Blog Header

Blog Header

Sunday, September 27, 2009

Late Night Fun

After my sister sent me a few fun sewing blogs I was motivated to make a few fun things myself. My staple outfit is a plain shirt from the Gap Outlet and jeans, also from the Gap Outlet. Having an abundance of plain shirts I decided to practice on these.


This shirt was a bit too bit, so I cut it down. Then I took one of Judah's old t-shirts that had holes and stains in it and cut 1 in strips to sew on to the shirt. Mom suggested using a glue stick to place the strips. That worked MUCH better than pins.




This one only took a few minutes, but was really fun. Again, I took an old t-shirt of Judah's that was about to head to the trash. I'm looking at the Goodwill bag with new eyes. Oh the possibilities!





Lastly, here's a picture of Havah in her diaper - no ruffles. She's enjoying her morning smoothie. Havah is a lot of fun these days. She talks non-stop about anything that comes to mind. I can understand a lot of it, but most of it I just pretend. Her favorite person right now is Dad. Last night when I tucked her in bed she sang a song to me about her "dadeeee". So sweet.




Friday, September 25, 2009

I'm Still Learning

Havah is 17 months old now. After 17 months of having a daughter you would think that I know how to pack a diaper bag. For the last several months she's just needed a diaper and our nursing cover. She's not had a blow out since she was teeny tiny, she doesn't usually want food or a cup while we are out.

Last week we were at Walmart when I got the a big surprise. A wet baby! Her poor little pants were soaked because her diaper had failed her. I went to the car to change her, but was only able to change her diaper. :( Learning lesson #1.

Lesson #2 - We've been trying out nursery at church and at school (I volunteer at the kids school 2 hours a week). It has not been very successful. The other day one of the volunteers asked where Havah's cup was. I explained that I hadn't brought one. She looked at me like I was pretending to be a mom. Then she asked what I had for a snack. Again, I failed to bring one.

This week we were a little more prepared. Cup, snack and even the secret weapon...magic baby paci. Too bad it didn't work. One of the caregivers brought her to me 20 minutes after I dropped her off. She hadn't stopped crying the entire time.

Anything else that I should have in my diaper bag? Any suggestions about taking her to childcare?

Thursday, September 24, 2009

M is for Milk

It is generally assumed that cow’s milk is a perfect food. This is not exactly true. I am not a fan of cow’s milk and that is an understatement. In past years I always had milk around. I was sure it was good for me. It has good stuff in it, right? Yes! Good stuff for a calf!

Years ago my friend Megan told me about a girl who was a vegan. I had never heard of such a thing. She explained to me that humans are the only animals to continue drinking milk after normal breastfeeding years. They refuse to be weaned. At the time I was very surprised, but later realized that humans were the only animals smart enough to continue to drink milk. Riiiiiiight….

Well here’s what I’ve come to learn:

Cow’s milk is mucus forming. Have you ever noticed that after drinking a glass of milk or (this one might hurt) after eating an ice cream cone you need to clear your throat? That is a friendly little deposit from your friend the cow in the back of your throat. Perfect for breeding bacteria.

Dairy products create an acidic environment in the body. When the body is acidic it then goes to work correcting its PH, as the body is at a slightly alkaline ph. In order to balance the PH of the body certain minerals are released to neutralize this acidic environment. The main one being…calcium. Calcium is released from the body in order to balance out PH and help digest the protein in the milk. Hmmm wonder where that calcium comes from.

Cow’s milk is the best source of casein protein. Sounds pretty good doesn’t it? There is casein in Mother’s Milk, but there’s 300x more in cow’s milk The protein in cow’s milk is made up of 87% casein protein. Casein protein is known to be cancer promoting. Check out any research done by Dr T. Colin Campbell who conducted the largest research project on nutrition ever.

Cow’s milk is intended to double a calf’s body weight in 6 – 8 weeks (human’s usually require 6 – 8 months). God being the genius He is, put in the milk what is necessary to get that cute little calf to pack on the pounds as fast as possible. Strange enough he didn’t put the same thing in human milk…

Now let’s look at Insulin Like Growth Factor. Insulin has properties in it to help your body to grow, but IGF-1’s specific role is to cause the body to grow. IGF-1 tells everything in the body to grow, normal tissue (bones) and foreign tissue (cancers). In cancer research IGF-1 is a VERY hot topic. We make our own IGF-1, but cow’s milk has far more in it than our bodies can appropriately handle. I don’t fully grasp this one, but Dr McDougal does. You can check out his video here. The dairy industry says, “Drink milk it will make you big and strong” and they’re right! In a study published in 2003 participants were given 40 grams of milk protein. Their IGF-1 was increased by 39%. That’s 39% more growth hormones than God put in our bodies. Maybe you’re thinking about switching to soy protein and soy milk options. In this same study participants who got Isolated Soy Protein increased the IGF-1 by 69%! (please note that Isolated Soy Protein is not the same as regular soy products)

Contrary to popular believe, dairy products do not prevent osteoporosis, in fact the countries that have the highest incidence of osteoporosis, have the highest intakes of dairy.

