Geneva Bible... Link

As I learn more and more about the Bible's history, the more I am appalled and infuriated. What we know as the KJV, is adulterated! There is an earlier version called the Geneva Bible that is being republished after hundreds of years. I bought one and am planning on using it for our homeschool studies along with the KJV, to see exactly what the differences are. I really do wonder what the original scrolls do say. I am pretty sure there are many other " books of the Bible" out there that someone, such as Constantine, decided that we didn't need to know certain things, so excluded and reworded many part, which most Christians take as fact.  It is sad how the Bible, which is the most important book in our lives, is so manipulated.

http://genevabible.com/

Don't Mess with Homeschoolers!

I have great news! After many homeschooling parents across the country flooded Capri Cafaro's phone lines, she had decided with withdraw the bill that only came to homeschooler's attention Monday night.

Politicians need to wake up and figure out that homeschooling parents know their rights and will enforce everything we have to get something out of our way, that impedes on our freedoms.

If you called the offices, as I posted yesterday, I just want to say thank you!

Unfortunately the fight may not be over. Ms. Cafaro did repeal, but has said that she will be working on a new re-worded version after the 1st of the year. So, we may be doing this again sooner than later. I have contacted Glen Beck, but have not heard from him, since he is a firm believer in homeschooling. I contacted him before I knew of the repeal, so I hope he, or whom ever keeps track of his Facebook account, keeps tabs on this. I am actually surprised he didn't say anything about it today, seeing as he is a member of the HSLDA, or so I believe him to be.

Don't worry, God is with us. Also, I will keep my readers posted. As soon as I find out anything more, be certain that I will have the information on my blog ready for anyone willing to fight for our freedoms, as we are.

Great Peace Academy: What Happens When you Anger 24,000+ Homeschoolers?...

Great Peace Academy: What Happens When you Anger 24,000+ Homeschoolers?...: Back Pedaling Yesterday I wrote to you and told you about a proposed legislative bill in the state of Ohio, of which I am a resident. Th...

Let's Treat All Homeschool Parents Like... Blog

http://themattwalshblog.com/2013/12/18/politician-lets-treat-all-homeschool-parents-like-felony-child-abusers/comment-page-1/#comment-87252

Attention homeschoolers in Ohio! ... Link

I urge every homeschooler in Ohio to call and tell them to get rid of this. If this goes through, I will not hesitate to leave Ohio or even the "grand ole" USA! I am getting sick and tired of all this stuff.

http://www.ohioansforfreedom.com/OhioSBE/OhioSenate/OhioSenateDistrict32.aspx

Jesus wants you to judge... Link

http://themattwalshblog.com/2013/12/12/jesus-wants-you-to-judge/

GMO ... Link

http://www.upworthy.com/more-than-93-percent-of-americans-totally-want-this-to-be-legalized-and-its-not-weed-2

Garden 2014

Let's get this garden started!

Yes, it is way past time to get thinking about your garden for this coming year. The seed catalogs have been delivered and if you were going to plant garlic, the time has already past, if you are in Ohio.

This past week, I sat down and put every raised bed and idea to graph paper. With my colored pencils, I make it look like a rainbow. But it will never come to fruition, without the timing down. I also printed off a calendar from my Printshop program so I know precisely when I need to go to my growing room and start a certain plant, so it is ready to transplant come time.

I am always happy to share my hard work, so if you live near Cleveland, our expected last frost date is April 30. So here is when you need to start your seeds indoors, if you are doing any gardening close to mine.

I need to mention, we are doing a cutting flower garden this year also. In May, I will be planting permanent fruiting plants and roses around the border of our new side yard.

October/November:

Plant garlic

Larkspur - direct sow

December:

Lisianthus (first week)

January:
Luffa

February:
Broccoli  (last week)
Peppers
Cabbage
Brussels Sprouts
Kale
Tomato (next to last week)
Leeks - direct sow

Plant onion sets

March: (last week)
Turnip - direct sow
Peas - direct sow
Borage (mid month)
Celosia
Calendula
Chamomile
Arnica
Iresine
Cape daisy
Brachycome
Echinacea Purpuria
Tassel flower

April:
Zucchini/Squash (second week)
Direct sow (week of last frost):
Black Cumin
Fennel
Dill
Carnation
Bee balm
Yarrow
Poppy
Blue star sea holly
Lemongrass
Lemon balm
Plant 2nd/3rd week out in garden:
Broccoli
Kale
Cabbage
Brussels Sprouts

May: (2nd/3rd week)
Direct sow:
Cucumber
Carrot
Green bean
Watermelon
Marigold
Nasturtium

Plant all other plants in the garden after they have properly been hardened off and there are no signs of frost.

