The Need For Greed

I probably shouldn't be writing this but it is something that has really been getting to me the past 2 months. For the past 2 years the only time an "old friend" wants to reconnect is for 4 reasons which are they started an organization, business, ministry or they want to correct my spiritual faith and beliefs. I love reconnecting with friends and have the opportunity to see pictures of their families. We are military and never in one place long enough to say our kids will grow up together. I understand we all have lives and are busy. I too am quite busy. I have 5 kids, military spouse, and home school them all. Plus I make all of our food at home from scratch and do natural health consults. So I get the whole I have a life thing so do I, but it really irks me the wrong way when I haven't even heard from someone unless they think they will gain something like money or my business.

In the past 6 months I have gotten several emails, and message from friends in past churches, and cities we have lived in. One actually asked how me and my husband were doing. At first I thought wow this is so nice Kasey and I haven't talked to them in so long. Then not even 5 minutes into the chat they start telling me about a new ministry and if I would like to bless his ministry...Whoa wait I thought you were genuinely concerned about us. Now you are asking for money from us. I had mentioned that I would let my husband know about the ministry. (He is the head not me). He said yeah and where are you guys at now. I said Missouri and this person began asking when he commissions as an officer. It immediately got me thinking has he not seen any of my posts for the past year and a half, or my pictures. My husband commissioned to be an officer over a year ago.

It saddened me. As I spoke to Kasey later that night and informed him about our chat. He was very displeased. How can someone that you have bent over backwards for do that to you? I am always thinking about being content with what we are given (Hebrews 13:5). Where did this whole selfish thing come into play. I am finding more and more that I am not liking selfish people. Maybe it's because I would give a widowed mom my last bit of food to feed her kids. Maybe it's because I would house a girl that is pregnant or in a domestic violence situation. When did this need for greed come about? Maybe it's because I wasn't raised this way. Maybe it's because we don't instill these things into our kids. We very rarely have cupboards stocked up with food, but I do always have a house full of joyful kids. Not just my own but the neighbors, my nieces and nephews and our friends.

I guess for now I won't understand since I want to be the simple country gal and live off of our own land. So today I say show the people you love them, hug your sons and daughters and instead of sending me or your friends messages about your new ministry, business, or organization bless someone by paying it forward. Buy a bag of groceries for a family.

Juanita

Keeping It Together

I have to admit I am a bit on the mushy side but that is when my blog posts tend to be the best. I have been watching Army Wives for the past 2 days and I have cried on almost every episode. There is something about the Army and that show. There is something that makes those friendships so much more. One of the girls said "We have to keep it together", but it is the hardest thing to even think to do.

As grateful as I am right now that my husband gets to be home most nights with us it's hard to even think about. It's been a few years since our last deployment it's heartbreaking to even think about the next one. I ask myself can I do it again. We have 5 kids now and they are older. I was able to hide it most nights the tears that would roll down my cheeks just thinking of his boots laying on the floor. I ask myself "Can I do it again?". I wonder if I can keep it together like before. I now have to be the role model to several moms, mothers, sisters and wives, but can I do it. I know what I signed up for. I know what my role entails as an officer's wife and honestly I love the military life.

I know just like every Army wife and military wife for that matter knows that at any time we could get that knock at the door. At any moment we could get the call saying our love isn't coming home alive. At any given moment we could have to tell our kids that daddy or mommy will never be back. At any given moment our lives could be completely changed and by choice that is what the crazy thing is. It's just a matter of time before we question how much we can keep it together. I watch the series of these women's lives play out and I can recall me in every position.

It's amazing how strong we can be when being strong is all we have. I try to put myself in that position. What would I say? How would I handle it? What will our lives be like? It's never ending since orders can come up for a deployment at any time. I know our lives come next to the military and I love our lives. Am I crazy for thinking that I wouldn't want any other life? Is it crazy to think that although I miss my husband dearly I wouldn't trade our lives for anything. So despite the many sleepless nights wondering if my husband is safe, or if he will be home to make dinner. Wondering how will I get through another day or even another deployment. The truth is no matter what I will have to keep it together, but not just for me and my kids. I will have to keep it together for my soldier. I will have to keep it together so he can keep it together on his missions, training and deployments. No matter how hard it is we always find peace in our father and know that he is always on our side. We may not feel it but he carries us through every situation to keep it together even when we think that we aren't.

Juanita

Homemade Pumpkin Pie

I would like to thank Charity for being a guest blogger on my page and writing this post for me. Hopefully we will hear more from her. 

Prepping the Pumpkin

                                                              

Preheat Oven: 350 degrees 

Cook Time: 2 Hours

Make pumpkin puree . 

