Cabin Fever

Cabin Fever. Those are two words that I rarely use - I love being home and, much like my children, can easily occupy hours upon hours within the walls of our house. There is always something that can be crafted or baked, built or drawn, listened to or read. And still, in my second year away from the school system, I still eagerly await the announcement that it's going to be a snow day. I can't explain it but, if you're friends with me and work in the schools, you probably got a text, as usual, sharing my excitement over the cancellation. 

The snow days two weeks ago were different because they hit us at the very moment that we could either be devoured by or triumphantly overcome Cabin Fever. Within a week's time, Abby got sick, Elise got sick, I got sick, Abby got better, Elise seemed to be better, I got better, Elise got an ear infection, and we got snowed in. Cabin Fever clearly sunk it's claws into us.

The girls and I pick up a respiratory cold about once a year. In fact, I had Elise at the doctor on February 3rd this year and the last time I had been there with a sick child was on January 21st, 2013... one year ago. I don't dislike doctors; I believe in the power of healthy bodies to heal. I am not anti-medication; I believe in the power of healthy bodies to heal. It is hard holding steadfast to that kind of belief when I live in a world where people inundate their bodies with medication... pain relievers and cough syrups, antibiotics and antihistamines. Do the research: illnesses and diseases are smart - they learn to navigate drug-infested systems and grow bigger, stronger, and more resilient. And I can't help but wonder what it does to a healthy system to be attacked by these power-house germs? Stepping down from my soap box now. Just food for thought next time you reach for the medicine cabinet instead of a cup of tea.

We are all well... the snow has melted... and we kicked Cabin Fever's ugly face to the wayside. Enjoy some pics from our time together, both in and out of the house!

Making salt-dough Valentine magnets...

KU Women's basketball game...

From snow to shorts...

First snowfall of the season!

December 22, 2013

When life dumps snow on us...

We build forts...

We go sledding...

And we bake granola...

Coconut Granola
courtesy of COOKIE+kate

• 4 C organic rolled oats
• 1 C organic roasted, unsalted cashews (chopped)
• 1 tsp sea salt
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground ginger
• 1/2 C melted organic coconut oil
• 1/3 C real maple syrup
• 1/4 C molasses
• 3/4 tsp vanilla
• 1/2 C organic unsweetened coconut flakes
• 1/2 C chopped dried fruit (I mixed organic raisins and organic cranberries)
• Combine oats, nuts, salt, cinnamon, ginger
• In separate bowl, combine coconut oil, maple syrup, molasses, vanilla
• Add wet to dry; stir until oats are well-coated
• Bake on parchment-lined baking sheet at 350 degrees for 20 minutes
• Remove from oven; stir in coconut; bake for additional 10 minutes
• Remove from oven; stir in dried fruit; cool and eat

I followed the baking time on the original recipe - I worried it was getting over-done during the last 10 minutes but it is a bit darker in color from the molasses. This is a crumbly granola - it baked up crisp but doesn't form big clumps like other recipes I've used. All in all, I think it has great flavor and, naturally, I love that it uses no sugar.

Happy Snow Day! In the words of Elise: "The world is a wreck of snow!".

What's that you say? More snow?

BRING IT!

SNOW DAY!

Watching the trash truck, bright and early.... snow falling...

Time to shovel ... climb some snow mountains ... make some snow angels...

Back inside ... warm and dry ... hot cocoa time ...

Honey-sweetened Hot Cocoa

• 1 C local 2% milk
• 1 1/2 T local honey
• 2 T organic, unsweetened cocoa powder
• Combine all in a saucepan; whisk until combined and hot

The first snow

It snowed on Wednesday night. It was a snow that I spent all day Wednesday hoping for - you see, Aura loves the snow. My faithful companion of nearly 13 years has always LOVED the snow. And we were preparing ourselves (however poorly) for this to be her last snow. I'm not convinced that it isn't, but I feel like it snowed for her. And I'll be damned if she managed to get herself off the floor and insist that she join us outside - and I'm sure it did her old arthritic bones not a bit of good to be out in the cold, but so be it. The vet, as of this morning, put her on some pain meds that will either make a huge difference... or not. He was nowhere near ready to give up, so I'll peel myself off the floor, wipe the tears, and do the same. But while I wallow in my pathetic and insufficient coping skills, please make sure to notice and enjoy the little things...Like the first snow and all the wonderful memories it triggers.