Before I went paleo, one of my favorite meals was this minestrone. I've missed it, and so I set out to create a real food version that was equally as satisfying. So good, I wish I had more than one stomach, so I could keep eating the awesomeness. Tonight for dinner, I finally did it. A soup so brothy and salty, so tomato-y and creamy, so frikken yummy, that I just had to share. Bare in mind, this recipe makes enough to feed an entire army. Or one person for a week. And, it's good enough, you wouldn't get sick of it, either. Enjoy!

But first, some notes about broth. Home made broth is super easy to make. Tonight, as we were savoring our sumptuous soup, (which, by the way, my kids ate without complaining,) I said to Jeremy, "Can you believe we used to unwittingly throw the stuff away?!" Back in our non-real-food days, we would make a roast, or chicken, or turkey, or ham, in the slow cooker. We'd eat the meat. Then, we'd take those lovely fats and juices that were left in the pot, and -- don't freak out-- we would throw. them. away.

I know! Don't worry. Now I know better. The broth I used tonight came from a rump roast we cooked Sunday, mixed up with a bit of water and salt. Perfect! Ideally, you'd use bones in your broth, and not too much skin or fat. Bones, because the marrow in them is all full of yummy nutritious stuff. Yummy+nutritious=bonus! Not skins or fats, because the broth will come out greasy. Especially with chicken. If you should ever find yourself with a greasy broth (it will feel too thick and icky in your mouth, instead of salty and pleasantly buttery), don't fret! Easily remedied by refrigerating it over night, and skimming the layer of grease off the top in the morning. Now that we know not to ever, never ever, throw away the wonderfully juicy juices left behind from a slow-cooked meat, let's get to the soup!

Tiff's no-fuss-eat-til-you-die Minestrone:
prep time: 20-30 mins, depending on how fast you chop
cooking time: at least one hour
yield: a boat load

You will need: 

1 large yellow onion, diced
1 package polish kielbasa, diced
1 large chicken breast, diced
3 cups beef broth.
2 large cans diced tomatoes
5-6 potatoes, any type
3-4 carrots, or more to taste
1 large head broccoli
2 yellow straight-neck squash, sliced
2 teaspoons dry dill, oregano, basil (or more, to taste)
3 cloves garlic, minced, added at onion/meat stage -or- 1 heaping teaspoon garlic powder, added at broth stage.
salt and pepper to taste
optional: one head finely chopped green cabbage, but this will alter the flavor, and I prefer it without.

Plus: one huge honkin soup pot to put it all in

Place onion, garlic, sausage, and chicken in pot on medium high heat. brown meat, cook until onions are clear. Add beef broth, tomatoes with juice, potatoes, carrots, broccoli, squash, and seasonings to pot. Simmer gently, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are tender. Proceed to eat, until your gut aches. Careful! It will be hot.

Paleo: Everything I have gleaned, from my new way of living.

Disclaimer: This is meant to be a compilation of informational sites, recipes, and tips and tricks I have learned. I don't hold myself to a standard of perfection with this, or anything else. So, please take it all at face value, and let me know if you have any questions :) Also, apologies for all of the reading. It's a ton of info, but the absolute best I have come across during my nearly two years of eating this way.

Websites:

If you are serious about changing to this lifestyle, this blog post is a great place to start. It is all of the "why's" and "why-not's". Lots of reading, here. Worth the time investment. I also love the book "Practical Paleo," by Dianne SanFillipo, for explanations of the health benefits of this life style.

http://whole9life.comGood information, but lots of up-selling. It will be tempting to start buying everything. All the recipe books! Resist this temptation. For the most part, you can find all of the recipes/ideas/information that you need, online. FOR FREE! I would recommend buying paleo books only for specialized information.

http://www.thepaleomom.com/ This is one of my absolute favorites, for recipes. But, she also gives a ton of information on AIP (autoimmune protocol). So, for any women suffering from PCOS: read her info. Good stuff. This protocol covers the full range of AI diseases, from Celiac to arthritis.

http://whatshouldwecallpaleolife.tumblr.com/ for a little daily humor.

What we eat:

I get asked a lot, "What can you eat, without grains?!" Well, lots, actually. Our meals are so flavorful and wonderful, because we don't have to restrict fats or salt (two of the most flavorful things on the planet!) or calories. If this confuses you, read the first blog post I linked to.

Breakfast: eggs and bacon with a green smoothie, a breakfast smoothie like my favorite one listed below, an apple with nut-butter, paleo crepes, pancakes, breakfast skillet, sausage and eggs, and our most common go-to: plain full fat greek yogurt with sliced banana, a handful of nuts, a handful of unsweetened coconut flakes, and occasionally, some dark chocolate chips.

Lunch:  Salad (the possible combinations of meats, cheeses, and veggies are limitless! see recipes section for dressings), lettuce wraps (like a sandwich, minus the bread, wrapped in lettuce instead.), chicken fingers (recipe below), stir-fry, canned chicken or tuna salad, egg salad, cheese and crackers (most paleo blogs have cracker recipes), left overs.

