T'is the season for laughing, sharing, loving, being merry, spending time with loved ones, embracing the once-a-year moments that bring people of all walks together.
T'is also the season to be sick. And, sick we have been. Sparing all details, (you're welcome...trust me...you are truly welcome,)I will say that we have all been sicker than I can ever remember...and some have come full circle and then been sick again. For a person who doesn't succumb to the flu, it took me down. Like a thief in the night. Like our dog to a banana. Like a chocoholic to a good bar of Lindt. It pounced and won. The worst of it is that 5 full days later, our boys are still suffering. (We of course enjoy the spin-off from that.)
(Yes, that is the infamous "barf bowl" nuzzled up to Noah.)
I have to say that though we are housebound by puke and by snow, it is nice that we can be together as a family.
Before this awful infestation temporarily took us hostage, Noah and Ben enjoyed a time of play in the snow. A toboggan was abandoned in our basement by the previous owners and they were finally able to take advantage of our sloping yard and the heavy snowfall.
Frosty, the Bonhomme still stands guard on our deck...
...though 4 days after his creation, he stands blinded by our recent snowfall. We know he can hear all that happens around us, as his ears are sturdy and at attention. The view from here - though cabin feverish - is peaceful. Reminding me of the blessings we have and those to come. Encouraging me to give thanks for the good and know the bad will grow us stronger.
The tranquility of the white blanket enveloping us is momentary.
My favourite new decoration reminds me of our joy to come and that those who are truly are rich have none. The joyful don't know the material riches this world can hold - and they are better for it.
I hope our tree is decorated plentifully by these...in years to come.
After a few days of scene change, on our way home yesterday from the mainland, I shared with Ben this very deep thought. I knew he was already thinking it. Maybe he'd said it the night before but I was just beginning to digest and come to terms with it...
"Honey, [I said, while sitting in the line at the Horseshoe Bay ferry terminal] I don't travel well."
I made myself out to be some sort of fragile cake, or pottery bowl, or even a delicate tree ornament. But, there you have it...I just don't travel well.
Change is good.
Adventures are fun.
Broken routine is important.
But I simply do not travel well.
We had a fun and activity (driving!) packed few days on the mainland.
Visiting Great-Grampa (almost 90yrs old and still living independently!).
He has a really cool coffee table...
Hanging out with original Camp Qwanoes '99 Friends. (Ok, maybe their offspring.)
Chillin' (literally!) with Granville Island Pigeons.
Playing with new toys at Nana and Pops' Vancouver condo.
It was all good. But, then there was the puke. Oh the puke. What is it with Keizers leaving the Island and getting ill?
It all began as I had just finished my shower after our second of two nights. Still in my "original uniform" (you know the one that dates back almost 29 yrs), I hear a cough- cough-cough outside the bathroom door. Desperately wanting to put a towel on I briefly ignored the knob trying to be turned...until the cough turns into a sputter turns into a mess on the floor. Grabbing our poor, tough littlest guy I whip him over to the porcelain throne, only to have him puke on the lid (splatter splatter) before I can get it up. Once he's done all he does is exclaims, "All Done Mama" and (he) shuts the lid. Looking a little pale, he goes back to doing whatever it was he was doing pre-puke.
"Wadda. Wadda." he requests a few minutes later. We hesitantly hand him his water cup...chug chug chug. Then we have to leave for a play date with cousins. (We're thinkin' at this point that it's something he ate...?...And find out later we are wrong.)
Get to our cousins and he's running around, a little pale but still energetic.
Puke. I hold him over the garbage can..."All Done Mama".
The cousins play for another 45 minutes or so until Ben comes to pick us up for the usual mad dash to the ferry. We try to get some Gravol down before departing but just as we're trying to get that in, up comes more water...everywhere. Our poor little guy. He truly takes it like a man.
Fast forward five hours and we're home. HOME SWEET HOME. (Remember, I do not travel well.)
Tait is hungry. He's kept the water down that he drank, ah hem, chugged on the ferry. He wants pasta. That's it. No crackers, no toast, no tea, no banana (a usual no fail suggestion). Pasta. So, there's some cold pasta in the fridge. No need to heat it as he shovels it in as though he hasn't eaten in a day - oh wait, it's actually been nearly a day. Fistfuls go in....and one comes back up.
