Ode to Canada - from Lisa

This is from most creative, talented sister Lisa...

Ode to Canada

O Halifax, Canada,
take care of our missionaries.
Keep their hearts warm
when your chill makes them wary.

They’ll come from afar
to help in the work
of teaching your people
the gospel’s word.

Your islands and ferries
and bridges, for the novices,
will lend for weekend adventures-
some distraction from the office.

We hope the sea air
will guard them from chill,
or frostbite, or windburn,
or any other frigid ill.

(Oh, and we’re thankful
that near them, in close proximity,
are plenty of stores
for healthy snacks unlimited.)

These servants will go
with faith, as in times of old.
To further God’s plan--
did I mention there’d be cold?

Though missed by their loved ones,
we know we are blessed
to send out our parents
and wish them the best.

The Lord will provide
for doesn’t He know?
Yes, the way is prepared
Now, sow missionaries, sow.

We'll miss you!

Love You Mom & Dad
Christi

The 5 Love Languages of Blogging

From Mormon Mommy Blogs

Alright, alright. so there's 5 love languages in life, blah blah blah.

But do you know about the 5 love languages of BLOGGING?

That's right. I believe there are 5 love languages in this crazy blogging world...

The thing is, we all speak a different language. And we go through phases, where sometimes one is more important than another. Most of us speak all the languages, but it's the order that can get us into trouble. Not every blogger is going to speak your same language. And feelings can get hurt when our blogging needs are not met by the people we blog with.

So to shed a little light on the situation, I give you:

*Lurkers

Lurkers: (def.) someone who regularly reads your blog, but does not participate.

(They're just like secret admirers.... kinda)

Some lurkers have blogs. Others do not. Some may subscribe to your feed, others have no idea what a feed is. But they come. Every day. For you.

In real life, a lurker may be "delurked" through routine conversation. Because they may mention something that you wrote about, but did not receive this information from you. This is when you call them out and demand them to comment. (Because we know you're there, PEDER.)

Lurkers generally admire the bloggers they so quietly stalk. Sometimes, lurkers may be your ex-boyfriends wife. (Hi.) Sometimes they're people you've never even met. (Hi.) But they stumbled onto your blog, and they are here to stay.

Lurkers are nervous about leaving comments. Sometimes they feel like they do not have anything witty to say. Or they disagree with you. Fear not, dear lurkers. We would probably love to hear what you have to say. But you don't have to say anything. You have permission to lurk as long as you like.

*Commenting

Bloggers have egos. Egos need to be stroked.

Comments are a wonderful way for bloggers to interact with their readers. And as any blogger will tell you, they read each and every comment, and appreciate each and every word. Commenting provides feedback for the author; it lets them know if their words encouraged you, inspired you, touched you, made you mad, made you laugh.... Your words offer perspective, and help build confidence which in turn inspires the blogger to write more.

Other considerations: every blogger loves comments, but not every blogger leaves comments. Some comment religiously, even when they have nothing to say, while others never comment, though your words have touched them on some core level.

Besides, every blogger I've ever met is a comment whore. ♫ They want it, they need it, they gots to! gots to! gots to! have it...♫

*Hyperlinking

hyperlink: the text that you can "click" on that will take you to another web page.

Hyperlinking is a simple service that shows you care. A link to another web page or site is exhilarating. It's like finding a hidden treasure. There are SO. MANY. GREAT. WRITERS. And most of them blog because they love it. And we would never have found them, if it wasn't for you, you hyperlinking fanatic.

Hyperlinking also lets the other bloggers know you love them. It physically shows them that you are a fan. That you notice what they say. That you think they're brilliant. Or funny. Or awesome. Hyperlinking is a recommendation. It's as if you're saying, "Hey, if you like me, you'll LOVE this guy!" It's the ultimate compliment.

Hyperlinking makes the world go round. I would have never found girls like this, if not for the hyperlink.

*Blog Rolling

There is no greater gift than to be added to someone's blogroll. (except for commenting...)

