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Tschuess.

On Food...

Today I will write about food. And I will be serious. Hang in there, its not too bad, and it ends with a picture.
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My life has revolved around food for a long, long, long time. My relationship with food has matured and changed (and digressed, too) over the years, and I still live for food.
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I have a degree in Nutritional Sciences. What that means is that I was too obstinate to do any of the mandatory dietetic courses so that I could become a Registered Dietician, and that I wasn't motivated enough to become a doctor. Over the years, I have let my education tarnish a bit, to the point that it is painful for me to provide consultations for people (I do get a request every now and then). This has been fine with me, as my career is not nutrition oriented, but as my kids grow and our lives change, I have started to feel like I need to pull out some lemon juice and polish off the files.
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BUT, before I get into that, I am going to get serious. I have spent a lot of time trying to find my way with food. I once heard that 'psychologists choose their profession because they are a little crazy.' I think that applies to me too, except that I became a nutritionist because I am food crazy. It started in high school, first I became a vegetarian in an effort to improve my health (I have always been VERY VERY TIRED). At some point, I then started restricting food - not a full blown anorexic, but I did not have a healthy relationship with food or my body. I was able to move on from that, but stayed vegetarian (and even became a vegan) up through college. I was still tired. I was seeing doctors all the time, and several times was told my fatigue was all in my head. At some point in my education, I realized that what was being taught to me - balance, moderation, and variety - should be implemented in my life. I started eating meat. I felt better, but was still tired (it’s a weird tired, I felt heavy all the time, like molasses). I then started racing mountain bikes, and was training with some pretty elite athletes. I then became bulimic, and couldn't kick it. It took me moving thousands of miles away to my parents house to let it go. Admittedly, bulimia never really goes away, but it’s been under control since I stopped racing bikes.
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While I was a vegetarian I became very obsessed with being a "healthy" eater. Those obsessions have survived, and I still eat clean, meaning that I don't eat processed food, I eat organic when possible, eat whole grains, etc. I joined a meat CSA a few years ago (I will miss them; I hope I find one I love as much in Boulder!), I grow a lot during the summer, and I can a lot of food. I thought I was a really healthy person and was very proud of how I ate. Also, I never succumbed to any 'diet,' as my schooling taught me to stay away from all the fad diets. Just keep eating a variety of balanced foods in moderation. Textbook. Because I don't care about fad diets, I have never really
paid attention to them (BDP will also say I don't pay attention to much, especially if its in the news).
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Well... I am now tending to my second nursling, and of course, both were born with food issues (somehow I imprinted on them in the womb). Uli was tough - he had a tomato allergy that transferred in my breast milk, and also had allergies to milk, oats, and a few other things. Being married to an Italian made the tomato allergy particularly tough because he's an awesome cook. Orson is much tougher - he was so colicky and would SCREAM for hours until I started eliminating food. I starting kicking the big allergens - dairy, eggs, wheat, corn - and started to do some research. A while back, I remember hearing about Loren Cordain's book "The Paleo Diet," and thought the premise made sense, but again didn't do any research because I thought it would be another fad. When all of this started with Orson, I felt nudged to go and take a look at
this cave man diet.
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I have been grain free since October and I feel SO MUCH BETTER. I am not tired anymore. After all that time, all it took was eliminating grains, beans, and getting off of refined sugars. My mood improved drastically, which is probably the biggest benefit I could ask for, as I am known for some pretty swell mood swings. Luckily, I have been able to start back on eggs, but I am committed to Paleo now. I will never go back, but I may have to have some dairy every now and then by way of some ice cream. At least on my birthday, right?
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So, now I am wanting to dust off the cobwebs and start to spread the word. I am still not sure what avenue that will take, but I have been thinking about taking some more nutrition courses and becoming a certified nutritionist (I will never become a dietician). In the meantime, I am stalking as many paleo blogs and websites as I can and trying to convince my husband to part ways with his pasta and bread.
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And, I did promise a picture so….

On the left, my PALEO BABY Orson, and on the right, my pasta lover, Uli. Both of these are their first go at solids - Orson today, and Uli almost 4 years ago...

Blog, Revived

It has been a long, long time since I posted here. A lot has happened since October 2009. In a nutshell:

:: I became host to another parasite (a baby, not that kind of parasite. Ew.);

:: I went outside a few times;

:: I made a few things from yarn & fabric;

:: Uli and I picked a LOT of blueberries, a few strawberries, and several bushels of apples;

:: I birthed my parasite in another planned homebirth (welcome Orson);

:: I quit my job to stay at home with the baby;

:: I started following the Paleo Diet (thanks Orson...);

:: We decided to move from the house where my babies were born (literally) to the Rocky Mountains (cue John Denver).

