Creative Flourish by ElizaUnder

My Real Artificial Sweetener Platform

2012-01-09T15:42:00.000-05:00

The other day a friend of mine gave me a cute kid cup with a really cute swirly straw in it. It came with a Pedialyte powder sample she got from her pediatrician. I was glad to have it. The cup is blue and it looks like a lot of fun. I thought my boys would really like it.

Later, I opened the cup and looked through the marketing materials in the cup. They were eye catching and presented something seemingly very appealing with the registered slogan, "Anywhere there's water, there's Pedialyte." Genius! A totable electrolyte maintenance drink.

As I read the documentation I was really disgusted that the children's powder had not one but two artificial sweeteners in it. I went to the web to dig a little deeper and discovered that all of the Pedialyte products (except the unflavored liquid) have Sucralose (splenda) and acesulfame potassium (acesulfame K).

Artificial sweeteners are dangerous to the health of humans and animals. There is not enough research yet to even know how dangerous they are. You don't have to take it from me, though I can tell you that if I ingest them they trigger a well controlled health issue that I have to the point that I could die within hours, or at minimum be very physically ill for many days.

What is the most frightening thing for me is that artificial sweeteners are being used in many pharmaceutical applications (some artificial sweeteners began as actual treatment drugs), in an overwhelming amount of regular foods, and almost all diet foods. They are in almost all chewing gum, many candies, many soft drinks, all diet soft drinks, toothpaste, and so many more places (seafood salad, crab cakes) that you just wouldn't think of. All of the artificial sweetener builds up in your system because our bodies cannot metabolize the chemicals and most of it is not expelled, but is stored in fat cells and who knows where else in our bodies!

If you are concerned at all (you should be), there are a lot of places to do research and get more information. Please read about the proven side effects and long term effects of artificial sweeteners. Remember, our medical doctors are often asked to promote new items to their patients for benefit to their practice. I would suggest asking your medical doctor where they stand on this issue, but also be your own advocate. Ultimately, you are the only one who can or should be in control of your health and the health of your family. *****Remember that artificial sweeteners are chemicals, not food.*****

Research these key names:
Sucralose
Splenda
Aspartame
Acesulfame Potassium
Acesulfame K
Saccharin

Here are a few sites to look at:
Women to Women Article
SweetPoison
Environmental Health Perspectives Article
WiseGeek Article

Sunrise

2012-01-04T08:56:00.000-05:00

God makes everything come out right; he puts victims back on their feet. He showed Moses how he went about his work, opened up his plans to all Israel. God is sheer mercy and grace; not easily angered, he's rich in love. He doesn't endlessly nag and scold, nor hold grudges forever. He doesn't treat us as our sins deserve, nor pay us back in full for our wrongs. As high as heaven is over the earth, so strong is his love to those who fear him. And as far as sunrise is from sunset, he has separated us from our sins. As parents feel for their children, God feels for those who fear him. He knows us inside and out, keeps in mind that we're made of mud. Men and women don't live very long; like wildflowers they spring up and blossom, But a storm snuffs them out just as quickly, leaving nothing to show they were here. God's love, though, is ever and always, eternally present to all who fear him, Making everything right for them and their children as they follow his Covenant ways and remember to do whatever he said. Psalm 103:6 - The Message Bible

It's A New Year

2012-01-03T13:59:00.002-05:00

Last year I didn't blog very much. Only eight times!!! There were so many changes in my life and in our routine that I just felt off kilter for a really long time. I wasn't depressed or sad. I wasn't angry or sick. I was just off my track. Here's a summary of what went on:

In January we decided to stop trying to save our home from foreclosure. Ethan turned 12 and Walter turned 42.
In February we got our finances in order and created a strict budget for our family.
In March I quit a job that was very stressful.
In April I stayed home and took care of my great nephew and also took my boys to Virginia for a week during spring break.
In May we earnestly searched for a place to live. We packed up all of our belongings that would fit in our rental home, the shed behind it, and a small storage space. We sold or donated everything else. I quit dying my hair.
In June we moved from our three story four bedroom, three bath home to a one story, tiny three/two.
In July we thoroughly enjoyed living across the street from a small park, a large park, and a lake.
In August we prepared for back to school and played a lot. Daniel went to a new elementary school. I turned 39.
In September I began a very small in-home childcare full-time. We played outside and met our neighbors. It was just too hot all summer.
In October my childcare charges went from one to two.
In November we celebrated as my best friend's husband retired from the Navy and she had a baby girl on Thanksgiving Day. We had a huge reunion with Walter's family after Thanksgiving at the park by our house. Ben turned 5.
In December we discussed a different kind of Christmas with the boys. We were thankful more and greedy less. We spent Christmas in Virginia with my family and reunited with my brother and his family after many years of not being close. Daniel turned 8.

It was a year of change, but through all of I think we were all happier, more free, and definitely more at peace than we have been for the past three years. I rewrote what wealth is to me and found that I am really quite wealthy! : )

Though I don't make new year resolutions, I do want to get back in the routine of blogging (at least weekly). This has been a good start! Happy New Year!

Instant Oatmeal Cookies

2011-09-26T11:54:00.002-04:00

The other day, I realized that we have a big box of instant oatmeal packets that we've had for a while and apparently no one in this family eats them! (We moved at the end of May and that box got moved with us.) I began looking for a healthy cookie recipe that uses the instant oatmeal and a few other ingredients for a simple cookie.

Today, I created a recipe that worked out well. It tastes great, didn't use any extra sugar or fat, and the kids really liked it too! The one drawback is that the recipe is not gluten free, so it does leave Ethan out - but everyone else can eat these cookies and I can make Ethan something else!

The cookies are sweet and soft with good heartiness - like baked oatmeal!

The recipe:

Instant Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

4 individual packets instant oatmeal (I used 2 Apples+Cinnamon, 2 Maple+Brown Sugar)
4 Tablespoons all purpose flour
4 Tablespoons applesauce
4 Tablespoons mashed banana
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1/4 cup raisins

Mix all ingredients together well. Place small (tablespoon) balls of mixture on parchment lined (or lightly greased) baking sheet. Shaping into balls (or flattening - according to preference) is important as the cookies do not change shape or flatten out during baking. The cookies do not spread or rise significantly so you can place them fairly close together on the sheet.

Bake in 350 degree oven for 8 minutes.

Makes about 2 dozen bite sized cookies.

YUM!

Happy Day

2011-07-23T14:28:00.003-04:00

I was sitting here thinking about stuff. I just read about the death of Amy Winehouse and it really struck me that I am so so blessed that I was raised to know that I have a Savior. I wonder if anybody ever told her that there is another way...

Then, the song Happy Day by Jesus Culture and Kim Walker came on and it really hit me that I could have had a very similar ending as Amy Winehouse, only there wouldn't have been any headlines or news stories, because I would have just been another horrible victim of a lifestyle of drugs, alcohol, etc. I was doing the same kind of stupid searching in all the wrong places that killed her at the same age. I was completely lost and seeking something to make me feel better - truly through and through feel better - from the age of 23, and for several years.

The only thing that I know for sure is that my knowledge of God and my however neglectful relationship with Him is ALL that got me through it. I know He is the ONLY way to be free from everything this world throws at us to tempt us into failure. It's still hard - you have to have a fellowship and community of people who understand God and salvation, and this world, to help you get through this temporary life on Earth.

That may sound like mumbo-jumbo and very Jesus-Freakish, but I KNOW it's the truth! The TRUTH is all that can set you free!!! I'm not ashamed to admit that I am a complete Jesus Freak. My Jesus Freak flag is flying! Otherwise, I'm pretty certain that I could have died from any one of my sinful vices years ago. That's the truth.

Thinking that you can do anything "just a little", "only sometimes when nobody is looking", or "nobody really cares" can and will lead to a deeper depth than you may have ever intended to go. But you will go down if that is how you are living. You can't be repentant and sinful at the same time.

So, I hope that I can be the example, the witness you need. I hope I can reach the ones who need to be reached before it's too late. If you need me, I'm here for you. Just ask.

Happy Day Lyrics:

The greatest day in history, death is beaten
You have rescued me
Sing it out, Jesus is alive
The empty cross, the empty grave
Life eternal, You have won the day
Shout it all, Jesus is alive
He´s alive

Oh happy day, happy day
You washed my sin away
Oh happy day, happy day
I'll never be the same
Forever I am changed

When I stand, in that place
Free at last, meeting face to face
I am Yours, Jesus You are mine
Endless joy, perfect peace
Earthly pain finally will cease
Celebrate Jesus is alive
He's alive

Oh what a glorious day
What a glorious way
That You have saved me
Oh what a glorious day
What a glorious name

Our New Home!

