Birthday Party

Sydney, Paige, Dariela, Matthew, Isabella

Mmmmm....I can't wait for birthday cake!

The beautiful birthday girl.

Lots of swimming fun.

This was the weather outside - a snowy wintery day.

Bliss

Sleeping with Daddy. This doesn't happen very much anymore. Steve savored the moment until I had to put Tyler on his bed.

More Botany Connections

This African Violet was given to me by my neighbor Bill. It was in it's last days, but has come back beautifully.

Western Day

Matthew's school celebrated Western Day. Tyler and I decided to join in on the fun for the afternoon. The ECE and K classes got their own "horses" to ride. Anyone who "mistreated" their hourse had to send it to the corral for a little while.

Ropping a steer.

Cow sounds

My cute little cowboys.

Hat Park

I'm so excited that Matthew likes to climb rocks! He's really having fun.

Crazy faces!

Sleeping Chambers

The boys decided they needed to make "sleeping chambers". Not sure where they came up with the idea, but they sure had fun.

Living Free

Life has certainly taken a forced healthy turn since Christmas. When I first went to see Dr. Petropolous the morning after my Gall Bladder attack he mentioned that I needed to give up gluten. Hmmm...I'd read a bit about gluten free lifestyles and alternate cooking, but after being told that I started doing a lot more investigation. What I found was encouraging, there are so many blogs written by women who had already been cooking and eating gluten free for years and were freely sharing some fabulous recipes. "OK", I thought, "I can do this."

At my follow-up appointment with Dr. Petropolous I started asking about various foods and told him how I was feeling. After some muscle testing he delivered the verdict. My life needed to become not only gluten free, but dairy free, and corn free as well. "Really!?!?!?" Ok, more reading and learning. As for the corn - it's in everything!!! Corn syrup, corn starch, anything malted, tortilla chips, some coloring agents, etc, etc. Good news, I learned that potato starch, tapioca starch or arrowroot powder are good substitutes for corn corn starch in baking. Which is good, because a LOT of gluten free recipes use corn starch.

I started narrowing down the gluten free blogs I'd found to those that focused on dairy free. I also started looking for dairy free, gluten free chocolate bars and cookies - hard to find, but they're out there. With a couple successful gluten free baking attempts and my chocolate cravings properly satiated I again thought, "OK,I can do this."

Then I had another attack and went to see Dr. Petropolous again. I told him that each time I had an attack it started with my stomach acting up with gastritis which brought on the gall bladder pain. Again, more muscle testing and more restrictions. The latest diagnosis is Candida. So...that means absolutely no sugar (honey, maple syrup, agave syrup), no dried fruit, nothing with vinegar (mayonnaise, ketchup, pickles) no canned fruit or bottled fruit juices. Basically, I can eat fruit, vegetables, and protein (eggs, nuts, fish, chicken) and can drink fresh squeezed fruit juices or water.

This new eating regimen will need to last for at least 12 weeks to clear up the Candida. Then hopefully my gall bladder will have settled down enough that I can safely complete the liver and gall bladder cleanse to get rid of the gall stones.

I had been so scared of eating after the second attack that when Dr. Petropolous gave me the list of foods I could eat I made myself a couple of fabulous salads. Well, my stomach was still very sensitive and got very angry again. That brought on my worst attack yet and landed me in the ER for pain meds. That was a drag. We had to wake up the boys at 3 am to take me to the hospital. Once the drugs were on board I was able to relax. I was sent for an Ultrasound and the Doctor confirmed that I had gall stones and sludge in my gall bladder. The good news was that it wasn't inflammed or infected so surgery was not imminently necessary. With that info Steve and I felt more comfortable following our current treatment plan with Dr. Petropolous to try to get me healthy.

The next two weeks were a roller coaster. My stomach took a few days to settle down and I had to drink freshly juiced cabbage apple juice along with Aloe Vera juice and/or chicken broth. Then I got a nasty cold and both the boys got sick. Finally, I've turned the corner and we are all sleeping better and on our way to good health.

The bright spot in the whole thing is that I've lost 15 lbs. Yup, 15. I went through my closet and was able to fit into a dress I hadn't been able to wear since my honeymoon.

The hardest part of this whole thing is that I've been stripped of any type of crutch I was using to feel good emotionally. Coffee, chocolate, and sugar - my three addictions are gone. I've been going through withdrawals and learned how often I would reach for chocolate or some type of sugar to "feel better". Or, I'd use one of those as a "treat" or "reward" for a stressful day with the kids. I miss going to Starbucks with a good book, a cup of coffee, and a cookie. There's no point to even go to Starbucks since I can't even have tea right now. I feel sort of lost when I get a chance to go have some free time, I don't know where to go. So much of life is about eating and with my restrictions I'm the odd woman out right now.

I leave Thursday for another class at Purdue University. I've been told the catering service can accommodate my food restrictions for meals, but I need to bring my own snacks. Fortunately I will have a rental car to get to the store or hospital in case my gall bladder acts up again. I also found a health food store only 3 miles from the college. That, plus the ability to have a fridge in my room will hopefully keep me safe and fed until I return to my own kitchen.

I've certainly been talking to God a lot and remembering His promise that I can do ALL things through him. I didn't know that would include the ability to resist eating things I'm not supposed to eat. The sugar cravings are tough, but so far I have not yielded to the temptation. I keep remembering the pain of the attacks and the pleasure of fitting into size 6 pants.

Next week is my birthday. I think I've found a recipe I can make that will suffice for my birthday apple pie. I also found a gluten free bakery that offers dairy free options. So when I can have sugar again on occasion I'll know where to go.

So that's the scoop. I'm sure there's more to come!

