter--and I tried to figure out why it was so important to take a turn with this kitten.  It dawned on me.  As hard as it was, it was easier to give something of myself, even if a little, than to walk away.  It made me sick to think that the kitten was there, and I had to give something.  It would have hurt more to walk away.  I have dealt with dying animals before, but this one affected me so much more. It was one of the most difficult and yet moving experiences of my life.

On to more positive subjects.  Lately, due to some questions I have about things, life, and whatnot, I have been investigating alternative means to peace and health in my life.  We have been eating healthier foods, less meat, and less dairy.  I have been doing extensive research into natural remedies, homeopathy, herbal cures, etc. for minor health concerns.  When my church stopped funding for our counseling sessions, I started looking for different ways to reflect, meditate, and to find peace in our lives.  We have been spending more time outside, taking in the natural world around us.  I also experienced my first reiki treatment.  (A good source for information on reiki can be found here.)  I am blessed to have a friend who provided this service to me.  It was a wonderful time for me to reflect and to ponder about my goals, my concerns, and so forth.  I had this image that I was shedding this skin of negativity as I listened to the music in the background.  When the session was finished, my friend asked me a lot of questions about my life that were spot on--she noted that I am often too hard on myself and that I have my expectations too high when it comes to where I feel I should be, and she said that she felt the need to express to me to work toward balance and being fair and kind to myself.  She also noted that my healing colors were purple and green, which I have found myself drawn to of late before my session.  It was a great experience, and I'm not sure I have ever so deeply meditated in my life.  My friend also shares a similar religious background and understood where I was coming from when I expressed a weakness in my testimony lately, and was so willing to listen to how I felt, while supporting me in my questions and needs, as well as my desire to reconnect to my spiritual foundations while staying true to myself and my heart and what I feel is right.
So, what else have we been into?  I've been enjoying the summer spending time with my family before I go back to the grind of teaching.  We've been playing a lot in sand, and in water, reading stories together and watching movies.  I admit to a growing frustration with my teething infant's lack of desire when it comes to sleeping, but we're managing.  I'm preparing for a course redesign this semester, mandated by my department--I, along with two other adjuncts, will be testing out a new design for our freshman composition courses, and in some ways, I'm grateful because I felt I was starting to develop a rut when it came to my teaching/curriculum.  The hubby received his HAM radio license, and I've enjoyed seeing him get so excited about this new hobby in his life.  It especially proved valuable as a radio service during a massive storm in the area which did extensive damage to the region and has left tens of thousands without power (called a "super derecho," a violent and destructive wind and thunderstorm that was in a arc shape that spanned several states).  The radio enabled us to stay connected to weather service updates during moments of unreliable power, as well as emergency updates, thanks to diligent amateur radio broadcasters.  The storm was so bad that it took the neighbors' staked, full sized trampoline out of the ground, down the hill through our driveway (and over our car--sigh), and across our street into the next neighbors' yard.  (Our car is OK--nothing a trip to the body shop won't fix.  I will show a pic of the trampoline's landing spot.)
Well, that's about everything that I can think of.  Now, if you'll excuse me, this sleep-deprived mama is going to search for rest.  Good night.  (Also, planning on getting back into our "What We Store" series soon.  Keep an eye out.)

BTW, we need to mow our lawn.

Wordless Wednesday

Homemade Finger Paints--a Pinterest Project

Via Pinterest--homemade finger paints.   
3 Tbs. sugar, 1/2 tsp. salt, 1/2 cup corn starch, and 2 cups water. Mix, then warm in a saucepan until thickened. Cool and pour into containers, then add food coloring to create desired colors.  Will create a gel fingerpaint.

Goob said he made a picture of "goldfish and seahorses."  Must be abstract. 

Double Blueberry Muffins

I made these muffins this evening, and they were fantastic.  Substituted turbinado sugar in place of the cinnamon sugar.  So yummy.  Recipe from Food Network's website.  

