Here we go....
My personal mantra. Here we go! Buh bye 2010, hello 2011. What an exciting time! I am looking forward to having more time with my girls and to make my house a home. With all of Ellie's needs I wonder often if we made the right move to this house. We maybe should have moved somewhere with more space for things like chickens and a goat, and dirt to play in instead of plastic play structures. And then I think, really? A goat? Do I really want a GOAT? Not really. Actually not at all.
What will January bring? I hope for healing and progress in many areas. Here's to hope.
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Friday, December 17, 2010
I Am Tired.
Warrior Child by Tal and Acacia
Tal & Acacia - Warrior Child
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The day is ended and your not even dressed.
It's taken all you have to just get out of bed.
The war has kept you on your knees and you confess, "I am tired. There's nothing left."
When all you had was given in the raging fight.
You fear your life has been wasted here in this cold night.
Empty and alone you cry those precious tears.
Warrior child. I'm still here.
Forsaken? Not my warrior child.
Abandoned? Never will I forget you!
My child I love you so, and someday you'll finally know, but until then, please be strong.
You've carried soldiers on your back to get them here;
The wounded, broken ones you fought for all those years.
You fed them all you have and now you're weak and faint.
Loved you are, In Heaven's Gates!
Forsaken? Not my warrior child.
Abandoned? Never will I forget you!
My child I love you so, and someday you'll finally know, but until then, would you please be strong?
Forsaken? Not my warrior child.
Abandoned? Never will I forget you!
My child I love you so, and someday you'll finally know, but until then, please be strong.
Tal & Acacia - Warrior Child
Powered by mp3skull.com
The day is ended and your not even dressed.
It's taken all you have to just get out of bed.
The war has kept you on your knees and you confess, "I am tired. There's nothing left."
When all you had was given in the raging fight.
You fear your life has been wasted here in this cold night.
Empty and alone you cry those precious tears.
Warrior child. I'm still here.
Forsaken? Not my warrior child.
Abandoned? Never will I forget you!
My child I love you so, and someday you'll finally know, but until then, please be strong.
You've carried soldiers on your back to get them here;
The wounded, broken ones you fought for all those years.
You fed them all you have and now you're weak and faint.
Loved you are, In Heaven's Gates!
Forsaken? Not my warrior child.
Abandoned? Never will I forget you!
My child I love you so, and someday you'll finally know, but until then, would you please be strong?
Forsaken? Not my warrior child.
Abandoned? Never will I forget you!
My child I love you so, and someday you'll finally know, but until then, please be strong.
Monday, November 29, 2010
Dizzy
Somewhere...somehow...sometime along the way, we became much to dependent on two incomes. I cant say we have ever become comfortable on two incomes, but we definitely have felt as if we had to have it. Medical bills keep rolling in, unexpected tax bills, and the desire to see family that are not within driving distance have all kept us pushing forward. The plan was for me to work full time one more year, and cut back next fall if I needed. Then came a four year old who asked questions like "Mommy can we look at the grass under the microscope to see why it cuts us?", and an infant with a rare illness, and the next thing I know I am shouting "I want off this ride!"
God often speaks to me through music, as I know He does to many! I love Tal & Acacia, the new group of sisters that are doing their first tours right now. One of their songs rolled my feelings into a nice little capsule that made me realize I was not alone, and not a failure. There are just simply not enough hours in the day, and something had to give. When God entrusted these children to me, I promised I would never make that something them. So this week I started the process of cutting back a full semester and one month earlier than anticipated. The hardest hit will be the bank account. But I am confident that the Lord will take care of us. He always has.
God often speaks to me through music, as I know He does to many! I love Tal & Acacia, the new group of sisters that are doing their first tours right now. One of their songs rolled my feelings into a nice little capsule that made me realize I was not alone, and not a failure. There are just simply not enough hours in the day, and something had to give. When God entrusted these children to me, I promised I would never make that something them. So this week I started the process of cutting back a full semester and one month earlier than anticipated. The hardest hit will be the bank account. But I am confident that the Lord will take care of us. He always has.
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
The Need to Hyperventilate
The more I find out the more I panic. I think they are called anxiety attacks. I have never had them before now. But with Elianna's diagnosis, sometimes I find out new information that triggers every single mama instinct I have to protect my child and then lets me know I cant do anything about it. What has happened a few times now is this feeling of no oxygen in the room and the ability to not sit still. Clearly I need to work on some coping mechanisms and being on my knees more. Hello....God? If you could just keep reminding me that I am not the one in control and that I can only do what is humanly possible?
Let me explain my panic a little bit. We now have this other factor to Elianna's condition to deal with it. It's called CORN. I had NO idea before now, and it has pushed me fully over the edge into conspiracy theory city. No, I dont think little green men are chasing us around, but I am continually amazed at the power of politics and government, and what the average person refuses to see. Here are two examples:
First, there is Elianna's formula. Her only source of nutrition that is medical grade and prescription, contains MSG. Yup, you heard me right. MSG. When I contacted the manufacturer (Mead Johnson) they used the FDA to back themselves up. Not medical studies or the best interest of my child, but the fact that the government allows it so it is acceptable. If this is not a pass for personal responsibility and a sign of how big government has hurt us then I dont know what is! The result? My new last name has to be Brochovich.
The second example is courtesy of corn. Elianna reacted off the charts to corn with her patch testing. And when the allergist pointed to it and suggested I try something else, I could only answer "there are none". NONE. Did you know that? NO formulas in the United States of America that do not have corn in them in some manner. NONE. Of course if you ask the specialists they say that the corn in them is so manipulated, diluted, changed, and modified that it is not really corn so it doesn't count. Sound like a joke? I am very serious. The number one ingredient in Ellie's hypoallergenic formula is 46% corn syrup solids.
Oh and by the way? MSG? Comes from corn. I suppose I should have titled this post 'How the FDA has pushed me over the edge".
Let me explain my panic a little bit. We now have this other factor to Elianna's condition to deal with it. It's called CORN. I had NO idea before now, and it has pushed me fully over the edge into conspiracy theory city. No, I dont think little green men are chasing us around, but I am continually amazed at the power of politics and government, and what the average person refuses to see. Here are two examples:
First, there is Elianna's formula. Her only source of nutrition that is medical grade and prescription, contains MSG. Yup, you heard me right. MSG. When I contacted the manufacturer (Mead Johnson) they used the FDA to back themselves up. Not medical studies or the best interest of my child, but the fact that the government allows it so it is acceptable. If this is not a pass for personal responsibility and a sign of how big government has hurt us then I dont know what is! The result? My new last name has to be Brochovich.
The second example is courtesy of corn. Elianna reacted off the charts to corn with her patch testing. And when the allergist pointed to it and suggested I try something else, I could only answer "there are none". NONE. Did you know that? NO formulas in the United States of America that do not have corn in them in some manner. NONE. Of course if you ask the specialists they say that the corn in them is so manipulated, diluted, changed, and modified that it is not really corn so it doesn't count. Sound like a joke? I am very serious. The number one ingredient in Ellie's hypoallergenic formula is 46% corn syrup solids.
Oh and by the way? MSG? Comes from corn. I suppose I should have titled this post 'How the FDA has pushed me over the edge".
Saturday, October 16, 2010
The Correct Way to Measure Flour
Did you know? I had no idea!
Measuring the Right Way
http://www.savingdinner.tv/featured/measuring-the-right-way/
Measuring the Right Way
http://www.savingdinner.tv/featured/measuring-the-right-way/
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Out of the Funk
Ever since we discovered Elianna's reaction to corn with the patch testing I have been in a frustrated, helpless, sad, not-sure-what-to-do funk. It has been very difficult to shake. Funny how the Almighty takes care of things like this.
Recently some friends of ours had their twins extremely premature. In fact, she had the babies a week or so ago, and the babies are not due until January or February. Last night I learned that one of the extremely premature babies has gone to be with Jesus, and the other is barely hanging on with several brain bleeds.
This morning one of MFFs called and in conversation we discussed a friend she has with stage four breast cancer, and her three small children. Her chances are grim and she will most likely be leaving her babies behind.
I looked at my Ellie this morning and realized that both of these families would say: You still have her.
In spite of the stress, the unknowns, and the extreme lifestyle changes, Elianna appears to be happy, healthy, and growing like an average toddler. The Lord is protecting her future. Our home will be healthier in the end and we will be forced to rethink things to the 'nth' degree. She still suffers, she is still in pain often, and we have no idea to what extent she will be affected for life. But in the end our major stresses boil down to time and money - not enough. And the Lord promises to take care of us if we just let him. We still have her, and I wouldn't trade a minute of it. Good bye funk!
Recently some friends of ours had their twins extremely premature. In fact, she had the babies a week or so ago, and the babies are not due until January or February. Last night I learned that one of the extremely premature babies has gone to be with Jesus, and the other is barely hanging on with several brain bleeds.
This morning one of MFFs called and in conversation we discussed a friend she has with stage four breast cancer, and her three small children. Her chances are grim and she will most likely be leaving her babies behind.
I looked at my Ellie this morning and realized that both of these families would say: You still have her.
