1/3 cup vegan becel margarine
1/2 cup liquid honey
1/3 cup brown sugar
2 cups Lara's rolled oats
1 cup ground flaxseed
1 cup sunflower seeds
1 cup chopped dried fruit (apricots, dates, raisins)
1/2 cup Enjoy Life Chocolate Chip
1/4 cup sesame seeds
In a small sauce pan, melt margarine, add honey and sugar. Stir and bring to a boil. Simmer 5 minutes. Remove from heat. Let cool slightly. In large bowl combine rest of ingredients. Gradually stir in dry mixture into syrup mixture. Firmly press into 11x17 inch baking dish. Bake at 350F. for 15 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool. Cut into squares.
Makes about 40 squares.
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
the " I get it" moment
Well last thursday, Sept 23rd, we attended the groundbreaking and capital campaign ceremony for the Ronald McDonald House Hamilton (www.helpourhomegrow.ca)
They were so excited to see my daughter at this campaign everyone was smiling and teary eyed. .. It was quite a sight.
Through all this time, I'm sitting there going.. I get it.. I get it why she needed to get so sick.. Even though, I could pass on her getting sick and having brain injury.. I certainly believe that this had to happen so she could help establishment such as these.. She is their poster child visit www.helpourhomegrow.ca and you will see her peeking back at you.
Take Care and big hugs
MommaBear
They were so excited to see my daughter at this campaign everyone was smiling and teary eyed. .. It was quite a sight.
Through all this time, I'm sitting there going.. I get it.. I get it why she needed to get so sick.. Even though, I could pass on her getting sick and having brain injury.. I certainly believe that this had to happen so she could help establishment such as these.. She is their poster child visit www.helpourhomegrow.ca and you will see her peeking back at you.
Take Care and big hugs
MommaBear
the " I get it" moment
Well last thursday, Sept 23rd, we attended the groundbreaking and capital campaign ceremony for the Ronald McDonald House Hamilton (www.helpourhomegrow.ca)
They were so excited to see my daughter at this campaign everyone was smiling and teary eyed. .. It was quite a sight.
Through all this time, I'm sitting there going.. I get it.. I get it why she needed to get so sick.. Even though, I could pass on her getting sick and having brain injury.. I certainly believe that this had to happen so she could help establishment such as these.. She is their poster child visit www.helpourhomegrow.ca and you will see her peeking back at you.
Take Care and big hugs
MommaBear
They were so excited to see my daughter at this campaign everyone was smiling and teary eyed. .. It was quite a sight.
Through all this time, I'm sitting there going.. I get it.. I get it why she needed to get so sick.. Even though, I could pass on her getting sick and having brain injury.. I certainly believe that this had to happen so she could help establishment such as these.. She is their poster child visit www.helpourhomegrow.ca and you will see her peeking back at you.
Take Care and big hugs
MommaBear
Monday, August 30, 2010
Life
This weekend was probably one of the most difficult weekend that I had in a long time.
A work friend's wife just miscarried at 23 weeks. They are some of the nicest people that I've met. He always ask me how I'm doing and inquires how the kids are doing if I am absent from work because they were sick or for appointment.. He's just an overall genuine person.
I offered my help and they accept.. so I drove just over an hour to keep two of the world saddest individual company.. There's no right words that can be said in situations like this. Only time and rest can help them deal with this. I don't want to throw cliché there way like "I wasn't meant to be" or "Everything happens for a reason". All I said was that I was there for them and could listen to what they had to say and provide my personal input and that only time and rest would clear up this situation for them. I did tell them not to give up and to take care of themselves as I left.
I got home feeling drained and wondering how can two of the worlds nicest and genuine person, I've ever met be dealt such an enduring trial.. Only time will tell us why it happened and we might never know.. maybe it's something to do with the butterfly effect..
Anyways, needless to say, I hugged my kids a lot these days.
Take care
MommaBear
A work friend's wife just miscarried at 23 weeks. They are some of the nicest people that I've met. He always ask me how I'm doing and inquires how the kids are doing if I am absent from work because they were sick or for appointment.. He's just an overall genuine person.
