Wildtree Wednesday

Today is a first for me... a first to introduce you to a wonderful product line. It is an all-natural food product that is so very yummy.
I am going to start.. every Wednesday- having Wildtree Wednesday. I will share recipes, food tips, and healthy options for your dinner.

Wildtree is a company that was started by a single mom who was trying to find food alternatives with no preservatives for her children who were having issues with food. Out of that search Wildtree was born.


Here is what natural means to Wildtree:

What is Natural?

The industrial revolution transformed the food supply in the 20th century from dependence on locally grown fruits, vegetables and meats cooked at home to large companies using many new ingredients from many different sources.

The food became processed and by the mid 20th century many new chemicals were added to "aid" processing, enhance flavor, preserve flavor and color, extend shelf life, prevent mold, etc...

As many childhood diseases were eliminated, the medical research focus turned to diseases that emerge in old age.

Cancer began to be thought of as caused by chemicals...This laid the foundation for the Delaney Clause.

The Delaney Clause (1958) is still in effect. It prohibits the FDA from approving any food additive found to induce cancer in humans or animals.

1960's countercultures – organic movement. Many had strong reservations about using certain chemicals and processing methods in food production.

1970s, FDA issued new regulations defining "natural flavor and color" so that consumers could make more informed decisions about the foods they purchased.

1988, the FDA informally defined natural to mean that nothing artificial or synthetic has been added to a food that would not normally be expected to be in the food.

1991, FDA has concerns over evidence that natural was used on a variety of products to mean a variety of things. The FDA reviewed definitions by other agencies, state governments, the food industry and solicited a wide range of comments from industry.

1993, the FDA announced its decision not to define the term natural due to limited resources and other priorities but will retain its 1988 policy noted above.

Conflict and Controversy
2006, the Sugar Association petitioned FDA to define natural by regulation to exclude high fructose corn syrup (HFCS), a request that was strenuously opposed by the Corn Products Association. Sara Lee submitted a separate petition asking FDA to collaborate with USDA to establish a single definition of natural by regulation.

The FDA is unlikely to grant either of these petitions because FDA does not review and approve product labeling prior to marketing. The FDA has little incentive to expend the resources that defining natural by regulation would consume.

This means that there is no realistic possibility that a single definition of natural will be established in the near future.So, food manufacturers continue to make their own decisions on what is natural.

What Does Natural Mean at Wildtree?


No artificial colors
No artificial flavors
No preservatives
No high-fructose corn syrup
No MSG
No hydrogenated oils
No irradiation
No hydrolyzed protein (vegetable or dairy)

What Ingredients Are Used At Wildtree That I May Not Recognize?

Xanthan Gum: produced from the fermentation of corn sugar. It is used as a thickener, emulsifier and stabilizer in foods such as dairy products, salad dressings, etc.

Guar Gum: a gummy substance obtained from the beans of a guar plant that grow in Pakistan and Northern regions of India. It is used as a thickener and stabilizer.

Citric Acid: a white powder extracted from the juice of citrus and other acidic fruits. It has a strong tart taste and is used as an acidulant* as well as a flavoring agent in the processing of foods.

Malic Acid: a natural acid found in sour apples and other fruits. It is used as an acidulant* as well as a flavoring agent in the processing of foods.

Lactic Acid: occurs naturally in the souring of milk and can be found in foods such as cheese and yogurt. It is used as an acidulant* as well as a flavoring agent in the processing of foods.

*Acidulant: an acidic substance used in food that acts as a control agent to alter food pH levels. It increases foods acidity in order to make it shelf stable.

Yeast Extract: a vitamin-B-rich mixture made by combining vegetable extract and the extracted liquid of fresh yeast. It is used as a seasoning and as a base for various products.

What Ingredients Does Wildtree Not Use?