For permanent plants, we are going big. I have a Redhaven Peach tree, Bartlett Pear, and a Bosc Pear tree that I have been dreaming about for years. I also have 5 types of strawberries (Ozark Beauty, Chandler, Allstar, Eversweet, and Éclair), gooseberries (Invicta and Pink), blueberries (Blue Jay, Duke, Patriot, Blue Ray, Sierra, Elliott, Jersey, and St. Cloud), raspberries (Canby Thornless), blackberries (Navaho), elderberries (Nova and York OR Samdal and Haschberg, I haven't decided on the strain just yet), Jersey asparagus, kiwi (Issai), and heirloom roses (Apothecary, York & Lancaster, Alba Semi-Plena, Rosa Mundi, and Amazing Grace...possibly one or two more), that will produce edible rose hips as well as yummy teas (so I've heard...).  Everything is organic or traditionally grown, so I don't have to worry about pesticides being used on them.

I already have rhubarb that I planted last year. I can't wait to finally be able to harvest it this year!

Anyway, for the most part, if it can't eaten or at least enjoyed in our household, it is not being grown. Our new philosophy is, if it can't be eaten or used in a healthful way, it doesn't belong in our gardens.

No poo, the end

This will be my last post on going no-poo. I washed my hair again last night, but this time it was with full strength Castile soap and white vinegar. I was having the horrid oil slick still in the middle back of my hair and I was done. I will still be doing baking soda and ACV, but occasionally a Castile soap wash. I think that is just what is going to have to happen for my hair.

I hope someone has found my journey helpful.

No poo 5

Ok, I have  to tell you. I washed. My hair with baking soda and ACV last week and still saw no improvement, so I didn't post.  Then I couldn't take it any more. I developed this oil slick down the center back of my head. So, I went ahead and did a half and half mixture of water and Castile soap and put it in a spray bottle. I sprayed the icky parts of my head and then rinsed with ACV. My hair is now mostly back to where it should be at this point. The front and sides of my scalp have adjusted, but the crown and back are refusing to acclimate. I will be using the Castile mixture again next time I wash my hair again, since the slick is still sort of there.

I am really thinking I need to do some sort of hair mask now too, since I am most likely detoxing my scalp still. If I do, I will let you know.

Should followers of Christ celebrate birthdays? - Link

Thoughts?

Should followers of Christ celebrate birthdays? - Mount Zion Church of God (7th Day) | Mount Zion Church of God (7th Day) Winnipeg

Everyone needs to know! ... Link

This is tragic and everyone needs to be aware that this is not the only children's hospital that does this!


http://www.glennbeck.com/2013/11/21/kidnapping-hospital-takes-custody-of-teen-girl-after-parents-argue-against-diagnosis/

ARE THEY ALL YOURS?!??: The Cause and Cure of Morning Sickness and Hyperem...

ARE THEY ALL YOURS?!??: The Cause and Cure of Morning Sickness and Hyperem...: This post is one very near and dear to my heart, and one that I have been very eagerly wanting to write and publish for some time now. If p...

Even the royal family understands!... link

I feel closer and closer to the Queen and her family every time I come across an article with them proclaiming the benefits of homeopathy.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/prince-charles/10433939/Prince-Charles-and-homeopathy-crank-or-revolutionary.html

We must find an alternative!

There is a first time for everything on my blog. I don't believe I have ever talked about politics, because really, I can't stand it. But, seeing as all of us in America are now being forced to have something we really don't want and can't afford, I thought I would say a few things.

First and foremost, I do not want Obamacare! There, plain and simple, black and white on my page. I am very happy not having to ever go to a medical establishment. In the event we ever had to in a true emergency, we have paid the hospital in full through a payment plan. The following link can be a great eye opener for some that think doctors are indispensable.

There is one thing though. There is a need for doctors, only a very few times in life. If you ever break a bone, they can set it correctly, then you can take boneset herb and heal on your own. Also if you have to have something foreign removed that needs operated on, such as a bullet or knife. As I see it, these are very rare things.

http://ezinearticles.com/?Essential-Oil-Alternatives-For-the-Top-10-Drugs-Prescribed-by-Pediatricians&id=4147626

We do not use conventional medicines in our house. I use homeopathics, herbs, and essential oils. That really does take care of everything I have come across, even childhood diseases. The following links are the 2 books on homeopathy, I have on hand for any type of illness that occurs in our household.

http://www.amazon.com/Homeopathic-Self-Care-Quick-Guide-Family/dp/076150706X/ref=sr_1_4?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1384353476&sr=1-4&keywords=ullman+homeopathy

http://www.amazon.com/Handbook-Homoeopathic-Alternatives-Immunisation-Curtis/dp/1874581029

I also use this e-book as a reference for essential oils.

There is also a good e-book to read here.

