More To Do About the Flu

The following is a portion of an article that can be found in its entirety at beeyoutiful.com. I think it is full of some very handy information! Happy reading!

Swine Flu: Prevention and Treatment

By Jessica Carter and Stephanie Walker Tallent

Armed and Ready:

In the past few years we have been bombarded with news of some dangerous viral outbreak or another. Seeing images from around the world, images of civilians wearing masks to protect themselves and holding masks over the faces of the young, have become more common place. Perhaps you remember SARS and Avian Flu. Now the most recent strain of influenza A is H1N1, otherwise known as Swine Flu. There is some alarm among experts that H1N1 could be “the one” that causes a pandemic in our generation. Regardless of whether it is Swine Flu or some media proclaimed super-scary flu of the future, the best defense is a good offense. We at Beeyoutiful firmly believe that it is the responsibility of individuals to educate themselves on how to best protect the health of their families. With that belief and goal in mind, we have researched extensively what tools are the very best to use to protect and defend against viral invaders.

How can a virus kill someone anyways?

Autopsies of victims of Avian Flu, SARS and the deadly Spanish Flu of 1918, which killed an estimated fifty million people, revealed evidence of destroyed respiratory tracts. This suggested that the flu victims had been killed by their own immune systems, not from the flu itself.

The immune system response suspected of being responsible for killing the victims is something called a cytokine storm. Cytokines are a type of white blood cell, and are a normal and essential part of a healthy immune system. T1 cytokines are a particularly aggressive part of this segment of immune system super-heroes and typically are very crucial. Some viruses, such as Swine Flu, can cause these cells to over respond and the T1 cells actually become deadly to the body. Just as insulin is normally released in proportion to the amount of sugar intake, so cytokines normally respond in proportion to the assault on our bodies. However, just as the release of too much insulin in the body can result in death, so an overwhelming assault by T1 cytokines can cause the lungs to fill with fluid causing a person to drown.

What does this mean for me?

For those of us who are accustomed to reaching for the nearest available immune boosting super power when we come down with an illness, I have bad news. A lot of our traditional favorite supplements and herbs can potentially cause more harm than good when dealing with the risk of a cytokine storm. Little attention is given to the balance necessary between the T1 and other cytokine cells in order for our immune systems to operate safely. Since the T1 cells are more aggressive front runners than other T cells, supplements that directly support their production are among the most popular for quick recoveries.

Champion among these treasured products is elderberry syrup, otherwise known as BerryWell for the Beeyoutiful fans. Several studies show a clearly documented connection between elderberry extract and rapid T1 cytokine production. This is part of what makes it so very effective as an immune boosting preventative measure against viruses – it can stop the virus in its tracks before it takes hold. However, because of the concern of a cytokine storm, if one becomes ill with one of these dangerous viruses I do not personally recommend treating with BerryWell. My personal guideline for usage right now is two-fold. 1. Take BerryWell liberally as a preventative every time myself or family members go out in public. 2. Discontinue giving to any individual that exhibits symptoms and switch to other broader and safer immune boosting treatments.

Is anything safe to take or do we just take our chances?

The good news is that there are several powerful and effective products out there that are known for their support of balanced immune system production. This makes them not only safe to take, but also ideal aids for the body to prevent and even treat Swine Flu as well as other variants of flu. Below is a list of products I will personally be using as both a preventative and treatment should it be necessary.

The often overlooked anti-viral powerhouse: Vitamin D

Although most of us realize that our bodies need this essential vitamin, it is one of the most under acknowledged resources for combating viruses. There is an amazing body of documentation to prove its effectiveness not only in boosting the body’s ability to resist the flu, but also in powerfully treating it. It might just be the single most important supplement you can take to equip your body to face off with Swine Flu and walk away the victor.

If exposure to sunlight is limited, like during wintertime for example, 4,000-5,000 IU’s per day would be appropriate for most adults. If you weigh significantly more than the typical person, you may need to double that dose. For children the dose can be halved. For supplemental purposes, I would highly recommend using the D3 vs. the D2 form. D2 is the more common and readily available version but is not as easily activated within the body as D3 is. Vitamin D can be used therapeutically to treat the flu but it is also important to understand that, if you are taking the above doses of vitamin D, the chances of you getting the flu to being with are very remote. The old saying “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” could not be more accurate regarding this treasure of a vitamin. The daily dose of vitamin D you would use to treat the flu would be 1,000 IU per pound of body weight (round down, not up). The dose would be taken once a day for no longer than three days. (Note: This could be a very large dose if you are a large person.) This is the dose that Dr. John Cannell, the founder of the vitamin D Council, has been using very successfully for a number of years.

