Where is my journal?

So, I can't find my journal from my 30 day log of eating gluten free.  I'm blaming it on a kid, probably Ava.  It's probably kind of boring at this point anyway, lol.  I did make it, with only a couple of instances I accidentally ate it.  One was our trip to Boston and that was probably the most challenging days.  A few of the meals were you ate what they gave you, so I just hoped they were okay.  It was kind of a pain to go on vacation and see all the foods in a different city and not eat them ALL!  But I did it.  There is a building in the marketplace there devoted to food and it was INSANE all the good food I saw.  I had some gelato which was yummy.  The awards night they gave us a crusted fish, and I am pretty sure that was bread-type stuff.  It was good though. 
So when I got back, the next day was my last day of my 30 day commitment.  Well I actually made it to 35 days and then ate a burger on toast.  I didn't die.  lol  I did bloat like a whale, BUT I also had a milkshake and we went to the movies and I ate popcorn, so it could have been any of the above.  Until two days ago, I didn't eat it again, then I decided to try some pizza...oh my, how I missed pizza!  I did get a bloated stomach, so I do know that is one side effect of gluten that shows up really quick for me. 
I went back to the doctor yesterday for my follow-up since the initial appointment where I got my labwork done.  So I was told again, I definitely have hashimotos.  I have been reading the book Hope for Hashimotos, and have learned so much.  I feel like I do have hope that I can make some changes to better my quality of health.  I also have some low blood sugar issues and will have to make sure I get enough protein in my diet.  I am going to be taking a lot of supplements for a while to get my body back to a healthy state.  I am deficient in a lot of vitamins and minerals that will help my thyroid to supplement them. 
I asked her some questions about being gluten free and she said that I am probably not allergic, as in celiac disease, but cutting out gluten is extremely important to reduce inflammation in the thyroid gland.  So if I accidentally eat gluten, or have it every once in a while, it isn't like the effect someone with a for real allergy would have.  Hence why when I ate it after my 30 days I didn't have a ton of ill effects.  I do know I do better without consuming it, so I have decided to do my very best to not eat it 95% of the time.  That's a huge improvement from probably 80% of my diet including it!  It's kind of the same approach I have taken with dairy, which has worked great. 
Saying that, I am going to commit to a 10 day detox program.  I will be eating, but no dairy, meat, sugar, caffeine, or gluten for 10 days.  I have a powder to mix in my smoothies too, so I will probably drink a lot of berry and green smoothies those days.  It will kind of reset my body and then I will add one thing back at a time to see how my body reacts.  I know 10 days isn't a lot, but it is always harder than it seems.  So I am trying to find a good time to start and making a plan so I don't get overwhelmed with what to eat.
I am really thankful to have found a place that is helping me beyond handing me a Rx and sending me on my way.  I am also thankful that I have a passion for health and wellness and have the tools to really make this a lifestyle change.  Trust God to show you a path for healing and He will always provide.     

Homeschool Fun

The past two weeks have been a bit crazy, with our trip to Boston and then me feeling like I was I was lost in space due to jetlag and a never ending sea sick experience.  We haven't been in the same routine and it was nice to sit down and have some fun school.  We did some work with shapes, big and small, opposites, and Noah practiced writing his first and last name.  Then we talked about the seasons and how today is the first day of Fall.  Noah asked when snow is coming and he was bummed that it's gonna be a while...I'm not.  I   guess that reminded him of hot chocolate because he asked if he could watch Dora and drink hot chocolate after school.  I feel like I'm talking like the Give a Mouse a Cookie books right now.
I have this craft book that you use the outline of the hand to make all these cute simple crafts.  I am going to save them for when they grow up and can see their different hand sizes.  I didn't get to do one with Ava today because she was asleep.  Next time I will just have to trace her hand before her nap.  Today we did a tree and used real leaves. 

  Aren't they so cute!

Everytime we get ready to read their Bible lesson, Noah is super ready and Eli always says, "I don't like Bible", just to hear me say, "you like your treat for listening like a big boy, don't you?"  He gives me a sly grin and says, "yeah, I guess."  Little stinker.  He is a rebellious little dude at times.  Today we read about God placing a rainbow in the sky as a promise to never flood the Earth again.  This reminded Noah of The Rainbow Song from the Cat in the Hat on PBS Kids.  It was precious and I captured the moment just for you...well, for me, but I'll share with you:

So Mr Entertainer Elijah went and got his guitar to play some Old McDonald:

what's a video of two little boys without the word "POOP" in it.

Hope everyone has a great weekend and HAPPY FALL!! I'm excited about all the fun fall activities to follow.   

