This conversation took place recently in the van as we traveled around town:
Rachel: "Mom, when Uncle Jared and Aunt Michelle have their baby, you'll be a Nana and I'll be an aunt."
Mom, with terror piercing her heart to hear the word "Nana" used at this season of her life: "Um...that's not quite right."
Rachel: "Oh, yeah. I get it. You'll be an aunt and the baby will be my cousin. I'll be a cousin again!"
Josiah: "And I'll be a superhero!!!"
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
growing beyond "safe"
Keep my child safe. It's been my job ever since he was born. From the time I strapped him into his car seat for the first time, to helping him establish the habit of wearing a bike helmet, to being careful around the stove, to getting to know his friends and their parents, and teaching him not to play in the street, I have carefully monitored most of his existence. I know that it is really the Lord who is sovereign over his safety, but it's easy to feel like the greatest responsibility falls on me.
It's hard to watch kids grow up and let go of the safety issue. This week my 12-year-old is spending the week at church camp, and I find myself constantly praying for his safety. In my mind's eye I can imagine all sorts of dangers at every turn. Hey, I'm a mom. It's what I do.
But as I've sensed an obsession with the idea of safety, I also sense the Lord helping me learn to trust it to Him. After all, is my goal for Micah's week of camp that he stay safe? Not at all, really. My greatest hope and prayer is that he will encounter the living God in a fresh and irresistible way, and that is never safe. I want his life to be filled with the adventure of living for Him. That's not safe either.
When God sent His only Son into the world, it was definitely not a safe plan. This sinful world does have dangers, snares, and trouble. It eventually cost Jesus His life. It is never safe to align yourself on God's side, at least in the eyes of the world. God's plan for Jesus was not safe, but it was one of redemption and full of good.
As I trust Micah into God's hands, I am trusting he is in the safest place of all--the care of a heavenly Father who only has good plans for him. I hope Micah finds life's greatest thrill: giving everything for Christ. I hope he learns to discern when to leave his helmet on, and when to leave it at home.
But as a mom, I will still find myself adding a prayer for his safety. I'm just in the process of learning to redefine exactly what that means.
It's hard to watch kids grow up and let go of the safety issue. This week my 12-year-old is spending the week at church camp, and I find myself constantly praying for his safety. In my mind's eye I can imagine all sorts of dangers at every turn. Hey, I'm a mom. It's what I do.
But as I've sensed an obsession with the idea of safety, I also sense the Lord helping me learn to trust it to Him. After all, is my goal for Micah's week of camp that he stay safe? Not at all, really. My greatest hope and prayer is that he will encounter the living God in a fresh and irresistible way, and that is never safe. I want his life to be filled with the adventure of living for Him. That's not safe either.
When God sent His only Son into the world, it was definitely not a safe plan. This sinful world does have dangers, snares, and trouble. It eventually cost Jesus His life. It is never safe to align yourself on God's side, at least in the eyes of the world. God's plan for Jesus was not safe, but it was one of redemption and full of good.
As I trust Micah into God's hands, I am trusting he is in the safest place of all--the care of a heavenly Father who only has good plans for him. I hope Micah finds life's greatest thrill: giving everything for Christ. I hope he learns to discern when to leave his helmet on, and when to leave it at home.
But as a mom, I will still find myself adding a prayer for his safety. I'm just in the process of learning to redefine exactly what that means.
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
say, "cheese!"
After we had success giving Josiah some Kilgus Farmstead milk, I had a hunch that natural, organic cheese would also work for him. So today, we headed out to the Ropp Jersey Cheese store just outside of town. This is one of those special places where we even know the owners. I knew from past experience that we could try free samples and find out before even buying if the cheese would work for Josiah. He tried the cheddar curds and some Cojack cheese, delighting in every bite...and no reactions. We headed outdoors to pet some calves, a turkey, and some goats, and also watched through the window where they make the cheese. Then back in to grab a few varieties along with a package of antibiotic-free and hormone-free ground beef. What a fun shopping experience, and we look forward to many more. I can hardly wait to make pizza and calzones with real cheese for everyone this week!
Does it cost more to shop this way? Yes, if you are making the switch from the cheapest store brands, although not a lot. But it will save us money over what we were spending on milk substitutes. It is a good feeling, too, to support our local farmers. Their hard work and services mean a lot to us!