I offered my help and they accept.. so I drove just over an hour to keep two of the world saddest individual company.. There's no right words that can be said in situations like this. Only time and rest can help them deal with this. I don't want to throw cliché there way like "I wasn't meant to be" or "Everything happens for a reason". All I said was that I was there for them and could listen to what they had to say and provide my personal input and that only time and rest would clear up this situation for them. I did tell them not to give up and to take care of themselves as I left.
I got home feeling drained and wondering how can two of the worlds nicest and genuine person, I've ever met be dealt such an enduring trial.. Only time will tell us why it happened and we might never know.. maybe it's something to do with the butterfly effect..
Anyways, needless to say, I hugged my kids a lot these days.
Take care
MommaBear
Sunday, August 29, 2010
PBB Muffins
This recipe is so delicious. I dare you to just eat one.
Ingredients
3 Bananas
3 eggs
1/2 cup honey
1/2 cup natural peanut butter
2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1/3 canola oil
1/2 cup vanilla soygurt
1 3/4 cup of brown rice flour
1/2 to 1 cup chocolate chip
Preheat oven at 350F
Mix first four ingredient until smooth
then blend in the next few ingredients in order until mixture is no longer lumpy.
Add desired amount of chocolate chip.
Lined muffin tray with paper
Fill each paper to the top
Cook for about 20 minutes or until toothpick comes clean
Ingredients
3 Bananas
3 eggs
1/2 cup honey
1/2 cup natural peanut butter
2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1/3 canola oil
1/2 cup vanilla soygurt
1 3/4 cup of brown rice flour
1/2 to 1 cup chocolate chip
Preheat oven at 350F
Mix first four ingredient until smooth
then blend in the next few ingredients in order until mixture is no longer lumpy.
Add desired amount of chocolate chip.
Lined muffin tray with paper
Fill each paper to the top
Cook for about 20 minutes or until toothpick comes clean
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Surprise
As August started, I planned my three weeks vacation to be a time to catch up with family.. I spent two weeks at my parent doing just that.. seeing family and investigating thing and see if it was feasible with our dietary restrtictions to move back.. Once those questions were answered.. something happened my daughter got sick.. just a fever.. I didn't think much until the third day when she was super irritable, her eyes were not moving to the right and she still didn't want to walk.. So I grab her and drove to the closest hospital bullied them into getting an ambulance to drive us to the nearest Children's Hospital for testing.. 4 days, 4 test ( Lumbar, blood work, urine sample and MRI) and they did not find anything new! Is this good news? Yes, but it doesn't explain the new eye thing.. After a much testing day and the MRI, she bounces back like nothing ever happened.. She still not moving her eyes but she's happy and she made some progress.. Did the IVIG help along? Not sure... I really need to talk to her neurologist but it's the weekend!!! Ahhh!! Tomorrow hopefully I will get some answers.
The silver lining.. I got to test the children's hospital that is closest to my parents and I'm satified that it's suitable.. I like the neurologist that I spoke with and that is the most important part... The nurses well let just some are more compassionate then others and leave it at that.. And they accomodated her dietary needs without any issues.. I was so happy about that.
This whole episode as driven home that I need to move closer to where we can have support because we can never know when this can repeat itself.. I left my son in the care of my parents and they manage quite well and my son seemed to have enjoyed himself.. My dad certainly did!!
Needless to say I'm exhausted and stressed. My brain in going into 50 directions, as I put question in a list and wonder what the future holds and how I can improve our situation..
On this I say good night..
Take care,
MommaBear
The silver lining.. I got to test the children's hospital that is closest to my parents and I'm satified that it's suitable.. I like the neurologist that I spoke with and that is the most important part... The nurses well let just some are more compassionate then others and leave it at that.. And they accomodated her dietary needs without any issues.. I was so happy about that.
This whole episode as driven home that I need to move closer to where we can have support because we can never know when this can repeat itself.. I left my son in the care of my parents and they manage quite well and my son seemed to have enjoyed himself.. My dad certainly did!!
Needless to say I'm exhausted and stressed. My brain in going into 50 directions, as I put question in a list and wonder what the future holds and how I can improve our situation..
On this I say good night..
Take care,
MommaBear
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Sweetened Condensed Milk Dairy Free
Sweetened Condensed Milk
Equivalent: 1 cup
Ingredients:
3 cups Soy or Rice Milk
½ cup White Sugar (try evaporated cane sugar for more nutrients)
Vanilla Extract
Salt
Directions: Add the soy or rice milk and the sugar to a saucepan. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until volume is reduced to 1 cup. Add a few drops of vanilla to taste, and a pinch of salt. Cool before using. May be stored in the refrigerator.
