Snow Day!

So, after a week in bed with pneumonia, Andrew was glad to get out with Bren and some friends for a snow day!

The "Fearsome Foursome"

Andrew, Daniel, Brennan, and Amy

Daddy hard at work on the "Snow fort"

Brennan and Amy

Andrew

Inside the snow fort

Sourdough Bread #1

The taste was good.  The consistency was ok (definitely yummy toasted).  It was very crumbly, but most gf products are.  I changed the recipe a bit, so may try again, and follow the recipe EXACTLY, and see if that makes a difference.  Parker loves it!

The sourdough bread - attempt #1

I didn't get a chance to bake last night, so I am baking this afternoon.  The sourdough bread dough looks good.  It is rising right now.  We shall see...

So now I know why I was so grumpy!

When I read my last post this morning I thought, "Geez, Emilie!" I really did need a cup of coffee...and maybe some Sudafed!  I came down later that day with the bug that the rest of my family has been passing around (how generous of them, huh!).  I am usually fairly optimistic, and not usually prone to complaining, so when I do, it is a clue that something is up.  I could barely get up off the couch on Thursday night, and Friday was painful, but by Saturday morning I was feeling considerably better!  I still seel like I am breathing in ammonia when I inhale through my nose, and am still pretty stuffed up, but all in all, I am able to function.

Last week I discovered a new little health food store in Medford.  Of course, I had to pop in and see what kind of gluten free goodies they offered.  The couple that owns it is super nice, and they had the new Glutino Pretzel Sticks!! 

They taste SO MUCH like regular pretzel stick, but are stronger than typical pretzels, so they are great for dipping.  The down side...$6.99/bag.  Yup, they are not cheap, but it isn't common that I find something gf that Parker and I instantly fall in love with.  I figure they are OK for a treat every now and then.  I have to limit Parker though.  He would eat the whole bag in one day if I let him (He is a pretzel boy like his Papa.  Since M&M's and Tootsie Rolls are out, be will have to fall to the pull of Diet Coke next! :))

I am committed to saving all our receipts and document our spending on GF/CF food this year, so that we have it for tax write-offs next year.  Plus, I think that it will be interesting to see how much we are spending on "special diet foods".  I am pretty good about not buying TOO many prepackaged gf foods.  It just adds up too quickly.  Speaking of which, I have been attempting to make a gf sourdough bread.  I think that my starter is ready, so tonight I shall bake!  We will see how it turns out.

Back in the swing of things!

Honestly, this transition from Christmas vacation to *regular life* was/is so hard.  I have to scream to get the two older boys off to school, and Parker would rather never leave the house.  The weather has been terrible, and it seems like everyone in the Rogue Valley has a hacking cough and wants to go shopping to spread to spread their germs to everyone around them.  Then we hear on the news that WHOOPING COUGH is going around!!  Sheesh!  Wash you hands, FOLKS!!!

Because I am allergic to pertusus I have not been vaccinated against whooping cough.  Hopefully, we will stay healthy.

I am grumpy this morning.  I need a cup of coffee!

SNOW much fun!!

Parker's new team

At the end of '07, we had Parker's eligibility meeting for Autism services through the school district. He qualified with "flying colors", and he has a new team of amazing therapists for 2008.

They are (in random order):
Monica (3x/week): Autism Specialist
Kathy (1x/wk): Autism Specialist
Adena (1x/wk): "Play" therapist
Nancy (2x/mo.): Speech therapist
Linda (1x/mo): Speech therapist (SLP)
Barb (1x/mo): Occupational therapist
Alice (1x/quarter): Physical therapist

All of this therapy is "in home" with the exception of Adena. It is a lot of work, but Parker works the hardest of all, so I guess the rest of us can deal!;)

He is making progress and is beginning to show "splinter skills". Although his vocabulary is not expanding much, he is obsessed with numbers and letters. He loves to count and spells words that he sees all around him! (T-O-W-M-A-T-E-R on his cup...T-A-R-G-E-T on the sign). We are encouraged by the progress, and will keep you posted!