At least this time I know I'm Crazy

8 previous pregnancies, 6 of which to full term.... and only now in my 9th, I see myself for as crazy as I must have been in the others.

I know my nose could out sniff a canine's and my needs to remove every stick of deorderant and wiff of perfume from the house is strong- but that's been happening since my 1st pregnancy. My problem now is tangerines.

Tangerines, the innocent, sweet, little, fruit has become my arch nemesis. The mere whiff of one sends me into nausea induced rage. Oranges are a little, but not a lot, better.

I am 8 weeks pregnant and am already wearing maternity clothes- explain that?

I think all my body needs to act pregnant is a wiff of pregnancy hormone before it knows the routine and runs the gambit of uncomfortable changes faster and faster. That's what happens when it's your 9th pregnancy.

Well I was walking out of the maternity clothing store, I felt a hint of dread. Like something was going to go wrong. Fortunately, I have enough experience in pregnancy failure, that I know that is not the feeling that actually means anything regarding it. It is just the hyperactive pregnancy brain that makes the dreams seem too real and the possibilities other then perfection more likely. Real pregnancy failure is more like sad resignation of nothing you can do.

I have been able to successfully shake that feeling. Largely because I discovered most of my belly size is gas, I have ridiculous amounts of morning sickness (for me) and because I was even able to find a heartbeat today- at 240.

With the way I am counting, I could actually be more like 10 weeks along. But I like to count weeks completed from my later possible due date- so that I why I say 8 weeks.

Smoothy Tutorial

To make a good "blended salad" type smoothy I recommend this basic recipe.

Basic Smoothy 
For 1 person:
1/2 banana
handful of greens (spinach is sweeter, kale requires more sweetness to compensate, other fresh greens are doable too) put in according to your taste
1 cup of frozen fruits
fill to top of fruits with water

blend and blend until very smooth

I often throw in fresh fruits that need to be used then cut down slightly on the frozen fruits. Strawberries, bananas and pineapple are some of the sweetest fruits. If you are not using frozen fruits you will need ice cubes to blend up with it.


Blueberry Smoothy

1 whole banana
lots of greens
blueberries to fill line
water to fill line

blend, blend, blend


Chocolate Smoothy- a real treat- enough for 2 or 3 people

5 oz baby spinach
2 cups frozen blueberries
1/2 cup non-dairy milk
1 banana
2-4 dates (pitted)
2 Tbs cocoa powder
1 Tbs ground  flax seeds

blend, blend, blend

 Very Green Smoothy

1 bunch kale (rinsed and stripped)
4 stalk celery
1 cucumber
2 granny smith apples (sliced and cored)
1/2 lemon
some ginger root

Evil Mom or just snarky?

 I haven't blogged as much recently. I think that is because I am learning when to keep my opinions to myself- and maybe even learning how to think less judgmentally about others. (maybe?)

I was just reading some of my old posts. I get snarky and ornery when I'm pregnant and sound almost as full of myself as the professional writers of opinion pieces around the internet. I think snarky is the way I try to channel ornery, so I am not so outright mean.

Of course most of my snarkiness comes when I am pregnant. And as I read it I wonder if I became that snarky in life too? Then I wonder what kind of amazing and tolerant spouse I must have to have managed to handle all 9 pregnancies with me. yup, we've been together almost 14  and of those 14 years I will have spent 4.5 years of it pregnant.

And another 9 years nursing. Luckily, the nursing hormones usually make the whole world lollipops and roses and sweet baby kisses... so that's not so bad for the dad, except that he has lost the ability to sleep in his own bed with just his wife (now it's often baby too) and has also lost a few play toys to the baby's oral fixation with nourishment.

I think part of the orneriness I get during pregnancy is an attempt to make space in my life for the time and armfullness of a baby. If nobody wants to be around me, then I can more easily take care of the baby, but when everyone thinks I need to do everything for them, then I don't have time or energy for a baby.

So poor Shannon, it is her turn to gain some independence. She just stomped out of here saying "I hate you." After I pulled her off of me when she not-so-nicely requested that I get her a pair of socks and in so doing leave the toddler alone in the bathtub. I told her I know she can get her own socks and therefore she should. What an evil mom I am.


If I understand why I am feeling ornery and snarky then it is much easier to be nice while I explain to my children that they can do it themselves and do not need me for every little thing. Of course, other times it is easier to just lock yourselves in your room and take a nap.

Or I might just Eat my Hat

"Either I'm pregnant or I'll eat my hat. Come to think of it I'm so hungry I might just eat my hat."

Yeah, I said that to myself today. But I was at least right- and my hat can safely return to my head. After all it would be ashamed to eat such a beautiful and fuzzy hat as that. So instead I had a subway at 3:30.

That was after eating 2 large while grain organic cookies.

And on Monday when Shan was being put to sleep by the anastegeologist, he told me that he was giving her an anti nausea mess too. So I almost asked if I could have some too.

I've suspected since the 18th.... But didn't get a positive test until today.

That tells me this baby is probably a girl ( girls make me sick) and also probably due a week later then a doctor would tell me. Aug 4th is the date I'm looking at as a real estimate. At least it's not Sept 12th or after another 6 weeks of summer.

I reccommend

http://movies.netflix.com/WiMovie/Food_Matters/70123196?trkid=7115812

or

http://www.amazon.com/Foodmatters-Andrew-W-Saul/dp/B001B3XZAW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1350877913&sr=8-1&keywords=food+matters


I need to watch this again and take notes!

Christmas wish list

Or ideas for the clueless (aren't we all sometimes?)