Dr. John Cannell documented his remarkable experiences with vitamin D and the Flu. He shares the story of how his patients — who were in the hospital ward of a maximum security prison for the criminally insane — were being supplemented with vitamin D, and how they were able to avoid influenza when an epidemic broke out in the prison. Fascinated and intrigued, he subsequently put the vitamin to even more rigorous trials in the years to follow. His very lengthy but highly worthwhile article can be found here: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/51913.php

Vitamin D is especially valuable as a preventative and treatment for potentially deadly viruses because it supports a balanced immune system reaction and actually works to keep the cytokine T cells in balance with each other. This makes it particularly helpful when there is a risk of the T1 cytokine cells triggering a “storm”

The indispensable foundation to a balanced immune system: Probiotics

Rapidly gaining recognition for their multi-faceted and universally beneficial properties, probiotics are considered absolutely essential in any immune system alliance. Most of us are familiar with these beneficial bacteria because they are found in yogurt. Cultures around the world have used these amazing “good” bacteria to culture, safely preserve and leaven a variety of foods and beverages like kefir, kimchee, kombucha, sourdough bread and sauerkraut. Probiotics are the cornerstone of a healthy gut and, subsequently, of a healthy immune system.

Although one can find a limited amount of this bacteria in commercially manufactured yogurt, it does not contain enough strains or enough live bacteria to patrol the yards and yards of digestive tract and war with any offensive bacteria found there. Since most of us have not grown up with a lifetime of eating live cultured foods, we need a more powerful and immediate source. Probiotics are readily available these days in wider varieties than ever before. They come in tabs, chews, loose powder, regular capsules and enteric-coated capsules (a special protective coating on the capsule to get it through the damaging stomach acids and into the gut, safe and sound). They can be found in single strains, like Acidophilus, and multiple strains from a variety of sources. When taking a pro-biotic supplement, always determine the minimum guaranteed bacteria count, as well as the recommended storage instructions.

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Vital life force: Colostrum

Colostrum is the super nutrient-dense, pre-milk substance that mammals produce for their young before a normal milk supply sets in. Few things in nature are known to have such amazing life sustaining properties and seemingly magical immune building properties as colostrum.

When dealing with these potentially deadly flus, it is important to insure that the balance of T2 cells will be produced in proportion to, if not in excess of, the T1 cells while the immune system is attacking the offending virus. Studies show that nothing does this better than colostrum. Researchers in Australia set out to learn if dried bovine colostrum protein (a popular supplement with athletes) had the same ability to stimulate cytokine white blood cells in humans that the fresh colostrum does in cows. In the study, researchers saw that the T2 “retreat” cytokines were activated and the T1 “attack” cytokines were suppressed when measured 6 hours after administration.

Multiple studies show colostrum to be an incredibly vital product to have on hand if there is any danger of a cytokine storm related illness. It has no known side effects and is very safe for even small children (capsules of the dried powder can be opened into food or drinks).

Healer from the inside out: Aloe vera

Many of us know of aloe’s healing properties having used it by slapping a fresh cut of aloe leaf on sunburns and feeling the instant relief. Aloe is also an amazing miracle worker and support for the body from the inside out. Aloe vera is chock full of vitamins, minerals, enzymes, amino acids and micronutrients that can help the immune system to be strong and resilient against infection.

Consuming Aloe vera on a regular basis provides your immune system with the extra boost of nutrients it needs in order to perform at a superior level. It also provides you with antiviral, antifungal and antibacterial protection. Aloe vera is known for its synergistic properties, meaning all of the nutrients it contains work together to bring about the desired result of a strong and balanced immune system response. What makes aloe particularly good to take in an antiviral regimen is that it, like colostrum, directly supports a balanced and therefore safer immune system response.

