Ok, will try this again. I started my Health and Menus post earlier then lost it. NOT a good thing since there isn't unlimited time to post these days. I am dividing it into two posts since I need to get dinner going ironically ; )
This section of my binder has what I consider a basic assortment of resources - information regarding each child's health history, dietary guidelines, pregnancy related info, home remedies that work for us, basic menus and recipes. I don't have a cookbook in here but rather the standby's that are used weekly or daily that we need ready access to like bread, rice, yogurt, etc.
My Grandmother told me years ago about how Rose Kennedy kept an index card box that detailed each child's health info - their shot records, allergies, history of childhood illnesses etc. I was intrigued but the whole idea remained just an anecdotal story to be filed away until recently. Part of the problem is that the military does not release medical records these days so I have had to guess at recalling the dates of some illnesses etc. I devised this list to keep pertinent info for each child:
Download childrens_health_info_form.doc
Next I have my reference charts for pregnancy. It's hard to imagine that there will come a day when these are no longer needed at my fingertips. Sigh! It did cross my mind when filing them though. Brings back to mind what a treasure each pregnancy is!
Download wap_diet_for_pregnant_and_nursing_mothers.doc
Download herbs_for_pregnancy.doc
Next come the weekly menus. I am still formatting these since I added breakfast and lunches to them. I have long kept a dinner menu to shop by but the other meals were catch as you can. I think I mentioned we are now on a new 5am/5pm barn chore schedule which my husband took over. It has been such a blessing. For years I have heard women raising large families go on and on about getting up early. I always figured we weren't morning people, couldn't focus well early, yada yada. This past couple weeks proved that false. We are all doing amazingly well.
These breakfast articles motivated me to carry on in this department. Dh never complained about going it alone in the early mornings but once I really stopped to think about the ramifications of this routine it stopped me in my tracks. Most men fly out the door alone in the mornings, maybe with a handful of something edible, maybe not, and usually barely awake. They face the day empty - physically and spiritually. The family trickles out and starts their routine without a lot more thought or preparation often. The world hits those men with all the crud it has to offer. They come home hungry and tired only to be expected to jump into fixing whatever problems have been encountered at home. Nighttimes often find everyone taxed and running late. Not to say men shouldn't be shouldering responsibility for the family's day but it sure makes sense to front end the day to make that most successful. With a bit of a head start we can all eat and pray together and Dad leaves feeling well, with his family the last thing he sees. I like this much better! Hence the breakfast menus lol <g>
Download menu4.doc (will upload more of these as they are tweaked)
Download meal_options.doc general main courses to make in bulk
more to follow....
Wow Kim! Can I come over and glean all this wonderful wisdom of yours? I have gotten away from reading more about Weston Price type meals..I REALLY want to do this more. I was just telling my dad about this very thing this morning as I was showing him how to brew EM's.
I also want to learn more about using more natural remedies. I only know of a few and I do so want to treat the kids, my dh and myself the way we ought to be treated for every kind of ick that comes our way.
I am sooo very visual and I know that putting together lists like these in a pretty binder will work well for me. I am an organized homemaker veeery slow in the making.
I have to chuckle about so very many of your posts as I was thinking or starting so many of the same things...some would say it could be slightly scary...but I won't...I say it is the Holy Spirit laying out some exclamation points to get my attention...LOL!
I just started this week getting up with dh in the cold recesses of the morning and giving him a warm yummy meal. It is amazing the effect on BOTH of us. We NEED this quiet time of circling the wagons before hitting the day with a firm purpose to fulfill our mission! :o)It is just plain good sense to affirm we are on the same team! ;o)
Posted by: Donna Marie | November 04, 2006 at 02:02 AM
All your notebooking journal helps are beautiful THANKS! What does NT Menu mean. Is that NON-TOXIC or what. I always want to do the best for my family but we're doing rather well and I'm inspired to eat better always though. No food colorings, high fructose corn-syrup etc in our home. I was just fascinated in your NT menu how you FERMENT things and soak FLOUR? and other things. Seems weird since i don't know what NT means. Please advise!
[email protected]
Posted by: Josie Edmisten | August 20, 2012 at 10:25 AM