He's still hungry at supper (5 minutes later) so he downs a small amount of Salmon Casserole for which he requests some mustard. No kidding.
Kiddies in bed early, we relax doing our different things. Just happy that at least some supper stayed down. Until 2:30am.
It came up and I'll leave it at that. Needless to say there are no clean crib sheets and we are down a couple of Gravol. And there's been a lot of sleeping going on in our household this morning.
Though I am a strong advocate of healthy. Though I feed my children nothing sugar-filled. Though I know there is an obesity epidemic that is spreading into Canada and I believe it is our, the parents' fault.
And, though I am mindful about what my boys eat...
...I also love tradition. ...I know Christmas is a once-a-year, special season. ...I think that treats are fun for everyone once in awhile. ...I want my kids to carry on the tradition passed along to me.
...And since we are going away tomorrow. ...And since it is over a week old. ...And since I just can't handle picking at the little bits of candy anymore.
This was their after lunch treat of the week...month...perhaps year.
While unpacking some lovely furniture last night...which I'm not sure we were supposed to yet be unpacking...
...we came across these...
Oh the fun this Christmas holds.
The eldest wanting to be flexible and try on as many different hats as possible...
The youngest picking his favourite and not letting it leave his head...
Their Daddy teaching them about this fun...
And while we received word yesterday that our wait time could be more like another 6 months (instead of only another 4) which totals 8 months from when our Dossier reached Ethiopia...just to wait for a referral...times like these remind us that the wait will be worth it. They help pass the hours and days. They remind us not to ignore, or wish the journey away, or look for the "finishing" line. Rather, we need to seek these moments. The dots along our journey of a line. They are the losses we will encounter when we look ahead instead of turning to enjoy the scenery around us. They are what build us into the unique family we are.
For some time now, we have been seeking a way to contribute to Developing Countries' poverty on a daily basis. Since everything costs money and contributing to something daily (even if only a little) really does add up, we wanted to do something that we knew would make a difference. We wanted to find something that we love, too. Something we could enjoy each day, while encountering this daily reminder of our blessings...and of the necessity to give back.
When you think of the majority of the population waking up each day, take away the bed head, the morning breath, and the real need to shower. What's the one other thing most of us enjoy doing first thing?
A Great Cup Of Coffee
We have been known to buy Starbucks beans, Tim Hortons tins, and at times Maxwell or Folgers has also been thrown in the shopping cart. We enjoy our coffees. Ben's been a Tim Hortons connoisseur for years and of course I worked at Starbucks and other coffee shops. We know a good coffee when we taste one. Yet, we don't want to pay an arm and a leg for just another "thing" we will be consuming.
We decided that if we could enjoy our coffee, pay maybe a bit more, but also be supporting a worker or ethical business at the same time then this could be our medium.
Certified Fair Trade is how we will drink.
But, what if we could take it one step further? What if, while enjoying our Certified Fair Trade we could also be supporting an organization that cares for Orphans? Everyday, with each sip and each bean in each bag, from one week to the next, we could help support African Orphans? Seems almost too good to be true.
Almost.
What I'm learning through our adoption process is that there is this entity. A whole other world of parents and simply just ordinary people, who will do anything for the plight of the orphans in our world. All 143,000,000 of them.
I don't want to buy any old brand of coffee that claims to be Fair Trade. While I don't doubt that it is, I want to know more than that. I want to know if it is, of course, Certified. There's a huge difference between being Certified or Not.
The other thing I don't want to do is buy from some huge company who sells their Certified Fair Trade. I don't want a few cents from the several dollars I have spent on my Certified Fair Trade coffee, to go towards these workers. I want to know that they are benefiting from my purchase. I don't think it's too much to ask. I want to know that the guy I'm buying my coffee from, has direct contact with his workers...or at least with his workers' boss. It's a small world. Again, I don't think that's too much to ask - I actually think it's more of a responsibility.
