Wipe the frosting off your fingers and ponder with me a moment!

     Today I am doing a little pondering.  I do more and more of that as I mature (get older).  No reason to say just how old I am, but we all know that I'm a Grandmother and so that would mean I have put a few years behind me.    
      Anyway back to the pondering.  This past year I have learned a lot about food allergies and the past several years I have learned a lot about sugar and carbs.  I like what I have learned.  I feel like I am healthier and happier physically, more informed mentally and more empathetic emotionally.
      Over the years I have experienced food in many different ways.  It has been a part of celebrations, a reward, a companion, a comfort and a delight!  Christmas couldn't possibly be Christmas without cherry pudding.  What would a camp out be without s'mores?  I've made birthday cakes in the shape of dump trucks and Barbies.  I've entered the Pillsbury Cook off (never winning, of course) and even won a local cooking contest with my famous marshmellow brownies.  I've bought sugary popsicles for a sick child, and special treats for 100% scores on spelling test.  I've rewarded my piano students with treats for every day of practice and I've achieved reverence in my church class with suckers and tootsie rolls.  I've popped popcorn for a movie, made hot chocolate for after tubing, and always had lemonade and cookies for when we got out of the pool.  I was first to sign up for room mother and spent hours making spider cakes for Halloween and sugar cookies for Valentines day.  If a neighbor was sick or having a hard time I've baked them a treat or some homemade bread.
     My goodness as I ponder I realize that food was apart of everything.  Good?  Bad?  Maybe neither, but worth pondering and considering what I have learned and how it has changed the way I look at food.
     My husband had always been borderline diabetic.  His Mother died of complications of diabetes.  He knew he should be watching his weight and what he ate, but how could he be asked to give up his chocolate milk and Snickers bar.  Anyway, it was borderline, right?
    Then it wasn't.  One check up several years ago it tipped the scales and now he had full blown type two diabetes.  Was he really overweight.  No.  Maybe only ten or twenty pounds, but did that matter?  No.  The prognosis was still the same.  If you don't do something now you will damage your body to the extent that you will experience blindness, amputation or death.  All consequences of untreated diabetes.  Ponder that!
      We began to see food a little differently that day and over the past few years as we have watched our carbs, refined flours, and sugars we have also become educated about good foods and eating habits.  We have learned that food can make you healthy or it can kill you.  We have chosen healthy and it is good.  My husband is no longer on any meds for diabetes and his numbers are back in the healthy zone.  Does that mean that we never eat a sweet treat or share a fry?  Of course not.  But we do it sparingly and we often replace it with a nice crispy apple or a healthy serving of salad.  It's great and we hope that it will help us stay healthy and backpacking for many years to come.
     Last year we learned that our little Mazzy Mae had a peanut allergy.  Would this mean more changes to our diet?  Certainly.  Could we make them and still be happy?  Sure.  Would it take some effort?  Yes, but well worth it.  And most of all would we learn from it and become better because of it?   I hope so.
     As I ponder my experience with food these last few years I am grateful that I am being taught.  Taught that food was meant to keep our bodies healthy, not cause disease.  Taught that food doesn't need to be part of a good time.  Taught that life isn't all about food and that even if it were I would sacrifice for those that I love so that they could be safe and healthy. 
     In a society plagued with food related health problems, obesity, and a rising population of food allergic children maybe we should all take a minute to ponder what role food plays in our lives and to make adjustments if we don't like what we see.  Let's find joy in a hike, a book, a friend, a hobby, a museum, a playground, a concert, a ballgame, a sunset, a snowstorm, a quiet moment, a crowded room... let's put food in it's place and always remember that life is wonderful with or without the cupcake!

Love for those that make food allergies a little easier!

Today Mazzy and I had the pleasure of attending our first Valentines Day party. My friend and neighbor Kalie put together such a sweet little Love Day themed play date, and bless her wonderful soul made it candy free so me and my little lady could attend without worries. The kids brought valentines to share that included pencils, stickers, kazoos, and glow bracelets. Not only are these items allergen free, but they last a whole lot longer than the usual candy hearts. So in honor of this affectionate holiday I thought I would give a shout out to some of the products and support teams that make my life as a food allergy Momma a little easier. So...in no particular order!

