11. Boys who play so mommy can play
I am learning to knit in the round, particularly making socks. It's nice to be able to create, to busy my hands with soft fabrics and useful results.
12. Friends sharing tips, tricks and threads
It has been too long since I've just visited with mama friends. This one is chock full of knitting knowledge and shared some of her wisdom (and yarn!).
13. Second chances
No pretty pictures or profound encouragement in the afternoon here...just a broken mama with two tired (but napless) kids, missing the patience that must be buried somewhere beneath the tears and the tired and the torn...
14. Timing and safety
Trying to escape, reminded I'm not in control...
14. New tires, a good movie in the lobby
15. Babyhawk
The first movie all wee, .85 poptarts and .75 sprite, cuddled kiddo in the babyhawk...kept them content during the wait.
God, keep me content during the wait...
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Monday, November 16, 2009
The Discipline of Gratitude
On a dreary Monday morning, it's so easy to slip into melancholy mumbling.
My toes are cold.
I want to stay in bed.
The boys can't go out to play.
We won't be able to rake leaves to build our compost tonight.
As I play on the internet and put off my list of busy-ness, a quote at Ann's site jars me:
"Gratitude is a vaccine, an antitoxin, and an antiseptic." - John Henry Jowett
And so, today I join the community of gratitude, shifting my eyes from the mud to the stars.
---
1. Waking up snuggled warm
2. An empty wall, heads full of dreams
3. Growing boys, hungry tummies
4. Asks instead of squeals
5. My little pretend Knight
6. My big Real Knight
7. Shared Oatmeal
8. Donated treasures
9. God-made connections
10. New hobbies, old knowledge
Friday, November 13, 2009
Guest Blogger
I'd intended to write something deep and meaningful, but this guest photoblogger just insisted on sharing his work. Enjoy!
----
My name is Johnathan Eric, but you can call me Nate.
-
This is Izzy-rael. He's just a baby.
-
This is Daddy.
-
Him and Mommy are making a compos' pile outside so we can grow food.
-
Mommy likes food.
-
So does Daddy.
-
We have worked...
...and worked...
...and worked.
-
We all help to get it done.
I like to take pictures.
-
I try to take pictures of Nate.
Sometimes it doesn't work.
Izzy-rael did it, though.
I just keep trying.
Until I get it right, I take pictures of my family...
What do YOU like to take pictures of? Say, GREEN!!
----
My name is Johnathan Eric, but you can call me Nate.
-
This is Izzy-rael. He's just a baby.
-
This is Daddy.
-
Him and Mommy are making a compos' pile outside so we can grow food.
-
Mommy likes food.
-
So does Daddy.
-
We have worked...
...and worked...
...and worked.
-
We all help to get it done.
I like to take pictures.
-
I try to take pictures of Nate.
Sometimes it doesn't work.
Izzy-rael did it, though.
I just keep trying.
Until I get it right, I take pictures of my family...
What do YOU like to take pictures of? Say, GREEN!!
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Boycotting Nestle? How about a nail in that coffin...
By now, you are likely one of the thousands who have been following Jaeli's story either on Angela's site or on one of the sites (AOL, Reuters, Type-A-Mom or any number of others, even in Spanish!) that have spread like wildfire over the internet in the past few weeks. If not, the brief summary is this:
Jaeli is sick. Only three other human beings have this level of chromosome disorder. As such, she has many health problems, one of which that she is about five months old and weighs less than ten pounds. Her ultra-sensitive body has only tolerated breastmilk without serious "side effects"- or reactions, depending on how you'd like to define it. Unfortunately, high calorie breastmilk is not easy to come by, especially when State Medicaid refuses to cover it. (Apparently, government efficiency deems it better to pay for hospitalization, round-the-clock care and response toreactions side effects than to just purchase breastmilk...but, I digress)
After a series of trials of both the literal and figurative sort, Jaeli was sent home with a prescription of two doses Neocate, in spite of Jaeli's response to it, to one dose high calorie breastmilk. The benefits of a mother's milk for this little one cannot be ignored. Since that time, even this prescription has been questioned. The only substance on earth that does not cause this child pain is the only substance that powerful entities will not provide.
