First (and second) Day of Advent

We've done a few types of Advent countdowns in the past: candle countdown (we can't burn candles  per our lease),  activities for each day; scavenger hunts with small gifts for each day. Click the colored words to read past posts.  We are SIMPLIFYING this year. We are doing Names of Jesus and not Jesse Tree, one simple devotional and not three,  etc. We wanted one advent countdown. I was leaning towards ACTIVITY....the kids and Michael were leaning towards SCAVENGER HUNTS/GIFTS.  I took the challenge to Let.It.Go.  and easily gave in. 

Sunday afternoon found Michael running errands and Arielle and I in the BX looking for 25 gifts. The key is small. In year's past we've gotten each child something. In a God-given moment of inspiration Arielle and I focused on gifts which the family could then USE TOGETHER...gifts which would provide some fun family memories and activities. When I shared this with Michael he was thinking along the same lines. I learned again letting it go isn't terrible.  This will be much easier than trying to keep with 25 activities and we'll still be making fun memories. The kids love the hunts. 

Michael wrote clues. Arielle and I wrapped and wrapped....and then we were ready to really kick off our advent season.

Um...first we had ANOTHER instance where I did not fare so well in Letting.It.Go. It just seemed to me the hints needed to be IN the calendar, behind closed doors, eagerly anticipated and waiting to be revealed. I loved the symbolism and parallels to waiting for Christ to be revealed, while discovering the clues and hunting for him. Michael had another plan. He did it my way. The in-focus-full-face-photo reveals the tension this caused so we'll go with this Christmas perfect photo. ::snort::

Finally, the kids gathered in the living room with us and we were ready to KICK OFF. We can't find Jotham or any of his cohorts this year. We are focusing on the names of Jesus. 

FIRST I had to apologize to Michael and I did. I am trying hard to learn. All was forgiven and the festivities continued. Four of the six of us had covered our Advent Devo verses together in Sunday School - so we brought the other two up to speed on "Hope". 

We read a verse, discussed what it means that God is WITH us, and sang O Come, O Come Emmanuel....it was epic. We need Bre to make sing-alongs really fly; but we certainly have lots of laughter trying.

Clue number one - picked by Stacia, read by Zander, "I LOVE MY DUCKY." I prepared for the onslaught as they processed...they were either going to go find our UofO stuff or head for the bathrooms.  Either way they would be coming up the stairs...They went BOTH directions at the top of the stairs...making photo taking difficult. ::snort:: 

Finally, someone asked if they could enter our room. ::snort:: It may have helped when I began to hum..."Rubber Ducky you're the one, You make bath-time so much fun...." They'd already checked THEIR bathroom. 

A ball better suited to four square and dodge ball than our basketball! 

Since this was DECEMBER 2nd - we did Clue number 2...."A THERMAL DEPLETION CHAMBER"

The girls googled "thermal"  ::snort::

Great idea Zander - but what about "depletion" 

Nolan's on it! 

Yuuki insists on getting in on the fun. 

We also began discussing how to "Light em Up" - which will be great fun for us this year. We're looking for intentional ways to Light Up our community with Jesus' light. 

We are currently reading Cooper Kids #4 - Trapped at the Bottom of the Sea (Yokota AB is in this one) -  and read a couple of chapters. I promptly fell asleep and do not remember this nor the prayer - but I've been told I was there. 

It's off - the start of our family Advent 2012 celebrations. 

Choosing Joy!
©2012 D.R.G.
~Coram Deo~
Living all of life before the face of God...

Eat to Live (Joel Fuhrman, M.D.)

Years ago a nutritionist told me it's important to remain interested in health, weight loss and nutrition. She said to "keep the conversation alive" via books, movies, conversations with friends... I try not to bore my friends or preach to my friends about my lifestyle... I'll be sharing a few of the things I've been reading here in the next week or so.

Click here for more info

Dr. Joel Furhman has coined the term "nutritarian" to describe his life plan.  He uses science to show simply being "vegetarian" or "vegan" doesn't insure you will be eating the best nutritional diet (you can still be eating too many grains, too much processed stuff etc). I've proven this theory.  The focus of his work is the role nutrition plays in preventing and curing our societies chronic health problems.

