my core raw foods

I was on another raw food website today where someone had posted that every raw fooder should have 15 - 20 core items that they eat on a regular basis. I had so much fun reading everyones' responses. It gave me ideas about what new things I might consider adding to my diet. Anyway, I thought you might enjoy reading some of the things I usually always have on hand: 1. trail mix (I like mine with several different kinds of nuts and seeds, gogi berries, apple sweetened dried sour cherries or cranberries) 2. salads with LOTS of colorful veggies (red and yellow peppers, cucumbers, radish carrots, avocado, sprouts, and I even like nuts and dried fruit on them) 3. Green smoothies EVERY DAY -- LOTS! 4. Fruit salad 5. Nut butter with an apple 6. raw vegetable "sushi" 7. raw "spring rolls" 8. zucchini pasta with raw "tomato sauce" 9. Go Raw! bars 10. Hail Merry Chocolate tart 11. veggies with dip 12. raw date cookies 13. home made guacamole with yellow squash "chips" 14. raw taco lettuce wraps 15. young coconut mixed with almost any kind of fruit 16. almond milk 17. cucumbers, red onions, apple cider vinegar (with the mother), and fresh dill 18. green juice 19. kale (love it!)

Manic Monday -- send me some good vibes!

I am recovering from a very busy, but very fun weekend. My mom is visiting and I am so glad that she is here! We had two soccer games, a shopping excursion, went to the fair, and had a birthday party for my son Phillip this weekend. I am pooped, and Monday morning hit me like a ton of bricks.

I left Phillip's lunch and backpack at home this morning when I took him to school. Jake and Emma had swimming lessons so I had to drop them off, race home, and then back to Phillip's school with his things. After swimming we headed off to the doctor's office. Last week I found a lump in my right breast. I did not think much about it, but my husband is in the business of cancer pathology so he made me an appointment to see about it.

I had my mammogram and an ultrasound and was relieved to find out that it was just fatty fibrous tissue, completely normal for a woman of my age (ha! ha!). However, they did fid a tumor in my other breast -- GO FIGURE! The doctor is pretty sure that it is nothing to worry about by the way it appears, but the only way to be 100% sure is to have a biopsy of it. I am going to do that next Tuesday. The good news is I have no family history of breast cancer. The bad news is they have to stick a big ass needle into my boob! I would be lying if I said I was not the slightest bit afraid. I know I won't feel much at all because I have local anesthesia for the procedure, but the truth is, I am glad my Mommy is here. I just want to surround myself with happy thoughts and all the love I can get!

Ultimately, the news the doctor gave me today was good news, but it was all so emotional that I was exhausted! I rested for a few minutes, but then it was off to soccer and choir. It was good to be busy because it kept my mind off of it. This week is going to be a long week. I am going to do a lot of praying, centering, meditating and filling my body with good, healthy foods. I will be glad when I know for sure. Please, if you think about it this week, send me some good vibes and healing thoughts.

TOP TEN REASONS FOR EDUCATING MY CHILDREN THE WAY I DO

Why is it that whenever you choose to educate your children differently people feel like they have the right to comment on your choices? It seems like when you home school, choose to be vegetarian/vegan/raw, or educate your children on the reality of drugs and sex some people act like they get to vote on (or worse, tell you) how you do that. I am really having a hard time with this lately. I am trying to keep my children as safe, healthy, and informed as possible. When I explain that I am home schooling my children or that we eat a raw diet people often look at me like I have three heads. I have had many people ask straight out, "why do you even want to do that?" My smart ass answer is "because I do."

However, my real reasons are:

1. I want my children to not only have knowledge, but wisdom. I don't only want them to know how to get an answer, but why they even care about getting an answer. I want them to know the reasons why they chose the answer the did, and the values and beliefs that helped them solve a particular problem.

2. I want them to know that not all people have the same values and beliefs that they do and that is not necessarily a bad thing.

3. I want to have an open and honest age-appropriate relationship with my children. While I want to be friendly with them, I do not want to be their best friend. I want them to know that people wear many different hats and none of those hats completely define them as a person.

4. I want them to know that all people make mistakes and all people fail at one point or another. Failure and mistakes are part of what helps us grow and learn, and we should view them as such.

5. I want them to realize that life is filled with temptations, whether they be food, sex, drugs, pornography, gambling, etc., and that even "good" people can be tempted by bad things and that does not make them bad. I want them to have as much information as possible so that when they are tempted (and they will be) they have all of the information they need to make good decisions.

6. I want them to know they, and the people they love, will not always make good decisions, but that one bad decision does not prevent them from making better ones in the future.

7. I want my children to feel good about themselves and their bodies. Their bodies are gifts and they need to treat them with great care and loving attention.