2011-06-09T12:41:00.000-04:00

Spring Break 2011

2011-04-13T11:25:00.000-04:00

Last week was Spring Break in Oldham County, Kentucky. The boys and I left for Virginia at 4:45 pm on Friday and spent more than a week in Highland County, Virginia with my parents and my sister, too!

We arrived by the grace of God (I was soooooooo sleepy for the last 2 hours) at 1:05 am. It snowed on Saturday. It was gray and cloudy most of the day, but in the afternoon the sun poked out of the clouds and the frozen sunshine was gorgeous!

It was great to see Kona, my sister's cat that she adopted from under our neighbor's deck when he was a kitten. She lived with us then...He has gotten huge!!! He acts like a dog, follows my dad around, and is a great hunter!

On Sunday, the boys and I drove over to Waynesboro and visited our old church home, Community Fellowship Church of the Nazarene. It was exceedingly nice to hear Pastor Jeff minister and so good to see so many of our friends. We met Mom & Dad for lunch at Massaki in Staunton.

The Hibachi chef was most entertaining! The boys loved it and for the first time ever, Ben really liked the whole experience.

Monday brought warmer weather. It was my parent's 42nd Wedding Anniversary! The boys played outside almost all day. We took a walk in the woods and Daddy made them a fire and let them float down the river in a tub, then pulled them up again! He also made them wooden swords and pistols and let them play with some of his wooden rifles!

Tuesday it snowed again and we went to see Granny.

Daniel, Benjamin, Ethan, Granny Ralston

Mom came home early and played games with the boys. She gave me a bunch of ancestry pictures. They are awesome!

Mom and Dad with my brother.

James and Ruth Gilbert, My Maternal Grandparents.

Charles and Bonnie Ralston, My Paternal Grandparents.

Van Ralston, My Paternal Great Grandfather

Wednesday Tammy bought the boys a craft bucket and they made perler bead designs and clay animals, etc. It was fun and cool.

Thursday we went to Mrs. Hardesty's Tea Room, the Harrisonburg Children's Museum, and Lunch at Applebees in Harrisonburg.

Saturday we went to the Home and Garden Show at the JMU Convocation Center. We had fun getting all the freebies and sampling the foods and drinks. There was lots of free candy!!! The parking lot was transformed with plants and mulch and sheds and water features. There was even a fire in one display! Also, the Easter Bunny was there!!! I saw our former neighbor's son and daughter in law. It was so nice to see them and now I must send Judy a note!!! I have not been great at keeping in touch.

After the show, we went to lunch at O'Charley's, then Barnes & Noble, Michaels, and Walmart before we traveled back over the mountains to Mc Dowell.

We had a wonderful action packed time on this Spring Break and I am so happy that we got to go and spend so much quality time with my family!

The Factor Tree

2011-04-12T09:13:00.000-04:00

The boys and I have been using The Factor Tree for the past week and I am impressed with the challenging and fun presentation. All of my boys like math and are at very different levels. This program is really applicable at all of their individual levels!

I would definitely recommend this program for families with children who need math help, or who need more math practice!

Here are some great details from this program:

A better way to learn math

Every student learns differently — shouldn’t your child be taught math in the way that works best for them? The team at The Factor Tree think so. Which is why their online supplementary math education platform adapts as your child learns, to ensure your pre-K to 6th-grader is always taught in the way that gets the best results.

What makes the Factor Tree so effective?

Provides the practice and repetition needed for a child to truly master key math skills
Use a skill-adaptive progression algorithm to pinpoint each child’s true skill level
Provides parents with helpful reports, metrics and notifications to track their child’s progress
Combines a state testing-compliant curriculum, world class educational theories and innovative technology to create a better learning tool

Visit thefactortree.com to learn more about its distinct approach to education and sign up for your free one-month trial.

I'm a BzzAgent!

2011-04-01T11:32:00.000-04:00

I recently became a BzzAgent! I will be trying and reviewing products at the bzzagent site and sharing on my twitter and facebook accounts. (Here too!)

Right now I am participating in a trial for a math learning site called Factor Tree.

The account set up process was very easy and Ben took a skill assessment test and did a worksheet in minutes. He really liked it! I can hardly wait to see how Dan & Ethan feel about it!

I will let you know how it goes!

For Improvement of Self

2011-02-18T18:51:00.002-05:00

I need this:

I've Been Reading - It Takes Away My Blogging Time!

2011-02-17T18:06:00.003-05:00

Here are the last ten books I read. I enjoyed all of them thoroughly! I am still reading In the Shadow of Lions. It was hard to start - it has biblical themes in the time of the Tudors (one of my favorite periods) and switches back and forth often- but I quickly got accustomed to the writer's style and am enjoying it!

I have been thinking about the electronic reading devices and wonder if that would be a medium I would like. I love to take my book to the bathtub and read... I am not sure I could still be comfortable doing that.

Working full time with children, creating and maintaining the church website/documents, and dealing with foreclosure on the house have also taken up a lot of my time. I often get home and just want to lay down. I want to pack everything up for our impending move - but only so that I don't have so much to clean up ~~at the end of the day~~ ~~on the weekend~~ whenever I get around to it.

I have watched several movies that I might never have seen if it weren't for Netflix. Some of them are great and not a total waste of time, and as you may or may not be aware - some of my best relaxation comes in front of the TV! Here are a few of the most recent movies (This is not a blanket recommendation! I didn't like or finish all of these!):

That's all I've got for now. Hope everyone hasn't given up on looking here for posts from me! Hopefully I will be back soon to catch up again!!!

Washing Machine

2010-10-23T14:39:00.000-04:00

The washing machine began leaking water today. It was coming out of the detergent drawer and running down the front of the machine into the floor. Walter took the machine apart and felt something in the hose that emptied the water, etc. from the drawer. He removed the hose and found the lid to the bleach that I lost about two weeks ago - I removed the lid, poured in the bleach, and when I moved to replace it, it flew out of my hand. I thought it had gone down the side of the washer and underneath it. Apparently, it had fallen into the detergent drawer and gone underneath the fabric softener tray where I could not see it. In the washes after that it must have gotten pushed into the hose and then blocked it!!!

Oh well, I am just very happy that it is fixed now!!!

4 Years Ago

2010-09-01T13:30:00.001-04:00

Four years ago I was about a month into one of the biggest health battles of my life. I was five months pregnant and very ill. At the beginning of August 2006 I came down with pneumonia and was hospitalized. I also had extreme emesis gravidarum or NVP (nausea vomiting pregnancy) and could not keep much food down (or any) on a regular basis. When I began my pregnancy I weighed 222 pounds. When Ben was born, I weighed 170 pounds. It was a wild and crazy time full of scary medical decisions, procedures, and doctor visits and at the same time, enormous blessings, outpourings of care, service, and love on us. Here are some pictures of the time between August 5 - the day before I got sick, and December, after Ben was born. I am one thankful and blessed girl!

8/5/06 I got sick the next day.

PICC Line

Medication Tracking and IV Pump Instructions

Gall Bladder Removal

Beautiful Scar...NOT

Church Group Got Us a Storage Shed (House was too small!!!)

Post Feeding Tube/Feeding Tube Failure and Too Weak to Color or Pluck...BUT Home!

False Labor...

Feeling Better - October

Moments After Birth - November 4, 2006

SO Ready to Go HOME!!!

Happy Daniel!

Christmas Card Shot!

Front Porch=Love Shack

2010-08-19T11:27:00.000-04:00

Yesterday, I went out on the front porch to wait for Boy Wonder to come home from the bus stop and found that it had been transformed into an insect love shack. I'm a little afraid to let the boys go out there unattended!

I Love

2010-08-18T12:52:00.000-04:00

Holiday with Matthew Mead is having a great giveaway! Go check out the sneak peaks and enter to win on their blog today!!! It's a quick way to get in the Christmas spirit!

Then, you remember that Christmas is right around the corner and o h n o... I haven't shopped or even thought about what to get for the boys this year...