I purchase homeopathics from a couple local health food stores, The Vitamin Shoppe, and Affordable Homeopathy.
I purchase herbs from Mountain Rose Herbs or grow them in my garden and dehydrate them myself every year to keep on hand.
I purchase essential oils from a local health food store, our co-op (UNFI), or Native Nutritionals.

To conclude, I will be waiting until the last possible second to get this Obammable thing. The plan is, like many others I know, to pay the penalty this year and then see how everyone else that
does get this thing responds to the whole ordeal. I pray that in the end, it all work out.

TOD 11/12/13

Boy, I am on a blog posting roll today! I just came across this and thought it was important to share.

 

Homeschooling on the rise! ... link

I came across this article last night. My hear swells with joy to hear that others are waking up and keep their children home. I just pray this rise does not backfire on us.

 http://www.breitbart.com/Big-Government/2013/06/07/Report-Growth-in-Homeschooling-Outpacing-Public-Schools

Vaccines are a marketing tool... link

I thought I would bring attention to this. My readers need to stay informed. This article makes sense, even though the rest of the world wants to walk around with blinders on.


http://www.naturalnews.com/042864_measles_outbreak_mumps_vaccines_scientific_fraud.html

Joke, but not a joke

Well, since I seem to say controversial things on here from time to time. Eric thought it best to post this "joke" on here, instead of my other media outlets. So here it goes...

Why do Christians eat McDonald's? So they can get to heaven faster!

OK, like it or not. It's said.

No-poo 4

Well, here I am 12 days later, finally washing my hair again. With 3 children, washing my hair is really not a top priority, since we do not leave the house more than once a week.

I did the baking soda (1/4 cup) and ACV wash last night. You can see that my hair in the crown is still greasy, but I am fine with that, since this really isn't a contest to see how fast I can get this all to work out. The ends seem to get curlier every time I wash. I did brush my hair with the boar bristle brush this morning after I did the initial pick comb through.

All in all, I am quite pleased with the results. I just need to try and wash my hair on a schedule, but unfortunately, schedules and I do not mix very well. I am a more, go with the flow kind of person.

 

Fresh Modesty: Baking Soda and Vinegar Hair Care

I just found out that Olivia is doing this too! She is so talented at sewing and I get her updates often. I hope you watch her explanation of going no poo.


Fresh Modesty: Baking Soda and Vinegar Hair Care: Hey y'all! A couple folks have been asking for an update on how using baking soda and vinegar instead of shampoo is going for me, so ...

No Poo 3

Well, I "washed" my hair last night with baking soda and rinsed with ACV. It is getting better, but is still not to where it does not feel totally greasy. I did do a light wash/rinse last week and forgot to update, but it wasn't anything really to write about, since it was the same as the previous week.

I will tell you, I clean my hair pick now with Charlie's Soap All purpose cleaner. I spray and it melt all the stuff instantly, then I rinse in cold water. I have been wanting to start using my boar bristle brush, but don't want to get all this stuff my hair is detoxing in the bristles. Now that I know what will clean the grime, I may just try to use it this week.

Next time, I may just use another tbsp. of baking soda (total of 3) so that I can really deep clean the crown of my head and the end of my hair, since it is so thick and long, to see if that helps.

 

No-poo 2

Well, since my husband was not liking the smell from my hair ( I may not have gotten the yogurt completely rinsed out, which is something that happens with everything when you have long and really thick hair) and calling me Sasquatch the hippie, I decided to "wash" my hair again last night. This time I only used baking soda and water with a white vinegar rinse.

Here is the result.

 

 

It is definitely less greasy and seems to have even more waves. I am pretty happy with the results so far.

No-poo 1

Well, I actually remembered to take a photo before I put my hair up. Here it is.

I used the yogurt and baking soda last night and let my hair air dry all night as I slept. It is quite greasy and I am glad I wear my hair up all the time, otherwise I'm not sure I could stand the feel against my face and neck. I have not cut my hair since 2008 and only had it trimmed professionally in 2010 and self trimmed in 2012. I am not planning on ever trimming my hair again, unless it is something that desperately needs done.

Anyone else doing this also? I would love to hear your comments.
 

Let's do this!

If you read my blog regularly, you probably remember a post about going no-poo.

Well, as of tonight, after reading a free e-book from Amazon called How to Grow Long Hair. I decided it was time to try this again.
 
If this all works out, I would like to do as the other blog did and document how this all goes. I am not guaranteeing anything.

Here are my goals:
1. To go no-poo for at least 4 weeks.
2. Try to continue for 4 more weeks.
3. Go no-poo forever!

