a healthier house

It struck me suddenly this week that we are halfway through winter and my. Kids. Have. Not. Been. Sick.

If you've followed our doings for the past couple of winters, it's possible that you will marvel at that as much as I will.  Well, maybe not quite, but it is a pretty remarkable change.  Here's the lowdown on each one as best as I can understand.

Micah
After years of increasing tummy troubles, we determined he has an intolerance to MSG and we've finally learned what foods he needs to stay away from.  This, however, was only half the story (although it was decidedly the half that took us the longest time to understand!)  He's also been troubled with chronic sinus infections.  A CT scan last winter indicated no blockages and no reason to pursue sinus surgery.  The ENT finally helped me understand his infections were more due to allergies than to actual sinus problems.  This fall we gulped and took the plunge to have our air ducts cleaned.  After an afternoon of misery for Micah the day the dust was stirred up, he was able to get off two allergy medicines in a matter of weeks.  He's had a great winter so far and as long as we keep his sheets washed frequently, he really feels great.  In fact, his allergies only get out of control when he is away from home now.  We are rejoicing!!

Rachel
I can't get over the changes in this girl!  She is so much healthier and happier these days.  What did it take for her?  A diet free of artificial additives.  We would never have known what a difference this would make for her if it weren't for Josiah and the things we've done for him.  She can certainly eat off diet here and there, but more than about two meals and she begins to complain about joint pain and her attitude goes south.  She is a very healthy eater, naturally drawn to all kinds of fruits and vegetables, and doesn't seem to mind the way we eat one bit.  She still makes her yummy cookies frequently and we love indulging in her special treats.

Josiah
Almost two months into gluten free now, he's doing really well.  The biggest change we've seen with him this time around is his emotional control.  Just today, I left him to change his clothes by himself and he started calling to me for help.  I firmly and lovingly reminded him that I never ask him to do something unless I know he can do it.  Instead of falling on the ground in a heap of disgusted tears, (his usual response in moments of frustration) he took a deep breath and said, "OK, Mommy.  I'll try."  It was me who had to pull my jaw back up off the floor!  It has been three winters since he's needed an antibiotic.  The turning point for his health was having his adenoids removed and a second set of tubes inserted.  Those tubes get to come out in May!

So that's it.  So far this winter no one has even needed an antibiotic.  After years of sometimes biweekly trips to the pharmacy, it's nothing short of amazing.  One could argue that being home keeps them away from exposure to so many germs, and I'm sure that helps, but I've known plenty of homeschooling families who get sick often enough in the winter.  We could be one of them by tomorrow morning!!  But we are so grateful to see such a dramatic change in our health in a year's time.  It is an answer to many years of many people's prayers.