Christmas blessings

 Three precious children...each a gift year-round.

 Smiles over books (and hugs for the dog),

 new activities and buddies to carry around,

 and new toys for three kids with late fall and winter birthdays--it is always time for something more age appropriate.

 Reading the Christmas story with family,

 watching surprised faces,

 and a new cousin to hold!  It's a girl and is she ever sweet.

I could kick myself for forgetting my camera when celebrating with my side of the family, so here's a special picture from Thanksgiving.  We love being with them.

Celebrating a birthday a few days early...we always give Micah the choice of how he'd like to celebrate with long distance relatives and he likes to do what is easiest for everyone else.

What can't be captured in pictures: five years ago, I held my own newborn at Christmas.  Josiah gave me a new appreciation for what it is to be human and frail, as he struggled from the beginning against a body that was not incredibly comfortable or cooperative. Holding a new niece at Christmas again this year, I was struck once again at the reality of Jesus' incarnation and the humiliation it was for Him to leave behind His heavenly glory and take on the flesh of man as a helpless baby, totally dependent on others for nourishment and care.  What an amazing God we have!  Once again I bow to worship the Savior who gave everything that we may be reconciled to God.

Carol of the Bells

Nothing professional here but it is sure fun to watch them learn.

Merry Christmas!!

"Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord."

setbacks and yet encouragements

This week has been one of ups and downs as we continue to test what is and is not tolerable in Josiah's diet.  One question I had was how many supposed food sensitivities were masked by his trouble with gluten.  Rather than finding he has fewer, what we've seen is more problems with things we thought were okay (probably because we are now getting a clearer reading).  Still, there are days that are very, very good and help us know we are on the right track.  It's not that we endeavor to change Josiah, but that we keep pressing on to peel back the layers until we find the child we know is really there.  We've seen glimpses of that child and look forward to seeing more of him in the future!

The setbacks:

I tried making Paleo peppermint patties using the purest peppermint oil I could find.  After we saw some old things cropping up (crying, throwing fits), I did some research and found that the mint extract had alcohol that contained gluten.  This was actually rather confirming that we are on the right track with gluten and not just experiencing the effects of healthier eating.  Would anyone like some barely used peppermint oil?

Hoping that tomatoes were less of a problem than we thought, we devoured chili one night.  Bad idea.  Enter child in overdrive.  It takes a few days for that to wear off.

We thought the mustard we were using was okay even though it had a questionable ingredient, but apparently not.  Scratch that one and find another.  Aha!  Much better. (Yes, he is really this sensitive.)

And so on it goes.  But there are good things being spotted in Josiah's favor, too.  My most picky eater is now much more accepting of new foods (including those he did not like before), eating more meat, and staying full much longer.  It has been my most convincing evidence yet that extremely picky eating or craving for particular foods at the exclusion of others is a telltale sign of food intolerances.  He was my most adventurous eater as a toddler, and I'm starting to see signs of that returning!!

If gluten is causing damage to the small intestines, it can take 3-6 months for the body to fully heal.  One slip-up can do a lot of damage.  This is part of the reason I'd like to take us all gluten free after the holidays.  Another is because gluten sensitivity tends to run in families, and it would be interesting to see if anyone else has issues.  Finally, there can be an issue with cross contamination, which I'd like to keep at a minimum.  We're looking forward to seeing what the new year brings!

the right wardrobe

Yesterday the kids and I were traveling home from Josiah's preschool class at Sugar Grove Nature Center.  We had a conversation that went something like this:

Mom: Maybe sometime this winter, we can come down here and hike after it snows.  Wouldn't that be fun? (Mind begins to wander to the educational opportunity it would be to see animal tracks in the snow, compare the surroundings to our summer hikes, spot winter birds, etc.) 

Micah: I'll wear my long underwear.

Josiah: And I'll wear my short underwear!

where good research/treatment on ADHD is landing...

An interesting article about the link between handwriting, behavior and health issues, and diet.

GFCF chicken nuggets? Yes, it can be done!

One of our favorite pre-Feingold restaurants was Chick-Fil-A.  Unfortunately, their food is loaded with additives and MSG.  I'm so thankful for the mom who shared this recipe recently.  We tried it before removing dairy and gluten and it was wonderful, but it will be easy to adapt to our new way of doing things as a once-in-awhile-treat with a couple of simple substitutes.  Enjoy!!

Chicken Nuggets

Oil for frying
2 eggs
2 cups milk (CF-try substituting a milk replacement or just omit and use only eggs)
2 cups flour (GF-use rice flour)
2 TBSP powdered sugar (I will probably omit or substitute another kind of sugar)
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon salt
1.75 - 2 lbs skinless, boneless chicken breast halves, cut into thin strips for fingers or bite-sized pieces for nuggets

Mix together the egg and milk. Place the chicken in this mixture, and let sit for at least an hour. While the breasts are sitting, mix together the flour, sugar, pepper, and salt. Once the sitting is done, dredge in the flour. (Optional: for a thicker coating, after the first dredging, put the chicken pieces back in the milk bath for a few seconds, and re-dredge in the flour.)

Heat oil in a deep fat fryer to 375 F., gently drop chicken pieces into the oil, and let cook until golden brown.

first week!

It has felt a bit like a cooking marathon, but we've made it through our first week of gluten free.  There have been some recipe flops but most have been winners.  The biggest prize however is seeing a side of Josiah that I've never seen before.  Feingold was good, but this is off the charts. 