As concern spread that Jaeli would not have access to the $4.25/oz breastmilk that required up-front payment, people started to come forth. At first, we looked for a Medicaid exemption long-term and corporations to sponsor Jaeli short-term. After all, they can do more than any individual could possibly imagine, right?
Wrong.
The majority of requests went out to Nestle. As 70,000+ people were reached via Twitter in a matter of days, Nestle's twitter account and email account were flooded, as well. They have had some bad publicity lately, and a large segement of the population has boycotted them for some time. What better way to turn the tides than to openly back the claim that "breast is best"?
While Nestle remained silent, the people gave.
Some only had enough for an ounce- $4.25. Others decided to give Jaeli nourishment than spend hat $20 on a pizza. Still others came forward with more. Hundreds of individual donations poured in, and within forty-eight hours, Jaeli had milk for a week.
While Nestle contemplated, the people shared.
Jaeli's story spread all over the internet. A Facebook Cause was opened, Jaeli's Syndrom, and it quickly garnered over $1000 in donations, and the number continues growing. The single corporate influence in this to this point has been a donation of a pump and lactation consultant by Medela so that Jaeli's mom can work to increase her own milk supply. All other efforts were put forth by individuals. Everyone is talking about Jaeli. Even an up and coming artist is donating proceeds to Jaeli's cause.
Today, Nestle responded.
You might've received an email similar to this at about 3 PM EST:
I have been following the information about Jaeli and her sensitive condition. We hear from many parents about special situations and we treat each request with great concern and attention. I understand your request for our support in providing what Jaeli's parent(s) believe to be best for their baby. We empathize with the situation but need to respect the professional recommendation of Jaeli’s doctors who are closest to the situation and must have her best interest at heart. Our thoughts are with Jaeli and her family.
While I will spare you my general disdain for corporations and the medical "industry" as a partnering whole, I am sure that you feel the same condescension and callousness that I did when this hit my inbox. The implication is that the parents have blown this out of proportion; that they believe one thing to be the best when the medical community says another. Doctor knows best.
Nestle, with flippant ignorance, blindly assumes that a medical professional would not prescribe breastmilk (however "best" it may be), and if they did do so, that there should be no problem attaining it. They miss the fact that it was prescribed. They dismiss the fact that it has been given to her both on and off hospital premises. They conveniently ignore the fact that breastmilk is saving this little girl's life.
Imagine that. God-given sustenance over corporate-created synthetics.
And now, while Nestle disregards anyone who questions an imitation, I say we disregard Nestle. As I type this, Jaeli's account at the Ohio Milk Bank is increasing by more than $16,000. Individuals who see, individuals who care, individuals who sacrificially gave of their budget so that sacrificially given milk would make it to Jaeli's delicate little body.
This is Jaeli's story.
Sadly, Jaeli's story is not the only tragedy. Milk banks see this kind of dilemma every day. When a child is hurting, corporations and government bodies are not the be all end all solution. Many times, they don't even take note.
Jaeli's story speaks to the need for awareness and support of milk banks, but it shouts from the rooftops the need for and power of outreached arms. It is people reaching out to people who make the difference. Who is the Jaeli in your life? Who is reaching out for help while the powers that be brush them away?
Jaeli is sick. Only three other human beings have this level of chromosome disorder. As such, she has many health problems, one of which that she is about five months old and weighs less than ten pounds. Her ultra-sensitive body has only tolerated breastmilk without serious "side effects"- or reactions, depending on how you'd like to define it. Unfortunately, high calorie breastmilk is not easy to come by, especially when State Medicaid refuses to cover it. (Apparently, government efficiency deems it better to pay for hospitalization, round-the-clock care and response to
After a series of trials of both the literal and figurative sort, Jaeli was sent home with a prescription of two doses Neocate, in spite of Jaeli's response to it, to one dose high calorie breastmilk. The benefits of a mother's milk for this little one cannot be ignored. Since that time, even this prescription has been questioned. The only substance on earth that does not cause this child pain is the only substance that powerful entities will not provide.
As concern spread that Jaeli would not have access to the $4.25/oz breastmilk that required up-front payment, people started to come forth. At first, we looked for a Medicaid exemption long-term and corporations to sponsor Jaeli short-term. After all, they can do more than any individual could possibly imagine, right?
Wrong.
