"Keepin' it Colorful"

Renew You teleseminar

2010-06-22T14:39:00.001-07:00

Is it time for another round of self-improvement? Me too!
The Nourished Life is advertising a teleseminar that aims to show you how to accomplish this by listening to 15 wonderful women who will talk to you about their area of expertise as relates to self-improvement. Why not skip over to The Nourished Life and talk a peek. Then sign up and enjoy the Free advice.

Scrapbook 3, Page 16+17

2010-05-25T09:18:00.000-07:00

What do you most remember about this charming place?

Laughter as the best medicine.

2010-05-25T07:33:00.000-07:00

Don't view this video unless you want to laugh. Once on this page you can scroll down a bit to read about the benefits of adding laughter to you day.
I'm making laughter one of my 52 healthy lifestyle changes, only this is one that I would call a default as I participate in the activity almost everyday. If I am having a 'down' day and if I have not actually had a good belly laugh, I will go to Just For Laughs on YouTube and find a few funny ones to get me laughing. These are just a small sampling.

Scrapbook 3, Page 14+15

2010-05-24T04:26:00.000-07:00

Did you have a favorite plant when you were growing up?

Remember how we would find wide blades of grass and try to wistle with them? Remember the nut trees? Remember the 'woods' across the road with all the bushes? And remember the willow switches? War with neighbors and punishments?

Scrapbook 3, Page 12+13

2010-05-22T04:27:00.000-07:00

I just couldn't get myself to journal mch on this page. I have such sweet memories of this place. If I fill the page with words they will take center stage. I can't bear that 'cause I want the pictures to bring back there own memories. Each time I veiw these pages, different memories will surface but if I plaster these pages with journalling then all the memories will be 'cookie-cuter' memories. No, I will just leave these blank.

Dry Skin Brushing

2010-05-22T04:03:00.000-07:00

Today I bought my second dry skin brush. I am excited to add daily dry skin brushing to my 52 healthy lifestyle changes. I will fill you in on how I benefited from this natural technique in about a months time.

To learn more about dry skin brushing. (Lots of info here but I still think that the link below will give you the same amount of info with less reading time.)

I first heard about dry skin brushing from Bernard Jensen and his book Food Healing for Man. That's when I bought my first brush but I never felt comfortable to use it. I wanted for better instruction. Well, I found those plus a whole post about the benefits of brushing daily here at The Nourished Life. This is a blog I follow, (one of only a few health blogs) and I have almost read the whole thing. I highly recommend this blog if you are interested in getting REAL about food and eating.
Dry skin Brushing-A natural way to detox from The nourished Life.

Those first 7 of 52.

2010-05-21T16:45:00.000-07:00

If you have been following my 52 Healthy Lifestyle Changes you may be interested in how I am doing with them. Here's what I've been up to:

Number 1: Lemons- I still have a whole lemon everyday in two glasses of water. One first thing in the morning and another in the late afternoon. Katrina gave me a gorgeous green bowl to put the lemons in. It looks so nice on my island and the yellow lemons look so fresh next to the green.

Number 2: Deep Breathing- I am doing this more and more each day. At first I only ended up doing it once a day...in the morning when I just got up...but now I find myself doing it at all times of the day. It works so well for me and is a great stress reliever. Click here for a great post on the how and why of deep breathing.

Number 3: Early Morning Routine- I have not faltered from this one. I love it. One thing though...I wish I would have more desire to read the Word.

Number 4: Just Add Water- I am learning more and more about how necessary water is and I am drinking more and more each day. I think I am up to 12 cups a day. I still feel a need to go to the bathroom a lot but Kira insists that after a few more weeks that my body will start using the water more instead of sending it so quickly to the bladder. It worked for her!

Number 5: The metabolic Power of Relaxation-I am much more aware of what I am eating and as a result have really slowed down. I take the time to think about everything involved in my meal. The sight, smell, taste and texture all get my attention. I eat slowly, grateful for the renewed love of food that has taken place since I started on this healthy lifestyle. I truly have fallen in love with food again. By food, I mean real food, nothing processed. I still loath processed foods- which shouldn't even be called foods.

Number 6: Correct Posture- This one is the most amazing change of all. I am actually standing straight once again. It's been years. No kidding! Here's what happened. I developed a pregnancy back-what with all those pregnancies one after the other. So my back was always dipped in. Imagine it like this. Your heavy belly is pulled forward and your back arches. Ideally, after pregnancy you straiten up, but I didn't. Partly laziness and lack of confidence perhaps. But remember how I was determined to adjust (fix) my posture. Well I did it! I still have much room for improvement but I seldom sit with a slouch anymore and I am now unconsciously straightening my back when I get up to walk or am standing still. I am amazed at how quickly my body adjusted to this. It was very hard at first. I got such a sore back from using those muscles that I had neglected for so long. I now walk straight and tall and feel so very slim. So much so that when I looked in the mirror this evening I was shocked to see that I wasn't slim at all! Not at all! But I feel that slim, and that's what counts.

Number 7: Morning stretches- Love doing these and feel I will not ever want to give them up after discovering just how energizing they are. I love rubbing my feet and stretching them along with every other stretch. I have been doing a bit of reflexology with my feet in the mornings and hope to learn more about it. When I do, I will make it Lifestyle Change. Yes, stretching before and after getting up is so good. Then, for something real nice, step outside and do it while facing the warm morning sun...barefoot!

That's it for now. I will be adding three new ones soon. Laughter, Dry Skin Brushing and Coconut Oil. Keep posted and let me know if you are following along!

Scrapbook 3, Page 10+11

2010-05-21T06:51:00.000-07:00

What do you do to pass the time while you are traveling this long, long road?

Microwaves

2010-05-21T05:58:00.000-07:00

Have you ever wondered just how safe microwaves are?

Here's what I learned today:

That microwaves zap nutrients right out of your foods. What's the point of eating then, if there is no more sustenance to be had?

That studies have documented immediate and dramatic changes in your heart rate after consuming microwaved foods.

That microwaves leak radiation. I'm sure I need not say more about that.
That microwaves change your foods chemical structure.

That microwaves can cause a whole range of unwanted symptoms that they now called 'microwave sickness'.
For more about microwaves, click the link directly below.
Microwaves
Here's what I've been doing more of:

I've been taking my meat out in the morning so I don't have to defrost it in the mic. half an hour before I need to have a meal on the table.