Equivalent: 1 cup
Ingredients:
3 cups Soy or Rice Milk
½ cup White Sugar (try evaporated cane sugar for more nutrients)
Vanilla Extract
Salt
Directions: Add the soy or rice milk and the sugar to a saucepan. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until volume is reduced to 1 cup. Add a few drops of vanilla to taste, and a pinch of salt. Cool before using. May be stored in the refrigerator.
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Me
Two more weeks and I'm on holiday.. Can't wait to slow down for a bit and go see my mom and dad..
Immune support breakfas
Healthy Recipes
• Immune support breakfast:
o The modern American diet, which is high in refined carbohydrates,
highly processed foods wreaks havoc with the body’s digestive
and elimination systems. By strengthening the body’s eliminative
function, the functioning of the immune system is also greatly
enhanced. This recipe is to be used 2-4 times a week over a period
of 2 months in order for the effects to be noticeable.
o 4 cups rolled grains (such as oats or barley)
o 2 cups oat bran
o 1 cup dried fruit
o 1 cup sunflower seeds, ground
o 1 cup raw, unsalted nuts, chopped
o 1 cup lecithin granules
o 1 cup flaxseed, ground
o Mix all ingredients well and store in the refrigerator. For each serving,
soak ½ cup dry mixture at least 30 minutes (overnight soaking is
okay) in soy milk, nut milk, rice milk, diluted fruit juice or water.
provided to me by my naturopath: http://www.rockwoodnd.com/
• Immune support breakfast:
o The modern American diet, which is high in refined carbohydrates,
highly processed foods wreaks havoc with the body’s digestive
and elimination systems. By strengthening the body’s eliminative
function, the functioning of the immune system is also greatly
enhanced. This recipe is to be used 2-4 times a week over a period
of 2 months in order for the effects to be noticeable.
o 4 cups rolled grains (such as oats or barley)
o 2 cups oat bran
o 1 cup dried fruit
o 1 cup sunflower seeds, ground
o 1 cup raw, unsalted nuts, chopped
o 1 cup lecithin granules
o 1 cup flaxseed, ground
o Mix all ingredients well and store in the refrigerator. For each serving,
soak ½ cup dry mixture at least 30 minutes (overnight soaking is
okay) in soy milk, nut milk, rice milk, diluted fruit juice or water.
provided to me by my naturopath: http://www.rockwoodnd.com/
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
tired!
I'm just tired.. maybe it's the grey skies but I have a feeling that it's constantly trying to fit everyone into one day.
I didn't sign up for such a complicated life.. No one prepares you for the worst when you are young.. you think that you married life will be just as great as your parents and that your spouse, as wonderful as they are, is always going to be one step ahead and do what you need to get done before you have to ask.
I didn't sign up for food allergies. I don't understand how a world that has so many different food allergy is so complicated to navigate through! I'm tired of people not understanding that some days I just want to be left alone so I can let my mind wander and not go through the gazillion things that needs to be done.
I just want to pick up my little family move away to some safe haven where no one can get hurt or sick or depress.. Close out the world and it's technology and rest for a while .......................
Hopefully, I will get out of this funk soon.
Love,
MommaBear
I didn't sign up for such a complicated life.. No one prepares you for the worst when you are young.. you think that you married life will be just as great as your parents and that your spouse, as wonderful as they are, is always going to be one step ahead and do what you need to get done before you have to ask.
I didn't sign up for food allergies. I don't understand how a world that has so many different food allergy is so complicated to navigate through! I'm tired of people not understanding that some days I just want to be left alone so I can let my mind wander and not go through the gazillion things that needs to be done.
I just want to pick up my little family move away to some safe haven where no one can get hurt or sick or depress.. Close out the world and it's technology and rest for a while .......................
Hopefully, I will get out of this funk soon.
Love,
MommaBear
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Inspiration
I love facebook.. I'm addicted to it.. I love having that fly on the wall aspect of dear friends and family.
One of my good friend, someone that always had the right words when you come to see her for advise posted this on as her status:
Don't be afraid if things seem difficult in the beginning. That's only the initial impression. The important thing is not to retreat; you have to master yourself."
