to have Courage....In Family Life, In Spirituality, In Health, In Living Simply

I'm on a journey...... as we all are. Learning, remembering, re-discovering about health, spirituality, relationships, emotions and the mind.

Friday, April 30, 2010

Homemade Homeopathy

Our friend from Austria was by for a visit recently, and was telling us about how he and his wife made their own homeopathy for the past 30+ years, for their children and now for their grandchildren.

Using either the sick person's saliva or urine, they would dilute it with clean water 1:10.
The easiest way is to put a small amount of the saliva or urine in a measurable syringe or cup used to dispense medicine.  Then add 10 parts water to that.  Shake vigorously 40 times.  Keep 1/10th of that.  Dilute with another 10 parts of water.  Shake vigorously 40 times.  Again, keep 1/10th of it and for the last time dilute with 10 parts of water.  Shake vigorously as before.

Now measure out 1/10th for the donor to ingest.  This can be administered immediately, with the remainder being refrigerated.

If symptoms don't start to improve within a few hours, administer another dosage.

If symptoms start to improve, no other dosage is necessary.  The body has started its recovery.

Thursday, April 29, 2010

Security

Well, it doesn't look like we will be On The Road on Friday as we had originally planned.  We'll keep you informed.  It might be Monday, or in a few weeks.  We are presently trying to work some glitches out, and trying to stay calm.  It will all work out good, I know.  We are practicing patience, and love, and graciousness.

Moving can be a trying event, but it is during these times that we have many, many, many opportunities presented to us in which we can practice Love.  I can see that many of our children feel a bit stressed; an uncertainty because we don't know all the details, and yet there is a feeling of excitement at the same time.  It is a good opportunity for them to also practice Love, and not letting their emotions rule their behavior.

And about being 'uncertain'.......

I'm of the persuasion that in our culture we put our faith in job-security,or in owning a house, or even in our collection of possessions.  But there is absolutely no security in any of that.  There is only security in the Love of God.  That is the only permanent relationship we can be truly secure in.

I trust that our children find their security in Him Who Breathes Life Into Them.  Who Sustains Their Lives.  Who Loves Them with an Everlasting Love.  That's where Security is.  Only in God.

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Dipped in Chocolate


Our family really enjoys chocolate, but I am not convinced that cacao is a superfood.  Within the raw food community, there is division over cacao.  We haven't eliminated it from our diet, yet, but we don't consume it like we used to.  I am saying that these 'treats' are not staples at all.  These are occasional treats.  We still enjoy them, but I can see 'One Day' we might not consume them at all.
I remember back to the days when I thought I couldn't live the rest of my life without Coke.  Especially with pizza.  But I can honestly say, I don't crave it any longer.  We chose to part with cola's about 5 years ago, and although I've had an occasional one since then, it is virtually no longer a part of our lifestyle, and I don't miss it one iota.  

So, I can see a day when cacao/chocolate is no longer a part of our life, too.
For now, its an occasional visitor.  I can live with that.  For now.

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Shopping, for How Long???

Shopping is not my favorite pastime.  Sure, there have been times when its been fun, but its usually more of a chore to me than an exciting adventure, especially grocery shopping.  It's like an evil that must get done.




Ok, I've never gotten this angry, ever.  Not even close.

Well.......?

On my last shopping trip I was with Everette and the two little boys, Anders and Laars.  Everette likes pushing the buggy, following behind me (lets say, be-hind me!!!  especially since I've been losing all this weight!! giggle giggle)  Anyways, I whipped around a corner entering the baking aisle to find some poppy seeds, and I don't know why, but when I saw a 70-ish older couple there, my immediate thought was....
"I'm gonna have to be buying groceries every single week until I die!!"

Where did that thought come from???

I have no idea.  But, I guess I better get used to it.

And have a better attitude!!







 

Monday, April 26, 2010

Our Weekend Visitor

We actually had a visitor for the weekend.  All the way from British Columbia. And if you know anything about Canada, It's Really Big!

A shooting coach of Rauchelle's was in Halifax for 3 weeks of special training for his job and was able to come up for Saturday and Sunday, so we made it on his 'Must See' list.  We are so honored, Pat.