M-
gift certificate to a big and tall clothing store (online one would be best)
games/activities for the family
school book gift certificates
Sharp brand (best reviews) full size microwave

R-
Food Processor (big one)- I like the ninja kitchen system food processor and blender (has a 40 oz and a 72 oz blending jars)
house cleaning
vegan chocolates
new otter case for Iphone 4- bright color- think easy to find
school books gift certificate

G-
Wearing: XLT- pants about a 40" x 33" (or taller, hard to tell unless you can actually get him to try them on) he wants cargo pants- with pockets at knees
gift certificate to big and tall clothing store
desk for bedroom
Portal Gun
bed side table/stand
legos
starwars/ bionicles
headphones
starwars clonewars seasons 1-4 on DVD
Snow pants
My Little Pony dvds Seasons 1-3


E-
Wearing boys 14/16
robotic kit (serious one)
large RC helicopter
display case
snow boots men's 8.5/9
really good drawing kit


I-
wearing boys 12, 150/160 cm
organic pjs
poster frame for a poster he has
work desk
tools for electronics work
into robotics
2nd language learning kit - french
reusable baggies for cold lunch

C-
wearing boys 8/10, Hanna Anderson monsters clothes size 140cm
loves drawing/doing art
loves monsters
sling shot
wants a bird- contact me if you want to pursue this option
pogo stick

S-
wearing girls 6 slim pants and 7/8 shirts (120 cm) (shirts need length)- buy bigger then she is wearing
all things girly (no make up, nail polish, or perfumes)
loves horses, bunnies, books, cows,
pink flashlight
My Little Pony toys

R-
wearing boys 4T-5, 100 cm- needs church clothes for this winter- buy shirts 1 size bigger then pants
Play rug for room (blue walls)
Toy box
little boy bedding set for twin size
toys
red flannel shirt - plain red

A-

Zucchini Brownies

Sorry I have no pictures- these never last long enough for that.

They are perfect to make with the large garden zucchinis- often called "Mega-Zukes."

Bake 350, until you consider them done.

Mix:
1/2 cup applesauce (today I used mashed squash) or 2 ripe bananas or oil
1 cup sugar
1 tsp vanilla
fat dash of cinnamon
1/2 c baking cocoa
1 tsp salt
1 1/2 tsp baking soda

then add:
about 3 cups of shredded zucchini (if it has large seeds, I would seed it first. I learned that one the hard way ;P)
2 cups whole wheat flour
and all the chocolate chips and nuts you want

Pour into a greased 9x13 pan and bake.

I usually top it with a Tofu Frosting

Blend until smooth- I mean really smooth. Keep blending:
1 package (12 oz?) silken tofu
1/2 c baking cocoa
dash of cinnamon
dash of vanilla
maple syrup- to your sweetness preference- feel free to taste several times while adjusting quantities
1/2 cup nut butter of your choice (cashew is really decadent)

Busy Day

Wow, I have had a day.

Wednesdays are have usually been busy- but today has been very busy.

At 8am I had two parent teacher conferences, followed by picking CSA shares- then doing Clay's schoolwork with him. Laundry, lunch and running to Brainerd for my Bio Lab. Following 2 hours of learning how to use microscopes. Stop by cell phone shop to switch up to new phone (old one broke). Then the bank, grocery shopping, shopping at fleet farm (for bunny supplies and Galen's XLT shirts) then I stopped at Grandma Ruth's and Nathan's and helped them clean a window and see them off to the hospital again. Picked up some fresh picked corn and then Home again for dinner, tortilla making, more laundry, diapers, and 6 zuchinni cakes- I put several in the freezer for school lunches. Then study some chem, scripture study and a little time zoning to a show on netflicks.

I have done enough today, that I wasn't even disappointed that we didn't do yoga. I have been up since 7 am and am looking forward to a good night's rest.

Blame my husband.

If my face is bruised and battered
Blame my husband.

For last night was a camp out in our yard
 for cub scouts
And Roo had liked the tent.

Mike said "Take him with you."


The troubles with a tent, is not only can he crawl and fall on you
but he can get a running start to do so.

So if my face is bruised and battered
and my glasses sit all kitty-wompus
and I want to nap instead of work.
Blame my husband.

Serve Pancakes at my Funeral

When I die, serve pancakes at my funeral
only don't call it a funeral-
it should be a Celebration of Life
have balloon and music- a live band.

When I die, serve pancakes at my funeral
And have that band play polkas and waltzes, jazz and tango,
let the children dance,
and get dizzy showing off to you.

When I die, serve pancakes at my funeral
with enough real maple syrup
that you too join in the dancing until you are exhausted and delirious
and the world is spinning and you forget about why you are there and just enjoy being.

When I die, serve pancakes at my funeral
and talk about me, if you want
I will no longer get the hick-ups
but talk about you.
Did I make a difference in your life?

When I die, serve pancakes at my funeral
make sure they are freshly ground whole wheat
have peanut butter and applesauce to smear on them.
For desert serve them with blueberries and chocolate chips.

When I die, serve pancakes at my funeral
Cry, if you must, I'll miss you too
for the few remainig seconds we are apart
at least it will only seem a short time to me.

When I die, serve pancakes at my funeral
Serve the pancakes with a smile
a smile that says to everyone "I love you" and
"You are important to me."

For that is what I want to be remembered for.

Food count

It's been a awhile, and I have worked hard to change my diet to be more in line with nutritionists. The basic idea is that fruits and veggies and beans are the best things to eat- followed by fruit and nuts. My goal is about 9 cups of fruits and veggies a day.