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The all powerful: Garlic

Perhaps no plant has been more treasured throughout history for its incredible flavor and culinary contributions than garlic. As anybody who has eaten a clove of raw garlic will tell you, there are few things that come close to the incredibly powerful and pungent flavor of garlic. This little powerhouse has also been documented to have antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal properties and has been used medicinally for thousands of years in many countries around the world.

Several studies have shown that high doses of garlic help to regulate cytokine response. What constitutes a high dose is difficult to define because garlic potency varies from one variety to another, from one region of the country to another, and from one harvest to another.

If your stomach and taste buds can tolerate it, the most beneficial way to utilize garlic is to eat it raw, ideally from an organic or all-natural, pesticide-free source. For those of us that prefer a supplement to a burning tongue and watering eyes, there is good news. Allicin is a component of crushed/raw garlic that is considered incredibly beneficial but is also highly unstable. For years the only way to get it was by eating fresh, crushed garlic. However, a couple of years ago they figured out a way to stabilize allicin so that it could finally be offered in a supplemental form. Although garlic in just about any form will be beneficial in some way to your body, if you can find a stabilized allicin source I highly recommend it.

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Fresh garlic can be a challenge to get into small children orally and the gel capsules are not much better. For babies or small children I highly recommend a garlic poultice as an effective way to get the benefits of garlic into small peoples bodies.

A note of caution before consuming gigantic quantities of garlic: There is risk that, if you have a bleeding or clotting disorder, very, VERY large amounts of garlic could exacerbate the problem or cause some drug interactions. Individuals on blood thinners should be especially aware of this concern.

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Of Trains and Ogres

Phin is quite a talented little engineer. I couldn't believe how patient he was as he built this! The blocks kept tipping over and the tracks kept falling, but never once did he get exasperated. I, on the other hand, was just about going insane! Fortunately, for Phin, I was nursing so I didn't interfere with his ingenuity.

When he finished, Phin proudly declared that he wanted to save his train track to show Papa and Abbi (who were out getting deer licks, among some other treasures.) So, I quick snapped a picture because I new that in all probability, the resident Ogre would knock it down.

I was right:

Again, I was impressed with Phin's display of patience as he did NOT fit and he did NOT yell at Liam. He said, "O well! Now I can knock it DOWN." Then, he too became an Ogre!

Quote for the Day

"You shouldn't jump in your car and see Jesus; you should jump in your heart and see Jesus!!" - Phinehas Mark

A Cheeky Fellow, A Winter Clothes Line, and Lydia Grace

Meet Rufus, our resident chipmunk. He has a vast underground domain beneath our back porch which, I am sure, is packed full of delicious tidbits for his winter enjoyment. Have you ever watched a chipmunk stuff his cheeks? It is unbelievable! Today I watched him pack at least half a handful of sunflower seeds into those amazing expandable pockets! Before that he shoved leaves, yes LEAVES, into his mouth like a naughty boy left alone in a candy store. Finally, I watched as he crammed a whole hickory nut into one cheek, leaving ample room on the other side for more sunflower seeds. Yes, he sure is a cheeky fellow; I want to try and feed him from my hand, so I’ve been sitting quietly outside in a wee little chair while he scampers around. We’ll see what comes of it! More than that, I want to feed a chickadee from my hand. Which brings us to “A Winter Clothesline:”



This, my friend, is how every clothesline should be used in the winter! It totally makes using the drier completely justified, even on semi-warm days. This morning I saw a red tailed hawk (not at the feeder) and my favorite: a lady cardinal! This afternoon, during naptime (as I was luring Rufus), I was quietly sitting and enjoying the birds flitting to and fro. Within 30 minutes I saw chickadees (TONS of them!), juncos, a pair of downy woodpeckers, a chicken sparrow (they scratch their feet like a chicken), tufted titmice, nuthatches, blue jays, and a lowly mourning dove (or is it morning dove?). I couldn’t believe how LOUD their little wings are when there are no other noises! I had one junco fly right by my head, only to land within 3 feet of me! How fun! It was food for the soul!

And, here is Lydia Grace. She is almost 4 months old. In the mornings, usually I am downstairs holding her when the boys get up. Phinehas always asks, “Where’s Papa?” but Liam usually rushes to Lilly with a delighted, “BeBe! Lillila!” They are sure fun!

RESPECT - Why?

