whole-foods update

I just spent two hours researching healthier food options as part of my quest to cook from scratch and avoid additives.  I love research!  Seriously.  I easily lose track of time doing this.  My husband thinks I'm nuts in this regard, but he always comes to me when he needs an answer to something, although rather reluctantly (it means he has the kids solo while I do my research magic).

Even after ten and a half years of marriage, it still amazes me how we complement and balance each other.  God is a perfect matchmaker, isn't he?  Oh, sure...we like to take the credit for choosing a good husband.  But the truth is, left to our own devices, we'd probably pick a toad.  God knows us intimately--the good, bad and ugly.  We tend to define ourselves by just the good, and sweep the rest under our subconscious rug.

Anyhow, I didn't sit down here to write about marriage tonight, truth be told.

I wanted to share two nutrition resources I found to be particularly good.  One is the Nutrition Data Blog, located on my sidebar.  It has a search feature, making it easy to look up any topic.  The other is a Mayo Clinic website, listed at the very bottom of my blog roll (no RSS feed).

I've been to the grocery store twice since deciding to cook from scratch and avoid processed foods.  On the spectrum of processed foods, our cupboards weren't horrible, but there were definitely things we could do without.

The only thing slightly processed from the first grocery trip was dry tortellini.  The ingredients list isn't bad at all, the nutrient count is good, and I find them great for livening up homemade vegetable soup, making it a hearty, healthy winter lunch option (although watch for sodium content).

The second trip involved a search for chicken broth, after learning that homemade broth, while a great idea, happens to be very time consuming (I'll get to it occasionally).  We love soups in the fall and winter, but commercial broth is expensive, considering the amount needed.  For the past four weeks we've been using chicken broth granules to save money.  Today I was horrified to learn that they contain MSG!  Of the liquid broths, only one brand was formulated without MSG (Swanson), which I bought.  We are now making all our own snack foods (no more baked chips, crackers, cookies), so I can probably justify spending more on the best broth option.

I've been reading labels for a very long time, but I look mainly for sodium, fat, fiber and protein content.  Time to hone my skills in this regard.  Food industry companies have horrible ethics; they simply can't be trusted (the lesson of the day).

Tonight I also spent a good forty minutes researching bread-making machines.  We use a loaf of bread every day and a half, at between $1.88 to $2.30/loaf for 100% whole wheat (3 grams fiber per slice).  Bread ingredients aren't all that bad, but you have to watch for unhealthy fats, too much sodium, and of course...most have preservatives.  Costlier brands might not.  I'm convinced we are better off using a bread machine and just making one loaf a day.  The Nutrition Data Blog guru, Monica, suggests a blend of whole wheat flour with King Arthur hi-maize flour.  She also mentioned a white whole grain flour (made from albino wheat, I believe it said) which bakes up softer with better taste.

Lastly, I have to tell you something truly exciting--if you're a nutrition nerd, that is!  You can bake up healthier snack foods for your family by substituting beans for 75% of the fat content.  Weird, huh?  Who cares!  People say it tastes fine.  I printed out a recipe for Oatmeal Chocolate Chip (And bean) Cookies, which we'll try tomorrow.  Try this link for a list of healthier baked goods.

Well, then.  That concludes today's update on my whole food/healthy food journey.  Do any of you have a bread machine?  I read that the Panasonic model, selling at approx. $125, is the best mid-priced option.

good things

When it snows and snows, and then snows some more, what do you feel like doing?  Sipping cocoa?  Playing games?  Cozying up together for a movie?  Getting crafty?

Around here, the answer is baking or applesauce making--if we have enough apples.  I'm trying hard not to bake up our favorite (chocolate chip cookies) very often, since nutritionally, it's a poor choice.  

But I still want to respect our sweet tooths.  

The answer for us?  We've been baking up healthy cookie bars, sweet breads, and fruit crisps.  Today we made a delicious pumpkin bread, substituting whole wheat flour for the white flour.  Compared to the 1 cup of butter in chocolate chip cookies, the pumpkin bread required only a half cup of olive oil.  The pumpkin was packed with fiber (and other wonderful things), and the wheat flour added three more grams, compared to less than one gram of fiber for white flour.  I personally love a grainy taste.  My family will get used to it--barely noticing the difference after a few months.  I plan to use only whole wheat flour for baking from now on.  They've all eaten whole wheat bread since infancy, so the transition to grainy baked goods shouldn't take long.  

The cookies require 1.5 cups of sugar, while the pumpkin bread calls for 1 cup--not a huge savings on sugar, but oh well.  I love all things pumpkin!

I'm glad Hubby took this picture. I will treasure it always, despite the cluttered-counter view.  I'm so grateful for the togetherness that homeschooling affords us.  It feels very right...for us.

I turned away to beat some eggs on the other counter and to help brother with a tricky math problem.  When I turned back to pour in the eggs, I saw this little darling up on brother's chair.  She's asleep now of course, but oh how I want to kiss that little nose!  Pictures always humble me, reminding me of the blessings before me.  In the chaos of a single day, that thought can get temporarily lost.  