Dinner:  Roasted chicken and veggies, stir-fry, Salisbury steak and potatoes and salad, fish and squash, steak and sweet potato fries, green bean casserole, pizza, taco(s)alad, pulled pork, soup, pot pie, potato bar, burgers lettuce wrapped with sweet potato fries, breakfast, par-boiled wings with various sauces and veggies dipped in ranch, pork tenderloin with peas or green beans, grilled shish-kabobs, Minestrone, ribs in the slow cooker, the list goes on and one. These are some of our favorites :)

Desserts: See recipes section, below

Recipes:

So, I don't want to *feel* like I'm eating healthy food, or like I have to learn to enjoy what I am eating in order to be healthy. That's lame. The dessert recipes I post here are the real deal. They feel like an honest-to-goodness splurge. The good news is: you can eat almost anything you eat now, with a few minor substitutions. The only thing I have not found a suitable replacement for is pasta. (Word of caution: treats are treats, and are extra calories that are not nutrient dense. Whether they are made of healthy things, or not, if you eat too many, your waistline will show it! Eat sparingly.) I should also probably mention that a good blender or food processor will be necessary for some of these recipes.

http://www.thepaleomom.com/ Seriously. I have loved everything I have made, from her recipe blog. My favorites are: The pancakes, The chicken fingers, the almond butter cookies. This cookie recipe is actually my favorite of all time, including non-paleo cookies. Her recipes are often kid-friendly. Like these crepes with home made nutella.

http://zenbellycatering.com/blog/ Is another of my general favorites. Try her tortillas. All of her Asian inspired recipes are legit. Also, try the banana bread ("Wait, does that recipe say it's 'sweetener free?!" Yes, and it's still legit. My picky kids even eat it!), macaroons (again, legit), and the instant dairy-free ice cream (our favorite is frozen bananas - just like eating an awesome frozen pina colada!).

My kids' favorite paleo meal: paleo lasagne.

My favorite smoothie: 1 can full fat coconut milk, 2 bananas, 1 large handful of almonds or sunflower seeds, 1/4 cup pure cocoa, 1 cup ice cubes. Blend until smooth.

Favorite paleo dessert: cookie dough brownies (note: coconut butter can be made by placing unsweetened coconut flakes in a blender and blending smooth. 2 cups coconut flakes=1 cup coconut butter. Buy the flakes in the bulk section at Winco for cheap!)

Salad dressings are easier to make than you might think. One of my faves not listed on that link is blue cheese dressing: equal parts mayo and plain greek yogurt, stir in your prefferred amount of blue cheese. BOOM! Done.

Mayonnaise in a blender: Easier than it sounds. In my vitamix, I add 3 eggs, 1 tsp liquid mustard, juice from 1/2 lemon, and about 1 Tbsp salt. Bring blender up to high. While blender is running, pour 1 1/2 cups oil of choice in through the top, gradually over about 30 seconds. Done. So easy, huh?! If your blender is not an immersion blender, you need to drizzle the oil in a little bit at a time, very slowly. It takes longer, but is do-able. I use olive oil, but many who don't love the taste of this use avocado oil (buy it at Costco!). Melted coconut oil will not work! http://www.food.com/recipe/homemade-mayonnaise-in-the-blender-92815

Coconut milk: http://www.thepaleomom.com/2012/04/recipe-homemade-coconut-milk.html

I have yet to try this, but just bought this recipe, which is supposed to be the perfect Paleo base-dough for rolls, pizza crust, crackers, tortillas, etc... The paleo blogs all give it rave reviews. Tapioca starch can be purchased in the bulk section at Winco for around $1.30/lb.

Tips/Tricks: 

Incidentally, I already wrote an article for a friend's blog, on this subject. Happy reading! :) Find it by clicking here.

Other than what I have written in that article, you can find a recipe for nearly anything by simply googling the word "paleo" with the name of whatever you want to make.

Don't be suckered into people trying to sell you crap, calling it "paleo". Rule to live by: If it is pre-packaged at all, or has crap in it you don't recognize, or costs a boat load of money, it ain't paleo!

Let me know if you have any questions. I may add to this in the comments section, if I think of anything I forgot! :) Peace, Love, and Happy eating! -Tiffany

A letter to the hypocrites I attend church with.

Dear People who I go to church with,

You may find the following steps helpful, in living your religion. Please note that I am fully aware these are all my stupid opinions, and I am being all opinionated when I express them. I am aware that I am far from perfect. But, I find myself in a unique position to offer some good advice, based on my very strong feelings and experience in this area. Please also note that I am aware that a small handful of you already know these things, and really don't need to hear it. (The sad part is that the people who really need to hear it probably will never read this. But, I need to get it out of me, so indulge me. M'kay?)

1. God loves His children. All of them. Even the ones who are different than you. (Which, by the way, is everyone else. In case you hadn't noticed.) He loves them all the same, and in exactly the ways that they need. Red, and yellow, back, and white, they are precious in His sight. He loves the gay ones, the bearded ones, the ones who smell like cigarettes, and/or alcohol, the ones who are trying their very best to appear to be perfectly perfect in every single way, the ones who are way ok with not being perfect. He loves the quirky guy who has to be first in line to bear His testimony. Don't have a stroke when I tell you this, but: He loves the librarian as much as He loves the Bishop. He loves the ones who stand out, and the ones who blend in. He even loves the ones who come to church dressed differently than you would prefer them to be dressed. And, He loves them all just as much as He loves you. Period. No qualifying necessary. Verifiable fact. 

2. Because you are a baptised member, it is your job to love those people, too. All of them. As much as He loves them. It's your job, and you made a covenant with God to do it. It is literally your obligation to be loving to all of God's children. Further, it is something you should want to do. I could get all scripture-y, here, and start quoting prophets and stuff. But, I don't want to be too preachy. Suffice it to say the scriptures you claim to have a testimony of are chalk full of this advice. Some might even call it a "commandment."

