Thank You Lord

..for you Lord who loves me far beyond what I deserve.

...for being together with family.  There's nothing that brings joy to my heart like family gathering.

...for my health, and I am so thankful for a healthy family as well.

...for a safe and warm place to live.  My blessings far exceed these basic necessities, but I never want to forget that no matter what problems come up, many of them are nothing compared to what many families have to live through.

...for holiday traditions.

...for a recent transformation in Ana. I love that the sweet lovely girl who I know is shining through to others. I have seen her confidence grow in the past few months, and I am thankful for her preschool teachers and high school helpers for creating such a nurturing environment where she can really flourish!

...for a clean house!

...for the sweet little voices that my girls have.  The little "cartoon character:" voices won't last forever, so I'll enjoy them while I can!

...for the ability to play music.  From the moment I heard a friend playing piano when I was in grade school, I knew that I wanted to make amazing sounds too.  There's something so other-worldly about it- to forget about myself, and to just listen and play...

...for friends new and old.  To share smiles and memories and kids and even hard times makes friends so important.

...for my sweet dog Shady.  She's the best dog ever.  Enough said.

...for my new healthy eating challenge group. My friend Nina has been an inspiration.  I physically feel so good eating clean!

...and with that being said, I'm still thanking You, Lord, for Thanksgiving dessert!  (Celebrations mean you get to eat sugar and other goodies!)

...for my Scott.  From working hard at his job to washing the dishes on Thanksgiving day, he's our family's wonderful example of a Christ-like man.  I have watched him sacrifice what he would want for our family so often, and it has not gone unnoticed.  He is my true love, and I'm so blessed to live each day with him.

I will praise God’s name in song and glorify him with thanksgiving.

Psalm 69:29-31

Reader, please let me know in the comment section- What are you thankful for on this Thanksgiving day?

It's Summer and Eco Kids

I said good-bye to my puppy this weekend.  Ana cries and cries when she thinks about how she misses him. He was the most gentle and loving lab I've ever known, and I'll never forget holding him in my hands the day he was born.  We used to give some of our puppies silly names before we sold them, and he was "Load" because he was the big guy of the litter.  When it was time to name him he was Fallon-  Fallon's Load of Rox.

It was fitting to spend the last day with him in the yard where he spent his 14 years.  The kids played and had fun, but they would stop to lovingly pet him and say a prayer for him. Yesterday when we stood and looked at his grave, the tears came, but standing there in the peaceful sunset it felt right to go on gardening and playing and doing all of the things that we did just a few days earlier when he was still with us.  Although there were tears, there were lots of smiles too- and popsicles.  Our old guy would have approved.


***********

Please join me for the Eco-Kids Linky!  I hope that you'll share some great family-friendly posts that are also friendly for the environment. Some ideas include:

•  Nature Activities
• Outdoor Activities
• Crafts made with re-purposed or recycled materials
• Sewing and DIY home projects
• Science Experiments
• Posts on environmental issues for kids or families
• Non-toxic living
• Homeopathic Remedies

Eco-Kids Tuesdays is co-hosted by Organic Aspirations and Like Mama~Like Daughter. This means that anything you link-up shows up on both blogs!
Feel free to link up several of your posts.

There are only a few rules:

Please follow both co-hostess' blogs, and visit some of the other posts and give them some encouragement!   Please stick to posts and photos not giveaways or items for sale.

By linking up, you are agreeing that Organic Aspirations or Like Mama~Like Daughter can feature your photos next week with a link back to your site.  

 Please link back to my site using this button:

<a href="http://organicaspirations.blogspot.com
 /search/label/Eco%20Kids" target="_blank"><img
src="http://i1172.photobucket.com/albums/r577/Becki_Lewis/EcoKidsTuesdays.jpg" alt="Organic Aspirations" width="125" height="125" /></a>

A Quarter Steer and Eco Kids

I'm again publishing Eco Kids on a Wednesday.  Yesterday morning I had a fun adventure to meet one of the organic farmers from Manchester Farms to pick up my organic grass-fed beef.  I already made some hamburgers from the meat, and I know it was worth my time and every penny my husband and I spent.  It was not like the organic beef from the stores that shrinks by 60% while it cooks.  The color and the taste are just amazing.  If you've been considering going local for your beef- do it.  It's worth it 100%!  The next addition to my new freezer?- Manchester Farms pork!

