Photos by PhotoRack, Print and Collage by under4minutes

During a PTA meeting, it was explained how children are counted in the No Child Left Behind. They’re divided into groups (black and white) and sub-groups (gray). (Note: terms used for color referencing only, not racial.) For the groups, there are higher, and lower percentiles. While sub-groups contain ESE (gifted and talented, minorities, and low income).

Say, a child (exists in two of the subgroups and one group), needs to bring his grade up. His teacher will adjust per student’s capabilities, in order to bring him up to speed. When that happens, he counts three times in favor for the school. If not, he counts three times against. Every student matters. Even, Gray matters.

Gray Zone

Have you ever walked out of your child’s allergist or physician’s office with a brain explosion? Unfortunately, it won’t be your last. Doctors don’t have concrete answers. Thus, begins what I call, the Gray Zone.

It’s not really explainable and two doctors don’t give you the same answer. (If you do find two that think the same, and you agree with them. Welcome them to your support group(chk to see if had already link, if not..). Why? There are two many variables to consider.

Like the many differing stories from people resulting in FA (Food Allergies). That is, if you can find that answer. Most don’t know. I have a hunch, but I’m not 100%. And, depending on who you go to, answers to these questions will vary tremendously.

The key is to find someone who has the same viewpoints as you. Since they’re trained in medicine, they can offer opinions that might gently push you out of your comfort zone. Sometimes that’s good because it will help you more in the long run.

Future

With the population having so many food allergies, the Grays may climb out of a sub-group to become a group. (I wish!) Also, there has been a lot more exposure to these climbing numbers. The more awareness there is, the easier allergic integration into “real world” life will be. That’s what I’m hoping for…

Artwork by Brandt

When children come home at the end of the day
The question they’re asked as they run out to play
Is, “Tell me, what did you do today?”
Perhaps “Nothing” means that I read a book,
Or…with a teacher I got to cook,
Maybe I painted a picture of blue,
Or heard a story about a mouse that flew,
Maybe I wrote in my journal myself,
Or found a great book on the library shelf,
Maybe I helped a friend today,
Or went to my favorite area alone,
Maybe today was the very first time,
That my scissors followed a very straight line,
Maybe I sang a song right to the end,
Or worked with a special brand new friend.
When you’re three, four, or five you heart has wings
And “Nothing” can mean so many things.

~author unknown

Amidst the flowing food and drink of this Christmas break, through crafting and countless activities to keep the young minds occupied. I have read a lot of material on this new medium that I’m working with. I have so many new points to implement in this blog.

What’s In Store For The New Year

Time to Purge

It’s like when you’re on vacation, and you have had one too many restaurant meals. You can’t wait to eat a home cooked one. Probably a low-cal meal, too. It’s the overabundance that makes you want to start clean.

More Research and Clarity

There’s always room for growth. I continue to scour all sorts of informational sources for any new tidbits that may apply to our anaphylactic diagnosis. It’s the constant quest that tires me. Sometimes, I think it’s better to stay in the safe zone. But, in the long run, I know that will not work. That’s when keeping current and knowing your options come in handy.

Time for Change

Change is good. It challenges you. My hope is that it furthers the independence factor and the ability to react well in uncertain conditions. I believe this is dependent between life or death. Role playing is essential.

New Year, Same Old Questions

As we get older do we start to let loose of the reins? And if so, how much do we let go? Presently, I find some just too hard to let go. Yes, I did contradict myself. Unfortunately, anaphylaxis/food allergies are in the grey zone, that black and white just doesn’t cover it at all.

I enjoyed the time to be with my children without too many pressing scheduled outings. All the while, absorbing new points and generating ideas for future posts. Rekindling my body, mind, and soul gave me the break that I needed for a fresh start. Although, by the end, I was ready for my transition back to regular life.

Christmas Day is in our grasp
So long as we have hands to clasp
Christmas day will always be
Just as long as we have we
Welcome Christmas while we stand
Heart to heart, and hand to hand
~Dr. Seuss

I heard a tragic story about a young father who had passed away. His family is left without life insurance. A mom in my group, sent out the story for assistance. We all pooled together. Whatever resources each one had to offer, was up for the taking.

In How the Grinch Stole Christmas, the Grinch took away all the Christmas pizzazz from the Who’s in Whoville. But, they still banded together to sing, and enjoy Christmas. After all, it’s not about the gift. It’s really the fuzzy feeling you get. (Still trying to teach that to my kids!)

Life is an unpredictable journey. Someone will always have a story that is worse than yours. Families may be left alone in the event of an unexpected death. Being part of a community is essential because you will never be alone.