8. I want my children to learn empathy, understanding, the value of different points of view. I want them to learn how to honor their intuition, listen to others, and make up their own minds about difficult issues instead of just following the crowd.

9. I want my children to honor themselves as individuals, and individuals as they would themselves.

10. I want my children to be thankful, considerate of others, and willing to lend a helping hand to those in need.

I feel better now. Let me also say, I do not believe that home schooling, eating a raw food diet, and educating children on sex and drugs is the ONLY way to accomplish these things, but it is OUR way of accomplishing these things, and I feel very good about it.

Shout out to Liz!

I have to start today's blog with a shout out to my good friend Liz and her daughter. They started a raw diet late last week and I received an email from her today saying that she was doing very well and was amazed how good she felt. She also said she was not hungry at all. I am so excited for her! Liz is one of those people that is just comforting to be around. I feel at home with her and she has inspired me in so many ways -- I am glad that I have inspired her, too!

Today was a crazy busy day for us at home! We were running all over and spent a good bit of the time at the library. I wanted to spend as much time on school as we could before we had to pick Phillip up from school so Jake, Emma and I all had a raw food bar that I just found at Whole Foods. Jake and Emma were unsure, but loved the Raw Revolution chocolate chip cookie dough bars. I had one that was chocolate hazelnut flavored -- it was very good, I am sure that I would have eaten that even when I wasn't eating raw foods. Wayne likes the Lärabar, but I have yet to try one of those. These bars taste so good and are a great way to snack while we are busy and not able to prepare a meal. I will be buying more. As an aside, I just figured out how to put those two little dots above the a in Lärabar -- you hold the alt key and type the letter u (for umlaut) and then type the letter you want under the umlaut. I am very proud of myself for figuring this out, if you can't tell.

Anyway, we chose our next novel while we were at the library -- we will be reading The Adventures of Tom Sawyer. I am excited about it because I remember loving it; I hope Jake and Emma will like it, too. We were able to check out 2 identical copies at the library so we can read it together. We also talked about Kohlberg's stages of Moral Development. It was interesting to hear children's views on these stages and their experiences with them while dealing with adults. I am definitely guilty of spending my fair share of time in Stage 1 thinking. We made it a goal to try and advance our thinking in school and at home. Thanks to Rafe Esquith for suggesting Kohlberg in his book, Teach Like Your Hair is on Fire. It was a very fruitful discussion.

A little Boo-Boo

This weekend was very busy! Jake had a youth car wash that we volunteered to help as "quality control" on Saturday. That took most of the day. The sun was out, though, and it was a very nice day to be outside. It was the first day in about 10 days that it wasn't raining. Saturday night Wayne and I went to Octoberfest in a nearby city (I know, it is still September and it makes no sense). It was fun. We met up with some friends and went to a bar afterwards. Wayne and I ordered a hummus plate. Hummus isn't technically raw, but it was pretty close and not a bad choice for restaurant food, especially because it was served with raw veggies. Our friends had lots of questions about how I was eating and if I was hungry. It was neat to be answering so many questions and feel so good about the decisions I have made for myself and my health.

This morning we went to church and then Emma and I went for a little girl time while Wayne took the boys to the driving range. Emma and I were enjoying our afternoon out when I got a slightly panicked call from Wayne. He was on his way to the emergency room because Phillip had run up behind Jake while Jake was swinging his club and he got smacked with the club. Thank God it hit him just below his lower lip and not in the head. Phillip had a hole in his mouth where the club cut him straight through. Needless to say, Emma and I spent our afternoon and most of the evening in the ER, too. Poor Phillip. He was a trooper, though, and did very well while they sewed him up -- 5 stitches. Jake felt horrible and would not leave his side.

Phillip says he doesn't want to play golf ever again. Maybe he will change his mind once he feels better. I hope the green smoothies will help him heal quickly.

Yesterday the big 3-Ohh, and Today THIS!

I was so excited yesterday to learn that I had lost 30 pounds since starting a raw food diet, but today's news is even MORE EXCITING than yesterday. Most of you know I went to the doctor about 3 weeks ago and had all my labs run again. Today I went back for the results of those labs, and I am HAPPY to report that for the first time in 2 1/2 years my labs were completely normal!

