In Simple Terms

A quick and excellent lesson on how to find some physical balance...

Try, try again! Cloth Diapering-Take 2

When I was pregnant with my first daughter (my third child), I became interested in cloth diapering. I researched like crazy and came to ambitious conclusion that I would make my own all-in-one waterproof cloth diapers. I spent the money to order all the special makings. I got to cutting and sewing and only got 6 made. I used them here and there, but ended up with not enough time or energy to finish the rest of them, and was still reliant on disposables. So much for saving us money! I still have stacks of fabric waiting to be used. Now that girl #2 is on the way (less than 5 1/2 weeks left!), I find myself researching again. And coming to a similar conclusion- I want to cloth diaper. I like the environmental side of it. I like the money-saving aspect. I like the health aspect of it. I am however, much more realistic about my time and energy limits in raising 4 children. I have therefore just dropped $350 on a marvelous little bumGenius one-size cloth diapering kit! I am so excited! (And slightly nervous.) It's official- I am cloth diapering this baby. With the one-size diapers, they should last me a full 2 years or more (and if she's anything like my other girl, she'll be potty trained long before that). And if needed I should be able to supplement with the homemade diapers that I have. Wish me luck!!

Ina May's Guide to Childbirth

As I come into my last months of this (my 4th) pregnancy I have learned that while some things you learn about your body you can count on happening again, but in general, every pregnancy and every childbirth is so different. Years ago my sister recommended that I read Ina May's Guide to Childbirth. I was pregnant with my 2nd at the time I think. I thought, "Oh that's great. I've done this natural birth thing once before (in the hospital) and I have a great midwife that I love. I'm good." I dismissed it without another thought. My 1st birth had been a water labor with an amazing nurse who, along side my husband had coddled and protected and supported me through a beautiful experience- marred only by my cold doctor breezing in last second to give me an unwanted, unneeded episiotomy and leave me to a painful and shocking recovery period. My 2nd birth ended up being a pitocin inducement in the hospital (after 2 weeks of exhausting and unprogressing early labor), and while I didn't have an epidural, my birth experience was not exactly what I wanted it to be. 3 years later and pregnant with my 3rd child, I studied Hypnobirthing hoping I could improve on what I'd experienced the last time. I still had my same CNM (whom I loved) and was planning on birthing in the same hospital. My personal awareness and philosophies about birth were slowly changing and my situation (without me fully realizing it) was not ideal for my wants and needs. I started labor naturally 2 weeks early (just like my first). I labored at home for a good 9 hours before heading to the hospital. I wasn't sent home, but was at the mercy of the Dr. on call and was not admitted until I could "prove" that this labor would progress (which ended up not happening until 5 the next morning- 8 hours later). I spent that time in horrible fear of being sent home, resentment that my terribly sick husband was sleeping in the corner and not supporting me every second, up in arms that every nurse that came through was cold, indifferent and had not read my birth plan and trying amid the loneliness to practice my hypnobirthing exercises while desperately willing my contractions to keep going. I finally demanded to see my midwife and at the sight of someone trusted and supportive labor began to progress in earnest. I had done everything on my own to try to have the birth I wanted, and despite my best efforts I ended up with a miserable, unfulfilling 18 hours, followed by 6 hours of the birth I'd wanted in the first place (except it included a hep-lock that equaled much pain for no reason at all thanks to that awful doctor on call). I had my sweet daughter- drug-free and with minimal pushing (just like my others), but I vowed that if there was a next time, it would be what I wanted of it. I had learned that no- I can't control exactly what happenes with my body, but I can give myself the environment, the knowledge, the support and the best chance of getting what I want.
When I was surprised with the news of my 4th pregnancy, I immediately called my sweet friend who had gushed about her amazing home birth and got the information of her midwife. I began to plan my birth- to give myself the chance at the birth I wanted so badly. I took my stresser (the hospital) out of the equation. I began to hungrily read all I could find about home water birth. I found I adored my new midwife Heather and her philosphies. I trust her immensely. I feel bold, respected, trusted and cared for. In my ravenous inhalation of information, I came across Ina May's Guide to Childbirth once again. As I read, I found myself exclaiming out loud, "Yes! Why didn't I know that before?!" I was touting the book to others before I could even finish it. So much vital information- statistics, instructions, suggestions, answers, knowledge, science, spirit! I devoured it. I cannot recommend it highly enough. I feel that my feeling of trust and boldness are now accompanied by knowledge and pure confidence. I recommend it not only to the pregnant woman in preparation, but to the woman who's birth was good but who wanted more, the man who wants to support fully, the mother who wants more for her daughters, the friend who would act as doula, the person who just needs to understand. If you have skeptical questions or doubts and you want numbers and statistics on safety and the sanity of natural birth/ home birth- this book is for you. If you are natural minded and wanting affirmation and reassurance and education- this book is for you as well! If you are somewhere in between and trying to make up your mind for the most fulfilling experience for yourself- READ IT!
I could go on forever. I could analyze my own past births and lay out every specific that I felt would have improved with the knowledge Ina May provided. I will spare the everyday blog reader those details, but I beg of you for your own sakes- arm yourselves with the education to give yourself the birth experience you deserve.