In spite of the stress, the unknowns, and the extreme lifestyle changes, Elianna appears to be happy, healthy, and growing like an average toddler. The Lord is protecting her future. Our home will be healthier in the end and we will be forced to rethink things to the 'nth' degree. She still suffers, she is still in pain often, and we have no idea to what extent she will be affected for life. But in the end our major stresses boil down to time and money - not enough. And the Lord promises to take care of us if we just let him. We still have her, and I wouldn't trade a minute of it. Good bye funk!
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Pioneer not Hippie, Please.
As we have gotten farther and farther into the realm of family life with FPIES, I find myself exhausted with canning, puree-ing, dehydrating, researching, etc. I now have books about preserving foods, homesteading, and natural living. My latest adventure of looking to make my own olive oil soap has pushed me into the realm of embarrassment. Saving money, being healthier, and perhaps even looking 'green' have all been perks of our recent family adjustments. But making my own soap is a little too 'hippie' if you ask me!
Have you ever tried to eliminate soy, dairy, corn, processed grains, and sugar? It's relatively difficult. In fact, there are days that I just want to say 'screw it all!' and feed my family Oscar Meyer drowning in a coat of Heinz and resting in a Rainbow Bread bun. Agh! The more I learn, the more I wish I didn't know, and the more I have to explain to other people when they look at me with that 'oh you are one of THOSE' looks.
After expressing my frustration and insecurity to several friends, I think I have finally come to terms with the fact that I am making these choices out of necessity. I have a little girl in my house who can not have corn, dairy, soy, or grain products touch her skin. She can not accidentally ingest the soy based ink on the newspaper, or the corn base in the bath soap. It is my job to take care of her, and I will not be embarrassed.
I am a homeschooling, researching, canning, dehydrating, cooking, baking, blending, soon to be soap-making, chemical free mother. We avoid hydrogenated oils, soy products, refined sugars, dyes, preservatives, and processed foods. We limit our plastic, buy natural meats, and have organic fruit and vegetables delivered by a CSA.
I am not a hippie. I am a Pioneer. In many ways.
Have you ever tried to eliminate soy, dairy, corn, processed grains, and sugar? It's relatively difficult. In fact, there are days that I just want to say 'screw it all!' and feed my family Oscar Meyer drowning in a coat of Heinz and resting in a Rainbow Bread bun. Agh! The more I learn, the more I wish I didn't know, and the more I have to explain to other people when they look at me with that 'oh you are one of THOSE' looks.
After expressing my frustration and insecurity to several friends, I think I have finally come to terms with the fact that I am making these choices out of necessity. I have a little girl in my house who can not have corn, dairy, soy, or grain products touch her skin. She can not accidentally ingest the soy based ink on the newspaper, or the corn base in the bath soap. It is my job to take care of her, and I will not be embarrassed.
I am a homeschooling, researching, canning, dehydrating, cooking, baking, blending, soon to be soap-making, chemical free mother. We avoid hydrogenated oils, soy products, refined sugars, dyes, preservatives, and processed foods. We limit our plastic, buy natural meats, and have organic fruit and vegetables delivered by a CSA.
I am not a hippie. I am a Pioneer. In many ways.
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Friday, September 17, 2010
FAQ about Ellie
1. Q. Does she just have food allergies?
A. Yes, she has food allergies. But not 'just' food allergies. Common allergies as we know them affect the respiratory system. FPIES affects the gastrointestinal system.
2. Q. What can she eat?
A. At this time she is on a liquid diet (prescription medical grade amino acid based formula). She has two safe foods - peaches and nectarines.
3. Q. What can she not eat?
A. Anything other than her prescription formula and plain peaches or nectarines.
4. Q. Will she 'outgrow' it?
A. Technically no, since FPIES is a Tcell response. Cells in her blood respond incorrectly to foods and those cells take an average of 18 months to die off. After those 18 months, when she is exposed to that food again, her body may choose not to react and that food would have become suddenly safe.
A. Yes, she has food allergies. But not 'just' food allergies. Common allergies as we know them affect the respiratory system. FPIES affects the gastrointestinal system.
2. Q. What can she eat?
A. At this time she is on a liquid diet (prescription medical grade amino acid based formula). She has two safe foods - peaches and nectarines.
3. Q. What can she not eat?
A. Anything other than her prescription formula and plain peaches or nectarines.
4. Q. Will she 'outgrow' it?
A. Technically no, since FPIES is a Tcell response. Cells in her blood respond incorrectly to foods and those cells take an average of 18 months to die off. After those 18 months, when she is exposed to that food again, her body may choose not to react and that food would have become suddenly safe.
What is Food Protein Induced Enterocolitis Syndrome (FPIES)?
FPIES is a non-IgE-mediated gastrointestinal food hypersensitivity disorder. Food protein-activated intestinal lymphocytes elaborate inflammatory cytokines that result in increased intestinal permeability, malabsorption, dysmotility, emesis, diarrhea, pain, and failure to thrive.
In other words, FPIES is the intestinal version of anaphylactic shock. Eating food, particularly those high in protein, cause mild to severe reactions. Symptoms include some or all of these: malabsorption, colitis, shock, extreme lethargy, ulcerated colon, projectile vomiting/severe reflux, extreme diarrhea, failure to thrive, nutritional deficiencies, colic type symptoms, bloody stool, mucousy stool, rash, and stomach pains.
In other words, FPIES is the intestinal version of anaphylactic shock. Eating food, particularly those high in protein, cause mild to severe reactions. Symptoms include some or all of these: malabsorption, colitis, shock, extreme lethargy, ulcerated colon, projectile vomiting/severe reflux, extreme diarrhea, failure to thrive, nutritional deficiencies, colic type symptoms, bloody stool, mucousy stool, rash, and stomach pains.
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Only a Flesh Wound (or Not Who I Think I Am)
Today I thought to myself "I am so beat up." And then I laughed. My body hurts from lack of good exercise and carrying Elianna around on my hip. I have a 13 month old who still wakes multiple times at night to eat due to necessity. I think I tore something in my shoulder from reaching around to her in the car. Yesterday I impaled the palm of my hand when catching one of the baby rabbits I brought home for Moriah as a pet. And this morning as I was waking in bed Elianna gave me a head bunt accompanied with a large, fat lip.
Today I thought about how I felt beat up physically and then laughed because I feel beat up emotionally, too. The last several weeks have been full of my saying the phrase "I just cant do this" and then thinking "that whole line about He won't give you more than you can handle is crap; I am done." Then God spoke to me through a MFF blog. She was talking about how she was tired of the refining process and trying to be who she was designed to be. And God spoke to me. He said - 'Thats YOU. Let go of who you think you are, and allow me to shape you into who I know you can be.' It was a sobering moment. And I needed the day to process it. Along with a nap and another email from a MFF who encouraged me to visualize leaning on the Lord. I realized that I am limiting myself. That regardless of the events that the day holds, He is there, He is blessing me, and He is providing.
And then I thought about who I am, and I laughed. I often compare myself these days to the Isrealites and their journey in the desert. I find it amusing how often we want to head back to captivity when things get rough. Today I thought about how we often fight God's will for no reason, and end up missing body parts in the process (figuratively of course). Perhaps this was not divine, but I instantly had the thought 'Oh my gosh. I am the black knight!' For those of you who are unfamiliar:
God is so good. And I am so human. Sometimes I have to laugh.
Today I thought about how I felt beat up physically and then laughed because I feel beat up emotionally, too. The last several weeks have been full of my saying the phrase "I just cant do this" and then thinking "that whole line about He won't give you more than you can handle is crap; I am done." Then God spoke to me through a MFF blog. She was talking about how she was tired of the refining process and trying to be who she was designed to be. And God spoke to me. He said - 'Thats YOU. Let go of who you think you are, and allow me to shape you into who I know you can be.' It was a sobering moment. And I needed the day to process it. Along with a nap and another email from a MFF who encouraged me to visualize leaning on the Lord. I realized that I am limiting myself. That regardless of the events that the day holds, He is there, He is blessing me, and He is providing.
And then I thought about who I am, and I laughed. I often compare myself these days to the Isrealites and their journey in the desert. I find it amusing how often we want to head back to captivity when things get rough. Today I thought about how we often fight God's will for no reason, and end up missing body parts in the process (figuratively of course). Perhaps this was not divine, but I instantly had the thought 'Oh my gosh. I am the black knight!' For those of you who are unfamiliar:
God is so good. And I am so human. Sometimes I have to laugh.
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Chickens Are Not Vegetarians: info for the FPIES and NON
The egg section of the supermarket makes me laugh. The variety of egg labels is insane. Organic, free range, cage free...the one that makes me laugh the most is 'vegetarian fed'. Could someone explain this one to me? First of all, chickens are not vegetarians. Sure, they eat vegetables and grains. But they also eat BUGS. In fact, left to their own devices, chickens will sometimes eat each other. Now if you are concerned about the poor bugs that are being eaten, then why are you eating eggs (which is meat by the way)? Perhaps you are concerned about omega 3 or omega 6 or omega 'whatever', and the vegetarian eggs are higher in this. These eggs break several of my personal rules on grocery buying. First, it is trendy. Second, we should be eating things how they were designed. And third, do you really know what that omega diet is?
