Grains

According to a new study, a diet rich in whole grains significantly reduces risk of heart diseases, in contrast to a diet rich in egg and high-fat dairy consumption which could double the risk of a heart failure. The results of the study, published in the November 2008 edition of the Journal of American Dietetic Association, [...]

I'm grateful the painting is done. I'll be even more grateful when we get everything put in place. You know how it goes, you move this and then you have to find a home for that and then someone has a bright idea to move all this stuff downstairs and then move some other stuff upstairs and wouldn't the room look better if we added two bookshelves and....well you see how it goes.And then the boys

Still painting! This is taking longer than I envisioned, but more has happened than I planned. Who'd'a'thunk it???This week I am grateful for a husband who went out and ordered a washer and dryer for me!! Ones that work and everything. I am not an old fashioned girl. A washboard is NOT in my future. Laundromats have their purpose, but I am spoiled. They aren't fancy, not lots of bells and

An eleven day old baby.I got to hold one this week. A precious, sweet new soul—tiny and fresh and a gift from God. She joined a family as the sixth and joyfully welcomed child. Her oldest brother smiled when he told me about her. Both parents have that air of contented love about them. I was grateful her sweet mama let me hold her for a while and I was grateful to listen to her mother talk about

Experts point out that not only coarse grains have become necessary for the body nutrition, and many types of cancer can be prevented. According to experts, including the Food and coarse grains, such as those nuts, and cereals such as maize rich in complex carbohydrates cellulose. These foods high cellulose content, can stimulate the body [...]

This week I am grateful for much safe travel. The boys and I are on the road seven days a week and on four of those days we have some young ladies joining us. I am grateful for all the traveling mercies we have received. My boys have been so much fun to watch. Their energy inspires me and keeps me getting up everyday. I cannot imagine life without them. There's a great guy who lives in my house

Late in the day Grains of Gratitude. We've been running non-stop for the last few weeks. I'm grateful that gas has gone down. $1.67 today. Wow! There has been a lot of safe travel this week that I am thankful for--the boys and I downtown and back, and Daddy made it home again after a two week trip. I am thankful for that, so very thankful. I am thankful for my boys. This week is the "Roo

While I always start off feeling sorry for myself when I get overloaded, I quickly remember that it is because my life is so full of blessings that running shoes seem to be a necessity these days. At least I try to. Sometimes it takes a cup of coffee or four to get the old brain cells firing again. I am grateful the boys are feeling better. There is no time I feel more like a rotten mommy than

The bead is a mania of the fun that many have turned in work for hours or full time. Work with your hands and turning grains into beautiful jewelry have given many people the satisfaction looking at a fad. People from all around comment regarding the jewelry impressive. I like to say that I made that very reason. There are lots of options to work with the grain. One could use the sequence or wir

Whole Grains Prevent Weight Gain was written by Moss Greene from nutrition.bellaonline.comResearch from Harvard, recently published in the highly respected peer-reviewed Journal of Clinical Nutrition, has now proven that women who eat the most whole grains lose more weight and maintain that weight loss better than women who eat the least amount of whole grains.In a twelve year study of over 74,000

This week I am just grateful to have my husband home. The fact of just “being” together is wonderful. Whether it is sitting next to each other reading, watching television (can anyone say “Debates”?), or just knowing he is downstairs working, it is great just having him in the house. He works from home about 80% of the time and to have him away upsets the apple cart. We are blessed to be

FreeRice is a sister site of Poverty.com. Partners are Berkman Center for Internet & Society at Harvard University and the United Nations World Food Program. FreeRice has two goals: Provide... Original Blog :

My husband and I love whole grain, nutty, nutrition packed breads. Last week we tried two new Grains & More versions by Arnold Bakeries and I'm really excited to tell you... they are good! First off I need to mention that Arnold Bakery may not mean much to someone in the Midwest. Like many companies they go by different names in different parts of the country to Arnold Bakery Breads in the

The"Feeling Sorry for Myself" Edition I have a wonderful family, a fantastic church family, very good friends and so much stuff to be grateful for. So here I am sitting on Sunday evening pouting. I have no idea how other families do it. I know that some families have Dad traveling for work all week, every week and Mom holds down the fort and they seem to survive just fine. That would b