ǝpısdılɟ

2010-08-17T16:20:00.000-04:00

sǝɯıʇǝɯos ı lǝǝɟ ǝʞıl ʎɯ plɹoʍ sı ǝpısdn uʍop˙ ɹno ǝsnoɥ sı uı ǝɹnsolɔǝɹoɟ uıɐƃɐ puɐ s,ʇı ǝɯıʇ oʇ ʇɹɐʇs ƃuıllǝs ɹno ɟɟnʇs ʇɐɥʇ ǝʍ ʇ,uɐɔ ǝʌoɯ oʇ ɹǝʌǝʇɐɥʍ ʎuıʇ ʇuǝɯʇɹɐdɐ ɹo pɹɐʎʞɔɐq pǝɥs ʇɐɥʇ ǝʍ ǝʇɐɔolǝɹ oʇ˙ ǝʍ uɐld oʇ ǝʌɐɥ ɐ ʇuɐıƃ pɹɐʎ ǝlɐs uoos.

ʎɐpoʇ sı ʎɯ ʎɐpɥʇɹıq puɐ ı ʇoƃ os ʎuɐɯ ǝɔıu sʇuǝɯɯoɔ puɐ sʇısıʌ' ǝuoɥd sllɐɔ puɐ sǝsıɹdɹns' ʇɐɥʇ ʇı flipped my mindset right back over again!

I am thankful for all my friends and family who remembered me today in so many special ways today! OH- I also got to go to the dentist twice today! Aren't I lucky?!!!

Renae

2010-08-10T14:24:00.000-04:00

I have a dear friend that my boys all love dearly. She has two sons and a husband that we all adore too. For mother's day, my boys got me candles in the scent that Renae loves. One day I asked Ben, "Who do you love?" He replied without hesitation, "Renae." Recently, I was choosing a nail polish color and I showed my boys and Walter two options that I had painted on my thumb and forefinger. They all chose the one that was on my thumb - Renae's color. Renae and I have laughed over how often the boys show her preference unintentionally - and there isn't any animosity over it. She's beautiful inside and out and I totally understand why they love her!

Last night we were having ice cream with Renae and her youngest son at Dairy Queen. Walter had taken Dan and Ben outside while we were chatting and when they came back, Ben was holding up a beautiful little rose that he delivered to Renae. She got the funniest look on her face as she took it and looked over at me as Daniel whipped out a rose for me... she had the most relieved look on her face!!!

Granny Ralston

2010-08-07T16:11:00.000-04:00

We visited my only living grandparent while we were in Virginia. Daniel was a little bit afraid of her at first, she's very shaky and obviously nervous, but he warmed up to her quickly! She's thin as a rail and not in the best health, but it was wonderful to see her!

Virginia

2010-08-03T21:50:00.001-04:00

We spent a few days in Virginia:

Rubber Fingers

2010-07-15T22:28:00.000-04:00

This evening I spray painted two medium sized bulletin boards. I came inside afterward and my fingers felt so strange. I could hardly make them do what I wanted them to do. It was kind of like that time when I was trying to get to the fence in one of my friends back yard, but I was too intoxicated to walk in a straight line, but sober enough to know that I looked ridiculous. It was funny, but not really - just like my fingers not working right!

You cannot even imagine how hard it has been to type this!

I'm thirsty.

Split Pea Soup

2010-07-05T22:35:00.000-04:00

Yum!!! It's never too hot for a little split pea soup!

Ingredients:

- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp ground pepper
- 1 pound split pea
- 2 bouillon cubes (I used the vegetable type)
- paprika
- some extra olive oil, to serve
- optional: some raw ham or fried bacon cubes

Cooking instructions:

Heat the oil in a big pot and stir in the onion until soft and transparent (a couple of minutes). Add the split peas, the bouillon, the salt, the pepper, and enough water to cover the split peas + 3 extra fingers of water. Cover and let simmer until the peas are cooked through (30-40 minutes).
Puree the soup with a blender and serve with some paprika and a drizzle of olive oil.

Timmy Tot

2010-07-02T23:07:00.000-04:00

Today, I was thinking about my great nephew who is 5 months old and right at that moment, his mother called me and asked if I could keep him for a while along with his 5 year old big brother. I kept them for eight hours and I am completely exhausted!

Good night!

Some Things Are Better Left Unknown

2010-07-01T15:56:00.000-04:00

Today I have been working on several desktop publishing projects and listening to music. As I listened, I heard a few lyrics that made me wonder what they meant. The more I thought about the particular lyrics and what they might mean in the context of the song, I decided that I really didn't want to know what it mean at all.

It took me back to the Waynesboro days when I heard this catchy new song with easy lyrics that I really liked. I was singing it to the kids in the car one day and as we got out, Walter greeted us. I was still singing the song and he said, "Elizabeth! What are you singing?!!!"

As it turned out, the song Milkshake, by Kelis, is not about milkshakes in the traditional sense at all. It never even crossed my mind that it wasn't about my favorite ice cream drink... So, while the song was appropriate to me in the sense that I was singing it, it sure wasn't one I wanted to be singing to my three male children. Or anyone else, for that matter.

Needless to say, we have laughed over that a lot since then. I think I will just sing quietly from now on.

New Old Movies Are Like New Friends!

2010-06-30T23:59:00.009-04:00

Possession (2002)

Love this movie!

Had never seen it before, but thoroughly enjoyed the sad, sweet story.

Creative

2010-06-29T20:32:00.001-04:00

It's been a while since I felt like making anything! Today was different!!!

I made a bunch of cards. Here's one:

Pride

2010-06-28T09:50:00.000-04:00

My nephew, Logan, is a Marine. I am so proud of him for serving our country. He is home, after some intense training in Texas, but only for a few days. Soon he will report to California for more training.

In photo: Nephew Logan, brother Chuck, nephew Seth, and in the middle, nephew Jacob

Operation Camp-In

2010-06-25T23:09:00.001-04:00

Tonight, Ethan transformed the living room into a camp-out. There is a big pallet on the floor with lots of pillows and cozy blankets. I made microwaved s'mores, then Ethan put a Scooby Doo movie on the T.V.

The three boys were lined up in a row watching Scooby with their droopy eyelids when I came upstairs to get the camera. When I returned, only one was awake!

Seen & Read This Week

2010-06-24T20:04:00.000-04:00

Last Chance Harvey

Confessions of a Shopaholic

New York, I Love You

Wild Prairie Roses Iowa

Maid to Match

Strength and Grace

2010-06-23T21:55:00.002-04:00

Meet Carmen and Nancy. They are the wives of the two main married teams who lead our church here in Kentucky. I have never known such dedicated and accessible women in church leadership. They love God and they lead lives of example worth following. They are vastly opposite in personality but infinitely similar in their Christian walk. I am inspired and honored to be a part of the ministries they guide.

Nancy will be participating in the IRONMAN triathlon in Louisville this August 29th. There are less than 10 weeks left in her training and she is a rock! I can hardly wait to cheer her on as she rides by us while our church serves as volunteers in support of the race through our town. Go Nancy!

I Make Cleaning Fun...

2010-06-22T16:20:00.001-04:00

...or at least that's what I keep trying to convince myself of!

Today when I came downstairs, we had ants in the house, again!!! I had to sweep and mop the wood floor to make sure to get any food or spills up and hopefully get rid of the ants. Soooooo, I decided to rearrange the living room furniture!

This is a configuration I have never tried before and I think I like it:

On another note, lately I have really noticed how large and beautiful the houseplants have gotten. The rubber tree and the ficus tree were gifts from my Grandfather Gilbert's funeral last August. We put them in the back of the van and drove them home from Texas to Kentucky. They were small and sunburned, but they have thrived over that last several months. The ficus has had to be moved from spot to spot as it outgrew each space! The mandevilla was a gift from my in-laws when my Grandmother Gilbert passed away earlier this year. It is so beautiful and has so many big, pink blooms at one time!!! I wasn't sure what to do with it, but have decided to pot it and keep it indoors. It can't winter outside in freezing temps.

What I especially like is that every time I look at or care for these plants, I take time to remember my grandparents! It's a sweet blessing to have good memories and time to cherish them!

Head In The Clouds

2010-06-21T22:36:00.001-04:00

Happy Father's Day!

2010-06-20T21:46:00.004-04:00

Happy Father's Day to my Dad and to my Father-in-Law and especially to my husband. Walter is making a path worth following for all three boys to walk behind him! He is a loving and strong dad who cares about our children and their upbringing in a way that more men should. He understands and honors his responsibility to raise well rounded and faith founded children. He's a truly wonderful father, and he's a blessing to me and the boys in so many ways! Happy Father's Day to all the wonderful father's that I know! I appreciate you!