Part One of Eat to Live is full of data.The dots are connected by the time you finish part one.  Good stuff, but I slogged through it.  One of the most personally interesting facts I found is the rate of cancer rises IN PROPORTION to the percentage of diet which is animal products. In other words, they've followed countries for the past 50 years which ate less than 10% animal products and cancer/heart disease is virtually unknown.  As they begin to eat a standard diet of more than 10% their cancer/heart disease rates will increase by percentages to match the animal product consumption.

Dr. Fuhrman promotes a nutrient dense diet. His formula is H=NC. Health equals nutrient density per calorie. So the standard switches from  "Is this vegan?" to "What nutrients does this food supply which my body needs to be healthy?" He suggests the 90/10 rule. 90% of your diet should be plant based, 10% of your diet can be animal products.  He calls his lifestyle "nutritarian" - a new label.

Spinach has more protein per 100 calories than steak per 100 calories. One has much fiber and no fat or cholesterol. One would be a very LARGE serving which satisfies your hunger; the other a very small serving which could very well leave one feeling frustrated and deprived.

I was a bit skeptical. I was determined not to buy into a doctor who sells, sells, sells....but everything in this book matches the information my PA shared with me. My PA loved my diet changes, but suggested adding fish once a week and maybe red meat once a month.  That would be about 90/10; predominately plant based.  I've come to see that many of the "experts" in a plant based lifestyle ARE marketing and selling something - at least the science is solid here and Dr. Fuhrman is a MD who has practiced for many years.

The second part of the book shows us how to live this way - forever. He starts with his 6 week plan. In this initial phase people usually drop a lot of weight, and their health numbers begin to improve. This mimics the Daniel Fast which Michael and I did. I did lose 28 lbs, dropped my lipid to 150, dropped my triglycerides and lowered my blood pressure while on the 6 week Daniel Fast. I love how the command to "follow Jesus to freedom" led me right to the healthiest thing I could have done for my health problems.  This works.

He moves from the 6 week plan to a "life plan" for those who don't need to lose weight and have their medical conditions under control. Basically, this is where you add in the 10% animal products. Dr. Fuhrman reports you can expect to lose about 1 - 11/2 lbs a week on the life plan until you reach a weight that is healthy for your body. He suggests the average person should have a BMI of 22. I've also seen this rate of weight loss to be accurate - even with wildly fluctuating thyroid levels/doses.  He says you CAN stay on the 6 week plan if you'd like.

Personally, I'm still eating 99% vegan (as you never really know what is in the food you eat when you are out or when you'll need to splurge).  I really don't miss meat. I miss cheese, but I don't miss chronic migraines. While veganism seems daunting....eating 90% plant based and 10% animal based feels very doable. In fact, I think Michael is about here....though consider in a diet of 2000 calories a day that would be no more than 200 calories from any animal product in a day.

I love that this book didn't preach the vegan worldview. He presents his research and plan. I have been listening to many of his pod casts and his world view comes out a bit more...but they are free and motivational.

Eat to Live was a beneficial read. Dr. Fuhrman has a slew of other books on reversing disease, super immunity, disease proofing your children and several DVDs out as well. I've not looked into them yet. Several are on my wish list. Eat for Health takes you slowly through the process of transitioning your diet to a health diet. I'd love to buy some of his DVDS....but haven't. LOL

Choosing Joy!
©2012 D.R.G.
~Coram Deo~
Living all of life before the face of God...

373MSS Whoville Party

Michael reminded me, as he left for the chapel early this morning, we had a party tonight. I asked what the dress would be. He wasn't sure. He thought I could get away with business casual or holiday casual. He would wear a suit. 

I posted on FB to see if any of my friends were in the 373rd to confirm the dress for the evening. In a funny "brain fog" moment....I thought LOIS P who DID respond with a theme was LOIS D from a previous assignment. I read "Support Squadron - The theme is Grinch who stole Christmas" and thought, "Thanks, LOIS, this is not helpful!" It would have been very helpful if I'd read the name correctly. ::snort:: 

Michael got home in time to shower and dress before we headed to the party.  He decided to check the dress for the night as I will still debating casual - semi-formal..."Um, De'Etta? Neither. You need to dress like a Who from Whoville." WHAT....30 min to figure out what THAT meant and find a costume for this event. I seriously considered sending him alone. I knew the chaplain could get away with being over dressed but I "couldn't go in business casual" if everyone else were going to be in Whoville attire. {It turns out the dress was Whoville, UGLY SWEATER or business casual" but I didn't know all my options.}  I will question Michael about this a bit more. ::snort:: 