We do not allow ingredients in our manufacturing facility that are included in the following listing.

acesulfame-K (acesulfame potassium)
acetylated esters of mono- and diglycerides
ammonium chloride
artificial colors
artificial flavors
aspartame
azodicarbonamide
benzoates in food
benzoyl peroxide
BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole)
BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene)
bromated flour
brominated vegetable oil (BVO)
calcium bromate
calcium disodium EDTA
calcium peroxide
calcium propionate
calcium saccharin
calcium sorbate
calcium stearoyl-2-lactylate
caprocaprylobehenin.
certified colors
cyclamates
cysteine (l-cysteine), as an additive for bread products
DATEM (Diacetyl tartaric and fatty acid esters of mono and diglycerides)
dimethylpolysiloxane
dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinate (DSS)
disodium calcium EDTA
disodium dihydrogen EDTA
disodium guanylate
disodium inosinate
EDTA
ethyl vanillin
FD & C colors
GMO Foods
GMP (disodium guanylate)
hexa-, hepta- and octa-esters of sucrose
HFCS High Fructose Corn Syrup
hydrogenated fats
IMP (disodium inosinate)
irradiated foods
lactylated esters of mono- and diglycerides
methyl silicon
methylparaben
microparticularized whey protein derived fat substitute
monosodium glutamate (MSG)
natamyacin
nitrates/nitrites
partially hydrogenated oil
peanuts
polydextrose
potassium benzoate
potassium bisulfite
potassium bromate
potassium metabisulfite
potassium sorbate
propionates
propyl gallate
propylene glycol
polypropylene glycol
propylparaben
saccharin
silicon dioxide
sodium aluminum
phosphate
sodium aluminum sulfate
sodium benzoate
sodium bisulfite
sodium diacetate
sodium glutamate
sodium nitrate/nitrite
sodium propionate
sodium stearoyl-2-lactylate
sodium sulfite
solvent extracted oils, as standalone single-ingredient oils
sorbic acid
sucralose
sucroglycerides
sucrose polyester
sulfites (sulfur dioxide)
Tree Nuts
TBHQ (tertiary butylhydroquinone)
tetrasodium EDTA
vanillin


As you can see Wildtree is serious about preserving our health by taking preservatives out of our diets.

The recipe for today is:

Spanish Rice with Quacamole and Italian dressing salad

1/2 cup black beans (I bought a bag of black beans and soaked them overnight, (just cause I'm frugal- you can buy the can too and make it way quicker)
1/2 cup corn
1/2 lb ground beef (or more to your tasting, you can also use chicken, rotissorie chicken would be really yummy)
1 can tomato sauce
1 cup dry rice
3 Tbls Cilantro- or to your liking
*1 1/2 Tablespoons Spanish Rice Seasoning $8.50- serves 4-6, six times

Cook the rice in 2 cups water with the Spanish Rice seasoning blend for 20 min. (or until rice is soft.
Brown the hamburger and add the corn, black beans, tomato sauce and cilantro- simmer for 10 min. Add the rice and enjoy. I would have loved to have added red and green pepper and red onions to this meal but I had to leave it out for the rest of my picky eaters. :-(

Serve with corn chips, sour cream, cheese and Guacamole- (recipe following)

Wildtree's Quacamole is soo good and so simple.
1 advocado- skinned, pitted, and mashed
*2 1/4 teaspoons Quacamole seasoning $1.4 oz jar for 6.00 will get 4 uses or 3.9oz jar for $10.00 for 12 uses.

Mix and refrigerate for 2 hours to bring out maximum flavor. Serve with chips or top burritos and tacos and fajitas or the spanish rice. It is soo good! and easy!


Italian Salad Dressing Mix
1/4 cup vinegar
3 Tablespoons water
*2 Tablespoons Italian Salad Dressing Mix $7.00-- Will make 8 oz. 4 times.
*1/2 cup natural grapeseed oil (I recommend the grapeseed oil but you could use whatever oil of your choosing. I will talk on the benefits of grapeseed oil next week.)

Whisk together- allow dressing to sit for 1 hour for full flavor to develop. The prepared dressing will last for 4 weeks in your fridge.

Abby enjoying dinner

Check back next Wed. for another Wildtree Wednesday where I will share with you the benefits of adding grapeseed oil into your cooking and also share another great and easy and healthy recipe.

Thanks for tuning in!

http://www.wildtree.com/

jhkopkie@hotmail.com

late....