It's like when that whole MADD thing exploded several years ago. We found out that Mothers Against Drinking Drivers was actually using only a minute amount of it's donations towards the actual cause. Fraud much?!
And if someone is going to tell me that Starbucks or one of these other multi-million dollar companies is doing what I'm asking for, then I'm sorry (and I can say this because it's my blog) but you are wrong. While I don't doubt that Starbucks' Certified Fair Trade or Certified Organic or Certified Shade Grown is as they claim, I also know it is a huge company and that stuff inevitably falls through the cracks. There are breakdowns in the system and I know (I truly do) that there is no way that dollar-for-dollar, the workers picking those pods are getting what they should be.
I also don't want to hear that my coffee is Certified Fair Trade and that it was purchased at fair market value in Africa. Africa is a big freaking continent. With a lot of freaking poverty. Again, I don't think it's too much to ask that I know specifically in which country the coffee was grown and picked. If I am going to pay double what I would pay for an "off the shelf" coffee...
I Simply Want To Know.
With no extra time yesterday, but determined not to buy a "generic" brand, I grabbed this. Only somewhat satisfied by what it claims on the side...it basically is what I have just claimed I do not want to buy. However, I figured that it was better than nothing given the fact that I was in Superstore and in an aisle filled with beans of different origins, this was my best bet.
So, here are the 2 options we are contemplating...
Historically, Level Ground Trading has paid 53% more than conventional importers of coffee and 26% more than the FLO/Transfair price.
These guys are located in Victoria, BC. Yep, pretty much just down the road from us (if you're thinking globally). Plus, not only do they, (and by "they" I mean the founder and owner) visit Ethiopia on a relatively frequent basis they also go to a local Christian Church, affiliated with Qwanoes. They also support local ethnic festivals and celebrations. All of this is vital.
In addition to experiencing the finest and freshest coffee, with each order placed, you are helping children throughout the world. 100% of the profits are being reinvested in the lives of orphan children through charity programs.
While this organization is located in Illinois, they are huge adoption advocates...having 2 of their 3 children adopted from Developing Countries. This couple is also Christian and they are hugely concerned about the care of our orphans.
The very cool thing about Gobena Coffee (other than the obvious) is that you can have it delivered to your door...all in one go or on a weekly basis. Ground or Whole Bean, it's up to you. I would encourage you to check out their site and revel in their current project. If you want a more personal spin, go grab a box of kleenex and check out the adoption video of their youngest Ethiopian daughter, Eva on YouTube. Type in Lehmanfive in the search engine and go to Eva's Adoption video. Prepare to be moved.
You can also check out the organization they support with 100% of their profits...
In talking with some people last night and after a bit of thought this past week, I have decided that it's not Christmas that will push our caloric intake over the top...it's the leading up to this celebration. I recall watching an interview several years back on Oprah. Yes, I have spent many an hour watching Oprah. This was back in my "spare time" days and during her pre-political outspoken-ness, and pre-post modern religious time. It was back when I felt she maybe held back a bit on some of her opinions. It was when her shows weren't riddled with interviewing only actors and actresses. It was back when I felt that her views lined up a bit more with at least some of mine. I still do admire her. I think she has defeated the odds and risen to be more than a statistic. I just don't agree with much of what she says anymore. Ok, enough ranting.
The interview I was watching was the one with Kirstie Alley who had just become the newest Jenny Craig spokesperson. This was pre-Queen Latifa and Valerie Bertinelli. Oprah, in her usual honest line of questioning simply asked Kirstie why and how she got so fat. I don't recall all of Kirstie's response, but some of it was along the lines of her marital break-up and being a single parent, along with a host of other Hollywood (token?) answers. The one thing that does stick in my mind is that she said that for her the main reason she "lost control" was that the holiday season for her would last from...
Halloween until Easter
Come again? Yes, 6 months of cooking, baking, partying, and eating frenzies. It's not a wonder there's an obesity epidemic. This one month of December I believe, is overwhelming enough for most of the people I know.
But, the flip side of the coin is the incredible - once a year, unique - fun, in which we can relish. I had some last night.
