Gloomy, doomy days

On days like today, that are overcast, a bit chilly and dark, I wish I had a window seat to sit and cuddle up in a handmade quilt or crocheted blanket, a fire in the fireplace, a book or project in my hands, and a mug of tea beside me.

Periods. And Exclamation points!

This is a celebratory post about being gluten free!

It has been very hard to stick to this diet. I had gone almost 30 years eating all the bread and delicious pizza anyone could dream of, not to mention the cookies, the pastries, and all the amazing tasting food full of hidden gluten fillers.

For almost thirty years I was blissfully unaware of what gluten was and what it had to do with me or anyone else. I was a carb addict, and now I can say that I am a recovering carb addict as I hang my head in remembrance of my past life.

But, things weren't always so blissful. I have to admit that there were always things that didn't quite seem right to me. For example, that from the time I was 13, my periods were so wacky, and inconsistent, leading me to see doctor after doctor only to be handed side effect inducing medication to "ease" the issue.

I also have suffered with infertility, which anyone who's gone through it can tell you, it isn't fun when all you can think about is the baby you want so desperately in your arms, and with each passing day the desire grows stronger as the reality seems farther and farther away. This caused me to fall in to a depression... a deep one. It was my fault that I couldn't have a baby. My husband would be better off with someone else. God hates me. It was horrible, and I was a mess.

But, then I met a chiropractor who changed things for us, and while I faithfully went to my tri-weekly appointments, things seemed to clear up. Then, we got pregnant, and things only got better.

However, after I had the baby, and things should have gone back to normal, they didn't. I couldn't afford to see a chiropractor three times a week just to maintain anymore, and then the depression came back, along with a 9 month long period. Yuck.

Do you believe in miracles?



My son started to show signs of malnutrition, he stopped growing, and showed signs of allergies, such as hives and rashes all over his body. I called my wonderful chiropractor that got us preggo, and she suggested an elimination diet for three weeks. We did it, and when we reintroduced milk and wheat, all his problems came back. We took him off of them both again.

I went shopping at a local farmer's market and health food store, and saw a sign in the window talking about Celiac Awareness. Of course I was curious, and went online to research it. My son showed every symptom of childhood onset Celiac Disease-or the inability to use gluten. The heavens opened and an answer was given. Not only for my son, but for me too. I had almost every symptom as well.

We have been off gluten for a while now. My son, since August of last year, and me since November of last year.

I am happy to say that Ez is symptom free, and I always know when he's had something with gluten in it, by accident, because he breaks out in hives within an hour. It is very rare, because I am VERY diligent when it comes to what he eats, but sometimes, a well meaning relative will accidentally give him something not realizing it contains gluten.

I am also happy to report that my eczema is gone, as are my intestinal problems, my fibromyalgia symptoms, and my irregular periods. Hopefully, by becoming regular we can have another baby sometime soon. I will keep you posted!

If you would like to know more about Celiac Disease please click here or here or here.

If you would like to know more about living gluten free, please check out some of the sites I have listed on the side bar. There are great resources out there, and trust me, coming from a carb addict... a RECOVERING carb addict, it's not as hard as it seems!

Good luck, and GO GLUTEN FREE!

With love,
Suz

Monate Feier

On May 10, 2002 I married my soul mate, and on June 10, 2002 we started a tradition. We would celebrate our marriage every month on the 10th. I know, I know, it's corny... but we don't care.

Here we are, almost 8 years later, and it is the 10th of January, 2010. I actually didn't even remember until just now, and I don't think my sweetheart remembered either. But that's okay. I'll get to be the first to say it today.

Anyone reading this, you are my witness!

HAPPY 92 MONTHS, HUSBAND!

I love him more now than I ever thought possible. Sure, some days he's impossible, and grouchy, but so am I, and there are days when I think he puts up with a lot more than I do! He complains very little, (much less than I do, to be matter of fact) and loves me unconditionally. I am so blessed to have him in my life. I can't believe it's been so long, but I know we have an eternity of monthly celebrations ahead of us! If you would like to find out how you can have an eternal family, click here.

With much love,
Suz

King of the Hill and Homemade Steaks

Well, last night at 9PM my husband came home from work, and we had a long talk about how sad I was, and what could be done about it. You see, I get the blues from time to time... especially in the winter, and I'm not always nice, though I don't mean to be that way.