Why whole grain? We eat less rice, ignore bananas and forget pastas and white bread because they contain carbohydrates. But not all carbohydrates give fat. Whole grains and food items made of whole grains (bread) contain carbohydrates. These are complex carbohydrates which are unlike the simple... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit the Weight Loss Blog for the full article ]]

What a wet and wearing week! I thought I might mow the lawn for my husband while he was away, but that proved impossible in all the rain. I’m going to have a jungle to mow when it dries. That said, there is much to be grateful for, and I am very grateful for: Safety in storms. We’ve not had near the horrible weather that has attacked Texas and other southern states, but Friday night we were a

Whole Grains GuideYou've probably heard a lot about how good for you whole grains can be. But do you really know what whole grains are – or why they're so beneficial? A grain is considered whole when all three parts – bran, germ and endosperm – are present. Most people know that fruits and vegetables contain beneficial phytochemicals and antioxidants, but many do not realize that whole grain

How does life go on after a loss? I'm not sure but it does. And it is by God's mercies that we continue to go along with it. There are events which the pain fades mostly away. Those are the events that I try to remind myself and others won't be more than a "blip" on the radar five years from now. Six years ago we were in the process of losing our house--today it is not the first thing I

Whew!! I’m tired! We spent the day at the zoo. Lions and tigers, sadly no bears yet, but, “Oh my!!” we saw a lot of God’s creatures today. What a blessing. Eight years ago I was pondering what to pack in my bag to take to the hospital. Eight years ago I had no idea of all the joys and challenges that lay ahead of me all bundled into the baby I was carrying then. This week Boo will turn 8

I found where the globe is warming and it is in my backyard. Help me!! I’m melting! You know those people who tell you, “It’s not the heat, it’s the humidity.”? They are RIGHT! It is like breathing a glass of water going outside. I’ve lived where humidity is low and was amazed how much easier cold and heat were able to be tolerated. When you step outside and your clothes become glued

The era of inexpensive food is over. Food prices have hit record highs worldwide and the signs are that they will go on rising. It is time for us to reflect on some pertinent questions. In the last few years, we have seen amazing advances in technology and productivity. There has been an all round economic progress. Despite this, the price rise is a glaring reality - why? Shouldn’t the improv

All grains, with the exception of rice, and the various grain meals, require prolonged cooking with gentle and continuous heat, in order to so disintegrate their tissues and change their starch into dextrine as to render them easy of digestion. Even the so-called "steam-cooked" grains, advertised to be ready for use in five or ten minutes, require a much longer cooking to properly fit them for dig

We survived another week “on the go.” But just barely, I’m thinking. The boys and I were about falling over on Friday when we arrived home. But it was a good week, better than last week. I am soooooooooo grateful. Mr. Boo’s attitude was much improved and his schoolwork showed it. He found out the library we are visiting has comic books available for checkout and this was a great motivator

The Whole Grains Council says that people can't go wrong eating whole grains in everything from cereal in the morning to brown rice in their battle to ward off a list of killer ailments.For overall health benefits, nutritionists suggest eating three or more servings of whole grains a day. The U.S. Department of Agriculture defines a whole grain serving as any food containing 16 grams of whole grai

We could not possibly be conscious of these things and remember all of them because our mind would be so full of useless details we would be unable to think. From all this awareness we must select, and what we select and call consciousness is never the same as the awareness because the process of [...]

Your body betrays you as you get older. Tastes change; you can no longer eat what you want without heartburn or indigestion; and your diet has to change in order for you to fend off illness. That is why the consumption of whole grains versus white flour or refined products is essential to reducing your chances of illness and disease. That old adage that you are what you eat is practicall

We were supposed to clean the garage Satuday. Sounds like a great time, huh? No? I didn’t think so either, but was prepared to forge on and find room in the chaos. I never had visions of being able to park in there—just walk. But my husband did the unexpected, and offered an alternate plan. Would I like to take the boys to play miniature golf and to go visit a relatively new store I’d not s

Grains of Gratitude is home at Brady's Bunch, blog of the gracious and energetic Christine. School is out for two weeks at our house. That is a big long break here at Chez Joyeux. But the last few weeks have been wild and we need some time to regroup. I am grateful for my father's visit this weekend. We are helping him celebrate his birthday. My sons are having a blast playing cards and staying

By: Mike Jones Creating Grain SpawnCereal grains such as wheat, rye, millet, maize, amaranth, quinoa, etc. can be used as a vehicle to expand your substrate mass into bulk substrates. If you’ve mastered half-pint jars, making grain spawn is the next logical step. When a jar of grain is completely colonized it can be used to inoculate other jars of grain using what’s called a grain to grain tra

What is (really) old is new again as the latest craze sweeping the food industry worldwide is ancient grains. Packaged food and beverage markets are seeing a growing influx of new products featuring grains that were favoured by civilizations thousands of years ago. According to a new report, some 515 new food and beverage products were [...]

