Steps ToTreating Fibromyalgia Naturally

Hello my friends,

Looking back, I have realized that it has been 16 months since my last post. It was about that time when I became very ill, finally being diagnosed with Fibromyalgia.

I stepped away from blogging to focus on my health. A little over a year later, I am doing about 90% better. I have had multiple people ask me what I did, so I decided to post about it. I will say now, there is no "quick fix." However, it is so very worth every step!

This is a long blog, due to its nature, but please try to stay with me. I suggest reading it a few times in order to glean all of the information you can from it.

*NOTE: Fibromyalgia presents differently in every person. While what worked for me may not work for you, it just MIGHT. If you are like I was, I was willing to at least try.

Steps to treating fibromyalgia naturally

1.Assemble your team. You will need a chiropractor, a massage therapist, a naturalist, and a general practitioner. Make sure that all are familiar with fibromyalgia, willing to treat it naturally (no pharmaceuticals), and believe that it can be cured. These three items are VERY important. If they don’t meet these requirements, move on. You need a team that has the mindset that this CAN be beaten and beaten naturally. By the end of this, you will be in fantastic shape!

I use a chiropractor that uses the Gonstead method. Make an appointment with whomever you select, then go as many times as needed in order to get to the goal of 1 time each month. That is a maintenance level.

Find a massage therapist that works alone and is licensed by a school of massage therapy. I talked to my massage therapist, and she said that those that went to school have been trained in treating FM.  There are some that never went to school and were grandfathered in. Avoid them.  Also avoid Spa Massage Therapists. They do not do the medically needed massage that your muscles must have.

I use Dr. McGuckin as my specialist. He is in Valparaiso, Indiana. For the few visits that you will need, I HIGHLY RECOMMEND that you go to him, or ask him for a recommendation for your area. He is an actual doctor. He is also a chiropractor. He will meet with you to discuss what is wrong. He will run tests, I urge you to have all of them done. The main one is the internal allergy test, as well as the vitamin D test. You will then meet with him to go over results. It will be a list of all the things that you are allergic to. This is different than the external scratch tests. Much better at pinpointing exact causes. You can’t have those things for at least 6 months. That time will be spent rebooting the white blood cells in your body so that they do not attack you all of the time. You will also be put on a vitamin C flush once a week in order to flush all toxins out of your body. You will do it once a week for 2 months, then every other week. He will explain it to you, or I can at any time.

 He will also suggest a detox bath nightly. I use water as hot as possible. 1 cup Epson salts, ½ cup baking soda, 1 tsp ginger, soak at least 20 minutes. Make sure you get to sweating stage. Leave bath, wrap in blankets, and continue sweating. I do these at night because they make me sleepy and I sleep like a baby. The more you sweat, the better. It rids your body of toxins and gets magnesium into your body.

He may suggest that you take the vitamins and supplements that he carries. I have researched them. They are extremely high quality, and the best on the market. I buy straight from him on several items. His number is 219-531-1234. If you call him, tell him I sent you and that you have similar symptoms as me. After the initial 2 visits, I have done everything by phone or email.

Find a General Practitioner. I use mine to make sure my vitamins and supplement intake is ok, blood tests to check vitamin D levels, general checkups, etc. I go once every 4 months.

2. Start taking vitamins, supplements, and minerals. I will list all that I take. I have done massive amounts of research on this subject. All help FM symptoms greatly.

·         CQ 10

·         Complete B complex

·         D Ribose

·         Calcium citrate

·         Cat’s Claw

·         Magnesium Malate

·         Mg Plus Guard (from McGuckin)

·         B-6

·         Pain Guard Forte (from McGuckin)

·         MSM

·         Magnesium Citrate

·         Triple Magnesium Complex

·         Probiotic

·         Evening Primrose Oil

·         Potassium

·         Acetyl L-Carnitine HCI

·         Turmeric

·         Curcumin

·         Black Cherry

·         B12

·         Ubiquinol

·         Folic Acid

·         D3 (Many people with FM are extremely deficient in this one)

·         Vitamin A

·         Potent C Guard (from Dr. McGuckin, in powder form)

·         Choline Citrate (from Dr. McGuckin in liquid form)

I take the above list every day. I can really tell if I skip a day. I know it seems like a lot of pills and very expensive, however it is less money than pharmaceuticals, and is not harmful to your body. It is actually helping your body, building up and strengthening your body.

Get enough sleep. You will need to take steps to ensure at least 7, if not 8 or 9, hours of sleep. FM patients are notorious for not being able to sleep, either from insomnia or pain. If just insomnia, I take 3 mg of melatonin. If there is pain, I take an advil pm. This and the hot detox bath work almost every time.

