Tuesday, January 18, 2011

Miss me?

This post is mainly for me. A reminder (as if I'll forget) that I have survived the last 18 days. No, nothing traumatic has happened, well, physically anyway. It all started New Year's Eve when I realized something had to change. I could no longer handle the chaos, the constant ups and downs of a certain 8 year old, whom I love deeply.
We have always known, well actually since he was around 2, that Tanner was going to keep us busy. This is when we learned that is was best to keep him off of artificial dyes. Not that his body is allergic to them, but he becomes a different child once he has ingested them. You think no big deal, right? When was the last time you read the back of children's motrin, for example? I'll spare you the list of things we avoid.
And because we needed an extra challenge or two, it appears he may need to come off of gluten and casein. I have poured over books, medicine journals, articles, testimonies from other parents, and the advise of a nutritionist. Apparently, children that have a sensitivity to preservatives, additives, high fructose corn syrup and dyes (raising my hand here) can also have the same reaction to flour and milk products. Do you feel my frustration yet? If not maybe this will get you there. Not only does it seem to affect one of our children, but both. Yes, you read it right. Tanner and Ainsley both.
This new realization has brought on more challenges than I thought I could handle. I now fix 3 homemade meals a day. We are trying to avoid flour products right now, just to see if it's the gluten alone. Milk products are next. Oh, can't wait! Much scarsam here!!
Don't get me wrong I'm not complaing and I try not to let my frustration show (at least for Tanner to see). And while this poses a huge amount of time on meal planning and trips to whole food stores, we will adapt and be healthier in the long run.
I will say that we have noticed a difference in Tanner. He is adjusting well. The hardest thing for him right now is drinking only water and milk.
Happy Tuesday,
Melissa

Monday, January 03, 2011

A Mizell Christmas

We spent the day after Christmas with Michael's side of the family.



It's amazing the way Ainsley is drawn to these two.


Pa sharing his sweet potato pie. This is major progress for her. She normally doesn't get to close to him.....well, unless he takes her outside. Ha


Sweet, beautiful girl!

Aunt BJ gettin' some love.

All the grandkids.

Can only imagine what these two are up too.













Merry Christmas!

Christmas {2010}


My little helpers in the kitchen. Tanner is very helpful and well, Ainsley makes more of a mess than anything right now. ; )


Did you notice Tanner on the outside looking in?





We got both of them something to ride on.











He LOVES these Lego games.



A purse all of her own.

All I said was put your lipstick on. If you've every really wondered how much they're watching....





Magic Treehouse books. I love it that he loves to read!


My gift to Michael. Can you see it? James Avery rocks! ; )






Christmas with Nana. She came over after lunch. We had a nice time, even if we were both a little teary eyed.

I have an addiction (yes, another) to shoes. The apron reads, "I will cook, for lots, and lots of shoes". Ha! Makes me smile.

Mom's gift to Michael. A new GPS. I so do not understand the whole concept. I mean, men, listening to directions, from a female? Does anyone else see where I'm going with this? ; )

Mom and Honey on their fleece blanket I made.