Aside from bleaching white eggs and salmonella, the one thing that concerns me for my home is that the majority of commercial chickens are fed a diet of solely or almost all soy. The research I have seen shows that this passes on to the eggs, which really makes sense if you stop and think about it. So...
For the FPIES ~ when I get to the point that I can trial eggs for Ellie, how will I know if it is an egg fail or a soy fail if the eggs come from soy fed chickens? My mommy brain tells me that I wont!
For the non-FPIES ~ trust me when I say you have enough soy in your diet already. That is an entirely different research topic.
At the moment we do not have the ability or resources to have our own chickens, and Jason runs screaming from the room every time I mention it. The solution for my house is to find a local farm to purchase eggs from (thanks for the help finding a farm MFF!).
Here is a GREAT article on how commercial eggs are processed - quick and easy to read. If you are unable to open the link because you are not a member of Dr. Mercola's site, let me know and I will email it to you!
Are Organic Eggs Safer?
Aside from bleaching white eggs and salmonella, the one thing that concerns me for my home is that the majority of commercial chickens are fed a diet of solely or almost all soy. The research I have seen shows that this passes on to the eggs, which really makes sense if you stop and think about it. So...
For the FPIES ~ when I get to the point that I can trial eggs for Ellie, how will I know if it is an egg fail or a soy fail if the eggs come from soy fed chickens? My mommy brain tells me that I wont!
For the non-FPIES ~ trust me when I say you have enough soy in your diet already. That is an entirely different research topic.
At the moment we do not have the ability or resources to have our own chickens, and Jason runs screaming from the room every time I mention it. The solution for my house is to find a local farm to purchase eggs from (thanks for the help finding a farm MFF!).
Here is a GREAT article on how commercial eggs are processed - quick and easy to read. If you are unable to open the link because you are not a member of Dr. Mercola's site, let me know and I will email it to you!
Are Organic Eggs Safer?
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Conundrum
So. Having a sick child can be very consuming. Many moms have dedicated entire blogs to their pursuit of health for their FPIES children. I am very tempted to do that, and perhaps in the future I will, but for now, I find having a family focused blog is holding me accountable.
When I started writing I decided that I would focus on my new journey of homeschooling, as well as my passion for new information that will make my family healthier. The latter has turned into FPIES, and the first has gotten little attention.
Miracle after miracle led us to having Moriah, and once she was born, I was concerned that adding another child to our home would be difficult because he or she could never compete with or compare to her. The irony of that is that a large portion of our activities and conversations now revolve around her sister, and I want to make sure Moriah is not the one overshadowed right now.
Oh, to find that balance. On my knees I go again!
When I started writing I decided that I would focus on my new journey of homeschooling, as well as my passion for new information that will make my family healthier. The latter has turned into FPIES, and the first has gotten little attention.
Miracle after miracle led us to having Moriah, and once she was born, I was concerned that adding another child to our home would be difficult because he or she could never compete with or compare to her. The irony of that is that a large portion of our activities and conversations now revolve around her sister, and I want to make sure Moriah is not the one overshadowed right now.
Oh, to find that balance. On my knees I go again!
Thursday, September 9, 2010
It's....A.....YES!
In record time we received word today that the insurance company has approved Elianna's formula and that there will not even be a co-pay! Thank you to everyone for your prayers!
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Counter-intuitive
I knew the day was coming. It seemed a bit frightening, but I knew I would have to encounter it. Today was the first day Ellie fought me for food.
She has refused food for months now and it has been a battle to get her try new foods. She has been conditioned to associate food with pain. When she picked up a nectarine on her first birthday it was a celebratory moment. A week later we were able to declare peaches her first safe food. I began putting her in her highchair more regularly and exposing her to our mealtimes, hoping she would catch on and begin trying foods. She has a major aversion to certain textures and I have not been able to get her to feed herself. She also refuses to be fed from a spoon. About a week ago I received the God inspired idea to put her food on a stick and give it to her as a popsicle, and she ate it! She holds the dry wooden craft stick and licks the top. Too funny!
Today was not as exciting when I had to tell her no. Every mother wants to FEED their child. Give them vitamins, nutrition, sustenance, help them to grow. Not give them bottle after bottle of corn syrup solids mixed with lab altered ingredients and MSG. Today she fought me for a waffle. She fought me for Moriah's hot chocolate. She fought me for my coffee. And it all made me so sad.
It's late. I'm tired. I spend most evenings researching and wondering where the specialists are. If this is disjointed there is reason. I never ever thought I would have to tell my 13 month old no, ...that she cant eat.
I live in the richest country in the world where food is plenty and we have 'universal health care', and my daughter has a disease that keeps her from eating food and the insurance company wont pay for her liquid diet, her sole source of nutrition.
Every time we give her something that she reacts to we are set back by days and ,sometimes weeks. If we have to go back on the over the counter formula because we cant afford to purchase or cant get our hands on the prescription formula she needs we will be at a standstill for trialling new foods. Please pray that this prescription is not only processed fast but that it is APPROVED. Please, Jesus. Please, Father. Please, Creator of all who fashioned Elianna in my womb. Please.
She has refused food for months now and it has been a battle to get her try new foods. She has been conditioned to associate food with pain. When she picked up a nectarine on her first birthday it was a celebratory moment. A week later we were able to declare peaches her first safe food. I began putting her in her highchair more regularly and exposing her to our mealtimes, hoping she would catch on and begin trying foods. She has a major aversion to certain textures and I have not been able to get her to feed herself. She also refuses to be fed from a spoon. About a week ago I received the God inspired idea to put her food on a stick and give it to her as a popsicle, and she ate it! She holds the dry wooden craft stick and licks the top. Too funny!
Today was not as exciting when I had to tell her no. Every mother wants to FEED their child. Give them vitamins, nutrition, sustenance, help them to grow. Not give them bottle after bottle of corn syrup solids mixed with lab altered ingredients and MSG. Today she fought me for a waffle. She fought me for Moriah's hot chocolate. She fought me for my coffee. And it all made me so sad.
It's late. I'm tired. I spend most evenings researching and wondering where the specialists are. If this is disjointed there is reason. I never ever thought I would have to tell my 13 month old no, ...that she cant eat.
I live in the richest country in the world where food is plenty and we have 'universal health care', and my daughter has a disease that keeps her from eating food and the insurance company wont pay for her liquid diet, her sole source of nutrition.
Every time we give her something that she reacts to we are set back by days and ,sometimes weeks. If we have to go back on the over the counter formula because we cant afford to purchase or cant get our hands on the prescription formula she needs we will be at a standstill for trialling new foods. Please pray that this prescription is not only processed fast but that it is APPROVED. Please, Jesus. Please, Father. Please, Creator of all who fashioned Elianna in my womb. Please.
Monday, September 6, 2010
Gross
Word to the Wise -
Rice Syrup (the sweetener) is gross. This includes baking of any kind. Nasty. Period.
Rice Syrup (the sweetener) is gross. This includes baking of any kind. Nasty. Period.
Friday, September 3, 2010
Grocery Savings
Have you heard of the Coupon Mom? She has been featured on several shows over the last few years, including Opera. I have browsed her website, couponmom.com, several times but have not been successful in applying any of her tricks and tips to my personal shopping outings. This is largely due to the fact that I absorb and process information better when it is in a book. A couple of weeks ago I was at the library and stumbled upon the Coupon Mom Book on the shelf!
I thought I might share some of the beginning tips I have read so that those super busy other moms, and also those non-readers out there could benefit. But then again if you are a non-reader you most likely are not reading my blog, so better luck next time!
- Plan a grocery budget.
- Set measurable goals. Keep track of what you spend with an envelope on the fridge for all grocery receipts.
- Use cash to stay on budget and carry a calculator while you shop.
- Always check your receipt for accurate pricing.
- Have knowledge of item price ranges so that you can know what a good deal is. (see number 22)
- Plan shopping lists carefully and stick to your list.
- Serve reasonable sized portions to children to save on food waste.
- Plan a menu complete with snacks, and serve leftovers one night a week.
- Designate one refrigerator shelf for clear containers of leftovers.
- If you cant use leftovers within two days, freeze them for future use.
- Eat leftovers of the previous night's dinner for lunch the next day.
- Think creatively when reusing leftovers, and create menu plans with leftovers in mind.
- 5-minute rule: If it takes you 5 min or less to prepare an item at home instead of buying precooked, prewashed or precut, then do it yourself.
- Cook meals at home and steer clear of fast food.
- Never shop when you are hungry
- Shop alone if you can (AMEN!)
- Do not assume every item in the store ad is a deal
- Compare unit prices
- Don’t fall for multiple pricing gimmicks (ie. 10 for $10 when they are $1 normally)
- Check different departments for better pricing (ie. nuts in bakery aisle vs. nuts in produce)
- Shop as quickly as possible
- Make a price diary for at least 6 weeks to chart sale patterns and discover the true lowest price of items you regularly buy
If you would like more detail than this, please shoot me an email and I will gladly elaborate. Happy saving!