Preheat Oven: 425 degrees 

Cook Time: 35-40 Minutes

Ingredients:

• 15oz pumpkin puree
• ¾ tsp Ground Cinnamon---I added a couple extra dashes. J
• ½ tsp Ground Nutmeg
• ¼ tsp Ground Ginger
• ½ tsp. Ground Cloves
• ½ tsp Sea Salt
• 14oz Sweetened Condensed Milk
• 2 Eggs
• 1 9” Deep Dish Pie Pan  (I used a ready made pie crust)

Directions:

1. Measure out 15oz of your pumpkin puree. (Which is almost 2 cups. The exact measurement is 1 cup 7 ounces) 
2. Mix in above ingredients. 
3. Mix well. 
4. Pour into your pie crust and place into 425 degree oven for 15 minutes.
5. After 15 minutes reduce oven to 350 and cook an additional 35-40 minutes. 
6. Make sure pie is completely cooled before serving. 

Finished Pumpkin Pie

Let me know what you think. I love hearing your thoughts. 

Juanita 

Pumpkin Puree

I would like to thank Charity for being our guest blogger on this post. Hopefully we will be hearing more from her in the future.

I loved this idea and thought who wouldn't want to do this. Everyone loves a pumpkin spice latte in February or pumpkin pie in June that just sounds delightful.

All you need is a pumpkin, oven, baking sheet, and a blender/mixer/food processor etc.

1. Cut up the pumpkin and gut it out by taking out the seeds and the stringy stuff. 
2. Cut it in chunks and put in the oven on 350 degrees. 
3. Bake for 45-75 minutes or until soft all the way through. 
4. Peel off the peeling and the outer part of the pumpkin. 
5. Put the "meat" of the pumpkin in a food processor of your choice. I used the Ninja blender and it worked great. 
6. Mix until soft and put in container, or freezer bags to freeze. For 1 quart of freezer bags I was able to do about 3 cups of pumpkin puree. (Most recipes call for 2-3 cups of pumpkin puree) So could have one bag for each pumpkin pie. 

Our Visit To The Pumpkin Patch

This is one my most fond memories so far in Missouri. Taking my babies to the pumpkin patch myself. We went with our neighbors and their children. It was so much fun. I have never gotten the chance to really experience the pumpkin patch. So this was a lot of fun.

The pumpkin patch that we went to is called Happy Hollows . They had a small petting zoo, games and activities for the kids to partake in. I have to say this was the first time we have went as a family to the pumpkin patch and I plan to make it a yearly trip.

Some things we learned on our trip to the pumpkin patch:

• Pumpkins are red(ish) according to Jayel. We clarified several times but with the sun shining bright she was so sure they were red. 
• Turkey's do not like to be chased and oddly enough they run towards the person that is deadly afraid of them (me). Yes I have a bird fear. 
• Pony's are itty bitty horses according to Ariah. 
• Hay can be soft when there is a big mat underneath it all. 
• Pumpkins (even the sugar ones) are not the best to bowl with. 
• Goats will eat anything you put towards their mouth. 
• Big Big pumpkins are weally weally (really, really) heavy. 

I have to say never a dull moment with our blessings. Someone is always doing something or saying something to make us laugh. These pictures don't even show half the fun we had but hopefully you will be able to see their joy, laughter and the fun we had. 

Trying to decide when to JUMP!!! 

Trying to get the courage to go down.

WEEEE

Feeding the Goats. 

He was telling me that was the goat's eye. 

Michael's Pumpkin 

She found her a weally, weally big one.

Getting ready to Bowl!!!

Love to hear from you. 

Juanita 

Living The Life

In the military we as the wife and couples are to attend these according to the military. Basically they put us in a room and teach us. Many of these classes are done right before a deployment, after a deployment or during training sessions when our husbands are getting ready to leave some where. I have to admit many of these classes or briefings are beneficial. This one just stuck out me and we missed half of and I am actually thankful we did. I know with my husband's rank and his job I am supposed to set the example as his wife, but this I just can't do it. 


Here was their focus. Save money, put it in a mutual fund, or TSP which is a savings plan through the military. Retire in the military, and then get another job and retire from that one and live life. Their examples of living life was having a couple million in the bank, owning one at least house paid off and a vacation rental. Another example they gave was having boats and this huge amounts of emergency savings. Now don't get me wrong I am all about saving money for emergencies and saving for the future, but that's not mine nor my husband's idea of living the life. 


The world is getting worse and worse. Crime rates are going up not down and it doesn't take a scholar to figure that one out. I look around and think I don't want my kids to be involved in so much sin and crime in this hurtful world. I thought I don't want my kids to think that material things mean happiness. Having these "things" mean nothing but personal pleasure. 1st Timothy 6:7 says for we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain that we can carry nothing out. (KJV). I understand that not everyone believes like we do, but for us that isn't living the life. 


Living the life would look something like this...

