Juice, heal, heart

My hubby and I wanted to try a juice fast at the beginning of the year inspired by the documentary, "Hungry for a Change." We decided to fast for three days with prep time on either end by cutting out caffeine, alcohol, refined sugars, meat, and dairy. We filled up a shopping cart with piles of carrots, celery, kale, pears, apples, cucumber, ginger, beets, purple cabbage, pineapple, parsley, and romaine lettuce. We drank juice for breakfast lunch and dinner. For me it was more challenging emotionally. I found myself sitting with feelings, stress, and anxiety that I usually would suppress with a sweet treat or a crunchy snack. It was profound to really delve into my relationship with food. I also found it incredible that I still had a ton of energy while not packing in big meals. I drank a ton of water and even made a tea of fresh juiced lemon and ginger for a wake up. On the whole the experience was life changing.

Our family now eats a plant based diet 95% of the time with an occasional egg from our chickens or a very rare bit of locally sourced meat or fish. We have cut out dairy and refined sugar almost entirely. The kids love vanilla soy and I love almond milk. We juice 2-3 times a week and enjoy a weekly family smoothie. The best part has been the amount of time and energy I devote towards food preparation, planning, and connecting to our food. I adore visiting the farmers markets for our veggies and various local grocers for bulk grains and other items. This week I have even started making our own vegetable broth to reduce our weekly grocery bill. We have saved money, I have lost significant weight, and have never felt better. But more importantly we are proud to no longer support factory farms and to reduce our food footprint globally. That had been an issue for me for many years but I felt overwhelmed at making the vegan commitment. I started this journey for health and discovered a bigger and more important goal. I want to make sure that every bit of food I give my children is delicious and nutritious and has not impacted someone in a negative way. We now vote with every dollar we spend by trying to shop as locally, seasonally, and sustainably as possible. This is the very same philosophy our father fed us by growing up. In fact this food adventure has brought me right back to those days on our families avocado farm.... and yes avocados are still our favorite kitchen staple.

I could have never made the first few "baby steps" of this journey had it not been for my treasured best friend Lisa. She has supported and inspired me every step of the way. She became a vegan last year and has sense inspired many people around her to think more about their food. She is my hero!

A Sweater For Jimmy

Our doxie pup Jimmy is forever burrowing under pillows and blankets to keep warm.. and all this during Portland's warmest months. I knew with colder temps coming soon I wanted to finally knit him a sweater. I chose a great washable worsted weight multi colored yarn from Lorna's Laces to knit up the pattern wurstwärmer by pamela wynne. The end result was perfect! Not only did the turtle neck keep him cozy but the shaping hugs his barrel chest and his long weiner dog body. I beamed with pride watching him wear it until I he made it known that sweaters might as well be the devil! It took him no time at all to get off his new treasure, chew on it, and ditch it in a bush in the yard. During the second attempt he acted as though the sweater was a strait jacket and lay down paws up as if he submitted to its paralyzing effects. Another attempt during a walk he actually whined and refused to move! Arrrrgggg... after all this his sweater is now rumpled in his dog bed unworn and forgotten whilst Jimmy is burrowed down in the couch somewhere!

First Egg!

Our girls started laying in September. Their first egg was a sweet tiny one... just the size of a small pine cone.

Lewis River Summer

Our family discovered the Lewis River this year. We went to some sweet swimming holes for day dips and camped out at the Lower Lewis Falls. It is a beautiful watershed in the Pinchot Gifford National Forest. The water is cold and clear and the habitat surrounding pristine. We will most definitely be back next year!

Summer Sweets

Graduation!

Phew! It was a long haul! Almost 10 years off and on... long haul! Through two amazing children and two jobs I kept at it. As much as I cursed being a non traditional student, I was always thankful for the opportunity. Now looking back over the whole experience I realize that I couldn't have done it without the support, love, and encouragement from family and friends.
June was celebration month complete with the official walk with my College of Forestry class. After my dear friend Robin hosted a camp out BBQ party extravaganza. All our kids, dogs, chickens, horses, and my favorite cake by Nana made an appearance. The most amazing surprise was that the Rasmussens and Culvers road tripped out to come. It was a party I will never forget.

Kruger Concert Time!

Our annual tradition kicked off with a super special visit from our very best mates. There was a amazing food, great music, and our best friends.. it was a magical night!