Vegmom Moments

THE RIB

I was seeing if Veg remembered my middle name. So I said "what's my middle name?"

Because that is what you ask when your wanting to see if they remember. Not sure where it turned, but it turned quickly...

Hubby replied with "Mud" as in joking that my middle name was Mud.

Our Vegman doesn't understand jokes such as this. He takes EVERYTHING litterally.

So he says "No Dad that's not her middle name. Your the one made from mud remember?"

Hubby says "What?"

Veg continues.. "Your made from Dirt, and since it rained that would make you mud. But Mom, she's made from a rib"

OK, Now try to tell the kid that I did NOT start out as a rib in my Mom's tummy... Try it, I dare ya! Because he is convinced...

And there is NO telling him otherwise..

Actually according to him, the story goes like this...

"The doctors took one of Hubby's ribs out when he was born, and they saved it until NeeNee got married, then GOD took the rib and put it in her tummy so that I could be born.."

So much for all that honesty and showing him all the "real words" and kids book pictures of the birds and the bees and the human babies...

I didn't want him thinking the stork brought him, or learn things from his friends. No I told the truth. I thought I was doing the right thing..

Does he remember ANY of it? NOPE!

Only the Rib.

Just wait till he goes back to school and tells this one!

BACK TO BALANCED

I've never been one to get on the "Balanced" bandwagon, I can't even balance on one foot if I try, let alone make my whole body balanced.

But I have used Mr. Vita-Mix EVERY DAY since I got him, mostly 3 times a day.  And his creations are delicious and nutritious...  Yesterday I went with out him, and felt OFF all day...  Stopped to get a salad, but it was horrible, couldn't eat it. 

The day before I had that bad dinner that was still in my mouth all day..  My Apple that I brought was rotten on the inside (our last from the picking adventure, and it had seen better days)  It was just a BAD food day or two....

And I felt like I was missing something ALL Day.. I didn't sleep well even... Didn't exercise... it was just an OFF day!  I was OUT OF BALANCE!!

Last night I went to the store and TODAY WILL BE BETTER!!!  I started with my Delicious Green Smoothie (sorry no pics)... And I've packed the following:

Apple Chunks w/almond butter, Raw Green Beans and Raw sliced corn, Sprouted Grain Bread with Smushed Avocado and Raw Almond slices, Carrot slices, Gogi Berries, two Reusable bottles filled with Water and a cup of left over smoothie from this morning...

AH - Good food=Good Feeling!!!  No more of that other stuff.... NO MORE I SAY!!!...

VEGETARIAN - NO FISH

I Had a blood test done today and was told two things that I already knew:

A - My Blood is Healthy

B - I'm Fat

According to the BMI Index I have quite a bit of work to do, this is not new information.  (could look in the mirror for that, don't need a fancy contraption to tell me so) 

However, I'm quite thrilled with this visit, knowing that I'm down 6 pounds lower then I started in June...which means I'm working on that fat part, and that makes me happy! 

If I was sitting around doing nothing, I may question myself, but that's not the case.

All other blood was good, better then good, even my blood pressure was good....  Especially considering I didn't fast before hand and had that horrible dinner last night.  

Going Veg - Makes Blood Happy!  (I haven't had unhappy blood in 11 or so years)

So the nurse lady tells me I could eat more Nuts and Olive Oil.  I can do that!  Then mentions Fish..  When I told her that I was Vegetarian she said:

"What kind of Vegetarian are you?"

Hmmm, I am the kind that doesn't eat fish...   She proceeded to explain that Fish Oil comes in Capsule form....

OK, so I'm the kind of Vegetarian that doesn't eat Fish, nor Fish Oil, nor Capsules made out of Gelatin (animal bi-products)

Don't worry, I was not rude, or mean, or all in your face Veg'ish... I just thanked her for the other information and told her I would eat more nuts!

Nuts, I can do! 

MORNING AFTER

I posted last night about a not so good and very salty very carby dinner.

So this morning I woke up all swollen feeling (fingers, face, eyes)

I'm tired even though I got tons of sleep and I feel all around food imploded.

My mouth is STILL tasting that sauce and I can't get enough to drink.

AHHHH!! How could I eat like that for so long. Vegetarian or not, that is just WRONG! No wonder I started to feel like poop!

No More of that for me!! No Sir!

THAT RAW STUFF

There was a time not too long ago that we would go out to eat Every Wednesday night to a local Asian place.  It was the only Asian place we could take our Vegman without having a trigger food.  And became our special Mom & Veg night.  It was always clean (spotless) and the people were so nice.  He ate tons of veggies, soup, rice and tofu every time.  Full dinner portions.

Well we stopped going about two months ago when the food wasn't as great anymore, and we started eating more at home anyway.

Tonight Veg asked to go, and I thought "Hmm?  i haven't had rice in a couple months, it may be kind of good, lets give it a try"  And if nothing else, give us that special night together.  We arrived to find a not so clean place, floors, tables etc.  Different then it was previously.