Breakfast- 8:30- blended salad (spinach and berries, mostly)- about 2.5 cups

Lunch- 2 pm- 1/2 a pbj on whole wheat (Roo got the rest)
                     - coleslaw (slimed with ground nuts sauce)- about 2 cups
                     - mushroom, tomato, onions and greens on Ezekiel bread- about 1.5 cups of veggies

Dinner- about 6 pm-  coleslaw- about 2 cups
                                - leafy green salad- about 2 cups
                                - refried beans on whole wheat tortillas- 2 of them
                                - almond milk- 1.5 cups


Snack about 8:30- oatmeal and peanut butter mixed with a splash of maple syrup- about 1/4 cup (Roo got the rest)

Totals:
fruits and veggies- 10 cups
beans- 2 cups
whole grains- 5-6 servings
nuts- some

Top 10 Reasons to Give my a Scholarship for Midwifery Studies

10. So more woman can be guided through childbirth.
9. So more babies can enter the world in harmony and love.
8. So my own dreams are realized.
7. So I can show my kids that it is never too late to go back to school.
6. So my kids can have shoes.
5. So my parents' financial planners get off my back about earning enough money.
4. So I have a good excuse why I don't have my dishes done and my floor mopped.
3. So my curiosity will be satisfied, a least for a bit.
2. So I can lead the way in advances in well woman care.
1. Because I was born to be a midwife.

2 desserts- 1 bake time

Blue Berry Pie

is simple.

Make a crust:

Crumble 4 cups of whole wheat flour , 2 tsp salt in with 1/2 cup palm oil. Add cold water and fork it till it sticks. Take out parts that do stick together and add more water and for more...ect until all used up. Roll out with lots of flour- put in pan.

Pour in blueberries ( I used frozen) until slightly mounded. Drizzle with maple syrup and corn starch. Add top crust- pinch together and bake at 450 for 30 minutes, and then 350 for another 30 minutes.

With left over dough- cut circles, put into muffin tin to form little tart-let shells. Bake for 15 minutes. Let cool- these shells can hang around for days until you are ready to use them.

Vegan Banana Cream Tart-lets

are also easy.

Blend:
2 bananas
1 12oz package of tofu (drained)
1/2 cup of cashew butter- raw is best
shake of salt (if cashew butter is unsalted)
1/2 cup sugar
2 Tbs lemon juice
2 Tbs olive oil


Drop these by spoonfuls into tart-let shells.

Melt :
1/2 cup vegan chocolate chips
1 Tbs palm oil

Plop by spoonfuls on top of banana cream and let set a few minutes.

Enjoy!

Hot and sticky

Last night I was so hot and sticky I felt like Roo had eaten a lollipop and then rubbed his hands all over me.

And today was so hot- I had to bake a birthday cake in it- you might as well liquify me and spray me directly on the furniture.

Personal Selections of Knowledge

I know something you don't know.

In fact, my own personal selection of knowledge just about grantees that I know something you don't.

Luckily, most of the time, much of that is fairly irrelevant.

So, how fair is it?

In fact, on the internet, all that any one cares to post is now fair game.... and our personal selections of knowledge expand.... and expand to match our current curiosities.

Most of the time I attempt to post things things that I think others may want to add to their personal selections of knowledge. That is why I share recipes and good articles and interesting thoughts.... some times I post just to write something- in which case I am not really attempting to enlighten you, but just to chat.

What is really interesting though is when you are posting thoughts about things you really don't want those who know you to know. That is when you go to a blog that is mostly ignored and see if any one bites your bait.

However, I am really not expecting any one to have lasted this long reading this post that is about almost nothing at all, nor do I expect them to know that I am expecting.

the archetype of mothering as transformation

"When a mother thinks about her experience in a truthful way, when she is honest with herself, she will see that the act of mothering is not one-sided. It is reciprocal. Once we appreciate that the mother/child dyad is mutually beneficial, we can change the stereotype of motherhood as burden into the archetype of mothering as transformation."

-Peggy O'mara (Mothering Magazine)

link to article http://mothering.com/peggyomara/inpirational/the-powerful-woman-as-mother

Raw Carrot Cake

Worth Making, and worth eating- even in hot weather :)

This recipe is stolen from adapted from Forks over Knives. I also highly recommend the movie.
It makes a good desert and a complete meal if served over green or after beans.

Raw Carrot Cake

soak: 2 cups raisins in water until plump (if you are impatient you can soak while you grind the carrots and nuts, then add in the raisins and some raisin water.)
Shred/grind: 4-5 carrots, 4 cups walnuts- and then the raisins.

Add to ground stuff:
1 cup shredded coconut
2 TBS tahini
Splash of Maple Syrup
2 tsp vanilla
Cinnamon (to your taste)
nutmeg
allspice or cloves

Mix well then press into a spray oiled pan- wet hands work well to press it. Chill it while you make the frosting.

Frosting:
1 c cashew butter
fat squeeze of lemon juice (1-2 fresh lemon juice if you are a raw purist)
1/4 maple syrup
1 tsp vanilla
1/2 c water- enough to blend to the consistency you like.

I used a hand blender to mix this together.

Put frosting on the cake and be light handed while serving or cake will happily fall apart (but it's still yummy).

Top 5 Things not to tell your Financal Advisors

5. That you want to add more children to your household, 6 is just not enough.

4. That you are investing in the future- that's why you gave up on birth control.

3. That the $40,000 college education is only an investment if it pays dividends and that the last person you knew who had that degree works as your sister's nanny.

2. That you don't even know what's inside the box they live in, but luckily your husband does.

1. That none of your real dreams can be realized under the current monetary paradigms, but you still have hope because you believe that the paradigms are changing.