SLOW. DOWN. In order to restore your health, you MUST slow down. Most doctors say FM is incurable. My team says to give it 5 years. I am one year into it, and I am doing SO MUCH better. It is worth the effort it will take you to slow down.

Don’t keep your FM a secret. Allow people to help. You do not have to do it on your own. Learn to use the aids such as a cane or wheelchair if needed. They will help your body rest.

Learn to just sit. Pray, meditate, do nothing. Just sit, consciously relaxing your body and resting.

Before you get out of bed every morning, stretch. Lay flat on your back. Point your right toes down and stretch the leg down as far as possible and hold for 5 seconds. Push heel down as far as possible and hold for 5 seconds. Repeat with left leg.  Do the same for your arms. Roll your neck. Wiggle your toes. You will be amazed at how much this helps.

Get a “Bed Buddy.” They sell them at Walmart I believe. It is similar to a large sock filled with grain. You place it in the microwave 3 minutes, then use it to lay on aching parts. I use mine the most at night, as I fall asleep.

I use essential oils as well. Mainly peppermint and wintergreen for pain. Rub a few drops on the area that hurts. It helps immensely.  Use peppermint only during the day, as it will wake your brain up at night. I use lavender to help sleep if needed as well. Two drops pf Frankincense under the tongue is very beneficial if you can handle the taste.

Stop ALL intake of sugar and sugar substitutes in any form. They exacerbate FM symptoms greatly. Stop all intake of caffeine. It was the same effect.

Please do not hesitate to call, text or email me with any questions you might have. I took the radical approach with this, meaning I was all in from the start. That is why I am doing so well. The more “cheats,” the longer it will take to feel better.

I hope this helps. I don’t mean to sound harsh, it is sadly just our new reality.

Take care of yourself. I am praying for you.

~Annie

Twisted Facts and the Media: How Trusting Media Articles Could be Dangerous to Your Health

http://www.businessinsider.com/foods-surprisingly-high-in-sugar-2014-2


The above article upset me because it is extremely misleading.  It was brought to my attention because our local radio station just did a segment on it.

The article pushes the reader to believe that eating a chocolate glazed donut is better for you than eating a bowl of applesauce, a bowl of tomato soup, or a carton of yogurt.

 If, like most people, you do not read the fine print, you think that you can eat donuts to your little heart's content because they are seemingly healthier for you than applesauce, OJ, and several other healthier food choices.

While the text does say there is a difference between natural and added sugars, not everyone will read that line. People that may have to severely limit added sugar intake, such as diabetics, could have severe health related issues if they take this report as whole truth.

 I am so tired of people twisting the facts and statistics in order to have more people read their articles. I am sure that most people will think, "It is no big deal, Annie. Just let it go." However, being the daughter of a nutritionist/dietitian, I know that it is a big deal. It could mean the difference between life and death to a person.

 Seriously, people. How about we just stick to reporting facts as facts. Not as some twisted glimmer of what the facts were supposed to be in order to increase readership?

~Annie

Juju’s Ritz Chicken

With the Super Bowl and Super Bowl parties right around the corner, I thought I would share a party favorite with you.

I came upon this recipe when I was invited to my sweet friend, Juju’s, home for supper. From the moment I took my first bite, I knew I was in love.

Juju’s Ritz Chicken

• Cut up raw chicken into bite sized pieces. I like to use boneless, skinless thighs or breasts if available, but you can use whatever you wish.
• Dredge chicken in mayo. You may substitute sour cream or plain yogurt if you wish.
• Place one sleeve of Ritz crackers into a Ziploc bag. Using a rolling bin or heavy jar, crush crackers.
• Roll mayo-coated chicken in cracker crumbs.
• Place chicken on sprayed cookie sheet.
• Bake in 350-degree oven for 30 minutes. Using a pancake turner, flip all pieces of chicken. Place back in oven for 20 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through.
• Remove from oven and enjoy!

I have found this to me an extreme family favorite. No matter how much of this recipe I make, there are never leftovers.


~Annie



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Papa Mel’s Red Beans and Rice

Until I went off to college, I never had one lick of interest in cooking. Standing in the kitchen of my first apartment, I realized I needed to learn something about cooking. So, I did what every other college student does in my position…I called home to ask mom what to do.

Only mom was not home. So my dad did the best he could, with what he knew. One of the few recipes he knew to make, was Red Beans and Rice.

