So...you've decided to go gluten free (or at least thinking about it)....Now what?!?!

As I've said before, my big mouth is finally paying off! 

I've had now ten (TEN!) people approach me about going gluten free.

I'm so grateful that the past (almost) three years has now led me to being able to help others transition into better health.

In three years, I've attended a lot of discussions about gluten and its affects on the body.  In addition, my wellness Dr. is also gluten free, and has done (EXTENSIVE) research on affects of gluten- all the way back to studying mummies in Europe.  It's amazing to hear all this research, and I just soak it up like a sponge.

D's cousin has recently gone gluten free after her Rheumatologist recommended a gluten free diet in order to avoid heavier meds.  Guess what- in a few months, she's already noticed a difference.

So, if you have ANY digestive disorders, ANY inflammatory diseases, or ANY autoimmune diseases, a gluten free diet CAN HELP YOU. 

It's your choice.

Here's my check-in after 2 years...you can see how it's changed my life.


But staring down the gauntlet of gluten free eating can be daunting, I know.

"How do I get started?!?!?!"  That's what I hear most often.

Here's my top 10 list of getting started.  It's not really as hard as one would think.

1.  Educate yourself.  What is gluten?  (wheat, rye, barley, and (some)oats...although I don't have an issue with oats).  True Celiac's need to eat gluten free oats because they're guaranteed to be grown in a field MORE than 7 miles away from the nearest wheat field.  I'm not that sensitive.  Find some books.  I went to the library and checked out every book on the shelf about gluten.  This is my ultimate favorite:

Source: gfreediet.com via Sandy on Pinterest

Elizabeth Hasselbeck is a self-diagnosed Celiac.  She takes you through her diagnosis journey, and is the ultimate cheerleader to a G-free diet.  In addition, there's an entire page dedicated to gluten free check out candy.  :)  She gives you pointers for living g-free, and gives you great useful strategies for living g-free.  This is the book I reference most when talking about G-free diets and getting started.  It's an easy read too.


2.  Give it 30 days.  It takes 4 days for the gluten to leave your digestive tract.  And the villi in your intestines will start to repair themselves after 10.  After 30, your villi should be (mostly) healed.  Your cravings for gluten free items will diminish by this time.  If you want to try gluten then, you could- just to see how you react.  This is what I did....and whoa, nelly.....did I react.  It was enough to make me never look back.  And the longer I'm off gluten, the better I feel every day.  You can do anything for 30 days, right?!?!?

3.  Create a menu for two weeks.  Then repeat it.  You're at 28 days....just 2 days short of your 30 day goal.  Not to hard, right?  Some of my favorite g-free dinners include the bacon wrapped chicken breast (use g-free bacon!), and the Just Joan Casserole.  There...there's 2 recipes for you that are easy-peasy and yummy too....Next try Spaghetti (with either spaghetti squash or brown rice noodles- I like Prego Natural sauce...that's gfree!), grilled chicken breast, tacos (use corn shells and Mrs. Dash Fiesta spices), and steak.  There's four more.  Find some breakfast foods that you can rotate through ( I go between eggs and an Herbalife protein shake), and some favorite lunch ideas (I love salads or deviled eggs for lunch!), rotate through them...and before you know it, you're at 30 days.  I PROMISE you'll notice a difference at the end of 30 days.

4.  Snacks.  Yes, this deserves a number of its own.  If you're a snacker (which I am), it's important to have some gfree snacks on hand. When I first started, I always had 10 different snacks on hand.  If I have the good choices on hand, I know I will stick to the g free diet.  Here's some of my favorites:

• Costco White corn tortilla chips and Organic corn and black bean salsa
• Hummus (make sure it's gluten free!) with cucumbers
• Apple slices with all natural peanut butter (sprinkled with sea salt for flavor)
• carrot sticks with Marzetti Ranch dressing to dip
• protein bar (not all of these are gluten free...I prefer Herbalife Vanilla Almond, but there are a few others in the store that are.)
• Kraft Tomato Basil (or Jalapeno) Cheese sticks
• Quaker rice cakes (some flavors are not gluten free- be careful!) with natural peanut butter and natural strawberry preserves.
• All natural Kettle Corn
• Hormel mini-pepperoni
• Dannon Oikos Greek Yogurt parfait w/ fresh strawberries and homemade granola (recipe forthcoming)
• Protein crackers (recipe and tutorial forth coming as well)
• A handful of almonds and walnuts
• Special treat for special occasions:  bryers natural ice cream
• Special treat for special occasions:  strawberry shortcake made with gfree Bisquick.

