Not-quite Architecturally Sound "Gingerbread" House

This morning as I was dropping the Babe off at school, her teacher asked me if one of her planned activities would be safe for the Babe.  They were making Gingerbread Houses from a kit.  Definitely not safe, especially with the Babe's high level allergy to wheat, egg, and dairy.  I think her teacher had that figured out, but wanted to make sure before excluding the Babe.  Its not that she was actually excluded, its just that the activity was saved for the afternoon when the Babe wouldn't be present. 

The Babe knew about the planned activity, probably because they spent the morning reading about the Gingerbread Man and gingerbread houses.  So, as we left she asked if we could make one.  I had planned to clean this afternoon, and really didn't feel like baking, but I didn't want to disappoint the Babe.  So instead of cleaning some toilets and doing laundry, we baked and iced cookies.  First, we made sugar cookies that we had to roll out and bake.  For the house, I cut those shapes, but we had a lot of dough to make hearts and flowers out of.  Then I made vanilla icing.  The house is definitely not structurally sound, but it is so far holding together.  Other than safe lollipops, we don't have candy, so its a very "vanilla" house without any gumdrop or other candy decoration.  It still tastes good (based on all the cookies and frosting I already ate).  Here's a photo of the house and some of the frosted cookies.

 

I have finally found, and modified, a sugar cookie recipe that results in cookies that taste decent and have normal texture.  Here's my recipe for the cookies.

 

Gluten-Free Vegan Vanilla Sugar Cookies



1 1/4 C White Rice Flour
1/2 C Sorghum
1/2 C Potato Starch
1/4 C Tapioca Starch
1 tsp Baking Powder
1 tsp Xanthan Gum
1/2 tsp Salt
1 1/2 C powdered sugar
1/3 C Margarine (I prefer Earth Balance Vegan Buttery Sticks)
1/4 C Soy milk
2 tsp vanilla

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees (unless planning to bake dough later).
2. In a medium sized bowl, mix rice flour, sorghum, potato starch, tapioca starch, baking powder, xanthan gum and salt.
3. In the bowl of a stand mixer, or a large mixing bowl, combine powdered sugar, margarine, soy milk and vanilla.  Beat together with stand mixer or an electric mixer, until creamy.
4. Add in dry ingredients to mix, and beat until dough forms. 
5. Wrap dough in wax paper and refrigerate for 15 minutes, or up to a couple of hours.
6. Take dough out of refrigerate.  Take half of the dough and place between two large pieces of wax paper.  Roll out dough, cut into shapes with cookie cutters, and put on cookie sheet lined with parchment paper.  Continue process until fill cookie sheet (remember to leave some space between the cookies).
7. Bake cookies 10-12 minutes.  They will not get brown. 
8. Repeat process of rolling out and cutting dough and baking until you've used up the dough. 
Eat and Enjoy!

Another goodbye

Thanksgiving came and went not with a boom, but with a hiss.  It was a quiet, uneventful day, that started with the three of us watching the Macy's Day Parade and reading the large, ad-filled newspaper.  Throughout the day I worked on dinner, which included a whole turkey, gluten-free stuffing, dairy-free chocolate chip ice cream, and apple pie.  It was the first day in about two weeks that we could really be together as a family, after my husband had been gone for business and to help his mother, who lives in Florida, post-surgery.  Once he returned home he had a lot of work, so Thanksgiving really was our one day together.  I had anticipated enjoying the rest of the weekend, but that was not meant to be.

Sadly, we received an early morning call that his grandfather had passed away Friday morning.  The remainder of the day was focused on how to get to Florida for the funeral.  My husband was able to leave Saturday morning.  Unfortunately due to our location and time of year, it was virtually impossible for me to join him unless we either wanted to spend a fortune flying someone to us to watch the Babe, and then me to fly with him, or in the alternative, spend two long days driving with the Babe to Florida which would also require pulling her out of school for a week.  We plan to make this drive in a couple of weeks, and didn't think it would be best to do that with her two times so close together.

The Babe and I won't be able to join everyone as they say goodbye to her great-grandfather.  She still doesn't fully understand the concept of death, although she does bring it up every so often.  I think when we see her great-grandmother without Pop, it may have more meaning in context that he's gone.  For now, the Babe knows he died, but I'm sure questions will arise.  In the meantime, we will remember a man who served his country, on the beach at D-Day, and loved his family.   For him, family was very important.  He will not be forgotten.

Thanfulness

As we approach Thanksgiving, I've tried to discuss with the Babe about what we're thankful for.  This year Thanksgiving falls at the same time as Hanukkah (a unique occurrence on the calendar).  With all the holiday adds, and soon to be gift receiving on her part, I anticipate a lot of greediness popping up.  I want her to remember that we are very fortunate. 