I still have, and use, the scrap piece of paper on which I hurriedly scratched down Dad’s recipe as I stood in the kitchen of my tiny apartment at Purdue. Today, I share it with you…


 

 Papa Mel’s Red Beans and Rice

• Brown one pound of group Italian sausage
• Dice and add 1 medium sized onion and 1 green bell pepper. Cook until veggies are translucent.
• Add 1 tsp minced garlic, 1 ½ tsp. sea salt, 1 tsp oregano.
• Add 1 tomato, chopped. If you do not have fresh tomatoes, you may use a can of chopped tomatoes. Stir. Allow to sauté for 3 minutes.
• Add 6 cups of water and three cups of rice, being sure to stir the pot, all the way to the bottom. If this is not done, the rice will stick and burn on the bottom of the pot.
• Add 2 cups of kidney beans, drained. Stir.
• Bring to a light boil, lower heat, cover and simmer, stirring occasionally. Once rice is cooked, shut burner off.

I love to make this dish for church gatherings, or as a make and take for new moms or people that have recently had surgery. It is also a family favorite. I usually pair Papa Mel’s Red Beans and Rice recipe with my cornbread recipe.


~Annie 

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Annie’s Homemade Cheesy Potato Soup

Many friends have requested some of my recipes that they have yet to see me post. After a week of being snowbound with the family, life has finally gotten back into routine, and I have finally found the time to share a few more of my family’s favorite delicious and easy recipes.

This Potato soup recipe is delicious, warming you from head to toe on a blustery day. It is great for freezing as a make-ahead meal as well.

Annie’s Homemade Cheesy Potato Soup

• Dice 1/2 cup celery, ½ cup onion, and 1-cup carrots.
• Cut 5-8 pieces of bacon into 1-inch pieces. Place in large pot over medium heat.
• Once bacon is half cooked, add celery, onions and carrots, cooking until translucent.
• Chop and add 5 cups of chunked potatoes.
• Add 8 cups water and 3 tsp. of chicken base, let simmer until soup comes to a light boil, stirring occasionally.
• Once at light boil, add 1 tsp. sea salt,  ½ tsp. white pepper (you may also use black pepper,) 2 cups shredded cheese (I usually use cheddar, however, for extra kick, I have been known to use pepper jack,) and 1 cup of milk.
• Bring it once again to a light boil, then allow it to simmer, stirring occasionally. You may turn off burner once potatoes are cooked through. The longer you simmer the soup, the more your ingredients will get to know one another, making for a very delicious soup!
• You may garnish with parsley or chives.

Enjoy these days of winter, my friends! Soon enough, we will all be hard at work in our gardens!

~Annie

Homemade Heet: Preparing Your Gas Tank For Super Cold Weather

Homemade Heet: Preparing Your Gas Tank For Super Cold Weather

As we all batten down the hatches in preparation of the impending deep freeze that is moving across our country, make sure to take the time to prepare your gas tank as well.

Many people add a fuel additive by the name of Heet to their tank to help keep their gas lines from freezing. However, it has been brought to my attention that some people have been unable to locate Heet in any stores due to high demand.

If this is the case, or is you would like to just save a bit of money, just drive to the local drug store and purchase 99% isopropyl alcohol (regular first aid rubbing alcohol.)

It is best to add this right before filling your gasoline tank.

Bundle up and stay warm my friends!

~Annie

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Annie’s Moist, Delicious, and Perfect-Every-Time Turkey

With Thanksgiving Day looming at only 4 days away, many of us are preparing to prepare a turkey for our friends and family. The following recipe is the simplest and yummiest recipe I have ever come across. I get a perfect turkey every single time.

Annie’s Moist, Delicious, and Perfect-Every-Time Turkey

• Acquire a turkey that will meet your needs. In our household, we enjoy having several meals worth of leftovers, so I always buy the biggest turkey I can find.
• Thaw according to directions. This may take several days in a refrigerated place. Please take this into account when planning your timetable for your meal.
• Obtain a pan large enough to fit your turkey. Be sure that it has sides that are at least 2 inches tall.
• Remove wrapper from turkey. Leave skin on. Rinse if you wish. Be sure to remove giblets from interior of turkey. They will be found in a bag. Remove bag from turkey. If you wish, you may place giblets back into the turkey. My family enjoys them immensely.
• Open a Reynolds turkey bag. Place 2 tablespoons of flour in bag. Close bag and shake, evenly distributing the flour on the inside of the bag.
• Place turkey in bag. This may take two people if the turkey is large.
• Close bag, making sure to leave plenty of room in the bag for the bag to expand.
• Cut six-1 inch slits in top of bag.
• Place turkey on bottom rack of oven.
• Set oven to 250 degrees. Walk away for 11 hours.
• At the beginning of the 12^th hour, increase heat to 350 degrees. I use this time to also bake another dish that will be needed for my Thanksgiving meal.
• Before removing from oven, be sure to insert a meat thermometer into your turkey to ensure it is cooked through.
• Remove turkey from bag, placing it gently onto a platter.
• You may use the turkey broth that is left in the bag for gravy, stuffing, or soup base.