Treasure Baskets by Our Playful Journey


Fine Motor Practice by Sugar Aunts


Growing My Faith by Mommy the Teacher

If you were featured today, please share this button on your site!
 

<a href="http://organicaspirations.blogspot.com/search/label/Eco%20Kids" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1172.photobucket.com/albums/r577/Becki_Lewis/FeaturedonEcoKidsTuesdays.jpg" alt="Organic Aspirations" width="125" height="125" /></a>

***********

Please join me for the Eco-Kids Linky!  I hope that you'll share some great family-friendly posts that are also friendly for the environment. Some ideas include:

•  Nature Activities
• Outdoor Activities
• Crafts made with re-purposed or recycled materials
• Sewing and DIY home projects
• Science Experiments
• Posts on environmental issues for kids or families
• Non-toxic living
• Homeopathic Remedies

Eco-Kids Tuesdays is co-hosted by Organic Aspirations and Like Mama~Like Daughter. This means that anything you link-up shows up on both blogs!
Feel free to link up several of your posts.

There are only a few rules:

Please follow both co-hostess' blogs, and visit some of the other posts and give them some encouragement!   Please stick to posts and photos not giveaways or items for sale.

By linking up, you are agreeing that Organic Aspirations or Like Mama~Like Daughter can feature your photos next week with a link back to your site.  

 Please link back to my site using this button:

<a href="http://organicaspirations.blogspot.com
 /search/label/Eco%20Kids" target="_blank"><img
src="http://i1172.photobucket.com/albums/r577/Becki_Lewis/EcoKidsTuesdays.jpg" alt="Organic Aspirations" width="125" height="125" /></a>

Making Recycled Mini-Greenhouses

With the return of warm weather comes the time to start the garden.  Although in many zones, seed can be sown directly into the ground now, chances are there are a few varieties of plant that should be started inside.  Some examples of plants that need an indoor start in most cases are peppers, tomatoes, and celery.  Rather than buy trays for starting your seeds, why not collect some of the plastic waste that is already in your recycling bin to reuse?  Milk jugs, vinegar jugs, and clear packages that often hold cupcakes or cookies make great mini-greenhouses.

Materials:

• Plastic containers
• Heavy duty scissors (a woodburning tool would also work well for this)
• Packing tape
• Soil
• Seeds

Directions:

1. For jugs, cut around the middle leaving the top and bottom connected in a small space.

1. 
   
2. 2. Discard lids, and poke holes in the bottom for drainage.
3.  Add about three inches of soil, and soak the soil.  Let the soil drain completely before planting about four seeds.
4. Tape the jugs back together.  Supposedly you can leave these little greenhouses outside even in the winter, but thus far I've had better luck with the ones that only go outside on nice days.  
5. For the clear bakery containers, follow the same steps, but poke holes in the top and bottom.  There's no need for cutting or taping because the container opens nicely and snaps back shut.
6. Place containers next to a window that gets direct sunlight, and add a light if possible.

This week I'm featuring some of my favorite Eco Kids links from last week.  They are all great tips for using around the home:

10 Green Cleaning Essentials by Mums Make Lists

Homemade Orange ACV Cleaner by Scratch Mommy

DIY Flexible Icepacks by Homestead Dad

If you were featured today, please share this button on your site!
 

<a href="http://organicaspirations.blogspot.com/search/label/Eco%20Kids" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1172.photobucket.com/albums/r577/Becki_Lewis/FeaturedonEcoKidsTuesdays.jpg" alt="Organic Aspirations" width="125" height="125" /></a>

***********

Please join me for the Eco-Kids Linky!  I hope that you'll share some great family-friendly posts that are also friendly for the environment. Some ideas include:

•  Nature Activities
• Outdoor Activities
• Crafts made with re-purposed or recycled materials
• Sewing and DIY home projects
• Science Experiments
• Posts on environmental issues for kids or families
• Non-toxic living
• Homeopathic Remedies

Eco-Kids Tuesdays is co-hosted by Organic Aspirations and Like Mama~Like Daughter. This means that anything you link-up shows up on both blogs!
Feel free to link up several of your posts.

There are only a few rules:

Please follow both co-hostess' blogs, and visit some of the other posts and give them some encouragement!   Please stick to posts and photos not giveaways or items for sale.