Sorry this is late in coming this week. I went back to work on Sunday and things have been a little hectic. 1 - Why did you start blogging?
2 - Who's the one blog friend that you would want to meet most in "real life"?
3 - Why are you always concerned with losing that "extra 10 pounds" when chances are your husband/boyfriend/friends tell you that you look just fine the way you are?
4 - What's the one thing you wish guys could understand about you?
5 - Tattoos. How many do you have and how many are visible when you wear your "everyday" clothes?
6 - What was the best year of your life and why?
7 - Name three things you would do if you were a man for one day.

1. I wanted a way for my sister who lives so far away to have a glimpse of what is going on in our lives.

2. I would love to meet several- Lindsay who has kids my age and just seems so fun and Angie Smith- the wife of Selah- she is so Godly and I just enjoy her posts

3. I have way more than an extra 10 to lose. I would love to feel good about myself for once and be able to fit into whatever I try on.

4.The need to feel cherished

5. None

6. 2005/2006-- We had a baby, my health was amazing- No headaches no bad symptoms of any kind, we built a house. It was just a good year.

7. I have no clue-- I guess I have never wanted to be a man. I love that as a women that I get to be pregnant and be a mommy and get to stay home and not have the pressure to provide. There is no way I would ever want to trade my world for theirs.

Weekend

UNCLE CALEB IS BACK!!
We went out to eat with Uncle Caleb and Auntie Danie lastnight--They got the girls these hats from South Korea. It is so funny for me to look at this picture and know that is how hectic we look. We have 3 kids! Our pictures of our family are this full. Crazy! Kenan meeting his Uncle Kenan for the first time.

...

The girls had their first drop-off birthday party yesterday. It was a dress-like a princess party. They had a blast. When I came to pick them up they didn't want to leave.

My sweet little Kenan all ready to go and meet Uncle Caleb and my friend Anna.

Auntie Danie and the girls. I did Danie's hair so she was ready to pick her man up from the airport.

My kids and I on my birthday night.

Kenan in the bumbo seat.

Silly Emmy

Emily does this funny thing whenever you make something to eat she doesn't like. For example:
"mommy- whatch you makin?"
"Rice and chicken"
"Blah, I don't like rice and chicken, I'm not eating"

Struggles

I thought this was really good and something I am striving for in my own life. It is such a struggle and I fail daily and I know I will never be perfect until heaven. The self-centerdness thing is really hard. Especially when it comes to my children. I want to be selfish for them- I want things for them. I think that is a pretty legit feeling that most every parent feels but I know that to truly follow Christ that feeling needs to be put in check. I need to not worry about the way others treat/or do not treat my children or myself or my husband. I need to not worry if the Jones's do way more with their children and go on fun vacations ect... I need to sacrifice so that we can give to others who are way more needy than us. I need to sacrifice my own feelings at times to make others happy and special. It doesn't mean that we can't have fun things and do fun things but it does mean that we should always put others above ourselves. It is a hard thing to do. I am finding that I am really a selfish person. I want things how I want them and I don't want anyone to mess with it. I am working on giving it to God and trusting him but I am sure it is something I will never master and always struggle with.


Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. Philippians 2:3-4



Lent Day 30: The Book of Ephesians

God says, My enemy will stand against you at every turn. You are no match for him. But My Spirit is in you and the enemy is no match for Him.

Wear the belt of truth. What My Spirit tells you will help you oppose your opposer.

Put on the breastplate of righteousness. Resolve to fight every trace of self-centeredness within you.

Identify the peace the gospel provides. Think of that peace as a pair of shoes you can wear to keep running the race in the face of all opposition.

Hold on to the shield of faith. Know that I am who I AM, that My plan is on course, that you are My child, and that one day you will be fully formed like My Son.

Keep the helmet of salvation on your head. No matter what happens, no matter how you fail, all shall be well.

Never stop reading My letters. My word is My Spirit's sword. Use it to fight evil, first in you, then around you.

Learn to pray. Pray in My Spirit, on all occasions.

Celebrate the joy you can know when you live to complete My Son, to reveal Him to the world, and to delight Him with your response to His love.

The girls doing tricks

I love this grin of Kenan.

I was trying to get some video and whenever I have it on Abby starts doing random things to get attention so this is their tricks. :-)

Sick to my stomach

It's a sad day in America today, when our senators who we elect into office to be our voice, turned a deaf ear to the 80% of americans who opposed this bill. I feel personally violated- like our rights are being stripped away and there is nothing we can do.