RESPECT: (1) A feeling of admiration for someone or something elicited by their abilities, achievements or qualities (2) The state of being admired in such a way (3) DUE REGARD for the feelings, wishes, rights or traditions of others.

OK – so now we know what respect is, according to the dictionary. Why do men need to be respected? It is how they have been designed. It has been woven into the fabric of their being. After all, they are created in the image of God. Read through the Old Testament to see God’s response to the lack of respect His bride had for Him – He divorced her! [Is 50:1; Jer 3:8] He put her, his adulterous bride, away. Woman – see the potential result of your lack of respect for your husband and fear God. Turn to Him and repent.

I could imagine the serpent whispering in your ear: “What does this have to do with me and my relationship with my husband? Why should I respect him?” It has EVERYTHING to do with you and your man.

“But I want you to know that the head of everyman is Christ, the head of woman is man, and the head of Christ is God … he (man) is the image and glory of God; but woman is the glory of man.” – 1 Cor 11:3, 7

That is the God ordained order of headship: God the Father, Christ, husband, wife. Your husband is in an appointed position as your head; he is appointed that position by God Himself. He, your husband, is your king and should be treated as such – not by his own merit, not because of his worth, not because he holds greater importance than you. No. It is simply because THAT IS GOD’S ORDER.

So, WHY should you respect your husband? Because, though it is true that he was created to need your respect, MORE IMPORTANTLY, to NOT respect him is to walk in DISOBEDIENCE to your Creator. Each time you speak with, move with, even think with respect toward your husband, you are walking in obedience to Christ. You are placing yourself in God’s order and thereby under His protection. To NOT do so - to hold onto your pride, walking in disobedience - places you out of order and God Himself will resist you. [1 Pt 5:5]

When you realize and respond to the fact that it is God Himself requiring you to respect your husband, you can move in obedience out of your love for your Savior. Each bit of respect you bestow upon your husband will be an act of worship to your God - more so than 'going to church,' more so than standing and singing 'worship songs,' more so than 'having devotions.'

Woman, search the Scriptures. Find out what God says about your role in marriage. Find out what God says – not Hollywood, not trashy romance novels, not your next door neighbor, not even today’s ‘cultural Christianity.’ Find out what God says. If you are not walking with Him, if you have not been saved by His grace, through faith, if you have not been buried with Him in death and risen with Him to new life, now is your chance. You won’t make it without Him.

Positively Persuasive

A couple weeks ago, Liam had his 2nd birthday. Of course, he received a nice array of his OWN prizes; now some of the trucks and tractors are specifically HIS. This is a pretty big deal as now he has jurisdiction over some toys. You see, in our house each child has a handful of toys that can be considered their own. This means that if someone else is playing with, say Phinehas’s excavator, Phin has the right to kindly request that they surrender his digger. There is no question of ‘who had it first’; it simply is Phin’s and he can have it when he wants to. He also can benevolently share his treasures when he wants to.

Well, now Liam is in on the game and now he has some nice bargaining chips, frequently desired by the other players. You know how it is – the grass is always greener on the OTHER side of the fence… the toys are always better when they belong to someone else… So, as you can imagine, Phin and Abbi really, REALLY want to play with Liam’s shiny new toys.

Here is a sample of the dialog that frequently occurs. (Now, remember: Liam is just learning to talk. Daily we are ALL encouraging him to say new words and he usually does so, readily.)

Setting: Phin and Liam had their trucks, tractors and trailers out, playing at the little table. They were getting along quite nicely! Phin had helped Liam hook up his trailer and they were driving their loads to and fro. Abigail saw the enticing fun and, not wanting to miss out, decided to join in the. She went over to scope out the game plan, saw that Liam’s new red tractor was not presently in use and, like the good, kind, sweet big sister that she is, she asked, “Liam, may I play with your red tractor?”

Now, remember. Liam was NOT playing with it; in fact, he probably had forgotten about it. BUT, he likes his new power, so he said, “MO,” with an emphatic shake of his head. Sudden silence descended. Phin ceased moving and looked at his little brother with amused shock. Abigail was stunned at the harsh cruelty and, not quite believing her request had been denied, she asked again, “Liam, PLEASE may I play with your red tractor?” Pausing for dramatic effect, Liam hesitated and then with a small smile, again shook his head and said “Mo!” He then proceeded to ignore all else around him and with a loud “Brrruuuuuummmm!” continued driving his well-loaded tractor-trailer across the table.

