Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Simply Can't Wait
. . . to make these for some special teachers as well as these yummies!! With teacher appreciation week right around the corner, I better get cracking!
Terri's Timely Tip
The Truth About Swine Flu
According to Dr. Mercola, swine flu is another example of the media's fear mongering in order to line the pockets of the vaccine and pharmaceutical industry.
Dr Mercola has this to say:
"This is NOT the First Swine Flu Panic...The last time was in 1976, right before I entered medical school and I remember it very clearly. It resulted in the massive swine flu vaccine campaign. Do you happen to recall the result of this massive campaign? Within a few months, claims totaling $1.3 billion had been filed by victims who had suffered paralysis from the vaccine. The vaccine was also blamed for 25 deaths. However, several hundred people developed crippling Guillain-Barré Syndrome after they were injected with the swine flu vaccine. Even healthy 20-year-olds ended up as paraplegics. And the swine flu pandemic itself? It never materialized. More People Died From the Swine Flu Vaccine than Swine Flu!"
Dr Mercola goes on to say, "More than half a dozen pharmaceutical companies, including Gilead Sciences Inc., Roche, GlaxoSmithKline and other companies with a stake in flu treatments and detection, have seen a rise in their shares in a matter of days, and will likely see revenue boosts if the swine flu outbreak continues to spread. As soon as Homeland Security declared a health emergency, 25 percent — about 12 million doses — of Tamiflu and Relenza treatment courses were released from the nation’s stockpile. However, beware that the declaration also allows unapproved tests and drugs to be administered to children. Many health- and government officials are more than willing to take that chance with your life, and the life of your child. But are you?"
Fortunately, you can protect yourself from viruses by strengthening your immune system. The first thing to do is to have your vitamin D level optimized. Optimal levels are at least 70. IF you rub your knuckles over your breastbone with a fair amount of pressure and feel discomfort, you likely have sub-optimal vitamin D levels. Ask your healthcare provider to order the 25 hydroxy D test (not the 1,25 hydroxy D test). Avoid Quest labs, which is not accurate.
If your levels are low, supplement with 2000 to 5000 IUs daily until your levels are optimized. You won't get vitamin D toxic on doses under 10,000 IUs daily. You can also go out in the sun until you get a little pink. This only works if you do not use soap or swim in a chlorinated pool for 48 hours after sun, otherwise you will wash off the vitamin D before it is absorbed into your blood stream. (It is OK (and advisable) to shower and use soap on your groin and axilla)
I would also consider buying oscillococcinum, a homeopathic remedy, and take that as soon as flu-like symptoms arise.
Lastly, your immune system is strengthened by healthy fruits and veggies and weakened by sugar. So, eat accordingly.
According to Dr. Mercola, swine flu is another example of the media's fear mongering in order to line the pockets of the vaccine and pharmaceutical industry.
Dr Mercola has this to say:
"This is NOT the First Swine Flu Panic...The last time was in 1976, right before I entered medical school and I remember it very clearly. It resulted in the massive swine flu vaccine campaign. Do you happen to recall the result of this massive campaign? Within a few months, claims totaling $1.3 billion had been filed by victims who had suffered paralysis from the vaccine. The vaccine was also blamed for 25 deaths. However, several hundred people developed crippling Guillain-Barré Syndrome after they were injected with the swine flu vaccine. Even healthy 20-year-olds ended up as paraplegics. And the swine flu pandemic itself? It never materialized. More People Died From the Swine Flu Vaccine than Swine Flu!"
Dr Mercola goes on to say, "More than half a dozen pharmaceutical companies, including Gilead Sciences Inc., Roche, GlaxoSmithKline and other companies with a stake in flu treatments and detection, have seen a rise in their shares in a matter of days, and will likely see revenue boosts if the swine flu outbreak continues to spread. As soon as Homeland Security declared a health emergency, 25 percent — about 12 million doses — of Tamiflu and Relenza treatment courses were released from the nation’s stockpile. However, beware that the declaration also allows unapproved tests and drugs to be administered to children. Many health- and government officials are more than willing to take that chance with your life, and the life of your child. But are you?"