I will be using the Amazon e-book as a guide to help me get the best results with my type of hair (thick, wavy, and long). I used the yogurt and baking soda recipe tonight and will hopefully get pictures up tomorrow with what my hair looks like. I did not do the ACV rinse like I wanted to since we don't have any at this moment (I will be buying some from our co-op this month though), but I will from now on out. I pray I do not regret not using a rinse in the morning.

I am also planning on making the oatmeal mask with jojoba instead of the almond oil before my next wash. I will also try to do a hot oil treatment, but don't hold your breath for me. With 3 kids, I am blessed to be able to be able to just have a few minutes to sit and write on my blog when I do.

What I am expecting is a very greasy mess. For one, the last time I washed my hair with my usual Wen was 2 1/2 weeks ago.

Homemaker CD... link

I thought I would share this, since it seems very thorough and thought out. I purchased mine already and am very excited to receive it in the mail. I feel there are some things that I already know how to do, but this may be a really special reference to new and exciting things for me to learn, as well as teach my children.

http://www.wholesomechildhood.com/thehomemakersmentor/

Pear sauce day

Today is pear sauce day. You've definitely heard of apple sauce, but pear sauce?

3 years ago, I started making and canning pear sauce, since you can not seem to find it anywhere in the stores besides in the baby food aisle, which would cost me a small fortune! My kids prefer pears to apples any day. Maybe someday I'll have to try making plum sauce too...

I bought a bushel of pears from a local orchard last Saturday ( they actually delivered it to the Canton Farmer's Market for me!). They have been on my kitchen counter ever since, and today, the majority are ripe, so here we are today.

I use these instructions from start to finish. I use Bartlett pears, FYI.

Pears are locally in season right now, so if you would like to try this, get to your nearest pear orchard ASAP.

I am praying, that in the next few years I will have pears in my own back yard and will never have to source pears again, same with peaches also.

Let's retry this... Homemade Liquid Soap

Over a year ago, I tried making liquid "castile" soap and utterly failed. Why? Probably because I did not follow the directions. I did not want to give up a crock pot, so I tried to do it my way on the stove top. Big mistake! So, here I am again, now that my gallon of Dr. Bronner's is down to the last 16 oz, with a surrendered crock pot and a recipe I made with the soap calculator, so I could use up various bits of my soaping oil stash and the basics are rolled from the original blog post that started this challenge.

I used Silver Firs Farm's basics to make my own recipe. Also, as I said, you must surrender a crock pot for only liquid soap making, since you are using potash (also known as KOH or potassium hydroxide). If everything doesn't go as she says ( have no idea how she says it will be done in 3-4 hours...), be patient. It took from the start, 90+ minutes to get it thick, even with my hand blender, off and on, so I didn't burn the motor up. Then I needed to stir until extremely thick, which was again, on and off for an hour or so, then I stirred every 20-30 minutes on low for 4 hours, then turned it back up to high until bed time, which was 6 hours, stirring every 15 minutes, then turned it off until we got back up this morning and stirred every 15-20 minutes on high for 4 hours. It is finally done! I added the boiling water straight to the crock pot instead of needing to clean another thing. Now I just have to wait until it is dissolved to bottle it in a recycled apple cider jug and cure it for the next 4 weeks. After that, I plan on giving each member of the family their own personal bottle with a scent they want. I will use .5 oz per 16 oz of soap, in case anyone is wondering. I get soap scents from EBay and MMS.

Dissolving...

TOD 9/5/13

 

I found this on Facebook (Holistic Dad) today and thought it needed to be shared.

BFM 29

This will be the last post for Breastfeeding Month, because quite frankly, I just didn't have time to source any more facts. I kept seeing the same ones over and over again. I will hopefully in a week or 2, continue with the Thought of the Day posts. I am giving myself a little vacation time off, so I can concentrate on some things going on around my household that need to be looked into or completed.

Fact # 29

Kangaroo care is the best for the first few weeks after baby arrives. Keep baby skin to skin with you to not only help regulate baby's body temperature, but to also give baby unlimited access to nourishment.

BFM 28

Fact # 28

Engorgement stinks, but with some extra rest, make sure you are staying hydrated, your baby, and possibly a hand pump, you will get through it, just like you got through labor.

BFM 25, 26, & 27

Boy, I am so sorry. Life is just not going well right now and if my head wasn't attached, I'm sure I'd have lost it by now! Gere is yesterday, today, and tomorrow's post.

Fact # 25

Make sure you are getting enough calcium, b-12, vitamin D, and water in your diet daily.

Water is extremely important. You are not only hydrating yourself, but your baby as well. I have heard many moms say they feel like their mouth is a desert. Well, if that is you, then you have already started to become dehydrated and need to up your water intake. I carry my glass water bottle around everywhere I go. I also drink only reverse osmosis water.


Fact # 26

Don't diet, eat whole natural foods and the baby weight will come off as it is supposed to.