Phin, still frozen in disbelief, found his voice and said, “Liam, say ‘yahh’ to Abigail.” Without batting an eye Liam turned to Abbi and said, “Yahh.” Her denied request suddenly revoked, Abbi scampered off to fetch the red tractor before Liam could change his mind.

Phin, Abbi’s hero for that moment, has no idea of the persuasiveness that he possesses. For one so little he sure has a confident, commanding air about him – confident that his reality is THE reality, confident that his requests WILL be granted, confident that his will shall INDEED be carried out. Last Saturday we went to my parents’ house where the boys were given a very nice wooden fire truck. As we were getting ready to leave Phin was carrying it and said kindly, “Thank you for the fire truck!” Nonno (my dad) replied, “Now, you will share that with Liam, won’t you?” Phin paused to think then, with finality in his voice, he said, “If I do, I do; if I don’t, I don’t.” That is it. No question’s, thank you! End of story. Andrew said that he looked like a little mafia hit man as he said it.

Ahhh! Looks like I have my hands full, teaching these boys to be men of honor, correctly using their manliness for the good of others… good thing they needn’t look far to find a good example; for sure I will be often turning to their Papa to help me figure this out!

She Laughed!

Tonight Lydia squeaked out her first laugh! The kids were galloping around the livingroom as Andrew was singing the horsey song. Lydia was watching the kids come around the corner... again and again and again... absolutely fascinated! And she laughed! It is music to my ears, makes me smile with joy, and endears her to me even more (f that is possible.) Now my days will be filled with trying to make her laugh even more. (Won't be hard if the kids help...)

O, What To Do About the Flu?

By now everyone is expressing some measure of concern about the Swine Flu. A school 20 miles from us has actually closed for a few days due to the number of children that are out with sickness. So, rather than sit here and wring my hands, I've done a bit of research to prepare myself to take care of my family, should we get the dreaded pandemic. I've also been researching ways to try and avoid contracting this widespread bug. I thought I'd share what I've learned:

To Help Prevent Flu Sickness
(1) Wash Hands - the age old sage advice. (Now, if only I can remember for myself and four little ones, we'll be good!)

(2) Drink LOTS of warm teas. The following are a list of teas I'm incorporating into our daily diets:
1- Immune Booster (A combination of Elderberries, Echinacea, Peppermint, Nettle) This we will drink for about a week on then a week off so as to not over do it with the Echinacea.
2- Children's Composition (Elder Flowers, Peppermint, Yarrow) This is a nice evening tea for the kiddos before they go to bed. (Yarrow is a superb herb!)
3- Pine Needle Tea. See the following links for some good info.
Pining for Nourishment

Pine Needles

(3) Boost the Immune System. The above teas ar a part of that, as well as eating bunches of yummy garlic, taking a dose of Elderberry Tonic each day, and taking Vitamin D3

(4) Burn Pine Needles and Mullein as incense. This helps purify the air from harmful pathogens. Plus, it smells very nice!

(5) And, we eat copious amounts of cayenne on just about everything! Even the kids like it!



Now, if we DO end up getting the Swine Flu, this is what I would do. First of all I would, for the most part, STOP taking all Immune Boosters and move to Immune Supporters.
(1) Use Garlic Poultices on the Lymph nodes
(2) Take Raw Honey with Garlic, Ginger, Lemon and Cayenne for sore throat.
(3) Up the Pine Needle Tea and the Vit D3
(4) Drink Olive Leaf Tea
(5) Take Oreganol (Oil of Oregano)
(6) Burn more Mullein and Pine
(7) Spend lots of time in a warm tub with Epsom or Dead Sea Salts and Eucalyptus Oil
(8) Drink Grapefruit Peel Tea (breaks up chest congestion)
(9) Continue with the Children's Comp Tea (Elder Flower, Peppermint, Yarrow)

That is about all I can think of at the moment. If I had more time I'd go into the whys of it all, but I don't. Gotta go nurse the cutest baby in the world!