Needless to say, I have also started stress eating. I'll talk about that another day...

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Over the year and a few months, I have found a lot of blogs to read, mostly about Paleo, but also a few about crafting (find my faves in the sidebar!), and in reading them, I found a site that really struck home regarding what I want blogging to be for me and my family. As you know, I have struggled to keep on top of this blog, primarily because my main focus was my family, and then 'my time' during which I crocheted or sewed. While I do like to protect my time, that blog introduced the concept of an online scrapbook of how she spends her days with her son. I like that idea. So simple. I can't believe that didn't hit me before. Oy.

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So, my goal will be to update this blog at least weekly. An update of the previous week's goings on in order to preserve a little piece of history for my boys. A weekly postcard of crazy for my men. I think it will be especially wonderful at this very point in time, as we shift as a family from East Coasters to Mountain dwellers. The adventure will be AWESOME.

{this moment}

Autumn Walk

The warm hats and clothes finally came out this weekend, as temperatures finally dropped. The wood stove is on, and the cider has been warmed with cinnamon. We are embracing fall... Uli and I searched for items to include on our nature tree, all the while being photographic by the family cyclops. A good day...

Artistry

Late last week Uli and Brian went to the store and came back with a lovely new art easel. Although we didn't need another chalk board (two big walls in our house are covered in chalkboard paint), the easel came with one. While the Sunny Son waited for his paints to arrive, he was busy with his chalkboard and colored pencils. I think Dad was a little proud of his son...
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I have been feeling better since my surgery, and my back is healing nicely. I still get tired during the day, and sleeping is still a bit uncomfortable, but we are researching alternatives to help me sleep. I am keeping busy with projects (so many new crochet items...) and slowly knocking things off my list. It's been nice to feel some sense of completion. I head back to work in two weeks, and my calendar is slowly filling up. I keep reminding myself to slow down and enjoy this time...

1 week of rest

A week has gone since I had my surgery - funny - it went by quickly. Could be the medication haze to which I am NOT accustomed. I am already brewing some herbal concoctions to save my stomach from the NSAIDs and heavier chemicals, and I am pretty certain a fast is in my near future. Until then, I will continue occupying my days with many crochet projects, like Uli's vest above, and catching up on all the silly shows I've missed since we gave up TV. Thank God for the Internet.

{this moment} - thank you, friends

Please forgive the unmade bed and sheets that barely fit. This picture is me these last few days post surgery, and the love I feel from my friends. Those flowers remind me of the beautiful people I know from work and play. Thanks for helping me and getting me through this time. I am not nearly as strong or tough as I once thought. Much love...

Welcome Autumn

Autumn is here, and this family is celebrating. This is Brian's favorite time of year, and I suppose I am warming up to it, too. There is only one thing that I don't like about autumn, and its that winter is riding its' tail. Boo.

This last weekend was the last that I will be chasing my son for a while, and definitely the last this season that I will be lugging fruit and veggies around to put up later. No no no... its definitely not over, I still have apples and tomatos to can... its just that now I will need a sherpa to carry all that wonderful goodness home.

And to close... my surgery went well. I am sore and swollen and tired, but otherwise I can't complain. My sciatica seems to be resolving, which was really the goal. The real challenge is in the weeks ahead: 4 weeks of rest. Right.... (I've already made Uli new slippers, started work on a sweater, and sewn up a cold pack for my back). Think peaceful, restful thoughts for me.

Transition into Fall

(temporary fall garland until I feel up to sewing again, post-surgery... inspired by ROTH)

(Green Tomato Pickles in the back, Herb books in the front... preparing for winter)

We are only a few days into this Autumn Season of 2010, and already this family has been experiencing many changes, with at least one big onestill looming ahead of us. Uli successfully (and happily) started Montessori school, and it makes my heart sing to know that he is finally in a place that believes the same things that Brian and I do when it comes to parenting and helping children through their lives. The physical transformation of fall is upon us (quite early this year), and already we are picking up leaves in our back yard (and making garlands), and putting our vegetable gardens to 'bed.' My canning season is slowly coming to a close, too. But, most importantly, my surgery that I have been putting off for one reason or another, is finally here. After Tuesday, I will be a renewed mother, woman, wife. I am terrified and relieved.

(and to end this... I may transition to a new blog... this is making me nutty)

A Big Boy...

No diapers, no naps, and no good night songs. Big boys fall asleep reading...

So sweet and peaceful. Love.

Road Trip - Fruitland to McCall and Back

Council, ID:

Old Steam Engine

Ponderosa State Park, McCall, ID:

Heading out for a hike

SO many butterflies...

'being the Daddy' and hiking in the front

Checking out Payette Lake

This Moment

Inspired by Amanda Soule

More pictures to come this weekend, our last full week in Idaho!