Contrary
Mary, Mary, quite contrary,
How does your garden grow?
With silver bells, and cockle shells,
And pretty maids all in a row.
There are a variety of explanations for this nursery rhyme that originated in England sometime before 1800 a.d. Regardless of what the actual truth is, I find this little jingle to be an accurate reflection of the life God has designed for me. Much like the popular phrases 'upside down kingdom' or 'set apart', I find the implications of Mary and her garden to be something I can relate to, particularly during this time of life.
What in the world am I talking about? Mary is contrary; opposite and going against the flow. And how does this reflect? It reflects in her garden where she successfully produces healthy flowers, and in her home where she grows beautiful maidens.
My home, as determined by the spinner of the universe (that would be God), has been blessed by two beautiful little girls who were designed for us and delivered in the most unusual manner. Like all children, they are unique in design, and have their own special needs. Moriah's medical needs seem mild compared to Elianna's. Her speech and swallowing struggles will hopefully fade by adulthood, but her perception of the world as God designed it and her spiritual depth have left me on my knees and searching the internet for guidance on many nights. I have no doubt there are times that she just disappears into her room where she talks with Jesus, and I pray that stays the same as she grows.
Elianna has a different journey laid out before her that appears to be more dependent on the physical. I often must stop and remind myself that her chronic condition is more than just meeting an immediate physical need, and that it is more than my exhaustion and struggles for answers. It is about her. I am sure the spiritual and emotional effects of her condition will be more evident as she grows. But for now she is the most interesting experiment of nature versus nurture, and genetics versus spirit. My heart aches for this little girl who has know pain from the first time she ate at only a few hours old. By 10 weeks old her intestines were ulcerated and filling her diapers with blood. Now at 13 months old we have narrowed her diagnosis down to two possibilities, sustain her on a medical grade amino acid based formula, and she has one safe food that we have been able to determine does not send her intestines into a mal-absorbing state of shock. Her first birthday included a rectal biopsy and scope, and an attempt at a new formula that sent her into three days of pain. In spite of this she continues to thrive, grow, and meet milestones. We obtained our first baseline at 12 months on a corn syrup and MSG filled formula, and for the first time in her life she has had no projectile vomiting and less intestinal distress.
What has all this meant for our home? With our first child I began the process of removing 'the world' from our home environment. I restrict television and movie influences, pay careful attention to our social environments and focus my attention on emotionally and spiritually growing my child(ren). Time on my knees has convinced me that the first many years of a child's development are critical for a future relationship with her Creator and her overall perspective on the world. I made hard choices that included removing some relationships that were unhealthy, and attempting to break cycles that I saw as generational. Contrary. Opposite. Not always received well, even within the church, I made these choices in order to grow my garden and produce beautiful maidens.
With the arrival of our second child, the Lord challenged me to examine other areas of health in our home. Like it or not, I am now on the road to becoming Laura Ingalls Wilder of the 21st century, armed with modern science and resources. I can now look back and see how the Lord has prepared me for this through friendships and encounters of information. Prepared is a strong word. I don’t know how I could have ever been prepared for this! For some reason there are life topics that are accepted by others and easy to explain. Then there are those topics that are judged harshly and many choose to ignore. Welcome to the topics of food and intestinal health in North America. Everyone has an opinion, and no one seems to understand my daughter's condition.
What I have discovered is that I need to turn my God-given love of gardening into health for my family. I pray that I can be strong enough to be contrary to mainstream, and grow my garden free of spiritual stumbling blocks, worldly influences, pesticides, and petroleum products. My hope is to be on my knees in the garden every day, that I may produce beautiful maids lined up in my home.
"Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it." Matthew 7:13-14 NKJV
Perhaps we are all meant to be contrary.
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Trial by Fire
School has started! Officially we are in week two. Or three maybe? This week I learned a valuable lesson. I often tell my families that I work with to remember that it is 'homeschool', not 'school at home'. Parents must go through a time of de-schooling themselves in order to effectively homeschool. I have had parents buy Bingo games for one child. I have had parents do circle time with one child. These things don't sound very fun to me! Today I was in need of de-schooling, and de-educatoring, and de-just-about-everything.
Tuesday I got out my neatly typed lesson plan and schedule for the day. It included Language Arts activities in handwriting and reading, math patterning, science reading, and history worksheets. It seemed very standards based, very organized, and very goal oriented. Half way through the first worksheet and about 3 minutes into our day, Moriah very dramatically threw herself over sideways onto the kitchen table and declared "My body is sooooooooo tiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii-red. I dont WANT to do more work. I have been talking alllllllllll day." Ugh. Not a good start. And so went the majority of the morning. A little work. A long 'recess'. A little work. A long break coloring pictures. Frustrating!
Somewhat later in the day I finally thought about the day before. An entirely different day. We had gone to the free zoo day in town. We spent the morning observing animals during feeding time, petting a box turtle, boa and tortoise, and talking to docents. Moriah learned and practiced reading a map as she guided us around the zoo. We learned how giraffes drink water in pairs because they are vulnerable when they drink and need a look-out for lions. We talked about how God designed things like giraffes to reflect Him, and how it shows us it is important to look out for our friends. We counted things, read speed limit signs, and finished off with a fun ride on the Merry Go Round. What could be better? It was such a fun day! And...involved no table time. No worksheets. No drill and kill. And LOTS of learning. Ugh.
OOPS. I think my next task will be to write down all the things I frequently tell other parents, so that I can look in the mirror and read them out loud to myself!
Tuesday I got out my neatly typed lesson plan and schedule for the day. It included Language Arts activities in handwriting and reading, math patterning, science reading, and history worksheets. It seemed very standards based, very organized, and very goal oriented. Half way through the first worksheet and about 3 minutes into our day, Moriah very dramatically threw herself over sideways onto the kitchen table and declared "My body is sooooooooo tiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii-red. I dont WANT to do more work. I have been talking alllllllllll day." Ugh. Not a good start. And so went the majority of the morning. A little work. A long 'recess'. A little work. A long break coloring pictures. Frustrating!
Somewhat later in the day I finally thought about the day before. An entirely different day. We had gone to the free zoo day in town. We spent the morning observing animals during feeding time, petting a box turtle, boa and tortoise, and talking to docents. Moriah learned and practiced reading a map as she guided us around the zoo. We learned how giraffes drink water in pairs because they are vulnerable when they drink and need a look-out for lions. We talked about how God designed things like giraffes to reflect Him, and how it shows us it is important to look out for our friends. We counted things, read speed limit signs, and finished off with a fun ride on the Merry Go Round. What could be better? It was such a fun day! And...involved no table time. No worksheets. No drill and kill. And LOTS of learning. Ugh.
OOPS. I think my next task will be to write down all the things I frequently tell other parents, so that I can look in the mirror and read them out loud to myself!
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Jehova Jireh
I made a new friend! OK. Not really. I have not actually met her as she lives in Pennsylvania. But a friend who is storing jewels in her crown, and is truly a friend indeed! Hold tight for a great story :)
I love how my friends (you all) are so savvy at finding things on the internet. We all have different motivations and use different sites, which makes it all the more valuable when we share with each other. Last week I was feeling rather desperate about Elianna's possible diagnosis. To sit and wait for the allergist to get around to checking back with me was not what I considered a good option, regardless of what he said. While complaining, one of MFF (my favorite friends - do you like it? I made it up. It seems much more adult and appropriate than a cheesy BFF)...anyways, one of MFF sent me links to FPIES pages in facebook and baby center. Those are two places I would have NEVER thought to look for information.
I signed up for baby center and began perusing. I found an amazing amount of information within minutes. Moms helping moms out in a fantastic, long distance manner. I then found the facebook page. This is where I met my new friend.
Her name is Nichole. Isn't that funny? No, I am serious. Her name is Nichole. With an 'H'! And she has a set of twins who are have been battling GI complications since birth. She responded to a few of my posts with more information and encouragement than I have found in months. Then she sent me a facebook message, and in that message she offered to mail me 7 cans of the more expensive formula that they were not using. I was floored. And then I was skeptical. Who does that?
After Elianna's last doctors appointment I began reviewing the last 8 months and all of her symptoms. It occurred to me that she has never had a normal stool, and that even after switching to the partially hydrolyzed formula at three months, the blood went away but the diarrhea and other symptoms never have. That got me to thinking that perhaps she would benefit from the next step up - the more expensive amino acid based formula. Considering the financial state we have been in lately with insurance not covering everything from her formula to Moriah's speech, the thought of moving up to about $60 a can for formula made me want to vomit.
And then, here was this person I have never met offering to ship me 7 cans. I messaged her back and said that it was a lot to ask and I didn't know the cost of shipping it. Her response included this: 'It is hard but faith sustains me - one day at a time. I know it is scary to take the leap when you don't know where the money will come from. I began praying for your family last night and I will keep you in my prayers. I am in PA, but don't worry about the cost to ship the formula. This has been laid on my heart and my husband agrees. We have been so blessed with all of our financial needs being met.'