In an article published in the American Journal of clinical Nutrition (1990 vol. 52 pg142-6), they indicate that dairy products may in fact contribute to osteoporosis. “ ……the protein content of milk might have a negative effect on calcium balance by increasing urinary calcium excretion….”

But what about raw milk? Isn’t raw milk supposed to be good for you? All facts listed above are true of both raw and pasteurized cow’s milk. While there are far more live enzymes in raw milk which help you digest the milk, I would still exclude it from the “good for you” category. Now I could go into what actually happens when milk is pasteurized, but that would be A LOT more writing. There are several health, humanitarian and environmental issues closely connected to pasteurizing milk. If you are interested you can search for it yourself. I will say this, my husband tells me if you feed pasteurized milk to a cow it will die.

Now onto my last and favorite objection to cow’s milk. Prepare yourself…this is going to be a big statement. Consumption of cow’s milk is more closely related to Type 1 Diabetes than smoking is to Cancer. Take a moment and read that again. For this very reason the American Academy of Pediatrics has recommended that children not drink cow’s milk for the first two years of life. I get a bit overwhelmed with this one and could provide you with a lot of information, so if anyone is actually interested in hearing the science and research behind this one I’ll do a separate post on it.

Now when you go out there and begin searching this topic out for yourself please keep something in mind. The dairy industry is BIG and they have lots of MONEY. Check your sources! Make sure you’re getting good info that’s not being funded by the dairy industry or someone who profits from you buying milk.

Sunday, September 20, 2009

Word to the Mothers

I loved this video. Whether you are a part of the House of Prayer or it is encouraging to know that the work you are doing at home with your children is intercession! Prayer becomes not just what you do in your down time, but becomes who you are.

Saturday, August 15, 2009

She Walks

Well if you have Facebook then you know that my little Havah can finally walk around by herself. If you don't have Facebook then you're missing out on some cute videos and photos of the Henry's. Havah is still a bit tentative and defaults to scooting. In the past few weeks she has accidentally taken a step to get from the couch to the coffee table or from one toy to the next. She didn't even know that she had done it. I've known for weeks that she is completely capable of walking, but she just doesn't. She doesn't have to! She's a hiphiker. She just puts up her arms and bats her eyes at whoever walks by.

We went to visit my friend Kelly last week. She has a sweet new baby and a very fun 2 year old. While we were there we saw her walking toy. You know what I mean right? Havah was interested in it, Kelly didn't need it, so we borrowed it. That evening Havah used the walking toy to go from the living room - to the kitchen - to the dining room - to the living room...about 5 times. When I put her to bed she was exhausted but still quite upset that I was putting her in bed without her new toy.

The next day she got up and found her toy and made her rounds a few times before Judah woke up. Judah is so sneaky, she make a lap or two with Havah.... then would put the toy just out of her reach. Havah would take a step or two and then keep going.

Later that afternoon I caught Havah walking on her own. She walked from the living room all the way into the kitchen completely unassisted! The first day that the kids walks and she walks from one room to the next. Well, she was holding the phone, so maybe that counts as assisted. She thought she was talking to Laura.

Friday, June 26, 2009

Sunday, June 21, 2009

More Sea Weed Please

Nathan and Rachel brought over some Japanese Sea Weed last night. Havah loved it. Apparently, the Japanese Sea Weed is less fishy.

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Counting the Days


I get to see my friends in California in just a few weeks! Jocelyn, Katchen, Merrily, Jane, Jason...the list just go. Can't wait to see all of you guys!


I was going through my photos the other day and came across this one of Katchen and me from her shower in January for little Aubrey (who's getting bigger every day!). Can't wait to squeeze you Katch! We'll make an herbal tea instead of our regular coffee.

Tuesday, June 09, 2009

Saturday, June 06, 2009

Monday, June 01, 2009

Sunday, May 31, 2009

Havah and Dad in the Morning

Don't worry National Safety Director, her crib is kept all the way up when she's in there alone. :)

Hold onto Your Hat - and Your Head

Catching UP

Here's a cute video from Havah's Bday last month. Sorry. :(



Notice...she never lets go of the pink cup.





Friday, April 24, 2009

Welcome Little Nephew!


Welcome to the family little nephew. We recieve you with joy and thankfulness! I am proud to be your aunt. I love your long body. I love your round little (umm not so little) head! I love that I can already see your dad in your face. You are made perfectly in the image of God. You are loved by your family and loved by God. May you walk in confidence all the days of your life knowing that you are LOVED!


Another Cute Video

There's another cute video of Havah on the PracticallyRaw Blog. Check it out here. The video is at the bottom of the post.