A few nights into his new diet, I was tucking Josiah into bed when he told me, "I love gluten free.  My tummy is not hurting anymore."  I was suspecting some digestive troubles, since Josiah has complained of gnawing hunger since he learned how to talk, often demanding a snack even after a good meal.  Lately he's not been eating much at once, saying he was full--another subtle sign that something may be going on.  As a baby, there were all those feeding issues (even beyond normal reflux) that I've never quite been able to explain.  But still, he never complained of an actual tummy ache with words.  To hear him say his tummy felt better was almost a shock but also very confirming that there was indeed digestive discomfort going on.

So it makes me wonder, what do we do when we are uncomfortable?  Even as adults, can't we be demanding of everyone around us, irritable, and have trouble paying attention?  Seeing changes this week has filled us with hope as well as sympathy for other children who may be having similar difficulties, and those parents who are doing their best to manage them.

Here are a couple of our favorite recipes from the week!

If the mention of sweet potatoes gives you a mental picture of a casserole with marshmallows on top, it's time to try something new.  Who would have thought of fixing them like this??

Sweet Potato French Fries (recipe adapted from Everyday Paleo)

4 medium-sized sweet potatoes, cut lengthwise into strips
1/4 c. olive oil
2 t. cumin
1/2 t. salt
1/2 t. pepper

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.  Cover two cookie sheets with aluminum foil.  Toss sweet potatoes with oil and spices.  Spread evenly on cookie sheets, being careful not to crowd spears.  Turn once or twice during cooking, baking about 30-40 min.  Potatoes are done when slightly crispy.  Serve with salsa.


A new staple at our house has been muffins made with coconut flour.  They are loaded with protein and therefore help keep Josiah's blood sugar stable and his tummy feeling full.  He does not do well at all with sugar on an empty stomach, but if we can serve one of these muffins alongside fruit or a cookie, his day goes much better!  The lemon poppyseed muffins were tasty, but our favorite is definitely the pumpkin pie muffins from fastpaleo.com.

Pumpkin Pie Muffins

3/4 Pumpkin Puree
1/2 Cup Coconut Flour
1/2 Cup Coconut oil, melted
6 eggs
2 Tsp Vanilla
1/4 Honey, melted
2 Tsp Pumpkin Pie Spice
1/2 Tsp Baking Powder
Handful of walnuts (if desired)
2 Tbsp Cocoa Powder (Optional for chocolate muffins)

Preheat oven to 400 Degrees F.  Sift the coconut flour and spices together, then add baking soda.  In a separate bowl, mix all remaining ingredients except walnuts until well blended.  Add the sifted flour and spices to the pumpkin puree. Mix well and divide the batter between the muffin pans and sprinkle with chopped walnuts. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until done.


Today I was able to get a little Christmas cooking done.  After trying a couple of things with Josiah and sugar, I decided to chance it and make his sister's favorite Jackpot Drop cookie recipe by subbing some GF flour for regular flour, GF oatmeal, and carob chips for chocolate.  The cookies turned out beautifully and he did well with one after a hearty lunch.  Sweets have become more rare around here than they used to be, and most of the things I have made this week have been sugar free.  But it IS Christmas time!!

There have been many reasons for smiling today, as I have often lifted my heart to the Lord in tremendous gratitude for answered prayer.

I think I can stop holding my breath...

and admit gluten free was exactly what he needed. 

More to come!

before and after

There are some very positive signs at our house that being gluten free is a good thing for Josiah.

This is a sample of his coloring last spring.

Here's a page from this fall.  Not much change.

 Here's a sample from tonight.  Yes, it is in marker but his crayon coloring from the past few days shows the same improvement.  Not only is it about 10 times better, he actually enjoys coloring now and also loves writing his name, which he would only do through much complaining about it being too hard before.

We're still working out some kinks.  It seems like sugar is a trigger for hyperactivity so we're working through that puzzle as well.  Yesterday was one of his best days in recent memory, and gives us hope we are on the right track.  If you can imagine the kind of organization above transfering to a behavioral component, you have a picture of what we are starting to see in him.

this week's read aloud...

They've loved learning about a man persecuted for his unwavering devotion to Christ; they've groaned over how he was elevated to idol status, found clues that link him to Santa Claus, and longed to mirror his generosity.

iband

Micah shared this with us.  You have to watch long enough to get to Feliz Navidad!

naturally gluten free

Gluten free: we have been here before.  Last fall when Rachel was having numerous health issues including shoulder pain, digestive discomfort, chronic constipation and UTI's, I put her on a gluten free diet.  We bought the look-alike animal crackers, mixed three kinds of flours to make cookies, and spent more money on groceries than ever.  Even though I knew the gluten free (GF) diet was also recommended for children with ADHD, I never put Josiah on it.  With his numerous food sensitivities, very few of the processed products worked for him.  He did eat the cookies and other baked goods I was able to make, but he was never completely gluten free.

Why things got more challenging for Josiah this fall is a question for which I have no real answer.  But I do know that Eric and I reached a point where we felt that trying a GF diet would be worth a shot.  However, this time I had done more reading, visited more blogs (her recipes always make my mouth water!), and talked to more people.  It seemed that trying a more natural approach to gluten free than finding numerous substitutes was in order.  I wanted something our whole family could benefit from, and the rest of us have a list of things we'd like to address in terms of our own health.  Thus, our entrance into the world of the Paleo diet.