Enjoy your Holidays!

PS

I will be gone for a couple of days. I will return this Wednesday January 12th, 2009.

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Artwork by Brandt

At this time, when food is at every social gathering, it’s imperative that you maintain your child’s allergy free menu. From school to the home, there’s always so much to do for this holiday. Here are a couple of things that help me stay on track.

1. Allergy Free Candy-Spangler Candy Canes
2. Pre-plan recipes for cookies, treats, and if your cooking Christmas dinner
3. I have Brandt pick from a couple of cookies (we try to have variety), and the best we make for Santa
4. Parties at school, home, and anywhere
   • Volunteer to be on site
   • Substitute food, bring own, or have games & crafts (familyfun)
   • Enjoy Life Chocoholic Allergy Free Treats
5. Thank you’s for your support group (show appreciation for your child’s group, we have 17 administrative and 22 children (see Buddy System). Low cost gift: Spangler candy canes (something your allergic child can handle) and Brandt signs the cards.
   • Shows appreciation on both sides
   • Giving and teaching your child how many people are behind him
   • Fostering community

Once, you have everything in place for your allergic child, you will find the stress easing up. This is a great time for food, family and friends. And, if done warmly and openly, it can be enjoyed by all, even in the same room.

See previous post: My Santa Drinks Rice Milk and eats Vegan Sugar Cookies for recipes, and other goodies.

In an allergic world, the constant is that everyone is allergic to one thing or another. Among other AF (Allergic Friendly) places to eat, movie theaters would have plain popcorn, only 100% fruit juice drinks, soy or rice ice cream, and allergy friendly candy. So, it’s only fair to say, that Brandt’s Santa drinks rice milk and eats vegan sugar cookies.

Some Holiday Treats for You and Santa

• Pumpkin Spice SoyNog (Bryanna Clark Grogan)
• Vegan Chocolate Rice Crispies
• Gingerbread muffins
• Vegan Hot Chocolate
• Spangler Candy Canes (Walmart and Michael’s Craft Store)

Kids need to relate to something that they are going through. See Making a New Pal. It’s really necessary for them to understand, that they are not alone. And, for a parent during holidays, it’s hard enough to just deal with the stress, but also try to maintain your child’s safety.

See my next post: Checklist for an Allergy Free Christmas

Calling out for a cookie swap! What’s your favorite vegan/allergy free cookie? Send it on in.

Print your recipes on free recipe card templates from HP!

Cross At Your Own Risk

I was picking B up from school and we were all holding hands. We were approaching the yellow line to stop and wait for the crossing guard. J could see his pal directing traffic. (They love Superheroes!)

B had asked me to look at something. And, just like that, J dropped my hand and headed toward his friend.

Out of the corner of my eye, I could see a white, Explorer moving (those huge trucks can’t see me, let alone a child!). I screamed like a crazy banshee! If glass could break, it would have.

Thankfully, he stopped right in his tracks. As his pal told the driver to really look before you go. I was totally shaken. I don’t want to think of what could have…

What’s The Rush?

This isn’t the first time that there has been a problem in the parking lot. It seems that once you drop your kid off, it’s okay to speed through to get out.

Is it actually worth the couple of minutes you think you’ll be saving on getting to work or wherever you’re going? You could hit someone walking their children to the front door…

Please think, and slow down!

Wow, my hands looks really beat up. It always happens in the winter, when my hands are so parched from washing and using hand sanitizer all the time.

Look at my hands,
Look at how they’ve aged,
They gotten so that they’re shriveling and peeling,
because of the countless times I’ve washed them.

One hand short and the other long nails,
Weathering through the storm,
The endless lines on my palms,
Slightly indented on my waterless skin.

My cuticles are rough and bleeding,
My manicure is cracked and uneven,
Sometimes when I touch you,
You jump away from a scratch.

And say, it feels like sandpaper,
But I do what I do,
To make sure you’re safe and not exposed to
Your many food allergens.

~under4minutes

That’s what I’ll be seeing out of my windshield, shortly. We’re driving to family out-of-state. It’s the first road trip in a very long time. And, with gas prices at an all-time low…It will be a great adventure for the boys.

I hope my cold will be gone and I’ll feel 100% by then. My first one for the year had rendered me useless all weekend. Packing and prepping took a lot longer than usual. I still feel a little groggy.

I will be gone for one week. So, I will be posting next Tuesday.

I wish everyone an Allergic Free Thanksgiving. We have so many things to be thankful for.