Well, my taste buds have changed and shockingly the need for rice was not so much... The sauce and cooked veggies were just too salty for me, and then Veg got his tofu...  It smelled like Steak.... So I checked first to make sure it was tofu.  And yes it was.. but ended up spitting it out as it was really that horrible to me.  The sauce on his dish had changed or something.  It was just horrible.  And the tofu was cooked to a dry steak like texture.

Veg was determined to try it as he knows sometimes he likes things that I don't.  So I gave him a try,  ONE bite and spit his out.... within minutes his face had turned green and he said he wasn't feeling so good.  He started sweating, and I just knew his food for the day was going to end up on their table. 

We went to the bathroom where they were out of soap, which now grossed me out even more....  They offered to give us a different meal because they knew my Vegman, and if he wouldn't eat it, then something was wrong.  But I wasn't about to take anymore food.

At this point I was asking for the bill and Veg was asking for mints to help settle his tummy.  He was not looking good at all.  Our Veg & Mom place was no more...

We both agreed it was time to find a new Wednesday spot that is close to home and not so expensive for a mid-week treat.

On our way home he says from the back seat "Mom - I think I could get used to this Raw thing you've been doing, it makes me feel a lot better then that cooked stuff does"

Knowing he still eats a lot of cooked stuff at home, I said "What Raw things do you like?"

And he replies with... "You know, those smoothies your making, and those popsicles, and all the fruit and veggies.he continued"

While I feel horrible that he felt horrible, I sure am glad he is liking the raw foods!!!  Maybe we won't need to go out at all anymore mid-week... We'll just find something in the kitchen for a special Wednesday treat! *smile*

Now I'm back to looking for some more recipes.

As for the Vegman, he took a shower with minty soap and sucked on a ginger mint... All his color came back and he is heading off to sleepy land.... Shewww!!

As for me... I'm needing some fruit to get this taste out of my mouth and make me feel balanced again... How dare I get out of balance... That is just not allowed!  Toooooo Much Salt... Blech!!

SCHOOL LIST

Oh Oh Oh.... Just got our first School list in the mail. How exciting!

Three Wooden Pencils
One Plain Eraser
One pair of slippers (I love Montessori)
A brush
Wide lined Paper
Plain Folder
3x5 card file box
Canvas bag
Plain Clipboard

So we have like 6 of the 8 things.

But why do I have such a feeling to buy them anyway for this new special school year?

Good thing my Vegman doesn't like waste.

He ran around the house finding all the items we had and already has them piled up and ready to go for next week.

I offered to buy new and he said "No Thanks, these still work"

Hubby offered to take him tomorrow for the other items.

We will be all set in plenty of time! What a great school year this will be if it is starting out like this!!

Happy First Grade Vegman!!

(Oh my, First Grade, where has the time gone?)

MAKING CHANGES

So this has been a huge year for me setting goals and completing them.  The funny thing is I only started with a couple, as I don't do New Years resolutions.

I don't make changes that I don't plan to stick with, and don't set goals that I can't achieve.  I also only make changes that I plan to be life changes or they aren't worth the effort for me.

Thats not to say, I haven't tried and failed in my life, but I'm to a point now, where I feel like failure isn't an option because everything is a learning experience.  So even if I get one thing out of a change, then I didn't fail.

I started out this year finishing up a few things from last year.  Completing a Giant work task, Getting Debt free (using envelope system), Finishing the 1/2 Marathon in March and Fireproofing our Marriage. 

Granted the 1/2 marathon was HARD, the Debt free thing, meant cutting corners I didn't like, and Fireproofing the Marriage, was, well, NOT Easy!   But who said life was supposed to be easy, right?

On the other side of all those things I can say "WOW, how did I get here?"  It was only a year ago that I was pulling my hair out with how things were going and knowing that I needed a change but not quite sure how to do it.

But as I've been posting challenges here and other accomplishments, it dawned on me that each item has been a 30 day journey to the rest of my life.  How Corney does that sound??  But So true!!

30 DAY JOURNEY TO THE REST OF MY LIFE!!  I like it!!!

Each of my goals or challenges with myself this year have happened or began by taking ONE item and pushing through for 30 days... (not intentional 30 days at first, but that is how they all turned out)  that item becomes habit and sticks with me, then I added another...and another... Until I'm sitting here with a healthy outlook, A hubby that still drives me nuts (but thats OK because he was that way when I married him) and all my goals complete or in progress.

One day at a time is Great, and Necessary... that is how I used to approach things. But it no longer fits me. One day at a time allows for failure. It allows for saying today I will try but tomorrow, not so much  So now I'm taking 30 days at a time... because focusing on the same thing for 30 days as hard as it is means I will at least get thay 30 days. And something will be learned in that time, whether starting to train for a marathon, or deciding that my marriage is worth fighting for... All got me where I needed to be starting with the first 30 days.  And failure was not an option.  There was no looking toward the future of what I may not do.  There was no looking to the past of how I screwed up.  It was 30 Days of this item... and thats all!!!

