Gluten~Free Kids

Advantages of Moving For Better Health

2010-05-25T05:37:00.000-07:00

It has been a long time since I last posted. Things were very stressed. We were hit by the economy with full force and had to move. This move has been by faith alone and still is.

There is tremendous advantages from moving that I couldn't find from a supplement or bottle. One is the healing that I am witnessing with my sensitive daughter and myself. None of us have allergies, we are able to bring Casein back into our diets, my daughter isn't using her special soaps and shampoo. Her DH has cleared up completely, and my auto immune is improving. I now understand why pioneer doctors would recommend moving for health benefits.

I use to live up North, where sunlight was rare and the rays weren't direct enough to get enough Vitamin D from the sun year round. That was a disadvantage for anyone who lives up North. Now that I moved South, I am noticing that I am not needing to supplement Vitamin D. Up North, they have Winter Depression. Down South, they have what is called pre-summer exhaustion. I am guessing it is from staying indoors too much.

Other improvements have been the ability to eat dairy and beef products again. Something is different with both of them. I am not sure what the reason is. It could be that I was reacting to what the cow was eating and not the cow itself. Or maybe the living conditions and health of the cow. Who knows! At least I am thankful that it is better and nourishment is improving. I will eat the cheese, sour cream, yogurt and ice cream, but I am not brave enough to drink a glass of milk or eat cottage cheese. Some things will have to remain a food evasion, because some bad memories just don't go away.

Family members keep asking me if I will move back North. I keep telling them that I am feeling so healthy, I can't imagine moving back and getting sick again. It makes a huge difference.

Meals4Moms Gluten Free Casien Free - Week 1

2009-10-03T19:55:00.000-07:00

We finished the first week of the Gluten Free/Casein Free menu from Menu4Moms.

http://livingglutenfreecaseinfree.com/ It was a healthier diet then we were use to. Lower in saturated fat, sugar and sodium. It is a great way to start a gluten free/casein free diet with a healthy start. The layout is easy to read and follow. Simply grab the grocery list, check your stock at home and take it to the store with you. Then when you get home there are suggestions on what you can do to prep for the week to make cooking the meals even easier. The recipes are good and easy to follow. There are notes on when to store the leftovers and what meal you will use them again.

Each week comes with an article to learn more about how to eat healthier and why. It was explained in simple terms and easy to learn why it is a good idea to lower our saturated fats and sugars.

The menu is good for increasing your veggies in your diet. My children like salads, but needed more kid friendly meals alternated. There were yummy salads they enjoyed and asked me to make again, like carrot salad and broccoli slaw. They did enjoy the ideas for eating sandwiches and did some experiments of their own. I hope they are working on a kid friendly gluten free/casein free menu.

This menu and recipes from Menu4Moms can be a great resource for even other food intolerances. You can work around them and substitute. The only one I noticed that would be a problem to substitute is egg intolerances. If you do have egg intolerances or allergies, I wouldn't recommend this menu plan.

Are we going to continue this menu? No. It is taking us too long to finish a week, because my husband keeps wanting to take us out to eat. After a bit I noticed that he isn't satisfied with what I am making. That is his way of being polite, that he isn't thrilled about my cooking. I am assuming he isn't satisfied, because he is a meat and potato type guy. And my daughter started itching (DH) from contamination. So, instead of trying to improve our diet, it is much safer to feed my family the GFCF meals they are familiar with and enjoy. I can still push more salads on them.

Will we use the recipes? Yes, some of them are good and some of them need more garlic and spices for our liking. There are some of them that I won't use, because I already have a recipe that I like better.

Delay of GFCF Menu Review

2009-09-14T17:01:00.000-07:00

I was hoping to start this diet last week, but both the kids and I came down with the flu and didn't start the diet until Sunday. So far I am liking it. I will be posting the first week review next week.

Menu4Moms Gluten Free and Casein Free Menus, Recipes, and Lesson Plans

2009-09-14T16:57:00.000-07:00

-----Oops, I thought I published this.

After my first expensive year on a gluten free diet, I decided to find ways to cut our grocery budget. I discovered a website called Menu4Moms and subscribed to the weekly menues and recipes. I knew we couldn't follow it, but I could try the naturally gluten free and casein free recipes or adapt them. It reminded me of some of my forgotten favorites and so I brought them to the table and we enjoyed them. Our grocery budget was more manageable.

Last week I received an e-mail from Menu4Moms about their Gluten Free and Casein Free Menus, Recipes and Lesson Plans. I was excited to see it and wondered if this would have made a huge difference when we started 3years ago. Starting a new diet is always better with a plan of action, a menu, and a grocery list. I was so over whelmed having to create it myself and I spent so many hours reading labels.

After looking over the Menu4Moms Gluten Free and Casein Free Menus, recipe, and Lesson Plans, I am thrilled to start the first week Monday. Not only is it a great menu and lesson plan for newly diagnosed Celiacs and gluten/dairy allergies, it is great for the rest of us that need to eat healthier without all the junk foods and sugars. The recipes look yummy and appitizing with lots of veggies. I know that my family will enjoy them. I will post an update after we try out the first week menu.

Here is the introduction e-mail I received typed in green and the link is here:
Have you been diagnosed with food allergies? Are you having a difficult time adapting to a gluten-free diet? Tired of boring gluten-free foods?

Menus4Moms is pleased to announce the publication of Living Gluten-free Casein-free, a comprehensive resource that will help you in your quest to live gluten-free. Perfect for individuals who are either gluten-free or gluten-free/casein-free, the menu includes 4 weeks of weekly lessons and menus. Each week for 4 weeks you will receive:

Menu plan with breakfast, lunch and dinner recipes for 6 days of the week for a family of 6
Grocery list
Many helpful hints on shopping and health
Weekly lessons about how foods affect the body

Living Gluten-free Casein-free contains valuable resources to help you succeed with your gluten-free lifestyle. Each recipe is gluten-free and has options for those who are also avoiding casein. All lessons are designed to inform, change behavior, and acknowledge the “mourning” of these foods as you move toward improved health. Living Gluten-free Casein-free is the only GFCF menu plan written by a practicing nurse practitioner.

To order this great Gluten Free and Casein Free menues, recipes, and lesson plans, visit there site at
http://www.livingglutenfreecaseinfree.com/

Menu4Moms GF and CF Menu's, Recipes, and Lesson Plans

2009-09-03T21:04:00.000-07:00

After my first expensive year on a gluten free diet, I decided to find ways to cut our grocery budget. I discovered a website called Menu4Moms and subscribed to the weekly menu's and recipes. I knew we couldn't follow it, but I could try the naturally gluten free and casein free recipes or adapt them. It reminded me of some of my forgotten favorites and so I brought them to the table and we enjoyed them. Our grocery budget was more manageable.

Last week I received an e-mail from Menu4Moms about their Gluten Free and Casein Free Menus, Recipes and Lesson Plans. I was excited to see it and wondered if this would have made a huge difference when we started 3years ago. Starting a new diet is always better with a plan of action, a menu, and a grocery list. I was so over whelmed having to create it myself and I spent so many hours reading labels.

After looking over the Menu4Moms Gluten Free and Casein Free Menus, recipe, and Lesson Plans, I am thrilled to start the first week Monday. Not only is it a great menu and lesson plan for newly diagnosed Celiacs and gluten/dairy allergies, it is great for the rest of us that need to eat healthier without all the junk foods and sugars. The recipes look yummy and appetizing with lots of veggies. I know that my family will enjoy them. I will post an update after we try out the first week menu.

Here is the introduction e-mail I received typed in green and the link is here:
Have you been diagnosed with food allergies? Are you having a difficult time adapting to a gluten-free diet? Tired of boring gluten-free foods?

Menus4Moms is pleased to announce the publication of Living Gluten-free Casein-free, a comprehensive resource that will help you in your quest to live gluten-free. Perfect for individuals who are either gluten-free or gluten-free/casein-free, the menu includes 4 weeks of weekly lessons and menus. Each week for 4 weeks you will receive:

Menu plan with breakfast, lunch and dinner recipes for 6 days of the week for a family of 6
Grocery list
Many helpful hints on shopping and health
Weekly lessons about how foods affect the body

Living Gluten-free Casein-free contains valuable resources to help you succeed with your gluten-free lifestyle. Each recipe is gluten-free and has options for those who are also avoiding casein. All lessons are designed to inform, change behavior, and acknowledge the "mourning" of these foods as you move toward improved health. Living Gluten-free Casein-free is the only GFCF menu plan written by a practicing nurse practitioner.

To order this great Gluten Free and Casein Free menu's, recipes, and lesson plans, visit there site at
http://www.livingglutenfreecaseinfree.com/

Article - Save $ on School Lunches This Year

2009-08-28T08:41:00.000-07:00

From Living on a Dime Newsletter - One of the August 2009 editions.
To join the free newsletter, follow this link http://www.livingonadime.com/ .

I love reading this newsletter. She has great tips for lowering the food budget. After my first year on a gluten free diet, I had to cut back on spending on the food budget. I had to look outside of the box and start making things that were either naturally gluten free or tweek the recipe and make it inexpensively gluten free. I started looking at frugal sites. I came across this one. We can still apply this to a gluten free diet by tweeking things a bit. I will make GF and CF notes in red.

Save $400 on school lunches this year!

These days in America, it seems that everyone is so busy that preparing school lunches is liable to push a typical mom right over the edge. When you have to choose between making school lunches or spending that extra 15 minutes in bed, it seems like buying ready made lunches at the store is a no-brainer, but your budget doesn't agree.

The average mom packs $2.00 worth of pre-packaged goodies into each lunch she sends to school with her kids. (That works out to $720 for 2 kids.) What mother hasn't wondered if those lunches are even getting eaten?