3. Because it is your job to be loving, you should withhold judgement of other people. Completely. You know, the whole, "Judge not, that ye be not judged thing." That means, that when you look at someone, you don't automatically start to notice all of the things that bug you, about them. Instead, if I can make a suggestion, notice all the things that are awesome about them. Like how great they are at leading the music. Or, how fabulously they accessorize. Or, how they are always, always doing their best to be outgoing and friendly. Especially to new people. They are so very many great things to notice about people! It really shouldn't be too hard to ignore the stuff that we don't like about them.

4. Give people the benefit of the doubt. Always, always assume the best of them. Because we are human, we are not going to get it just perfect. We are going to notice differences, and we are going to be bugged. But, when someone does something different from the way you would do it or prefer it, assume they are doing it innocently. Because, as stated in step 3, it's not your place to judge. Say, if someone is wearing an outfit to church that you think is too casual. And you think to yourself, "WOW! That outfit is totally not ok to wear to church. They should be wearing their Sunday best!" Assume, instead, that it is the best they have. Assume that they are feeling pretty awkward in their too casual outfit, surrounded by all the people in much nicer clothing than theirs. Assume it, even if you think you know differently. Then, realize that, because they probably feel awkward, they are going to need a friend. You could be that friend. And, because you are a disciple of Christ, you should be that friend.

5. If you absolutely cannot give the benefit of the doubt, and must assume the worst of people, or are very certain you know their intentions and heart, there is still hope for you. When you see that outfit that you feel is too casual, and you make the assumption that the person wearing it is missing the point, or crossing the line, or walking the path to apostasy, or is struggling with their testimony, or apparently a godless heathen, you have choices. You can stand there, in judgement of them, wallowing in all of the things that bug you about them. You can gossip about it with your bff. You can take it to the Bishopric, and your God, and gripe and complain about that godless heathen in their clothes that you don't like, and all of the horribleness that is happening that is totally distracting you from the point of your own worship. Or, you can realize that you, too, are missing the point. YOU are missing the point. The point is, that if the very, very worst about the person you are judging is true, you have a job to do. And, that job is to LOVE. (Deja vu! I feel like I might have said this already? Well, it's worth saying again.)

6. Love. If and when you perceive someone different from you in any way struggling, you should put your arm around them. You should smile at them. You should ask how they are doing, and ask if they might be having a hard time with something. You should let them know you are safe person to talk to, because you also are not perfect, and struggle with things sometimes. You should call them during the week, to ask them if you can bring a meal by, or if they maybe want to go for a walk, just because you noticed they might be having a hard time, and you want to help them in the only way you know how. When we were baptised, we took upon ourselves the name of Christ. In the words of Alma:

  ...Behold, here are the waters of Mormon (for thus were they called) and now, as ye are ^adesirous to come into the ^bfold of God, and to be called his people, and are willing to bear one another’s burdens, that they may be light;

  Yea, and are ^awilling to mourn with those that ^bmourn; yea, and comfort those that stand in need of comfort, and to stand as ^cwitnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places that ye may be in, even until death, that ye may be redeemed of God, and be numbered with those of the ^dfirst resurrection, that ye may have eternal life— (Mosiah 18:8-9)

So, when someone in your ward family appears to be struggling (yes, even if something about them bugs, anger, worries, or upsets you, or somehow puts your own reputation on the line), put your arm around them and say, because you are my brother/sister, and because I love with the pure love of Christ, and because I care about you as a worthwhile child of our Father in Heaven, I want you to know that I am here for you, and I will do whatever I can to help you through your hard time. When we do this, we become true disciples. We become shepherds with the true Shepherd, helping others to know that they are part of our fold. That they need not do one single thing to qualify for God's love, or ours.

7. Stop nit-picking. Realize that every last person sitting in that sacrament room to renew their covenant is struggling with something. The woman sitting next to you may be fighting serious depression. Or, she and her husband may be fighting his addiction to pornography. There are teenagers sitting among you who struggle with that addiction. Or, are considering (or already dabbling in) experimentation with their sexuality, and/or with drugs, and/or alcohol. Statistics say that several people among us are experiencing same sex attraction, and are either too scared or too ashamed to tell anyone about their feelings. There are people who are struggling with their finances, and do not have enough. People who's marriages aren't working, right now. Children who don't like themselves, or are being bullied at school. Children who blame themselves for their parents' struggles. Every single member of our congregation has a struggle. We are all struggling with feelings of unworthiness for varied reasons. Because of a lifetime spent in the scorn and judgement of others, some actually believe that they must qualify for their Father's love, and the approval of their peers. They believe that they are not a part of the fold. Because they have never been made to feel as though they are a part. Or because they were made to feel they are not a part, by someone who persecuted them, instead of loving them. The greatest tragedy of our holding judgement against others is that it separates us from each other, when we are supposed to be one body in Christ. There are so many people struggling with so many things, who hide their struggles in shame, because they know based on experience that anyone with a struggle or a pain, anyone who is overtly different from the fold in any way shape or form, will be cast out and judged by the people around them. We all live in fear of being judged by the person sitting next to us. We live in fear of what people will do or say, if they ever find out what is really going on in our homes, in our minds, in our lives. It is a literal tragedy. We have got to stop nit-picking each other, and start putting our arms around each other. Our job is to love. Period. Verifiable fact.

Rant over. Love you all! -Tiff

I wore pants to church on Sunday. Yes, to Sacrament Meeting, too. I want to share my experiences from it, for those who are curious about how it went. To share effectively, I really feel the need to give my background, and why this movement is so personal and important to me.

Let me start by asking this question: When was the last time you had your virtue or worthiness called into question because of what you were wearing? If you're a man, chances are good your answer is "Never." If you're a woman, especially a Mormon woman, chances are good you're answer is, "Recently." If you're a Mormon woman who wore pants to church, yesterday, your answer is definitely, "Yesterday." Sexism within the church exists.

