My youngest will say that his favorite part of our trip was the airplane (or, should I say airplanes...4 altogether!)...and, after he thinks about it a bit, "the bowl-cano". He also talks about the "Wiki-Wiki" bus from the airport ("wiki" means, quick).
My oldest has said that he loved snorkeling; but, I watched him soak up every minute of our trip. From experiencing the airplane, a new place, a live volcano, the underwater world and wonderful food to just chilling on the beach. My favorite was finding him often just sitting on our balcony, watching the ocean.
On our first night on the Big Island of Hawai'i, our youngest was up at 2am (7am our time!); so, my husband took him for a walk outside. My oldest and I were up by 4am; and, the sky that first night was so clear, we could see (what seemed like) the whole solar system! Unfortunately (oddly, I still think), that was the only night it was clear (not clouds, maybe pollution?).
One day, we decided to take a trip to the active volcano on the other side of the island. We got a map (the travel director pointed out all the "must-sees" along the way) and we headed to our first, "must-see"...a beautiful, scenic view (and, for the brave with a 4x4, a very steep drive to a pretty beach). It WAS beautiful; and, I am glad we saw it. But, we had a volcano to get to! Next stop, Akaka Falls (waterfalls!).
On the road to Akaka Falls, we stopped at a farmstand and bought some not possible to be fresher bananas and some homemade passionfruit lemonade. The cool thing was that he let us sample all the DIFFERENT KINDS of bananas (I recall apple bananas and sucres...but, there were more!). So, we got some of the ones we liked. The cool thing is, here at home this past week, when my boys and I went to the grocery store, they spotted some red bananas and wanted to try them (so, I bought them!). Love that! Oh, yes and Akaka Falls was breathtaking and lovely. Then, we headed to the town of Hilo for lunch.
Lunch took a looooong time (they must've been on "island time"); so, when we were done, we decided to head back to our hotel, feeling like the boys were tired and it was too late to head on to the volcano. The next day, we actually went back (straight there! no stops this time...except for the smoothie place we passed on the scenic road last time).
The volcano was amazing. It is incredible to not just know, but to SEE that the earth is ALIVE and burning inside. It was neat to hear stories and see the steam vents and realize how the islands were formed in the first place. I loved seeing it through my children's eyes.
We also felt we had to take a snorkeling trip. Our youngest loves boats and they both "practiced" snorkeling; but only our 6yo went (on a special board with a mask on which we could push him around). He was enthralled at the world under water. He had gotten an ocean creature book at the volcano gift shop the previous day and he knew what he was looking at (lots of "brain coral")! Our 3yo still loved the boat. It was a lovely day and a beautiful sail. I LOVE snorkeling and I LOVE sailing.
We spent our last full day just hanging out on the beach (me in a hammock...ahhh...I also LOVE hammocks). It could not have been more perfect and yes, we wanted to stay. We still daydream about what we could do to live there.
But, alas we had to say, "goodbye". When we went down to the beach to say goodbye to the ocean, my oldest and I had stayed behind a bit, watching a turtle (we saw many...they are so cool). And, when we looked again, that old turtle had one flipper up in the air, waving (totally serious). I showed my son that he was waving goodbye and he asked how he knew we were leaving. I said, "magic" (and, also, he MUST have heard us!). But, maybe we should have said, "See you later". We do hope to go back to Hawai'i again someday...SOON!
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
Friday, July 6, 2012
Update on My Dad
Since his visit to the naturopathic doctor and implementation of the dietary changes she suggested, my dad has been doing very well mentally. His vision has also improved.
For example, this morning, before breakfast, I told him that it was going to be the hottest day of the year today and we had to be careful...and, when he finished breakfast he decided to stay inside (he usually sits outside for a bit in the morning) "because it's too hot out". His short-term memory and his awareness of us has definitely improved.
Being more aware of others, he is also his old "sensitive" self at times. For example, we walked to the car ahead of Dad so we could start the a/c; but, when he got to the car, he said, "I'm sorry I'm so slow" (that made me a little sad...but,also a little happy because he was aware of us). I was also crying about something last week and he asked me what was wrong (that made me cry some more...happy that I had a piece of "my dad").
He called me by my name for the first time since he has lived with us (a year now!).
He had a setback when he was talking gibberish one morning (I was worried and called all the docs...and, it went away while I was talking to them). We got him checked out that day; and, he did not have any infections or noticeable changes. But, over the next couple of days, I noticed some physical limitations appear. After a week, I called the doctor and they prescribed more physical therapy; so, please say a prayer for him that his physical abilities improve with his mental ones!
