Details coming soon. Be excited. Or not...but I am. :)
Tuesday, July 9, 2013
Sunday, July 7, 2013
THE FOURTH
We weren't planning on being in town for the fourth. We had already planned on being in St. George. But things changed, and we were here! We accidentally discovered that the parade in Provo is a big deal. We drove down University July 3rd at about 7pm. There were people EVERYWHERE! Camped out. With tents. Insane. So we decided we'd show up early the next day. We were able to park at Nu Skin because I have a parking pass, so it was just a blocks walk to where the parade was. We found a little spot between two families. One lady was nice enough to feed us with cinnamon rolls and fruit! We also learned that her son, also named Nathan, was in the American Fork marching band. Which apparently is another big deal that we didn't know about. They've played at big events, like the presidents inauguration and they're playing in the Macy's Day Parade next year. The parade was a lot of fun! Here are some of my favorites.
When we got home our bed was all messed up...Did someone break in?
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| Oh well...this is just us. |
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| This was the start. Reminds you what Independence Day is really about. |
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| I really want to go to this. |
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| Nathan snagged this picture. Mid jump, pretty cool.
After the parade we went home and took a micro nap. We then went to Seven Peaks Water Park with our friends/neighbors. It was tons of fun! We'd never been there before. Never go on the scary half pipe slide though, literally thought I was going to die.
After several hours at the water park, we took another nap. This time...3 hours. We didn't really know what to do for fireworks. We didn't want to deal with the traffic from the Stadium of Fire. So we decided to go to Thanksgiving Point to their free show. A good choice. We were surrounded by little kids being so excited over the fireworks. They put on a great show! We then ran to the car, and got out before traffic really started.
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| This is terrifying. don't use flash...this is what it does to people. |
Oh wait...that's me...too lazy to move the pillows before crawling in bed.
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| But at least I took out my contacts... |
Happy Fourth!
Sunday, June 30, 2013
BANANA BLUEBERRY MUFFINS
This picture may look familiar...
This would be the banana blueberry muffins that I made Saturday morning. They are also gluten free, vegan and sugar free. Which kind of sounds like it would taste like fruity cardboard, but they don't. They were easy to make and they're great for breakfast or just popping in throughout the day.
Here's what you need:
2 flax eggs (2 TB flaxseed meal + 5 TB water) (or chicken eggs!)
2 ripe bananas
2 TB agave nectar
3 TB whatever kind of milk you choose. (I used rice)
1 tsp vanilla
1tsp baking powder
1 cup almond meal (if you have a food processor or high speed blender, just throw them in an chop it up.)
1/2 cup oat flour (again, just toss some oats in the blender and BAM...oat flour.)
1/2 cup blueberries
(this would probably be awesome with walnuts added too)
Here's what you do:
Preheat oven to 350 and line muffin tin with liners.
Mash up bananas and mix everything (but blueberries) together in the same bowl. Super easy right? After you have the dough, toss in the berries.
Bake 'em. I did 22 minutes.
Eat 'em up.
This recipe is adapted from The Minimalist Baker.
Saturday, June 8, 2013
LIFE ON THE GREEN SIDE
I've been thinking about writing this post for awhile, but I didn't really know where to begin. I still don't know, but I feel like I just need to write it.
Many of you have realized that over the past several months we've changed the way that we eat. It's come about from many things, and I think the best way to explain will be in sections. Health, compassion and spiritual. I'll talk about each one and hopefully you'll be able to see what we have learned.
Health:
Eating a nutrient rich, plant based, whole foods diet has many nutritional benefits. To name a few, reduced saturated fat, protein, more fiber, increased antioxidants and phytochemicals. One concern that many people have with vegetarian or vegan diet is that you won't receive enough protein. Protein is good for your body no doubt. But the typical American diet actually contains too much protein from the high levels of red meat consumed. Also it helps to prevent disease. Diabetes, cancers, arthritis are all seen in lower levels in those that eat a plant based diet.
Compassion:
Many people don't realize the price that is paid to get their meat and dairy at a low cost. More than 90% of the meat and dairy produced in the United States is by factory farming. Animals that are raised for food, (cows, pigs and chickens, etc) are not covered by the same anticruelty laws that apply to pets. Why do dogs and cats have so much protection, when cows, pigs and chicken receive no protection? If our pets were treated the way that these "food"animals are treated, there would be an outrage. But they really are all just the same, and deserve the same rights.
"Do we, as humans, having an ability to reason and to communicate abstract ideas verbally and in writing, and to form ethical and moral judgements using the accumulated knowledge of the ages, have the right to take the lives of other sentient organisms, particularly when we are not forced to do so by hunger or dietary need, but rather to do so for the somewhat frivolous reason that we like the taste of meat?" - Peter Cheeke.