My daughter told me that at school yesterday they made a picture, and then were to write down what they were thankful for.  My daughter is thankful for grocery stores.  Now we don't live in a third-world country nor in an area with little industry.  When I saw her paper this morning, I laughed with her teacher about it.  Apparently its not so much the stores themselves, but the Babe is thankful for grocery stores because that is where we get food.  That makes complete sense.

This year I am thankful for our health and that the Babe is able to attend school.  Those are the big things in our lives. There are a lot more things I'm thankful for, such as our family and our new home.  We have an abundance of things to be thankful for.  While I have a lot to be thankful for, we are also hopeful that this season sees our extended family in continued good or improving health.

A Wonderful Halloween

Another Halloween has come and gone, and we survived.  In fact, we did better than just survive.  The Babe had a wonderful day for many reasons.  In fact, it started a week or two prior when we were "Boo'd" by an anonymous neighbor.  Apparently our fairly new subdivision was having some fun, where a mysterious Halloween bag would show up on your doorknob.  One Sunday morning when my husband went to get the newspaper, he found our bag.  Our initial thought was Uh Oh!  Dreading the thought that it would be filled with candy, we were thrilled that everything in the bag was fun things for the Babe, and none of it involving food.  I suspect whoever gave this gift was someone I had met recently, but whomever did it, it was great.  When we had to "pay it forward", I made sure to keep it food-free, and gave it to a family that I knew was having some food intolerances or issues.

As for Halloween, it started with the Babe going to school.  I haven't discussed this here yet, but she's been enrolled part-time in a private kindergarten.  They have been wonderful, and have tried to be very conscious of the environment and any potential hazards.  Its a small building, and they knew the classrooms that satellite off of hers were all having pizza delivered for lunch on Halloween.  As they couldn't control the delivery time, we agreed that I would pick the Babe up by 10 a.m. to avoid the potential risk from airborne dairy. 

When I dropped her off that morning, we gave out little goodie bags.  I was able to tie in a little food allergy lesson, hopefully raising a little awareness and/or future tolerance.  Basically, my message was that you can have fun without food.  The message probably went over the 4 and 5 year old heads, but everyone was happy.  After I picked up the Babe, we headed home where we made sugar cookies.  I tried out a new recipe (to be posted at another time), and the Babe had fun rolling out the dough and cutting out pumpkin shaped cookies.  Later, we decorated foam picture frames that were Halloween-themed.

Our neighborhood had trick-or-treating between 6-8 p.m.  I had intended to speak to the families in my cul-de-sac in advance about having a safe treat that I would provide them to give her.  I had bought a bunch of little items.  Well, I didn't get a chance to talk to them, so I told the Babe that if she didn't get a safe treat, I'd have something to swap for it.  The Babe insisted she'd get safe treats.  Well, guess what?  For the most part, she was right.  It was wonderful. 

In the afternoon, the family behind us dropped off a little goody bag with a non-food item, because the mom knew she couldn't give candy.  Then once the Babe was ready to trick-or-treat, we headed off to the three nearest houses.  House number one gave the Babe a bag with her name written on it filled with...no food!  There were other treats like stickers, bubbles, slap bracelets and more.  Truly wonderful!  Then the next house the father said they had two different treats they were giving out but he wasn't sure which was safe.  One was a possibility, so I took that one, which will be swapped.  I appreciated the gesture though.  The third house they gave the Babe a package of crayon rings and a little (3x5) princess coloring thing.  Can we say totally amazing?  I hadn't talked to any of these parents in advance, yet they all got it.  The Babe was included.  This was her first year we actually dared to trick-or-treat, and what a treat it was!   All those things I got just-in-case, so she wouldn't be disappointed, weren't necessary.  In fact, I gave her some at the end of the evening, and the rest are going to be saved for next year.  The Babe had a fun-filled, totally safe Halloween. 

We celebrate any thing that brings us closer to "normal", and while we may have tap-danced around a few potential hazards to make the day a success, we still got to dance.

Bed Police

So we survived our move.  It seemed in the last week before we closed on our new house, we kept having one hurdle after another.  We've been in our new house almost two weeks, and were mostly unpacked after the first week.  While that is fine, the best part of our new house is the sleeping arrangements. 

Before we moved, at least a month ahead, I started letting the Babe know about our new house.  Oh, and a local phenomenon.  Have you heard of the Pennsylvania Bed Police?  No?  Well, don't tell the Babe that!  I let her know that in Pennsylvania, all children have to sleep in their own bed.  I don't know the punishment if they don't, but the Bed Police might come over and we don't want that.  I did such a good job, that after our first night in the house when we had only one bed set up for sleeping, she was concerned.  I told her we had gotten permission for that night, and the next, when her bed wasn't yet ready, for her to sleep with us.  The third night in the house, her room was unpacked, her bedding washed and bed made, so that meant she had to sleep in her own bed.  She wasn't too happy about it, but complied.  In the middle of the night she woke crying that she wanted to sleep in my bed, but I reminded her that wasn't possible. 