In any event, FB friends informed me what to find for a costume. I told Arielle to take her footie PJ's off.  She complied....she couldn't believe it when we came down to leave. I was thankful I'd lost enough weight to wear her pj's; she is not so sure she likes sharing clothes. ::snort:: 

Meanwhile, Michael said he was looking for the gaudiest thing in his closet to wear. Um? ::snort:: I supplied him with an elf hat from my PCOC bag. 

I began to worry "someone" was playing a joke on me, we'd show up and everyone would be in holiday casual or formal.....this was an unfounded fear. There was a variety of dress. This was the most comfortable I've been at any Squadron function in 17 1/2 years. LOL 

There were some very creative costumes....fun games, great buffet, raffle prizes and I hear the cheese cake was tasty.  I think the highlight of my night was Chief Laurent calling me a goofball...the nicest thing anyone has said to me in a long time. I released my inner Vanguard (my high school). 

A new item on my Christmas bucket list - WATCH THE GRINCH THAT STOLE CHRISTMAS - you never know when it may be useful to have done so!

Choosing Joy!
©2012 D.R.G.
~Coram Deo~
Living all of life before the face of God...

Playtime Hospitality

It never fails...every day...sometime in the afternoon...Stacia will ask if the kids can have a snack while they play. I was prepared today with VEGAN peanut butter chocolate balls.   We are also the house the kids come into for hot chocolate and games when the weather is cold and the house where they ask for drinks while they play. I love it.....

I also love Stacia's heart to bless her friends with a tangible touch of hospitality. 

Choosing Joy!
©2012 D.R.G.
~Coram Deo~
Living all of life before the face of God...

25 Days

We took some time to read the entries in the Jesus stocking from last year. We all noted Jared's additions and the fact that he is now living in TX. Zander looked up and said, "25 days until he gets here."  ::sucker punch::

We've TOLD all the kids that none of the elder Gherkins are coming home this year, but obviously Zander had not processed the information accurately.  It was so sad to watch him tear up....

There is joy in this. Corinna shared it so well, "Oh the glorious sorrow of loving well."  It is glorious. I love the fact that it hurts when we aren't together. I love that our older kids love each other enough to figure out how to meet in the middle of America to reconnect. I love that our younger ones ache to see the elder ones...but I sort of hate it too. Just keeping it real.

Via Google Images

Look what I found? Ruth, my dearly departed from Misawa  friend, had one of these and she told me she bought it at Yokota's Bazaar. I've looked every time I've been to Yokota and never found a set...but I have found a place to order it online. It's DEARLY priced...but then nativities aren't real common in Japan.  I've written to see if the company has any in stock. I don't mind if I have to purchase after Christmas. I think this might complete my Kokeshi collection - maybe.

Choosing Joy!
©2012 D.R.G.
~Coram Deo~
Living all of life before the face of God...

Betty Crocker regins from on high!

Hmm....I suspected it may be difficult; but it was harder than I expected. The kids have been waiting to decorate for Christmas; we always do this the day after Thanksgiving. We haven't. Michael hasn't been feeling well and I knew he wasn't really looking forward to decorating. The kids and I decided to do it this afternoon.  I called to be sure Michael was o.k. with us doing this tradition while he was at work. 

Nolan and Arielle organized the crew to bring in Christmas stuff. We left the majority of our Christmas decor in storage stateside. A choice I'm happy we made. 

While they lugged the stuff in, I did some final measuring. There's been quite a bit of discussion about how to get a tree into our living room this year. I've been buying  furniture lately. ::snort::  All the plans involved moving a piano or an elliptical...some involved moving them all the way upstairs. Nolan was a champ and helped me put feet to my plan. We moved this just around the corner from the living room to the dining room. I was fairly sure it would all fit. 

It's always fun to unpack the Christmas books, movies and CD's. These are Stacia's picks...Arielle promptly put on the Christmas music. Then, I suspect she began to feel the "bittersweet" of this season and she put Redneck Christmas on instead...we decorated to great Christmas classics such as, "Grandma got run over by the Reindeer," and "Mama says Santa will have to leave." 