I hope that you enjoy your moist and delicious turkey as much as we enjoy ours!

Happy Thanksgiving!

~Annie

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Annie’s Simple And Healthy Pan-Fried Fish

JP loves anything fried. Anything.  The problem is, I don’t. I do not like the smell, the muss, the fuss, or the unhealthiness of fried food. Recently, I have come up with a new recipe that gives JP his fried fish, while at the same time, giving me the good feeling of fixing a healthy meal for my family.

Annie’s Simple And Healthy Pan-Fried Fish

• Pour 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil into a skillet heated to a medium low heat.
• Sprinkle a thin layer of corn meal onto plate.
• Coat fish by lying each filet down in the cornmeal on each side.
• Place coated fish in heated skillet.
• Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste. Cover.
• Walk away for 4 minutes.
• Turn filets over. Turn heat to a medium heat. Leave uncovered. Walk away for three minutes.
• Turn filets. Walk away for two minutes.
• Remove from skillet and place on paper towel.
• Enjoy!

A wonderful, healthy, pan-fried fish filet made in minutes!

~Annie

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Annie’s Magnificent Homemade Mashed Potatoes

Comfort foods come in many shapes and sizes. One such comfort food is homemade mashed potatoes.

Mashed potatoes are a simple and easy dish. I hope your family finds it to be as delicious as mine does.

Annie’s Magnificent Homemade Mashed Potatoes

• Peel eight medium-sized potatoes. Quarter them and place in pot of water, with water covering them by at least 1 inch.
• Place wooden spoon across the top of the pot. This will prevent the pot from boiling over.
• Boil until potatoes are softened. Drain.
• Add ¼ cup of butter. Not margarine, y’all. Butter.
• Add 2 teaspoons of sea salt. Regular table salt will do in a pinch.
• Allow butter to melt into the potatoes.
• Mash potatoes with a potato masher. I suppose you can use a mixer if you absolutely must, but I really would rather you invest in a good masher with little squares in it. It gives the potatoes the perfect consistency.
• Once mashed, add milk as needed. I usually start out with ½ cup of milk. Stir it in, and then add more milk until it is the consistency you desire.
• Dish into serving bowl, sprinkle with chives if you wish, and serve.

Voila! Super yummy homemade mashed potatoes, made by you, for those you love.

~Annie

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The Day I Married Away My Sweet Mama

The following is my Matron of Honor speech from my sweet mama’s wedding. Many people that were not able to attend have asked to see it. Many people have asked me my thoughts on my sweet mama getting remarried.  The following should answer all questions:

"Good Afternoon.

My name is Annie.

Thank you for coming to celebrate with us today.

Today we are celebrating the union of my sweet mama to her sweetheart, Dave.

My sweet mama has always been my hero. I never truly understood how little we had because my mama made the best of everything. When I was pregnant with Emma, she moved here to be closer to us, and to be a daily part of Emma’s life. For this, I will be forever grateful.

Dave came into my life a little over a year ago.

In that time, he has come to mean so much to us.

He is my friend, my rescuer of flat tires. My chauffer. My baby sitter after my surgery. A hand to hold while laying on my hospital bed. 

He stepped into a role I thought would never be filled again. I am honored that today, Dave became my Dad.

Today we celebrate the marriage of two people very dear to me.

Today our family gained a husband, a father, and a grandfather. Welcome  to our family, Dave.

We love you."

~Annie

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Purposeful Encouragment

Purposeful encouragement. How many of us live our lives purposefully encouraging others? Choosing to go out of our way to make someone’s life a little easier?

Yesterday I wrote a Facebook status about this topic, but I want to expand on it. I cannot stop thinking about how purposeful encouragement can change lives.

Recently, I was on the phone with a customer service representative from my phone company. My phone and my Internet had both gone down, so I had called in to see what was the matter. Throughout the course of our 30-minute conversation, the gentleman on the other end of the phone thanked me five times for being nice to him. Five. In all truthfulness, I wasn’t being overly nice, I was just being myself. However, I had learned something long before this call: it is rarely the fault of the person on the other end of the phone call that you are having difficulties. They are just doing their job to the best of their ability, and the job is a lot easier and more enjoyable if they are not getting yelled at every time they answer the phone. The customer service representative finally asked me why I was so different than the other callers. I told him the one thing that I could. I have Jesus in my life.