In my own lifetime, I have personally experienced sexism within the church. As a young teenage girl, I chose to wear a sleeveless black sheath dress to church. To be clear, the neckline went all the way up to my neck, and there were arm-holes where there should have been sleeves. The arm-holes fit snugly around my arms, and the only "extra" skin showing was the tops of my shoulders. I felt confident and beautiful in that simple black dress. I looked very nice.

A member of the bishopric, and the father of one of my good friends, pulled me into a classroom during the meeting block. He sat me down and shut the door. He then proceeded with the following dialogue, "I noticed you're wearing a sleeveless dress, today. I want to ask you how you feel about what you're wearing." I responded with something like, "Okay, I guess." He continued, "What your wearing shows far too much skin. You have a responsibility to the men of this ward, to help them think clean thoughts. When you wear clothing that shows too much skin, like the dress you're wearing today, thinking clean thoughts becomes difficult for us." The message was clear: he, and every other man in that ward was thinking unclean thoughts, and not only was it my fault that was happening, it was also my responsibility and duty to make it stop.

A few months ago, I wore one of my favorite dresses to church. It covers plenty of square footage. It even covers my garments, but is form-fitting. It's extremely flattering in all the most feminine ways. I wore this beautiful dress with some gorgeous black suede 5-inch high heels. I looked smashing. Some would even say, "sexy." I was treated differently that day. Men in our ward, who had never even acknowledged my presence before that day, were overtly friendly. To be clear, there was no flirting or misappropriation. Men who I have never spoken to in my life, and who probably still don't know my name went out of their way to strike up conversations with me between meetings. They smiled broadly at me, in the hallways of the church. Men, who I could name by name, treated me differently the day that I went to church flaunting all of my God-given assets. In what would be deemed by most to be "modest," simply because it covered my garments.

This is a small sampling of the undeniable sexism I have been confronted with. I have also encountered the following situations in other women: turned away at church dances, because they weren't "wearing the right thing," lectured by bishops for breastfeeding outside of the mother's lounge or nursing uncovered, lectured by bishops and other members of their wards for wearing bare-legs under their skirt, or wearing a skirt that was deemed too short. I could go on. The point is: sexism within the church exists. This is not a contrived plight.

Taking it one step further, because people were so incredibly tense over something as simple as women wearing pants, I humbly submit that this is a conversation that we need to be having.

When I got out of bed yesterday morning, I had gone to sleep praying that I would know what to do. I definitely did not want to be disrespectful or cause any type of distraction. I made the decision to wear pants, and felt a tremendous and tangible peace over that decision. The Spirit told me that Heavenly Father was very okay with me making that decision. I chose out a very nice pair of black slacks, a silver sweater, my black boots, and some tasteful jewelry. I fixed my hair, and went about preparing for church in a way that I have every Sunday, for as long as I can remember. When we walked out into the cold, snowy world, as a family, I was especially thankful to be wearing some nice, warm pants.

Church was uneventful. I received few, if any, strange looks. I am the ward  chorister, and so I had to be on the stand 4 times during Sacrament Meeting. There were no comments on my attire. I was my same self, commenting during meetings, and juggling kids. Mostly, people seemed not to notice. From my perspective, the only distractions I caused were when I had to get up and leave the room with a screaming baby. That is a very typical thing for me to be doing any Sunday, though. I do want to share that I felt as though many people really saw me, yesterday. Not that they just looked at me, but that the really *saw* me. Like they were waking up. In Sunday School, many people made comments that were pretty obviously in support of me. They said things like, "I'm glad to have the priesthood, because it allows me to serve others in such a unique way. I don't want to leave the sisters out of that comment, though. The sisters of this church serve in very meaningful ways, and their presence is felt."

I went home from church without having had a single event of any kind. After church, however, at choir practice, there was an event. I was talking with my choir, about what we should wear for the Christmas Program. The choir pianist, Marilyn, piped in, "Whatever you wear, just DON'T wear pants! People on facebook are saying that women should be allowed to wear pants to sacrament meeting. Can you believe this garbage?!" (Should be noted that she is very elderly, and very sweet. I really, really like Marilyn.) Awkward silenced followed. Everyone was watching me for a reaction, as they had all seen me in my pants that very day. I chuckled softly, adjusted the music stand, and cleared my throat. One of the choir members started laughing hysterically. Then Marilyn asked, "Did I miss something?" I answered, "Well, I wore pants to church, today." Aghast, she exclaimed, "You did?! To sacrament meeting?!" "Yes." We proceeded to have a really great dialogue, where everyone joked about men wearing skirts, to which I pointed out that in many cultures, men do. I also took the opportunity to point out that it has been culturally acceptable for women to wear pants in our society for decades, that wearing a dress is a social-norm, not church doctrine, and that women do not need permission to make fashion choices. It must not have been that big of a distraction after all, since Marilyn didn't even notice. She and I hugged-it-out, and we finished practice. It was very light-hearted and positive, and I think everyone walked away from choir practice with a sense of sharing and camaraderie. I am SO glad I wore pants.

I plan to wear pants to church every week, until it is not a "thing", anymore. Because it should never have been a "thing" to begin with. It did not effect my worship, or (as nearly as I could tell) anyone else' worship, either. I felt reverent, and enjoyed all my meetings the best that I could with an 8 month old on my hip. In my own life, the Spirit was abundant, love was present, and the world went on turning on the day women everywhere wore pants to church.