Blogrolls are delicate things. People pay great attention to who IS and who is NOT on your blogroll. It directly affects their self worth. (Especially if you know you used to be on someone's blogroll, and now you've magically disappeared.) ahem.

And while some of us may feel the desperate need to be included on the blogroll, we need to understand that they are beastly things and most are not updated regularly. (Even though after announcing you have updated and we're still not on it, we get our cyber feelings hurt and we try not to dwell on it, but for the love! What do I have to do to get on your stupid blogroll already?!?!?!) ahem.

*Subscribing

These are the serious blog readers.

Subscription to a feed makes bloggers feel warm and cozy. Especially when we see the numbers rising. (and falling. stupid unsubscribe button. grrrrr.)

And although subscription numbers may not match up to comment numbers, and may leave us wondering, who the heck is reading this anyways, we feel secure. Because while you may not publicly declare your love for us, you subscribe to our feed, because you have to read us. It's a simple act that declares your love. And you do subscribe out of love, and not obligation. Because people that have aggregators like Bloglines and Google Reader, are serious blog fanatics. They simply do not have the time to comment on every blog they read. But they are reading.... oh yes, THEY. ARE. READING.

*****

So there it is. The Five Love Languages of Blogging according to me, the MomBabe.

My Love of All Things of Entertaining

10 Commandments of Entertaining - from Sandy

I have found a woman after my own heart. These are her 10 Commandments of Entertaining. Her name is Sandy and check out here great blog here.

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Real entertaining for real people

casual elegance - inspiration - connection - planning

creativity - simplicity - lifestyle
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Dressing up the Table!
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I guess my true love of entertaining came from my Mom, for years growing up we hosted every Holiday Meal, Family Get Together, Birthday, Parties etc. And everything was done with flair. Tablecloths, dishes, glass stemware, center pieces and the most incredible food you could ever desire.

Now it wasn’t just food, it had to have every color, texture and temperature. Hot was to be served hot and cold serve cold!! Of course timing is everything. There was always a table for the array of desserts. Yummy!! What memories I have, the pure joy of bringing people together. Thank you Mom for all your hard work, and instilling in me a sense of “doing it right”.

Oh how my heart races when I see glassware, table clothes, candles, place cards, serving pieces, anything that would make the setting perfect. I love all this stuff!!

My Baby

4 Treatments for Fibromyalgia - by Dr Oz

Photography by Jason Leonard

Dr. Oz will see you now! In his first O column, he analyzes the different treatments for fibromyalgia.

Defining Fibromyalgia: Though classified as a disorder of the musculoskeletal system, the condition is now seen as a central nervous system problem. Symptoms include increased sensitivity to pain, achy and stiff joints, fatigue, and specific tender points on the back, chest, arms, and legs. Migraines, sleep disorders, and irritable bowel syndrome are also common complaints. Up to 3 percent of the population may suffer from fibromyalgia, but with no clear cause, the condition is difficult to diagnose.

Western Medicine Approach: A formal diagnosis for fibromyalgia didn't exist until 1990, but now there are three FDA-approved meds to combat the pain. Still, says Nancy Klimas, MD, director of the Allergy and Immunology Clinic at the University of Miami, "there is much more to treatment than a pill." Strategies are needed to improve sleep, stretch and restore symmetry to muscles that have been shortened by spasm, and raise overall conditioning through exercise.

Energy-Based Approach: Practitioners believe the root of fibromyalgia is a disturbance in nerves that blocks energy. The disturbance, says Devi S. Nambudripad, MD, PhD, and a licensed acupuncturist, is caused by sensitivities to substances ranging from pollen to vaccines to chemical agents in fabrics. Anxiety and depression may also play a part. Practitioners use acupuncture to release energy and allergy testing to identify problem substances.

Psychological Approach: "The pain of fibromyalgia is not caused by depression," says Leonard Jason, PhD, professor of psychology at DePaul University, "but depression can deepen a patient's experience of pain." Mental health professionals may play a complementary role in treatment, but it's a vital one. Cognitive behavioral therapy can relieve depression and help patients identify sources of stress that magnify their symptoms.

