all the pretty flowers

Happy 6th Birthday Rosie!

2011-02-21T09:52:00.004-05:00

She's six years old already! She started kindergarden this fall and after Christmas switched to a full day kindergarden program where she is doing great! My Rosie is growing up!

We spent the weekend celebrating starting with a trip to a hotel that had a small water park, thanks to Grandma! We all had a blast! Rosie LOVES to swim and asks for the same thing every year for her birthday! She's a great swimmer and takes it very seriously. I'm going to have to sign her up for some lessons very soon.

She's such a sweet big sister. Here she is comforting Daisy thru a scary trip thru the carwash!

Saturday evening Grammy, and Aunt Heidi, Uncle Mark and the cousins came over to celebrate.

Here her cousin Kyle is trying very hard not to blow out her candles! He just turned 6 last month and they are best buddies.

She got a pillow pet she's been hoping for.

We ended the festivities with a tea party with the girls at a local restaurant. What a bunch of cuties!

My Nephew!

2010-12-09T11:14:00.002-05:00

Announcing my nephew!

Giovanni Zaccai Torres was born at
7:18pm on Friday November 5th, 2010. He weighed 6 lbs. 10 oz and
was 18 1/2 " long

This is a big deal for my side of the family! He's the first boy!

I was blessed to have been at his birth. I was able to serve my sister as doula throughout her labor at the hospital. It was a beautiful natural labor. She is an amazing mamma!

These are my girls' hands feeling his sweet softness as they met him for the first time. Rosie is holding him in this photo. She is especially enamored of him. She has been wishing for a baby boy in the family. She is so wonderful with babies and really prides herself on her baby holding skills!

Plan B

2010-09-27T14:45:00.000-04:00

Rich and I have been collaborating with the Beerhorst family on an Artprize entry this year! It has been an exciting opportunity to put on public display some of the practices we have been learning and exploring in our lives over the past few years. Here is the link to the artist Bio on the Artprize website.

Our Artprize 2010 will be an out door installation that will simulate a post peak oil world where electricity is only intermittent and almost everything used to keep daily life humming along has been... made out of preexisting products and materials. A combination of very old technologies with what can be patched together out of the rubble of what has been made before, fallen apart and left behind.It's exploring the idea that Plan A which we are currently living is very much taken for granted, but it's not as stable and secure as we all want to believe. We need to think about having a Plan B should this current infrastructure fail us.

My involvement in this project is around food security and learning to feed ourselves with out relying on massive amounts of resources to grow and ship food all over the world. We have built a beautiful outdoor kitchen (once again I find myself cooking outdoors!) that is fully functional, with Rocket stoves, a solar oven, an Ice box, displays of preserved foods and containers of growing lettuce and tomatoes!

Rich's composting toilet outhouse that we used on the farm last summer has been beautified and is also on display!

On opening day of Artprize, we had a procession with the Wonderwagon from the SE side of town all the way over to the Plan B venue on the shore of the Grand River. The kids rode in the wagon all the way and we were accompanied by drumming and chanting and banjo playing!

Artprize is a new event for Grand Rapids, and I can't believe the excitement and traffic thru downtown it has generated. If you are nearby, or can make a trip to GR it would be well worth it. There is so much to see and do! We'd be happy to provide some hospitality while your here!

There is daily family entertainment at the Plan B stage and live music every evening. Visit the Plan B facebook page or the blog to learn more about the schedule of events. If you are registered to vote, please consider voting for us! We are currently in the top 100, out of nearly 1700 entries!

Art Show

2010-09-26T08:29:00.000-04:00

I have been invited to show some of my recent photographs in an art show at Destination 1111 next weekend. I will be hanging some of my hipstamatic prints. If your in town, come out and see!

Here is a link to the woman's blog who is putting the show together. She has a nice write up on each of the artists.

Artist Statement:
I am a wife and momma to three beautiful little girls. I have worked as a photographer for over 10 years and I am also a professional Doula and Midwifery apprentice, which is a whole lot to juggle and I am always working at maintaining some kind of balance. Our family is living back in the city after an adventure living on a farm together last summer, learning to live more sustainably and interconnected to our local food supply. This year we are growing food in our neighborhood community garden and have been visiting local farms to pick fruit and most of my recent artistic work is based around these activities. I am learning and practicing old techniques of food preservation. Because as a mom, my hands are always full, I have taken to often photographing my life with my iphone as it is always in my pocket. I made these photographs with a vintage camera application that mimics photographs from toy cameras from an earlier era. I apprietiate the irony of using such a modern technological tool to create images that explore old ideas and practices that my generation has become so disconnected from.

Daisy's First Day of School!!

2010-09-24T10:40:00.003-04:00

Daisy started school! The Montessori school in our neighborhood where Rosie has been attending for the last 3 years, starts preschool at 3 years old. The classes are multi- age rooms so 3 year olds, four year olds, and kindergardeners all learn together. Daisy started school 2 weeks ago and she Rosie is going into kindergarten. Daisy is in Rosie's class and feels so special going to school with her big sister. Rosie feels very proud to take her under her wing and show her the ropes. It's nice because Daisy only goes 2 days a week, so Daisy can get used to things and Rosie still has plenty of space. Next year Rosie will move up to a 1st, 2nd, 3rd grade room and Daisy will have the class all to herself.

Daisy was so excited the morning that school started! She ran to get in line and followed Rosie with a huge grin on her face and clapping! She never would have looked back if Rich hadn't yelled goodbye to her. She turned and waved goodbye excitedly! When I picked her up at noon, she didn't even want to come home. I asked Rosie how she did at school and she said with a little smirk on her face, "She just sat at the snack table and ate snack the whole time!"

She's got some work to do learning about line theory and keeping her shoes on, but so far she loves school!

Gluten Free baked goods for Sale!!

2010-07-30T10:34:00.003-04:00

It's legal to sell baked goods made in a home kitchen! So I am going to give it a whirl.

Here's an article about the new law.

Here's what I will be making this week:

Peanut butter or chocolate chip cookies $.75each
Peach pie (pick up Sunday only) $15
Peach Cobbler $10
Zucchini bread $4
Banana bread $5
Zucchini brownies $5 a pan
whole chocolate cake $15
chocolate cupcakes $.75 each

...

Let me know today if your interested in ordering anything to be picked up either Saturday or Sunday this week. Spread the word to anyone you know who eats gluten free. If it goes well at home, I might work on getting a permanent spot at the market for next season.

Feel free to leave a message here or call me: (616) 318-1825

Learning about Food Preservation

2010-07-26T23:06:00.003-04:00

We are on a journey of finding a new way of eating, a way that is healthier not only for us, but for the local economy, our neighbors, and the planet. I just finished this book, it has provided me with a whole new sense of importance about this journey and a whole new set of tools for how to live in a more sustainable, healthy way. It was a really great read and I will be checking out her other books next.

and here's a poem I came across tonight that I thought was a sweet summary of what's so wonderful about preserving food:

When I go to see my grandma I gain a lot of weight

With her dear hands she gives me plate after plate.

She cans the pickles, sweet & dill

She cans the songs of the whippoorwill

And the morning dew and the evening moon

‘N’ I really got to go see her pretty soon

‘Cause these canned goods I buy at the store

Ain’t got the summer in them anymore.

-Greg Brown, Canned Goods

Picking Cherries!

2010-06-28T23:36:00.006-04:00

We picked Cherries at Wells Orchards last week. 49 pounds!

It was a beautiful day in the orchard with friends! The kids had fun and were very helpful! This is Lily with her detective hat on!

Daisy ate A LOT of cherries!

Rosie in her bonnet.

We packed a picnic and had lunch under the cherry trees!

Emilie and Rich picked most of those 49 pounds I think!

We spent the rest of the weekend washing and sorting cherries. I was worried that 49 pounds was too much, but we made short work of it! Emilie spent most of the week making cherry sauces and jams and canning. I froze 2 large freezers bags, made cherry sauce and dehydrated some. I also shared quite a few pounds with friends.

We have also been eating lots or rhubarb while it's been in season too. Kinda sad to see it go. I've got a few jars of sauce in the pantry for this winter.

We're looking forward to Blueberries and raspberries!
What's your favorite fresh local food?

Picking Strawberries

2010-06-12T13:29:00.001-04:00

A big family goal this year is to buy or pick and preserve as much local food as we can as it comes into season. So far we've been eating lots and lots of asparagus and rhubarb from the farmers market and we have been really falling in love with simple fresh eating!

Last weekend we picked organic strawberries together at Carmody Farms in Marne. We had a great time and came home with three flats of beautiful berries. They are smaller, but don't even compare to the pesticide laden huge ones that come from the grocery store. I will never buy those awful things again!

The girls had fun. They were great helpers for about the first hour, but got board and ended up playing in the lane on a picnic blanket with a few other kids who had tired of picking with their families.

thankfully as they showed us which row to pick, they gave instructions to eat as many berries as you want! The kids took full advantage, especially Daisy!

I spent the rest of the weekend in the kitchen with their sweet smell, washing and cutting their tops off.

Sunday morning we ate homemade waffles with strawberry sauce.

We froze most of them and I made two batches of strawberry jam.

I also canned some rhubarb sauce. It was very easy- just cook it down with a 1/4 cup of water and 3/4 of a cup of sugar. Oh, it's so amazing. I have heard we should try it on pork chops, but I know it's also going to be great on ice cream!

The thing I love the most about this journey, is realizing that these things are not as difficult as I imagine them to be, and they are also much more rewarding than I expected. Give it a try, I think you'll be surprised!

hatching chicks

2010-06-11T10:52:00.001-04:00

On a recent trip to visit the farm, the girls all scurried out of the van immediately upon our arrival and ran with their friends to the barn to collect eggs. It's their favorite job on the farm and they came back with a huge bucket of eggs. They put them in cartons and put them in the fridge. A bit later, I caught up with Rosie and her pockets were bulging and she was cradling something in the front of her shirt. She backed away from me defensively when I approached her and I saw that she had half a dozen eggs. I said, "Rosie we need to put those in the refridgerator, they are going to get broken." She looked at me with wide eyes and exclaimed, "But Mommy, these ones are not food!!!" I didn't really know how to respond, but I convinced her to at least put them in a carton and we set them aside and brainstormed how to handle the delicate situation. Jenna suggested we bring home the incubator and hatch them. The chickens on the farm free range with a couple of roosters so they were fertile eggs. Being the brave Momma that I am, I figured we'd give it a try. It'd be a good educational experience, right?

So we brought 15 eggs home. The first thing we learned was that the eggs don't start to develope until they have the right temperature of 102 degrees. So in the meantime they can be stored at room temperature on their sides. We did a little research and made up this calendar with the guidelines of how incubate the eggs, to hang by the incubator.

The incubation period was 21 days and since we didn't have the luxury of a self turning incubator, we (mom) had to turn the eggs a half turn, 3 times per day. We marked one side with an * and the other side with a number, 1-15 so we could keep track of the turning.

Exactly 21 days later, the hatching began! we just saw a little piping on most of the eggs (I guess that's what you call the little cracks they make with their egg tooth) I had started spraying the eggs with water a few days earlier to keep the shells moist, and when I sprayed them that morning, I jumped with surprise when I heard them peep in response from inside their shells! I called the girls downstairs and they sat next to the incubator in silence listening for the tiny little peeps! It was Memorial Day, so it was perfect, nobody had to go to school or work and we had no plans, so we just hung out and watched the eggs all day!

Lily made a book and sat at the kitchen table taking notes and documenting the whole process. She recorded which chicks hatched, what number they were and what color egg they came out of.

She awarded the first little chick to make his way out of it's egg with a blue ribbon:

It was so amazing to watch how hard they had to work to get out. They were so weak when they first hatched, it was hard to believe they would make it.

But they fluffed up in no time and began pecking around.

Thanks to Rosie the egg collector (as she signed her name on a gift carton of food eggs for grandma) these eggs were not food, they are little chicks and she got to be a part of the whole process!

There were 5 eggs that didn't ever begin to hatch. One of which was a full grown chick. One chick made significant progress pecking thru the shell and died sometime during the process. There was one poor little chick with deformed legs who didn't make it and another that never seemed to grow and died within a few days. The girls handled it very well. We had tried to prepare them for this reality from the beginning, another very hard, but valuable life lesson. I think we would have done much better if we had a self turning incubator and could have kept the temperature more constant. It seemed to fluctuate a lot and that can cause a lot of problems as the embryos develop.

In the end we have 7 healthy chicks who are growing sooo fast! We'll ship the roosters back to farmer Brian. If all goes well, we hope to keep a few hens in the backyard. The motion to change the city ordinance to allow chickens goes before the city this month and we're hoping and praying it gets approved.

Radical Homemaker: Reclaiming Domesticity From a Consumer Culture

2010-06-08T14:57:00.002-04:00

I can't do this book and the subject matter any justice by trying to explain it to you, you just have to read it!

Your Invited

2010-05-17T14:13:00.005-04:00

In case you didn't know, I am now a trained professional doula. I am working with families as both a photographer and a labor assistant. My passion is to equip and educate families to make the best choices for themselves to have an empowering and beautiful birth experience.

Here are a couple of upcoming local events. Please pass the info on to anyone you know who might be interested!

our fave restaurants

2010-04-14T16:45:00.009-04:00

Eating out can be sooooo frustrating when you have a food allergy. (*Please note, I understand that celiac is not an allergy, but I use the term because it's the one that everybody seems to get, and for the benefit of those here who are gluten free for other reasons) Even if the restaurant has something you could eat sometimes it's impossible to find out for sure because the staff is not educated on the issue. I get so upset when we encounter people in the food industry who lack the knowledge needed to answer our questions about the menu. I continually meet people who honestly don't even understand what wheat is! If you don't believe me, here is an example:

One time in a burger place I ordered my youngest daughter a burger without the bun, the waitress looked at me confused so I told her that my daughter couldn't have wheat. She replied, "Oh, we don't have wheat buns, we only have white buns." No joke.

Our worst experiences have taken place while traveling. It's so hard to go someplace your not familiar with. For a very long time after going gluten free, we didn't eat out at all. We still don't eat out as often as we used to, but it is so nice to be able to go out to eat sometimes, especially in social situations and on special occasions.