She does not like the Bed Police, but it has worked so far.  There is no debate about where she is going to sleep.  Granted, one night she had a little bed-wetting accident, so of course she came in to our bed.  The Bed Police know that kids can't sleep in wet beds (hopefully this doesn't give her any ideas).  While she might wake in the night calling for me, she knows she can't sleep the night in my room.  I might spend a few hours in her bed, but as long as its not every night, that's fine. 

Lots to Do

I'm questioning my sanity.  Ok, not my sanity, but really, what was I thinking?  Friday, the movers started packing the basement and garage.  I baked cake for the Babe's birthday (not for her party- that will require more baking).  We had a house showing, requiring some picking up.  All in all, I started to feel overwhelmed.  Sunday I am having the Babe's 5th Birthday party.  Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, will be more packing, and then we are on our way.  This weekend I will be baking for her birthday party, as well as packing for about ten days as once the movers return Monday, if it is not set aside in a specific spot, it will be packed.  That means clothes, food, medicine, and anything the Babe might need for entertainment (DVDs, toys, art supplies).  Plus, a few more errands thrown in, like I must remember to get to the dry cleaner before we move.  There are also a few issues on the other side of the move that will hopefully be settled before we get there.  Lots to do.  It would help if I could sleep...perhaps in a few weeks.

What's in a Name?

Lately I've been entertaining a bit more, trying to squeeze in visits with family and friends that I know we will be seeing less of after our move.  I've come to realize that the Babe has been getting funny with names.  Wives have been called by their husband's names, others by their related title ("I must talk to your wife"), and others by names of different friends.  Sometimes I think its truly a slip of the tongue, but once she has you on the hook, she keeps playing it up. 

A friend recently visited, who the Babe has met on several occasions.  Halfway through lunch she started calling him by another male friend's name.  She knows both well, and knows they are two totally different men (in stature, in ethnicity, and personality).  However, after a few slips of the name, she clearly got a kick out of calling him by the wrong one.  So for the rest of the afternoon she delighted in calling him by the wrong one.  Sometimes it was with a straight face, but a bright twinkle in her eye.  Fortunately he was a good sport.

The Babe is turning into more of a ham, but she's also becoming more demanding.  She was very upset yesterday that our guests chose to sit in the dining room to linger over adult discussion rather than to come and play with her.  After a while, we joined her, but she was definitely put out.  Clearly being an only child has led her to believe that anyone who is in our house is here for her, to either entertain her or be entertained by her.  Of course age is a factor, too.  I do try to instruct her on what is appropriate.  Oftentimes though most people find her precocious, so she gets away with it and the lesson isn't always enforced.   While I want her to be able to play and have fun, I also want her to know what is appropriate and be polite.  I don't think we need to be sticklers for manners, but there are definitely a few things we need to work on. 
 

Allergy Cooking

I did something that I found interesting.  I cooked for another allergy family, only they have at least one different allergen (one that's a top 8 allergen) than what we are dealing with.  What made it interesting was that in planning and preparing our meal was similar to what someone who doesn't have allergies goes through in planning a meal for someone who has allergies.  I hope that made sense.  Basically, I had to re-read ingredients.  I had to make sure there wasn't a risk of contamination in my cookware.  I almost swapped out kitchen sponges, but realized nothing needed washing prior to cooking.  I did take out fresh kitchen and bathroom towels.  Basically, everything I made involved fresh ingredients. 

This isn't too different from what I already do.  One thing I did do was cook in foil.  I made oven roasted potatoes in a pan that I lined with foil, and used a light coating of canola oil.  I made hamburgers in a frying pan, also lined with foil, of just beef, a little oil, and salt.  Salad came from a bag, and farm fresh grape tomatoes.  Salad dressing was made by combining fresh squeezed lemon juice, canola oil, salt and sugar.   Simple ingredients.  Easy preparation.  The meal was tasty, everyone was full.  Clean up was easier than usual courtesy of the foil.  Dessert was just Enjoy Life Cookies, free of the Top 8 Allergens. 

In the end, it was more about getting everyone together.  However, it made me happy to be able to feed them something they enjoyed and was safe.  If you haven't figured it out from earlier postings, I like to feed people.  I don't know why, its genetic, from my mother and grandmothers, and probably generations before.  If I know you have a food issue, I'm still going to want to feed you.  So, friends or family who have food allergies, Celiac, food sensitivities, whatever the "challenge", welcome to my kitchen. 

The Memory of Food

The past few days have been filled with a lot of cooking (and subsequent cleaning) in my kitchen.  Tonight will probably be the last time we have dinner guests in this house.  I've enjoyed being able to have company, be it family or friends.  Hopefully, we will make new friends where we are going, and be able to share a meal.  We will definitely have family visit there, although probably not as much as we'd like. 