5.  Go get some aloe juice and probiotics.  If you're having a reaction to gluten, chances are at 100% that your gut is out of whack.  Way out.  Did you know that 80% of your immune system is in your digestive tract?!?!?  Yeah...let's get this immune system back up and running at full throttle.  Aloe juice heals from the inside out- you need to make sure you're getting pharmacy grade- other brands can really water it down.  Again, I prefer Herbalife...but you can find equal brands at the health food store.  Probiotics will also help you establish a flora balance in your gut.  This will also help you actually digest the nutrients in your food- rather than eliminating them through ..... ahem....waste.  Be careful, not all probiotics are gluten free.  Ask a pharmacist to help you find one that's good.

6.  Be prepared to be assertive, but also expect to be insignificant.  If you're eating out with friends, don't be afraid to ask to go to a restaurant that you know has a gluten free menu.  Make sure the server KNOWS you are gluten free- so the chef knows to use a separate fryer or grill.  When dining at friend's houses....this is where things get tricky.  They either 1) don't try to do anything g-free 2) Try to do g-free and fail miserably or 3) Try g-free and are wildly successful. 

Of course, I LOVE the #3 friends. 

The #1's really don't hang with us too much anymore- perhaps I'm too high maintenance? (I don't prefer to suck on a half-rotten grapefruit while everyone else eats lasagna, and I don't prefer to sit there while you tell me how awkward it is for YOU- cause it was a total walk-in-the-park for me).

and #2...well, those are dangerous.  Sure, grilled pineapple is gluten free....but the teryaki sauce you just slathered on it is most certainly NOT.  Sure, you purchased the gluten free brownie mix for $5.99/box, but the frosting you put on there is not gluten free (some are, by the way). 

Pot luck dinners are my favorite- I'll bring something that's safe for me to eat and I know at least one thing will be good. 

Otherwise, I have a protein bar in my purse at all times just to tide me over until we're home and around safe food.  You will hurt feelings by not eating some things people will prepare for you, and you will get your feelings hurt.  But, your health is worth it.

7.  Determine how much you're willing to increase your grocery budget.  Yep, gluten free items are and can be very expensive.  Our grocery budget is VERY finite.  I decided that we were only going to spend an additional $25 a month.  That limited my choices in the gluten free aisle.  But...hey, that's ok!  Honestly, most of the substitutes are very high in carbs (this is where I'd love to talk to you about insulin and glucagon and the affect it has on our bodies....but that's another post for another day)....and I really need to focus on my protein intake anyway!  And guess what?!?!?  All basic produce and fresh foods are naturally gluten free.  I've made friends with fresh produce, and I love that area of the store.  :)

8.  Watch the "sneakers".  The things I would assume were safe, but had gluten in them (note:  not all of them have gluten in them, but they are red flags for me to REALLY read labels closely!)....These include:  spice mixes, drinks, sauces, soups, salad dressings, anything with caramel coloring, medicines, blue cheese, beer, alcohol, pop, anything that's flavored, and some gums.

9.  Get comfortable in the kitchen.  If you don't cook, you better learn.  Quickly.  Otherwise, be prepared to spend a lot of money and gain a lot of weight on high carb foods.  Get in your kitchen....  find some recipes online.  The Pioneer Woman's Tasty Kitchen has a whole gluten free section.  Gluten free girl has a blog (as well as a book) that has been helpful.  You'll find what works for you.  Me?  I choose not to have 12 different kinds of flour in my kitchen.  I purchase King Arthur's Multi-purpose flour and Xathan Gum.  In addition, I've picked up brown rice flour and almond meal that I keep in the freezer.  That's it.  Figure out what works for you and stick to it.