I cried. I emailed her my address, and waited. Would it really come? Was God really so obviously and blatantly providing during our financially tightest month yet?
Today the doorbell rang and I opened it to find a USPS box on my porch. The return label said Pennsylvania. I brought it inside in amazement. Cracking open the box I found a short note left on the top of 7 cans of very expensive amino acid based formula. It read:
Nichole:
Jehova Jireh
:)
Nichole
Jehova Jireh. God will provide. He will see that my every need is met.
I wept.
I love how my friends (you all) are so savvy at finding things on the internet. We all have different motivations and use different sites, which makes it all the more valuable when we share with each other. Last week I was feeling rather desperate about Elianna's possible diagnosis. To sit and wait for the allergist to get around to checking back with me was not what I considered a good option, regardless of what he said. While complaining, one of MFF (my favorite friends - do you like it? I made it up. It seems much more adult and appropriate than a cheesy BFF)...anyways, one of MFF sent me links to FPIES pages in facebook and baby center. Those are two places I would have NEVER thought to look for information.
I signed up for baby center and began perusing. I found an amazing amount of information within minutes. Moms helping moms out in a fantastic, long distance manner. I then found the facebook page. This is where I met my new friend.
Her name is Nichole. Isn't that funny? No, I am serious. Her name is Nichole. With an 'H'! And she has a set of twins who are have been battling GI complications since birth. She responded to a few of my posts with more information and encouragement than I have found in months. Then she sent me a facebook message, and in that message she offered to mail me 7 cans of the more expensive formula that they were not using. I was floored. And then I was skeptical. Who does that?
After Elianna's last doctors appointment I began reviewing the last 8 months and all of her symptoms. It occurred to me that she has never had a normal stool, and that even after switching to the partially hydrolyzed formula at three months, the blood went away but the diarrhea and other symptoms never have. That got me to thinking that perhaps she would benefit from the next step up - the more expensive amino acid based formula. Considering the financial state we have been in lately with insurance not covering everything from her formula to Moriah's speech, the thought of moving up to about $60 a can for formula made me want to vomit.
And then, here was this person I have never met offering to ship me 7 cans. I messaged her back and said that it was a lot to ask and I didn't know the cost of shipping it. Her response included this: 'It is hard but faith sustains me - one day at a time. I know it is scary to take the leap when you don't know where the money will come from. I began praying for your family last night and I will keep you in my prayers. I am in PA, but don't worry about the cost to ship the formula. This has been laid on my heart and my husband agrees. We have been so blessed with all of our financial needs being met.'
I cried. I emailed her my address, and waited. Would it really come? Was God really so obviously and blatantly providing during our financially tightest month yet?
Today the doorbell rang and I opened it to find a USPS box on my porch. The return label said Pennsylvania. I brought it inside in amazement. Cracking open the box I found a short note left on the top of 7 cans of very expensive amino acid based formula. It read:
Nichole:
Jehova Jireh
:)
Nichole
Jehova Jireh. God will provide. He will see that my every need is met.
I wept.
Monday, July 26, 2010
Day One
Today we started our first official day of homeschooling, in hopes of making the transition a little easier and less pressured. I spent the last two weeks creating a detailed family schedule for us so that I would know I had time to do chores, home school, work, etc., and then spent the weekend planning our first week. Perhaps I should have created a schedule at the beginning of summer rather than at the end, and I would have gotten more done! This morning went great. I did learn one very valuable lesson. Well, make that two. The first is to not provide creative project options. I let Moriah choose which craft project she would work on today, and she thought they both looked so fun that she could not wait until tomorrow to do one of them. This resulted in a massive tantrum. Lesson learned for mommy. No choices. Instead, this is what we are doing. Lesson two was that on a schedule Moriah eats her meals much easier, without complaint, and swallows more. Hmm. Who knows why. Overall it was a great first day!
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
The new Disney
We travelled down to Anaheim this last weekend for our first family experience with Disneyland, and what a ride it was! The new Disneyland is definitely geared toward the older, more mature child, or those that have been exposed early on to terror. Fortunately we still had plenty of fun filled activities to fill our day. We visited the Princess Faire, watched a princess coronation, visited Pixie Hollow and Minnie Mouse's house, did a little bit of shopping and napping, and rode a few rides. Here are some tips that were given to us or that we learned when we went:
The parking lot:
The parking lot was not hard to get in and out of if you arrived early. There is a tram to the Resort from the parking lot that will allow for strollers not folded, but children may not ride in them. For sleeping children at the end of the day, the walk to the parking lot was about 10 minutes.
Food:
Outside of the park there is a picnic area if you choose to bring a cooler, but going to and from the parking lot would take a lot of time. There are lockers at the gate to place smaller coolers and items in that would be a good option. We did not use them. We packed our snacks and lunch items for the day in ziplock bags so that they were visible for security inspection, and filled the stroller basket. We brought a water bottle for each person, and filled them at various water fountains throughout the park. There were water fountains near every bathroom we used. We ate an early dinner and refilled our ice while there. We were pleasantly surprised to find a kid friendly and reasonably priced Mexican restaurant where we ate dinner for about $35. There were also healthier options around the park that were not outragesously priced, like fresh fruits and frozen 100% apple juice drinks that felt like a treat to Moriah. Check out Toontown for these.
Rides:
The amount of nightmare causing rides for small children = many. We had a most devestating experience on Frog and Toad's Wild Adventure, which caused extreme caution for the rest of the day. Avoid most rides in Fantasyland. And I was sad to find that most rides had a very scarey element. The Tiki Room, for example, now has an adult-like outdoor area to wait, complete with a juice 'bar' and booming, loud Tiki God's that take turns coming to life and shooting fire. This was not helpful for convincing a four year old that the upcoming closed room only included animated birds and flowers. Even Tarzan's treehouse, which used to be the Swiss Family Robinson House, had a frightening, growling tiger that sent Moriah running.
Moriah was smarter than us and figured out that the outside rides were the most pleasant, while those that disappeared into the dark were most frightening. Rides that were great fun for her were: King Arthur's Carousel, Dumbo, Mad Hatter Tea Cups, Its A Small World, Autopia, and believe it or not, Splash Mountain. Hit all rides geared for just smalll children early in the day because they close in late afternoon to prepare for the fireworks. We were sad to miss out on the Pirate Cove Adventure and the Petting Zoo. What made the day the most successful was focusing on meeting the characters which was so age appropriate and what Moriah truly loved. If you forget your autograph supplies like I did, they have official pens and autograph books you can purchase for less than $10 in Main Street as you come in (whew!).
If you have not heard of the amazing software called Ride Max, check it out! A few engineers in Southern California got together and studied the ride wait times and put together a program where you can plug in a bunch of different factors and it willg enerate a daily schedule for you that uses fastpass and the least amount of wait times. That being said, it was a great source of information to us, but since we did not know which rides would be a hit and which would not, we had to do a lot of plan changes.
We also were able to take advantage of the Stroller Pass. This little known trick was great! Arriving at Autopia we discovered that Elianna was too small to ride, so we asked the cast member at the entrance and she provided us with a Stroller Pass. Jason and Moriah entered the ride (using a fast pass), while Elianna and I climbed up the exit and waited for their return. When they exited the ride I handed Elianna off to him, and Moriah and I walked back up the exit to the cast member. I handed her the Stroller Pass and she put us right back on the ride! Hooray for Disney, this was a family friendly option.
I was suprised to find that the newere Disney pin trading trend was a big hit with Moriah. She had a blast finding cast members to trade pins with and begin a collection of her own. It was not money I had planned on spending, but was glad that we did. If you choose to participate, plan on spending $25 on a lanyard starter set with about 4 pins. If you head to Frontierland you will find the Trading Post that is a pin shop and probably the cheapest place to get started. For every $30 that you spend you can purchase a collectible pin for $1, and I purchased Moriah a 10 year pin trading anniversary pin (and then put it away so she would not trade it). If you find cards that have two pins on them this seems to be the cheapest way to get started. For a total of about $60 Moriah had more than enough pins to keep and trade for the afternoon.
I think that is more than enough info. I will post some pics when we get them downloaded. Overall it was a most fun adventure that Moriah loved, and she has been talking about non-stop. Despite what everyone said, one day in just Disneyland was more than enough, and should hold us over for the next 4 or 5 years until we feel ready to visit again.
TTFN...ta ta for now! (Tigger)
The parking lot:
The parking lot was not hard to get in and out of if you arrived early. There is a tram to the Resort from the parking lot that will allow for strollers not folded, but children may not ride in them. For sleeping children at the end of the day, the walk to the parking lot was about 10 minutes.
Food:
Outside of the park there is a picnic area if you choose to bring a cooler, but going to and from the parking lot would take a lot of time. There are lockers at the gate to place smaller coolers and items in that would be a good option. We did not use them. We packed our snacks and lunch items for the day in ziplock bags so that they were visible for security inspection, and filled the stroller basket. We brought a water bottle for each person, and filled them at various water fountains throughout the park. There were water fountains near every bathroom we used. We ate an early dinner and refilled our ice while there. We were pleasantly surprised to find a kid friendly and reasonably priced Mexican restaurant where we ate dinner for about $35. There were also healthier options around the park that were not outragesously priced, like fresh fruits and frozen 100% apple juice drinks that felt like a treat to Moriah. Check out Toontown for these.
