Day Seventeen - Tried and True

"We can do it, honey. It's good to do hard things."

So said I when faced with a death in the family, the baby-sitting of twin four-year olds plus their seven year old sister for a long weekend, visits from friends and cousins, and keeping a serene environment for my husband's study for an important work-related test.

The death hit me hard. Funeral today.

The baby-sitting here at home was a bit draining but we had no 'incidents' of any kind, only creating glee for the kiddies and fond memories for the rest of us. I am happy they came!

A cherished cousin came for a visit, which was a highlight for me. Friends stopped by 'just to say hi' which is always appreciated.

The four hour work-related test is over. Husband relieved.

But this is a post about October Unprocessed. How did I fare during all this craziness?

I passed. Everyone in this house ate 'unprocessed' foods along with me. I served the kids the same thing my family and I ate. They loved it. Who can turn their nose up at whole-wheat pasta sauced in butter, white cheese, and fresh purple and green basil? Or grilled cheese on Killer Dave's bread? Home made chili and cornbread? Grilled burgers with homemade mayo, pesto, home-grown tomatoes and lettuce? Cassie's pancakes and farm-fresh eggs? Perfectly cooked veggies, orchard-fresh apples, and Aunt Cherie's creamy oatmeal for which seconds and thirds were requested and given? Popcorn? Chips and salsa? Fresh-pressed cider? Why, Cassie, Caroline, and their friend even made us hot cocoa with real whipped cream! All this deliciousness within the Eating Rules.

Note: Tom and I both noticed our tiny nieces and nephew seemed much calmer in spirit and body by the time the third day with us rolled around. We wonder if our 'unprocessed' foods had anything to do with it. Maybe. Maybe not. Pleasant it is to know we did our best for the kids in every way we could, including mealtimes.

Lesson for the Day: Even in the midst of seeming chaos, there is space for dedication in how one cares for one's self, whether in the preparation of food, time for fresh-air and movement, and/or simply stepping outside the energy into a quiet place for a moment or two. Always there is space for nurturing ourselves.