Whether it is Money, Marriage, Child raising problems, Smoking, Drinking, Eating.... What Ever.. If there is something in your life you need to change, Find it... and give yourself 30 days to make a difference.  Then go from there.  One thing at a time.

I know I ramble so much on here, but really, when you find something that works, you just want to tell the world... and so here you go World (I mean 5 people that now read this blog)

What can you take on as the 30 Day Journey to the rest of your life??? 

THE ITCHIEST SQUITO BITE EVER

When we get mosquito bites in our house, we reach for vinegar.

As long as its not scratched open, the vinegar doesn't burn and feels great.

Itch be gone at its finest!

If for some odd reason that doesn't work or I don't have any around me, I'll use Burt's Bees ResQ Ointment. LOVE that stuff, works for everything.

Well, I have a stubborn bite that neither have worked on. Not sure that's happened before.

So I put aloe, I've tried Tea Tree, Oregano Oil..

All my tricks!

NOTHING will take the itch away.

Mean Mean Bug Bite!

SETTING PLASTIC ON THE STOVE - BAD IDEA!

My son has a very limited diet and dairy products are on the "NO" list.  But he can have parmesan sprinkles without affecting him (Still not sure why) but it is the ONLY thing he really ever asks for, so I always keep it stocked.

Last night, I made him some noodles, and sprinkled his usual tiny bit... then some how some way and some reason, I set it on the burner. (That I had just used to cook the noodles)... Never have I done such a thing, it just makes no sense.

But I did.. NO one else was there, so it had to be me.  Or I suppose it could have been the toy ghost.  Maybe he is mad that all the baby toys are gone that he used to turn on in the middle of the night, so he is messing with my mind and putting plastic on the burner.

Well, strange enough, we didn't smell it, didn't smoke and the burner was off..  But I looked up saw the crazy image of plastic melting on the burner and said "OH MY GOSH, It looks like I was trying to burn the house down"  Jumped up and grabbed my melted gooey mess off the stove and threw it away.

Then I turned around to find my Vegman running through the house holding his ears.  "The house is burning the house is burning" he screamed.

WHAT ARE YOU DOING?  I asked!

"OH, the house isn't burning down?"  he asks. as he takes his hands off his ears..."No its not burning" I reply....  "But you said........."  I then had to explain what I meant)  But why he had his hands covering ears, I have no idea.

Hmmm?  Maybe the toy ghost was playing with him too.  Anyway, we took this opportunity to talk about what we would do if there were a REAL fire.

And then he drew a picture and I wrote a note for hubby to NOT use the burner until he could fix it....  And Veg said "Can you be sure to sign your name so he knows you did it, He's gonna be mad at you"

Yeah THANKS!

Hubby wasn't mad, in fact he laughed at me for thinking I could get the burner clean.  Apparently we have to buy a new one...  *sigh*

Note to self... Don't let the toy ghost ever set plastic on or near a hot burner again *wink*

WEEKEND FOOD

First I shall start with my Farmers Market Finds:

 

I do love that place.... I'm still just getting only a couple of each item, until I get really comfortable with what I like and how I want to prepare it.   And I think in the next week or two, I'm going to get A WHOLE LOT of the things I like, so I can start freezing for the winter.  I realize my Farmers Market favorites won't be around much longer. 

Oh, and got this too:

 

Pretty sure I ate my weight in this melon the past 2 days.... So sweet and good!

And my try for some Oatmeal (not out of a pre-made bag)... Using real maple syrup for sweetener.  It was really good.   I've been getting the thick rolled oats from the Bulk bin for my Oatmeal Cookies thanks to Mamasweeds.  And when I saw them on the counter, decided to give this a try on a wet rainy Sunday.

Comfort food at its finest!

 

AH, and this...  I finally made Peach Ice Cream from our Peach Picking excursion.... SOOOooooo Good!  For some reason this picture looks icy grainy, but I assure you, it was SOOOO Creamy! 

 

My New Try for the week was Ezekiel Buns. Wasn't sure how I would like this frozen sprouted concoction.  But I did.  Just stuck it in the toaster and filled up with my favorite sandwich veggies.  If I'm going to continue eating bread, this is certainly the way to do it!

I realized my grocery bill was 1/2 on Saturday, and my pantry is nearing an empty state, while my Fridge is filling up quite nicely.  Think thats how it should be...  Or that is what I'm telling myself right now.

Think those were the hi-lights of the food adventures this past weekend...  Stay tuned for more as the health food turns in our Veg house! 

RAINY STAY HOME SUNDAY

What are we to do?

