another recipe!

Those of you who follow me regularly and know me well, will recognize that the fact that I'm posting recipes means I'm cooking; and if I'm cooking, I must be feeling good. ! .

That and I signed us up for a local farmers market "box of the week" program. I'm REALLY loving it! Glacier Valley Farms delivers a big box full of local, Alaskan Grown and organic produce to me every week. It's been fantastic! I've never in my life bought, or even WANTED to buy bokchoy. I was even reluctant to use it. But I went on a limb and experimented. It was YUMMY! I would say it is a lot like celery with taste and texture.

So, without further ado, bokchoy stir-fry:

Oh, I forgot to mention. This recipe calls for tofu as well. I'm ashamed to say that I couldn't go there. They even gave us tofu in our box! Someday, I will like tofu. Just not today.

(I gotta start taking this food into my bedroom to photograph. I get horrible lighting in my kitchen in the evenings.)

This dish is so fast and yummy you will wonder why you ever ordered take out!

2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 yellow onion, sliced
4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 tablespoon ginger, grated
8 ounces tofu, sliced into bite size pieces
1/4 cup water
1/4 cup rice wine vinegar
2 tablespoons honey or sugar
2 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1/4 cup cold water
2 carrots, thinly sliced on the diagonal
1 zucchini squash, thinly sliced on the diagonal
4 baby bok choy, sliced and coarsely chopped
4 green onions, thinly sliced on the diagonal


In small sauce pan combine water, rice wine vinegar, honey and soy sauce and bring to a simmer and stir in cornstarch mixture. Simmer until sauce thickens. Set aside until ready to use. Heat the oil over medium high heat in a large skillet or wok. Stir in onions and cook for 2-3 minutes. Add garlic, red pepper flakes, and ginger and cook for 1 more minute. Stir in tofu and cook until golden brown on all sides, about 5 minutes. Add carrots to the tofu mixture and cook for another 2 minutes. Add zucchini and bok choy to skillet and toss to coat. Pour thickened sauce over vegetables and tofu. Garnish with green onions and serve over rice. I prefer to use Quinoa. ;)

A happy anniversary

Today we celebrated our nine year wedding anniversary. I'm so happy and grateful God put Scott in my life.

Last night we went out to dinner and did a little shopping at Lowes for bug spray. (this is what we've become in 9 years)

Photography by Gracie

Today we enjoyed church and a lazy day playing outside.

Gracie playing photographer again:

In 9 years we've moved 11 times. (almost 12) Lived in Utah, Virginia, and Alaska. (adding Illinois to the list soon) Had 3 children. Earned a law degree. Survived a deployment. And had the time of our lives! Here's to 9 more!!

Because when it looks pretty it's more fun to eat.

banana. kiwi. mango. romain. kale. coconut water. whey protein.

Yum!
My kids eat their green smoothies MUCH better when it's in a pretty glass. The best thing is that I got these glasses at Target for $3 each, and their plastic!

And, I needed a little pick me up for the day so I chose to read the Ensign.

In Henry's case, when it looks like dog food it's more fun to eat:

I had no part in this except seeing and taking pictures.

Woof!

Naturopath or Psychopath?

As I've stated before, I'm willing to try just about anything before I begin taking freaky drugs to manage my Rheumatoid Arthritis.

When I say anything, I mean it.

2 weeks ago I began seeing a Naturopath. He tested my body, my organs and such and we figured out a plan. I now visit him once a week and am taking a whole regiment of supplements:

My morning routine looks like this:

Along with 12 drops of artichoke leaf juice added to water. (who would've thought?)

He is also helping me with my eating habits. Trying to reduce and/or eliminate all processed foods. On my first day he talked me through the difference between food and products. Food is something that is either grown or had a mother. (meat and plants) Products are anything else. The human body was not made to digest products and I tell ya, I definitely feel a huge difference when I eat real food for an entire day. But lets face it, I'm addicted to processed foods. We're working on that. On his business card he has the quote, "Let your food be your medicine, and let your medicine be your food." - Hippocrates

My hubby is not so excited about this direction I'm going. He's VERY skeptical. But he's being supportive as he can and I've promised to be objective and honest in my conclusion. We have agreed to a 12 week trial. (it worked out because that's when we move away)

However, I will tell you that I feel great! Today in class only my left ankle hurt, and only during one movement. Usually it's both ankles, my knees, my shoulder, my hands, my toes, and so on and so forth.
People keep telling me I look good and several have asked me if I've lost weight. NOPE! I wish. However, I think what they're seeing is a Chablis who doesn't look run down, exhausted, and sick. So, you tell me: naturopath or psychopath?

This is me

**WARNING**
This is a personal rant. It's long and probably boring. But that's OKAY!



The last few months I have come face to face with some self confidence hurdles, so to speak.

There have been several occasions where it has been blatant and obvious that someone does not like me.

WHAT!? Someone doesn't like me? Ah...hm...psh...eee....wha...sigh...