An annual Gingerbread House building contest at a friend's family's place was awesome. In honour of our impending adoption we built an Ethiopian Orphanage...sort of. Well?! What else would we do, right?!
Taking the top off so we could access the inside of our orphanage...(yes, that is a power tool)
The babies in their beds, the ones playing in the inside play area, the ones on the soccer field, the water well donated by World Vision, the sand box, jungle gym, basketball hoop, blanket on which the kids could enjoy their injera. We got down and dirty. Creative with sugar, if you will. The nannies watch as the children play. The coffee beans are representative of coffee's country of origin (didja know that?). Pretty much the only rule is that everything in, around, and on the house must be edible. So, at only the last minute did we place the Ethiopian paper flag.
Other incredible ideas and creations last night included...
The Oilers
(Yes, even Edmontonians flew in for this event!)
Alice In Wonderland
Halloween strikes at Christmas
There were about 6 or 7 others but these ones were really great! This was an incredible night - I can't think of a better way to get in the Christmas spirit than with Gingerbread Houses.
You know those people who always win the draws. Even though everyone has an equal chance of winning? Doesn't that drive you nuts? Me too...except when the gift benefits others.
In all honestly, the draw for who won the prize was completely random. Drawing a piece of paper from a mug doesn't get any more random. Honestly...no family bias. No favouritism.
POPS
Congratulations!!!!!
In your name, an Olive Tree was purchased through World Vision...
Your gift will provide drought-resistant olive trees for hard-working families in Jerusalem, Gaza and the West Bank. Perfectly suited to areas with scarce water resources, these hardy trees produce a high quantity of quality olive oil that families can sell for income and use for cooking.
Oh Ya. The boys had a great time eating...ah hem...decorating my definitely-homemade Gingerbread House this afternoon. Gung-ho about it being semi-healthy but knowing it would end on a somewhat "sweet" note, I went shopping this morning for some healthier decorating supplies. I came home with a selection of items but of course I had to get some smarties...for their colour of course. The boys were rooting through my grocery bin when they came across the bag.
"Ohhh" Noah exclaimed.
"Oh Ho Ho!!" Tait shrieked.
I looked away for a second and Tait was sucking on the bag.
I'm serious when I say my kids don't eat much sugar. So much in fact that when Tracy came over with her special treats and decorations - licorice, wafer cookies, animal cookies and teddy grahams...along with coloured marshmallows, ovations and toothpicks - Noah actually had to ask what the licorice was. And, the red/white/green jelly beans I had bought? Nope, didn't know what they were either.
I love that.
Treats should be treats. Not expected. Not anticipated. Surprises. Once-in-awhile. Treats.
I don't think I'm sheltering them because they don't know the terms for different forms of sugar. I think it's awesome that Tait comes up to me while I'm getting supper ready and asks for a chunk of cucumber. And, that for an evening snack they want an apple.
So, because of all of the above and because I wanted this afternoon to be nothing but full of fun, I had prepared myself for the knowledge that my kids would likely put more in their mouths than on the house. I was okay with knowing that supper tonight would likely consist of smarties and marshmallows...oh, and spoonfuls of icing...at 2:00, 3:00, and 4:00pm. Those who know me well would know that this was truly a purposeful, mental challenge and exercise for me.
Noah decided early on to make a swing set...
Look closely on the right hand side of the house...two wafers with licorice carefully strung between themAnd, carefully selected bears...
We had a blast...
...and what do you know, Tait asked for a cucumber chunk before supper tonight.
I'm really excited about Chrsitmas "festivities" this year. The boys are old enough(ish) to participate in the fun things like making Gingerbread Men, cracking unshelled nuts, saying "ho ho ho" every single time we pass a Santa, and decorating Gingerbread Houses. Noah's really good at not eating the candy when I tell him...Tait, well he's a work in progress. What can I expect from a kid who is full of drive and isn't even 2 yrs old?! Let's be realistic.
I have 2 Gingerbread Housing days planned this year. One is with the boys and our really great friend...and the other is with...our really great friend & co. I love that you're Gingerbread nuts, Tracy!
My dilemma over the past couple weeks has been...