I am late, but still grateful for all of the blessings the LORD has put in my life. I am grateful for the three people who have the most to do with me being a mom: my husband, my Roo and my Boo. How different my life would be without them. How quiet and empty. I am grateful to be a mom. I am grateful for our weather--ours has been gorgeous and we've been spared so many times. There are

Whole grains not only reduce the risk of diabetes and heart disease, but also may improve blood glucose control. It is unknown precisely which compounds within whole grains have the greatest effect, but it is likely a combination of factors. Some of the nutrients critical for diabetes are nearly devoid in processed grains. Despite having nearly equal calories per slice, magnesium is 84-percent lower, zinc is 76-percent lower, and fiber is 88% less in white when compared to whole wheat flour. To ensure you are getting the benefits of whole grains, look for products labeled as “100-percent whole wheat” or look for the word whole to be listed within the first ingredient on labels. Dietary fiber more than just bulk. A study reviewing fiber intakes in 524 individuals showed that those who e

י'ד בניסן תשס"חAnnwyn 15In follow up to Transformative Pesach Prophecy, several elucidating ideas emerge from Ceridwen's cauldron of transformative prophecy.Pesach-Beltaine ConnectionPesach Sheni is May 19 (Iyar 14, corresponding to the time we count the 30th day of the Omer) and astrological Beltaine (Beltaine Sheni) is May 4 (Annwyn 30) this year of 5768. Consequently, both Pesach Sheni and Beltaine Sheni come together through a "time" value of 30.Ceridwen is associated in Celtic witchcraft with Beltaine. Yet, Ceridwen delivered to me a prophecy associated with Pesach. Taken together, Ceridwen represents for me stepping above the time of both, transcendently joining together Pesach and Beltaine.As a lunar goddess, Ceridwen is linked with blessings bestowed through Yesod into M

Grains are simply the seed-bearing fruit from grasses. Whole grains are more nutritious than refined grains because they contain all three parts of the grain which includes the bran, the endosperm and the germ. The bran composes the outer layer of the seed and it is high in many minerals including iron, riboflavin, magnesium, niacin, [...]

My husband made it home!! I am so grateful. Life seems back to our version of normal. It seems we’ve been busy, but I’ve not much to show (or tell) for it. Do you ever seem like you run around faster and faster and then stop and say, “What did I really do?” Hrumph!! I feel like those Veggie Tale veggies singing, “Busy, busy, dreadfully busy!” I need to thank all of you who left me a comment last

“No other asset class comes close to commodities over the last six years. Not stocks, not bonds, not real estate and not even most emerging markets. In fact, even during the worst credit crisis in the United States in 60 years, commodity benchmarks continue to hit new all-time highs [...]

I am grateful my husband has a good job, I am grateful my husband has a good job, I am grateful my husband has a good job…but…and you heard that coming didn’t you?  My husband is on the road again. He was gone a few days last week and will be gone for the largest part of this week. He works from home (telecommuting) about 75-85% of the time. So when he travels it really changes our lifestyle.

Falling off the face of the earth happens sometimes. My thought was that when I returned to blogging, I would be ready to post everyday, but this pesky thing called life continues to “get in the way.” Just kidding—and certainly not complaining. But one thing I learned during my time off was that “Life” certainly does take a precedent over everything. And I was still very worn down from the

I dont know why some people are having some problem eating whole grains. I love it and it taste good compare to white breads. Aside from that, it has many good health benefits.Whole grains can combat heart disease and stroke. Start adding whole grains to your food arsenal. Eating an average of 2.5 servings of whole grains each day can lower your risk of heart disease and stroke by up to 21 percent