This is all part of growing up, I suppose. I am almost 28 for heavens sake. I should start growing up about now.

I first started exposing myself when I began teaching step and Zumba classes. There is one woman, imp-articular, who was horrid and mean. She affected me so much that when she would walk into the studio I suddenly forgot how to teach. I suddenly forgot all choreography and my smile quickly darted out the door. I would stumble over my words and feel like crawling in a hole.

You know what? I finally stood up to her. She was disrespectful and said something really rude in the middle of class...in FRONT of all the other participants! So, I told her she didn't have to ever come back to my class. And she hasn't.

At first I felt bad that she didn't come back. Then reality slapped me and I thought, "Hello! I am having fun teaching in this studio now!"

Most people are not as forward and vocal with their unsatisfaction. Some people love my classes, and some don't. Those who love my classes; I LOVE them!

There have also been a few other incidences. Particularly two different women who have made it obvious that they don't like me. One of which WAS a friend, whom I adored. It took me a long time to get over these doosies. I may still be working through them.

BUT!

I have learned SO much. It is OkAY that some people don't like me. Heck, there are a few people out in the world that I don't like.

The most important thing is that I know that my Heavenly Father loves me. He loves me so much that I feel overwhelmed at times. I'm not sure I'm capable of accepting as much love as He wishes to give me. And, most of the time I don't understand why He loves me. He of all people knows the worst of me...and yet He loves me the most.

I also know those who DO love me are the ones I care about loving me. Starting with my adoring husband, my ever forgiving children, my parents and sisters, my in-laws, and all of my dear, dear friends.

Lastly, I love myself. Sort of. I'm learning to love myself. I think that because I don't love myself fully, it shows ingratitude to God for creating me. I'm working on that.

I will ALWAYS remember:

I am the luckiest girl in the world, and I won't let silly haters get me down!

Home sweet Illinois

Well, we found a house to live in when we move to Illinois.

This makes the move very real to me and I'm feeling motivated to look on Craigslist for boxes.

To check out our new digs you can see it HERE.

***UPDATE***

After some thinking, (you see, it takes my brain a few hours to catch up with my actions sometimes) I realized that it was foolish of me to put up that link. "Hello evil world! Here is my address, even with Google Earth, attached along with some pictures of my cute kids."

Duh.

So, no linky. If you care, leave a comment and I can email you the link. kthanksbye.

The car door won

Let's talk about this chick for a minute:

I took this impromptu picture of her this morning after her bath to get at least the remains of her battle recorded. Unfortunately she got in a fist fight with a car door last weekend and lost. The goose egg she received mounded inches above her forehead. Now it's a vintage olive and brown kind of color.

I asked her to put on her "battle" face for this one. She looked at me like, "wha..?" So I told her to just look mean:

I can't believe how fast she has been growing the last few months. Ever since she turned five she suddenly grew into her own and her personality has been glowing. She loves her big sister and I think was overshadowed a bit.

A few things I LOVE about my Lydia:

* Not a day goes by where she doesn't tell me I'm beautiful and that she loves me.

* She is a GOOD big sister. Ever since her little brother has been interested in potty training she has been the one to run to his side and rip off his diaper. She even hangs out in the bathroom with him, waiting...waiting. They do a lot of that. You see I'm not interested in potty training at all. So, Lydia may have her work cut out for her.

* Whenever she isn't thinking about snacks, she's thinking about fashion. Everywhere we go she finds something that someone is wearing that she loves. The other day while we were in the car, waiting at a stop light I hear, "Oooh, mom! I love her watch!" As I gave her a confused look she pointed to the woman driving the suburban next to us and sure enough she had a chunky, fashionable watch on. Just this morning as we were walking into a building she pointed out a lady, "I just love her high heels!"

* To go along with this, she is my own personal stylist. Not a morning goes by when I don't have her by my side advising me on which eyeshadow color to use, whether to wear glasses or contacts, how to do my hair, and most importantly what to wear. Most days our conversations end with me saying,"Lydia, we are going no where and no one will see me, so comfy pants win." And she stomps out of the room. You see, to her, it matters not where we go or who we see, she must always be dressed to the "T". (haha, a little rhyme) She goes through at least 3 outfits a day and 80% of her waking hours are spent strutting around the house in my high heels.

* Her favorite music is always Jlo, but she especially loves E.T. by Katy Perry right now. I had NOTHING to do with this, she just loves it!

Aye, aye, aye what am I going to do when she's a teen? I get weak at the thought. But for now, I just LOVE it all!

I'm on a roll...

I was surprised at the response I got from posting that last recipe. I'm trying to make better, healthier meals for my family. A lot of times that means I don't want to plan meals for the week because I don't know any "healthy" meals off hand.

It's a good thing I'm not afraid to experiment!