Birth Story of Wirth Leon Sanderson

Disclaimer: not for the faint of heart or easily embarrassed! Also, it’s kinda a novel! Sorry...there’s lots to tell...

There is some debate as to when I actually went into labor...I had been on limited bed rest for 10 weeks, and then full bed rest for another 2 and a half weeks when my blood pressure started going up. At its highest, it was up to 146/101. I was on bed rest to keep my body from going into premature labor. When we saw it was that high at my 36 weeks prenatal checkup, me and my midwife Sherri decided that I needed to get off of bed rest and get my body going into labor. So, I went from sitting around all day long every day, to walking, going for bumpy rides, eating spicy foods, and anything else I could think of to get labor going.

That Monday I started having contractions. But they were superficial, short, and never rhythmic. On Thursday evening, I had just gotten off the phone from giving Sherri an update, and telling her that I didn’t see my body going into labor that night, when I had 3 contractions right on top of eachother. They were powerful, moving contractions. I could feel my body unfolding. Since we had Jonny in 2 hours start to finish, and since I have had my babies naturally with very little pain, we didn’t want to take any chances at being left without help. Especially so long before my “due” date. Jeremy called Sherri back and she had Angie (another midwife) run right over. 7 minutes later, Angie was at our house, I was in bed laboring happily, and things seemed to be under way. Angie checked me and I was at +3 station, somewhat effaced, and 4-5 centimeters dilated. Sherri arrived, and she and Jeremy gave me a foot rub, because my feet were impossibly cold. Even after being rubbed, my feet wouldn’t warm up...we realized later that (for whatever reason) my “cold feet” were symbolic. About 45 minutes after Sherri arrived, I got really tired and decided to try and sleep through contractions. As soon as I started to drift to sleep, the contractions died down and stopped coming about an hour later. So, everyone went home to sleep in their own beds.

I slept until about 6 am, when the contractions came back and were strong enough to wake me up! I got into a tub to try and discourage the contractions if they were just Braxton Hicks. When they didn’t stop, we called Sherri, who ran right over again! She checked me and I was at about a 6 ½ dilation. We also called my mom who came to help get the kids to school and keep things in control. And Sherri’s apprentice/assistant midwives came to set up our house for the birth. It was crowded, chaotic, and distracting. And so, predictably, my contractions stopped.  We decided that we would go to Walmart to pick up a few things we needed for the birth but hadn’t purchased yet. We were hoping walking would get the contractions started up again. After several laps around Walmart, a long car ride home, a nap, a Cafe Rio salad with hot sauce, several sincere efforts on Jeremy’s part to help me start labor (wink,wink), and several laps around the yard and house, I felt I wanted to be in the tub. We had been avoiding it, not wanting to discourage the contractions. But, I decided to do what felt right. As soon as I got in, my contractions started right up. It was just Jeremy and I talking between contractions, and really enjoying the time and relaxing. Every once in awhile I would say, “These contractions are really regular! Should we call Sherri?” And Jer would answer, “Let’s just wait and see.” It felt like hours to me that I sat in that water, enjoying myself and wondering what would come next. Jer was amazing and attentive, refilling my drink and bringing my snacks and wiping my brow and rubbing my feet. He was the best labor attendant I’ve ever had!!

When it happened and the contractions finally got deeper and stronger, Jeremy about jumped out of his skin with excitement dialing Sherri to tell her it was definitely time to come deliver our baby! She said she had an appointment to finish up and then she’d be over, and that Angie would be coming over right away. The contractions continued to deepen, and while they were super intense, they were never unmanageable. The mood was very mellow. We talked and laughed a lot between contractions. I remember telling Angie and Jeremy that the contractions almost felt good, and that I wasn’t even done yet, but I was already so proud of myself!  Haha!! If I only knew what was in store for me...

A short time after Angie arrived, I started feeling the urge to push. She checked me to make sure I was complete. I remember the look of dismay on her face, and her words, “How I can say this in a positive way?! Hmmmm....you still have some cervix left. You need to be patient!” Oh, resisting the urge to push! It’s like resisting the urge to breathe or think. For what felt like an eternity, I moved into different positions, breathed and moaned and groaned my way through 10? 20? 30 more contractions? I’m not sure how many. Felt like a hundred! Sherri, who had arrived during this time, checked me again. She told me I was at a 9 ½ plus, but I had an anterior cervical lip that was swollen and likely would not dilate. She suggested that she could hold it out of the way so that I could try to push past it. I was reluctant until the next contraction reminded me that there was only one way out of this! I agreed and on the next contraction she lifted my cervix out of the way. And on the next, and on the next. And I pushed like I have never had to push. And then, finally, on the 4th contraction, I was complete. We had planned for Jeremy to deliver our baby. He went to get into the tub, and Sherri stopped him. We didn’t realize until that moment that he was wearing red shorts. My midwives have a strict “no red at births” rule, in keeping with a superstition that red will make the mother hemorrhage. So, he had to run into the bedroom and change his shorts while I waited even longer to push! Finally, he was in the water, I was fully dilated and we were ready to have the baby! I was so thrilled and so upset and so frikken sick of labor! And I gagged. And gagged. And then I was throwing up. Heaving. Hurling. It was disgusting. And painful. But every time I heaved, the baby got a little lower. He worked his way down the birth canal with the force of my vomiting. A few gags and he was crowning. A few more pushes and he was here! Jeremy got to receive him, and lift him out of the water!

