Real Food Nutrition...Rawsome Italiano

Real food...the way that God made it. That is what He has been guiding our family towards more of for 'whole food' nutrition. We've tried lots of supplements over the years...from multi-vitamins, iron, probiotics...I think we've tried most of them and some work well, but the idea of getting all or most of our nutrition from real food was intriguing to me...so I started the research. (anyone who knows me knows that I love to research!) The Lord kept leading me back to the raw food movement...with all the nutrients, fiber and enzymes intact. I was blessed to get some books and a nifty little kitchen gadget and away we went! Above is a picture of a recipe that has become a family favorite...even getting 2 thumbs up from my 5 year old daughter AND my 'meat & potatoes' husband! It is called "Rawsome Italiano". I'll post the recipe below.
This is my "spiralizer"...I found it on Amazon after reading about it being used in a lot of raw food recipes. It will either make 'ribbon' looking veggies, similar to pasta or (our favorite) it will actually make the veggies very similar to angel hair pasta. This is what we did with the zucchini.
Look at all of that yummy green goodness!

~I've been trying to add as much raw veggies and fruit thru out the whole day as I can get into everyone...along with culturing our own kefir and kombucha, both of which are loaded with tons of enzymes and probiotics. We've been having kefir berry smoothies in the mornings (with lots of unsweetened frozen berries), green smoothies around lunch (with romaine, spinach and different frozen fruit)...along with veggies and fruit...a raw 'salad' of some sort...either this zucchini recipe, or 'anti-cancer' slaw or salad...and another kefir smoothie before bed. Some days, I feel as if I am drinking all day long! LOL

The above recipe is from a very cool book called "Alive in Five" by Angela Elliot. Here it is! (this is how we modified it to our tastes...we do not do olives, but you can throw them in!) To your health! ~Sue~

~Rawsome Italiano~


1 zucchini (we used 4 thin ones for our family of 6)
1/4 red bell pepper, chopped
1/5 sweet onion, chopped
olives
salt/pepper
fresh parsley for garnish (we used fresh chives)

Using a vegetable peeler or spiralizer, cut the zucchini into long, thin strips to create "vegetable spagetti". Mix in the rest of the veggies and toss. Pour sauce on top and garnish.

Sauce

6 Roma tomatoes
1/2 cup sun dried tomatoes, soaked for 15 minutes
1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped (I used dried)
1 green onion, chopped (I used 1/8 of an onion)
2 tbslp olive oil
1 tsp. soy sauce
1 clove garlic
1/2 tsp. agave nectar
salt/pepper/oregano

Process in food processor until smooth....pour on veggies right before serving.
Enjoy!

Growing up....

My beautiful daughter, Sara. Sara is my 2nd oldest daughter and she is 14 1/2 right now. Did you ever have a child that was so very much like you? Sara is very, very much like her mother in so many ways! Lately, with having such a wide age range around here, I see evidence of growing up in all of my children....the past few days it has been my Sara....One of the ways that Sara is very much like me, is that usually she feels the need to learn from her own experiences and mistakes...rather than learning from others....and something is a great idea....if it is HER idea. You can probably imagine the 'discussions' we've been having around here....two strong willed women! LOL
As part of my girls education, I am insisting that they learn simple sewing, crocheting and maybe knitting (crocheting and knitting work both the right and left sides of the brain at the same time, increasing cognitive ability, problem solving skills and creativity) ....more importantly, they are required to know how to cook and bake from scratch...a skill that I feel they will need all of their lives.
So...I told Miss Sara the other evening that she should pick either a knitting project or a crochet project....or I would assign one to her. Well...she was NOT happy with this idea, argued eloquently against it....until I told her that she had 10 minutes to decide or I would. Sara came out 10 minutes later and said "Let me try the knitting"....well, it took me a week of concerted effort to teach myself knitting and it was slow going....Sara got it in 5 minutes and said "oh, you mean like this?"...and off she went! Then, she said "Let me try the crochet again and see which one I like better"....so I gave her a hook....and she fell in love with crocheting and yarn! Meghan and I are so happy that Sara now shares our love of YARN and crocheting! After a little bit, I said to her "Do you have anything that you want to say to me?"....Sara sheepishly grinned, and said "I'm sorry for arguing, Mom...you were right"...now why don't children just do it the first time without arguing?! LOL Now we can't get her to put the hook down....you now regularly hear "just one more row?!" from both Meghan and Sara now! LOL