When we first started our journey, we started on solely plant based. No added oils, fats, animal products etc. We did that for a few weeks...and it was hard. We then turned to a strict vegan diet. If animals are being harmed even producing dairy and eggs, we didn't want to take part in that. (Side note: When I was younger I didn't understand veganism. I didn't get why vegans wouldn't eat animal products. I thought, well, they aren't being killed, so what's the problem? The problem is that even though these animals aren't being killed (at first) they live in terrible conditions and often are so pumped with hormones and antibiotics to grow fast, and to produce fast. They aren't provided healthy environments or healthy diets, so why should we expect healthy products from them?) So we were vegan for several months. Yes once in awhile, we would "slip up." But every step forward we took, was a huge one.
There were two things that we missed. First milk. After doing some more research, I decided that if I know that these animals were being treated fairly, and living happy lives, then I would be okay with using what they are producing. (I also researched lactose intolerance. I found a store in North Orem that sells Raw milk. (I'll be doing another blogpost about Raw Milk soon.)) I found out which farm the milk comes from, and did research on the quality of life that these cows are living. Redmond Heritage Farms, located in Redmond Utah, is where our milk comes from. The cows are pasture fed, and are free to roam where ever. They live happily.
Second is eggs. We found another local farm, in Provo, Clifford Family Farms. Their chickens are free to go where ever, inside the barn and out. They live happily too. (Side note: many people get cage free or free range eggs, thinking that the chickens are free to roam where ever they want. In most cases, this is not true. Free range means no cages. Most free range chickens are raised in a dark barn (to increase egg production) with less than a square foot of space per chicken).
Animals are Gods creations, and deserve to fulfill the measure of their creation.
Spiritual: (this is my personal interpretation of scripture)
I'm a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. And inside the Doctrine & Covenants it explains that herbs and fruits of the season should be consumed.
10. And again, verily I say unto you, all wholesome herbs God hath ordained for the constitution, nature, and use of man-
11. Every herb in the season thereof, and every fruit in the season thereof; all these to be used with prudence and thanksgiving.
16. All grain is good for the food of man; as also the fruit of the vine; that which yeildeth fruit, whether in the ground or above ground-
And then there is a promise given...
18. And all saints who remember to keep and do these sayings, walking in obedience to the commandments, shall recieve health in their navel and marrow in their bones;
19. And shall find wisdom and great treasures of knowledge, even hidden treasures;
20. And shall run and not be weary, and shall walk and not faint.
Why wouldn't you want those blessings? But you may think...what about the verse about eating meat sparingly?
12. Yea, fleash also of beasts and of the fowls of the air, I, the Lord have ordained for the use of man with thanksgiving; nevertheless they are to be used sparingly. (This is usually where we stop and say, okay, meat's good. But in verse 13...)
13. And it is pleasing unto me that they should not be used, only in times of winter, or of cold, or famine.
So, my understanding is, God doesn't want us to use it. Only in times of winter, cold, or famine. I don't know about you...but I have never seen those in my life. We are blessed now with warm houses, and grocery stores on every block filled with produce all year long. I don't believe that there is a good reason for ME to consume animals.
To wrap this up I want to be clear that these are all things that I have found for MYSELF. I do not judge, or think poorly of those who decide to eat meat and use animal products. Everyone has their own choice, and I am choosing this way for myself. I just hope that as I respect others personal decisions, that they will respect mine.
Many of you have realized that over the past several months we've changed the way that we eat. It's come about from many things, and I think the best way to explain will be in sections. Health, compassion and spiritual. I'll talk about each one and hopefully you'll be able to see what we have learned.
Health:
Eating a nutrient rich, plant based, whole foods diet has many nutritional benefits. To name a few, reduced saturated fat, protein, more fiber, increased antioxidants and phytochemicals. One concern that many people have with vegetarian or vegan diet is that you won't receive enough protein. Protein is good for your body no doubt. But the typical American diet actually contains too much protein from the high levels of red meat consumed. Also it helps to prevent disease. Diabetes, cancers, arthritis are all seen in lower levels in those that eat a plant based diet.
Compassion:
Many people don't realize the price that is paid to get their meat and dairy at a low cost. More than 90% of the meat and dairy produced in the United States is by factory farming. Animals that are raised for food, (cows, pigs and chickens, etc) are not covered by the same anticruelty laws that apply to pets. Why do dogs and cats have so much protection, when cows, pigs and chicken receive no protection? If our pets were treated the way that these "food"animals are treated, there would be an outrage. But they really are all just the same, and deserve the same rights.
"Do we, as humans, having an ability to reason and to communicate abstract ideas verbally and in writing, and to form ethical and moral judgements using the accumulated knowledge of the ages, have the right to take the lives of other sentient organisms, particularly when we are not forced to do so by hunger or dietary need, but rather to do so for the somewhat frivolous reason that we like the taste of meat?" - Peter Cheeke.
When we first started our journey, we started on solely plant based. No added oils, fats, animal products etc. We did that for a few weeks...and it was hard. We then turned to a strict vegan diet. If animals are being harmed even producing dairy and eggs, we didn't want to take part in that. (Side note: When I was younger I didn't understand veganism. I didn't get why vegans wouldn't eat animal products. I thought, well, they aren't being killed, so what's the problem? The problem is that even though these animals aren't being killed (at first) they live in terrible conditions and often are so pumped with hormones and antibiotics to grow fast, and to produce fast. They aren't provided healthy environments or healthy diets, so why should we expect healthy products from them?) So we were vegan for several months. Yes once in awhile, we would "slip up." But every step forward we took, was a huge one.
