I love my family and I want them to eat food that is good for them. It doesn't mean that I will not allow sweet treats, but just that when it comes to regular snacks and meals we'll be reaching for fruits, veggies and low-fat meats.
But how do we balance good choices and organic choices? I have friends at every point on this journey. There was a time when I felt everything needed to be organic and "all natural." I'm not there any more. We can't afford to be. In fact, I grew up on sugar-coated cereal, processed meats, and white pasta - and I could be in much worse shape.
Some of my friends insist on meats without phosphates and nitrate and others who consider fast food for at least one meal a week. Some have milk delivered at a premium while others pick-up their milk at the convenience store. I guarantee both of these families have a box of store bought cookies in their pantry.
A recent trip to the newest "all natural" mega mart made my head spin once again. There's now a mix of "conventional" and "organically grown" produce all at staggering prices. There is a wonderful assortment of store brand choices, but I'm still not sure if it's organic.
I've heard plenty of advice on the topic, but it's hard to decide where to fall. What are the foods that we are not willing to sacrifice on the organic altar? Are there some foods that are too detrimental to allow in our diet? How does taste rate in importance?
There are all questions that each family has to answer for themselves. In the last year or so, there has been much more talk about the importance of eating locally. Part of the significance here is the very legitimate question "What good is it to eat organic if it has traveled thousands of miles before it's on your plate?" That's not only a waste of resources, but the environment takes a hit (think of those semi-trucks) and it's probably not as fresh as you've been led to believe.
So for me, I've gone back to the locally produced milk that now claims their cows have not been treated with horomones. I am growing my own vegetable garden for the second year in a row - only using organic pesticide. I'll be frequenting the farmers market for my other produce.
I go to the closest grocery store and purchase meats, fruits, veggies, grains and dairy that are on sale. Yes, there are weeks that I buy the $.89 bread (it's hard to resist). But generally I'll buy whatever 100% stone-ground whole wheat is on sale. And if the natural beef is on sale, I'll stock up... but usually any ground beef will do.
Brand-loyalty? Not so much. Price loyalty? Absolutely. And if organic fits the budget, count me in. So tell us, how do you balance budget and enjoy some of the wonderful organic and all-natural selections?
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Saturday, June 27, 2009
The Value of a Friend
There are few things that make life as pleasant as the company of a good friend.
You're right. It's obvious. But sometimes it's the obvious things that are easy to over look and take for granted. Like good friends.
Just this evening we took a few hours to go visit with some friends for their daughter's 2nd birthday. It was hot and kids were everywhere. Under different circumstances the whole scenario would have been a nightmare. But with good friends, the whole thing is the best part of life.
Less than glamorous moments suddenly become laughable instead of embarrassing. The argument you had with your spouse before the party is made light of and swept away. The fact that one of the kids was up every hour on the hour last night is sympathized with. And you can swap stories about who hit who, or how potty training is going, or how badly you need a night out.
I think the best thing mom's can do (and dad's too) is to make time for friends. Find people who you love and who love you and just be together. Too often we find ourselves stuck in a rut, trapped in our bubble, and sulking in our own mess. Life is messy, but friends help us to feel more put together. Even being with other parents a few times a month creates room to laugh and breath, share struggles and experiences, and care for one another. It's called community.
There's nothing complicated about this at all. If you don't feel like you have "good" friends at the moment, seek some out. Some of my closest friends were other mom's that I met at the preschool or playgroups or church. In a children's book we read to our children, it says "If you want to make a friend, be a friend." It's obvious (again) and true. If you have young children and feel in need of some friends, you're not the only one!
You may need to reach out to some other moms. You may even need to create some opportunities for yourself to meet other moms (MOPS: Mothers of Preschoolers is a great one!). But the value of a good friend cannot be underestimated. The joy that you'll find in these friendships can bring some much needed balance to the stress that comes with motherhood.
You're right. It's obvious. But sometimes it's the obvious things that are easy to over look and take for granted. Like good friends.
Just this evening we took a few hours to go visit with some friends for their daughter's 2nd birthday. It was hot and kids were everywhere. Under different circumstances the whole scenario would have been a nightmare. But with good friends, the whole thing is the best part of life.