This past week we celebrated Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year.  While my husband couldn't join us for the holiday, as he was in a different part of the country, I still made sure my daughter and I enjoyed the holiday.  That included a hearty meal featuring brisket as the main course.  Then last night, my parents joined us (and my husband, too), for dinner of chicken soup, turkey breast, a quasi-tzimmes of sweetened and mashed sweet potatoes and carrots, and salad, followed up with chocolate cake and watermelon.  Tonight we are having good friends over for dinner.  The menu, although not for holiday, will feature roasted chicken and potato kugel. 

Somehow, it always comes down to the food.  I think this is true for many cultures.  When I was much younger, I didn't cook much or well.  When I was about thirteen or fourteen I told my grandmother I wanted to have a "house-husband" to take care of the home and cooking, since I would rather be doing something intellectual.  I didn't want to become a "domestic engineer".  She always liked to remind me of this, especially after the Babe came along and I began to cook and bake.  I know she was proud of my academic accomplishments, but I also know she was just as proud of my domestic ones.  For her, family always came first.  She was a great cook, and there are certain foods or smells that remind me of her, like a roasting chicken or chocolate cake.  So food does more then nourish.  It brings people together, as well as provides sensory memories that live on longer than we do.  And on that note, its time to go bake a cake for later.

Maybe

Sometimes it seems as if the Babe is a teenager or even an adult.  This may be by attitude or word, depending on the moment.  Of course I make sure to bring reality back- she's the child and we're the adults.  The other day she was asking for something and I told her maybe.  Her response was, "Well, maybe isn't as good as yes, but its better than no." 

This morning she was funny.  She was asking if Daddy and I had ever gone dancing together.  Well, we've danced together, at weddings and such.  That wasn't good enough.  She wants us to go out on a date to go dancing.  And to top it off, she wants to pick out my clothes and be my stylist.  Yes, she said stylist.  I have no idea how she learned that word.

In the meantime, she is still my cute, precocious little girl.  Soon she will be turning five.  I have to remind myself that she's getting older, and things that I tried to protect her from or do for her, she can do herself.  And if she can't, its time I start teaching her.  While it might be easier or faster if I just do certain things for her, it would look funny if she were a teenager who couldn't cut her own meat.

Countdown

"As the tea kettle said, full steam ahead," (from Higgleytown Heroes).  That's rather fitting right now as it seems we are in countdown mode.  Part of the reason I haven't posted in a while is that we've been busy in anticipation of another move.  We are less than a month away from packing, moving, closing, and unpacking from one state to another. 

In late June we learned that my husband had received a promotion, requiring us to relocate.  By mid-July, he and I were house hunting.  My sister left her family to spend three night with the Babe at our house, and my parents covered the last night, so my husband and I could find a house a few states away from where we currently live.  He left a few days ahead to jump start our search.  The Babe had a lot of fun, and still tells me about certain things she did with her aunt.  She will also mention riding in my parents car (which might have been more memorable for her than the art museum they took her to).  During the three full days I was with my husband, we were able to contract on a house currently under construction. 

Now comes the time where details are important.  We are fortunate that we will have movers fully pack our house.  If we're not careful, garbage in garbage cans could be packed, that's how much they pack.  That means I should be going through closets and drawers to organize or dump unnecessary stuff.  It also means that if I don't do it now, it will be waiting for me in a few weeks to figure out.  We've already gone through our basement and garage.  In addition to this, I need to figure out what items will be essential for the time period that we will be in transition between houses, and therefore not packed by the movers.

What does all this mean for the Babe?  Well, she's sad to leave our house, which we all love.  She's also sad to leave her friends.  I don't think she realizes that we will be further away from my side of the family (currently about an hour away).  However, as I like to look at any of our moves, it is an adventure.  Its better to focus on the positives, so you don't get bogged down in things you can't change. 

I'm hoping we will be able to enroll her in preschool there.  I've already identified a school, and spoken to their administration.  I just need to make sure the physical environment meets my expectations.  Our new neighborhood looks to have a lot of kids in it.  We've told the Babe she'll get to help decorate her bedroom.  In addition, there are a lot of interesting things to do in the immediate area and also within a three hour drive. 

In the meantime, the clock is ticking, and lots to do.

Kitchen Headache

If you don't have a child with food allergies or other food-related special needs, then you may not realize how much freedom you actually have.  We are tied to our house because of this.  There is no last minute stop to pick up a snack or a meal while out.  In addition, we are highly dependent on our appliances.  Nothing fancy, just refrigeration and cooking sources such as a stovetop or oven. 

When we bought our house, I was concerned about what if we lost power because we have an electric stovetop.  While I prefer gas in general to cook on, the other advantage is that if you lose power, you can start a burner with a match (cautiously).