I read somewhere that it took 9 months to put the baby weight on and it should take 18 months to take off.


Fact # 27

Do your research while you are still pregnant. Do not expect anyone else to be able to show you how to breastfeed, especially if you are having your baby in a hospital.

The best book to read is The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding.  I also suggest searching out a LLL group in your area. I am not highly fond of my group, which seems to act like a high school click, but I did learn valuable information from them. Go 1-2 times while still pregnant, so you can get to know the leaders, so if you need middle of the night help for any reason, you will not be calling a complete stranger. Also, check to see if there is an IBCLC in your area. They can be a huge support in the early days also, although, unlike LLL, you will have an hourly fee to see them, but it is worth ever penny spent to have a wonderful nursing relationship with your child.

BFM 23 & 24

Sorry I forgot yesterday, but what a time to forget. Now I can group 2 food type facts together!

Fact #23

A few foods to avoid: High mercury fish, alcohol, caffeine, peppermint, sage.

It's the same as if you were pregnant.

Fact #24

Help increase milk with oatmeal, kombucha, almonds, apricot, salmon, yogurt, beans, spinach, dates, sesame seeds, brown rice... not all will help everyone, but they are all worth a try if you really do need a milk boost (Hmm, maybe this is why I don't seem to ever have this problem, as I eat most of these food regularly).

BFM 22

Fact #22

A “breastfeeding high.”

 

A nursing baby triggers the release of the hormone oxytocin, which relaxes both you and your baby .

BFM 21

Fact #21

Breastfeeding can help prevent cancer and reduces risk of osteoporosis.

In countries were breastfeeding rates are higher, the most common female cancers, ovarian, uterine and breast, are reduced.

Breastfeeding also helps reduce the risk of osteoporosis later in life.

Don't use vegetable oil!... link

I think this is pretty self explanatory.

http://thankyourbody.com/vegetable-oils/

BFM 20

Fact #20

Breastfeeding helps create to a better environment.

Breastfeeding is energy efficient. No need to boil water, wash, or sterilize.

There is also little to no trash. Some moms require breast pads to help with leaking. If you use reusable ones, there is no waste. There is also no waste because with formula, there are premade cartons and cans.

BFM 19

Fact # 19

Breastfeeding exposes your baby to many different tastes and smells.

What you eat while nursing, influences what they may or may not like when they are older.

BFM 18

Fact # 18
82% of mothers use a breast pump.

Going back to work is a necessity for most moms in the USA unfortunately. And for them, it is a valuable tool.


Thanks to Motherjones.com for the image.

It really is sad that the USA is so far behind on this most important issue. If we did have maternity leave, the breast feeding numbers would be higher and there would be less need of having to buy those expensive industrial machines for something that should be practically free.

There are many types of breast pumps. The brand that I hear most often is Medela.

When I was pregnant with Tabitha, we went to an open house at the hospital that we were going to have Tabitha at. I was told that I would most definitely have to have a breast pump. This infuriated me and I refuse to buy one, since I knew I would be staying at home. Unfortunately, I did have so much milk one night in the first week, that I broke down and had Eric buy a hand pump, and used it a couple times to relieve engorgement. I still have it and it has been used probably 15 times now. At this current moment, I have 4 tiny bags of milk in my freezer for my piece of mind, but in the end, like my older children, the milk will go bad and eventually have to be thrown out, but at least I did have that tool to help get through the first week of engorgement.
 

BFM 17

Fact #17

73% of mothers get outside help for breastfeeding problems.

It is very important to ask for advice or help if you need it. If you need help, I would highly recommend an IBCLC. You can find one here: www.iblce.org.

 

I am blessed I have never needed someone. I always relied on my LLL book. I do highly recommend Betsy at The Breastfeeding Center in Massillon to anyone I come across that may need help. I have been there for nursing bras, amber teething bracelet, and participating in the Guinness World Record cloth diaper event a few months ago.

 

It is pretty cool that Emmett will be named in the 2013 Guinness Year Book.

 

BFM 16

Fact # 16 Your milk sprays out of many holes, not just one

The average amount of holes in the nipple are 9, with up to 18.
 

Special TOD 8/15

I just had to post this today. Vactruth.com posted this to their timeline last night. Isn't it how wonderful God made things to work? Satan produced disease and God gave the body a way to counteract them. Unfortunately doctors and scientists decided to started to play God and thanks to them, almost none of us have natural immunity anymore.
I do thank God that I did have chicken pox as a child, so my nursing children have my antibodies.

 

BFM 15

Fact #15 Breast size is not important!

No matter what cup size you are, you’ll make plenty of milk for baby.

BFM 14

Fact # 14 Babies breastfeed until they’re full, not until they 'empty' your breast.

