Owen's Third Birthday

Owen turned 3 on January 23rd. It's so hard planning birthday parties in the middle of the winter where the average temperature is 0 degrees F. This year happened to be the first year that one set of grandparents could even attend because there wasn't the usual Lake Effect Snow Warning. Throw in food allergies and you've got yourself quite the dilemma. But as always, I do believe we conquered this one!

Owen chose to have a Thomas the Train Birthday Party. Thankfully creating the atmosphere was easy since our train table is in the middle of our living room. During the party all of the children enjoyed playing with the trains. To entertain older children and adults, I had picked up a few Thomas the Train games: Bingo, Birthday Thomas, & Thomas the Train Uno. The board games worked well for the season and now we have them to use all of the time.

Food was the biggest dilemma as always, but honestly the dilemma was choosing from all of the great ideas I found. In the end it came down to money, as it always seems to, so we went with the most basic and inexpensive plan. I made a train out of cardboard boxes. Box cars were filled with plain potato chips, air popped popcorn, and tortilla chips. These are the safest allergy friendly snack food we have.

If the boys ask for another train birthday party in the future, I'm dying to try the Fruity Pebbles Train recipe I found along with making candy trains for everyone. I do believe I could have switched out the candy to make it work for Owen and all attending the party. Hopefully next time around we have more money.

The cake or should I say cupcakes were the big hit of the party. I had purchased the train cake pan from Williams & Sonoma awhile back with a gift card I had been given. Using Cherrybrook Kitchen Yellow Cake Mix, instead of Williams & Sonoma Cake Recipe, and substituting allergy friendly candy and frosting, the end result turned out really well. The cupcakes were made with the same mixes and left over frosting.

Each child was able to choose a box car to eat and the adults ate the regular cupcakes. I will admit, I still miss REAL cake, but the Cherrybrook Kitchen Yellow Cake Mix wasn't all that bad. Obviously the cupcakes were the most expensive part of the party.

The last challenge was the goodie bags. I looked everywhere for Thomas the Train items and besides the usual bubbles and... I forget what else. They cost a fortune. No place in town sold train items, not even at Dollar General. So, trying to avoid food because of the allergies, I searched and found an organization called Operation Lifesaver. They have a website and everything. The organization promotes train safety. They offer several promotional items for close to nothing in price and will ship them to you. You can request to have someone come to an event to talk about train safety and everything. I was excited! So here's what I ordered:Train Whistles

Zipper Pulls

Train Erasers in multiple colors

Rulers & Bookmarks

Pens & Pencils

Crayons & Colored Pencils

& Train Safety Activity Books.

The ages of the kids varied so much that I tried to find items that would work for older kids too. Lastly, for the younger kids, I was able to order engineer hats. They were adorable and MUCH cheaper than the clothe ones.

I highly recommend this site. My only advice, order as early in advance as possible to save on shipping!

So that's another allergy friendly holiday done. Next in line Valentine's Day and then Easter. My mind has already started turning with ideas. I'll post them once I complete them.

We're definitely having fun with food allergies!

Perhaps if Adam has a train birthday party (his birthday is in the summer) we can go to a real train station or museum, perhaps even ride a train. So many ideas... If only it weren't winter!

Christmas Eve Dinner

My goal for holidays is to make EVERYTHING allergy friendly. Here is our Christmas Eve dinner. By far, I think it's the best allergy friendly holiday meal I have ever made or could ever make. All of it tasted so good. Both boys enjoyed it.

The Menu:

Allergy Friendly Roasted Chicken

(sorry for the horrible angle)Basmati & Wildrice Rice Pilaf

click here for recipe

Maple Squash

click here for recipe

Kale with Roasted Peppers & Olives

click here for recipe

Bananas Foster

(without the Rum)

click here for recipe

Dessert 1: Cinnamon & Sugar Popcorn

click here for recipe

Dessert 2: Cornflake Christmas Wreaths

1 bag (10.5 oz.) mini marshmallows

1/4 cup butter/margarine (non dairy)

4 1/2 cups cornflake cereal

Jumbo red nonpareils (I just used sprinkles)

Light corn syrup

Red sour belts (I skipped these)

1. Line 2 baking sheets with nonstick foil or parchment paper. Lightly coat a 1/3-cup measure with nonstick spray.

2. Stir marshmallows and butter in a large saucepan over low heat until melted and smooth. Remove from heat and tint with 5 or 6 drops of food coloring. Gently stir in cornflakes.