Yesterday, after a long Sunday, Sara asked if she could make a pie since it was "3-14" day. I asked if it would be gluten free...and again...she wanted to do it "her way"....I gave my permission, while resigning myself to eating no pie. About 1/2 hour later I walked into the kitchen to find her making a gluten free apple pie....how wonderful! I asked her why she changed her mind, and she said it would be just as good and she wanted me to eat it too....and wouldn't you know, her GF pie crust turned out better than mine!

~A good friend reminded me last night, " didn't you say she was just like you?"....and I've been thinking of it ever since. How can I best teach and train Sara, especially as she is naturally growing up and becoming independant...since she is as strong-willed as I am? I think we will have a talk today about working together....before I know it, she and Meghan will grown and gone out of our home...and I want Sara to learn how to channel the strength of will that the Lord gave her to serve Him and do His will....and how to surrender to someone else's authority...and to do it gracefully.

She is such a sweet daughter! I don't know what I would do without my 'Sara Sunshine'! My daughters are growing up into my very best friends...the ones I want to tell things to first...to share all of our interests with....to pray together, to learn together, to serve together.....Love you, much, Sara Bear!!!!!! ~Love, Mum~

Spring Joy!

~I saw this wonderful sight out of my kitchen window and ran for my camera....this just said "Joy" to me today! Anna was enjoying herself so much just swinging on her swing...singing to herself and enjoying the warm weather and sunshine! I loved the look of her totally enjoying herself....with her little pink boots on, pink tights, bubble gum shirt...and all the snow still around her. It was so warm today!

We had all the windows open, dusting and sweeping...moving some furniture around in Anna's room, adding chest of drawers for more organized storage. It felt so good to have all the fresh air in here! While dinner was cooking, I so enjoyed sitting on the deck in my rocker talking with Meghan, just enjoying the late afternoon sunshine. We're all so happy that Spring is finally here! Can't get any happier than a little girl finally able to 'swing up to the sky' again! Going to bed with windows open tonight....Happy Spring! Enjoy the fresh air! ~Sue~

My girls....

Today was a "girls only" day! While Ron & Ronnie did their "guy things", myself and my 3 darling daughters went thrifting!

Thru out the day, for some reason, I was more aware than usual how very DIFFERENT my daughters all are! It is a little difficult to tell with my little Anna, how she will be as a young woman, but since she takes so much after Sara in most ways (and yet uniquely "Anna"!), I will be curious as to her oldest sister's influence on her in the future.

Meghan, as the eldest, is very mature, an "old soul" so to speak. She loves anything old-fashioned...vintage. Meghan also is very domestic...she loves anything having to do with homemaking, and is very good at these things, as well! Meghan is very creative in the 'domestic arts'...that, her writing, and her beloved piano are how she expresses herself creatively. Meghan tends to "mother" everyone...a trait that is very much like her mother! She also tends to be a little bit of a 'perfectionist'...and is harder on herself than anyone. Her style is traditional and feminine.

Sara, my 2nd daughter, is SO MUCH like me!!! She is a 'rebel',(very much like me!) ...highly intelligent, and always has to know "why"....very imaginative and playful. Sara
is also very creative, making bead jewelery, writing beautiful song lyrics and poems, loves to worship dance and has a great eye for color. Her personal style is very 'eclectic'...playful and funky...very Sara! Sara is still finding areas where her creativity flows....actually, Meghan & I both are as well! I guess you can always find new ways to be creative.