The majority of requests went out to Nestle. As 70,000+ people were reached via Twitter in a matter of days, Nestle's twitter account and email account were flooded, as well. They have had some bad publicity lately, and a large segement of the population has boycotted them for some time. What better way to turn the tides than to openly back the claim that "breast is best"?
While Nestle remained silent, the people gave.
Some only had enough for an ounce- $4.25. Others decided to give Jaeli nourishment than spend hat $20 on a pizza. Still others came forward with more. Hundreds of individual donations poured in, and within forty-eight hours, Jaeli had milk for a week.
While Nestle contemplated, the people shared.
Jaeli's story spread all over the internet. A Facebook Cause was opened, Jaeli's Syndrom, and it quickly garnered over $1000 in donations, and the number continues growing. The single corporate influence in this to this point has been a donation of a pump and lactation consultant by Medela so that Jaeli's mom can work to increase her own milk supply. All other efforts were put forth by individuals. Everyone is talking about Jaeli. Even an up and coming artist is donating proceeds to Jaeli's cause.
Today, Nestle responded.
You might've received an email similar to this at about 3 PM EST:
I have been following the information about Jaeli and her sensitive condition. We hear from many parents about special situations and we treat each request with great concern and attention. I understand your request for our support in providing what Jaeli's parent(s) believe to be best for their baby. We empathize with the situation but need to respect the professional recommendation of Jaeli’s doctors who are closest to the situation and must have her best interest at heart. Our thoughts are with Jaeli and her family.
While I will spare you my general disdain for corporations and the medical "industry" as a partnering whole, I am sure that you feel the same condescension and callousness that I did when this hit my inbox. The implication is that the parents have blown this out of proportion; that they believe one thing to be the best when the medical community says another. Doctor knows best.
Nestle, with flippant ignorance, blindly assumes that a medical professional would not prescribe breastmilk (however "best" it may be), and if they did do so, that there should be no problem attaining it. They miss the fact that it was prescribed. They dismiss the fact that it has been given to her both on and off hospital premises. They conveniently ignore the fact that breastmilk is saving this little girl's life.
Imagine that. God-given sustenance over corporate-created synthetics.
And now, while Nestle disregards anyone who questions an imitation, I say we disregard Nestle. As I type this, Jaeli's account at the Ohio Milk Bank is increasing by more than $16,000. Individuals who see, individuals who care, individuals who sacrificially gave of their budget so that sacrificially given milk would make it to Jaeli's delicate little body.
This is Jaeli's story.
Sadly, Jaeli's story is not the only tragedy. Milk banks see this kind of dilemma every day. When a child is hurting, corporations and government bodies are not the be all end all solution. Many times, they don't even take note.
Jaeli's story speaks to the need for awareness and support of milk banks, but it shouts from the rooftops the need for and power of outreached arms. It is people reaching out to people who make the difference. Who is the Jaeli in your life? Who is reaching out for help while the powers that be brush them away?
Monday, November 2, 2009
A stitch in time (Dismantled Art)
I called my mom this week...My machine was broken. The only machine that is worth anything.
My sewing machine.
The avocado green base gives you a hint that it's not new. Try to operate it, and you'll confirm those suspicions. Knobs sometimes come off, adjustments always have to be made, but it works.
I've never had a manual for it. I don't know how it is supposed to work or what each knob and trinket were intended to do. But, I can make it sew. That's all that matters, right?
So, when I had a problem that twisting and pulling could not fix, I had to call the previous owner. Mom told me what she always tells me..."That machine is so old. Aunt Nettie gave it to me when I was in college, and who knows how long she had it before you..." And even though she begins that way- giving up- we can't seem to let it go. "Try the bobbin tension." How? The same way I know to try- "Just twist it 'til it works."
It worked.
This weekend, I sat on my floor (my sewing desk of choice) and turned three discarded sweaters into warm woolen pants for my little guys. I wondered just how many times this machine was a vessel for improvisation. Recreation. Art. Beauty.
There is beauty in the discarded. Clothing too small, too old, too ugly for one...are the exact materials needed for the perfect fit, new and adorable clothing for another.
Babe gawked as I took a once-expensive Merino wool sweater, cut off all the seams and ran it through the washer and dryer. The less it looked like its original composition, the more useful it became to me. He couldn't see the ultimate creation when I had the pieces all laid out, but I could. I saw pants in the sleeves, belts in the ball of yarn, warmth in the scraps.
