Garden & Flowers for 2012

My garden



5 new apple trees planted this year



David's garden

Tiger Lillies

New: Bleeding Hearts

New: Red Lilly

New: Mini Gladiolias

New: Hostas L-R (Dancing Queen, Fire & Ice, and Love Pats)

New: ArchAngel (reminds me of Mom)

Sunday Gloves



So ... How Do You Feel?

May 18 of this year one of my doctor's diagnosed me with gluten intolerance, and I have been living the GF (gluten-free) lifestyle since.  Let me clarify, this is related to but not the same as celiac disease - I do not have this. Gluten is the protein in wheat, barley, and rye that gives elasticity to dough helping it to rise and to keep its shape. It is in so many foods because wheat flour is cheap, easy to produce, and is everywhere, making shopping and eating out difficult.  I've read that it is estimated that gluten intolerance is anywhere from 10-25% of the US population.  It is so misunderstood and misdiagnosed in America because our medical system is powered by medications.  Pharmaceutical Corporations and Medical Research go hand-in-hand.  While there is no medication for celiac disease or gluten intolerance - it's all in the diet - so often times it is misdiagnosed or not diagnosed at all.  European countries are so far ahead of the US in gluten-free lifestyles.
Funny story: I have a GF girlfriend who went to Ground Round for dinner with her husband.  From their GF portion of their menu, she ordered a hamburger.  They served her a hamburger patty, with lettuce & tomato, but NO bun!  (And yes, they do make GF hamburger & hot dog buns).  When she inquired about a bun, they stated that this was their GF hamburger option.  I give her credit: She ate it and paid.  I would have walked out for false advertising - that's not a hamburger, that's a hamburger steak.

The Gluten Connection was a HUGE help to me in understanding the why, how, and the 'now what?' of my new lifestyle by Shari Lieberman and Linda Segall

I also consulted a nutritionist and he said that I was allergic to milk & if I knew that.  I stated that, yes, it came up on all allergy tests I had taken, but that since I wasn't appearing to have any affect on my body, I still drank it daily.  He said that when we put something in our bodies that we are allergic to, it causes a constant state of inflammation - making us more susceptible to other allergies and illnesses.  Now, I still eat the occasional ice cream or cheese, but it's only Silk vs milk for me (& it is GOOD!).  And really - the human body wasn't designed to drink from a cow - but that soap box will have to wait.

Jenny McCarthy wrote the book, Louder than Words. Her son has autism and she has gone through great lengths to "heal" him.  He is on a gluten-free, casein-free (milk protein) diet and he can now speak, learn, communicate, & behave better and has improved concentration/focus.  I would not recommend buying this book and giving this woman a cent - if you're aware of her background and lack of moral beliefs - but it is at the library.  It does use some foul language (she uses the "F" word at doctors when her son has persistent seizures), but her dedication as a mother and heart-wrenching journey, I have to admit, was enlightening.

Lastly, I just finished Change Your Brain, Change Your Body  by Dr Amen.  It was AWESOME.  He talks about the different areas of your brain, what they do, how to exercise them to decrease your anger, improve concentration, improve sleep, decrease anxiety, decrease poor habits, etc. He talks about the pros/cons of supplements vs prescriptions.  He pretty much says for everyone: eat right/healthy, drink water, exercise, sleep 7-8 hrs/night, meditate/pray daily, and take a multi-vitamin supplement.  He also has an appendix at the end of the book for specific supplements and their benefits to your brain & body for certain brain needs.

"So ... How Do You Feel?" is the question I get asked often times by people once they find I've gone GF & pretty much milk free.  Well...
* No longer have shortness of breath, and actually started running every morning before work.
* My resting heart rate has decreased by 20 beats per minute, it was beating too hard and too fast.
* No longer having allergic reactions to "unknown" foods
* Decreased body aches and no more daily headaches
* No longer have a lump-in-my-throat feeling
* Increased patience and concentration (I know, weird, right? But gluten intolerance can actually increase aggression and decrease concentration.)
* My blood sugars are much more stable and I don't get hypoglycemic crashes hardly anymore
* My seasonal allergies are little to nothing this year - maybe its a good year or maybe I'm better (?)

This is a long post, but I wrote it so that I remember where I was before and where I am going.  I think we often times forget how bad we felt until we relapse into the old habits.

"Every day you get better or worse...but you don't stay the same," Bo Schembechler.
So we are supposed to improve our physical, emotional, spiritual, and intellectual self.  It's a constant vocation that I feel drawn to because I'm feeling better all the time.  I hope I can keep it up with the support of those around me who can challenge me and maybe even vice versa. God bless & Shalom.

Catch Up on the Past Month's Happenings

Baby's first painted toes.



Auntie Grandma turns 80



Kristen & T'omas at their shower



Grammy Koney & BooBoo playing with table confetti

Feeding a pony at the fair

David explaining the goats & sheep to E.

