There are still patches of green in the lawn, the kids have been playing outside without coats, and today we noticed dandelions along the road!!!
I have the boots, the snowpants, and the mittens ready to go and everything has been hanging neatly in the closet. I have a brand new winter coat and have worn it once.
But they say tomorrow it will snow.
I am like a kid about this.
Did I mention I don't have to shovel?
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
the true root cause?
One month of gluten free has meant amazing changes for Josiah. I continue to be astounded every day by the things I am seeing in him not just as a mother but also as a teacher. So where does that leave us now?
Here is what I have learned over the past 1 1/2 years on this diet journey after reading numerous books and talking to other parents who are successfully addressing their children's behavioral issues through diet:
1. ADHD type behavior can often be a symptom of food sensitivities. (However, there are many other symptoms of food sensitivities that can also include cognitive, behavioral, emotional, or physical health issues.)
2. Numerous food sensitivities are often a symptom of gut damage.
In theory, if you can address what is damaging the gut, you may eventually be able to decrease the number of food sensitivities.
Things that can damage the gut include:
-antibiotics (which destroy good gut bacteria and allow yeast to proliferate)--Josiah was on these almost constantly for a year when he was a toddler
-inflammation (due to food sensitivities like gluten)
-lack of nutrients in a diet of over-processed foods and/or an inability to absorb nutrients (especially when gluten or casein sensitivity is a factor)
-other environmental factors (food additives, pesticides, even the many chemicals released through scented products or absorbed through the skin from soaps)
How to address gut damage:
-pull irritating foods and chemicals
-probiotics
-appropriate supplements
-improve the nutritional value of diet
We've addressed sensitivities, now we are addressing the gut and praying that sensitivities improve. Only time will tell, but we are amazed and thankful that God has brought us this far.
Here is what I have learned over the past 1 1/2 years on this diet journey after reading numerous books and talking to other parents who are successfully addressing their children's behavioral issues through diet:
1. ADHD type behavior can often be a symptom of food sensitivities. (However, there are many other symptoms of food sensitivities that can also include cognitive, behavioral, emotional, or physical health issues.)
2. Numerous food sensitivities are often a symptom of gut damage.
In theory, if you can address what is damaging the gut, you may eventually be able to decrease the number of food sensitivities.
Things that can damage the gut include:
-antibiotics (which destroy good gut bacteria and allow yeast to proliferate)--Josiah was on these almost constantly for a year when he was a toddler
-inflammation (due to food sensitivities like gluten)
-lack of nutrients in a diet of over-processed foods and/or an inability to absorb nutrients (especially when gluten or casein sensitivity is a factor)
-other environmental factors (food additives, pesticides, even the many chemicals released through scented products or absorbed through the skin from soaps)
How to address gut damage:
-pull irritating foods and chemicals
-probiotics
-appropriate supplements
-improve the nutritional value of diet
We've addressed sensitivities, now we are addressing the gut and praying that sensitivities improve. Only time will tell, but we are amazed and thankful that God has brought us this far.
Monday, January 9, 2012
Mr. Organization
He IS the child who always puts his clothes in the hamper and likes everything just so. When I organized this desk for Josiah and showed it to him today, he immediately took over. "Mommy, we have to put my crayon box back in here." "The math blocks go here in this drawer. Put the papers on top."
Five years old and he has become his father. (I thought I was organized until I married my husband and saw what organization really looks like.)
Saturday, January 7, 2012
cooking around the world: Russia
Next week we will be back in the swing of things with school, but even with time off this week we were able to accomplish some school-related activities. Last night we tried our Russian meal of blinis and made some raspberry kisel. For every country or region we study, the kids choose a project to do, and if there is something to cook, Rachel is always on it!!
Our blini recipe was well tolerated by the kids, but the pancakes turned out rather chewy so I'm not going to post it here. Eric stopped on the way home and picked up fresh raspberries and we all did enjoy those as a pancake topping!! We used a blini recipe that called for regular flour, but the more authentic version uses buckwheat. That idea intrigues me since buckwheat is gluten free, but I wasn't able to find any in my usual grocery spots in town. I do think I'd try again with buckwheat someday. We made Josiah his favorite gluten free pumpkin pancake recipe so he didn't feel left out.
The kisel seems like a good alternative to jello, something else that caught our attention since Micah can't have gelatin. Ours didn't set up quite as well as I would have liked, but I'm pretty sure boiling the mixture longer would have taken care of that problem. It had been a long day in the kitchen for me and Rachel gets impatient after standing so long. :) And once again, there are some problem ingredients for Josiah so we always make sure he has a favorite alternative treat around when we cook things he can't eat.
