See "Food, Inc."

We watched Food Inc last night. This activist documentary takes you from slaughterhouse to supermarket on a trip that will certainly change the way you think about the food you casually take off of the shelf, and hopefully change your choices as a consumer. We as consumers have been manipulated by major food corporations, having little idea what goes on behind the scenes to everything from produce to meat. It's amazing to think how distanced we are from what we depend on and consume multiple times each day. Until I saw this eye-opening documentary, I didn't know where my food came from--and honestly, part of me still wishes I didn't. But, as we know, further light and knowledge demands action and commitment. I am quickly gaining momentum for major shifts in eating and buying habits. Theses corporations treat the farmers, workers, animals, and you and me in inhumane ways.

Do see it. And if you don't, we recommend heeding some of these bits of advice the film offers:

• You can vote to change the system three times a day
• Buy from companies that treat workers, animals, and the environment with respect
• When you go to the supermarket choose foods that are in season, buy foods that are organic, know what's in your food, read labels
• Buy foods that are grown locally
• Shop at farmers' markets
• Plant a garden (even a small one)
• Cook a meal with your family and eat together
• Ask your school board to provide healthy school lunches
• If you say grace, ask for food that will keep us, and the planet healthy
• You can change the world with every bite

One disclaimer we might add, that the film doe

s address but not fully, is that this change in eating habits has its monetary cost. However, the cost on our health, the environment, the animals, and the industry workers far outweigh the cost in our budget. We do our best, and look forward to a time when we have an income and space for a garden.

Gobbly-gobbly and Mustache Monday

So we had a pretty wicked sweet Thanksgiving break. Thanks to the Galli's, the Evans's, the Marshall's, and the Sorensen's for their constant hospitality, generosity, and love. We're major fans of all of you.

Below is a highlight reel of the week's adventures. Keep your eyes open for Abe's "gobbly-gobbly," his lightsaber sound effect, a stint at my old tumbling acts with Kristo, Abe's first encounter with Señor Claus, Ariel's mind-blowing bubbling skills, and Abe's new march. Remember, every trick dog needs a good trainer, and Abe's is Ariel. I can only take credit for the lightsaber. All of the words, animal sounds, signs, and Spanish phrases that Abe knows can be fully attributed to Ariel. Not to mention the fact that she has taught him to love songs about Jesus and how to pray. Her parenting really has surpassed my every high expectation. I love her.

If the tumbling act wasn't enough to assure you of my idiocy, feel free to watch me soaking up the goodness of the 2nd Annual Mustache Monday. The Blaze of Glory (or "Sunset" for short) never looked better. It was a great time celebrating with my fellow MPAers this morning. They're some of my best friends in the world.

AAA on Progressive Pioneer!

We recently had the opportunity of meeting Amy of Progressive Pioneer, her husband Clayton, and their wonderful baby Sam. ProgressivePioneer.com is a great blog that Amy updates daily with her creative sewing, cooking, gardening and other approaches to sustainable living. She also addresses parenting--everything from natural birthing to cloth diapering. Suffice it to say, her lifestyle is what we're seeking. They are such genuine, unassuming people with a lot of talent (beyond Amy's talent, which can be seen on the blog, see Clayton's illustration website. He's also a carpenter). We're really grateful to know them. We learned so much in that one evening.

Amy saw our co-sleeping post, and asked if she could post it on her blog! Even if you've already read the post, check it out on Progressive Pioneer; it looks better there :).