Puzzles - we finished a tiny 100 piece that was quite hard, mind you. And a 200 piece.

Some Sleep - both in the morning and a nap in the afternoon! Can't beat that.

Some Scrapbooking - I finished a quick album last night with a friend from our summer beach trip. So today with all my stuff out, I threw together some more easy pages.

Best part on this day was Veg wanted to look through my old scrapbooks. So we were talking about "old" times..

All was grand till he was looking through my teenage album and said "Mom why does that girl have a cig. in her mouth, and why is she sleeping on the floor at the toilet?"

Yeah, I might want to remove those pictures. Don't worry it wasn't me! and I didn't tell him who it was (in case your reading this). Hahaha!

Digging for worms - I had the brilliant idea that after the rain we should go dig for worms and put them in the garden since our soil needs help. And to get Veg out of the house doing "BOY" stuff.

We found 3 tiny baby worms.. But also a slug, 3 snail shells, A millipede looking thing, 500 mosquito bites, 6 Mud Pies being thrown at the tree, two pair of filthy shoes, 3 holes from a critter near my prized stumpy carrots, and lots of smiles..

Not sure I will suggest such a thing again but it was fun for this rainy Sunday.

FOOD- I tried my hand at home made oatmeal (the heated kind) and Hubby was a fan. Veg-not so much.

The Vita-Mix was busy with smoothies and veggie chopping today. Oh, and more Raw Fruit popsicles for tomorrow.

Chores- only did laundry.. I'm such a slacker!

Exercise - Nada! Again I say, Slacker!

Work - Minimal.. Did I mention the word slacker?

And so this Perfect Rainy day comes to a close. I shall put vinegar on my 500 mosquito bites and say Good night!

A DAY WITH ALL MY FAVORITE THINGS

Family, Outdoors, Fresh Produce, Games, Eating Vegan and Raw foods, laughing with NeeNee via phone, Visiting with Friends, shopping, crafting, and Talking!

What more could a girl ask for?

Besides sleep, which this girl is getting right now!

Good Night!

RAW FOOD CHALLENGE COMES TO A CLOSE

I know there were only a few people doing this one with me, but I still must bring it to an official close, as the 30 days are over.

The Raw Food Challenge has come to an end...  It all started here, when the thought first popped in to my head.  Then I tried my First Green Smoothie which made me realize that I didn't have the right tools to go down the raw path...

That is when I reached out for help in this post  and then the Challenge was issued.  I didn't have as much interest in this challenge from other friends/family... but the Kubicle Kitchen Blogger joined... And she posted every day for a long time about her RFC compliant food.  (she's on blog hiatus right now but still with the RFC in spirit)

And others came along by default.  One friend is now a Farmer's Market Junkie... and she has found some good stuff.   My Hubby, has consumed more fruits and veggies in the past 30 days then I think he has his whole life.  And my Mom is sure to tell me all the salads she's been eating...  So I think she was RFC Compliant in her own way.

A coworker friend, is now a Green Smoothie addict and drinking them every day.  Another was actually seen eating a SALAD during the past month and this was an amazing thing for him.  My Kiddo has gone along for the ride by default as well, and then there are those people already eating raw foods that were so helpful in telling me to slow down. 

This is not something I had to do over night or all at once... And I've enjoyed things I would have never tried before.  From Sprouted Grain Noodles, to Dates, to Raw Corn and Green beans.  A single potato (not raw) made in to a vegan potato salad with raw fixings, was enough to fill me up for dinner on some days.

Going out to eat, I've begun getting 1/2 portions of cooked foods and they work just as well.  But then go crazy on the fruit or veggies.

I started going to the Farmers Market, Berry and Peach picking, even sprouted some beans....and I ate a LOT of food.

We've learned to make lots of things that taste good but are good for us and then there was the quest for the Vita-Mix... Will she or won't she... And she did....This is how I came up with the money.

The Vita-Mix and I quickly became best friends.

I'm down 3.5 pounds, exercising almost every day, consuming virtually no dairy, 1/4 of the rice/pasta I used to, I'm sleeping well, feeling well, and my skin looks better then it has in at least 20 years.

So I've decided these challenges were more then 30 days. As I've said... they have continued to make a lifelong shift for me, and how it affects my family, makes it all worth it...  I need to continue trying new things, and new recipes, so this continues to be easy for me.  And the rest will fall where it will.

I don't think I need to issue any more challenges for myself, as the last three (no junk food, exercise, and raw food) have put me in a place that I need to be.  I'll continue to challenge myself to keep those goals as they are now a part of my life.

And because I am the one that provides the food to our family (shopping and cooking), I have a responsibility to them to make sure it is Top Notch for their health.  (No matter how many times Hubby asks for my old vegan baked goods.. if I don't bake them, then he can't eat them, case closed)

So in the spirit of taking one day at a time, this was another GREAT Day!!

And another great challenge comes to an end. 