Babies eat approximately 67% of the milk available. Amounts vary widely among mothers.

Bottle feeding a baby will generally feed until the bottle is empty, which set the infant up for over eating as he grows, which leads to obesity.

BFM 13

Fact # 13 Your baby controls your breast milk flow with an instinctive action that includes sucking, swallowing and breathing

Milk flows best when your baby moves his tongue a certain way. Baby is also able to pace himself and only suck and swallow when needed.

BFM 11 & 12

Sorry again for the missed day. I'm getting bad at that during the weekend. When Eric is home, I want to get as much done around here as I possibly can, so that usually means I am not on the computer as much. I have so much stuff to do around here, with our yard project and Eric's computer crashing and trying to find files that I need, that I have started getting headaches from pushing myself so hard.

Fact # 11 Breastfeeding reduces the exposure to sugar.

The only sugar a baby should have or even needs, is lactose. This is the harmless sugar found in breast milk. Sucrose is the alternative and can cause damage to erupting teeth

Fact # 12 About a third of moms can’t sense 'let-down'.

A 'let down' is when your milk starts to flow.  It can also be called the milk ejection reflex. The average time it takes for let down to happen is 56 seconds (pretty cool huh?).

Another Tropical Traditions Free Shipping Day!

http://www.tropicaltraditions.com/blog_specials.htm?utm_source=SalesEmailMon&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Coupon

BFM 10

Fact # 10  Babies instinctively know how to get your milk quickly and efficiently.

They start breastfeeding with a faster suck for stimulation until you let-down. Then when your milk is flowing, they switch to a slower, deeper suck and eat until they’re full.

BFM 9

Fact # 9 Almost three-quarters of moms produce more milk with their right breast.

 It makes no difference being right or left handed, it's just a fact.

Thinking of the future. A green burial

I just happened to come across "Green Burials" last night. I had heard about them a few years ago, but didn't really look into it. Now, since many family members this year have passed, I thought I should start thinking about what we want.

This type really appeals to me, since it is really the kind of burial Jesus had.

I am posting link that I came across last night in my mini research time before I fell asleep.

I am pretty happy that the cemetery down the street has started to offer a site for green burials in the past year.



http://www.rodale.com/green-funerals-0?page=0%2C0

Awesome chip dip

I just had to share this recipe with all of my readers. It is for some yummy chip/veggie/cracker dip.

 Momma's Dill Dip
2c (16 oz) sour cream
1 tsp celery salt
2 tsp dill weed (or 2 tbsp fresh chopped dill weed)
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp garlic powder
1 1/2 tsp dehydrated onion flakes
Refrigerate 24 hours. 

Inspiration for going no-poo...link

http://fulfilledhomemaking.com/no-poo-shampoo/

I have tried to go no-poo, but I didn't realized how long it could take for my body to recalibrate. It has taken me around a year to train my hair to not have to be washed (with WEN, which I buy by the gallon once a year) more than every 2 weeks. I may have to try harder sometime soon.

Currently, I do not wash my daughter's hair more than once a month and my oldest son, I think I have formally washed it 1 time. and he is 4 years old.

BFM 8

Fact # 8 Breastfeeding burns calories.

When breastfeeding you burn up to an extra 500 calories per day.  Also, while you sit and relax with your baby you are also burning calories. So, it's the ideal way to lose weight with out the exercise!

BFM 7

Fact #7 You only produce a small amount of milk in the first few days.  This milk is called colostrum.

 

Many people just don't understand that when a baby spits up, it means they have eaten too much. Their stomach pushes out what is not needed. My babies spit up very little to what I remember, when I was around formula fed babies.

BFM 6

Fact # 6 Breast milk is the ideal food for newborns and infants.

Why use anything else, other than what God gave to us?

Even if someone could not breastfeed for some reason, there are ways to get breast milk through sharing groups.

If you can't stand the thought of someone sharing their milk, the only alternative is something that comes from a lab that is most definitely GMO and sugar. And we wonder why in the world we have such a problem with obesity in America?

BFM 4 & 5

Sorry for such a late post.  We spent the day with family. Therefore, I am going to combine today's and tomorrow's, since tomorrow I will likely be running around here like a chicken with it's head cut off with our major yard project on day #2.

Fact #4 Breastfeeding aids in the uterus returning to original size after birth.

 

 

Fact #5 An average breastfeed lasts 16 minutes.

Remember, this is an average. Sometimes in older babies, it is more like 5 minutes and in newborns, it will seem like they never leave the breast.

BFM 3

Fact #3 Breastfeeding should be "on demand", as often as the child wants day and night.

I just do not understand when I hear people wanting to wean their baby from night feeding or think they should only eat at certain intervals. Don't people have ears? My babies always screamed at the top of their lungs if they were hungry and I wasn't getting to them fast enough. There is no such thing as an exclusively breastfed baby over eating.