Fortunately, you can protect yourself from viruses by strengthening your immune system. The first thing to do is to have your vitamin D level optimized. Optimal levels are at least 70. IF you rub your knuckles over your breastbone with a fair amount of pressure and feel discomfort, you likely have sub-optimal vitamin D levels. Ask your healthcare provider to order the 25 hydroxy D test (not the 1,25 hydroxy D test). Avoid Quest labs, which is not accurate.
If your levels are low, supplement with 2000 to 5000 IUs daily until your levels are optimized. You won't get vitamin D toxic on doses under 10,000 IUs daily. You can also go out in the sun until you get a little pink. This only works if you do not use soap or swim in a chlorinated pool for 48 hours after sun, otherwise you will wash off the vitamin D before it is absorbed into your blood stream. (It is OK (and advisable) to shower and use soap on your groin and axilla)
I would also consider buying oscillococcinum, a homeopathic remedy, and take that as soon as flu-like symptoms arise.
Lastly, your immune system is strengthened by healthy fruits and veggies and weakened by sugar. So, eat accordingly.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Our Youngest Artist
Last night was Ben's art show at Pre-school.
He was so proud & VERY full of himself.
We were only there for a short time and then we all headed over to Bratchers for dinner & yummy ice cream.
Friday, April 24, 2009
Terri's Tip . . . reposted!
I just realized today (Friday) that Terri's Tip did not post Tuesday like I thought it had. so sorry. I am not sure what happened but here it is!
Tip: Guess what, hormone issues don't start in your 50's, they start in your 30's with progesterone levels taking a sharp nose dive at about 35. This can lead to abdominal weight gain and other health issues. Consider having your hormone levels assessed by your healthcare provider. It is usually reimbursed if you have some symptoms. Anyway, if you have low progesterone, you can get an over the counter bio-identical progesterone cream. Just look for one made out of Wild yams.
I'll try to get it all straight for next Tuesday!
Tip: Guess what, hormone issues don't start in your 50's, they start in your 30's with progesterone levels taking a sharp nose dive at about 35. This can lead to abdominal weight gain and other health issues. Consider having your hormone levels assessed by your healthcare provider. It is usually reimbursed if you have some symptoms. Anyway, if you have low progesterone, you can get an over the counter bio-identical progesterone cream. Just look for one made out of Wild yams.
I'll try to get it all straight for next Tuesday!
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Thankful Thursday
I haven’t done this in so terribly long! But here’s my list ~
~ I still admire Tom & Emily incredibly. They continue to be an amazing example of love & friendship not to mention their incredible relationship with our God.
~ I am absolutely crazy about the toothless grins from our cuddly, freckled face boy.
~ I crave the hugs around my neck from our soft skinned boy.
~ I’m enjoying this crazy, creative roller coaster God has us on.
~ I'm hearing things about the housing market turning around a little.
~ I'm excited for friends & their future job possibilities.
~ I love that we are finally able to enjoy the spring sounds, sights, smells, & breezes.
~ We had a fabulous week back to school after spring break. Our boys jumped back into our schedule and my class quickly got back into the swing of things.
~ We're looking forward to a fabulous weekend ahead. Stuff to do but laid back time together as well. JM has a wedding & I have a Friday Family Fun night w/ the boys at Jacob's school movie night.
~ Just learned today that Jacob gets out of school a whole week earlier than I thought! JUNE 5th baby! That's an extra week of summer!
~ I still admire Tom & Emily incredibly. They continue to be an amazing example of love & friendship not to mention their incredible relationship with our God.
~ I am absolutely crazy about the toothless grins from our cuddly, freckled face boy.
~ I crave the hugs around my neck from our soft skinned boy.
~ I’m enjoying this crazy, creative roller coaster God has us on.
~ I'm hearing things about the housing market turning around a little.
~ I'm excited for friends & their future job possibilities.