Does it cost more to shop this way? Yes, if you are making the switch from the cheapest store brands, although not a lot. But it will save us money over what we were spending on milk substitutes. It is a good feeling, too, to support our local farmers. Their hard work and services mean a lot to us!
Monday, June 27, 2011
got milk?
I was ready to give up on milk. Then I found this at our health food store and cautiously let Josiah try it. He does not react to it at all. Amazing!! It sure tastes great, too. It is not homogenized, but a good shake before pouring takes care of the cream that rises to the top.
I'm still not sure what it is that would make this milk better for Josiah than what we were buying before. He is very sensitive to added vitamins and some corn derivatives. It could be that, or it could be that healthy cows allowed to pasture feed really do produce better milk. A year ago I didn't even want to attempt to understand the arguments behind organic food, but I'm coming around when I see the difference it makes in a child with so many food sensitivities.
I can't wait to try their yogurt. Now if we could just find some cheese that works for him...
I'm still not sure what it is that would make this milk better for Josiah than what we were buying before. He is very sensitive to added vitamins and some corn derivatives. It could be that, or it could be that healthy cows allowed to pasture feed really do produce better milk. A year ago I didn't even want to attempt to understand the arguments behind organic food, but I'm coming around when I see the difference it makes in a child with so many food sensitivities.
I can't wait to try their yogurt. Now if we could just find some cheese that works for him...
Friday, June 24, 2011
celebrating our first box day
This week, 2 boxes of curriculum arrived in the mail. There would have been more, but we are blessed with dear friends who have let us borrow all kinds of helpful resources.
The first day, the box was full of intriguing surprises for all ages. The boys settled in quickly with Wedgits. I have never seen my 4-year-old so engrossed in anything, ever, a good indication that this will be a good diversion while I am teaching the other two. But what cracks me up is that the 12-year-old boy loved them just as much.
My daughter grabbed the field guide to birds of Illinois along with her binoculars and disappeared outside for almost an hour. She later said it was not the best day for bird watching, but she had fun identifying the few she did see.
The next day our Sonlight box arrived. This was less fun for the kids (we already have most of the books) but more fun for me. I am now surrounded by instructor's guides, curriculum, and resources, and barely know where to begin reading. I'd like to dig in to it all at once.
My daughter did find the FlashMaster from Sonlight and spent quite a bit of time learning how it works. One way or another, she is going to learn her math facts with greater accuracy!
We're still a few months away from starting school, but our adventure has already begun:
-Typing Instructor Platinum, which Eric even wants to use.
-Math review for both older kids. Somewhere in the midst of school changes or illness my oldest missed a few key math skills. The other just needs to shore up some shaky foundations.
-Telling time with a Judy clock for the youngest.
-A series of simplified children's classics that are too easy for my daughter, but she's constantly pulling them off the shelf to read anyway. I'm thankful for an email from our homeschooling curriculum that said reading below skill level is actually a good thing sometimes!
-More to add in time, but things like summer are getting in the way. :) The oldest heads to church camp on Sunday.
The first day, the box was full of intriguing surprises for all ages. The boys settled in quickly with Wedgits. I have never seen my 4-year-old so engrossed in anything, ever, a good indication that this will be a good diversion while I am teaching the other two. But what cracks me up is that the 12-year-old boy loved them just as much.
My daughter grabbed the field guide to birds of Illinois along with her binoculars and disappeared outside for almost an hour. She later said it was not the best day for bird watching, but she had fun identifying the few she did see.
The next day our Sonlight box arrived. This was less fun for the kids (we already have most of the books) but more fun for me. I am now surrounded by instructor's guides, curriculum, and resources, and barely know where to begin reading. I'd like to dig in to it all at once.
My daughter did find the FlashMaster from Sonlight and spent quite a bit of time learning how it works. One way or another, she is going to learn her math facts with greater accuracy!
We're still a few months away from starting school, but our adventure has already begun:
-Typing Instructor Platinum, which Eric even wants to use.
-Math review for both older kids. Somewhere in the midst of school changes or illness my oldest missed a few key math skills. The other just needs to shore up some shaky foundations.
-Telling time with a Judy clock for the youngest.