In the end, I have more than just new woolies. I realize that this is a picture of our own Creator. We are most useful, most beautiful, when we are dismantled. The less we look like our original selves, the easier it is to become what He wants of us. Sometimes, the machines he use are worn and unassuming, but He makes it all work together for good. And no matter who throws us away as unloved, He finds us a treasure.
There is beauty in the discarded. Sometimes, it just takes a bit of undoing.
My sewing machine.
The avocado green base gives you a hint that it's not new. Try to operate it, and you'll confirm those suspicions. Knobs sometimes come off, adjustments always have to be made, but it works.
I've never had a manual for it. I don't know how it is supposed to work or what each knob and trinket were intended to do. But, I can make it sew. That's all that matters, right?
So, when I had a problem that twisting and pulling could not fix, I had to call the previous owner. Mom told me what she always tells me..."That machine is so old. Aunt Nettie gave it to me when I was in college, and who knows how long she had it before you..." And even though she begins that way- giving up- we can't seem to let it go. "Try the bobbin tension." How? The same way I know to try- "Just twist it 'til it works."
It worked.
This weekend, I sat on my floor (my sewing desk of choice) and turned three discarded sweaters into warm woolen pants for my little guys. I wondered just how many times this machine was a vessel for improvisation. Recreation. Art. Beauty.
There is beauty in the discarded. Clothing too small, too old, too ugly for one...are the exact materials needed for the perfect fit, new and adorable clothing for another.
Babe gawked as I took a once-expensive Merino wool sweater, cut off all the seams and ran it through the washer and dryer. The less it looked like its original composition, the more useful it became to me. He couldn't see the ultimate creation when I had the pieces all laid out, but I could. I saw pants in the sleeves, belts in the ball of yarn, warmth in the scraps.
In the end, I have more than just new woolies. I realize that this is a picture of our own Creator. We are most useful, most beautiful, when we are dismantled. The less we look like our original selves, the easier it is to become what He wants of us. Sometimes, the machines he use are worn and unassuming, but He makes it all work together for good. And no matter who throws us away as unloved, He finds us a treasure.
There is beauty in the discarded. Sometimes, it just takes a bit of undoing.
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Not Cinnabon, CinnaMOM!
Oh, am I in trouble. These were way too easy and way too yummy to stay away from.
Our family has been celebrating Shabbat (Sabbath) on Friday evenings and Saturdays, and part of that is making Challah bread. This week, with the other half of my big bread recipe, I made these cinnamon rolls.
Gooey Vegan CinnaMOM rolls
Ingredients
One recipe Outrageously Easy Big Bread
About 1/2 cup sugar I used Turbinado
About 1/4 c butter I used coconut oil
A splash of liquid I used orange juice, but any kind of milk or yummy liquid would work, I think. Soy milk, rice milk, almond milk, silk nog (but if the technician testing your blood sugar asks, you didn't get that from me)
Cinnamon!
About 1 cup of powdered sugar I made mine by blending the Turbinado with 1 tbsp cornstartch. It powdered the sugar for me
A couple tbsp of liquid Same as above, it doesn't really matter what kind of liquid you use. I used OJ again.
Some cinnamon
Blend or mix your sugar, butter and liquid (and cinnamon..don't forget it like I did!). Blend the powdered sugar and liquid separately to make a thin icing and set it aside.
After your big bread recipe rises once, divide it into two loaves. Set aside one to make your Challah (or rolls, buns, a loaf, whatever you'd like) and press one out flat. the thickness really depends on how much of your goop you want in the rolls. So, naturally, I made mine pretty flat...about 1/2-1/4 inch thick. Then, take the mixture from the first set of ingredients (adjusted as necessary to make a pastey consistency) and spread it over your flattened loaf.
To keep from losing it all out the top or bottom, fold the edges up at the top and bottom before you roll. Also, as you roll it up, you might find it squishing the mixture out the back. I found it helpful to pick the top part up as I rolled it to keep from pressing the goo away.
Once you have one big roll, it's time to cut it! The trick is supposed to be dental floss, but I couldn't get it to work. I quit and used a knife. Mine were spaced about an inch or so apart.