Needless to say, I think they believe my reality check bounced.

FHE idea

By Pre Monson:

May I offer to you tonight six road signs which, when observed and followed, will guide you to safety. They are:

1. Choose good friends. Friends help to determine your future. You will tend to be like them and to be found where they choose to go. Remember, the path we follow in this life leads to the path we follow in the next.
2. Seek parental guidance. Your mother, your father, your family all love you and pray for your eternal happiness. Fathers, be an example to your sons. Show them the way to go. Walk with them in righteousness and faith.
3. Study the gospel. Develop a yearning to know the Lord, to understand His commandments and to follow Him. Then shadows of despair are dispelled by rays of hope, sorrow yields to joy, and the feeling of being lost in the crowd of life vanishes with the certain knowledge that our Heavenly Father is mindful of each of us.
4. Obey the commandments. Make up your mind to serve God. Learn His word and follow it. President George Albert Smith, the eighth President of the Church, counseled: “Stay on the Lord’s side of the line.”
5. Serve with love. Jesus was the epitome of service. It was said of Him that He “went about doing good.” Do we do likewise? Our opportunities are many, but some are perishable and fleeting. Brethren, what supernal joy you feel when someone recalls counsel you gave, an example you lived, a truth you taught, the influence you had in prompting another to do good.
6. Pray with purpose. Prayer is the provider of spiritual strength. Prayer is the passport to peace. Should we find ourselves in harm’s way, our power line is unbroken and undamaged—even to God, our Heavenly Father. He will help us if we will but give Him in our lives an opportunity to do so.

Happy National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day!

How could I miss a holiday like that? I mean it was yesterday and I did nothing about it until tonight. Of course that is probably because by the time I found out it was national chocolate chip cookie day, I had already made my avocado chocolate cake/brownies.


So here is my  repentance and restitution.....my husband let me make it up to him.....adapted from a recipe called "Better then Sex chocolate chip cookies." Now of course, we will have to prove which one is better ; p





One good cookie deserves another.

A Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookie- and nobody will argue that it deserves to be called a cookie.


cream:
3/4 cup vegan butter
2 mashed bananas
1 c sugar (gasp, I used real sugar)
1/2 cup black strap molasses
2 tsp vanilla
1 Tbs cinnamon
shakes of ginger, nutmeg and allspice
2 shakes of salt

then add:
2 tsp baking soda

then add:
4 cups freshly ground whole wheat flour

now add:
1 cup broken walnuts
1 cup vegan chocolate chips


Drop/ roll into balls. Place on greased cookie sheet. Bake at 350 for 10-12 min.

I like to leave them soft.

Mohter's Day

"There is seemingly no end to our expansive capacity to love."- Paul E Koelliker

In a single sentence I think that covers mother's day.

May you have a loving Mother's Day too.

How to Handle Challanging behavior in children

A new Approach-


http://acestoohigh.com/2012/04/23/lincoln-high-school-in-walla-walla-wa-tries-new-approach-to-school-discipline-expulsions-drop-85/

There are just two simple rules, says Turner.

Rule No. 1: Take nothing a raging kid says personally. Really. Act like a duck: let the words roll off your back like drops of water.

Rule No. 2: Don’t mirror the kid’s behavior. Take a deep breath. Wait for the storm to pass, and then ask something along the lines of: “Are you okay? Did something happen to you that’s bothering you? Do you want to talk about it?”

It’s not that a kid gets off the hook for bad behavior. “There have to be consequences,” explains Turner. Replace punishment, which doesn’t work, with a system to give kids tools so that they can learn how to recognize their reaction to stress and to control it. “We need to teach the kids how to do something differently if we want to see a different response.

learning about new blogger

still learning how to navigate the whole new blogger

Chocolate Avocado Cupcakes

Chocolate Avocado Cupcakes

3 c flours (fresh ground whole wheat preferred)
3/4 c cocoa
2/3 c oil
2 c real maple syrup
1.5 c  almond milk (or any other milk or even water)
2 avocados peeled and pitted
2 tsp vanilla

I put the flour in the bowl, dig a little well, pour in the cocoa and oil (and always add a dash of cinnamon) mix the oil and cocoa- add in the vanilla and maple syrup- then the milk and avocado. Then I take my hand blender and blend until is is all smooth and creamy.

I pour it into a pan or lined muffin tins and bake at 350 until done (about 20 min).

Peanut Butter Frosting

mix well:
1 cup peanut butter
1/2 c milk
up to 1/2 c maple syrup (I use what ever is left in the bottle)
touch of vanilla

and then blend it until smooth- adjusting milk until I get the consistency I want.

Principals for a non-political party

Principals for a non-political party

1. We believe we need to educate all people in sustainable and local farming and food production.
2. We believe that the family is the basis for a healthy and sustainable communities and together they are a hedge against the challenges of climate change and peak fossil based energy.
3. We believe that every action we undertake should be in consideration of the impact upon our next 7 generations.
4. We believe that war is a waste of resources except in defense of your liberty, life and family.
5. We believe that GDP and other economic indicators is not a way to measure what matters most to the health and happiness of a people, and that debt is not a way to finance.
6. We believe that death is not to be feared, but to be seen as a natural part of life, and that the natural life process is sacred.

wow- engery

It has been about a year since I started my allergy diet. Relief from all those digestive issues - many that have bothered me most of my life) is awesome- but this January I saw a Ted Talk about Feeding your Mitochondria- and we implemented that diet into our lives- and it is awesome!!