Here's a list of the places we frequent because they have gluten free options and are knowledgeable about it. Click on the name to visit their website.

Noodles - They really only have one gluten free entree, Pad Thai, but it's Lily's fave dish. I think some of the soups and definitely the salads are gluten free. They have great allergy info both in the store and on their website and when you order you tell them 'gluten allergy aware' and they will flag the order so that it is prepared separately from any gluten ingredients. Get a punch card, every 10th meal is free and be sure to sign up for their email list. They will send you a coupon for FREE noodles from time to time.

Qdoba- They actually have a lot of gluten free options. My kids love the gumbo soup. You can get any of the burritos 'naked' and have chips instead of the flour tortilla. If you go, make sure you get their loyalty card because every 8th entree is FREE! They also send good coupons to your email.

Marie Catrib's- What a great local place! They always have the best gluten free options, including gluten free bread for the sandwiches! They have both rye and white. The first time Rich went there and ordered a sandwich on Rye, he panicked after the first bite because it tasted sooooo good he couldn't believe it was gluten free and assumed they had made a mistake. The waitress reassured him it was gf and he enjoyed every bite! They also make really good hummus!

Brick Road Pizza - has gluten free Pizza! It's good and we love the atmosphere of the place but think it's quite pricey. But can you place a value on pizza night? Our eating habits have changed a lot over the years, and we don't crave pizza very often, but everybody deserves a pizza party from time to time!

Palace of India- Oh, soooo yummy. We have come to love Indian food, especially after discovering that the breading on the vegetable pekora is not wheat flour, but chickpea flour! Mmmmmm, fried califlower! Our favorite dish is the curry chicken.

I just bought a bunch of coupons for Brick Road, Palace of India and a few other local places at restaurant.com. They are having an 80% off sale till tomorrow, so hurry over there to buy yours! It makes eating out a whole lot more affordable! If you miss this sale, become their fan on Facebook to find out when they go on sale again!

One place we don't eat: APPLEBEES! and we learned that the hard way. I don't think I have ever had good service there and they are not very gluten free friendly. The last time we went there (we were traveling and didn't have a lot of options), poor Daisy had to sit sadly coveting me and Rosie's (glutenous) food, waiting for her dinner because they brought her food on a bun even after a lengthy conversation with the waitress about wheat and the fact that she couldn't have it. She obviously had no understanding of what your basic foods are made out of cause while ordering, AFTER I explained, she offered us pasta! Really. I just think if your gonna work in the food industry you should be required to have a basic knowledge of food. Maybe I'm asking too much.

Flour Mix Update

2010-04-14T16:32:00.000-04:00

I want to share again how I make my gluten free flour mix that I use for most of my general baking because I have developed a new system that is much cheaper and easier than buying flours at a health food store. These days I shop at ethnic markets.

On this journey of learning to eat gluten free in a culture that seems to think wheat is the only grain that exists we have learned that most other cultures in the world use a lot of other grains. We have always loved ethnic food. These days we eat a lot more of it and we have grown to love our local ethnic grocery stores.

For only about $1 a bag, I buy the flours for the flour mix at either the Wei Wei palace on Division Ave. near 44th St. or at Adong Asian Market also on Division near 36th st.

To make a batch of the flour mix, combine 3 16 oz bags of White Rice Flour

three 12 0z bags of Potato Starch

and 1/2 the bag of tapioca starch

stir the flours together well and store in an airtight container.

I usually mix up a double batch and it fills my BIG yellow tuperware container that I keep in the pantry and a smaller canister that I keep out on the counter.

I also buy sweet rice flour (glutinous, but don't worry, it contains no gluten) to use in cookies. Using 1/4 or maybe even less sweet rice flour of the total required flour amount for a cookie recipes makes them a little chewier. Don't use too much cause then it makes things very sticky.

We have also been shopping at the Indian market and expierimenting with Chic Pea flour. It makes the BEST batter for fried cauliflower by the way!

Hope this helps! Let me know what you bake and how it works for you!

Midtown Garden Clean Up Day

2010-03-25T12:50:00.003-04:00

No more snow!! It's spring!

Wanna see the Midtown garden and lend a hand to clean up and get ready for planting? Come out this weekend!

Date:	Saturday, March 27, 2010
Time:	10:00am - 2:00pm
Location:	61 Holland St. NE Grand Rapids

You don't have to stay the whole time, just come when you can.

To make sure your in the know, we're on Facebook! Become a fan!

Jennifer Holshoe is a fan of

Midtown Community Garden

Create your Fan Badge

Seed Starting party!

2010-03-18T13:24:00.007-04:00

It's Spring!! (I know, I heard it's still going to snow, I don't care!)

Click on the pic to see the event on Facebook.

Come celebrate with us! Saturday, we are going to start some seeds for the Midtown Community Garden, but you are welcome to come out and get your hands dirty with us! We are going to do some indoor seed starting and some winter sowing. Bring some milk jugs or other plastic containers and seeds if you've got them, we've got dirt and some seeds to share. You don't have to be a Midtown neighborhood resident or commit to working in the garden. If your excited about spring and gardening, even if you've never done it before, come on over and let's get our hands dirty together! If you want to help us start the plants for the garden that's great, or if you want to take some starts home, that's fine too. We'll be working inside, so don't worry about the weather report!

We went out to the farm last night for the first time and saw all the brand new baby sheep! I love spring! There are something like 17 baby lambs so far this spring, 7 lambs born yesterday alone!

This is Percy! Her momma isn't doing a very good job at nursing her so we fed her a bottle. She is soooo sweet! Her name is short for persistent, because in spite of her mom's (sheep are not very smart) head butts she doesn't give up trying to nurse.

Remember Pìo?She's big now!!

HAPPY SPRING!

Lily is 7!

2010-03-13T16:39:00.000-05:00

...and I just can't get my mind around it. Time keeps moving faster and faster. How is my baby seven years old??!!...

my teeny little 6 pound baby I used to bath in the sink

My toddler who'd spend hours playing in the water "doing the dishes"...

the little girl I couldn't get out of her pink flannel nightgown once for over a week and who wore a leotard everyday for a year?

the kid who celebrates Halloween everyday...

and can always make you laugh...

the most photogenic child I ever aimed a camera at...

is 7 years old.
She's growing up.

She's always been a very intense child, with a VERY strong will and full of energy! None of that has changed, but she is really learning how to channel her energy in a more productive way and she has matured so much in the last year, it brings me so much joy.

Just as any mother's first baby does, Lily has changed my life in every way and I am so thankful for her.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY LILY!!

Gluten Free Chocolate Chip Cookies, YUM!

2010-03-12T16:05:00.006-05:00

Lily's birthday is this weekend and she wanted to bring some chocolate chip cookies to school today to share with her class so I tried the Better Homes and Garden's chocolate chip recipe because I wasn't too impressed with the gluten free recipes I have made in the past. They turned out amazing and I really don't think most people would even be able to tell that they are gluten free.

Most of my best gluten free baking recipes have come from the

Better Homes and Garden cookbook.

I think it's because they are very standard recipes using basic old fashioned baking techniques.

Here's the recipe:
Essential Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

and here's how I converted it to gluten free flours,
it calls for 2 1/2 cups of wheat flour so instead I used:

1 cup of the flour mix (stay tuned for an update about this)

1 cup chick pea flour (look for Ladu Beasan at the Indian Market)

1/2 cup sweet rice flour

and I added 1 tsp xanthum gum.

The end result was chewy inside and crunchy around the edges. The texture and consistency was just like good old homemade chocolate chip cookies! If you try this recipe yourself, let me know what you thought and what flours you tried!

The Midtown Community Garden

2010-03-12T13:34:00.003-05:00

Rich and I are getting more involved with our new neighborhood and have decided to take on organizing the Midtown Community Garden along with Amy this season! If you live in the Midtown Neighborhood, we have a great neighborhood association, and there's lots going on!

We've created a Facebook group for the garden. Become a fan to find out about upcoming events and see us grow!

The first order of business is cleaning up the site. March 27th is the day! Time and Directions to follow. Come on out, pitch in and see what's going on.

Other upcoming neighborhood events:

April 24: Fulton Street Farmers Market Clean Up

May 15: Perennial Plant Exchange at the Midtown Green

Happy Spring!

Apples

2010-03-12T08:56:00.000-05:00

I wasn't much of a fan of applesauce until I made it myself. It has been an amazing addition to our winter meals and tastes nothing like that stuff you buy in the store. These are the four very special cans of chunky cinnamon applesauce I made (the chunky is a little more work because you have to peel the apples). We just finished off the last one the other night, so sad. We still have regular applesauce and applebutter in the pantry though to get us thru the rest of the winter.

Making and preserving applesauce is so easy! If I can do it in an outdoor kitchen while living in a camper trailer with three kids, you can too!! I promised I'd show you how so here it is:

First gather your supplies:

*apples - its good to have a mixture of different apples, some sweet and some tart.

*sugar and cinnamon and spices
*canning jars and new lids - you can't reuse the lids, just the bands.
*water bath canner*big pot for sterilizing jars*pot for sterilizing lids
*jar lifter, hot pads, thermometer and timer, a magnetic wand to pick up the lids is helpful too.
*crock pot or two
*food mill

Cook up the apples. I used a mix of apples from the farm, which were very tart, and some big sweet apples from Rich's Grandad's orchard. We buy their seconds for applesauce. They are much cheaper, they are just irregular in shape or have some blemishes.

I love using the slow cooker and letting them cook on low over night.

Next, run the apples thru the food mill to get out all the skins.

then add your cinnamon and sugar for applesauce, and nutmeg and allspice for apple butter. Cook a little longer then can it!

Here's a good article with step by step canning instructions.

I am looking forward to lot's more preserving this growing season! I was thinking it would be very fun to form a local canning co-op. We could get together and bring all our produce and work together. We could have a pickle party when the cucumbers start coming in. When the peaches are ripe we could get together and peel peaches together, making a very monotonous task a little more fun. What do you think?

Mommas! Your invited to the April Materni-Tea

2010-03-10T12:39:00.003-05:00

If you are pregnant and interested in learning more about birth and parenting options and resources, this would be a wonderful event to attend! The Sage Birth Co-op hosts one each month.

Lily's new Dress

2010-03-10T12:30:00.000-05:00

I'm a sucker.

Lily found some fancy fabric in my stash and was determined to sew herself a dress out of it. So I found a pattern for a dress in her size that said "very easy" and figured I could whip it out for her, I put my projects on hold again...

It took two days and the "very easy" statement kinda made me feel very stupid!

The pattern is Butterick B4906

It's not a bad pattern, I have just never attempted a dress before, which is why I wonder now why I thought I would be capable of "whipping one out"!!

But anyway, I did manage to finish it and here is the end result:

It looks good in the photo...You can't see my mistakes! I will just tell you, I thought I would make things easier and do buttons rather than a zipper, but it turned into a disaster. I accidentally put the button holes on the wrong side and my machine went crazy and messed them all up! I was able to salvage things, but next time I'll go for the zipper.

I made some barrettes out of our fabric scrap roses and they looked pretty in Lily's hair. She wants this be her Easter Dress, so know I feel obligated to sew two more!! Maybe they'll go fast since they'd be smaller and now I know what I'm doing!?

Ayana

2010-03-09T12:55:00.000-05:00

Just wanted to share a few pics of my adorable niece Ayana!

I went to my sister's house to take these. There's something so precious about a wet baby! I just love it when they still fit in the sink! That's how I always bathed my little ones.

I've been taking lots of pictures lately and really enjoy working with natural light theses days. These are in her room:

She LOVES her sunglasses!

Uncle Rich

Prayers

2010-03-09T11:59:00.000-05:00

I have been meaning to share with you a very special craft project for a while now.

What my niece went thru in December was very scary. It was a very difficult time for our family. It was had to know how to deal with such traumatic news. She is so sweet... It was so hard to watch her go thru all the poking and testing in the hospital.

The hospital room was overwhelming and scary, so clinical and medical. I wanted to bring in some flowers to brighten the place up, but for allergy reasons or something, there were no fresh flowers allowed on the pediatric oncology floor.

I decided to make her some flowers out of my wool sweater stash.

I cut and I cut...all the cutting became my silent meditation...

and the stitches of each button are a prayer. I worked on them a little everyday. They took me so long to finish that by the time I had a bouquet, Ayana had been sent home. I set out to make something for my sister and my niece but it turned out to be for me. It got me thru.

Praise God, our prayers are being answered. Ayana continues to do well and all the monitoring and testing is showing that the tumor is receeding, and she has not needed any chemotherapy. She recently had a CT scan and the tumor had regressed to such an extent that she they will just monitor it now with ultrasound.

Creative Sunday

2010-03-01T10:40:00.009-05:00

We had a fun family day yesterday crafting and creating together. No church, no housework, just good ol' mess making creativity!

The girls wanted to try a recipe for some natural ink from this book:

Rich strained some frozen berries and added 1/2 tsp of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of vinegar to it and the girls used a couple of their feathers to draw with it. It was fun and interesting to see how the colors changed from red to darker purple as they dried.

I had decided that I was going to do some sewing for myself so, in an attempt to get the kids occupied with a project so that I could sew somethings for my self, I cut some long strips of scrap fabric for them to try and roll them into these tattered r oses.

I had overestimated their manual dexterity and coordination though, and they were pretty frustrated by it. I loved how they looked however, so I ended up making about 2 dozen myself. I think we will put them on some headbands and hair clips.

My next idea for the kids, I thought for sure would keep them busy for sometime. I pulled out an old pair of tights, cut the legs off and gave one to Rosie and one to Lily. I pulled out the scrap fabric bag and had them stuff the legs to make a snake. They stuffed the snake in record time and then wanted my assistance to pick out buttons for eyes and make tongues, it was fun, but I still hadn't started my cardigan.

and these are the conditions I now had to work in:

I cleaned up a bit and pulled out my knit fabrics to select the color I wanted to make my cardigan out of. I am using a pattern form this book:I chose a heathered off white heavier knit and started cutting, only to discover I only had enough fabric for a size small and I am a size large! I snuck out of the house to check Joanne's Fabric for more, but no luck.