I heat my water on the stove.

I reheat my leftovers in the wok. I have found this to be much more tastier then nuking it.

Steam my veggies on the stove.

Really, in the end I only used my microwave for defrosting meat, heating water and reheating leftovers. Occasionally I would steam my veggies. Now I only want to use it to disinfect my dish clothes every once in a while.

Do you use your microwave? If so, will you still? If yes, why?

Scrapbook 3, Page 8+9

2010-05-20T04:47:00.000-07:00

Have you ever been to the Giant Cedar Boardwalk. It's on the way to chilliwack and worth a quick stop. Not only do you get to stretch your legs but you get to hear, see, feel and smell a whole lot of wonderful things of nature. So good and refreshing after being in the car for the past couple hours.

Is there a favorite stop that you take on the way to Chilliwack that you care to share with me?

Funny Face, I love you! (humor post)

2010-05-20T04:35:00.000-07:00

Want to know how to exercise your face and have a good laugh while you are at it? Then go here and watch the video. Seriously this is SO funny!
I did the exercises while I watched and as crazy as it sounds, I feel that I have indeed worked those muscles.
You know, this may hold some weight and may be something I will SOMEDAY add to my 52 healthy lifestyle changes. Channie came to watch me as I did these 'cause I was laughing so hard. I thought the models looked SO funny as they stretched their faces.

For even more videos and some fascinating reading on this subject, go here.

Tell me,

What did it feel like to do these exercises?
Did you see the humor in it, or was it just me?
Do you think there is a considerable benefit to adding this to my 52 healthy lifestyle changes?
Would you consider making it a part of your exercise routine?

I'd love to be a fly on the wall while you try out these exercises. What a hoot!

Scrapbook 3, Page 6+7

2010-05-19T08:02:00.000-07:00

This really was such a beautiful day. I love it that there were pictures taken in front of a church. So traditional and so fitting. I do hope that all my children will be married in a church and have pictures taken by it's front door.

What was your favorite part of this day?

Enjoying a safe and healthy summer

2010-05-19T07:34:00.000-07:00

If you use sunscreen or mosquito spray you must read this about its harmful effects on the skin.
( All the links I supply bring you to the same page...on Dr. Mercola's health site.)

Here's a good video to watch if you do not want to do all the reading. It's only 6 minutes.

"Sunscreen blocks your bodies production of Vitamin D. Most brand contain
toxic free radical generators which I believe can increase your risk of disease.
Here's the ultimate way to protect yourself this summer..."-Dr. Mercola
An interesting side:

Since I lost my D&G sunglasses last summer I've been thinking about whether or not it is even safe to use them. I pondered whether there were good things from the sun that my eyes needed that the sunglasses were blocking. I planned on googling it
to see what others believed about the safety of sunglasses but hadn't got around
to it. Till today. If you watch the video I linked to you will hear
about how the sunglasses do block good things from our eyes, things our eyes
need to be healthy. Watch it and get back to me with what you think about what
he says. After watching, answer this:

Will you still wear sunglasses? If not,
why not?
As for me, I will just continue to do without, ( new sunglasses are expensive!) but will start to consider wearing a visor and perhaps a bit
of natural sunscreen around my eyes.
Also, if you wear mosquito spray and sunscreen how do you feel
about that now? Have you found contrary information to this that would prove for me that it is still safer to wear them then to be exposed to the sun and the pests. I'd love to hear the other side of the story...

Scrapbook 3, Page 4+5

2010-05-18T12:03:00.000-07:00

Breanne had such a lot of fun at the wedding it reminded me of when I was a kid and occasionally was allow to attend a wedding reception. It was such a rare treat and I have such fond memories of the games that were played. I most remember the hat game and the game where the blindfolded participants had to feed each other whipped cream.
What are your fondest wedding reception memories?

Finding contentment in staying home Part 1

2010-05-17T20:19:00.000-07:00

Are you wondering how my first day went?

Would you believe that I baked some raisin oatmeal cookies? Very unusual for me as I have not baked anything in over a year. My big girls do all the baking that needs doing.

I did a load of wash instead of letting it wait till Wednesday and Saturday. I washed the kitchen floor instead of waiting for it to get filthy. I worked a bit in the garden, transplanting rhubarb and chives to a more convenient place. I puttered around in the chicken coop and took home and washed 25 eggs that the hens were so kind to give up for me. I took pictures of bees in the crab trees.

I made a colorful lunch that I enjoyed eating. Yes, I am falling in love with food once again.

I read a bit from the fascinating book In Defence of Food by Michael Pollan. I checked out a few blogs and went for a short stroll to the back.

Then I went to town. Yes, you read that right. I tried to get out of it. I pleaded but in the end hubby won. He just couldn't make it to town and he NEEDED to have a cheque brought to the bank. It was 10,000.00 that was badly needed in the account before 4:00. Finally, I agreed to go.

Sometimes our best plans will not pan out. And this is fine. I still want to be flexible while doing this partial hibernation. And I will be. I can let go of perfectionism so much easier these days.

All in all it was a very pleasant day, I got lots done and I even spent some time piecing my Twin Sisters Quilt.

Small Changes for BIG Morning Energy

2010-05-17T05:12:00.000-07:00

What's wrong with this picture?

6:30- That horrid alarm clock jolts me awake.

6:55-After smacking the snooze 3 times, I jump out of bed and, stumbling about I throw on anything fairly decent and head for the kids' room. I call them all awake in a crackly voice and then slowly force my stiff ankles to climb up those seemingly endless stairs.

7:15- I haul myself out of the LazyBoy, pushing off clingy kids who were also waking up on my lap and I begin to prepare the kids' school lunches, meanwhile forcing down a bowl of sugar laden cereal.

8:00- The kids are on the bus and I am on the couch wondering why I feel so tired. "I had eight hours of sleep last night", I moan aloud to the world. "Why does it have to be this way?"

I believe a crazy morning routine like the one I outlined above is the result of not waking up naturally. Iknow that my mid-morning energy levels are predicted by what I do when I first get up. I've found that this typical (though no longer) morning routine works temporarily but always leaves me lagging behind in the long run. Low energy saps me of creativity, spontaneity, concentration and motivation. It makes me irritable and causes me undue stress.