Sunday, April 25, 2010

Preparing for Sleep

Previous generations likely didn't have sleep issues like we do today.  One clear reason would be that they weren't dealing with the stimulating effects of artificial lighting, entertainment (TV, videos, loud music, texting), and even working during non-daylight hours.  With our western societies working 24/7, and our houses being filled with light from within (and even from outside ie. streetlights) we are totally disconnected with the lesser light that rules the night time sky.....the moon......and its cycles.  Even when we close our eyes at night, our room usually has artificial light within it, from our alarm clocks, the street lights, nightlights, etc.  This can interfere not only with our sleep & its patterns, but can even play havoc with some women's fertility.

(I've been curious if women notice relationship between the phases of the moon and their menstruation, and their sexual arousal.  I know that seems like a weird idea to some, but I'm curious.  I'd love to hear from you if you've seen any correlation, specifically with new or full moon phases. It's something that I'm trying to pay more attention to.)

The darker it gets outside (naturally), the darker we should be letting it get inside of our homes.  Take the natural signs from outside and bring them inside.  Use a dimmer light.  Light some candles.  Turn off the television and computers at least  an hour (ideally, several hours) before you head to bed.  Do things that help you relax and set the stage for falling asleep.

Many of us heard that every hour of sleep you get before midnight are worth two hours after midnight.  Well, there is a truth to that, and in essence that would be giving you more hours in your day!!  But there is another issue to that.

You probably have experienced being exhausted and wanting to fall asleep around 7 or 8 pm, but once you get the children to bed and clean up the kitchen or write some emails or whatever, you seem to get a burst of energy and stay up way later than you had planned.  And it seems that the hours can fly past before you even get drowsy again.

The problem is that in the late evening, different organs start to kick into high-gear for the cleansing cycle of your body, and if you aren't already asleep before that happens it becomes difficult to fall asleep.  Particularly between the hours of 10 pm and 2 am.  So ideally, you should already be asleep by 10 pm.  That may sound early, but it is totally do-able.  One just has to decide to make sleep and health a priority, and make the appropriate changes.  You can find all the excuses you want, but then you can also suffer the consequences.  It's your choice.

Now, if you were to do this (be asleep, say, by 9:30) and if 1 hr before midnight was worth 2 hours after midnight, you'd have gotten 5 hours worth of sleep by midnight, and a total of 8 hours worth by 3am!  You could be raring to go well before the sun is even up!!

This is what's happening at our house.  This is The Ideal.  Not the way it happens on a daily basis.  But give me a break.  You think things run smoothly every day with 8 kids still at home? (Rauchelle, being an adult can choose her own lifestyle.  Overall, she follows suite.  But not stringently.)

computers/TV off by 7 pm
8-8:30pm put the boys to bed
9-9:30pm everybody else to bed
4am Everette & I wake up.  We are just transitioning Laars to sleeping in his own bed so that I can start my day.  If he's in our bed, I lay awake meditating until he wakes up.
5:30-6:30am the children awaken.  The little boys are almost always awake before 6.  Gaelyn and Tov around 6.  The others shortly afterwards.
7:30-8am breakfast
12pm Lunch
4-4:30pm supper
only herbal teas allowed in the evening, with stevia for sweetener (if any)

We have found it all an adjustment; the going to bed early and the rising early.  I would consider myself a Night-Owl, but I like what we are experiencing.  I see every sunrise now.  I feel more rested.  I feel like I get a deeper sleep (unless the children wake me, of course, or when I am heavily detoxing and my liver wakes me up between 1-3am).

Last year I would never have imagined that we would be sleeping/eating/scheduling the way that we are today.  But I really like it, and overall we all seem to be flourishing with it.  Even my sister, whose had difficulties with her sleep for a very long time, is now starting to have some really great sleeps.  She's been home here for 2.5 weeks and pretty much sticking with The Daylight Diet because the rest of the household is (while her dh isn't here!).  She's dropping pounds and sleeping sounder.  Yahoo!

Saturday, April 24, 2010

Curry Sauce

I made this quick & easy raw Curry Sauce the other day to have with Chinese & red cabbage, and it was sooooo yummy.