To Bake
or
To Buy
Noah and I made a house last year and it was great. He was 2 1/2 yrs old, we assembled the house and decorated it all during Tait's nap. The kit came with a base to place the walls in, an area etched out as a suggested pathway; plus, all the candies you would need. This was pre-major-all-things-China-made-scare. I didn't think twice before purchasing the kit last year.
Baking, cutting, mixing cement icing, assembling from scratch...it's all quite new to me. And, it's a bit overwhelming. I love to bake. I love to create. Construction of a Gingerbread House is a new ballpark. The sides have to be the same size and right shape. The roof needs to be as such and it also needs to stay on the sides while the icing dries...these are the least of my concerns.
So, my strategy was this: go to the grocery store and read the box. My architectural fate would be decided by the writing on the box. If it said anything even remotely close to the word China, I would be a Self-Made House Building Mama. If, by some miracle I knew it was made in Canada or the USA (heck, I was fine if the box claimed it was made in Great Britain) then I would happily fork out the $11.99 plus tax. Done deal.
What I've come to learn over the past many months (through mediums such as 20/20, W-Five, and the BBC) is that manufacturers have had to become very creative in the wording of where their product originated. Sadly, the word China now screams: RUN. For instance, did you know that there is only one city on the entire globe other than China, that manufactures Vitamin C. (It is located in Scotland...and the Vitamin C ain't cheap.) Your bottle may say, Product Of Canada or Manufactured for the USA but that does not by any stretch indicate it's origin.
I digress.
I headed over to the Christmas section and hesitantly picked up a box. It was one of those moments where you actually wish to yourself that the writing on the side would change just for the sole purpose of your own satisfaction.
This is what I read:
Product of the USA
Distributed in Canada
Ok, so a year ago this would have been just perfect. No More. No Dice.
What this actually means is that although there is a location in the USA which produces part of the contents in the box, it by no stretch of the imagination produced all the ingredients in the box. If so much as 1 ingredient in the box was produced in the States, the USA then has the right to say it was produced there. There is no legal obligation to disclose the location of the origin of any other ingredients or contents in the kit. Period.
Isn't that sick?!
I've now seen a couple documentaries on very health conscious mothers who feed their children nothing but the best. Organic. Whole Grain. Products, (feel free to put that in parentheses) made in the USA only. Yet, their children have ended up with near-death illnesses simply because, while at least 1 of the ingredients in their product of choice originated in the USA or Canada or Britain, the rest came from China. And this info was not offered.
Heck, there is an abundance of dried fruits and dehydrated vegetables that follow the same route as our Gingerbread House likely did last year...grown in Chile or Brazil or California, the product is then picked and shipped to China. There, the fruit/veggies undergo the dehydration process and chemicals are injected to preserve them. But, since the fruit/veggies did originate in Chile, Brazil, or California the Producers feel it is legitimate practice to advertise as such. I know they just want to stay afloat (and who doesn't in our current market) but at what cost????
What I now read is that this Gingerbread House kit was made using ingredients which likely originated in China. If they were shipped to the Chinese processing plant from who-knows-where, then the process used which enables the Gingerbread to remain edible is, in itself frightening. I'm sure the candy in the kit was made in China and the icing, too. Who knows what has touched the handy little base that I swore was the best invention ever.
So here I go. The mixing, making, molding, and assembling of our Gingerbread House will be done once the boys go to bed...(I'm not a complete sucker). And, the decorating will be a cherished memory (and kodak moment...for anyone who was worried I might not have my camera attached as a 5th limb).
If the house crumbles...
If the walls can't withstand the candy...
If the icing just doesn't solidify enough...
Then So Be It.
Memories will be priceless.
And I'm sure the crash at the end of the homemade sugar high will be just the same as if we'd gone China Made.
I'm not sure about that.
I have to say that though we are housebound by puke and by snow, it is nice that we can be together as a family.
Frosty, the Bonhomme still stands guard on our deck...
The tranquility of the white blanket enveloping us is momentary.
My favourite new decoration reminds me of our joy to come and that those who are truly are rich have none. The joyful don't know the material riches this world can hold - and they are better for it.
Gobena Coffee