Who even knows what all is buried in this bill that we will come to find out in the next several years but I for sure know that if I don't want healthcare coverage for me and my family I shouldn't be fined. It is a personal decision and a personal right. If that is not where we want our money spent we sure as heck shouldn't have to.

I also don't want our hard-earned tax dollars going to kill innocent life. No way do I want any of that blood on my hands... may God deal every so quickly with these evil plans that are being devised! I know I will probably have comments saying Obama isn't allowing it but that is bogus. The courts have already allowed it to happen and Obama is not superior over the court system so his word is totally void, which he knew in the first place when he even said that. He just wanted to get that sect of democrats (Stupak, and other opposers of obortion) to vote for the bill. I wash my hands clean of this. I will still pay taxes (as if I have a choice) because God tells us to give to Ceaser what is Ceasers and then I am just praying God keeps our money clean and doesn't allow it to go for murder. Check out talk radio or fox news to hear what is really going on with this bill. The things we aren't being told through conventional media. The public is being fed lies. Lots of them!

Another part of this bill that makes my stomach turn is our premiums all going up. We already pay an astronomical amount for our healthcare and we can literally not afford it to go up anymore. I really feel the government wants to tax us to death so we lose our homes so they can then buy out the banks and make a one-world bank system and currency- which will then lead to a one-world governement... well they just got one step closer. We know have socialized healthcare.

The hope to all of this is that God is in control. He knew it was going to happen before it did. He is just setting everything up for his return. We know from reading the Bible that certain things have to happen before his return. Well... those things are happening and we are getting closer and closer. This shouldn't take any of us Christians by surprise. Now- we just need to be the hope-- and be vocal in our faith and share the good news of Christ. This is a lost and dying which was cleary pointed out again lastnight.

It is time for all of us to be hitting our knees!

new book

I recieved this new book in the mail with no explanation of who it was from. I have been wanting this book so I can keep learning to be a better wife. It is written by the same guy who wrote Sacred Marriage which is a phenomenal must read for every marriage. The reviews for this one say it is a must read for every wife and will deepen your marriage. I am so blessed to recieve this book. Thank you to whoever did this for me. It is so neat to get a book in the mail that I have been wanting and didn't have to buy.

A growing boy

We went to Como Zoo this past week and Abby liked touching the fish.

The girls were zoo keepers and had to get food to feed the animals each day.
me and my girls in the conservatory

Kenan all bundled and ready to go

Auntie Danie came down to visit for a few days. It was so nice having her. We went running each day and she watched the kids while I had appts. We also took the kids to the zoo.

We call him Mr. Smiley. Can you see why?

I just love a sleeping baby. They are always way too precious!

Me and my boy. He is growing so fast. I just can't believe it.

flood in our area

Sunday again

The questions..
1. What year did you graduate high school?
2. What part of your body do you neglect the most?
3. Beach house or Lake house?
4. Mac or PC?
5. Did you wear braces?
6. If you could be one person for a day..living or deceased..who would you be?
7. How many times have you moved in your life?
8. Would you rather cook or clean?


1. 2001
2. My feet- I know this is gross but I rarely clip my toe nails or clean out underneath them. I really don't maintain them at all except the rare painting that happens in the summer.
3.oh... I like the thought of a lakehouse because it is more private, but a beach house with sand and ocean as far as you can see... I think I would have to go for that. How amazing.
4.I don't know and don't care
5.nope
6.One person--This is hard. There are so many that come to mind. Maybe Mary, the mother of Jesus- she got to know him personally, or maybe Beth Moore- She has so much Godly wisdom and loves God so much and seems to know how to stay on track and stay in love with Jesus.
Of course movie stars come to mind because their lives seem so glamorous but really that is nothing I would want for my life.
7. 3 in my childhood and 2 in college and 6 in marriage.
8. ugh.. neither :-) It depends- cook if it could be anything and not this awful no wheat/no eggs/ no cheese thing I am on now. I hate cooking now.

feel free to link on up at the original post

homemade deodorant

I cringe every morning when I put deodorant on. Most days I try to use all natural lotion instead just because I hate the aluminum that is used in deodorant. Have you ever noticed as you read the side of the stick that it says if you have kidney issues consult a physician. I've always thought that if you have to consult a physician for something you are just putting on the outside of your body that can't be good.