We would have our own cows for meat and dairy and it would look something like this...

Our food supply would look something like this...

And This....

We would partake in things like puzzles, and board games. 


Our kids would be an expert at Spades and tilling a garden. To me that is 
what living the life is about. It's not about going to see these exotic places, 
or having the newest car or technology. It's about sharing the love with my
 family. Teaching my kids how to live without having to just survive. 
Becoming independent without help and to me that is leaving a legacy
 for my kids. That is leaving them with an inheritance. 

Juanita 

Spicy Toasted Pumpkin Seeds

I have to say this is by far my favorite snack. I am always looking at what I can do to my food to give an extra benefit. For instance if I put garlic on my food it's to help kill bacteria, fight of infections, or just keep my immune system ready for defense. So when we went and got our pumpkins I wanted to do something different than just salt on my seeds. I am not a huge fan of lime so I did Capsicum flavored pumpkin seeds. Recipe is as follows.

Ingredients:

• Pumpkin Seeds from one or many pumpkins. 
• Sea salt to taste
• 1/4 of a teaspoon Capsicum powder or Cayenne pepper (I used capsicum) per cup of pumpkin seeds. 

Directions:

• Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees. 
• Rinse and drain the pumpkin seeds. (Get as much of the guts off as possible)
• On a cookie sheet or cake pan put the seeds in an even layer. Try not to stack them so they evenly cook.
• Sprinkle the salt on there very sparingly.  
• Bake for 10-15 minutes or until light to medium brown. 
• Put the seeds in a container and put the desired amount of chile (Capsicum or Cayenne powder) to the seeds and shake around so it gets on all the seeds. 
• Save or eat while warm. 

Now for my reasoning of capsicum instead of cayenne. Capsicum is often a cleaner part of the chili, and has a lot more zing. Capsicum unlike Cayenne has several health benefits. (Click HERE for the full list) Some of the benefits are it's a blood thinner, speeds up metabolism to help aid for weight loss and is high in vitamin C. 

Treating Ear Infections With Garlic Oil

It is getting that time again..cold and flu season. The weather is getting cooler and the sun isn't out as much as it is in the Summer. One of my most favorite treatments is garlic oil.

I don't keep it made because it can go rancid and then you can't use it. I feel like that is a waste. It usually only takes about 3-4 minutes to make it. So I feel that you don't have to keep it readily available. You can if you know your child is starting to get something, by doubling the the amounts to have some on hand for the week if you like though.

What you will need is:

• Fresh Garlic Cloves (1 clove for each tablespoon)
• 4-6 Tablespoons of Extra Virgin Olive Oil 
• A pan 
• A Cleaver knife

Steps to make it happen:

1. Take the garlic cloves, and the cleaver knife and hit it to pop the garlic open. 
2. Turn the pan on medium.
3. Once the pan starts to heat up put the oil and the garlic in. Let it simmer with each other for about 3-5 minutes. 
4. Take out and let it start to cool. 
5. Put the garlic oil in each ear when the garlic oil is lukewarm. 
6. Repeat every hours to two hours. 

In babies most of the time fevers are caused from an ear infection. The baby may or may not pull at the ear. The fever usually starts even before the pain from the ear infection. 

Another observation that was made by us and was confirmed by our ND's is many times with congestion the child will get an ear infection. Most of the time kids won't show signs of one but may have some discharge a few days later. So with congestion and runny noses in our home out comes the garlic oil. 

Here are my reasons for using it over other things:

• The warmth from the garlic oils helps soothe the pain. 
• The garlic oil is a "natural antibiotic". 
• Making it yourself you don't have to worry about the "odor controlled". (This removes the antibiotic properties)
• You can control the amount of garlic and olive oil that is put in. 
• It is cheaper than most things and you can use it for other ailments, and to cook with as well. 

Organization Can Go A Long Way

So I have been wanting to do something that I used to do for a really long time. Planning out meals...eek!!! I used to plan them a week in advance according to our schedules. I had breakfast, lunch dinner and 2 snacks. Along with drinks. I know super organized. When we moved from Fort Hood to Fort Benning I kind of got behind so now that we are settled in Missouri I am doing it again.

So to start if you want to leave me a comment with one thing that you planned out and made it would be great. This weeks to do list for food is:

• Make apple butter
• Pumpkin Puree 
• Prep Snacks
• Prep 2 dinners 

Weekly Food Calender

1st Corinthians 14:40 

I love hearing from you.

Home School Week of 10/10-10/13

This week was so much fun and adventurous. I love having the opportunity to home school and then to see my son learn something new it amazes me.

Here is what our week looked like.

This week was full of adventures. Michael has learned parts of a flower, the state flower, the state bird and can recognize the state of Missouri's flag.