I've since learned that sudden activity kicks up my blood pressure and I get the false feeling of alertness and energy. But these adrenaline producing tactics are only short lived. Once the mayhem is over, its crash time.

I tell myself, "Its much better to start your day by coming out of sleep mode more naturally. By helping your body get off to a more relaxed start you are giving your body the gift of a more energized day." Now I just have to believe me and do it. Which I am...for the most part.

Think of how Eve must have got up in the morning. I am positive that she didn't jump up at the first screech of a rooster and hit the dirt running. I believe we need to get back to our roots and wake up the native way once again.

How do I suggest we do this?

I say we start by just being in the presence; pondering whatever comes to mind. Then let your body do what it aches to do...stretch. I wish now that I had not tried to tell you all just how to stretch because I believe it can throw some of us off if we feel that we are not doing it 'perfect'. There is no perfect way. Do what feels best. Just do it. Then it's on to deep breathing. Again, there is no perfect way to do this. Do it in your own way , in your own order or you will probably not do it at all. Then and only then go about your business in a slow but deliberate way. No adrenaline rush. Now your metabolism can begin to get back to work in a gentle way.

I feel that these small changes will result in the biggest energy boost. It's just what so many of us need to live fuller, healthier and happier lives. Starting the morning off wrong throws your whole day off and you never catch up after that. Once you have a strong morning routine in place you will notice it in all other aspects of life.

Morning routines are very personal. I will not outline one for fear you will all think that it's the perfect way and will strive to do it just so. When you don't succeed you will give up. Same story over again. So no, there is no right way...just YOUR way!

Why am I stressing this? Because I want us all to be successful, healthy and strong. I stress a morning routine that you can stick to because I know from experience that it makes such a difference in how I live each moment after. Also, I want us all in this together. Who's with me?

Please let me in on how you plan on living out your own personal morning routine. Take your time in getting back to me but when you do, can you add it to the comments. This is the only life change I expect each of you to report back to me ... at this time. At the risk of sounding like an advetisment I will say, "Seriously, this will change your life."

SB 2 Page 1+100 First and last pages

2010-05-15T12:06:00.000-07:00

SB 2, Page 98+99 A touch of heritage

2010-05-14T16:10:00.000-07:00

Do you wonder why Andrew is in these pictures?

It's because I find he looks so much like Pake did as a baby. So I put them side by side. Do you see the resemblance or is it just me?
I noticed that there is no journaling. I meant to write a letter to Beppe for that page. I will do it before sending this book off but still might upload it so you can see what I wrote.

This is almost the last of this book that I have to show you. I will upload the first and last pages tomorrow. When editing, please look for things like- lack of shadow, elements not lining up, etc. as well as the common spelling and grammer mistakes. Thanks so much. It means alot to me.

The natural world in my little world

2010-05-14T15:25:00.000-07:00

I am so pleased. My almond shrub has finally bloomed. We waited 7 years for this moment. Two years ago Brian ripped this shrub out by the roots because it never bore fruit, was not pleasing to look at and it cumbered the ground. I was ready for it to go too though I knew from pictures that if it would only bloom it would be gorgeous.

Well as things usually go on farm he never did get it completely cleaned up and last year it came up from the roots. Long, slender, young shoots. Brian said he would spray it with something to kill it. Again, it never happened. And I am so glad it did not!

This year, for the first time it was covered with buds. Then the cold and snow came and I was so worried that the frost would kill the buds and I would still not get to see for myself the beauty that this shrub promised. But the cold did nothing terrible to it except 'burn' a bit of the bud and today it is blooming in all its glory.

I found out that this shrub only blooms on second year old wood. I learned that I should have trimmed out all the old wood each year and left energy for the younger shoots to bloom. Pulling this beauty out of the ground was the best thing for it. This fall I will be trimming out the old wood so that next year I can have this lovely treat to gaze on once again.

I received some tulips from a friend for my birthday. Next morning when I got out of bed...stretched... and made my way to the living room for my devotions I noticed this sun shining on the tulip. Devotions were forgotten as I ran for my camera to try and capture the sun shining through the petals. I love how it turned out.

Beholding God's handiwork is also a form of devotion, don't you think. Especially if you praise Him for the beauty the surrounds us each morning...and all day, for that matter.

Then I went out and photographed the blossoms on the crab tree and the may day tree. The fragrance coming from both these trees is divine. I delight in just being under these trees' spell.

I was walking through the trees when I saw a bit of plastic in one of the Ponderosa pines. I reached up to rip it out of the trees but just in time noticed the robin. With no lack of twigs she still craved something modern with which to build her nest.

Finally! I got a shot of the elusive robin with out the aid of a telephoto lens, though that would have been nicer. I had hope to get one of these lenses for my birthday but instead got a gadget that I haven't a clue how to use. It's an ipod touch. Someday...

Our Children

2010-05-14T15:00:00.000-07:00

As always, if you want to see the pictures better, just click on them.

SB 2 Page 96+ 97

2010-05-12T12:46:00.000-07:00

I dearly hope that this one doesn't offend anyone b/c I found the comments made by you two that day before the wedding to be so cute. Please let me know if I got it just right or if the words were said in slightly a different way. Do you remember Racheal?

SB 2, Pages 92 + 93, Just Happy

2010-05-12T07:10:00.000-07:00

Most Popular Gift for Mother's Day

2010-05-10T10:58:00.000-07:00

Recognize this Mother's Day gift? All moms everywhere know what this is about. It's spring and the first of the bulbs are starting to bloom. We want to enjoy them while they are in the garden and perhaps if we are honest we want to show them off. Then one of our little ones comes in with his/her fist tightly grasping a very short stemmed bloom. Inwardly we groan b/c we know that they were plucked from our garden (and there were so few of them the way it was) but outwardly we beam at them and make a big deal about the gift that they have so thoughfully brought to us.

I'm interested in what you say to your child following this exchange.

SB 2 Page 94+95 Sisters at Bridal Veil Falls

2010-05-07T12:46:00.000-07:00

SB 2, Pages 90 + 91, You are so funny

2010-05-07T10:12:00.000-07:00

SB 2, Page 88+89 Motherly Love

2010-05-07T10:11:00.000-07:00

A very small beginning of a fitness program

2010-05-07T10:08:00.000-07:00

I've begun to workout in earnest.

