first day

Today was Max's first day of preschool. He has been SO excited all year, and I have used it as leverage for good behavior at home. "Only little boys that are nice to their brothers get to go to preschool", "only little boys that listen to their mommies get to go to preschool". Not sure what my next disciplinary tactic will be, perhaps I will have to start reading parenting books. He has been dying to go "school" since he learned of it's association with backpacks and school buses...two of his very favorite things.

The first day was a success, and definitely lived up to his expectations. The two little ones fell asleep on the way home, and then Max and I snuggled on the couch and he told me all about it. I hope he will be this open/willing to talk to me in ten more years. And may I also say that I love the age of four? Max is blossoming into a delightful boy. He is helpful, polite, listens and follows directions, gives me hugs and tells me he loves me (without me saying it first), and walks around singing primary songs. A much needed breath of fresh air when there is a wild two-year-old in the house. My only hope is that school continues to be a positive experience for him. It's a rough world out there.

four generations + more allergies

I forgot to post these four generation pictures we took at the Smith family farm in New York. The boys were tired/grumpy after the tour and running around in the heat. Oh well. I'm glad we remembered to take them.

I also thought I'd mention that we finally got around to having J-P's doctor fax over his allergy results. He has a high level fish/shellfish allergy, was isn't a surprise. The doctor called to tell us about that one. But it turns out that he also has allergies to eggs, wheat, peanuts, pork, and corn (but dairy was completely negative). I am determined to get to the bottom of this allergy epidemic. I have read that those with a propensity for developing food allergies will become allergic/sensitive to new foods if they eat them too often, and that the root cause is digestive malfunction. I have also read that low level/hidden food allergies are responsible for a slew of health problems and chronic diseases.

So, I have ten books on hold at the library so I can try to figure this out. I bought a bucket of raw local honey to see if it helps us with seasonal allergies. Anybody have luck with using it? Also, has anyone had any food allergies "cleared" by a naturopathic doctor? Does it really work? I have always thought it was hokey, but at this point I am willing to try anything.

swamp monster soup

It's been a crazy week. On Monday I lost Ian. At Walmart. Quite possibly the worst 5-7 minutes of my life. He ran off while I was talking to a friend. He is not one to run far, and usually stays where he can see me. If I don't chase after him, he always comes right back. This time he ran into the clothing section and turned a corner. I quickly ran after him. I looked around the corner. Nothing. I checked all surrounding areas. Nothing. I started yelling his name (he ALWAYS comes when I call his name). No response. I started running around the store, searching and yelling like a crazy person. He was gone.

After a couple minutes of running and yelling, I went to get help. The assistant manager said, "oh, would you like me to go help you look for him?" Completely annoyed, I blurted out "NO, I want a page...he is two and he is wearing bright orange shorts!" After a barely audible page (I wanted a code adam), I kept searching and yelling. A couple of VERY long minutes later, a female associate came walking towards me holding Ian's hand. Blissful relief.

Ian didn't see J-P until he got back from his bike ride the next morning...

Ian: Daddy, I missed you yesterday. At Walmart.
J-P: Did you get lost yesterday, Ian?
Ian: Yeah. I did. At Walmart.
J-P: Uh oh.
Ian: A lady found me, daddy. At Walmart.

In addition to recovering from the stress of losing that little turkey, I have been making more food changes. I have noticed that Max's meltdowns (although now few and far between), are directly related to what he eats. So I started a food journal. High oxalate foods like blueberries, chocolate, and parsley, I found out this week, are BAD. I always know when he has a reaction because he gets dark circles under his eyes (allergic shiners), itches/rubs his face, and cries. I have endless amounts of patience for researching, cooking, and figuring out what foods are best for our family. I have very little patience for whining and crying.

So...I am on a mission to optimize our health. To improve our digestive system function and increase our well being. No more sugar (just honey and maple syrup). No gluten, dairy, or soy, and very little corn. No processed food. No cans. Mostly organic. I have been fermenting vegetables and trying to make coconut kefir. I have been using nutritious, easy to digest grains like millet, sorghum, buckwheat, quinoa, and amaranth. I'm even making my own coconut milk (which makes delicious smoothies), and giving the kids coconut water. As soon as it cools down a bit, I'm going to plant a big garden. Buying organic is expensive.

Convincing the kids to eat healthy is also a creative venture. I made a smoothie with fresh coconut milk, a banana, frozen papaya, mango, and pineapple, a squeeze of lime, kale (great for detoxing), and a dash of maple syrup. All I had to do was put it in a bowl and call it swamp monster soup and they slurped it right up.

the sacred grove

After our family reunion we drove to upstate New York to visit the sacred grove, and other church history sites. It was interesting to walk through downtown Palmyra, and see the four large stone churches on each corner of the only intersection. The perfect picture of religious confusion. We visited the original print shop where the first copies of the Book of Mormon were printed. We went to the top of the Hill Cumorah. We saw the Smith family log cabin (a reproduction built to scale after 20 years of research). It was a special day, to be sure. My favorite part was walking through the sacred grove and thinking about that day in 1820 when a simple prayer was answered. It was a special experience, even if we did have three toddler boys running and screaming through the grove. To learn more go here.

niagra falls

After the reunion we drove to Niagra Falls. It was beautiful. At least I thought so, J-P was not impressed (the downside of have visited all the wonders of the world). We walked around for a little bit, took some pictures, and got back in the car to head to upstate New York. I will have to say that the Canada side was much nicer than the U.S. side. Which surprised me.

canada and the reunion

At the end of July we all flew to Toronto for a McDonald family reunion with my Dad's family. We had SO much fun. Toronto is an amazing city. We had fun navigating the subways (not so easy with strollers!), walking around downtown, soaking our feet in Lake Ontario, eating Persian food (have I ever mentioned my love for Persian food?), and seeing all of the old buildings/architecture.

After a couple days in Toronto we drove to my aunt's cottage on Lake Huron. One of the most amazing places I have ever been. It was designed by my late uncle (an amazing architect), and had floor to ceiling windows throughout. The lake was beautiful and crystal clear. We spent our time relaxing, eating delicious food, swimming, chatting, exploring, playing bocce, searching for fossils (there were lots in the rocks), roasting marshmallows, hiking, playing games, going for boat rides, and chasing our children around. Thanks so much for having us!

Check out more pictures on flickr.

Pasco

We spent a few weeks in Pasco with my family so we could escape the blistering Arizona heat. The boys loved exploring my parents' forest (backyard), playing at the river, "working" with grandpa, picking raspberries, and quality cousin time.

the beach

Time to start recapping our summer adventures. We spent the fourth of July weekend in Sequim, WA with my grandma. I've been going to her house for the fourth for years. I absolutely love it there. I spent my much of my childhood down at the beach by my grandma's house, hiking, exploring, making forts, walking through tide pools, climbing cliffs, etc. It is very fulfilling to watch my own children do the same. The sights and smells of the forest and the ocean are so invigorating. The boys had a blast.