No, it's not a new religion. Stacia found one unused clue in the advent countdown from years past. 

Unpacking THIS - Jared's Christmas stocking -  which we neglected to pack off to college was bittersweet. But I held it together like a good Third Culture Kid. 

I remember when we had 11 stockings

The Jesus stocking....I found notes in there which weren't read last year...we took a surprise trip to the states. We'll read them tonight at dinner. 

Oh-oh - there seems to be a problem...but I took the challenge. I can live with this. 

Zander likes, "Cajun Night Before Christmas"

 Unpacking memories each year is fun. This is a garland with a snowman named for each of our children. We had six children when it was given to us, but Kimberly included three extra snowmen - which are all named now.  Fun to remember friends from past assignments. (They got the lights working - shew!)

I totally let the kids do this - they were great. I didn't  offer a suggestion until the very end. Arielle was insisting they space them out and put ornaments in the back...I thought maybe she should Let.It.Go. I took the challenge.

 I have written about our tradition with photo ornaments before here.  Stacia only has TWO ornaments. I promised her we'd print out the rest before December is over. She'll keep me faithful to my promise (she's already come to see if it's time twice as I've been writing this post).

THIS was a blessing to pull out each ornament and remember....but this is where it also got hard. This is the first year that NONE of the elder Gherkins will make it home for Christmas. We simply don't have the money to fly them over or fly back this year. It has turned out to be good for several reasons, which I'm sure to blog in the near future.  Since Stacia was lacking ornaments she enjoyed unpacking the older kids' ornaments...

Bre at 6 months

Krista at 6 months

I believe Arielle was having some thoughts as she hung this ornament with CARE. 

I've written about our unique tree topper here. In a nutshell the crown of thorns is a visible reminder to us that yes, Christmas is about a baby in a manger, but ULTIMATELY it's about the gift Jesus gave us, the PURPOSE for the baby in the manger, the cross and his coming Advent in the future.

The sparkly ornament was given to me one Christmas to honor a baby we'd lost....and has come to be a special reminder to me of all the babies and loved ones we've lost.

Sweet, SWEET, Bittersweet memories...Jamin at 6 months; Zander let us know he did not appreciate us telling him he looks like Jamin...because he doesn't want to be like a brother who runs 32 miles a day! 

Unpacking this one uncorked my eyes...but it's o.k. the kids know I'll miss them when they graduate. In the blink of an eye he went from his first Christmas (11 3/4 months old) to a freshman in college! 

Nolan  - such fun, fond memories

  

Jamin and Nolan on Nolan's first Christmas

Arielle

Stacia thought this was her - but it's Krista at 4

 Josiah began buying this for me and the kids have bought each piece 

Our Japanese nativity - I so want to find a complete one....but it's unlikely

The famous Advent countdown - we'll need to determine how to use it this year. 

Michael has me trained not to hang things from doorways, but Nolan insists this will not hit him in the head! I hope not. It's HIS fault if it does! 

Yuuki's stocking - kids insisted

The corner without the elliptical. I'd forgotten we didn't bring our BIG tree from the States. 

We outgrew the mantle and so long ago adopted the "hung on your door" tradition. 

The Girls' Room

The Boys Room - complete with keep out sign

It did all fit in the dining room. Every other year, we've had two tables in the dining room....it will make for cramped entertaining - but it's Christmas in Japan - all Americans homes are cramped.  I'm not sure I like the all-purpose dining room look; but I may like it better than the all-purpose living room look.  Maybe I'll be able to do ministry Skypes from the Elliptical. I'll certainly be able to keep an eye on school while I work out. 

I decided it was time to make new memories - enough time reliving the old memories. I suggested we bake some Christmas goodies to enjoy while we play games or watch a Christmas movie tonight. Arielle asked for something with chocolate and peanut butter. We got busy....

"Breath of Heaven" came over the system...I was instantly back at Elmendorf AFB Chapel on Christmas Eve as Bre sang this song perfectly in front of a packed house, while Corinna Williams, great with child, walked down the aisle in character. I went to the next room and gave in to emotions for a bit while Arielle finished this. I thought I was sneaky - turns out she knew. I could tell by the look she gave me. She said she remembers that night too. And earlier that season Bre sang it to a video at the PWOC Christmas Tea.