If you've read this far, and have a change that you need to make for your own health or that of your family... don't wait!!!  Research what is good for you, and then make your own challenge.

It is sooooo worth it! 

RIGHT SIDE OF THE BED

This morning was a little challenging for the Vegman, while it started out great, at some point he turned off his nice switch...

So Hubby took him in his room, laid him in the bed and said, "Lets start over, Try getting up on the right side of the bed this time, when your ready, come back out"

Veg starts crying uncontrollably.  I went in to say good bye and find out why he was crying before I left....

Wimper, fuss, tears, "Daddy, said I couldn't come out until I stood up from the right side of the bed, but it is against the wall, and I can only get off on the left side, but he won't let me"

OH MY!!!  Poor Kid!   We had some talking to do!  And all was well....

VEG AND THE NUTRITIONIST

So my Vegman went to a Nutrition class with his Dad the other day.   But today, the Nutritionist sent me an email to mention how much Veg really knew and she was thrilled with how much he'd been taught at home.

And how he picked out all the right foods, and she wished she could spend more time with him.  She said he was very aware of what he was grabbing, and what he should avoid, etc.

I was so thrilled to see this note, because as a parent, you never know what they really take away and what they will choose when your not around.  But the best thing was, today, he pulled his soy ice cream out of the freezer and immediately looked at the ingredients and sugar count. 

He then opted for his Banana instead.... Go Veg! 

(Nee Nee, you better clean your cabinets before we arrive, or expect a lecture, and it won't be from me this time)  ha ha ha!!!

So while thinking about all this nutrition stuff today it dawned on me that he is SIX years old and has never had a sip of Coke, Pepsi, Mountain Dew.   He doesn't know what a Meat Burger tastes like, or a hotdog that isn't soy.  He's never had a piece of peperoni or sausage or bacon.  Never a bite of cotton candy, or Twinkie or HoHo......And the only fast food he knows about is a Moe's Burrito. 

Some say that I haven't let him be a kid by not giving him these foods...  I tend to disagree. (surprise)  When he is older he can make the choice of what he puts in his body, as I let him do a little of this now.   But if the Nutritionist visit is any sample of what he will choose, then I'm OK with that.

I couldn't knowingly give him something that I wouldn't dare eat my self.  Nor give him something that I know contains ingredients that could hurt him.  "Here son, eat this cancer causing, teeth rotting, chemical laden, poison driven, toxic food, I know it tastes great or looks cool, so enjoy... "

I just couldn't do it, let people say what they will.

GARDENING PART II

There was a time when the thought of gardening to me was like the thought of me jumping out of an airplane.  Neither of which would ever happen.

While I still do not plan to jump out of a Plane anytime soon, I have enjoyed the thought of gardening this year.  The adventure of hiking down the deck, skipping over dog Poo, and climbing short fences to find a carrot, was a thrill I just couldn't bare to miss next year.

But I decided while there is still time, to give this Gardening thing another try.  And Hubby has listened this time.  I'm trying to find some organic Dirt... (which is very hard to do by the way)  I do NOT want name brand organic dirt that also has shelves of chemicals for sale.... 

Besides they use Chicken Poop in theirs, and there is just something about a person chasing after a chicken to scoop their poop that turns me off.   I mean I've seen bird poop and its not like Cow Poop that you scoop.  Oh No... Chicken poop would either be a cooped up chicken with a container attached to its rear 24/7 or a little person chasing them around.  And for some reason I doubt there is really a little person.

Another brand has fish guts.... But then NeeNee couldn't eat food from my garden.. (Maybe I'm paranoid but humor me)...  Another one I picked up was made from Mushrooms, and when I picked it up, 1000 spiders (little exaggeration) came pouring out of the bag and I almost screamed.

OK, So if I ever DO find some organic soil that is worthy for my garden, then we will till up the clay, mix with the soil, add some coffee grounds, leaves and banana peels (per my nice Dental Hygienist that has a huge organic garden)  Also some Kelp powder per Veg's Camp Teacher.... and mix, mash, that all together...

Then I plan to plant the seeds I purchased today.  Romaine Lettuce, Some other kind of lettuce, and Chard. .

If I can do all this within two weeks, then I should have a Fall crop.  Per the bags, the Dental Hygienist, and the websites I've looked at.

In case you were wondering, you can scroll through my Garden Folly's and see how this year went!  (scroll to the bottom and then work your way up.

Vegmom Garden Story

And, if in the rare chance we do get a REAL fall crop, then I will petition the Hubby for a REAL compost bin, so next year, I'm not running all over looking for soil.

BANANA-CICLES

Mr. Vita-Mix has been very busy with whole food smoothies:

Chopping Veggies, and making more raw brownie bites for chomping... But his latest creation...

Banana-cicles....  Yup, 4 small bananas, mash to a liquid, then poured in to these little popsicle things.  No other ingredients....  Freeze for a few hours..... run under water so they pop right out!