Rides:
The amount of nightmare causing rides for small children = many. We had a most devestating experience on Frog and Toad's Wild Adventure, which caused extreme caution for the rest of the day. Avoid most rides in Fantasyland. And I was sad to find that most rides had a very scarey element. The Tiki Room, for example, now has an adult-like outdoor area to wait, complete with a juice 'bar' and booming, loud Tiki God's that take turns coming to life and shooting fire. This was not helpful for convincing a four year old that the upcoming closed room only included animated birds and flowers. Even Tarzan's treehouse, which used to be the Swiss Family Robinson House, had a frightening, growling tiger that sent Moriah running.
Moriah was smarter than us and figured out that the outside rides were the most pleasant, while those that disappeared into the dark were most frightening. Rides that were great fun for her were: King Arthur's Carousel, Dumbo, Mad Hatter Tea Cups, Its A Small World, Autopia, and believe it or not, Splash Mountain. Hit all rides geared for just smalll children early in the day because they close in late afternoon to prepare for the fireworks. We were sad to miss out on the Pirate Cove Adventure and the Petting Zoo. What made the day the most successful was focusing on meeting the characters which was so age appropriate and what Moriah truly loved. If you forget your autograph supplies like I did, they have official pens and autograph books you can purchase for less than $10 in Main Street as you come in (whew!).
If you have not heard of the amazing software called Ride Max, check it out! A few engineers in Southern California got together and studied the ride wait times and put together a program where you can plug in a bunch of different factors and it willg enerate a daily schedule for you that uses fastpass and the least amount of wait times. That being said, it was a great source of information to us, but since we did not know which rides would be a hit and which would not, we had to do a lot of plan changes.
We also were able to take advantage of the Stroller Pass. This little known trick was great! Arriving at Autopia we discovered that Elianna was too small to ride, so we asked the cast member at the entrance and she provided us with a Stroller Pass. Jason and Moriah entered the ride (using a fast pass), while Elianna and I climbed up the exit and waited for their return. When they exited the ride I handed Elianna off to him, and Moriah and I walked back up the exit to the cast member. I handed her the Stroller Pass and she put us right back on the ride! Hooray for Disney, this was a family friendly option.
I was suprised to find that the newere Disney pin trading trend was a big hit with Moriah. She had a blast finding cast members to trade pins with and begin a collection of her own. It was not money I had planned on spending, but was glad that we did. If you choose to participate, plan on spending $25 on a lanyard starter set with about 4 pins. If you head to Frontierland you will find the Trading Post that is a pin shop and probably the cheapest place to get started. For every $30 that you spend you can purchase a collectible pin for $1, and I purchased Moriah a 10 year pin trading anniversary pin (and then put it away so she would not trade it). If you find cards that have two pins on them this seems to be the cheapest way to get started. For a total of about $60 Moriah had more than enough pins to keep and trade for the afternoon.
I think that is more than enough info. I will post some pics when we get them downloaded. Overall it was a most fun adventure that Moriah loved, and she has been talking about non-stop. Despite what everyone said, one day in just Disneyland was more than enough, and should hold us over for the next 4 or 5 years until we feel ready to visit again.
TTFN...ta ta for now! (Tigger)
Friday, July 9, 2010
Whip It!
Here is a trick I recently discovered.
Like whipped cream? Love it? Me too! Ever looked at the ingredients of those lovely whipped toppings in the store? yeah....I know. Rivals Twinkies. Well here is a healthy-ER alternative.
Buy a big thing of whipping cream at the store. For those of you unaware, you can find this in the milk section. Bring it home, dump it in a bowl, and add a couple teaspoons of honey. Then start up the hand mixer and get to whipping! Whip it until it is stiff and has a 'dry' look. Then it is done!
You can use it immediately on the dessert of your choice, but what I just discovered this week is that it is freezable! Get yourself some small containers, like lidded aluminum mini-loaf pans. If you are kind to them, they will also be reusable. Portion your whipped cream into these containers, cover, and freeze! When ready to use, take them out and let them sit for a bit, just like our favorite frozen whipped hydrogenated topping. Presto! Real whipped cream!
Like whipped cream? Love it? Me too! Ever looked at the ingredients of those lovely whipped toppings in the store? yeah....I know. Rivals Twinkies. Well here is a healthy-ER alternative.
Buy a big thing of whipping cream at the store. For those of you unaware, you can find this in the milk section. Bring it home, dump it in a bowl, and add a couple teaspoons of honey. Then start up the hand mixer and get to whipping! Whip it until it is stiff and has a 'dry' look. Then it is done!
You can use it immediately on the dessert of your choice, but what I just discovered this week is that it is freezable! Get yourself some small containers, like lidded aluminum mini-loaf pans. If you are kind to them, they will also be reusable. Portion your whipped cream into these containers, cover, and freeze! When ready to use, take them out and let them sit for a bit, just like our favorite frozen whipped hydrogenated topping. Presto! Real whipped cream!
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
A few things
Here are a few things I learned recently that you may not care to know.
- Foster Farms Dairy feeds their chickens solely corn and soybean meal. (bummer)
- Oats are cross contaminated with gluten due to sharing the conveyor belt with wheat.
- NO chicken has hormones; it is illegal in the US.
- When buying ground meats, there is no cross contamination between meats when buying poultry due to FDA laws. However, the machinery may not be cleaned between grinding meats such as beef and pork.
- Just for fun, here is the link to those lists of insect parts, etc that the FDA allows in your packaged foods: FDA food defect list
- Foster Farms Dairy feeds their chickens solely corn and soybean meal. (bummer)
- Oats are cross contaminated with gluten due to sharing the conveyor belt with wheat.
- NO chicken has hormones; it is illegal in the US.
- When buying ground meats, there is no cross contamination between meats when buying poultry due to FDA laws. However, the machinery may not be cleaned between grinding meats such as beef and pork.
- Just for fun, here is the link to those lists of insect parts, etc that the FDA allows in your packaged foods: FDA food defect list
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
The Eye of the Storm
Today is a bit calmer for me. The last couple of days have been rough as I have tried to soak in Elianna's new diagnosis and what it means. One of the things we can always count on about science is that it will continually morph and change as we learn new things, or at least, think we do. Since this is a new syndrome I am so happy that we live in the perfect time where I can use this information to help her. I am also overwhelmed with what it means. While it is not a terminal diagnosis, I definitely feel the weight of how it could be if it is not monitored or taken care of properly. I feel as if I have a child that has been diagnosed with...say....diabetes.
Our doctor reassures me that most outgrow this condition so I am trying desperately to not be overly dramatic, but the reality is that even if she does outgrow it, there will be years of trial and error, record keeping, and modification. It exhausts me to think of it!
Thank you so much for your prayers and for those of you who have sent me a note of encouragement. It really has meant a lot to me.
In regards to her diagnosis, here is an explanation about allergies as I understood it explained to me:
There are two 'types' of allergies. One type begins with respiratory symptoms and ends in anaphylactic shock (like my lovely strawberry, shellfish, and watermelon allergies). The other type begins with gastrointestinal symptoms and ends in severe flu-like symptoms and complete intestinal failure. Science only recently discovered the gastrointestinal side of it, and that spectrum is called FPIES. There are blood tests to identify the anaphylactic spectrum, but not the FPIES spectrum, so it is diagnosed based on common traits and symptoms. Over 50% of infants with the dairy and soy protein problem that Elianna has end up with FPIES.
All of us have memory receptors in our blood that remember allergens. These receptors die out approximately every 18 months. When Elianna is old enough to begin testing her allergies to certain things, we will introduce a small amount and see if she reacts. If she does, we have to wait 18 months before reintroducing that food again. Oddly enough, tree nuts will be one of the first things she can have, and we can try transitioning her off of formula and onto almond milk or hemp milk (hemp milk??).
The nutritionist said that this process of introducing foods other than fruits (no bananas) will also be dependent on behavior. Elianna is developing a connection to solids making her hurt and wants only the bottle when she is hungry. In the meantime she could be on formula for her protein needs until she is two.
This is all the information I have so far. And, let me tell you, it is enough! The concept of working full time, homeschooling Moriah, running a home, and making/growing/buying food to accommodate our needs is extremely intimidating. I am exhausted just thinking about it! The one good thing I can see is that it will keep me on my knees!
Our doctor reassures me that most outgrow this condition so I am trying desperately to not be overly dramatic, but the reality is that even if she does outgrow it, there will be years of trial and error, record keeping, and modification. It exhausts me to think of it!
Thank you so much for your prayers and for those of you who have sent me a note of encouragement. It really has meant a lot to me.