Jesus. Now there is a purposeful encourager if you ever did see one. That man encouraged others even as he was dying. As he was dying, y’all. There he was, hanging on a cross, bleeding, struggling to breathe, encouraging and comforting the thief on the cross.

This realization sunk in a few years back. I figured if Jesus could encourage others in his last breaths, surely I could encourage people around me as well. Even when I do not feel very well, I can still encourage others. Even if I am busy, I can encourage others. Even if I am low on funds, I can encourage others.

So many people suffer in silence. So many people need our love. Those that are ill…those that are watching a loved one die…those that lost their job…those that have lost a relationship…those that were recently diagnosed with a disease…those that have just recently become parents…those that have just moved to a new house/neighborhood/job/school/church…those that are headed out to the mission field….those that think they haven’t a friend in the world. They all need encouragement.

Make homemade soup or a meal to those that are ill or just had surgery. Sit with and listen to those that need to process their thoughts and feelings about the loss of a loved one. Gift a recently unemployed family some food, the money for the electric bill, or supper at your home as a night out. When JP lost his job during the mass layoffs several years ago, a family from our church gave us a huge box of food. Another family came to visit us. It was so encouraging to know we were not alone.

Listen as your friend cries over the loss of a relationship with a significant other. Let them know that they are still desirable and loved.

 Volunteer to hold the new baby while the new mom takes a shower, naps, or gets caught up on laundry. Vocalize how wonderful it is to hear the newborn mewlings of an infant during the worship service at your church. When Little Bug was a few weeks old, a sweet friend came over and held Little Bug while I showered, fed and watered the animals, and cleaned up the house a bit. It felt wonderful to know that Little Bug was being taken care of, and that I was able to do a few things that needed to be done. I used to leave the sanctuary whenever Little Bug would start to cry. However, one day, an elderly lady from our church came up to me and told me how Little Bug’s little cries were like music to her ears, and thanked me for still coming to church even though she knew how difficult it must be to get out the door and to the church as a new mom. Those words stayed with me, and I now tell others those same, true words.

Welcome those that are new to a situation. Introduce them to others and make sure they know their way around. Give to those that venture out on missions trips, whether young or old, whether $1 or $100. The encouragement is endless. Once, JP and I were going on a missions trip to Russia. A nine-year-old girl from our church heard our presentation about it at church, went home, emptied her piggy bank, and gave the entire contents towards missions. That was the most absolutely encouraging thing that could of happened for JP and I before leaving to share the Gospel to others.

Send a card. Pick up the phone. Smile at every single person you see. So many times in my life, a smile makes all the difference. Usually people do a double take when they see me smile. First they look around to see if I am smiling at someone near them. Then they look again to see if I am really smiling at them. I then am usually rewarded with a beautiful smile back. A smile is free, and can change everything.

Write thank you notes. Not only for gifts that you have received, but for a job well done as well. Last year, Little Bug and I went on a fieldtrip to Chicago. Our long line of busses had to weave in and out of very busy streets. Our bus driver did an amazing job of calmly and safely navigating through areas with mere inches on either side of the bus. I wrote him  a thank you note. It took less than 30 seconds of my time, but I wanted him to know how much a I appreciated him. I heard later that he showed that note to everyone in the bus garage. A little encouragement can go a long way.

Encourage the teachers in your life. So many rules are being brought down on teachers, that they are having a hard time feeling like they are successfully educating our little ones. If you have the time, volunteer in your school. Not only does this encourage the teacher, the students get extra help that they desperately need.

Encourage those that feel they have no one. Let others know that you care and that you love them right where they are, no change needed. Let them see in you a person that truly in interested in them. So many people just need to know that someone cares. Once they have this knowledge, they are able to successfully navigate through life.

Take the time to share in others' burdens. To lift up and edify others. To let God's love shine through you. Just look around you...everyone needs someone. I challenge you to be that someone.  To become a purposeful encourager.

 

~Annie

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Homestead Annie’s Crock Pot Breakfast Casserole

There are mornings that I just do not feel like cooking breakfast, but need to have something to feed my troop. On those mornings, I love to awake to the wonderful smell of my breakfast casserole, ready and waiting to be eaten.

You can make this the evening before, turn it on before you go to bed, and know that you will have a scrumptious breakfast in the morning.