Ingredients

• 8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened at room temperature
• 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 1/2 cups fresh or thawed frozen blueberries
• 2 cups flour
• 1/2 cup whole, 2 percent fat, or 1 percent fat milk
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

Directions

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Grease a muffin tin or line the cups with paper liners. In a mixer fitted with a paddle attachment (or using a hand mixer), cream the butter until smooth. Add 1 cup of the sugar and mix. Add the eggs, vanilla, baking powder, and salt and mix. In a shallow bowl, mash 3/4 cup of the blueberries with the back of a fork. Add to the batter and mix.

With the mixer running at low speed, add 1/2 of the flour, then 1/2 of the milk, and mix. Repeat with remaining flour and milk. Fold in the remaining 1 3/4 cups whole blueberries by hand until well mixed. In a separate small bowl, mix the remaining 2 tablespoons sugar with the cinnamon. Use an ice-cream scoop or large spoon to fill the muffin cups 3/4 full. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar over the muffins and bake until golden brown and risen, 25 to 30 minutes. Let cool in the pan at least 30 minutes before turning out.

Back to Our Roots

Lately, I have possessed a desire to really know more about what my family is eating, consuming, putting in or on their bodies, where it comes from, and how to incorporate natural medicine into our health care.  My motives are relatively simple.  For example, have you ever taken a really hard, long look at the ingredients, say, in the lotion you use on a daily basis, or that sticky-sweet candy that you're giving your kids?  I know I don't always, and even when I do, I couldn't tell you what the ingredients mean.  Propylene glycol?  What is that?  Is that something I want my children consuming?  Is that something I want inside or on my body?  Food is being recalled every day--why is it being recalled?  What are the quality controls put into place?  How is the food gathered, processed, produced?  Where does it come from?  Or, another example, why is it that I pay hundreds of dollars for the simplest things at a doctor's office--treating a cold, or a sunburn, or an earache, when I never seem to see a doctor for longer than five minutes, and, often, we're back in two weeks because such-and-such antibiotic failed to work--again. 
I am striving to know more.  I want to have more of a say as to what goes into and onto our bodies.  I want to know what these ingredients are.  I'd like to know who makes my food, who has a say in what is "safe for consumption" and what isn't.  I'd like to walk the fields where our produce is grown, or where the cows are fed who provide our meat and our milk.  I'd like to know that I have the knowledge to treat minor health issues with natural or home remedies.  I'd like to buy foods that contain as little additives and chemicals as possible. 
So, I'm pursuing these questions and goals.  I am learning to navigate the natural and organic sections of our supermarkets--buying all natural or organic foods, cleaners, or beauty/bath products when it is feasible (oh, how I am addicted to agave nectar).  We love buying local produce and meats when possible.  I am researching what is in our food, and who says that it is acceptable.  I am discovering that I have the ability to treat certain health issues myself and naturally. 
There's so much to learn, and I'll never be able to live a 100% organic, natural lifestyle.  Some health issues absolutely require medical intervention--many do, in fact.  It's not possible to eat and use 100% natural and organic products all of the time, nor, do I want to (this mother has a mass market frozen pizza planned for dinner tonight because I am feeling lazy).  Sometimes, I need to buy my meat or my fruits and veggies at a traditional store.  There will be more things in my house with ingredients that I don't know than those where I do.  The goal isn't 100%.  The goal is KNOWLEDGE.  The goal is freedom from reliance on mass produced goods and medical treatment when possible.  The goal is having more say as to what we eat, consume, and use.  A goal of getting back to our roots, relying on Mother Nature's wisdom when I am able.

Family Fun for Free

As a family, we have discovered a wonderful park in a neighboring state, where the only cost for a day of fun is the gasoline to drive there.  I'm so grateful that we live in such a beautiful area, and that we have another place to enjoy together as a family.  We have been there multiple times now, and each time, I have felt such a connection to nature and peace in my heart.