Food Allergies and Science Experiments

In our last chapter in Science a few years sgo, we had instructions to complete an experiment with eggs.

In case you were not aware, I have 3 children allergic to eggs :/

So normally I would just skip the experiment/activity. Like when Saxon 1 calls for using peanuts... we have peanut allergies, too... obviously we just SKIP it or find a substitute (in that case we used jelly beans in plastic Easter eggs).

This recent experiment though seemed pretty safe because if it was done correctly the kids would have no need to come in contact with the eggs.  So we tried it;)



YAY!!

The hesitation (and nervous fussing) was magnified due to the eggs being present:/ And during this 1st attempt both girls (and possibly Nate as well) were WAY behind me... so they could see but not be anywhere near the eggs:)

I am thankful for my children's healthy respect of some of these food they are allergic to since they can (and have) made them ill. So they DO need to be super cautious about knowing what ingredients are in foods they are planning to eat. AND knowing what foods are lingering around them... ie, peanut shells near playgrounds, scrambled egg leftovers in the sink, or even a gallon of milk in the fridge when we have company.

But there should also be a healthy balance that I am constantly striving to model. I don't want their allergies to unnecessarily limit them! Like not going to the park because of the peanut shells. Or not wanting to touch a cart at the grocery store because what residue might be leftover from the person before us (who gave their noisy kiddo a peanut butter snack at the store).

Thankfully.... with taking some necessary precautions, like warnings NOT to touch the egg:) Or to step back, just in case the egg flies... LOL! We had a fun time with this experiment and grew a little bit with our food allergies, too.

Tiny Talk - Not a Baby & "egg" Hunt

"Tan you help me (r)wide my bike?" and then he's off;)

Growing up too fast:)

2 weeks and 3 days until he's 4! How is that possible?????

Nate and I were talking about the days and weeks left until his birthday and he said,"Oh, why can't it only be 2 days left?"

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And taking the crew to the grocery store is finally getting easier and easier;) The older ones mess with each other sometimes but have learned it to their benefit to help me so we get out of the store more quickly.

Nate though is still learning:/ While he wants to walk freely about, usually he ends up in the front basket where he is contained and can't wander. But that often is NOT what he wants and is protested loudly by cries of "I am NOT a baby!" LOL!!

So yes, even though it IS getting easier.... it's still not chaos-free!

And then he gets into the car after the grocery shop and does this:)

Totally OUT!

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We went to a friend's church for an egg hunt on Saturday! We really enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere and the kids all had friends to play with! Larry did a great job telling the story of the cross and presenting the Gospel. And then the kids began the hunt!

It was much different than we are used to;) They had scattered the candy all over the ground instead of putting it all in eggs. They joked about it "cutting out the middle man" but it was a huge blessing for us.

Most holidays and food allergies just don't mesh well:( Our kids are either put at risk getting into something or left out or awkwardly "separated out". We were always thankful for a safe Easter day at a neighbor's house that made us skip Easter events for many years. Of course every hard Easter has been well-meaning.....

 but food allergies DO make us different and DO at times separate us from others:/ It's just reality.

To be honest, I was just going to let my kids hunt eggs like everyone else and then help them separate the candy. I know, I was kind of leery but I hated for them to have another weird Easter function.... and last year we did it that way with no issues (but they had not used chocolate/peanut candy).

So seeing just candy scattered on the grass was awesome for us;)

 The girls got to hunt, too! No pictures of Chris because he stayed home to be with his daddy.


And Nate cracked me up:) He only picked up the kinds he liked. And then at first only one of each kind so others could have some too:)

Allergy Friendly, no Bake Energy Balls

We tried a new recipe a week or so ago...

I challenged myself at New Years to try new foods... not just try but to bring in new flavors and dishes to our routine of unoriginal meals. It's challenging to cook for younger children and food allergies... there are already soo many limits to our diets and choices.

But I went out on a limb on this simple recipe. First it came from a mom of little ones;) And it was easily adaptable to our food allergies. It was pretty easy to prepare and I loved that it didn't include soy, milk products, wheat or sugar:) YAY!!

Before I give the exact ingredient list and the "how do", I want to credit Smashed Peas and Carrots for sharing this delightful treat!! And the recipe I share below is how we adapted her recipe to fit our needs, she includes many different variations of this recipe !

No-Bake Energy Bites  

from Smashed Peas and Carrots

1 cup oatmeal

1/2 cup sunflower seed butter

1/3 cup honey

1 cup coconut flakes

1/2 cup ground flaxseed

1 tsp vanilla

1/2 cup chocolate chips

We mixed the first 6 ingredients together (everything but the chocolate chips). I found that it just mixes better without the big chocolate chips.

Then we added the chocolate chips :) And there are some little fingers stealing some chips from the bowl, too!

Stick the mixture in the fridge for a half an hour to firm up a bit:) And then make balls and enjoy!

We made balls when we wanted them. We left the spoon in the mixture in the fridge for that purpose;)

As far as whether the kids liked them....

Well, Chris (6 yrs) scared me to death. He tried a ball and then another. He was determining whether he liked it or not when he started complaining his throat  hurt and then he started gagging and threw up.... lovely! Although I had thought it was an allergic reaction and HAD given him Benadryl, I later remembered that he had had no hives on his face or mouth. He later told me it has something weird in it that got stuck in his throat... probably the coconut.... phew! A little bit scary, especially since Brian was out-of-town that part of the week!

Anna (7 yrs)  was not a fan either :(

But Lydia (5 yrs) and Nate (23 months) LOVE them!! They will easily help make and eat them!

I also packed some for Brian's lunch one morning! He liked them and shared them with a co-worker:) LOL!!

So, 4 out of 6 isn't too bad, especially for something with healthy proteins and a treat without wheat or sugar.

Linking up to...
Tuesdays at the Table @ All the Small Stuff
Tasty Tuesday @ Balancing Beauty and Bedlam
Blessed with Grace
Tasty Tuesday @ 33 Shades of Green 
Allergy Free Wednesday
Works For Me Wednesday

Dairy & Egg-Free Ice Cream Sandwiches

We are taking two of our favorites and putting them together for our "new" recipe this week :)

The first is our favorite dairy and egg-free chocolate chip cookie recipe from Food Allergy Mama.

The recipe is totally worth re-posting... with a few tweaks:)

THE BEST CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIE
from Food Allergy Mama

2/3 c. dairy free shortening
1/2 c. brown sugar
1/2 c. granulated sugar
1/2 to a whole box of Jello vanilla pudding mix (my tweak)
1 tsp. good quality vanilla extract
1/4 c. unsweetened applesauce
1 3/4 c. all purpose flour
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1 c. mini dairy free chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 375 degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a mixer fitted with the paddle attachment combine the shortening, brown sugar, granulated sugar, vanilla and applesauce. In a separate medium bowl combine the flour, baking soda and salt with a wire whisk. Add to shortening mixture and combine until creamy. Stir in chocolate chips and drop with a cookie scooper onto prepared baking sheet.

Bake 12-14 minutes (we usually only bake them about 9 minutes) or until lightly brown. Cool slightly on baking sheet and serve!

** I NEVER make just ONE batch. I always double it... always! Whether we have no other sweets in the house or someone needs to bring a snack or we are wanting to share!


The second favorite for this recipe is Trader Joe's soy ice cream!!

I have to be honest, I detest MOST non-dairy ice creams!! I don't think they are worth the calories;)LOL!!

But Trader Joe's has some fantastic soy ice cream making skills;)  We purchase ice cream (and chocolate chips) while we visit with family and then transport it all packed up in multiple coolers to get it home! Or we make them bring us some when they visit;) Thanks, MOM!!!

Cookie, Trader Joe's Soy Ice Cream...

and another Cookie;)

A delicious "new" desert for us that is delightful to eat:)

Linking up to...
Tuesdays at the Table @ All the Small Stuff
Tasty Tuesday @ Balancing Beauty and Bedlam
Blessed with Grace
Tasty Tuesday @ 33 Shades of Green 

More Works for Me Wednesday @ We Are That Family!

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Friends Who Understand Food Allergies

Since figuring out our food allergies the idea of having a meal out is frightening... at a restaurant, a friend's house, church social, birthday parties and even snack at soccer !! Food is everywhere and included during most celebrations!!

For many years I have brought our own foods to new places to eat... to church socials, to friends' and yes, I often bring food (at least for the kids and dressing for Brian's salad) into restaurants!! For me it's their safety which is very important.

And before you think I'm some CRAZED, hovering, micro-managing mama... let me tell you that besides their initial reactions at home that told us our kids have food allergies, all the rest have happened while out-to-eat or eating with friends/family.

But things are changing....

 * maybe it's that food allergies are becoming more common and so there is more awareness

 * maybe my kids are getting older taking some of the responsibility on themselves

 * maybe I talk about it too much

 * or maybe we have the BEST FRIENDS in the WORLD :)

Friends that we used to eat with often, church members who fix special plates for us, soccer moms being sure they bring one "safe" food for my child, grandparents that check and double check ingredients and now homeschooling friends fixing a birthday meal with us in mind...

We are soo thankful for the community around us that reads labels and goes totally out of the way to be sure that my kids  feel normal around their peers!!

My food allergy kids can participate in eating cake at a birthday party....

and scooping up candy from a pinata!!

297. We thank you:).... all of you:)

And this week we were very honored to be served in this way at their children's birthday party!! Oh, and we had a blast too;)

298. safe birthday cake
299. friends who understand food allergies
300.. learning to play cornhole with Daddy

301. swinging with a friend

302. working together with friends

303. flying airplanes

304. a friend to call during "one of those days"... love you:)
305. hanging out on the bed together
306. seeing the kids hide under the table during science
307. fall decor
308. fluffy clouds
309. trampoline exercising

Just Random Thoughts

Sometimes I find it soo hard to blog...

it's not that I don't have anything to write.... it's just that sometimes I am process soo much and I"m not sure what to write. What to share, what to keep processing, what to keep to myself :/

A friend does a post called Mind Dump... LOL!!! So this is sort of one of those.... just getting out all those random thoughts!

* I sat with Anna Thursday while she read Ramona Quigley, Age 8. She is a great little reader. It was really sweet just spending a couple of moments with her while she read to me... giggling at the same stuff, helping her with a few really big words;)

*I've been reading a book about foster care... it's actually a review opportunity through SIMPLE. It gets into the nitty gritty of behaviors and emotional problems that foster children commonly have. But what has interest me the most are the parenting strategies to work with and demonstrate love to these children regardless of their problems... many are ones that I could use myself in working with my own kids during our "off" moments!

* I've been using Nate's diaper changing times this month singing songs/reciting poems about body parts! For some reason he is drawn to it and stays a little more still... for a moment;) Anyway... it's a fun time for us and we're getting a little learning in:) If your Happy and You Know it song and 2 Little Eyes poem  are our favorites!

*Maybe because of these songs or because he's just a curious and attentive little guy, Nate found his belly button this week... and he likes to point it out to others...

 

* I bought some Food Lion semi-sweet chocolate chips the other day... our safe chocolate chips... only to bring them home and see that they have changed the recipe.... grrr!! They now contain milk products and are manufactured with peanuts! I mean really???? Do they NOT know that food allergies are on the rise :(

* My mom went to her grocery store (a different company!!) and they were in a new package that said, "New Recipe... now made with milk!" Again.... thanks!! 

* So now we're on the hunt for safe chocolate chips... we're really missing chocolate chip cookies :(  We'll be glad to take suggestions, if anyone has any.... we've checked Food Lion, Walmart, Kroger, Piggly Wiggly...  I'm NOT looking forward to having to order them... that could get really expensive, especially the way THIS crew eats cookies;)

* We've been using the crock pot this week to help with dinners after soccer practice. It's been nice having an almost finished hot meal waiting for us after soccer! I'll have to do some "homework" this weekend finding new recipes for us!

* We had planned to opt out of snacks for soccer!! With the food allergies it's just another hassle that we can just avoid! Anyway, one of the other teammates has food allergies, too, and so the other moms are going to try to bring one fruit item that would be "safe" for everyone.... YAY!!

*Nate's been trying to climb out of his crib.... we've already unbunked the bunk beds since I found him climbing up the side! We knew it was a matter of time.... so we'll be training a little boy how to stay in bed!! I really wanted him to stay in the crib a little longer... gives me extra shower and school time!

* We've had a totally change of heart about the location we are hoping to move. We thought the bigger city was the best fit for us... but after some conversations and hoping to stay a part of the community we're now looking into moving into a neighboring town/area. It's got lots of pluses, some minuses... just trying to process it right now... a little disappointed and a little relieved :/

* I've got some homeschooling paperwork to get done... I've been putting it off until we knew a little more about our location... but I really don't like having it left undone.

* I think my 1st Bible study with the homeschooling ladies is next week... I really, really, really want to go... not sure it's possible for Brian to bring all 4 kids by himself to the soccer game!! Taking the crew to the soccer field requires many hands and eyes... Nate is everywhere!

* I let Chris use a foam dart gun for one of his review tasks this week.... LOL!! It was a little crazy with darts flying everywhere and the girls begging for a turn.... reviewing his spelling words;)

* We used bottle of Sprite for a school assignment this week :)  The kids hid under the table because they thought it was going to explode.... ha haaaha!  

Hmmm, foam dart guns and Sprite.... what in the world are we studying??? I'll post our wrap-up sometime this weekend... hopefully!

They Call it Macaroni

My two oldest have started to LOVE pepperoni!!! This is a very special treat in our milk-free house since we don't regularly eat pizza (we've had it more since discovering vegan cheeses).

But they NEVER get the name right!!

Chris is constantly calling it "Macaroni"!! And it always takes me a minute to figure out what he's asking for; especially when he asks at the store standing in front of the lunchmeat selections:)

So recently as Chris made his pepperoni and butter sandwich he started asking me questions about where "macaroni" came from.

I figured it came from Italy, like most Italian food;)

And that's when he asked "Will the emperor of Italy be mad?"

LOL!! Mad that we took his food;)

By the way... love this pic:) It's Chris and his sandwich (with some extra meat on the side). But his face is classic.... "Mom! DO you really need a picture of my sandwich?"

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Chris' most recent prayer as we traveled.

Dear God,
I hope we have a good trip.
And I hope we can go to the zaaazam (aka museum, but really the aquarium!!).
And I hope the sting rays will splash me.
Amen!


Then Lydia pipes in
And I pray we have a good trip.
And that Pey is having a good day.
Amen!

We did have a good day. Pey did well with all the kids and visits and doctor's appts. And we did meet up with some rays;)

**pics of the trip will be tomorrow, after we all REST!**

Keeping Limitations from being Frustrations

There are things I'd like to do...

• Drive a few hours to meet up with a sweet friend this week
• Go clothing shopping for me... kid-free
• Spend the afternoon reading a book I've been wanting to finish
• Really clean the house, declutter, clean windows.... serious stuff;)

But folks, that isn't the 'season of life' that I'm in right now!!

Sure, I get moments to chat on the phone or email friends. I can shop on the bargain racks on my weekly grocery run to Wally World. I can read for a few moments before I fall asleep at night, or sneak into the bathroom... LOL!! And even if I really cleaned.... it wouldn't look like it after a day or so with my crew:)


I really struggle with not letting my 'seasonal' limitations become frustrations. I can get soo aggravated with myself, my kids, my husband and my "life" sometimes.

I was reading through this amazing chart again... I read over it often (I printed it off the 1st time I read it and have a copy next to me at my desk)!!!! How often am I discouraged and frustrated about trying to have it all... look good, kids well-behaved, time to myself and all the right boxes checked off because they are completed???

Yet my heart yearns to be the "Abiding Mom"!!! Who doesn't, right!! And as I read through that column, I see what her focus is...

it's being focused on the Lord - understanding her place in HIM (aka - grace) and then forming relationships with her family/kids that encourages them to focus on HIM (aka - more grace), too!!

How I've missed it.

praying that this week....
I am focused on becoming more like Him,
I am forming relationships with my kids, not just doing school/activities with them,
and being thankful for this 'season' and all I GET to be apart of.




81. a week of lessons planned
82. a quiet weekend
83. gap-py, cute, little teeth

84. an abundance of girl clothes to hand down to a little sister who dresses herself

85. an encouraging mother-in-law willing to listen
86. challenging words to chew on and apply
87. listening to my son read
88. the first blossoms... reminder that spring is coming

89. giggling coming from outside

90. joyful screams when Daddy gets out there with them

91. homemade "safe for us" doughnuts;)

May the words of my mouth
and the meditation of my heart
be pleasing to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.
Psalm 19:12-14

Tiny Talk Tuesday: Freaking Out & Wagon Trips

So far Lydia's food allergies have been minimal... she still has them. But her reactions have been very minor, so she doesn't have that "fear" of a reaction that the older kids have.

This week she found some candies we had and wanted to "try" one... even though one of the last ingredients was a part of egg. Here is her reasoning;)



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Sunday at lunch the kids started another conversations about babies coming out of tummies. While I was in and out of the kitchen they were talking about all they know (which isn't much... not yet!!).

Chris is my thinker. He looked at me and asked point blank,"How does the baby get in there?"

And I'm not sure the initial answer I gave him. But he wasn't pleased with my detail. So he asked more clearly, "Mom, what is the first step?"

I confidently answered, "First you need a Mommy and a Daddy."

Chris shook his head like he got it and the conversation was over... for now;)

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And the reason Brian wasn't in on the above conversation was because he was having to make a hospital visit. We had a man rushed to our local hospital Sunday AM and then transferred to a larger hospital.

Anyway, the kids asked why they couldn't go with Brian and I told them that our friend was sick and that he might be in the ICU and kids usually can't go in there.

Good grief.... I was very serious with them, but they BUSTED out laughing!! And then as sooo as one caught their breath they said slowly," I C U" or "I see you".

I"m blaming this "joke" on the Awana van kids who taught my kids that spelling "I CUP" out loud is funny!!

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I'm sure there was more this week I am forgetting especially since Chris has been soo giggly lately... must still be on that Valentine candy high???

Oh..... and two sweet moments!!

One sweet moment was Lydia, my little peacemaker, offering to give me her special Christmas present necklace since I didn't have one like hers :) Such a doll she is;)

The other was Anna pulling Nate around the yard in the wagon yesterday;) She's a great big sister;)

She's a great big sister;)

A Cheesy Birthday Dinner

We have a couple of birthday traditions at our house:) I love them because they are so simple and easy and we all look forward to them on our birthdays:)

The first is the Birthday Meal(s). For the meals on our birthday, we all get to choose what to have!! It's fun to see what the kids and Brian picks each year and then make it and serve it them:)

The second is the Birthday Plate. I always seem to forget about the plate.... but this year as I was setting the table for Lydia's birthday, she asked for the plate:) Very sweet.

A meal Brian has really enjoyed since I met him was PIZZA!!! He loves pizza. I remember on our first wedding anniversary we went to a "nice" Italian restaurant and my husband orders... pizza!!!

Since he discovered his allergy to milk/dairy products and it seems to be getting more and more sensitive, it's been a LONG time since he has enjoyed a pizza without the worries about reacting to it... and even then you don't "enjoy" eating a food you know you'll be sick from later :(

So Brian's request was PIZZA!! A challenge since we can't use regular cheese and so the search was on...

Harris Teeter.... Lowes Food... Walmart... Trader Joes.... nope!!

WE finally found the "goods" at Whole Foods... almost 2 hours from home!

(I'm sure I could find it locally in a smaller organic/vegan food store...
always a hassle to stop though with 4 kiddos when we only need 1 item...
on this trip we had Daddy and there was more motivation!!)

The kids were excited because they have never eaten pizza before.
Anna helped with the pepperoni!

The pre-baked pie...
crust, sauce, "cheese", pepperoni, green pepper, "cheese" and Italian herbs! Yummy:)

Out of the oven.... the first time!

I put it back in the oven to try to melt the cheese some more and really toasted ( i mean burnt) the edges... whoops :(

Regardless...

What was the response???

At least, at first everyone was willing to give it a try, except Lydia! Anna didn't eat much and Chris only liked the edges... he doesn't like "slimy" textures:) So my kids aren't die-hard soy-cheese pizza eaters...

but Brian and I were pleased with the taste and were thankful for a bit of "normal". Even if it wasn't really "normal" for us;)

And Daddy got his birthday wish meal:)


This weeks theme is Red:)

Oh, and if you have experience with vegan cheeses, I'd love to hear what brands you recommend!!

We used Follow Your Heart brand this time.... but the oven had to be sooo hot to melt the cheese that it really burnt the edges of our pie :( And it was kind of "watery"! It tasted good though and we plan on eating another pie soon to use up the cheese:)

How Do they know these Things?

Since we discovered Nate's egg allergy, we've been back to baking without eggs :( NO more super easy and delicious chocolate chip cookies that I shared before. We are now using an egg-free version from Food Allergy Mama that is super yummy as well and EGG-FREE which means we can all eat them... yay!

I made a few batches (he hee) this week for my family and a ladies bible study! As we enjoyed them just cooled enough to pick up I noticed....

my son...


was dipping his chocolate chip cookies in soymilk:)


LOL!!! It was soo funny, we've never thought about dipping our cookies in milk or even mentioned it. But his little thoughts and tummy cravings sent him into the kitchen to get a cup of soymilk while he ate his cookies;)

Isn't it strange the things we just DO.... things we don't have to learn. Just by nature there are things that we like (or don't like) !

And since Beth @ I Should Be Folding Laundry challenged us to find circles this week... and I loved my circle chocolate chip cookies;) I thought I'd include another MUST HAVE food at our house....

I step on a few each day...
Enjoyed by all...

Are REALLY disgusting when wet... LOL!!
But super cute in a little fist!