This is where it got really amazing! When he was born he wasn’t breathing right away. In the hospital, they would have immediately cut the cord (his only sure source of oxygen) whisked him across the room away from me (his only sure source of comfort and familiarity) and proceeded to ram a tube down his throat and air bag him to force breathing. How do I know this? Because I’ve lived it! In the comfort of our home, while the midwives were capable of doing those things, they chose to wait and see what our baby could do on his own. Baby lay on my chest and I gently rubbed his back to encourage breathing, and within about 30 seconds, he coughed, gasped, and gave us the most beautiful air-filled scream I’ve ever heard! We got to hold him right against our chests and admire him. He was full of things to tell us. He “ooooo’d” and “ahhhhhh’d” for the better part of an hour. Jeremy laid him back in the water so that just his head and neck were out of the water and he just laid there, floating and looking at the world around him. It was quiet and sacred and warm, and so loving! You can’t buy that experience in a hospital!!

After his birth, we got to leave the placenta attached until it stopped pulsing (almost a full hour after his birth). We discovered he had been born with a true knot in his cord. Jer looked it up, and apparently only 1% of umbilical cords have a true knot in them...

We also got to climb right into bed together and sit and cuddle our new baby while the midwives did all their work around us! When they were done, we were left alone, to sleep and cuddle and bask in the glow of having a sweet new baby boy. My recovery has been amazingly easy! My baby has been super mellow, and hardly ever fusses. The benefits of home birthing are boundless. We are already reaping the benefits of the decision to have him in our home. It was hard, but it was worth it!

Cream cheese stuffed Pumkin Spice cupcakes

Easy and decadent! :) You will need:

1 Spice cake mix

+eggs and oil to mix it with

1 small can of pumpkin

1 bar of cream cheese, softened

1/2 cup powdered sugar

cup cake papers

1 can cream cheese frosting

cupcake pan(s)

 picture credit: rosas-yummy-yums.blogspot.com

Pre-heat oven to 350. Prep your cupcake pan with papers.

Using a hand mixer, mix the cake mix as per directions, substituting pumpkin for the water. (Usually 1 1/3 cups pumpkin, instead of 1 1/3 cups water.)

Next, use the hand mixer to mix together the cream cheese and powdered sugar.

Spoon about a tablespoon of cake batter into each cup. Then, drop a little teaspoon sized plop of cream cheese mix into the middle of each cup. Then, spoon enough batter into each up to cover the cream cheese mix.

Bake according to directions on cake mix box.

Allow the cupcakes to cool before frosting with cream cheese frosting! 

And, that's IT! So easy, and too yummy. Pretty sure I ate 3 yesterday...

xoxo -Tiff

Here is a recipe for Amish Friendship Bread, WITHOUT the starter. I have tried it, and it's at least as good as the original. Happy Baking, people!! 

"Starter"

• 3/4 cup sugar
• 3/4 cup milk
• 3/4 cup flour

Bread

• 1 cup oil
• 1/2 cup milk
• 3 whole eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups flour
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 (5 1/8 ounce) box instant vanilla pudding (or flavor of your choice)
• 1 cup chopped nuts (optional) Change Measurements: US | Metric

Directions:

Prep Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 1 1/4 hr

1. 1 Mix "starter" ingredients together.
2. 2 Mix oil, milk, eggs, and vanilla with the "starter".
3. 3 In a separate bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, baking soda, vanilla pudding mix, and nuts.
4. 4 Add to liquid mixture and stir thoroughly.
5. 5 Pour into two large well-greased 9x5 inch loaf pans, one Bundt pan, or 48 muffin tins.
6. 6 Bake at 325F for one hour or until done (muffins will take only 30-35 minutes) and enjoy!

Maimed by a firework

Okay, maimed might be a little dramatic....but I srsly got a 3rd degree burn on my forearm last night.

The marks on the upper left-side portion of the burn are weeping blisters. Just in case you were wondering.

So, we were packing up to go home, and I was holding Jonny trying to keep him asleep, when I heard loud noises of firework awesomeness coming from behind me. I turned to watch and realized that the firework was one of the newly legal in Utah "aerial" fireworks. And it was *right* behind me, between 5-10 feet from dozens of children and their parents. And it was sitting on the grass. For those readers who don't know about these fireworks, they are packed with enough gun powder and other explosive chemicals to launch up to 150 feet into the air. They launch several glowing cannon-ball sized "fireballs" into the air, which, when they reach their destination explode and fall glittering back to the ground.

It fell over. The first fireball flew into the field. The next flew directly underneath the chairs of the people who lit the dang thing. The next flew straight at me. More accurately, straight at Jonny's back. I saw it coming, and tried to turn/dodge. Instead of hitting his back, sticking there, and exploding, it deflected off of my fore-arm and exploded on the grassy hill behind me. Then, total chaos for the next 30 seconds while during the "big finish" portion of the firework, fireballs were flying in every direction and at such awesome targets as children's faces. Miraculously, no one was hurt but me. The firework that hit me literally bounced off of my arm and was not in contact with my clothing or skin for any duration. It burned a hole in my fleece sweater and a hole in my skin in a fraction of a second. Imagine what it might have done if it had stayed in contact with my skin for any real amount of time. Yikes!

I had some special words for the geniuses (all grown-ups, not deviant teenagers) who lit the firework that close to people.  I was not the only angry mother in that park. They just about got a beat down, Mormon Mommy style. They had the nerve to first try and pass off blame to me (I got in the way of the firework on purpose just so I could yell at them), then to justify their poor choice by pointing out that several other people had been doing the same thing in other parts of the park, then finally tried insisting that they had done it "safely"...all the while yelling at me as though I had done something wrong. 