Blender Whole Wheat Pancakes

This is an adaptation from the pancake/waffle recipe my mama has used every Saturday morning since I can remember. I tried it in my new vita-mix and it was so fast and easy!
*Blending times and speeds will vary depending on your blender.

Blender Whole Wheat Pancakes

Preheat griddle sprayed with cooking spray or well greased.
Place in blender:
1 C Whole Wheat Kernels
1 C Rice Milk
Blend on high for 1-2 minutes until smooth
Add another 1/2 C rice milk and blend until well mixed- about a minute in Vitamix (2-3 minutes otherwise)
Add in:
2 eggs
1/4 c. coconut oil
1 Tbsp honey
1/2 tsp sea salt
Blend well then add 1 Tbsp baking powder
Blend until just mixed in. Bake on hot griddle until bubbles near center pop and holes remain. Flip and cook until browned.
*This can also be used in a waffle maker.
Serve with real maple syrup, fresh fruit jam, yogurt, honey, agave, or your favorite toppings!
Enjoy!

A Divine Treat- Strawberry Sparkling Cider

I am SO EXCITED! We got a Vita-Mix for Christmas!
I have made everything from fresh apple juice to blender whole wheat pancakes, to the smoothest of yummy smoothies, salsa and fresh pizza sauce.
My husband got us a 4 pack of sparkling apple cider for the holidays. My biggest pet peeve with these is that one bottle only contains 4-5 small servings. On Christmas night I decided to stretch it out and make it better. So I filled the blender with about 8 cups of semi-thawed frozen strawberries and added one entire bottle of cider. BRILLIANT! It was delicious! My little family all had glass after glass and we all got more than our fill of this new favorite treat.
Try it! Yum!!

Easy Garden Squares

I take this little finger food to family gatherings, open houses, farewells, homecomings, showers and receptions and am always bombarded for the recipe (adapted from Treasury of Christmas)! They disappear so fast! YUM!
I wasn't going to post them here, but they are vegetarian and if you load on enough veg, healthy enough for the season! Enjoy!

Easy Garden Squares

2 cans refrigerated crescent roll dough (8 each- 16 total)
1 1/2 8 ounce packages cream cheese or neufatchel cheese
1/3 cup mayonnaise
1 teaspoon dried dill weed
1/2 packet (about a tbsp) buttermilk ranch salad dressing mix
1 tsp garlic powder
3 cups of desired toppings*
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

For crust, unroll crescent roll dough and press in to 15 1/2 x 10 1/2 x 2 inch baking sheet (large cookie sheet with a lip works great).
Bake according to package directions (11-13 minutes at 375).

In a small mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, mayo, dill weed, dressing mix and garlic powder.
Spread evenly over cooled crust.

Sprinkle generously with desired toppings and mozzarella cheese.
Cut into 2 x 2 inch squares and serve.

*TOPPING SUGGESTIONS:
finely chopped broccoli, cauliflower, green pepper, red pepper, yellow pepper; seeded and finely diced tomato; thinly sliced or finely diced green, white or red onion; seeded and diced cucumber; thinly sliced black olives, celery, or shredded carrots; finely diced fresh mushrooms; finely shredded and chopped baby spinach.

Enjoy!

Chili Cakes

What to do with all that leftover veggie chili? Make chili cakes of course! My kids adored these!

Chili Cakes

3-4 cups leftover veggie chili
2-3 cups cooked brown rice
6-10 ritz crackers, saltines or a cup or so of bread crumbs

Place chili and rice in food processor or blender and pulse to a pasty consistency. You want it thinner than cookie dough, but thicker than pancake batter. Add crackers or breadcrumbs as needed to get the desired consistency.
On a hot griddle or skillet (about 375 degrees or medium high), sprayed with cooking spray, spoon a medium to large scoop of your paste and flatten/spread to about 1/2 inch thick and a few inches round. Then you just cook 'em like little pancakes! I used my large griddle and did 8 or so at a time. Check them every once in a while for doneness- if you can't easily get your spatula under them, then they aren't ready to flip yet. They should be slightly blackened on each side when they are done (takes about 3-4 minutes on each side depending on griddle heat). Repeat until chili paste is gone.
Eat alone as finger food or topped with salsa, sour cream, guacamole, pico de gallo or dipped in ranch dressing.
Serve with a colorful green salad and enjoy!