Try these tips for things you can do in 30 minutes or less on the weekend to make those school lunches a snap!

Those snack bags of munchies cost a lot! Make your own by pre-packaging chips, pretzels, animal crackers and other snack items into sandwich bags on the weekends. (Have the kids help!) Store them in a big container or basket and just throw them in the lunch box in the morning. Things that are naturally GF - Tortilla Chips, Corn Chips, Rice crackers, Nuts, cerials like Rice CHEX and other cerials made from corn or rice, Raisins, Dried Fruit, Fruit Roll Ups, ect.... There are great gluten free brands out there that make pretzels, crackers, cerials, cookies, etc... Even better, make snacks at home - cookies, Graham Crackers, crackers, cup cakes, brownies, trail mix, granola, etc..... . My mom use to store cookies in the freezer.

Let the kids create their own Pizza lunch kits. Toast bread and cut out little circles with a biscuit cutter. Add small containers of pizza sauce, cheese, and other toppings. I think this is a great idea and can use GF bread (I would try toasing it). I would also make them into squares so that I am not waisting any of that costly bread. I have used rice crackers for pizza too. You could even make the pizza crust in small sizes, bake them and freeze them.

Make fruit gelatin and pudding and put in small plastic containers for the week. Make a large batch of granola bars, cookies, pumpkin bread, banana bread or muffins. Divide them into zip top sandwich bags and freeze so that you can grab one or two when needed. Try making muffin size cakes. I use to use the small muffin size when the kids were younger.

Brownie bites are simple to make. Bake brownie mix in mini-muffin pans and put three "brownie bites" in a sandwich bag for each child's lunch. They freeze well too! Any GF mix will do or make it from scratch. I know that if you are using a mix, Trader Joes has a GF mix that is a great price.

Fill thermos (not glass) half full with juice the night before and freeze. In the morning, remove from freezer and fill the rest of the way. The juice will be cold when the kids are ready to drink it and it keeps their food cold too.

Clean vegetables, slice into pieces and bag. Preparing a week's worth of veggies at a time for lunches and snacks saves money and time.

Purchase cheese in blocks, cut into pieces and put in sandwich bags. I haven't honestly found a good substitute for tasty cheese by itself. Sorry, I am no help. Maybe someone else can add some helpful comments.

Save napkins, catsup and mustard packets you get from take-out. Use in lunches. Have your gluten eating friends save these for you.

Almost Done Moving Sites

2009-08-26T11:39:00.000-07:00

I really like this blog. So easy. The new website has not been easy. Of course in the middle of them changing software site setup tools, I have to change the name and move. It has been slow and things aren't going smoothly. I couldn't use my custom design, a picture on one page will not cooperate correctly, and things like to jamb up on the edit site. I woke up in the middle of the night and couldn't sleep last night and so at 3am I started working on the site. Wow, it went much smoother. I moved everything off the old site and onto the new site. Now I just have clean up and one picture to problem solve. As pain staking as it was, I wanted to provide a website set up simular to the old site so people can still find the resources easily. Things are a little different, but over all, it will work without the razzle dazzle the old site had. I am looking forward to being able to add fun stuff to this site instead of moving.

So now you can find what was deleted from the old site at both this blog and the new site. Here is the link http://glutenfreekids.tripod.com/index.html

Testimony

2009-08-15T10:58:00.000-07:00

I love getting testimonies about the gluten free diet working wonders to improve children's symptoms. It reminds me of the joy I felt in seeing the improvements that my kids went through after going gluten free.

Below you will find some testimonies that were sent to me.

comment: Mom of the beautiful 3 1/2 year old daughter, who has now been gluten free for 5 months. After 4 short months she gained 20% more weight after not gaining any for a year. I wondered if I would ever see the day that she outgrew her clothes and got over 30 lbs. There are no words I can express for the gratitude for awareness, God's ability to show the way, and a little thing called gluten free!She openly tells others, without my intervention, aside from telling her she would be trying a new diet, a gluten free diet, that she needs food without gluten. After only 4 days, she surprised me by looking up and saying, "Mommy, my tummy doesn't hurt anymore." I certainly miss my once clingy child, but I wouldn't trade her new found freedom for anything. She is gluten-free and loving every minute of it

Quick Start Diet

2009-08-15T10:52:00.000-07:00

Great resource links to get you started or give you ideas.

Careful, not all sites are monitored for accuracy. Read labels and keep in mind that there may be other food allergies or conditions that require avoiding foods. Just because a food item is safe for one individual doesn't make it safe for another.

The Quick Start Diet Guide - Gluten Intolerance Group
http://www.gluten.net/downloads/print/QuickStartDiet.pdf

The Quick Start Diet Guide - Celiac Disease Foundation
http://www.celiac.org/downloads/CDF-Quickstart2008-small.pdf

Adding Fiber to Your Gluten-Free Diet - Gluten Intolerance Group of North America
http://www.gluten.net/downloads/infopackets/FiberinGFD.pdf

Backpacking, Biking, Briefcase & Travel Foods
http://www.enabling.org/ia/celiac/backpack.html

Gluten Free Snack, Breakfast and Lunch Ideas - Only Sometimes Clever
http://onlysometimesclever.wordpress.com/2006/10/31/gluten-free-snack-breakfast-lunch-ideas/

Gluten Free Beginnings - Lunch Ideas
http://glutenfreebeginnings.blogspot.com/2008/08/start-of-schoollunch-ideas.html

Traveling and Eating Out

2009-08-15T10:44:00.000-07:00

Great resources about dining out or traveling with the kids.

Careful, not all sites are monitored for accuracy. Read labels and keep in mind that there may be other food allergies or conditions that require avoiding foods. Just because a food item is safe for one individual doesn't make it safe for another.

The safest way to eat while away from home, is to bring your own food in a container. I really like the Tupperware containers, because they have so many options for air-tight, leak-proof, microwaving, and freezing. You can learn more from this website. http://my2.tupperware.com/tup-html/S/sheritemple-bio.html

Celiac Restaurant Card
http://www.alamoceliac.org/acrestaurantcard.html

Gluten-free restaurant cards - 38 languages available
http://www.celiactravel.com/restaurant-cards.html

Kinnikinnick Restaurant Card - Business card size front and back printing
http://www.kinnikinnick.com/media/pdfs/restcard.pdf

Finding Out What Is In Your Skin Products - link

2009-08-15T10:26:00.001-07:00

Skin Deep (Environmental Working Group - Great site for learning toxicity of products and ingredients
http://www.ewg.org/reports/skindeep/

Disclaimer: Please note that the information contained in these links may or may not be accurate. These links are here to help you help your child.

Multiple Sclerosis Diet and Recipe link

2009-08-15T10:17:00.000-07:00

Multiple Sclerosis Diet

The M.S. (Multiple Sclerosis) Diet - They recommend a gluten free diet, lots of great recipes
http://www.ms-diet.org/

Disclaimer: Please note that the information contained in these links may or may not be accurate. These links are here to help you help your child.

Specific Carbohydrate Diet Links

2009-08-15T10:06:00.000-07:00

I love the recipes, but I have mixed feelings about this diet. Everyone that I know that has been on the Specific Carbohydrate Diet has done well with it, but hasn't been able to go off this diet. I would love to hear opinions about this diet, especially if you had once used it for healing and was able to go back to gluten free grains again.

Pecan Bread - Kids and the Specific Carbohydrate diet. Recipes
http://www.pecanbread.com/

SCD The Specific Carbohydrate Diet
http://www.austinscdfriends.com/page/page/3690002.htm

SCD Diet recipe pages
http://www.scdiet.org/2recipes/indexa.html

Specific Carbohydrate Diet - link page
http://www.scdiet.net/scdfood.htm

Disclaimer: Please note that the information contained in these links may or may not be accurate. These links are here to help you help your child.

Gluten Free / Casien Free Links

2009-08-15T08:39:00.000-07:00

GFCF Diet Home, Health, Hygiene & School Supplies. Added 2/08
http://www.gfcfdiet.com/Healthhygiene.htm#School%20Supplies

New Diet - Gluten Free/Casein Free (GF/CF) recipes
http://www.newdiets.com/Side_Dishes/Broccoli_Salad.shtml

Gluten Free / Casien Free Diet
http://gfcfdiet.com/

Disclaimer: Please note that the information contained in these links may or may not be accurate. These links are here to help you help your child.

Gluten Free Recipes and Cooking Links

2009-08-15T08:11:00.000-07:00

Gluten Net Recipes
http://www.gluten.net/recipes/

The Gluten Free Kitchen, Cooking with Lucy - Recipes
http://gfkitchen.server101.com/recipes.htm

Only Something Clever - Gluten Free snacks, breadfast, and lunch Ideas
http://onlysometimesclever.wordpress.com/2006/10/31/gluten-free-snack-breakfast-lunch-ideas/

Celiac Sprue Association - Recipes
http://www.csaceliacs.org/recipes.php

GF Recipes
http://www.gfrecipes.com/

Helpful Hints for Gluten Free Cooking
http://www.e-celiacs.org/helpful_hints.htm

Lesley's Gluten Free Recipes
http://www.lesleycooks.com/glutenfree/glutenfree.htm

NATHHAN National Challenged Homeschoolers Associated Network - Recipes http://www.nathhan.com/glutenfreerecipes.htm

The Recipe Link - Wheat Free / Gluten Free Resources
http://www.recipelink.com/wheatfree.html

Recipes for Natural Health - Wheat Free recipe page
http://www.recipenet.org/health/wheat_free.htm

Recipe Goldmine - GLUTEN FREE & WHEAT FREE RECIPES
http://www.recipegoldmine.com/glutenfree/glutenfree.html

Nutritional Food Charts
http://www.healthyeatingclub.com/info/books-phds/books/foodfacts/html/data/data1a.html

Misc.kids Frequently Asked Questions: Allergies and Asthma - Recipes
http://www.cs.unc.edu/~kupstas/FAQ_recipes.html#GlutenList

Upper Canada Lower Bowel Society - Recipe page
http://uclbs.org/recipes/

Gluten Free Recipes by Carol Fenster Ph.D.
http://www.savorypalate.com/default.aspx

On-Line Support and Resources - Links

2009-08-15T08:09:00.000-07:00

Celiac Sprue Association
http://www.csaceliacs.org/

GF links
http://www.gflinks.com/

CelKids - Support Group with great website
http://www.okceliac.com/celkids.php

Gluten Free Club
http://www.glutenfreeclub.com/articles/caramel.html

Club Celiac
http://www.clubceliac.com/clubceliac.htm

The Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network
http://www.foodallergy.org/

FAST - Food Allergy Survivors Group
http://www.angelfire.com/mi/FAST/

Other Support Groups webpage that offers great tools of information
http://www.buffaloglutenfree.org/home.html

Clan Thompson Home Page - All about Celiac Living. Added 2/08
http://www.clanthompson.com/index.php3

Disclaimer: Please note that the information contained in these links may or may not be accurate. These links are here to help you help your child.