-A series of simplified children's classics that are too easy for my daughter, but she's constantly pulling them off the shelf to read anyway. I'm thankful for an email from our homeschooling curriculum that said reading below skill level is actually a good thing sometimes!
-More to add in time, but things like summer are getting in the way. :) The oldest heads to church camp on Sunday.
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
where to spot the latest news
The excitement over the latest family news is reflected on our refrigerator.
Once again, all of our family will be in one state, and the newest Nelson will be born here.
We're excited to have my brother and his family closer, but also rejoicing to see God's purposes as they are worked out in his life and in their new church.
I know, I sound like a commercial
Here's a great deal on Cars 2 tickets, if you like Juicy Juice and shop at Meijer. Until the end of June, when you buy 4 bottles of Juicy Juice, you will receive a coupon at the checkout for $5 off a movie ticket. Making the deal even sweeter this week, you can also print off a coupon at Meijer Mealbox to save $2 off 4 bottles, and it is on sale for $2.5o a bottle.
Sunday, June 19, 2011
move over, Dairy Queen
Ah, it's summer, the time of year to enjoy a dripping, refreshing ice cream cone on a hot summer night. Unfortunately, it's hard to find an ice cream parlor that caters to the dairy-free sect. When I saw this recipe for coconut ice cream, I couldn't wait to try it for Josiah. It's much cheaper and more delicious than anything we have ever bought pre-made. A few substitutions were in order since he can't tolerate raspberries, but the result was still mouth-watering.
Thanks, Dad and Mom, for digging out your ice cream maker! Josiah loved this.
Mango-Banana Coconut Milk ice cream
Ingredients
2 14 oz. cans of unpressed coconut milk ($2.46) (I used a can that said "first pressing"--Thai Kitchen)
1 mango, cubed ($1)
1 container baby food bananas
1 tsp lemon juice ($.03)
1/2 tsp vanilla ($.03)
1/2 cup sugar ($.20) (Substitute agave syrup or honey if desired)
Directions
1. SHAKE the coconut milk cans. Milk must be nice and mixed!
2. Blend frozen or fresh (and cold) mango, baby food banana, lemon juice, vanilla, and sugar with 2-3 Tbsp of the cold coconut milk.
3. Quickly add COLD fruit puree with COLD coconut milk into the spinning ice cream maker. (I just mixed everything together and put it in the freezer for 15 min. to get it cold.)
4. Let “churn” for 20-30 minutes, or according to the instructions of your ice cream maker.
5. Once it forms an ice cream like consistency, transfer it quickly to a freezer safe container. Freeze for at least 2 hours before serving.
Cost $3.72 for 2 pints of coconut milk ice cream
Taken from $5 Dinner Mom website
We will have to try this with raspberries, too, for the rest of us!
Thanks, Dad and Mom, for digging out your ice cream maker! Josiah loved this.
Mango-Banana Coconut Milk ice cream
Ingredients
2 14 oz. cans of unpressed coconut milk ($2.46) (I used a can that said "first pressing"--Thai Kitchen)
1 mango, cubed ($1)
1 container baby food bananas
1 tsp lemon juice ($.03)
1/2 tsp vanilla ($.03)
1/2 cup sugar ($.20) (Substitute agave syrup or honey if desired)
Directions
1. SHAKE the coconut milk cans. Milk must be nice and mixed!
2. Blend frozen or fresh (and cold) mango, baby food banana, lemon juice, vanilla, and sugar with 2-3 Tbsp of the cold coconut milk.
3. Quickly add COLD fruit puree with COLD coconut milk into the spinning ice cream maker. (I just mixed everything together and put it in the freezer for 15 min. to get it cold.)
4. Let “churn” for 20-30 minutes, or according to the instructions of your ice cream maker.
5. Once it forms an ice cream like consistency, transfer it quickly to a freezer safe container. Freeze for at least 2 hours before serving.
Cost $3.72 for 2 pints of coconut milk ice cream
Taken from $5 Dinner Mom website
We will have to try this with raspberries, too, for the rest of us!
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
helping picky eaters
[caption id="attachment_1497" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Josiah asked for a lettuce salad with shredded carrots after reading a book about green foods."]
