A book worth reading

Ok, so this blog isn't exactly all about being gluten free.  In fact, I suspect, it will increasingly become less about that, and more about what is going on in our lives.

This past weekend, I read the most wonderful book - Entitled, Out of My Mind by Sharon M. Draper. For you speechies, and special ed folks, this is MUST read.  It is fiction, but could very easily be a true story.

A very brief synopsis:  Melody is an 11 year old girl with cerebral palsy that has an amazing mind.  She understands just about everything in her world, and has a photographic memory.  But...she can't speak.  The book moves through Melody's story as she finds her voice, and learns to navigate the world of the "typical kids".

Read it and see for yourself.  :)

Then let me know what YOU think.  

You can find this on Amazon.com.  Try this link to order the book. 

Hope this post finds you all doing well. 

Love and hugs,
Sandra

March of Dimes

I've been walking for the March of Dimes with my team from work for the past 5 years, I think.  Last year I raised some money, but couldn't join my team for the walk.  I missed it.  So, I'm back.  In years past, my friends and family have been awesome about supporting me in this endeavor.  Most of you know that I have had 2 losses of premature babies - both had chromosomal problems and just weren't made to survive outside of the womb.  But - if they had, I have no doubt that the March of Dimes and their work would have benefitted my girls in a major way.  So, in their memory, I walk.  And I walk for all the other babies that have blessed my life - as patients, friends,  godchildren, or as family.  I can't even begin to count the number of babies and children that I have had the honor to work with that were once premies.  It is so very amazing to see them grow and thrive.  Seriously, such an honor to be a part of their lives - if even for a short time.

So please consider supporting this wonderful cause and in a round-about-way, helping me continue to help premies with their speech, language, and feeding. 

I truly LOVE what I do. 

Here's the site to donate:
http://www.marchforbabies.org/sqheaslet

Love and hugs,
Sandra

Help me reach my goal!Sponsor Me at March for Babies!

A little shout-out

This morning I got to take the kiddo to his class.  A Mom of one of his classmates told me about how careful her daughter told her to be when selecting Valentine candy for our kiddo.  This parent has a husband who is in the medical field, and even did some research on his own to make sure what they sent to school would be ok for our special guy.  I am just amazed at the thoughtfulness we've received from classmates, teammates, and daycare buddies.  I would be remiss not to mention the awesome teachers at school and daycare that watch out for him, too.  We are so very blessed.  Thank you!

Some GF Favorites

I participated in a survey for one company that offers GF products.  I  provided them with my blogsite, even though there really isn't much here.  But, I thought I'd fill you in on some of the products that I have found to be not only GF, but delicious.

I need to insert another explanation here - I DON'T cook.  At least not a lot.  I can, and have, and will, but when it comes down to it, I prefer not to.  I have very limited time at home and with my family, and I prefer to play Legos to standing in the kitchen.  Yes, I pay triple what I used to for groceries, but again - for the time I have away from the stove it is completely worth it. 


 ***This list is just for informational purposes only.  It is in no way complete, and represents opinions expressed solely by me***


Image courtesy of momsworkingonline.com

Here goes:

Bread:
Udi's - all the way.  It tastes just like regular bread.  The consistency is the same, and it is delicious.  Yes, it is one of the breads that is very expensive, but believe me, to those of us suffering from Gluten Intolerance, worth every penny.

Pretzels and snack items:
Glutino
Pirate's Booty

Mac and Cheese
Glutino's frozen mac and cheese
Annie's from the box/stove mix

Cookies
Anything from Pamela!

Donuts
Kinnikinnick - vanilla glazed are our fav

Muffins and bagels
Udi's - 

Cereals
Chex Honey Nut
Cinnamon Rice Chex
Fruity Pebbles
Chocolate Pebbles

 Pasta -
I have actually figured out that I prefer Rice pasta to regular pasta.  I've tried Quonia several times and it works well, too.  But for taste, rice is my choice. 

Please, please, please feel free to help me add to this list.  I still feel really new to this GF life, and am learning as I go. 

I did fry some chicken the other day - and I used Millet and Tapioca flours.  I couldn't taste any difference and neither could my family. 

Hope you all are having a great weekend.
~Sandra

Added benefit of the GF lifestyle...

I've lost 8 pounds since October.  Yep, 8.  No one can tell but me (I'm not having to keep buttoning/unbuttoning my pants!), but that's ok.  I can't say it's all been the GF lifestyle, but the more I think about it, the more it makes sense to me.  You see, I'm just NOT hungry all the time like I used to be.  I used to HAVE TO have a snack mid-morning and mid-afternoon, but now I don't.  I used to HAVE TO finish everything on my plate, but now I don't.  It must be because my body is actually absorbing and using the nutrients in the food for the first time ever!  I don't need to eat as much because my body is actually getting what it needs!  Fancy that!  Unintentional weight-loss - who knew?!

Family Portraits

I know some of you don't keep up with us on the social networking site, so here are some of the photos taken of both sides of our kiddo's family - Mine and my husband's.  The photos in Plano, Texas were the work of Cristen Ransom Photography - the photos from Houston, Texas were the work of J. Hintze Photography.  I hope you enjoy them as much as I do. 

-Sandra