A little outing...

Got this from a membership to the FW museum email.  I know I shouldn't broadcast to the world where I'll be, but I do hope some of you will join me:

Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Gluten Freedom
Featuring Weldon Adams and Beth Knudson
The Ginger Man
3716 Camp Bowie
Get more details here: http://fortworthmuseum.org/public-knowledge

I also found Weldon and Beth's blogsite, which has been very helpful!  They are also Casein/dairy free.  Check out their blog on my list of things I follow: From Cows to Quinoa.

'Til I post again,
Sandra

And a couple other tidbits...

It has been a crazy busy spring.  Two sports, and two end of the season parties.  Here's what happened, and how we handled the GF situation:

Soccer party:  Held at McDonalds.  From what I've read from our local GIG (Gluten Intolerance Group) Mc Donald's french fries are OK.  That is such a great thing...because I don't know how we would've given Mickey D's completely.  So - I heated some GF chicken nuggets at home and took them to Mc Donald's.  We ordered the fries and a happy meal toy, and TaDa!!!  A GF Happy Meal. 

T-Ball Party :  This one was held at Sonic.  And well, there is NOTHING GF at Sonic.  This one was also in the middle of the week, and I rushed from work to get kiddo to the party on time, promising we would get Mc Donald's french fries on the way home.  So that's what we did.  Since the Sonic party was outside, we could have easily pulled off bringing our own food.  Should we get to play with this team again, that's exactly what we'll do. 

And I now take fruit snacks or Fruity Pebbles snack bars in my purse for unexpected snacks.  We needed one today at the Family Fun Day for kiddo's last day of school (we had to make up a few days due to icy weather this winter), of course I didn't have one because I hadn't replaced the last one.  Phooey.  Oh well, live and learn. 

Hamburger cookout at a friend's house - we brought our own buns and brought GF cupcakes for dessert.  Worked out perfectly.  We just asked them not to grill the buns with the first batch of burgers, and it was all ok. 

Well, that's it for now.  Wishing you all a lovely Memorial Day!!! 

Hugs,
Sandra

I LOVE you, Betty Crocker!

So, when we last left, it was spring break.  Now, the school year has ended.  My kiddo was "promoted" from Kindergarten to 1st Grade this year.  It was a BIG deal - a ceremony, reception afterward, the whole 9 yards.  The reception was wonderful - and I'm sure the HUGE vanilla and chocolate cake was, too.  At least this time I was prepared...I made GF cupcakes thanks to a GF mix by Betty Crocker!  And guess what? They tasted like the original.  I even got compliments from a non GF friend about how her kiddo loved them.  So, I'll say it again - I LOVE YOU, BETTY CROCKER!  Thanks for finding a way to make a mix for us slacker Moms who don't have time or energy to bake from scratch! 

Here are a couple of pics from that day.

Enjoy!!

Hugs to all,

An official promotion handshake from School Administration

The official certificate!  This pic is with his Kindergarten Teacher

Sandra

Some stuff from the past month or so

Ok, I gave up the social networking site I subscribe to for Lent.  If you know me there, watch out - I've been collecting "would-be posts" since Ash Wednesday.  It will be quite the long note when I get back. 

Here are a few pictures of stuff we've done over spring break - and for the start of the spring athletic season.  We are awfully proud of our kiddo.  :)

On the GF note:  The other parents on kiddo's soccer team have been really receptive to finding gluten-free snacks to share.  I've been most impressed!  A few parents on the T-Ball team have asked (via email) about what kind of snacks kiddo can have, but some have been relieved to learn that I bring GF snacks anyway - in case the team snack isn't GF.  Hey - I don't blame them one bit.  Going and shopping GF is NOT easy.

Hope you enjoy the pictures!
Sandra

 At Fossil Rim Wildlife Center

 Touching dinosaur tracks at Dinosaur Valley State Park

 Walking where the dinosaurs once walked

 Ready to head for home

 The most handsome Angel player there is!

2nd black-eye in his life - this one from running into a player from the other team - also after the soccer ball.  He's awfully proud of this one.

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!