We were eating pizza and my eldest was systematically removing the pepperoni from the top of her slice. Under her breath I heard her mutter, “I don’t eat dots.”

I had it on my calendar to call a local Pecan Orchard and set up a time to come out with the girls and pick Pecans. I had the reminder set for November 3rd, and decided that instead I’d call and set up a time next week to come out. (This week we’ve just been too busy.) Plus, the Pecan Orchard is right next to where DD1 goes for her OT. I figured why make the trip twice.

Soo, I called. Turns out Pecan season opened on November 1st. And Pecan season closes on the tenth. In fact, the man I just spoke to told me that there isn’t much out there.

Who knew Pecan season was so short! Next year I’m putting the reminder down for the first of November. I’m also going to have to include a reminder to myself to NOT procrastinate this away.

There are two really amazing contests going on right now. One is from Nature’s Child. The winner gets a bumGenius 3.0 Starter Kit: 18 diapers, diaper sprayer, a dozen cloth wipes, and a bottle of odor remover.

You just have to answer the question:

1) It’s hot. So hot you force your kids to share the kiddie pool with you, only after adding a couple pounds of ice. What do you do to beat the heat?

If that wasn’t enough, Along for the Ride is also hosting a summer contest. Winner gets:

Winner will receive the Essential Babywearing Stash from Along for the Ride. The essential babywearing stash includes one Gypsy Mama Wrap, one Hotslings pouch, one BabyHawk Mei Tai, one Beco Butterfly, and one ZoloWear Ring Sling - in their choice of any in-stock colors or patterns.

Do you have ANY idea how stinking cool it would be to win that stash of babywearing items? I think I would fall over from sheer shock!

Entry is simple. Just share your best babywearing advice. “Share the tidbit with us that has saved you with that babe in a carrier.”

Both entries have a closing date of Midnight on the 31st of July. I suggest entering today. lol.

In my rush to clean the bathroom, I knocked my house phone into the toilet. Don’t ask me why it was in the bathroom to begin with. I just know that the silly thing is now broken. Sometimes it lets me answer calls, and sometimes it just does a strange “connecting…” thing and never ever lets me talk. I’m so frustrated with myself. This is like the bajillionth phone we have managed to kill. It’s to the point that I’m tempted to buy stock in house phones.

In other news. My BumGenius 3.0 diapers arrived today! *rubs hands together with glee.* They are sitting next to me on my computer desk. A dozen one size pocket diapers. Neatly packaged and in a row. The instructions say to wash them prior to use, but I can’t bear to do anything to wash out their “newness.” When DFS1 wakes from his nap I’m going to try one on him. I know already that he’s going to look so stinking adorable.

I have enough paypal saved up to buy another dozen, but am holding off until this next week. (I have someone buying my swaddlebees and that paypal should hit my account soon.) The plan is to have exactly thirty one size diapers. Enough to diaper a newborn and a 9 month old full time.

Changing the subject, again. Did I mention my zucchini and Squash are coming in nicely? The Zuc’s grow to enormous porportions if I’m not careful to pick them in time. My tomatoes continue to sort of languish and my bell peppers refuse to grow. Seemingly perpetually stunted.

My sage, on the other hand, doing nicely (albiet buried in Zucchini bush.)

My plan next year is to plant watermelons, beans, tomatoes, squash, zucchini, bell peppers, hot peppers, and I’m going to try my hand at peanuts. The squash, watermelon, and zucchini will have to have their own “square foot” garden, because they have consumed the one I currently have.

I’ve also thought about making single sq foot containers for parsnips and carrots, but don’t want to get too far ahead of myself.

I’ll post pictures of what I currently have. So check back soon.

One of my big projects for this summer is to organize our financial house. Both Dh and I have drawn up our wills and only need to have them notarized. They will be filed in a folder along with important documents and a directive that can be used in the case of anything happening to us. The directive is a million pages long, and includes everything from financial information to what to do in the case of burials.

