Today, we decided to get out and enjoy the warmth of the day. My three-year-old got on his tricycle and off we went! We went down Main Street, down the hill and up again to the bridge. When we got to the top of the hill before the bridge (phew!), my son decided he wanted to turn around and go back down. We did this a total of nine times. I helped him on the way up each time because I loved watching him sail down the hill with glee! I let him decide when he had had enough. Oh, the joy!
And, what a beautiful and truthful metaphor for life. It is hard to go uphill; but, it sure is worth the effort! I believe that hard work should always be balanced with joy!
Monday, October 5, 2009
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Vaccination Proclamation
I struggled with the decision to vaccinate my first child (I did end up getting him all of his shots); and now, I find myself struggling again to decide whether or not to vaccinate my second child. The thing is, there is so much information supporting both sides of the argument on whether or not to vaccinate...and, both sides are argued so passionately.
My first child has shown no signs of having an adverse reaction to his shots and for that I am grateful. Even though I have read about the mercury (no longer used) and formaldehyde (it is supposed to be in such small quantities, it is similar to a naturally occuring substance already in our bodies) present in the vaccines, I am most concerned about introducing so many things at once to my baby's sensitive system (and, he is very sensitive...skin, tummy, you name it).
I am also concerned about him interacting with our family that travels out of the country regularly (and, also when we travel ourselves when he gets a little older, for his possible direct exposure to infectious diseases). His doctor said that the things that are currently most dangerous are typhoid fever and hepatitis A; but, he is still too young (4 months) to be innoculated against these two things anyway.
We went ahead with his 2 month shots, after much debate and question; but, we had waited to get his hepatitis B shot until that time and we skipped the flu shot. I don't like vaccinating against the flu because I believe that in doing so, we will create a much more dangerous strain. It is for the same reason we don't use anti-bacterial everything...a few germs are good and they enable us to build natural antibodies to be better able to fight off other sicknesses.
We have decided to hold off on his future shots until he is old enough and has enough blood volume to be tested for antibodies that already exist in his body (he is a breastfed baby, after all) to see if we really need all of them. At that time, we will decide what schedule works for him so that he does not get too many shots at once. This is the best thing I know to do for my child, whom I love so much.
My first child has shown no signs of having an adverse reaction to his shots and for that I am grateful. Even though I have read about the mercury (no longer used) and formaldehyde (it is supposed to be in such small quantities, it is similar to a naturally occuring substance already in our bodies) present in the vaccines, I am most concerned about introducing so many things at once to my baby's sensitive system (and, he is very sensitive...skin, tummy, you name it).
I am also concerned about him interacting with our family that travels out of the country regularly (and, also when we travel ourselves when he gets a little older, for his possible direct exposure to infectious diseases). His doctor said that the things that are currently most dangerous are typhoid fever and hepatitis A; but, he is still too young (4 months) to be innoculated against these two things anyway.
We went ahead with his 2 month shots, after much debate and question; but, we had waited to get his hepatitis B shot until that time and we skipped the flu shot. I don't like vaccinating against the flu because I believe that in doing so, we will create a much more dangerous strain. It is for the same reason we don't use anti-bacterial everything...a few germs are good and they enable us to build natural antibodies to be better able to fight off other sicknesses.
We have decided to hold off on his future shots until he is old enough and has enough blood volume to be tested for antibodies that already exist in his body (he is a breastfed baby, after all) to see if we really need all of them. At that time, we will decide what schedule works for him so that he does not get too many shots at once. This is the best thing I know to do for my child, whom I love so much.
Friday, September 11, 2009
Green Transportation
My husband has vast knowledge about historical events. He also has a way of bringing to light information that helps everything make sense. For instance, I often complain about our country's antiquated rail transportation system (especially compared to Europe and Asia); so, he told me that after the war, the U.S. dedicated their efforts toward building superhighways because America was going to be the "land of the automobile". While that is, in fact, what America has become; it doesn't make sense to me that our country has not chosen to advance and therefore diversify our transportation options.
So, I am delighted to read about a recent push in regard to rail technology in America. Rail is the least expensive transportation method to maintain; and, the high-speed electric rail cars that are already in use elsewhere have zero emissions--a vast difference from traditional automobiles and airplanes. If only we could go around the world on trains!
I look forward to the day when rail transportation in the U.S. is easier and faster (i.e. better) because I believe it will revolutionize the way we think about transportation and the overall effect on the environment. I hope to be riding one of those trains with my kids and, soon!
So, I am delighted to read about a recent push in regard to rail technology in America. Rail is the least expensive transportation method to maintain; and, the high-speed electric rail cars that are already in use elsewhere have zero emissions--a vast difference from traditional automobiles and airplanes. If only we could go around the world on trains!
I look forward to the day when rail transportation in the U.S. is easier and faster (i.e. better) because I believe it will revolutionize the way we think about transportation and the overall effect on the environment. I hope to be riding one of those trains with my kids and, soon!