[/caption]
When my youngest was a baby just starting on solid foods, I grew very excited with each new food we tried. He loved it all! Fruits, vegetables, cereal, crackers...all went down happily and without a fuss. After spending months battling every bottle due to reflux, this was so rewarding. I thought perhaps he had finally found joy in eating something that didn't hurt his tummy and he just couldn't get enough.
Soon, however, his acceptance of new foods dwindled. He began to limit himself to a few fruits, breads, and cheese. Looking back I know this probably happened with the new addition of milk to his diet (he was soy-fed as an infant). I now had on my hands the pickiest eater of all.
Dealing with Josiah's pickiness was a battle. He was incredibly irritable if he didn't get food in his tummy at each meal, so I did what many moms do: I made him his own suppers alongside ours. We had to feed him something! Therefore I gave in even further to his self-limited diet.
That is where we found ourselves a year ago, before we started changing how we eat. His iron was low and his behavior out of control. Slowly but surely, we pulled foods out of his diet that were irritating. The funny thing was, most of these foods were the very ones he craved. And when you take out one favorite, you have to find something to replace it. Viola! His diet improved and his pickiness began to subside.
In her book What's Eating Your Child, Kelly Dorfman describes her E.A.T. program for picky eaters. The strategy follows like this:
E-Eliminate any irritants that may be causing a bad reaction. (If food sensitivities are not an issue, this could simply mean eliminating unhealthy foods from the diet.)
A-Add one food at a time.
T-Try one bite of this food each night for two weeks.
We know this works--it is basically what we have done with our youngest! Our own variation on the last step is simply trying new or previously disliked foods, one bite at a time. We call this our "try it" bite. In this way my daughter has learned to love broccoli (especially when she tried it with garlic salt sprinkled on top) and Josiah has added a greater tolerance for meats, vegetables, and other new foods. I try to serve a variety of foods at each meal, making sure there is something everyone can get filled up on, but I am no longer a short order cook (except for Josiah's special sensitivities.)
Other ideas for helping kids learn to like new foods:
-Let them help with cooking.
-Read books about food.
-Try ethnic recipes and make it an adventure that everyone participates in together.
-Don't badger but do be firm. "You can get down from the table and play after your 'try it' bite is gone."
-Try a food fixed different ways.
-If you child is a dipper, provide a dip for the new food. Mustard, honey, whatever it takes to get it to go down.
-Model adventurous eating yourself.
It has been 6 months since we removed the irritant of milk from Josiah's diet, the last of several foods we found that were bothering him. The result has meant a much less picky eater. He is even asking to try things like fish, beets, carrots, and lettuce. The more I read about nutrition, the more I realize eating a variety of foods is an investment in my family's health and well-being.
Bon appetit! I think our adventuresome eater has returned.
[caption id="attachment_1498" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="He loved it!"]
[/caption]
[/caption]When my youngest was a baby just starting on solid foods, I grew very excited with each new food we tried. He loved it all! Fruits, vegetables, cereal, crackers...all went down happily and without a fuss. After spending months battling every bottle due to reflux, this was so rewarding. I thought perhaps he had finally found joy in eating something that didn't hurt his tummy and he just couldn't get enough.
Soon, however, his acceptance of new foods dwindled. He began to limit himself to a few fruits, breads, and cheese. Looking back I know this probably happened with the new addition of milk to his diet (he was soy-fed as an infant). I now had on my hands the pickiest eater of all.
Dealing with Josiah's pickiness was a battle. He was incredibly irritable if he didn't get food in his tummy at each meal, so I did what many moms do: I made him his own suppers alongside ours. We had to feed him something! Therefore I gave in even further to his self-limited diet.
That is where we found ourselves a year ago, before we started changing how we eat. His iron was low and his behavior out of control. Slowly but surely, we pulled foods out of his diet that were irritating. The funny thing was, most of these foods were the very ones he craved. And when you take out one favorite, you have to find something to replace it. Viola! His diet improved and his pickiness began to subside.
In her book What's Eating Your Child, Kelly Dorfman describes her E.A.T. program for picky eaters. The strategy follows like this:
E-Eliminate any irritants that may be causing a bad reaction. (If food sensitivities are not an issue, this could simply mean eliminating unhealthy foods from the diet.)
A-Add one food at a time.
T-Try one bite of this food each night for two weeks.