We also baked up some butternut squash, with brown sugar, butter and cinnamon.  What a wonderful smelling house we enjoyed today!

Looks like we won't be making that homeschooling Valentine party tomorrow.  Two of our kids started wheezing on exertion today, and they all still have junky-sounding coughs, with sneezing and drainage.  We are so disappointed!  But, we have quite a bit of new snow, with more expected tomorrow.  The roads in the area of the party won't be plowed (country roads)--so maybe God is saving us from something?  I choose to look at it that way.

I hated to post about food tonight after reading two more Haiti stories. Lately, I cringe every time one of my kids complains about their food.  The depth of despair overwhelms!  I think many people will be forever changed by these stories--that's true for me.   Perhaps God's intent all along?  

Many are perishing now, but without some intervention and/or exposure in terms of their corrupt government, more and more would perish over many years.  The extent of the corruption is known well now, the world over.  Going forward, very little money will go directly to their government, bringing positive change over time. 

With continued coverage, more Americans will give on a regular basis--either their time, money, or talents.  I really believe that.  Between the effects of a serious recession, and the recent images of poverty and hunger, the American years of material gluttony are hopefully over.

Finally tonight, I want to include a bit about God's faithfulness and provision.  We did our taxes recently.  My jaw dropped at the final number for our 2009 income....less than $25,000.  Um, yeah.  For a family of six.  Shocking.  

And we aren't going hungry.  And we haven't defaulted on our mortgage.  And our credit is still good--except for the fact that we had to put car repairs on our credit cards.  A tax credit is coming our way (earned income credit).  It will be a cushion for the house payment going forward, which is a blessing.  Unemployment extensions expire shortly.

It could be far, far worse.  Next month will make a whole year of underemployment.

I stand amazed at the miracle.  Whatever you're going through, remember this......it isn't as big as your God.  Think about how he has held you up in the past.  We all have these stories.....whether financial or otherwise.  Write them down.  Build your faith--and your children's--with them.  God comes through in miraculous ways...feeding five thousand with a few loaves...making wine from water.  

Don't be downcast, thinking there is no solution.  It can be painful....and long....but God will sustain you, as he works things out for your good.

^{Romans 8:28}  And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

fourteen months and poems to treasure

She's asleep now of course.  I so want to kiss those jellied cheeks.  I've been giving her plain bread for the longest time, and then it dawned on me that she might like something on her bread. Duh.  Now she eats more wholesome whole grains.  

She is fourteen months today.

She climbed the safety gate and fell off the top of it.

There is no relaxing.....ever.

A new forehead bruise appears every week.

Our main rooms are mostly devoid of decor.  Everything within her reach is gone, except for books.

I can't keep up with the re-shelving of books.  I now gather those she has dispersed and put them in a laundry basket--to deal with in my spare time. 

Now the basket is overflowing with books, and we saw her climb the "mountain" today.

She dumps tubs and baskets and uses them as stools.

If the boys or Daddy forget to close the bathroom door, she notices it first thing and runs in there, hoping to find the toilet open, or toilet paper within her reach.  I can't buy any toilet safety gadgets right now, so I lecture the boys in desperation.  Since she climbs the gate now, it's more imperative that they remember.

When she's in my arms and we're walking down the hall, she stretches out her hands, reaching for wall pictures.

I love every inch of her.  Every pore.  I don't even want her to grow up.  She's my biggest blessing--an unexpected, delightful gift from God.

But she's. driving. me. CRAZY!

Now she's pulling it.  Next she'll turn it on its side and use it to stand on.  All wobbly and proud atop it, she displays no fear.

Our side yard.  No foot steps yet.  Fresh snow reminds me of new beginnings.  We ate our breakfast in wonder, looking out this window.  What you can't see is the way the early sun shown on this blanket, making it glisten.  Breathtaking.

Guess what my boys said when they saw these beans?  "She bought us craft supplies!"  Uh, no.  The only dried beans I usually buy are navy beans and legumes.  Peter was excited about the prospect of new recipes! That boy is destined to be a chef.  Cooking and baking are cures for any behavior problem he throws our way.  Just keep that boy busy!  Give him something to chop, something to mix, something to add spices to....whatever.  He lives for it!  

Over the weekend I ran across a post on Apples of Gold about a delightful poetry book, The Path to Home, by Edgar Guest (how do you underline in new blogger editor?).  It happens to be out of print, but the poems can be found on this website.  Tear jerker mom poems, to be sure.  Get the kleenex.  Thank you to Holly, for posting about this gem of a book!

Below you'll find one that fits my post today.