~ I love that we are finally able to enjoy the spring sounds, sights, smells, & breezes.
~ We had a fabulous week back to school after spring break. Our boys jumped back into our schedule and my class quickly got back into the swing of things.
~ We're looking forward to a fabulous weekend ahead. Stuff to do but laid back time together as well. JM has a wedding & I have a Friday Family Fun night w/ the boys at Jacob's school movie night.
~ Just learned today that Jacob gets out of school a whole week earlier than I thought! JUNE 5th baby! That's an extra week of summer!
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
It's a Roller Coaster Ride!
While I’ve thought of God with many descriptions . . .
Majestic.
Holy.
Provider (remember the double rainbow)
Author.
Creative .... is the word that has been on the forefront recently.
God's creativity has been evident as He has had our family on an amazing roller coaster ride the past few years.
Ups and downs.
Twists and turns.
Arms raised (in worship).
Clinched on the handlebar (in anticipation of what is to come).
An amazing, exciting ride. And our creative God isn't done with the ride just yet!
We would have never thought when we moved to Roanoke just last summer that God would have us return to the Richmond area. This part of the roller coaster is an unexpected blessing ... a creative turn in the ride ordained by our Mighty God.
So, what does this mean? Well ... coming up in June we will be joining the family at Gayton Baptist in Richmond, VA as JM (check out his post with this "announcement") will be their youth pastor - and I can't wait to be a youth pastors wife once again!
Majestic.
Holy.
Provider (remember the double rainbow)
Author.
Creative .... is the word that has been on the forefront recently.
God's creativity has been evident as He has had our family on an amazing roller coaster ride the past few years.
Ups and downs.
Twists and turns.
Arms raised (in worship).
Clinched on the handlebar (in anticipation of what is to come).
An amazing, exciting ride. And our creative God isn't done with the ride just yet!
We would have never thought when we moved to Roanoke just last summer that God would have us return to the Richmond area. This part of the roller coaster is an unexpected blessing ... a creative turn in the ride ordained by our Mighty God.
So, what does this mean? Well ... coming up in June we will be joining the family at Gayton Baptist in Richmond, VA as JM (check out his post with this "announcement") will be their youth pastor - and I can't wait to be a youth pastors wife once again!
Promises from our Back Window
Can you see the DOUBLE RAINBOW?! I didn't get a picture at its best but this is what I did get. We were just sitting down for dinner. The sun was shining beautifully, the rain was pouring boldly & the rainbow was appearing brightly.
Isn't God creative?!
Isn't God creative?!
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Terri's Tip Today!
Here's Terri's Tip for the week! We'll get back on schedule here soon!
Food is converted to energy in the mitochondria of each of our cells.
This process requires healthy fats. But bad fats, trans fatty acids,
gunk up this system, making it IMPOSSIBLE TO LOSE WEIGHT! So look at
the label of everything you buy. Trans fats are so bad that labels are
now mandated to list them; however, food manufacturers often get
around this labeling requirement by playing with the serving size so
that it doesn't have to be listed.
Don't fall for this. Look at each ingredient. If it says hydrogenated
anything on it, it has trans fatty acids, and you WILL NOT LOST
WEIGHT! You may also become fatigued, and develop other health
problems. So...ditch the trans fatty acids today. You can do it!
Food is converted to energy in the mitochondria of each of our cells.
This process requires healthy fats. But bad fats, trans fatty acids,
gunk up this system, making it IMPOSSIBLE TO LOSE WEIGHT! So look at
the label of everything you buy. Trans fats are so bad that labels are
now mandated to list them; however, food manufacturers often get
around this labeling requirement by playing with the serving size so
that it doesn't have to be listed.
Don't fall for this. Look at each ingredient. If it says hydrogenated
anything on it, it has trans fatty acids, and you WILL NOT LOST
WEIGHT! You may also become fatigued, and develop other health
problems. So...ditch the trans fatty acids today. You can do it!