We know this works--it is basically what we have done with our youngest! Our own variation on the last step is simply trying new or previously disliked foods, one bite at a time. We call this our "try it" bite. In this way my daughter has learned to love broccoli (especially when she tried it with garlic salt sprinkled on top) and Josiah has added a greater tolerance for meats, vegetables, and other new foods. I try to serve a variety of foods at each meal, making sure there is something everyone can get filled up on, but I am no longer a short order cook (except for Josiah's special sensitivities.)
Other ideas for helping kids learn to like new foods:
-Let them help with cooking.
-Read books about food.
-Try ethnic recipes and make it an adventure that everyone participates in together.
-Don't badger but do be firm. "You can get down from the table and play after your 'try it' bite is gone."
-Try a food fixed different ways.
-If you child is a dipper, provide a dip for the new food. Mustard, honey, whatever it takes to get it to go down.
-Model adventurous eating yourself.
It has been 6 months since we removed the irritant of milk from Josiah's diet, the last of several foods we found that were bothering him. The result has meant a much less picky eater. He is even asking to try things like fish, beets, carrots, and lettuce. The more I read about nutrition, the more I realize eating a variety of foods is an investment in my family's health and well-being.
Bon appetit! I think our adventuresome eater has returned.
[caption id="attachment_1498" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="He loved it!"]
[/caption]
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
mystery solved?
Thankfully, Micah made it most of the way through his trip without getting sick. However, after eating at a couple of restaurants on Sunday, he woke up quite ill in the night. We researched the ingredients of what he ate and discovered he had a hefty dose of MSG. This is what I have begun to suspect is causing his tummy issues. While I'm sad he was sick, it's a relief to think we might have discovered his trigger.
We also finally found a way to settle Micah's stomach when it is upset. The magic cure? Baking soda. His stomach troubles usually last 4-6 days, but after taking baking soda twice yesterday, he is feeling great this morning. We put it in empty capsules so he could take it more easily. One thing to remember: do not take with carbonated beverages. :)
It's really great to have all my kids home again!!
We also finally found a way to settle Micah's stomach when it is upset. The magic cure? Baking soda. His stomach troubles usually last 4-6 days, but after taking baking soda twice yesterday, he is feeling great this morning. We put it in empty capsules so he could take it more easily. One thing to remember: do not take with carbonated beverages. :)
It's really great to have all my kids home again!!
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Simple Woman's Daybook
Outside my window...it is a lovely day. What am I doing in front of the computer? Josiah and I will head to the park later this afternoon. Eric is at Starved Rock with our church's college class. What a perfect day for hiking there!
I am thinking...that a week without my oldest two children is plenty long enough! The house is quieter, things stay cleaner, there is less laundry, and I'm ready for all of that that to change. They come home on Monday after lunch!
I am thankful for...the little things, like the youngest being able to dress himself and how the older two are now folding their own clothes. Rachel was even caught turning her clothing right side out before the last washing. That never happened when Mom was the one doing the folding.
From the learning rooms...we have 4 more days of preschool before we take a break for the summer. How much of a break, I'm not sure, as school activities are one of Josiah's favorite things to do when he's otherwise bored. We have plenty we can pull out and work on, but the pool beckons us as well.
From the kitchen...I've mostly avoided this room over the past week. Kids are coming home, so I'd better get reacquainted with what needs to be done. We are going to try some different lunch ideas this summer to avoid the constant sandwich rut. Baked potatoes, black bean nachos, maybe even some tuna/egg/chicken salad recipes. I'm not expecting the last offerings to be well-received, so stay tuned.
I am wearing...the same top I wore to church, paired with jeans. It was easier than changing the whole outfit.
I am creating...a wishlist on 2 websites full of items I want to buy for homeschooling. After the used book sale this weekend, I hope to place my order. That's a bit scary, because it means I will have to stop changing my mind about math.
I am going...to physical therapy once a week for now. I broke my thumb when I fell down the steps in March, and finally had it X-rayed last week. The goal is no pain by the end of summer.
I am reading...a couple of books from the Sonlight Core my children will be studying next year. Commodore Perry and the Land of the Shogun was an eye-opener. I've never known this piece of history, which makes me all the more thankful we will be studying the Eastern Hemisphere this year. This mom has as much to learn as the kids.