I thought that is so perfect for what my life has become.. the whys have almost all disappeared and have been replaced with what can I do.. Hence why most of my friends think I'm insane when I tell them that my children are dairy and gluten free.. Yes, it hard work. Yes, I wish for the simple life but you know once you start you can only go forward and the changes in my children are worth it. I've actually decided to apply the same principal to my own life..by taking care of my health, I hope that find some more balance...... but I know a secret...... If you believe it will happen. It might be though at first but it will come and yesterday will always seem easier than today no matter what your life circumstances are.
So on that, I bid you goodnight.
Take care
MommaBear
One of my good friend, someone that always had the right words when you come to see her for advise posted this on as her status:
Don't be afraid if things seem difficult in the beginning. That's only the initial impression. The important thing is not to retreat; you have to master yourself."
Olga Korbut
Olympic Gold Medallist Gymnast
I thought that is so perfect for what my life has become.. the whys have almost all disappeared and have been replaced with what can I do.. Hence why most of my friends think I'm insane when I tell them that my children are dairy and gluten free.. Yes, it hard work. Yes, I wish for the simple life but you know once you start you can only go forward and the changes in my children are worth it. I've actually decided to apply the same principal to my own life..by taking care of my health, I hope that find some more balance...... but I know a secret...... If you believe it will happen. It might be though at first but it will come and yesterday will always seem easier than today no matter what your life circumstances are.
So on that, I bid you goodnight.
Take care
MommaBear
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Canadian Jerk Chicken
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup of chopped green onion
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp gluten free soy sauce
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tablespoon of grated ginger root
- 2 tbsp minced garlic
- 2 tsp allspice
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme
- 1 tsp pepper
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
- 12 boneless skinless chicken drumstick
Directions
- Whisk together all marinade ingredients in a medium bowl.
- Place chicken thighs in a large, heavy-duty, resealable plastic bag.
- Add marinade and seal bag.
- Turn bag several times to coat chicken.
- Marinade overnight.
- Preheat grill to medium.
- Grill for about 15 min turning occasionally.
Saturday, June 19, 2010
Strawberry Cinnamon Oatmeal Muffins
These muffins smell and taste like summer.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (I use Bob's RedMill Gluten Free All Purpose Flour)
- 1 cup rolled oats ( I use CreamHill Estate Oats)
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1/2 cup almond milk
- 1/4 cup light canola oil
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 2 cups chopped fresh strawberries
Directions
- Preheat oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C). Line 12 muffin cups.
- In a large bowl, mix flour, oats, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk together egg, milk, canola oil and sugar. Mix in strawberries. Stir strawberry mixture into oat mixture just until evenly moist. Spoon into prepared muffin cups.
- Bake 18 to 20 minutes in the preheated oven, until a knife inserted in the center of a muffin comes out clean.
Quinoa Soup with Avocado and Corn
You'll be surprise at how amazingly quick this soup is made and oh so filling!
Ingredients:
Ingredients:
1L Imagine Vegetable or Chicken Broth
1 cup quinoa, rinsed
1 cup frozen corn kernels
1/3 cup chunky salsa, to taste
1 ripe avocado, diced
Salt
1. In a large saucepan over high heat, bring the broth to a boil. Stir in the quinoa, reduce heat to medium-high, and continue boiling, uncovered, for 15 minutes.
2. Stir in the corn and salsa, then return to a simmer. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the avocado.
Serves 4 large bowls. :)
Basic Pancake Recipe
2 eggs
2 cups milk (rice, almond, soy or dairy)
1 cups Flour .. I use Bob's RedMills Gluten Free All Purpose Flour
1 1/2 cup Oat, Quinoa Flakes, Flax Seeds, Grounded Nuts or Seeds or a combination
1/3 cup Canola Oil
2tsp baking powder
1 fruit (ie. apple, pear, plum) or 1 cup berries
1tsp of cinnamon, nutmeg or allspice,
Heat up frying pan
Mix all ingredients together
Add some olive oil
Add 1/4 cup of the batter
Cook until bubbles rises in pancake then flip.
Cook until Golden brown.
