Our plans have changed and we are not back in VA today.
The Lord went before me and allowed me time with my grandmother. I was able to visit her for five days in a row. We prayed together, talked together, and I was privileged to hold her hand and store up memories of her precious face. (She laughed at me when I told her that I hope to be even half as beautiful at 83 as she is.)
After visiting my Grandma B last week on Monday, Tate and I left for Memphis. It seemed that Grandma was near the end, so it was difficult to leave. At the same time, I wasn't able to stay with her in the hospital with four children to look after, and she had expressed to me that she was very tired and really just wanted to be with Grandpa. Braden and I decided that I ought to continue the next part of our trip.
Tate and I had a wonderful (though brief) stay with Andrew and Kristie in Champaign. Then we had an incredibly challenging and inspiring four days at the JuicePlus Conference in Memphis. While we were there my grandmother passed away. Tate and I drove through the night Saturday to get back to to the farm. We cancelled our plane tickets for today. The kids and I will stay here at the farm this week; Braden will drive out to meet us. We will have a memorial service for Grandma on Sunday, and then our family will make the long drive back to Lynchburg on Monday. (We have to be back for Tuesday to vote, participate in CC, and Braden and I have a date!)
Over all, the Lord is righteous and sovereign. We praise Him.
Monday, October 27, 2008
Monday, October 20, 2008
Average American is Not So Good
I'm not really someone who loves statistics, but I have come across some lately that astound me. I've also realized that being an average American is generally not so good. This (from Reader's Digest, November 2008)backs me up:
"The average American eats about 42 servings of broccoli, 54 apples, and 96 cups of ice cream each year."
Now, I know I eat more apples than that (especially when I eat four in one day at the apple orchard!). . . but I probably eat more ice cream,too. Or I used to. (There have been seasons in my life when I have had a bowl of ice cream daily.) So I know I feed into that "average" statistic. And at best, this gives me some perspective and even a goal (to be better than average).
"The average American eats about 42 servings of broccoli, 54 apples, and 96 cups of ice cream each year."
Now, I know I eat more apples than that (especially when I eat four in one day at the apple orchard!). . . but I probably eat more ice cream,too. Or I used to. (There have been seasons in my life when I have had a bowl of ice cream daily.) So I know I feed into that "average" statistic. And at best, this gives me some perspective and even a goal (to be better than average).
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Relatively Relevant Revelation
I saw my cousin Joshua today. Haven't seen him for a very long time. It was good to see him (despite the circumstances), and he looks good.
At one point today, as we walked together, Josh divulged to me something I find relevant to everyone's wellness (and this blog). I'll try to quote him, roughly:
"I used to eat hotdogs or hamburgers every day for lunch. It was quick and easy. When I stopped that I lost 20 pounds in six months."
No wonder he looks good.
At one point today, as we walked together, Josh divulged to me something I find relevant to everyone's wellness (and this blog). I'll try to quote him, roughly:
"I used to eat hotdogs or hamburgers every day for lunch. It was quick and easy. When I stopped that I lost 20 pounds in six months."
No wonder he looks good.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Destination, IL
We made it to our destination! I wanted to put a cute picture on here of my three big kids in their bright orange race t-shirts, carrying their backpacks. . . but I didn't take any pictures yesterday. (There was also a time that I nearly took out the camera to snap a shot of Tate and Owen watching out the airplane window.)
What we DID do was make our way from VA to my parent's farm in IL.
We left our house in VA at 10:00 a.m.
Left Roanoke, VA on the first plane (12:30?).
Arrived in Detroit, walked to our next gate, had a snack, briefly lost track of Rhyle, then boarded our next plane. (I paged Rhyle over the intercom and he came running up to me. He had no idea why I was concerned for him. "Mom," he said, "didn't you know I would be watching our plane?")
Left Detroit, MI on the second plane (3 p.m. VA time?).
Arrived in Milwaukee, WI. (4:45 leaving baggage claim)
Had dinner with Marcy and a nice little visit in Round Lake.
Left Round Lake with my dad, bound for the farm. (8 p.m.)
Arrived at my parent's farm around 11 p.m. IL time (12 in VA!).
Fourteen hours of travel. . . Many comments of "you have your hands full", countless stares and smiles and incredulous looks as I maneuvered my orange-shirted brood through the airports. But we are here. It was an adventure and I am so thankful that we will have this time with my family, on the farm, looking for all that God has in store. Surely He brought us here!
What we DID do was make our way from VA to my parent's farm in IL.
We left our house in VA at 10:00 a.m.
Left Roanoke, VA on the first plane (12:30?).
Arrived in Detroit, walked to our next gate, had a snack, briefly lost track of Rhyle, then boarded our next plane. (I paged Rhyle over the intercom and he came running up to me. He had no idea why I was concerned for him. "Mom," he said, "didn't you know I would be watching our plane?")
Left Detroit, MI on the second plane (3 p.m. VA time?).
Arrived in Milwaukee, WI. (4:45 leaving baggage claim)
Had dinner with Marcy and a nice little visit in Round Lake.
Left Round Lake with my dad, bound for the farm. (8 p.m.)