Nutrition-Based Approach: Fibromyalgia is a systemwide breakdown, says Jacob Teitelbaum, MD, medical director of the nationwide Fibromyalgia & Fatigue Centers. After suffering from the disease in the 1970s, he developed his own protocol; in studies, patients improved by as much as 91 percent. He recommends supplements to help sufferers sleep, balance hormones, boost immunity, and improve nutrition. He also prescribes regular exercise. (Try Dr. Oz's 20-minute workout plan)

My Recommendation: Because Western medicine was slow to accept fibromyalgia, it is behind in its work; this is an area where patients will want to take a serious look at alternative approaches. Energy-based medicine could offer some important advances in treatment over the next decade, but since it has yet to be tested by independent research, I think it's premature to base your therapy solely on this approach. I'm more impressed by Teitelbaum's supplement regimen, and not only because he has tested his theories: I've put patients on this program with very good results. I would add counseling, as it should always be a part of fibromyalgia treatment. If after a couple of months you don't see improvement, talk to your doctor about drug therapy.

By Mehmet Oz, MD

from O Magazine
http://www.oprah.com/article/omagazine/200909-omag-dr-oz-fibromyalgia

For my information about Fibromyalgia - National Fibromyalgia Association

10 Fresh Lunchbox Ideas

ired of packing your child's lunch only to discover it barely touched when you empty her backpack? Get creative with these 10 fun and -- yes! -- healthy lunchbox meals that your child will actually enjoy.

by Jennifer Saltiel

1. Pita-Butter and Jelly

If your child's main food staple is PB&J, but peanut butter is a no-no at her school, here's a peanut-free option. Substitute butter or cream cheese in for peanut butter and spread on whole-wheat pita bread. Top with jelly, or if she loves apple pie, try cinnamony apple butter.

Plus:

Hard-boiled egg (If you child hates the yolk, serve two servings of egg whites instead.)
Squeezable yogurt tube
Sliced grapes & sliced grape tomatoes

2. I ♥ Turkey

A plain ol' turkey sandwich gets a little love with this Thanksgiving-inspired, heart-shaped version. (Kid not a heart-lover? Stars or dinosaur shapes work, too.) Spread a thin layer of cranberry sauce on two pieces of whole wheat bread. Layer two slices of roasted turkey breast and sliced cheese. Use a cookie cutter to cut the sandwich into the shape of a heart.

Plus:

Baby carrots with ranch dressing dip
Squeezable applesauce tube

3. Build-Your-Own Sandwich

Let your little chef test his culinary skills by packing the ingredients to a sandwich á la Lunchables. Assembling his own meal right at the lunch table may inspire him to eat it as well. Slice lunch meat and cheese into small squares. Serve with whole-grain crackers and individual packets of mayonnaise or mustard.

Plus:

Pear or apple slices (squeeze a bit of lemon juice on them to prevent browning)
Store-bought cinnamon pita chips


4. Mini Pizzas

This kid-favorite gets a healthy makeover to fuel your child's busy body all day long. Make these the night before to save time in the morning. Top English muffin halves with jarred marinara sauce (if your child won't object, add chopped steamed broccoli or spinach to the sauce.) Sprinkle pre-shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese on top. Bake at 350 degrees for 5 minutes. Let cool, then wrap up.

Plus:

One half cup of blueberries
Individual chocolate pudding

5. Brunch for Lunch

Who says French toast and eggs are just for breakfast? This traditional morning meal makes a power-packed lunch. Feel free to make these the night before. French toast cinnamon sticks: Add pureed squash or sweet potatoes to egg-milk batter for an extra boost of beta-carotene. Cook French toast and sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar mixture. Let cool and slice into sticks for an easy-to-eat fork-free option.

Plus:

Hard-boiled egg (If you child hates the yolk, serve two servings of egg whites instead.)
1/2-cup fruit salad

6. Go Fish!

An under-the-sea adventure right in your child's very own lunchbox: Tuna fish sandwich shaped like a fish. Cut a corner off of the bread and reverse it, placing the point at the middle of the cut line. Use a round slice of baby carrot for the eye.)