Less than glamorous moments suddenly become laughable instead of embarrassing. The argument you had with your spouse before the party is made light of and swept away. The fact that one of the kids was up every hour on the hour last night is sympathized with. And you can swap stories about who hit who, or how potty training is going, or how badly you need a night out.
I think the best thing mom's can do (and dad's too) is to make time for friends. Find people who you love and who love you and just be together. Too often we find ourselves stuck in a rut, trapped in our bubble, and sulking in our own mess. Life is messy, but friends help us to feel more put together. Even being with other parents a few times a month creates room to laugh and breath, share struggles and experiences, and care for one another. It's called community.
There's nothing complicated about this at all. If you don't feel like you have "good" friends at the moment, seek some out. Some of my closest friends were other mom's that I met at the preschool or playgroups or church. In a children's book we read to our children, it says "If you want to make a friend, be a friend." It's obvious (again) and true. If you have young children and feel in need of some friends, you're not the only one!
You may need to reach out to some other moms. You may even need to create some opportunities for yourself to meet other moms (MOPS: Mothers of Preschoolers is a great one!). But the value of a good friend cannot be underestimated. The joy that you'll find in these friendships can bring some much needed balance to the stress that comes with motherhood.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
The Chronicles
I'm going to admit what I've been ashamed of for years: I never read a single C.S. Lewis book until I was in college.
It's absolutely shameful. One of the greatest thinkers, writers, and (I would venture to say) theologians of all time and I had the audacity to miss out on it until I was nearly 20 years old. Maybe you were the same. Maybe you still haven't. Let me whet your appetite.
I started reading The Chronicles of Narnia to my 6 year old daughter a couple of months ago. I knew it was a childhood classic appropriate for children even though I had not yet read it myself. Again, shamefully, I didn't recognize the title of the first book (The Magician's Nephew) and felt sure it was going to be dreadfully dull. Wrong.
I was mesmerized by the story and the way Lewis brought the characters to life! I should not have been surprised by how much I enjoyed it, but I was.
I would not want to give away anything to those of you who haven't read it yet (oh, you will read it), but the scene where Aslan is bringing Narnia to life is so moving I could read it over and over again. The vision of seeing the new sun, the animals, the grass and the water makes me long for a better place.
It makes me imagine creation in all it's glory, as God intended. We are just getting a glimpse of it here on earth. Imagine the most perfect moment you've experienced on earth and then magnify it by thousands. We can't even imagine. You absolutely must share this reading experience with your children or with a child you love!
Click here for more on C.S. Lewis.
It's absolutely shameful. One of the greatest thinkers, writers, and (I would venture to say) theologians of all time and I had the audacity to miss out on it until I was nearly 20 years old. Maybe you were the same. Maybe you still haven't. Let me whet your appetite.
I started reading The Chronicles of Narnia to my 6 year old daughter a couple of months ago. I knew it was a childhood classic appropriate for children even though I had not yet read it myself. Again, shamefully, I didn't recognize the title of the first book (The Magician's Nephew) and felt sure it was going to be dreadfully dull. Wrong.
I was mesmerized by the story and the way Lewis brought the characters to life! I should not have been surprised by how much I enjoyed it, but I was.
I would not want to give away anything to those of you who haven't read it yet (oh, you will read it), but the scene where Aslan is bringing Narnia to life is so moving I could read it over and over again. The vision of seeing the new sun, the animals, the grass and the water makes me long for a better place.
It makes me imagine creation in all it's glory, as God intended. We are just getting a glimpse of it here on earth. Imagine the most perfect moment you've experienced on earth and then magnify it by thousands. We can't even imagine. You absolutely must share this reading experience with your children or with a child you love!
Click here for more on C.S. Lewis.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
If Your Kids Eat Spinach...
A healthy lifestyle is a noble goal and one that our family has been striving after for years. You're always in process, especially because it seems as though research changes yearly. Is it better to use real butter or "spread?" Can whole grains be "smooth" and still count? What carbs can I eat, exactly?