He's Here!

Baby Solomon is here! He arrived at 9:10 this morning and weighs 9lbs and 1oz. Momma and baby are doing great!

Monday, April 20, 2009

Tuesday, April 14, 2009

1 Year Old


I can't believe that tomorrow my baby will turn one. I remember last year when I was so anxious to have her in my arms. I would have never guessed how amazing she would be. I would have never guessed how thankful I am to have her as my daughter. I would have never guessed how much mango she can fit in her mouth at one time!


She loves her Dad and she loves her sisters. These days she lays on the changing table and yells out OOOOO DA (she's calling for Judah to come entertain her while I get her dressed or changed). She loves to sit in Israel's lap. She could sit in Izzy's lap all day and watch the world go by. She loves to call out to her Dad because she knows that he call back with something silly and throughly entertaining. She loves me. She could sit on my hip for hours and be as happy as she ever is.



Havah we love you! We are so thankful for you and you are a gift of joy from God!

Monday, April 06, 2009

Pray for Katchen

I just wanted to give you an update on our friend Katchen Weaver. Katchen has been in the hospital for the past 3 weeks. Katchen went into the hospital with gall stones. They discovered that one of the gall stones had lodged itself in the bile duct of her pancreas which caused her pancreas to become severely inflamed. They immediately took her off of all food and liquids. The stone miraculously moved from the bile duct and once the inflammation was down (5-6 days later) they removed her gallbladder. Almost a week after her surgery they released her from the hospital. Within a few hours of going home she was throwing up and ended up back in the hospital. They said that the levels of her pancreas were up to 7,000 (normal is 40). These levels are deadly. Again, they removed all food and liquids from her. Poor Katchen spent a week with a tube down her throat to drain her stomach of the excess bile her pancreas was producing. Saturday evening they were finally able to remove the tube. It seems that her pancreas is beginning to recover. Her levels today (Monday) were at 140. They still have yet to allow her to eat or drink anything. Over the weekend her doctors said that they hoped to have her home by next Sunday. Now they are no longer giving her an estimated day, but are saying that she can come home once she can keep food down for a few days.

Tomorrow Katchen will have a catscan to look for pseudo cysts on her pancreas. If there are no cysts they will begin to introduce small amounts of liquid to her diet.

How to Pray:

Pray for Katchen's speedy recovery and total healing! Pray that there are no cysts on her pancreas.

Pray for grace for their family. Israel has been with Kurt most of the time and Aubrey has been with Katchen's mom. The absence of the mom has been very hard on the kids. Thankfully, Katchen and Kurt both have supportive families that are helping them. Katchen has only seen Aubrey one time in the past three weeks. They all miss each other desperately.

Pray for finances. Kurt has been unable to find a job since they have been in California. He is taking a temporary job at PF Chang until something else opens up. If you would like to help in this area please let me know.

I get updates every few days from Katchen's mom, so I will try to keep you posted on how everything goes from here.

Monday, March 23, 2009

Faithful Friend


I was going through photos and found this one. Zeb is a faithful friend. He loves well. He's always excited to see us (unless he's been in the trash). His favorite person in the house is Judah. When the kids are gone the dog is board. If they aren't here he would prefer to be outsite waiting for them.

This photo is a few months old. I took it when I found that the girls had forgotten to close the door to their room. When I went inside I found Zeb patiently waiting for Judah while laying on her bed.
It's been more than a month! Wow! Sorry Havah fans. Here's some videos to make-up for lost time. Havah had a Birthday trial run yesterday. Gram won't be here on Havah's Birthday so we celebrated with Gram early.

Friday, February 13, 2009

She's Here!

Little Natanya is in her mommy's arms today! I got a call from Jocelyn at 12:25 am saying that Natanya has been breathing air since 4:15am (the time there in Germany). She weighs 3700 grams (8lbs 2.5oz) Way to go Jocelyn! We are so excited about the arrival of your darling daughter. America is cheering today for Natanya and her mommy!

Thursday, February 05, 2009

Things are Changing

I'm not sure if you've uuu, but things are changing around the Henry household (and no I'm not pregnant). We are going to start making raw food (that may sound a bit weird - but just check it out), a food buying group and soon bread. Sean has spent years coaching and helping small businesses. Now we find ourselves greatly benefiting from all of that knowledge. Check out our blog and site. Both are pretty rough and ugly right now, but we're getting started! I'll keep you posted as things progress.

Wednesday, February 04, 2009

In this album

In this album you will find.
#1 Ms Aubrey Weaver! Yay! She's SO wonderful.
#2 Havah on my back
#3 Havah doing head stands for Gram. Life is so much better with Gram! :)

Sunday, February 01, 2009

Eat Your Carrots!