My Beautiful Boys

2010-06-19T20:55:00.001-04:00

Salato Wildlife Center,

Frankfort, Kentucky

June 19, 2010

Food Waste Friday & Pizza

2010-06-18T19:41:00.000-04:00

Today is the day I expose all the food that I have wasted during the week. Well, I haven't been dedicated to posting for this event because I seldom have any waste to show. This week is no different! I didn't waste any food this week...yeah!

I did make some delicious Gluten-Free Pizza. I used a family biscuit recipe, substituted gf flour, and used gf toppings. I roasted some garlic today and Walter and I used a lot of that on our pizza. We may stink later, but the bugs will stay away!

Wii Netflix

2010-06-17T20:51:00.001-04:00

Today we got the streaming disc for the Wii through Netflix. The little boys and Walter are downstairs watching Tom and Jerry and giggling and laughing as hard as they can. The littles haven't really ever watched Tom and Jerry until very recently, Walter might have objected to the violence, but modern cartoon are so much more offensive than T&J he has allowed them to watch - and he watches and laughs right along!

We used to go to the Redbox a few times a week because it was cost effective, but we almost always failed to return the discs before the deadline and paid for more than one day.

Netflix has all the new releases on DVD available through the mail, streaming through the Wii directly to the TV, and to the computer (which could be connected to the TV). We could watch all kinds of old and relatively new media (TV, Movies, Cartoons, etc.) all day long, plus get one DVD at a time (unlimited) for only nine dollars per month.

On a side note: If you ever just have to buy me (or Ethan) something, Bob's Red Mill Gluten-Free Homemade Wonderful Bread Mix would be the thing we would need the most!!! It is the best, easiest, most non-fail GF bread mix I have found. Also, and more importantly, it tastes good and Ethan loves it!!! Actually, we all love it. It's difficult to convince everyone not to eat it and save it for just Ethan! I wish I had a case!

I realize that this blog sometimes sounds like a series of advertisements. I do apologize! Not a single person at Wii, Netflix, Redbox, or Bob's Red Mill know of, nor have they ever heard of me (as far as I know)! I just like to share the info on products that make my life easier and more fun!

Stormy-June 15, 2010

2010-06-16T21:49:00.001-04:00

Floral

2010-06-15T21:58:00.001-04:00

Busy

2010-06-14T22:26:00.002-04:00

It's summer. We have been keeping very busy. Walter, of course, is working 5 days a week. The boys and I have been working in a friend's garden, at the church, and around the house. Mostly we have been playing, but we do some work!

I have made some delish Gluten Free baked goods and meals. Tonight I made carrot raisin muffins. They are so good and you'd never know they were GF. I cooked a pork loin in the crock pot with a big can of red enchilada sauce. It was simply scrumptious. We made tacos with it and then ate it with rice. I never would have dreamed to do that! A friend of mine suggested it and we found two different kinds of GF sauce. One was medium and not very spicy, the other mild, much more flavorful, and a bit spicier! We got one at Save A Lot and one at Kroger.

My mom is OK. Her doctor told her that she MUST slow down. I have my doubts that she knows how to do that. I hope she can learn!!! She reads this blog, apparently, and told me to tell my little world that she does take care of herself and she's just fine! I love my Momma!

We visited two garden centers and two state parks on Saturday. It was hot and humid and we did get rained on! We had a lot of fun! We walked around and saw wildlife and scenic views. We enjoyed the wooded areas especially, since there are so few trees in our neighborhood!

I planted flowers in the four decorative pots at the church today. I was so hot, dirty, and sweaty when I was done that I forgot to take a picture! I will take one on Wednesday so I can show you! They were pretty - I got the plants for all four pots for $52.61. As I went to start the car to leave, I realized that the battery was dead! Pastor had just left and I was alone with the boys! We were blessed to have our trusty jump starter in the back of the car. I attached it and the car started right up! Yea!!!

Hey, Ladies!

2010-06-10T20:07:00.001-04:00

Today, I found out that my mom has not been taking good care of herself physically. She has some health issues that are very serious and, left unchecked, can be fatal. My first response was anger. I was so mad I could spit. Then, fear. I lost my both my maternal grandparents in the last nine months. One of my dear friends husband has prostate cancer. My mother has been on death's door before.

There is one thing that I am certain of: I am not ready to lose my mother. I faced that fear more than three years ago, when mom was very ill and near death. I wasn't ready then - my baby was nearly two months old! Thankfully, she was able to be treated medically and with surgery and we have been able to have her with us. Note, I am still not ready. Do you ever get truly ready for that? I just don't know.

I just want to get on my soapbox for a moment and let it be known that if you are in any way mine - friend, family, etc., you better be taking care of yourself physically. No job, task, person, or thing is more important than your own health. If you are dead, you will do no one any good. As women, we tend to care more about others, our jobs, our families than we do about ourselves. The care of our health cannot be ignored. God gave us healing and salvation by dying on the cross, I firmly believe that is our great advantage, however, He gave us medical science and doctors too.

I am preaching to myself, too. I will do better. I will go to my doctor for annual checkups, or as required. Please, please, please take care of yourselves and prevent any treatable problems and symptoms when you begin to notice them. Please don't wait for the right time to take care of yourself.

That time is right now.

OK, I'm off the soap box. I might still be mad, though...

Stanley Cup

2010-06-09T23:23:00.001-04:00

I have been a hockey fan for a long time. I have never been to a game in person, but I would love to go! I just watched the final game. My fave team this season just won in OT!!!

Go Blackhawks! Way to take the cup home to Chicago after so long!

Progress

2010-06-08T21:04:00.001-04:00

Today I spent almost the entire day working in my friend's flower bed. I re-stacked a rock wall around most of the bed and created a rock wall border on the other side of the bed. I cleared a lot of overgrown plants and grass. There were a lot of wild strawberries too, but they are so invasive that I took them out. I didn't take any before pictures so I will have to take some after photos so you can see how nice it looks! I saw a lot of spiders and found one snake skin that was very old but it still gave me the creeps!

I didn't exercise, but the garden work was very much a workout! I am so sore! I will walk tomorrow and on Thursday. I hope to get back to the flower garden on Friday.

Tomorrow I have plans to give some basic sewing lessons to my niece. She's in her mid-twenties and wants to sew, but hasn't ever done it and is having trouble putting her machine into working order! I can at least help with that!!!

Exercise

2010-06-07T22:16:00.001-04:00

Do you exercise? I did today and plan to every day for the next three months, at minimum. I want to lose 25 pounds. After I do that I want to slowly take off 20 more.

The only problem is, I really like to lay on the couch.

Dirt

2010-06-03T23:00:00.000-04:00

I love dirt. I like to dig in it. Plant in it. Work in it. Today, I worked for nearly three hours in my friends flower beds. I will go again tomorrow and spend at least four or five hours there. My three boys love to play with her two boys. It's a win-win sitch.

We went to a concert at the Oldham County Public Library this evening. It was the kick off of their Summer Concert Series. Leigh Ann Yost was the performer [great], along with a violinist who was awesome - but I forgot his name...

Tomorrow is my maternal grandmother's funeral and burial. I will not be able to be there with my family and friends, but I will be able to watch a web cast of the funeral on my computer. Weird, but better than nothing!

Night night all.

Memories

2010-06-02T21:33:00.002-04:00

The other day I was looking through some photos that I had saved. I found this really sweet one of my grandparents from 1993 when they were 67 (him) and 69 (her). They had been married for 51 years then. When Papa died last year, they had been married more than 67 years.

I miss them!

Happy and Sad

2010-06-01T21:59:00.001-04:00

My Grandmother passed away on Sunday. She was sick for a long time. She was 85 years old. I am happy that her suffering is over and that she's in heaven with my Papa who passed away last August. I am sad that I can't go to her funeral service in Texas and be with all of the friends and family as they celebrate her life on Thursday and Friday.

I'm thinking of looking for some kids to watch over the summer for money. There don't seem to be any professional jobs out there for me. I have been looking and applying for jobs for two years! It does get to be quite frustrating and disheartening to be seemingly unemployable.

Bleh.

I still have my faith and though it does falter from time to time, it remains with me. They can't take that away!

Twenty

2010-05-31T21:21:00.000-04:00

This year is the 20th anniversary of my high school graduation!

Time sure does fly!

Freedom

2010-05-30T22:50:00.002-04:00

The Patriot's blood is the Seed of Freedom's Tree ~Thomas Campbell

Saturday Is Such A Whirlwind!