It has now been 4 months of 100% fruit (heavy on the berries) smoothies for breakfast, lots of lunches of green salad and dinners of stir fry veggies or veggies bakes or even more varieties of salads. Every day I try to take in about 9 cups of fruits and veggies a day and I have so much more energy then I used to. I can run all day and not be weary and walk all day and not feel faint.

Besides eating lots and lots of fruits and veggies, we also have whole grains, beans, nuts, sea weeds (like sushi wraps) and some grass fed meats (usually just once a week). Nothing that is real food and that you are not allergic to is off limits as long as you have the 9 cups of the fruits and veggies. 3 cups of these should be bright and colorful like berries and carrots and oranges. 3 cups of these should be leafy greens (think a dinner plate full) like lettuces and kale and chard (I measure before cooking). And 3 cups should be sulfur veggies- things like mushrooms, onions, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage and the like. I have learned I don't have to be too picky how much of what veggies I get as long as I eat enough overall and have a decent variety.

So- back to energy.... today I got up at 10- went grocery shopping, did recycling, made sushi for lunch, home-schooled my kids, watered the plants in my green house, lots of laundry, walked with my kids to grandmas and back, scrubbed the fridge, planned our educational field trip to the cities next month, swept the floor, picked up my kid from golf, made an awesome dinner, cleaned up, bought household supplies, built a raised garden tower for strawberries, .... I have been running for about 12 hours and am still looking for good and interesting things to do.

This kind of energy has been going on for a few weeks and I love it- I have seen it build and look forward to one awesome summer!

Memories of 14 years ago today...

14 Years ago today my sweetie and I were married for all time and Eternity. It was an arranged marriage. We barely knew the other existed 3 months before we were married, we had talked some on the phone and had met each other once- he wanted to meet me before I flew home for Christmas, but it was finals week and I had an exam on the writings of Isaiah to study for. He listened on the phone while I studied. Luckily, most of Isaiah is poetry and flows of the tongue in sinuating waves. So he decided to offer me a ride to the airport. Sure, I would save the $75 bucks adn take a shot at letting him drive me.

I wasn't familiar with the route he took to the airport. It caused me to be a little worried, but he did know where he was going and I would soon become a very frequent traveler on those roads.

Well, everyday we talked for hours during Christmas break. I was in Minnesota and he in Utah. The day after Christmas something special happened. Well we were talking we both got the very strong impression that we had to get married, and we both knew the other knew it.

My challenge came in breaking it to my mom that I was going to marry I guy I had only met once. She took the news better then I had thought, and we set a date for June.

Mike was there when I flew back to Utah. He was a handsome man in his Sunday clothes and asked me to marry him (officially) when we got out to his Bronco at the airport. Then he took me home to meet his family. His parents were a little blown away. How could Mike (to shy to talk to most girls) manage to snag a catch like her?

For the next month we hung out with each other and got to know each other and realized that if we were going to make the Temple marriage then we would have to move the wedding date up. So we really moved it up- 6 weeks away. That put our families in a relative panic. But a day with Mom in Salt Lake got it all set up.... dresses, flowers, hotels ect.

The week of the wedding dawned and I quickly gave up on school work and headed up to join my family that was flying in. I don't think school work entered my mind for the next 2 weeks. (There is a reason I got mostly Bs and Cs that semester).

The wedding morning I had my endowments and Mike was there to bring me through the veil. Then we broke for lunch and came back for the wedding in the after noon. It was a breezy March day with lots in interesting clouds and a fair amount of sun.

I can remember some of what the sealer said. Which I consider to be a pretty good feat- he said we wouldn't remember. After that it was meeting family and pictures and waiting for the reception. After the reception I kept wanting everyone to leave so Mike and I could go to our hotel room. I knew what I wanted to do (the thing we kept so hard from doing those last 6 weeks). But alas.... it wasn't as easy as I thought and it took us all night to figure it out. But then we practiced for the next few days- hardly leaving the hotel room.

We must have got it right though- we got 6 kids to prove that :)

Yum- Stuffed Mushrooms- Yum

For dinner tonight we had stuffed mushrooms- Vegan or Vegetarian (depending on if you add cheese)

We took the left over brown rice, lentil and onions and added kale stir fried in toasted sesame seed oil then stuffed the bottoms of some big portabella mushrooms. These we put in a pan in which we oiled, salted and peppered the bottom. On top of the mushrooms I either drizzled some more toasted sesame oil and sesame seeds or put a slice of swiss or provolone cheese. Then I baked them for about 45 min at 350.

We served this with a strawberry walnut salad (toasted walnuts). And when I got near the end of my plate with the salad and stuffing all mixed together- that was good too.

You know my family is sick when....

Cookies I made in the morning still exist at dinner time.

Menus consist of soup and crackers.

There is washed bedding hanging all over the house to dry (our dryer is out too this week).

Kids haven't insulted each other all day.

I allow a movie to be watched during the day.

Nullify the NDAA

To be delivered to: The Minnesota State House, The Minnesota State Senate, and Governor Mark Dayton

Minnesota should stand up against this UN-consitutional attack and nullify sections 1021 and 1022 of the NDAA.

When the National Defense Authorization Act was signed by Pres. Obama on Dec 31st not only did it lay out military spending but it also allowed for indefinite detention of Americans. (with out due process of law as laid out in our Constitution). Minnesota should stand up against this UN-consitutional attack and nullify sections 1021 and 1022 of the NDAA.

Sign it

Why not to be quiet any more.

For a while I didn't speak out too loudly about this. I signed a few petitions but was afraid to really have my name associated as a voice opposed to the actions of our current government administration. I have 6 young kids. I could not risk the possibility of being branded a "dissident" and being hauled away from them.