Rauchelle said "It's the best thing since sliced bread!"


Curry Sauce over Cabbage Salad
By Iraw

Curry sauce:
1 orange, peeled
1-2 garlic cloves, pressed
1/3 cup of raisins, soaked 4 hours then drained
1/4 tsp ground cumin
1/4 tsp ground coriander
1/2 TB curry powder
1/4 - 1/2 tsp fresh ginger
pinch of sea salt


Blend all ingredients until smooth. Adjust seasonings as needed.
This simple cabbage slaw with shredded coconut and red grapes is simply delicious.

*******************************************************

This would be great in a wrap (nori, rice paper, collards, romaine) with or without the cabbage.  Any leftover salad would work, or even just making the curry sauce for a wrap would be good.  Or it could be used as a dip for wraps, too.  Lots of ways to use it.

Thursday, April 22, 2010

Released

So, it seemed an appropriate place for the family to release Samuel's ashes, before we leave Cape Breton.  This is the place where he was conceived.  The place he lived within my womb.  The only place I ever felt him kick (just one precious kick I have to treasure in my heart and memory), the place where he died, and was born.  His entire little life was lived here, and so that is where we released him.

It was a few months ago that I brought up the idea to Everette about us releasing his ashes here.  It was a day I realized that I would be 'upset' if the urn was knocked over and the ashes spilled, having to be swept or vacuumed up, and I thought how disrespectful that seemed (to me).  I knew I didn't want to be worrying about this little urn, what the children might do to it.  After all, I know that my son is not in that urn.  His spirit lives on, without restrictions.  But what remains of his earthly body, ashes to ashes, I wanted to respect, but never to idolize them.  And so, as a family, on the day I've chosen to celebrate the beginning of his life (conception), we chose to each release him. 
Of course, most of us cried.  He was our son, our brother, our dream, our flesh.  He will be forever remembered.

Samuel Xavier Douglas Johnson 2009

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

Family Affair in the Kitchen



Little hands helping me make Fermented Vegetables.  Now that more of the family are liking the veggies, we are now doing them up with the food processor and putting them in these big ice cream buckets (we got our blueberry honey in them).  I'm thinking I'll do a fresh batch up just before we hit the road again so we can have cultured veggies when we stop for lunch.

Some of the children eat them with some balsamic vinegar sprinkled on them.  I hear that olive oil is good, too, or stevia for those who find them too tart.

Other family members not in the photos who helped make these were Everette & myself.  The little hands cutting broccoli were Anders'.

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

Building Steps



Daddy's Little Helper.

Some of these days, it's even been snowing!

Monday, April 19, 2010

Freckles Breaking Out

I was surprised early this morning to spot a bunch of red spots sprinkled across Laars' upper cheeks, right below his eyes.  And then this afternoon I looked, and they are light brown freckles.  Ahhhh!!  So cute.  I love freckles.

Growing up with freckles myself, my mother always called them 'Angel Kisses'.
So, now, my baby has Angel Kisses!

Hard to see in a photo since they are so tiny and light.  But believe me, they are there and ohhh so cute!!!!

Sunday, April 18, 2010

Vaccinations and Foreign Travel

Do your research.  We have been led to believe that vaccinations are mandatory for most foreign travel, but it is rather just recommended by many countries.  The one that is most likely mandatory is for Yellow Fever, but usually that is only dependent on whether you are entering the country via a specific country which has Yellow Fever present.

When Layne was heading off to YWAM she was told that she was to have her vaccinations all up to-date.  The staff was informed that she had forgone vaccinations since she was 3, and that she was not prepared to have them for attending their school, nor for travel (we already researched about the travel).  We were told that she would likely have to sign some waiver, which she never did, and as far as she is aware she was the only student who wasn't vaccinated for travel.  She traveled through Morocco, Spain, and Scotland, with stops in London and Amsterdam.  There was never any problem with her not being vaccinated.

She had to stick to her guns as far as the school and the nurse, but she knew her grounds and rights.  It was as simple as that.

As in other areas of your health, be educated about how your overall lifestyle affects your susceptibility to illness and disease, and take charge of your own health.  Be diligent.