There were two things that we missed. First milk. After doing some more research, I decided that if I know that these animals were being treated fairly, and living happy lives, then I would be okay with using what they are producing. (I also researched lactose intolerance. I found a store in North Orem that sells Raw milk. (I'll be doing another blogpost about Raw Milk soon.)) I found out which farm the milk comes from, and did research on the quality of life that these cows are living. Redmond Heritage Farms, located in Redmond Utah, is where our milk comes from. The cows are pasture fed, and are free to roam where ever. They live happily.
Second is eggs. We found another local farm, in Provo, Clifford Family Farms. Their chickens are free to go where ever, inside the barn and out. They live happily too. (Side note: many people get cage free or free range eggs, thinking that the chickens are free to roam where ever they want. In most cases, this is not true. Free range means no cages. Most free range chickens are raised in a dark barn (to increase egg production) with less than a square foot of space per chicken).
Animals are Gods creations, and deserve to fulfill the measure of their creation.
Spiritual: (this is my personal interpretation of scripture)
I'm a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. And inside the Doctrine & Covenants it explains that herbs and fruits of the season should be consumed.
10. And again, verily I say unto you, all wholesome herbs God hath ordained for the constitution, nature, and use of man-
11. Every herb in the season thereof, and every fruit in the season thereof; all these to be used with prudence and thanksgiving.
16. All grain is good for the food of man; as also the fruit of the vine; that which yeildeth fruit, whether in the ground or above ground-
And then there is a promise given...
18. And all saints who remember to keep and do these sayings, walking in obedience to the commandments, shall recieve health in their navel and marrow in their bones;
19. And shall find wisdom and great treasures of knowledge, even hidden treasures;
20. And shall run and not be weary, and shall walk and not faint.
Why wouldn't you want those blessings? But you may think...what about the verse about eating meat sparingly?
12. Yea, fleash also of beasts and of the fowls of the air, I, the Lord have ordained for the use of man with thanksgiving; nevertheless they are to be used sparingly. (This is usually where we stop and say, okay, meat's good. But in verse 13...)
13. And it is pleasing unto me that they should not be used, only in times of winter, or of cold, or famine.
So, my understanding is, God doesn't want us to use it. Only in times of winter, cold, or famine. I don't know about you...but I have never seen those in my life. We are blessed now with warm houses, and grocery stores on every block filled with produce all year long. I don't believe that there is a good reason for ME to consume animals.
To wrap this up I want to be clear that these are all things that I have found for MYSELF. I do not judge, or think poorly of those who decide to eat meat and use animal products. Everyone has their own choice, and I am choosing this way for myself. I just hope that as I respect others personal decisions, that they will respect mine.
Monday, May 27, 2013
COIN MAGNETS
I have been saving my foreign coins since my trip to France in 2006. I'm not sure why it's taken me this long to do this. But I finally did it, took me less than 5 minutes. And 4 of those minutes were looking for my coins. I just got button magnets from Walmart. They were $1.50. Stuck 'em to the back of my coins and that's it.
Sunday, May 12, 2013
NATHAN'S BIRTHDAY
Nathan is taking physiology this summer. So he's done with class at 10:45 everyday. Lucky!
So on his birthday, I came home from work for an early lunch. And I "took" him to his favorite restaurant! Tortilla Bar. I love you Nathan!
So on his birthday, I came home from work for an early lunch. And I "took" him to his favorite restaurant! Tortilla Bar. I love you Nathan!
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| This was on the front door |
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| I had the table set with chips and salsa. Then made avocado tacos! |
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| My gift to him...ha. He gets to pick it out. |
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| Birthday signs from Angela! |
MAY TRIP TO WASHINGTON
Washington is just great. We love it there. Not only because our great families are there, but because it's just the best state in the world.
Nathan finished his semester, and before starting his summer class and finding a summer job, we decided to drive home for a week! While we were home, grades were posted, and Nathan got a 4.0. All his hard work paid off! All A's! What a smart guy!
We stayed at the Wallace house (thanks Joshua for letting us take over your room!) It was so relaxing to not have any real plans. While we were there, we had a pre-birthday party for Nathan. We got to hear Karissa play guitar and sing songs that she wrote herself. She's amazing! Joshua also did the macrenea. wait...he PLAYED the OCARINA! He learned how to play Happy Birthday and played it for Nathan. Those were his favorite birthday gifts.
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| The boys. |
One day, we picked up the little nieces and nephews from school and played at the park.
We also had the opportunity to visit Carson, Trisha and Jamison in Renton. Jamison is getting SO big! And sweet Angela in Seattle. It was great to see them all, even if it was just for a little bit. Before we headed home, we ate lunch at Kerry Park in Seattle. It was a beautiful day!
