Food Journey Update 5.12.13

I just wanted to make it official that we took Ellie off of dairy in addition to gluten about two weeks ago.  Since then, her itchies have gone away almost completely.  It is amazing.  I wish I had taken pictures to show you.

As for what am I doing about milk?  I have been making her nut milks homemade and only using them with her.  The recipes I found online were pretty consistent:  1 cup nuts to 3 cups water.

I am in need of a nut milk bag, as I have been straining them with my fine mesh strainer, and they are a bit more gritty than they would be with a milk bag. But in general I am happy with it. Two years ago, I balked at making my own nut milks but now it seems like no big deal.

Why make my own verses buying the store brands?  Mainly, the extra ingredients in the store brands.  Many have added sugar, although you can buy unsweetened versions.  Also, there is the thickener carageenan in almost every nut milk on the market.  Carageenan is a known carcinogen that has been approved for use in foods, even organic ones.

 It is amazing the journey on which God has taken me with our food... I really feel that He used our time two years ago being gluten and dairy limited and also used the meal plan Chris bought me for Christmas to prepare my heart and my abilities to handle this. I am thankful that I can do this for the health of my family!  And I am looking forward to further refining our diet to be as healthy as possible! It is an ever-changing journey, to say the least!

A turn in our food journey...

We're going gluten free. 

 At least for awhile. The reason? 

 This girl. She has a rash all over her back that is itchy and never goes away. Several times a week she complains of a belly ache after meals. Sometimes she is so lethargic she just lays on the couch for an hour. 

 I've had this sinking feeling about it for awhile now. After some research, (it wasn't much, I think I only went to one website) it was pretty clear we at least have to try the GF thing. Itchy rash, belly ache and lethargy top the list for gluten allergy. 

 Luckily, she isn't afraid of veggies. She's eating her third helping of salad as I type this post!

Ellie's Third Birthday

Decorating Ellie's Cake with Grammy

It was Ellie's third birthday last week. Here are some picture highlights.

New Hair bows from Aunt Beth (and Uncle Mike and baby Jack-Jack)

Blowing out the candles at Grammy's

New outfit from Grammy

Presents!

More Presents!

New Coat from Aunt Martha

We also had a nice party with Grandma, PapPap and Great PapPap Good.  But, I was cooking and things and not taking pictures!  Sorry!  We had a great time at that party too.  :-) 

A Day of Firsts...

Today, we had a lot of firsts, some insignificant, but some big ones!  here are some pics to go with (most of) them:

Ellie got a french braid crown on her head.

Ben got his Sparks book and vest for next year.

Sam rode in a booster seat for the first time!  He can now, since he's four!

Sam also got his second year Cubbies book.

And John, who learned to sit up last week, sat in grass for the first time.  He was definitely intrigued.

John also got his two bottom middle teeth last week. They are coming in fast, and they are cute! :-)

My Princess :-)

Pippy-long stockings, anyone?

I have taken some cute pics of Ellie recently and thought you might enjoy them.  She's quite a ham...

Bow courtesy of Miss Joan from the nursery, Llama shirt from Uncle Dave, and purple tu-tu from Aunt Julie!