My grandmother and mother taught me to cook.  They both made most things from scratch.  I was raised on homemade biscuits and rolls, real macaroni and cheese, pies, cakes, etc.  The foods I enjoyed were not just home-baked, they were labors of love.  My children have enjoyed a similar up-bringing.  I make most meals and desserts from scratch.  Occasionally I will... »

Last weekend was not only Easter weekend, but Texas governor, Rick Perry, sent out a proclamation asking Texans to pray for rain.  All of Texas is in a drought ranging from moderate to exceptional.  The US Drought Monitor published a color-coded map showing the areas in drought.  Unfortunately for my family, we live in the exceptional drought area.  We have not... »

This is a very busy week for both Jew and Gentile alike.  Palm Sunday, Passover, the Feast of Unleavened Bread, Good Friday, and Easter Sunday all occur within one week's time.  I am looking forward to spending Easter with my family.  Attending church service, enjoying each other's company, and eating good food are what we have planned. Since I was a... »

The cheese-making process has fascinated me since we started our own home dairy with goats.  I have not explored it as much as I want; however, I am slowly learning.  Chevre is delicious to eat and easy to make.  To learn how I make it, read "Easy Goat Cheese." Now that my family... »

We have now been on the Specific Carbohydrate Diet (SCD) for two weeks.  We have eaten more fruit and vegetables in the last two weeks than usual.  Considering I always thought we ate healthy, we are really eating healthy now.  Our plates look beautiful with so many different colors.  SCD fanatically avoids sugars and... »

A year ago to the day my beloved grandmother passed away.  This past year has been hard as our family mourned the loss of such a great woman.  Joyce Holliday was remarkable.  One of my goals in life is to be as good a wife, mother, and friend as she was.  I called her "Mama." ... »

I just have to say that I am deeply touched by the personal emails and comments I received for Friday's article,  "Restore My Hope in Humanity."  Words cannot express how encouraged I am by your words and shared stories.  Thank you again for taking the time to restore my hope.  [caption id="attachment_1803" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Kyla's horse project. I loved how... »

Texas took its name from the Tejas Indians, and it is a word that means "friendly."  Texans are known worldwide for their Texas pride and for being hospitable and friendly.  We wave at people driving in opposite directions on the road whether we know them or not.  Texas A&M University is known especially for saying "Howdy" to friends and strangers alike.  When Hurricane Katrina hit Mississippi and... »

I have been so busy lately that I took longer off from writing than I expected.  Let me catch you up. Jake showed his heifer, Sugar, at the Houston Livestock Show during Spring Break.  It was quite an experience for him and for us as well.  It is only the world's largest livestock exhibition.  We are so proud of Jake.  He... »

Kyla and my husband took Coco, her show goat, to the veterinarian today.  Coco broke her ankle trying to climb a fence within one week of bringing her home.  It has been quite a setback for Kyla's goat project; however, she is certainly learning about goat anatomy and veterinary care.  The vet removed the cast and took another x-ray.  One bone... »

Today we embark on our first day on the Specific Carbohydrate Diet.  I have written a few articles describing the diet and what we hope to accomplish as a family.  "Looking for Advice," "Breaking the Vicious Cycle,"  and "Lactose-Free Yogurt" all deal with the Specific Carbohydrate Diet (SCD).  Today we begin our 365 day journey to heal our gut,... »