Here are a few things I have learned over the years in regards to exercise and me.

I do not workout well alone. I love people and the more that are in it with me the happier and more enthusiastic I am about the workout.
I love aerobic exercises that get me sweating hard. I do not think that I would have the patience for yoga or other slower forms of exercise.

I can not follow an exercise book. Cannot. Enough said.

I don't mind exercise videos. As long as I can change it up and try new ones regularly.

I love best to be outdoors when I am exercising. This is not always possible in Alberta.

My favorite form of exercise would be a game. Tennis anyone?

I hate paying the huge fees for gym memberships.

I quickly get bored of places like Curves for Women.

I hate the atmosphere of the big gyms where the attitude is 'dog eat dog' and 'each to their own'. It's as if there is so much competition that no one wants to cheer when someone else is successful in reaching their goals.

With all this in mind and a determination to begin a consistent exercise program that would fit my needs and desires I began my search for the perfect workout.

Along comes Walking at Home with Leslie Samsone. Most of this video is walking in place with all the enhancing exercises that can be done will doing the walk. Leslie has been on my shelf for a few years now but I refused to look her way until a few weeks ago. I glanced at her book long enough to remember that I had one of her videos stored away and that I ought to give it a try. I dug it out and promptly fell to watching it. As I watched with nary a sweat, I became excited. I could do this. And I did. And again and again. Leslie is very enthusiastic and she has other exercising with her in the videos. She is humorous and cheery. I can feel as if I am with people to a degree and this is important to me. Now I have 4 of her exercise videos and am enjoying the ability I have to change them up. When I get bored I will just buy some more.

That is how I get in aerobics every second day. I do it in my center hall while Channie watches me and does her annoying copying thing. Every word I say, see copies. She thinks she's being cute, but it annoys me somethin' fierce.

Then I walk the road a couple times a week with either a neighbor or a friend.

And I do two weight training videos a week, at least I am trying to do two. These are not as welcome for me but I need to build up muscle in order to metabolize my foods so much better and faster. Both weight training and the walking with Leslie can be done outdoors on my deck. Another big deal for me.

Put these all together, along with the stretching and I have a program that fits many of my needs and comes close to the perfect way for me to get my exercise.

Fitness is so important for us. It gives us such a boost of energy and confidence. Tell me, how do you get in your daily quota of heart and mind-healthy activity?

updated morning stretches plus more

2010-05-07T09:47:00.000-07:00

As I read back over some of my posts I notices that I failed to let you in on how I do those stretches I mentioned.

I DO THEM WHILE STILL IN BED!

There! now that should make more sense to those of you who were trying to follow my example and my faulty instructions.

..............And then I get up and do different ones while standing.

Standing Stretches are as follows: (I copied these directions from the book, 8 weeks to vibrant health, but I added my own humor in italics)

Stand with your feet shoulder width apart.

Inhale and slowly begin to raise your arms in front of you and straight up over your head. Except for mom, we will be holding up the ceiling

Sssstrrrreeeeetchhhh as tall as you can.

Breathe deeply and move your arms as if you are climbing a ladder, hand over hand.

Keeping your arms over your head, exhale and press your pelvis forward, arching your back and bending backward as far as you comfortably can. Keep your eyes open for this part.

Take a breathe or two and inhale back to vertical.

On the exhalation, slowly begin to lower your arms, and , with your back straight, bend forward and reach your toes. Or your knees in my case. Truly, can any of you actually touch your toes?

When you are reaching down as far as you can, round your back and relax it in this forward-bending posture. Breathe deeply. Do not bounce. Hold for about thirty seconds.

With your back rounded, inhale and slowly curl back up to a standing position.

Aaaahh, this feels so good. Give it a try and let me know whether or not it makes a difference in how you spend the next few minutes and what kind of food choices you make. Personally, I find that I am more cheerful when I get the kids up and I choose a healthier breakfast then I otherwise would.

If I get a positive response I will post two more morning stretches to round this one out. So be sure to do it tomorrow morning and let me know. Seriously girls, you all need to be doing this. Lets get healthy together.

The story behind the pictures.

2010-05-07T08:09:00.000-07:00

At the time it was tragic. Now I laugh. Isn't that the way it often is with life?

We had gone to Vancouver Island with the family in 2008. It was a BIG deal. We flew the whole family out there. You ought to have seen the faces of some people at the airport. I know that they were just dying to ask, Are they all yours?

We did loads of sightseeing, two of the places being Cathedral Forest and the Nygard Lighthouse.

I mention these because I had definite plans for these places. It was here that I as goin' to take the perfect family pictures and use them as Christmas cards for the coming Christmas season.

The kids were in a great humor as we pulled up to the first stop. The Cathedral Forest was completely breathtaking. I didn't talk much because I spent much time standing in awe, beholding the majesty of these giant trees. The thought that God was so much more mightier then these trees, in fact, making them appear as wisps of grass when compared...and so much more...that I was in a state of worship. Therefore I did not notice when a fight broke out amongst the kids. When they rudely interrupted my thoughts, I snapped. This made everyone grumpy.

They say, if momma ain't happy, ain't anyone happy. Well this was the case this time. We were almost finished the walk when we came to THE Tree where I planned to take the photo. It was hollow at the bottom and I could fit everyone in it for the picture. Most of the children were cooperating but BREANNE! No way was she gonna look at the camera and she was NOT goin' to smile, no way!

So we took the pictures anyway and all of them showed a very angry Breanne glaring at the camera. At least we convinced her in the end to look our way.

So much for that! I put the camera away, comforted with the idea that we would get a good one next day at the lighthouse. I would do my best to keep the kids friendly with each other, not hurt any ones feelings and be happy and enthusiastic myself.

When we arrived at the lighthouse things were looking great. I knew we would be successful. The weather was perfect, like I love it. Not too hot, nor too cold. The kids were playful and full of energy as they ran from underground hideout to lofty lookouts. When we got to the lighthouse something terrible happened. We lost Channie! I was frantic! So much ground to cover and no idea of where to look first. And as it always goes, the minute she showed up there was intense relief followed by furious emotion. Angry. And I took it out on the kids, Gideon in particular, who had promised to watch her for the time.

Big Bad mistake. After I calmed down, which was right away because I can never stay mad for more then 2 minutes, it was time to take the picture. I put on my most cheerful attitude and got them to line up like I planned.