By linking up, you are agreeing that Organic Aspirations or Like Mama~Like Daughter can feature your photos next week with a link back to your site.  

 Please link back to my site using this button:

<a href="http://organicaspirations.blogspot.com
 /search/label/Eco%20Kids" target="_blank"><img
src="http://i1172.photobucket.com/albums/r577/Becki_Lewis/EcoKidsTuesdays.jpg" alt="Organic Aspirations" width="125" height="125" /></a>

DIY Healthy Popsicles and Eco Kids

I have been trying to phase plastic out of my kitchen.  It hasn't been the easiest task for me since much of what my kids use is plastic.  Popsicles, however, I have down pat.  These are a simple and healthy treat that I don't mind feeding to my girls because they are simply made with keifer.

Materials:

• Tall shot glasses
• Washed popsicle sticks
• Keifer

Instructions:

1. Pour keifer into each shot glass filling the glass to the rim.  
2. Insert a popsicle stick into the middle of each glass.
3. Freeze for several hours.
4. To remove the popsicles, let them sit on the counter for about five minutes. 

My features this week are all DIY healthy and beauty products:

How to Make Shampoo Bars by learningandyearning

Making Lip Balm by Ziezo

Natural Lotion Bars by Adorned from Above

Eczema Rescue Salve by Herein is Love

If you were featured today, please share this button on your site!
 

<a href="http://organicaspirations.blogspot.com/search/label/Eco%20Kids" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1172.photobucket.com/albums/r577/Becki_Lewis/FeaturedonEcoKidsTuesdays.jpg" alt="Organic Aspirations" width="125" height="125" /></a>

***********

Please join me for the Eco-Kids Linky!  I hope that you'll share some great family-friendly posts that are also friendly for the environment. Some ideas include:

•  Nature Activities
• Outdoor Activities
• Crafts made with re-purposed or recycled materials
• Sewing and DIY home projects
• Science Experiments
• Posts on environmental issues for kids or families
• Non-toxic living
• Homeopathic Remedies

Eco-Kids Tuesdays is co-hosted by Organic Aspirations and Like Mama~Like Daughter. This means that anything you link-up shows up on both blogs!
Feel free to link up several of your posts.

There are only a few rules:

Please follow both co-hostess' blogs, and visit some of the other posts and give them some encouragement!   Please stick to posts and photos not giveaways or items for sale.

By linking up, you are agreeing that Organic Aspirations or Like Mama~Like Daughter can feature your photos next week with a link back to your site.  

 Please link back to my site using this button:

<a href="http://organicaspirations.blogspot.com
 /search/label/Eco%20Kids" target="_blank"><img
src="http://i1172.photobucket.com/albums/r577/Becki_Lewis/EcoKidsTuesdays.jpg" alt="Organic Aspirations" width="125" height="125" /></a>

Pesticides- What's the Big Deal Anyway?

I used to think that if they sprayed a certain pesticide on food, then it must be gentle enough to eat. A pesticide, according to the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) is "any substance used to kill, repel, or control certain forms of plant or animal life that are considered to be pests." They can be used to control insects, bacteria, mold and mildew, mice, and plants. Many studies have shown that the chemicals used to control pests may be having quite and effect on us as well.



Pesticides are not only used on farms.  In certain areas in the West, it is common practice to have your home sprayed with pesticides monthly to control lizards and scorpions.  Flea collars are another common use of pesticides in the home.  Even disinfectants that proudly boat to kill bacteria are pesticides.  These and many other products are marketed without really explaining the risk to our family when we use them.

The NIEHS also reports that a major study on farm families is indicating negative consequences to the exposure to pesticides.  Symptoms include dizziness, nausea, tremors, and other neurological related symptoms.  The National Cancer Institute says that although farmers have an overall lower death rate than the general population (probably due to increased activity and lower smoking rates), their risk for certain types of cancer, such as non-Hodgkin Lymphoma, Leukemia, brain, and more.  Although it is unknown what causes each type of cancer, pesticides are highly suspect for many of the cases.  One commonly used farm pesticide, imazethapyr, was previously classified by the EPA as a non-probable carcinogen, but this agricultural study has shown that there is a 137% increase in bladder cancer among farmers with the highest exposure.  This shows that it may not be so clear as to which chemicals are safe.