Right now we are dealing with the issue of refrigeration.  The compressor in our refrigerator/freezer is not working now, and we are waiting on repair of it.  For someone without our special food issues, this isn't the worst thing in the world.  You can pick up fast food, eat bread that doesn't require refrigeration, buy meals or meal kits that require little to no work, or eat at friends or family.  We don't eat nut butters, she's allergic to fish so tuna is out, and the only safe bread requires refrigeration after opening the package.  We only eat at home with her.  Her diet mainstays include sliced turkey, hummus, and hot dogs.  Dinner usually is chicken or beef.  We live at least 30 minutes away from a store that carries kosher meat, which is why I usually buy chicken and beef to last at least a week, and store it in my freezer.  And yes, its nice to have filtered water from our fridge, but I can live without that for right now. 

We are fortunate to have a smaller refrigerator in our garage.  Its inconvenient, but better than nothing.  Meals require frequent trips in and out to get what I need.  Again, it could be worse.  A headache, yes.  We also were lucky in that we were able to save most things in our fridge and freezer, although not all, when we realized there was equipment failure.  Anyhow, just feeling frustrated that it will probably be at least another four days before we have it fixed.   Its not forever, just annoying for now.

Safe Travels

Well, we made it through another road trip to my in-laws.  Each way we drove 21+ hours over two days, with one hotel stay each way.  This required planning and panic, but in the end, things went well.  In fact, way better than anticipated. 

Some may dread a visit to relatives because of the people, but we dread it because of the allergies and asthma.  In the past few years, any visit usually involves several doses of Benadryl and Albuterol, and on one occasion a visit to the emergency room.  Thankfully that did not happen this time.  We even brought along our babysitter for an added set of eyes and hands.  We warned her of all that could happen, not exaggerating past experiences.  Again, thankfully all that warning and anticipation were for naught.  Phew!

So what extra steps did we take to be able to travel with our Allergy Babe? 

• We took with all her medicine, including her nebulizer and extra Benadryl. 
• We packed food, from Gluten Free pasta, soy milk, spices, etc. that would be needed over the course of our trip.  While we could shop along the way, it made it easier to have many of the items that are more unique or harder to find. 
• I baked chocolate chip banana bread to have as a snack or for breakfast on the way down.
• I cooked and froze meatballs for our first night on the road, so all we'd have to do was heat it up in the sauce pan and cook pasta.
• We try to stay in newer hotels or newly remodeled hotels.  They must have a kitchen that has at least a 2 burner stove-top.  This trip we lucked out with a hotel that was open less than a month.  The advantage is the HVAC system is new or newer, and the surfaces and bedding less used, hence less possibility of allergens embedded in furnishings and carpeting.
• We eat only foods that are safe for the Babe, so lunch on the road is usually packaged deli meat (not safe from a counter due to cross-contamination), avocado, hummus and potato chips.  Yes, we get tired of this, but it serves the purpose and can be found along the way.  I also pack fruit and sometime cut up veggies.
• We take with a clean sheet to cover the hotel sofa for her to sit on.
• We take the Babe's pillow with.
• We wipe all hotel door handles, remotes, light switches, and other things that she might touch with Windex or Clorox wipes, as soon as we get in the room.
• I carry hand soap that is safe for the Babe.  Its not pleasant to go into a restroom that has soap made with dairy protein.  Our first stop en route had that, although we suspect the container might have been refilled with some other soap.  Even so, we stick with what we know is safe.
• At my in-laws, we run an air purifier in the room she sleeps in.
• My in-laws wipe down their leather family room furniture, wash floors, wipe down surfaces.  My mother-in-law opts to cover tables with plastic cloths as added protection.  Its a lot of work in preparation to have us.

There were probably more things we did or watched out for along the way, but the key is to remain observant and vigilant.  We reminded the Babe to keep her hands out of her mouth and off her face.  Yes, silly faces are fun, but hives aren't.  So, while we may seem over-protective or over-cautious, we came home in one piece (mentally and physically).  There was a lot less stress this trip. 

Over the period of time we were actually with family, the Babe got to have a great visit with her great-grandparents our first afternoon in Florida.  Then, each day thereafter she spent time in the pool, played with lots of toys, and was overall entertained most of the time between playing with her grandparents and our sitter.  We also went to the aquarium one morning, where she got to see her favorite Jelly Fish.  She definitely had fun at Papa and Grams, and I think the adults did, too.

"Chocolate Crunches"

Some kids make mud pies.  Mine makes "chocolate crunches".  Initially, you might be tempted to accept one, as I unknowingly did last night.  Tonight I now know I will refrain, thank you very much. 

The Babe likes to have chocolate chips for dessert.  I buy semi-sweet, non-dairy chips, that are an acquired taste since they're meant more for baking.  However, as she's never had milk chocolate, they're still a treat.  Anyhow, tonight she told me her "recipe" for these chocolate crunches.  You take two chocolate chips, lick the base of each one, and join them together.  Voila, a chocolate crunch.  Yeah, didn't know there was licking involved, thought they were a rare combined duo in the bag.  So, if I have any, I'll take them directly from the bag. 