Plus:

Baby carrots (Write "Fish Food" on the plastic bag)
Blue-raspberry "water" -- an individual Jell-O container
Mini goldfish-shaped cheese crackers


7. Fruit Roll-Up

While your child would no doubt enjoy diving into a meal of sticky sweet fruit leather, this guilt-free version offers nutrients and energy to keep her going for the second half of the school day.

Spread blueberry or strawberry-flavored cream cheese on a whole-wheat tortilla wrap. Top with fresh blueberries or sliced strawberries and roll tortilla.

Plus:

Small container of hummus
Celery sticks and sliced cucumbers for dipping
A real fruit roll-up for dessert

8. Kid-friendly Chicken Salad

Sliced grapes and cubed apples add sweetness to plain old chicken salad. If your child eats nuts, add crushed cashews for extra crunch. Serve in a small container with whole wheat crackers or flatbreads.

Plus:

String cheese
Cook-free S'Mores: Spread Marshmallow Fluff on one graham cracker square, nutella on the other, and press together and enjoy!

9. Rainbow Wheel

A colorful, super-healthy lunch choice. Spread white bean dip on a whole-wheat or spinach tortilla wrap. Layer with lettuce, sliced tomato, cheese, thinly sliced cucumber (or pickle if your child is a fan), avocado and other favorite vegetables. Roll up the tortilla. Then slice into 4 1-inch cross-sections to make the wheels.

Plus:

Banana
Chocolate milk

10. Cube Food

Kids love finger foods -- why not serve up a whole meal of uniform, easy-to-eat cubes? Serve with a toothpick if your little one doesn't want to use his hands.

Cubed rotisserie chicken
Cubed cheddar cheese
Cubed sweet potato (microwave the whole potato for 8 minutes, let cool, then cut.)

Plus:

Cubed cantaloupe
Cubed brownie bites

http://www.parenting.com/recipes-gallery/Recipes/10-Fresh-Lunchbox-Ideas?cid=enews082509

What are they eating?

After being a mother for 24 years, I thought a few insights of what I had learned would be helpful. I would like to give out some more information that I feel strongly about and if it can help one mother out there my effort has been for good.

Okay, let me set the scene for you. (This can be any place at any time) You have made it to church, even on time. Good Job! You laid out the clothes the night before, even the socks and shoes (that is always the killer) why can you only find one shoe when you really need to get out the door?

You have packed the diaper bag with toys, books and snacks. You wait until they have passed the bread and water, always waiting until the boys have sat down :-), and now you hand out the snacks. Within about 1o - 15 mins. Your child is crying, hitting, biting she/he has lost all control and coping skills. What just happened?

When picking out, buying food and snacks many watch for fat and sugar content but overlook a very important thing. Artificial Colors and Flavors!! Our children are becoming so sensitive to these things. They lurk everywhere, in yogurt, cereal, Kool Aid, drinks, juices, candy, fruit snacks, otter pops, soda, condiments, ice cream, chips, lunch meats, crackers, soups, jellies, jams etc. Unfortunately they are everywhere. I find that they tend to be in items that are less expensive or in generic brands. Real is best.

But what about “saving” money, at what cost in the long run? The health and well being of our children. You need to be aware, proactive, read the labels. You can find alternatives, small changes that will make huge differences.

Christi - Mother of 9

Real Food

If we lived in a perfect world we would grow and cook all of our own food and we would store everything in GLASS.

Every thing would be real, fresh, without pesticides, antibiotics or hormones

High Fructose Corn Syrup is another Bad Boy – That is another whole topic

Real Sugar is better than ANY artificial sweeter period!!