Saturday, April 17, 2010

Island Punch

1 Pineapple (top and skin removed, cut into spears)
1 pint Strawberries (washed and stems removed)
2 large sweet Apples (washed and stems removed)

Juice ingredients and enjoy.  The recipe suggests adding rum to taste, but I omitted it.  It was yummy as is, and the froth topping (naturally occurring) was very creamy.

Pineapple is a great source for bromelain (digestive enzymes), manganese and Vitamin C.  Bromelain is also a potent anti-inflammatory.

In addition to vitamin C, Strawberries also provide an excellent source of vitamin K and manganese, as well as folic acid, potassium, riboflavin, vitamin B5, vitamin B6, copper, magnesium, and omega-3 fatty acids.  They also contain significant levels of phytonutrients and antioxidants, which fight free radicals.

Apples provide boron (may help to have healthy bones), cellulose, and pectin.  When juicing the peel, you are retaining the great supply of Vitamin A that the apple carries.

Friday, April 16, 2010

Peeling Back Layers of an Onion

"This journey is like peeling back layers of an onion. 
You peel back one layer,
you make improvements in your diet by adding certain foods
and cutting out others, 
make changes in your lifestyle to move closer to
having the life you really want. 
For a while you feel amazing, 
on top of the world. 
But then you uncover a whole other layer of issues, 
another set of physical, emotional and mental blocks to work through, 
that had been lying hidden deep within you, 
but are now out and exposed because 
you have peeled off the rubbish that had been covering them. 
This process never stops,
it is the path we follow as humans, 
and the more we are in it, 
the more we learn to love it, 
to accept it all,
not to resist but to enjoy it all, 
the ups and the downs; 
the pain and the pleasure are equal gifts, 
two sides of the same coin."

Kate Magic in 'Raw Magic'

This is totally what I see happening in my life, and the lives of those I read about.  This is truly painful, but at the same time ironically its exciting.  Happily (most of the time) embracing it.




Thursday, April 15, 2010

Good Ol' Dirt

I'm often surprised at what subjects the children choose to take photos of.  Here Maret has taken it of a wheelbarrow of dirt.  And Mitchell, contemplating the next shovelful.



Laars was drawn outside to watch 'the guys' shoveling dirt for leveling in the front yard before building steps off the front porch for Aunt Jo.  Here he is with Meung-Meung. Notice, Laars is in barefeet.  It's still frosty in the mornings, but he didn't want shoes on.  Tends to keep him on the porch and/or close to the house, so that's good!

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

FREE 'Get Paid To Shop'


We are getting ready to move so we are clearing out extra manuals, and that means you have the opportunity to get your own printed manual of

GET PAID TO SHOP

If you are looking for some extra cash, or a way to help fund your shopping habit,
or you just like to live a bit of an adventure on a regular basis,
you might find that Get Paid to Shop is right for you.

You have opportunity to get free meals, hotel stays,
tickets to movies & amusement parks,
free clothes, CD's & items for your house.
Even free groceries!

Competition between retail stores is always at a high,
and definitely during financially difficult times when consumers
tighten their own belts.

You've probably heard about Mystery Shopping before,
but like me you didn't realize what it actually entailed.

Now find out for yourself.

I'm offering to give away printed manuals
 (not e-books) for FREE.

We usually sell these manuals for $79 each plus s/h
but to lighten our load we are willing to give them to you for FREE
as long as you pay $10 per manual for shipping & handling.

If you've ever wondered what it's all about you can't find a better time than now.

It tells you all about Mystery Shopping:

How to Get Started
How to do Your First Assignment
Insider Tips
Things to be Cautious About
Shopping Trends
Working with Multiple Mystery Shopping Companies
Opportunities for Teens
Certification~ Do I Need It?
Direct Links to Over 100 Reputable Companies
Assignment Logs & Sample Reports
and more.

It's over 110 pages of information & contacts.

Do it part- or full-time.

Mystery Shopping can fit into basically anybody's schedule.

Some assignments
 are great for family outings,
or a romantic night out with a partner.

You are in control, picking the assignments that appeal to you
and fit into your lifestyle.

Assignments are available across North America and Europe.