I have to admit, the name rubs me the wrong way.  I don't believe in evolution and the whole "caveman" approach is just a bit much sometimes.  But I do think I may understand why there are people flocking to this way of eating in droves and find they are feeling better.  It virtually eliminates all processed and genetically modified food.  When you look around at where the Standard American Diet has gotten most of us, it isn't very pretty.  Heart disease, obesity, diabetes, and other health issues are on the rise.  Gluten sensitivity and celiac are becoming more commonplace.  Allergies (including those that are life-threatening), asthma, ADHD, and autism are almost at epidemic proportions. So many people are suffering from anxiety, depression, and other mental illness.  While I am not blaming it all on diet, I've seen enough in our food journey to know it has to be a big factor.  We are eating food, and plenty of it, but we are not really getting good nutrition.

So what is the Paleo diet?  While it is still all pretty new to me, I think I've gathered that it is gluten free, dairy free (most of the time), grain free, sugar free and even avoids legumes like beans and peanuts.  (Sorry, dad!)  What is left to eat is a beautiful, nutritious assortment of meats (grass fed are promoted to be best), fruits (in moderation), and vegetables, along with nut flours and animal/nut fats.  Before you start to think that is just way too limiting in terms of food, check out some recipe websites like this one, where I even found a recipe for peppermint patties (we can still have chocolate!)  The hardest thing to wrap my mind around is the addition of fat to the diet, but it seems that without the constant intake of high carbohydrate grains, our bodies actually do well with fat.  Cholesterol and triglyceride levels actually drop, pounds come off, and people feel better, emotionally and physically.  At least that's the testimony of those who have tried eating this way.

How "perfectly paleo" our family will be remains to be seen.  In our first three days, we've continued to eat our peanut butter, corn chips, grain fed animal products, and other offending ingredients.  My main goal right now is getting rid of gluten and keeping Josiah away from most sugar.  What is amazing is how much more we are eating real food!  I'm getting to know our grocery store's produce section a lot better.  I don't have to search ingredient lists to make sure there aren't any forbidden foods; instead, I am buying ingredients and using them to make the things we love to eat.  What we love has yet to be discovered, but already we've found several new foods (or ways of making foods) that are quite tasty.  You may notice the recipes I share here getting strange, but they really aren't if you think about how people ate in this country 100 years ago (minus the bread that was eaten and now adding coconut which wasn't exactly readily abundant then!)  Because of my aversion to the word Paleo, I will label these recipes naturally gluten free. :)  And best of all, so far our grocery bill has not gone up. 

It's really too early to tell how this will help Josiah because his body is still adjusting, but there have been glimmers of good things.  More on that to come.  Meanwhile, we can rejoice that our kids are eating things like sweet potato french fries and actually enjoying them.

first day gluten free

So far, so good.  Breakfast was eggs, bacon, and a pear.  For snack, we had to get creative.  As you can see, we figured out what to do with an avocado.  It is amazing how readily kids will try food they have helped make.  This was yummy!  First we tried the dip with carrots but of course corn chips tasted even better.

Josiah's Avocado Dip

one avocado, mashed with fork

one clove of garlic, chopped or diced

1 T. lemon juice

black pepper to taste 

Serve with vegetables or (sigh!) corn chips.



meditating on this...

I love the New Living Translation of Hebrews 10:22:

"Let us go right into the presence of God with sincere hearts fully trusting in Him."

After considering how the sacrificial system in place in the Old Testament kept sinful people far away from a holy God, with a once-a-year intercessor, it becomes even more precious to consider the accessibility of God under the New Covenant.

All because of Jesus, our Great High Priest who entered the Most Holy Place by His blood and who lives to intercede for us!

It sort of takes the boring-ritual-feeling out of prayer.

from the trenches

This article was written by a woman who struggled with ADHD and used medication until finally finding diet as a way to manage her symptoms as an adult.  All I can say is WOW.

In her words, after waking up out of an ADHD fog by going gluten free and sugar free via the Paleo diet:

"What we are doing by medicating (ADHD children) is creating a generation of kids who only know how to march in time with the masses, and don't understand that the things that make them unique also make them wonderful. We are teaching them that anything that makes them “different” makes them a problem. We aren't cultivating their unique talents and strengths and we are suppressing their creative abilities. We are breeding a generation of robots, and suppressing creativity, passion, and individuality."

The pursuit of managing ADHD with diet is difficult, but stories like this encourage me to keep trying.

Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY: December 2, 2011

Outside my window...the grass is still green.  This has been the warmest fall in recent memory, with truly cold days just now arriving.

I am thinking...pondering, meditating on what it is to have Jesus as my great high priest, and how his priesthood is superior to the Levitical priesthood of the Old Testament.  Hebrews is a great book!

I am thankful...so very thankful, that we have finally tracked down Micah's MSG sensitivity.  Now we've seen it cause allergy flare-ups, and all the pieces of the puzzle of the past few years are falling into place.

From the learning rooms...we just finished our study of China and are moving on to Mongolia.  In science Rachel has been learning the parts of a seed and Micah has been studying scientific theory.  We have started All About Spelling for the two younger kids.  After talking with a sister-in-law, I decided it was worth it to take Rachel back to the beginning and cover all the bases.  Everyone loves preschool art on Fridays...including the 7th grader.  Next week we will start reading The True Saint Nicholas by William Bennett.

In the kitchen...I am staring down a Paleo cookbook, daring myself to try this for the new year.  It seems like a good fit: gluten free, dairy free, low in carbs and sugar, packed with nutrient-rich foods...with all our eating issues, this might just be a way we can all eat alike and be happy.  (And maybe even healthy!)  So long as I can add in a little So Delicious chocolate milk and a coconut cupcake from time to time, I think I could do it.  Pass me an avocado, will you?  And then teach me what to do with it.