I am hoping...to train Josiah to obey the first time he's asked.
I am hearing...such quiet. I can even hear the birds sing, in between slurps of water by the 4-year-old.
Around the house...it's a little dusty, but cleaner than it has been in quite awhile.
One of my favorite things...is spending time with others. I had no idea people were so fascinating in the days when I allowed shyness to rule my interactions.
A few plans for the rest of the week: Get ready for Thursday's Bible study. Dust. Cook some food. Go to the library. Re-engage frenetic activity with two preteens home again.
Here is picture I am sharing from Rachel's luau the last week of school:
Saturday, June 11, 2011
radio interview
Dr. Carlton has been working closely with the Feingold Organization for many years. If you look for his topic of Food and Mood at this link, you can listen to his radio interview from this past week.
A few highlights:
The three biggest food offenders for learning disabilities, ADHD, autism, health issues, and even depression in adults: dairy, wheat, and chocolate.
90% of children reacted to food additives in a double blind study. Some do react much more strongly than others.
Children who were treated with the Feingold diet and then given vitamins in a double blind study saw 2-3 years increase in reading comprehension. Some went off the vitamins and the increase in comprehesion lasted for an additional 1 1/2 years. He urged parents not to buy their children vitamins with additives or fillers.
This one is lovely: Undertakers are saying that it takes the human body longer to decompose than it used to, due to our consumption of preservatives.
A few highlights:
The three biggest food offenders for learning disabilities, ADHD, autism, health issues, and even depression in adults: dairy, wheat, and chocolate.
90% of children reacted to food additives in a double blind study. Some do react much more strongly than others.
Children who were treated with the Feingold diet and then given vitamins in a double blind study saw 2-3 years increase in reading comprehension. Some went off the vitamins and the increase in comprehesion lasted for an additional 1 1/2 years. He urged parents not to buy their children vitamins with additives or fillers.
This one is lovely: Undertakers are saying that it takes the human body longer to decompose than it used to, due to our consumption of preservatives.
Thursday, June 9, 2011
new blog
I've started a new blog with an emphasis on Bible study. You're welcome to come and check it out!
www.miningtheword.blogspot.com
www.miningtheword.blogspot.com
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
guess what my kids are doing today?
Micah and Rachel are on vacation with their grandparents in another country. Granted, it's not quite as exotic as it sounds. This is where they are headed today.
I've been spending the morning cleaning the house, and am a wee bit jealous. :)
I've been spending the morning cleaning the house, and am a wee bit jealous. :)
Friday, June 3, 2011
you are what you eat
About a year ago, I sat chatting with a friend about this and that, and she brought up a blog post she had read recently about cutting out food containing preservatives. I thought, "Wow, that's strange" about trying such a thing, and the conversation drifted to other topics.
Two months later, at the end of my rope with our youngest child and his behavior, I was reading everything I could find about the Feingold diet as a way to manage ADHD. This approach was incredibly successful, and suddenly I was in the same camp as the blog author, cooking from scratch and cutting preservatives and more out of my own family's diet.
Feingold has helped with many things, but more than anything it has directed me to a world that I never really considered and barely knew existed: the world of nutrition and its influence on health. Organic foods, GMO's, vitamins, fish oil...all this and more has become a part of my working vocabulary, and I have seen firsthand how some of it affects my own children. Consider:
-Chronic constipation in my breast-fed daughter, from birth. Breast-fed babies are not supposed to be constipated. For years she was on and off laxatives, many of which I hope never pass her lips again. Then came the chronic diarrhea/constipation cycle. Then other health issues. While we don't completely understand all that was involved, every symptom disappeared when we removed dairy from her diet. Her handwriting even improved.
-Our youngest son was diagnosed with ADHD, but there was much more to the story. As an infant he suffered from true GERD and feeding difficulties associated with it, then when he went on whole milk he started a cycle of ear and sinus infections. Later he dealt with anxiety, was an incredibly picky eater, had geographic tongue, was always hungry to the point of irritability, and his iron was low. Removing artificials from food was only part of the answer. Removing salicylates helped the anxiety, constant hunger, and geographic tongue. Removing milk meant no more spinning around, hyperactive behavior, and less pickiness in eating. Adding iron and a multivitamin caused another bump up in behavior and more openness in trying new foods.