Isaac

I do believe I should start calling Liam "Isaac." He LOVES to laugh! He is developing this big belly laugh that is wholly contagious; Andrew and I will just look at each other and chuckle. So, maybe our Liam Michael, whom we call Liamiah Michael, shall become Liamiah Michael Isaac Bajus - "Unwavering Protector Who Is Like God and Laughs!"

Autumn in its Splendor

One of my favorite smells is the smell of Autumn – the deep richness of the crisp crinkly leaves that have left their summer heights and have fallen to the ground, the sharp cool air that fills your lungs with life, the subtle warmth of the afternoon sunshine as it stretches its last rays in a lingering farewell. Contrasted with the vibrant green scent of Summer – the freshly cut grass mixed with the soaking heat of the summer sun that races across the sky in all its glory – the smell of Autumn is full, deep, loudly silent.



Yesterday, the kids and I took an afternoon walk in the woods, searching for yummy edibles to nibble on or collect to save and store. We were not disappointed! We collected an abundance of wild rose hips. They are bright, ruby red gems shining out from masses of tangled brambles and thorny hedges. Silly me, I had brought no scissors to snip off the fruitful ends of the branches. But I discovered that the ends have no thorns! If you grasp just behind the bunch of rose hips and gently pull they all come popping off into your hand. I filled my pockets. (Somehow the multitudes that I picked didn’t seem so many when I poured them out on the counter at home.)



The other glorious find that we eagerly snatched was the ripe Autumn Olive. In the spring, the Autumn Olive bushes fill the air with a sweet heady scent; they are in the honeysuckle family. I remember wishing that I could bottle the heavenly perfume and either wear it or drink it mixed with honey mead. Now, the branches hang heavily down, weighted with red little berries dotted with white specks. Weeks ago I started collecting them; then they were tart and tangy making your mouth pucker with pleasure. Now they are rich and juicy, sweetly succulent – a dessert fit for kings! We enjoy them in salads and muffins – or, better yet, fresh off the bush!



I also eagerly picked an Autumn bouquet. Most of the flowers have faded, smothered by the frosts that blanket the ground in the early morning, but the leaves are lovely! I found some oak and maple branches that still had a firm grasp on their decorative foliage and happily arranged them in an old broken pitcher; I managed to find a few daring sprigs of asters that had escaped the cool clutches of last weeks frosty mornings as well as some nice red-leaved bushes that I don’t know the name of. I’m pleased with the outcome! I’ve never been really proficient at decorating my house – mostly because I can’t bring myself to purchase things for mere decoration. I guess I’ve also never really settled; we’ve never felt as though we were going to remain in one place permanently. However, I do delight in beautiful things, especially things that cannot be created nor harnessed by man. I love bringing bits of the wild outside into my home where I can enjoy small portions of this wondrous creation throughout my day.

Easy Yummy Goodness

Here is a recipe from a good friend of mine for super easy peanut butter cookies (that just so happen to be gluten free, if you are interested):

1 cup peanut butter
1 cup sugar
1 egg
1 tsp. vanilla

Roll into balls, press with a fork and bake at 350 for around 8 minutes. Press chocolate into cookie after baking. I recommend leaving the cookies on the sheet for 5 minutes or so before moving them to a cooling rack (or the counter.)

Enjoy!

While we're on the topic of recipes, here is my current favorite bread recipe:

Raisin Bread


Combine and set aside:
2 Tbsp yeast
1/3 c warm water

Meanwhile, mix and scald:
1 1/2 c milk
1/3 c sugar
2 t salt
1/3 c butter

Add to milk mixture:
3 c flour (I use whole wheat)

Add to milk/flour mixture:
yeast mixture
2 eggs
1 1/2 c raisins
1 1/2 c oatmeal
2 1/2 - 3 c flour (again, I use whole wheat)

Knead well
Cover in greaseb bowl, Rise til doubled
Divide, cover, let stand 10 min.
Roll out into Rectangle
Sprinkle with sugar and cinnamon
Roll into loaf
Place seam side down in greased and floured pan
Cover 45 min

Bake at 400 for 10 min
Bake at 375 for 35-40 min

Enjoy!!!!

I'm so grateful for this life I've been given...