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Tortilla Soup
This soup enables me to use cheaper cuts of chicken and the plethora of tomatoes coming out of the garden at this time of year...yum! Thanks to a friend who asked for the recipe...here it is!
1 dried ancho chile (can be found almost anywhere, especially at a Mexican grocery store)
1/2 c. boiling water
2 T. olive oil
3 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 large onion (I use half), diced
2 carrots, peeled and sliced into 1/2 inch coins
2 stalks celery, cut into 1/2 inch slices
3 garlic cloves, peeled and quartered
2 t. ground cumin
6 c. chicken broth
6-8 roma tomatoes, diced (or 2-14.5 oz. cans chopped tomatoes)
1/2 c. loosely packed cilantro leaves
6 corn tortillas (I use white corn tortillas)
Vegetable or canola oil, for frying
For garnish (all optional): Sliced avocado, crumbled queso fresco, sour cream, salsa, lime, and/or cilantro, crispy tortilla strips (made by frying sliced tortillas)
Place chile in bowl, pour boiling water over and let soak 30 minutes. Drain, remove stem and seeds. Slice into 1/2 inch strips and set aside.
In a heavy Dutch oven or soup pot, heat olive oil over medium high heat. Add chicken; season with salt and pepper. Brown on both sides, about 10 minutes total. Add onion, carrots and celery. Continue to cook about 8 minutes, stirring often. Add garlic and cumin and cook an additional 2 minutes. Add broth, reserved chile, tomatoes and cilantro and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer about 15 minutes. Tear 3 tortillas into strips and add to soup. Continue to simmer about 15 more minutes.
With a slotted spoon, remove chicken to a cutting board. Remove soup from heat and puree with an immersion blender (or in small batches in a food processor). With two forks, shred chicken and return to pureed soup. Season soup to taste with salt and pepper.
Enjoy!
1 dried ancho chile (can be found almost anywhere, especially at a Mexican grocery store)
1/2 c. boiling water
2 T. olive oil
3 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 large onion (I use half), diced
2 carrots, peeled and sliced into 1/2 inch coins
2 stalks celery, cut into 1/2 inch slices
3 garlic cloves, peeled and quartered
2 t. ground cumin
6 c. chicken broth
6-8 roma tomatoes, diced (or 2-14.5 oz. cans chopped tomatoes)
1/2 c. loosely packed cilantro leaves
6 corn tortillas (I use white corn tortillas)
Vegetable or canola oil, for frying
For garnish (all optional): Sliced avocado, crumbled queso fresco, sour cream, salsa, lime, and/or cilantro, crispy tortilla strips (made by frying sliced tortillas)
Place chile in bowl, pour boiling water over and let soak 30 minutes. Drain, remove stem and seeds. Slice into 1/2 inch strips and set aside.
In a heavy Dutch oven or soup pot, heat olive oil over medium high heat. Add chicken; season with salt and pepper. Brown on both sides, about 10 minutes total. Add onion, carrots and celery. Continue to cook about 8 minutes, stirring often. Add garlic and cumin and cook an additional 2 minutes. Add broth, reserved chile, tomatoes and cilantro and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer about 15 minutes. Tear 3 tortillas into strips and add to soup. Continue to simmer about 15 more minutes.
With a slotted spoon, remove chicken to a cutting board. Remove soup from heat and puree with an immersion blender (or in small batches in a food processor). With two forks, shred chicken and return to pureed soup. Season soup to taste with salt and pepper.
Enjoy!
Homemade Granola
I adapted a recipe I found online from Better Homes and Gardens (a magazine I never knew I would enjoy reading). I love some granola with my yogurt & berries or just with milk...great any time of year and posted here by request! I make lots of different varieties with nuts and dried fruit and sometimes without cinnamon; but, this one is my favorite.
2 1/2 c. rolled oats
1 c. coconut
1/3 c. sunflower seeds
1/2 c. toasted wheat germ
1/2 c. flaxseed meal
1/4 c. butter
1/4 c. packed brown sugar
1/4 c. honey
1 1/2 t. vanilla
1 t. cinnamon
1 c. sliced almonds (or more!)
1 c. dried cranberries
Preheat oven to 300 degree F. Lightly butter the inside of a large roasting pan. Add oatmeal, coconut, sunflower seeds, wheat germ and flaxseed meal. Spread evenly. Bake for 20-45 minutes (original recipe says 20 minutes...I always toast it longer!), stirring often.
In small saucepan, mix butter, brown sugar and honey. Stir occasionally over medium heat until mixture is combined. Remove from heat. Add vanilla and cinnamon.
Remove roasting pan from oven. Turn up the heat to 350 degrees F. Pour warm brown sugar mixture over oatmeal mixture and stir thoroughly with a fork. Bake for 1o minutes more.
Remove from oven and stir in cranberries and almonds. Firmly press granola mixture into pan, making an even layer. Bake for 10 minutes more or until golden brown. Remove pan from oven and place on cooling rack. Remove granola with a spatula and place on foil to cool completely.
Store in an airtight container. Enjoy!!!!