Grains of Gratitude seemed like a most appropriate way to close Easter Sunday. The world somehow seems new again after the weight of last week. I am first, foremost and always grateful for our Savior. For the Son of the Living God who was crushed and humbled, who died and overcame death. Alleluia!! He is risen! He is risen indeed!! Emotions were very high this week and culminated in a most

It’s now week 2 of National Nutrition month. This week’s topic is on Whole Grains. WHAT IS A WHOLE GRAIN? All grains start life as whole grains . In their natural state growing in the fields, whole grains are the entire seed of a plant. This seed (which industry calls a "kernel") is made up of three key parts: the bran, the germ, and the endosperm. The Bran The bran is the multi-layered outer skin of the kernel, and is tough enough to protect the other two parts of the kernel from assaults by sunlight, pests, water, and disease. It contains important antioxidants, B vitamins and fiber. The Germ The germ is the embryo which, if fertilized by pollen, will sprout into a new plant. It contains many B vitamins, some protein, minerals, and healthy fats. The Endosperm The endosperm is the ge

I just came across this study that came out of Penn State University, it focused on the effects of whole grain on dieters. I think it’s so interesting because I’m a huge proponent of eating alot of whole grains. I did it for nutritional reasons because of the way it’s so much more dense in [...]

I am grateful that my husband and I got to watch our sons together on stage yesterday. I was blown away by who they have become. They are very confident young men and I have to admit that I cried watching. I could not help but think my mother would have been so proud. I am so proud. And without planning one of my dear friends had seats for herself and her husband. I was a happy accident, that was

The lack of my Grains of Gratitude posting is not indicative of my actual gratefulness. The LORD has been extremely kind to my family in so many things, I cannot begin to express. But I need to try. I have been grateful for the traveling mercies we have received, these last few weeks, especially. I have been seriously questioning my parenting skills. The weather has been dubious at best and we

Carbohydrates that cause blood sugar levels to spike and fall rapidly could be a risk factor for central vision loss with aging. Central vision loss is one of the first signs of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a leading cause of blindness among the elderly. Diets high in carbohydrates that are quickly digested and absorbed, such as white bread, rice, potatoes, pasta, sugars and corn syrups is also suspected of being involved in the vision loss that sometimes accompanies diabetes. The type of damage to eye tissue produced by these “fast” carbs could be similar in both AMD and diabetic eye disease.

Carbohydrates that cause blood sugar levels to spike and fall rapidly could be a risk factor for central vision loss with aging. Central vision loss is one of the first signs of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a leading cause of blindness among the elderly. Diets high in carbohydrates that are quickly digested and absorbed, such as white bread, rice, potatoes, pasta, sugars and corn syrups is also suspected of being involved in the vision loss that sometimes accompanies diabetes. The type of damage to eye tissue produced by these “fast” carbs could be similar in both AMD and diabetic eye disease.

Belated posting on "Grains" today. My cup has seemed to runneth over with busyness, although my house certainly doesn't show any evidence of that. But again, and as always there is so much to be grateful for. Without doubt I am grateful to the men and women who have served our country. Veterans's Day seemed a little more special this year because I feel that this is the year my sons have gained

This week I am going to remember to be grateful that my husband has a job. Even though the job and the circumstances are threatening to stress us both out. Situations have become crises causing the Cave Geek to leave the house within about a half hour of coming home Friday night. He and his geeky counterpart worked until 3 a.m. or so Saturday morning, came home and then had a confrence call

By: Mike Jones Creating Grain SpawnCereal grains such as wheat, rye, millet, maize, amaranth, quinoa, etc. can be used as a vehicle to expand your substrate mass into bulk substrates. If you’ve mastered half-pint jars, making grain spawn is the next logical step. When a jar of grain is completely colonized it can be used to inoculate other jars of grain using what’s called a grain to grain transfer. G2G for short. Paul Stamet’s explains that 1 jar of colonized grain can inoculate 10 more jars of grain. Each of these jars in turn can inoculate 10 more jars and finally those can inoculate 10 bags of bulk substrate each. Do the math and you are expanding your mycelial mass up to 10,000 times the original jar. (Growing Gourmet and Medicinal Mushrooms, 2000).If you would like to create your own Rye jars, simply follow these instructions and start making your own grain spawn to experiment with.There are many lid designs that can be used with your quart jars. We recommend drilling four