2010 Word of the Year

Discipline

Since my gall bladder attack the Tuesday night before Christmas I've learned that if I want to keep this necessary organ I have to eliminate gluten, corn, and dairy from my diet. Now granted, I had already eliminated cow's milk products, but I substituted goat cheese and yogurt in my favorite recipes and they came out great. Not anymore! Oh, and I have to loose my 2-3 cup a week coffee routine. No, I wasn't really addicted, but I did enjoy a cup of coffee on work mornings or sitting at Starbucks reading a book with a nice vanilla latte. So....I have to take my discipline to a whole new level.

So I challenge you next time you go to the grocery store to read labels and look at how many times the words wheat, barley, rye, milk, casein, whey and corn appear in the list of ingredients. The frustrating thing is those aren't the only words I have to look for. If a product says "gluten free" than I know I'm one-third safe. Corn includes "corn starch, corn syrup, and high fructose corn syrup (I already avoided products with this nasty stuff)". Even the "butter" product I was using has it's color derived from corn. And if I want a baked good I have to find recipes I can make at home because invariably the stuff in the supermarket - even Whole Foods, has one of these ingredients. Plus if it's "gluten free" it's pretty unappealing to look at, never mind taking a bite.

I know, I'm not the first woman on the planet having to make these lifestyle changes in order to preserve my health, but that doesn't mean it's any less difficult to assimilate. I had made a mental goal of being back in the best shape of my life by the time I turned 40. It seems that God heard me and decided to give me a little boost in getting there. I have to admit this isn't what I had in mind.

Discipline has been a somewhat elusive trait since having children. It seems that I can take care of my kids, husband, house, etc but taking care of me hasn't been my strength. There are lots of other areas where acquiring greater discipline will come in handy. Discipline to read God's word, exercise, prepare for work mornings the night before, use a soft tone with my children, love and respect my husband more and better. The list could go on for a while. Right now, it starts with eating. I'll see where it goes from there.

Other goals for 2010:

- run a 10K
- do more painting in my house
- find where Matthew will attend Middle School
- love others better
- improve my communication skills at home, at work, and with friends

Kung Fu Kid

Matthew is showing off his Kung Fu skills.

Wedded Bliss

Scott and Suzie Page, married December 30 at Buell Mansion.
A beautiful evening.

Daniel Sesay officiating.

Mike and Jackie Heylin

Guitar Playing Buddies - Steve, Tony, and Mike

Notice the cake base. Drummer extordinaire, Scott Page.
It's from his drum kit from church.

Generational Botany

My Christmas Cactus started blooming right on time to live up to it's name. This plant is a slip of my Grandmother's plant that was transported from Maine by my parents. I think it actually came from a slip from my great-grandmother. So excited that it finally bloomed!

VanDewater Christmas 2009

Steve took the boys to Christmas Eve service while I stayed home on the couch.


We made the boys wait until after breakfast and Daddy said Merry Christmas to some of his family. We finally got started around 9 with opening presents.

The Gall of My Gall Bladder

Unfortunately, this Christmas was marked by a very painful Gall Bladder Attack. It started Monday night and then got very painful Tuesday night. I've been on the couch or in bed ever since with brief time up and about.

I felt a little better this morning, enough to celebrate Christmas before heading back to the couch.

Not sure how it started or what I'll need to change in my lifestyle, but I'm willing to do whatever I need to ensure that I don't feel this pain again!

Happy Birthday, Matthew!

We had a little family celebration on Matthew's actual birthday, December 22, 2009. We had his requested birthday dinner of Quinoa Black Bean Salad, Bison Cheeseburgers and Steamed Broccoli. Matthew and Tyler loved the Transformers Walkie-Talkies. They still have to come up with a handle.

Happy 6th Birthday, Matthew! We love you!

Tyler in a Tube

Tyler brought this tube upstairs and wanted me to pretend I couldn't find him.

Attitude Adjustment Matthew Style

Shake the Grumps Away

December 2009

Tyler had his pre-school Christmas Program at Trinity. What a handsome boy! He was very excited to go to his "program", but would barely say on word on stage.

This boy always makes me laugh! He was being silly and wouldn't look at the camera.

The extent of his participation. :-)

Matthew's 6th Birthday Party!! Connor O. and Gavin came over to help him celebrate. They played swords, soccer, put the sticker on the transformer (whatever happened to the donkey??), and did lots of running around in the basement. I think fun was had by all.

Where has the year gone? My baby is 3, Matthew turns 6 next week and Steve and I have been married 9 1/2 years. Wow! Another example of how people can tell me what to expect and I really have no concept until I experience just how quickly time really does fly.

I was laying on Matthew's bed with him tonight practicing his addition and spelling. His ability to sound out words in his head just amazes me. It is so awesome to see him learning more everyday. He's read two books to me all the way through. It takes a little coaxing, but if he decides to read a book he does great.

Matthew in a nutshell:

His favorite color is red.
He's asked for Quinoa salad, Bison Cheese Burgers, and brownies and ice cream for his birthday.
His favorite music is "rock music about Jesus". Particularly Phil Keggy.
He loves to create. He makes up songs, stories, and Leggo robots with great detail.
He wears his emotions on his sleeve. It's either really, really good, or really, really bad!
He loves to climb, wrestle, fight, color, and is always up for a cuddle. He's still my affectionate boy.

Love that boy!

Tyler recapped:

He says his favorite color is red because he wants to be like his brother.
He's my quite observer. Once he's comfortable then he'll join in and have fun.
There is always a running dialog with him when we are alone. Especially in the car.
He hates sharing the attention with his brother.
He antagonizes, but adores his brother.
His laugh is infectious.
He sings ALL the time. He remembers every song and he might not get the words right, but he remembers the melody. This Christmas his favorite song is "twinkle bells, twinkle bells" (aka jingle bells).
His teacher says he's always smiling.