But then I realized how could I not?

I would rather rot in Guatanamo bay for raising my voice in defense of Liberty then to raise my children in a world where we dare not speak aloud.

I would rather do what I know I should, then wish I had and see this country fall.

What is scares you more? This Land of America without Liberty and Freedom? or possibly being illegally detained?

God Bless the USA

224 years ago, a group of God inspired men got together and penned a document that lays together the government of of this fair land. It carefully lays out a Federal Government with 3 distinct branches to provide check and balances to each other and keep any one group from getting too much power. With in a few years they added 10 amendments to this great document known as the "Bill of Rights."

Amendment 1 is our right to free exercise of Religion, Speech, Press and Assembly.

Amendment 2 is our right to keep and bear arms.

Amendment 4 is our right to have a warrant requiring probable cause before any government official can do a search or seizure of our location and property.

Amendment 5 and 6 are the rights to juries, trials and help with defense of someone accused of a crime.

Amendment 7 allows us to bring civil suits for grievances.

Amendment 8 is against excessive bails, fines and cruel and unusual punishment.

Amendment 10 States that all powers not specifically given to the federal government is given to the states.

WE the People can only be free when we are willing to abide by this Constitution and let no governing powers take it away from us.

Stand up for this beautiful document. Stand against government corruption, for the usurping of powers by any branch, stand up against the tyranny of corporate lobbyist or overextending military reach and take back our freedom.

There ain't no doubt I love this Land. God protect the USA.

Supporting Ron Paul part 2

(read part one first- it'll make more sense).
The Resolutions process scrapes like nails on the chalk board of my best judgment. The Resolutions that passed the precinct caucuses are read, discussed and voted on by ayes or hands (if you they can't tell by the ayes and nays if it passes then they count raised hands.)

A lot of them are based on false assumptions about the way things work. We had several today trying to have grand juries available to the public to bring information to. Even though a county prosecutor who was there tried to explains that not how it works - it was still voted on anyways and the ayes won.

Some of the things that really annoys me about the resolutions is when 1- it is not clear what they are trying to say. 2-The concepts are often not researched or the logic behind how it works now understood, 3- that all of us everyday people who have no understanding of the topic save the 2 minutes of discussion vote to support or not support the item.

Some of the major issues with the Republicans in their resolutions is that they are not researched. When the topic of energy independence was brought up (they proposed drilling in the arctic and a national oil pipeline) everyone cheered, even though they have no concept of ROEI or diminishing returns. I was literally the only Nay in that vote. Over and Over I just wanted somebody to ask about what the real world impact of those resolutions could be. I mean, it's great to be pro-life but if you outlaw all abortions it could be your niece that dies due to a botched back street abortion. Besides it is not really abortions that are the problem. The problem is unwanted pregnancies. If people had access to birth control or just stopped sex outside of marriage (best solution is both of these) then abortions would be practically non-exsistant. The basic concept of voting with out understanding more then 1 small view on the issue eats me up.

About then my husband texted me and asked how much longer it was going to be. "Eternity?" I texted back.

The results for the delegates came in. I was number 4 alternate, which gives me a really good chance at being seated. I wasn't sure how many of us 11 Ron Paul supporters got in. The young pregnant lady did, and then I realized that she was one that talked more about pro-life and being pregnant is something that people could remember. That is when I realized how "geeky" us Paul supporters look as a group. We were much more likely wear glasses and to have dressed up (ie- in something besides flannel). It also looked like we were a well read group.

After nearly 4 hours of Convention/ Caucus the last Resolution was read and when they asked if someone would make a motion to adjourn they had 50 hands shoot up.

I walked out of there debating the reality of what just happened.

Supporting Ron Paul part 1

I am usually not a political person. I prefer to leave that to people who believe their contribution will make a difference for good, and most of the time I didn't see much difference between the two parties or think raising my voice against the seas of conformity would help.

This year however, I had to take a stand. I had to let my voice be heard against the tide of evil infiltrating our country. When President Obama signed the National Defense Authorization Act, on New Years Eve, allowing for indefinite detention of American citizens with the least suspicion of any "anti- American" sentiments, I knew that line had been crossed.

Not only does it throw the Constitution away, but it could directly harm the innocent who all they did was have a different opinion of an issue and face-booked about it. Then, this week a sneaky portion was added to bill to make it illegal to protest anywhere near secret service protected politicians (whether you know they are there or not).

Romney originally got my attention this year. I like him. He's a nice guy, but he has yet to stand for anything. I believe his back ground in turning failing businesses around would serve him really well in Washington. However Romney has yet to call any one to attention of the desecration of our individual rights and freedoms.

Ron Paul has stood up to be counted as a Constitutionalists. He wants to restore the limited constitutional government our founding forefathers had envisioned when the wrote that great document. I also have a great appreciation of his plans for eliminated the Federal Reserve and getting out of/staying out of other countries affairs.

So because I feel that Ron Paul is one of the last great hopes for our Constitution. I went to the Republican Caucus.

Going to the Republican Caucus for someone who eats an organic diet, drives a prius and owns a house that heats itself is an interesting thing. In many ways I am the young modern hippy- I want to permaculture-farm my yard and home-birth my babies, so it strains many ideological areas of my brain to sit in a meeting where everyone votes for oil drilling in the arctic wildlife refuge.

When I walk in, there are a lot of neighbors and friends that wave me down. Most of them are about twice my age.Flannel is abundant, but that just shows that most of these Northern Minnesotans think it is a dressy occasion. I was voted as a delegate from our local caucus so I get a seat in the voting section, meanwhile I look around wondering how I will possible know who else is there that might be supporting Ron Paul.