In regards to her diagnosis, here is an explanation about allergies as I understood it explained to me:
There are two 'types' of allergies. One type begins with respiratory symptoms and ends in anaphylactic shock (like my lovely strawberry, shellfish, and watermelon allergies). The other type begins with gastrointestinal symptoms and ends in severe flu-like symptoms and complete intestinal failure. Science only recently discovered the gastrointestinal side of it, and that spectrum is called FPIES. There are blood tests to identify the anaphylactic spectrum, but not the FPIES spectrum, so it is diagnosed based on common traits and symptoms. Over 50% of infants with the dairy and soy protein problem that Elianna has end up with FPIES.
All of us have memory receptors in our blood that remember allergens. These receptors die out approximately every 18 months. When Elianna is old enough to begin testing her allergies to certain things, we will introduce a small amount and see if she reacts. If she does, we have to wait 18 months before reintroducing that food again. Oddly enough, tree nuts will be one of the first things she can have, and we can try transitioning her off of formula and onto almond milk or hemp milk (hemp milk??).
The nutritionist said that this process of introducing foods other than fruits (no bananas) will also be dependent on behavior. Elianna is developing a connection to solids making her hurt and wants only the bottle when she is hungry. In the meantime she could be on formula for her protein needs until she is two.
This is all the information I have so far. And, let me tell you, it is enough! The concept of working full time, homeschooling Moriah, running a home, and making/growing/buying food to accommodate our needs is extremely intimidating. I am exhausted just thinking about it! The one good thing I can see is that it will keep me on my knees!
Monday, June 21, 2010
Who Would Have Thought
Today I headed to the Pediatric GI specialist for Elianna's follow up appointment. Last week we received the good news that her blood tests came back negative for Celiac and for a whole gamut of allergies. I entered the office and jokingly told the doctor I was hoping I would show up and he would just tell me she had a rough first four months before her dairy protein diagnosis, and that all she needed was a good round of probiotics and would be good to go. He laughed. And then told me, 'yeah....no. We can fake throwing up but we cant fake diarrhea'. Darn.
We love this office. These doctors are incredibly on the ball and always have the latest information on anything random. Dr. Barad can spout random facts about anything such as 'well, yes, actually, Sub-Sahara Africa has the highest incidence of Celiac's in the world with 1 in every ?? having it'. I don't even remember the number he gave. So today I felt blessed to have such a knowledgeable doctor, but not so happy at the diagnosis.
Who would have thought that I would be told my 10 month old daughter can not have ANY protein. None. This apparently occurs in over 50% of infants diagnosed with her dairy and soy processing disorder. What she has is relatively new and is called FPIES (referred to as F-Pies), and stands for Food Protein Induced Enterocolitis Syndrome.
The bad news first:
No protein for now, and most likely at the earliest will be 18 months of age. The treatment is to get nutrition from an extensively hydrolyzed casein formula, which is what we are already spending between approximately $500 and $700 a month on to feed her. She can be on this formula until she is 2 if she has to be, according to the pediatric nutritionist. She may not have grains, legumes or meat. Did you know that rice has protein? There is also a list of highly allergic foods that the lucky 3% of kids with this diagnosis get to deal with. Top of the list are rice, sweet potatoes, and bananas. Geesh. The top things we are supposed to feed when beginning solids! No wonder we are having problems.
The good news last:
Perhaps with this diagnosis we will be able to get the insurance company to say the formula is actually medically necessary and they will pay for at least a portion of it. Food will be easy since she is on a restricted diet of formula and fruits for the next six weeks. We are to start with apricots, plums, and apples, the three least allergy prone foods for all humans anywhere. (again, who would have thought?). The majority of these kids outgrow this syndrome between 2 and 3 years of age. GREAT NEWS. (however there is a long extensive process for introducing these solids successfully).
What now:
We have a referral in to the allergist. Our GI doctor said he is comfortably the initial diagnosis and saying that she is on the FPIES spectrum, but wants the allergist to examine her and weigh in as well. I have been instructed to purchased fresh, organic fruit that is in season and made food for her. And now I begin the process of trying to learn what kitchen items can retain allergens (anyone know about cast iron pots and pans?).
I think that is all. Though my brain is pretty fried from rethinking and processing. I am so happy we have a diagnosis finally. Whew. I need a glass of wine!
I will follow up later with another post explaining how this is diagnosed and how it falls in the allergy category. Time for dinner.
We love this office. These doctors are incredibly on the ball and always have the latest information on anything random. Dr. Barad can spout random facts about anything such as 'well, yes, actually, Sub-Sahara Africa has the highest incidence of Celiac's in the world with 1 in every ?? having it'. I don't even remember the number he gave. So today I felt blessed to have such a knowledgeable doctor, but not so happy at the diagnosis.
Who would have thought that I would be told my 10 month old daughter can not have ANY protein. None. This apparently occurs in over 50% of infants diagnosed with her dairy and soy processing disorder. What she has is relatively new and is called FPIES (referred to as F-Pies), and stands for Food Protein Induced Enterocolitis Syndrome.
The bad news first:
No protein for now, and most likely at the earliest will be 18 months of age. The treatment is to get nutrition from an extensively hydrolyzed casein formula, which is what we are already spending between approximately $500 and $700 a month on to feed her. She can be on this formula until she is 2 if she has to be, according to the pediatric nutritionist. She may not have grains, legumes or meat. Did you know that rice has protein? There is also a list of highly allergic foods that the lucky 3% of kids with this diagnosis get to deal with. Top of the list are rice, sweet potatoes, and bananas. Geesh. The top things we are supposed to feed when beginning solids! No wonder we are having problems.
The good news last:
Perhaps with this diagnosis we will be able to get the insurance company to say the formula is actually medically necessary and they will pay for at least a portion of it. Food will be easy since she is on a restricted diet of formula and fruits for the next six weeks. We are to start with apricots, plums, and apples, the three least allergy prone foods for all humans anywhere. (again, who would have thought?). The majority of these kids outgrow this syndrome between 2 and 3 years of age. GREAT NEWS. (however there is a long extensive process for introducing these solids successfully).
What now:
We have a referral in to the allergist. Our GI doctor said he is comfortably the initial diagnosis and saying that she is on the FPIES spectrum, but wants the allergist to examine her and weigh in as well. I have been instructed to purchased fresh, organic fruit that is in season and made food for her. And now I begin the process of trying to learn what kitchen items can retain allergens (anyone know about cast iron pots and pans?).
I think that is all. Though my brain is pretty fried from rethinking and processing. I am so happy we have a diagnosis finally. Whew. I need a glass of wine!
I will follow up later with another post explaining how this is diagnosed and how it falls in the allergy category. Time for dinner.
Monday, May 24, 2010
Farmer Boy Dinner
Last night we finished reading aloud the third book in the Laura Ingalls Wilder series, Farmer Boy. There is a chapter where they enjoy a very traditional Christmas dinner, and the fried apples and onions stuck out to Moriah (bleck). We agreed that when we finished the book we would have a "Farmer Boy Dinner", and discussed what we thought fried apples and onions might taste like.
Personally, I would rather summer be here by now and I believe we have had enough cold weather and rain. BUT, tonight I was very thankful for the cool air as I tried to whip up a traditional mid-western meal and then swallow it down with a gallon of water. Here is what was on our menu:
ham (there was no way I was doing a whole pig on a platter, I don't care how Almanzo's family did it)
cranberry jelly
mashed potatoes
candied carrots
and....
fried apples and onions.
Summary: I have no new recipes to add to my stash. Half way through dinner Moriah complained of a tummy ache and switched her plate over to apple sauce, fresh farm carrots and half of a Tums. I enjoyed the remaining half of that Tums, and my prairie husband packed his lunch for tomorrow from the leftovers.
Go homeschooling!
Monday, May 17, 2010
Organizing for school
Today I took various ideas I had heard and created my own method to begin keeping track of Moriah's learning. I grabbed a binder and stuck dividers in it labeled with each subject area. I then put lined paper and sheet protectors in each section. A copy of the parent version of state standards went in the front pocket in case I ever want to look at them for reference, and voila! One organized binder ready to begin.
In my planner I began making a list of curriculum I wanted to use, books I was interested in checking into, and lesson ideas that I wanted to research.
Now I can begin to take assessment of where she is at and what she already knows! Here we go! :)
In my planner I began making a list of curriculum I wanted to use, books I was interested in checking into, and lesson ideas that I wanted to research.
Now I can begin to take assessment of where she is at and what she already knows! Here we go! :)
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Choose a Support Scripture - task #1
I have come to discover that educational philosophies are cults. You would be hard pressed to find a philosophical view on education that did not wrap around a personal belief system or view of the world. As part of my professional development, and also in my endeavor to get prepared for schooling my own children, I spent this year researching and reading about the various currently popular and trendy educational philosophies. What I found was startling and amazing.
I then sat down and thought about my own experiences with students and the classroom. I examined my personal perspectives, and prayed about what the right educational goals should be for our family. I watched Moriah, and discussed ideas with other moms and other teachers. I reflected on the push for character education in the schools, and my days of teaching conflict resolution, social skills, and manners. What I finally concluded was simple: to raise our child in a God centered, God fearing home means an education embedded in our family values and a world perspective focused on God. What I discovered next was that it is not easy to find a popular educational philosophy to match.