Dinner is Served

Tonight the Babe wanted to eat in the "restaurant".  She wanted to make a menu, and be served in our dining room.  Daddy was to be the waiter, and I was to be the chef (not a big stretch there).  My husband was meeting a business associate a little later in the evening for dinner, but came home early to see the Babe.  So, he was able to be the waiter...dressed in running shorts and a t-shirt (before he changed for the evening).  The dining room may be more upscale, but the service apparently isn't at this restaurant. 

The Babe started dinner with a salad, all by herself.  Well, when you set only one place setting, clearly you don't want to eat with the riff-raff.  We put on the radio for some background music, and every so often she would call for the waiter.  Unfortunately, this waiter got a business call mid-service, so the chef had to step up.  Then the chef was allowed to join the Babe, and chat while the Babe finished her first course.  Apparently the customer is dating the waiter, and they both have the same blue eyes that are dazzling and sparkling.  The waiter buys her secret shirts, and they dance ballet together and hula hoop.  It was a very enlightening conversation (and fun). 

Soon, dinner was ready to be served.  The waiter had to leave, and the chef was allowed to join the Babe for dinner.  It was very nice.  I suspect the Babe will be returning to this restaurant again in the near future.  Its very exclusive, by invitation (or demand) only. 

Change of Plans

The Babe isn't happy right now because our scheduled play-date isn't happening.  The other mom forgot to write it in her calendar.  While she's disappointed at the moment, from a selfish standpoint, my house is clean and dessert is baked.  Ok, not my entire house, just the first floor.  Having company is a great motivator.  Yes, I rushed around all morning, rather than "leisurely" cleaned.  But its done.  The question now is should I continue with this and tackle the second floor, or collapse on the couch with the Babe?  I don't know.  For now I am enjoying the cookie pie I just made.

Context is Important

This is going to probably sound really bad taken out of context, so please read all of this post.  My husband had called to check in during the course of his work day, and asked how the Babe was doing.  Specifically, he asked her if she was being a good girl.  We told him yes, so good, that she had even gotten some badges.  She then told him she got, "a badge for kissing, a badge for loving, and a badge for rocking".  That doesn't sound right.

Here's what she meant.  She wanted to wear badges, like what Girl Scouts wear.  So, out of some felt, I made her a sash.  Then she wanted the badges to go with it.  What to make?  She gave me a sweet kiss on my cheek, so I said she gave such nice kisses.  So we made a badge in the shape of a mouth to represent a kiss.  Then she gave me a nice hug.  So she got a badge in the shape of a heart.  Lastly, she just got a kiddie sized rocking chair yesterday, and is enjoying rocking on it.  Hence, a rocking chair badge.  And from a kiss, a hug, and a rocking chair, we get badges for "kissing, loving, and rocking".

Happy Passover!

We currently live about an hour away from most of my side of the family.  Despite that, this year we will be celebrating Passover once again at home.  Tonight, I will be hosting a Seder for two, and tomorrow for three.  Hosting?  Nope.  No one to host.  My extended family will be gathering tonight at my aunt's house, to which we were invited.  However, I do not feel it would be safe to bring the Babe, even with any allergy accommodations (and I wouldn't want everyone to adapt, just so we can leave shortly after getting there if we had a problem).  Tomorrow my sister will hold her own family Seder, as she did not want to exclude her husband's family.  We know no one locally who needed a place to go for the holiday, either.  So once again it is just us.

Tonight it will just be the Babe and myself.  My husband was supposed to be here too, but weather and the airlines aren't cooperating.  He had a business meeting on the East coast, and they proactively cancelled his return flight home.  Hopefully tomorrow we'll be able to celebrate together. 

I could have attempted to have a sitter so I can join the extended family, but I don't think its fair to the Babe to leave her behind on a holiday.  Plus, she is old enough to start learning these traditions.  So, while there will only be the two of us, I will put out a tablecloth, fill the Seder plate, and hold a Seder just for the two of us.  While I don't normally drink when its just the two of us, I will definitely have a little tonight (no, not four full glasses as instructed in the Hagaddah, but at least four sips).  On the plus side, I guess that means more brisket for me!

Warning Board Game Players

Its time for me to publicly admit something.  The Babe is a board game cheat.  That's right, I'm warning you.  She may not play by the rules, she might jump spaces.  Her latest scam just happened.  I was in the other room while she set up the game of Candyland.  When I sat down, I quickly realized that she put the special cards at the top of the deck.  She didn't realize that I could get as far or farther then she would depending on who drew which card first.  So she's not a hardened criminal yet.  While we had a good laugh at her attempt, I also made sure she kept that mood knowing that she might lose, because the Babe is a sore loser.  Pouty and whiny are not so cute.  So with each game we played, I reminded her that she had to be a good loser (ahem, gracious) if she lost.  Lucky for her she won each game (honestly because I shuffled the deck).