Gluten Free Days 11-17

I'm feeling a bit ambitious, so I'm going to catch up on a few more days of my 30 day challenge.
I did a little better this week and food isn't controlling my thoughts so much.

Day 11:
Breakfast:   Van's Gluten Free Waffles (really good!)
                   Coconut Milk
Snack: Apple

Lunch:  El Tap Fajitas (again)

Snack: Veggies and Fruit (from a tray)
            Chips and Pizza Dip
             1 Chocolate Drop Cookie
             Sample of pudding dessert

Dinner:  Turkey/Cheese Roll-ups
             Chips and Dip
             Dr Evil

Today's challenge was eating with the Mom's from our homeschool group.  Most snacks are just glutenated.  I made good choices except there was some cake in the bottom of the pudding dessert, I didn't eat the cake and stopped eating it once I realized it was there.  I did notice my stomach seems less bloated today but still no weight loss because I'm probably just eating too much or something.  I was a little moody and tired today, probably from lack of sleep.  Still gave in to the Dr Pepper because it is in my house and staring at me.

Day 12:
Breakfast:  Chocolate Protein/Banana Smoothie

Snack:  Veggie Sushi Roll with Braggs(soy sauce replacement)

Lunch:  Baked Potato with BBQ Turkey

Snack: Popcorn and Dr Evil

Dinner:  Steak
             Roasted Potatoes
             Steamed Veggies
             Glass of Wine
Desert: 1 G Free Cookie

Okay day, I ate a wide variety today from sushi to bbq to popcorn to steak, ha ha ha.  No gluten today but I had a day of focusing on feeling deprived despite eating a plethora of different foods.  I really don't miss bread at all, I guess the discipline part is just getting on my nerves a bit, ha ha.

Days 13-17

I did not log anything these days.  I did not eat gluten but I was very moody and emotional.  I felt physically yucky so I just didn't do much of anything to be honest.  I didn't eat much either.  I found out during this time that I indeed do for a fact have Hashimotos and I was dealing with overactivity from my thyroid this week.  I called my new doctor desperate for help!  I am starting a new thyroid medicine next week and some progesterone cream because that came back low as well.   I felt a little overwhelmed but I still feel hopeful that I am on the right path to feeling better.  It reminds me of that Miley Cyrus song "The Climb"...there's always gonna be another mountain...I'm always gonna wanna make it move...it's always gonna be an uphill battle, and sometimes I'm gonna have to lose.  True dat....but the climb will be worth conquering this mountain.  I know I will make it and conquer this mountain with guidance from my awesome God. 
 

Gluten Free Days 6-10

This particular week was ROUGH!  I know my body was in detox mode and I was feeling deperate to find good tasting food, so I ate a lot of junk.  Here is what I ate on days 6-10 of my gluten free challenge:

Day 6:
Breakfast: Gluten Free Pancakes with Maple Syrup
                 Chocolate Almond Milk

Lunch:  El Tap Chicken Fajitas with corn tortillas

Dinner:  BBQ Pork Chops
             Baked Beans
             Cole Slaw

Snacks:  Popcorn, Chips, Dr Pepper, AND chocolate (geesh!)

Today my taste buds seem to be getting normal.  I didn't eat super healthy, it was Saturday, the weekends are always a challenge.  I am craving dairy a lot, but am trying to make sure I don't eat too much until I give my stomach time to heal.  Dr Pepper-my official beverage weakness-tasted amazing.  I feel like my stomach is still reacting every time I eat, not so much with cramps, but bloating.  I have noticed some improvement but hopefully someday I won't look pregnant. 

Day 7:
Breakfast: Berry Smoothie

Lunch:  Turkey Burger without bun
            Baked Potato
            Salad
            Grilled Green Beans

Dinner: Left over fajitas from El Tap

Today my Dad was put in the hospital for pneumonia and I spent most of the afternoon and night there.  I was really hungry around 7, but passed on Captain D's.  I feel mentally set on givng this a chance.  Physically I think I am detoxing from the gluten.  I have some sinus issues going on.  My skin got better then worse, but that could be from the Dr Pepper.  It usually breaks my skin out. :(  I realize that waiting too long between meals is not a good idea since I am not having as much super filling bread products.  I also tend to make healthier choices when I eat smaller meals more often.