We also picked leaves and made some crafts with them. Overall it was an amazing week and looking forward to another week just like this one.

All Purpose Cleaner

I have used these items in our home for over 5 years now. I love them and they work absolutely wonderful. I use them only for surface cleaning, not for windows and mirrors. The ingredients and not that expensive and can last a long time.

Ingredients:

• 2 Cups Braggs Apple Cider Vinegar
• 1 Teaspoon Baking Soda
• 2 Cups of lukewarm water 
• 7-10 drops of an essential oil of your choice (I use tea tree, clove, sweet thyme or lavender)

Directions:

1. Mix the Apple cider Vinegar and baking soda in a container. (I use a spray bottle from Walmart for around a buck)
2. Slowly add in the water, because of the apple cider vinegar and baking soda it will fizz a lot. If you do it too fast it will overspill. 
3. Add in the essential oil and enjoy. 

Let me know what you think. Leave me a comment of what oils you used and why. I love hearing different blends. It might be one that I will use next.

The Day You Were Born (Alissa)

This is a letter to my oldest daughter. I wrote her a letter on the day she was born and I did this for each of my blessings.

Dear Alissa, I was only 36 weeks in my pregnancy with you. It was the night before Thanksgiving and I lived with Grandma and Pampo. We lived in Fort Collins Colorado at the time. We always did Thanksgiving BIG. With all the good food, desserts, and enough food to last us weeks. On our way home on Wednesday night I slipped on ice. It had been snowing and not all of it had melted. I felt fine. That was about 8pm. Around midnight as I was laying in grandma's bed I felt my first contraction. It wasn't something that I had ever felt before. I went to sleep and didn't think nothing of it. The next morning I woke up early and before the sun was even out. It was still pretty cold out. I remember not wanting to go anywhere that day. I took a shower and got ready for the day of eating. I was so happy my whole pregnancy because of all the yummy food that I knew Grandma and Pampo would be cooking up. It was just us family there. Only your aunties and grandma and Pampo. All day I just felt weird. I kept getting pains in my back and stomach. I didn't know then that they were contractions. I wasn't able to eat much but I did snack all day. Around 8pm the contractions started to get worse but they weren't steady. So I thought they were just the good ol braxton hicks contractions. Around midnight after we settled down and were watching tv for a bit and I threw up. I know it's not what most kids want to hear, but I did. I laid on the couch and decided to try to sleep. I couldn't sleep on my bed because my back was hurting too much. Around 2 am I wake up your Auntie Adella and told her to go get grandma and Pampo. I knew then something wasn't right. Pampo had me time the contractions and he knew that I was in labor. I wasn't ready though. I hadn't even packed our hospital bags and you were a month early, but God had a different plan. We called the doctor and he said that when I couldn't talk through my contractions or they were 4 minutes apart to come in. About 45 minutes later we realized that they were about 3 minutes apart. We headed to the hospital and checked me in. After checking my vitals and you we quickly found out that I was already 5 centimeters dialated. There was no turning back you were coming into this world. Contractions kept getting closer and hurt more. I chose to get some medication in my IV to help with the pain. Around 11am your dad and his family came into the hospital. Right around noon you blessed us with your presence. Your dad, Grandma Bonnie, Auntie Adella and Auntie Laura were in the room with me. As I looked over I knew what your name was going to be Missy Lissy. The rest is history. 

My Meaning of Marriage

As I look back at the past six and a half years of our lives together it makes me so grateful on what the things that we were able to grasp early on in our lives. We have always had our fights and disputes. It did take some time and we are still working on it. We haven't been together that long but we have understandings, and have made that choice to choose each other for life. (Genesis 2:18)
Although we made the choice we still had problems. It wasn't anything major but little things that built up. We had just moved and we under a lot of stress, we no longer had a church home, I just had our 5th child and my husband was never home with all the training he had to do and prep for. I was upset, angry and sad all at the same time. I felt I didn't want the marriage any more. I knew I was wrong in that sense but I found myself blaming my husband for not giving me enough attention (even though he was working 14-16 hour days. I knew I needed to stay in the scriptures and a friend recommended The Peasant Princess. This was the most in-depth set of sermon services that I have ever heard in my life. Not only did this change my life but it changed my marriage. This is when I had an ah ha moment. I watched the whole series and by the end of the series me and my husband both had a change of heart.
Here is what I got out of it.

• My marriage is not my own.
• I am here to serve my husband.
• It doesn't matter if he serves me it's about what I am called to do for him.