2 1/2 c. rolled oats
1 c. coconut
1/3 c. sunflower seeds
1/2 c. toasted wheat germ
1/2 c. flaxseed meal
1/4 c. butter
1/4 c. packed brown sugar
1/4 c. honey
1 1/2 t. vanilla
1 t. cinnamon
1 c. sliced almonds (or more!)
1 c. dried cranberries
Preheat oven to 300 degree F. Lightly butter the inside of a large roasting pan. Add oatmeal, coconut, sunflower seeds, wheat germ and flaxseed meal. Spread evenly. Bake for 20-45 minutes (original recipe says 20 minutes...I always toast it longer!), stirring often.
In small saucepan, mix butter, brown sugar and honey. Stir occasionally over medium heat until mixture is combined. Remove from heat. Add vanilla and cinnamon.
Remove roasting pan from oven. Turn up the heat to 350 degrees F. Pour warm brown sugar mixture over oatmeal mixture and stir thoroughly with a fork. Bake for 1o minutes more.
Remove from oven and stir in cranberries and almonds. Firmly press granola mixture into pan, making an even layer. Bake for 10 minutes more or until golden brown. Remove pan from oven and place on cooling rack. Remove granola with a spatula and place on foil to cool completely.
Store in an airtight container. Enjoy!!!!
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Pride
As my children grow and learn new skills, I notice things that increase their budding self-esteem. I love that my 3 year old has learned to ride a tricycle and races along on the sidewalk and just beams with pride when he looks up as he passes me. His happiness shows more when he is proud of himself.
Of course, we are still working through the agony and frustration (and tantrums) that occur while we are learning new skills. This is a new skill in and of itself--to control our emotions. I have come to find this is a skill I am still learning as well. But, when we are both able to remain calm, we take time to recognize that and take pride in that moment.
My 3 month old is a charmer and learning to communicate his needs with sounds other than crying. He is visibly proud when he is able to control his hands enough to reach out and touch his toy to make a noise. I love this. I love watching my boys grow and learn and be proud of themselves.
Of course, we are still working through the agony and frustration (and tantrums) that occur while we are learning new skills. This is a new skill in and of itself--to control our emotions. I have come to find this is a skill I am still learning as well. But, when we are both able to remain calm, we take time to recognize that and take pride in that moment.
My 3 month old is a charmer and learning to communicate his needs with sounds other than crying. He is visibly proud when he is able to control his hands enough to reach out and touch his toy to make a noise. I love this. I love watching my boys grow and learn and be proud of themselves.
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Renaissance Perfect Storm
I am an optimist. But, I am also a realist. I take delight in focusing on the good things; but, it does not mean I do not see the bad things.
Doing what I do--reading, observing, experiencing--I have sensed a renaissance of sorts coming upon us. In fact, it has already begun. I feel like people are more "in tune"--to themselves, their families, nature. I feel like more people are paying attention. I feel like more people are taking responsibility for their lives. I feel like no one can stop it.
There are many factors that have enabled this "perfect storm". For one, the media bonanza about all things "green" in the last few years has placed a microscope over our everyday tasks. Thank goodness! It was about time! I love learning new ways to be "green"...which, to me means being more frugal, reusing more, and, becoming more aware of where things come from and where they go.
Another recent development is the downturn in the economy. This has forced us to focus on what is most important to us and pay attention to how we spend our money. This has forced us to make smarter and more informed choices (hopefully).
Besides these things, based solely on observation, I have noticed that the "lost" generation is now "found." And, the next generation is smarter and more worldly than I will ever be (thanks to the internet).
I look forward to embracing this renaissance. I want to continue to pare down and live a simpler life with my husband and sons. I enjoy focusing on what is most important.
I want to leave this world a little better than I found it for the sake of our children and grandchildren . I want to take responsibility and do my part.
I like recalling a Native American proverb that hits home every time, "We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children."
Doing what I do--reading, observing, experiencing--I have sensed a renaissance of sorts coming upon us. In fact, it has already begun. I feel like people are more "in tune"--to themselves, their families, nature. I feel like more people are paying attention. I feel like more people are taking responsibility for their lives. I feel like no one can stop it.
There are many factors that have enabled this "perfect storm". For one, the media bonanza about all things "green" in the last few years has placed a microscope over our everyday tasks. Thank goodness! It was about time! I love learning new ways to be "green"...which, to me means being more frugal, reusing more, and, becoming more aware of where things come from and where they go.
Another recent development is the downturn in the economy. This has forced us to focus on what is most important to us and pay attention to how we spend our money. This has forced us to make smarter and more informed choices (hopefully).
Besides these things, based solely on observation, I have noticed that the "lost" generation is now "found." And, the next generation is smarter and more worldly than I will ever be (thanks to the internet).
I look forward to embracing this renaissance. I want to continue to pare down and live a simpler life with my husband and sons. I enjoy focusing on what is most important.
I want to leave this world a little better than I found it for the sake of our children and grandchildren . I want to take responsibility and do my part.
I like recalling a Native American proverb that hits home every time, "We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children."
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