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.