And Eat!  I wish I had these when Veg was a baby and teething!  (watching for choke hazards of course)  But they are So Good, All Natural, even if they fall on the carpet, the dogs could eat them without worry.

Hubby is already plotting for more ingredients... Peanut Butter, Fudgsicles with cocoa.  Veg has requested Strawberry ones.  I think they both loose, as we need to use up some peaches from our picking first...

I went for a couple mile walk with a mile run thrown in today.  And coming home to this nice cold treat was JUST the perfect ending.

Thank you Mr. Vita-mix... you make me very happy!

WE MADE A SUNFLOWER GROW

My thumb is becoming a little green.... Look we did it!!

HAPPY TEETH

As a kid/pre-teen/teenager, I was put in a not so good dental situation.  I grew to despise going to the dentist...  Cavities, drills, teeth being pulled (most of them) and then retainer, braces, more teeth being pulled....  AH, the memories....

As an adult, I CAN'T STAND going to the dentist.  The person could be one that saves the world, and I still wouldn't like them because they have the DDS on the end of their name.  Even Rudolph movies with the little Hermie DDS... I never liked him.  While I do go at every 6 month check up, I can't stand to do so, even though I like the dentist office we chose, it is the only place I dread going to.  Put it this way, I'd rather get the spoons then the dental visit.  And that is saying A LOT!

I did NOT want my guy to grow up hating the dentist and wanted all his first experiences to be great ones.... And so he came with me, to EVERY visit his first 6 years of life.  As an infant they would talk to him, and as he grew, they would let him sit in the seat and play with the lights.  He got familiar with the office and the people and always felt comfortable.  A little older they would open his mouth and count his baby teeth.  A little older they would check for cavities, or sore gums.     From Baby bucket to stroller, all the way up till he was sitting by himself in the chair, he would watch me get my teeth cleaned.

And when it was his turn to have a REAL appointment, man was he excited!!  he couldn't wait to see the dentist.  Mission accomplished!!

Well today was his first X-ray.. 

DEAR AIRLINES...

There was a time when I was younger that my Mom would put me on a plane to go see my Family.  She paid $120 or under and sometimes 10 box lids of Chex cereal (but thats another story)...  I was treated like a princess by the nice flight attendants who made sure I had everything I needed.

They'd help me get buckled in, a blanket a pillow, some playing cards, food drink, and of course the Pin of wings for making my journey.  They held my hand and made sure I wasn't nervous, showed me to the bathrooms when I needed to go, and always got me to my destination safely.

They'd make sure I was handed off to the proper family member, and that my luggage was given to us in one piece at no extra charge...

Fast Forward to this day and I'm a parent my self.   The last 4 times I've traveled by Air, I didn't make it to my destination the day I was supposed to and sometimes didn't make it at all.  I've ended up in states that weren't even on my itinerary, and 3 out of 4 trips I didn't even get my luggage upon arriving to my destination.  I've spent more nights in Hotels because of flight delays in the past year then I spent because of the business trips that I Intended to go on.

I wouldn't trust my son traveling alone, unless his intention was to end up at the North Pole visiting Santa Clause.  Which I'm sure he wouldn't mind, but I think the Reindeer wouldn't like trying to find his NeeNee's house in the middle of Summer.  Although they may be more reliable.

WHO NEEDS MAYO?

When you've got an Avocado?   

My new favorite sandwich spread is smashed Avocado....  Add to that some basil and Italian seasoning, garlic salt, and some chopped veggies...

Today's had carrots, cucumber & celery....  YUM!!

And by the way, if you keep the seed in between the two Avocado Halves (even if you've used some) the avocado innards won't turn so brown.

I just scoop out what I need and leave the rest in the skin, then put the two halves together and store in a container in the fridge.  Voila!  Done!

THE PAST 24 HOURS

Things I've learned the past 24 hours:

• If the dog's water bowl gets empty for even 5 minutes, a dog will drink out of the toilet.  Even, if someone forgets to flush.
• There are people that will NOT use a blinker to signal people they are about to turn, Unless they are 10 miles from the actual turn.
• If I bring enough good foods with me during the day, I'm not so hungry at dinner time and don't need late night snacks either.
• I can actually put a bowl of pasta down that isn't finished.
• My family can devour an entire batch of Raw Brownie Bites in less then 24hrs
• A complete stranger can get my Hubby to look at ingredient labels and put back the ones that are not so good, while a wife of 18years does not have the force to do such a thing.
• A 6 year old can argue with a nutritionist that says his yogurt has too much sugar, by telling her that the cows milk kind will make him throw up and that the Coconut kind has Good sugars and Good fats.
• A Nutritionist will agree with a 6 year old.
• It is possible to use the Body brush twice in one day and not scratch all the skin off one's body... and it feels soooo good!
• My Homemade Deodorant does have a bottom to the container... Time to make some more.
• My Sweet Nieces do look cute with short hair.... Donations for locks of love!  (So proud!)
• The Vegman CAN beat Hubby at his own video game... While I can't stand the things, this one was merely Golf, and was a classic moment.
• A person can mess up the Garmin 3 days in a row trying to track miles during a walk....(Me *raising hand*)
• I can still stay up past 12 and not turn in to a pumpkin (because I don't have to work tomorrow)

Shewww, all that learning is making me tired!