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Bedtime Stories
The Real Reason why Bedtime is one of my favorite parts of the day~
I'm often pleasantly surprised with the conversations we are priviledged to have with our boys. Tonight's was no different except in the fact that it started out with JM & I simply overhearing the boys chat. What caused our ears to turn to their chat was Jacob's question to Ben. "So Ben, what do you picture sin like? I mean for me, sin is like little ninjas trying to break between me & God and defeat me". ~ silence ~ "Ben do you need some more examples? Some other things might be poison". Ben liked that suggestion and agreed that he "pictures" sin as poison too. It's about this time that JM & I enter the room to kiss them goodnight when Jacob asks us how we "picture" sin. The discussion continues and oblivious to our hearing everything, he tells us about their chat. This time he & JM discuss how sin could be disguised as something else. Jacob says "You mean like how a doughnut may look really really but it really is bad for you?" He later goes on to tell me how much he enjoys praying when he is all by himself in bed and how he says "o God please come into my heart, please come into my heart."
It's a beautiful thing to "hear their heart" . . . I guess sometimes it's easier for them to verbalize their feelings than others. Whoever thought that a discussion about "sin" could be so sweet?
I'm often pleasantly surprised with the conversations we are priviledged to have with our boys. Tonight's was no different except in the fact that it started out with JM & I simply overhearing the boys chat. What caused our ears to turn to their chat was Jacob's question to Ben. "So Ben, what do you picture sin like? I mean for me, sin is like little ninjas trying to break between me & God and defeat me". ~ silence ~ "Ben do you need some more examples? Some other things might be poison". Ben liked that suggestion and agreed that he "pictures" sin as poison too. It's about this time that JM & I enter the room to kiss them goodnight when Jacob asks us how we "picture" sin. The discussion continues and oblivious to our hearing everything, he tells us about their chat. This time he & JM discuss how sin could be disguised as something else. Jacob says "You mean like how a doughnut may look really really but it really is bad for you?" He later goes on to tell me how much he enjoys praying when he is all by himself in bed and how he says "o God please come into my heart, please come into my heart."
It's a beautiful thing to "hear their heart" . . . I guess sometimes it's easier for them to verbalize their feelings than others. Whoever thought that a discussion about "sin" could be so sweet?
Friday, April 10, 2009
Pictures as Promised
One of our favorite family things to do is going to the downtown market in Roanoke. We went this past weekend to stock up on some yummy local veggies and some other treats! The boys always hope for the wonderful kettle corn or the tasty homemade ice cream. Glad for an ice cream treat at 10 am!
Welcome to the Jungle!
Our boy was a monkey.
and Finally the Easter Eggstravaganza!
Welcome to the Jungle!
Our boy was a monkey.
and Finally the Easter Eggstravaganza!
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Our Switch to Almond Milk
A few weeks ago I posted about our fairwell to the milk man. A few of you commented or emailed me with questions why. I haven't replied just b/c I keep forgetting but I read this blog today. A lot of the reasons she listed are also reasons for us. It may be worth your read as well.
We still do TONS of dairy. Jacob absolutely LOVES his cheese and Ben is CRAZY about yogurt. The boys have taken pretty well to our change to Almond Milk.
We still do TONS of dairy. Jacob absolutely LOVES his cheese and Ben is CRAZY about yogurt. The boys have taken pretty well to our change to Almond Milk.
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Easter Treats for Friends
I totally got this idea from one of my girlfriends. She sent them with her son to our preschool party last year. I've been excited about doing them with our boys ever since!
They loved doing the carrots . . . all 50 of them!
This is just the basket that goes to my class. Aren't they so cute!
They loved doing the carrots . . . all 50 of them!
This is just the basket that goes to my class. Aren't they so cute!
Terri's Tip
It's Spring Break so I asked Terri what she does to protect herself & family from the sun. Here's her advice.
Be careful with sunscreen products. Most of them contain ingredients
that are known to cause health problems, including cancer. I recommend
going to www.cosmeticsdatabase.com and searching for a brand that does
not contain ingredients known to mutate DNA, cause cancer, or cause
toxicity to nerve cells. I can only find these sunscreens in natural
health food stores.