Homestead Annie’s Crock Pot Breakfast Casserole

• Spray crock-pot with non-stick cooking spray.
• Cook 7-10 pieces of bacon, cutting them into 1-inch pieces.
• Chop 1 onion, 1 bell pepper, and 1 clove of garlic. Sauté.
• Place 1/3 bag of shredded hash browns in bottom of crock-pot.
• Layer1/3 sautéed mixture and 1/3 bacon onto hash browns.
• Add 1/3 bag of shredded cheese. Repeat layers until all ingredients have been added.
• In a separate bowl, mix 1 dozen eggs, 1-cup milk, and salt and pepper to taste.
• Pour over crock-pot mixture.
• Place lid on crock pot and set to low for 8 hours.

Enjoy the beginnings of autumn, my lovelies!

~Annie

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Annie’s Pickled Jalapeno Slices

Around this time of year, I start to can the jalapenos from everyone’s gardens. I say everyone’s, because many of my friends and family start off with great intentions, then come to realize they have too many to eat fresh, call me, and I collect them!

Jalapenos are very simple to can once you have everything set up. Today I did 18 jars worth in 1 ½ hours, including water bath processing time.

Annie’s Pickled Jalapeno Slices

• Heat water in water bath canner to boiling.
• Wash whole jalapenos.
• Mix the following: 2 quarts of water, 1 ½ cups of white vinegar, and 2 tablespoons of canning salt in a pot. Bring to a boil. This is your brine. You may change the amounts of the ingredients if you wish. However, I did this once, and it threw off the taste and texture of the peppers.
• Prepare jars.
• Put on rubber gloves. This is very important. The oils from the peppers will burn your skin, eyes, mouth, and nose.
• Slice up peppers, cold packing them in heated jars. To heat jars, boil water in a teakettle, then pour into jars. Cold packing of jars means that you do not cook the produce ahead of time, just place it in raw.
• Pour brine into jars, over peppers, leaving ½ inch headspace.
• Wipe jar rims with clean cloth.
• Place heated lid on jar. Screw on band loosely.
• Process as follows: quart jars 25 minutes. Pint jars, 15 minutes. Half pint jars, 10 minutes.

These peppers taste exactly like those jarred jalapenos found in the stores, with none on the chemicals and preservatives added. Try them for yourself!

~Annie

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Jen’s Sautéed Peppers

Over the summer, I had the opportunity to stay with my sweet friend, Jen. While there, she fixed us some fabulous sautéed peppers.

Now that peppers are plentiful, both in the garden and in the grocery, I thought I would share her delicious recipe with you all.

Jen’s Sautéed Peppers

·        Chunk your peppers. I like to use a nice mix of sweet and hot peppers in different colors to give a variety of color and heat.

·        Place pan on low heat.

·        Drizzle olive oil on bottom of pan.

·        Toss in peppers.

·        Liberally apply balsamic vinaigrette over all of the peppers.

·        If you are feeling extra frisky, add a tablespoon or so of minced garlic.

·        Sautee over a low heat, stirring occasionally, until peppers are to desired tenderness.

For variation, you may want to try adding onions or mushrooms (or both!) to the mix.

The first time I made this for my family, they ate it so quickly, I hardly had the opportunity to have any! I now know to make a double batch, every time!

~Annie

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9/11:Through The Eyes Of A Teacher

A lot will be said about America today. About what America should do in Syria. About how America fits into the bigger picture of the world. About how America coped with the largest terrorist attack it has ever seen just twelve short years ago.

I cannot tell you the tale of all of America in the aftermath of 9/11. I can only tell you one story. Mine.

I was a first year teacher at a small parochial school in northwest Indiana. I taught a dual grade classroom, 27 fifth and sixth graders. 27 ten and eleven-year-olds. All neatly in their seats. All turned to lesson 17 of their math books. All listening intently on that day’s lesson while I explained it to them, giving examples on the chalkboard.

About 8:50 in the morning on a sunny Tuesday, the school secretary came in to tell me that there had been a terrible accident involving a passenger jet and a skyscraper in New York City. I told her that we would pray for all involved. And we did. Right then. Right there. We stopped Math class and prayed for the victims and their families.

The lesson went on for about fifteen more minutes, at which time the secretary asked to see me in the hallway. She informed me that a second airliner had just hit another tower in New York City. That this was no longer viewed as an accident, but an attack.

Once again the class prayed with me. This time not only for victims and their families, but also for safety for our Nation.

I chose to take my class outside for recess. It seemed that we all needed a break from the cold reality that was setting in.