Hundreds of companies to work for. 

You can shop locally, or there are even web shopping assignments to pick up. 
So much variety.


The manual itself is FREE .

You just pay $10 shipping & handling for each manual you order.
That's it.

 For more information email me at



This manual tells you how to work professionally & proficiently. 

 And if you are really ambitious it tells you how
 to set up your own business so that you can manage shoppers yourself.

This is a very fun and exciting way to bring extra cash your way,
or make it a career.

Make boredom a thing of the past. 

Every new assignment you take is a new adventure.
So, if you want your FREE manual,
just email me at apleasingaroma@gmail.com
and we can arrange for your payment of
$10 for shipping & handling per manual
and I'll mail the manual(s) out to you.




Monday, April 12, 2010

On the Road Again

Our eldest daughter is getting married the end of June, and we are still on the other side of the country.  So, we've decided to Hit the Road Again.  And it's coming quicker than we had actually anticipated. 

Checking out the calendar yesterday, and checking out workday 'holidays' and such, we've decided to roll out in just 2.5 weeks.  So, the adrenalin kicks in, I get to uncluttering (more), going thru the children's clothes (changing seasonal wear and eliminating non-essentials), parting with books again (boo-hoo), recycling/giving away, eating what's stored in the freezer, all those sort of We're Moving! but we don't know where we are actually going.  We just are leaving here.

It's always exciting.  The Unknown is always a bit of a rush.  Nerve-wracking sometimes.  Patience-sucking.  But always exciting.  I just have to remind myself that the children might not always be as excited as I am!

There's still work to be done on my sister's house before we leave.  Special-collection garbage pick-up starts today, so there's things to get out to the curbside.  And still meals to make, driving route's to pick, itinery to plan, books to read and cuddles to have. 

Okay, I'm a bit hyper.  I drank some green-tea about 4 pm yesterday, and didn't realize that along with deciding we'd hit the road soon that I wouldn't get a wink of sleep.  I don't usually drink green-tea, and you can bet I won't be doing that again!  Lesson learned.

Sunday, April 11, 2010

As Is

Marla Taviano in "From Blushing Bride to Wedded Wife"

"You know those clothing items on the clearance rack that say "As Is"?  You buy them with the understanding that they are flawed, and you forfeit the right to return them for being defective.  So it goes with unconditional love and respect for your husband.  You go into marriage with the understanding that this man is flawed, yet you promise to love and respect him regardless."



Saturday, April 10, 2010

Vitamin K for Newborns

Our first children underwent alot of the standard medical practices that are prevalent today, because we were ignorant parents.  We did what was considered normal, standard, what-everybody-else-is-doing.  But over the years we've had to research, and arm ourselves with information, and get in touch with our own parental intuition.

There are tonnes of things being promoted out there in our culture that are considered needed to protect us from the hazards of being human and alive!  Most of those things, like vaccines, aspirin, etc are actually toxins that are robbing us of our rightful health.  Even our Standard American Diet (SAD) is killing us, everytime we open our mouth and fill it.

Being parents is certainly a time when we may start taking notice of some of the things society does, starting to question "Why do we do this?"  "Is this really necessary?"  But often we are asking these questions of people who are totally indoctrinated and kept in business by these actual practices.  I wouldn't consider these to be unbiased sources of information!

When I saw this article by Mercola about Vitamin K I was extremely interested, because after rejecting alot of the typical/standard tests and procedures for pregnancy and delivery for myself and many of our children, the issue over Vitamin K was one I still was uncomfortable with.  It was something that 8 of our 9 live birth children received, but one I was never confident that it was right for them.  It was only our last live birth that Everette and I agreed not to have our son pricked.

If you look into food sources (see some info below) and are sure to incorporate large amounts of these green foods during pregnancy, you should be able to raise your Vitamin K level, and provide enough for baby both before and after birth (assuming you breastfeed). 

After doing much research about diet and health, there are many things we have chosen to not do to our children, such as vaccinate.  Like Dr. Mercola says, "But remember you HAVE to be proactive. It isn't just about not doing something.  In alot of cases, its actually about choosing to do something different.  Proactively. If you aren't going to inject your newborn with Vitamin K, you need to be informed to make sure your baby is still receiving enough of the Vitamin thru other means.