I purchased a folder specifically to organize all this information, and am slowly gathering it together. I’m slightly embarrassed to admit that I am fairly disorganized in this aspect of home-making. I just don’t have a proper “system.” As a result, if something were to happen to both Dh and I before I get organized, our successors would be up to their eyeballs in a mess!

I will say that working on everything has led me to making some choices that I really hadn’t put a whole lot of time into. I’ve always nebulously wanted an ecological burial. If you asked me about it I would have replied, “Stick me in a pine box, and bury me.” Hardly helpful. Especially when you start reading TX law and you realize that it’s a whole lot more complicated.

Texas law requires that an un-embalmed body must be buried within 24 hours of death. The only way around it is to properly refrigerate the body. Which means a person needs to A) move fairly quickly and B) know WHAT to do. From what I’ve read, keeping a body in a cool place (refrigerator or cooler with dry ice) is all that is needed to delay burial for three or four days.

In the case of an unexpected death, the executor would need to contact a medical examiner through local law enforcement. In the case of an autopsy, the coroner needs to be advised that the executor will be acting as the funeral director. The executor will then be notified to pick up the body after the autopsy is performed.

Note:

The Bureau of Vital Statistics in the county of death will issue a death certificate and a burial-transit permit. You’ll need to know the following for the bureau’s registrar, who will help you fill out the death certificate. (The record must be typewritten in black ink. Instructions on how to complete the forms are included on the form itself.)

1. Decedent’s name (First, Middle, Last)
2. Sex of decedent
3. Date of birth (Month, Day, Year)
4. Age
5. Date of Death (Month, Day, Year)
6. Social security number
7. Birthplace (City and State, or Foreign Country)
8. County of death
9. Place of death
10.City, town, or location of death
11. Marital Status
12. Surviving spouse (If wife, given maiden name)
13. Residence of decedent
14. Residence–state, county, city, town, or location; street address
15. Occupation and industry of decedent
16. Decedent’s race (Specify the race/races to indicate what the decedent considered himself/herself to be. More than one race can be specified)
17. Decedent’s education
18. Was decedent ever in the U. S. Armed Forces?
19. Father’s and mother’s names (First, Middle, Last)
20. Informant’s name, address, and relationship to the decedent
21. Place of disposition (name of cemetery, or other place) and location of place of final disposition

The standards for an ecological burial include:
1 - No embalming
2 - Biodegradable casket or wrapping
3 - No vaults

Here in Texas there is only one eco-cemetery that I am aware of. Located north of Houston on Lake Livingston, The Russell family has established the Ethician Family Cemetery. The land is a protected conservation. Plots are sold individually for $500 or a family plot for 12 can be purchased for $5,000. All sites have to be hand dug. Family can choose to do the digging themselves, or can hire an outside source. The stipulation being that machinery cannot be used to dig the grave.

A family History Marker can be made, as long as it does not exceed 1% of the plot. So a nice bench with the family name could be left for those visiting. The Texas Historical Commission makes neat plaques that can also be erected. The Ethician Family Cemetery also encourages family to mark the head and foot of the grave with enscripted stone. A good idea, in my opinion. A nice way to mark the site for visitors.

More details on some of the reasons I’m drawn to eco-burials over the conventional choices, can be found here.

Yesterday I was surprised by a big box of teas from my secret sister. Such a beautiful assortment of different whole teas. The teas came from Owen’s Acres. Included in the box was two packages of Sun Tea Herbs (Lemon balm, lemon verbena, stevia, assorted mints, calendula, sunflower petals, lavender, catnip and Hibiscus) a package of Pure Chamomile Tea, a package of Good Nite Tea (Thyme, Chamomile, Lavender, Lemon Balm, Catnip, and Spearmint) and a package of Just Good Weeds (Dandelion, Nettle, Plantain, Blessed Thistle, Clover, and Spearmint.)