Our kids are an even bigger challenge. I have never said I didn't like a vegetable... ever! As a matter of fact, my husband has said he has never met anyone who loves veggies as much as I do. I guess that's what happens when you grow up eating home-grown produce. But that's for another story. Yet somehow I have two lovely children who will, on a daily basis, tell me that they do not want to eat their carrots, green beans, red beets, or corn. You name it, they don't want it.
Let's not even get started on the dark, leafy greens that are so wonderfully healthy. They would rather go to bed hungry. So I started dreaming of ways to get them to eat their vegetables, preferably without complaint. Preferably, loving them! So here are just a few tips, from one mom to another. It works for me and I would love to hear what works for you!
My first tactic is to wait until they are REALLY hungry. For my family, this is usually right before dinner. They have been busy playing and begin hovering in the kitchen. That's when I make the offer, "I'd be happy to get you a snack. You can have carrots or sugar snap peas."
We've been at this long enough that they know I won't cave into other requests, so they make their decision. Once they have their healthy snack (any veggie will do), they are sometimes tempted to take one bite and leave it. That is when my second tactic comes into play.
"Taste that again," I tell them."What animal do you think would like to eat that vegetable?" If that question doesn't take, I'll work through several others until they have eaten most of what is in front of them. I ask things like: Does it taste like it came from a warm place or a cold place and why? Do you think a monkey (try avariety of animals here) would eat it? Does it taste like it grows on a tree, on a plant, or in the ground and why? Does it taste like the letter "C" (if eating a Carrot)?
Not only are they eating the nutrient rich vegetables now, but they are also learning about it's spelling, where and how it grows, and what animals might be eating it today too!
This game really does work in our house. Even if they are full at dinner (which they probably won't be) at least I know they've had their veggies. And I can make spinach for dinner. They won't eat it, but I can make it.
Our kids are an even bigger challenge. I have never said I didn't like a vegetable... ever! As a matter of fact, my husband has said he has never met anyone who loves veggies as much as I do. I guess that's what happens when you grow up eating home-grown produce. But that's for another story. Yet somehow I have two lovely children who will, on a daily basis, tell me that they do not want to eat their carrots, green beans, red beets, or corn. You name it, they don't want it.
Let's not even get started on the dark, leafy greens that are so wonderfully healthy. They would rather go to bed hungry. So I started dreaming of ways to get them to eat their vegetables, preferably without complaint. Preferably, loving them! So here are just a few tips, from one mom to another. It works for me and I would love to hear what works for you!
My first tactic is to wait until they are REALLY hungry. For my family, this is usually right before dinner. They have been busy playing and begin hovering in the kitchen. That's when I make the offer, "I'd be happy to get you a snack. You can have carrots or sugar snap peas."
We've been at this long enough that they know I won't cave into other requests, so they make their decision. Once they have their healthy snack (any veggie will do), they are sometimes tempted to take one bite and leave it. That is when my second tactic comes into play.
"Taste that again," I tell them."What animal do you think would like to eat that vegetable?" If that question doesn't take, I'll work through several others until they have eaten most of what is in front of them. I ask things like: Does it taste like it came from a warm place or a cold place and why? Do you think a monkey (try avariety of animals here) would eat it? Does it taste like it grows on a tree, on a plant, or in the ground and why? Does it taste like the letter "C" (if eating a Carrot)?
Not only are they eating the nutrient rich vegetables now, but they are also learning about it's spelling, where and how it grows, and what animals might be eating it today too!
This game really does work in our house. Even if they are full at dinner (which they probably won't be) at least I know they've had their veggies. And I can make spinach for dinner. They won't eat it, but I can make it.
Monday, June 22, 2009
The Joy... No Wait... The Pains of Vacation
We survived another family vacation last week! Our trip to South Dakota was full of joy and pain as I suppose most family vacations are. This was a road trip and I would probably rate myself "average" on how well I planned for it. So perhaps I have no one to blame but myself...
Really, I am thankful that we can vacation at all. I know that many are curtailing their usual summer adventures for homebound activities (most recently dubbed "staycations"). Never fear! I don't plan to complain this entire blog entry (maybe 50% of it)!