I am wearing...a Christmas sweater I donned on this morning in an effort to be festive for the Nutcracker.  Sitting next to a 5-year-old during the ballet meant a barrage of questions.  "Is that Clara?  Is she having a dream?  Is this still a dream?  Is that the Nutcracker?"  And then at the entrance of the Snow Queen: "Is she good?  Is she on Clara's team?"

I am creating...it is December.  We must keep secrets.

I am going...to have to split Micah and Rachel up for school next year, I think.  We are loving this year, but they have different needs beyond this Core, and an extremely wide range between their reading levels.  I can't seem to get my nose out of my Sonlight catalog or away from the Simply Charlotte Mason website.  Delightful Reading seems to be tailor-made for Josiah, although for now Phonics Pathways is fantastic.  Ok, I could dwell on homeschooling but we must move on...

I am wondering...why I can post success with no dairy one day and wonder what I am doing wrong the next.  It is one reason why gluten free seems less like a foe to fear and more like a friend to embrace.  This journey of diet can be a roller coaster sometimes.

I am reading...Around the World in Eighty Days.  It is so much fun to read the books my kids will be reading and enjoy great literature I missed as a child.  I am so grateful to this day for the band teacher who introduced me to A Little Princess and Anne of Green Gables.  I already loved to read; those books took a to a new level I will never get over.

I am hoping...there will be enough time in December to do everything on my to do list.  The most important things are the ones that matter anyway, and I trust they will get done.

I am looking forward to...a new little niece or nephew in the next few weeks.  Can't wait!

I am hearing...a snake hissing in the background.  Why a snake, I am not sure, but it one way to use your imagination when you're five.

Around the house...we tore the outside plastic off our first story windows after the smell meant a daily headache for me.  I'd rather be cold.

I am pondering...how to spend less time on the computer these days.  Since when did it become essential for daily living?  If you see me here less, you'll know why.

One of my favorite things...is having our school principal join us for a field trip and getting to hold his hand.

A few plans for the rest of the week: A Santa visit in the morning with the youngest.  Christmas shopping with my sweetheart later in the day.  When is the last time we did that together??  And a homeschool band concert next week.  The kids have been working hard.

Here is picture I am sharing...of Eric helping Josiah with basketball skills just before Thanksgiving break.

no more dairy

After weeks of wondering what is "off" with our youngest boy, I finally took a deep breath and pulled milk again this week.  The change is amazing!  Instead of bouncing on and off the furniture, he is currently laying on the couch, hardly moving a muscle, quietly waiting for breakfast.  His little body is so still it is almost eerie.*

We love So Delicious Coconut milk.  It took Josiah awhile to get used it it the first time we took out dairy, but eventually he began to drink it.  This time, he didn't flinch--and I couldn't even find the vanilla so he's drinking it unsweetened.  It works great in recipes or as a beverage.  There are some decent cheese substitutes (although experience tells me using less cheese in general is easiest), and we are working on finding a soy-free margarine even while using more coconut oil in baking.  The health benefits of coconut are incredible.

Rachel has already been drinking coconut milk.  Staying away from lots of dairy has helped her lifelong issues of chronic constipation.  The tummy aches she complained of for years have completely disappeared.  She's so much healthier and happier.  I guess we're learning there are just some of us who don't do well with milk!

*Now I know he wasn't feeling well this morning.  :(

dictation

Storms of Adversity

A smooth sea never made a skillful mariner.  Neither do uninterrupted prosperity and success qualify a man for usefulness or happiness.  The storms of adversity, like the storms of the ocean, rouse the faculties and excite the invention, prudence, skill, and fortitude of the voyager.

from Sanders' Union Fourth Reader by Charles W. Sanders, Spelling Wisdom Vol. 3

our newest 5-year-old

Josiah celebrated his fifth birthday recently, leaving those of us who know him best wondering how that happened so fast!!

Making sure to add the "cha-cha-chas" to the Happy Birthday song.

 He doesn't like being the center of attention at all, does he?  Unlike his mother, who crawled under the table at about this age when they sang to me.  It may have been the blow horn along with all the eyes on me, but I digress...

All three loved the Wedgits and played with them for hours.  To be honest, Josiah played with everything he got for hours.

The only toy he really asked for... I think his older brother would have loved it at his age, too.  Or maybe now?

Thanksgiving quote

"All great and honorable actions are accompanied with great difficulties; and must be both enterprised and overcome with answerable courages.  It was granted that the dangers were great, but not desperate; the difficulties were many, but not invincible.  For though there were many of them likely, yet they were not certain.  It might be that sundry of the things feared might never befall; others, by provident care and the use of good means, might in a great measure be prevented; and all of them, through the help of God, by fortitude and patience, might either be borne or overcome."

-Governor William Bradford

field trip!

The week before Thanksgiving...we are using it to play catch up on some school projects and not starting anything new.  It seemed like the perfect opportunity to take a field trip, too!  I've lived in McLean County long enough to remember what kids did for fun before a fantastic children's museum and other kid-friendly activities arrived.  I've taken many children to the McLean County Museum of History, but never my own.  They loved it!!

 We started with an airplane and won Josiah's heart immediately.

 They look like they should be locked up, don't they?

 Well, maybe not this poor soul.

 The hands-on pioneer room was the favorite, favorite place to spend time.  Rachel kept reminding me that pioneers did not smile.  Umm, for the camera, anyway.

 He couldn't help but smile.

The reason I wanted to go the museum now: there is a temporary exhibit showcasing how our food has changed from the 1820's to the present.  There were 4 kitchens representing 4 different eras in our county's history. 