10.  Find a support group!!!  My first 30 days I did essentially solo.  It was so isolating, and I was absolutely miserable.  Sure, D. was supportive of figuring out what was wrong with me....but he also didn't want to spend more money, and didn't want to deal with the hassle of it either.  But, in those 3 years, he's discovered the wife that smiles again, who has energy again, who has started to loose weight, and has regained fertility that we didn't know existed.  ;)  He's actually seeing people's behaviors and noticing people he knows and loves that could benefit from a gluten free diet!  Anyway, there will be friends and family members who are 100% in your corner.  Encouraging, accommodating,  and helpful.  Hang onto them.  They are the priceless ones.  I'm happy to encourage you through it!  Let me know how I can help!

The weekend in pictures. (and perhaps some dialog)

Saturday and Sunday pics of the weekend.

Interior Love Shack demo continued while the boys waited for the concrete truck to arrive.

Adios yucky bano.

There may have been some heavy machinery involved.

Starting to pour the concrete pad.

(see my Mother's Day present?  Look to the left of the stairs.  :)

He can work a pair of boots.  :)

Brother Matt with the come-along.

C had a soccer game, so we had to leave the fun.

He sat out a quarter to let his teammates have a turn at playing.

Isn't he cute?!?!?

Action shots.

C. and I headed out to a local gluten free fair after the game.

TONS of free samples.

Some to take home.

Some coupons.

I have a new favorite cookie:  Lucy's Ginger Snaps.

Perfect combination of crisp/chewy, and a hint of Tabasco in the cookies to give it a "snap."

It may not sound all that great, but OHHHHHH, my pregnant belly is SO HAPPY!

Broken riding tractor.  :(

Guess who's finally old enough to learn how to mow the lawn?!?!?

And what big brother does, little brother wants to do....

(notice he's wearing his boots, "just like daddy.")

Sunday night dinner:

Theirs:

Mine.  :)



Spaghetti Noodles in my head

I once read this book called "Men are waffles, women are spaghetti."

Although I can't remember if that's the exact name of the book, and I can't remember the authors....

(lots of help there, Sandy)

But the basic premise of the book deals with the mind-patterns of men and women.

The authors are hoping that once the opposite sexes understand each other's though processes, we'll have a happy Utopian marriage.

While I don't think it creates the perfect marriage ....I do believe that understanding this concept can help ensure a bit more empathy or (at the very least) a certain baseline of patience.

While my husband is in one waffle-box at a time....I have all these spaghetti noodles in my head.

He's thinking of working.  Then playing baseball with the boys.  Then cleaning out his van.  Then my back rub.  (yeah, he's a keeper!)  Then the laundry.  Sometimes there's a "nothing" box....where he's just thinking of ....well, nothing.  (for the record, I'm insanely jealous of that box!)

In the meantime, I have 20 different thoughts all going through my head at the same time....they're all tangled up with each other.  Each thought affects the others....and I'm mentally tired.

So...here's some noodles--- perhaps you can help me with some solutions....because they all seem to be thoughts without endings:

-  I'm so glad D took the day off to go to the Tigers game with the guys yesterday.  I don't think he takes enough time to be with other guys and there's not enough time for him to relax. 

-  When will my Tigers actually show up to PLAY BASEBALL?!?!?!?  (With the exception of Justin Verlander who is currently pitching a no-hitter at this moment in time!)

-  Jim Leland and I are no longer on speaking terms.

-  I have a Dr. appointment on Monday and no babysitter for C.

-  His last day of school was today.  No more mid-day school commutes.  I'm ecstatic.

-  On Monday, I spent 2 hours in my car traveling to and from school....4 times.  I found this moderately annoying and ridiculous.

-  I understand that this sometimes happens, and our choice to send our boys to the school we have chosen is...in fact, our choice.  You take the good, you take the bad....

-  And now I have the theme song from "The Facts of Life" in my head.

-  Ally pooped on my carpet again tonight.  I am officially through my second bottle of carpet cleaner.  And I'm running short on patience.

-  My mom came to see A. play baseball last night.  I love her for taking the time to visit.  A. loved having her there too.

-  I need to drink more water.

-  C's 5th birthday is this August.  Which means that it's the birthday that he gets a large party with friends at our house.  I'm thinking of doing a sprinkler party....but I'm lost on this idea after that.  I just don't want a bunch of sugary kids running through my house.  Is that bad?

-  Just FYI, D and I agreed early on that large extravagant parties every year are ridiculous.  We have one big one for family at the first birthday, a friend party at home at 5, and a party on location at 10.  That's it.