Fun at the Fair! E refused to get out of her stoller & walk around. Pretty over-stimulating.

David's birthday

The Sacrifice of Praise

The Sacrifice of Praise has been on my heart a lot lately.  Why a sacrifice?  It shouldn't be hard to praise God.  God says to pray unceasingly.  I do that.  Well, at least I try.  :)
Today on the Christian Working Woman radio, Mary stated that it when we are in good times and in bad that we are to give the sacrifice of praise.  When we're broke, beat down, tired, challenged, and we can still give God, our all in all, the sacrifice of praise, that is when we truly show our full reliance and appreciation of Him.  There is nothing too big for Him.  I will cast my cares upon Him and sing praises to His name.  Our provider, redeemer, and friend.
"We bring the sacrifice of praise into the house of the Lord.  And we offer the sacrifice of Thanksgiving."
Lord, thank you for you.  Thank you for my family and friends, my job, my husband, my baby, my eyes to see and my ears to hear. My legs to walk. The roof over my head. My mouth to lift your name on high.
Hallelujah.

David's Shadow

We bought Elizabeth a swingset, or a "Wee" according to BooBoo.

Here's David putting it together with his little helper.

Elizabeth - 20 Month Twins Fan

I took these pics of Elizabeth the other day.  She just looks so old in them.  Where'd my baby go?

Sunday Gloves a Blooming

This is a bulb I planted a couple of summers ago for Dad in my flower bed. It finally bloomed this year.  It's called "Sunday Gloves".  It blooms for about a day and then closes and falls off.  Even though it has multiple blooms - they never last long enough - kinda like the time we spend with loved ones.  So cherish it whilst its here.

Gamily Get-Together @ Grandma & Grandpa Ely's

Girls playing in the tree house

"Auntie, take my picture". W's so much fun!

"Push me"

Grammy giving kiddos rides on tire swing

Calling all babies into the lake

Sometimes the best place is Papa's lap

The family that doesn't go hungry.

Homemade Tartar Sauce

I made fish for David the other night.  He then asked if we had any tartar sauce.  I never carry it in the house because it goes bad before we ever use it again and not being a fish eater - I didn't think of it.  Here's a recipe I found in a pinch.  These ingredients I do always keep on hand.  Thought I'd share.

Homemade Tartar sauce
3/4 C. Mayo or salad dressing
1/4 C. pickle relish (dill or sweet)
2 T. finely chopped onion
1 T. snipped fresh parsley
2 t capers, drained (optional)

Mix all ingredients together. Chill for 2 hours before serving.  Cover & save leftovers for up to 1 wk.

Surprise Visit from Ely

Patty, Grammy, & BooBoo

Grammy & Papa stopped by for a quick hi/hello after spending the morning in Goodland assisting with some after-storm yard cleanup.  Thanks for coming, Guys!

Baby Finally Weighs more than Alpo

Lexie: now 22#. Elizabeth: now 23#

This past week it was 90+ degrees everyday.  We did a lot of pool time and indoor time.

Chillin' in the pool with Dad

Brooks Wii Family

90+ degrees is too hot to play outside.



"So Happy!"
Lexie was on Science Diet Active Longevity.  It had 12% crude fat so I changed her to Beneful Healthy Weight which has 6% crude fat.  She had put on too much weight since we adopted her 2 years ago - about 5#.  She has way more energy (she actually pulls me on our nightly walks) & loves the food.  Let's hope it shows on her waistline, too.

Happy 4th of July Everyone!

Mark Turns 8

Mark 8, Matthew 6

Brothers

Josh & Matthew jumping nicely with Elizabeth

Now Bry & Grammy jump with Elizabeth



Auntie Kim & Papa

Make a wish!

Some Unexpected Visitors

Who also took a swim in Elizabeth's pool.  I think they're tame as they didn't run away when we came out of the house to take their picture. Gave them some cracked corn and showed them the pond.

Dinner with the Maki's

 These are the best two of the MANY photos I took of these three. They know how to smile and say "cheese", but not how to hold still & all look at the camera at the same time.  Oh well, they'll be grown up all too soon & we'll miss the goofy, blurry toddler shots.

Words of Wisdom Re: Watermelon

Kelly used to say that the best watermelon has a "crack it it". I believe her Dad also said the sweetest part of the melon is the curly Q the crack sometimes makes.  So, those are the words of wisdom for the day: when buying a 1/2 watermelon, look for the cracked one.  They're sweet.

Do NOT Let Kids Eat in Cars!

It happened again.  A friend of a friend of a friend's story:
2 grandparents took their 6 grandkids on a car trip.  The kiddos wanted to snack on marshmallows, the youngest being 2 years old.  By the time they got to their destination, one of the older kids noticed the 2 year old wasn't waking up from his "nap".  He had choked on a marshmallow and died.  PLEASE, don't let your kids eat in cars!  By the time you notice that they're choking and pull over, it may just be too late.  I'd rather hear them scream all the way home that they're hungry than to never hear their voice ever again.