3. Scoop 1/3 cupfuls of the mixture and drop into 6 piles on each baking sheet. Let cool 5 minutes. Spray and shape each pile into a wreath, gently compressing the flakes together. Refrigerate until firm.

4. Decorate wreaths with nonpareils or candy balls, attaching them with a dab of corn syrup. Makes 12 wreaths.

Dessert 3: Christmas Ribbon

5 cups boiling water, divided

1 package (8 serving size) or 2 packages (4-serving size) Strawberry Flavor Gelatin

2/3 cup non dairy sour cream or non dairy vanilla yogurt or non dairy plain yogurt

1 package (8 serving size) or 2 packages (4-serving size) Lime Flavor Gelatin

Stir 2 1/2 cups of the boiling water into strawberry flavor gelatin in large bowl 2 minutes or until completely dissolved. Pour 1 1/2 cups into 6-cup ring mold. Refrigerate about 30 minutes or until set but not firm (should stick to finger when touched and mound). Refrigerate remaining gelatin in bowl until slightly thickened. Gradually stir in 1/3 cup of the sour cream; spoon over gelatin in mold. Refrigerate about 15 minutes or until set but not firm.

Repeat with lime flavor gelatin, remaining 2 1/2 cups boiling water and 1/3 cup sour cream, refrigerating dissolved gelatin before measuring and pouring into mold. Refrigerate 2 hours or until firm. Unmold.

Not only was it all allergy friendly, but it was foods the boys loved! Yay!

Gluten Free Gingerbread Cookies

1-¾ cups gluten-free flour mix**
½ to ¾ teaspoon ginger
½ teaspoon cream of tartar
1/8 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ cup butter or margarine (cold)
1-½ teaspoon xanthan gum I omitted this because of the banana.
½ cup brown sugar
1/8 teaspoon cloves
1 egg (cold) I used one overripe banana instead of an egg.
¼ to 3/8 teaspoon cinnamon
½ cup gluten-free molasses


Combine the rice flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, xanthan gum, cloves, cinnamon, ginger, and salt. Mix well. Cut in the butter or margarine until the mixture is in crumbs the size of peas.

In a small bowl beat the sugar, egg, and molasses together. Add this mixture to the dry ingredients and mix until the dough pulls away from the sides. Form the dough into a flat ball shape and refrigerate for one hour.


Dust some freezer paper (not wax paper) with gluten-free flour or confectioners sugar. (I dusted the counter instead.) Put the dough on the freezer paper and sprinkle with flour or confectioners sugar. (I sprinkled the counter.) Roll the dough to ¼ inch thick and cut out shapes as desired. Bake at 350 degrees F for 12 minutes. Cool on a wire rack. Makes about 20 cookies. (This recipe definitely made more than 20 cookies!)

** gluten-free flour mix: I cut this recipe in half.
6 cups white rice flour
2 cups potato starch (NOT the same as potato flour)
1 cup tapioca starch (also called tapioca flour)


This recipe comes from Vicki Lyles. She adapted it (in desperation) when she learned that our 5-year-old celiacs kindergarten class was going to be making gingerbread man cookies. The resulting cookies were quite good.

Frosting:
2 1/2 cups confectionery sugar
1/4 tsp. cream of tarter
1/2 tsp. vanilla
water (start with two tablespoons and then add from there if needed)

This was definitely a fun activity, especially with allergy friendly decorations!

Gluten-free Banana Pancakes

I finally found a pancake recipe that will work for both boys' allergies AND that tastes good. Both boys loved it! I found it at http://www.grouprecipes.com/.

1 cup rice flour
2 teaspoons gluten free baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon sugar
a pinch of nutmeg and a bigger pinch of cinnamon
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 cup milk or soy milk or water
1 overripe banana

1. Mix all the dry ingredients.
2. Mash the banana with the milk and oil, then add to flour mix.
3. Stir well to combine, and let sit about 5 minutes while you heat up your griddle (or cast iron pan, or pan, or whatever).
4. Cook as you would pancakes, dropping about 1/4 c. at a time and wiggling the pan to spread.
5. Cook on each side, then spread with Nutella (or peanut butter, or syrup, or anything) and eat hot.