Your response to that might be - duh! But I searched the Christian Homeschool world as well, and just like everything else, there are thousands of homeschooling 'denominations'; so, back to the brainstorming board I went. There I sat, once more, in my chair. Frustrated and overwhelmed I decided it was time to create a focus for our family. I firmly believe there is an answer for everything in the Bible, regardless of whether or not we want to see it. Shouldnt there be a manual in the Bible on homeschooling? No. There isnt. In fact, our society is much different today from when Christ walked the earth. For example, I cant seem to find a scripture anywhere on what age it is appropriate to have Moriah start piano lessons or learn how to type.
Several more weeks of prayer has led to what I think the first step in homeschooling should be: allow God to lead you to a scripture that captures your homeschooling mission.
Here is our scripture:
Deuteronomy 6:9 You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.
Isn't that a great one? :)
I then sat down and thought about my own experiences with students and the classroom. I examined my personal perspectives, and prayed about what the right educational goals should be for our family. I watched Moriah, and discussed ideas with other moms and other teachers. I reflected on the push for character education in the schools, and my days of teaching conflict resolution, social skills, and manners. What I finally concluded was simple: to raise our child in a God centered, God fearing home means an education embedded in our family values and a world perspective focused on God. What I discovered next was that it is not easy to find a popular educational philosophy to match.
Your response to that might be - duh! But I searched the Christian Homeschool world as well, and just like everything else, there are thousands of homeschooling 'denominations'; so, back to the brainstorming board I went. There I sat, once more, in my chair. Frustrated and overwhelmed I decided it was time to create a focus for our family. I firmly believe there is an answer for everything in the Bible, regardless of whether or not we want to see it. Shouldnt there be a manual in the Bible on homeschooling? No. There isnt. In fact, our society is much different today from when Christ walked the earth. For example, I cant seem to find a scripture anywhere on what age it is appropriate to have Moriah start piano lessons or learn how to type.
Several more weeks of prayer has led to what I think the first step in homeschooling should be: allow God to lead you to a scripture that captures your homeschooling mission.
Here is our scripture:
Deuteronomy 6:9 You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.
Isn't that a great one? :)
Friday, May 7, 2010
Napkin Savvy
While doing some research a few years back I got my mitts on a copy of Organic Housekeeping. This book was recommended by a friend, and was well worth the money. GREAT insight and ideas that should have been a no-brainer! One of the money saving tips was to use cloth rather than paper napkins, and this idea turned out to be easier than expected.
The reason I bring it up is because another friend said she saw it at my house and thought it was a great idea - that I just have a basket full of unironed cloth napkins for use. OOPS. Was I supposed to iron those? I don't think that was in the book.
What I did: purchased a stack of cheap solid color cloth napkins on clearance, fold them, and stick them in a bread basket. I wash and fold them with my kitchen towels.
Aside from saving money, I realized I had inadvertently taught manners when we took Moriah to a restaurant at about 3 years old and she put the napkin in her lap without direction! handy!
But don't worry, for special guests who come to our home we break out the saved paper napkins!
The reason I bring it up is because another friend said she saw it at my house and thought it was a great idea - that I just have a basket full of unironed cloth napkins for use. OOPS. Was I supposed to iron those? I don't think that was in the book.
What I did: purchased a stack of cheap solid color cloth napkins on clearance, fold them, and stick them in a bread basket. I wash and fold them with my kitchen towels.
Aside from saving money, I realized I had inadvertently taught manners when we took Moriah to a restaurant at about 3 years old and she put the napkin in her lap without direction! handy!
But don't worry, for special guests who come to our home we break out the saved paper napkins!
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Another Here We Go
Homeschooling Mission #1 – where to begin? The task is so overwhelming! Bringing 10 years of teaching experience with me has proven to complicate things. Combine that with my personality (perfectionist, over analytical, etc) and you have a recipe for homeschool disaster.
But wait. There are a few things I can do with that. I could use it to free me up, dive into the various fun homeschooling ideas out there, and let Moriah's personality direct the way. Or I could take that as a sign that the perfect curriculum needs to be written. eek! Heaven forbid if I buy into that lie. *plugging ears, plugging ears* I have kept myself busy enough trying to learn the various major educational philosophies out there, and muddle through the convoluted secular public school world back to the world with a Christ-like perspective on schooling.
That brings me back to the first mission - where to begin. I will begin by assessing and evaluating Moriah - where is she at, what does she already know, and what are her current academic, social, spiritual, and development needs. Sounds intimidating. And fun!
Sunday, May 2, 2010
Character
Ever get tired of the secular versions of character traits and values? Here is an incredible resource that points your kids back to the Bible!
http://www.duggarfamily.com/images/characterqualities.pdf
*courtesy of the Duggar family
http://www.duggarfamily.com/images/characterqualities.pdf
*courtesy of the Duggar family
Saturday, May 1, 2010
Killing Your Largest Organ
What is our largest organ? Our Skin! Ever wonder what you are soaking into your skin with your make-ups, lotions, etc? Here is a great resource that was passed on to me. It is managed by the Environmental Working Group, a non-profit organization focused on getting information out to the general public. I am sure they have their own political agenda, but in the meantime this is a great resource for information such as: albacore has 3 times more mercury than light tuna. Best of all is the cosmetic database to look up virtually anything. Take a look! Trust me, you will be surprised at what you find out.
http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com/
http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com/
New Page Format
OK, so I am definitly no pro at the behind the scenes web page stuff. I was hoping to design a page that encouraged comments by others to add information and insight to my posts, but the page that I had picked barely said the word 'comments' without a microscope. So I changed it for now. And will most likely change it again!
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Fabric Softener - the UNnecessary expense
That's right! In my mission to save money and eliminate household chemicals I began to research fabric softeners, and this is what I found: the more you use fabric softener, the more you need it. Now doesnt that just sound sneaky? It actually builds up in your clothing as a residue. The solution is to use white vinegar instead! 1/4 cup or less of plain white vinegar added to the rinse cycle of your washer will soften your clothes, eliminate static electricity, and begin to remove the chemical build up already present in your clothes. And its good for your washer as well.
I have been trying this super cheap, safe alternative for a few months now and it works great! A few tips from my experiences:
-A smaller load takes less vinegar or your clothes might smell like vinegar.
-The more I have used the vinegar, the less vinegar I have needed. I presume it is because the chemical build up in my clothes is disappearing. Now I use around 1/8 cup per load.
-If you use a clothes line to dry your clothes they will still get softened.
Of course there are some possible down sides to using vinegar. If you have super sensitive skin and use too much vinegar I would imagine it might be a bit irritating (I was concerned about using it on my panties at first). Another down side might be that you wont get all of those great fresh scents that come with chemical fabric softeners, but there are alternatives for that as well if it bothers you that much.
In the meantime, this is a great way to begin saving money!
I have been trying this super cheap, safe alternative for a few months now and it works great! A few tips from my experiences:
-A smaller load takes less vinegar or your clothes might smell like vinegar.
-The more I have used the vinegar, the less vinegar I have needed. I presume it is because the chemical build up in my clothes is disappearing. Now I use around 1/8 cup per load.
-If you use a clothes line to dry your clothes they will still get softened.
Of course there are some possible down sides to using vinegar. If you have super sensitive skin and use too much vinegar I would imagine it might be a bit irritating (I was concerned about using it on my panties at first). Another down side might be that you wont get all of those great fresh scents that come with chemical fabric softeners, but there are alternatives for that as well if it bothers you that much.
In the meantime, this is a great way to begin saving money!
Here we go!
Such a phrase seems to be my motto during this phase of my life. Here we add another baby, here we move to a new town, here we plug in the humidifier again, here we shrug as we realize the crib was recalled, and the list goes on. The reality of life speeding up as I get older has become all too evident. Instead of 'here we go', I have had to fight the 'who has time?' Perhaps that is why wisdom comes with age. The older we get, the less time we have for those things that don't really matter. Wife, mom, educator, friend. Aren't these roles enough to keep anyone busy?
My current busy list begins with wifely duties, a house to run, a four year old to educate, a 9 month old to try and feed, and all before even leaving the house. This does not even account for job duties or time to 'be still and know'. I know you can relate. I am sure you have your own list. As one of my best girlfriends says, I would so love the 'Readers Digest version' of things sometimes!
Be still and know that I am God....to give you a future and a hope...in all your ways acknowledge Him...and say to that mountain move...and nothing will be impossible for you. Welcome to my 'Readers Digest version'. HERE....WE....GO!
My current busy list begins with wifely duties, a house to run, a four year old to educate, a 9 month old to try and feed, and all before even leaving the house. This does not even account for job duties or time to 'be still and know'. I know you can relate. I am sure you have your own list. As one of my best girlfriends says, I would so love the 'Readers Digest version' of things sometimes!
Be still and know that I am God....to give you a future and a hope...in all your ways acknowledge Him...and say to that mountain move...and nothing will be impossible for you. Welcome to my 'Readers Digest version'. HERE....WE....GO!
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