Yep, you guessed it! Gideon would not cooperate. Not, not, not. Look close at the picture. Although he finally turned his head to meet the camera, he looks miserable. I feel sorry for him as I look at it. I was too hard on him.

So that's the story behind the pictures. I never did use them for cards. I am ashamed of how I acted. These pictures remind me of just how human I am and that I always have so much room for improvement when it comes to mothering these precious souls.

A bit of advice...do not attempt to travel with 7 young kids for 10 days while sleeping in hotel rooms and driving two separate little cars all over your vacation destination. Choose to take a camper, a LARGE one or to at least rent a house while there, for the cramped quarters add greatly to a mothers stress.

SB 2, Pages 82 + 83, Welcome to our campsite

2010-05-06T16:52:00.000-07:00

SB 2, Pages 80 + 81, Bass Pro Shop

2010-05-06T16:22:00.000-07:00

Believe it or not...

2010-05-06T16:06:00.000-07:00

...but I am making supper as I post these. It may seem like I must be spending hours of my day on blogger, but truly, this is not the case. The scrapbook pages load up while I do other things and the posts that are mostly words come so fast and easy for me that I have them done up in a few minutes. Really! If I have the words already in my head before I start and I refuse to let my perfectionism take over, I can do it in a few minutes.

Here's the supper I made for myself tonight. The others have to eat B.B.Q. cheeseburgers. I hog the salads. Yep. I admit it. I added a bit of poppy seeds and blueberry dressing. Just a wee bit!

Doesn't this baby gift look just like you want another baby. Or for Katrina and Racheal, that you want a girl. I am going tonight to visit a friend that just had her baby girl. Called her Talitha but they pronounce it Tah-Lee-Tah with the Lee accented and no th sound.
The kids are all out with Brian as they stock up on birthday gifts for me. You should have seen my wish list! Long and full of expensive things. Poor kids! :)

The weather is..........brrrr..........cold. See Channie shiver. Hey, a tongue twister. Say that 6 times fast.

Four more scrap booked pages and then that'll be it, for a bit! I have caught up to where I left off with converting my 12x12 pages to 8x8 and now I have to start up my old computer and find StoryBook 3 because it is not on this computer and yes, I HOPE it is on the old one, otherwise...(insert scream of despair here) Once I find them and get them to this computer then I can start uploading them again. I will be back on blogger sometime next week. Please feel free to comment back and forth with each other like you did with the post about the birthday invite.

I like to think that I have my own 'e-mail' service for you gals. ;)

But for now...toodle-ooo TTYL

R, IF YOU WANT TO SEE THE SCRAPBOOK PAGES BETTER, JUST CLICK ON THEM AND YOU WILL GET A LARGER SIZE. INDEED, BIG ENOUGH TO READ THE WORDS

SB 2, Page 78+79 Good Things Grow

2010-05-06T16:01:00.000-07:00

SB 2 Page 76+ 77 Family

2010-05-06T15:54:00.000-07:00

SB 2, Pages 74 + 75, Last day of school

2010-05-06T15:48:00.000-07:00

Smocking

2010-05-06T15:31:00.000-07:00

When I was at the quilting class last night, my eye catch sight of a pattern book for smocking. Immediately that little spark for someday learning this craft burst into flame. Here I was at a quilting class, trying my hand at this equally beautiful craft and my thought are being tugged to this instead. Its like going out with a amazing guy and then having your eyes drawn to another equally amazing guy the whole night long.

Really! I do so want to learn how to do this. Years ago I thought I would take it up but life happened, as it always does, and I forgot about it. Now I can't stop thinking about bonnets, and little girlie dresses and lovely childrens coats all smocked up. I asked around at the sewing places here in Lethbridge to see if they taught people how to do smocking but no one knew of a class. They told me that I should just buy a pattern book and follow the directions. Arggg. I like best to watch people doing it. Then I can try it myself.

Anyway, here I am, dating a quilt but in love with a smock.

SB 2, Pages 70 + 71, Summer Rain

2010-05-05T13:09:00.000-07:00

Give your Metabolism the Gift of Time

2010-05-05T11:53:00.000-07:00

We can all work on slowing down and relaxing when we are fueling up our bodies for our next meal and every meal thereafter. It's such a simple move we make that makes all the difference to our nutritional metabolism. Remember that the slower you eat the faster you metabolize and the faster you metabolize the sooner you will lose those excess pounds.
Lets commit to giving ourselves the gift of time at each meal, knowing that our to do list and the rest of the world can wait while we take a few extra minutes to enjoy our meals.

Here are a few back to basics that I have been reclaiming. We all used to eat like this...when we were children. It's time to take back this healthier way of eating.

If you normally eat breakfast in 10 minutes, bump that up to 20 minutes and continue to increase it to up to a 1/2 hour. No kiddin'! we need to give ourselves this time. We don't need to be shovelin' the whole time, but we need to be more aware, we need to put our forks down regularly between bites and we need to visit with each other. This takes time.

If needs be, rearrange your schedule to make time for these longer meals. Even if the rest of your family has to run off you can still allow yourself extra time to sit and finish your meal. It's O.K. Really!

Try to get everyone in on this new way with you. Make mealtime special by coming up with interesting topics to be discussed together.

Have your own private game, you win if you're finished last.

Remember that I am not perfect and that I do not always want to follow my own rules, but these are the things I have been trying and I am having a fairly good measure of success.

I'm Ready for my first Quilting Experience

2010-05-05T11:48:00.000-07:00

I purchased the fabric and the pattern yesterday. I got the fat quarters (squares of pre cut fabric) in colors to match my family room, blue and brown with a touch of green and rust. It's to be a lap quilt and I am to start cutting out the pieces tonight at the Fabric Addict. 6:oo sharp!

I'd say I am just a wee bit....hmmm......apprehensive.

SB 2, Page 68+69 Happiness is...

2010-05-05T11:24:00.000-07:00

Lifestyle Inventory

2010-05-05T08:48:00.000-07:00

It's time to recap.
This is my morning schedule so far. This is how I have been incorporating the 52 lifestyle changes into my day.

I stretch,

I Breathe

I do my morning routine,

I drink my lemon water,

I take my supplements,

I make pour my water allowance (8 glasses) for the day into a jug and alkalize it, I drink some and put the rest in the fridge.