Oregon Trail

LaLa lives very close to the Oregon Trail; as a matter of fact, she lives less than 10 miles from Fort Boise, one of the army forts along the Oregon Trail, used to re-supply the wagon trains when there were enough stores. Instead of just poking around locally and checking out the sites nearby, we drove to Baker City, Oregon, home of one of many Oregon Trail Interpretive Centers.

Checking out one of the wagon replica's on display.

Beginning the 2.5 mile loop from the Interpretive Center to the wagon wheel ruts on the Oregon Trail. Uli and LaLa were a bit pooped out from that walk...

...and a Bison. Uli's crusade to own a cow continues...

We finished the day at a nearby Mexican Restaurant. Practiced a little spanish, and ate my fill of good food. A lovely day.

{This Moment}

2 moments, inspired Amanda Soule

Uli: "Can I be a farmer, Mom? Can I have a cow?"

Me: "Yes. Can I have a goat?"

Please?

We may be dairy farmers in the near future... stay tuned.

Idaho!

Uli and I arrived in Idaho on Thursday for our three week visit of our wonderful LaLa and some members of our extended family. Thursday was a beautiful Uli-LaLa day...

Many people have asked what one does in Idaho, specifically, is there running water, indoor plumbing, Internet, etc. Well... yes! The pace is much slower here (drastically different than our Boston home) and it really is a little piece of Heaven on Earth for both me and my Sunny Son. This is the heart of farm country. Fresh produce everywhere and huge farm equipment around every corner - Uli and I can't go anywhere without getting super excited about something... I nearly jumped out of the car when we passed a combine. Oh the joys of being the mother of a nearly three year old boy.

My Uncle Don graciously shared his children's toys with Uli, the prize is of course the mini-cast aluminum John Deere Tractor. Uli spends at least an hour a day cleaning it and riding it around the yard. Oh the simple joys of being Uli. If he's not cleaning the tractor, he's cleaning or running around the yard with his new best friend, Paisley. They were so pooped out Saturday night that they just cuddled up next to LaLa and took a little rest together.

Looking so forward to the remainder of my trip: baking a cherry pie, teaching mom to can, visiting the Oregon Trail and Hell's Canyon... so much to do, so little time. Why did I say I would work while I was here???

Quiet Morning

I woke up beautifully early today, 6 minutes before 5:00 a.m. I must say, sleeping pain-free is a vast improvement to the alternative. I feel so much more rested in the morning.

I spent the hour and a half I had to myself this morning doing a little yoga, drinking my tea, and wandering through my garden. It was truly blissful. Here are a few things I saw...

A little Roma tomato peaking through the foliage

Huge heirloom squash blossoms greeting the day,

and freshly 'put up' blueberry lime jam that my precious boy helped to make last night {heart}.

Have a lovely day...

Thoughts

We went blueberry picking again - this batch is headed right for the jam jars with a little lime. Should be yummy!


One can't pick blueberries without ending the session with a little cider slush and silliness...

I have had a lot on my mind lately, and part of those thoughts lay with two blogger families I have come to 'know' over the last year or so... I hope both Heather and Amanda are doing well, and I look forward to their regular post about their love for their families and their ceaseless creativity. Hugs to both of you.

the skirt and a challenge

The 'Three Needle Skirt' is done. Let me just say, this was a huge test of my patience. Despite taking and checking my measurements three times AND trying it on a few times during construction, it was still way too big. I had to futz a bit with it when it was done, ripped out and re-did the zipper, and messed around with the back seams. Its fits better now, but not great. Next time, I go with smaller size, and NOT linen.



My next challenge is out of the the 4/2010 Ottobre magazine. No seam allowances on the patterns! Quite a challenge for me to figure this all out. It's been good, because I am taking my time, and have relatively few errors. I can't wait to try these one The Ooch when they're done!

I heart Westborough: blueberries...

We have a lovely little farm within 1/2 a mile from our house, which we frequent, especially on our long, hot, summer days. They have a lovely little area for ducks and other water critters, as well as a huge area for a group of very personable goats. Of course, it wouldn't be a dream come true for Sunny Son if there weren't tractors, and this place has two: one John Deere front loader with all the accessories, and one vintage parked permanently by the barn. We go up there every weekend, if only to feed the goats.

In the summer time, the farm has a huge selection of organic produce that they grow there, as well as some fruits supplied by local farms. Our latest draw has been the huge blueberry field, which is Farmer Harvey's pride and joy. It doesn't disappoint. We have been up there three times now, intent on enjoying summer's bounty. On the menu were lemon blueberry scones and of course a blueberry pie which didn't make it long out of the oven...

Next up, freezing and canning to maintain a winter supply. We'll keep going until we're fighting the birds for those last few blueberries.