The meeting opens with a prayer from a local pastor and then the Pledge of Allegiance. It feels good to say the Pledge of Allegiance. We don't do it much in our country any more. It reminds me why I am here. I am here to support this great country and keep it's flag flying over the land of the free (and not the land of the indefinitely detained).

Typical meeting business commences. The squeak of a permanent marker distracts me. One of the volunteers is writing names on a large pieces of paper and hanging them up front. I realize these are names of those who have already been nominated to be delegates at the next caucus up. I compare those names with ones on an email I received so I know which ones are Ron Paul supporters. There are 14 nominations so far. It is pointed out by the speaker that our caucus can send 15 delegates and 15 alternates to the next caucus. Then she points out where to sign up to be nominated. I make my way to the back table and add my name on the list of possible delegates.

Meanwhile, the state senate candidates start to speak. Most of them are new. The smart looking guy sitting next me goes up next. His name is Mark Anderson. I was about to ignore him when his second sentence that got my attention. He pointed out that we are all Americans, rather then going on the typical anti-Obama rant. I decided I like him.

After more speakers and committee reports all the potential delegates get lined up and each of us have to give our 1-2 minute speech. When I gather at the back of the line (there are now 34 of us nominated) I see a man in a suit with a Ron Paul sticker on him. I cheered inside. He talked to each one of us that are known Paul supporters. We are the youngest people there, each trying to use the silly 2 party system to elect somebody that stands for something. One pair is father and son. They decided to act upon supporting Ron Paul when the homeschooling curriculum showed them the state of our nation. Another couple supporting Ron Paul is young and pregnant and just started a new little church.

As the nominated speakers talked, my eyes glazed over. Each introduced themselves, Most of them mumbled. I was glad I had a cheat sheet on who to vote for in this sea of quiet, polite Minnesotans. Well, I hate being in front of a crowd without deserving their attention. I was going to change that when I got up there. "I can't believe I'm doing this." I said to myself. "I hate politics, meetings and a large majority of basic Republican policies." But I took a deep breath and stepped up there.

"Hi, I'm Round Belly," I begin. (not my real name for sake of a little anonymity here on the blog). "I am the mother of 6 beautiful children. I had a small business but had to close that when one of my kids ended up spending months at the Mayo. Today I am here to stand for something. I am here to stand up for our Constitutions! For our Freedoms! We have the right to bear arms, we have the right to Freedom of speech. I will support the Constitution. Please vote for me." It had some passion and energy- not too bad for a quiet, backwoods Minnesotan. Mark Anderson said I did a good job when I sat down. A few minutes later a lady at the end of my row whispered "Are you pro-life?"

I had forgotten that Republicans have a tendency to be single issue voters, I thought that would be obvious by the fact that I have 6 kids.... but I guess one can not always remember those type of details on 34 candidates, so I assured her I was. She said she voted for me.

The ballots, little papers with the numbers 1-34 on them, were all collected. I sighed, hoping we were mostly done. I had forgotten about the resolutions. The Resolutions are where the Republicans get their party platform. It is a place for individuals to put forth (usually very poorly written) concepts of what they want the party to support.... (see part 2)

9 cups o' veggies cake

It's March and that means it is time for carrot cake. Only this year it's vegan.

mix:
4 cups of freshly ground whole wheat flour
2 fat TBS cinnamon
dash of cloves, nutmeg
1 tsp salt
4 Tbs baking powder
2 tsp baking soda
1/3 cup ground flax seeds

add:
1.5 cups water
2 cups pumpkin
3 Tbs oil
2 Tbs vinager

Add:
4-5 cups of shredded carrots
1 cup walnuts
1 cup raisins
1 can drained pineapple chunks or tidbbits

put into greased pan- bake 350 for 1 hour.

Frosting:

whip 1 cup almond milk with 3 Tbs white flour- heat and stir until thick as brownie batter. Cool Completely. When cool add 1 Tbs vanilla.

Whip (like 5 minutes in the blender on high) 1 cup vegan butter and 1 cup white sugar.

Combine the cool flour mix with the whipped sugar and whip for another 10 minutes or so.

Frost cooled cake (or if you are like us and can't wait: spoon frosting on the warm cake pieces individually as you are serving). Frosting will melt and loose it's amazing fluffyness. So eat your cake quickly before that happens :)

The Art of Transference

The art of successfully transferring a sleeping baby from your bed to theirs.
Let's face it- we all sleep better when we have the bed to ourselves with no little feet kicking us (or our dear husbands) in the crotch. In order to do this, with a baby that has been changed, nursed (orajelled?) and snuggled for the last few hours in your bed is one of no small challenge. And we all know the price of failure (more snuggling and less sleeping with said kicking baby).

That being said I have learned a few things about child transference over the course of my 6 babies.

Babies have all the want when they are in your bed. They have you, fresh food, you, warmth and you. When you attempt to remove a baby from the warm snuggly place in constant contact with Mama to a cold place all alone it is best done carefully so the baby doesn't wake up screaming in protest saying "Hey.... this is almost as bad a birth, separating me from my warm spot with Mommy- only I guess you didn't squeeze me out head first and I'm not naked and wet (note- of the baby is naked and wet you should look at changing them and warming them up before attempting said transference.)

Trick 1- stop and think before action. Make sure everything is prepared before you actually move the baby. Many a transfers fail because you grabbed the baby with the wrong arms and they have to be turned around to be put into their cribs, or because doors are closed or beds aren't ready.