I know this doesn't seem like a lot but hear me out. I used to think marriage was both people working at it, making each other happy and it was 50/50. After the series I had a huge change of heart. I realized it doesn't matter what I want, it matters what my husband wants. If my husband wants to take a nap (he works 12-14 hours a day Monday through Saturday) so be it. If my husband wants to have friends over we will. Before the video it was no I want this to happen and we are doing this. This was NOT biblical in any way. I was telling the person that was supposed to be the head of the house to do it my way. I was quickly reminded of Proverbs 21:19. We tend to get convicted more when we least expect it. Now I would like to say this goes both ways.
My husband and I have an agreement about our marriage. My marriage to him is not mine, just like his marriage to me is not his. I started to track how I felt every time I got upset with my husband. It was from little things to big fights. Every time I was upset it wasn't him it was me. It was me wanting something. It was me needing something. It was me and I was immediately convicted about it. I thought maybe that it wasn't my husband but me. I am the one wanting things done a certain way because it's for me. I never once thought how I could make my husbands day better. I never thought how I could make him happy. This was a year ago almost to the day. Since then I have realized it's not my marriage it our marriage. He doesn't owe me anything. No where in scripture does it say just because I want something he has to do it for me. It says to love and honor each other.
A year later we have grown closer to each other in new ways. I still catch myself saying he did this to me, or he doesn't give me enough attention, but I guard my mouth and change my words and thoughts. I think what can I do to make this marriage better. I ask him is there something you want me to do for you today. I remember just like the disciples and the people who were called by God I am not here for me....I am here for him. How can I face God and tell him well he didn't show me love. I remember God showed me love, and I need to show God's love through me. I can do it to other people and family but my husband should be the one I cater to the most. My husband is the one that I should serve the most, and honor the most (besides God).

Love hearing your thoughts. 

I asked a dear friend of mine to be a contributor to my blog on this subject. Here is her post and if you want to find out more about her please visit her BLOG.

This month was a trial for me. I am usually an outspoken person on anything that contradicts my belief system at all and cancer is one of my most heated debates in that area. So I watched this Fall with dismay the annual campaign of the “Run For the Cure” by the Susan G Komen organization and tried to think of a way to make some sense of this phenomenon.

 

I know you are asking; what's the problem? I mean aren't these good people really trying to help our women with the deadly disease of breast cancer? Aren't they fighting the good fight for all people with disease that racks the body with pain and disfigurement? Aren't they trying desperately to fix a horrible problem of a rampant disease in this an other countries?

 

Well frankly no. NO they aren't healing, NO they aren't curing and NO they aren't helping people.
I know these comments will upset; even infuriate others with my comments but I've set back too long and watched the parade of pink ribbons strung across our nation; from shoes to shirts, from bumper stickers to flags. This is a hoax and I mean to show others about this problem.

The Susan G Komen foundation was founded when the sister of Susan Goodman Komen; Nancy Goodman Brinker started this organization in memory of her late sister. Susan had died in 1980 of breast cancer and with that devastation; a promise to her dying sister to find a cure.

So the organization hit the media and today is a multi billion dollar business. Yet the incidence of cancer is higher than ever with stats showing that cancer has actually increased from every year from 1975 to 2008 of invasive breast cancer. These stats are common knowledge with every physician in our country being completely aware of this!


So I ask. How does a multi-billion dollar business look itself in the eyes and say they're helping people? I imagine they're probably soothing themselves with the idea that some hidden issue is the real culprit; only waiting to be found by their top notch organization with millions done on research. I think they wish that others believe this as well and that they really don't want people to know the true issue and that is this. Chemo doesn't cure! Radiation doesn't heal! Breast mammograms can actually CAUSE cancer! These facts are well known by the medical community and yet millions of women do these things in the vain hope that they can prevent or stave off the cancerous cells another month; another year. All the while the organization is raking in billions of dollars; it's organization heads living very well off these monies while they garner fame and fortune; all on the backs and pocketbooks of good, well meaning people donating to this “worthy” cause.

Here are some facts to consider.
In 2010 the organization payed out $44,874,086 in salaries. This includes research, fund raising and the Race for the Cure program among other things. This is supposed to be a non profit organization yet there seem to be many people who make quite a bit of money from this group.

The organization managed to make $301,328,691 in donations last year but contributed millions to Planned Parenthood for their use in early detection. The problem I have with this is that mammograms are well known to cause cancer. Radiation causes cancer; everyone knows this; and a sensitive organ like the breast is extremely susceptible to the effects of radiation and yet they insist it's perfectly safe. All the while there are millions upon millions of incidences of cancer in the breast; do you not think this might be a problem? The United States Preventive Services Task Force released a recommendation of NO early mammograms before 40 yrs of age because it takes at least 10 years before radiation based cancer makes its appearance.

And although the organization swears the monies released to Planned Parenthood are not for abortion purposes; basically allows other monies for those same abortions; which DO cause more incidences of cancer.

So the facts support that basically no one has gotten any farther in the quest for the cure for cancer in traditional medicine. In fact a well known study showed that a large percentage of oncologists would refuse traditional therapy if given the diagnosis of cancer!