Here's a tip: if you do something stupid, admit it and apologize. Trying to justify what you did only makes you look like a bigger a-hole than you already did...

So, to anyone who reads this: This is your friendly neighborhood reminder to take safety seriously. My arm could so easily have been Jonny's back, or Sam's eye, or Abby's pretty little face. If the man who lit that firework had taken it 100 yards away into the middle of the field, there would have been virtually no harm done. When you're lighting your fireworks this year, take the few extra seconds 

to think it through and make it safe! 

Do it for my arm's sake!!

Happy July, everyone!

Raise your hand if you like to eat!

Let's talk about gardening.

So. I don't usually do the "soap box" thing on my blog. That's all about to change! Aren't you excited?!

Close your eyes...( or keep them open)...and imagine your favorite produce. Mine is fresh strawberries. Or fresh tomatoes. No wait, maybe steamed squash. Perhaps lemons: I love to cook with them! Mmmmm Let's not forget peppers. "Food without peppers" is like "Love without kisses"! Oranges and grapes, and corn on the cob. Watermelon on a hot summer day.

Our happy little green apple tree. It's tiny. Barely as tall as me!

What's your favorite?! Do you love fruit? Veggies? The in-between-ies like tomato and squash and corn?!

Now: imagine that you can't get your favorite produce. The stores simply don't have any to sell. Or, if they do, the price is so high, you can't bring yourself to afford it. 

Guess what?! It's not imaginary. 

(This is the part where I get on my soap box)

Major, we're talking MAJOR freezes in Mexico decimated entire crops. Guess where Americans' food comes from? You get 3 guesses, and if you guess "America" you and I need to have a little talk about how America doesn't produce anything anymore...but that's a soap box for another day!

 

Our strawberry patch of yester-year. 

Our lawn grew into it and destroyed it last year! See, crops get ruined all the time.

Yes, almost all of America's grocery store produce comes from Mexico. We are in serious trouble, here. A solid example of just how bad it's getting: a bushel of tomatoes sold for $7 this time last year. Today, a bushel of tomatoes is selling for $21. And the prices are steadily rising. There is a distinct possibility that your favorite produce is about to cost 3 times as much as it does now. Tomatoes, peppers, lettuce, squash, berries and fruits. All the above-ground fruits and veggies are at risk for rising costs.

Anyone have 3x the money in their budget for groceries?! Anyone? No? ..."Bueller? Bueller?"

My apologies for getting all "Dooms Day" on you, but you are my family and friends. 

And you need to know that the Home Garden is going to be absolutely crucial to the well being of your family this year!! 

  

Sam and Abby in last year's tilled garden, all ready for plants!

Don't know how to plan or plant a garden?! Call me!! Not sure what works in our planting zone?! Call me!! No space in your yard, or lack of yard?! Call me!! We have a H-U-G-E garden space, and you are welcome to one of our boxes. I'm happy to help anybody with a desire get going on this. 

We seriously have 20 boxes this size. 20! Does one of them have your name on it?

You provide the plants and maintain it, and we will keep it watered.

No Excuses.

Happy Gardening!!

 xoxo

-Tiff

Mish Mash

Just so everyone knows: Abby is amazing! She is officially reading. We sat down to practice sounding out words, yesterday. She read "sad" "and" "in" "how" and "but", all by herself. (She laughed hysterically at that last one, until I explained it's not that kind of "butt".)

What a girl! 

She is turning 5 on Thursday and can NOT wait to have a sleepover party with her cousins to celebrate! She told me, though, that she is most excited to start sleeping dry at night. This may be a result of my current attempts to brain wash her.

Yes, I said brain wash.

Me: "You know, Abby, big 5 year old girls don't pee in their pull ups at night! They get up in the morning and they are dry! And then they go straight to the toilet! They only pee in the toilet." Her: "Oh!" It's an awesome conversation. One I enjoy having several times each day, in fact.

I'm really hoping it works!

Recently, I told her I had to 'pay the piper', for my bad planning. Flabbergasted, she asked, "Well, can't you just get your cash back?!!"

Sam is turning 8 this year. So, of course, Baptism has been a hot topic at our house. Last night at dinner, I was explaining how when a person is baptised, they are dipped all the way under the water and all their sins are washed away, and when they come up out of the water, it's like they are brand new with no sins at all. He told us, "Yeah. that why I'm being extra good!"  Us: "What do you mean, Sam?!" Him:"Well, that way, I won't have to be under the water very long."

After dinner, he and Abby went into the next room to play 'Sonic #2'(a game where they each choose a character, and then act out the 'video game' they are imagining). He called dibs on Sonic, then told Abby she could be Tails and informed her in his 'all business' voice, "You're character doesn't talk." She consented, and off they went to play. Him chattering pleasantly, and her not saying a word.

(I sat in the kitchen listening to all this, wishing I'd known sooner that it could be so easy!)

Last week, me and my partner in crime took our Bear Den to tour the police station. Since Jer wasn't home, I took the kids along with us. When we got to the part where you get to look into the holding cells, Sam wandered inside the cell. I heard him say, "Oh, look! A toilet!!" He then proceeded to walk over to it, pull out his unit and go pee. With the entire scout den, plus one cop, standing in the doorway watching in abject horror. I didn't know whether to die laughing or die of embarrassment. But I definitely wanted to die! What a boy!!

Jonny doesn't even have to open his mouth, or do anything at all, to put a smile on my face. I'll let his picture do the talking:

 

Any way you paint it, these kids are great, and I am so, SO glad they're mine!!