I took a picture of each menu, telling the kids I was looking for supper ideas. Liver pie wasn't really on their list of fun things they wanted to try.

 

 I found some of this information to be fascinating, considering the food journey we have been on with Josiah.

 This sign is particularly telling.  We can eat nothing with the name Campbell's on it now.  Eric laughed when he read "better tasting than homemade."

"Since 1969 some 3,000 additives have been put in American foods.  The impact of these additives can be both good and bad, but additives are unnecessary if one eats an ample and varied diet of whole foods."

The food exhibit is only here until January, and is well worth the effort to see. 

When we left for the musuem, my kids have never even considered that their WAS history in McLean County.  Now they know even Abraham Lincoln spent a considerable amount of time here, and that we can boast a vice president.  I heard my junior high son exclaiming over things I cannot believe he didn't know!  Not a bad way to spend a couple of hours on a Monday afternoon.

first stitches

and they come out today!  We felt that God hand-picked the doctor and nurses in the emergency room. He learned that God does give courage when you're really, really scared!

brand new

This is the kind of resource that makes me excited about what is ahead for Josiah and I in homeschooling!! 

math website

This must be my week to showcase other websites.  Here's an online site for extra math practice.  I really love how they break it down by grade.

healthy eating website

I need to look at this more often!  Really, really good stuff.  She actually makes me want to try brussel sprouts.

http://www.summertomato.com/

ADHD, Feingold, and the gospel

"When they came to Jesus, they saw the man...sitting there, dressed and in his right mind; and they were afraid."  Mark 5:15

This is a post long overdue.  For over a year now, I have documented our Feingold journey in overcoming ADHD symptoms with our youngest son, posting successes and failures, and celebrating the progress he has made.

I have failed, however, to link the gospel to this (sometimes miraculous!) journey.  In no way do I want to ignore it, substitute it, or fail to give God the glory for how it plays into what He is doing in Josiah's life.

In the time of Jesus' ministry, he encountered a man who was possessed by demons.  In fact, there were so many evil spirits dwelling in this man, they gave their name as Legion.  Before he met Jesus the man was unable to control his impulses or even have them controlled by others.  His life was a ruin, and he was injuring both himself and others.  In his encounter with Jesus, Legion was cast into a herd of pigs, leaving the man in his right mind, healed, and able to listen to Jesus and tell others of the things He had done for him.

For some it may be satanic influences, for others alcoholism, drugs, or other addictions, that keep a man or woman from being able to fully apprehend the person of Jesus Christ.  Rather than being drawn to Him, they may mock Him or ignore Him.  Personally encountering Jesus gives power to cast aside those things that command control of lives, allowing for His Person to minister to a life that has been broken by sin. 

For others, like my son, there is something thrust upon their bodies from the outside which they have had no part in choosing.  Not unlike the chemical influence alcohol may have over someone who is drunk, toxins not originally meant for the body to ingest can cause a chemically sensitive child to engage in behavior that truly is beyond their ability to control.  In discovering this connection and removing the offending chemicals in our son's diet, there has been healing. 

Hidden underneath these things is another powerful, more destructive force: the sin nature.  While we treat the root cause of chemical sensitivity with diet, we treat the sin nature with the gospel. 

So in no way do I leave off godly parenting, discipline, or the truth that sin brings consequences when dealing with misbehavior in my son.  We talk about the love of Jesus our Savior, who always pleased God yet took the punishment for our sin on a cross so that we could be close to God rather than be punished ourselves.  There is a constant tension between using diet as a treatment for the body, and the gospel as treatment for the soul.

Without the intervention of diet, my son used to say "Jesus makes me sad."  To him, it seemed impossible to ever control his body in a way that would please the Lord.*  Now, he loves to learn about the Lord Jesus and is growing in his desire to please Him.  When he sins, he may come to Jesus and tell him he is sorry, and then go on in the confidence that he is loved and forgiven.  He can ask Jesus for help to live the way he should.  He reminds me of the man in this passage, sitting at Jesus feet listening to His teaching as a life that is under His control, and living to share with others the testimony of His work.

For what is the greater miracle in this Bible story: casting out demons or the surrender of a soul to the very God he was rebelling against?

Diet is not Josiah's savior; Jesus is.

*That is not to say that using diet is the means to bring such a child to Christ!  I do not know if Josiah has yet learned to trust Jesus as his Savior.  However, diet removed a barrier he was having trouble overcoming in knowing and loving Jesus.  When Jesus heals a life, what joy we have in the barriers He removes in allowing us to overcome sin and separation from God!!

we miss her

We weren't looking for her, but when we saw a sign that said "free kittens" at a friends' farm, we couldn't resist.  She had barely been handled and came with a guarantee we could return her if she didn't warm up.  A challenging chase ensued to catch her, but we never had to consider taking her back.

Naming pets is usually a chore for us but hers came easily.  I had just returned from a trip to New York City, so we named her Brooklyn.  Rachel was three and Micah was five.

Her affection was on her terms, but when she was in a loving mood you could not pet her enough.  She did not meow--she talked, leading the vet to believe she might have been part Siamese.  She became Micah's cat first; all others were second.

She disappeared on Halloween or the next morning, darting out the door and leaving a hole that won't quickly be filled.  We're hoping another loving family has started their story with a slightly aloof cat who was part of our family's story for 7 delightful years.

a whole lotta science going on

There are times I still feel like I need to pinch myself to believe we are really homeschooling this year.  When I see science experiments taking place, it seems even more surreal. 

 How do airplanes fly?  Josiah learned how slow air pushes on an object to create lift.  (His faster air in the middle meant the slow air pushed the balloons together.)  It was the first time this year I pulled out our preschool science book, but after his reaction it appears it won't be the last.