2010-05-29T22:33:00.001-04:00

Today all five of us trekked to Southern States, Goodwill, Home Goods, Whole Foods, Chick Fil A, Mer & Ter's, Children's Place, Costco, Kroger, Home, Nafziger's, Library, and Home again. We had some delicious broccoli for dinner - and some other things. We watched Avatar which I thought was very visually stunning and completely action packed! (Kind of like our day!!!)

Now I am watching the Stanley Cup and getting ready to sleep. Church tomorrow!

P.S. LARABAR are good. I bought 33 of them today. I paid $1.19 each for 13 and $1.00 each for 20 more. Kroger carries a bunch of kinds (they are 10 for $10 right now!), but Whole Foods carries a few of the same and some different ones. My favorite is the Coconut Cream Pie, but there hasn't been one that I haven't liked yet - and I have tried most of them. The best part is that they are Gluten Free and the kids all like them. Also, they are filling and relatively healthy as far as snacks go! They are all natural and the sugars are from fruit - better than a lot of alternatives!

This is not an ad for LARABAR!!! I just really like them and appreciate that there are companies out there which provide healthy gluten free foods that my son enjoys! It's nice to have a "go-to" brand when we need a snack.

Hey, This is Not the Most Exciting Post!

2010-05-28T23:36:00.000-04:00

We went out to dinner after a chat with the Pastor this evening. It was too late to cook and we wanted to celebrate Ethan and Daniel's transitions from kindergarten and fifth grade.

After a wonderful dinner, we walked over to Barnes and Noble. We all got a book. (I got two books!) We spent over an hour just walking around looking at all the books. It was fun.

We got home around eleven o'clock. Daniel was asleep and Ben was on the verge of sleep. Ethan was reading his new book.

I found out yesterday that my dear friend's husband has been diagnosed with prostate cancer. He had a lot of tests being done today and I haven't heard from her. Pray with us that he is healed, that his action plan is not stressful, and that he does not have a lot of pain.

Remember to thank America's patriots this Memorial Day weekend. They pay a high price for our freedom. I am so appreciative for our military men and women!

The End of 5th Grade for Ethan

2010-05-27T20:54:00.000-04:00

Tonight, my big boy is finishing up with 5th grade. There are a few more days of school, but tonight is the awards ceremony and reception. I can hardly believe that he could be old enough to go to middle school. I guess I have a few months to get used to the idea!

Ethan got a lot of awesome awards!
Certificate of Completion - 5th Grade
President's Award for Outstanding Academic Excellence (with a pin and a letter from Pres. Obama)
Honors Reader
Outstanding Musical Achievement
Excellence in Reading
Excellence in Science
Excellence in Social Studies
CHAMPS Excellence

Ever after that, Ethan was referred to in passing as "that kid who won all the awards," or "he's the one that was on the stage the whole time."

Dr. Finch, Ethan, and Mrs. Gavin

This has been a great milestone to meet and pass for Ethan. I am very proud of him! He's truly an amazing, intelligent, and inspiring child!!!

This Kit Is Not Working...

2010-05-26T21:41:00.002-04:00

Aint He Cute?!

2010-05-25T20:37:00.000-04:00

I Hate Cramps

2010-05-24T20:39:00.000-04:00

Red Truck

2010-05-22T21:24:00.000-04:00

Today we went to the Farmer's Market in La Grange. We had a nice time seeing all the vendors and the arts and crafts. It was a beautiful day.

This was my favorite sight of the day:

Storming

2010-05-21T20:35:00.000-04:00

It's storming here tonight.

The weather news people are expecting a rough night to come. We are currently under a severe thunderstorm warning. A few miles away, to the south, there are tornado warnings. We see lightening and hear thunder, and it's raining on and off. The clouds are amazingly beautiful! The storm cell from the radar is fascinating to look at! We may have to head down to the basement later!!!

I Know What To Do Today

2010-05-20T13:13:00.000-04:00

I found out today that I did not get the job I was so excited about.

I am sad, but I am not defeated!

I have promises to stand on and I will do that today!

" Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap." Luke 6:38

" God is our refuge and strength, an ever present help in trouble." Psalm 46:1

"We live by faith, not by sight" 2 Cor. 5:7

"Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be moved, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed." Isaiah 54:10

" I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you." Psalm 32:8

" Peace I leave with you, my peace I give you. I do not give as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." John 14:27

" Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you." Jeremiah 29:12

"The Lord will keep you from all harm--he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore." Psalm 121:7, 8

" Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3: 5,6

"For the Lord gives wisdom, and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding." Proverbs 2:5

So, I will stand on His promises today. And I will do laundry, too. :-)

Vote for Creative Flourish!

2010-05-19T15:46:00.000-04:00

Click here to vote for my blog on blog interviewer dot com! Thank you!

Life with Chronic Illness

2010-05-19T09:02:00.001-04:00

I have been really sick for the past few days. I caught a cold and the deep coughing caused a flare of HAE. My entire abdomen swelled and the pain on Monday was horrendous. I felt like I was in labor for the entire day. I drank a little bit of liquids, but had no solid food because that would have hurt even worse to process. I was exhausted and throwing up by evening. Yesterday was a bit better. I was still swollen but much improved and was able to eat soup and baked potato. After I went to bed last night the food I ate felt like a rock in my stomach and I was afraid I would lose it all, but it stayed in and is working through. Today I am still markedly swollen - looking kinda pregnant - but still improving.

It has been a long time since I had an HAE flare. I hope it's another very long time before I have another one!

When I was first diagnosed with HAE, it was difficult to find medical personnel that had even heard of the disease. In the last 15 years things have really changed for the better. There is much information, documentation, and support available.

Here's some documentation on HAE that can be purchased from Amazon:
A Selection of Important Papers in Hereditary Angioedema: A Compilation of Key Peer-Reviewed Papers From Leading Journals

Understanding Hereditary Angioedema: A Mysterious Out-of-Control Immune Response (Home Use)

Special Moments

2010-05-16T22:16:00.000-04:00

Today at church, I had a special moment with the newly adopted daughter of some of my friends. She's from China and a little bit afraid of me! The flowers in my hair freak her out!!!

In spite of that, she always lets me take her picture! I did that and showed it to her on the camera display. She immediately wanted to come sit with me and review the pictures. She pointed out all of the other people in the photos of her and pointed out her bubbas and me in other photos on the camera.

They left a bit early and I blew her a kiss as they were going out the door - and she blew one back to me!

It was nice to make a connection with her. She's been really slow to warm up to me and it was super nice to get some special moments.

Today Is The Day

2010-05-15T21:15:00.001-04:00

I don't feel good. I haven't for several days. My house is a disaster area. My goal for today was to clean the kitchen and the living room and den floors. That was all I was going to do - except lay down and rest.

We have an extra refrigerator/freezer in the garage. Today when Walter went out to do yard work, he discovered that the fuse had tripped on the outlet and the fridge had been off for several hours. We store bulk meats, cheese, and pop ice out there. We had a giant bag of chicken breasts that was nearly thawed. We had to cook it all or throw it out.

Walter grilled, and grilled, and grilled. I had nine breasts to cut up and bake. I cut all of them into strips and used an egg wash and crushed gluten-free chips to bread four of them. I used an egg, milk, and lemon juice wash and garbanzo bean flour breading for the rest of them. I baked them in the oven on 380 degrees F for about 45 minutes. They were so delicious!

Then we decided to go get groceries at Costco.

I didn't get to rest and though I am really tired, I do not feel much worse for it. And I don't have to cook for days and days! Well, except for the fish I have to cook tomorrow! [It wasn't as thawed as the chicken!]

The end.

Sick Day

2010-05-14T22:52:00.001-04:00

Ben and I are having a sick day today. That is all.

Ben's Song

2010-05-13T21:38:00.000-04:00

Tonight, Ben and I made a video. He has been asking me to sing "you are my sunshine" every day-all day since last Wednesday when I sang it to him at a doctor appointment. We recorded it tonight!

I posted it to youtube, here's the link: You Are My Sunshine

Just Playin'

2010-05-12T12:00:00.004-04:00

In The Yard Now

2010-05-11T21:09:00.000-04:00

I Am Content

2010-05-10T21:26:00.000-04:00

Phillipians 4:10-13
I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you have been concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.

Breathing

2010-05-09T21:22:00.002-04:00

That's it. Just breathing today! Love you!

Happy Mother's Day!