We have great kids and they stood up against some rough travel and terrain. For starters, I was sure they were old enough to enjoy some of the simpler things of road travel like counting antelope or looking for state license plates. Not so. They would have much rather watched a movie. Not an option when you don't bring the DVD player.
Then right out of the gate I realize that the air conditioner doesn't seem to be getting very cold. Not cold at all as the hours went on. Strike two. And strike three was easily the lack in our assortment of beverages. The deprivation of movies, cool air, and drinks sent us all to the edge of that dark abyss called... (dum dum dum) impatience.
As a parent, naturally, you want to keep your cool as much as possible since when you are happy the kids are more likely to follow suit. And darn it if I didn't try my best. But the conditions did not lend themselves to patience and it's an area that I will admit I tend to fall short. But sooner or later (it felt like much, much later) we made it to our destination and escaped the confines of our automotive nightmare. Joy seemed on the horizon.
And indeed it was. In the Black Hills of South Dakota, on a little spot of land complete with stream and boulders we found a blissful afternoon awaited us. We were meeting friends who had already arrived and the kids were ready to play. They splashed in the stream and climbed on boulders. Not even a scrape on the knee for one of them the entire trip. Their faces lit up when they spotted deer in the woods after dinner. They discovered all kinds of natural wonders (ie. sticks, rocks, pinecones, and bugs) as if they had never seen them before.
Even the stress of late nights and early mornings couldn't steal my joy as I watched the kids soak in every experience. We toured the Wind Cave National Park and stood in awe at the foot of Mount Rushmore. I had never been to South Dakota before, so I was as much a child as anyone as I savored the new landscape and wonders of creation. And sure there were petty arguments to referee between the kids - but there would have been even if we had been at home.
And after all of our fun, that's where we were headed: home. My joy began to wane as I thought about the pain of traveling. It was not the worst or the best of travel and so again I'll choose to be thankful.
What road trips have you made this summer? What are your "must haves" to make it a great trip?
Really, I am thankful that we can vacation at all. I know that many are curtailing their usual summer adventures for homebound activities (most recently dubbed "staycations"). Never fear! I don't plan to complain this entire blog entry (maybe 50% of it)!
We have great kids and they stood up against some rough travel and terrain. For starters, I was sure they were old enough to enjoy some of the simpler things of road travel like counting antelope or looking for state license plates. Not so. They would have much rather watched a movie. Not an option when you don't bring the DVD player.
Then right out of the gate I realize that the air conditioner doesn't seem to be getting very cold. Not cold at all as the hours went on. Strike two. And strike three was easily the lack in our assortment of beverages. The deprivation of movies, cool air, and drinks sent us all to the edge of that dark abyss called... (dum dum dum) impatience.
As a parent, naturally, you want to keep your cool as much as possible since when you are happy the kids are more likely to follow suit. And darn it if I didn't try my best. But the conditions did not lend themselves to patience and it's an area that I will admit I tend to fall short. But sooner or later (it felt like much, much later) we made it to our destination and escaped the confines of our automotive nightmare. Joy seemed on the horizon.
And indeed it was. In the Black Hills of South Dakota, on a little spot of land complete with stream and boulders we found a blissful afternoon awaited us. We were meeting friends who had already arrived and the kids were ready to play. They splashed in the stream and climbed on boulders. Not even a scrape on the knee for one of them the entire trip. Their faces lit up when they spotted deer in the woods after dinner. They discovered all kinds of natural wonders (ie. sticks, rocks, pinecones, and bugs) as if they had never seen them before.
Even the stress of late nights and early mornings couldn't steal my joy as I watched the kids soak in every experience. We toured the Wind Cave National Park and stood in awe at the foot of Mount Rushmore. I had never been to South Dakota before, so I was as much a child as anyone as I savored the new landscape and wonders of creation. And sure there were petty arguments to referee between the kids - but there would have been even if we had been at home.
And after all of our fun, that's where we were headed: home. My joy began to wane as I thought about the pain of traveling. It was not the worst or the best of travel and so again I'll choose to be thankful.
What road trips have you made this summer? What are your "must haves" to make it a great trip?
