Wednesday, June 18, 2008

The Busyness continues

Last week my friend and I went strawberry picking. Last year the crop was terrible. This year there is abundance, and there was hardly anyone in the strawberry patch. Soon we were the only ones in the strawberries. We found a corner of the field that hadn't been touched and started working. It didn't take long for the kids and I to pick 68 pounds! I don't remember ever seeing such good picking since I was a kid and lived on the west side of Washington in a climate where strawberries thrive.

My friend is getting married in late summer. She is so excited. She has had to wait a long time to find the right guy. She and her finance are both tight financially and their parents aren't able to help much either. She was really worried about how she was going to pay for a dress. Then at a garage sale, there it was, sealed in a white box, a gorgeous white dress. It has lots of beads, and pretty details, and an 8 foot train full of beads and cut out lace. And you won't believe this, but it fits her perfectly! Nothing needs to be altered. Nothing. Even the beaded slippers fit her perfectly. The price? $30! There was another dress she liked at the bridal ship better, but if God gives you a dress that fits perfectly, I think you'd better wear it. I just love how God is taking care of all her needs!

Over Memorial Day weekend dad and mom visited. Dad and my husband built a structure on our deck and put shade cloth over the top so we can eat outside more often through the summer. We had company over this weekend on a day when the rest of the deck was too hot to touch. Everyone was cool and comfortable under the shade cloth. We should have made one of these years ago!

Some of you might remember that my mom was really sick about a year and a half ago and came and stayed at our house for three months. The doctors couldn't figure out what was wrong with her. I made her green smoothies and other nutritious foods and she got well and was able to go back home. Still she never got back up to her previous level of health. We felt like we were loosing her. She wasn't doing well when she visited at the end of May. I was thinking about her symptoms and then thought of the gluten intolerance that I have. I did some Google searches to learn if gluten can be connected to neurological and brain issues. Sure enough it can, and the gene I carry (given to me by my mom and dad) is more likely to effect the nervous system and the brain then the intestines. In fact, most people that carry this gene marker don't have flattened villi in their intestines! Very interesting. I shared what I was discovering with mom and she is finally willing to try eating gluten free. I sent her home with a pile of my recipes. The good news is that my sister emailed and said that she is doing better then she has in two years! Praise God! Mom is even excited about going camping with us this summer! Maybe one of the reasons mom got better when she was with us when she was so sick was because she was living in a gluten free house for those three months. We are getting quite hopeful that mom is going to have some healthy retirement years yet.

Sorry for no pictures. I thought it would be better to post something quickly, then to not post at all.

6 bouquets of wildflowers (Comment here):

Barb said...

Just stopping in to catch up with your blog. I love to go berry picking, love strawberries.

It sounds like you have been busy and I really enjoyed reading how things are going.

Barb-Harmony Art Mom

La Tea Dah said...

And I'm so glad you posted! I loved hearing of all your adventures. I hope your mother continues to find good health and wellness. God be with her!

LaTeaDah

Pamela said...

strawberries? My tiny little patch is not doing that well. So I'm surprised that local ones are.

I'll be interested to hear how your mom progresses. Someone else I know - her mom has also been very sick. She had all of her teeth fillings removed and replaced (post war germany fillings) -- and now she is better, also.

Who can say.

Pamela said...

ps. It's thundering and raining -- hope you sat out on your deck and enjoyed like we did!

Deborah Granick said...

Hello,

My name is Deborah Granick, I am 22 and have too young children: Elisha and Caleb. I also live in the Pacific NW in Portland Oregon!

I found your other blog ( which led me here) when looking for a raw vegan lemon bar recipe. I noticed that you are interested in raw and vegan cooking, homescooling, home birth and JESUS! I am interested in those things too. You seem like an amazing woman who really loves the Lord. It was exciting to read your blog- my children are so young right now 1 1/2 and 3 months. I cant wait to homeschool them! The idea of worshipping together everyday was inspiring! We pray together but not as much as we should- thanks for sharing your schedule! Hope you have a blessed day!

Deborah

VJ said...

Oh, EJ!
You haven't been on for a while, but I've got a link for you! A choir mom friend of mine (I call her my spirital friend from the choir) is in the middle of a caterpillar adventure. You should see the video she posted! It is amazing and I know your kids will love it. Go to, http://weblog.xanga.com/mommo5/665241635/catterpillar-to-chrysalis.html. Be sure to watch the video.

By the way, I cross linked her to you as well.