So what remains? How do we actually combat this terrible disease? There are ways to heal the body. Many are simple and many are easy. The fact is; we are going the wrong way toward health and one of the quickest ways to be unhealthy is to follow the doctors advice in treating this illness and many others. Diet, lifestyle changes are huge in helping the body to overcome illness of any kind. Medicines are for the most part poisons; poisons designed to “kill” the bad cells. This is not effective as it also kills good cells as well; and lowers the body's resistance to other diseases; a well known secondary cause of death in cancer therapy patients.

So how to approach this problem? How do you find a cure for your cancer?

I would start by evaluating your lifestyle. Do you drink? Smoke? Do you eat greasy, fast food? Do you address stress? Are you on medication for illness? Are you overweight? These are all precipitating factors in health issues of all kinds including cancer.



Lastly; I do suggest listening to a higher power....in my case that would be God. HE is my inspiration; not traditional medicine in healing and HE will heal me; through my work with alternative therapies. God bless and may God keep you all well.

http://seer.cancer.gov/csr/1975_2008/browse_csr.php?section=4&page=sect_04_table.09.html

http://anaximperator.wordpress.com/2010/05/06/do-75-of-doctors-refuse-chemotherapy-on-themselves/

http://www.abortionbreastcancer.com/medicalgroups/index.htm

http://www.draxe.com/mammograms-cause-cancer/

Susan G Komen Audit 

Saving Time With Starter Packs

This is my first guest blog by my good friend Carol Ann. She does these packs to help save on time. It has been a life saver to many and very cheap. I love the idea because I can easily make some brown rice, or some beans and mix. These are also great to add in a roast, or ham and cook it up. 

Clean, peel, and dice any root vegetables you desire along with the following.  Add in seasoning mixture and freeze.

root vegetables (turnips, kohlrabi, carrots, beets)

onion

bell peppers

Kale (or other greens if you have them)

peas (if desired)

add seasonings you desire..

I use:

1 tbsp oregano

1 tbsp parsley

1 tbsp basil

2 bay leaves

2 cloves of garlic diced

1 tbsp Herbamare

& 1 tbsp of my hubby's secret seasonings... I know it contains turmeric, maybe coriander.. not sure what else. 

Place all in a ziploc and freeze.

I made 10 of these so they are conveniently ready for a crock pot meal or for the pressure cooker.  I use them in two ways as of right now.  I put beef in the crock pot, layer it with the starter pack, then put halved peeled potatoes on top and then add water or broth.  I would also do this with beef, starter pack, barley, and diced tomatoes w/ water or broth for a beef and barley soup.  The combinations are endless.  It is nice to do most of the prep work at one time and just have to add a few ingredients when it is time to start the meal.  Celery I do not put in the freezer packs because my meals will cook for several hours and I wouldn't want the celery to get soggy.

 

I hope that helps!  Enjoy!

To read more of Carol Ann's tips you can find them at her BLOG. 

Let me know what you like to put in your starter bags. Let's get healthy and creative together. 

Cold Remedies

The common cold effects literally millions people. It not only effects just the person with the cold but people around them. If a younger child, or even a baby gets a "cold" the parents also miss work and chance the rest of the family "catching the cold". The good news is that it doesn't have to last as long as it has in the past with my helpful tips.

First here are some facts of the common cold:

• There are nearly 62 Million cases each year. (NIH)
• There is an estimated 20 million school days missed annually. (NIH)
• You don't "catch a cold", but earn it through poor health and nutrition. 
• Children catch a cold on average of 6-10 times per year. 
• Most common colds in children under the age of 3 can lead to an ear infection. 
• You don't get a cold by being cold. 

To prevent from getting a cold there are some things you can do. 

• Make homemade bone broth and drink it daily. It is loaded with vitamins and minerals to keep the body healthy. (Start off slow with 1 teaspoon and work up to 1 cup a day)
• Take Vitamin D3 daily from September through April. This helps keep the liver healthy to break down harmful toxins that can weaken the immune system. (Dosage Information)
• Get adequate sleep. Going to bed at least by 10PM to 4AM can help the liver rid it's body of toxins which can weaken the immune system. It also helps the body deal with stress. 
• Learn to let the little things go. Emotions greatly affect our health. It can be for the good or bad. (Reference Sheet)
• Do some kind of physical activity indoors and outdoors. This can be from going for a short brisk walk, to playing a sport to deep cleaning. 
• Keep Nature's Sunshine Silver Shield Gel on hand instead of Hand Sanitizer. It is a safer option and works great. 
• Avoiding processed foods, boxed foods, fast food and refined sugars will dramatically decrease your chance of getting a cold. All these foods are acidic and can cause different health issues which can lead to catching a cold. 