Raspberry Kisel
1 lb. raspberries (fresh or frozen and thawed)
1/2 c. cornstarch
8 1/2 c. water
1 c. sugar
whipped cream or nondairy topping (we love Tru Whip and I just stocked up on a great price at our local health food store)
Wash and crush raspberries in large bowl and set aside. In a small bowl, combine cornstarch with 1/2 c. water and stir until completely dissolved. Set aside. In large saucepan, combine sugar and remaining 8 c. water and stir well. Bring to a boil over high heat, stirring occasionally. Add crushed fruit and cornstarch mixture to boiling syrup and stir for 4-8 min. or until mixture begins to thicken. Remove pan from heat and let kisel cool to room temperature. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours and serve chilled in glasses. Top with whipped cream.
This makes a large quantity; the recipe could easily be cut in half.
Our blini recipe was well tolerated by the kids, but the pancakes turned out rather chewy so I'm not going to post it here. Eric stopped on the way home and picked up fresh raspberries and we all did enjoy those as a pancake topping!! We used a blini recipe that called for regular flour, but the more authentic version uses buckwheat. That idea intrigues me since buckwheat is gluten free, but I wasn't able to find any in my usual grocery spots in town. I do think I'd try again with buckwheat someday. We made Josiah his favorite gluten free pumpkin pancake recipe so he didn't feel left out.
The kisel seems like a good alternative to jello, something else that caught our attention since Micah can't have gelatin. Ours didn't set up quite as well as I would have liked, but I'm pretty sure boiling the mixture longer would have taken care of that problem. It had been a long day in the kitchen for me and Rachel gets impatient after standing so long. :) And once again, there are some problem ingredients for Josiah so we always make sure he has a favorite alternative treat around when we cook things he can't eat.
Raspberry Kisel
1 lb. raspberries (fresh or frozen and thawed)
1/2 c. cornstarch
8 1/2 c. water
1 c. sugar
whipped cream or nondairy topping (we love Tru Whip and I just stocked up on a great price at our local health food store)
Wash and crush raspberries in large bowl and set aside. In a small bowl, combine cornstarch with 1/2 c. water and stir until completely dissolved. Set aside. In large saucepan, combine sugar and remaining 8 c. water and stir well. Bring to a boil over high heat, stirring occasionally. Add crushed fruit and cornstarch mixture to boiling syrup and stir for 4-8 min. or until mixture begins to thicken. Remove pan from heat and let kisel cool to room temperature. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours and serve chilled in glasses. Top with whipped cream.
This makes a large quantity; the recipe could easily be cut in half.
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
pictures
Once neighbors, still friends. I think playing with Katherine day after day is one big reason Rachel decided being girly was a good thing after all. And they were always happiest playing in the midst of a mess! (Good thing I couldn't get the panoramic view!)
Micah has been wanting this (a pocket knife) for so long, he forgot the promise about getting one when he turned 13. Good thing we remembered! I think the smile says it all.
"How do you like my jellyfish?" It truly is a trophy when one has a craft-challenged mom.
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Simple Woman's Daybook
FOR TODAY, January 3, 2012
Outside my window...there is a dusting of snow on the ground, enough to make small children want to venture outside but not enough to make grown men shovel. Has winter finally arrived? Perhaps, but it is supposed to be 50 by the weekend.
I am thinking...it is both good to have a break from a routine and good to go back to one.
I am thankful...for the safe arrival of a precious little niece, for a blessed Christmas with family, for good health, and that God is my sure anchor even when things may not always be so good. Seeing others suffer loss reminds me of what is truly important and lasting about this life.
In the kitchen...I can't seem to break away from gluten with the season of birthdays still upon us, and good things to eat still in the freezer. Can I make February my new start date? There is only a little sugar left in the cupboards now after Christmas and a birthday, and I count that as a very good thing. The latest hit for Josiah is a paleo bread made from ground up pecans as a flour base. It is amazing to me what he will eat these days!
I am wearing...something warm. Clothes are mostly utilitarian here.
I am creating...ideas for the next school year in my head. My mind changes often so it's good there is nothing yet set in stone and many months before firm decisions must be made.