Local Support Groups for Eugene / Springfield Oregon

2009-08-15T08:06:00.000-07:00

Gluten Free Kids - You are already here.
Send a comment or e-mail to glutenfree_kids8@yahoo88.com (remove the 8's)

Gluten Free Eugene - local online support
http://www.glutenfreeeugene.org/

Eugene GIG (Gluten Intolerence Group) - local support meetings
http://www.gigbranches.org/eugene/

Disclaimer: Please note that the information contained in these links may or may not be accurate. These links are here to help you help your child.

DH - Dermatitis Herpetiformis - Links

2009-08-15T08:03:00.000-07:00

For DH. information and testing. Added 2/08
http://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/mksg/all/2000/00000055/00000004/art00011

The Dermatitis Herpetiformis Online Community - located in United Kingdom
http://www.dermatitisherpetiformis.org.uk/home.html

DH Images
http://www.gflinks.com/#DH

Disclaimer: Please note that the information contained in these links may or may not be accurate. These links are here to help you help your child.

Celiac and Gluten Intolerance - Links

2009-08-14T21:14:00.000-07:00

Information about Celiac and Gluten Intolerance

Intestinal permeability, or 'leaky gut syndrome' Great article.
http://www.anapsid.org/cnd/diffdx/leakygut2.html

Leaky Gut and Food Allergies
http://mothers-reversing-autism.com/Leaky-Gut.html

About food allergy and Intolerance.
http://www.foodsmatter.com/index.html

About Digestion and testing.
http://www.revolutionhealth.com/conditions/digestive/video

This website has a movie that explains Celiac Disease. Nicely done. Great information even for those that have been Celiac for a while
http://www.theglutenfreefoodlist.com/site/index.php?option=com_content&task=blogcategory&id=18&Itemid=49

Mayo Clinic - Information about Celiac
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/celiac-disease/DS00319

Celiacs, Inc - Articles
http://www.e-celiacs.org/2%20Table%20of%20Contents.htm

Great Diagram showing the damage from Gluten in the intestine
http://www.nsf.gov/od/lpa/news/02/pr0277_image.htm

Disclaimer: Please note that the information contained in these links may or may not be accurate. These links are here to help you help your child.

Recipe Links for Kids and Adults

2009-08-14T20:58:00.000-07:00

A great link of recipes for kids
http://csaceliacs.org/CelKidsRecipes.php
http://www.csaceliacs.org/CelKidsSchool.php

Kids Educational Links

2009-08-14T20:47:00.000-07:00

My body
http://www.kidshealth.org/kid/body/mybody.html

Songs for kids about how food is properly digested. My kids love this song. They would listen to it over and over.
Song Overview
I'm Your Produce Man
It's All About Love
http://www.intestinalhealth.org/Music/

Quiz about food allergies. Includes Gluten allergies
http://www.angelfire.com/mi/FAST/quiz.html

Allergy Match - Includes Gluten Allergies
http://www.angelfire.com/mi/FAST/matching.html

Great Diagram showing the damage from Gluten in the intestine
http://www.nsf.gov/od/lpa/news/02/pr0277_image.htm

The Virtual Body - a section on digestion
http://www.medtropolis.com/VBody.asp

Song - That's What Digestion Is All About
http://www.songsforteaching.com/jennyfixmanedutunes/digestion.htm

Fill in the blanks worksheet about the digestion system
http://www.teacherplanet.com/links/redirect.php?url=http://www.lessontutor.com/jm_digestive.html

The Human Anatomy
http://www.teacherplanet.com/links/redirect.php?url=http://www.innerbody.com/htm/body.html

The Human Digestive System for younger children
http://www.enchantedlearning.com/subjects/anatomy/digestive/index.shtml

Digestion interactive - elementary
http://kitses.com/animation/swfs/digestion.swf

Fun quiz about digestion
http://www.zerobio.com/target_practice_quiz/target_practice_quiz_digestion.htm

Your Digestion System
http://yucky.discovery.com/noflash/body/pg000126.html

Your Digestive System and How It Works
http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/yrdd/index.htm

Disclaimer: Please note that the information contained in these links may or may not be accurate. These links are here to help you help your child.

Books For Kids

2009-08-14T20:30:00.000-07:00

A list of books http://www.alamoceliac.org/acbookskids.html

Bagels, Buddy and Me by Melanie Krumrey http://www.bagelsbuddyandme.com/

Gluten-Free Friends – An Activity Book for KidsNancy Patin Falini http://www.savorypalate.com/gff.aspx

FUN Kid Links

2009-08-14T20:23:00.000-07:00

FUN LINKS FOR KIDS

CSA's Cel kids Network. Has puzzles, activities, recipes and more
http://www.csaceliacs.org/CelKidsNetwork.php

Be a Gluten Detective
http://www.thatkidscompany.com/

Celiac Sprue - Kid page
http://www.csaceliacs.org/CelKidsSchool.php

CelKids Ok Kid Page
http://www.okceliac.com/kidspage.php

Famous people who have allergies or act as having food allergies
http://www.angelfire.com/mi/FAST/celebrity.html

Wanted! Bessie Kowpye
http://www.angelfire.com/mi/FAST/wantedsign.html

Is that Gluten Free food good? Taste test results
http://www.clubceliac.com/GF_Food_Taste_test.htm

Kathrine's Corner - Gross foods and stories. I'm so glad I can't eat that.
http://www.clubceliac.com/Katherines_Corner.htm

Game Word Bomber
http://www.clanthompson.com/game_games.php3

FAAN Food Allergy Kid Pages
http://www.fankids.org/

GF Finger Paint

2009-08-14T20:20:00.000-07:00

GF Finger Paint

Potato Starch
Water
GF food coloring or paint (Discount School Supply)

Start off with a little water. Add food coloring or paint. Stir in Potato Starch until you have the right consistency.

Flubber

2009-08-14T20:17:00.000-07:00

Flubber (Grade - Good/Great)

In Large Bowl mix all thoroughly and set aside
1 cup of white glue (one 8 oz bottle is just right)
3/4 cup very warm water
food coloring or gf paint (Discount School Supplies)
In Small Bowl dissolve the borax completely in the water.
5/6 cup of very warm water
1 1/2 tsp of borax
Now, pour the contents of the small bowl, slowly into the large bowl. Lift and turn the mixture until it starts to "flubberize". Let sit about a minute. You can also add glitter to your flubber.

Silly Putty

2009-08-14T20:14:00.000-07:00

Silly Putty - (Grade - Great/Good)

Not edible and not recommended for children that are still putting things in their mouths. Adult supervision is strongly recommended.
1 cup water
6 Tbsp Mule Team Borax
1/2 cup (4 oz bottle) white school glue
optional: food coloring

1.) Pour 1/2 cup water into a small bowl. Add the Borax and stir until dissolved. Set aside.
2.) Pour the other 1/2 cup of water in a medium-sized glass or metal bowl. Add the glue and stir until combined. Optional: add food coloring and stir to achieve the desired color.
3.) Pour the Borax mixture into the glue mixture. Knead with hands until most of the water is absorbed and the putty can form a ball in your hands. Lift the putty from the bowl and discard the remaining water mixture. Return the putty to the bowl and allow to sit, uncovered for 15-20 minutes or until fairly firm. (I left out uncovered in bowl for a couple of hours to get rid of stickiness)
4.) Store any unused silly putty in an airtight container. Stores for weeks.

Classic Slime / Silly Putty

2009-08-14T20:12:00.000-07:00

Classic Slime - or in our case Silly Putty (Grade - Great)

1. In paper cup mix to make a 50/50 glue
1 Tblsp water
1Tblsp Elmer's glue
Food Coloring
2. In another cup make up a saturated borax solution
1/4 cup water
Borox Mule Team
3. Stir in 1 tsp of Borax at a time. Keep adding tsp until Borox won't dissolve in the water.
4. Stir 2 tsp of the saturated borax solution into the 50/50 glue paper cup. Keep stirring.
5. When the slime has mostly formed, reach in and take it out of the cup
6. Knead the slime to make it a consistent texture.
7. If the slime is too sticky, you can add a little more borax solution. It it is way too slippery you can add more 50/50 glue.
8. Store your slime in a zip lock bag or other airtight container.

Play Dough

2009-08-14T20:10:00.000-07:00

Play Dough (Graded - Great)

3/4 cup rice flour
1/4 cup of corn starch
1/4 cup of salt
1 tsp of Alum or Cream of Tartar
Food coloring, gf paint (Discount School Supply) or Kool-Aid
1 Tblsp of cooking oil
1 cup hot water

Heat all dry ingredients in a saucepan slowly over Med heat, while stirring until a ball forms. Knead until smooth. Store in an airtight container.

Explanation of the cooking chemistry: Flour and water make a paste. Wheat flour releases gluten from the proteins as it is stirred which makes it sticky. Salt strengthens the gluten bonds. Rice flour has protein that also forms bonds.
You can find Alum or Cream of Tartar at any grocery store.

Sweet Onion Flower

2009-08-14T20:05:00.000-07:00

Sweet Onion Flower

Large sweet onion
1/2 cup gluten free flour mix
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp oregano
1/2 tsp paprika
Ant other seasoning you would like to add

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Lay aluminum foil over cookie sheet. Peel onion and cut the bottom level and leave the core intact. Make 6 cuts with all crossing over in center. These are the petals. Carefully loosen the petals slightly. Place all the dry ingredients in a zip lock bag and stir together. Lightly coat onion with oil or spray oil on onion. Place onion in bag and shake . Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, until tender. Serve the onion flower hot. Barbecue sauce makes a great dip.

Super Easy Cheese Crackers

2009-08-14T20:03:00.000-07:00

Super Easy Cheese Crackers

I got this recipe from Choice Health Foods and Jody from Eugene Gluten Free simplified it. Careful they are addicting.

Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees.

Lay parchment paper on cookie sheet.

Great cheese of your choice and put in piles on cookie sheet. Or slice cheese and cut into triangles and lay on cookie sheet.

Place in hot oven. Watch carefully. When cheese gets bubbly, remove pan from oven and allow to cool. I like mine slightly brown.

If they last, store in a air tight container. Can serve with peanut butter or jelly if you would like.

Pickled Boiled Eggs

2009-08-14T19:59:00.001-07:00

Pickled Boiled Eggs

I just can't keep these in the house. The kids love them. It is easy, a quick grab it protein, and it's healthy.

When you finish a large jar of pickles, boil some eggs, peal them and drop them in the pickle juice. Store them in the refrigerator. The longer they are in the juice the more flavor they have. We started eating them after 4 days in the refrigerator.

Note: You can also add different veggies (carrots, green beans, asparagus, onions, etc) to the pickle juice with or without the juice for another way to eat those veggies.

Fixing Those Cravings!

2009-08-14T19:55:00.000-07:00

After going gluten free, our family has creatively found ways to fix our cravings for foods we sometimes miss. We also limit our dairy and are mostly Casein Free also. Hear are some examples of ways we fix those cravings.

Onion Rings and Onion Flower - (The food that was hardest for me to say goodbye) See The recipe on this page for Onion Flower.

"Eggy Sandwich" (basically breakfast sandwich) - gluten free bread lightly toasted with butter or mayo, fried egg, bacon or ham, and sometimes cheese. We usually eat these open faced.

Pizza - Quick fix methods. For crust use Kinnikinnick Pizza Crust, Rice Cracker, or Corn Tortilla baked until crisp. Top anyway you like it. Sometimes we will use BBQ sauce, or pesto sauce.

Corn Dogs - Wrap a cooked hot dog in a corn tortilla. Microwave for 30 seconds.

Mac and Cheese - Annie’s has Gluten Free and Gluten Free/Cuisine Free. Another brand is Road’s End Organics.

Dinner Rolls - Kinnikinnick has some nice English Muffins that I split in half and toast. We use them for dinner rolls.

Donuts - Kinnikinnick has several different donuts you keep in your freezer.

Malt O Meal - The Red Mill Mighty Tasty GF Hot Cereal.

French Toast - We make them with Trader Joe's Rice Bread. I microwave the bread for about 30 seconds to soften it and then soak the bread in the egg. The longer you soak in egg, the better they taste.

Spaghetti - We make with Rice Noodles.

Yogurt - Mountain High? From Safeway. This brand is Gluten Free. This has been a troubled area for us; I suspect fillers, rennet or something that is affecting another food allergy. But this brand has worked well for us.

Quasadias - Use Corn Tortillas or Rice Tortillas. I will use refried beans instead of cheese, but sometimes I will make them with the cheese then the craving is strong.

Rice Crispy Treats - EnviroKids makes a gluten free Rice Crispy.

Cinnamon Rolls - Kinnikinnick has some you keep in the freezer.

What ways have you fixed your families cravings?

Gluten Free School Supplies

2009-08-14T19:52:00.000-07:00

Over the years with allergic kids, I have found Discount School Supplies to be the safest products for my kids. This especially became a concern, when I noticed that my oldest daughter was reacting to food dyes. We bought some of their paint and used it for all our paint needs and coloring our home made play dough. Recently, I again called Discount School Supply and the manufactures of their products and was relieved to find out that they are also gluten free.

Discount School Supply Products are
BioColor Paints
Sargent Art Gothic Powder Paint.
Many more pains, markers and and play dough

Elmer's
All Elmer's products are gluten free, except the finger paints.

Crayola
Cut and pasted from site
"Gluten is contained only in Crayola Dough. Other Crayola modeling materials, including Model Magic modeling compound, Modeling Clay, and Air-Dry Clay are gluten free. All of these products, however, are produced on the same machinery. Although the machines are cleaned prior to the start of each production run, there is a slight possibility that trace amounts of gluten from Crayola Dough may be present in the other modeling compound products."
For more information about gluten free art supplies. Check these two link out for a longer list
GFCF Diet
TACA

Need play dough - Contact Discount School Supply . I am not sure on what brand is GF.

Book Review - Books by Carol Fenster

2009-08-14T19:25:00.000-07:00

Wheat-Free Recipes & Menus by Carol Fenster (this book was donated by Carol Fenster)
This was my first gluten free cook book that actually had recipes that didn't flop on me. I depended on this cookbook for the first 6 months that I went gluten free. We survived Christmas and made our own gluten free Christmas basket. The girls and I didn't miss a thing. The "Graham Cracker" and "Vanilla Wafer" recipes made Christmas baking possible.
Three different flour blend recipes to choose from. Great pictures to show you how to adapt without specialty pans. Tips and ideas for breading for fried foods. Great menu section. Lots of ways to substitute for dairy free and tells how you can substitute for wheat.

Gluten-Free 101 by Carol Fenster (This book was donated by Carol Fenster)
Great book for beginners. Reteaches how to cook in details about what each ingredients does to make a good gluten free baked good. Lots of advise for baking success. Lots of great recipes

Cooking Free by Carol Fenster (This book was donated by Carol Fenster)
Easy to use for other food allergies. All recipes are clearly marked for allergy suffers. All recipes are gluten free. Recipes are used with a flour blend that you mix together and store on the shelf or in the freezer. Saves time and simplifies by not pulling out more ingredients. Great information for substituting in recipes. Good selection of dinner recipes.

About Carol Fenster PH.D. - "You won’t miss what’s missing in my delicious wheat-free recipes. Carol Fenster, PH.D."

"When life hands you a lemon, make lemonade! Carol Fenster, Ph.D. has turned her wheat sensitivity into a thriving business. The former university professor and Fortune 500 marketing executive is now an internationally-recognized author who offers five leading books for people with food allergies, celiac disease, and autism: Gluten-Free 101, Wheat-Free Recipes & Menus, Cooking Free, Food Allergy Field Guide, and Gluten-Free Friends: An Activity Book for Kids––available at health food stores, http://www.savorypalate.com/, and http://www.amazon.com/.
In addition to running her publishing house, Carol actively promotes food sensitivity awareness…

Her articles, recipes, and reviews of her books appear in Woman’s World, Taste for Life, Vegetarian Times, Veggie Life, Better Nutrition, Gluten-Free Living, Energy Times, Living Without; Today’s Dietitian; newsletters from Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network (FAAN), Gluten Intolerance Group, and Celiac Disease Foundation; and books published by the American Dietetic Association. York Nutritional Laboratories, an allergy testing lab, recommends her books to its patients.
Gluten-free herself, she travels around the world with her gluten-free message. Such as overseeing the food preparation for a gluten-free culinary tour for twelve people in Tuscany, Italy…or demonstrating gluten-free cooking for chefs at Disney World…or holding seminars on gluten-free flours in Tokyo, Japan…or educating health food stores at Natural Products Expo East on meeting the needs of gluten-free shoppers.
She develops gluten-free products for manufacturers such as Bob’s Red Mill and consults with health professionals, companies, and patients on the gluten-free diet. She is a nationally-recognized speaker and has prepared testimony for the FDA on food labeling. She appeared on nine episodes of “Food for Life” on the Health Network.
Striving to keep abreast of the latest developments in her field, she is a member of the International Association of Culinary Professionals, International, Publisher’s Marketing Association, Small Publishers of North America, and Colorado Independent Publisher’s Association. She also belongs to and her books are recognized as valuable resources by the Gluten Intolerance Group, Celiac Disease Foundation, and Celiac Sprue Foundation.
Sample clients include U S Grains Council, Enjoy Life Foods, National Grain Sorghum Producers, Western Commerce
Former Associate food editor at Living Without™, a quarterly magazine for people with food and chemical sensitivities.
Ph.D. in Organizational Sociology from University of Denver and a B.S. in Home Economics from University of Nebraska."