Thank you, God, for giving us the ability to heal him with things on Your Earth, things from Nature, especially love. We are grateful every day to have him with us (even when it is hard.). Thank you.
For example, this morning, before breakfast, I told him that it was going to be the hottest day of the year today and we had to be careful...and, when he finished breakfast he decided to stay inside (he usually sits outside for a bit in the morning) "because it's too hot out". His short-term memory and his awareness of us has definitely improved.
Being more aware of others, he is also his old "sensitive" self at times. For example, we walked to the car ahead of Dad so we could start the a/c; but, when he got to the car, he said, "I'm sorry I'm so slow" (that made me a little sad...but,also a little happy because he was aware of us). I was also crying about something last week and he asked me what was wrong (that made me cry some more...happy that I had a piece of "my dad").
He called me by my name for the first time since he has lived with us (a year now!).
He had a setback when he was talking gibberish one morning (I was worried and called all the docs...and, it went away while I was talking to them). We got him checked out that day; and, he did not have any infections or noticeable changes. But, over the next couple of days, I noticed some physical limitations appear. After a week, I called the doctor and they prescribed more physical therapy; so, please say a prayer for him that his physical abilities improve with his mental ones!
Thank you, God, for giving us the ability to heal him with things on Your Earth, things from Nature, especially love. We are grateful every day to have him with us (even when it is hard.). Thank you.
Sunday, July 1, 2012
Gluten Free on a Budget
I love that there are more gluten free products (every day, it seems)...but, they all come at a cost. The cost of better ingredients can be daunting, especially for frugal moms like me!
Here are a handful of pointers that might help:
I have made my own pizza crust (thank you, "Healthy Breads in Five Minutes a Day"); but, when I don't have a few hours to let it rise, the next best thing is, "Pamela's Bread Mix" (also for pizza crust and bagels and more). There are a few different Pamela's products (I get mine from Kroger); so, be sure it is the one for pizza crust. We recently tried it and it is about half the price of buying Udi's crusts (for the same quantity of pizza, you would need 2, 2-paks of Udi's). Be careful when baking though...the 2 times I have made this, it takes much less time to cook than it notes on the package. Another money saver: I also make my own sauce...almost always...it takes like a minute (I buy the Private Selection Organic canned tomatoes from Kroger) and is always super yummy. I always start with olive oil, then fresh garlic, then tomatoes, then salt (sometimes I add basil and/or oregano, fresh or dry, to taste)...whizzed by my handy dandy immersion blender (or, with a potato masher when we are on vacation and there isn't one!)
I always buy dried beans and rice, cook them and freeze them in batches. They taste so much better and are much, much cheaper!
I try to always find gluten free bread on sale and stock the freezer! I do the same with waffles and the like. But, bread is what I buy the most...the other stuff, I prefer to make from scratch.
I find the store/s that sell the products I like (sometimes online) at the best regular price and get it when I am there. If I happen to find my favorites on sale, I always stock up.
I have lots of recipes within my blog that are gluten and/or dairy free and I like to find recipes and inspiration for new ingredients on others' blogs, too.
For nuts and dried fruit (usually plums and cranberries), and freeze-dried fruit (no sugar, easy to take anywhere, awesomely delicious), we stock up at Trader Joe's. They keep adding to their gluten free cache. They also sell unrefined coconut oil for an outrageously low price (perfect for granola or raw cookies or anything, really). They have gf pasta for less than most places and it is delish! They also sell Udi's bread there for about a dollar less than other grocery stores.
That is all I can think of for now. Do you want to share any ideas? My youngest brother and his family are going to try going gluten free to see if it helps their allergies! Say a little prayer. Frugally good eating!
Here are a handful of pointers that might help:
I have made my own pizza crust (thank you, "Healthy Breads in Five Minutes a Day"); but, when I don't have a few hours to let it rise, the next best thing is, "Pamela's Bread Mix" (also for pizza crust and bagels and more). There are a few different Pamela's products (I get mine from Kroger); so, be sure it is the one for pizza crust. We recently tried it and it is about half the price of buying Udi's crusts (for the same quantity of pizza, you would need 2, 2-paks of Udi's). Be careful when baking though...the 2 times I have made this, it takes much less time to cook than it notes on the package. Another money saver: I also make my own sauce...almost always...it takes like a minute (I buy the Private Selection Organic canned tomatoes from Kroger) and is always super yummy. I always start with olive oil, then fresh garlic, then tomatoes, then salt (sometimes I add basil and/or oregano, fresh or dry, to taste)...whizzed by my handy dandy immersion blender (or, with a potato masher when we are on vacation and there isn't one!)