For a husband who works all hours and still offers to help with the dishes and the boys. Father, thank you, I am so very grateful. For children who love me for better or worse--even though they didn't have a choice in the matter, I am so grateful. For friends who can sit by me and unlike Job's friends, know how to just sit and not judge, I am grateful. For friends who reach across the

I am grateful that we survived last week. Much running, driving, sitting waiting and then being able to watch Boo’s stage debut. He was a little boy in the ballet Mme.Butterfly. He wore a wig of straight black hair and if you weren’t looking you would never have known it was him. He had a blast. The company was so kind, especially the ballet masters. And I was moved to tears watching this

My blogging hiatus ending with a sinus infection compounded by a painful earache—connected I am sure. But it seems to respond to medication, so we will go with that. And be grateful. There was a thought in my head at the beginning of this week that I should be looking into new names to add to my family. Considering I am old enough to be Boo’s grandma that was a somewhat terrifying prospect. But

By Kristin Dunlap I just came across a great website that encourages healthy eating, with some creative ideas that might appeal to kids: GrainPower.org. You can enter this month’s contest for winning snack ideas; find fun sandwich ideas from Sara Moulton, smart snacking recipes, and even learn about the ‘history of bread.’ I haven’t tried any of [...]

For forgiveness, grace, mercy compassion, patience, from My Father, my husband, my children and my friends I am grateful beyond words. If I owe you a phone call, a card, an e-mail, or a response of some sort, thank you for bearing with me. For some reason this week I could write a post about coffee, chocolate & pumpkin but not an e-mail. I could write about apple peelers, books and menus but not

A recent study reported on in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition suggests that individuals who eat more whole grains are less likely to become overweight or obese than those who don't.The Holland researchers are quick to point out that their study was not designed to show a cause and effect relationship between whole grain consumption and the probability of becoming overweight, but there does seem to be an association between the two.Certainly more studies are needed to confirm this relationship, however this study adds to the growing body of evidence suggesting that whole grain consumption influences a person's propensity to become overweight.You can read more about the study and its findings here.

This week has flown. The weather decide to act like summer a little longer. I suppose that's okay, but I was excited for fall. The trees, however are showing signs of redecorating themselves. How I love to see the tapestry of autumn. We were blessed because my dad decided to visit us. The boys are tickled to have Grandpa to show off for. Dad and I have had chances to sit and talk which is always

The calendar says it is still summer, but the weather this week said, “FALL!” And I love fall. The forecast predicts we will be returning to warmer weathers, but I am grateful for this little break. Sometimes the weather can readjust our attitudes and focus us forward to the upcoming season. I am grateful to live where the season changes are so obvious and most often dramatic. I complain about

I didn’t post as much as I thought I might last week. Life seemed to require a lot from me and while I tried to catch up on my bloggy reading and commenting I didn’t get to visit everyone I wanted to and I really didn’t post much. But it was again a week filled with wonderful things to be grateful for. The boys went back to dancing. I try not to boast often but I am incredibly proud of my young

Landing— I feel like I have returned from another planet. And I feel like I have been gone a lifetime. So much happened in such a relatively short period of time. There were times when I thought five or six hours had gone by and was surprised that only twenty minutes had passed. Other times I was sure that I had only been somewhere for a moment and hours had gone by. My computer sat untouched

What a difference a week makes. To quote another cliché, life changes in a blink of an eye. One breath you have both feet on earth and the next breath can be drawn on the other side, hopefully in heaven, meeting the LORD. My mother changed her address this week from a shell on earth to glory in heaven. I am grateful for the life she led and I hope I can learn from her example. After over three

If anyone can turn whisky into gasoline it's the Scots. With the help of a grant researchers at Abertay University are examining how to make biofuel from spent grain.The researchers hope to find a way to reuse the residue from whisky and beer production. The Scottish scientists hope to find an economical way to create bioethanol, which burns cleaner than petroleum based fuel.Professor Graeme Walker will lead the year-long study, which has to overcome challenges in converting spent grain into fuel. The process is more difficult than producing bioethanol from virgin materials. Currently spent grain from stills is either used for animal feed or discarded.

Women who get plenty of whole grains in their diet may lower their risk of developing high blood pressure, a large study suggests. Researchers found that middle-aged and older women who ate the most whole grains were less likely than those with the lowest intakes to develop high blood pressure over [...]