Good Night!

FUN CAMPLESS WEEK SO FAR

While the camp was a bust, I forgot to add that the lady running it is Great.  We just had different ideas of what the camp was.  But then I didn't volunteer my time nor show up at any of the board meetings to give my say so.  And therefore, I have nothing to complain about.  But she and her family are all close and dear to us.  There is not a bad word to be said.  And we miss them already.

So it was time to move on and provide Veg with a nice rest of the summer as best we could....

Hubby took him to a movie yesterday which they loved... My Vegman wore his hat and sunglasses to keep the flashing lights from giving him another Migraine.  They also played board games, had a good lunch and generally went well.  In fact, they were both feeling good and in great moods when I got home.

Today....

TODAY'S MORE FOOD

Yesterday I thought I brought a lot of food, but something was missing... Apples and Carrots... the Crunch!  I think that is what I was missing!

Today I brought LOTS of crunch... sorry no pictures, so use your imagination:

• Fresh picked local apple slices

• Organic Carrot Slices

• Organic Celery slices

• Organic and Local Cucumber slices

• A whole meal smoothie with Cucumber, Apple, Butternut Squash, spinach, grapes, banana, hemp seed, & coconut water.

• A couple Raw Brownie Bites from Sunday

• A piece of bread, with plain Avocado spread and some raw walnut slices

• Fresh Picked Local peach chunks

And two Reusable bottles filled with water.... NOW, if all that doesn't last me till dinner, then I've got a problem!!!

HUNGRY MID-DAY

I started my day with left over Green Smoothie from Yesterday.... Then brought with me some raw Apple sauce, grapes, raw brownie bites, pieces of pear, left over sprouted noodles with raw chopped veggies and a Nut Mix bowl with Goji Berries.

It is now 2:30 and I've chomped through EVERY Bit!   Some days, I'm not hungry at all.  And I'm amazed at how little food intake but filled I feel.   Other days I'm soooo hungry!  Today is one of those days.

I'm not craving sweets, nor chips, nor bread, nor protein, nor salt...... I just want some Raw Veggies... The crunch, the mild taste, the chewing.....This is Not something I can find in the vending machine.

Note to self... PACK MORE FOOD for a work day!

CAMP CUT SHORT

I posted many times about my total Excitement for Veg's Summer Camp that was on its way... I was expecting it to be much like his Spring Break Camp, since it was at the same place.  But also because the Brochure for the Summer sessions made the activities sound right up Veg's Alley... 

We were both counting down the days.  He wanted to see his friends and do his science experiments.  I wanted him to have fun with all the learning, experiments and activities that I knew his Dad couldn't provide at home.

Then I posted that I was a tad disappointed and not sure how it would go.... But I talked to the teacher and felt better...  And then it just went down hill from there.

A WHOLE LOT OF BLENDING GOING ON

Mr. Vita-Mix was busy first thing this morning....  It was Green smoothie time.  Sadly I put too much iced goods and turned in to Ice Cream instead of Smoothie. 

Me and Mr. Vita-Mix gotta have a talk.  I haven't figured out the whole ratio thing yet and he's not really good at explaining.

But my Green Cream was quite Good!

 

So the day went on... we gave the machine a little break.  UNTIL.. I went shopping and Hubby needed Some Coffee.  He requested Organic this time, and I found some yummy smelling beans...

But in case your new to the coffee experience, you can't put Beans in the coffee maker or you may not get really good coffee....This is what Hubby said to me when I got home... "You bought the wrong kind, these are beans".......  Ah, but this is not the wrong kind.

It's Back to work for Mr. Vita-Mix...  Chop Chop Grind...

Thank you Mr. Vita-Mix

 

And then it was time to make some of Green And Crunchy's Earth Balls.. But too much chocolate poured by mistake.  I couldn't get it out... And decided to go through with my mess... which turned in to this brownie dough looking stuff.

Walnuts, Cocoa, Dates, Goji Berries...  Mash, Chop, Yum...

 

And my new try for the week?  Coconut Shreds.... Now we have macaroon tasting Brownie'ish Earth Balls:

 

And some plain brownie bites, is what I'm calling this batch:

 

By the way, making these would have taken 30 minutes with my old methods.  Mr. Vita-Mix did the job in less then 1 minute!!! 

I do love this machine!!

Oh... but he wasn't done yet!  Dinner was yet to be served.