I always buy dried beans and rice, cook them and freeze them in batches. They taste so much better and are much, much cheaper!
I try to always find gluten free bread on sale and stock the freezer! I do the same with waffles and the like. But, bread is what I buy the most...the other stuff, I prefer to make from scratch.
I find the store/s that sell the products I like (sometimes online) at the best regular price and get it when I am there. If I happen to find my favorites on sale, I always stock up.
I have lots of recipes within my blog that are gluten and/or dairy free and I like to find recipes and inspiration for new ingredients on others' blogs, too.
For nuts and dried fruit (usually plums and cranberries), and freeze-dried fruit (no sugar, easy to take anywhere, awesomely delicious), we stock up at Trader Joe's. They keep adding to their gluten free cache. They also sell unrefined coconut oil for an outrageously low price (perfect for granola or raw cookies or anything, really). They have gf pasta for less than most places and it is delish! They also sell Udi's bread there for about a dollar less than other grocery stores.
That is all I can think of for now. Do you want to share any ideas? My youngest brother and his family are going to try going gluten free to see if it helps their allergies! Say a little prayer. Frugally good eating!
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
Let's Talk about the Naturopathic Doctor!
I took my father to see a Naturopathic Doctor a couple of weeks ago. My dad had a stroke in 2008 and has dementia, high blood pressure, diabetes, glaucoma and a few other things. But, since getting him off about 6 medications recently, I have seen a drastic improvement in his health. Even though I already knew the benefits of healing outside the pharmaceutical/chemical world, I was not sure my dad could still be helped.
I am now more optimistic. This doctor assessed my Dad's health and prescribed a probiotic because he has a build up of yeast in his body. She recommended a gluten free and dairy free diet (also, no sugar and very little meat) so that his body can focus on healing, which she said IS POSSIBLE. It is possible to heal blocked arteries, high blood pressure, diabetes, cataracts (and lots of other things!) just by changing your diet! She recommended organic whenever possible to minimize any chemicals interfering with natural body functions (including personal care products...remember what goes ON our bodies still goes IN!). She said Dad has a build up of trans fats in his body which need to be minimized by increasing his consumption of vegetables (raw is best, steamed is next, roasted is next...after that, there are not many nutrients left). Fortunately, we already do many of these things...we just had to take it to the next level.
After he is on this diet for a couple of months, she wants to work on reducing the metals in his body that are furthering his dementia. When we reduce the metals, we can slow it down.
I look forward to keeping you posted on his progress. I like learning more about how to care for my dad because it also helps me take better care of myself and the rest of my family!
I am now more optimistic. This doctor assessed my Dad's health and prescribed a probiotic because he has a build up of yeast in his body. She recommended a gluten free and dairy free diet (also, no sugar and very little meat) so that his body can focus on healing, which she said IS POSSIBLE. It is possible to heal blocked arteries, high blood pressure, diabetes, cataracts (and lots of other things!) just by changing your diet! She recommended organic whenever possible to minimize any chemicals interfering with natural body functions (including personal care products...remember what goes ON our bodies still goes IN!). She said Dad has a build up of trans fats in his body which need to be minimized by increasing his consumption of vegetables (raw is best, steamed is next, roasted is next...after that, there are not many nutrients left). Fortunately, we already do many of these things...we just had to take it to the next level.
After he is on this diet for a couple of months, she wants to work on reducing the metals in his body that are furthering his dementia. When we reduce the metals, we can slow it down.
I look forward to keeping you posted on his progress. I like learning more about how to care for my dad because it also helps me take better care of myself and the rest of my family!
Gluten Free Dairy Free Banana Cake ROCKS
This is a recipe from glutenfreegoddess.com; but, we put different frosting on it. My boys and my dad helped make it ...and, it still turned out totally awesome! :) Loved it. I promise you will, too.
1 1/2 cups almonds
1 1/2 cups almonds
1/2 cup brown rice flour (sub your fave)
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon Apple Pie Spice (a blend of cinnamon, nutmeg and allspice) add more or less for spiciness
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
2 large organic eggs
1/3 cup light olive oil
2 T. honey or raw organic agave nectar
(we used honey)
(we used honey)
1 1/3 cups organic light brown sugar
(We have put in as little as 1/3 of a cup and it is still amazing...we might try not adding any sugar...just a little honey goes a long way!)
