I haven't written in a while because life is super crazy. And I get stuck in this rut thinking that I have to update you with every single detail about my whereabouts for the last month and a half. To do that, would take about 5 GB of space on the servers so I will spare you that. If you want to know about what's happening in my life- the cool job that I got, the even cooler husband I have who's home with the kids for the summer, my boys who are doing just fine except for the fact that I'm not home, and the struggle I have internally about transitioning from being home full time to not being home full time.... and the moments I have where I'm fully trusting that God will work all things out for my (and my family's) good, and the moments where I waver from faith and worry about what's next...... if you're interested in hearing about it, call me. We can meet for coffee or a glass of wine and talk about it.

But today I wanted to share with you about our Peanut Challenge. When BB was about 15 months old we discovered he has a nut allergy of some sorts. By this time he had already tasted the goodness that is peanut butter (and jelly) and had no reaction. But since he was under 2, the doctor said to hold off on any sort of nuts. On his 2nd birthday party, we had another episode that involved a white chocolate macadamia cookie that was confiscated by BB 5 minutes before people were showing up for his party.... and he had a pretty scary cough/gag/hives episode that was thankfully curbed by a few doses of Benadryl. After that happened, I knew it was time to see an allergist to find out what was really going on.

So a month ago, we had our allergy scratch test-his poor little back, full of little allergen samples. I had to hold him still so that he wouldn't scratch. The results? An allergy to dust, grass, corn, tomatoes, and cashews. But since he had 2 reactions to different nuts, he also had to have a blood test, of which the results all came back negative. Since there were conflicting results between the scratch test and the blood test, the doc ordered a food challenge.

First round: Peanuts.

We had our Peanut challenge today- we showed up at the doc's office with a jar of peanut butter and a spoon, and spent an hour slowly administering peanut butter to my little guy. Boy, did he love it! And, the results were negative! Yay!!! We don't have to ban peanuts from our home.

On friday we go back with a bag of almonds. I didn't even know that there was a significant difference between peanuts and other nuts-- almonds, cashews, macadamias-- all tree nuts. peanuts, are related to the legume family. Interesting, eh? Doc said we may have to avoid all tree nuts altogether because he had such a severe reaction to the cashews already. And yes, we carry an epi pen now too.

So that's it for now. Good night!

So we made it through 2 very long weeks of being sick and playing nurse.  Yes, it lingered into this past week, with JJ catching the fever again.  He only made it to school 1 day this week, and even still has been napping like crazy.  It takes a lot of energy to be sick, I guess.

Well I can say that I'm really glad that it looks like we can put away the winter coats, gloves, boots and scarves!  I haven't fully made the plunge in washing it all yet- don't wanna jinx it , ya know... but it has been nice to open the hallway closet and choose a spring jacket over a down-filled jacket....  So now we have the fun task of teaching JJ to ride a 2-wheeler.  Right before it started snowing, his training wheels fell apart and we've decided to use that to pitch 2-wheel bikes!  Unfortunately he's too afraid of getting hurt, so all week he's been tooling around on his scooter.  Oh well, spring is still young... and I just got over being sick so running behind a 6-year old on a 2 wheeler just isn't what I want to do this week....

This weekend, we have the Big Top Fair at the school, the event my kids look forward to every year!  It is a great inexpensive thing to do as a family!  I love it because it brings our school family together, and being involved at the school really shows the kids that their education matters.  Even if it's not about math problems.... we will be doing a "cake walk," a "hat walk" (both carousel type games where you win a cake or a hat respectively!) or possibly some sumo wrestling and face painting.  At any rate, being present at the school and socializing with their teachers really does wonders for how kids see school.  We are also celebrating my brother's birthday and my niece's birthday and first communion.  On top of that, Toph has a photo shoot to run, and I have 2 big events to prepare for next weekend. 

Which gets me to thinking, I do tend to (over)commit myself.  It (usually) doesn't end up being more than I can actually handle, because following through is quite a high value for me.  But it does make for interesting days here... but I think that Toph has learned over the last 10 years that I am crazy that way, and am happier busy rather than bored.  What are the 2 events?  I'm hosting a National Scrapbook day crop for my business, a 10-hour crop on Saturday.  We have about 25 people signed up,  are serving lunch, providing games and classes all in this one day.  I LOVE IT!!!  I'm also having to prepare to meet with our Nursery and Toddler parents at church on Sunday.... and as I delve deeper into my role as one of the Directors of our children's ministry, there is just more work!  (that is truly not a complaint).  I knew that all of this was to come, but as I am realizing my desire to live out that role more fully, there is just a lot more to think through than just a schedule.  and  you know what?  I LOVE IT too.  There is a lot of life in living out who you were made to be.

And that is me.  Living out my life.  It looks crazy to some, absolutely insane to most.... but amidst all of this chaos that is my life, I am more alive than ever.

Hi everyone!

The sun is shining brightly into my kitchen as we speak.... but the temps are still a mere 32 degrees....  it will be nice when it is warmer, to go outside, play in our backyard, go bike riding and walking on our recently installed walking trail in our long-awaited neighborhood park...

Today, JJ is sick.  He's got just a few symptoms of "not feeling well"- but no fever, no sore throat, no congestion.  So he's been parked on the couch most of today, watching TV and scribbling in his activity books.  Poor little guy, it is hard when they're sick -- esp when there isn't anything I can do for him except remind him to rest!  So while he's resting I'm blogging...

Toph took E-man to the Ford Rouge Factory tour this afternoon.  We were able to snag the highly-coveted Museum Adventure passes from our local  library- so they're going for free today!  Yay!  I hope they have a good time, the plant they will tour is actually where I used to work B.K. 

Other than that, we have a quiet week planned.  I am hoping that we'll get to painting our bedroom, because it's the last room to receive attention in our home since we moved in 4 years ago!

Well, I think that is it for now.  I have lots brewing inside of me, but my fingers are too slow to type all of my thoughts.

bye!