2010-05-08T22:18:00.000-04:00

More Than A Mother
When God set the world in place,
when He hung the stars up in space,
when He made the land and the sea,
then He made you and me.
He sat back and saw all that was good,
He saw things to be as they should.
Just one more blessing He had in store;
He created a mother, but whatever for?
He knew a mother would have a special place
to shine His reflection on her child's face.
A mother will walk the extra mile
just to see her children smile.
She'll work her fingers to the bone
to make a house into a home.
A mother is there to teach and guide,
a mother will stay right by your side.
She'll be there through your pain and strife,
she'll stay constant in your life.
A mother will lend a helping hand
until you have the strength to stand.
She'll pick you up when you are down,
when you need a friend she'll stick around.
A mother is one who listens well,
will keep her word; will never tell.
A mother never pokes or pries
but stands quietly by your side,
giving you the strength you need,
encouraging you to succeed.
A mother is one who can be strong
when you need someone to lean on.
You're more than a mother to me;
a reflection of Him in your face I see,
a love that knows no boundaries.
I'm glad that you chose to be
all this and more to me.
You share a love that knows no end,
you're more than my mother,
you are my friend.
by Kari Keshmiry

Food Waste Friday & Other Stuff

2010-05-07T21:55:00.001-04:00

I didn't have any food waste this week. I didn't even have any leftovers!!! YAY!!!

The other day I hemmed some tablecloths for the church Girlfriends Unlimited group. Here are the decorative hems I did! It was fun!

I made some assorted shapes and initial bookmarks for Mother's Day. We will give them to the ladies at CFC on Sunday.

National Day of Prayer

2010-05-06T21:19:00.000-04:00

"The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in Him" Nahum 1:7

I counted about 90 events listed on the NDP website in Kentucky alone. I know of several that were not listed there. I am sure there are others that I don't know about. There are 120 counties in Kentucky. For me, that's comforting! Kentucky prays!

KEY BIBLE VERSES ON PRAYER:
PRAYER CONTENT : GOOD GOVERNMENT 1Tim 2.1 2.2; GOSPEL WORKERS Mt 9.38; THE LORD’S PRAYER Mt 6.9-6.13; ALL CONCERNS Php 4.6 Eph 6.18; THE WAY PAUL PRAYED Col 1.9 Eph 1.17 1.18; WITH PRAISE AND THANKSGIVING Heb 13.15 Php 4.6; WITH TONGUES AND INTERPRETATION Jude 20 1Cor 14.13 ACCORDING TO GOD’S WILL 1Jo 5.14 5.15. WITH NO LOVE FOR INIQUITY Ps 66.18 Jas 5.16. BY REMAINING IN CHRIST AND IN THE WORD John 15.7. IN FAITH Mt 21.22 Jn 14.13 Mk 11.24. WITH FORGIVENESSMk 11.25. WITH ASKING Mt 7.7. WITH EARNESTNESS Jas 5.16. FOR GOD’S GLORY 1Cor 10.31 Mt 6.13 Jas 4.3. IN THE SPIRIT Jud 1.20. IN HUMILITY Mt 6.5 2Chr 7.14. IN LOVE 1Cor 16.14. IN JESUS’ NAME Jn 14.13. WITH DETERMINATION Lk 18.2. PRAYING IN THE SPIRIT 1Cor 14.2 14.15 Eph 6.18; Jud 1.20 1.21; Rom 8.26 8.27 PRAYER COMMITMENT: WITHOUT CEASING 1The 5.17 5.18 ; WAITING ON GOD Hos 10.12; WITH WATCHFULNESS Col 3.2 Eph 6.18 Lk 21.36; WITH ENDURANCE Lk 18.1; ABOUT EVERYTHING Php 4.6 4.7; FOR OTHERS 1Sam 12.23.

Time Flies When You're Having Fun

2010-05-05T21:01:00.000-04:00

It's been a whirlwind 'round here! I have so much to do 'before I start my job.' I know - I don't have the job yet...but I believe that I will have that job! I have a 2nd interview tomorrow morning at 10:00 am. I will meet with the Director of the Department. He will make the final decision. Exciting and scary at the same time!

I must be away to prepare for tomorrow and get my children to bed. Pray for me for tomorrow!

Happy Birthday, Daddy!

2010-05-04T07:30:00.000-04:00

Today is my Daddy's birthday! {He was born in 1945.} He's awesome!!!

Family Art Evening

2010-05-03T21:17:00.002-04:00

Last night Daniel wanted some "No Electronics" time and I got a big piece of paper and all five of us drew with crayons, markers, and pencils for about and hour and a half. It was really fun and very interesting to see how differently we all draw.

Here's a portion of the artwork:

Confidence

2010-05-02T21:27:00.000-04:00

Main Entry: con·fi·dence
Pronunciation: \ˈkän-fə-dən(t)s, -ˌden(t)s\
Function: noun
Date: 14th century

1 a : a feeling or consciousness of one's powers or of reliance on one's circumstances b : faith or belief that one will act in a right, proper, or effective way
2 : the quality or state of being certain : certitude

I just want to thank my friends and family for instilling in me and reminding me that I am confident. I have confidence. Just by faith, I am perfectly confident and capable.

So are you - if you need help with it, I'm your girl. I have a lot of things to share!

My sister-in-law sent me a picture from last weekend at her home. She titled it "Elizabeth, the exec." It made me laugh and reminded me that unemployment does not define me.

This is What Happens...

2010-05-01T22:40:00.000-04:00

...when nature takes it's course:

The rest of the story...

2010-04-30T23:23:00.000-04:00

So, we went to the La Grange Wendy's and apparently they are about to do a remodel on that store. There was a group of corporate types measuring and discussing and sketching and taking pictures. It so happened that the lady behind the column below, was taking pictures that we were going to be in, so I whipped out my camera and started taking pictures of her, too. She laughed and ran away with her hand over her face. It just so happens that she was directly behind that column when the camera snapped the shot and I only took that one photo of her - she was dressed really cute - it's a shame I didn't get any better shots of her!

The corporates were very kind and attentive and as the restaurant began to get more busy, they went outside in front of the building to talk. Walter went out and told them how much he appreciates the gluten free items on their menu. They were very pointedly appreciative that he took the time to come outside and tell them in person that he was happy with his experiences at Wendy's.

Two of them came back in and talked with us about 1) their experiences with allergies and 2) wanted to know which items Ethan can eat and how we discovered them. Walter took them over to the nutritional menu on the wall and explained in detail.

It was a nice experience. It's very nice to be able to take our entire family to a restaurant and order food without hesitation or worry that Ethan will get glutened. Thanks, Wendy's!!! We love you!

Wendy's

2010-04-29T21:58:00.000-04:00

Tonight the coolest thing happened when we ate dinner at the local Wendy's. I will tell you more about it tomorrow as I am kinda whooped from a long and wonderful day. A dear friend brought me breakfast, my wonderful husband took me to lunch, and my amazing family took me to dinner. Also, just watched Sherlock Holmes with Walter. It was good, creative, funny, and very dark - while still being quite entertaining. Tomorrow is Oaks Day, then Saturday, The Kentucky Derby. {I have a little clue for you that bet...the fastest horse is going to win! -*-shhhhhh-*-}

Good night, all!

What Have I Done?!

2010-04-28T21:17:00.000-04:00

Benjamin is showing signs of obsessive floor cleaning. He also makes sure the doors and walls are spot free. I would be really happy about this, only, he's very aggressive if I don't get him baby wipes immediately so that he can clean as soon as he sees the offending marks. "But the SPOT, Mom! THE SPOT!!!"

Oh, Lord. What have I done?

Girlfriends

2010-04-27T23:59:00.001-04:00

On Monday night, I attended the CFC Girlfriends Unlimited meeting at Karen's Book Barn. We had a lot of fun and learned a lot about what makes us who we are. I am an Espresso-Chai! I love my girlfriends!

Happy That Aunt Meredith is Back in Town!

2010-04-26T20:50:00.000-04:00

Crazy Weekend

2010-04-25T22:16:00.000-04:00

This has been a non-stop, action packed, fun, wild, and crazy weekend. Friday night we had company for dinner and they stayed late. Ethan spent the night away. Saturday, Walter had men's group at church, I went to lunch and window shopping with a friend, came home and made pralines, and then I went to practice for Real All-Out Worship {RAW} which started at 6:30. After that, a bunch of us went from church to DQ for blizzards. Today I went to church two hours early for praise and worship practice, then church, then lunch at Meredith and Terry's where we stayed all day, then dinner and Rack-o with the Nafzigers.