I am reading...The Story of the World: Ancient Times and enjoying the glimpse of Biblical history interspersed with tidbits about the Egyptians, Babylonians, Assyrians, Indians, Chinese, and Phoenicians. I may have to find the adult version of this book someday. I just finished Around the World in 80 Days (fun!) and am now plodding through Les Miserables. Since it was ordered to
I am hoping...that Josiah can get through this year without falling too many more times. (Stitches, a bloody lip, and a nasty bump on the head are his trophies from the past 2 months alone.)
I am looking forward to...planning a trip out west this summer, Lord willing.
I am learning...to meal plan without much bread. Think potatoes and salad.
Around the house...there is not much going on beyond Christmas cleanup but that is a very, very good feeling.
From the learning rooms...we are looking forward to some new things for this semester. Math for Josiah, more fraction practice for Rachel, and current events via a great deal I was given on God's World News.
I am pondering...why I can get so darn excited about earthly things while too often neglecting the unseen spiritual realities? It may be a matter of how I am spending my time and energy. At least possibly.
A favorite quote for today..."Let us never fear robbers nor murderers. Those are dangers from without, petty dangers. Let us fear ourselves, prejudices are the real robbers; vices are the real murderers. The great dangers lie within ourselves. What matters it what threatens our head or our purse! Let us think only of that which threatens our soul." (Les Mis)
One of my favorite things...is being curled up in front of the fire with a good book. Now to acquire some wood to enjoy such a thing...
A few plans for the rest of the week: my daughter has arranged a roller skating outing with a new friend. This should be as interesting as ice skating was a few weeks ago!
A peek into my day...or at least one that we had here recently...
Monday, January 2, 2012
A is for avocado
Just a few weeks ago, I could count on one hand the number of times I had eaten avocado. I had to research how to buy them and what to do with them once I had one home. In the midst of that research, I found many reasons to make avocado part of our regular diet. Once I found an easy guacamole recipe, there was no turning back.
Just a few of the health benefits of avocados:
-In one study, 45 volunteers experienced an average drop in cholesterol of 17% after eating avocados for only one week. This is due to a compound that naturally lowers cholesterol.
-Low glycemic value means it's great for regulating blood sugar.
-Cancer and stroke prevention
-When avocados are eaten with other foods (like salad), it boosts absorption of key nutrients up to five times!
-Great source of Vitamin E, Vitamin K, and fiber.
-Although high in fat, avocado has unique properties in the fat that are great health benefits such as lowering inflammation and the risk of heart disease.
Although you can easily slice avocado and add it to a salad, my favorite way to eat them is in guacamole. I use the following recipe, but often just use one avocado and thus less of the other ingredients. It's best to eat this the same day you make it because mashed avocado does quickly turn brown. (Lemon juice helps slow that down.) I can also scoop out a little for Josiah before adding the tomato and he will eat it with corn chips.
Leah's Favorite Guacamole
3 avocados
2 T. lemon juice (or juice of 1 lemon)
1 t. salt
1/2 c. diced onion
3 T. chopped fresh cilantro (I also use dried if I don't have fresh on hand and actually prefer it)
2 roma tomatoes
1 t. minced garlic
Mash avocados in juice and salt. mix remaining ingredients and refrigerate one hour. (If you can wait that long.)
Great dip with tortilla chips or raw veggies.
Just a few of the health benefits of avocados:
-In one study, 45 volunteers experienced an average drop in cholesterol of 17% after eating avocados for only one week. This is due to a compound that naturally lowers cholesterol.
-Low glycemic value means it's great for regulating blood sugar.
-Cancer and stroke prevention
-When avocados are eaten with other foods (like salad), it boosts absorption of key nutrients up to five times!
-Great source of Vitamin E, Vitamin K, and fiber.
-Although high in fat, avocado has unique properties in the fat that are great health benefits such as lowering inflammation and the risk of heart disease.
Although you can easily slice avocado and add it to a salad, my favorite way to eat them is in guacamole. I use the following recipe, but often just use one avocado and thus less of the other ingredients. It's best to eat this the same day you make it because mashed avocado does quickly turn brown. (Lemon juice helps slow that down.) I can also scoop out a little for Josiah before adding the tomato and he will eat it with corn chips.
Leah's Favorite Guacamole
3 avocados
2 T. lemon juice (or juice of 1 lemon)
1 t. salt
1/2 c. diced onion
3 T. chopped fresh cilantro (I also use dried if I don't have fresh on hand and actually prefer it)
2 roma tomatoes
1 t. minced garlic
Mash avocados in juice and salt. mix remaining ingredients and refrigerate one hour. (If you can wait that long.)
Great dip with tortilla chips or raw veggies.
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