God gave you this important blessing, so why are some trying to make this tiny person fit into their schedule, when it should be the other way around.

If you are not willing to give "your life" up for around a year or 2 for a blessing from God, then please be abstinent.

BFM 2

Fact # 2 Breastfeeding should begin within one hour of birth.

Yes, that does seem fast, but you want to get baby adjusted as soon as possible and keep it's blood sugar up. This is especially important, because usually after that first hour, baby is tired and worn out, as well as you. Some people even let their new baby do what is called the "breast crawl" where the baby will actually inch up the mother's abdomen and find the mother's nipple instinctually right after birth.

Breastfeeding Month kickoff

I thought that for the month of August, instead of my TOD, I would put something interesting about breastfeeding each day. I am not celebrating Breastfeeding month as a holiday, but I am celebrating that God has given women the ability to nourish their babies with their own bodies. I hope to start up TOD again in September. I was running low on images anyway.

Fact #1
Babies are born to breastfeed.

Plain and simple. God gave us breasts, so they should be use for their original purpose. America needs to wake up and get it's head out of the gutter.

TOD 7/30/13

God didn't make our appendix useless after all! ... link

http://www.foodrenegade.com/your-appendix-isnt-useless-scientific-theory-gains-ground/

MMR Vaccine Causes Autism, Courts Quietly Confirm | REALfarmacy.com | Healthy News and Information

MMR Vaccine Causes Autism, Courts Quietly Confirm | REALfarmacy.com | Healthy News and Information

TOD 7/29/13

We try our hardest not to go out more than 1 time a month. Fixing your own food in your own home, you will know exactly what the ingredients are.

TOD 7/27/13

Thank you Davidson's Organic Tea for this image on Facebook!

God made every plant with available nutrients for us. I drink Raspberry leaf tea during every pregnancy. I'm going to have try the rest of these.

TOD 7/26/13

If this is the "case", get it -- case? OK, I'm still tired. I'm sorry if you didn't think that was funny. Anyway, I have known since about 7th grade that Coca Cola is not good for you. I did a science fair experiment that proved that it was a wonderful meat tenderizer...

TOD 7/25/13

 

TOD 7/24/13

Abide With Me: Dr. Mom To The Rescue~ Part 1: Health Care At Home... link

Abide With Me: Dr. Mom To The Rescue~ Part 1: Health Care At Home...: I'm so excited to share this with you today. This post, in a three part series, has been a work in progress. It comes to you after much ...

TOD 7/23/13

Free shipping from Tropical Traditions ends tonight!

http://www.tropicaltraditions.com/blog_specials.htm

Going back to nature - Grains

After writing a bit on grains for today's Thought of the Day, I figured I needed to say more about how versatile grains are. You can grind, roll, and sprout them, maybe even more. It is so amazing how many different kinds of grain there are; from amaranth to oats to many types of wheat.

Here is a link to all sorts of different types as well as their nutritional profiles.

Here is another link that tells you how long WHOLE grains can be stored.

As I said in today's TOD also, I am planning, hopefully in the near future, to start grinding and flaking my own whole grains. I will be able to buy whole grains in bulk through our co-op.

For sprouting, it's quite simple, and you have heard of wheatgrass, right?

There are also these really cool lids to put on 5 gallon buckets and air eaters to help keep your grains the longest and still be able to take some out as needed.

Once I have all the necessary components, I can't wait to try these 2 recipes... here and here.

TOD 7/22/13

 

 

Yes, we should be eating and drinking foods that God gave us, how God gave them to us. Any kind of processing of food diminishes their nutrition.

This is why we get raw milk weekly from a certified organic local farm and started buying Kalona dairy products.

I am even planning in the near future to start grinding and rolling our own grains. God gave us great nutrition in those tiny little grains, but as soon as the shell is cracked, they go rancid very quickly. Grains were not meant to sit on store shelves with an expiration date on them.

Everyday I learn more and more, and I pray that you do as well.

TOD 7/21/13

 

You can also use wintergreen essential oil and xylitol. I am planning on using this for our first homemade toothpaste and put it in a cleaned out tube of toothpaste with the crimped end cut off and then put one of those tube squeezers on the end.

TOD 7/20/13

TOD 7/19/13

 

For those of you who do drink alcohol, this is what you are really drinking. Why risk your health for something that tastes so nasty? Also, I just don't understand the thought of wanting to drink this stuff in the first place. Is it just to get the alcohol content into your body, or do you really enjoy drinking it?

You could brew your own Kombucha and get a much healthier drink (and it tastes like light apple cider vinegar) if you are wanting some bubbly drink.