-Our oldest is still a bit of a mystery, but using some detective work is getting us closer to understanding his digestive triggers. One thing we've learned is that clean eating means better health, even for him.
All this to say, I had never considered the impact of proper nutrition on the health of my children until this past year.
Kelly Dorfman, a nutritionist, has written a book called What's Eating Your Child? that addresses the impact of nutrition on children. In insightful, compelling case studies she uncovers the connections between nutrition and picky eating, anxiety, ear infections, digestive issues, learning and behavioral difficulties, allergies, educational success, and so much more. As I devour each page, I am confirmed that those things I have suspected play a role in my children's difficulties are not fiction but fact.
I honestly wish every parent, pediatrician, nutritionist, and educator could read this book. I wish I'd had it when my children were younger. It may have saved them some damage, unnecessary and costly medical procedures, and many difficulties. And once I'm done reading it, we may never eat the same again. But then again, that was a path we'd already started traveling.
The tide seems to be turning. I'm hopeful that the next generation will know far more than I did. I'm hopeful that more parents and doctors will know how they can help children heal through good nutrition.
www.whatseatingyourchild.com
Two months later, at the end of my rope with our youngest child and his behavior, I was reading everything I could find about the Feingold diet as a way to manage ADHD. This approach was incredibly successful, and suddenly I was in the same camp as the blog author, cooking from scratch and cutting preservatives and more out of my own family's diet.
Feingold has helped with many things, but more than anything it has directed me to a world that I never really considered and barely knew existed: the world of nutrition and its influence on health. Organic foods, GMO's, vitamins, fish oil...all this and more has become a part of my working vocabulary, and I have seen firsthand how some of it affects my own children. Consider:
-Chronic constipation in my breast-fed daughter, from birth. Breast-fed babies are not supposed to be constipated. For years she was on and off laxatives, many of which I hope never pass her lips again. Then came the chronic diarrhea/constipation cycle. Then other health issues. While we don't completely understand all that was involved, every symptom disappeared when we removed dairy from her diet. Her handwriting even improved.
-Our youngest son was diagnosed with ADHD, but there was much more to the story. As an infant he suffered from true GERD and feeding difficulties associated with it, then when he went on whole milk he started a cycle of ear and sinus infections. Later he dealt with anxiety, was an incredibly picky eater, had geographic tongue, was always hungry to the point of irritability, and his iron was low. Removing artificials from food was only part of the answer. Removing salicylates helped the anxiety, constant hunger, and geographic tongue. Removing milk meant no more spinning around, hyperactive behavior, and less pickiness in eating. Adding iron and a multivitamin caused another bump up in behavior and more openness in trying new foods.
-Our oldest is still a bit of a mystery, but using some detective work is getting us closer to understanding his digestive triggers. One thing we've learned is that clean eating means better health, even for him.
All this to say, I had never considered the impact of proper nutrition on the health of my children until this past year.
Kelly Dorfman, a nutritionist, has written a book called What's Eating Your Child? that addresses the impact of nutrition on children. In insightful, compelling case studies she uncovers the connections between nutrition and picky eating, anxiety, ear infections, digestive issues, learning and behavioral difficulties, allergies, educational success, and so much more. As I devour each page, I am confirmed that those things I have suspected play a role in my children's difficulties are not fiction but fact.
I honestly wish every parent, pediatrician, nutritionist, and educator could read this book. I wish I'd had it when my children were younger. It may have saved them some damage, unnecessary and costly medical procedures, and many difficulties. And once I'm done reading it, we may never eat the same again. But then again, that was a path we'd already started traveling.
The tide seems to be turning. I'm hopeful that the next generation will know far more than I did. I'm hopeful that more parents and doctors will know how they can help children heal through good nutrition.
www.whatseatingyourchild.com
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
$5 dinner mom--mmm...., yummy!
I've been enjoying my new $5 Dinner Mom cookbooks, and so have my kids. Tonight we had our favorite recipes...they are so delicious and well-received here, I thought I'd share.