Day 8
Breakfast:  2 eggs
                 Sliced tomatoes with basil
                  1/4 coconut milk yogurt

Lunch:  Whitts Nachos
             Tea

Dinner:  El Tap Enchiladas
             CHips and Salsa
 Snack:  GF cookie

I made it a week without gluten, unless it was accidentally consumed.  I notice a little change, but I was thinking I'd feel a lot better, lol.  Today I read it takes about 3-6 months to notice a big difference in most people.  I haven't lost weight, but still eating a lot of calorie, so I can't think no bread means instant weight loss.  My mind is a little clearer and I can concentrate a little longer, but just celebrating sticking to my goal.

Day 9:
Breakfast:  Berry Smoothie

Snack:  Mocha at the hospital

Lunch:  Harvest Salad with Chicken and balsamic vinaigrette(Great Harvest)

Snack:  Cinnamon cashews
             chips and dip

Dinner:  Gluten Free Pizza 2 slices
             Dr Pepper

Snacks:  Almond Crackers, Havarti Cheese, Olives

Today was definitely gluten free.  My pizza turned out pretty good, but I do miss real pizza, the dough is just not the same.  I threw in a Dr Pepper, which is definitely a skin irritant and alters my concentration.  As much as I don't want to, I need to stop drinking it, even occassionally. :(  Maybe eventually I won't want it at all.  I am enjoying drinking beverages more than eating actually, but I can have water, tea, coffee, carrot juice, and dairy free milk.  And the smoothies are always tasty, so I just need to hydrate really well and maybe I won't want the Dr Pepper.  I wonder what they put in that stuff! lol  I can go months without drinking it and just start craving it out of the blue.  Dr Pepper, I will defeat you! :D

Day 10:
Breakfast:  Carrot juice
                  1/2 coconut yogurt

Snack: G Free cookie
            chips and dip

Lunch:  1/2 Portabello Mushroom Pizza
            Dr Pepper :(

Snack: A few cinnamon cashews

Dinner:
Hot Dog, no bun, with chili and cheese
Fries
Vanilla Dr Pepper

Snack
Turkey Cheese Roll Up
Chips and Dip

Okay, today was awful nutritionally speaking!!!!!  I am pretty sure my trip to Sonic may have had gluten.  I am not sure about the chili and the fries I'm sure are fried with battered chicken.  I was emotional today and tried to make myself happy by eating junk....fail.  I tried to avoid obvious gluten but I'm thinking I probably made things worse by not researching my choices first.   

   

Homeschool Funschool Update

Today we had our first meeting with PAJCH(Putnam and Jackson County Homeschoolers).  The kids had so much fun.  We walked since it was a nice day and all the way home Noah kept asking questions about going back.  All the children in the group seem really awesome.  I love homeschooled kids, they just have a sweet spirit about them.  They are paired up with an older kid called their PAJCH Pal, and I know they are going to love that.  Ava's pal was super sweet and stayed with her and played the whole time.  It was a great experience and I look forward to getting to know everyone and letting my kids see how fun homeschooling can be. 
It seems like the more we do homeschool, the more I become aware of how life is learning and seeing opportunities to teach not only when we sit at the table, but throughout the day.  Noah seems to pick up on it too and asks a lot of questions about various things we encounter each day.  Even though I had some nervous feelings and hesitation about the "unknown" at first, I am seeing that this is a good fit for our family.  I am seeing that I can do it and I enjoy it, alot actually.  It's made our time at home during the day seem more quality and not so mundane.  So lots of good things are happening and I am thankful to have the opportunity to teach my children. 

What is Hashimotos? And Food log for days 1-5

"In Hashimoto's disease, also known as chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis, your immune system attacks your thyroid gland. The resulting inflammation often leads to an underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism). Hashimoto's disease is the most common cause of hypothyroidism in the United States. It primarily affects middle-aged women, but also can occur in men and women of any age and in children." Mayo Clinic

There is a link between hashimotos and celiac disease(gluten intolerance) and many people have lowered their antibodies by removing gluten from their diets.  So that is why I am eating gluten free.

My goal started to eat no gluten foods for at least 30 days. 
 
So the first five days of my journaling look something like this:
 
Breakfast:
Berry Smoothie
Coffee with coconut milk creamer
Lunch:
A weird sunflower seed recipe that was supposed to mimic tuna salad... it was okay
Almond Nut Thin crackers
Pesto Tomato Salad
Snacks:
Green Smoothie
1/2 of an apple
Dinner:
Chicken Feta Burger on Rudi's Gluten Free bread(so-so)
Roasted Potatoes
Dessert:
Coconut Milk Ice Cream Fudgesicle
Notes for today:
I feel satisfied with my food choices today.  Everything tasted pretty good and I resisted eating Doritos left over from our glutenous weekend.  Had some stomach discomfort but probably from the weekend of eating or readjusting to Green Smoothies.
 