The Just Good Weeds tea had both Dh and I in giggles last night. We haven’t tried it yet but have heard such great things about thistle for allergies, that it probably won’t be long before we brew some. The one we have brewed is the Sun Tea. It came out such a gorgeous rosy color after brewing. I added some Sucunat to it, and turned it a more opaque brown. Almost the color of soda. When we served the tea to the girls they were delighted to be having, “Pop.” No length of explanation will disway them from their conviction that they are drinking Soda when they drink their Sun Tea.

In fact, I just over heard DD1 whisper to DD2 this morning that, “We get da tea-pop and dink it all gone.“

Every once in a while I stumble across something that actually makes sense. A program that creates LESS dependence on consumerism and provides valuable resources to those in need. Maybe you remember (or maybe it’s still running in your area) the Tamp*x commercial that gives pads to african girls for every purchase. (Or something like that.) In theory it’s a great idea. Until you start thinking about landfill issues and the waste/disposal problems. Or the fact that Tamp*x is very strategically marketing to an untapped demographic. Talk about name-branding!

Anyway, as an answer to all of that Good 4 Girls is starting a campaign to put reusable feminine hygiene products into the hands of young women in Africa. There are a several ways you can help. 1) Sew and donate. 2) Donate through cash contributions or 3) Purchase new pads and donate them to G4G. Visit the How To Donate page for more information.

On the 29th, the girls and I celebrated Earth Hour. Turning off our lights and reading books by candle light. We sat together in the bedroom and just enjoyed being together. No t.v. to distract us, just quiet down time. We played shadow puppets on the wall and just goofed around. Dh was working, so it was just us four women-folk.

And before you start scratching your head and wondering if I’ve lost my God-fearing-conservative-mind and jumped on the “global warming” bandwagon, I want to explain that our choice to participate in Earth Hour actually had little to do with climate and everything to do with recognizing a personal responsibility for the resources we have been privileged to be charged with. It is important that my girls grow up understanding that we have a responsibility to be good stewards of the things God has blessed us with. Including the energy we use in our home.

The really cool part of it all was that an hour by lamp-light turned out to be one of the most enjoyable hours of my week. I’m tempted to make Earth Hour a weekly event.

The theme for this week is “Lighthouse” and the vocabulary word is “Beacon.” We lucked out and were able to find one book on the library list and then I found another photography book on the lighthouses in Maine. I also have a TON of nautical stuff around the house to use, so we’re doing better this week than last.

I tell you what, though, the lack of available material at our Public Library is surprising and sad all at once. They never have any of the books I’d like to read and now, it seems, they don’t have much for the kids. I mean, they have a sizable children’s section. So why is it so hard to find books based on themes? I can totally see why some parents just bite the bullet and buy curriculum. That way you KNOW you’re going to have everything you need. No scrounging around and substituting.

I tried searching for lighthouse type activities to do in the DFW Metroplex, and am coming up empty handed. Apparently they don’t build them in area’s that are landlocked. *chuckle*

In other news, we’re switching our Raw Milk provider. Our Coop will now be getting our milk from Nors Dairy in Abbott, Tx. Next Monday will be our first day using their milk, and I’m curious to see if there’s much difference. I have tentative plans to organize a farm day with the girls to go down and visit the farm. I know they’ll love to see the cows.

My mom and I also have sketchy unformed plans to head out to an Alpaca Ranch just NE of us. One of the ladies in our spinning guild raises ten Alpaca’s out there and said they’ve got a little shop open to visitors.

Speaking of spinning guild. Did I mention I have found a new obsession?

Spinning!

My husband groans every time I mention it. I’ve promised him that I’ll start small while I’m working on honing my knitting skills. My plan is to make myself a drop spindle from an old CD and dowel rod. He (my husband) still maintains that I’ve lost my mind. hee hee.

Doesn’t matter. I’m still really on excited about it. I have four ounces of Icelandic Wool to spin, and then a lady at the guild gave me some silk, mohair, and cotton to try once I master wool spinning. Can you just feel the excitement? I’m practically tingling thinking about it.