Upon arrival back to our room, we knew that The Pentagon had been hit, then that another plane had gone down in a field in Pennsylvania.

As I tried to absorb and process this information, I glanced around the room. What I saw still gives me shivers to this day.

My sweet, innocent students had a certain haunting look in their eyes. While unable to grasp the full impact of what was happening, they knew that people were dying and that their country was under attack by an unknown assailant.

Gone were the looks of glee. The merriment in their eyes. Gone was the laughter and chatter. In its place was solemnity and confusion.

What was I to do with these 27 children? I had been entrusted by their parents and our school to take care of them the best way I knew how. How in the world was I supposed to protect them? These thoughts raced through my mind throughout the rest of the day.

We carried out the rest of the day, going through the motions of class, talking through our fears, trying to wrap our heads around why someone would bomb innocent people. My students had questions that I could not answer.

I knew that my students would take their cues from me. If I was calm, they would remain calm. I continued on through the day as if nothing new had happened, and as if it was an everyday occurrence that our country has terrorists’ attacks. Inside, I was screaming. I was raging. I was bawling. Only, on the outside, I wasn’t. I was smiling. I was reassuring children. I was the epitome of calm.

One little guy was just sure that they would bomb our town because we had two water towers. While I assured him that we had nothing that was worth bombing, I thought to all of those people in places that did. To what they were doing. To how they were dealing with the day’s events.

Finally, dismissal arrived. I hugged each of the students as they left. Hoping to reassure them. Many parents picked up their children from school that day, feeling the need to be with their families.

We held a short staff meeting after school, and then went out separate ways. I had needed to stop at the gasoline store to fill up my car, but the line was a quarter mile long, so I bypassed that stop and just went home.

I fought the urge to turn on the television set. To this day I thank God that I did. I did not need those horrific images seared into my head from multiple views. The photos and radio reports were quite enough to crumple me to the floor in a heap of tears.

JP and I went to bed that night in silence, for what was there to say?

The next morning, I returned to school. My sweet students had an aged look about them. Gone forever was the childhood innocence. All was taken from them the day before. Most had watched what I had not. Most had seen people fall to their deaths. People burned alive. People running through the streets and collapsing. Most had seen the worst of human nature.

However, that fateful day, they had seen something else. Something far greater than the evil of man. They had seen the resilience of America.

America had fallen under attack, but it was not down for long. The American Spirit was revived. No longer were we Democrats, Republicans, Jews, Greeks, and Dutch. No longer were we Caucasians, Hispanic, Asian, and African American. No longer were we old, young, rich and poor. We were Americans.

Americans that held each other. Helped each other. Carried each other. We watched as ordinary people did extraordinary acts of bravery. We discussed how we could help, then put our plans into action.

Yes, my students and I lost the feeling of safety in our country on September 11, 2001. However, we found ourselves united with others across our great land in a large wave of patriotism.

Never had I seen so many American flags. Never had I seen so many people stand for our National Anthem. Never had I seen so many people participate in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Even to this day, twelve years later, the term “9/11” is stated, and instant chills run through my body. I stand a little straighter. I take a moment to remember those that lost their lives. I thank God that the final victim count was not higher.

So today, I will remember. I will weep. I will pray. I will watch. I will listen. I will reminisce. However, I will also ponder on this question: Why did it take such a huge atrocity in our own country for our country to swell with national pride and patriotism?

May we never forget that fateful, sunny, Tuesday morning. May we never forget where we were. For me, it was standing in front of a classroom full of children that trusted me. May we always remember that, no matter our political party, our religion, our race, we are all Americans.

God bless you all, and God bless our wonderful and beautiful United States of America.

~Annie

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Annie’s Eggplant Moussaka

Every year, as I plan my garden, I decide to grow eggplant. It is such a pretty plant and the eggplant itself is interesting. However, I found eggplant to be a bit bland for my taste, steamed or fried. It needed to be a part of a cassrole.

I decided to make my own Eggplant Moussaka. It was heavenly. So much so, that I wanted to write it down before I forgot my new recipe.