-  We just received a notice that our health insurance premiums are increasing about 20% this year.  Fan-flippin'- tastic.  That whole statement from Obama about "Your health insurance premiums will not be affected by this legislation" is a bunch of bullsh*t.  Seriously, we have seen the BIGGEST hike in premiums and the BIGGEST drop in coverage since this legislation passed.  For example, the legislation states that they MUST cover preexisting conditions and preventative care.  So, now our well-child visits are covered (at $110 a piece), but all independent insurances dropped maternity care all together (an $9500 price tag).  In addition, our premiums have increased MORE than $110 a month.  So, thanks, Obamacare legislation for covering that well-child visit that my increased premiums are already paying for.  And thanks for making me private pay for this baby.  You're awesome.

-  I have about 5 blog posts circling my head right now, but no idea how to formulate them into a coherent post...so they'll wait.

-  I caught C. in 3 lies today.  Caught him red handed.  Busted him, told him that I knew the truth, and he STILL stuck with his lies.  I could not get him to fess up to the truth.  This frustrates me to no avail.

-  I went to Wal Mart today to get my "summer discipline and positive reinforcement" tools started today.  Apparently, I need to get these tools into swing faster.  It was a rough night.

-  I need more naps.

Random Thursday Post

• Yesterday was amazingly busy.  I think we spent around 3 full hours at home between the hours of 7am and 7pm.  Poor Ally was in her cage much of the day.  She promptly let me know this was unacceptable by defecating all over my carpeting.  Grrrrrrr.

• In the past four months, I've had six people approach me about pointers and help in going gluten free.  Some necessary for health reasons, and others have been feeling "whonky" and want to see if it will help.  I'm so glad I'm able to help them.  So glad my big mouth can be used for good.  *smirk*

• Tomorrow is C's last day of preschool.  Then, he will officially be a kindergartner.  I'm happy for him.  He's excited about being one of the "big kids."  Here he is at his preschool graduation earlier this week:

• Incidentally, my son was the only one there in dirty blue jeans and a stained t-shirt.  (Not to mention pockets hanging out and sandals on backwards).  Classy class.  I could not get him to change his clothing, and just decided it wasn't worth the fight.  He didn't even notice that some of his friends were there in a suit and tie.

• Today is our last MOPS meeting for the year.  As a table leader, we're expected to decorate our tables and do a little gift for our table mates.  I purchased plates and napkins at Target, then hit Pintrest hard for inspiration.  The WHOLE table cost me less than $11 (including giveaways).  There's a post on that coming up....soon (ish).

• I am of the belief that May could be the busiest month of the year.  Everything is wrapping up, so there's all the final stuff...but then again, spring sports are just starting.  We've had something every night for the past few weeks.  I'm exhausted.

• A skunk sprayed outside our house last night.  The smell was SO STRONG, I almost thought it had sprayed the house directly.  I made D. take Ally out for her 10pm potty stop.  There was NO way I was going to risk getting sprayed.  Gross.

• Today D, his dad, his brother and brother-in-law are all going somewhere.  I'm very jealous.  Extremely jealous....can you guess where they're going?  Hint:  one outfit should tip you off.

• We pour some concrete this Saturday.  We're filling in our L-shaped to square area as well a pouring a pad at the bottom of the driveway to help with drainage.  The boys LOVE when the concrete mixers show up at our house.  :)

• I haven't taken a nap since Sunday.  I miss them.

• We're officially done with eye drops!  On Friday afternoon, A. had something fly into his eye, which caused a triangle-shaped scratch on his cornea.  We slept for approximately 2 hours on Friday night because he was up screaming in pain.  It.was.awful.  Enter Saturday morning drama and our eye Dr's office who refused to see us (their protocol is "if you haven't been seen in the last THREE MONTHS, you're not considered a current patient, and they don't call Dr's for new patients"  Really, WHO sees their eye Dr. every 3 months?!?!?  I am not happy.).  We were eventually see by our regular pediatrician's office who put some dye in his eye and shined a special light to show me the gash.  We've had antibiotic eye drops every 4 hours for the last 5 days.  Every time has been dramatic.  I'm sooo over the drama.  Both A and I are glad that's over.  And now, I get to look for a new eye Dr.