So I pulled out my flannel and finished up some blankets to replenish the stock at Hopscotch Children's Store. It felt better to have accomplished something of my own!

We ended the day with some family worship time, lead by Rich and his guitar and all went to bed early.

So now here's my Monday to do list:
*Clean the house
*Take Blankets to Hopscotch
*Search the fabric store for more fabric for my cardigan

the girls

2010-02-27T13:55:00.008-05:00

I finally took some pictures of my own kids. It's been on the to do list for a long long time. Taking pictures of other people's kids is much easier though, somebody else has to do the work of getting them clean, dressed and brushing their hair and then I get to do the easy part! We started with a bath which took all morning...

Poor planning on my part, I got everybody bathed then realized it was lunch time. So we had to get clean again!

Lily

Rosie

Daisy

The really hard part is getting all three of them to look at the camera at the same time. Here they are laughing at Rich who is behind me pretending like I stink.

This little piggy...

Rosie is 5!!!!

2010-02-23T11:44:00.005-05:00

I can hardly believe it, but my sweet little Rosemary is 5 years old! I don't know how it happened... time just keeps slipping away from me.

she has always been such a sweet...

and happy girl, not to mention just adorable!

She holds a very special place in our family,

and puts up with a lot being Lily's little sister!

but don't worry, she has Daisy to pick on!

We spent the weekend celebrating with Rosie, it was non stop action pack fun!

We got a hotel room Friday night so we could go swimming, since the poor girl always wants to go swimming for her birthday in the dead of winter.

Here she is with her BFF Ellie. Later that night her cousins came for a dip.

Here she is showing off her cupcakes in front of the puppet theater I sewed of her and the opening performance of Two Horses in Love!

Gluten free chocolate cake!

Fulfilling her dream of a tiered swan princess cake was no easy feat! Purple zig zags compliments of Lily!

Rosie invited a few friends from school over and we had quite a dance party, which included lots of running all over the house screaming.

To top it all off we decided to take the kids skiing on Sunday (Yes, we are totally insane).

Lily went once last year and loved it, this was Rosie's first attempt.

They both did great! They take after their Dad!

Needless to say it was an exhausting weekend!

Happy Birthday Rosie!

snow day

2010-02-12T08:11:00.004-05:00

The girls really enjoyed their snow day on Wednesday. I shoveled the driveway and created quite a mountain next to the house in the process. Lily and Rosie dug it out and made themselves a very cool snow cave. They had so much fun! They stayed outside for hours!

dreaming of spring

2010-02-10T12:52:00.000-05:00

tired of snow.

longing for green and growth.

I want to build this.

new birth

Lily

the best sandwich ever

2010-02-08T14:05:00.000-05:00

I am not a fan of winter...but I am surviving. Part of what is getting me thru is the food that I was able to preserve and put up in the pantry during the last growing season. I am finding so much joy in the preserved taste of summer; organic and free of high fructose corn syrup. It makes me so happy when I open my pantry and see all the beautiful colors in the clear mason jars. I have been gardening for 4 or 5 years now, but this is the first year I have really figured out how to preserve the harvest so that it lasts all year. It has opened up a whole new world for me and I can't imagine gardening any longer without doing it. We live within walking distance of a grocery store and would survive just fine without doing the work or growing and preserving our own food, but I can't even find words to explain how much our lives are enriched by the process of intentionally growing, tending, harvesting and preserving our own foods.

Here's a sandwich I made the other day from things we grew this summer:

Dehydrated tomatoes

along with dehydrated zucchini, eggplant and red peppers soaked in a little olive oil and balsamic vinaigrette with a little dried basil and kosher salt.

I added some minced garlic and made a paninni with provolone and feta cheese.

topped off with some pickled banana peppers and fresh fenugreek sprouts!

Soooooo good, I felt like I was back out at the farm eating a my picnic table!

I am beginning to dream and plan for the upcoming growing season. I can't wait to get my hands dirty again and watch the little seeds sprout and grow! I plan to begin starting seeds in the next month or so. We are planning to grow as much as we can in our very small yard and work in the midtown neighborhood community garden as a family. I hope to preserve by canning and freezing even more food than we did last year now that I know how much we eat in one winter. My goal is that every year we would become just a little more self sufficient in how we eat. How rewarding to walk out in to my yard for my lunch rather than start up the van (I am going to be honest with you, I don't really walk there, although riding my bike there more is one of my goals this summer!) and go to Family Fare!

Come back! In my next post I will share how I canned over three dozen cans of applesauce and applebutter in the outdoor kitchen while living in our camper!

hello again

2010-02-07T12:52:00.000-05:00

I must apologize for my long absence from the blog world. I know your wondering where I've disappeared to and I have heard from more than one person that they are getting sick of seeing Urban Chickens every time they check in here! I feel like I owe you an explanation. It was a crazy few months for us. The holidays are always very busy in my family, because almost everybody's birthday is in December. This year we started it all off right after Thanksgiving with a big family gathering. It was the first time ever that my whole family with all our new members have all been together at the same time! In the last year our family has grown significantly, with Laura and Wayne getting married and the birth of Julie and Davie's first child, Ayana. We managed to get a family photo with everybody in it! That's a big feat for us, he last family photo we have is from when Lily was a baby and has only 6 people in it!

Days after this gathering, we started off December with the very scary news that my then three month old niece, Ayana had a tumor on her adrenal gland. She had a very large belly so an Ultrasound was ordered and from that it was immediately obvious that she has a tumor and was admitted to Devos Children's Hospital. She underwent many tests and a biopsy. The diagnosis was a Neuroblastoma. Cancer. Needless to say it was an overwhelming time and there were lots of ups and downs, but she is an amazing little girl. She has the sweetest temperament and is just truly a happy baby. It was hard not to feel optimistic when she was smiling at you. She even learned to giggle while there!

Thankfully the tests came back well enough that she was sent home after only one week in the hospital. Rather than to pursue Chemo and other treatments the doctor thought it should just be monitored and observed. She sees the oncologist once a month and will have a CT or MRI every three months, but since leaving the hospital, all signs are showing that the tumor is shrinking! This strange form of cancer has been known to do that, but it is rare that it is not treated with Chemo. Her belly is significantly smaller and she is still acting completely healthy. Praise our Father!

Here's some recent photos of my girls with Ayana, or as Daisy calls her, "Ayana Baby":

The girls have my mom's baby buggy from when she was a little girl. We just got it out of storage the other day. They love pushing their baby's in it, but always long for a real baby to play with in it because they have heard the story about how when I was 8 and my sister Laura was 5 and baby Julie came along we used to push her around in it. When Julie stopped over the other day with Ayana, you should have seen the excitement in Rosie's eyes!

We let her try it out for a moment, very supervised! But Ayana looked a little overwhelmed!

So stay tuned, I'll try to keep up on the posting! I've got lots to fill you in on! I pray your having a peaceful winter and staying warm. Blessings!

Urban Chickens

2009-11-10T09:38:00.002-05:00

I think one of the biggest things we learned out on the farm is how easy it is to raise chickens and how much we love fresh eggs! The girls favorite job on the farm was collecting the eggs.

We had two of the older laying hens living in our yard out at the farm. We named them Beauty (the black one) and Mops (the brown chicken). They were great pets and they put up with a lot of abuse from our kids!

Being back in the city is an adjustment and one of the hardest things is the feeling of loss of control over our food sources. I will never get used to buying my eggs in the grocery store. I plan to go back to urban gardening in the spring and I have been sprouting in the kitchen, but I am hoping that by springtime we will have the ability to have some laying hens in the yard here in downtown Grand Rapids. Having land to farm is wonderful, but even after living on 32 acres, I am amazed at how much food can be produced in a very small yard and I really believe it is possible to raise much of your own food even in the city. We have quite a few neighbors practicing Urban Homesteading and raising much of their own food. There is a movement building momentum right now working to change the city ordinance which prohibits keeping chickens in the city.

If there is anyone in the Grand Rapids area that is interested in getting involved in the recently formed Urban Chicken Movement, please consider joining us at the Eastown Neighborhood Association this Wednesday Novemeber 11, 2009 at 7:00pm.

We are all very hopeful the ordinance will be changed soon. There is quite an interest in this topic. We also have a facebook group Urban Laying Hens...Chickens for Grand Rapids.

Here are a few reasons I believe Hens can live in the city:

1. They don't need much room, there are some great chicken tractor designs that you just move around your yard every few days to keep the chickens on fresh grass and they will mow your lawn for free.
2. Seven laying hens produce as much waste as one average sized dog, but unlike dog waste, chicken waste produces great compost material and fertilizer for your garden.
3. They don't make much noise, you don't need a rooster.
4. They are beautiful and living things are wonderful to have around.
5. Chickens provide pest control in your garden, eating harmful bugs and slugs.
6. The eggs they produce are much healthier and more nutritious than those you buy in the store.

and here is my favorite reason to have chickens in the yard:

7. They eat up all your kitchen scraps!

Here are Beauty and Mops enjoying leftover stale cake! Okay so maybe that's not the best thing to feed them...

Introducing an old friend.

2009-11-03T10:11:00.002-05:00

Sarah of WanderCraft is a friend of mine from way back. We were born and raised in the same neighborhood in Ypsilanti, and spent lots of time together as kids. We manage to stay in touch a little bit these days, thanks to our blogs! She makes the sweetest photojournals and has just opened her Etsy shop, WanderCRAFT design! Check it out, her stuff is super cute and really affordable!

Handmade Holidays!!

2009-11-02T09:25:00.004-05:00

It's that crafty time of year again! No more gardening, no more trips to the beach or playing outside, and I am sad to see it go, but the thing that always gets me through this time is having time to do creative projects. This is my favorite time of year to craft. What better thing to do when the weather turns so cold and dark, and this is my favorite place for new ideas and inspiration this time of year: Sew, Mamma, Sew!

They just started their 3rd Annual Handmade Holidays event yesterday!

Everyday of the month of November there is a blog post with great project and gifts ideas for the holidays! Click on the button to check it out, and tell your friends!

For even more ideas, go thru the archives and look at the last two years Handmade Holidays master lists!

The Grand Tour

2009-10-30T11:22:00.008-04:00

Our New House:The front porch wraps around the whole front of the house.
The yard is not very big, but it'll work.

The front hallway

The coat closet! I am so excited about this, I've never had one before!

The living room. Sorry about the crappy photo, I was in a hurry. I don't have too many complaints about the house, but this paint color is one of the few. It's a very wierd pink/coral color and it's in over half the house. I hope to paint this room a soft yellow when I get a chance.

THE CRAFT ROOM!!!

This room was also pink, down to the window trim and baseboards. It was aweful, so before I moved anything into it I painted it white. I am very happy with it. It is so bright with the two big front windows.

The day after I finished painting, and I was going to start moving stuff in, the neighbor across the street who was moving out, put this table and 4 nice solid wood chairs out on the curb! I am so glad I happened to step out on the porch (The only place I had phone reception until we got the land line) in enough time to snatch them up!

My fabric stash is in here! I picked this IKEA side board up on craigslist for $50!

I spend alot of time in the kitchen, and I am so happy to have plenty of room to work!

This is the pantry in the back hallway off the kitchen. Lots of room to store all the applesauce I canned and all of our gluten free flour!

The Dining Room

There is enough room for us all to sit down at the table together!!!! I m so thankful for this. Our old kitchen was ridiculously small and it was so difficult to sit down to a meal together. The girls also have a little table of their own where they eat lots of snacks and draw and play.

Making Our New House a Home

2009-10-21T11:45:00.010-04:00

We are begining to feel settled in here and the older girls are both in school. We have been working hard to establish our rythyms and routines. We are all very thankful that after the crazy roller coaster ride of not knowing where we were going to live, that we ended up in this house and it works so well for us.

I have been enjoying getting things moved in and set up in our new house and it's starting to feel like home. I have an amazing craft room to work in, which has allowed me to make some things for our house instead of going shopping. Luna needed a new bed and our bed needed a nice blanket both for warmth and to add some color to our room.

The blanket I made from cut up, felted wool sweaters and backed with flannel. It was pretty easy and only took me one evening and part of the next day to finish. I plan to make another one for the couch with red, orange and brown colors in an attempt to tie together our bright red couch and retro orange chair!

Another quick little project I finished this week was this new purse, just in time as my old one was really wearing out. I found the felted bag at The Outlet for only $4.50 and used some wool sweater scraps from the blanket to sew on some pockets.

I really miss being able to grow our own food in the huge garden out at the farm and collecting fresh eggs, but I figured there had to be some way to produce some of our own food still, so I decided to try sprouting.

SPROUTS

The ones on the left are Fenugreek seeds, which I am anxious to try and the ones on the right are chick peas. My first go at sprouting, last week, I tried mung beans. Because of my lack of expierience, I used way to many seeds and had sprouts coming out of everywhere! They were very good, but I had to get creative in trying to use them up which inspired trying this new recipe:

FRESH SPRING ROLLS

I found the recipe in the Moosewood Restaurant Low-Fat Favorites Cookbook and we (Rich and I anyway, the kids weren't big on them cause they were raw and not at all like the egg rolls at the Chinese restaurant that they love.) really liked them. Rich made a sweet garlic dipping sauce to go with them.

We definitely eat well round here! I love having a kitchen that is big enough to work in, a dining room to sit down together in and a dishwasher to help with all the dishes we dirty!

I am still trying to use up all of the zucchini we grew in the garden this summer so the other night I made a double batch of zucchini brownies and zucchini bread. The bread recipe came from my favorite Better Homes and Gardens cookbook and turned out great with part rice flour mix and part sorghum flour and a little xanthum gum. The Zucchini brownies are from the Simply in Season cookbook that I have been using alot for ideas about what to do with the garden's produce.

ZUCCHINI BROWNIES

Simply in Season
by Mary Beth Lind, Cathleen Hockman-Wert
Serves 18-24

• 1 cup / 250 ml flour
• 3/4 cup / 175 ml whole wheat flour
• 1/3 cup / 75 ml baking cocoa
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
Combine in large bowl.

