This Moment

This is a special moment from the past week that I want to stop, savor and enjoy. If you want to see other moments

being shared , go over to SouleMama. 

Gluten-Free Gingerbread Man Cookies

This blog is part of Real Food Wednesdays hosted by Kellythekitchenkop.com

These gingerbread cookies are our family's favorite holiday cookie so far this year. Hope you get a chance to try them.

I have a sneaky little helper that loves to taste.....a lot!

 Scout loved making the cookies too.

Gluten-Free Gingerbread Man Cookies

Ingredients:

• 2 1/2 gluten free flour blend ( i used half quinoa and half tapioca)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon  xanthan gum
• 2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger
• 1 cup maple sugar
• 1/2 cup coconut oil (melted) 
• 1/2 cup unsulfured dark molasses
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon 

Preparation:

Preheat oven to 350° F. 

Line 2 large baking sheets with parchment paper. 

Combine dry ingredients in a medium bowl and whisk to thoroughly combine. 

Place sugar,oil, egg, ginger and molasses in a large mixing bowl. Beat on high until combined then add dry ingredients and beat on medium speed to combine. 

Form into gingerbread girls and boys. use a little extra flour to keep from sticking. 

Bake in preheated oven for about 15 minutes.

this makes me happy

My Mother and my Mother in law took Jetta and Pilot to the Children's Museum of Baltimore for the day. Pilot is still talking about being inside that bubble.  I count my blessing every day that these 2 wonderful women are in our lives. I was always so close to my Grandmother and now my kids get to have that x 2 living right around the corner. Not only are they wonderful Grandmothers and Mothers, but they are also two of my very best friends.  

Who could ask for anything more?

Right here, right now

a wreath with dad

The man who sold us our Christmas tree last week was happy to give us the left over clippings from the trees he had which was just perfect for the wreath that John and the kids made for our door. It is so much more fun making things yourself. As time goes by, I am spending more and more time making things myself. This year we are making gifts. My fridge is full of mason jars filled with all kids of things I make like yogurt, cultured veggies, chicken broth and soups. We grow more and more of our own food  and I am getting a little better at knitting.  Baby steps. Another thing that saves a lot of money and that my husband has learned to do is be the handyman around the house. He has learned to fix almost everything in the house and almost everything with the cars. He loves his old Honda that he can fix up when necessary and keep it running for hopefully a long time to come. Yes, I know,  it seems like the more difficult rout, especially with  3 children at toe, but it has proven to be quite the opposite for our family. All this "making" slows you down and focuses your life so that you feel more relaxed and in the present moment. If lack of "talent" is holding you back, think again. Read this little article. These steps we have taken into the world of self-reliance have brought us a feeling of confidence in our lives and appreciation for what we have and who we are.  It can be as simple as a Christmas wreath.

This Moment

This is a special moment from the past week that I want to stop, savor and enjoy. If you want to see other momentsbeing shared , go over to SouleMama. 

living without pain

I have to tell you about a very special person today. Dr. Mario DiSaverio. I am so grateful to him for helping me and my family to live happier and healthier in our bodies.

I have always had neck and back pain, but about 15 years ago I was in a car accident that left me with whiplash which increased the pain to a new level. I was in such severe pain all the time that I couldn't even lift my arms. I saw every chiropractor, massage therapist and doctor I could to try and stop the pain, but as soon I would leave the office, the pain would return. I learned to live with the pain for the most part but recently I am living pain free the majority of the the time. What did I do? Well, I was lucky to have Mario, a Network chiropractor, in my family. I would see him periodically with great results, but for the past few years I have been seeing him weekly and my body is feeling great. Even with all the baby carrying and lack of sleep I can say I have never felt better. The amazing part of it is that what he does is so gentle that you hardly feel a thing. What you do notice though is that over time you are able to self correct and do not have to rely on someone forcing your body into the "correct" placement like most chiropractors. I tried that for years. I would feel great when I left the office and then turn to look at something and bam I could feel everything pop right back out. With Mario it is a slow, gentle and stable process that eventually leaves your body with the tools to work itself out. I grew up taking Tylenol all the time and I never thought I could be head ache free, but with Mario's help I am.  I just have to share my experience as I feel that it could really help so many of you. I saw him right through my pregnancy and he even treats my children and they love it. 

I asked Mario to explain what he does and he said "I utilize gentle pressure where your body is receptive to receive a force in relation to your presenting pattern of distortion.  Consequently, your innate intelligence becomes more acutely aware of the pattern and dissolves the core tension associated with it.  As a result, your body self corrects and becomes more self corrective in the process."

So if you are anywhere near Annapolis and are interested in finding out more, here is his website: