Severe Food Allergies: A Blessing In Disguise?

This is a snapshot of the latest addition to my freezer. Ice-cream. Homemade treats are front and center because I have a child with food allergies to peanuts, tree nuts, sesame, rice and corn - (think corn syrup) which is in everything including hotdogs and deli meat. Every since she was tested and our fears confirmed, we've carried an epi-pen everywhere, learned to read food labels and ask questions. She's only six now and claims that these allergies have already ruined her life. She even cries about it sometimes. She shows self-restraint now because she knows what happens if she ingests those foods. So in an attempt to make it better and safer for her to enjoy eating, I make as many things as practical.  It's not easy, but it's worth it. Otherwise I buy lots of organic products and spend most of my time dissing processed foods in general.

Once I got her to try the home version of things she began to smile. Then the light bulb came on with the rest of us. We realized that thanks to Lauren we're actually eating better. Although the rest of the family doesn't share her allergies we try to buy things that she can eat too or we cook and bake things together. The result is no allergic reactions for our girl and pleasant, healthy meals and treats for us! Lauren still feels jipped at times because there's something she can't have. But she's knows I've got her covered with some type of delicious alternative or new recipe that we can try out. No mystery ingredients or suprise allergens to ruin her day, just the blessing of being well fed.

Here's to good eats,

Polly

Happy Memorial Day Weekend!

We pray that your Holiday Weekend is a safe, blessed one and we remember those who gave their lives for our country.

Many Blessings,

Polly & Meek

Au Natural

I took a chance and ventured out to Walmart on the absolute worse day and at the absolute worse time. To compound matters, I had my 21 month old with me and she was a bit restless. I went in to look at rugs because I had purchased one for my front door entrance, but it was not large enough. I decided I needed a runner to cover the space I wanted to cover. I lucked out and found a nice pattern for a reasonable price. On to picking up more hangers so we can keep our clothing off the bed and hung in the closet. Next over to pick up deoderant for my son and some other items for me.

Just as I was focused in on the Old Spice Fresh deoderant I heard a lovely voice say 'Your hair is beautiful'! I thought of my twist out style and stopped my cart and smiled at two young natural beauties. We struck up a conversation about my hair routine and gave each other tips and inspiration. Questions like 'what products do you use, how long did it take you to get the length, how did you achieve this style' were bounced around. I gave up all the details. One young lady wanted to touch my hair and I happily obliged. Shoppers were looking at us wondering what all the lively conversation at the end of the aisle was all about. Our conversation drew the attention of another natural beauty who begin to smile from afar as she realized what was happening and stopped to give her take on everything. She told us about her experience, her children's reaction to her big chop from waist long,permed hair to a teeny-weeny afro. She gave us tips and styles and spoke of the Jamaican hair style that is similar to the bantu knots we use here in the states. I loved every second of it. My little one enjoyed it too, playing with the Jamaican natural beauty's children and chiming in every now and again. The two young, natural beauties said they needed this talk and it was so awesome that it happened right there in Walmart whilst they were there for a hair emergency.

At the end of it all, I walked away very happy to have come to Walmart on that day and at that time...when the world was supposed to be coming to an end. I made meaningful connections with sisters who needed it at that moment. This is the start of something more beautiful than I could have ever imagined!

Peace & Blessings,

Meek

Photo compliments of www.celebhairstyle.net

When Geese Attack!

Aw! Look at the cute little goslings out for a morning walk with Ma and Pa. So little, so fuzzy, so precious. Awww.

After school was out we loaded our pockets with bread, grabbed the camera and rushed down to the pond. At first we couldn't see the geese anywhere, then just as we were about to go my oldest spotted them. So the kids tiptoed closer so they could feed the family and, you know, take part in nature. I stayed put to let them enjoy themselves until I noticed them getting  a little too close. 

The mama goose began shuffling her babies away.  My own maternal instinct kicked in, and I called for the children to come back to me. Several times I called them and they ignored me, too enamored by the goslings to heed. Finally I hollered again and the kids decided to turn and go. Just as they were leaving the Daddy goose got fed up with this triple threat to his babies. He stretched his huge wings and raised up in the air to a height just above the kids' heads. My babies tried to run for it. But it was no use. They screamed and shrieked in terror but that goose just kept coming -- intent on giving them a flogging! (I can't even type for laughing so hard!) I could only watch in horror and humor as they fled. Daddy goose got the oldest one and gave her a good flapping. Then he settled on the ground and calmly walked off with his family. In all of it my middle child lost her shoe and I had to send her baby brother back into goose territory to retrieve it. I was laughing but terrified and there was no way I was going after that shoe! Thankfully my 4 year old saved the day. We all ran away from the pond quickly, some in tears, some chattering excitedly. Oh, and the child who according to Daddy goose, deserved and provoked the whole attack? Well she was thrilled that she'd have new material to write about and share at school. Like mother like daughter I suppose.

Parent's Helper: Meet the Sight Words by Preschool Prep

Here's a great way to entertain and teach at the same time. I came across these DVDs as I researched different methods of teaching my middle child who just happens to be a visual learner. These DVDs are awesome and they work! Each word is introduced through music along with animation. The kids love it!

At the time we used this product my daughter was five years old and in kindergarten. My four year old begged to watch the program too and he learned quite a few words along with his sister. Although my younger one didn't absorb the material nearly as quickly as my five year old, I still think this product is great for learning all sorts of sight words which don't following the traditional rules for sounding out and deciphering as most words in the English language. We used 3 different "Meet the Sight Word" DVDs which covered about 45 sight words. My daughter learned 40 words in 10 days and my son learned 22. I give it 5 out of 5 stars. I highly recommend this product.

If you're unable to purchase this DVD through Amazon, then visit your public library. They may be able to put you on a wait list if this is a high demand item. It's worth it until you can get your own.

Blessings,
Polly