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January 31, 2010

A Winter Adventure: Sledding & Scenery

My kids talked us into taking them sledding this past week. They really committed us. I’ve been putting off all types of requests of this sort because of after-holiday busy-ness. So we’ve basically been relying on family fun outside of our own making.

As we drove up the canyon, I became very glad we had gotten off our duffs and made it a priority to bond with our kids. The scenery was spectacular!

Icicles Up Ahead

There were huge icicles off the side of the road. I was snapping shots as best I could as Mike zoomed by. And I couldn’t do it with the window open or I would have frozen everybody.

Icicles on rocks

These took my breath away,

Cliff Icicles (640x428)

along with the towering views.

Towering Mtn2

Up the canyon we arrived at our sledding destination. Here Raquel is holding a sled that I DON’T recommend using if you’re an adult. It has no cushion and jolts you every time you hit a bump. I made the mistake of going down on one with my kids, and my tailbone was sore for a week (thank goodness for muscle relief oil)!

Raquel Sledding

The little kids (especially Lily) were so adorable all bundled up and snowy.

Here Nathan has a sled I used to go down the hill head-first, yes it’s true. After Nathan used some heavy persuasion to get me to try it, I loved it! The body of this sled is lifted sightly off the ground so I didn’t feel every bump, it didn’t go too fast, and the front is movable so I could steer.

Nathan Sledding

This is my latest sled purchase, the Zipfy. It’s exhilirating! It’s got cushioning, goes fast when you keep your legs up, but is easy to control with feet to slow down or change direction. What a winner!

I had my video camera in my pocket, so I decided to run it as I was going down the hill, just for fun. I took one jump that put me so high in the air, I’m amazed I stayed on!

After enjoying some hot cocoa I had brought with us, we headed back down the mountain seeing some interesting sights as we did. Our little ones squealed with excitement when they saw this big snow plow passing by,

and these wild turkeys.

I made Mike pull over so I could get a clear shot of this baby.

One of my favorite things about living in Cedar City is seeing the red rock peeking out from underneath snow in the winter.

I can’t help but praise the Creator for beauty such as this and days like today.

January 18, 2010

Homemade Maple Syrup

This syrup is the yummiest thing ever to eat with homemade waffles and pancakes. It only takes 10 minutes to make and contains no corn syrup, white sugar, preservatives or other harmful ingredients.

Mike’s Maple Syrup

  • 2 Cups Sucanat or Brown Sugar
  • 2 Cups Light Natural Sugar or Evaporated Cane Juice Crystals (white sugar used here would still make healthier than typical store syrup)
  • 2 Cups Water
  • 1 TB Maple Extract
  • 1/2 TB Vanilla Extract

Brown Sugar for Maple Syrup Read more…

January 16, 2010

Our Popular Breakfast: Whole Wheat Waffles

Whether we have company or it’s just us, waffles are always a big hit. And you’ll think you’re at some fancy bed n’ breakfast when you try them with Mike’s homemade maple syrup or my gourmet strawberry syrup. All healthy, of course.

Waffles

Whole Wheat Waffles Read more…

January 3, 2010

Teaching Kids Through Travel: Our Trips to Bolivia

From the time our children were born, we’ve talked about exposing them to other cultures and by so doing, widening their vision of the world. We also wanted our children to understand the bounty that we enjoy in America and to internalize the importance of service. I’ve come to realize that children will learn these values if the parents exemplify them and are passionate about them.

Bolivian children

Bolivian children

Read more…

January 2, 2010

Resolving Sore or Strep Throat

I’ve had 2 calls in the last week about sore or strep throat, so I thought I’d share my recommendations.

My throat is my barometer for the well-being of my body. When my throat starts to hurt, I know I need to cut back on heavy foods (especially after the holidays) and give my body a break.

Here are a few things I do to help my body get balanced again and fight any infections that may be starting. Read more…

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