A Sad Goodbye

This has been a long week for me.  A little over two weeks ago my grandmother went into the hospital with what was initially thought to be the flu or respiratory infection, seemed to have been improving, and then suddenly took a turn.  For a little over a week, we watched her decline.  During that time, she still remained mentally with it, even remembering to have us dial the phone so she could call a relative to wish her happy birthday.  On that day, she could barely talk because her breathing was so challenged.  That's how remarkable a woman she was.  I say was, because sadly she passed away Monday.  Had she lived five more days, we would have celebrated her 103rd birthday.  Instead, we said goodbye to a kind, generous, warm, thoughtful, loving woman.  Her age was but a number.  She lived a good life by example and deed.  She never spoke bad of others, she gave unconditional love and support.  Besides how wonderful she was in spirit, she had many other talents.  A talented pianist, an exceptional knitter, a lover of crossword puzzles, and a good cook.   She left a legacy of warm memories for all who knew her.  I will miss her.

Sugar Cookies

Baby its cold outside!  Every time I'd start to sing those lyrics, the Babe would complain, and thought I made them up.  I explained the lyrics are older than I am.  They are definitely appropriate.  We haven't gone anywhere for a few days due to sub-zero windshields.  Today the air temperature reached the teens, so I felt it was time to bundle up and head out.  Where did we go on our big adventure?  Just to Walmart.  I didn't really need anything, but besides a few grocery items, the Babe got some stickers, and we got some more cookie cutters. 

I have a decent amount of cookie cutters now (even before today's trip), so that means I should be making cookies, right?  I may have mentioned certain cooking/baking issues have intimidated me in the past, even though they really aren't a big deal once conquered.  That would include handling ground beef (what do you do with the fat after browning...yeah, got that one), raw chicken (major ick factor for the first five years of my marriage, but now no big deal), and anything involving a rolling pin. 

While sugar cookies are delicious when made with real butter, eggs, and wheat flour, I didn't know how they would come out once you took away the butter, the eggs, and yes, the wheat flour.  Gluten free baking is tricky, and anything vanilla-based can get "interesting" (slang for yeah, we knew it wasn't the real thing before more than a dot of it crossed our lips, and debating if we should swallow it or brush our teeth to get rid of the aftertaste). 

Anyhow, we did make sugar cookies.  We made the dough yesterday and baked one batch.  We made the rest today.  The Babe had fun using the cookie cutters, and enjoyed our creations.  There is a slight after-taste, but they aren't bad.  That means edible, and I'll have a second, thank you.  I think they need to be frosted, which might cut the aftertaste, but I haven't done that yet.  I know this description must be really inspiring, and make you want to run out and try some.  So, just in case you can get past my waxing lyrical here about the aftertaste, here's my recipe for Gluten-free, Egg-free, Dairy-free sugar cookies.

Gluten-free, Egg-free, Dairy-free Sugar Cookies
3/4 cup margarine (prefer Earth Balance Buttery Stick)

1 cup sugar
2 Tbsp ground flax meal + 6 Tbsp warm water
½ Tbsp vanilla extract
¾ C Sorghum Flour
¾ C Brown Rice Flour
¼ C Tapioca Starch
¼ C Potato Starch
1 tsp baking powder
2 tsp xantham gum
1 tsp salt
Additional 1-2 Tbsp of Rice flour


In the bowl of a mixer combine margarine, sugar, flax-water mix, and vanilla. Mix on medium speed until all ingredients are fully combined (a few minutes).

In a separate bowl, blend sorghum, brown rice flour, tapioca starch, potato starch, baking powder, xantham gum, and salt. Add dry mixture to wet mixture and mix on low speed until well incorporated. Cover with plastic wrap and chill for at least 1 hour. The dough can be refrigerated for up to a day.

Heat oven to 400 degrees F. Remove dough from refrigerator. Take a handful of the dough about the size of a baseball and make into a ball. Set the ball of dough on a floured surface (using 1-2 Tbsp Rice Flour). Roll out the dough so that it is about 1/8 inch thick. Cut dough into desired shapes using cookie cutters. Place cut-out shapes onto a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 8 minutes or until cookies are done. If frosting, let cook for about an hour. Otherwise, eat when cookies are cool enough to handle.

When I grow up I want to be a ...

The Babe has recently discovered Legos, and although most packages are for age 6 and up, we have a few small sets now.  My parents dropped by for a visit today, and she instantly appropriated my father to assist her in building.  My mother told her when she grows up she should be an architect.  The Babe responded, no, that she wants to be a giant.  Hmm, lofty goals?  Sorry, couldn't resist.  Hopefully, she will grow up taller than me, but not quite so tall to be a giant. 

What's so funny?

There are a lot of bodily functions that amuse little people.  The latest in the Babe's line of amusement is talking about puking.  Thankfully, she's not one who does it often.  She didn't spit-up much as a baby, and as she's gotten older its a very rare occurrence.  Unfortunately we had a recent episode, so its fresh in her mind.  And somehow when she does it, it either happens in our bed or in the car. 