I believe this is the fourth or fifth pancake recipe I have tried and by far it has been the best. Hope you enjoy!

Christmas Festivities

I am so excited to have found so many wonderful Christmas treats, crafts, and activities that the boys can eat, make, and do.

Here's our plans for the month of December!

Christmas Treats

Allergy Friendly Chocolate Covered Peanut Butter Balls

Gluten Free Ice Cream Cone Decorated Christmas Trees
Directions: Purchase gluten free ice cream cones. Frost outsides with allergy friendly frosting, colored green. Decorate with allergy friendly sprinkles, candies, etc...

Corn Flake Christmas Wreaths
(I have no idea where I found this recipe, but I did NOT invent it myself.)

1 bag (10.5 oz) mini marshmallows
1/4 cup allergy friendly margarine
Green Food Coloring
4 1/2 cups cornflake cereal
Allergy Friendly Candy
Corn Syrup

1. Line 2 baking sheets with nonstick foil or parchment paper. Lightly coat a 1/3-cup measure with nonstick spray.

2. Stir marshmallows and butter in a large saucepan over low heat until melted and smooth. Remove from heat and tint with 5 or 6 drops of food coloring. Gently stir in cornflakes.

3. Scoop 1/3 cupfuls of the mixture and drop into 6 piles on each baking sheet. Let cool 5 minutes. Spray fingers with nonstick cooking spray and shape each pile into a wreath, gently compressing the flakes together. Refrigerate until firm.

4. Decorate wreaths, attaching candy with a dab of corn syrup. Makes 12 wreaths.

Allergy Friendly Gingerbread Cookies with Frosting and Decorations
Recipe found at http://www.kidswithfoodallergies.org/

Crafts

1. Coloring Christmas Cards

2. Christmas Tree Shapes Craft-found at http://www.dltk-holiday.com/

3. Santa Clause Face Paper Craft-found at http://www.dltk-holiday.com/

4. Pine Cone Ornament-found at http://www.dltk-holiday.com/

5. Winter Windows-found at http://www.fisherprice.com/ under their crafts and activities section.

Activities

1. String Candy on Christmas Tree Countdown Quilt

2. Visit Santa at Bass Pro Shop (free pictures & activities)

3. Christmas Light Drive around town

4. Christmas at Grandpa & Grandma Jackie's house

Allergies

Today was one of those days. I'm not sure what the first trigger was, but there were so many... Monday is grocery shopping day. Normally, I pile the boys into the car and we go to the grocery store together. The managers know us well and are so accommodating when the allergy friendly check out line isn't open. Either they open it for us or lead us to the 10 items or less counter (with our entire cart of groceries) and explain that it's okay for us to check out there. But starting in November grocery trips have become very different. You see, due to the holidays, grocery stores bring out all of their peanuts and tree nuts (there is a difference) and tend to place them in the most convenient places. At Wegman's, the only store that offers allergy friendly food here in town, these nuts are located in the produce isle, out in the open for people to grab and bag. They are at the perfect level for Adam to touch and possibly eat. Some may say, "Well, can't you avoid them, just not go down that isle?" That's easier said then done, especially when they are directly across from peppers, parsley, lettuce, spinach, and so many other essentials. Then one must consider that other people bring their shopping carts down the isle too, causing us to have to move even closer to the nuts. Okay, so a possible next argument, "Just make sure he doesn't touch them!" Easier said then done, especially when there are two toddlers to tend to, while grabbing food. Adam is a professional at grabbing cans, jars, boxes, and whatever else he can find, off of shelves and bins. I can not guarantee he won't touch anything, unless I don't bring him at all. So, my shopping trips take place late at night, after the kids go to bed. I've enjoyed the alone time and definitely appreciated the time to study labels more closely, but the inconvenience of not being able to go to the grocery store when I want to is quite annoying. Especially today. Jason worked late again.

We ran out of allergy friendly cereal, a staple for the boys for breakfast and snacks. We are out of allergy friendly hot dogs for Adam and chicken nuggets for Owen. We are out of french fries, yet another staple. Owen's allergy friendly milk is down to the last drop. And snacks... It's hard enough trying to come up with meals with such limited diets! I'll admit. I panicked today. What was I going to feed my kids? It's not like I can just give them anything. Fortunately, Owen likes homemade allergy friendly french toast and Adam likes cinnamon toast. I had a few allergy friendly chocolate chip cookies still in the cookie jar which helped. But still... It was a long day!

While Owen was napping, Adam managed to get hold of Owen's apple juice sippy cup. Adam knows how to drink from a sippy cup. When I found Adam, the juice was completely gone. Panic again.

I won't go into more details, but there were more than three other incidents today involving crackers, bread, and leaves. Fortunately all did not have to do with Adam. Both boys ended up being medicated.I think I do so well with the boys and the challenges they have come with, but days like today make me second guess just how well I do.

Tonight I found myself very emotional about everything. I cried as I read other allergy blogs. Living with food allergies is SO TOUGH! Especially when there are so many. Even if Adam is diagnosed with Angioedema and he is treatable, all of the allergies won't go away. The doctor says they'll just be more manageable. Again, that's if the type he has is treatable. I'm hoping to get him tested tomorrow or Wednesday. Results shouldn't take too long. I'm guessing a week at most.

As I was reading other allergy blogs tonight, which by the way, is the best medicine ever, I came across some pretty amazing things that I LOVE and want to share. I've found that it's so hard for close friends and family to fully understand the kids' allergies and the impact they've had on our lives. Some may think I'm overly protective or obsessed. Others just try to bring comfort when I need it, yet have no way of understanding and so the comfort doesn't come. I really do appreciate all the support we do receive from family and friends. It's just as hard if not harder for Jason and I to have to accommodate the boys' allergies. It's been a complete lifestyle change.

Lately I've been asking myself questions, partly in fear of the future. Can schools really provide a safe environment for the boys, especially Adam, when it is time for them to go to school? I've read up on 504 plans etc..., but Adam has SO MANY allergies. Will I have to home school? The boys started toddler time at the library. We went once and then learned that there are parties with treats. Picture twenty 18 month old to 3 year olds having a party with treats. I had to dis enroll because the environment was so unsafe. There are posters placed in the nursery at church listing approved snacks that the boys can eat. All of the other nursery children and their parents have been asked not to bring any sippy cups or other snacks in, because they pose a danger to the boys. If the nursery leaders can't provide a safe environment for the boys, then we can't be there. We have stopped attending all ward activities and functions, because they all have buffet meals and snacks. With so many people and so much activity, food is everywhere. It dawned on me the other day that the boys may not be able to serve missions. I asked the Elders when they came for dinner one night. They said, "Most likely no, with the raising of the bar." After, they did mention that they could probably serve missions from home, most likely in Palmyra, just coming home at night. That gave me hope. I was talking to my best friend on the phone expressing my frustrations about the allergies and mentioned that I was worried that the boys would be looked upon as so different, unable to participate in so many things. Would they ever find a wife who would love them and take care of them? I know this is all stuff in the FAR future, but it's real.

So tonight, as I was reading through posts, I stumbled across this and wanted to share it. It comes from a website http://www.allergymoms.com/, listed on a website http://www.itchykidsclub.com/.

10 Things Children with Food Allergies Want You to Know
By Gina Clowes

1. I long to be included. I would like to look, act and eat like everyone else. I’d like to buy my lunch and sit wherever I want. I know I can’t, but I am so happy inside when someone cares enough to provide a safe potato chip, cookie or Popsicle for me. It’s nice when I can have something similar to what others are eating but I love it when I can eat the same thing as everyone else. Whenever it’s possible, please think to include me!

2. I’m scared I could die from my food allergies. I’ve heard my parents and teachers mention “life-threatening” food allergies and I remember having some reactions where I felt very sick and really scared. I could see how frightened my parents were too. Sometimes, I could use a little reassurance that I will be okay.

3. I feel like I’m the only one sometimes. If you have a support group or another way to arrange for me to meet other children who have food allergies, I would really like to know that I am not the only kid who has food allergies. Having another friend with food allergies in my classroom or at lunch time helps too.

4. I get confused when grown-ups offer me food. I know I’m supposed to be polite and listen to grown-ups, but my parents have told me I am only supposed to take food from them. When you offer me food or especially candy, I’d like to take it but I’m not sure about what I am supposed to do.