Arrived at my parent's farm around 11 p.m. IL time (12 in VA!).
Fourteen hours of travel. . . Many comments of "you have your hands full", countless stares and smiles and incredulous looks as I maneuvered my orange-shirted brood through the airports. But we are here. It was an adventure and I am so thankful that we will have this time with my family, on the farm, looking for all that God has in store. Surely He brought us here!
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Notes on Nutrition
Last week's nutrition lecture here in Lynchburg was wonderful. Sherri Ann Bennett was more than competent in conveying her important information. Here are some of the notes I took:
1 in 3 children will get cancer.
1 in 3 children will become diabetic (30% of type 2 diabetics are under age 20)
1 in 4 are obese (by 2010 it will be 1 in 2!)
Food either builds us up or tears us down.
Our stomachs are full, but our cells are starving. 70% of disease is preventable through good nutrition.
The average American consumes in one year:
756 donuts
71 pounds of chips
22 pounds of candy
37 gallons of soda
90 pounds of fat
134 pounds of sugar
Dr. Joseph Cannazarro says that "the first five years of life determine QUALITY of life." (in regards to nutrition)
1 in 3 children will get cancer.
1 in 3 children will become diabetic (30% of type 2 diabetics are under age 20)
1 in 4 are obese (by 2010 it will be 1 in 2!)
Food either builds us up or tears us down.
Our stomachs are full, but our cells are starving. 70% of disease is preventable through good nutrition.
The average American consumes in one year:
756 donuts
71 pounds of chips
22 pounds of candy
37 gallons of soda
90 pounds of fat
134 pounds of sugar
Dr. Joseph Cannazarro says that "the first five years of life determine QUALITY of life." (in regards to nutrition)
Sunday, October 12, 2008
A Look At The Week
This Week:
1) We are celebrating the Lord's provision of work for Braden. Starting this week he will be putting in (billable!) time at a local attorney's office. It will be great experience. Braden respects and enjoys this attorney and anticipates learning a lot. We are grateful for the opportunity!
2) Is my birthday. Another year older. It leads me to much introspection and hard questions, such as, "What am I trying to accomplish here, anyway?" It drives me back to my Bible and to my knees.
3) The kids and I are packing up and flying to IL to visit the farm during harvest. They are terribly excited. I'm excited, too, but realistically looking at all we need to do. . . is rather intimidating. My lists are long!
4) I am preparing for the JuicePlus+ conference in Memphis next week. This is largely why we are visiting the farm. The kids will have an extended stay with Grandpa and Grandma while I am with Tate in TN. I will be spending time with some of my favorite people, learning exciting and challenging things. It looks like I will have to drive to Memphis by myself (with Tate). He is a delight and I am looking forward to having some extra special time with him. . . and yet it will be challenging, too.
5) I will be visiting my Grandma B. She is still battling colon cancer. This may be our last visit, so I am praying over the things I want to say and ask, thinking of how I could bless her and thank her for all she has brought into my life. She has been my grandmother for over 30 years; surely our relationship is deep and unique. Watching my grandparents do life together has inspired me to stay in love with Braden; I want to hold his hand for the next forty years.
6) We will continue with homeschooling around all these other events, while recognizing that there are many things to learn in all that we will be doing this week. Braden and I have set some goals for the rest of the year, and I'm thankful to work off my lesson plan this week and to see how Owen and Rhyle follow along.
7) I am looking for God's faithful sustenance. In my weakness, I look for His strength. In my weariness, I look to Him for refreshment. In my grief, I look to Him for hope. In my introspection, I seek His guidance and revelation. In relationships, I look for His blessings on my words and my silences. I am expecting surprises this week, and yet I will not be surprised at all that my great God will do more than I ask or imagine- for His glory. May I see Him this week.
1) We are celebrating the Lord's provision of work for Braden. Starting this week he will be putting in (billable!) time at a local attorney's office. It will be great experience. Braden respects and enjoys this attorney and anticipates learning a lot. We are grateful for the opportunity!
2) Is my birthday. Another year older. It leads me to much introspection and hard questions, such as, "What am I trying to accomplish here, anyway?" It drives me back to my Bible and to my knees.
3) The kids and I are packing up and flying to IL to visit the farm during harvest. They are terribly excited. I'm excited, too, but realistically looking at all we need to do. . . is rather intimidating. My lists are long!
4) I am preparing for the JuicePlus+ conference in Memphis next week. This is largely why we are visiting the farm. The kids will have an extended stay with Grandpa and Grandma while I am with Tate in TN. I will be spending time with some of my favorite people, learning exciting and challenging things. It looks like I will have to drive to Memphis by myself (with Tate). He is a delight and I am looking forward to having some extra special time with him. . . and yet it will be challenging, too.
5) I will be visiting my Grandma B. She is still battling colon cancer. This may be our last visit, so I am praying over the things I want to say and ask, thinking of how I could bless her and thank her for all she has brought into my life. She has been my grandmother for over 30 years; surely our relationship is deep and unique. Watching my grandparents do life together has inspired me to stay in love with Braden; I want to hold his hand for the next forty years.