My last labs were taken on Jun 30th. It was at that time we discovered that my kidney values had not righted themselves, and although my lab values had improved slightly, the amount of protein, calcium, and sodium in my urine were dangerously high. For instance, calcium in my urine was at 380 (normal is below 200 for women, and below 250 for men) in Mid May. My endocrinologist and urologist put me on a vegetarian diet at this point. At the end of June it was at 336. I was prescribed a medication that would help me absorb more calcium so that it would stay out of my kidneys on this visit, but I was also warned that other lab values would probably also be affected and it would most likely become necessary to add another medication to control those values. That is when I began a raw food diet. I knew I had to do something! Today my calcium value was 202!!!! Not only that but the lab values that they told me would most likely be affected by the medication were not, and had also improved from the previous labs! They were unable to find any traces of protein in my urine at all! And my sodium levels were within the normal range. Ever since my surgery 2 and half years ago I required calcium supplements to maintain my blood calcium levels. When my previous labs came bag with so much calcium in my urine they took me off of all calcium supplements, but were unsure of how this would affect my blood calcium levels. Last time I had a significant drop in blood calcium I suffered severe and uncontrollable muscle spasms. However, today we were so pleased to learn that my blood calcium levels were perfectly normal! I had a feeling they were normal because I have had no signs or symptoms that it was low, but it was nice to have the confirmation!

The doctor told me that he felt like my labs were so good in part to my excellent nutrition. He expressed that ordinarily he would be concerned for someone with a history of low calcium and hypoparathyroidism to be a vegan because they "do not consume the foods richest in calcium like milk, yogurt, and cheese." But, he said, "Your levels are perfect so you need to keep doing exactly what you are doing." He asked me if I ate a lot of greens and I told him that I ate a lot of greens and that I loved green smoothies! He had no idea that I meant I ate several POUNDS of green stuff everyday.

Since I have no thyroid I have taken Synthroid ever since my surgery. The last thing he did before I left was lower my dose of Synthroid. Because I have lost so much weight, I no longer need as much Sythroid.

I am so EXCITED! I am so proud of myself! I feel so good! I feel as though I have my life back and am no longer going from one medical complication to another. I have a clean slate and boy, am I ready to color it beautiful! Thank you to everyone who has supported and encouraged me on this raw journey! Hold on...who knows where we will go from here!

home again

Well, sometimes if you mess with fire you do get burned. I gave into a beach side weakness had ate crab legs and weakness, reasoning that a little cooked food wouldn't hurt me too bad and that shellfish was better than any kind of meat. However, yesterday on our way home I developed a light red rash and began itching all over my body. My ears, jawline, around me mouth, and hands were the worst. I also developed a wheezing cough and felt like I had a big rock sitting on my chest. We pulled in the driveway a little after midnight and I took two Benadryl and was able to sleep, but I woke up this morning and it started all over again, only this time my hands were beet red and swelling. Needless to say, I had to go to the doctor and get a steroid shot to help the allergic reaction. They told me to take 2 Benadryl every 4 hours around the clock until I was better. I slept for several hours and I am feeling better, but I learned a hard lesson.

A large part of going on a raw food diet was to listen to my body. When I ate 100% raw I felt so much better! I had lots of energy, no constipation or stomach upset, clear skin, and a general sense of well-being. My body spoke loud and clear to me that I was doing something good for it. It has now spoken loud and clear again, this time it said, "What the heck, we were doing so good. What did you have to go and eat that for?"

I am listening. This time it has been a little hard to ignore, actually. I've been to Whole Foods this evening and got all my favorite raw foods. I am sitting here right now drinking a G. T.'s Kombucha Mystic Mango raw tea. Tomorrow I am having my favorite spinach and banana smoothie for breakfast, a super sprouts salad for lunch, and heirloom lettuces and tomatoes for dinner. For snacks I have fruit and raw nuts and dried fruits trail mix. I am ready to feel better again and eager to listen to what my body is saying.

Goodbye beach

It is our last few hours here and I am sitting on the balcony watching a beautiful pink sunrise over the horizon. I would take a picture, but the camera is already packed as we will be leaving soon. Right now though, the kids are still asleep, there are very few people on the beach, and it is a very peaceful and spiritual moment. Being in Dallas, sometimes it is easy to forget how awesome nature really is. I miss being connected to the earth, having my bare feet on it surface. I will have to be more diligent once I return home to make sure that I find ways to reconnect with this planet that feeds and sustains me. It will be harder I know to find those places and opportunities once I am surrounded by buildings, houses, and brick walls, but I will make a better effort.

In all honesty, I like the conveniences that living in the city gives me, but I am still not sure it is worth it. We are there for a while though, because Wayne has to work, and I guess the city still has things to teach me.

Once we get home it is time to get organized for school to start. This year I am home schooling Jake and Emma. I am looking forward to it, but also feeling the weight of responsibility. I know that I am their best teacher because I know their personalities inside and out -- what turns them off, what turns them on, how to motivate them (most of the time), their strengths, and their weaknesses. I also know when to push them a little harder and when to cut them a bit of slack. When their brains have been working hard we can run around the block or do a few laps in the pool before we begin again. I love seeing the "aha" moments when they discover something new.