Skin damage caused by the sun (cancer, aging, etc) is caused by
inflammation. Taking a natural anti-inflammatory, such as fish oil, by
mouth before going out into the sun will help prevent a nasty burn and
these unwanted effects of the sun. Try this while allowing enough sun
exposure to get a little bit red (this means you are making vitamin
D), then add a safer sunscreen as needed.
Enjoy the sun and the spring!
GREAT NEWS! "Holler for Your Health" was selected as a finalist in the
National Best Books 2008 Awards and reached a top 100 list on
AMAZON.COM!
“If there is one book you need to read to learn how toxins are making
us sick and what to do about it, this is it.” -Mark Hyman, MD, New
York Times best-selling author
Be careful with sunscreen products. Most of them contain ingredients
that are known to cause health problems, including cancer. I recommend
going to www.cosmeticsdatabase.com and searching for a brand that does
not contain ingredients known to mutate DNA, cause cancer, or cause
toxicity to nerve cells. I can only find these sunscreens in natural
health food stores.
Skin damage caused by the sun (cancer, aging, etc) is caused by
inflammation. Taking a natural anti-inflammatory, such as fish oil, by
mouth before going out into the sun will help prevent a nasty burn and
these unwanted effects of the sun. Try this while allowing enough sun
exposure to get a little bit red (this means you are making vitamin
D), then add a safer sunscreen as needed.
Enjoy the sun and the spring!
GREAT NEWS! "Holler for Your Health" was selected as a finalist in the
National Best Books 2008 Awards and reached a top 100 list on
AMAZON.COM!
“If there is one book you need to read to learn how toxins are making
us sick and what to do about it, this is it.” -Mark Hyman, MD, New
York Times best-selling author
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
He is Risen!
I have a of pictures to share from our weekend and then from Jacob's school play tonight but first . . . a family activity from this afternoon. I've been looking for something to help my preschoolers grasp the Easter Story. It's such a hard concept to understand anyway . . . Jesus died then He's alive!! I wanted something tangible and even better when it's tasty! So here's what we did afterschool to sort of test it before trying with my preschoolers tomorrow.
and this is all you need...well some butter, cinnamon & sugar would make it even tastier!
Press each breadstick or cresent roll into a circle
Plop a marshmellow inside.
Toss in a bag with cinnamon & sugar. Place on a pan.
We "sealed" the oven to represent sealing the tomb. The boys did enjoy "playing" with tape.
and here you have it ~ "empty biscuits"
This one came out of the oven just like this and I think it looks like the stone has been rolled away.
and this is all you need...well some butter, cinnamon & sugar would make it even tastier!
Press each breadstick or cresent roll into a circle
Plop a marshmellow inside.
Toss in a bag with cinnamon & sugar. Place on a pan.
We "sealed" the oven to represent sealing the tomb. The boys did enjoy "playing" with tape.
and here you have it ~ "empty biscuits"
This one came out of the oven just like this and I think it looks like the stone has been rolled away.
Friday, April 3, 2009
Spring Fever
Leaving Winter Behind!
1. Woohoooooo!, 2. Easter Basket, 3. Goodbye to a new season, 4. Ladybird, 5. Red rain boots, 6. More tulips, 7. when life gives you lemons, make the best lemonade ever, 8. Group Hug, Easter Egg Edition, 9. Easter eggs, 10. Easter Cross Egg, 11. Eggparade, 12. Prepared for easter, 13. Yellow Gerbera Daisies
1. Woohoooooo!, 2. Easter Basket, 3. Goodbye to a new season, 4. Ladybird, 5. Red rain boots, 6. More tulips, 7. when life gives you lemons, make the best lemonade ever, 8. Group Hug, Easter Egg Edition, 9. Easter eggs, 10. Easter Cross Egg, 11. Eggparade, 12. Prepared for easter, 13. Yellow Gerbera Daisies
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