It’s been two weeks now that we’ve been trying to be HFCS free. It hasn’t been easy. Day three of HFCS free was probably the hardest day. I spent all day itching under my skin to run out and drink an entire route 44 Cranberry Limeade. I used to think that it was the caffeine that kept me coming back to Soda, but the truth is, I haven’t been drinking caffeine. Certainly not enough to be addicted to it. It’s strange to think that HFCS has the same pull on me.

I fully admit that the change hasn’t been easy. We’re finding HFCS in some of the strangest places. One of the surprises that stands out to me is when Dh brought KFC home and he showed me that the first ingredient listed on their honey was HFCS! Sheesh! Shouldn’t honey be honey?

I know there were some people wondering about how to go about making the HFCS-free switch. I thought I’d share how things work in this home, and then some simple tips for avoiding HFCS.

To begin with, our standard day starts with protein. On the list of breakfast items is eggs, yogurt, cottage cheese, sausage, and whole wheat toast. Not all at once, mind you. But it’s a list that I can easily choose from and make something filling and delicious. My favorite “easy” breakfast is scrambled eggs with cheese. The girls like it with ketchup, and as long as I buy organic or natural ketchup, we have it in the house for them to use.

Snacks usually consist of carrots, celery, or apple wedges. I’m not so super terrific at setting out snacks everyday, but the girls know if they’re hungry they can ask and I’ll get them some crispy veggie or fruit to munch on. (We avoid things like fruit leather and raisins, because they’re generally not great for teeth. Considering the tooth saga’s we have going on around here, every little bit helps.)

Lunch is invariably some form of last nights dinner. However, if I don’t have left-overs to choose from, then we make PB & Honey or tuna sandwiches. We get our bread from Costco. They offer a whole wheat bread that is similar to Ezekiel bread, without the price tag. Until I finally start making our own bread, it is sufficient for right now. I actually really like the bread. The girls sort of tolerate it. DD1 is the one person in our family that really doesn’t like it very much. If I cut it into shapes then she does better with it. Sometimes, I even toast it for her and she’ll eat it then.

Our Lunch menu is our most meager meal of the day. At least when it comes to selection. I’ve been known to make a double batch of scrambled eggs and store the rest for lunch “breakfast” tacos. I’d like to get better at making quiche, because I see it as an all-around great option for breakfast or lunch.

Dinner is whatever is scheduled via the menu mailer. All of KerryAnn’s meals are Gluten and casein free. By default they’re also all cooked from scratch. She uses a minimal amount of sugar to begin with, and to be sure, none of her meals call for HFCS. If I remember to do it, I try to bento the left overs, so that lunch the next day is already ready to go.

The fact is, eating at home isn’t the problem. It’s eating out. Most sauces (BBQ and such) have HFCS and any white bread you purchase is also made with HFCS. We stick with meals that begin with protein and try to build from there. Although, there will be days when you show up for a meal and the only beverage options are soda, bottled lemonade, and coffee… At that point we pick the lesser of the three and give ourselves a little grace.

For instance, today the girls, my mom, and I went to a spinning guild “Roc Day.” I hate to say it, but I’m certain those sugar cookies were made with HFCS and I know the lemonade the girls drank had it as well.

The only way we could have avoided it is if I had been better prepared. Which leads me to my “on the go HFCS-free” tips.

1) Be prepared. Bring your own drinks and snacks. Keep them with you so that you don’t find yourself stranded at a spinning guild with nothing to eat or drink.

2) Buy “natural” or “organic.” I realize this is not always financially an easy task. But it’s a fairly fool-proof way to eliminate HFCS.

3) If in doubt, eat the protein first. You’ll eat less of the other processed foods and thereby eat less HFCS. Not to mention, the minerals in the protein will aide your body in processing the fructose.

4) Ask the chef (baker, preparer) if they have any alternatives or if they use HFCS in their meals. Ironically our local donut maker doesn’t use ANY HFCS. Not that I advocate eating donuts. Just saying…

The list is fairly short. I may add to it later. But I guarantee that following those four rules will eliminate most impulsive HFCS foods from your list.

Oh! And as an anecdotal note: I have lost five pounds in the last two weeks. Just by eliminating HFCS. Not bad.