THE TOY-STREWN HOME--Edgar Guest
Give me the house where the toys are strewn,
Where the dolls are asleep in the chairs,
Where the building blocks and the toy balloon
And the soldiers guard the stairs.
Let me step in a house where the tiny cart
With the horses rules the floor,
And rest comes into my weary heart,
For I am at home once more.
Give me the house with the toys about,
With the battered old train of cars,
The box of paints and the books left out,
And the ship with her broken spars.
Let me step in a house at the close of day
That is littered with children’s toys,
And dwell once more in the haunts of play,
With the echoes of by-gone noise.
Give me the house where the toys are seen,
The house where the children romp,
And I’ll happier be than man has been
‘Neath the gilded dome of pomp.
Let me see the litter of bright-eyed play
Strewn over the parlor floor,
And the joys I knew in a far-off day
Will gladden my heart once more.
Whoever has lived in a toy-strewn home.
Though feeble he be and gray,
Will yearn, no matter how far he roam,
For the glorious disarray
Of the little home with its littered floor
That was his in the by-gone days ;
And his heart will throb as it throbbed before,
When he rests where a baby plays.

homemaking

When the whole family succumbs to illness, certainly prudent adult behavior would include going to bed early.  You would think so.  But is that what I did last night, given that my throat and head clearly screamed the need for rest?  NO!  Not me.  I seem incapable of such self-control, and had to eat humble pie about yesterday's fruit of the spirit post (self-control being a huge part of that Scripture).

No, I didn't speak harshly or behave poorly today.  But I'm sicker now, for the lack of sleep. Baby Beth tossed and turned in misery for a couple hours, right after I turned in at 1:30 a.m., mostly because Tylenol (generic)--all I had for infants--is a poor fever reducer.  I feel physically drained and horribly foolish.

Reminds me of the Scripture about Paul doing what he does not want to do.


 I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do.  
My husband tells me there is disagreement among theologians regarding this Scripture.  Some feel Paul is talking about the struggles of a Christian, while others feel Paul is referring to his own struggles before becoming a Christian. (Romans 7:15)

Anyhow, after working with the kids all day, going to bed is the last thing on my mind.  It has always been that way with me.  Having down time and doing things I can't do during the day--like read or write or follow the news--becomes powerfully tempting, no matter what my physical state.

Sarah Palin is to speak at the Tea Party Convention, and I have no TV reception (remember that lofty idea?).  I thought the Almighty Internet might have live news available, but not true, so far as I can tell.  Just quick clips after the fact.

So I wasted a lot of time last night trying to find coverage.  The blog remake went surprisingly fast, in comparison

But that isn't what I wanted to share tonight.

Lately, a passion for authentic homemaking--cooking from scratch, eating whole foods, etc.--consumes my thoughts.  I read this post about the lost art of homemaking, and I kept nodding my head.  That's me!  I wasn't taught anything about keeping a home.  For example, I need training in the following:

sewing
cooking
canning
freezing
knitting
mending
crafting
pie making
bread making
baking from-scratch cakes
wallpapering, painting
organization
making laundry detergent, diaper wipes

I really WANT to do all those things.  Not so I can fulfill some ideal picture of womanhood.  No, I've come to really value those things.  They aren't just tasks, in my mind.  I see them as part of the "nurturing package" that is homemaking.

When the rhythm of home life stems from these things, and from loving and schooling children, a simple existence results.  For these things take time and planning, and one can't be galavanting about town, with the family dispersed hither and yon.  The natural result of this rhythm is that the family is in the world, but not of the world.

I was raised with the notion that a woman should get an education so she won't have to rely on a man--not so much a practical teaching, as a "liberated", man-hating one (I think an education is wonderful).  Caring for children and a home was never put forth as a lofty ideal, or even as an option.  Different times, the sixties.  My parents--with the best of intentions--were products of the popular culture.  Without God as their foundation, I don't know how they could have become anything but that.  I'm not finding fault.

Nevertheless, I regret I didn't learn these homemaking skills before the children came.  Now, I'm busy and adding new skills presents a challenge.  But I'll learn some of them, and teach them to my children.  They can choose whatever they want for their lives.  I just don't want them to lack the building blocks of family cohesiveness.  Homemaking tasks are the building blocks, in my mind.

Small increments of progress.  That's my goal.  I will start with preparing my own beans, rather than using canned beans for chili and tacos.

I don't have canning supplies or the know how to prepare my own tomatoes right now, but I can make my own spaghetti sauce, rather than doctor up some Ragu. 

I can make my own taco seasoning.

I can make mac n' cheese from scratch, rather than rely on Kraft (real stuff doesn't appeal to kids as much, but they'll get used to it.)

I can make my own corn bread using corn meal, rather than purchase a Jiffy mix box.

I'll freeze berries and peaches this summer.

Then on some future day, maybe I'll learn to make my own whole-grain bread, and whole-grain tortillas, and whole-grain chips and pasta.

Sound good?  

Or are you rolling your eyes?

new decor

Amy at Raising Arrows advertised this week that The Cutest Blog on the Block provides free backgrounds and banners, so here we are....back to sunflowers!  I clicked over there wanting something pretty and feminine, but then I saw this!  Sunflowers allure me.  They woo me.  To be surrounded by a field of them! Oh, what bliss.

I'll try pretty and feminine next month, perhaps.  This makes me feel like my dream--living on a farm--has come true.  Let's stay here a spell, shall we?

I did save that beautiful photo of the mountain...just in case.   It's magnificent and I might miss it.