So, here is another experimental success:

(I'm sorry I have no pictures, I wasn't planning on sharing this with you because I wasn't planning on it being very good)

Tomato & Bean soup:

2 cloves garlic, pressed
28 oz can diced tomatoes
2 cans white (or canellini beans)
14 oz can chicken broth
S & P
crushed red pepper
onion powder
basil
grated parmesan cheese to garnish

If I had an onion handy, I would've used one instead of the onion powder. Alas, this was a "what can I make for dinner without going to the grocery store" kind of meal. I did absolutely no measuring of the spices, so just have fun with that. The crushed red pepper did add some "heat" to it, which I loved. I don't think my kids loved that though. We had to settle for them just eating the beans.

I forgot how to blog

Really,

I think I've forgotten how.

I'm not lying when I tell you I've been BUSY! All my extra efforts are paid to keeping the kids alive and the house in a livable state.

I really can't even think of anything worth blogging about.

I did, however, think of you all and made the effort of taking pictures of our dinner to share with you. This is a GOOD dinner, and healthy too! YES!

It's my experimental invention, though I'm sure there are tons of recipes out there just like it. So, there is no name.

First:

Saute zucchini, summer squash, and 1/2 diced onion in a teensy bit of olive oil. Add a decent amount of S&P and I like to add a healthy helping of dried basil as well.

Then:

Add a clove or two of garlic (or three if you're like me), give the pan a good shake, just to warm the garlic up and add a can or two of diced tomatoes and let simmer. Tell me that's not the most beautiful picture of a frying pan you've ever seen.

Serve on top of pasta with freshly grated parmesan:

DELISH!

My kids even ate this! Okay, the first time I made it, they made sour faces and refused to try, but tonight it was a huge success! If at first you don't succeed...

Four Eyes

This face just got cuter:

Still getting use to them:

Going, going....

If we get a good 10 min. run with them on we're doing good. Aye, this is going to be a long process getting him to keep these on. I wish he understood the "nerdy boy charm" he exudes when he wears them. Mom's will be fainting everywhere we go.

More about food...

As I paid almost triple the price for 2 whole organic, free range chickens on Tuesday as I would have for plain ol' Foster Farms, I wondered if the price was worth the quality.

I don't normally watch the evening news, but tonight was an exception and I was entirely gratified that my purchase was well worth the cost. I was also scared out of my wits...

This is something we all knew was happening, or was going to happen eventually:

CBS NEWS REPORT

(since I can't figure out how to post the video, click on the link to take you to the report)

Never again will I double think before buying free range and organic meats.

Health Nut

While my doctor strongly suggests that I begin taking a drug called "methotrexate",

 I feel completely unprepared to be taking such a pill and adjusting my life to the ill side effects. Though I understand this drug is most certainly going to be a part of my future,

  I'm not ready to take the plunge just yet. 

I am certainly not a healthy eater by ANY standards, but I understand and believe that healthy eating is the foundation to good health. I can preach this, but can't seem to dedicate myself 100%. 

(hypocrite)

I struggle with:

*Addiction. 

*Sugar. 

*Carbohydrates.

*Anything easy to cook for my family, which means preservatives, chemicals, white flours, sodium, sugar, etc. 

(that wasn't always the case)

I would love to be one of those people who eat to live. 

Unfortunately, I live to eat. 

On my slow pathway to healthful eating I've been trying to research and make good informed decisions on the foods I do bring into my home. Trying to change the things that are no big deal, that would easily go unnoticed by my family. 

I've been trying to purchase as many vegetables as I do fruit. Fruit is easy for my family to consume, vegetables are great at dinner, but incorporating them into the rest of the day has proven challenging.

Dr. Oz (love him!) suggested replacing all grains with broccoli and cauliflower for a week to get a jump start on a sugar detox. I'm rolling this one around in my head wondering if I could pull it off.  

Here are a few of the additions I've added to my pantry:

Coconut oil

This stuff tastes amazing on toast with a smidgen of honey. Plus, it's got so many health benefits I can't even begin to list. I've also exchanged it for shortening in my cookie recipe and they turned out great!

 For more info on coconut oil you can go HERE. 

Next up is:

 Kombucha. 

Say wha....?

I know. 

I don't give this to my children, nore does my hubby enjoy it, but I feel it working in my body and I love it! 

While Kombucha can be made at home....yeah right. Plus, the Synergy company adds great fruit juices to really give it a great flavor. You can read about Kombucha HERE.

Now, this is a little controversial:

Raw milk. 

I am convinced that by purchasing raw milk (aka: milk that hasn't been pasteurized) from dairy farmers who take good care of their pastures and cows will have many health benefits. 

My husband is not so convinced. Therefore, due to the extra cost and inconvenience of stocking up on this great stuff, I will probably not push the issue in my home. 

At least for now. 

My hope is that I will soften my husband's ideas and eventually  have his support on this issue. 

The fact that he is a stubborn lawyer will make this process next to impossible. 

You can find a plethora of arguments about raw vs. homogenized milk supporting both extremes of the spectrum. I have yet to find a good balanced article. 

To read about the health benefits of raw milk, go HERE. 

To read the "dangers" of raw milk, go HERE.