Wheat fee, Gluten Free, Soy Free, Nut Free, Corn Free, Pork Free, Shellfish Free........

 Stevi and I went to a specialist today to try to pinpoint her allergies.  The tests came back positive for 100's of allergies, some small, some very serious.  Yes she did test positive for the allergies to wheat and gluten...easy once you know.  Not for us.  Not only is she allergic to wheat and gluten which seems to be in everything, she is also allergic to any tree nut, soy and corn (which is in most gluten free items), pork and shellfish.  So allergic in fact, the Dr. gave her another prescription for an additional epipen, and an inhaler, both of which she must have on her at all times, and she is now on prednisone to help with her hives and itching.  As of now, she needs to stop taking all antihistamines for at least 72 hours and Monday we go back and she will be getting the allergy scratch test since the blood tests are not as accurate as far as which allergies are deadly and which once are just going to be irritating to her.  Monday will take about two hours and we should know exactly which ones are life threatening to her and which ones she may just have an intolerance to, as of now  she is to stay away from ALL gluten, wheat, soy, corn, shellfish, nuts, and even salmon, which includes all bi-products and possible cross contaminations.  She will be put on a '504' at school which is for all students with any life threatening diseases, allergies or health issues.  There have been a lot of tears, me and her and Daddy, try shopping with a 15 year old and looking at the boxes and essentially putting everything back on the shelf.  Next time you shop, or go to your cupboard  try to find 3 things within 5 minutes... bet you can't.  She can have beef, chicken, rice, potatoes and all fresh fruits and vegetables, except corn...sounds easy, but it isn't.  Breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks must all be eaten this way.


After her Dr. appointment she was starving of course so I took her to PF Chang's, they have a Gluten free menu.  But all gluten free cooking contains soy or corn of some sort in the sauces.  We told the waitress and she was AMAZING!!!! She went and got a print out of the menu eliminating all of her allergies and brought the manager to us.  The only thing she could have was the Budda's Feast with steamed white rice.  But the manager took one look at her disappointed face and said, "We can steam some chicken for you so it doesn't touch the grill and steam the rice and vegetables so we don't risk it coming in contact with any other ingredients..."  So that is what we had, the waitress and the manager came over more than a few times to ask how it was, if she felt OK and the waitress actually sat at our table and talked to Stevi about how hard it must be and some of the diets she has had to be on herself.  Then out of the blue she asked Stevi..."CAN YOU HAVE HONEY?!"  "Yes" Stevi replied.  She said.." I'll be right back I have a special treat for you!"  She left and came back proudly holding 2 smoothies for us that she had made in the back, by herself with honey and fresh berries.  Not only did she make them herself, she didn't charge us and again the manager came over and asked if it was good.  The best service I think I may have ever had with genuine concern and kindness.  The waitress' name is Asshlee Lanskey, she is a beautiful young black woman from Alabama and she has  just moved here.  If you go in to PF Changs' please ask for her and  you will be treated well with a smile and nice sweet conversation.  When you have special needs like that, a lot of servers would fake it or even be put out... I am still speechless at the care we were given and the kindness to a 15 year old girl who is having a difficult time realizing that this is going to change the way she eats for the rest of her life.  Thank you Asshlee... from now on, if we are able to go to dinner, we will be dining in your section. 

My daughter the Celiac?

The Epipen in case ......