I slowly eat a bowl of oatmeal or drink a smoothie, relaxing while I sit down at the dining table.

I think about my posture and correct it if necessary.

The picture is just for fun. Good Memories!
Sentences in italics are those that I have not purposly made into 52 lifestyle changes...yet.

Morning Stretching

2010-05-05T07:24:00.000-07:00

I need to start stretching in the mornings. Exercising the first thing in the morning is the most convenient time for me but not always the most welcome time. I am not one of those people who wake up fresh and energetic in the morning, ready to dash out into daily living with oomph. I am very slow at getting going in the morning and need a few minutes to really wake up.
The thought of indulging in a few hard core exercises upon awaking is enough to discourage me. But to try a simple stretch a few times and perhaps see a difference might be enough to motivate me to continue.

Why stretching in the morning?

With three to four minutes of easy stretching in the morning my energy will come surging in and I will feel as alert and as full of energy as I might normally feel at mid-morning.

How to stretch in the morning
1. Stretch hard 5 times, maintaining “stretch” for 3 seconds and relaxing for 2 seconds
2. With elbows tucked in beside body and legs together, arch back 3 times
3. Tense all leg muscles hard and relax. Do this 12 times
4. Do 2 sit-ups reaching as far as I can to my toes.
5. Raise bent legs over my head and reach as close to my ears with my knees as I can 3 times.
6. With palms pressing each other, hands close to front of chest, push hard to one side and then the other, resisting with the other arm. Do this 10 times.
7. With fingers flexed, grasp hands and pull apart, first to one side and then the other. Do 10 times.
8. Place hands on abdomen and push vigorously while resisting by tensing abdominal muscles. Do this for 3 seconds and then relax for 2 seconds. Repeat 10 times.

The time required for these stretching in the morning exercises, once I get the hang of them, should only be two to three minutes. When I really get the hang of them and can breeze through this series in less time, then I will do it twice.

I believe that, at most, five minutes is sufficient to get me started in the morning.

Fathers Day Gift

2010-05-04T15:12:00.000-07:00

Channie's First Day of Big Kid's School

2010-05-03T14:23:00.000-07:00

I 'bing'ed it!

2010-05-01T16:17:00.000-07:00

I decided to keep a list of things I Bing (google) throughout the week.
Here's what was on my mind last week.
Below you see the sentences as I entered them into the Bing seach bar.

How to use leeks
The importance of correct posture
Natural remedies for headaches
Muscle Testing
How can I get my almond shrub to bloom
Changing bed linens
boot camp

SB 2 Page 56+ 57 Motherhood

2010-05-01T15:09:00.001-07:00

Inexpensive Gift Idea

2010-04-30T12:15:00.000-07:00

I needed to get a quick gift together to give to my neighbors who were both sick the broncitis. I wanted to do it as frugally as possible. I found these boxes of meat, cheese and crackers in the Pharmacy.There original prices were $15 and $18. They were marked down 75% because the meat was near due date.

I took both home and opened them up. I threw out the meat as it was no longer sealed tight and I placed the other items together in a tin that I had laying around. First I filled the tin with the filler that had come in the boxes. So then, I used what was in two boxes to fill one and had a nice gift. Then I tied a ribbon aroung the box, found a get well card and added a get well helleum ballon that I got at the dollar store.

Then I drove out to the neighbors in the mud and delivered the gift to their door.

It only cost me a few bucks.

Daring to go outside the box

2010-04-30T09:51:00.000-07:00

The Metabolic Power of Relaxation

2010-04-30T08:30:00.000-07:00

I'm reading the SLow Down Diet again.
I have to read this book with a grain of salt.
Much is worthy though and I am working hard at living by the first 'rule'.

Take this thought and really meditate on it. I mean really, really chew on it.

If you're a fast and furious eater, it's time to change gears.
That's because the slower you eat, the faster you metabolize.

I thought on it long and hard and I am ready to change. To me it means, no more meals in the suburban, no more meals while running around the house setting things in order and no more mindless meal where I am reading a book.

I want to be more aware, I want to learn to love food once again. I want to eat for pleasure more then for nessecity; for energy more then just to fuel up.

I have learned that this statement above is oh, so true. If I become aware of what I am eating, I need so much less, and I do not get that horrid gut ache that follows crazy eating. Though I do not nessecarily eat what I eat fast, I do eat mindlessly and in 'furious atmospheres'. Yesterday, I had a scant handful of nuts and seeds, like I always do for an energy boost at about 4:30. But I ate then on the run. Then, yes, I felt almost as if I hadn't had any at all and wanted more. Then I decided to experiment. After supper I again ate a handful of nuts and seeds, but slowely and with awareness and lo and behold! I was satisfied. This is only one example, I have tried it in other ways too, but it does make a difference how you eat, not just what you eat.

As I learn more about how this helps me to metabolize faster and better I will post.

SB 2, Pages 44 + 45, Mari's Photo Shoot

2010-04-30T08:22:00.000-07:00

SB 2, Pages 40 + 41, Monster Tractors are better than Monster trucks!

2010-04-29T09:49:00.000-07:00

Scrambled Egg Wrap

2010-04-29T09:35:00.000-07:00

This recipe is so simple and quick that there is no more

any excuse to go without breakfast.

Ingredients

2 whole eggs, whisked
1 tsp butter
1 whole grain whole wheat wrap
1/2 tsp pure maple syrup

Preparation:

Heat frying pan on medium. Add eggs to pan. Place wrap on top of eggs and let then heat up together. When cooked through, remove from heat. Place egg on the wrap and drizzle with maple syrup. Roll egg in wrap. Serve immediately.

This can also be served cold for lunch. Add some fresh fruit and you have a complete meal.

Remember the paving stones?

2010-04-28T17:39:00.000-07:00

Still wonder why they flip out of place?

Check This Out!

2010-04-28T16:20:00.000-07:00

Oil Pulling! Now what! I am going to give this a try. What do you think?

SB 2, Pages 38 + 39 Observe your World

2010-04-28T15:15:00.000-07:00

More than a Tuna Salad

2010-04-28T14:29:00.000-07:00

Tuna is one of those ingredients I always have in my cupboard.
This salad packs loads of nutrients.