Day 2:
Breakfast:
Berry Smoothie
Banana
Snack:
Coconut Milk Yogurt
Lunch: (with Debi Smith <3)
Strawberry Salad 
Snack: 
Chili Cheese Fries from Sonic (oops)
Dinner: (at Mama's)
Baked Chicken
Black Beans
Corn 
Dessert:
Baked Apples with coconut milk ice cream
Notes: Okay so not so hot on the choice to eat cheese fries, but they were yum-o, I must admit.  Hope they were gluten free and not fried with the other flour items on the menu. :/  I resisted fresh baked bread and mac n' cheese at my Mama's, that was a little hard, but mentally I feel focused on doing this.  I had a bad headache today and still had a little stomach upset.
 
Day 3:
Breakfast:
Cream of Rice hot cereal
1/2 of a coconut milk yogurt
1 glass of coconut milk (can ya tell I love me some coconut milk!!) 
Lunch:
Salad with vinaigrette dressing
left over feta chicken patty
a few veggie stick snacks
snack:
Caramel Moolatte
Dinner:
El Tapatio Enchiladas(in corn shells)
Chips, Salsa
Desert:
1 Udi's gluten free cookie
Notes:  Today, I was HUNGRY! I know days 3 and 4 have been rough in the past so I was just easy on myself.  I was pretty cranky today.  And I am craving dairy big time...hence the moolatte from DQ.  El Tap was so good, it made me feel like I won't be so deprived while eating out.  
 
Day 4:
Breakfast:
Berry Smoothie
Lunch:
Whitts BBQ nachos(made with 100% corn chips and GF bbq sauce)
A nice big fat iced tea
Snack:
Envirokids Rice Crisp Bar
2-3 Pirate's booty cheese puffs
Dinner:
Hamburger Steak
Home Fries
Salad
Notes:  Really really moody and feeling the detox today.  I am not craving bread, which is great, I just feel the physical effects of no gluten.  I am not eating the healthiest in the world, but still G Free, so proud of myself. I really hope I am not accidentally getting glutened when I eat out.  I think my blood sugar is off too.  
 
Day 5:
Breakfast:
Berry Smoothie
Lunch:
Left over weird "supposed to taste like tuna" sunflower seed salad(this recipe is not returning, lol)
Tias BBQ chips
A few Pirates booty puffs
Snack:
Another Caramel Moolatte
Dinner:
Whitts BBQ nachos...again
Another big fat iced tea
Snacks:
Popcorn
Dr Pepper
A few more Tias Chips
Notes:  Today was ROUGH...as you can tell, I started out trying to make healthy choices, but when everything started tasting gross, I went for flavor.  When I had my moolatte, I bought the boys a cone, and without thinking licked Eli's ice cream off the side.  So I think I got gluten for sure.  Later that day, I craved a Dr Pepper for the first time in a while and my moods got worse.  I am proud of myself for staying G Free despite my mistake and feeling like poo physically and mentally.  I am just relying on the strength of God.
 
 
 