Christine says she is going to make onion soup with the onions that she’s been given. I think that is a good plan. And I actually like onion soup. Christine is the originator of Grains of Gratitude and I have been so thankful to participate in this meme. Grains has caused me to pause and peer up from my downward, “woe is me” focus many times and look around me and then upward to the magnificent

It's time to reflect on the good things of this past week in another "Grains Of Gratitude" post. Grains of Gratitude was started by Christine at Brady's Bunch.1) I'm thankful that our first ever paid babysitter, Cody, is working out really well! He's always ready when we pick him up on Thursdays at 5:30 p.m. and he and Snuggle Bug are getting along smashingly. Cody tells us that Snuggle Bug is the easiest kid that he's ever watched. This past Thursday, Cody brought him a cute cup with his name on it. He was out shopping with his mom when he saw it and asked his mom if he could get it for Snuggle Bug. How sweet is that?2) I'm thankful that Oronzo is still attending our MAPPs classes. He says he's not getting a lot out of them (more on that in another post) but he knows they're required to become licensed to adopt through the state so he's hanging in there.3) I'm thankful for my job and my co-workers. It's not often when you truly like almost every one that you work with, but

It's time to reflect on the good things of this past week in another "Grains Of Gratitude" post. Grains of Gratitude was started by Christine at Brady's Bunch.I was going to put together a list of things I'm grateful for this week, but I've changed my mind after reading a post on Crouching Mommy, Hidden Laundry.Instead, I'd like to direct my thoughts and prayers to Magazine Man as he struggles to come to terms with the sudden and tragic death of his parents who died in a car wreck on their way to see him and his family.Please, please go over to his blog and offer him condolences and prayers.And while you're at it, offer up prayers and thanksgiving for the health and safety of your own family. Life is simply too fragile and precious!May you have a blessed Sunday.

With the latest pet food recall involving a holistic brand, many people are wondering what pet food is safe. Let me just tell you that Life’s Abundance by HealthyPetNet is manufactured by Ohio Pet. Ohio Pet’s website states that they do not use wheat gluten, no rice gluten or rice protein concentrate, and they only purchase domestically grown grain. Life’s Abundance dry dog and puppy food, cat and kitten food, contains brown rice. The rice contains no gluten and is U.S. sourced (i.e., domestically grown). It is not used as a protein source, rather, only enough is used to bind the kibble together. This blog contains other information on HealthyPetNet: http://safepetfood.wordpress.com/2007/04/11/free-organic-pet-food-samples-no-wheat-corn-or-by-products/ http://safepetfood.wordpress.com/2007/04/07/ingredients-in-lifes-abundance-dry-cat-food-by-healthypetnet/ http://safepetfood.wordpress.com/2007/04/07/ingredients-in-lifes-abundance-dry-dog-food-by-healthypetnet/ Tech

It's time to reflect on the good things of this past week in another "Grains Of Gratitude" post. Grains of Gratitude was started by Christine at Brady's Bunch.1. Our sweet neighbor, Hetty died earlier this morning, at 3:30 a.m. We got the call from her husband, Jack, at 6:30 a.m. I'm thankful that we were given the opportunity to know this wonderful woman. Over the past 2 years, she became like a grandmother to me and Oronzo and a great-grandmother to Snuggle Bug. We will miss her fiesty nature and her kindness. Prayers for Jack and their 2 children and grandchildren would be much appreciated. They will miss Hetty most dearly, as will we!2. I'm thankful that so many bloggers are offering up prayers for Kelli and Heather. Both need prayers now more than ever! The power of prayer can work miracles, so please go to their blogs and offer them enouragement and prayers.3. I'm thankful that we finished our huge stack of adoption paperwork last night! I'm sure more will be required to be

It's time to reflect on the good things of this past week in another "Grains Of Gratitude" post. Grains of Gratitude was started by Christine at Brady's Bunch.1. I'm thankful that my neighbor, Hetty has her daughter visiting this weekend. Her son is coming next week. Snuggle Bug and I went over yesterday and spent some time chatting with Hetty's daughter. She's so nice!2. I'm thankful for the opportunity participate in a 3-mile walk to raise money for MS. One of our neighbors has MS and we've watched the painful process of him loosing more and more mobility over the last 2 years. The walk was great! I was impressed by the turn-out and with all the volunteers that made our walk fun and enjoyable! I do believe we'll be doing this again next year.3. I'm thankful for that Snuggle Bug's swimming lessons went very well this past Tuesday and Thursday! He didn't cry once, in fact he was looking forward to going to the pool. He sat patiently on the step in the shallow end of the pool