Tomorrow evening at 6:30 pm is the CFC La Grange Girlfriends Unlimited gathering at Karen's Book Barn. If you are local and a lady, please come join us!!!

I'm exhausted. I'm going to bed!!! Goodnight!

UGH! I Broke My Own Streak!

2010-04-24T08:59:00.000-04:00

I was trying to blog every day for a month! I was super busy yesterday around the house and we had company until late last night. I was too tired to blog- it didn't even cross my mind!

This morning I am chillin' and watching the Kentucky Derby Festival Marathon on the television. My friend and pastor, Nancy Basler is running the mini and her son Chris is running too!!! GO BASLERS!!! Nancy will be running in the IronMan this August.

Today I am going to make pralines for my lovely friend Renae and then this evening at 6:30, I will be at church to sing and worship at RAW {real all-out worship}.

I am not too disappointed that I missed a day because my life is not inside this blog - this blog would not even exist if I didn't have such a great life going on in out in the real world! Have a super fantastic day!

Happy Earth Day

2010-04-22T14:45:00.000-04:00

My Test Kitchen

2010-04-21T15:01:00.000-04:00

Today I created my very first gluten free flour mixture. I was using a commercial mix and it became exceedingly expensive overnight and my local store stopped carrying it. I considered purchasing it in large quantities online, but it was still too expensive for our current budget. I used some of the GF flour we had on hand and created the following mixture. I will use this mainly for baking cakes and cookies for Ethan, but I think it will also work very well for a breading on meat.

ElizaUnder's Gluten Free Flour Mixture 1

2 Cups Brown Rice Flour
2 Cups White Rice Flour
1 1/3 Cups Potato Starch
2/3 Cup Almond Meal/Flour

I have a favorite basic cookie recipe that I have shared here in the past. I always used the store-bought prepackaged mixture to make the cookies. I also used the mix for the GF Tres Leches Cake that everyone loves. Unfortunately, I baked the cake with another flour over the weekend and it was just not anywhere near the quality we were used to. All but a few pieces of it are still sitting in the fridge. Unheard of!

Today I made the cookies with the mixture I created and they turned out a bit different, but still very good. Ethan liked them very much and that really is the most important thing in all of this!!!

Here's the cookie recipe:

Butter Pecan Cookies

Wet Ingredients:
2/3 Cup Butter, Room Temperature
3/4 Cup Brown Sugar
1/2 teaspoon Vanilla
1 Egg
4 teaspoons Milk (I used 2%)

Dry Ingredients, Combine in bowl:
2 Cups Gluten Free Flour
1 1/2 teaspoons Salt
1 teaspoon Xanthan Gum

Add Last:
1/2 Cup Pecan Pieces

Preheat Oven to 375° F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper (or grease the baking sheet).

Cream butter, sugar, and vanilla. Add egg and beat until light and fluffy. Incorporate milk completely.

Add dry ingredients slowly to creamed mixture. Add pecans and mix.

Drop teaspoon size balls on parchment lined baking sheet. The cookies do not spread out so can be placed close together for baking.

Makes about 5 dozen cookies.

Take Charge Tuesday

2010-04-20T20:37:00.000-04:00

Today I took charge of my laundry. I am still trying to finish it up and it's nearly bedtime. I have completed 5 loads, there is one in the dryer and one in the washer. I will leave the last one in the dryer overnight...it's nothing that has to be hung up!

I still have to go bathe my little Ben and myself!

Daniel was a champ doing his homework this afternoon.

Ethan is a blessing to me!

I have had a glorious, blessed day. I hope you have too.

Meet Baby Noah! He's such a doll! We are blessed to have such a new joy in our extended family!

Interview Day

2010-04-19T21:11:00.000-04:00

Today I had an interview at a prominent and important company in downtown Louisville. I was a temp in the same office from October to mid-December 2008, but in a different job. It was so nice to see the people there and very exciting to have the opportunity to interview for a permanent position at such a wonderful place. I know I would love the job - many of the responsibilities are just exactly the kinds of tasks I excel at and have a passion for. I am believing that this is MY job!

Here's a picture from the parking garage:

Giveaway Announcement!

2010-04-18T17:34:00.001-04:00

Today is the day!

There were three comments on the giveaway blog!!!

Random Integer Generator

Here is your random number:

KODI! You are the winner. Please contact me at e {at} abluestone {dot} com with your contact information so that I can send your prize to you.

Thank you for participating in the Creative Flourish Giveaway. I will have another giveaway in May!

Don't forget:
I have a job interview tomorrow, Monday, April 19th at 9:30 am. {Pray with me!!!}
&
Vote for my blog!

Thunder

2010-04-17T22:12:00.000-04:00

Today we celebrated Thunder Over Louisville. We stayed home and this evening had a cookout with dear friends. Some of the planes that participate in the airshow fly out over La Grange and circle until the time to fly over the river downtown. We saw several different planes and are watching the fireworks now all snuggled up in the cozy house. It's cold outside!

Here are a few pictures from today:

Food Waste Friday

2010-04-16T08:12:00.001-04:00

I don't have any food waste this week!!!!

Here's a picture of the beautiful sunrise this morning:

Don't forget:
I have a job interview on Monday, April 19th!!! YAY! {Pray with me!!!}

Vote for my blog!

Comment on my Giveaway post for a chance to win!

Water, Water Everywhere!

2010-04-15T15:11:00.002-04:00

Today, Walter, Ben, and I went out for coffee. We left the house around 7:25 and drove by the Oldham County Main Library to drop off some videos so they would not be overdue when the library opened at 9:30. When we dropped the videos in the drop box, we noticed water dripping off the gutters and windows. I remarked about how the gutters should not be leaking on such a new building! Walter stated that there shouldn't be water, it hadn't rained. As we began to pull away, I noticed what looked like water drops on the inside of the window pane. Walter and I both began to put all the facts together and jumped out of the car to peek inside. We immediately saw water on the floor, dripping from the ceiling, and running out of the cracks around the windows. It was awful!!!

I could not think who to call in this kind of emergency! I called 911. The operator said she would figure out who to call and we hung up.

We went to the front doors of the library and looked inside. The foyer tile was wet, but not in deep water. The children's area carpet was wet. We peered into the meeting room windows and that carpet was absolutely soaked. We looked into the office and reception area windows and there was water dripping from the ceiling onto the tiles in the middle of the library. We were both just overcome with emotion! We wanted help to come!!!

After about 20 or 30 minutes, a gentleman from the public works department arrived. He looked around and began to make calls for help. Soon another man came from the utility department. He looked around and decided to turn off the main water line. I had been making calls trying to find the home phone number for the library director. Walter had emailed her from his iphone soon after we discovered the flood but we were afraid she would not get the message until she came to work. I called the receptionist at the elementary school and asked her to check around for the number and call me back. She did call right back with the number that the school librarian had found. Walter called the number and spoke with the library director. She had already received a call from the La Grange dispatcher and was hurriedly getting ready to come over to the library.

We felt we had done all we could at that point and headed out to Karen's Book Barn for our coffee.

After lunch this afternoon, Walter, Ben, and I went over to see what was going on at the library. There were Servepro trucks and and electrician van on site. There were closed signs in the door windows. We got to meet the Director, Susan Eubank. She was so thankful we had noticed the water and called for help! There is quite a bit of water damage, especially to the office side of the building and out to the reception desk. Ms. Eubank said that they hope to reopen the library on Monday.

Here are some pictures:

Yesterday, while we were walking around the hood, we noticed a neighbors water spigot was running and part of their yard was flooded. They were not home, so we turned it off for them.

A few minutes ago, Walter called me and said that there is water running down the wall in one of the server rooms at his work. It's condensation from the HVAC system on the roof.

Last year, my two youngest children left the water running in the upstairs bathroom sink and flooded our upstairs and destroyed part of our den ceiling.

Be careful with the water in and around your home and business!!!

The Challenge of Celiac Disease

2010-04-14T09:40:00.003-04:00

About a year ago, my ten-year-old son Ethan was ill. He was suffering from horrible abdominal pain and nausea off and on for months. He missed more than 3 weeks of school. We took him to the doctor several times with no real solutions for his issues. Finally at the end of April 2009, we took him to the emergency room due to the intensity of his pain. Initially, the ER doctor believed that Ethan was faking or being over dramatic because he was enjoying the activities of the ER so much! He was CAT scanned and it was determined that he might have an inflamed appendix. We were advised to take him to the children's hospital in downtown Louisville. The doctor at Kosair Children's Hospital determined that Ethan did have an inflamed appendix and they scheduled him for surgery the next morning. The next day they removed his appendix and the doc reported that it was worse than they thought but hard to see due to the fact that it was positioned in an awkward place. We were so relieved!

