Tuesday, October 22, 2013

"Pretty in Pink"

I just can't seem to get an accurate picture, but I am pleased with the finished product...whether or not I should be.

I put the last coat on yesterday.  She's ready to go to her "forever" home.  

The recipient is my hero.  She stood by my son when he became very ill this summer.  I know many who would have headed for the nearest exit.  I know many who do...with less excuse.  It seems that this gal took her vows seriously and I don't think this family would have remained intact without her help.

So under her tree this year will be this painting.  I am pleased that it will be appreciated...cause she is just that type of gal....




Monday, October 21, 2013

Celiac Disease

I thought I would share some interesting health news.  I have just come from a Naturopath who told me some interesting news...but first.. let me backtrack.

When I was four years of age I was diagnosed with Celiac disease.  I had been complaining of abdominal pain and had spent many a morning in the school nurse's office doubled up with cramps.  Finally, my mother called our doctor...who did house calls...and he came and examined me during an episode of excruciating pain.  He immediately diagnosed me as having Celiac Disease, based on the rigidity of my stomach, and the bloating and frothy BMs I was having.

What followed was an eight year gluten free diet.  It was horrible.  There were not the substitutes that are available today.  Birthday parties were nothing to look forward to.  I could not eat the traditional fare of hot dogs and cake.  I am sure that perplexed many a mom who was hosting a party, and I distinctly remember one mom who, after she had offered me everything she had, proceeded to throw up her hands and exclaim, "Well!  What CAN you eat then?"

My birthday present in my 12th year was a graduation to the usual diet of a teenager.  I never looked back, although there were periods in my life when I again found myself doubled up with abdominal pain...and then, there were the rashes on my hands which plagued me unmercylessly.

 I occasionally thought about Celiac Disease and wondered if it had returned, but there was NO way I would voluntarily put myself on THAT diet ever again....besides which, I had put on weight, and I thought, incorrectly that all Celiacs were skinny.  Not so.  

I never mentioned my health history to my children until my daughter started having many of the same symptoms as I had when I was four.  She developed a very bad rash on her hands which made her consider that she might have an allergy to something she was ingesting and after being tested with lab work, and a biopsy it was determined that she does have Celiac disease.

I have chosen not to undergo a biopsy.  If there is damage done, it is damage that has occurred over the past 50 years and the only thing that will right that is a gluten free diet.  

For the past three years I have had excruciating pain in my left foot, fourth toe.  I have been through every test known to man and the closest I have come to having it diagnosed was at the Foot Clinic where it was strongly felt the pain was nerve related.  Lately, both calves have been "achey."

Today I took the alternative route and went to see a Naturopath.  After a thorough examination, and health history, this doctor concurred that the pain was most likely nerve pain.  She also said it was most likely damage caused by an untreated Celiac condition, and a nutrition deficiency as a result of this.

I have been advised to follow a strict gluten free diet for three months, and take supplements which she has prescribed.

For the fist time in three years, I feel hopeful.

Celiac Disease is nothing to scoff at.  Untreated Celiac Disease can lead to Cancer...Diabetes...arthritis.
Google Celiac Disease for more information.

Consider a Doctor of Naturopathy.  You will find that they look at the whole picture rather than focusing on the symptom, and prescribing chemicals that can be toxic.

Thursday, October 17, 2013

Thanksgiving on the River!


This Saturday we hosted 16 people, and eight of them were children!  Dinner was the usual fare except this year the children picked carrots from the garden, and these were served with potatoes that nana and papa grew.

The weather was gorgeous, and there was one last boat trip on the river.


Owen was captain and steered the craft through calm waters....


...while Mandi and her nephew ( who is 10) compared their heights....


Halen's turn!

We ate outside, and afterward, the children removed the corn cobs from the stalk.  What secrets that were hidden, waiting to be revealed when the husks were removed!


The last hoorah was when Uncle B. hung a pumpkin PiƱata!  Great fun!!

All in all, it was a wonderful celebration...my favorite!  There is NOTHING like family time, and our family is growing!  My heart swells when I see how well my children get along.  They care for each other, and look after each other.  What more could a mom ask?

I will remember this particular Thanksgivng for a long time to come....then...next year there will be new memories to make!

I am certainly Thankful for my family.