Ingredients

1 can water packed tuna, drained
1/2 med. Cucumber, diced
1/4 cup alfalfa sprouts
1/4 cup radishes, sliced
1/4 cup carrots, chopped
3/4 cup cabbage, chopped fine
1/4 cup grape tomatoes, halved
1 apple, chopped

Dressing

2 tbsp olive oil
juice of 1/2 lemon

Preparation

In medium mixing bowl combine all salad ingredients.
Pour dressing over ingredients.
Serve immediately or cover and chill.

This Tuna salad is also a perfect filling for wraps.

SB 2, Pages 36 + 37, Cuddles

2010-04-28T07:43:00.000-07:00

Just add water

2010-04-28T06:13:00.000-07:00

What: Drink 10 to 12 glasses of pure water daily.

Why: Water restriction actually increases the laying down of fat!

How: I will fill a jug with at least 80 ounces pure water and keep it in my fridge to refill my water bottle every few hours. I will sip from my water bottle throughout the day.

Notes: I will keep three water bottles full and waiting in places I frequent. A bottle in the livingroom, my kitchen and in my bathroom will remind me to sip up often.

Action: Fill jug and bottles every morning.

First Healthiest Eating Principles

2010-04-26T13:25:00.000-07:00

What: Eat six small meals a day.

Why: Increasing the frequency of my meals causes my metabolism to be stimulated while preventing me from getting too hungry.

How: Eat at these times...

7:00

9:30

12:00

2:30

5:00

7:00

Notes: Every morning I need to begin to make a *list of things I plan to eat* during the day. If I need groceries I need to buy them before my 9:30 meal.

Action: Have food in the house! *Have a plan!*

* I will make having a plan one of my 52 Healthy Lifestyle changes.

SB 2, Pages 22 + 23, Nature Walk

2010-04-26T07:23:00.000-07:00

SB 2, Pages 20 + 21, Garden Foliage

2010-04-26T07:17:00.000-07:00

Early Morning Routine

2010-04-26T06:49:00.000-07:00

What: Have a consistent routine to follow each morning.
Why: It will help me to wake up and motivate me to start my day with energy and enthusiasm.
How: When alarm rings...

Slap the snoose button and start waking up.
Think about my dreams.
Think about what I will be doing today.
Pray for a blessing on the day etc.

When second alarm sounds...

Get up.
*Stretch.*
Deep Breathe.
Brush teeth.
*Wash face.*
Comb hair.
Moistureize face, hands and feet.
*Slip on socks and clothes.*
Leave bedroom.
Drink lemon water.

Notes: I have been doing this for months already, but I need to keep doing it as this simple routine makes such a difference in how my day goes. If I don't take these first steps I can't seem to get going and often the whole day flops.

Action: Make sure to keep these products in my room. Toothbrush, Tooth paste, Spunge, Hairbrush, Hairspray, Moisturizers, Socks and comfortable clothes. When replacing these items, be sure to get healthier, natural, sustainable, green, organic, chemical-free products.

* more details coming soon. *

SB 2, Pages 16 + 17, Pelican

2010-04-24T18:48:00.000-07:00

Deep Breathing

2010-04-24T07:31:00.000-07:00

What: Deep Breathing at least four times a day.
Why: Deep Breathing for even 30 seconds has a substantial effect on acidic stress hormones and, when practiced over time can have profound healing effect on mood, energy levels and cardiovascular and respiratory health.
How:

Place one hand on your chest and the other on your abdomen. Breathe deeply into your abdomen through your nose-if you are doing it right and breathing into your abdomen and the lower part of your lungs, the hand on your abdomen should rise higher then the hand on your chest. As you inhale count slowly to 4.

Hold your breath, again counting to 4.

Exhale slowly through your nose to a count of 4, gently contracting your abdomen muscles to eliminate all air from your lungs.

Repeat this cycle 4 times, or more if you an make the time.

Notes: I will want to do this the minute I wake up and before I go to sleep plus two other times during the day. I will do this when I take my vitamins as this will help to serve as a reminder.
Caution: Do not take deep breath's with pills in mouth. :)

Action: Just do it!

Master Weekly Grocery List

2010-04-22T20:37:00.000-07:00

Produce:

Lemons x 7

Personal Products:

Toothpaste
Deodorant
Moisturizer for face, hands and feet.
Facial Cleanser

Lemons

2010-04-22T20:20:00.000-07:00

What: Add fresh lemons to my daily diet.
Why: They supply me with Vitamin C and help alkalize my body. They are great for cleansing my liver and they are great energy boosters.
How: I will squeeze a half a lemon into a glass of room temp. water first thing each morning. I will do this one more time sometime during the rest of the day, especially when I need an energy boost.

Notes: I need to always have lemons on hand. I will do this by adding them to me master weekly grocery list. I will need at least 7 lemons a week. I will store them in a pretty bowl on my island. I will keep a pretty glass just for this drink by my sink.

Action:
To Buy: Lemons x7
To Find: Pretty glass and bowl

Kickin' Acid

2010-04-21T19:02:00.000-07:00

I am reading a new book called The Ultimate pH Solution because I am interested in balancing my body's chemistry in order to prevent disease and-what do you know-lose weight. This book's cover promises that I will learn how to do these things if I will only buy it and take it home with me. I did. Buy it.
This read better be worth it!
Anyway, it starts by making the case that balancing your pH is the last breakthrough in weight loss. Goodbye fad diets. Simply alkalize your body and all what ails you will be a thing of the past.
Hear my sarcasm? But its not that bad. The sarcasm. I am willing to learn. So here's what I learned in the first chapter.

-Because of my SAD (standard american diet) my body is too acidic.
-Therefor I will be sick. (DUH!?!)
-Acidic blood is the precursor of almost every disease.
-Most of the diseases that plague me would not occur in a pH-balanced body.
-If my blood is acidic I will show signs of age before my time. (Who's to determine that, I wonder?)
-Cancer cells require acid to survive. So kill them by starving them of acid.

But it's not all bad news...oh no, If I just do these things..........

-Eat the right foods (with all the contradictory info out there, just what is the right foods)
-Hop into a luxurious bath with the right ingredients (now I'm listening)
-Drink more alkaline water. (What's that?)
-Eat more alkaline fruits and vegetables to help 'melt' off weight. (Finally, the info I am looking for.)

..........I will be O.K.