 Since she was 10, she has had stomach problems, I thought she may be lactose intolerant, sometimes I thought it was an excuse to be a picky eater.  Like me she has issues with her stomach..(If you read my blog on the 5th 'Let's talk Poo', you know what I am talking about.  It is frustrating as a parent to have a child who is sick all the time and has a stomach ache, cramps and other issues.  We have been to the doctor multiple times and she has been treated for acid reflux. Unsuccessfully. Yesterday morning it was my Mom's turn to rescue us.  She woke me up at 6 am freaking out because she thought she had chicken pox.  As she scratched herself like a dog with fleas, I assured her she was having an allergic reaction and she was broken out with hives.  We got her under control with Benedryl and Hydro cortisone Cream so she calmed down and I called my Mom.  As I was calling my Mom, she started to try to get ready for the day and started freaking out again because her face was burning.  I looked at her and she looked like she had chemical burns or like she had gone snow skiing and had severe wind burn.  So I made her wash her face and nothing we tried would relieve the burning.  I made her an appointment with the doctor and she got in with one of his assistants.  She made herself a list of all her ailments and brought them with her when my mom came to take her.  She needed to be tested for Celiac Disease.  Why didn't I think of that!?  I have so many clients with this disease and I never ever thought that would be what would come up.  It all makes sense.  I read all day yesterday and until 3 am this morning.  I did research with google and all my clients that are living with this disease.  If this is what it is, which makes perfect sense, it would explain every issue she is having and can be controlled primarily with diet changes.  It's amazing how many foods contain wheat or gluten products.  Below is a basic list of Okay foods and not okay foods. We are assuming this is the problem and are trying to be proactive as this is a healthy way to eat with or without Celiac Disease.  It's the clean way to eat and is the basis for many diets such as P90X and the Paleo and Mediterranean diets. This is a very healthy lifestyle change so we will see if it makes a difference and I still need to call the doctor for the lab results,  I'm almost thinking that Jayson and I may have at least an intolerance.  It would certainly explain a lot of my issues that just have become regular to me.  Although it took me 20 minutes to find Gluten Free cereal and Soy milk (Rice Chex has 5 varieties)  I am now aware of the options out there since this seems to be an epidemic. Stevi had a party for cheer this afternoon after school, and it was really difficult for her, she was able to have Corn chips and cheese, but my friend Barb told me that the new coffee shop Lighthouse Cafe on the corner of Pyramid and Eagle Canyon, right near our home and the school, that gets a new delivery every Thursday afternoon of all locally baked Gluten Free pastries, cookies, do-nuts and scones, they also have bread.  I have gotten quite an education and a quick look into a world of frustration and serious allergic reactions.  All I want is my daughter to feel good and normal and to not have to cover up rashes and other skin ailments.  I have a long road of educating myself ahead of me, and I intend to make sure my daughter is healthy, happy and comfortable.  

Menu Plan Monday

Monday- Neighbor Robert is cooking!!!

Tuesday- Tuna sandwiches and Potato, cheddar and bacon soup.

Wednesday- Slow cooker Spicy Baked Ziti and Apple Spinach Salad (from relish iphone app)

Thursday- Turkey Meat Loaf with Red Currant sauce/Garlic Mashers (from relish)

Friday- Sirloin Steaks with pomegranate glaze/Classic Baked Potato (from relish)

Saturday- Salon Christmas Party

Sunday- Chicken w/Apricots and Dried Cherries/ Steamed Broccoli and Baby Carrots (from relish)

Menu Plan Monday

Monday- Shephard's Pie

Tuesday- Zucchini & Corn Tacos

Wednesday- Mac-n-Cheese

Thursday- Pork chops with Carrots, shallots, Sage and Thyme

Friday- Chicken, grated beets, beet greens with orange butter

Saturday- Date Night, CJ Palace

Sunday- Left over buffet/ fend for yourself

Menu for the week.......

Organizing junkie suggested this in her saving money and budgeting section and it really works.  So now I am back on track.  First step is to go through your fridge and pantry and see what meals you can make out of what you already have on hand......then whatever days I need to fill in, I hit the sales ad and start clipping coupons.  This week with snacks lunch stuff and what I had to get to fill in for dinners, I only spent $90 for the whole week.  That is pretty good for us, half of my budget, before I did the menu plan, I would pretty much shop blindly and end up with too much food, throwing a lot of the fresh produce away eventually.  Try it, it works!

• MONDAY:   Pancakes with blueberries and bacon
• TUESDAY:   Salami and cheese sandwiches with fresh corn on the cob
• WEDNESDAY:   Turkey bolognese with fresh baked 7-up bread
• THURSDAY: Fettuccine Alfredo with sauteed jumbo shrimp sauteed in salt, pepper, tarragon and oregano, with fresh pressed garlic toast.
• FRIDAY  :  Spaghetti with mixed veggies in marinara sauce.
• SATURDAY: Grilled pork chops, roasted potatoes and mixed veggies.
• SUNDAY:  On your own, left overs, lets clean out the fridge!

