Earth Clinic... 10/16/2009
So I started writing an update for this blog and somehow it erased....so I'm just going to say that we're really busy right now with three mobile, active, challenging, and delightful children...so much that I have totally forgotten to blog. I did want to pass on this neat website that I found while researching natural remedies for a sinus infection...Earthclinic.com It is a website where people write in with stories of what "folk remedies" worked for them in treating a health issue, and it ranks the remedy based on the number of people who claimed success (by the labels YEA, NAY, SIDE EFFECTS, WARNING, or BETTER BUT NOT CURED) I tried using the recommended apple cider vinegar (with honey) to help relieve my sinus infection, and I felt such instant "relief" that even though I nearly gagged, I decided to drink it diluted with water throughout the day. It relieved my symptoms but I didn't take enough of it to make it "go away". The thing that completely cleared it up, though, was oil of oregano! Our "roomie", Ryan, took some with him to India to ward off parasites and such, and gave me the remainder of his bottle of capsules. In two days of taking it I am completely better! I have also altered my eating habits quite a bit in trying narrow down a potential allergy trigger...so that might have contributed as well. Anyway...check out the website and give it a try! First family trip to the beach... 08/25/2009
We went on a trip to Netarts Bay, Oregon (close to Tillamook) the last week in July...here's a few pics...            Sprouted Brown Rice 08/25/2009
I've been storing our brown rice in the freezer these days....and for a very good reason. The other day I found some worms in it! I know, so gross...but I figure there are thousands of people around the globe who deal with these critters on a regular basis and it's no big deal. So instead of freaking out and tossing the unused rice, I thoroughly sorted it, uncovered the little worms, and fed them to our goldfish. But being the super hygienic brainwashed American that I am, that still wasn't enough to convince me that those invaders didn't leave anything behind. While I was obsessively soaking and rinsing the rice it occurred to me that I hadn't tried sprouting it before. Soooo...three days of rinsing later, I decided to make it for supper. Since it has absorbed so much water already, it only needed one cup water per one cup rice....and voila! super sprouted brown rice supper! (sans the worms, thank you very much...) It still had that yummy brown rice chewy texture...and so easy! Give it a try! What happened?? 07/18/2009
 Who's that? "Dracie swimin'..." 07/16/2009
    Peek-a-boo... 07/14/2009
 Another beautiful baby... 07/14/2009
I hope you've already stopped by HERE to visit Kaiya Annemarie the precious new addition to Auntie Squisha's family. We are so thankful she's here safe and sound... House Guests... 07/14/2009
Life has been super busy around the Rollins house this summer. - First of all I am delighted to announce that Gracie is now potty trained!!! Hip, Hip, Hurray! I am thrilled to only have one child in diapers again, and we are finally out of the "cleaning up accidents" phase (knock on wood!). - I've noticed it seems that our old front door has been exchanged for a "revolving front door" as there has been an increase in volume of folks stopping by, "hanging out", and "sticking around". I've been enjoying the company, conversation, and the challenge of trying to manage a home while having extra bodies in it. It is so good for me and has spurred a bit better time management on my part (not a natural strength of mine). I've been "enjoying" starting my day earlier to fit it all in...making it to the gym by 5:30 a.m., so I have time to study my Bible before all the kiddos wake up. Ahh...those precious stolen moments. (I never imagined in my wildest dreams that I would ever enjoy being a part of the 5 a.m. club! I looovvvveee to sleep in!) I've noticed that I'm feeling drawn to naps lately to make up for some later nights, however... - Elijah has been moved back to the kids' room and is sleeping through the night fairly consistently, thus giving us our bedroom back (that pack n' play took up soo much room!). - We are hosting a group meeting at our house to read through "Pilgrim's Progress" together on Thursday evenings. - Our church is hosting a potluck BBQ Wednesday nights at Lake Padden which has been fun. My children love being able to stay up late, play outside with all their friends, and to sneak "goodies" off the dessert table when Mama is busy chatting. - My brother was in Seattle for a week playing a "gig" at the Muckleshoot Casino in Auburn. The kids and I spent two days at the folks' house catching up with "Uncle Paul"....with whom there's always a song to be sung and a laugh to be had. - Just to brag on the amazing generosity of my friends...Elijah has been thriving on donated breastmilk for the last two months, and still going!! He's still a bit small for his age, but I think he's making up for it with his charm! I am soooo thankful...he will have sampled the milk of 5 different mommies!! Three cheers!! And to my Mom who has been the milk collection agency from the friends in Seattle! THANKS, MOM! - Meet "Mr. Ryan"...he is our long term house guest...occupying the front "guest room" for the time being. He is a great help, built-in baby-sitter, and very easy person to have around.  This is my friend Melissa whom we hadn't seen in three years...she came with her two girls and stayed for two weeks in the kids' room. (those bunk beds are already coming in handy!) The kids slept in our room and in a tent outside with Brent...we were a house of 5 kids and 4 adults in 1200 sq. ft of house... The kids played hard, fought hard, and slept hard....    Meanwhile...our vegetable garden grows monstrous, toys seem perpetually strewn about the back yard, apples are falling off the tree, laundry is always on the line...and we stop and smile at summer, at each other, at our kids...and love every minute of it. Never a dull moment! 07/10/2009
Look what happened at our house....  Raising Worms in Your Kitchen 07/02/2009
I'm the Mom who says, "WOW! Quick, put it in the vegetable garden!"...I really love worms and have no qualms about picking them up with my bare hands. I even feel compelled to "rescue" the worms that are desperately trying to make their way back to the dirt after a rain storm. Immediately after I read this article I got really excited about raising worms in our kitchen, or at least somewhere. However, as Brent walked by and saw the title of this article, he promptly announced, "We're not raising worms in the kitchen!" Ok...so maybe they won't be under our sink...perhaps on the back porch??? |  LisaA sneak peek into the life of a stay-at-home mama. My quirks, simple pleasures, and the mundane. God bless you! ArchivesFebruary 2009  CategoriesAll |