Set them in a pan to rise again for about an hour. I found that a round cake pan worked really well. Before I baked them, I got paranoid that they wouldn't be sweet enough, so I sprinkled cinnamon, spread what remaining goop I could scrape out over the top, and sprinkled more cinnamon. I have no idea if it was necessary or not, but it sure didn't ruin them!
Set them in a preheated 325 degree oven for about 20 minutes, or until you can poke a knife in them to find that it is a bit fluffy/flaky inside.
As soon as it comes out, pour icing over the top of it.
I dare you to wait more than 5 minutes to dig into these. If you can, I'd like to know about it.
Gooey goopy delicious yumminess!
Our family has been celebrating Shabbat (Sabbath) on Friday evenings and Saturdays, and part of that is making Challah bread. This week, with the other half of my big bread recipe, I made these cinnamon rolls.
Gooey Vegan CinnaMOM rolls
Ingredients
One recipe Outrageously Easy Big Bread
About 1/2 cup sugar I used Turbinado
About 1/4 c butter I used coconut oil
A splash of liquid I used orange juice, but any kind of milk or yummy liquid would work, I think. Soy milk, rice milk, almond milk, silk nog (but if the technician testing your blood sugar asks, you didn't get that from me)
Cinnamon!
About 1 cup of powdered sugar I made mine by blending the Turbinado with 1 tbsp cornstartch. It powdered the sugar for me
A couple tbsp of liquid Same as above, it doesn't really matter what kind of liquid you use. I used OJ again.
Some cinnamon
Blend or mix your sugar, butter and liquid (and cinnamon..don't forget it like I did!). Blend the powdered sugar and liquid separately to make a thin icing and set it aside.
After your big bread recipe rises once, divide it into two loaves. Set aside one to make your Challah (or rolls, buns, a loaf, whatever you'd like) and press one out flat. the thickness really depends on how much of your goop you want in the rolls. So, naturally, I made mine pretty flat...about 1/2-1/4 inch thick. Then, take the mixture from the first set of ingredients (adjusted as necessary to make a pastey consistency) and spread it over your flattened loaf.
To keep from losing it all out the top or bottom, fold the edges up at the top and bottom before you roll. Also, as you roll it up, you might find it squishing the mixture out the back. I found it helpful to pick the top part up as I rolled it to keep from pressing the goo away.
Once you have one big roll, it's time to cut it! The trick is supposed to be dental floss, but I couldn't get it to work. I quit and used a knife. Mine were spaced about an inch or so apart.
Set them in a pan to rise again for about an hour. I found that a round cake pan worked really well. Before I baked them, I got paranoid that they wouldn't be sweet enough, so I sprinkled cinnamon, spread what remaining goop I could scrape out over the top, and sprinkled more cinnamon. I have no idea if it was necessary or not, but it sure didn't ruin them!
Set them in a preheated 325 degree oven for about 20 minutes, or until you can poke a knife in them to find that it is a bit fluffy/flaky inside.
As soon as it comes out, pour icing over the top of it.
I dare you to wait more than 5 minutes to dig into these. If you can, I'd like to know about it.
Gooey goopy delicious yumminess!
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Chocolate Chili? What?! (Or, "Vegan Chili That No One Will Care Is Vegan")
In the midst of a dreary Arkansas monsoon season, I've been craving soups and stews like nobody's business. Unfortunately, having had a rather Southern upbringing with regard to mealtime, I can't get past the basics: chicken noodle/dumplings and chili. Being mostly-Vegan with an aversion to tofu, the former is out. And with only celery from my staple carrots-celery-onions trio for all soups, I felt rather helpless.
So, the hunt began.
As I scoured recipes all over vegweb and google searches, one strange ingredient kept catching my eye in both vegan and omnivorous recipes: cocoa powder.
Yeah.
Supposedly, cocoa powder adds richness and color to your chili.
But, it's chocolate.
Still, random veggies in hand, I was determined to try it at least once. After all...good ol' Wally World is just down the road in case something were to go dreadfully wrong...
I wasn't sure about it as I chopped up non-chili veggies.
I wasn't sure about it when the sauteed mixture smelled like chocolate.
I wasn't sure about it when it looked...gross.
But then, it all came together.