Now even with doing all of this there is no guarantee of not getting a cold but reducing your chances of getting a cold. The good news is that you can dramatically decrease the length of it. Here is my protocol and what we have done in my house for almost 5 years. 

At the first sign of a cold here is what we do. (Do all treatments for a minimum of 3 days the cold should be subdued or gone before then. If it isn't then you will need to do for 7 days.)

1. Silver Shield Liquid at the first sign of a cold. This helps kill any kind of bacteria or virus in the body. (1/4 teaspoon 4 times a day-6 months and under, 1/2 teaspoon 4 times a day for 6-18 months, 1 teaspoon 4 times a day for 18  months through 3 years old, 2 teaspoons 4 times a day for 3-5 years old, 1 tablespoon 4 times a day for 5 to 13 years of age, 2 tablespoons 4 times a day for 13 and over) 
2. Vitamin C ( I prefer the powdered one so that way I can mix with juice if I need to). This helps with itching eyes, and build the immune system to fight off the cold. This varies on bowel tolerance. For 6 months 250mg every 2-3 hours, 6-12 months 250mg every hour, 1-3 years 500mg every 3 hours, 3-5 years old 500mg every 2 hours, 5-10 years old 500mg every hour, and 10 and up 1000mg every 1.5 hours. *Some people have a higher bowel tolerance than others. Once you, or your child starts to get loose stools back off on the Vitamin C and spread it out over 3-5 hours instead*
3. Vitamin D3-This helps the liver break down the toxins in the body causing the runny nose, sneezing, and fatigue. D3 you want to actually take for 7 days instead of just the 3. If you catch a cold in the summer getting out  side to get some sun will help as well. (Reference Sheet)
4. ALJ - This is a formula made from Nature's Sunshine. It is Kosher Certified and you can get it in a capsule, or liquid form. It is in a vegetable glycerin mix. This helps fight off toxins in the nasal cavities, lungs and lymphatic system. It also aids the body in ridding the toxins from the respiratory system so the runny nose is less and congestion clears up faster. (For infants 6 months and younger 1-3 drops every hour, 6-12 months 2-4 drops every hour, 1-3 years 3-5 drops every hour, 3-5 years 4-6 drops every hour, 5-10 years 5-7 drops every hour, 10 and up 7-9 drops every hour)
5. Homemade Beef Broth (see recipe above). Take a 1-2 cups a day and can be broken up into several hours. 
6. Skin Brushing and then taking a Detox Bath (I would add fresh ginger also to the bath). You can do this up to 4 times a day and rest between. This helps remove toxins and heal faster. 
7. Drink lots of water if possible make some herbal teas. My favorite is from Traditional Medicinals. 
8. REST, REST, and REST. This is crucial in helping the body heal. 

The key is to help aid the body rid the toxins. All of these supplements, and foods will help the liver detox, the kidneys filter the toxins, the lungs export the toxins and the bowels remove the toxins. 

Creamy Mashed Potatoes

I love eating mashed potatoes but I don't like using some ingredients. Home made mashed potatoes just has that yum factor.

So here is my recipe for it.

Ingredients:

• 6-8 Medium to Large potatoes
• 12-15 Cups of water 
• 2 sticks of butter
• 1 tablespoon of sea salt 
• 1 tablespoon of black pepper
• 1 garlic clove 
• 1/4 cup of onion finely diced 
• Dash of oregano
• Dash of basil
• 1-2 cups of raw milk 

Directions:

1. Put the water on medium to high to start a boil. 
2. Cut the potatoes up in 1-2 inch square pieces. 
3. Put the potatoes with peeling on, 1 stick of butter, salt, pepper, and garlic in the water to boil with the potatoes. 
4. Once they are soft, drain the water. 
5. Smash them add the other stick of butter, milk and salt, pepper, oregano, and basil to taste. 
6. Serve warm and enjoy. 

These are a house favorite. We love them. 

Homemade Deodorant Recipe

After much research I have come to the conclusion that even my "safe crystal alternative" isn't as safe as I thought it was. It's no surprise that deodorants have chemicals that can cause reactions in our bodies not to mention all the poorly researched evidence that so many companies claim to have come up with. Obviously I don't have to go into details about why you should make your own deodorant because you came here for a reason. Here is how to do it. It took me a whole 10 minutes from gathering the products, to mixing it to putting it in the fridge.

Ingredients:

• 1/4 Cup of Baking Soda
• 1/2 Cup of Tapioca Starch (You can use corn starch too but decrease it to 1/4 cup. My daughter has a slight allergy to corn and corn like products but not to Tapioca) **Note you can also use Arrowroot** 
• 1 1/4 cup of Extra Virgin Coconut Oil 
• 25-30 drops of Essential Oil of Choice (I chose Lavender because of the calming of the nerves, antibacterial, and the smell)

Directions:

1. Mix all the ingredients in a bowl. 
2. Then add them to a container or choice. I used an old deodorant container and cleaned it out. 
3. Then put in the fridge to harden. Keep in fridge during the hotter months but you can take out during the colder months. 

