Down on the Farm

Justus' class went on a field trip to a petting farm...

We were petting this pregnant goat and I explained to Justus there was a baby goat inside...  he gave me an inquisitive look then promptly walked around to the goat's mouth and tried to pry her mouth open for a better look at that baby goat inside...  :D

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Making a list and checking it twice

Caleb brought me this list he's been making of activities he wants to do with his Grammy.  I'll translate for ya:

1.  Sea World Beach (they put up a shamu blanket he has and set up beach chairs in his room and pretend they are at the beach.)

2.  Jump - "I don't know if Grammy can do this one or not, but she will either jump on the trampoline with me or watch me jump on the trampoline."

3.  Time - they sit on Caleb's bed and pretend they are time travelers.

4.  Race - race cars (i think)

5.  seek highdingo (Hide and Go Seek) 

I wonder if he'll revise the list once he realizes Grammy's not coming to his house this year, he's going to her house...  I'll keep ya posted...  :)

My little animal rescuer

While at "work" today Caleb and my friend came across this turtle in the fish pond.  

They released him here at a nearby lake.  (I'm thinking I wish someone would release me here, looks like a great lake to sit and read a good book!)

I love how Caleb is with animals.  I can see in these pictures how he felt the responsibility of saving this little guy (*or gal...  he can tell the difference you know!  seriously!)  and the sense of purpose and pride he felt for this accomplishment.

I am so very grateful that my friend took these pictures for me!!!

*While we were on a field trip with Caleb's class a few weeks ago, the lady asked the class, "Does anybody know how we can tell weather this is a girl turtle, or a boy turtle?"  Caleb's hand shot up and I was instantly filled with fear...  oh no, what in the world is he going to say...  no, no lady, don't call on him....  panic, she called on him....  

Caleb replied, "If the turtle has a flat tummy or a dented tummy."  Whew!  relief!  

Lady, "That's right!  A girl turtle has a flat tummy and a boy turtle looks like he's been punched in the gut."

He told me later he learned that at Lion Country Safari!  So he was listening!!!  :)  (Apparently much better than I was because I totally didn't remember that!)

I'm gonna get you... - warning: very blurry pictures ahead...

One of the boys' favorite game they've made up is called "Lick Noses" where they tackle me and try to lick my nose...  Here are a few of the action shots I took during our most recent attack...  er game....  ;D   I wish I had a video or even just audio to upload because it is the best laughter and giggling ever!

This last shot is just Caleb making a silly face, but it was during an attack... um game, so I'm posting it here.

Earth Day

Today is Earth Day...  a great day to clarify my blog name - "Living Grenier (Greener)".  I've had some people congratulate me for trying to live a greener lifestyle "in order to save the planet and make sure our grandchildren will even have a planet at all."  But I'm trying to live a greener lifestyle in order to attempt to live a healthier life, and to be a good steward of the planet that God has given us.  In Genesis, God entrusted Adam and Eve (and now us) as caretakers of His creation.  I don't fear the future, I don't fear for my children or grandchildren or even great grandchildren.  God is in complete control over everything, and that includes the planet. I'm not trying to be fanatical, or buying into the mainstream media's "Global Warming" theory, or buying into fear strategies...  The earth is NOT my mother!!!  I am just trying to look at my decisions and think, "What would my great grandparents have eaten, or bought, or done, or cooked..."  I'm not trying to be progressive, I'm trying to go back to the basics.  

My natural salesman

I poked my head out of the door to check on my little munchkins and found this sight...

And can you guess who was the ringleader of this ragamuffin band?  Yes, that would be Caleb...  He LOVES to sell things!  And it's not just the smell of green (and silver and copper) that drives his passion, it's his passion for talking and people and the drama involved in selling things...  okay, so Caleb interjects drama into EVERY event in his life...  no really, EVERY event, no matter how minute...  We often refer to him as our little Drama King!  

This picture also depicts why Caleb and Justus get along so very well...  Jus doesn't care what Caleb's doing, he just wants to do whatever his big bubba's doing.  And Caleb thrives off of being the leader, and getting everyone, yes EVERYONE within earshot, involved in his plans.   He dragged two neighborhood kids into this yard sell, encouraging them to help him set up the table and chairs and gather all of the nasty-dirty-half broken-toys from the backyard...  vowing to pay them a portion of his proceeds.  Would you believe he suckered several passerbys out of over $5!?  Well, I guess you would if you knew Caleb...  :)

DGL spells relief!

Caleb and I both have sensitive tummies, along with prescribing yogurt our alternative doctor also suggested we use DGL chewable tablets.  I had 4 previous doctors of different specialties (family doc, pediatrician, pediatric gastroentronologist, and an allergist) prescribe Caleb (age 5 at the time) heavy duty adult heartburn drugs.  When I asked them how long Caleb would have to take these drugs, they all said he would probably have to take them for the rest of his life!!!  I was not at peace with this coarse of action.  So I sought out the opinion of one of the dad's from Caleb's school who also happens to be an MD with a more alternative approach.  He also suggested that I read the book "Why Stomach Acid Is Good For You", which I did and highly recommend for anyone who deals with sensitive tummy issues...  

I love that the DGL is an all natural product and I can give Caleb and entire bottle if I needed to without the risk of overdosing or side effects.  I always leave them out for the babysitters, and don't have to fear weather or not the babysitter knows how to correctly portion the meds...  And they are extremely effective!  My heartburn is usually gone within 15 MINUTES!!!  Needless to say, I'm a huge fan now!  :)  

Here is some info I found on the internet about DGL:

Stomach Discomfort

Almost everyone is familiar with the discomfort of an upset stomach. Most of us have indulged in our favorite foods, only to pay for it later during a sleepless night. Over-the-counter antacid tablets help, but recent research has revealed some concerns for those who consume them on a regular basis. Most prescription medications used to treat stomach discomfort do so by inhibiting or blocking acid secretion. Though temporarily effective, these medications often come with unpleasant side effects. Chewable DGL tablets offer a safe, effective way to relieve stomach discomfort naturally.

Features & Benefits of DGL Licorice Licorice flavonoids help inhibit acid secretion* Increases blood flow to gastric mucosal cells* Promotes secretion of the protective mucosal layer* Promotes the growth of new mucosal cells* Licorice extract is de-glycyrrhizinated to avoid side effects

How Does Licorice Work?

Licorice, or Glycyrrhiza glabra, has been used for over 3,000 years, making it one of the most widely used medicinal herbs in history.* Licorice naturally contains 10 triterpenes and 22 different flavonoids, which are believed to be responsible for its benefits.*1

 

Licorice has been used as a highly effective alternative to antacids and acid-blocking drugs. By comparison, licorice works not by inhibiting acid production, but rather through supporting and stimulating the stomach’s natural protective mechanisms.*2 Stomach discomfort is usually attributed to an imbalance between acid secretion and the stomach’s ability to protect itself against the irritation caused by acid. The presence of harmful bacteria can also be a factor. The stomach’s primary defense against corrosive gastric acid is a fine layer of mucin, secreted by millions of mucosal cells that line the stomach wall. Licorice has been shown to stimulate both the secretion of mucin and the formation of new mucosal cells, probably through its ability to increase blood flow to mucosal tissue.*2 In addition to supporting a normal chemical balance, licorice has also been shown to help inhibit the growth of potentially harmful intestinal bacteria, such as Helicobacter pylori.*3