(We have put in as little as 1/3 of a cup and it is still amazing...we might try not adding any sugar...just a little honey goes a long way!)
4 medium (not too big) very ripe bananas, cut up and mashed into puree
2 teaspoons bourbon vanilla extract
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 350ºF. Prep a 9 x 13 baking pan by lining it with greased parchment (I butter the pan, put in parchment, then butter the parchment..."butter" being, organic Earth Balance)
Preheat oven to 350ºF. Prep a 9 x 13 baking pan by lining it with greased parchment (I butter the pan, put in parchment, then butter the parchment..."butter" being, organic Earth Balance)
Process the almonds in food processor by pulsing on and off until a
fine almond meal is formed. Pour the almond meal into a dry mixing bowl. Add the rest of the dry ingredients and whisk to combine.
In a separate bowl beat the eggs and add the rest of the wet ingredients. Beat well. I just used a spoon...I don't like to use more than one "machine" per recipe.
Add the dry ingredients into the wet. Blend well (2 minutes).
Pour the batter into prepared pan and bake in preheated
oven for 33 to 35 minutes until done. Check the center with a wooden toothpick.
Cool the cake completely on a wire rack before frosting.
For the frosting, I just wiped out the food processor (from the almonds) and blended the following:
1 small banana (yellow/brown, just ripe)
1 1/2 cups organic powdered sugar
1/4 t. lemon juice
2 T. organic Earth Balance and 1 T. coconut oil (sub any combo)
It was super yummy drizzled over the top of this moist, delicious (like pudding!) cake.
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Gluten Free Dairy Free Brownies
I have been tinkering with brownie recipes ever since I found out I was sensitive to gluten. This one is by far the best!
1/2 cup coconut oil, melted
5 T unsweetened cocoa powder
1 c. brown sugar
1/2 t. sea salt
2 eggs
1/2 c. almond flour
1/4 c. coconut flour
optional chocolate chips (we added) and/or nuts
Mix all in a bowl, spread into an 8x8 pan, put in preheated 350 degree oven for 30 minutes. Cool, cut and serve!
1/2 cup coconut oil, melted
5 T unsweetened cocoa powder
1 c. brown sugar
1/2 t. sea salt
2 eggs
1/2 c. almond flour
1/4 c. coconut flour
optional chocolate chips (we added) and/or nuts
Mix all in a bowl, spread into an 8x8 pan, put in preheated 350 degree oven for 30 minutes. Cool, cut and serve!
Paradigm Shift
My husband and I have always used what is termed, "positive discipline", in modern parenting books. Having said that, let me also say that we are not perfect and have resorted to other (er, negative) methods when we were at the end of our rope. Generally though, we have tried anything but the infliction of pain. We believe that it sets a poor example and we feel it was used on us (as children) out of frustration, not thoughtful redirection.
However, our oldest son has been saying, "no more punishments!" (such as getting his Legos taken away or time to himself in his room) for awhile now. And, we had been reluctant (but still open) to try it. We want to teach our children to recognize, express and manage their feelings on their own. We believe this skill will enable them to handle whatever life throws at them as they become more independent.
Then, in church on Sunday, inspiration struck (it happens!) and my husband and I discussed "no more punishments!" when we got home and implemented it that day. Since then, my children aren't fighting back. They are doing things when asked and without being asked. They are being more thoughtful. We say that it is "OK to be angry; but, it is not OK to be mean". They aren't being AS mean. I don't know where this will go or how long it will last; but, I like this new direction. We are open. The most amazing things come from our children.
However, our oldest son has been saying, "no more punishments!" (such as getting his Legos taken away or time to himself in his room) for awhile now. And, we had been reluctant (but still open) to try it. We want to teach our children to recognize, express and manage their feelings on their own. We believe this skill will enable them to handle whatever life throws at them as they become more independent.
Then, in church on Sunday, inspiration struck (it happens!) and my husband and I discussed "no more punishments!" when we got home and implemented it that day. Since then, my children aren't fighting back. They are doing things when asked and without being asked. They are being more thoughtful. We say that it is "OK to be angry; but, it is not OK to be mean". They aren't being AS mean. I don't know where this will go or how long it will last; but, I like this new direction. We are open. The most amazing things come from our children.
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