More Exciting News about Carol Fenster

Cooking Classes
Carol Fenster Ph.D. will be teaching two cooking classes at Bob’s Red Mill cooking school on September 5 and 6, so check the store for more details. http://www.bobsredmill.com/COOKING_CLASSES.htm (Keep checking their website for Information about Septembers classes)

Free e-newsletter
You can also sign up for a free e-newsletter that Carol Fenster sends out monthly. The e-newsletter is called Carol's Culinary Cues. You can sign up for it by e-mailing a request to http://www.CarolFenster.com or check out this website page for signing up http://www.savorypalate.com/ccc.aspx

Great Website
Savory Palate, Inc. is a great website to check out for recipes, gluten free information, and books. You can find all of Carol's books along with other books like, Gluten-Free Friends by Falini, RD and Food Allergy Field Guide by Theresa Willingham. Their website is http://www.savorypalate.com/default.aspx

Book Review - Living, Loving, and Cooking with my Daughter

2009-08-14T19:21:00.000-07:00

Living, Loving, and Cooking with my Daughter, The Art of Creating Nutrient-Dense Gluten-Free Foods by Priscilla Smith.

This is a wonderful e-book that offers lots of ideas for gluten free healthy foods for your kids. I enjoyed all the natural foods that she uses in a very easy way. She has some great snack ideas. I also liked her great section about fermented foods and how to make cultured veggies. I was also able to convert many of the recipes to be dairy free also.

You can visit her blog and order her e-book cookbook at http://www.nourishingyouandyourchildren.blogspot.com/

Book Review - Gluten Free Cookies

2009-08-14T19:14:00.000-07:00

Gluten-Free Cookies

I love this cookbook!!! It is so easy to read. I love how she has the ingredients separated for different steps. It was so easy, that I had my 9 year old daughter use it to learn to follow instructions out of a cookbook. She did a great job. I love the recipes in the book. And I love her recipe for her flour blend. I am now using her flour blend for my all purpose gluten free blend.

Jeanne Basye is the author of Gluten Free-Cookies. She started baking gluten free cookies for her gluten free family and soon became known in her neighborhood as “The Gluten Free Cookie Lady.”

I use to think that gluten free cookies were going to be flat or hard no matter how I tried. And then the Gluten Free Cookies cookbook arrived in the mail. I was surprised about all of the tips and information about baking was in that book. I pulled out my flours and mixed up a batch of “The Gluten Free Cookie Lady Flour Blend.” Now, let the cookie baking begin. I decided to start with good old Chocolate Chip Cookies. I could compare that one from memory. I followed all of her tips about pre-heating, cold dough, and found out my oven was not the correct temperature as I selected. When the timer went off, I pulled out of the oven PUFFY COOKIES, not flat! After they cooled they were still puffy! I took a bite and they were soft. I left them set out on the counter, hidden in my mixing bowl, because I wanted to know if they would be hard the next day. Each day, I ate the test cookies and they were soft four days later exposed to air. I was impressed. They also tasted great. My husband, who is not gluten free, loved them as well.
I also made the Oatmeal Raisin Cookies and they were tasty as well. I am excited about trying more of her cookie recipes that are in the book. She has lots of recipes in her book. You will find all time favorites, bars and brownies, chocolate lover cookies, fruity and spicy cookies, nutty cookies, no bake cookies, and cookies with nuts in them. She also has a section about nuts (and recipes), flavoring and scenting sugar, fillings, and frosting and glazes. With a bonus, you also will find recipes for making waffles, granola and ice cream. And also lots of tips.

I was so impressed, that I had to test her “Gluten Free Cookie Lady Flour Blend” with muffins. Muffins have always been an area of frustration for me. This time I pulled out my first gluten free muffins that were baked completely through. No doughy centers. They were so good, the kids finished them off as quickly as they were cooling. I had to make up another batch of her flour blend so that I could make more muffins. I have decided to use the “Gluten Free Cookie Lady Flour Blend” for my all purpose flour.

To learn more about Jeanne Basye, her cookbook or about how to order Gluten-Free Cookies, visit her website at http://www.glutenfreecookielady.com/

About Jeanne Basye
"Jeanne Basye has a passion for gluten-free cookies. She created more than 150 cookie recipes and became known as The Gluten-Free Cookie Lady. Requests for her cookie recipes led to the creation of her cookbook, Gluten-Free Cookies. "

"Gluten-Free Cookies includes 87 cookie recipes, each one evaluated for taste, texture and appearance by hundreds of people. Look inside the 168-page book for my flour formula, tips for easier baking, solutions to common gluten-free cookie problems and much more. Among those contributing to the project were Harriett and Curt Granthen, Granthen Studios, who donated their time and beautiful color photographs."

"You learn more about Jeane Basye, Gluten Free Cookies, or how to order the cookbook, please visit her at http://www.glutenfreecookielady.com/"

(sorry if this is duplicated - transfering from old site)
New Gluten Free-Cookies Cookbook Donated To Our Viewing Library

NEW UPDATE - YOU CAN READ OUR LATEST RECIPE REVIEW ON SHERI'S BLOG AT LOVE-HOPE-JOY

Jeanne Basye is the author of Gluten Free-Cookies. She started baking gluten free cookies for her gluten free family and soon became known in her neighborhood as “The Gluten Free Cookie Lady.”

I use to think that gluten free cookies were going to be flat or hard no matter how I tried. And then the Gluten Free Cookies cookbook arrived in the mail. I was surprised about all of the tips and information about baking was in that book. I pulled out my flours and mixed up a batch of “The Gluten Free Cookie Lady Flour Blend.” Now, let the cookie baking begin. I decided to start with good old Chocolate Chip Cookies. I could compare that one from memory. I followed all of her tips about pre-heating, cold dough, and found out my oven was not the correct temperature as I selected. When the timer went off, I pulled out of the oven PUFFY COOKIES, not flat! After they cooled they were still puffy! I took a bite and they were soft. I left them set out on the counter, hidden in my mixing bowl, because I wanted to know if they would be hard the next day. Each day, I ate the test cookies and they were soft four days later exposed to air. I was impressed. They also tasted great. My husband, who is not gluten free, loved them as well.

I also made the Oatmeal Raisin Cookies and they were tasty as well. I am excited about trying more of her cookie recipes that are in the book. She has lots of recipes in her book. You will find all time favorites, bars and brownies, chocolate lover cookies, fruity and spicy cookies, nutty cookies, no bake cookies, and cookies with nuts in them. She also has a section about nuts (and recipes), flavoring and scenting sugar, fillings, and frosting and glazes. With a bonus, you also will find recipes for making waffles, granola and ice cream. And also lots of tips.

I was so impressed, that I had to test her “Gluten Free Cookie Lady Flour Blend” with muffins. Muffins have always been an area of frustration for me. This time I pulled out my first gluten free muffins that were baked completely through. No doughy centers. They were so good, the kids finished them off as quickly as they were cooling. I had to make up another batch of her flour blend so that I could make more muffins. I have decided to use the “Gluten Free Cookie Lady Flour Blend” for my all purpose flour.

Many thanks to the lady who was generous to donate a copy to our viewing library.

To learn more about Jeanne Basye, her cookbook or about how to order Gluten-Free Cookies, visit her website at http://www.glutenfreecookielady.com/

Book Review - 2 books by Skye Weintraub N.D.

2009-08-14T19:06:00.000-07:00

Allergies and Holistic Healing by Skye Weintraub N.D.
I really like this book. I had so many allergies that this book was a great resource book for me. Each time I read it I learn more. It always answers so many questions. It sometimes leads me to ponder for more answers. One of the questions was "Why do I have so many food allergies?" Finally, after enough pondering about this unanswered questions, I decided to seek my answer from the source.

The book explains types of allergies, testing, good digestion, common allergy causing foods, environment allergies, and additional treatment for allergies and sensitivities. It talks about behavior problems, hyperactivity, ADD, and brain allergies. Also has a section about Gluten

Natural Treatments for ADD and Hyperactivity by Dr. Skye Weintraub, N.D.
One of my daughters has behavior problems that I was able to connect to food reactions when she was younger. I researched this topic well, because she could have easily been diagnosed with ADHD or autism. I did everything I could to eliminate anything that caused a reaction. We changed her diet several times and now 7 years later, she goes gluten free and most of her ADD symptom are gone.

This book is loaded with so much information. I learned a lot. This book explains what ADD is, how self esteem is important, diet, elimination and challenge diet, food allergies, biochemical factors, hypoglycemia, sugar, yeast, environmental factors, heavy metal contamination, pesticide poisoning. thyroid, malabsorbtion deficiencies and natural remedies.

About Dr. Skye Weintraub, ND

She is a local author and Practicing Naturpath in the Eugene, Oregon area. Her books and consultation have been a blessing for my families healing with Celiac and food allergies.

"Who is Dr. Skye Weintraub ND - Dr. Skye Weintraub is a 1988 graduate of National College of Naturopathic Medicine in Portland, Oregon, where she received a Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine (ND). She is licensed in the state of Oregon as a naturopathic physician. Dr. Weintraub, has been in medical practice since 1989 and has researched and written books since 1996. She possesses a strong background in holistic health therapies where she specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of food, inhalant, and chemical allergies, as well as parasite infestations, intestinal overgrowth of yeast and bacteria, digestive problems such as irritable bowel syndrome, Crohns, and ulcerative colitis, and other chronic health concerns. She is trained in the use of homeopathy, nutrition, botanical medicine, and the use of the proper supplements to treat illness. Dr. Weintraub also counsels people how to achieve ultimate nutrition with a healthy diet and lifestyle. "

"Dr. Weintraub is the author of numerous books published by Woodland Publishing, including: Natural Healing with Cell Salts, Allergies and Holistic Healing, Natural Treatments for ADD and Hyperactivity, and The Parasite Menace. Her latest book, The Bacteria Menace, outlines how bacteria could be at the root of many of today's most common health conditions, as well as how to effectively build immunity and protect one's self from these dangerous agents, without necessarily the help of antibiotics. She is the author of two booklets: Selenium-The Health Connection and Natural Defenses for Bioterrorism. She has also contributed to other books such as the Encyclopedia of Natural Healing by Alive Books and Alternative Cures by Rodale Press.She lectures throughout the US on current health issues and has written many articles appearing on various websites and in health journals. Dr. Weintraub is a frequent guest on radio talk shows exploring natural health topics mentioned in her books and has given talks nationwide on these subjects. She has been consulted by complementary health companies for the development of products because of her expertise in allergies, ADD, and the overgrowth of disease-causing organisms in the digestive system."