Unfortunately, Ethan did not improve over the next few days. His pain increased. The nurse brought him whatever he wanted to eat - ham sandwiches, noodle soup, crackers.

Later, Ethan's primary care doctor called us and said that the testing he had done did indicate that Ethan had Celiac Disease! We were poisoning him by feeding him all of those glutened foods!!!

{Celiac Disease (CD) is a lifelong, digestive disorder affecting children and adults. When people with CD eat foods that contain gluten, it creates an immune-mediated toxic reaction that causes damage to the small intestine and does not allow food to be properly absorbed. Even small amounts of gluten in foods can affect those with CD and cause health problems. Damage can occur to the small bowel even when there are no symptoms present.

Gluten is the common name for the proteins in specific grains that are harmful to persons with celiac disease. These proteins are found in ALL forms of wheat (including durum, semolina, spelt, kamut, einkorn and faro) and related grains rye, barley and triticale and MUST be eliminated.}

Over this past year, we have changed many things about our lives so that Ethan can function more easily. We buy a lot of items that are gluten free. We read labels - every label! We don't take chances with gluten contamination. I cook and bake a lot so that Ethan can have cookies, bread, cake, brownies, and eat meals seamlessly with the rest of the family. We pack Ethan's lunch for school every day. We all eat less gluten in the attempt to have Ethan eat none!

Ethan has gained 20 pounds in the year since his diagnosis. He is healthier and stronger! He is not always happier since he does feel singled out from time to time because he can't just eat anything he wants but overall, I think he's done very well with this life changing disorder.

The internet has been an awesome tool for research and Celiac and Gluten-Free knowledge. Ethan is willing to do research to find out if he can eat something.

Here are some helpful internet sites:
Celiac Disease Foundation
Celiac.com
Gluten Freeville
My Celiac Blog
CeliacChicks
Glutenfreemall.com
Gluten-Free Girl
GlutenFree.com
LiveGlutenFreely.com
Gluten Free Candy

Facebook has many groups that support celiacs and the gluten-free lifestyle. I find a lot information there interesting and helpful. There is much discussion that helps me understand more about what to buy, what to avoid, and there are many recipes offered too!

Here are some of those sites:
Jules Gluten Free Flour
GlutenFreeville
Gluten-Free-Girl

There are a few restaurants we have found to be reliable when it comes to gluten-free service. The GF menus are very limited, but when your celiac kid wants to eat out, it's nice to have a place to go! {We do not eat out very often!} If you decide to trust other people with your child's health, make sure you are very clear when ordering that they have an allergy to gluten. You can ask for a GF menu, or speak with the manager. NOTE: We have done research on all of the places before we went - or been very proactive in making sure the server/manager clearly understood our situation. We have not been disappointed or glutened at the following places in our area.

Wendy's
Chick fil a
Martini's
Olive Garden
Red Robin

So, though we have had some challenges, we feel like we have become pretty comfortable in the GF world. We are still new at this, but it's so much easier and less frightening than it was at first.

Just an FYI: These brownies are super-delicious! {Comparison shop for lowest prices!} Bob's Gluten Free Brownie Mix. My sister said they were better than normal brownies!!! :-)

PS - I have a job interview on Monday, April 19th!!! YAY!
PPS - Don't forget to vote for my blog!
PPPS - Comment on the Giveaway post for a chance to win!

Notecard Set Giveaway!!!

2010-04-13T07:58:00.000-04:00

I am giving away this notecard set! Six pink and green layered flat note cards with matching envelopes, handmade by yours truly {me!}.

All you have to do to have a chance to win is comment on this blog post. Make sure your name is either in the comment user-info or in the comment text itself so that I can contact you if you are the winner! Please, only one comment per person! I will use a random number generator to choose the winner. Comments will be accepted from today {post time} until midnight on Saturday, April 17, 2010.

The winner will be announced on Sunday, April 18, 2010.

I can hardly wait to see your comments and who wins!!!

Have a great day!

Quiet Day on the Home Front

2010-04-12T20:13:00.000-04:00

Today I hung up some of the clothes my mom gave me while we were in Virginia. The reason I didn't hang them all up is that I used all of the empty hangers in the house and needed to go buy more to finish. (Mom - I cannot thank you enough! {love})

Tomorrow I am going to have a GIVEAWAY on this blog!!! All you have to do to have a chance to win is comment on the giveaway post. I will choose a winner with the random number generator. Don't forget to check back tomorrow to see if I have anything you want to win!!!

Here's a picture of my dad, because I love him too!!!

Road Trip Day, Butt-Nugget

2010-04-11T20:10:00.002-04:00

Today we made the trip back home to La Grange from Highland County, Virginia. It took us about eight hours which, I think, is a record for us!!! The boys were great for the majority of the trip and slept for the last few hours. They woke up about 45 minutes before we got home and as we approached our neighborhood I said, "That's our water tower, what does that mean?" and Benjamin replied, "It means we're almost home, Butt-Nugget." That child is a giggle a minute. He says the funniest things.

I received a note from bloginterviewer the other day requesting an interview from me about this blog. Someone (Who was it?!) submitted this blog to them as one worthy of their review. I did submit an interview and today got word that I am one of their currently featured sites! YAY!!! Starting this month they are giving away over $1,000 in prizes to the top 18 rated bloggers for the month of April. If you'd like to vote for me you can click the link in the right sidebar or go to the blog interview and click on the "Vote Now" button {it is hard to see...the vote now button is kind of lost in the text at the top}. The top rated blogs are also showcased on the sidebar of their site for everyone to see. I guess I'd like the extra publicity this might bring...

The boys and I had a wonderful week with my Mom, Dad, and sister this week. It's been a real blessing to get to spend some time with them. That said, I am so happy to be home!

Horseradish From Root to Ready to Eat

2010-04-10T20:49:00.000-04:00

Game Night

2010-04-09T20:15:00.001-04:00

We spent a lazy day around the house today. Ethan worked on his Advanced Math project that is due on Monday and the little boys went outside until they were too cold - over and over and over! It was 37 degrees this morning and didn't warm up a lot all day. Tonight we had a wonderful dinner and then played Sorry! and dominoes. We have one more day and night before we head for home. It's kinda sad that we have to go so soon, but we have had so much fun!

Rainy Day & Beauty Products

2010-04-08T20:29:00.001-04:00

Today I did some laundry and cleaned up around the house. We were expecting some rain so I wanted to be free to play with the boys if we were house bound. I made an awesome loaf of gluten free bread - it rose like crazy! This afternoon we decided to go over to my brother's house for dinner with his family. It was nice to see him and his family though the visit was short. My brother and his wife are each self employed and with 3 boy at home have super hectic schedules.

It is raining and has cooled off quite a bit. We are enjoying a cozy evening in front of the TV!

Recently I tried a new acne product on my minimal but very annoying forehead and chin/jawline flareups. Neutrogena Rapid Clear 2-in-1 Fight and Fade Gel is a wonderful product. It has reduced the amount of acne and the discoloration it causes. I am very, very pleased with it! If you need help with acne, I would highly recommend this product. (No one at Neutrogena knows who I am and I am not being paid to promote this product!)

Vacation Is Tiring But Oh So Good!!!

2010-04-07T20:32:00.005-04:00

Today was busy - we drove to Charlotesville via Staunton where we picked up Jeannie and her grandson. They had lunch with us and then we spent some time in Whole Foods Market. It was fun and very nice to spend time together. We took them home and ran a few errands during which the boys got really tired and we decided to head for the hills without visiting our former church home. This evening we had dinner at an eatery in Monterey. Afterward we took a little walk in town where we took the above photo. The Highland Inn has been in business since 1904!

Another Day at the Water Park!

2010-04-06T21:14:00.002-04:00

On The Road Today

2010-04-05T16:35:00.003-04:00

We departed the house (La Grange, Kentucky) this morning at 7:19 am. We stopped in Shelbyville, Kentucky, a rest stop somewhere a few hours east of there, Tamarack (Beckley) in West Virginia, and Covington, Virginia. We arrived in McDowell around 3:45 pm.

The boys did well in the car and I'm a little sore from driver's seat dancing but very happy that it went so well!

Here is some joy from us to you:

Happy Easter!

2010-04-04T20:53:00.001-04:00

Some of my favorite pictures from this day...