Mind you, this was taken from my cell phone, but I'm telling you..the color was fantastic. It was perfectly...erm..chili-colored. Here is how I did it:
Ingredients
3-4 random veggies, chopped I used a zuchinni, a handful of mushrooms and a bell pepper
Some oil in a pan
A handful or so of cocoa powder
Some shakes of chili powder
A drizzle of hot sauce
Some shakes of Creole seasoning and seasoned salt
Garlic
1 small can of tomato paste
1 small can of tomato sauce
Another handful or so of cocoa powder
Bulgar wheat I used one cup (pre-cooked) then cooked with 2 cups of water, cooked just like rice
Cooked beans to preferred amount
More garlic, chili powder, salts and creole to taste
Directions
As you chop the last bit of your veggies, heat up the oil, first bit of cocoa powder, seasonings and hot sauce in a pan. When it's reasonably warm and you are done chopping, dump in your veggies. Let this sautee for a bit until it's starting to soften a little and your oil and cocoa is really turning into a paste. Then, add the tomato paste and sauce and the rest of the cocoa powder. If you'd like to season more here, go for it. It's really a lot like a thick pasta sauce at this point. The cocoa powder should be undetectable (surprise!) as chocolate, but it should darken the color of the sauce from what it would be otherwise.
When your bulgar wheat is cooked, dump it in with your chili sauce and mix it all up. This will almost look like there is ground meat in it.
When your beans are cooked and soft (I do this in a crock pot the day of the chili-making, but you could use frozen cooked beans or canned), fill up your soup pot. I filled mine around 3/4 full, but it's really your preference as to how much chili you want and how soup-y you want it to be. Mix in the sauce, and season to taste.
I'm telling you what...I will never make chili without cocoa powder again. (And seriously...warm, healthy comfort food + chocolate...how can you go wrong there?!)
So, the hunt began.
As I scoured recipes all over vegweb and google searches, one strange ingredient kept catching my eye in both vegan and omnivorous recipes: cocoa powder.
Yeah.
Supposedly, cocoa powder adds richness and color to your chili.
But, it's chocolate.
Still, random veggies in hand, I was determined to try it at least once. After all...good ol' Wally World is just down the road in case something were to go dreadfully wrong...
I wasn't sure about it as I chopped up non-chili veggies.
I wasn't sure about it when the sauteed mixture smelled like chocolate.
I wasn't sure about it when it looked...gross.
But then, it all came together.
Mind you, this was taken from my cell phone, but I'm telling you..the color was fantastic. It was perfectly...erm..chili-colored. Here is how I did it:
Ingredients
3-4 random veggies, chopped I used a zuchinni, a handful of mushrooms and a bell pepper
Some oil in a pan
A handful or so of cocoa powder
Some shakes of chili powder
A drizzle of hot sauce
Some shakes of Creole seasoning and seasoned salt
Garlic
1 small can of tomato paste
1 small can of tomato sauce
Another handful or so of cocoa powder
Bulgar wheat I used one cup (pre-cooked) then cooked with 2 cups of water, cooked just like rice
Cooked beans to preferred amount
More garlic, chili powder, salts and creole to taste
Directions
As you chop the last bit of your veggies, heat up the oil, first bit of cocoa powder, seasonings and hot sauce in a pan. When it's reasonably warm and you are done chopping, dump in your veggies. Let this sautee for a bit until it's starting to soften a little and your oil and cocoa is really turning into a paste. Then, add the tomato paste and sauce and the rest of the cocoa powder. If you'd like to season more here, go for it. It's really a lot like a thick pasta sauce at this point. The cocoa powder should be undetectable (surprise!) as chocolate, but it should darken the color of the sauce from what it would be otherwise.
When your bulgar wheat is cooked, dump it in with your chili sauce and mix it all up. This will almost look like there is ground meat in it.
When your beans are cooked and soft (I do this in a crock pot the day of the chili-making, but you could use frozen cooked beans or canned), fill up your soup pot. I filled mine around 3/4 full, but it's really your preference as to how much chili you want and how soup-y you want it to be. Mix in the sauce, and season to taste.
I'm telling you what...I will never make chili without cocoa powder again. (And seriously...warm, healthy comfort food + chocolate...how can you go wrong there?!)
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