Merry Christmas Everyone

Hello to all our family and friends! Here is our year in summary: (disclamer: if you are dreading reading a whole "letter thing" this would be the time to click the little 'x' up in the corner..  ;) )

Great year for us!!

Jonny

 

 Jonny before his first hair cut

 Jonny after his first haircut! Such a cutie...

Jonny, aka the happiest baby alive, turned one this year. His first year with us has been amazing. We joke that if we have a 4th child, they can thank Jonny for being such a good baby that mom and dad wanted another one! After being 4 weeks early, he was pretty tiny, but he's hit all his milestones and is growing beautifully. He has crawled, walked (his fir4st steps were on Nov. 6, toward his uncle Elliot), and even talked a little. He says: Eat, out, kittie, Sam, Abby, mamma, and daddy. He can also show us where his ears are...we're working on learning nose and mouth.

Abby

Abby started pre-school this year, and turned 4!  She loves to tell us all what letters she can see in her surroundings, and what sounds they make, and can even write her own name. She is making lots of good friends at school. Her teacher tells us she's a natural leader, always the first the use her imagination and encourage the other kids to join in! She loves to play dress up, and wear dresses and continues to be to prissiest little girl we know! It's very sweet. Her smile lights up the room, and her giggles are so contagious! She's very proud that she learned how to pump a swing all by herself. We have loved watching her grow and learn this year!!

Sam

Sam is in 2nd grade this year, and turned 7. On his most recent report card, he scored 4's (the highest mark) on everything but handwriting! (He takes after mom that way!) He has a phenomenal sense of humor, and it's his joy to make others laugh. He's been working hard at learning to play soccer this year. He had a ton of fun playing on the community team this summer, and found he is very good at kicking the ball "really really far!". He also writes books. Comic books, books of poems, today in church he even wrote a recipe book, and can't wait to try the recipes out!! He also lost his first tooth and has discovered the joy of visits from the Tooth Fairy!

Jeremy had a big year! He started the year not sure if he would have a job when the contract he was working on expired in April. Then, through a series of very blessed events, he got put onto a better contract, with a promotion! The only downside is that he has to commute to Salt Lake City every day. More time in the car is less time with us, and we miss him. But, we're all glad he has a good job! He's been doing an exercise program called "tac-fit commando". He's in the best shape of his life, and can do more push ups than anyone I know!! He got released as the Scout Master, and was called as the Cub Scout Master for our ward. That's been fun for us! We're excited for Sam to turn 8 next year and be part of the scouting program!

Jer and I have both been working on remodeling projects around the house this year. About halfway through the year I discovered that there were wood floors under the carpet in the old part of the house. So, we pulled up the carpets! We also added a kitchen pantry, and have been painting away at the various rooms in the house. I figure by the time our kids are all grown, and we have nothing to do, our projects will all be done and we can enjoy them!!

 I've had a great year being mom. Watching my children grow, and making and keeping our home is very satisfying work. I got called as one of the Bear Den leaders in addition to my teaching calling is RS. It makes life busy, but I am really enjoying both callings. Learning to teach adults has been a new adventure, but lots of fun. And, planning den meetings 9 year old's is funner than I expected! I had never done scouts before and was pretty worried about it, but the boys are great and we have good times. I also tried a yoga class for the first time, and I am having lots of fun learning that, and swimming once a week, thanks to Jer taking care of the kids so "mom" can have some "me-time"!

Thank you all for your love, support and friendship. Like I said before, we've had a great year and it's all thanks to wonderful family and friends!!

Merry Christmas and a Very Happy New Year!!

Love, Tiffany and Jeremy and the Sanderson children

Jonny's Birthday: the party!

So, Most of the pics turned out blurry, but I wanted to share what did turn out!

 He was SO cute opening gifts! He got excited about each and every one!!

 Cool stacking barrels from Uncle Alex and Aunt Whitney!

 His first ride on the Fire Truck he got from mom and dad! (I think he likes it!!)

 Even books got him all excited. It was SO cute!!

Every boy needs a faux fur hat! (right?!) Well, this boy does, anyway!

 Jonny's first Birthday Cake

A good time was had by all. Big, big thanks to everyone who came! We were so excited to share his Birthday celebration with the people we love best!!

The best thing I have ever seen!!

So, my mom is officially my hero. This weekend, I went to see her perform in front of at least a hundred people, in a belly-dancing show. It was, without a doubt, the absolute best thing I have ever seen in my entire life! Not only did she perform, she shook her junk like a kid shaking a present on Christmas morning. Mom, you are seriously my hero!! I love you.

Mom is the one on the end of the row. She was wearing all white, so with the lights shining on her, it messed with the camera a bit. But, I think you can still see what she's doing pretty well.

...We're taking a belly dancing class together in February. I'm SO excited!! And, you are all invited to join us.

Jonny's Birthday: the invitation and decorations!

Here are some pics of Jonny's Birthday, pre-party! I have to do this in 2 parts, because Jer took all the party pics with his phone, and he's at work...so...going to have to get those later! We had SO much fun putting this party together!!

The night of his Birthday, we celebrated with just our family.

 He LOVED the red balloons we blew up for his party!

 He was so darling, laughing and smiling, and just totally amazed that we were singing to HIM!

 Abby and Sam both picked out some very cute cars to give him!!

 He also got some very cool new sippy cups! Man, this kid can get excited about anything!!

The next day we celebrated his Birthday with our extended family. I decided to go with a "Red Party" theme, for our favorite little red-head!

 The table-scape, pre-food.

 It turned out so cute!!!

 The cake was my favorite part! My mom and I master-minded it.

 A little flourish in the family room.

It's not a Birthday Party without a banner, right?!