• 2-3 cups / 500-750 ml zucchini (shredded)
Stir in.

• 1 egg
• 3/4 cup / 175 ml sugar
• 3/4 cup / 175 ml brown sugar
• 1/2 cup / 125 ml plain yogurt
• 1/2 cup / 125 ml oil
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
Combine in separate bowl and beat with fork. Stir into zucchini mixture. Spread evenly into greased 9 x 13-inch / 3.5 L pan.

• 1/2-1 cup / 125-250 ml semisweet or mint chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup / 125 ml nuts (chopped; optional)
Sprinkle on top of batter. Bake in preheated oven at 350F / 180C until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean, 35-40 minutes.

Enough room to live, friends nearby, crafts and good food!! It doesn't get any better! In my next post, I'll give you the grand tour of our new house!

Home Sweet Home

2009-09-24T11:51:00.004-04:00

We have moved. It felt like it took forever, but we finally found a place we could afford that met our families' needs. We moved in last week and we are still trying to get all settled in.

We are sad in many ways to leave the farm and the rural life, but in many ways we are very excited to be back in the city. We really had a crazy adventure living in the camper on the farm for the summer, but it was for a season and the season had to come to and end. We had a house lined up to rent just a mile from the farm, but God closed that door for reasons we didn't understand. Although it was a long and frustrating experience to figure out where we belonged after that and to find housing, we can see now that God was in control and directing everything. I will write more soon about the whole expierience and what we have learned, but God has been faithful and this house is a wonderful blessing for our family. Our Father provides.

The new house is close enough to Rosie's school that we walked her there for her first day and it's very close to our house on Lake Dr. so we will be able to keep an eye on things there and maintain that place until someday when the housing market recovers and we can sell it.

Here is a photo of our kitchen! Plenty of room to cook! The layout works so well for us. Lily has her own room and Daisy and Rosie share one right next to our bedroom. The bathroom is huge and there is even a very small room that is Ralphie the rabbit and Rita the rats bedroom!

The very best part for me is that there is a large room off the living room that will be my office and the family craft studio! I will post photos once I get it all put together, but we'll be having a craft night at my house very soon!!! and hopefully everyweek this winter!!!

Welcome baby Ayana!

2009-09-21T16:57:00.001-04:00

My little sister Julie had her baby! But it took me so long to post this, now she is three weeks old!

Ayana Lynae Torres
August 30, 2009 9:2am
7lbs. 4oz

She was born after an all night labor, which I was so blessed to be able to spend supporting my sister. Julie did so well and had a completely natural delivery at Metro Hospital only 1 1/2 hours after arriving there!

She was so alert and aware, yet calm and soooo sweet!

My girls are so excited to have another cousin.

This is the little Dollie I managed to sew for her. I just finished it the night before she was born! The button in her hair came from our grandmother.

Here's the tutorial, if you want to try one.

My crazy Kids

2009-09-04T13:05:00.002-04:00

First fruits

2009-08-28T11:16:00.006-04:00

The growing season has flown by and all of our hard work is beginning to pay off! We have an abundance of food on the farm! It is an exciting time! I am scrambling to find ways to prepare and preserve all the food from the garden, but it feels like such a blessing! We have lots of eggs and both cow's milk and goats milk. The other day I made a big omlette and was very happy when I realized that the whole thing came from the farm except the mushrooms! We also processed out 4 roosters and put them in the freezer. They were funny creatures and they will be missed a little though.

Zucchini and hot peppers

Lily and I took a walk out to the apples trees the other day to check on their ripeness. We were excited to discover that there are a couple varieties of apples that seem perfectly ready and a another that isn't far off. We spent the rest of the day mowing and clearing around the tress so that we could get to the fruit. As with everything on this farm, there is alot of work to do to bring things back to working order. The orchard is horribly overgrown after so many years of neglect. In all there are 5 apple trees and 1 pear tree. The pears are still very green and hard though.

The apples are a beautiful variegated red and green and have a crisp sour taste. They will be great for pies, applesauce and cider.

Lily lost her front tooth last week, can you see? It has changed the way she talks a little, it's so funny!

I love this photo, but I am a little embarrased about her fingernails! They are so dirty. I guess, she is a farm kid!

This is Radio Calendula, and yes it really is that orange!

Won't be long before I am going to have to learn to make Sour Kraut!

There is a row of Sunflowers along the fence of the garden that have gotten to be 7 or 8 feet tall and they are stunning! Especially at sunset.

I will be honest with you though, all of this beautiful stuff came from this weed infested and overgrown garden:

I love to show off the stuff I pick, but I am a little embarrased to show off the garden because for the most part the weeds are larger than the plants! You kind of have to hunt thru the weeds to find the produce. That's ok, we'll do better next year!

My favorite cow ever, Foxy.

Please pray for us as we continue to look for a place to live. We are feeling torn about leaving the country and returning to the city, and confused about whether to rent or purchase a home and I am feeling very anxious to know where we are going. I never imagined we still wouldn't know at this point, especially with school starting next week!

Where oh where do we go?

2009-08-19T20:10:00.007-04:00

So we thought we'd be moving today. We had planned on renting a house about a mile from the farm and we were supposed to start moving in today, but we found out on Monday that it all feel thru. This is a very hard readjustment for us and we are struggling with it and confused about what to do now. We are grateful though because as disappointed as we are about the major change in plans, we did pray specifically that it wouldn't work out if it wasn't the right thing for our family. So please pray for us, everything seems a little uncertain right now, and we are desperate for God's guidance in our decisions. As much as we love living at the farm, we are ready to have our own house and our own routine. We had our hearts set on being close enough to still be involved on a daily basis, but I guess we'll just have to wait and see how things turn out.

If you know of anyone who is renting a 4 bedroom house for a reasonable price or needs a house sitter for the winter let us know!

As for the farm, things are going very well. The number of animals seems to be increasing exponentially. We have three new goats, two new sheep, and more chickens than I can count. It is so fun to see the babies following their mommas around the farm. There are 40 chickens of which the females are being raised into new laying hens and the roosters will become dinner. There are 100 brand new little chicks that are being raised for meat and another batch to be ordered in the next week or so.

Three of the hens that went broody successfully hatched 8 chicks and are doing well.

This chicken made a nest behind an old sewing machine in the upper part of the barn and hatched 4 chicks all on her own. One poor little chick was stuck in his shell and Jenna helped it along a little. It was very weak and we didn't think it would make it, but after a couple hours in an incubator we returned it to it's mother and it is doing fine!

We are looking forward to harvesting apples and pears soon and we have been eating tomatoes, broccoli and herbs from the garden. I am not really looking forward to the digging to harvest the potatoes but we are going to have lots of them! Stay tuned, we are planning a harvest party for the fall, but in the meantime let me know if you want to come out and visit!

update

2009-08-15T01:00:00.000-04:00

The new Rich and Jen. We are farmers now. What do you think? Do we look it?

We are planning on renting a house very near the farm for the next year. I really thought this would just be a summer adventure and that we would end up back in the city, but we have fallen in love with farming. We even have a couple of our very own goats. We are making some major decisions right now about housing and school, so please pray for our family and our community as we sort things out. I'll let you know as soon as I do what we'll be doing.

If you'd like to come out and visit the farm and see what we've been up to, let me know! There are lots of animals out here now and the garden is growing. It's been an amazing transformation over the last few months. If you were out last fall or early this spring, you'll be amazed.

Peace and Blessings!

Our family vacation

2009-07-27T12:49:00.000-04:00

Every year my Dad rents a cottage on the Indian River in Northern Michigan. It is a beautiful place. The Indian River is just one river in a long inland waterway that stretches all the way across the top of the state.

We spend lots of time on the boat and this year for the first two days of the trip both of my sisters and their husbands were there. It was so nice to all be together in the same place. It doesn't happen often.

This is my little sister Julie, She is having a baby girl in 4 short weeks from now! My first niece on my side of the family! I am so excited and Julie is sooo cute pregnant. Her and Davie are keeping the name a secret, so the girls are having lots of fun guessing. In the meantime, we just call her 'pork chop"!!

Here are our photos from this year's trip!

Hope your having a great summer too!

Laura and Wayne's Wedding

2009-07-22T11:19:00.009-04:00

My middle sister Laura was married on June 20, and it was a beautiful day!

Please visit:
www.grandriverimaging.com
and enter
event code: 48524-June20
to view the online wedding photo gallery.

Me and all the girls were in the wedding, Rich and Amy were photographing and I was helping with the photography as well, so it was quite a day. The day before was horrible weather and it rained a huge amount, so when we got up Saturday morning to start getting ready the farm was one big mud puddle. Can you guess where I am going with this? I'll save the explanation and just share the photos:

and this is before the worst of it! By the time we finally wrangled them and got them into the tub, they were covered in mud from head to toe!

But we all managed to get cleaned up and we all had fun.

I really liked my dress....and the girls were so precious. Getting all dressed up had a mesmerizing effect on them. They behaved like perfect angels all day! Maybe I should dress them up more often!

What a beautiful day. Everything turned out wonderfully. Congratulations Laura and Wayne!

my hillbilly husband

2009-07-13T14:01:00.002-04:00

Ice Cream!

2009-07-10T14:01:00.000-04:00

There is no better treat in the summer! We have been eating lots f ice cream lately.

Thankfully there is such a thing as Gluten free ice cream cones!

We get these at Harvest Health, but I also just noticed that they had them in the Gluten Free section at Meijer. They are very good, all the kids love them.

A day of celebration!

2009-07-09T15:20:00.000-04:00

We are learning about the important balance between work and rest out here on the farm and also learning the importance of celebration. We had a great on the 4th. we worked hard all day cleaning up the farm and in the evening had a crazy parade and did some sparklers.

The big blue Ford

crazy little Daisy

Rich lead the parade in style.

We hope that you are finding time to celebrate this summer!

New Life

2009-07-05T21:43:00.005-04:00

It is an exciting time at the farm. There seems to be new life everywhere. This old farm is slowly coming back to life.

The chickens have gone broody! Which in case you didn't know, like I didn't know, means that they are sitting on their fertilized eggs. We are experimenting with letting them hatch and raise their own chicks instead of the modern method of using incubators. This chick is the first one, see her nestled in her mother's wing peaking out just her little head? The mother is very protective.

They are the sweetest little pair foraging around the farmyard together.

The kids have some tadpoles from the pond in a big bucket that they are keeping an eye on.

...and last week Sunday, Brian brought their cow here from the farm where it had been living. The day he went to move her, he discovered she had given birth to her calf. Her name is Sunday and she is so sweet and playful. The cow must be milked every 12 hours and it is a very time consuming job, one which would be much easier with a milking machine. There are many things that make sense to do the old fashion way, but some that become such a burden without modern tools.

Solaya is 12 weeks now and growing so fast! All of our children are growing and learning so much. It is so exciting to see them having so much fun.

Farm Life

2009-06-11T15:34:00.010-04:00

...is very busy. I have not had time to spend in front of the computer. I have been busy cleaning up things, building fence, cooking meals, and planting the garden. It is very hard work living out here, but today is rainy and since I can't work in the garden like I had planned (I am very grateful today for the rain actually, it is just what the garden needs and it offers me rest) I thought I would share a little bit of our farm experiences so far. Our family is learning so much and really enjoying being out here. I hate to think about how fast summer is going to go by. I am already amazed by how spring has slipped so quickly into summer. Time seems different out here, it moves in a strange slow and yet so fast kind of way, one I have never experienced before.

This tree is the first thing I see when I look out the window from my bed in the morning and every day it has changes. Now it has all it's leaves.

The lilacs are already gone. I am so glad I took some photos. The smell was so sweet and beautiful. There are many large trees out here and many bees buzzed around them. Now that I am growing I appreciate the bees in a new way realizing how necessary they are to the plants. Farmer Brian also keeps bees here on the property.

When the sheep first arrived here the lambs were so small. Now they seem almost as big as their mothers.

We also measure time by the growth of sweet little Solaya. A baby growing happens in the most amazingly fast way. She is 8 weeks now I believe.

We have been working ground that has not been worked in years, and praying that our hard work will bear fruit this season. First we had to pull trees and overgrown bushes out with the tractor, then we used this plow to begin to break up the earth.

It is a strong ancient looking thing and when I look at it I think of how old it is and how amazing it is that it is being used all these years later for the same purpose that is was created. It has been resurrected. I think of how God promises to resurrect all things and I feel a little closer to understanding.

Next we used this disc to break up the soil even more.

In all I think that we plowed the garden twice and went over it with the disc at least 4 times. There are so many roots that after all this we still had to rototill each bed before we could begin planting anything, and there are still big clods of dirt to work around. So far we have planted more than 50 pounds of potatos, oinions, lettuce and spinach, and tomato, kale, broccoli, cabbage, and bean transplants from David's greenhouse. This week we need to plant our pumpkins and hopefully some grains. We are going to expierament with gluten free grains such as quinoa, millet and teff and see if they not only work for food, but also as mulch for next years garden.

This is the outhouse that Rich built. He is really developing the handyman skills out here!

Here is Rich and his new toy... I mean "farm implement". He sold his motorcycle and used some of his profit to buy it. I sure like it better than the motorcycle though! He has been using is to haul dirt and things for the garden, but he sure does enjoy riding it on the trails too.

Amy was out this week helping in the garden and she has put together a great blog post about it. She takes such beautiful photographs, it makes everything look so romantic. She also has some photos of Rich and I hard at work. She also posted about our trip to the farmer's market so take a look at that too.

We are planning to head to the Fulton Street market again this Saturday, so come on out and buy some plants! Amy and I are also baking some gluten free goodies to sell. MMMmmmmm, penut butter cookies!

Moving

2009-05-06T10:33:00.008-04:00

We are getting ready to make the move to the farm. It's going to be a crazy month for sure. The girls are finishing up school and I am doing my best to pack and get organized. I hope to rent the apartment by June 1st and I am really feeling the pressure to start advertising and showing it. I am just not sure how to do that while we live here. It's starting to feel like a farm around this place. Somehow we have ended up with a dog, a cat, two rats, a bunny, four chickens and a frog all under this roof! It's time to go!