My Anna....my little 5 year old girl. She, as well, is ME!!! She never walks...she skips, dances, bounces and twirls thru life right now....with her own individual sense of style...she really is getting better at matching! LOL She is now very into coloring...planning her own colors rather than "following the pattern"...she, too, is very much like her mother. :)

We had a nice time today, talking, singing...checking out a few things at Michael's as well.

I'm finding that each one of my girls needs something different from me, as their mother. (of course, my son does, too....but as the only boy here, he treated "manly" to begin with from all of us) But, no matter what age they are, they all seem to need Mom's approval (I know I still like my mom's approval) ...even if I don't agree with some of their choices in colors or styles....they need to know that I accept their individual likes/dislikes and sense of style. (of course, well within our modesty expectations for our daughters)

On my journey of mothering for the past 16 1/2 years, one of the things I was thinking of today was how the Lord created each one so special and unique. Even though Anna is very much like Sara, she is not completely like Sara...and I see little bits of each one of my daughters in each other....and a lot of myself in each one. I am so grateful to have these precious daughters!!! Knowing how quickly Meghan & Sara are growing up and will probably be gone within a short time, sometimes make me think about what a short time I have with all of my children and what eternal truths does the Lord want me to teach them....what skills and lessons have eternal value? They say more is 'caught' than 'taught'...and I hope that all of my children will learn from observing me that the Lord showers grace on sinners...and since no one is perfect, to imitate the only one who IS....Jesus...to walk in His ways, and to be grateful for His love and forgiveness everyday. Thank you, Lord, for these precious gifts of my children! ~Sue~

Do your Best!

Tonight was the annual Cubscout Blue & Gold banquet for Pack 215. It was also a celebration of 100 years of scouting in America. It was a wonderful celebration and our whole family attended!

One of the reasons that it was so special, is that my husband, Ron, was a cubscout and then a boyscout when he was young...now Ronnie is following in his footsteps. They teach so many lessons...duty to God, duty to country, obeying the laws of the pack, service, teamwork, leadership...as well as lots of wonderful 'hands-on' skills, survival skills and good old-fashioned fun! Last year, for Ronnie's first year, Ron & I were den leaders. This year, we help out by opening our home for all the den meetings, and helping in any way that we can. I especially love the "Father and Son" memories that are made!

Lot's of great friendships are made along with fun memories for the boys. Ronnie and his friend, Caleb, seem to have forged a special friendship over this past year.

The skit this year had the boys being "indian" braves, pounding on drums, and honoring the pack chief, who will be moving onto boyscouts and a new pack chief will be taking over...my good friend, Diane.

Wolf Den #10!!!!

~Way to go, guys! Lots more fun and adventure awaits us in the future! ~

Mother.....

My "Best Friend" just got back from being out of town for 9 weeks....my mother. Oh, how I've missed her! She is my biggest 'cheerleader'...my children's biggest fan. The older we both get, the more we have in common and like to do together and share. I'm grateful that she is not living 11 1/2 hours away anymore, but is only about an hour away...but I wish it were only 10 minutes! Today, we spent the whole day with my mom and step-dad. What a relaxing, fun time we all had! Simple luncheon when we arrived, the little ones played, Ron was able to relax and watch a Dean Martin Variety show with my step-dad and laugh a lot....Mum and I lay on her bed talking and laughing....sharing books we love, and catching up. They will be leaving soon for another vacation, but will be back in Pittsburgh after that. Looking forward to a fun summer visiting with them! My mom....I missed her a lot while she was gone!

She made one of my favorite meals...the one usually reserved only for my birthday....her famous "chicken bucket" chicken! I helped her make it so I can borrow "The Bucket" and make it for my dear friend, Jolyn...yes, Jolyn....I will make it for you!

The best chicken in the world!

She brought Anna back a baby doll that Anna named 'Clara'...and calls her a rub-a-dub dolly.....Anna is so excited!

Buppy picked out marbles for Ronnie and a real sling-shot....he can't wait to target practice outside!
She gave Anna a hair cut....she always used to cut our hair...and still trims mine when she is around.