Anyway, after a long, hard cry, my beautiful husband told me that he knew what would make me feel better. I lay down on the couch, and because I had a horrible headache from crying, he brought me some Ibuprofen and water from our new kitchen faucet, and cooked me up some Omaha steaks... he even gave me the big half.



As we chomped on our rare steaks, we flipped through the channels, and landed on King of the Hill. It was back to back episodes of hilarity.

After a very long day, I felt warm and content. I also laughed, which after the day I had yesterday, felt so amazing.

I cuddled with the love of my life, and felt loved and appreciated... and genuinely happy.

We went to bed around 11:30, but sadly, I was suffering a bit of insomnia last night, and lay in bed for hours and hours with only my thoughts to keep me company as I listened to my love breathing in and out.

This morning came a little too early, but my sweetheart got up with our son so that I could sleep, and today is much, much better.

I feel so loved and cared for, but summer won't come fast enough this year.

For those of you who might be reading this, I say this: Steaks, King of the Hill and love can pretty much cure anything. But, if you suffer from SAD (Seasonal Affected Disorder) like I do, be sure that you do a few things to help get you through it. Get out of the house, watch funny movies-even if you don't feel like it, call a friend that cheers you up, find a creative outlet, and get a little exercise... if you can, go get a tan at a tanning salon. I think I will try that next.

Until summer comes, let's dream of the tropics!



With love,
Suz

Homemade Chocolate Mousse

Okay, today I woke up not only on the wrong side of the bed, but the wrong side of the planet. I cannot shake the blues today. I have already gone in to my bedroom twice to cry alone, snapped at my husband and my son more than I should have, and started sobbing on the phone when I was talking to my dad.

For those of you who don't know, I only recently found my father in 2008. Until that day in March when he called me after receiving my letter, I had only known him as a name. Perhaps I will leave this story for another post if anyone wants to know about it.

Anyway, so I called him to find out if he got his late Christmas present, and I started sobbing on the phone. When he asked what was wrong, I responded, "I don't know," and "everything seems wrong today." He said he knew the feeling, and after a long discussion about anti-depressants and heredity, we ended on this bit of advice from dear old dad: "Go eat a bowl of Chocolate ice cream."

Well, I don't have ice cream, and with my husband at work, I don't have a means to get ice cream. So, I made some Chocolate Mousse. It didn't make me feel better, but it was tasty. It's very smooth and rich, so a little goes a long way.

So, if you're like me today, and just want something to eat while you bawl your eyes out, or just want a tasty dessert that just about anyone will find delicious, then this recipe is for you.

I found the original recipe at CeliacChicks.com and tweaked it a bit to fit my lifestyle. I don't drink coffee anymore, you can go here to find out why, so I needed something different to add to the recipe. Here is what I came up with.

Chocolate Mousse

12 oz Chocolate (whatever kind you can get your hands on... I actually used semi sweet chocolate chips today)
4 eggs (room temperature)
2 tsp vanilla
1 pinch salt
8 oz hot **Rooibos tea**

** Rooibos tea, (pronounced Roy-boss) is a very delicious herbal tea that we stocked up on at Trader Joe's. If you don't have a TJ's near you, any herbal tea you'd like to try will do. TJ's Rooibos tea is actually Orange Spice. ** (recipe continued below)




Put everything but the hot tea in the blender and blend until smooth. Then add the hot tea while blender is still going, and continue to blend for another minute.

Pour in to small tea cups or containers, and put in the freezer for 20 minutes, then serve and enjoy.



As for me, I'm hoping tomorrow brings a better attitude for me, and a happier day for everyone.

With Love,
Suz

Ode to Reed's Ginger Beer

I am a HUGE fan of Reed's Extra Ginger Beer. It has become my favorite "go-to" soda. It is all natural, and all delicious.

Oh, Reed's Ginger Beer, how I love thee, and loathe thee. Why can't this delicious, all natural, amazing brew be zero calories and not pack on the pounds?!

Today, I decided to buy ONE and only one, and I put it in the freezer until it was nice and slushy, and I relished every drop that I drank.




Do you know how much I love my husband? Because I drank it while he was at work tonight, I saved him some. I didn't drink it all, and boy, could I have! That takes REAL love and devotion!



CHEERS!

The Infinite Power of Hope

For a beautiful video that really touched me today, click here.