This is Lily and her new bunny Ralphie. He is very sweet and litter trained, so he gets to hop around her room when we are home. we have been talking alot about the responsibilty of having animals and instead of thinking of it as, "this is my pet", thinking of it more like, this animal is my responsibility. The bunny is Lily's responsibility and the chickens are Rosie's technichally, although I am the one who ends up feeding everybody. I am trying to find a way to pass that on to the kids, it's just been hard to fit it in when everybody is getting ready for school in the morning, hopefully this summer they can take over.

Rosie is very proud of the little chics. We are all guessing which ones we think are Roosters and which are Hens.

Much to my dismay they out grew the storage bin I was keeping them in and we need to build them a chicken tractor so they can be outside during the day. They also need a good old fashion wing clipping!

As usual, Lily just can't keep her hands off of them. When we brought them home Rich and I both tried to make it very cleat that these would most likely end up on the dinner table someday, at least the roosters. Supposedly that's just fine with the girls since they both love to eat chicken (have I mentioned we are no longer vegetarians? hmmm, I probably should post about that subject), I guess we'll see how that goes when we get there!

Daisy has fun watching the chickens, and when they peck her she fakes crying and holds her hand to me saying, "Chicken bite me! Tiss it Mamma!" Then she runs back to them yelling, "chicken Bok Bok!"

Rich is getting pretty excited to live on the farm too. He moved all the farm equipment with the tractor. He is especially looking forward to getting some goats!

We could sure use some help with our big move and we would really appreciate your help in anyway you are available! After being here for 7 years, and adding three kids to our family in that time, I am a little overwhelmed by the task! We have been working hard to do as much ahead of time as possible so that it's not just utter chaos all at once. You should have seen the van load I took to Salvation Army the other day!

We are planning on moving the weekend of the May 22nd. I know it's a Holiday, I apologize, but if you have any time through out the weekend that you could set aside to help us out we would be so grateful!

The things we specifically need help with are:
-Hanging out with our kids so we can get some work done.
-Hauling the stuff we are storing to the basement of the house.
-Loading and moving stuff to the farm and to my mom's house.
-Cleaning!
-drywall patching
-Painting

Whatever doesn't get done as far as getting the apartment ready for a new tenant that weekend, we will be working on the next weekend of the 29th, so maybe if you aren't available the first weekend you could help out then? I will be in touch with more specific times and plans. Let me know if you have any questions.

Thanks and Love to you all!

Jen and Rich

Quinoa

2009-04-25T16:34:00.001-04:00

As promised, here is everything I have learned about Quinoa thanks to Wikipedia and the Gluten Free Girl and a little time spent messing around in the kitchen.

Quinoa (pronounced /ˈkiːnoʊ.ə/ or /kwɨˈnoʊ.ə/, Spanish quinua, fromQuechua kinwa), a species of goosefoot (Chenopodium), is a grain-like crop grown primarily for its edible seeds. It is a psuedocereal rather than a true cereal, or grain, as it is not a grass. As a chenopod, quinoa is closely related to species such as beets, spinach and tumbleweeds. Its leaves are also eaten as a leaf vegetable, much like amaranth, but the commercial availability of quinoa greens is currently limited. Unlike wheat or rice, quinoa contains a balanced set of essential amino acids for humans, making it an unusually complete protein source. (from Wikipedia)

This is what the plant looks like:

and this is what whole grain Quinoa looks like when you cook it. It is cooked similarly to rice, 1 part quinoa to one part water brought to a boil, then covered and simmered for 20 minutes or until all the water is absorbed. It can also be cooked in vegetable or chicken broth for more flavor.

When I cook it, I usually make 2 cups of Quinoa at once. We eat half with one recipe that day and I save the other half in the fridge for a few days later with something else. Lily likes to eat it plain with just some Bragg's Liquid aminos on it. It tastes especially good with corn and goes well with roasted vegetables too.

Quinoa is available in many forms. We buy this Quinoa and corn pasta, which is really good. It's available at Harvest Health and even Meijer I think.

Here is a meal I have made twice now with Quinoa and we have all really liked it. It is basically black beans cooked with oinions, green chiles and lots of fresh cilantro served on top if the Quinoa and topped with cheese and chrunched up tortilla chips. The time I made gluten free corn bread and fried plantains to go with it.

Daisy likes it!

I also discovered that Quinoa is a great stand in for the cracked wheat in traditional middle eastern tabouli, from a great recipe for a Southwest Quinoa tabouli. I ate it on tortilla chips and it was awsome. To make it follow the recipe below adding black beans and corn, omitting the cucumber and replacing the parsley with cilantro. Have fun expiramenting and let me know what you make!

Here is the recipe for the traditional tabouli:

Tabouli

2 cups cooked and cooled Quinoa
1 cucumber, chopped
2 small tomatoes, chopped
1 bunch green onions, (8) sliced
1/2 cup fresh chopped mint
2 cups fresh chopped parsley
1 clove garlic, minced (optional)

*this is also extra yummy with some Feta cheese mixed in!

Dressing:
1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon pepper
2 teaspoons salt, or to taste

Cook the Quinoa by boiling 2 cups water and stirring in 1 cup of rinsed Quinoa. Stir once then cover and simmer for 15 minutes or until all water is absorbed. Cool.

Combine the salad ingredients, including Quinoa, in a medium bowl.

Mix the dressing ingredients together and stir into the salad mixture.

Serve chilled.It is best to cover the mixture and let it sit in the fridge for a hour or more so all the flavors can mix together.

Gluten Free Grains

2009-04-22T13:49:00.001-04:00

When you are first learning to eat gluten free, it seems as though the whole world is made of wheat. Sometimes when I was in the grocery store I would look at entire aisles in amazement that every item on the shelf was made of wheat. Even for someone who can tolerate it, is a diet so narrow really healthy?

Once we had cut all the wheat in our lives, it suddenly seemed as though all we were consuming was rice. When I took stock of the items we were buying to replace our wheat products, I realized that everything we were buying (and spending way too much on) was made of some form of rice. The pastas, the cookies, the cereals... This couldn't be healthy either.

I am not sure how it came to be that we only consume so few grains in this country and why there are so many other healthier grains grown here and all around the world (something to do with profits I assume). How is it that most Americans have never even heard of them when many of them are grown here? I had never heard of many of them until we had to start eating gluten free, but now I am on a quest to try them all and incorporate them into our diets. You can't buy these things ready made in a box, so I am learning to cook; to really cook, real food. I laugh now because in all the 10 years that we have been married (which is actually all of my adult life) I have never really spent any time being concerned about preparing food. Now I find myself washing out canisters that have been on the shelf as decoration in order to store the large quantities of bulk grains and flours that I have been buying. I have had to blow dust off of the stack of cookbooks on top of the refrigerator in order to find recipes to try with these new foods and I am excited by it all. This Celiac diagnosis my family has been given has in some ways been a blessing. without it, I probably never would have taken the time to learn about new foods and cooking. It feels very good to prepare real, good food for my family that will help them grow and be healthy.

Here is a list and a quick synopsis of the inherently gluten free grains I have recently discovered, purchased and set out to learn how to cook and eat. As I try each of them I will share what I learn and the recipes that we like.

Quinoa has been a staple grain in South America for thousands of years. It is as high in protein as milk and high in calcium, b vitamins, potassium and zinc. It's the only one of these grains I have used very much yet and my next post will be dedicated to how we've been eating it.

Millett First grown in China, it was considered a sacred grain, but for some reason it fell out of favor with the upper classes and today is considered poor man's food in most of the world. In the United States however, we don't even consider it fit for human consumption and mostly only sell it as bird feed even though it is extreemly high in iron and is a complete protein.

Amaranth An ancient grain, first grown thousands of years ago in Mexico. It is high in iron, fiber, and amino acids. It is tiny and round.

Sorghum The United States is actually the largest grower of Sorghum in the world. Imagine that. Ever heard of it? What do we do with it all if no one here eats it? Sorghum flour is great for making gluten free breads. I have a great recipe I have been looking forward to trying. I just got a kitchenaid mixer and I can't wait to put it to good use!

Teff is the staple grain of Ethiopia and I bought some because I am excited to try making traditional Ethiopian injera bread. It is a thin spongey pancake like bread that is kind of sour. It is used to scoop up food in liue of utensils in Ethiopian cuisine. It is extreemly nutritious containing lots of protein, calcium and iron. One cup of teff contains the entire USDA recommended ammount of iron for an adult for one day!

This information came from the book, Gluten Free Girl, which I highly reccomend! The author, Shauna Ahren has a great blog too!

Saturday Morning at Ma's Cafe

2009-04-18T17:26:00.003-04:00

Waffles

(from the Better Homes and Gardens New Cookbook, 1962 edition)

Makes about 8 waffles.

1 3/4 cups gluten free flour mix
3 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 beaten egg yolks
1 1/3 cups milk
1/2 cup oil
2 stiff-beaten egg whites

Stir together dry ingredients. Combine egg yolks and milk; stir into dry ingredients. Stir in oil. Fold in egg whites, leaving some fluff. Bake in waffle maker.

An Amazing Easter

2009-04-16T15:55:00.006-04:00

This year was one of the most memorable and meaningful Easter holidays I am sure I will ever celebrate.

I know that I keep saying it, but it has been a long winter for our family filled with lots of viruses, tiredness and sadness. We really seemed to identify with the dark season of advent season this year. It is the season of waiting. We looked forward, with much hope, to Easter and the season of renewal. We longed for Resurrection... waiting and waiting. Hoping and praying. We knew it would come, but it felt like such a long wait. We were waiting for warm weather and sunshine, waiting to celebrate the resurrection of our Savior, waiting for healing, and waiting for new life.

Jenna and Brian were waiting for the arrival of their 3rd child and first daughter. I was anxious for her arrival too, especially since I was to be at her birth. Jenna was growing tired and uncomfortable and we knew the day must be coming soon. Saturday afternoon, Jenna called to tell me that she thought things were happening and by late that evening she called to let me know she was definitely in labor. Amy and I met her and Brian at the hospital at 12:30am Sunday morning. Easter, what a beautiful day for a birth. After about 4 hours of much hard work, (I am leaving out so many beautiful details here, because it's not really my story) Jenna gave birth to Solaya (from the french word for Sun) Jubilee at 4:30am in the darkness just before the dawn on Easter morning. I have been so blessed by the whole expierience and I am so honored to have been invited to such an intimate event.

Solaya Jubilee Chisholm
Weight: 6 lbs 6 oz of sweetness
Length: 18 inches

So at 7am I finally snuck into my bed, praying that I would not wake my children and hoping for at least an hour or two of sleep before it was time to get up for church. I was exhausted, but I made it to church at 10:30am and sat with Amy and her Father, who one year ago was dead. He had a heart attack and was pronounced dead. Then he came back to life. It was a very emotional Easter. The resurrection is here and feels close and very real. The LIGHT of Christ shown brightly!

After church we got together for Easter dinner with Rich's family. The kids played Red Rover outside in the sunshine and we had a very fun egg hunt. I found myslef praising God for my beautiful children, my neice and nephews and how much they have all grown over the past year.

Daisy

Rosie

Cody, who was born last January weighing only 3 pounds and spents weeks in the NICU

Lily and her cousin Brieanne

I hope that your easter was a memorable one too and that you are enjoying this new season!

about Celiac disease

2009-04-04T13:40:00.000-04:00

In response to Kathy's comment on my last post, here is some information about Celaic:

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 (I have read that one crumb the size of the head of a pin is enough to make someone with CD very sick) 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. It is not an allergy, it is an autoimmune disease with serious long term consequences such as malnutrition and cancer if not taken seriously. It is estimated that 1 in every 100 people has it and 97% of them are currently undiagnosed. I would list the symptoms here but the list is so long it would take up too much space! So here's a blog post dedicated to the symptoms of Celiac disease.

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. Oats should be avoided too, and we do. They are naturally gluten free, but it's just that they are so often cross contaminated in the growing, harvesting and processing. Some people eat them and other say they react to them. It is possible to buy gluten free oats. It sounds easy in theory to eliminate these items from your diet, but I am still amazed at the ridiculous places that gluten hides. Especially in processed pre packaged foods, such as otherwise gluten free foods flavored with Barley malt. It is in many candies, used as thickeners in sauces and soups and as an anticaking agent in many foods. It takes extreem vigilance to follow a gluten free diet.

Corn, thankfully is ok. It does NOT contain gluten. making mexican food one of our favorite meals around here. We also eat lots and lots of corn tortilla chips. Locally made El Matador are our favorite and the factory has confirmed that they are gluten free. We have to consult the internet and call numerous companies to verify if a food is gluten free. There is this law about labeling foods with allergy information, but it isn't really that helpful for people with celiac. They are required to label things that contain wheat, but not gluten which is found in many things that don't actually contain wheat.

Celiac disease is hereditary runs very strong on Rich's mother's side of his family. His mother and grandmother and many of his aunts, uncles and cousins have it and many more most likely have it but have not been diagnosed. It is something we should have been looking into sooner considering how prevalent it is in his family, but we just never really thought about it, I think we were in subconscious denial. Lily and Rich have now been gluten free for about a year. Both of them have seen major improvements in thier digestive health as a result, but for both of them the biggest difference is the almost complete releif from the severe anxiety that they both suffered from on a regular basis. Read my previous post to hear about Daisy's journey.

There is much to learn, Here's some resources for more info:

celiac.com

celiac.org

our local celiac kids support group

celiac kids support group on facebook

the many symptoms of celiac

2009-04-04T13:33:00.002-04:00

http://www.glutenfreeworks.com/symptomology.php
Gluten Free Works Symptom Guide
How can I tell if I have a problem with gluten?
This is a common question people ask in the face of a bewildering array
of possible symptoms. We have developed a Symptom Guide below to
help you identify possible symptoms and health problems that you can
present to your doctor.
Here is the list of over 300 Signs, Symptoms, Associated Disorders and
Complications directly or indirectly resulting from celiac disease.
We were the first to present this information in our comprehensive book,
"Recognizing Celiac Disease." This list is now being used by celiac disease
centers, national celiac organizations and health organizations worldwide.