 

 


Havah wants you to eat your carrots. Each morning we take our Aim Barley, Beets and Carrots because we aren't organized enough (or wealthy) to juice every day. Havah has a 1/4 teaspoon of the Barley Life each morning too. She wants you to have yours too so that she can have the can when you're done. I fill it with buttons or beans so it makes a for a fun filled afternoon.

Hope You Enjoy the Super Bowl

Here's the comercial that you won't see. NBC rejected it, but I love it!

Thursday, January 29, 2009

Starting this Monday

So this past Saturday we had some friends over to hear from Merrily Bright about nutrition. It was a nice kick in the butt. I know it's easier for me to make good choice with nutrition and exercise (thank you Chrissy) if I'm not alone. Having a few people show up and be on the same page was quite encouraging. Having a husband who prepares raw good tasting food is also a big bonus!

So if you're still reading, are in the Kansas City area and are interested in nutrition then consider coming over on Monday evenings. This week Sean is going to do some raw food demos. Raw food can be intimidating (or boring if you are eating a salad 2x a day). We make a few things that are really easy and would love to show you how. Next week we may watch a DVD on nutrition or maybe make more raw or very nutritious food.

If you are interested let me know. This Monday we'll need an RSVP and everyone to pitch in $5 to cover the cost of the food. If you would like to come let me know by Saturday. If you can't come this week but are interested in coming another time email me or leave a note in the comments.

Oh...and you should know... we don't eat all raw food. Sean bakes bread HELLO! REALLY REALLY GOOD BREAD!

First and Second Try

I got tired of my normal Bible with it, so I decided to make it a bit more interesting. What I saw in my head and what actually happened were two different things. Here's the first attempt:



It didn't turn out the way I wanted, so I tried again with a different design. Please excuse the poor photography. That's what a $65 digital camera from craigslist will get you.

Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Praise Be to God!

 


Little Aubrey Weaver was born today. We have patiently waited for this little one to be born. At first it seemed that she was trying to come too early...then it seemed like she wouldn't come soon enough! Well today on January 28th Aubrey has her Birthday. Praise be to God for this little one who is so loved.
Posted by Picasa

I Can't Help Myself




Thursday, January 22, 2009

Have you met him?

This is my husband. He's more fun than anyone else I know. He made sourdough pancakes a few weeks ago. He knows that pancakes are my love language.

Cuz They're Just So Fun

 

Posted by Picasa

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

For the Gramas

Havah has rediscovered her jumparoo.

Monday, January 19, 2009

Havah was a bit grumpy yesterday. At random she looks at me. Big tears well up and she sticks as many fingers in her mouth as she can fit and comps down. Her dad got out the guitar to distract her. She LOVES music.

 


She also loves her busy box that Gram got for her. Only she doesn't stay busy all that long. Maybe 10 minutes. Maybe...
 


 
Posted by Picasa

Monday, January 12, 2009

Another funny face

 

Havah's been practicing funny faces this week. This is the face she makes when she thinks I'm going to put food in her mouth.
Posted by Picasa

Judah Dressed Havah Today

 

 

 
Posted by Picasa

More Photos

 

 

 

 

Saturday, January 03, 2009

There's a Little Black Spot on the Sun Today

It's hard to believe it's been a year. It's been a year since my dad passed away and a year since he was buried. I remember feeling so silly at his funeral. The funeral director spoke. He didn't know my dad. He kept calling him "Brother David". If he had known my dad he wouldn't have called him that. It was really humorous. It was cold that day, so we decided that we wouldn't follow the casket out, but meet them at the grave site a little bit later. When we got there they had already buried him. As we pulled up I told my mom and everyone else in the car how I thought this had been a big waste. My dad would have preferred to have been sunk in the lake. They all laughed in agreement.

This year really has gone by so quickly. It wasn't as hard as I thought it was going to be, but there were moments that I didn't think were bearable. I'm so thankful that my mom has been able to spend this year with her grandkids, kids and brothers and sisters. I'm so thankful for her brothers and sisters (and my dear cuz Paul). They came down to Alabama for the funeral, drove to North Carolina when her house sold and packed the moving truck and unloaded it into a storage unit in Cincinnati just a few days later.


I miss my dad. A year later and the pain still feels like it did yesterday. Maybe it feels more real now or hurts a little more now. I'm not sure. A good friend told me that when his dad died he looked at his wife and said that he was too young not to have a dad. I can't ever imagine that there's an age that feels appropriate, but at 24 I feel a bit ripped off. I would have liked for my dad to have met Havah and teach her to say "yes", not yeah. I would have liked for him to come see my house and tell me how to fix the grass. Our grass is in REALLY bad shape. I would have liked to have a few more years to make some more memories. I would like to have just a little bit more time.

I'm feeling quite sad, but I'm also feeling thankful. I'm appreciating family more. I'm thankful for relationships. I'm thankful for friends and for conversations. They all mean a little bit more now.