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
No Small Accomplishment
Another day has come and gone and, as we say, I don't know where it went. Sometimes just getting through the day feels like a huge accomplishment. No one broke a bone or bled or choked. There was plenty of whining and complaining and fighting, but physically we came out unscathed.
Life as a mom is like that. Making it from the breakfast debate about who had more O's floating in their cereal bowl to the turmoil of who should get the purple lollipop at the bank drive-thru to navigating the library without losing a child in the stacks - every day it's a miracle that we make it!
And so I'd like to take a minute to be thankful. If your precious little people are tucked safely in bed and your sanity is still hanging by a thread, be thankful. There will be a new set of trials tomorrow, and you'll do your mommy-best, but without a spirit of thankfulness for all that you have you'll be missing out on more than you realize.
Life as a mom is like that. Making it from the breakfast debate about who had more O's floating in their cereal bowl to the turmoil of who should get the purple lollipop at the bank drive-thru to navigating the library without losing a child in the stacks - every day it's a miracle that we make it!
And so I'd like to take a minute to be thankful. If your precious little people are tucked safely in bed and your sanity is still hanging by a thread, be thankful. There will be a new set of trials tomorrow, and you'll do your mommy-best, but without a spirit of thankfulness for all that you have you'll be missing out on more than you realize.
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Tomorrow Will Never Come
I have been hesitant to post my first blog here. I blog in other locations, but thought I would do something profound here. Something that would make you stop and ponder your existence.
Sooooo not going to happen!
Here's what I am really about: loving, laughing, giving, LIVING!! It's not all about me, as much as I might want it to be.
I thought maybe I would get my act together before I really put myself out there to the world, but tomorrow may never come. I'm actually not a "goom and gloom" kind of person, I'm just stating the obvious. Like that plane that just went down on it's way to France. None of those people thought tomorrow would never come. But it didn't.
If tomorrow doesn't come... if this is the first and last you hear of me, hear this. There is hope. Hope has a name: Jesus.
Oh, I know. Believe me, I know. Christians have this sick connotation in modern America. We are hypocritical and out of touch. We are lame and uncool. We are definitely prude and we absolutely hate gays, right? Wrong, wrong, wrong, and wrong. Okay, maybe not wrong about lame and uncool. I have definitely met some lame and uncool Christians. LOL! But seriously, if there is one thing I want you to hear from me it is this: I love life!! If you are alive - I love you too.
Mostly, I love being a mom and I love encouraging other moms! It's hard work being a mom and if we don't band together, those little people are going to take us down!
So now you know pretty much everything about me. I love Jesus. I love my kids. I love my husband (I really do always love him even though sometimes I push him to the edge of sanity with my shenanigans...).
All of the other stuff is just details. I'll share some of those details in the months and years to come. You'll be surprised, and I definitely hope you'll laugh. Welcome to the ride!
Sooooo not going to happen!
Here's what I am really about: loving, laughing, giving, LIVING!! It's not all about me, as much as I might want it to be.
I thought maybe I would get my act together before I really put myself out there to the world, but tomorrow may never come. I'm actually not a "goom and gloom" kind of person, I'm just stating the obvious. Like that plane that just went down on it's way to France. None of those people thought tomorrow would never come. But it didn't.
If tomorrow doesn't come... if this is the first and last you hear of me, hear this. There is hope. Hope has a name: Jesus.
Oh, I know. Believe me, I know. Christians have this sick connotation in modern America. We are hypocritical and out of touch. We are lame and uncool. We are definitely prude and we absolutely hate gays, right? Wrong, wrong, wrong, and wrong. Okay, maybe not wrong about lame and uncool. I have definitely met some lame and uncool Christians. LOL! But seriously, if there is one thing I want you to hear from me it is this: I love life!! If you are alive - I love you too.
Mostly, I love being a mom and I love encouraging other moms! It's hard work being a mom and if we don't band together, those little people are going to take us down!
So now you know pretty much everything about me. I love Jesus. I love my kids. I love my husband (I really do always love him even though sometimes I push him to the edge of sanity with my shenanigans...).
All of the other stuff is just details. I'll share some of those details in the months and years to come. You'll be surprised, and I definitely hope you'll laugh. Welcome to the ride!
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