I am thankful that I get to be a wife, a lover and a friend to The Carpenter. I am thankful that I get to be a mama to the four most amazing children I’ve ever seen. My heart swells to bursting when I look at my little ones. You couldn’t pay me enough to leave this life that I’ve been given – a life of dirty laundry, dirty dished, lots of meals consumed in less time than it took to cook them. A life of laughter, giggles, paintings, trucks and cars, dirty fingers that hold my hand, sticky kisses, snotty noses, muddy boots, muddy pants, muddy little bodies that hop in the tub and splash water on my carpeted bathroom floor. A life of NOISE, screeches of “PAPA!” at the day’s end, reading books out loud (and discovering just how many voices one mama can make), dirty diapers, searching for socks, building with blocks (and stepping on them time and time again.) A life of whispered prayers - “Jesus, keep them safe” - as they climb trees, jump down steps, swing on swings, climb the walls, play in the creek.

I wouldn’t trade this life for anything!

It Was A Wonderful Day!

Liam had a wonderful birthday! As I said, it started with the first snow.

Then he went to work with Papa. While they were away, Abbi, Phin and I got the house all ready. Then, after nap time the company came! First, Grampa and Gramma and GG (Great Grandma) came. GG quickly assumed her role of chief baby holder.

Not long after, Nonno and Mima arrived. The kids all went crazy, toys came out, stories were read, and Mama finished preparing supper. Then, after supper came the cake. Mima, the family artist, created a Rice Crispy Truck. You should have seen Liams eyes when he first saw it!!!

After the singing we all Picked-a-Part the truck. (My favorite were the licorice lined wheels!) Then came gifts.

A Red Case Tractor - his very own:

A lion for "Liam the Lion":

Some light bathroom reading:

And a scruffy puppy:

And there were others. What a happy little boy!!!

Thank you everyone, who made his day so special!!

The First Snow, A Second Birthday, A Third Cup of Coffee (nah!)

Today we woke to find the first snow lightly blanketing the trees and ground. It is soft and still and O! so beautiful! It is undisturbed in the early morning gray... looks like it is still sleeping. Looking out the window I can see that it is still gently falling. The snow, coupled with the facts that it is Liam's second birthday and Andrew is home, make it feel like Christmas! Hooray!

Now I should celebrate with extra coffee... or not.

I'll tell you about Liam's Birthday later!

Arise, My Love!

Andrew has been off work for the past two weeks. It has been thoroughly enjoyable - especially the early mornings. You see, our family has a bunch of boys that are early risers. When Andrew is home I stretch out my slumber time and get up a bit later than I usually would. It is wonderful. Wonderful until I actually get up, that is. Then, I'm already 30 minutes to and hour (or more!) behind schedule and I feel as though I NEVER catch up! So, after a groggy morning of grumpiness I decided that I really, really, really need to be up and out of bed by 6:30... preferable 6:00. It gives me time to actually wake up before I meet up with fully energized children!

This morning as I got dressed, I heard the sound of water running from the down stairs. "Hmmm," I thought. "That sounds like Phin. I wonder... no. Andrew is down there. All is well." So I finished getting dressed and getting Lydia out of bed then stumbled down the stairs. Andrew and Liam were reading on the couch. I meandered into the kitchen and found Phinehas standing at the kitchen sink washing dishes - the plastic tea set dishes. The sink was almost full and the faucet was slightly on.

"Son, you need to turn the water off. The sink is too full," I managed to croak out.

"Papa said I could!"

"That is fine, but you have enough water. Turn the water off."

He did and I went to the laundry room to change Lydia's diaper and think about starting my nemesis (laundry). Well, before I could get to the nemesis I heard the sound of water, then Phinehas saying, "This water is making a mess!" Andrew called him into the living room and I though "Gosh, I should have emptied the sink when I went by." Well, hind sight is 20x20. When I made it to the kitchen (having completely forgotten about laundry) I found a pond on the floor under the overflowed sink. Now, this wouldn't have irritated me so much except for the following:

(1) My kitchen is carpeted

(2) I hadn't had my morning cup of coffee

(3) My kitchen is carpeted

(4) I was already irritated at getting up later than I had planned

(5) My kitchen is carpeted

From now on I'm gonna get up earlier... until tomorrow.