Dr. Weintraub has a new website at http://www.drskyeweintraub.com/index.php. Lots of information about Naturpathic medicine, cell salts, testing and phone consultation

On A Personal Note

After Dr. Weintraub diagnosed me with Celiac, she ordered a hair analysis test and I have been very pleased with the supplement recommendations that help with rebuilding the mineral balances. Not surprisingly, the test revealed depleted minerals. The company she uses sends a personalized report in a book format about what the mineral levels reveal. This test documented how I felt health wise, and why I felt that way.

I am also very happy that I had a food allergy test done. I had tried elimination diets, but sometimes I was confused about the results of the challenges. I also had both girls tested for food allergies. Some of the food allergies I would have never guessed was a problem. The only regret that I have is that I didn't get tested 5 years sooner. I can only blame my stubbornness.

Book Review - Bagels, Buddy and Me by Melanie Krumrey

2009-08-14T18:58:00.000-07:00

Bagels, Buddy and Me by Melanie Krumrey

I am thrilled to announce a new book for kids called "Bagels, Buddy, and Me" by Melanie Krumrey. I really enjoyed this book and think it is great for young kids starting a gluten free diet and speaks to children at their level so that they understand what Celiac is. It could also be helpful for any child who has to give up their favorite food.

This is a story about gluten intolerance and Celiac Disease. It is told from the perspective of her middle son who was diagnosed at 6 years old. The story is about how he found out that he couldn't eat his favorite food anymore and how he has to change his diet.

About the author, Melanie Krumrey. This is taken from her website at www.bagelsbuddyandme.com

"We are the Krumrey family. ("Krum" like cookie crumb, "rey" like rye bread - a name full of gluten!) In 2003, our son Cooper's health began to concern us. He struggled with headaches, stomach aches, tics, and an overall sick feeling. After a year of symptoms that seemed to worsen by the week, we were told about Celiac Disease. Cooper's blood tests were inconclusive because of an IgA deficiency, but some antibody levels were elevated. His endoscopy was normal, which was also confusing. Others we met and read about had normal endoscopy results, but positive blood work and family histories. So, we decided to try the diet. After only two weeks, Cooper showed a marked improvement. His revitalized health was enough to convince us that a gluten intolerance was causing his declining health. He has been gluten free ever since. (And mostly headache, stomachache, and tic free too!)In doing research on behalf of Cooper, I (Melanie) realized that I had been experiencing most of the symptoms I was reading about for years, but had always thought these things were "normal for me." I was tested through Dr. Kenneth Fine's lab in Dallas,TX, Enterolab. I was referred to him by the daughter of a friend in Texas who had heard him speak at a local support group. The results were positive. Later, my other son and daughter were also tested through Enterolab. They were positive as well. Most recently, my sister used Dr. Fine's lab to test for a gluten intolerance as well as for genetic indicators. She was positive for all. We are very thankful for better health, and give God thanks for leading us to answers While in the process of diagnosis, and learning to eat differently, I wished out loud that there was a children's book on the subject. Someone suggested that I write one, and I laughed at the thought. Months later, a story came to mind after we learned of Buddy's inability to eat wheat as well. I wrote it, and put it down, thinking it too impossible. The Lord seemed to be nudging me though, so I picked it up again, and entered the world of publishing -another journey in itself!"

If you would like to order the book you may do so at Melanie's website at www.bagelsbuddyandme.com

She also has a blog that she writes. glutenfreekrums.blogspot.com

Book Reviews - Food Allergy Field Guide

2009-08-14T18:42:00.001-07:00

Food Allergy Field Guide by Theresa Willingham (This book donated by Carol Fenster)
This book is a great resource for any food allergies or intollerence. Lots of childrens comments throughout the book. Information is updated to the new laws that have changed for labeling. Nice section for dealing with family, friends and Caregivers. Also sections for reading labels, menu planning, substitutions, eating out and helping your child to fit in. Nice book to have for dealing with multiple food issues.

Our Support Groups Gathering and Events

2009-08-14T18:13:00.000-07:00

Upcoming Gathering and Events

If you would like to come to our next gathering or event, please e-mail glutenfree_kids8@yahoo88.com (remove the 8's) to be added to our mailing list.

Get on our mailing list to learn about what is happening in the Eugene/Springfield, Oregon area.

Past Gathering and Events

Gluten Free Holiday Event : We started the Holiday Season with our Holiday Event right before Thanksgiving. It was a nice to prepare us with ideas and suggestions before the season got normally stressful.

We brought dishes to share, exchanged recipes, shared stories and met new faces. The kids played hard, decorated gingerbread cookies, and had a great time.

A special thanks to Allison for hosting our event and opening her home to us. Another special thanks to Laurel's Sweet Treats Inc. for supplying the gingerbread mix. You can visit Laural's website at http://www.glutenfreemixes.com/ or http://www.laurelssweettreats.com/

Birthday Cake and Birthday Parties

We sampled several cake mixes and frosting mixes. We also had a surprise cake from Sweet Life Patisserie at 755 Monroe Street in Eugene. It was very yummy and rich. The kids decorated their own cup cake.

The reviews came out as:

Pamela's Classic Vanilla Cake - good - sponge cake
Gluten Free Pantry - good - butter cake
Best Chocolate was split with Pamela's (moist and sticky top) and Gluten Free Pantry (great cake texture).
Namaste Spice was voted as best flavor all around.
Gluten Free Pantry was voted for best travel. Top was not sticky.
Pamela's was voted for best versatile.

Note: Gluten Free Pantry also has a spice, but we did not have one to sample.

Honestly, we were all caked out in the end.

Capellas Store on Willamette Street : Having a tour of Capellas is great. We learned more products that are gluten free. Rex, the manager was great. He is doing a great job on making our gluten free life-style an easier life-style. He wants to bring in products that we are interested in buying. It is great having a store that hears us and is wanting to work with not only our group, but Eugene GIG and Gluten Free Eugene.

When you have a chance to stop into Capellas, ask for Rex. He can point out some great gluten free products.

Last time I found Angelina's Bread, gluten free granola, and many ideas for a quick gluten free meal.

Our First Store Tour : Our first Store Tour was at Market of Choice at Delta. We met the department managers and the store manager. We learned where to find those gluten free items and learned tips about items that individuals in the group have used. The store enjoys seeing our group in their stores. The managers voiced that "It helps them to see our needs."

If you missed this tour and would like to be a part of another Market of Choice Tour, don't worry. The store has invited us back for another tour. I will plan another one after the Holidays.

"Top Your Own Pizza" Party was yummy! : Pizza crust supplied by Kinnikinnick

We baked our pizza on the BBQ grill for that pizza parlor taste. It was so easy with the Kinnikinnick crust. When BBQing your own pizza, remember to lay your pizza on ten foil and over a low flame. You can also bake your crust in the oven. I usually bake at 350 degrees until the cheese starts melting.

And afterwards we enjoyed some home made ice cream that Jody made in a snap. It was sooo good and easy.

The kids played and enjoyed all the samples that were provided by manufactures.

For more information about Kinnikinnick great tasting products, you can visit their website at http://www.kinnikinnick.com/ or purchase their product locally at Choice Health Foods 2791 Oak Alley, Suite 6 – above Long’s Meats , Capella's at 2489 Willamette, and Market of Choice. (I am lot sure if Market of Choice has the pizza crust. If we all ask, maybe they will start caring it.)

Our first party was "Get Acquainted and Play in the Park"

We are no longer a R.O.C.K. group. We are now an independent Support Group.

Our first party was on April 28th, 2007 at Emerald Park. We had a lot of fun in the park with lots of great samples that Jody brought for us. Bob's Grain Mill sent us samples packets that make 2 1/2 cups of Mighty Tasty GF Hot Cereal. We made a couple of friends and had a chance to enjoy the sun. Of course the kids want to do this again.

Our Support Group - Gluten Free Kids in Eugene/Springfield Oregon

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Hope you find this website helpful.

We are a support group to help children and their families on a gluten free diet or other food allergies no matter what their reason is. Celiac, sensitivity, allergies, autism, ADD/ADHD, personal or religious preferences.

Some of our activities have been:

Top Your Own GF Pizza

Ice Cream Social

Cookie Exchange

Play In The Park

Sample Birthday Cakes

What else happens:

We learn more about our children's dietary needs and how it affects our children at school and at home.

We share information, swap recipes, and compare stories.

We try new Gluten Free Products

We talk about the newest and greatest information, products and services that help our children.

We learn tips and tricks about eating at local restaurants.

We get suggestions and tips on traveling.

We encourage one another.

We are not Eugene Gluten Intolerance Group (GIG) or Eugene Gluten Free. We are completely separate so that all decisions are made to benefit and protect our families and the kids in this group. We were formally a R.O.C.K. chapter, but are now independent

HISTORY OF OUR GROUP
Sheri, Liz and Vicky wanted support for kids and their families just like ours. After visiting the Salem R.O.C.K. group in Oregon. The three of us were struggling with a gluten free diet, due to Celiac and Salem R.O.C.K. helped us so much.

Our home went gluten free in November 2006 and we had our first event in April 2007.

We are helping one another cope and deal with the gluten free life-style, by providing a gluten free family with our support group.

Our support group is completely free and doesn't charge fee's or dues. We don't require our members to purchase specific products or services, or shop at certain stores.

We do get donations of samples and publications from food manufacturers. And we have a viewing library of books that were donated by Authors.

BENEFITS OF MEMBERSHIP

Hearing about our events and gatherings.