The word – “Natural” Flavor can be deceiving – Did you know that if a chemical tastes like a banana without changing it in anyway, it can be called a “Natural” Flavor

We will pick our battles First – Colors
Just to give you an idea:
Oscar Mayer Deli Meats – Carmel Color
Kraft Mini (white) marshmallows – Blue #1
I put Yoplait yogurt cups on the okay list etc.
for Lime – Yellow #5 and Blue #1
Taco Bell Taco Shells – Yellow #5

You can great items at Good Earth Health Food Store, Whole Foods, Real Food Market, Harvest Fresh Market, Trader Joes,

Food Choices

Some good ideas:

Ice Cream – Breyers (still check your labels)
Popsicle does have a few okay choices – Natural Colors and Flavors with Fruit Juice – Orange, Cherry, Grape, Fudgsicles
Capri Sun – 100% Juice Boxes
Juicy Juice – 100% Juice Boxes
Brach’s has put out a few good fruit snacks – Tree Top – All Natural Fruit Snacks (at Costco) and Motts - All Natural Fruit Snacks
Yoplait yogurt cups


Snack Ideas:
Kix, Cheerios, Puffed Wheat & Rice,
Nuts, Seeds, Pretzels, Cracker Jacks, Raisins,
Air Popped Pop Corn, Cut Up Fruit, Dried Fruit
String Cheese, Baby Carrots

20 Ideas for Healthy Kids Snacks

As a responsible parent, one of our main concerns is to supervise what our kids eat. As obesity becomes more common, its important to ensure that we feed them healthy food, and that includes healthy snacks too! A growing child has higher metabolism, and snacks often add up to the regular meals. Unfortunately, that means a lot of extra calories, sugar, and fat. So the next time you are searching for lunch-box ideas, take a look at the list below. With these healthy kid-friendly snacks, you can not only prevent the risks of childhood obesity, but also keep cavities at bay!

Here's a list of 20 Healthy Snacks for yourself and your kids to fight off the snack attack in a healthy nutritious way. Plus, these are SO GOOD, they are great for adults too, so you don't binge on junk food anymore!

[Adapted from an article originally printed via EatRight.org & Fun and Food Cafe

1. A Banana by itself, or dip one yogurt, then coat with crushed cereal and freeze.
2. Stuff a whole-grain pita pocket with ricotta cheese and apple slices, and sprinkle a dash of cinnamon.
3. A bag of ready-to-eat cereal, dried fruit and nuts, all tossed together.
4. A bowl of vanilla yogurt topped with crunchy granola and berries.
5. A small serving of baked potato with reduced-fat cheddar cheese and salsa.
6. Fruit Kebabs, made with fruit cubes and cheese on toothpicks.
7. A whole grain waffle topped with fruits and honey
8. A PBJ sandwich or smoothie
9. A sandwich on wholegrain bread with cilantro, cheese and tomatoes.
10. Mini Pizza on corn tortilla base and topped with salsa and veggies.
11. Instant oatmeal topped with craisins and chopped nuts.
12. A cup of tomato or vegetable soup with whole-grain or cheese crackers.
13. Fill a waffle cone with frozen yogurt and cut-up fruit for a healthy ice cream cone.
14. Toast an English muffin, drizzle with pizza sauce and sprinkle with low-fat mozzarella cheese.
15. Rocky Road - Break a graham cracker into bite-size pieces. Add
to low-fat chocolate pudding along with a few miniature marshmallows.
16. Banana Split with a banana, low-fat vanilla and strawberry
frozen yogurt, topped with walnuts or pecans.
17. Whole grain cereal with otas, almonds and dried fruit.
18. Homemade Granola Bars
19. A simple cheese sandwich with a glass of Orange Juice
20. Celery sticks and cherry tomatoes with cheese cubes.

In addition to getting snacks with a lot of sugar and fat, getting too many snacks or snack serving sizes that are simply too large unhealthy for kids. Snacks like Cookies, chips, candy, doughnuts, fruit drinks, soda, etc. are indulgencies, and should not become regular habits. Limiting snacks to just 100 to 150 calories per serving is a good ballpark.

This is not a fool-proof list; I'm sure there would be tonnes of more ideas that you moms out there would be using! Care to share some with our readers? It's necessary to prevent childhood obesity, and you can do it! Hope this list helps you whip up a healthy, nutritious yet delicious snack for your kids the next time they cry out "Mommy, I'm hungry!!"