#1: F.A.R.E (aka. Food Allergy Research and Education) A year ago I had no idea what F.A.R.E was. Now I use them as a resource for dependable information, pintable's, and support. It means so much to me as a Momma that they work so hard to raise awareness, They have a big voice and are very wise in the way they use it. Thanks F.A.R.E!!

#2: Dum.Dum Suckers- Sometimes a "treat" is needed, and luckily these multi flavored suckers are free of all of the top 8 allergens. Our favorite go to for the treat bucket at the bank, we also indulge at the local post office here. I always sigh a little prayer of thanks when my little lady gets to partake right along with the other little ones.

#3: Kids With Food Allergies Foundation- I remember watching my first webinar on eating out with food allergies... After watching and absorbing as much info as I could, I felt so much more confident and hopeful. I now call ahead, carry our chef cards, and work directly with the manager any time we eat out. They have provided me with countless resources and valuable tools to keep my little lady safe. The support forums are a wonderful way to connect and collect advise from the experiences of others.

#4: Culvers- Looking for a place for a really good hamburger and fries? I was so surprised and excited when I informed the cashier of Mazzy's allergy. The cashier was obviously well trained, and promptly entered the allergen info into her computer...up on the screen in big red letters pops up PEANUT ALLERGY. The cooks note the heads up and quickly wash all prep surfaces, change their aprons, and wash their hands. This was not what I expected from a "fast food" joint, but I was so grateful I almost cried (literally).

#5: Sunbutter- A most delicious and healthy alternative to the traditional peanut butter. Our house is never without a jar or two...ever had a Sunbutter cookie? Sooooo good! Free of not only those pesky peanuts, but tree nut and gluten as well. This company not only makes a great product, but has made such a loving effort to reach out and support the food allergy community. I think I need a Sunbutter and honey sandwich :)

What are your favorite go to brands, products, and support teams? I can use all the tips I can get.
Please comment, or shout it out on the old FB page....

https://www.facebook.com/foodallergykids

Or maybe twitter is more your style...

https://twitter.com/TalkForMeTees

Why Not? I mean....it's only a childs life I guess.

 

 

So, something I have noticed, not only in myself but also as a recurring sentiment from other food allergy parents, is that there is often a feeling of guilt for "inconveniencing" everybody that might have to accommodate our child's special diet. I find myself cringing at the annoyance we must be creating, and hoping that this wont prevent further invitations for my little lady to participate. An easy example, and current hot button issue that I have yet to face, but will in time, is making school a safe place for a child with food allergies. I was talking to my Mom about this just the other day, and I heard myself say "I understand they can't make everyone change because one child has a food allergy". My very wise mother then stated plainly..."why not?"

Think about it. If you stop and think about what is at stake how can you argue any other way? It's not just a matter of a rash, or hurt feelings. In so many cases a child's life is at risk! What could be more pressing and important than a CHILDS LIFE!! Go ahead, I dare you, to give me a legitimate argument against banning food from the classroom (not the lunchroom) when you look at things in that context. In fact I would love to hear what is rolling around in your mind, I am open to hearing and learning from your point of view.

 People would be shocked if a school refused to provide a wheelchair ramp. A school would literally be shut down if they failed to maintain and comply with current fire safety standards. And how about we just get rid of recess aids and crossing guards. We do so many things as parents, teachers, and caregivers to keep children safe. But I can't help but feeling that we are failing miserably in an extremely critical area.

 I understand that many out there don't understand the science of cross contamination. And others are facing their own dietary challenges. But I would hope that we as adults can learn to understand and support each other as we all learn how to deal with this life threatening condition.

Let's find new ways to celebrate birthdays. And instead of having a Dad's and doughnuts day, lets take dad out and plant some trees or flowers. Lets get creative and find new ways to award our children for their achievements. I'm going to say it once and for all... The classroom is just not the place for food anymore.

So, food allergic parents, we need to stop apologizing and feeling guilt for protecting our child's life. It is expected of you as the guardian of your child's life and wellbeing. And, non-food allergic parents, you are blessed not to face this challenge, and please be patient with us as we do. Let's work together to create a safe and happy environment for all children to learn and grow.

Again I would love to hear your thoughts, I am sure there is much to be learned and considered.