1. BLOOD SYSTEM PROBLEMS
Abnormal levels of blood components and quality of blood cells and
plasma, detected by blood studies ordered by a doctor.
Anemia, Folic acid deficiency
Anemia, Iron deficiency
Anemia, Vitamin B12 deficiency
Anti-endomysium (EMA) antibodies present
Anti-gliadin antibodies (AGA) present
Anti-tissue transglutaminase antibodies (tTG) present
Associated auto-immune antibodies present
Bone alkaline phosphatase, elevated level
Calcium, low
Cholesterol, too low - below 156
Coagulation factors, low
Copper, low
Hemochromatosis
Homocysteine, elevated
Hyperprolactinemia
Hypoprothrombinemia
Hypertransaminasemia
Hypoglycemia
Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura
Macroamylasemia
Macrocytosis
Macrolipasemia
Magnesium, low
Neutropenia
Phosphorous, low
Plasma proteins, low
Potassium, low
Prolonged prothrombin time
Transient erythroblastopenia
Zinc, low

2. BODY COMPOSITION PROBLEMS
Disorders of the body as a whole.
Anorexia
Appetite, increased
Cachexia
Obesity
Vitality, loss of
Weight gain, unexplained
Weight loss, unexplained

3. CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM PROBLEMS
Disorders of the heart and blood vessels.
Angina pectoris
Aortic vasculitis
Atherosclerosis
Cardiomegaly
Cardiomyopathy, idiopathic dilated
Coronary artery disease
Easy bruising (ecchymosis)
Hypertension, reversible
Nosebleeds, unexplained

4. DIGESTIVE SYSTEM PROBLEMS
The following symptoms in this section may be present alone or in any
combination in celiac disease. They result from inflammation, damage,
and interference with normal function caused by gluten exposure in the
digestive tract itself. As you see, problems can develop not only in the
small intestine where inflammation can be intense, but also in other
areas such as mucosal tissues of the mouth, esophagus, stomach and
colon.
Abdominal distention (bloating)
Abdominal pain
Abnormal appetite
Autoimmune cholangitis
Bacterial overgrowth (small intestine)
Bleeding unexplained
Cancer - adenocarcinoma of the small intestine
Cancer - esophagus
Cancer - esophageal small cell
Cancer - pharynx
Cancer - post-cricoid
Candida infections
Canker sores (aphthous ulcers) in mouth
Carbohydrate malabsorption
Cheilosis - (red lips, cracking/ oozing at corners of mouth)
Colitis - collagenous
Colitis - lymphocytic
Colitis - ulcerative
Colonic volvulus - (loop of bowel twists so as to strangulate it)
Constipation
Constipation alternating with diarrhea
Crohn's Disease
Delayed gastric emptying- (early fullness after eating)
Diarrhea, acute
Diarrhea, chronic
Duodenal erosions in the second part of duodenum
Dysphagia - (difficulty swallowing)
Edema of intestines
Esophageal motor abnormalities - (poor propelling of food)
Food allergies, IgE and non-IgE
Gas
Gastric ulcer - (stomach ulcers)
Gastric ulcerations, multiple
Gastritis, collagenous
Gastritis, lymphocytic
Gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD)
Gastro-intestinal bleeding, occult - (blood not visible)
Gluten sensitive enteritis
Gums, bleeding/ swollen - (purplish in adults/ red in children)
Heartburn
H. Pylori Bacter infection of stomach
Impaired gall bladder motility
Intestinal edema
Irritable bowel syndrome
Jejunitis, chronic
Lactose intolerance - (gas, bloating, loose stools from milk)
Laryngospasm
Leaky gut syndrome
Lymphoma
Malabsorption of nutrients (see below)
Maltose intolerance - (gas, bloating, loose stools from starch)
Milk intolerance, cow - (similar to gluten enteropathy)
Nausea
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
Oral mucosal lesions
Pale, smelly, floating stool - (hard to flush or sticks to toilet)
Plummer-Vinson syndrome
Primary biliary cirrhosis - (bile backs up in liver)
Primary sclerosing cholangitis - (scarring of bile ducts in liver)
Small bowel intussusception - (loop of bowel slips into another)
Sucrose intolerance - (gas, bloating, mucous in stool from sugar)
Swallowing - difficulty (dysphagia)
Tongue - beefy, red, smooth, burning
Tongue - fiery red, smooth, swollen, sore
Tongue - magenta, swollen
Tongue - pale, smooth, burning
Tooth defects - yellowing, white spots, missing enamel
Vomiting

5. GLANDULAR SYSTEM PROBLEMS
Disorders of the glands.
Addison's Disease - (adrenal gland failure)
Autoimmune hepatitis
Autoimmune thyroiditis - (hypothyroidism)
Diabetes mellitus type I - (pancreatic failure)
Diabetic instability
Gastro-intestinal complications of type 1 diabetes
Grave's Disease - (hyperthyroidism)
Hepatic granulomatous disease
Hyperparathroidism, Primary
Hypoparathyroidism, Idiopathic
Hypoparathyroidism, Secondary
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
Pancreatic insufficiency
Parathyroid carcinoma
Steatorrhea

6. IMMUNE SYSTEM PROBLEMS
Disorders of antibody production.
Allergic rhinitis
Antiphospholipid syndrome
Asthma
Autoimmune disorders in CD
Autoimmune disorders in dermatitis herpetiformis
Autoimmune polyglandular syndromes
Common variable immunodeficiency
IgA deficiency
Sarcoidosis
Sjogrens syndrome
Systemic lupus erythematosus
Urticaria, chronic - (hives)

7. INTEGUMENTARY SYSTEM PROBLEMS
Disorders of skin, hair, and nails.
Alopecea areata - (patches of hair loss)
Alopecia, diffuse - (balding)
Cutaneous vasculitis
Cutis laxa, generalized acquired
Dermatitis herpetiformis
Dermatomyositis
Eczema
Edema
Eythema elevatum diutinuum
Erythema nodosum
Follicular hyperkeratosis - (dry rough skin/ plugs on arms)
Ichthyosis, acquired
Itchy skin rash
Hangnail
Koilonychia - (thin nails that flatten then turn up or spoon)
Melanoma
Nails - dry and brittle that chip, peel, crack or break easily
Nails - horizontal and vertical ridges; fragile
Nail - rounded and curved down ends, dark, dry
Nails - white spots
Nails with splinter hemorrhages
Pityriasis rubra pilaris
Prurigo nodularis (Hyde's Prurigo)
Psoriasis
Scleroderma
Seborrhea
Thin hair
Vitiligo

8. LYMPATIC SYSTEM PROBLEMS
Disorders of the lymphocytes (white blood cells), lymph nodes
and spleen.
B-cell non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma
Cryptic intestinal T-cell lymphoma (refractory sprue)
Enteropathy associated T-cell Lymphoma (EATL)
Extraintestinal Lymphomas
Intraepithelial lymphocytosis in small bowel samples
Lymphadenopathy
Mesenteric lymph node cavitation
Hyposplenism - (atrophy of spleen leads to failure)

9. MUSCULAR SYSTEM PROBLEMS
Disorders of muscle structure and function.
Hypkalemic rhabdomyolysis - (acute, severe
potassium deficiency)
Muscle pain and tenderness
Muscle spasm and cramps
Muscle wasting
Muscle weakness
Osteomalcic myopathy
Polymyositis
Tetany

10. NERVOUS SYSTEM PROBLEMS
Disorders of nerves, brain and spinal cord structure and function.
Anxiety
Apathy
Ataxia, gait disturbance
Ataxia, gluten
Ataxia, progressive myoclonic
Brain atrophy
Cerebral perfusion abnormalities - (poor blood flow)
Chonic fatigue syndrome
Chorea
Cortical calcifying angiomatosis
Dementia
Depression
Epilepsy
Fatigue/ lassitude, chronic
Headache
Inability to concentrate
Insomnia
Irritability
Migraine
Multiple sclerosis
Nervous system disorders
Peripheral neuropathy
Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy
Schizophrenic spectrum disorders
Tremors
Vasculitis of the central nervous system

11. PULMONARY SYSTEM PROBLEMS
Disorders of lung tissue and broncheal tree structure and function.
Bronchiectasis
Bronchoalveolitis, Lymphocytic (bronchial pneumonia)
Idiopathic pulmonary hemosiderosis
Increased pulmonary permeability
Increasee susceptibility to tuberculosis
Lung cavities or abcess
Pneumococcal septicemia
Tuberculosis, non-response to treatment

12. SENSORY SYSTEM PROBLEMS
Disorders of sense organ structure and function.
Bitot's spots - (foamy patches on whites of eye)
Blepharitis, unexplained
Bloodshot eyes, chronic
Blurred vision, unexplaines
Cataracts
Keratoconjunctivitis sicca
Keratomalacia
Night blindness
Ocular myopathy
Uveitis, bilateral
Xerophthalmia
Loss of smell
Dysgeusia (loss of taste)

13. SKELETAL SYSTEM PROBLEMS
Disorders of bone, joints and teeth.
Bone fracture
Bone pain
Osteitis fibrosa
osteomalacia
Osteonecrosis
Osteoporosis
Arthritis, enteropathic
Arthritis, psoriatic
Arthritis, recurrent monoarthritis

14. URINARY SYSTEM PROBLEMS
Disorders of kidneys and urinaty tract structure and function.
Hypocalciuria
IgA nephropathy
Kidney stones
Urinary tract infection

15. REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM PROBLEMS IN FEMALES
Disorders of organ structure and function.
Amenorrhea, secondary
Infertility
Late menache - (start of periods)
Menopause, early
Premenstrual syndrome
Dysmenorrhea (painful periods)
Dyspareunia - (painful intercouse)
Vaginitis

REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM PROBLEMS IN MALES
Disorders of organ structure and function.
Hypogonadism, unexplained in adults
Impotence
Infertility
Sperm abnormalities

16. REPRODUCTION: PREGNANCY, LABOR & DELIVERY AND
PUERPERIUM PROBLEMS
Disorders of childbearing.
Severe iron deficiency anemia in pregnancy
Short duration of breast feeding
Miscarriages, spontaneous
Complications during pregnancy, labor and delivery
Complications after child birth

17. ZYGOTE DEVELOPMENT PROBLEMS
Disorders of chromosomes.
Down syndrome
Turner's syndrome

18. FETUS DEVELOPMENT PROBLEMS
Disorders of that occur before birth of the child.
Congenital anomalies
Intrauterine growth retardation
Cystic fibrosis
Spina bifida

19. CHILD DEVELOPMENT PROBLEMS
Disorders of children that occur after birth.
Autism and learning disorders
Attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD)
Cancer predisposition in children
Chronic bullous dermatosis
Delayed puberty in boys
Delayed pubety in girls
Dermatitis herpetiformis
Developmental delay
Failure to thrive and growth retardation
Fecal occult blood in stool - (hidden)
Glycogenic acanthosis
Hypotonia
Juvenile autoimmune thyroid disease
Juvenile diabetes type 1
Juvenile idiopathic arthritis
Abnormal blood studies
Latent anemia in enzymopthies of small intestine - (lack
of enzymes that finish digestion of protein/ sugars)
Penicilllin V impaired absorption
Refractory anemia ( does not respond to iron therapy)
Osteopenia
Rickets
Short staure
Stroke in childhood
This ends the listing from "Recognizing Celiac Disease."

__________________________

___________________________

Here are some other ways to look at problems:

BEHAVIOR PROBLEMS
Aloofness
Hyperactivity
Irritability is an early symptom. It is common in children.
Impatience
Lack of desire to get things done
Lack of feeling
Restlessness
Timid behavior
Violent behavior

NEUROLOGICAL ISSUES
Anxiety
Apathy
Bipolar disorder
Depression
Difficulty making friendships
Easy frustration and anger
Nervousness
Panic attacks
Sense of worthlessness
Overly self-criticism
Hysteria
Hypochondria

THINKING PROBLEMS
Confused/ faulty thinking
Confabulation
Delusional
Dementia
Disorientation
Faulty learning
Hallucination
Inability to concentrate
Inattentiveness
Loss of memory
Loss of immediate memory
Poor memory
Psychiatric disorders
Reduced learning
Slow thinking
Scattered thinking

ASSOCIATED DISORDERS IN CD
Addison's Disease
Allergic Rhinitis
Alopecia Areata
Angina Pectoris
Antiphospholipid Syndrome
Arthritis
Asthma
Ataxia
Autoimmune Hepatitis
Autoimmune Polyglandular Syndromes
Bitot's Spots (eyes)
Blepheritis (eyelids)
Bloodshot eyes
Bronchiectasis
Cardiomegaly
Chronic Bullous Dermatosis of Childhood
Chronic Hives
Chorea
Common Variable Immunodeficiency
Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)
Cortical Calcifying Angiomatosis
Dermatomyositis
Diabetes
Diabetic instability
Eczema
Erthema Elevatum Diutinum
Erythema Nodosum
Graves's Disease (hyperthyroidism
Hepatic granulomatous disease
Hypertension
Hypogonadism
Hypokalemic Rhabdomyolysis
Icthyosis, acquired
Idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy
Idiopathic hypoparathyroidism
Idiopathic thrompbcytopenic purpura
IgA deficiency
IgA Nephropathy
Impotence
Kidney Stones
Loss of vitality
Multiple Sclerosis
Neutropenia
Osteomylacic Myopathy
Peripheral Neuropathy
Pityriasis Rubra Pilaris
Polymyositis
Primary hyperparathyroidism
Psoriasis
Sarcoidosis
Scleroderma
Seborrhea
Sjogren's syndrome
Systemic Lupus Erythomatosus
Tremors
Urinary Tract Infection
Vitiligo

COMPLICATIONS OF CD
Aortic vasculitis
Atherosclerosis
B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma
Bone Fractures
Bone Pain
Brain Atrophy
Bronchial Pneumonia
Cancer Predisposition in Children
Cataracts
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Congenital Anomalies
Cystic Fibrosis
Dementia
Down Syndrome
Enteropathy associated T-cell Lymphoma (EATL)
Epilepsy
Extraintestinal Lymphomas
Hyposplenism
Infertillity, Female
Infertility, Male

I told you this is a long list! and I am sure there are even more things that could be added!