Mmmm TOO MUCH FOOD!

I'm still full.

Not kidding, we need to get up now that we hear movement in the house.  Yesterday Stevi and I went shopping to make dinner and we marinaded 4 lbs. of strip steak in Worchestshire sauce with green onions, lemon zest and rock salt with pepper, roasted potatoes in olive oil , salt and pepper and fresh rosemary, thyme and sage, sauteed asparagus in butter with salt and pepper and then shredded Gouda cheese on top.

Before that, Jack helped me start dessert in the ice cream maker, Stevi chose peanut butter ice cream which is made with heavy and light whipping cream, sugar and creamy peanut butter.  It was, as Pippa would say..."The best ice cream 

I have had in my entire life!"  See her jumping for joy in the picture?

  For the ice cream party we sliced bananas, had chopped nuts, chocolate chips, chocolate syrup, whipped cream and chocolate dipped cones as well as waffle bowls.  It was fantastic, as Stevi and I brought Jack for his evening wagon ride, I guess the topic of conversation at the house was when are they getting an ice cream maker.  It makes for a fun evening and there is no ice cream like

 home made ice cream.  Time to get up and walk the 3 miles to get coffee, I need to walk off dinner from last night!

Dinner with the kids, my mom and Martha

As you know my new obsession is Martha Stewart's web site but so far every recipe I have done through it has been fabulous so tonight it is Beef Tenderloin with endive slaw, (I can eat those low carb dishes) and Lemon and Thyme Potatoes Au gratin and no bake cheese cake.  I just love love love her recipes!  If I make it up this week Chrissy we have to play around and make some fabulous meals for the boys!

Since there is snow all over the ground looks like our hike is off, but at least I will get some house cleaning done.......mark set go!

My new obsession

I'm a dork!  I used to hate her now I love her!  I am obsessed with her web site.  I have tried the menu's and they are not only delicious but so easy to follow and tell you which steps to follow in order so it is all timed perfectly.  Humor me and play along, check it out, Liz and Amy I think you guys will especially love it!  MarthaStewart.com  

Menu Monday

• Sunday - Porkchops, vegetables, croissant, funfetti cookie
• Monday- Boca/Salmon burger, mashed potatoes, corn, pudding
• Tuesday- Egg Salad sandwich, chips, apple slices
• Wednesday- Hot dogs, cottage cheese, salad, cookie
• Thursday- Chicken breast, rice, green beans, pie
• Friday-Meatloaf, baked potatoe, stir fried squash, orange wedges with whipped cream
• Saturday- Pizza, salad, pie.

Menu Monday

• Sunday- Boca Burgers, mashed potatoes and gravy, salad,  homemade buttery spritz cookies
• Monday- Pot Stickers, won-ton soup, ice-cream sandwich
• Tuesday- Healthy Choice frozen dinner, salad, Zuchini bread
• Wednesday- Sauteed Jumbo Shrimp, salad, cous cous, cookies
• Thursday-Tomato soup, grilled cheese sandwiches, pudding
• Friday-Pot pie, cookie
• Saturday- Egg salad sandwich and potatoe chips, ice-cream sandwich

On the Bandwagon.......

• Sunday-Corndogs, potatoe salad and a frozen fruit bar
• Monday- Boneless skinless chicken thighs, mixed vegetables, mashed potatoes and homemade orange pecan cookie.
• Tuesday-Potroast, sweet peas, white rice, Garlic bread with parmesan cheese and Halloween Candy
• Wednesday- Beef ribs, Mashed potatoes, fresh fried zuccini and butternut squash in olive oil and frozen fruit bar
• Thursday-Taquitos and mini tacos with Tortilla chips and salsa and a homemade cookie
• Friday-Ceasar salad and applesauce with a frozen fruit bar
• Saturday-Fetticcini Alfredo, ceasar salad, garlic bread with cheese and a homemade cookie