Belsnickel Comes For a Visit

When I think of the Christmas Season I often think of my grandparents. My brother and I spent so much time with them as children that most of my childhood memories are filled with little anecdotes from one of them. One of my fondest recollections is hearing the stories about Belsnickel (Nicholas in Furs), a legend created by the Pennsylvania Dutch. According to my grandfather, on December 5th, children would leave their shoes out for Belsnickel. If you had been good, Belsnickel would leave candies and/or nuts, but if you were naughty, Belsnickel would leave a switch or coal. The switch was meant as a warning to behave or else. Fortunately we never received a switch.

What I remember most though was not the candy that we received but the ornate knit Sinterklaas shoes that belonged to my grandparents. They would leave them out both on December 5th and on Christmas Eve. They were red and white and sat out on the rectangular wooden coffee table in my grandparents living room. To me, the sight of them signified the beginning of the Christmas Season. As a tribute to my grandparents, my husband and I have continued this tradition with our own children. So tonight before bed, two little boys will place their shoes beside the fireplace eagerly awaiting the arrival of Belsnickel.

Framily

Framily- A slang term used to describe those people in your life who are more than just friends. While they are of no blood relation, they have come to feel like family. Filling voids that time, distance and circumstance have created.

I come from a very small family with loved ones scattered about. We often go months to years without seeing one another. While it is difficult not to have family around I consider myself extremely lucky. My life is filled with many amazing people whom I would consider framily.

They are my closest confidants. To whom I turn when I need comfort, advice, an ear to bend or a shoulder to cry on. They are surrogate mothers to my children who understand and appreciate my boys needs and wants just like they would their own child. They are cheerleaders when I lack motivation and ministers when I need prayers. Much of who I am today is because of the many roles that they have played in my life.

As we enter into this holiday season I find myself reflecting on all that I have. A beautiful life with two amazing kids and a loving husband. Wonderful friends and a larger than life framily that I am so incredibly grateful for.

Life After Gluten

On a warm day in May I decided to give up gluten with the hope that the new diet I was about to embark on would cure what ailed me. At the time I thought that what ailed me was just arthritis. We had just endured a long, rough winter and a very cold, and rainy spring. I had suffered day after day with deep, agonizing arthritic pain and the cold, damp air only seemed to make it worse. I had read that living a gluten free lifestyle could help with inflammation. I was willing to try anything just so I didn't have to experience that type of pain again.

So on Friday, May 13th, 2011, I quit gluten cold turkey. Within days I could already feel a change in my body, but it was not anything like I had expected. I still was having pain and inflammation in my hands, mostly because of all the rain. What I noticed the most was how great my stomach felt. I began to wonder how long my stomach had been hurting and at what point did I begin to view that type of pain as normal or acceptable? Over time, I would also discover that my once or twice a week migraines would vanish as well. You mean it's o.k. not to have a headache or a stomach ache all the time? Why didn't someone tell me.

The past 6 months have definitely been a journey. A journey my eldest son has been on for over 4 1/2 years now, but one that we are now on together. What began as an experimental diet has now become a way of life. In May I didn't think I could make it a week without bread, crackers, or cookies. Now I can't imagine a life with migraines, a bloated, painful stomach or gluten. It's funny how your mindset changes as you age. Things you once thought were important or you couldn't live without are quickly replaced by choices and possessions that are more practical and meaningful.

Along the way I've met so many wonderful people with similar stories. We've learned what products are good and the ones that should never be marked for human consumption. I've re-discovered my love of baking. It's slightly more challenging without gluten but totally achievable. A great big "Thank You" to Silvana Nardone (Cooking for Isaiah) & Jules Sheppard (Jules Gluten Free) for their recipes, guidance and inspiration. Gluten free cooking wouldn't be nearly as delicious without you.

Last Day Of School

My boys had such a wonderful last day of school filled with love, laughter, amazing teachers and great friends. How wonderful to have my boys in the same school for at least one year.

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.

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.

http://udisglutenfree.com/products/6//udis_gluten_free_pizza_crust?jadid=7463590293&jk=udi's%20pizza%20crust&js=1&jmt=1_e_&jp=&jkId=8a8ae4cc2df1be9a012df22e0f970362&jt=1&jsid=22255&&gclid=CMrHzKWL66gCFUa8KgodPwduIA

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.

glutenfreegoddess.blogspot.com/2010/08/zucchini-bread.html