Annie’s Eggplant Moussaka

• Brown 1 pound of ground beef.
• Chop and onion. Add.
• Add ½ cup tomato sauce.
• Add 1 cup water.
• Add 2 tsp. parsley.
• 1 tsp. nutmeg. (Trust me. It adds a little zip.)
• 1 tsp. sea salt. (Or regular table salt, if you prefer.)
• ½ tsp. pepper.
• Stir well and let simmer while you deal with the eggplant.
• Chop the ends off of two to three eggplant, peel and slice them.
• Sauté the eggplant slices in a bit of olive oil.
• While the eggplant sautés, ready your mashed potatoes. If you do not feel like making real mashed potatoes, go ahead and use instant. I’m not going to tell.
• Once the meat mixture, the eggplant and potatoes are ready, grab a casserole dish, spraying the bottom as you go.
• Begin layering the casserole with a layer of eggplant, followed by the meat mixture, and finally potatoes. Repeat this process until you have used all of your ingredients, ending with potatoes on the top.
• At this point, you may want to sprinkle cheese over the top. It adds a bit of flavor and color for those festive occasions, like Tuesday nights.
• Bake in a 350-degree oven for 25 minutes.
• Serve.

I enjoy mine with raw onion. I find that it enhances the Moussaka quite well. I hope you all enjoy this yummy recipe as much as I do. It is a terrific way to use eggplant!

~Annie

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Annie’s All-Natural Microwave Popcorn

Today, Little Bug wanted popcorn. We haven’t made popcorn in years at our house. The microwaveable bags were always so easy to do, but the chemicals that are found in them had made me throw out all that I had in the pantry, many years ago.

Fortunately, I had purchased some organic popcorn last week, so I was prepared. Also, I had come across a phenomenal way to have the ease of microwave popcorn, while at the same time avoiding all of the chemicals, fats, and salts that come from convenience.

Annie’s All-Natural Microwave Popcorn

• Pour ¼- ½ cup of popping corn into a see-through large glass microwaveable bowl.
• Place shallow bowl or plate atop large bowl.
• Place in microwave and set for 5 minutes, being sure to stay near the microwave. The popping corn will begin to pop around the two-minute mark. Continue to allow microwave to run until you can slowly count to five between pops. If any kernels are not popped, you can put the bowl back in with the unpopped kernels to repeat the process.
• Once finished, remove from microwave. The bowl will be very hot. Pour into separate bowls and enjoy your delicious treat!
• If you wish, you may drizzle melted butter and sea salt over the top of your popped kernels for extra yumminess!

It really is that simple!

Have a lovely evening!

~Annie

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Annie’s Homemade Baby Wipes

While Little Bug is past the age of baby wipes, I used this recipe for years. It can also be used for wipes that are carried in your vehicle for those “oops” moments in life.

The wipes are easy to make, very inexpensive, and best of all, you get to control what goes into them! All natural, organic, fragrance free, anything you wish!

Annie’s Homemade Baby Wipes

• Purchase Bounty paper towels (or any thick brand.)
• Cut towels into 1/4s for first year, and 1/2s for babies older than 1 year.
• Bring 2 ½ cups of water to a boil.
• Add 1-2 Tablespoons of your choice of baby lotion to water.
• Add 1-3 teaspoons of your choice of baby oil to the mixture.
• Add 1 teaspoon of your choice of baby bath soap to mixture. (optional.)
• Mix well.
• Place towels into container.
• Pour mixture over towels slowly, allowing time for towels to absorb the liquid.
• Let towels be for ten minutes.
• Drain off any excess liquids.

This recipe will make 2-3 normal containers worth of wipes from the store, at a fraction of the price. I stored mine in gallon-sized Ziploc bags.

You may also add ointment for diaper rashes to the mixture if you wish.

I found this to be a great recipe that worked well for our little one. I hope it does the same for yours!

Have a wonderful week!

~Annie

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Annie’s Temporary Tomato Preservation Technique

Although this is the peak of canning season, sometimes life will throw you curve balls that make it simply impossible to continue with canning at the present time.

While I do can several items, the most important food for me to can is every yellow tomato I can get my hands on.

JP enjoys my yellow tomato chili. Of course yellow tomatoes are very hard to come by in the middle of the winter, so I try to put up as many quarts of yellow tomatoes as possible each summer.

This year I have been waylaid by surgery, so I came up with a quick and easy way to keep my tomatoes until I am ready to process them. It works well for me, and I hope that you will be able to use it also!

Annie’s Temporary Tomato Preservation Technique

• Pick tomatoes, making sure to take stem off.
• Wash tomatoes, allowing them to dry.
• Cut out stem and core, being sure to also cut off any spots.
• Place in freezer Ziploc bag.
• Place bag in freezer.

When you are ready to process your tomatoes, remove bag from freezer and allow it to thaw completely. I make all of my tomato sauce with the skins, so I just throw the entire tomato into boiling water. The skin has vital nutrients that I believe should be kept. More on how I process my tomatoes and the nutritional value of the skins in a later post.

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Enjoy your Labor Day weekend, my friends!

~Annie