Speaking of Bradley...

Taken in March, 2009

Taken today, July 12, 2009

Can you even believe this is the same kid? This first picture was taken less than four months ago. Bradley was diagnosed with a condition that caused holes to form in his intestinal tract which in turn led to multiple allergies and also multiple nutrient deficiencies. We have been on a very strict diet for close to 5 months and ton of vitamin supplements. His latest blood work up showed that he only had one nutrient deficiency left, and that was iron. I've had him on a special iron supplement for approximately 2 weeks and look at the difference in his skin tone!

This is the product of much prayer and diligence on my part, but really it is also a testament that the body can heal itself with proper nutrition, and vitamins and minerals. I have also been giving him daily green smoothies which I know are contributing greatly to his recovery. I can't even express to you all in words how relieved I am! We still have a long road ahead, and this diet makes me want to pull my hair out some days, but the pay off is way worth it! In about another month or so, I will be able to start reintroducing some of the foods he is allergic to one at a time to see if he is still reactive or not. The whole process will probably take a little over a year. I'm hoping after that with some daily supplements and caution, he can eat what he wants (for the most part) and live a normal life. Keep the prayers and good vibes coming our way!

Another Snazzy Fashion Statement

This is another one of Brad's favorite things to do with his clothes. He layers them...the pants. He thinks it looks really cool. Who am I to tell him different??

Santa Barbara Trip to See Sofi and Heather- July 6, 2009

Heath and I decided to meet half way in Santa Barbara at the Natural History Museum. Overall I'd give this museum a "B" for families with smaller kids. On the up side, the grounds were spectacular, they had a really nice picnic area, and they had a planetarium theater. On the less up side, there was a lot to look at and read, but the rocks with the 15 foot drop into the creek, not so much fun. And all the exhibits and paintings that were hands-off, not so much fun. However, the highlight (and the main reason we went) was their Butterflies Alive exhibit. That had over a thousand butterflies in this beautiful atrium. The kids really enjoyed looking at them and trying to identify which kind of butterfly they were. Both the boys really wanted a butterfly to land on their finger, but the closest they got was when a butterfly landed on Brad's head. They also really enjoyed the large sandbox with paint brushes where they were able to uncover prehistoric bones of some sort.

Another highlight for the kids: Heather surprised the boys with Super Why costumes which they have enjoyed thoroughly since we've been home. Super Why is a cute program on PBS. The main character (whose name happens to be WHYatt) turns into Super Why and helps kids read. It's been really funny to watch them run around with their green masks on calling each other Whyatt. She gave Savanna a Jonas Brother pillow and journal which, of course, Savanna loved (we don't know why, but she loves those brothers!).

Biggest highlight for me: Can you guess?? Holding Sofi, of course!

Our Fourth of July Celebration

We had a pretty mellow Fourth. We went to the Pancake Breakfast put on by our Stake. The kids had a blast running around and playing games, plus there was a nice breakfast and a program. We went home for a restful afternoon and then headed out to Pismo to meet James for fireworks. Instead of braving the beach where all the loons shoot off their illegal fireworks (no offense if you are one of those "loons," we just had a scary experience last year with some drunk loons!), we ended up driving up one of the hills that overlooks the ocean, and got a pretty good view of the Pismo Show. The boys were surprisingly uninterested. They "ooh-ed" at a couple of them, but overall they were more excited about using their 50 cent glow sticks than watching the fireworks show. Oh, well....next year we're going to try out the laser show out in Morro Bay.

Sofi is 3 months old already!

I stole these from my sister's blog- with permission, of course! Sofi is getting so big! She is already 15 pounds, she smiles, and she laughs- I just adore her. I get to babysit her for a couple of days in September while my Sister and Nel are in Vegas. I can't wait! She'll be all mine, and I won't have to share...except maybe with Savanna. :)

Another Garden Update

It's been awhile since I posted pictures of our garden. A LOT has changed. We are finally harvesting crops on a weekly, sometimes daily basis! I didn't take pictures of everything, but here are the highlights:

Our Cucumber Vines

Here are our pickling cucumbers. We also have regular cucs- they are SO good!

One of baby watermelons- this is going to be awesome!

Our Watermelon Vines

Our Zucchini and Squash plants- they are massive!

Our Spaghetti Squash

One of our thirty or so Cauliflowers

Some of our Zucchini grew a little big!

So far we've made a zucchini quiche, zucchini bread, zucchini and squash stir fry, and zucchini hummus. I've even been sticking a few slices here and there in our green smoothies. We've given a TON away also!

We took about 15 pounds of our pickles and canned them the other day. This was my first experience with canning and the results were FABulous! These are some of the best tasting pickles I've ever had, and I'm kind of a pickle snob. Pickles are my favorite food, so the fact that I grew these cucumbers from seed, made my own brine, and bottled my own jars of pickles is super exciting! As you can see, Savanna is excited too!

Before

After!

Canning is actually really simple. It does take some supplies and good amount of time, but we have so many crops coming up, it is great to be able to store them for later use.