I found this great deodorant recipe here. I have used it for 5 days now and am loving it. I have even been running with it. I reapply after running but it stays on great and I really love it!

I mixed 2 Tbls of cornstarch with 2 Tbls of baking soda and then I mixed in extra virgin coconut oil until it was a pasty consistency. I then pushed it into an empty deodorant container and store it in my fridge. I really love this stuff!

Oh... I also added a few drops of tea tree oil for it's antibacterial properties.

My growing baby

I was walking around a store doing my grocery shopping and admiring my Kenan as I browsed the aisles. As I am walking I see a mom holding her brand-new baby and I realize that Kenan is not that anymore. The newborn stage is already behind us. It just goes too fast. I felt a twinge of sadness and then joy as I thought of all the stages I have yet to go through.

We still have giggles, rolling, crawling, squealing, talking, walking, hugs, kisses and all the memories we will make inbetween. I get to share his discoveries, his joys, his triumphs, and his goals. This child is mine- I get all the stages and I am so thankful!

We had his two month check-up on Monday. Look at these stats:

Kenan 13 lbs. 11 oz (fully dressed) 24 1/2 inches long Head 16 1/2 in 90th % for everything

Emily 12 lbs 8 oz 100% 23 1/2 inches 98% Head 15 3/4 in 77%

Abby 12 bls 1.9 oz 80% 23 1/4 in 80% Head 16 in 85%

He is a big boy!

Getting to know me

It's that time again for another edition of getting to know you

The questions..
1. What's your favorite Easter candy?
2. Who do you think is cleaner..men or women?
3. Which do you prefer..wordy blog posts or ones with pictures?
4. Were you popular in highschool?
5. What's your bra size?
6. How many states have you lived in?
7. What's one blog you read every day?
8. Peanut butter or Nutella?

1. We never really did the whole easter candy thing growing up- so I don't know about all of them but I do love the cadbury eggs.

2. Women for sure-- If you live with a man you know!

3. It depends on the content of the wordy blogs. Lately I have been into ones that teach me to live better, whether that incourages me to go deeper with God or just to live more naturally and frugally. I'm learning lots! I do like ones with pictures of my friends and family so I can keep up with their lives.

4. Yes and No-- I had a lot of friends from a lot of different clicks. I never really felt like I fully belonged with the popular- or the jocks- or the nerds so I just had friends out of each.

5. Seriously, this is nuts but while nursing right now an E. When I am not nursing I am a D. I sure hope no men read this post!

6. Just one

7. I have a feed so I read whichever posts are new from all the blogs I follow-- I follow about 15. I guess money saving mom usually updates daily so it would have to be hers.

8. Oh... I love nutella but it is higher in calories and sugar and has an artificial ingredient in it called Vanillin so I try to stay away from it and buy all natural, organic peanut butter from costco instead.

Feel free to go to http://www.mannland5.com/ to link up and join in the fun!

Lent Day 21: The Book of Malachi


God says, I have chosen you to be part of My plan to restore this earth to its full beauty and My people to their full beauty. Your calling is to reveal My love.

You show contempt for My name when you treat Me as though I were a vending machine stocked with sweets that temporarily satisfy. You weary Me with your idea that people enjoying the pleasant life of prosperity and peace are the real winners. Every moment spent in seizing pleasure is a moment with your back to Me.

Turn toward yourself, live for satisfaction and fullness now, and you will lose yourself. Turn toward Me, sacrifice your pleasure for Mine, and you will find Me. You will find purpose now and joy forever.

I have loved you. I love you still. Beneath your darkness, disillusionment, and doubts, you long to know Me, to serve Me, to honor My name, to wait for Me as My prisoner of hope. That delights Me.

You are My treasure.

a good question

This was really good as it is exactly how I have been feeling. I guess it is just growing up... Joel and I have several areas where we know God could come through but hasn't in the ways we thought and are now just realizing maybe it is God letting us fail to make us into something more. We are surrending our wills and giving up things we never dreamed possible and trusting God to get us to where he wants us. It's no small task, I can tell you that.