6) We will continue with homeschooling around all these other events, while recognizing that there are many things to learn in all that we will be doing this week. Braden and I have set some goals for the rest of the year, and I'm thankful to work off my lesson plan this week and to see how Owen and Rhyle follow along.
7) I am looking for God's faithful sustenance. In my weakness, I look for His strength. In my weariness, I look to Him for refreshment. In my grief, I look to Him for hope. In my introspection, I seek His guidance and revelation. In relationships, I look for His blessings on my words and my silences. I am expecting surprises this week, and yet I will not be surprised at all that my great God will do more than I ask or imagine- for His glory. May I see Him this week.
Friday, October 10, 2008
Quick Vegetarian Chili with Avocado
If you're needing something quick and easy (and yummy, of course!) to throw together, I think this recipe is great. It comes together quickly, has grains and legumes and good fats, and around here, it is just the thing on a chilly evening. It doubles and triples well, so you can also stock your freezer (minus the avocado!) This is my version of a recipe from Cooking Light.
Quick Vegetarian Chili with Avocado
2 tsp. canola oil
1 cup chopped onion
1 cup chopped bell pepper (we prefer red)
2 tsp. chili powder
1 tsp. ground cumin
1 tsp. dried oregano
1 (4.5 oz) can diced green chiles
3 garlic cloves, minced
2/3 cup pearled barley
1/4 cup water
15 oz. black beans
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
14 oz. vegetable broth
3 Tb. chopped fresh cilantro
1 avocado
Optional: lime wedges, sour cream, tortilla chips
1. Heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add onions and bell pepper and saute 3 minutes. Add chili powder, cumin, oregano, and chiles; cook 1 minute. Stir in barley through broth; bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer for 35-40 minutes, until barley is tender. Stir in cilantro. Serve, topped with avocado, dollop of sour cream, and lime wedge.
Quick Vegetarian Chili with Avocado
2 tsp. canola oil
1 cup chopped onion
1 cup chopped bell pepper (we prefer red)
2 tsp. chili powder
1 tsp. ground cumin
1 tsp. dried oregano
1 (4.5 oz) can diced green chiles
3 garlic cloves, minced
2/3 cup pearled barley
1/4 cup water
15 oz. black beans
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
14 oz. vegetable broth
3 Tb. chopped fresh cilantro
1 avocado
Optional: lime wedges, sour cream, tortilla chips
1. Heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add onions and bell pepper and saute 3 minutes. Add chili powder, cumin, oregano, and chiles; cook 1 minute. Stir in barley through broth; bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer for 35-40 minutes, until barley is tender. Stir in cilantro. Serve, topped with avocado, dollop of sour cream, and lime wedge.
Sunday, October 5, 2008
Youth Run, Year Two
The three bigger kids all ran in the John Stephenson Youth Run again this year.
Livia has seriously been waiting for this since last year. She has talked about getting her own t-shirt and being able to run when she was three. I must say, she did a great job! Many of the little girls (age 0-3) in her group were running with siblings or parents, but Liv was on her own (she started out by pulling Braden along!), huffing and keeping her own pace, not as fast as she could go, but a steady jog (which was probably smart since she was running downhill). She ran 1/8 of a mile.
Rhyle ran 1/4 of a mile and did a great job, too. Last year both of the big boys finished fourth in their age groups. This year they were the on the younger end of the age group, but they ran well and finished strong.
Owen ran 1/2 a mile and made it look easy. Conscientious as he is, he made sure that he knew exactly where to run and when he should start his kick at the end. He had his eye on the boy who won last year and was trying to keep him in sight.
They were all quite happy with their participant trophies and t-shirts. Although I'm still not sure what I think about races and competitive sports for these ages, I do think it is fun to encourage healthy lifestyles and to challenge my kids to do their best. Depending on where Braden gets a job, we may or may not have opportunity to compete in this run again next year (even Tate could join the fun then!).
Lost Tooth #3
Owen pulled his loose front tooth today. Even though he already lost the bottom front teeth, this was exciting for us. The front tooth had been loose for weeks and truthfully, it was starting to bother me that it was hanging at a strange angle and even turning brown. I'm relieved to have it out of there- but the gaping hole is still a bit surprising! Braden is adamant that Owen should pull his own teeth (but I remember my mom pulling a lot of mine). I don't think Owen minds- it's kind of cool to have the whole family oohing and aahing over you.
VA Apple Orchard
We spent a few hours on Friday at Carter's apple orchard near Charlottesville, VA. It was a glorious autumn day, cool in the morning but warm and sunny that afternoon and comfortable under the apple trees. Everyone chomped apples and had a grand time, made even better with friends there, too. Owen was chief apple picker this year and was just eating his first apple as we were ready to leave; he had been too busy picking to eat! We accidentally picked Fuji instead of Gala. . . Even Tate seemed to think they were delicious! I am so thankful for Braden's lightened school schedule (yeah for the third year of law school!) that allowed us to visit the orchard on a Friday, and I am thankful that we live in this beautiful state where we can pick apples for many weekends in the fall and also enjoy stunning mountain vistas. This was a sweet life moment!
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