• Today I am 18 weeks pregnant!  Here's the latest bump pic:

• Today I'm wearing my favorite maternity dress.  It's the prefect pinky-corally color with embroidered flowery vines all over it.  I remember from the boys that since it's not stretchy, there's a finite window that I can enjoy wearing this dress.  So, today's last-day-of-MOPS is such an occasion to bust it out.

• I only took advantage of the Starbucks frappy hour a few times while frappecinos were half price.  Now, every time 3pm rolls around, I want a frappe.  Blasted, Starbucks!  I have succumb to your marketing gimmick!

Grand Slam

As I shared last week, A. has been struggling to make contact with the coach pitch. 

He can do it, I know he can...but when he averages 50% tee/ 50% pitch hits....well, you gotta start working with him at home.

So, that's what we've been doing.

And we've been encouraging him to level out his swing, calm down a bit (he gets nervous at the beginning of every game), and just for good measure, I bribed him with an ice cream stop if he hits a home run of the coach pitch.

So, I just need to set the scene for you....as I'm reliving it for myself as well,

bare with me.  :)

We have an awesome team.  The kids are great, but I'm enjoying the parents as well.

We have the team where ALL the parents show up every game night...with extended relatives in tow.

All the parents know all the kids names on the team,

and we cheer them all on- by name.

Not only that, but the boys are encouraging each other on the field as well.

It's a great chemistry, it's a great team.

Last week, A. hit a home run off the tee.  He prooved that he has some strength....

...but it had the "tee" looming over the hit.

Coach started calling him "T-man" to razz him up a bit and keep him motivated to keep trying to hit off the coach.

So...Thursday, A. went up to bat, and kept dropping the bat on his swing. 

He tried...but the referee ended up pulling out the tee. 

Poor A, he was so discouraged.  His body posture slumped, and he looked at me with a frown.  A few other moms were like "It's ok, A....just blow it away now!" 

I gave him a "thumbs-up" and told him that he has complete control now, and just have fun.  (He hit a line drive out to left field and got a double.)  Later, D. gave him a few pointers about loosening up his grip a bit and encouraged him for next time.

We're a great team like that.  :)

In the 4th inning, A. was up to bat again.

Swing, miss.

Swing, miss.

Swing.....

* * * * * * * *  TINK  * * * * * * * * *

(you know, that PERFECT "tink" of the ball hitting the bat in the sweet spot)

D. FLIES to his feet. 

Arms in the air, running up to the chain link fence, hooting and hollering all the way.
(I can honestly say I've never seen him more physically excited and amazingly vocal about anything!)

The coach yells, "Soccer players...HEADS UP!  Incoming!"

The ball is FLYING out of our baseball park.

ALL the parents get to their feet....

....shouting my son's name.  Praising him.

 ...clapping for all their worth.

The kids in the dugout were jumping around like jumping beans....hollering A's name.

                            Then, I look up:

Alex is hitting home plate.

Kirgin is rounding third.

Max is flying past second.

Bases were loaded.

My boy just hit a grand slam.

A. continued to run the bases....

....with the BIGGEST smile on his face.

My heart was swelling.

(I have to admit I was choking back a tear or two.)

He did this!

He did it!

All on his own, he did it!

The three boys that ran in on A's hit waiting for him at home plate...jumping up and down, cheering him on.



He made it in, greeted his teammates at home plate...

...and the parents stood up to cheer again.  Shouting kudos to my son.

D. met him through the chain link fence and gave him some "pounds" and a "way to go buddy!"



A. received more accolades from the coaches, and was swarmed in the dugout. 

High-fives, hugs, and back pats abound.

My son had perma-grin.

I slipped around the back side of the dug out and waited for eye contact.

When he saw me, he ran over and gave me the biggest hug.

He said, "Thank you for your help, mom.  I love you so much!"

Quickly followed by

"When do I get ice cream?!?!?"

This is one of those moments that I never want to forget.

 I'm so proud of him, and I'm so proud for him.

My son hit a grand slam.



Exceeded expectations

Up until Friday of last week, I was totally oblivious to the fact that Mother's Day was on Sunday.

Oblivious.

And, since there has been zero discussion about Mother's Day with this husby, I had zero expectations.

Really, zero.