Thank you for mashing my Veggies Mr. Vita-Mix.  Much obliged!  And helpful, and Fast!  A Raw Sauce was made for my not so raw noodles.

By the way.. the noodles are from Food for Life and I'm now hooked on their sprouted grain products... 

The leaves you see are from my Basil plant.  I haven't killed it yet!!  Yippeee!

And speaking of not killing... look at my Aloe plant... it is very happy... I just have to get it a new pot.  That is when the end is near.  I have NEVER successfully moved a plant from one pot to another with out it shriveling up like a little prune.

But for now, she is quite happy... I shall call her a SHE because she keeps having babies.  See the little pokers in the middle..  Neither of those were there when I got her.  But out they poke...  and they are full with the bestest of healing property juices.

.

And Speaking of plants... and gardening... (wasn't really speaking of gardening, but now I am)... I was thinking of having Hubby Till up the dirt/clay (that doesn't have carrots in our garden), and try to plant some Fall Crops. 

According to the little charts, If I plant them by mid August, I should have Greans by October...  Now I just have to find some mature organic plants and/or seeds so I can plant them inside before mid August.

Can this work?  Or am I wasting my time??  OK, don't answer that!!  *smile*

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF MR. VITA-MIX

Mr. Vita-Mix has been very busy today.   He started this morning with a couple smoothies...

Veg's Favorite:

 

Apples, Banana, Strawberries and Soy Milk...

 

And my new favorite, with my new try for the week... Coconut Milk:

HELLO DOWN THERE:

 

Spinach, sweet potatoes, Zucchini, grapes, apple chunks, Hemp Seed, banana, Coconut Water and A couple of filter water Ice Cubes...

Don't worry, I shared with Hubby... He liked it too.  Delicious!!

 

And then we went Peach/Apple Picking, which meant I had apples when I got home... Apples that NEEDED to go in to Mr. Vita-Mix.  Oh, but what could these sweet/sour Apples do?

 

I had a LOT of apples!

 

HELLO down there......  Echo Echo.....  Ooops, sorry, got carried away..

I added a bit of Cinnamon and a bit of lemon juice.... and...................

 

VOILA!  RAW Apple Sauce:

 

But WAIT, its not over... The day is not done... Mr. Vita-Mix is not aloud to rest until Dinner is done...

I had Vegetables that needed Chopping...

 

I DID NOT want to chop all these veggies.... Come hither Mr. Vita-Mix.....

Oh, there you are!

 

Thank you Mr. Vita-Mix:

 

You can rest now Mr. Vita-Mix... You'll need your strength for tomorrow... WE have Ice Cream to make!!

NUTHIN BUT PEACHES AND APPLES

There is a great farm near home that had lots of ripe produce for Picking...  Apples, Peaches, Grapes, Blueberries, Blackberries....

But we got Nuthin' But Peaches and Apples...

 

Yup, we kept it simple... The basket was filled higher before taking this picture, but SOMEONE was dipping in to the peaches before I had a chance to snap the shot.

And these guys are getting ready to go in to the freezer for our Peach Ice Cream that I'm going to make tomorrow.  Courtesy of Mr. Vita-Mix.  ( I really need to give him a better name.  I have a feeling I'll be spending a lot more time with him...)

HIS FIRST DATE

My little bundle of sweetness was invited over to a friends house for dinner...

The smart Mom of said friend asked that I pack Veg's Dinner so she didn't have to worry about allergies....  Which worked out perfectly because he wasn't that hungry and only ate his fruit anyway.

Why wasn't he that hungry???  Because his Dad took him to a Yuck drive through place after camp for something even more Yuck, that will probably end up in his sick bucket tonight... WHY WHY WHY???  Because he had a coupon... Lovely?    I saw a coupon for free ribs too, but that doesn't mean I USED IT!!!!!!!!

Grrrr!  Frown upon Hubby tonight!!

---------Breathe----------

Ok so anyway, my Vegman had a date... They haven't seen each other since school let out, and she was SOOOOOOO excited to see him... My guy played it cool this time, no hugs, no screaming or bouncing... wouldn't even hold her hand?

Hmmm?  this strange turn of events that occurred... How/why would he be so distant with the girl he plans to marry....

When we came back to pick him up, little miss adorable thing that she is, was sad and did NOT want him to go.  She suggested we come again some time, maybe meet them at a park near by, and even have a sleep over....

Her parents looked at us, and we looked at them.... Sleepovers????  Little Miss Thing was SURE that this was a great idea... mean while, my boy couldn't wait to hop in the car.  She reached for hugs, but he had nothing to do with it...

I realized something... We are in a different phase of Vegman Development... Could it be?  My kid is growing up... Oh Yeah, he played it cool, with his little head held high and strutting his stuff.... but after we left the scene... he screamed from his window goodbye, they waved, he got sad and she was sad....

The truth was told...  The boy likes a girl....