Daisy

2009-04-01T23:17:00.004-04:00

Our poor little Daisy has had a rough few weeks. She has been pretty sick. We have all had a lot of nasty virus this winter, but the last few weeks have been really hard on Daisy. She's had a constant runny nose and cold, and digestive issues, then she got hit by a really awful stomach bug 2 weeks ago. She ended up in the ER needing IV fluids for dehydration and it just seemed that she was having a really hard time kicking it.

I have suspected that she too has Celiac Disease for some time, so I had her on a gluten free diet for 6 weeks, but put her back on wheat about 6 weeks ago because I didn't think I had seen much of a difference and we were also finally going to get into see the Pediatric Gastroenterologist at Devos Children's Hospital that we had been waiting to see for over 5 months. I knew that she would order blood tests that would require that Daisy be consuming wheat. I was surprised however when the Dr. recommended that she consume wheat for three months before having the blood test. We didn't make it that long however. Even after recovering from the stomach flu, she was still having constant diarrhea, sometimes 6 or more times a day.

She was so uncomfortable, so we went for the blood test on Wednesday. It had seemed so important to have the medical diagnosis... but it got so bad that it just felt like torture. Do I really need a Dr. to tell me my kid shouldn't eat wheat? As soon as we left the lab Daisy went completely gluten free again.

Less than 24 hours later she had her first solid poop in over 6 weeks.

So we are still waiting for the results of the blood work, but I already have my answer. It couldn't be any more obvious. It's only been two days now without wheat and I can't believe the difference. I really believed that going gluten free would solve her discomfort, but I had no idea it would happen so fast.

So no more gluten at our house, the number of people who can't it now out number the ones who can. I am very thankful though that this is a disease that can be overcome. My family can be healthy. We must simply (it's simple in theory anyway) eat a gluten free diet.

Better Bannana Bread

2009-03-29T12:32:00.002-04:00

I recently posted about our favorite banana bread recipe, but I have been experimenting lately with some different kinds of gluten free flours and I have modified the recipe a little so that it is a little less crumbly by using some sweet rice flour and soy flour in place of 1/2 a cup of the flour mix. Here is the new revised recipe:

Ingredients:

1 cup gf flour mix flour

1/4 cup sweet rice flour

1/4 soy flour

1 1/2 tsp baking powder

1/4 tsp baking soda

1/4 tsp ground cinnamon

1/8 tsp salt

1 egg

1 cup mashed ripe bananas (3 medium)

3/4 cup sugar (or less, 1/4 cup is enough)

1/4 cup cooking oil (e.g. canola oil)

1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Preparation:

Grease the bottom and 1/2 inch up the sides of an 8x4x2-inch loaf pan; set aside. In a medium mixing bowl combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Make a well in the center of dry mixture; set aside.

In another bowl combine the egg, bananas, sugar and cooking oil. Add egg mixture all at once to dry mixture. Stir just till moistened (batter should be lumpy). Fold in nuts.

Spoon batter into the prepared pan. Bake in a 350 degree oven for 50-55 minutes or till a wooden toothpick inserted near center comes out clean. Cool in pan on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Remove loaf from pan; cool on rack. Wrap and store overnight before slicing. (I never do this. It's so good warm out of the oven! and I don't think waiting works well with Gluten Free bread really.) Makes 1 loaf (16 servings).

From Better Homes and Gardens New Cook Book

Spring and Seeds!

2009-03-22T20:38:00.004-04:00

Yeah for Spring! I can't beleive it is finnally here! It has been such a long winter for us, filled with virus and illness after illness. I don't know what happened to us, but I am hoping that it will end with the change of seasons!

We spent a lot of time this weekend starting seeds out at the greenhouse. In all we probably started 500 or more seeds in little blocks of soil! Tomatos, lettuce, peppers, onions, strawberries, kohlrabi, cabbage... and more. It's a co-op of a few familes working together to feed ourselves for the season. We also started extra because we also planning on selling some tomato and pepper starts at the Farmer's Market.

Here's farmer Brian getting ready to mix some potting soil as our kids play in the toasty warm green house as our kids play on a blanket. It was 100 degrees in there! But it felt great!

Stay tuned to see these plants sprouting and growing!

Thank God for the sand pile! It keeps the kids busy like nothing else so that we can get some planting done. When they get bored with that, they chase after the chickens and ducks!

Lily and Bella got a chance to hold the first baby gossling that our friend Ethan hatched! So sweet! I am so excited that our kids have an opportunity to expierience all this!

Lily's 6!!!!

2009-03-21T23:38:00.007-04:00

Lily turned 6 on the 13th. I can hardly believe 6 years have past since I gave birth to my first little girl! She is really growing up lately. Rosie and Daisy and I went to her classroom with cupcakes in the afternoon. This is her class singing happy birthday to her. Yes, she does have a small class. There were a couple kids absent, but there are only 5 kids in her class right now.

The Farmhouse BEFORE AND AFTER!

2009-03-08T18:31:00.014-04:00

It's moving day at the farm! The house has come a LONG way and Brian and Jenna are moving in! We had our first dinner there together Saturday night! For those of you who have seen it, you won't believe the improvement! For those of you who have not, there is really no way for me to describe how bad it started out. The photos can't illustrate the dirtiness of it all or the overwhelming stagnant mustiness. It has been transformed from a dilapidated, neglected, mold infested dump to a warm cozy home thanks to a lot of hard work! The smells now come from the toasty wood stove and Jenna's homemade beeswax candles! Check out these before and after photos:

THE KITCHEN

THE LIVING ROOM
THE DINING ROOM

Jenna feels at home already, now that she has a place to sew!

THE BATHROOM The best part is that there is running water and you can flush the toilet
without hauling a bucket of water!

THE BEDROOM

We're moving next and we can't wait! Rich and I and the girls are going to rent out our apartment and move to our camper on the farm for the summer. Now that the weather has turned we are going to start setting up our home on the farm and start staying out there on the weekends. Since the housing market is so bad, instead of trying to sell our house we are just going to rent out our apartment and store our stuff in the basement. We are aiming to have it rented by June 1st. This feels like a good way for us to transition out of the home we have been living in for the last 7 years and to begin to discern where to go next. We are going to spend the summer exploring country life, living with our dear friends and growing our own food. We are praying that during this time God will give up some insight and guidance for our next steps for a more permanent home in intentional community with others.

Happy Birthday Rosie!

2009-02-22T23:09:00.004-05:00

Rosie's birthday was on Thursday and now she is 4 years old! Seems like a huge jump from 3 to 4. It makes me want to cry really, seems to me like she should still be my baby! Every one older whose been thru it tries to warn you when you have your first child about how time begins flying. But you'll never really understand until it happens to you! I am so afraid I am going to wake up one morning and they are all going to be in college. As much as I tire of the noise and the chaos that three little girls bring to this house, I can't imagine life without them. They are each a blessing, and this week we have a wonderful time celebrating the blessing that Rosie is to us!

The cake was super ooper chocolaty and Gluten Free!! You can find the recipe on the back of the Hershey's coco powder box and substitue the gluten free flour mix for the flour! It turns out very moist and no one would ever guess it's not made with wheat flour.

Here's Rosie and her cousin Kyle, can you see him? He just turned 4 a few weeks ago. They have so much fun together!

Oh, and by the way the studio is rented!! I'll let you know when we have another unit available, I think ours is next!

Studio Apartment For rent- again.

2009-02-11T12:09:00.003-05:00

If you know anyone looking for a place, send 'em our way. Our renter is breaking her lease and we need to rent the studio again. Here's the specs and some pics. Thanks!

Cute East hills lower level studio apartment on Lake Dr. Close to Downtown Eastown, Bus lines, restaurants, entertainment and Colleges. This unit has a great layout, large storage closet in living room, large closet for clothes, fireplace, big front porch. Rent includes ALL UTILITIES!!! Gas, electric, water, trash removal, off street parking, and WIRELESS INTERNET!!! This is really a great deal, it saves you money every month and you only have one check to write. No gas bill to budget for in the winter. Your housing costs stay the same every month. This is a great location and a great house to live in. Great neighbors! There is a nice backyard with a big picnic table and a garden area.

Email or call Jen (616) 301-3757.

Available immediately. Various lease options available.

sewing for me!

2009-02-09T21:12:00.005-05:00

I apologize for the lack of posting lately. Things have been so crazy and our family has really had a hard time getting into the swing of things in the new year. We seem to have contracted every virus on the planet in the last few months. Lily has been struggling with her school routine, especially riding the bus and the Baby has been worse than ever about sleeping at night. She is doing better now, and I think that it is due to the fact that I have weaned her totally. She seemed to have entered a new developmental stage lately and it just kind of worked out. She will be 18 months old this month, can you believe it? I can't!

I promised myself as I was sewing night and day before Christmas that I would make some things for myself in the new year. I have been living up to that promise this week so I thought I would share a couple things. Sorry the photos are not the best, I was in a hurry and I couldn't figure out any other way to photograph my skirt with me in it except to use the photobooth on my computer.

I made myself a new purse last weekend:

and I finished a new wrap skirt today:

So stayed tuned to hear more about our gluten free cooking, sewing, the toy swap, those crazy kids of course and most exciting, the spring growing plans!!! Anyone else out there planning a garden?? What are you growing? Interested in sharing seeds and planting together??

Banana Bread

2009-02-09T15:29:00.004-05:00

We have been making lots of gluten free banana bread lately. For some reason no one eats the bananas I buy lately, so I just mash them up and make a loaf when they turn brown. Gluten Free Baking is always kind of inconsistent it seems, but we usually have very good results with this recipe. It's another one from the Better Homes and Gardens Cookbook and we just substitute the flower with our gluten free flour mix.

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups flour

1 1/2 tsp baking powder

1/4 tsp baking soda

1/4 tsp ground cinnamon

1/8 tsp salt

1 egg

1 cup mashed ripe bananas (3 medium)

3/4 cup sugar (or less, 1/4 cup is enough)

1/4 cup cooking oil (e.g. canola oil)

1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

1/3 cup cranberries (optional)

1/3 cup chocolate chips (optional)

Preparation:

In another bowl combine the egg, bananas, sugar and cooking oil. Add egg mixture all at once to dry mixture. Stir just till moistened (batter should be lumpy). Fold in nuts, cranberries and chocolate chips.

From Better Homes and Gardens New Cook Book

Handmade Toy Swap!

2009-01-12T00:00:00.000-05:00

Bird and Little Bird is hosting a swap of handmade toys and children’s items to raise awareness about the problems caused by the CPSIA. If you’d like to participate, just e-mail Anne (birdmail AT gmail DOT com) and be sure to let her know if you’re willing to ship internationally. February 10th will be the deadline.

Read her blog post here for more details. She made Mr. Fox, pictured above, so maybe you’ll end up with something as adorable. I am not sure what I will contribute, but I'll post a pic when I do.

Have fun and support handmade!

Welcome to the World...

2009-01-11T17:10:00.004-05:00

Our good friends Stacie and Sunny just had their 3rd child. He's so stinkin' cute I just had to share the photos I took with you all. Babies are by far my favorite thing to photograph, especially when they are brand new!

Ayo Emmanuel

January 9, 2009

Watch the slide show to see even more of his cuteness!

your being watched...

2009-01-09T17:25:00.004-05:00

by a pink Eskimo spy!

Lily got off the bus today, came in the front door, grabbed her binoculars and went straight out the back door to spy in the backyard. Thanks to Amy (who had just stopped over and was being spied on) for taking such a cute pic, so I didn't have to go out in the cold!

Happy New Year! and back to the real world.

2009-01-04T19:50:00.004-05:00

Well, it has been a very busy holiday season. We have had lots of fun, but it has been sooo busy. Rich was off work on vacation since Christmas Eve. We celebrated Christmas 4 days in a row with all of our family (one of the many joys of having divorced parents) and then felt like we needed to run away for a bit, so we spent 3 nights in our camper out on the farm. We managed to stay pretty warm and came home feeling a little recuperated. We have also been battling colds and sore throats, so that has taken it's toll. We spent a couple days at home resting and trying to kick the sickness, then yesterday we went to a hotel to swim, play and celebrate my mom's birthday. It was fun. It was all fun, but I am ready to get back to our normal routine. I am ready for the girls to go back to school tomorrow and I am ready for Rich to go back to work. :)

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-24T09:34:00.004-05:00

I can hardly believe that it is Christmas eve already. Time goes by so fast! and I still have so much to do! Last night I wrapped our kids gifts and I have everything ready for Rich's family, but I am still scrambling on some last minute things for my family. We aren't getting together until Friday so that buys me some time!

Here are some pics of the gift I just finished for my niece and nephew:

It's a set of art supplies!

I also made them little notebooks and aprons.

I put lots of foam stickers in this coffee can and attached the lid to the can with a ribbon so it won't get lost.

Last night I finally put together my Christmas cards! They are going out in the mail today. Better late than never right! I didn't mail out too many, in the name of being green, (and saving on stamps)! So if you don't get one in the snail mail, here is yours: (and you should feel special, cause your actually getting it before everyone else!)

I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas!!!

We need your help- PLEASE READ!

2008-12-18T07:40:00.007-05:00

As of February 10, I may no longer be able to sell the children's items and toys that I have been making and thousands of others in the children's industry will be deeply affected financially and or will be out of business. Our favorite Hopscotch Children's store would be in major trouble.

Remember the outcry last holiday season over lead in imported toys? In order to combat such safety issues, the Consumer Product Safety Commission has passed legislation called the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA). The law sets stringent guidelines for children’s products containing lead and phthalates (a chemical used in some vinyl products).

It is supposed to go into effect February 10th, 2009, and after that date any product intended for children ages 12 and under must meet these guidelines, and have a certificate of compliance from a CPSC-accredited laboratory. This includes not just toys, but clothing, jewelry, blankets, sheets, books, bibs, strollers, carriers, and anything else that a child under 12 might come in contact with. Sounds great, right?