Trick 2- take one of their favorite crib blankets and rub it in your arm pits and under your breasts. This transfers your smell to the blanket- making it smell as if you are there and close and snuggly when you are sucessfully sleeping alone. (for the first time all night). You don't have to do this each transference, but if the blanket has been freshly laundered or hasn't had your sent rubbed on it, it may be a good thing to do now.

Trick 3- take this now "mommy flavored" blanket and weasel it between your blankets and the baby. This will warm up his blanket and keep him warm during the transference. After a minute- carefully pick the sleeping baby up and snuggle to your breasts (keeping him horizontal)- do this with blanket.

Trick 4- gently walk to his crib and lay him down. He will probably flip positions upon being laid down- that's ok- let him find his comfort. When he has flipped and is settled then you add enough other blankets for him to have about the same weight of blankets he felt in your bed.

If he is still sleeping- gently step out and close the door. During this whole process you need to be gentle, slow, dilibrate and thoughtful of what makes the baby comfortable. Do not become greedy or rush the process.

Congratulations! you may now sleep in peace.... for a few hours :)

Simple Vegan Coffee Cake

4 cups fresh ground whole wheat flour
1 cup sugar
1/3 c ground flax seeds
1 tsp salt
1 Tbs baking soda
1/2 c water
2 cups almond milk
2/3 cup oil

1/2 c sugar
2/3 cup toasted pecans
4 Tbs cinnamon
dash of nutmeg

Mix dry ingredients together (in first group), then add in wet ingredients. Pout into sprayed cake pan. Mix the second group together. Pour on top of batter- marble in.

Bake 350 for 25-30 min.

She is my Sunshine

My little girl is the light of my life.
But by 10 pm, I am ready for the light to go to sleep.

However, today she left for a sleepover and my whole world became a little dimmer when she did.

It is amazing how much I need her, how much I wanted her and worked for her.

Smelling me, smelling you

My sense of smell seems to read things rather stronger then most people's. I smell every soap you use on your body. I smell your hairspray and makeup and weather or not you have a cat box in your house when you walk by. If you are wearing perfume you can floor me, coughing and wheezing for breath.

When I walk into homes or businesses its the smell that I notice first. The smell of the salt and dirt tracked on the carpeting (winter in Minnesota)... the smell of your cleaning products and weather or not the filter needs to be changed on the air exchange or furnace.

When I walk into a home I can smell if the dishes were done last night and if the garbage was taken out, what cleaning products were used, if you have cats or kids who pee their bed (and forgot to change it). I can smell if a kid barfed almost anywhere in the house.

I smell it in my own house too- the entry where the dogs weren't let all the way out, the beds that the kids didn't change, the whole upstairs reeks when they don't bring down the wet clothes they peed in. I can smell if someone forgot to flush a toilet and when my husband forgot to shower. I can smell if he's feeling stressed and can even smell it when the baby is sick. (Hubby takes on a dull smell with a s light metallic tang, babies take on a sharp, tangled smell).

I got rid of all shampoos, soaps, and cleaning supplies with a smell. (no pinesol or windex). I control all body care items like face cream, chapstick and deodorant to keep the smell down.

I love the smell of live dirt, babies heads, and all things cooking . I hate the smell of vinyl, melting plastics and diesel. I love the way my hubby's unders smell fresh from the dryer. I love the smell sunshine infuses into the line drying clothes. I love it when I can leave all the windows wide open in the house and get fresh air in.

I can smell my own hormonal state and that of others close to me. I firmly believe in human pharamones, and wonder how much more dogs could tell us about what they learn when they sniff us. I believe that interpersonal communications would be much easier in a world where nobody covered their own scents up. I like fresh human scents for what they can tell me.

I know you better when I can smell you. I know how to respond to you better when I can smell you. If you are truely going to be you- then smell like it.

Birthday Cake Time

Roo's allergic to chocolate, I have allergies to eggs and milk, Clay can't do apples..... what kind of cake to make?

Buttery Coconut Pecan Cake (vegan)

mix:
3 cups whole wheat flour1
1 cup sugar
1/3 cup of ground flax seeds
1 heaping teaspoon of baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
cinnamon to taste

add:
1/2 cup canola oil
3/4 cup palm oil (organic shortening)
1/2 cup coconut milk
1 Tablespoon vinegar
1 1/2 cups water
1 Tablespoon vanilla

mix until fluffy and creamy.
Then add:
2 cups flaked coconut
1 1/2 cups chopped pecans

bake at 350 for 45-50 minutes.
Cool before frosting.

Frosting:
1/3 cup palm oil
3-4 cups powdered sugar
1-2 Tablespoons vanilla
Cinnamon and cloves to taste (also adds color)
whip until creamy.
Then add:
1 1/2 cups pecans
1 cup flaked coconut


Worked so awesome no ice cream needed.

Bed Time

"It's after bed time, get your butts out of here."

I often wish my children would listen.... but then they would hear the words I say that do not show my love for them.

I try to be nice and give them a five minute warning- so they can close out their game and turn off the computers... and grab a last minute morsel to munch or find their back packs for tomorrow.... but when I start counting down to the removal of their allowance.... then I hear "but Mom, can I get something to eat? or I have to find my back pack."

I am too patient sometimes, and I say "yes," and "yes," and "yes," until all their needs are met.

Then I am done. And the answer turns to "NO."

"NO." you can't have another muffin.
"NO." it is too late to read a story.
"NO." you have lost your allowance.

It is amazing that those are the words we say to our kids when all we really want to say is "Good Night , Sweet Angels. Thank you for gracing my day with laughter and joy and activity. Now sleep so I can remain sane and spend a few minutes doing quiet chores before zonking out until the baby cries."