Leisure Learnings

On Sunday, Andrew, Phin and Liam left with Uncle Moose (Gary) for PA. Gary was going to get a car from CMTS… ah. Superfluous details. Anyway, we three girls stayed at home. Lydia was her usual self – nursing, grinning, sleeping – except now she has a swing! She would stay in that all day, if we let her. So, while Lydia sat happily in her swing, Abigail and I had a fun ‘girls night.’ First, we made applesauce. We have a wild apple tree that made the thickest sauce I’ve ever made! After the applesauce was set to simmer down, we read from The Long Winter by Laura Ingalls Wilder. For once our reading was uninterrupted! Then, I taught Abigail how to play checkers. She quickly figured out how to move her pieces but she severely lacked any strategy. She kept moving her pieces perfectly for me to jump them! “Go ahead,” she’d say. “Jump my guy! I like it when they jump!” Oh well. Her competitive spirit was dormant for once.

For supper we had peanut butter popcorn and ice cream. We played some more checkers and then read some more from ‘the Laura book’. We ignored the laundry that needs to be folded and went to bed leisurely and happily.

On Monday morning we slept in. Til 8:30! Wow! Luxury! We had spiced chai, eggs and toast for breakfast, the read some more Laura. We did some fun art projects, getting ready for Liam’s birthday, then had a picnic lunch in the living room. Then we went out and spent the afternoon mowing the lawn.

Anyway, I learned a bit while it was just me and the girls. I learned that it is relatively easy to be a mama to just one child that is walking and talking. First, the energy level in the house was… pleasant! Not chaotic. Now, know that I enjoy the chaos most of the time. But it sure makes my brain fog up. So, with the reduced noise level I was able to converse more freely with Abigail (which is the second thing I noticed.) Third, I still got irritated. That just goes to show that contentment, or irritability, is not a product of circumstances. Yeah, I know. We’ve all been told that. But I have to admit that often I had wondered. Well, now I know. The work that only the Holy Spirit can do still needs to be done in me. In relation to this third thing I learned, the fourth is this: it is easier to take thoughts captive, yield to the Holy Spirit, correct my attitude, etc. when it was just me and Abbi (and little Lilly.) Why? Because as I would pause to turn my eyes on Jesus I didn’t get distracted by: taking someone to the bathroom, redirecting an older child, exhorting someone to kindness, teaching two children how to socially interact, training for the same behavior that we’ve been working on for weeks, trying to understand what my almost two year-old is trying to say, and on and on the list can go!

So here I am Tuesday morning, very thankful for some good lessons learned. It was fun to have a leisure break, but I sure missed my boys (and their handsome father!). I welcome back the chaos with all the hugs and kisses, all the requests for “up,” all the re-readings of Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What do you See?, all the humming, singing, kazoo noise, laughter, and yes, even the minor conflicts. I rejoice to know that there is One that I can turn to – even if I only have a split second – that is ready to answer my prayer, that is ready to fill me with His Holy Spirit that I may bear the fruit of the Spirit and give them to my children. I know that I know that I know that I couldn’t do this wondrous thing called motherhood without Him!

The Carpenter's Wife - thats me!

Hi all! Here I enter the blogging world. We'll see how long I last...

Anyway, as most anyone who is reading this knows, my name is Licia. I am married to Andrew, the carpenter. Happily married, at that. It is a joy to be his wife. Actually, it is the best thing that has happened to me. The next best things are our children: Abigail Dawn, Phinehas Mark, Liam Michael, and Lydia Grace. They are wonderful and so fun! Being a mom is the hardest thing I have ever done... but it is so worth it!

So, what are we doing today? The Man and the lads are gone to the Depot. Home Depot, that is. (That's Papa's store.) The boys got up with us, bright and early for a breakfast of toast and eggs. We gave them milk-coffee: milk with a small shot of coffee in it. You can imagine how proud they were to drink coffee with Papa in the pre-dawn dark! Abigail heard Andrew upstairs, sprung out of bed for a hug, then snuggled back in for her luxurious morning.

Now, Abigail is finishing up her task of unloading the dishwasher (do you know how often I have to ask Abbi or Phin where ______ is?), our sourdough bread is rising, and the never ending pile of laundry is waiting. Ah, laundry. My nemesis.

Later on I hope to get out to pick some grapes. Grape pies are so luscious! I hope to make one or two for this weekend.

Anyway, we'll see how this venture of blogging goes! Off to fold laundry!