 We did it!!  Rachel's light hut for botany.

Baking soda, vinegar, and a balloon.  I know you've seen this one, but Micah hadn't yet.  Throw in a little cabbage indicator to make it even more interesting.

available today only!

For those who homeschool or just love audio books! For $11, you can download these collections for the next 11 months. However, it is only available for purchase today in celebration of 11/11/11.

Sherlock Holmes, Charles Dickens, Tom Sawyer, Moby Dick, Rin Tin Tin, Lassie, Robin Hood, King Arthur, The Three Musketeers, fairy tales, and so much more!!!

High Protein Pancakes

Here's a high protein breakfast food that we all loved.  It never ceases to amaze me what extra protein in the morning does for my youngest! 

Yogurt Pancakes

2 c. all purpose flour
2 T. sugar
2 t. baking powder
1 t. baking soda
2 eggs
2 c. plain yogurt
1/4 c. water
Optional: semisweet chocolate chips, dried cranberries, sliced ripe bananas, coarsely chopped pecans, etc.

In a small bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and baking soda.  In another bowl, whisk the eggs, yogurt and water.  Stir into dry ingredients just until moistened.  Cook on griddle by 1/4 cupfuls.  These freeze well.

Two pancakes contain 9 grams of protein!

gotta love science!

We're on our second week of Apologia science here, and as hoped for, it has been a great fit...so far!  Micah was so excited about doing his own science experiments, he had one going in the kitchen at 7:30 a.m. last week. 

Rachel is studying the Jeannie Fulbright botany textbook borrowed from a friend.  We found the notebooking journal that goes along with it.  Between the journal, daily narration, and an engaging textbook, I feel like she is learning and retaining quite a bit.  Incorporating Latin roots helps with remembering vocabulary, and anything I can do to enhance her vocabulary at this point is a plus.  The hands-on experiments look very engaging and will support what she is learning.  Getting engaged with her on a higher level has been very helpful in encouraging her understanding of the material.

If the elementary Apologia continues to work well, I look forward to using it next year with Rachel and Josiah.  It is appealing to think of using the same textbook for a kindergartener and sixth grader!!  Here I go again, trying to find a way to do science together.  There are some fun lapbooks designed for younger children that would draw Josiah into the lessons, and Rachel could continue with the notebooking journal more suited for older students.  (I may change my mind about this several times, but it's always fun to dream!)

Micah has started General Science, the 7th grade Apologia text, again borrowed from a friend.  (Thank you, Lord, for the generosity of friends!)  My goal at the beginning was to combine the older kids for science, but this just wasn't working the way I had hoped.  Micah is currently entertaining thoughts of a career in science, so moving into challenging text seems to be a great fit for him.  That's not to say what we were using wasn't challenging--it was.  However, the next book would have been mostly a science overview, and a review of things he has already studied.  General Science will cover some of those same topics but at a higher level and from a little different perspective--young earth creation.

We are holding onto the Friday science from our Sonlight curriculum because the kids love it so much.  It means doubling up science for Micah, but so far no complaints.  (Not promising that will last!)

My entry into the world of homeschooling seems to be one of adjustments, finding what does and does not work with my children, and constantly tweaking what I thought would work 2 weeks ago, or what I thought would not.  This is not an attempt to endorse a particular curriculum so much as to highlight that process for one mom.

And I'm lovin' it!!!

digging up fond memories

Rachel came home from church today and showed us the cup routine she had learned from a missionary in Sunday School.  One thing let to another, and we were watching this video.

best read-aloud yet...

and this one wasn't on our school list.

"He gave his life for me, that's what he did--just laid down his life for me.  How can I forget something like that?"

-Where the Red Fern Grows

we found the antidote!!

I apparently spoke too soon about our Halloween success.  Hidden in the trick or treating candy were a few packages of Smarties, which I eyed with great suspicion but forgot to warn Micah about.  I had let the older kids pick out a few of the safer treats and then thought all the candy had exited our house.  Then Micah woke up sick yesterday morning.  "Uh, Mom?  Do you think Smarties have gelatin?"

After researching MSG remedies, I had picked up a bottle of taurine to try in case of accidental ingestion.  This was the perfect opportunity to give it a try.  By noon, Micah was beginning to feel better, and today he is fine.  That is a great improvement over the 2 day recovery he usually needs.

We're grateful to have found this!  The last time Micah had an accidental ingestion of gelatin, he had a more severe reaction.  I'm not sure if his blood pressure or blood sugar fell, but the instant and extreme fatigue was somewhat alarming.

More about taurine from msgtruth.org:

Taurine

Some MSG sensitive individuals report relief from some MSG symptoms by taking taurine. The rationale behind this approach is that glutamate competes with the amino acid cysteine for uptake in the body. An excess of glutamate will interfere with the body's ability to convert cysteine into taurine, the other free form amino acid which acts as the body's heartbeat regulator. Taurine is the body's water soluble anti-oxidant, and inhibitory neurotransmitter. The body also uses taurine to make bile, which aids in the digestion of fats.

The idea of taking taurine for accidental MSG ingestion is that since MSG may inhibit taurine formation, and those with irregular heartbeat, digestive problems, epilepsy, vision disturbance, and panic attacks from MSG may benefit from ingesting taurine instead of waiting for the body to make it.