5. I get itchy spots sometimes when grown-ups kiss me after they’ve eaten something I’m allergic to. I get itchy spots when your dog licks me too. I’m not quite brave enough to tell you this so I’m hoping you will remember that if you have just eaten something that I’m allergic to, I may get hives if you kiss me soon afterward.

6. I’m embarrassed when people fuss over what I’m eating. I know I have to eat my own safe food, but it’s easier for me when I’m not singled out. Sometimes, it’s embarrassing when grown-ups ask lots of questions. I love to fit in more than anything.

7. I hear all adult conversations about my food allergies. My ears perk up when I hear grown-ups mention my name or food allergies, so don’t pity me or act terrified because then I get scared. Food allergies are just one part of me. Let me overhear you talk about all the other wonderful things about me!

8.Sometimes I’m sad about having food allergies. It’s hard to be the only kid in class not having a cupcake and eating something different from my box of “safe treats” especially when there are about 20 other birthdays in my class. I know it’s not the end of the world, but from my perspective, it’s tough at times.

9. I’m watching you—Mom and Dad! You may think that I’m too little to notice, but I see that you went back home to get my Epi-Pen® when you forgot it. I see that you read the ingredients on the Smarties every time. You are my role models and I am learning how to manage my food allergies from you!

10. I will do about as well as you do. My parents “can-do” attitude will help me cope with the challenges of living with allergies and ensure that food allergies don’t stop me from being everything I was meant to be!Even as I read this through a second time, I tear up.

Okay, so now to the good stuff! The Itchy Kids Club website is WONDERFUL!!! I found so many great products that I LOVE and WANT for the boys. It opened me up to a whole new world of possibilities. At this point, it's pretty much impossible for Owen and Adam to understand their food allergies. Owen knows when we tell him not to eat something, because it will make him sick, that he shouldn't eat it, and he's such a great help with Adam when it comes to Adam sticking everything in his mouth, but he doesn't know what an allergy is and he doesn't know what he can and can't eat. It is going to take a very long time to educate him and an even longer time to educate Adam. It's funny, we make a point to avoid books, games, and toys that are foods or about foods, just because of the confusion it causes with the boys. An example is the board book: Yummy Yucky. Foods that the book teaches are yummy are very dangerous for the boys. But did you know that there are amazing books, videos, and music out there to help teach the boys about their allergies? I guessed there was a book or two, but definitely not music.

So here are a few things that I REALLY REALLY WANT to help the boys, family, friends, teachers, and myself cope and become more educated with allergies. Feel free to check them out on The Itchy Kids Club website,especially the CD of music. You can hear samples of every song. The books are available on Amazon. These products really brightened my day and helped me to have fun with food allergies again, despite how NOT fun they can be.

1. Music CD: You Must Be Nuts! Music All About Food Allergies, By Kyle Dine
2. Book: Ask Before I Eat, By Ellen L. Ferrell
3. Book: The Bugabees: Friends With Food Allergies, By: Amy Recob
4. Book: A Day at the Playground with Food Allergies, By Tracie Schrand
5. DVD: "I'm Not Nuts": Living With Food Allergies
6. Book: Sophie-Safe Cooking: A Collection of Family Friendly Recipes that are Free of Milk, Eggs, Wheat, Soy, Peanuts, Tree Nuts, Fish & Shellfish, By: Emily Hendrix
7. Book: One of the Gang: Nurturing the Souls of Children with Food Allergies, By Gina Clowes
8. Book: The Itchy Kids Club, Silly Poems for Itchy Kids, By Jill Grabowski

Just recollecting the contents of each book, DVD and CD I feel better already!

Thanksgiving Dinner

I am pleased to announce I have finalized our Thanksgiving menu, and everything is allergy friendly for at least one child, if not both. Here is our menu:

Ginger Butternut Squash Soup
Plainville All Natural Turkey
Roasted Potatoes
Basmati Wild Rice Pilaf (alternative to stuffing)
Asparagus
Corn
Allergy Friendly Banana Bread
Allergy Friendly Corn Bread
Grapes
Applesauce (Adam can't have any, but oh well)

Desserts for the boys will include jello and allergy friendly Thanksgiving cupcakes. They are not fans of pie. We'll save the pies for when they go to bed anyways!

I'm very excited about Thanksgiving. It has taken a lot of work BUT we have a meal everyone can eat and enjoy!