Learning about local gluten free services and hearing feedback.

Learn tips and tricks about eating at local restaurants.

Receiving gluten free samples and coupons at events.

Sharing recipes.

Sharing information and swapping stories.

Getting help with struggles.

Learn more about Celiac Disease and how it affects our children at school and at home.
We get suggestions and tips on traveling

REQUIREMENTS FOR MEMBERSHIP

For a support group to be beneficial to all, then everyone needs to be involved as a team. Everyone in this group is important and has something to offer. Sharing knowledge, planning a gathering or play date, hosting an event are wonderful ways of giving back to the group. Sometimes coming along a new member and becoming a mentor to them is a great way to be involved.

To be a member of Gluten Free Kids, there are a few requirements:

Agree to be an active member and plan one gathering, play date or event per year. (Or volunteer to help with the group or provide something to the group.)

Be polite, positive, encouraging, empathetic, respectful, and accepting to one another.

Accept all medical professional preferences and personal decisions made by other members, including becoming gluten free (or Celiac) by personal or God's preference.

RSVP attendance by Thursday before an event for planning purposes.

BECOMING A GLUTEN FREE KIDS MEMBER

We don't charge dues or membership fees. If you would like to become a member , than send a comment to this blog or e-mail Sheri at glutenfree_kids8@yahoo88.com (remove the 8's). Please type in "joining group" and include your name and age of your child/children on the gluten free diet. If you would like me to call you, please e-mail me with your phone number and I will call you.

About Me

2009-08-14T15:37:00.000-07:00

My name is Sheri. I am the mother of two sweet girls and 3 out of 4 of us at home are on a Gluten Free diet. We are a small Christian family who homeschools as well. We are adventurous, creative and love to learn about the world around us.

After Celiac became a reality, the kids had a hard time adapting with the change and needed their own support group. I found a R.O.C.K. chapter in Salem and we attended one of their meetings. Our whole family benefited from the meeting and the kids loved it. Salem was a little far to travel every month and so we plunged in and started our own support group to help other children who are dealing with food issues.

I have to give the credit to my Heavenly Father for answering our prayers about our failing health. I started praying for my daughter when she was 2 years old in the year 2000. He kept answering my prayers and pointing to wheat, but I didn't want to go there. Finally after my own health failed so much, he lead me to a loving, kind voice that only had one answer, "Celiac - positive." No where else to go, but to accept the gluten free diet.

I keep reminding myself of Daniel in the bible and his desire to eat the way God instructed him to. Daniel was hand picked to honorably serve the king in his castle. Daniel and the other hand picked Israelites were assigned daily amount of food and wine from the kings table. "But Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine." (Daniel 1:8) He worked out an agreement with the chief official for a trial diet of 10 days with only vegetables and water for him and his companions. "At the end of the ten days they looked healthier and better nourished than any of the young men who ate the royal food." (Daniel 1:15) I try to keep in mind that gluten, casein and other allergies are defiling myself and were not meant for my lips.

I hope you find this website to be helpful. If you live close by, then I hope that we can meet at one of our group's events. (I took this posting from the "Home" page of our website. We were formally "Gluten Free Kids R.O.C.K.")

Supporters - Thank you

2009-08-14T12:03:00.000-07:00

This is our way of saying thank you for the samples, books, coupons, handouts and publications for our group.

Samples & Coupons

Bob's Red Mill Natural Foods
5209 SE International Way
Milwaukie, Oregon 97222
800-349-2172
Look in your store for their grains, flours and mixes from their gluten free line..
Visit their website for a store finder, great gluten free recipes and a list of their gluten free line.http://www.bobsredmill.com/

OrganicVilleP.O. Box 8551 Emeryville, California 94662email info@organicvillefoods.comLook in your store for their bottled sauces without dairy, no added sugar, gluten free and vegan. Great for a gluten free/casein free lifestyle or for someone who has many food allergies.http://www.organicvillefoods.com/

Tastes Like Real Food
Our mission is simple--to help people with celiac disease and gluten intolerance enjoy meals again. We are the exclusive North American distributor of Toro™ brand Celiac-Safe™ baking mixes, which are manufactured at a state-of-the-art factory in Bergen, Norway.
website http://www.tasteslikerealfood.com/
This is a brand new company. I am excited about what this company is bringing to the US. I look forward to trying their products soon. Visit this page again for my update.

Lucy's Cookies
7420 Central Business Park Dr., Suite 1Norfolk, VA 23513
Phone (757) 233-9495
e-mail info@drlucys.com
Today, Lucy's™ cookies stand as delicious proof that no one ever has to be denied a good cookie. What makes Lucy's™ cookies so different? Every crispy, crunchy, delicious Lucy's™ cookie is baked without wheat, gluten, dairy milk, butter, eggs, casein, peanuts or tree nuts. But you'd never know it.
These cookies are really good. They are small as Mother's Cookies Brand, but taste so much better. They make a great cookie for packing, because they don't crumble like most store bought gluten free cookies. http://www.drlucys.com/

Glee Gum
305 Dudley Street
Providence, RI 02907
Phone 401-351-6415
e-mail info@gleegum.com
Glee Gum contains no gluten. Glee Gum is safe for people with celiac disease and any other wheat and gluten intolerances.
We have been enjoying Glee Gum for years because it is an all natural chewing gum. We were happy to learn that they were gluten free as well.
http://www.gleegum.com/

Pacific Foods
As a locally owned, Oregon-based natural foods company founded in 1987, we remain dedicated to creating foods that capture the most delicious tastes from what nature has provided. We spare no effort in the creation of our delicious, nutritious and healthful recipes-and each one contains only the safest, freshest all-natural and organic ingredients.
19480 SW 97th AvenueTualatin, OR 97062
Phone: 503-692-9666 Consumer Affairs ext. 1124
website http://www.pacificfoods.com/
I love this company. We use a lot of there products. There Rice Milk is a staple in our home, because it is completely free of gluten (including barly Malt). They also have a good gluten free gravy for easy throw it together lunches. Check out there website for a gluten free product list.

Hodgson Mills, Inc.
Hodgson Mill recognizes the special dietary needs and provides products that are by nature gluten free. From pancakes to baked goods and lots of things in between one can continue to enjoy not only taste but nutrition as well.
1100 Stevens Ave.
Effingham, IL 62401
Phone 217-347-0105 or 800-525-0177
website http://www.hodgsonmill.com/roi/673/Naturally-Gluten-Free-Products/
This company carries a great Flax Seed that helps keeping our bodies regular.They also offer other products that are naturally gluten free.

Red Star Yeast
Especially for those who cannottolerate wheat, oats, barley, or rye in their diet but can enjoy tasty home baked bread! RED STAR® Active Dry Yeast and RED STAR® QUICK•RISETMYeast do not contain wheat gluten or other cereal protein that cause allergic reactions in people with gluten intolerance.
Lesaffre Yeast Corporation
433 E Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Carol Stevens Phone 800 4 Celiac (1-800-423-5422)
website http://www.redstaryeast.com/
This company also has gluten free bread recipes on their website. Gluten free recipe links can be found at the bottom of the page on there recipe page. http://www.redstaryeast.com/collection.html

Amy's Kitchen Inc.
All products from Amy's Kitchen are vegetarian, containing no meat, fish, poultry or eggs, and cheeses are made from pasteurized rBST hormone free milk and do not contain animal enzymes or rennet. In addition, we offer a wide selection of delicious dishes to satisfy several dietary needs and food preferences.
PO Box 449Petaluma, CA 94953
Phone 707.578.7270
website http://www.amyskitchen.com/index.php
This company has so many products that we love. They have a wonderful frozen rice crust cheese pizza all ready to put in the oven. We love to add our favorite toppings to it.

Quinoa Corporations
We at Quinoa Corporation are very pleased and excited to introduce an amazing "new" food. It is called quinoa (pronounced keen-wa), and is a grain that comes from the Andes Mountains of South America. Quinoa's origins are truly ancient. It was one of the three staple foods, along with corn and potatoes, of the Inca civilization. Quinoa was known then, and still is known, with respect, as the mother grain. We call it the "Supergrain of the Future."
Phone (310) 217-8125 e-mail
quinoacorp@aol.com
website http://www.quinoa.net/
We love their pasta and I use their polenta for some of our favorite dishes.

Ener G Foods
Our mission at Ener-G Foods as one of the country's foremost producers of foods for diet- restricted individuals is to provide a wide range of ready-made foods and mixes that are wholesome, nutritious, risk free and good tasting. We are constantly responding to the demand for special diets with research, innovative products, and convenience foods
Toll free: 800-331-5222 Phone 206-767-6660 website http://www.ener-g.com/
We really like their products. At Christmas we dipped their pretzels in chocolate for our own Christmas basket.

Glutino Food Group/Gluten Free/Gluten Free Pantry
2055, Boul. Dagenais Ouest
Laval, Qc, H7L 5V1, Canada
[tel] 1.800.363.3438
[fax] 1.450.629.4781 Contact them through their website website http://www.glutino.com/http://www.glutenfree.com/
Great and yummy foods that help our family to not feel like we are missing a thing.

Mary's Gone Crackers
Committed to manufacturing the best tasting wheat-free and gluten-free baked goods using the highest quality, organically grown ingredients. Mary developed the recipes for her delicious gluten-free products beginning in 1994 when both she and her son were discovered to have a gluten intolerance.
Toll free: 888-258-1250 Phone 530-846-5100 Fax 530-846-5500 website http://www.marysgonecrackers.com/ns/intro.php
One of my daughter's favorite cracker.