D has been very busy with work lately- leaving the house at 6:30, coming home at 6:30,
spending an hour with the boys, doing bedtime, and then doing paperwork until 11.
Sleep, lather, rinse, repeat.

Really, I had zero expectations.

But, on Sunday morning, I awoke to having my decaf coffee already made.  :)

And, he went out with the boys on Thursday night and had them pick put a hanging basket.

It's beautiful.

And they had a sweet card.

It was wonderful.

After church, I fed the family, and D took A to our old neighbor's house to install some shelving.

C. and I cuddled on the couch...and I konked out.

Oblivious to the entire world around me for an entire blissful hour.

Since my nap was totally rejuvenating, I decided to (call my mom, first...then)

took C. to Meijer where we picked out some things for an activity I could do with the boys.

This activity also doubled as a grandma's Mother's Day present.

So, I got quality time with the boys, and we have presents to deliver to grandma's.

Win/ win in my book.  :)

Then, thanks to an amazingly generous tip from a D&J customer, we had a gift certificate to go out to dinner.

Mother's Day was the perfect excuse to use it.  :)

(unfortunately, I burned my pinky finger on my super hot plate :(   )

At least the food was good. 

Hooray for great a Mother's Day!

I hope your day was as great and blessed as mine was!

5QF

Woohoo!!!  It's FRIDAY!

I'm so happy about the weekend. 

Except, until yesterday, I didn't realize that this weekend included Mother's Day.  I'm pretty sure D doesn't realize it either.  It's not like the dude has nothing on his plate.  I'm just hoping for a nice low-key day spent with my boys.  :)

Also, something BIG happened to A last night....I'm thinking it needs a blog post all its own...so you'll have to wait!  I got all verklempt.  It was a great moment.  Can't wait to tell you all about it!


Ok, enough teasing...on with the questions!

1. What advice would you give a couple getting married?


There's one piece of advice that I received while at sales camp the week before my wedding.  I took that advice, and I'm soooo glad I did. 

"When you're standing up at the alter, and the pastor announces you husband and wife, and introduces you for the first time...don't rush out of the church all fast.  Stop.  Look up, look around at everyone.  They're all there for you.  Celebrating your marriage, your love.  Soak in that love and happiness from them.  There will never be another moment like that in your life."
I did that.  We kissed, and the pastor announced us Mr. and Mrs.  And I looked up and saw all these smiling faces of people I love and adore.  My heart just swelled.  I had just married the perfect man for me, it was a perfect ceremony, and I got to absorb all that love.  I remember that moment like it was yesterday.

Best.advice.ever.

2. If you could tell your 16 year old self ONE thing, what would it be?

I would probably tell her to steer clear of specific people in her life.  People that will be malicious and hurtful, and really not worthy of your time and effort.  They will be hard to forgive later. and cause you to have trust issues with everyone you meet going forward.

(Side note:  Thank goodness God calls us to forgive for ourselves, and to let go of that anger and resentment.  They will probably always have evil in their lives, but me?  I'm free of their grasp, and God has placed some amazing people in my life over the past decade(s) that provide healing balm for hurt friendships.)

3. What do you do to keep cool in the summer? (AC, windows, fans, swimming, etc.)

I really don't get annoyed with the heat.  I'm used to it, but in MI, we don't have crazy hot summers.  If it's too humid, I head into the AC for some less-sticky air.

4. What did you (or your wife) crave most while pregnant?

Ha!  I can actually answer this in present tense!

Right now, I'm craving fruit.  Namely, cantaloupe and strawberries, preferably cut up together in a big bowl with a fork.  MMMMMMM.  Three weeks ago, it was all citrus fruit in general. And dairy....lots of dairy.

I'm also craving some chocolate, but not as bad as I did with C.  With him, I went through 3 bags of those Cadbury mini-eggs (and still lost 11 pounds!).

With A, I craved meat.  Burgers, steaks, roasts....meat.  The redder, the better.  Weird, huh?

But, with all three.....I cannot resist a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.  Oh goodness!  The yum.


5. Who is your favorite TV mom? Why?

Patricia Heaton from Everybody loves Raymond.  I just loved that show when it was on prime time, and her character just cracks me up.  :)  From dealing with living right across the street from overbearing in-laws to being married to a mama's boy....and raising kids to boot.  I don't think there was one episode that I didn't laugh out loud.