Monday, May 16, 2011

So long, farewell, Auf wiedersehen, good night

I have so many mixed emotions running through me as we continue to pack up the preschool. I am elated that all of the supplies, furniture and money are going to worthy causes where caring individuals will continue to do great things. I am confident that many will benefit from our closing and that gives me great solace.

I am grateful to the school for so many things: a job that I loved, a sense of purpose and most important wonderful friendships . This year I had the amazing honor and privilege to co-teach 18 amazing kids with a great friend. Honestly, it was probably the best job I've ever had. As a stay at home mom for more than 8 years I was beginning to feel restless and unimportant. The co-op gave me such an amazing sense of purpose and focus and for that I will be eternally grateful.

This closing however is bitter sweet. Like many parents, I have poured my heart and soul into a school that I wholeheartedly believed in; first as a board member and then as a teacher. I have watched countless children benefit from a small preschool experience where their parents play an active roll in shaping their education. I know my own kids are where they are today because of it. They are bright, confident, socially engaged children ready to take on the world and all that it has to offer. While I would love to take all of the credit, I thank the Co-Op for giving my kids such a positive attitude about learning. I just wish that others would have seen how special our school was and all that it had to offer. Finally, I will miss seeing the faces of so many wonderful friends on a daily basis. It's been a great run and I will miss you all dearly.


Sunday, May 15, 2011

Gluten Free Pizza

It's day number three of the Gluten Free diet and I've never felt better. I'm still amazed that I wasn't even aware of how badly I felt until I stopped eating it. I guess you just start coping when you feel awful on a daily basis. Your brain shuts down and your body just keeps on trucking along. Just thankful that my brain finally awakened and I gave this gluten free thing a try. Now I just need to discover how to make gluten free recipes that taste great too.

I've never been a big fan of gluten free baking because it usually tastes gummy and very dense. However, Alex and I have been devouring the zucchini bread I made last night. It was incredibly light and delicious. Gluten Free pizza was on the menu tonight. Thanks to the fine folks at Udi's I had a delicious (yes, delicious) gluten free pizza and didn't experience the horrendous stomach ache that usually follows.

Saturday, May 14, 2011

Gluten Detox

What's that, you're not supposed to have a stomach ache every day. Your stomach shouldn't look like you are expecting your third child. Seriously?

It's day 2 of my gluten cleanse and I am already feeling so much better. Tons of research out there to suggest that a gluten free diet is so much better for your health and various ailments and yet still the majority of dietitians and doctors tout a high fiber, multi-grain diet. Time for this momma to stop listening to the experts and start literally listening to her gut.

School is almost out for the year so that means it's time for a little summer experimentation with total gluten free cooking. I'm totally up for the challenge and looking to recapture my health.

Today's recipe comes courtesy of gluten free goddess.