Laurel's Sweet Treats Inc.
Is an exclusive gluten-free manufacturer. No Wheat containing products are produced. Ingredients are pruchased from reliable gluten-free vendors. The Products have been tested to replace the regular bakery items we miss and will be enjoyed by all, even those who can eat gluten.
The mission for Gluten Free Mixes is to provide excellent products at a fair price that will be enjoyed by all -- whether gluten is an issue or not
8174 SW Durham Road, Tigard, Oregon 97224
(503) 443-3803 toll free 866-225-3432
http://www.glutenfreemixes.com/
http://www.laurelssweettreats.com/
My kids and I tried their gluten free gingerbread cookies at the Salem R.O.C.K. Christmas event in 2006. They were great cookies and held up nice while decorating them.

Namaste Foods, LLC
We are a small (but growing!) manufacturer of fine foods that are free of wheat, gluten, corn, soy, potato, dairy, casein or nuts. A better value - In an effort to make our gluten free products more affordable for you, we try to give you more for your money. For instance, all our cake mixes make TWO rounds as opposed to one. (Who ever heard of a one-layer birthday cake anyway?!) We truly believe Namaste Foods products are the best-tasting allergen-free products on the market!
PO Box 3133, Coeur d'Alene, ID 83816
866-258-9493
Their website is http://www.namastefoods.com/
We love their Spice Cake Mix. Add carrots for a wonderful carrot cake. Makes enough for a party.

Pamela's Products, Inc.
Since 1988, Pamela's Products has created a new standard in wheat-free and gluten-free foods. We've combined the finest all natural ingredients for superior taste and texture.
200 Clara Avenue, Ukiah, CA 95482
707-462-6605
Visit their website at http://www.pamelasproducts.com/
We love their cookies. My favorites are the Lemon Shortbread cookies. The kids of course love the chocolate chip.

Enjoy Life Foods Enjoy food!
Our whole business is making smile-good foods that keep people’s insides happy too. That’s why all of our foods are specially made to be gluten-free and free of the 8 most common allergens. Our mission is to make delicious products that just about everyone can EAT FREELY. Our foods contain NO:wheat/gluten, dairy, peanuts, tree nuts, egg, soy, or fish shellfish. They’re also made without other common triggers of intolerance: casein, potato, sesame and sulfites
Toll free: 888-50-ENJOY Phone 847-260-0300 website http://www.enjoylifefoods.com/
We love their snacks and goodies!

Kinnikinnick
We have been making Gluten Free And Casein Free Foods in ourdedicated gluten free facility since 1991.
Great products to cure the gluten blues in an instant. Gluten Free pizza crusts, donuts, and cinnaman rolls are always kept in our freezer.http://www.kinnikinnick.com/

Choices Health Food
Specialty foods for your dietary needs
2791 Oak Alley, Suite 6 – above Long’s Meats
Monday - Saturday, 12noon-5pm ~ Sunday, closed
My kids love to visit this store and read labels. So many safe foods that they want to buy everything. Visit this website for products they carry and to order on-line.
http://www.choiceshealthfood.com/

Other Supporters

Carol Fenster, Ph.D.
President/Founder
Savory Palate Inc.
800-741-5418, 303-741-5408
8174 S Holly Street, #404, Centennial, CO 80122
Author of Gluten-Free 101, Cooking Free (no gluten, dairy, eggs), and Wheat-Free Recipes and Menus
Free monthly e-newsletter Carol's Culinary Cues (sign up at http://www.carolfenster.com/ )
Culinary consultant to food manufacturers, including industry leader Bob's Red Mill Natural Foods, Inc.
Savory Palate, Inc also publishes Gluten-Free Friends by Nancy Falini, RD and Food Allergy Field Guide by Theresa Willingham.
When I was just diagnosed Celiac, I was in Reno attending my brothers wedding. I met another Celiac by the pool. Her name was also Carol, she recommended getting a Carol Fenster Cookbook. I didn't have a pen and so she told me "Your friend Carol recommends Carol Fenster" I didn't forget. Thank you to my vacation friend Carol, because it saved me from more frustration and we survived our first Christmas without feeling deprived.. For some great recipes, books and gluten free information, check out their website at http://www.savorypalate.com/default.aspx

Skye Weintraub, ND (888)4-DRSKYE (437-7593). (541)521-6163e-mail drskye@comcast.net http://www.drskyeweintraub.com/Practice in Eugene, OregonAuthor of Natural Healing with Cell Salts, Allergies and Holistic Healing, Natural Treatments for ADD and Hyperactivity, The Bacteria Menace, and The Parasite Menace.I am very greatful for her insight into finding the core problem and diagnosing me with Celiac. I am also greatful that she was able to make a connection with both of my girls. We are all healing under her care. http://www.drskyeweintraub.com/

Menanie KrumreyBook author and mother of a gluten free kid.Wrote Bagels, Buddy and Me e-mail melanie@knowmercy.org website http://www.bagelsbuddyandme.com/ Blog http://glutenfreekrums.blogspot.com/

Priscilla Smith
Book author and mother of a gluten free kid.
Wrote Living, Loving, and Cooking with my Daughter, The Art of Creating Nutrient-Dense Gluten-Free Foods .
Blog http://www.nourishingyouandyourchildren.blogspot.com/
You can purchase her nicely done e-book for $5. She uses very natural foods. Over half of her recipes are easy to convert to daiy free as well. She also has some wonderful ideas for snacks and formented foods.

Jeanne BasyeBook author and wife, step-mother, and grandmother of a gluten free husband, adult step-children and grandkids.Wrote Gluten-Free Cookies Website http://www.glutenfreecookielady.com/You can purchase her wonderful cookbook at her website. She has many delicious recipes, great flour blend (I use it as my all purpose flour blend), and lots of tips and information that is useful. Because of this book, my cookies taste and look like the way a cookie should.

Gluten Free EugeneProviding Positive Life Skills for Gluten Intolerance Individuals..... Jody A. Hoag
541.543.4100
(message)
Check out the website for great information and local places to shop and eat gluten free. http://www.glutenfreeeugene.org/

Gluten Free Baking Classics
Providing Positive Life Skills for Gluten Intolerance Individuals..... Author is Annalise G Roberts. I really like the cake mix recipes. I recommend this cookbook for the beginner. Check out the website for great information
http://www.foodphilosopher.com/

The Autism and ADHD DietA step-by-step guide to hope and healing by living gluten free and casein free and other interventions.Aughor is Barrie Silberberg
Having a child that had all the symptoms of ADHD in her earlier years, I know how diet is connected. This book is great for getting started. Check out the website for more information.
http://www.puttingyourkidsfirst.com/

New Post - Changes in Name, Website and Email

2009-08-14T11:14:00.000-07:00

We are Gluten Free Kids, formally Gluten Free Kids R.O.C.K. Yes, we are dropping the R.O.C.K. Hope this post can explain why.

We have been a support group for 3 years in the Eugene/Springfield, Oregon area. We started off as a R.O.C.K. (Raising Our Celiac Kids), even though I never met the founder of R.O.C.K. I had very little contact with the women and we ran this on our own. No direction, no help from R.O.C.K., not even a returned signed license agreement. So we got by on local encouragement and referrals. Businesses were very wonderful in providing our group samples, books, coupons, handouts, and publications. To show my appreciation, I placed their link and information about their company on the website I created for our group. It was the least I could do for their expense in providing the material.

As a leader and a Celiac myself, I understand that we are who we are and have our own beliefs and faith. When we struggle through hard times, we depend on our beliefs and faith to get us through it. And children are the same way. Children talk about everything under the sun, including their belief and faith. I see no reason to hide my belief and faith, because after all, we are encouraged in this great nation to accept one another. I have a high respect for our Countries history and why it was founded and fought so hard to give us the freedoms we have today.

Now to the point of why we are no longer a R.O.C.K. chapter.

I was contacted this week by the founder of R.O.C.K. and asked to remove the (free) ads and the following from our groups website that I own under my name.
1. If you had Faith even as small as a mustard seed...nothing would be impossible. - Matthew 17:20 LB - Not even switching to a gluten free diet or healing on a gluten free diet.
2. Accept all medical professional preferences and personal decisions made by other members, including becoming gluten free (or Celiac) by personal or God's preference. (Because I have noticed how people have chastised others for saying that God told them to go on this diet.)
3. And under my personal testimony all the religious content. We are a Christian family and a small homeschool family (2 kids). We are adventurous, creative and love to learn about the world around us. I have to give the credit to my Heavenly Father for answering our prayers about our failing health. I started praying for my daughter when she was 2 years old in the year 2000. He kept answering my prayers and pointing to wheat, but I didn't want to go there. Finally after my own health failed so much, he lead me to a loving, kind voice that only had one answer, "Celiac - positive." No where else to go, but to accept the gluten free diet. I keep reminding myself of Daniel in the bible and his desire to eat the way God instructed him to. Daniel was hand picked to honorably serve the king in his castle. Daniel and the other hand picked Israelites were assigned daily amount of food and wine from the kings table. "But Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine." (Daniel 1:8) He worked out an agreement with the chief official for a trial diet of 10 days with only vegetables and water for him and his companions. "At the end of the ten days they looked healthier and better nourished than any of the young men who ate the royal food." (Daniel 1:15) I try to keep in mind that gluten, casein and other allergies are defiling myself and were not meant for my lips.

I refuse to take away my gratitude from company's and individuals who believed in us and sent us materials and referrals. I don't believe in taking something for free. This is our way of helping them.

I also refuse to allow someone to take away my freedom of speech. America is one of the few countries that have that freedom. And I have the freedom to walk away and continue to help others the best way I know how.

According to the founder, our website and my e-mail account are hers, because they have the word rock in the address. I can't remove it unless I recreate everything. So over the next month, I will be changing over and adding pages from the website to this blog. I still haven't decided on the website, because in the process of creating one, I am having software changes that are not working correctly. I also have to let everyone know about my new e-mail address.