Naughty Del Monte

I didn't think I had to read EVERY label before buying an item, but I was proven wrong.  Del Monte has anchovies in it.  Anyone need 3 cans of sloppy joe mix?

Del Monte: You've just reinforced my bonds with Manwich.

Jax Peters Lowell Quote

"A good parent keeps her child from danger, no matter the cost.  We are human shields: a stray peanut may as well be a bullet.  But we can't keep our children from disappointment, nor should we try.  Difficulty is what stiffens the spine.  It's what allows us to grow & be flexible and becomes creative, realistic adults.  And it is often the motivation for real chievement.  How can we keep our children from that?  Relax. Breathe."

Jump!

Elizabeth Shue or Shoe? :)

Beaver Glands Bear "Natural Flavoring"

While I've often read labels, I'm doing more research.  Here's my findings:
Castoreum is the exudate from the castor sacs of the mature beaver. Within the zoological realm, castoreum is the yellowish secretion of the castor sac in combination with the beaver's urine, used during scent marking of territory.
Castoreum is also used in small amounts to contribute to the flavor and odor of cigarettes.

In the United States, castoreum has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a food additive, often referenced simply as a "natural flavoring" in the product's list of ingredients. While it can be used both food and beverages as a vanilla, raspberry and strawberry flavoring, the annual industry consumption is only around 300 pounds. bon appetit

18 Months Old

I cannot believe the changes I've seen in this little girl this month.  She has found her voice, blows kisses, climbs & descends stairs, says minor 2-word phrases (all done, sit down), can 2-legged jump, walks backwards, gives mama kisses through the slats in her crib & says "bye" and waves.  She even learned to cross herself before our mealtime prayer last night, which set me into a bout of tears. This month has been full of changes.  She's learned to throw a tantrum, yes Grandmas...believe it or not. But also how to change her babies diapers and put them down to nai-nigh.  Her sweet little voice & babbling are music to my ears and the pitter patter of her feet put a skip in my heart.  What a blessing. 

Elizabeth: sitting on the pot. ROR

Gluten Free Me?

I try not to whine or complain and am generally a private person.  Those who know me personally may beg to differ, but really...it's how I feel, yet maybe not the persona I tend to display.  Don't correct me...I did say, bold, & underline the word "try". :)
That being said, my health has wavered for years; including heart issues, fatigue, increased anaphylactic allergic reactions to the most common foods, skin sensitivities, and more.  I've gone to the doctor, tests done, "normal results" return, and a pill is recommended.  I'm not big on meds & currently don't take any prescriptions.  I want answers, not a bandage.  I don't want a beta blocker, I want to know what is causing my rapid heart rate.
Finally it got to be too much.  I was fearful of eating, drinking, & was often getting sick.  I typed up my whole medical history as best as I could recall & went to see a doctor friend of mine on Friday.  There's no complete conclusion, but she believes it's gluten intolerance.  Tests were taken and I am waiting the results.  After researching it, it makes sense & it would cause all my symptoms.  So I am trialing the gluten-free lifestyle.  With my husband supporting me, I'm hoping this journey ends in good results.
Back in the 80's, antibiotics were used, and used a lot, and  I was a sick kid who got them a lot. Those antibiotics reek havoc on the good flora in the intestine.  The small intestines cannot work when out of sync like this and inflammation starts - sometimes affecting many parts of the body.  I am not blaming anyone - this is why doctors "practice" medicine.  I just hate being the guinea pig.  Here's hoping that my new high fiber & protein diet with OTC probiotics aide in the healing process and I learn what its like to be normal again.
Have you ever spoken with someone who has been sick for a while and they finally find out the diagnosis, and while the diagnosis isn't the best, there's a sense of relief on their face in knowing what it is?  That's how I feel.  This isn't a "for sure" diagnosis, and I may not see results for months or more, but there's hope, and that's what I want at this point.
PS: Gluten is everywhere.  It's actually quite depressing.  But if it works, it's a lifestyle I'm willing to accept.

Happy Cinco de Mayo to mi Hubie

For our wedding anniversary, I asked to go to the circus.  Little did I know that Cirque Du Soleil was showing locally.  So we bought tickets, 4th row, and watched a professional circus.  It was nothing short of amazing.  Later that weekend we went to the one showing here in town, but it was overshadowed by what we saw just a few nights before.

For presents, I bought David a gift certificate to Lowe's (I don't dare pick out a saw for him.  Lord knows what I would come home with!).  But he sent Elizabeth into the master bathroom while I was getting ready with a little blue box wrapped in a silk ribbon.  My jaw dropped as I recognized the signature blue box.  Happy 5th Anniversary to Me!  Elizabeth enjoyed my squeals of delight too & joined in the excitement.