So, as we end this vacation, we have a lot to look forward to. We also have so much to be thankful for - the relaxing and bonding time together, the sand, the sunrises and sunsets, our health, nature, family, love, the knowledge we have gained, the journey and learning that awaits us at home, a peaceful spirit, and feeling of reconnection to the Source of life. I feel very blessed this morning.

Deep Sea Fishing

Today we went deep sea fishing. We really had a good time. I caught lots of fish! I had to let a red snapper go because the season ended last Friday, but it was beautiful! I also caught a trigger fish and lots of vermillion snappers. I was exhausted by the time we finished. One guy on our boat caught a huge amberjack. Jake caught a few keepers, Emma caught one we had to throw back because it was too small. Wayne caught several as well. He caught one big red snapper, but by the time he got it up to the surface only the head was left on the hook. We saw a shark swimming nearby so I think he fed the shark lunch. He was a little disappointed, but we all got a good laugh out of it. We saw two sea turtles, several copias (that were 3 feet or longer), and lots of jellyfish.

Phillip slept for more than half of the trip. The rocking of the boat was a little much for him and he went straight to sleep. Unfortunately Emma turned white and then green. She ended up hanging her head overboard twice. Poor girl. Jake said it was a lot harder than he thought it would be.

I am exhausted! It was a real workout getting all of those fish in the boat. I have a cut on my thumb and a very large blister on my finger from trying to reel in the one that got away. The deckhand was quite impressed that I baited my own hook and caught so many. My daddy taught me well and would've been very proud of his only daughter! I am glad we packed our cooler well because we were all hungry and tired. I won't eat the fish, but Wayne and the kids will and they are all eager to try their catch.

A Little puny today

It was a beautiful morning this morning. We woke up a little before 6:00 and opened all of the curtains and looked out on the beach to a blue heron greeting the sun. In the sky overhead was a beautiful rainbow kissing the clouds. Phillip said, "We're not going home -- I'm just going to live here."

We had a bit of rain today -- off and on, but it was still very nice. I am feeling a little puny today -- I have a bad chest cold. I told Wayne that I think my body is just in shock from having some cooked food. It is saying, "Hey now, we have been doing very good, so what the heck are you doing to me now?" I have been eating maybe 60 -70% raw since we got here and I definitely feel it. I like 100% raw much better. I am already planning the gadgets I need to stock my kitchen with so that next time traveling will be a bit easier. First on my list is a dehydrator.

Tomorrow we are going deep sea fishing and we are all excited about that, especially Jake. I have packed lots of snacks including apples, grapes, raw crackers, and homemade trail mix. That should help me feel better. The little bit of pre-planning is definitely worth the effort -- I am finding out the hard way.

BEACH

YEAH! We are finally here. I love the beach. The weather said it was going to rain today, and although it did get pretty dark at one point, we had no rain. It was such a nice day to play at the beach -- the temp was in the high 80's and a nice gulf breeze. This is Phillip's first time at the beach (look at the pics - I think he likes it). He dug in the sand, played in the waves, and just jumped around all over the sand. Emma had fun posing for pics and searching for shells. Jake dug a huge tunnel and had people wandering over to look at his half buried body. We all enjoyed catching some sand crabs tonight. I think we caught 18, and yes, we let them all go.

We went to the grocery and loaded up on the fresh fruit and veggies. The grocery even had agave nectar! I am excited about have a smoothie in the morning. We are also going to make some guacamole and salsa tomorrow (with fresh squash chips). My mouth is already watering. I can't wait to eat some of my good food! You should've seen Wayne in the grocery -- he was saying no to processed food left and right. I was very proud of him. I think he might just be convinced that raw, healthy food not only tastes better, it makes him feel better, too. He has had quite an awakening.

Favorite shake made for a good day!

This morning I started the day with my favorite shake:

1/2 a bunch of spinach

tablespoon of raw honey

1 banana

2 cups of ice

1 cup of water

I know what you are thinking -- sounds gross.  But, I promise that it is very good!  Tastes like banana and honey - you can't really taste the spinach at all, and it makes for a fun color.

Anyway, it started my day out on a good foot.  Later I talked with my good friend Joshua and was able to do some long overdue catching up.  It was so nice to hear all about him and his family.

For lunch I had leftover raw tacos; it was still so very yummy!  Dinner was nice and simple, a salad.  Mixed greens with dried sour cherries and blue berries. Salad sounded so good and refreshing because it was hot here today.  Even Wayne commented that it tasted really good.  

Now I am one day closer to having the sand in my toes!  I can't wait!  I am definitely ready for a little R & R.  

Tomorrow my dad turns 65.  He also loves my favorite shake.  Happy Birthday Daddy!  I love you so much and wish that I could be there with you.  I am so lucky that you are my father!