It's time to reflect on the good things of this past week in another "Grains Of Gratitude" post.1. I'm thankful for the fact that my blogger friend Stacey and her husband were chosen to be the adoptive parents of a little boy due at the end of May. Oh how I remember the excitement (and nervousness) of being chosen and matched! Stacey, your family will be in my prayers!2. I'm thankful that my neighbor, Hetty has been granted her wish to spend her final days at home. She was moved from the hospice facility to her home earlier this week. The hospice care provided her with a hospital bed and Hetty and Jack's two children hired round-the-clock, in-home nursing care for Hetty because Jack just can't take care of her on his own. It's a tough time for Hetty and her family, so I'd appreciate it if you'd keep them in your prayers.3. I'm thankful for the opportunity to get to know my next door neighbor a bit. Mary & her husband (Bill) have a little girl (Nan) who is 2 years older than Sn

It's time to reflect on the good things of this past week in another "Grains Of Gratitude" post.1. I'm thankful for my pen pal Meineke. Several months ago, she figured out that I was married in Ireland and left me a comment mentioning the fact that she lived in Ireland. After several emails back and forth, we learned that we both love writing and receiving real letters, so we decided to become overseas pen pals. I received a letter from her last week and then was pleasantly surprised to receive a St. Patrick's Day card with another letter enclosed just yesterday! Thanks, Meineke! You're so thoughtful! I do so love hand-written letters! Oronzo and I hope to make it back to Ireland for one of our wedding anniversaries and, when we do, we have full intentions of hooking up with Meinke and her family to meet them in person!2. I'm thankful for the 4 hour nap that Snuggle Bug took yesterday! It allowed me to take a little nap and then still have some uninterrupted time to get things don

It's time to reflect on the good things of this past week in another "Grains Of Gratitude" post.1. I'm thankful for the kind ladies that so faithfully post recipes on my Favorite Ingredients Friday recipe exchange, and for those that pop in from time to time to add their recipes as well. I can't tell you how much I love your recipes! It really helps make my weekly menu planning much easier! My family appreciates it too. It gives them some variety.2. I'm thankful for the wonderful little friends that Snuggle Bug has made. He has so much interacting with them on a weekly basis. They're such dear little people and he's always so excited to spend time with them! They're parents are pretty neat too!3. I'm thankful for the safe plane ride that Snuggle Bug and I had yesterday morning. One of our Mommy friends invited us to join her and her son for an aviation day that their church was hosting. Snuggle Bug and his toddler friends got to go up in a Cessna 206 together (with us mommy's

Wow, another week has gone by … Being on vacation really alters ones sense of time. I have so many things to be grateful for this week. I am ever so grateful to my awesome husband for taking time off work (especially right now) to take us to Disneyland. It was a lot of work [...]

Each Sunday I pop over to Michelle's blog to read her "Grains of Gratitude" post. I enjoy it so much, thanks Michelle, that I decided to give it a try myself. I know Michelle wasn't the originator of this meme, can anyone tell me who was so I can stop by their blog to thank them as well?Okay, here's my list of the things I'm grateful for this past week:1. I'm grateful that Snuggle Bug seems to be getting over the cold he's had for the past few days. The cold has made him cranky, or maybe it's the fact that he's two now, we can't be sure. :) His good spirits have been restored. 2. I'm grateful for my handi-man husband. Oronzo has been able to do some minor and a bit more major repairs around our home himself, with a couple of trips to Home Depot, rather than hiring a contractor to come in and do them.3. I'm grateful for my neighbors who look after each other. We've had some minor vandelism here lately (spray paint on mailboxes & lamp posts, outdoor water faucets being turn

Many people around the world use grains as a staple. In the United States, grains form the base of the Food Guide Pyramid and help form the foundation of a nutritious diet. Grains are great because: They provide vitamins,minerals, complex carbohydrates (starch and dietary fiber), and other substances important for health. Whole grains, as part of ...