Unfortunately, most food scientists are not taught about taurine because adults are assumed to be able to make it and shouldn't need to eat it. It isn't even listed in most tables of the amino acids. However, taurine is so important in the body, that since 1986 it has been added to baby formula because it is essential for proper growth and development in humans. Also, studies of people with epilepsy have shown that taurine levels in the brain after a seizure are unusually low. Taurine is now being considered as treatment for diabetes as well as epilepsy.

Foods high in taurine include fresh fish and meat. It is not found in significant amounts in foods of non-meat origin. Heat for long periods of time destroys it. It is interesting that the Japanese use much MSG, but also eat diets high in fish, and raw fish at that. A Japanese meal of sushi contains much taurine, as well as MSG. Chinese food, which often is cooked at high heat and also contains mushrooms, another source of free glutamate, and often mostly vegetables, would contain less protective taurine.

Halloween success!!

My youngest is not in reaction mode, no one got sick...it was a great Halloween.  These candies were a hit with Josiah, who rarely eats any candy except Yummy Earth Lollipops.  I may be somewhat less Scroogish about candy next year after watching how excited he got about his very own special candy "without artificials, Mommy!"

ready for Halloween

After 15 months on the Feingold diet and seeing how food additives affect all three of my children, I am having trouble with the idea of handing out candy filled with chemicals to our trick or treaters this year, even if that is what they get at every other house.  However, finding a suitable alternative is not easy.  Most candy is loaded with artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives.  Grab your favorite candy bar and read the label. 

At my weekly grocery trip last week, I found what I was looking for: small treat bags of Teddy Grahams.  Coupled with Life Saver Pep-O-Mints, I have some reasonably priced treats without artificials to hand out!  However, even Josiah can't eat either of these.  They have a corn sweetner which causes him to react behaviorally.

What will he be having for Halloween?  We ordered him some white rock candy, naturally flavored and colored gummies made without corn syrup, and a Jack-O-Lantern shaped piece of maple candy.  Rachel will probably get a Gharadelli all natural chocolate bar, and Micah is getting some special gelatin-free "marshmallows."  This is so complicated, my boys can't even share their treats without having issues!

They are looking forward to turning their trick or treating candy in for some small toys.  Halloween is fun even without the candy!!  I'm thinking next year we may skip the special candy and just make cookies.

multi-tasking

Josiah has decided it is time to teach himself how to count to 100.  He can manage pretty well if he has a 100 chart in front of him, but not so well without it yet.  Today, I was reading a book to the older kids about a city in China, filled with locations that I can't pronounce.  It was at this moment Josiah decided to start practice his counting.  Our lesson sounded something like this:

Mom (attempting to pronounce Weihuaninggong): "Major Relgious Sites: Wee--xhgiahtome--gong! Imperial Residence"

Josiah: "26, 27, 28, 29..."

Mom: "Watchtowers top the many buildings of the tree-lined avenues of... (30!)... Changchun. 

Josiah: "31, 32,...,37, 38, 39..."

Mom: Most of these buildings were built by the Japanese (40!) during their military occupation of this region..."

All the way to 100.

So now I can teach geography and preschool math at the same time.  But then again, I think we might giggle too much.

you're kidding, right?

Yesterday someone put a long hockey stick in the hand of my 4-year-old son, and then patiently explained to him how to keep it on the floor, stop spinning around while holding it, and generally not whack anyone on the head with it.  Then they put an orange puck down in front of him and set him loose with about 8 other kids under the age of 8.  He followed the puck with the intensity of a hungry dog stalking its prey.

I didn't know whether to laugh hysterically or be very afraid.  I found both worked.

humility

Dreams of grandeur shattered,
trophies broken down,
treasure abandoned,
all forgotten
at the foot of the cross.

It is
a beautiful wreck
in the eyes of the Savior
as well as
to those who have come.

cooking around the world: Korea

Exploring Korea has been a special part of our Eastern Hemisphere journey.  To read about a country first oppressed for a decade by Japan, then divided after 1945 was eye-opening and tugged at my heart for those who were and still are affected.  It is no wonder the good news of the gospel spread quickly in South Korea after WWII among such brokenness.  We certainly didn't want to miss out on Korean food!  Kimchi is a staple, once kept in jars buried in the inner courts of Korean households, and the dumplings just sounded delicious.

Kimchi
5 c. green or Chinese cabbage, cut into bite-sized pieces
6 tsp. salt
2 T. sugar
1 tsp. to 2 T. crushed red pepper flakes
1/4 t. finely chopped ginger root
1 clove garlic, peeled and finely chopped
2 green onions, finely chopped

In a large colander, mix cabbage with 5 tsp. salt.  Let stand for 3 hours.  Rinse cabbage thoroughly two or three times.  Gently squeeze out excess liquid with your hands.  Place the drained cabbage in a large glass or ceramic bowl.  Add the remaining 1 tsp. slat and the rest of the ingredients and mix thoroughly.  Cover cabbage mixture tightly with plastic wrap and let stand at room temperature for 1 or 2 days.  Chill kimchi before serving.  Store tightly covered.  It keeps indefinitely in the refrigerator.

Kimchi is actually a very nutritious food, filled with friendly bacteria that is good for your gut.  Think of it as Korean yogurt!