We drove to Florida in December to visit her grandparents.  We have a new vehicle, and this was definitely the most its been driven since we got it.  After many asthma attacks and at least one allergy issue during the course of our visit, we were ready to head home.  Two hours into the three-day ride home, I looked back and she had a funny look on her face.  Next thing you know, she was projectile vomiting.  My husband wasn't upset that it was happening in the brand new car (points to him), and thankfully we didn't have an accident as he pulled over from the far left lane of an interstate to the right shoulder, going from 75+ mph to zero in about a minute.  Once she was done, she was fine.  We don't know what triggered it.  I'm sure you can imagine the loveliness of a car ride after that has happened, but she didn't have much in her stomach, so it was odorless (sorry if TMI).  Anyhow, we made it to a rest stop, cleaned her up in the bathroom, and were able to continue on our ride.  Now she thinks its hilarious to talk about puking.  Don't know why since we weren't laughing, but I'm sure she'll have another subject to laugh about soon.

Read Every Label

I'm sure I've posted about this before, but it deserves repeating.  When dealing with food allergies, read every label.  Just because you've used the product before, it doesn't mean that the manufacturer hasn't changed ingredients or manufacturing processes that could be harmful to your Allergy Babe.  And when in doubt, contact the manufacturer or else do not use.  Here are a few recent examples.

While at my in-laws, they usually buy a few favorite items for the Babe, and some things they know my husband and I will enjoy.  We stick to eating only Babe-safe foods while there.  In the past, this has included Kosher corned beef.  While the Babe wouldn't eat it, my husband and I both love it.  They had gotten a different brand (although who knows if the original would have had this in it, too).  One of the ingredients was modified food starch.  I warned my husband not to give any to the Babe, and he asked why.  I pointed this ingredient out.  I thought it was a possible hazard.  I googled it, and sure enough, the source of the starch can be several foods, including wheat.  Away in their freezer it went. 

Later that day, you would think my husband would have learned his lesson to read all labels, we had another run in.  My father-in-law and husband were prepping a turkey.  We didn't want to use a seasoning mix (another potential pit-fall), so I suggested some spices that might work.  I did not read the labels as I was not in the kitchen while they did this.  I assumed they would check, but my mistake for not reminding them.  I'm apparently the only one who must always be on alert- silly me.  Anyhow, when I came back in just after the turkey was put in the oven, I spotted a spice bottle on the counter.  From several feet away I could see a warning label.  Since it was a ground spice, it had a warning that it was manufactured in a facility with three of the Babe's major allergens.  I called the company, and they confirmed that the line was used for them, and it wasn't just a blanket statement.  That meant no turkey for the Babe.  I made her something else, and ate with her. 

The other day I went to buy a replacement for some cooking spray.  Generally I stick to one particular national brand.  When I went to grab a bottle off the shelf, I double checked the label.  Sure enough, they changed the ingredients, now adding coconut oil.  The Babe is allergic to coconut, so I went with another brand.  This particular bottle did not indicate any change in formula; the front was identical to bottles I've previously bought. 

So, again, always, always, always read labels.  What was safe yesterday may not be safe today.  And even if it seems obvious what should be in a food package, it does not mean it is so.  Food manufacturing is a science, and unless you know how certain ingredients help maintain color, texture, and shelf-life, you don't know what or why there is an ingredient in a food.  And don't get me started on personal care products.  I just read a label on a hand lotion and it contained lactic acid, which is derived from milk.  Nut, wheat, egg, and dairy are very commonly found in shampoos, lotions, and cosmetics.   It's a mine-field for those of us with children who have food allergies.  In the end, sometimes simple is better.  That's probably why I spend my most time in the produce section of the grocery store than anywhere else there. 

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year!  I am generally not a resolution maker, as that would mean I'd probably be a resolution breaker.  Yes, I want to lose weight, get healthier, spend more quality time on quality projects, get creative with the Babe, spend more quality time with my husband, etc. etc.  While the list is long, these are self-improvements or life-style changes that cannot be made at the switch of the clock chiming twelve.  So, I will try to start the year with a more positive mind-set (something I could use after the past week or two).  The Babe has had problems with her asthma over the past week, and my husband has been going a little stir-crazy being off of work for the holidays (hence, making me a little crazy, too).  So its time to try to find a more positive place.

How do I think this negative nelly will get more positive?  By starting to fill my calendar.  I have a fairly blank slate with the new year and new month.  Blocks of time to fill.  The more scheduled I am, the more satisfied I am.  This probably goes back to my school days as a master procrastinator.  If I had weeks to contemplate an assignment, I could not focus until the last day.  The less hours, the better.  When I was in college, with a full course load, working 20+ hours a week, plus activities and family commitments, I made better grades.  Somehow I could focus with more things taking my attention, because I had to allocate my time better.  With an empty calendar, I lose that focus and become a blob on the couch.  So, I guess if I had a New Years Resolution, it would be to not be a blob on the couch.