My wonderful mom and step-dad! We love them so much and are glad they are back from being 'snow birds' in Florida! Of course, they came home to over 2 feet of snow...but after relaxing for 9 weeks...I think it might be refreshing for them! LOL

~My mom and I have always, as long as I remember, had a special relationship. Growing up, she was always there, she fostered our imagination and creativity, my love of books......and as I got older, she was always there for me, no matter what I was doing...and now, we share so many of the same interests, likes and dislikes. The same type of relationship that I want to have with my own daughters...now, and when they have homes of their own. What a wonderful day we all had!

~Thanks for a great day, Mum! Love you very much! ~ Sue

Less 'technology'...more creativity!

Less 'technology'....ever since the weekend, the Lord has been working on me...speaking truth to me and refining me...and I feel as if a fog is lifting...and I'm listening. Today, I quit 'Facebook'...I also unplugged and put away the little laptop from my room. (where I was going to 'retreat' and rest for the past few couple of months...when the exhaustion of sick children got to me, or when I was simply in so much pain and exhaustion myself, that I felt the need to rest) Knowing that feeling the need to rest is not horrible, and with my fibromyalgia and bone spurring in my neck...I WILL have bad days, and need to take it easy...more lessons along those lines another post. So, today, if I needed to rest, I went right over to my little 'corner' of the livingroom and did just that...rested, but with my family around me. My children still had me THERE with them, for a hug/snuggle, to talk to...I was available to them. No matter how I am feeling....they still need me to be available to them. I love to read, research, learn new things....so instead of spending a lot of time on the computer, today I was able to read bits and pieces of the new MaryJane's Farm magazine that arrived....read thru the new "No Greater Joy" magazine that arrived as well....get some great ideas and inspiration from both...and in between knit a little bit more. I was able to talk to my daughters, plan some menus, discuss a myriad of things with my older girls. (you know how young ladies are....so much to talk about, from one subject to another) Then, tonight....make popcorn and watch the Duggar family for 1/2 an hour. What a sweet family! We all enjoy watching their show, seeing their family and praying for their new baby, Josie!

And, as for my 2 little ones....well, they each designed and made a board game! I was able to play Ronnie's lego game...then Anna's little game...she told me it had no rules, and that whatever I landed on, she would tell me all about it! LOL What fun!

Don't get me wrong.... I think some technology is wonderful...electricity and running water, for sure! I do like researching on the internet, blogging as a creative writing outlet, and I do love the idea of skype...can't wait to talk to my niece in Italy and our dear friends in Africa....but, I still LOVE 'snail mail'...the girls and I still send letters and little cards in the mail frequently and now Ronnie and Anna are starting it, too. There is just something about the written word....something about a blank piece of paper or a journal that gets my thoughts flowing onto the paper....and something to pass on to my children and grandchildren.

Now....if I can re-set my internal clock, after all of this sickness...early to bed, early to rise...I can get up early tomorrow for some quiet time with God's word and my journal....2 things that I would not want to live without! I can live without facebook....but spending time with my family, and having visits face to face is so much more precious to me, than a minutes thought many times thru out the day! Do any of you have a love/hate relationship with technology too? So blessed to be able to share our lives thru this blog, with photos and memories of our days and with our loved ones. Now, I'm off to probably dream that I am back living in the prairie times! LOL Grateful for the blessings that I have......~Sue~

Chicken Nut Puffs....

We've been trying a lot of new and different recipes lately in light of trying to be as frugal, creative and healthy as we can...so we made these for lunch the other day and served them with a bunch of veggies....these were so good!

The origional recipe, above, is from Taste of Home magazine...and we simply used GF brown rice flour in place of the white (wheat) flour. These were made in no time!

Anyone else out there trying new healthy, frugal recipes? I especially love when my daughters get excited about trying new recipes...a couple of new ones coming this week that they are trying out. I love when my daughters cook, they are such a blessing!