Korean Dumplings
Filling:
1/4 lb. ground beef, pork, or chicken or 1/2 c. cubed firm tofu
1 T. vegetable oil
1/2 small onion, peeled and finely chopped
3/4 c. shredded cabbage (I will admit for our first time through, I left the cabbage, bean sprouts, and green onion out and just used more meat.  It was a good call.)
1/2 c. chopped bean sprouts
1 green onion, finely chopped
1 1/2 t. salt
black pepper to taste

In a large frying pan, cook meat about 3-5 minutes.  Set aside.  Wash pan and dry thoroughly.  Heat 1 T. vegetable oil over high heat for 1 min.  Add onions and stir fry 2-3 min., or until crisp-tender.   Add cabbage and continue to cook, stirring frequently, for another 2-3 min, or until cabbage is crisp-tender.  Add bean sprouts and green onion, mix well, and cook 1-2 min. more.  Remove pan from heat and pour vegetable mixture into colander to drain off excess liquid.  Return to pan.  Add meat, salt, and black pepper and mix well.

For dumplings:
dumpling filling
25 wonton skins
1 egg, beaten
1 c. vegetable oil for frying
soy sauce for dipping

Place wonton skin on flat surface.  Cover remaining skins with damp towel so they won't dry out.  Have beaten egg and pastry brush ready.  Place one wonton skin on work surface with one corner pointed upward.  Brush all 4 edges with beaten egg.  Place about 1 T. of filling just above center of skin.  Fold skin in half over filling to form triangle.  Press edges together to seal.  Repeat with remaining skins. 

In a large frying pan or wok, heat oil over medium heat for 2 min.  Carefully place 6 dumplings into oil with tongs.  Fry 3-4 min., or until golden brown.  Turn and fry other side for 2-3 min.  Keep dumplings warm in 200 degree oven while frying rest.  Serve with soy sauce.

Both recipes are from Cooking the Korean Way, by Okwha Chung and Judy Monroe

The verdict: We all loved this meal!  It is so fun to see the sense of adventure on the kids' faces as they explore new foods. The dumplings were delicious.  There was a lot of hooting going on over the kimchi, which was much more spicy than we'd expected.  (I would suggest starting with 1 t. of red pepper unless you know you like hot food; we misread the directions and started with 1 T.)  But, kimchi on top of dumplings was delightful.  We will definitely be making this recipe again and again.

in chains for Christ

Asia Bibi is a young woman in Pakistan who was arrested and sentenced to death for blasphemy when she took a stand for Christ.  Please go to this Voice of the Martyrs website (A Call for Mercy) and sign the petition that will soon be delivered on her behalf to government officials.  Asia has been in prison for 2 years, separated from her husband and 2 daughters.  God is sustaining her in miraculous ways!

Voice of the Martyrs is hoping for 1 million signatures and already have 300,000.  This is a way to make a difference in the life of a sister in Christ on the other side of the world.

feeling bookish?

"There is open to us a society of people of the very first rank who will meet us and converse with us so long as we like, whatever our ignorance, poverty, or low estate--namely, the society of authors; and the key that unlocks their private audience-chamber is their books."

A.T. Pierson from George Muller of Bristol

Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY, October 18, 2011

Outside my window...the sky and trees are competing for the mood.  The gray skies say cold and sad but the changing colors add warmth and beauty.  Today, I think the leaves win.

I am thinking...about how God is using the events of my life and the lives of those around me for the progress of the gospel in the midst of the larger story He is writing.  So often I reduce my circumstances to a puzzle that needs to be solved instead of a walk of obedience in response to God's word.  It is good to be reminded often of His sovereignty, trustworthiness, and bigger plan.

I am thankful...for difficulties that shave off the rough spots and make more more like Christ.  Looks like I can expect more, because there's a lot of work to be done here!

From the learning rooms...we've been taking a few mini-field trips while the warm weather lasts.  Our zoo pass expires at the end of the month, so I'm looking for a warmish day to go.  We are thoroughly enjoying Sonlight's Core F.  I'm not sure how it compares to their other cores, but I think we are hooked!  Feathered dinosaurs have been our science pursuit this week.  Micah loved it so much, he finished a week's worth of lessons in one day.

In the kitchen...'tis the season for pumpkin muffins, pumpkin bread, and pumkin pancakes.  My husband couldn't be happier!

I am wearing...a mulberry sweater and jeans.  Cozy and comfortable, which is my idea of fashion.  (Mulberry helps!)

I am wondering...if Micah will get out of braces before his sister needs them as well?  It's looking a bit doubtful.

I am reading...When My Name Was Keoko by Linda Sue Park.  Homeschooling the kids has reignited my own wonder for learning. This book gives a fascinating and sobering background to a darker time in Korean history, a "forgotten decade" when Japan had control of the country and ruled with oppression until the end of World War II.  Studying the Eastern Hemisphere is filling in the gaps in my own education.  I remember we talked a lot about Hitler and his rise to power, by why not Japan?  

I am looking forward to...our church's mission conference.  It is exciting to see God's hand at work around the world, and this is only one glimpse!!

I am hearing...Micah practicing trumpet, making it sound as ugly as possible.  It makes the dog bark, which seems to be the point.

Around the house...Eric brought home flowers on Friday night and it was Saturday morning before I noticed them.  I'll leave it to your imagination what that means.

I am pondering...the ugliness of my own pride and the incredible humility of the Savior.  It seems that gazing on Him is my only antidote.

One of my favorite things...is walking through crisp, fallen leaves with a small hand in mine.

A few plans for the rest of the week: The kids are trying out a homeschooling swim and gym class.  We were so excited to find a vending machine where all three kids can find treats.  They have Late July cheese crackers!!  Really, sometimes it is the little things around here, especially when it comes to food.

Here is picture I am sharing of a friend we loved so much, we set him free...

family photos with a cause

Running, pictures, and little girls in India.  You can see how they all fit together at this website.  We were excited to have Gail take our family's pictures and support As Our Own.  She does a great job!!

(By the way, the first beautiful family on Gail's website is pretty special to us!)