We made No Bake Peanut Butter Bars and remembered Kristin Eastburn fondly....and because I knew I couldn't resist these, we made Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter balls...which are vegan but have the same chocolate/peanut butter flavor...plus oats but no butter or powdered sugar and way less chocolate. In the future I think I will create a vegan Bar like Kristin's using the Peanut Butter Ball recipe without chocolate and covering with about 1/2 the chocolate.

And so...Michael will be home soon and we'll eat...pizza for the family and veggie soup or the last piece of coulibiac for me. I  don't have the energy to roast veggies and make the white/garlic sauce veggie pizza I'd planned. ::snort::  We'll probably watch a new Christmas Movie, enjoy our snacks and plan for the next few weeks.

Choosing Joy!
©2012 D.R.G.
~Coram Deo~
Living all of life before the face of God...

Precious Friendships

I love how this photo shows Stacia and her friend, Elizabeth, helping each other to sing/read the words to Christmas Carols at AWANAS. 

You can't really see well in this photo, but Stacia's pants are BIG. It was discovered upon investigation she was wearing MY exercise pants. She had gathered them up with a ponytail holder at her waist. So cute. My friend, Dawn, commented it looked like she was wearing yoga pants....which she was.  ::grin:: My friendship with Dawn has been an unexpected joy. She "gets" my food journey, she  has been a "nutritarian" for years. She gives me timely advice, shares her wisdom freely and is always supportive; she is also plain fun. Connecting, as we hadn't in the past three years, is God-given grace gift. I love Dawn and Elizabeth. I still need a good photo of Dawn and me. 

Dawn's comment about yoga pants  reminds me of the dumbest song Tim Hawkins ever wrote -  Yoga Pants...

I realize this photo is not in focus (Must teach camera mechanics this week).  I'm determined to capture a photo of these friends before Christina PCSs in a few weeks. {Christina and Lacey are on notice  we'll have to attempt a retake next week! This is important, remember, as the printed blog is my only photo album.}  Christina and Lacey, have meant  much in my life these past few months. They've listened to bits of my "journey," they've supported me when I made the surprising choice not to teach a Bible study this fall, and we've met nearly weekly to break bread together from  Ephesians this fall.  Christina was "my" PWOC Outreach last year and is an AMAZING facilitator. Lacey is this year's PWOC Hospitality and she rocks it! She also turns the very age of our oldest daughter today. God graces me with young friends to teach me much and fill the void created by not being near our older Gherkins. Christina's Bible Study group continued to meet through the summer. In the fall, when PWOC started, she asked if anyone would like to continue meeting in addition to PWOC. I didn't think I could do two studies and continue my personal disciplines at the level I desired....As it developed, this fall I've been loving on pre-schoolers instead of teaching or participating in a study.  It's been a joy! These little guys fill  a spot in my mommy heart as I reconcile with Jared graduating and leaving home - why DO they keep doing that?  In any event, I found myself not participating in an organized study. I've prayed for a "Life Group" for years...friends to simply read the same passages and share  insights with each other...I joined Christina and Lacey. It has helped to meet my need to be "connected" to other ladies, which isn't being met as well as I'd like as I serve  PCOC (Protestant Children of the Chapel).  We aren't exclusive...due to schedules it has become just us three...and that's fine.  It's been a precious time. I love these friends.  I've grown through the insights they've lovingly shared week after week.  {PS I prayed for Christina's assignment to England, but I really don't want her move. I must remember I'm moving too and life doesn't stay the same...but just the same....I'd be happier if we all left at the same time. LOL} These ladies have truly been Jesus with flesh on for me in the past months. 

As I reread this rather sappy post, I see a couple of themes....

• Friendships are priceless no matter your age
• God faithfully meets our needs - often through the body - friends

May God grace you with friends who love you enough to openly rebuke when needed, to teach what you need to learn, to support and love and connect....people with which to play and spice up life. He's graced me with several deepening friendships this fall as I deliberately made time in my schedule to breathe...this post introduces you to three of my grace gifts. 

Choosing Joy!
©2012 D.R.G.
~Coram Deo~
Living all of life before the face of God...