Lent Day 18: The Book of Jonah
God says, you are growing up. You can no longer celebrate My love the way a little boy celebrates the care he receives from a good mother, from a tender woman who provides her child with a nutritious meal and a sweet dessert and then, after an hour of play and reading, tucks him into a warm, comfortable bed with the promise of another fun day tomorrow.

Part of growing up, of seeing Me as I am, tempts My followers to run from Me, to establish a safe distance from the distinctly unsafe and inexplicably disagreeable ways I sometimes involve Myself in the lives of those I love.

You are growing up. Your days of naïve worship and shallow but exciting intimacy areover. It is always difficult for a child to become an adult, to draw close to Me as I AM. You are wrong to demand My cooperation with your understanding of life. Because I love you and because My plans for you are good, I demand your cooperation with Mine. There is no other way to enjoy My Presence.

I left Jonah with the same question I now ask you: when your life hits a bump that I could smooth but don't, will you continue to think I should surrender My wisdom to yours and do what you think best?

A recent glimpse into our lives

I'm sorry I don't post as often anymore. Time is fleeting you see.....

I have these two adorable little girls who are almost 5 and 3... and this most perfect little boy- with every blink is getting older... this Friday will make 8 weeks...

8 amazing weeks of getting to know him...

of sharing him with those I love....

of gazing into his perfect, beautiful, baby blue eyes.

and of him getting to know us-- (here he is smiling at my mom)


I just am trying to savor every moment because my world feels like it is spinning so fast...

I love seeing him in his daddy's arms. Joel is wonderful with him. This is Kenan's favorite sleeping/pooping position...

I never grow tired of this...

This was his first time in his crib. He loved his mobile.

So-- that is what is new with us. We are just trying to enjoy every moment, knowing before we realize it they will be grown up and gone. :-(

Did you notice the big girl undies on Emily in the top picture? We are forcing potty-training. She is going to be 3 next month and has NO interest in going to the bathroom. Whenever we ask her why she won't go on the big toilet she says, "because, I don't want to." So-- we put on the big undies yesterday and we had two accidents, she hates getting her hair washed so we told her that when she has an accident she has to have a bath and the bath will entail having her hair washed. After that she has gone in the toilet. Still haven't dealt with the poop issue yet. She did that yesterday before we did the big undies and today she hasn't yet. I have a feeling she is holding it until we put her diaper back on for bed tonight. She had a dry diaper this morning when she woke up so so far everything that happened today has been in the toilet- yeah Emily.

That is all for now-- I better get back to childrearing..

One happy little boy

Getting to know you

1. Are you more of a talker or a listener?
2. Bra. Underwire or wireless?
3. I wish I was.....?
4. The Academy Awards are on tonight..will you watch?
5. Do you put your deodorant on before or after you get dressed?
6. Would you rather do the dishes or clean toilets?
7. How much did you weigh at birth?
8. If you could only buy one thing for the Spring/Summer season..what would it be?

1. A talker- but I am learning to listen more too :-)

2. I wish I could go wireless- underwire is a pain, literally, but I am way too busty

3. I wish I was one of those people who seem to have it all together; perfect body, in love with God, great families, have the time to do all the extra projects. I wish I didn't fear anything and lived without regrets

4. no

5. it depends-- it's always different- some days lately I don't even get dressed.

6. dishes for sure

7. 8 lbs 15 oz

8. a big trampoline for hours of fun with my kiddo's

Ok, now your turn...

Another reading

Lent Day 12:
The Book of Nehemiah
God says, whatever anyone does out of a sincere desire to know Me and draw others to me is a great work. And as you engage in that work, sometimes you will be energized as you catch a glimpse of My plan unfolding. More often you won't. Either way you are doing a great work.Every father who repairs a leaky faucet and then prays with his kids before dinner is doing a great work. Every mother who prepares that dinner and joins in that prayer is doing a great work. Every single person who works hard to pay the rent and reads the Bible before bedtime is doing a great work. I see it all. And I am pleased. Their reward is coming.Whatever is done to know Me and make Me known, to advance My purposes, is a great work. And I will use every great work done by My people, no matter how small it seems, to further My great plan. When you see the fullness of that plan and its end result, you will be plunged forever in a sea of joy.