Food Sources of Vitamin K & here
Vitamin K & Alfalfa

Friday, April 9, 2010

Pink OJ

Since coming home from our 5 day Retrieval Mission trip, I've been drinking lots of juices.  Here's one of my new Fav juices.  Plain and simple. 

Just Oranges and Beets. 
That's it.  

Juice away to a Healthy Body.


What you might not know is that oranges are a natural source of aspirin and boron. Be sure to peel before juicing (I peel all my citrus fruits before juicing as they tend to make the juice taste bitter, and make me feel sick).

Beets are great sources for folic acid,  iron, calcium and potassium.

Thursday, April 8, 2010

Consider Sunglasses

Days are getting longer, and for some of you they are already much brighter.  You are probably finding you wear your sunglasses more and more.  Or maybe you wear them all year long because of the snow-glare.  Or you live where it is habitually sunny (I want to come live with you, then.).  Here's something interesting about sunglasses.......

"I once read that wearing sunglasses outside actually enhances a person's chance of getting sunburned.  Sunglasses block the sun's rays from reaching the optic nerve, tricking it into thinking that it is dark outside.  This causes the body to produce less of a protective skin coating, increasing the risk for sunburn and even skin cancer.  After reading about this, I decided to try it:  I have now stopped wearing sunglasses, and now I never get sunburned, and I don't need sunscreen (though I'm very careful not to overdo sun exposure).  The human body is designed so incredibly that it works with all the elements of nature, especially the daylight and darkness."

                                                           Paul Nison in 'The Daylight Diet'


Have you ever really thought about the health implications of wearing sunglasses?  Have you found that the more you wear your sun glasses, the more you rely on them?  You squint at the slightest brightness?

Have you considered what messages you are sending throughout your body when its daylight out but your optic nerve is interpreting that its not high-noon because you are wearing dark glasses?

Believe me, I don't have the answers.  But I'm thinking about these things, because I believe that the vast majority of these fake things we incorporate into our lifestyles (sunglasses, shoes, cell phones, etc) are more detrimental to us than beneficial.

I'm not suggesting that we throw them all away and walk around naked.  But really, do we seriously consider what these things bring into our lives, individually and accumulatively?

Question for You:  Are you reliant on sunglasses?  Have you ever considered a correlation between wearing sunglasses with sunburns and/or digestion?

Wednesday, April 7, 2010

Tea Party at School?

This morning for some odd reason I was recalling a conversation a few years back at a homeschool meeting where a mom was talking about how she has a weekly Tea Party with her girls as part of her homeschool curriculum.  I asked her "You actually consider that part of their curriculum?" to which she replied along the lines of "Absolutely!  I think it's important that they learn manners and how to serve one another."

This morning, just like back at that meeting, I was thinking how odd it is that we consider normal everyday events or life skills as needing to be taught as school curriculum

Isn't it strange to break our life down into little lessons to teach?  Shouldn't our children be learning these things thru life experience, living in family, living in community?  If our children are engaging with people of all ages around them, they should be learning by example many of the things that they need for being established adults.  Not necessarily on a time-schedule as set out by an 'educational board', but when the opportunity and the interest of the child arises. 

I think I might have a Tea Party today with Gaelyn who is looking for A Date with Mom after I was away for 4 nights, but I think we'll just use it to reconnect and enjoy each others company.  I think a Tea Party is a great idea to connect.  I just find it strange that we take that sort of thing and make it a course.  Like PE.  Isn't exercise best to just be part of life (both work AND fun?) rather than a course?

Unschooling......Living Life!

Tuesday, April 6, 2010

Some More of Ottawa

We walked through the Byward Market and the surrounding stores, smelling the fresh bagels, the Quebec maple products, enjoying the gorgeous floral bouquets, and the incredible handknit sweaters.  I even eyed 100% linen pants, but didn't buy them at $80 a pair, especially since they won't fit in a few more months anyways.


After the grand tour of the Parliament Buildings, Everette was taking some more shots of the outside so I laid down to bask in the sunshine for a few moments and rest my weary legs.