In theory, maybe. But in actuality the law is so far reaching that it may succeed in turning the economy upside down. For starters, the CPSIA requires end unit testing on every product intended for use by children under 12. It is the responsibility of the manufacturer to do this testing, regardless of how small the business. That means that manufacturers (like myself ) will have to pay to get every different product they offer tested. These tests have to be done at a CSPC accredited lab, and cost tens of thousands of dollars. For example if you offer 3 different types of dresses. Each dress contains 2 different fabrics, as well as buttons, and thread, so that's potentially $600 to test one dress. But if you have 3 or more styles, that's $1800. And when you get a new bolt of fabric, you need to start all over again.

At present, there are no exemptions for small businesses and "micro" manufacturers and most handcraft artisans. There is no exception for quantities made, where the garments/products are made or anything else. Nor is there an exception for unadorned fabric components, unfinished wood components, materials which, by their nature, are free of lead and phthalates.

Also, the Act takes a "guilty until proven innocent" approach, which would treat a handmade, unfinished wooden toy that doesn't meet the certification deadline of 2/10/09 as a "banned hazardous substance" which would be illegal to distribute in this country. Each infraction carries a $100,000 felony charge. This legislation is also retroactive for any pre-existing inventory as of February 10th, 2009. This means that everything on the shelves in those big (or small) stores will also be "banned, hazardous substances" - contraband.

Larger corporations that can afford testing will incur thousands, maybe millions of dollars in fees, and this expense will be handed down to the consumer, probably making the prices for children's products go through the roof.

This also means that after that date, even selling your kids old things on eBay or Craigslist will be illegal. Charities will not be able to accept donations without a certificate of compliance either. February 10, 2009 is being dubbed “National Bankruptcy Day” by many people in the apparel and toy industry. If this legislation is not amended, it will affect everyone from port workers to parents looking for legal products. Billions of dollars worth of children's products will have to be destroyed because they can’t be legally sold, and this will cause major environmental problems.

While I am all for higher safety standards and keeping our kids safe, this law is so overreaching as to put thousands on manufacturers of children's products out of business -hurting our economy and causing even more loan defaults. Though this legislation was well-intentioned, it cannot be allowed to stand as is.

Please help us defend the American dream and our entrepreneurial spirit! This law affects every stay at home mom trying to help put food on the table and every grandmother knitting blankets for the local craft fair. It makes the thousands of us who have found a niche in the burgeoning children's market have to make a tough decision - continue to produce items illegally and possible incur a $100,000 fine, pay the enormous fees and raise costs of goods sold, or close up shop!

Please help us! For more information and ways to help, please visit the following links:

Contact your Congressperson using this link: http://capwiz.com/americanapparel/issues/alert/?alertid=12274476

It only takes 30 seconds!

If you have an extra minute send a hard copy of the letter as well!
To sign the online petition: http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/economicimpactsofCPSIA/index.html

Read more about it here: http://nationalbankruptcyday.com/

Please copy and paste this on your blogs, we need all the help we can get!

I copied this article from KnuckleHeads Clothing.

Celiac article in Parents Magazine

2008-12-15T14:33:00.003-05:00

A friend just alerted me to an article in this month's issue of Parents Magazine about Celiac disease. It was actually a great article and I was surprised to find it in such mainstream media. It seems as though Celiac is starting to gain some attention.

They have lots of good tips and info on their website in the featured this month section. Here is a link to the article. I am planning on making some gluten free playdough with the kids soon and I am hoping the recipe they gave will be a good one. Playdough has always been a favorite activity for our kids. We have a ton of playdough toys, but no playdough anymore. I'll let you know how it turns out when we get time to try it.

Pumpkin bread recipe

2008-12-14T12:37:00.003-05:00

Here is the pumpkin bread recipe, as requested!

It's from my favorite cook book:

     Pumpkin Bread

1cup   gluten free flour mixture
1cup   brown sugar -- packed
1tbsp  baking powder
2tsps  cinnamon
1/2tsp nutmeg
1/4tsp baking soda
1/4tsp salt
1/4tsp cloves
1cup   pumpkin, canned
1/2cup milk
2      eggs
1/3cup shortening
1 cup  more flour
1/2cup raisins (optional)
1/2cup chopped walnuts (optional)


Preheat oven at 350.  Prepare  a 9 x 5 x 3″ loaf pan with cooking spray and
flour; set aside.

In a mixing bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, baking
powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking soda, ginger, and cloves.  In another
mixing bowl, combine pumpkin, skim milk, egg whites, raisins

Mix dry ingredients with wet ingredients just until moistened.  Pour
batter into prepared pan. Bake 60 minutes.

                  - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

NOTES : A recipe calling for 2 to 2 1/2 cups flour can be baked in the
following pans: 4 mini loaf pans, 12 muffin pans, 1-9 x 5″ loaf pan, 1-9 x
13″ baking pan, or 2-8 x 8″ baking pans.

Home sick

2008-12-13T09:33:00.005-05:00

Don't look for me today at the Montessori craft show. I won't be there. I am home with a sick family. This awful flu bug has been making it's way thru the family this week. Daisy had it earlier and last night Rich and Rosie came down with it too. I was still going to try to go, but how can I leave Rich with sick kids, and I am not feeling so hot either. It's a bummer, I made lots of suff. If your looking for handmade gifts for Christmas, you know who to call! Also watch for my etsy shop to open in a couple days.

Here are the finished little Christmas tree ornaments:

Holiday Baking- Gluten Free style

2008-12-11T10:35:00.008-05:00

I made a really good pumpkin bread today. It was so great, I will be making more for sure. I didn't get a good picture of it, we ate it too fast. :) A friend of mine emailed me to ask about ideas for gluten free holiday baking, so I thought I would share it here too. I have been meaning to post more recipes, but can't seem to find the time in between all my crafting!

We keep a canister of a gluten free flour mixture (I'll explain below) in the kitchen and just substitute it into our favorite recipes. With very rich flavorful things like brownies and pumpkin bread you really can't tell the difference. We have a hard time getting the texture right with cookies, but we just got a good little cook book at the kids Celiac support group we've been going to and I think the recipes will work better. Here is a loaf of bread from the book. We made it for stuffing on thanksgiving and it was great. I made another loaf today to use for sandwiches.

The gf flour mixture I use is 6 cups white rice flour, 3 cups potato STARCH (NOT flour) and 1 cup of tapioca flour. I just found out that the cheapest place to get these flours is at the Asian market. I should have thought of it, I have been paying way too much at the health food store. It's about $6 for enough flour to fill a big canister with the mix. Also keep cornstarch on hand, that's called for in alot of recipes. If you don't have any also pick up some xanthum gum. It's very helpful to add a teaspoon or so to bread recipes to bind it together better. You can buy a small bag in the bulk section at Harvest Health, rather than the big bag which is like $12 or more! Sometimes adding an extra egg or oil is helpful too.

I am still trying to figure out gluten free apple pie. I have made two attempts already this season and they have not worked out so well. The crust is too crunchy and the inside kind of gritty. I'll let you know when I discover the trick! I am trying to be gluten free now too for Daisy's sake, since she is still nursing, so now the whole house is officially gluten free.

If you eat gluten free too, I'd love to hear from you. Let me know if you try any of them how they turn out.

and the winner is...

2008-12-05T15:25:00.003-05:00

Jodie from Bloomington, IN!!

I will be shipping the notebook cover out tomorrow. Thanks to everyone who entered! I wish I had time to comment back to all of you, but I have wasted far to much time in front of the computer this week entering all these giveaways! Wasn't it fun?? We should do it again sometime!

I won, I won!!

2008-12-04T14:51:00.004-05:00

So I stayed up way to late entering all the wonderful giveaways listed on the Sew Mamma Sew blog! I just couldn't stop. The prospect of winning something (especially such cute things!) was just too much for me. My eyes hurt from starring at the screen, but I just kept telling myself, "just one more."

Well all my hard work paid off! I have one one of these cute little bunny things from Strange Little Bear! I think I will give it to one of the girls for Christmas, I just don't know which one???

And it's not over yet! Maybe I could still win that awesome camera strap!!??

I will be picking the winner of my giveaway tomorrow, so if you haven't entered yet don't be shy, leave me a comment HERE!

Join the giveaway fun!!!!

2008-12-03T20:49:00.005-05:00

This is the most fun I have had in a long time!!! You've got to check it out! I've been lost in blogland all night!

Here's a fun one:
http://somethingrhetorical.com/talking/

and check this one out!! But don't enter!!! I am going to win this stuff!!!!!:
http://jettyandellasmama.blogspot.com/2008/12/give-away.html

and would you look at this!!! Wouldn't I look sooooo much cooler when I shoot if I were not toting my camera by such a lame plain black camera strap!??

you can visit her blog and giveaway at http://shealynnbenner.blogspot.com/

Oh, I hope I win!!!!

It's give away day!!!!

2008-12-03T08:27:00.006-05:00

It's give away day!!!!

Leave me a comment today and you'll be entered into a drawing for this cute little (4.5x6.5 inches) notepad cover. It comes with a notepad, and it has an extra pocket to hold a second notepad, or a pack of crayons... Great gift for any girl, or for your own purse! Great for kids drawings, or the grocery list! I will draw a name Friday afternoon and announce the winner.

Don't forget to come see me and all the crafty stuff I am up to at the GR Montessori Craft show at Fountain school on December 13th from 9-3pm!

Isn't this fun! Click the giveaway day box, to visit the Sew Mamma Sew blog for a master list of all the bloggers participating! Good luck!

Our Family Portrait

2008-11-25T16:01:00.005-05:00

by Lily

Quite a work of art! and very accurate too! She's been drawing lots of pictures since she was very little and I love what I gain from them about her perspective on her life! In this portrait from left to right, there's Rosie holding Daddy's hand, Me and my dreadlocks, then Lily holding Daisy's hand. Down on the bottom left she has drawn all our pets, Luna our dog, Little Bear our Cat, and Rita and Harriet our Rats!

another crafty day

2008-11-22T22:45:00.004-05:00

We went to the Santa Clause Parade this morning. It was very cold, but very fun! It left us all feeling like we have entered the Christmas season. So can you guess what I did as soon as we got home? You got it, crafty crafty!

I saw a cute tutorial for these little trees at the small object and I had to try it. I decided to use my serger instead of a zig zag stich on the edges and I think it worked out pretty well. I am very excited about the rolled edge I learned to do with my serger. When I showed Rich, he laughed. I think it was a good laugh, he said they were cute, and then just like a man, he said "what are they for?" I think I am going to make them into ornaments with a little ribbon on the top. What do you think? DOn't laugh!

The girls and I made these wreaths with all the scraps of wool from the slippers I made. They had fun and I think we'll make some more.

Oh, I can't beleive it's that time of year again!

Give away day!!

2008-11-19T15:21:00.006-05:00

Coming to a blog near you! If your a fellow blogger then you should consider doing it too! Check it out.

I am going to participate. You know I have been making stuff like crazy, so stay tuned to see what I will be giving away!

Picture retakes

2008-11-13T00:47:00.002-05:00

much better!

Crafting in overdrive

2008-11-11T22:37:00.007-05:00

Just like every autumn, the weather turns cold and I am suddenly overwhelmed by an urge to get crafty. It has hit me harder than ever this year and I just spent the entire weekend sewing and creating (most of the time with a fussy baby on my hip or hanging on my leg). I have been staying up way too late and I am absolutely sleep deprived, but it's worth it when I finish something!

I am getting ready for a craft show at Grand Rapids Montessori, Rosie's school, on Saturday December 13. Mark your calendars! It is a fun day and a great fundraiser for the school. Here is a few things I am working on to sell,

Sketchbook covers in two sizes:

Recycled wool sweater stuff:

Slippers

ipod case

I am also planning to make some felted recycled sweater bags and scarfs, as well as some photo notecards and prints. I'll share more pics as I finish more stuff.

So all you crafters out there, what are you up to?? I'd love to hear about your projects, leave me a comment!

Shoes

2008-11-11T00:01:00.000-05:00

Rosie needed a pair of tennis shoes she could tie all by herself but I really didn't feel like going out shopping for some, and it wasn't really going to fit in the budget anyway. Don't get me wrong, she has lots of shoes! Too many actually, but they all have laces and on our way out the door, I am not going to put on and tie 3 little pairs of shoes and my own, so I really wanted a pair that Rosie could put on herself. So here's the solution- I had her pick out her favorite shoes we already had and I pulled out the laces and replaced them with Elastic. I stitched the ends and tucked them to the inside where they didn't show and viola!:

I can't take all the credit though. The idea was actually Amy's and I am forever grateful! It saved me lot's of time and money! Your a genius!

Hang in there...

2008-11-04T12:24:00.005-05:00

It's almost over!!! Here's a couple videos for you this beautiful election day!

Handmade Holidays

2008-11-03T13:47:00.005-05:00

Yes, now that it's November, I have Christmas on my brain! I actually have been thinking about it since the kids started school! But I have to get an early start because I am determined not to buy anything this year!!! I am going to make it all! I have come close in years past, but this year I plan to do it all! We'll see... I will keep you updated.

My favorite blog this time of year is Sew Mamma Sew and they always have the cutest ideas, inspirations and free tutorials. The whole month of November will be filled with ideas and free patterns everyday! Check it out:

Happy Halloween!

2008-10-31T23:37:00.004-04:00

From Lily the cow, Rosie the scary ghost and Daisy the little mouse!

I wasn't sure how we were going to handle Halloween this year considering most of the candy collected most likely wouldn't be gluten and dairy free. I had wanted to plan some kind of a party with healthy fun snacks, costumes and games... but like I have time for that! So after sometime pondering the dilemma, I came up with the idea to have the kids trick or treat and collect all the candy they could, bring it home and count it up and use it to buy some fun toys from me with it! It was a win win for all of us. They had fun trick or treating, didn't consume hoards of sugar or wheat or dairy, got a fun new toy, and I have a whole bag of chocolate to eat after they go to bed!!!!

Gerald McBoing-Boing

2008-10-24T09:13:00.002-04:00

Dr. Suess was way ahead of his time!

Multitasking

2008-10-22T23:18:00.005-04:00

To see all the pics, click here!