Boot Scootin Against Gluten

Gluten is a protein commonly found in grains, namely wheat, rye, oats and barley. It is a great protein, making the bread elastic so that it gets that light, airy feel and texture. Many bakers will buy gluten to add to their bread to help make it lighter and fluffier. We also have engineered our wheat to contain high amounts of gluten naturally, making them perfect for yummy breads.
However, this can be a real downfall for someone that has an intolerance to gluten, which is termed “Celiac“. Not only people that have celiac, but many children treating autism and ADHD naturally cannot tolerate gluten, at least for short periods of time while they heal their intestines. Avoiding gluten can be tough, since it can be found everywhere, it seems! Not only bread, but crackers, cookies, cakes, croutons, breaded meats, vinegars, beer, most condiments all come from wheat at some time.
Nashville Celiacs have put together Boot Scootin Against Gluten to raise awareness about celiac and gluten intolerances. On May 19th, there is a big event in Brentwood including a walk, music, moon bounce, a silent auction and a chance to learn about companies that make gluten free foods and have gluten free menus. To join in the festivities, head on over to River Park in Brentwood on May 19th between 9 and 11 am.

Autism Awareness Month

Since April is nearing an end, I better get this post in before the month is over : )

April is Autism awareness month. You may be thinking, “What does this have to do with me” Considering the new estimates are 1 in 150 children has autism and the stats are growing daily, chances are, if it has not already impacted your life, it will. The estimated rate of growth is 10-17% annually, which means within the next decade, the numbers could be as high as 4 million Americans. (source: Center for Disease Control)
Since early intervention is best, it is important to know the traits that are common with children on the spectrum and to know that the diagnosis is no longer hopeless. Thanks to the research and trial and error of several determined mamas and their Doctors, in many cases autism can be reversed or at least the traits lessened.
Autism has a genetic source as well as environmental triggers, which vary widely among children. Many experts now believe ADHD, autism and even allergies and asthma are all related and have the same root causes. These 4 disorders, referred to as the 4-A disorders are our modern day childhood epidemics and affect 1 in 3 children. It is in every parents best interest to educate themselves on these disorders and seek help in the case one is suspected.
If you think one of these 4-A disorders may be affecting your family, I highly recommend the following resources: Healing the New Childhood Epidemics, a book by a successful DAN! Doctor (Defeat Autism Now!) and of course, finding a local DAN! doctor for testing and treatment. There are also organizations at the local level for support and resource networking that can be found with a google search or through your local DAN! Doctor.

Williamson County Resources for Natural Families

For those of you that are local, I thought you might like to hear about a new yahoo group I started for sharing resources related to natural and organic living. From the website:

This list exists for families to share natural and organic resources available in the Williamson County Tennessee area. Have a great midwife or doula and want to share your story? Just get a really great deal on organic animal crackers at Costco? Wanna find a great CSA locally? Find a lactation professional? Christian herbalist? AP friendly physician? You are at the right place!

Please submit an intro upon joining so we all know who you are, then jump right in, ask questions and share resources! Also, please remember, we are a varied group, so we may not all want a homebirth or homeschool option …. we want to share these resources, not bash those that choose differently.

Sound good? Head on over…

Dry through the night!

Yes, I know this is the second post about diapering in a month, but I have to share my excitement about Starbunz diapers! I have to admit, when I bought the diaper, I was hooked on the cute factor right away. Who wouldn’t fall in love with Bongo the Monkey? And what cute pictures they will make, my fat little baby in his Bongo the Monkey diaper. So, I ordered an all in one with a comfy fleece cover and the Bongo the Monkey pattern (though I do love the blue cloud puppy). They are made in pockets, all in ones and covers. Call me lazy, but I love a good all in one.
Imagine my surprise when this diaper lasts longer than any other diaper I own.. Last night I thought I would give it a whirl. Our nighttime diapers need to last through about 11 hours of wetness, which is a tough job for any diaper, ‘sposie OR cloth. I carefully planned for leaks, placing a waterproof cloth under him (our bed always has a waterproof pad) and extra blankets, and even another diaper close by to grab in the middle of the night if/when he wakes up wet.
So I wake up this morning, immediately feel under him to see how wet he is and… he’s not! He is totally dry. whoo hoo!
Here’s a little hint, too. If you are hooked, head on over to Diaper Ware to grab your Starbunz. They have a few of older patterns like a lady bug (SO cute if I had a girl!) and garden themed ones. Plus, the owner is a WAHM, which I am always happy to support.

Nursing Across America

First I have to apologize for being MIA for the last week. I have been vacationing with my family. We flew to CA and had a great time letting Matthews family meet Micah and taking the kids to Disneyland after Easter. Which leads to my topic today.
Considering that lately, breastfeeding women have been removed from airplanes, kicked out of restaurants, and so on and so forth… I feel that some good news is in order. We can’t only report the bad stuff, right? I have been a teensy bit nervous about our 2 flights each way and 2 days at Disney. I am not the confrontational type, and especially feel a bit at a disadvantage with a child latched on when I am confronted.
SO.. I am happy to report it went off without a hitch.
No, I did not sit in the back on the plane.
No, I did not sit in the window seat.
No, I did not use a blanket.
No, I did not go sit in the bathroom.
I sat in the second or third row on all 4 flights, in either the aisle or middle seat. I had a sling on, which covered any distance between me and him, and protected me in the case he suddenly wanted to look around! I had both male and female flight attendants, none of which I “hid” from. Not one word was spoken to me other than “What a cute baby!” and “How old is he?” Considering he is 4.5 months and exclusively breastfed, I have no idea how many times he nursed at Disneyland in the 2 full days we spent there, but again, not a single look or comment from anyone, employee or not. whoo hoo

As Promised..

Yesterday I promised to share my whole wheat pizza dough recipe here, for all of you. So, without further ado:

Jessie’s Whole Wheat Pizza Dough

3.5 cups white wheat berries
1/4c extra virgin olive oil
1T yeast
1T honey
1t salt
toppings of your choice

In a glass, place the yeast, honey and a cup of room temp water. Let stand about 5 minutes. It should begin to foam.
Grind the wheat on the “pastry” setting (For those of you that think this is weird.. buy it already ground. You will need about 3.5 cups White wheat is a type of whole wheat. You can usually find it by King Arthur brand. If not, sub regular whole wheat, not white flour)
Put 3 cups of the flour into a stand mixer with a dough hook.
Add the salt and 1 T of the olive oil. Turn the mixer on and add the water and yeast mixture. Mix just until all the flour is moist ( You may have to add more water by the tablespoon). Let sit 5 minutes while the water is absorbed by the wheat.)
Turn the mixer back on and knead the dough for about 4-5 minutes until it is a smooth almost glossy ball. In lieu of a stand mixer, you can do all of this in a mixing bowl with your hands.
Place the dough into a bowl oiled with 1T of the olive oil. Cover with a damp dish towel and place into the oven with the light turned on (This prevents drafts and makes it a little warmer than the room) Let rise 45 minutes.
Pull the dough out and turn out onto a floured surface. Split into three equal parts. If you are making kid size pizzas, split each third into half again to make 6. Turn the edges under to make the top smooth and roll around in your hands to make a round ball. Cover the dough with the bowl turned over and let rest while you assemble the toppings.
One at a time, pull out the dough and gently press into a large disc. Brush with the remaining olive oil before adding moist toppings such as sauce to prevent the dough from getting soggy.
Bake at 500 degrees (or as hot as your oven will go) until the crust is a nice golden brown. (I have no idea how long this is.. maybe 5-10 minutes?)
Enjoy