How are you raising your children? ... link

I posted earlier from the same blog. I really like what she has to say in this post also, so I thought I should share it.


http://teachinggoodthings.com/blog/are-you-preparing-your-children-for-life/

TOD 7/18/13

 

I have 90% of this list done. What about you?

Another blog... link

I have needed a "swift kick in the pants", so to say, lately and this blog did it! Maybe this will stir your heart also?

Make sure you read the next day's post also.

http://teachinggoodthings.com/blog/why-they-kidshusbandhousework-get-on-my-nerves/

Fishtail ponytail for Tabitha

Here is Tabitha's hairstyle today. It's not as hard as it looks, but my hands were kind of tiring out by the end!

 

TOD 7/17/13

As with everything in life, you start with step one and go from there. This is especially true for teaching your family to eat traditional foods and eat a non-American diet.

Nourished food list... link... blog

Here is a good blog on traditional foods. I am putting the link to all the wondrous foods she has defined that are nutritious. She is pretty much gluten free though, so I add that you need hard and soft wheat berries for fresh grinding. If I had an unlimited income, I would definitely buy from the seafood place she recommended, but alas, at this point in our lives, we eat seafood maybe 2 times a year, unless it is canned tuna.

http://nourishedkitchen.com/where-to-buy/#seafood

COCONUT!!!

As some of you may guess, coconut is one of my favorite things to use. It is so versatile. I use the oil to cook with, soap, baby rash ointment...

I thought I would make a post about how I use coconut products in our food.

1. "Almond Joys" (or Mounds if you don't like nuts, lol)
      2 tbsp. Coconut Cream Concentrate
      2 tbsp. Shredded coconut
      1 1/2 tbsp. cocoa powder (I like dark)
      1 1/2 tbsp. raw honey
      8-10 raw almonds

  Mix all in ingredients except almonds in a bowl with a fork. Put small clumps on parchment paper or a sil pat. Put an almond on each clump. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Enjoy!

2. Coconut yogurt
    I really like Liberte yogurt flavors, but don't like the fact that it's not pastured organic, so I have
   decided to make my own with Kalona plain yogurt.
  
   1 24oz tub of Kalona Plain 5%
   1 tbsp. vanilla extract (homemade)
   3+ tbsp. pure maple syrup (or honey)
   1/2 c shredded coconut
   1/2 c flaked coconut

   Mix together in a bowl. Put into jelly jars for single servings.
   I use ball jars with the plastic lids and Erasable Multi-use Labels so I can write the info and
   expiration date on top.

   I also am planning on making blueberry, strawberry, strawberry rhubarb, lemon, peach, apricot,
   etc... As long as it is in season, I will make a freezer jelly and we can have those as mix ins. I will
   just have to make a naturally sweetened base, just as the first 3 ingredients above.

3. Apricot bars
  * I use shredded coconut
I have not tried it yet, but I would think you could use almost any dried fruit in this recipe and it would be quite yummy. I am going to try medjool dates and figs soon.
  
4. Baked oatmeal 
  I have substituted the cranberries for dried cherries or mixed raisins. I sprinkle a light layer of
  shredded coconut on top after I get everything else in the casserole dish. It gets nice and toasted and
  everyone (except Eric - I sprinkle it on 3/4 of the dish) likes it.

5. Granola
    I do not use the vegetable oil. I replace it with coconut oil, but you could use sunflower seed oil
    also. I also do not add the nuts/seeds until afterward. I use raw nuts and seeds, which have more
    nutrition. You could also sprout your nuts and seeds for even more nutrition.

   You can also used any dried fruit as long as it is diced (apricots, figs, dates...).

   I double the cinnamon and vanilla, since we really like cinnamon and vanilla around here.
   
    For coconut-y granola, I use virgin coconut oil and 1/2 cup of shredded coconut. If you don't want
    the coconut flavor, but the benefits still, use expeller pressed.

    For chocolate granola, I add 3 tbsp. of cocoa powder (1/2 batch)

   So far I don't think one of my batches has ever been the same. I love experimenting with different
   ingredients. Also, I usually 1/2 this recipe, as it makes a lot.
  
   I use this for snack time and cereal.


Here are a couple things I have not gotten around to try yet.

1. Homemade Magic Shell Topping
  
    Eric loves this stuff, yet the commercial stuff is so bad for you. I found this recipe a couple weeks
   ago.

2. Maple Pecan Ice cream
   There are even more recipes online. I have a few more, if interested contact me.
   I really like coconut ice cream. I was first introduced to it through our co-op. The brand is Luna & Larry, but I just can't afford to buy it more than maybe once a year, if that! So, I am on the hunt for
  delicious, do it yourself recipes. Now all I need is an ice cream maker. Anyone want to buy one for
  me?