As a result of a little bit of research for Gillian’s School’s Immigration Day (which actually consisted of an email to my awesome sister-in-law), we discovered a fun bit of news.  Our children’s Great (x24) Grandfather was King Robert II of Scotland.

When Gillian took this bit of news to school as part of her project, her classmates started calling her “Princess.”  In fact, I think they still are.

We started doing  a little more research into King Rob and discovered some great facts:

• Robert I, “Grand-Daddy” Robert II’s,  Grandfather, is none other than “Robert the Bruce” made famous in the movie Braveheart.  I think Kip is going to use this as an excuse to spend three hours this weekend watching that movie… AGAIN.
• Robert II was the first monarch in the house of Stewart (Stuart), which ruled Scotland through to Mary, Queen of Scots (who was forced to abdicate in 1567 and was executed years later).
• He had six legitimate children (two different wives) and nine illegitimate children… what a guy!

We’ve always talked about taking a trip to Scotland… maybe this is the extra incentive we need!

I love capturing my kids smiles when they are with their friends.

~Friends are such a gift.~

Actually, our little princess needed a make over!  For a girl who loves clothes and can still wear clothes from when she was 5, space is an issue.  In an attempt to get creative and utilize her living area better,  moved her into the old office and installed an Elfa closet system in her soon to be new room.  We will lift her bed and add drawers underneath for more storage.

I absolutely love how her closet turned out.

Recipe:

• 14oz sweetened condensed milk
• 14oz milk (whole, lowfat, or skim – doesn’t matter)
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract OR Vanilla Coffee Syrup for a stronger flavor
• a mason jar (quart is perfect)

As we get older, we are forced to get wiser to survive.  <snicker>

When our lives started to be ruled by our aches, pains and health issues, I decided it was time to do some research.  What I found was alarming.  I started to feel silly for being so naive: naive in thinking that the products we use and the food we eat are safe.  The more I dig, the more I realized I need to make some choices and healthy changes for our family.

I am sure people wonder if I have become a tree hugger or granola chick.  Ha!  But, really I feel that as the main shopper and cook for our family, much responsibility lies on my shoulders to be educated and aware of the things we bring into our home — and more importantly into our bodies.

In my research I have found that there are so many people also digging and concerned.  Can we make a difference?  Of course we can.  Will it happen over night?  Probably not.

Have you ever wondered why there is such a rise in non-genetic cancer rates, food allergies, obesity, behavioral  and fertility issues?    Perhaps you should.

The big monsters that are haunting our lives and the lives of future generations are things like:

• Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO’s)
• Pesticides
• Parabens
• BPA
• Chemicals
• Toxins
• Nano-particles

What is so scary about these things is that they are found in so many items.  Our homes are practically killing us.   Many of these things are banned outside of the US.  Is it a coincidence that other countries non-genetic cancer rates are lower? Is it a coincidence that they have fewer food allergies?

Well, it is because of these monsters that I have been making some big changes.  I am doing what I can, when I can.  It can be overwhelming but if you take a couple of things at a time,  you will make a difference.

What can you do?  Read labels, avoid products with fragrances, artificial flavorings.  Avoid GMO’s,  High fructose corn syrups, artificial sweeteners, products with lots of ingredients – especially ones you cannot say.  Try to get organic when possible. Get rid of plastics, use mason jars or even recycle glass jars from pickles, salsa, tomato sauces.   Use cast iron, stainless steel or ceramic cookware, avoid non-stick pans.  Make toxin free house hold cleaners. Find toxin-free beauty products.

This battle is very personal to me, I have much at stake as we all do.  My husband’s health is at stake as is the health of my children and honestly….my grandchildren.  What if all that we are doing keeps my children from being able to reproduce?  What if these monsters rob us from the joy of grandchildren?  I shudder to think.

I am not a crunchy girl, I am a mom who wants to make a difference.

1 1/2 cups gluten free rolled oats (I use GF certified Bob’s Redmill)
1 1/2 cups crispy brown rice cereal
2 TBSP ground flax meal
1/3 cup organic raisins
1/4 cup pumpkin seeds
1/4 cup finely shredded coconut (unsweetened)
pinch of sea salt

In a small saucepan over low heat, stir together the following ingredients until just blended (Stir continuously and don’t walk away from your saucepan! Pull it off the heat immediately once blended.):

1/2 cup honey (agave, or brown rice syrup for vegan)
1/2 cup almond butter (or sunbutter)
1 TBSP coconut oil
1/2 tsp cinnamon

Carefully pour the contents of the saucepan into the dry ingredients and combine.   Place in a lightly greased (I use a bit of coconut oil) 11? x 7? pan.  Using a spatula, press the mixture into the pan.  Cover with plastic wrap and place in the freezer. Freeze for at least 2 hours before enjoying.

Store in an air tight container in the freezer.

Cut into bars & Enjoy!

Unfortunately, the answer is no. Yet another test of my Faith.

I must trust that God knows and loves my children far more than I do.  He knows every detail about them and their lives and desires the same thing that I do.  But, unlike me HE is in control.

For a couple of years now, Kip and I have felt Hayden (and even Gillian) were ready to accept Jesus into their hearts as their personal savior.  But, we did not want to push it or influence the timing, we wanted it to be their experience.  Apparently today was Hayden’s day.   I am a bit sad I was not there to witness it, but so thrilled for my son.  What a blessing and a gift.

After several months of Christianity 101, Hayden along with four of his really good friends (dads by their sides) dedicated their lives to God.  I am so happy and proud of you sweet boy.

Glory to God in the Most High

Isn’t it funny that we creatures find so much joy & fulfillment in getting things done? Something about seeing those little check marks of completion on my lists just make me smile.

Some days I have to just be satisfied with getting dishes and laundry checked off my list.  It is those rare occasions when you can actually get some fun, new things done!   I have had so many things I have been wanting to do and rarely have the time, that I decided today was the day!!

I will share more detail on a few of the projects that are in the works, but I am just so happy to be making some positive changes in my life and the lives of my precious family.

This week’s projects;

• Shopping for supplies for said projects
• Getting letters written and sent to our Compassion children
• Made a batch of home-made fruit roll-ups
• For $4.59 I made 5 bottles of home-made, toxin free hand soaps
• Gutted a closet & purchased supplies for a closet make-over for my daughter.
• Eliminating more bad products from our humble home.