So, what can I do with this information from this first chapter. Nothing! They give me no concrete advice. I need to read the rest of the book to get those answers.

But I did find a bit of something to get started. As I skimmed the book I saw a little highlighted piece that tells me that if I just put fresh lemon juice into my water everyday and for every drink I be doing a lot to balance my blood. That is something I can take away from this read.

Well, I guess it's off to the grocery store for 15 plus lemons. That should do it for the next week.
Seriously though, I will try to incorporate this into my diet as it makes sense and I feel that it's something I can do with minimal effort and maximum benefit.

Bring on the lemons.

They don't have to be organic, do they?

Cleaner eating

2010-04-21T10:51:00.000-07:00

I visited Kira again this morning. I figured that I had been seeing her for diet advice for a year now and DRUM ROLL>>>> I lost 7 pounds........
After a whole year!!!

Good for me............ (groan)

What we are working on this week- Healthy Breakfasts, not just oatmeal.
-No more white flour, white rice, pasta, etc. I will still use white sugar for a while.
-Try to get more vegetables into my kids. Puree and hide it in my meals.

I think that I am going to start posting what I am doing dietwise. I don't know yet how it will look on the blog but I will work on it. Perhaps I will post new things that I am incorporating into my lifestyle in the effort to be 100% healthy, perhaps I will post things I am learning about how our bodies work or/and how I am greening up our lives.

Are you all interested?

Chocolate dipping

2010-04-21T06:16:00.000-07:00

Breanne's Life

2010-04-20T14:29:00.000-07:00

Names for my babies

2010-04-20T14:22:00.000-07:00

Blue-Eyed Girl

2010-04-19T16:07:00.000-07:00

Family Reunion

2010-04-19T08:40:00.000-07:00

Icy Reunion

2010-04-19T08:30:00.000-07:00

Jewel Heritage

2010-04-19T08:18:00.000-07:00

I'm still not feeling well.

What I originally thought was simply indigestion was in fact a uterus infection. So I've been pretty sick.

Anyway, I did a few pages which I will post soon. These pages are just to enjoy- they do not yet have to be edited but if you do see something obvious you may let me know.

Cemetery Walk

2010-04-15T20:13:00.000-07:00

Snow Day

2010-04-15T19:28:00.000-07:00

There!

That will be it for a while.

I got lots done today because I didn't have to go to town, I had a clean, neat house with the wash caught up and the pantry full and I didn't feel well. Channie and I hung out all afternoon with a touch of flu. Came on fast, like Gideon yesterday. He was sick from noon to midnight and then was better again. He even ate two bowls of oatmeal this morning. So it looks like the flu is a short one and I'll be busy again tomorrow. I'll post again next week.

Nature Walk

2010-04-15T13:18:00.000-07:00

Little Sister

2010-04-15T09:27:00.000-07:00

A 13th Birthday!!!

2010-04-15T07:21:00.000-07:00

Mom's Birthday A.M. Party

2010-04-12T14:45:00.000-07:00

The weather was gorgeous, sunny with a slight breeze. Tante Ina came by with Oma who brought mom the tulips and the cakes. We had a lovely visit of about an hour and then went out for a walk. I will post more later.

A bit of what I'm up to today...

Vintage

2010-04-10T21:55:00.000-07:00

A bit of what I've been up to tonight...

Katrina, you got me interested in trying out VINTAGE. I used a bit of each patterned paper. This layout is rather time-consuming but the kids were in bed and I couldn't sleep. This seemed like a 'good enough' use of my time.

Yeah, I plan on posting my pre-designed pages here and to delete my other blog where I originally kept them. The less blogs the better, at least for me.

Please remember that the spine of the book will cover up the weird lettering and comma in the center of these pages.

Truth be told...I like it better without the torn edges. I probably will untear them when I decide to use this page for pictures. What do you think?

RE-LOADED PAGE 1

2010-04-10T19:05:00.000-07:00

I want to publicly thank Katrina for this page creation. I asked her to do this page for me because I felt it would be appropriate and special seeing as it was her that helped me spot mistakes in all these previously posted scrapbook pages.

Didn't she do a lovely job?

Katrina makes her own scrapbooks, check her's out.

MOM AND RACHEAL, PLEASE COMMENT ON THIS PAGE FOR KATRINA'S SAKE!

Story Book Page 96 and 97

2010-04-09T09:13:00.000-07:00

Story Book Page 98 and 99

2010-04-09T09:10:00.000-07:00

Story Book Page 96 and 97

2010-04-09T09:01:00.000-07:00

Story Book Page 94and 95

2010-04-09T08:57:00.000-07:00

Re RE-LOADED PAGES 24+25

2010-04-08T07:34:00.000-07:00

Fashion Diva

2010-04-07T20:04:00.000-07:00

RE-LOADED PAGES 46+47

2010-04-07T11:51:00.000-07:00

RE-LOADED PAGES 26+27

2010-04-07T11:47:00.000-07:00

RE-LOADED PAGES 24+25

2010-04-07T11:44:00.000-07:00

RE-LOADED PAGES 16+17

2010-04-07T11:35:00.000-07:00

RE-LOADED PAGES 14+15

2010-04-07T11:30:00.000-07:00

Story Book Page 92 and 93

2010-04-07T10:23:00.000-07:00

Story Book Page 90 and 91

2010-04-07T10:21:00.000-07:00

Story Book Page 88 and 89

2010-04-07T10:18:00.000-07:00

Story Book Page 86 and 87

2010-04-07T10:14:00.000-07:00

Story Book Page 84 and 85

2010-04-07T10:09:00.000-07:00

Note of THANKS

2010-04-07T09:09:00.000-07:00

Hi Katrina,
I've been sick the last two days. That's why I posted so many pages.( Not too sick to fix and post pages at least. But sick enough to keep me in bed with fever and nausea...and still not better. )

Thanks for taking the time to comment.

I was surprised that the fishing page was your favorite. Although it took a great amount of time to create, I do not like it much at all! So, I'm glad you like it...I will keep it! Don't know how I could have missed that comment about Breanne...it was MEANT to go in the top journal box!

I finished the book and have just to post the pages. I may finish posting them all today. Do not feel like you are pressured to comment all at once. Take your time...though I do hope to send the book off to CM by end of next week.

Lets talk about what I should do for my 35th birthday soon. A big party? A day trip? A sleep over in a big city?