It is definitely time for some writing therapy.  Warning:  You may find these series of posts very boring, but it's my blog and I'll write if I want to. HA HA!!
My physical world has been turned upside down the past 8-10 months.  Despite moving to the homestead, realizing it wasn't working, then moving back to where we started, I've been going through some big health challenges.  I would write it off as stress, which I was under a bit more, but deep down I knew something was not right.  After years of thyroid troubles, I had become overwhelmed with the symptoms that goes along with this condition.  I was having stages of extreme overactive thyroid hormone levels followed by stages of extreme underactive levels.  I honestly, at times, felt like I was going a little crazy, maybe bi-polar or something.  I knew I had to seek help because I wasn't getting it with my current doctor.  My sister, who also has thyroid issues, found a really good place near Nashville that specializes in hormone and thyroid problems, so I made my appointment and waited not so patiently for two and a half months.
So at my appointment, I was immediately impressed.  I am a researcher and not that I know more than doctors, but if given a condition that affects me or my family, I pretty much find out a ton of research and learn all I can.  So I could tell she knew her thyroid stuff.  *big sigh of relief* So she gave me some new information and resources, started me on a few supplements, and did some bloodwork.  She mentioned that my symptoms were pointing to a condition called Hashimotos thyroiditis, which is basically an autoimmune condition.  She recommended that I start a gluten free diet to see if my symptoms would improve and to get the ball rolling in case my tests confirmed her thoughts.
So after a weekend of really living it up in the eating world, one last gluten sabbatical, I started eating gluten free.  I know God is helping me in a supernatural way in this because despite a couple of temptations(which I didn't give into), it has been pretty easy.  Thank you Lord!! I have attempted doing this before for health reasons but gave up very quickly.  I am on day 18 and so far have not purposefully glutened my body.  And I say purposefully because a lot of times foods that are naturally gluten free may contain hidden traces of gluten from cross contamination. 
Last week, I was feeling so yucky.  Like in the pits yucky.  My thyroid had swung into overdrive and it was really difficult to cope with the anxiety and heart racing.  I received a call from the doctor's office that my labs were back and that in fact, I do have Hashimotos.  My antibody levels were very high.  I also was extremely low in Vitamin D and progesterone levels.  So, I am now waiting on a mail order Rx for my new thyroid medication and progesterone cream that will help with my moods.  My husband is probably saying "hallelujer!!"
So the Sunday before my confirmation of this, I was prayed for at church.  I had a great Holy Spirit experience and felt super peaceful that I am on the road to recovery.  I have been prayed for with my thyroid MANY times, and while I know the Spirit was present, something in me wouldn't receive it.  This time it was all about Him and I TRUST that whatever road to healing I need to be on, that's where He is taking me.  No putting God in a box this time, just an open heart and open mind to receive.  It is finished, He has done it. :)
So now I am rejoicing in the fact that I have hope and understanding of why my body has been under literal attack for so many years.  I am letting go of all the harsh feelings I've put on myself because I couldn't figure out what was "wrong" with me, I just wanted to feel good and enjoy this beautiful life.  I have gone from feeling hate towards my thyroid, to learning to be gentle with it, as weird as that may sound.  It is not the 'norm" to eat gluten free and live a different lifestyle, but if I want to feel better, I have to be obedient in these things.  Just like God has shown me with Noah, the physical body may have flaws, but the spirit man has no flaws and can show us the way to live our best life here on Earth despite the "imperfections".  As I've said before, miracles come in many forms.  Would I LOVE to wave a magic wand, or lay a magic hand, and fix every.single.thing, to say no would be lying. BUT! I know God is love and TRUST Him to show me where those personal miracles are for my life and for my family as well, outside of the box if I need to, the strength of Christ in me knows no limits. 
So because I just love to write, I am going to do a little diary about my journey with Hashimotos.  My friend, Audrey, has an awesome blog about nutrition and weight loss and is starting to log her food intake.  I have been writing my food intake down since I began in a journal, but what a great idea to share here.  If only for myself and accountability, that is okay, but if I can help someone else, all the better.  I am not perfect at it, but I am trusting that this road is MY road to recovery.  I actually am embracing my imperfections as learning curves, because if I fight them, I only give up and condemn the process of growth.  So if this bores your socks off, I understand, but if you are intrigued at how in the world I am doing with my journey, I hope I can inspire you to stay on your path and receive from THE source of life, in each and every moment.     

Homeschool Fun School Update

We've had fun the past couple weeks.  Two weeks ago we took a little spontaneous vacation to the Smokey Mountains.  We had a blast!   This is a picture from our hike to a beautiful waterfall. 

It rained on us half way to the top, but we made it with all three babes in tow without hardly any whining. :)

Fun school is still holding up to it's name.  We are still learning a lot about bees.  They are AMAZING little insects and I have learned so much too (like how the female bee is pretty much the backbone of the bee hive, doing all the work. lol).  Noah is doing amazing, he is super smart and eager to learn.  I love this season of life with him.  We made a craft out of bees, it is so neat!  We will work on a flower pot with egg shell flowers for the bee to eat nectar out of next week.
Noah is still doing really good in math.  We have done addition and subtraction and he just "gets" a lot of it without me even explaining it.  :)    We use beans and flash cards along with some pages from our curriculum books. 
I read a lot to them, I know that is a big part of learning right now.  I also love to read so it's fun for me too.  We've been going to the library every other week and checking out books, movies, and cd's.  They are really enjoying that and Ava thinks she owns the library and gets really mad at Mama when I don't let her run wild.  It reminds me so much of Noah.  When he was little, I braved the library a couple of times and decided it was too stressful.  And now I'm in there with 3 little ones and making it happen.  I put Ava in a stroller today, she wasn't too happy about that, but it made it easier for me to keep up with them. 
I also joined a homeschool group that will start meeting next week.  I went to a Mom's night this week and met all the other Moms and painted a really neat canvas.  I had a good time and look forward to taking the kids on Mondays to learn and play with the other kids and Moms.  It's really awesome because they meet literally less than a mile from our house.
So after a month of educating at home, we've had lots of fun and I'm learning a lot along the way.  Life is learning and embracing the moments to soak it all in.