Baked Parmesan Chicken Fingers
1 1/2 pounds chicken tenderloins
1/2 c. fine cornmeal
1/2 c. grated Parmesan cheese (leave out if you have milk allergy)
1 t. garlic powder
1/2 t. salt
1/2 t. pepper
1 large egg
2 T. milk or milk substitute
1 c. spaghetti or marinara sauce for dipping (I used pizza sauce, recipe to follow)
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly coat a 9x13 inch glass baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. In small mixing bowl, whisk together egg and milk. In another small bowl, toss together the corn meal, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Dip each tenderloin into the egg-milk mixture and then coat with cornmeal mixture. Place coated tenderloins into the prepared baking dish. Bake in preheated oven 25-30 min. or until cooked through. Serve with sauce for dipping.
Homemade pizza sauce
1 can tomato sauce
1 t. oregano
1 t. dried basil
1 t. garlic powder
1 t. onion powder
2 t. extra-virgin olive oil
In a small saucepan, whisk the tomato sauce with spice and olive oil. Simmer for 6-8 min. Store any extra sauce in freezer for next time!
My oldest has always had a thing for lemon, even more so than chocolate. We are once again trying gluten with good success (we are wondering if MSG or some other chemical is responsible for his digestive issues). He loves this recipe (in spite of the coconut, which you could leave out but why would you?) so I double it to freeze the extra loaf. He can take the extra one with him to Niagara Falls next week.
Lemon Coconut Bread
3/4 c. sugar
4 T. butter or margarine
2 T. canola oil
2 T. baby pear sauce (for FG stage 1 kids like Josiah) or applesauce
2 large eggs
1 t. vanilla extract
1 t. lemon extract
2 t. lemon juice
2 1/2 c. flour
1 T. baking powder
1 t. salt
1 c. sweetened coconut flakes
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly coat loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray. In bowl of stand mixer, stir the sugar, butter or margarine, oil, pear or applesauce, eggs, vanilla and lemon extracts, and lemon juice until smooth. Then mix in flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir until a batter forms. It will be thick. Stir in coconut flakes. Spread batter into prepared pan. Bake in preheated oven for 45-55 min., or until a toothpick comes out clean from center. Let cool before serving.
Baked Parmesan Chicken Fingers
1 1/2 pounds chicken tenderloins
1/2 c. fine cornmeal
1/2 c. grated Parmesan cheese (leave out if you have milk allergy)
1 t. garlic powder
1/2 t. salt
1/2 t. pepper
1 large egg
2 T. milk or milk substitute
1 c. spaghetti or marinara sauce for dipping (I used pizza sauce, recipe to follow)
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly coat a 9x13 inch glass baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. In small mixing bowl, whisk together egg and milk. In another small bowl, toss together the corn meal, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Dip each tenderloin into the egg-milk mixture and then coat with cornmeal mixture. Place coated tenderloins into the prepared baking dish. Bake in preheated oven 25-30 min. or until cooked through. Serve with sauce for dipping.
Homemade pizza sauce
1 can tomato sauce
1 t. oregano
1 t. dried basil
1 t. garlic powder
1 t. onion powder
2 t. extra-virgin olive oil
In a small saucepan, whisk the tomato sauce with spice and olive oil. Simmer for 6-8 min. Store any extra sauce in freezer for next time!
My oldest has always had a thing for lemon, even more so than chocolate. We are once again trying gluten with good success (we are wondering if MSG or some other chemical is responsible for his digestive issues). He loves this recipe (in spite of the coconut, which you could leave out but why would you?) so I double it to freeze the extra loaf. He can take the extra one with him to Niagara Falls next week.
Lemon Coconut Bread
3/4 c. sugar
4 T. butter or margarine
2 T. canola oil
2 T. baby pear sauce (for FG stage 1 kids like Josiah) or applesauce
2 large eggs
1 t. vanilla extract
1 t. lemon extract
2 t. lemon juice
2 1/2 c. flour
1 T. baking powder
1 t. salt
1 c. sweetened coconut flakes
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly coat loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray. In bowl of stand mixer, stir the sugar, butter or margarine, oil, pear or applesauce, eggs, vanilla and lemon extracts, and lemon juice until smooth. Then mix in flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir until a batter forms. It will be thick. Stir in coconut flakes. Spread batter into prepared pan. Bake in preheated oven for 45-55 min., or until a toothpick comes out clean from center. Let cool before serving.
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