Here are the ingredients and brands that I used. 

Please leave a comment and let me know how it worked for you. I made this for my almost 11 year old daughter and she loves it and thinks it works better than the store bought. 

Candied Pecans

These I will be making at least once a week. These are a great snack to put in kiddos lunch boxes, take on the go or just eat while watching a movie on a Saturday night. I am always trying to get creative. Something that I can do that is still nutritious for the family and tasty.

People always think to eat healthy you have to eat food that doesn't taste good. I used to think the same thing but as you start to make healthier choices your taste buds tend to like other foods and dislike the unhealthy foods. 

My favorite thing about this recipe is that if you don't have pecans that will probably be the only thing you will have to buy. 

Ingredients:

• 1lb Pecans
• 1 Egg White
• 1 TBSP Water
• 2/3 Cup Honey
• 1 TSP Coarse Grain Sea Salt
• 3/4 TBSP Ground Cinnamon 

Directions: 

1. Pre Heat Oven to 250 Degrees. 
2. On a Cookie sheet add Parchment Paper or Wax paper 
3. In a large bowl add the egg, and water. 
4. Mix well until it becomes frothy. 
5. Add in the pecans and stir until all the pecans have the egg white wash on them. 
6. In a separate bowl add in the honey, sea salt and cinnamon. Mix well. 
7. Add the honey mix to the pecans while mixing until all the pecans are coated with honey mixture. 
8. With a rubber spatula spread the pecans out evenly on the cookie sheet making it one layer. 
9. Put in oven for 1 hour 30 minutes stirring it every 15 minutes. (This needs to be done other wise it can and will stick to the paper. 
10. When done remove the pecans from the paper immediately into a glass bowl otherwise they may stick to the paper as they cool. 

They are great. If you made them please leave a comment and let me know. 

This is what they will look like when they come out of the oven. 

Raw Almond Butter

I have to say I was a little nervous anytime I try something new. I always wonder if it will be as good as a brand name, or the one I get from my local farmer, or as good as someone that went to school to specialize in this kind of stuff, but I am doing better and better everyday.

Let's face it I am just one person trying to make a difference and help those wanting to live a healthier, wholesome, natural living life. I guess I should give myself more credit than I do. Today I made almond butter with raw organic almonds. I don't have a food processor so I was worried about how it would come out and if it would even come out. So here it is...It is AMAZING.

Ingredients:

• 2 Cups of Raw Organic Almonds
• 2 tablespoons of Raw Local Honey 
• 1 tablespoon of Sea Salt (I chose the coarse) 
• 1/2 teaspoon of Extra Virgin Olive Oil (Optional, you may or may not need this)

Directions:

1. Put the almonds in the food processor of your choice. I actually used the Ninja. (Note it does take a little longer with the Ninja but will work)
2. Keep mixing until it become butter. The whole process will take around 20-25 minutes. You may have to stop and scrape the sides every couple of minutes. (See pictures below)

After about 5 Minutes

After about 15 Minutes

After about 20 Minutes 

Finished Raw Almond Butter

Please comment if you have a question, comment or made it your own. I would love to hear if you did anything different and what you did.

Guilt Free Brownies

Who ever says that it's hard to go Gluten Free and Sugar Free have never tried these brownies. These were so good that our neighbors loved them. My 14 month old kept coming back for more and even checked my plate to see if they were really gone. I didn't even feel guilty for giving them to him neither since they were loaded with nutrients and you will see why.

Ingredients:

• 16 oz of walnuts
• 1 egg
• 1 cup honey
• 1/2 cup baking cocoa
• 1 tbs pure vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp coarse sea salt
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 2 oz unsweetened dark chocolate chopped (I used Ghiradellia 60% Cocoa due to availability in our area)

1 – 2 tbs coconut oil

Directions: 

1. "Grease" the pan with the coconut oil.
2. Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
3. Pulse the walnuts in a food processor. (**Note I used the Ninja Mixer. It did take probably a little longer than with a food processor. It took about 15 minutes, you will have to stop and stir it around a bit)
4. Keep pulsating until it is creamy. 
5. Beat the egg in a separate bowl. 
6. Add in the egg to the walnut butter. 
7. Add in the honey, cocoa, and vanilla. Stir for about 2 minutes or until blended in. 
8. Next add in the sea salt, baking soda and dark chocolate. 
9. Once thoroughly mixed put in the pan. I used a 11X7 inch glass cake pan. 
10. Baked for 25-30 minutes and ENJOY every bit of it.