Children and fetuses are at the highest risk for problems caused by pesticides.  There is a window of susceptibility which means that fetuses exposed to pesticides and other toxins are at risk for developing other problems later in life such as lower IQ, disease, and other developmental problems. Another study by the NIEHS of preschool children showed that children eating primarily organic produce have a 9 times lower level of pesticides in their body.  So, that is one simple way that parents can greatly reduce the exposure for their children.

The results of recent studies show that pesticides are a big deal.  They are not just a convenient way to get rid of pests without any risk to humans.  It seems that it is quite the opposite.  Maybe it's time to think of all of the ways your family is in contact with pesticides and think of ways to make a change.  You don't have to change everything right now, but you should change something right now.  One step at a time.


Don't forget to sign your name to the growing list of Americans who are demanding safer chemicals.  On the right is a place to show support for the Safer Chemicals Healthy Family.

Sources:
Our Stolen Future: Eating Organic Reduces Pesticide Exposures
Catherine McCord: "Snobby Kids Eat Organic"
National Cancer Institute: Agricultural Health Study
National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences: Child Development and Environmental Toxins
National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences: Pesticides

Organic Taco Dip Recipe and Eco Kids

Enjoy this delicious recipe with some organic tortilla chips or other dippers.  It's a great snack for little get togethers, and it's organic.  If you can't find ingredients that are organic, or if the organic ingredients are too expensive, buy the most natural items you can find.  Remember, even if you don't use 100% organic food, you will still lower your family's pesticide exposure with each organic purchase you do make.  If you don't use organic dairy products, try to find products labeled RBGH free.

Organic Taco Dip

 Ingredients:

• 1 container organic sour cream
• 1 block organic cream cheese
• 2-3 Tablespoons Organic Taco Seasoning (see below)
• 1/2 block organic cheddar cheese, grated
• 1 cup organic lettuce, shredded
• 1/2 cup organic tomatoes, cubed
• 1/4 cup organic black olives, sliced
• 1/4 cup organic green onions, chopped

Heat the cream cheese in the microwave for 2-3 minutes until soft.  Mix cream cheese, sour cream, and taco seasoning.  Spread mixture over a round pizza pan or platter.  Sprinkle remaining ingredients over the top.  Serve with organic tortilla chips.

Organic Taco Seasoning

Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons organic chili powderr
• 1 tablespoon sea salt
• 1 tablespoon organic garlic powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons organic black group pepper
• 3/4 teaspoon organic ground red pepper

 Mix all ingredients, and store in an airtight container.

Last week's Eco Kids was filled with great ideas, and here are a few of my favorites:

 
Tutorial for Valentine Bookmarks by Jerry and Kay



Love Bug Valentines by madebyjoey



Number Matching Hearts by Trial and Error Mama


Valentine Mailbox by We Made That


Real Deal Marshmallows by An Organic Wife
 If you've been featured, please grab a button:

<a href="http://organicaspirations.blogspot.com/search/label/Eco%20Kids" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1172.photobucket.com/albums/r577/Becki_Lewis/EcoKidsTuesdays.jpg" alt="Organic Aspirations" width="125" height="125" /></a>

***********


Please join
 me for the Eco-Kids Linky!  I hope that you'll share some
great family-friendly posts that are also friendly for the environment.
Some ideas include:

•  Nature Activities


• Outdoor Activities


• Crafts made with re-purposed or recycled materials


•  Sewing and DIY home projects


• Science Experiments


• Posts on environmental issues for kids or families


• Non-toxic living


• Homeopathic Remedies

Eco-Kids Tuesdays is co-hosted by Organic Aspirations and Like Mama~Like Daughter this means that anything you link-up shows up on both blogs!  Feel free to link up several of your posts.

There are only a few rules:

Please follow both co-hostess' blogs, and visit some of the other posts and give them
some encouragement!   Please stick to posts and photos not giveaways or
items for sale.

By linking up, you are agreeing that Organic Aspirations or Like
Mama~Like Daughter can feature your photos next week with a link back to
 your site.  

 Please link back to my site using this button:

<a href="http://organicaspirations.blogspot.com/search/label/Eco%20Kids" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1172.photobucket.com/albums/r577/Becki_Lewis/EcoKidsTuesdays.jpg" alt="Organic Aspirations" width="125" height="125" /></a>