2 cups milk (rice, almond, soy or dairy)
1 cups Flour .. I use Bob's RedMills Gluten Free All Purpose Flour
1 1/2 cup Oat, Quinoa Flakes, Flax Seeds, Grounded Nuts or Seeds or a combination
1/3 cup Canola Oil
2tsp baking powder
1 fruit (ie. apple, pear, plum) or 1 cup berries
1tsp of cinnamon, nutmeg or allspice,
Heat up frying pan
Mix all ingredients together
Add some olive oil
Add 1/4 cup of the batter
Cook until bubbles rises in pancake then flip.
Cook until Golden brown.
Saturday, June 12, 2010
"God Only Gives You What You Can Handle"
Well tonight, I"m not in the best of mood. I found out that my parents were in a bus accident in Switzerland.. They've been enjoying (hopefully) themselves for the past week on this oversea trip.
Frantically, my aunt called me to give me the news and she felt so bad. No one wants to be the bearer of bad news. I called my little sister in case she knew anything, call my older sister and my brother so I could get them to give me the name of the agency they had dealt with.. My Internet for some reason had quit on me this morning.. I got the information spoke to a few people before being connected to my mom.. To my relief, they are safe, battered and bruise, but safe. And for this I am thankful.
Now, I'm left wondering what kind of support they will need when they get home. I'm a six hour drive and with two little kids that keep me extremely busy. So tonight, I'm wondering how come good people always have it the toughest! By now, we figured out that we can handle pretty much anything so why keep pushing it!
Just a thought!
I so wish I had the answer to why these things keep happening.
Take care,
MommaBear
Frantically, my aunt called me to give me the news and she felt so bad. No one wants to be the bearer of bad news. I called my little sister in case she knew anything, call my older sister and my brother so I could get them to give me the name of the agency they had dealt with.. My Internet for some reason had quit on me this morning.. I got the information spoke to a few people before being connected to my mom.. To my relief, they are safe, battered and bruise, but safe. And for this I am thankful.
Now, I'm left wondering what kind of support they will need when they get home. I'm a six hour drive and with two little kids that keep me extremely busy. So tonight, I'm wondering how come good people always have it the toughest! By now, we figured out that we can handle pretty much anything so why keep pushing it!
Just a thought!
I so wish I had the answer to why these things keep happening.
Take care,
MommaBear
Friday, June 11, 2010
Crockpot Chicken Potato Soup
As most parents, I'm always at the search for an easy quick meal to satisfy even the empties stomach.
Crockpot Chicken Potato Soup
1 carton of Imagine Chicken Broth
1 zucchini, chopped
2 carrots, chopped
1 bag of small potato, quartered
4 cooked chicken breast
2 tbsp of fresh thyme.
Put everything into the crock pot.. Cook at lowest setting for at least 4 hours.
When ready to serve
add 1 tsp of dried oregano and on tbsp of chopped garlic.
Crockpot Chicken Potato Soup
1 carton of Imagine Chicken Broth
1 zucchini, chopped
2 carrots, chopped
1 bag of small potato, quartered
4 cooked chicken breast
2 tbsp of fresh thyme.
Put everything into the crock pot.. Cook at lowest setting for at least 4 hours.
When ready to serve
add 1 tsp of dried oregano and on tbsp of chopped garlic.
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Sneaky Shepherd Pie
This meal has been inspired by Missy Lapine cookbooks.. Sneaky Chef.
This shepherd pie did not last more than 2 days in our house and no one commented on the taste.
Sneaky Shepherd Pie.
Topping.
5-6 potatoes
1 head of cauliflower.
1 cup of reserved water
2TBSP of oil (my favourite is PC's Omega Oil)
Cover vegetable with water. Bring to a boil. Once cook, keep one cup of liquid, drain and mash together with oil and water.
Middle
1 bag of frozen corn
Bottom
2lbs of ground meat
2 small portabello mushrooms.
1 cup of cooked quinoa
Cook meat until no longer pink. Add mushroom. Cook until soft.. blend in Quinoa.
Cooking instructions:
Preheat oven at 350
In a 13x9 pan
Layer meat mixture at the bottom
Cover with Corn.
Cover with mashed potato mixture.
Cover pan and cook for 35 min.
This shepherd pie did not last more than 2 days in our house and no one commented on the taste.
Sneaky Shepherd Pie.
Topping.
5-6 potatoes
1 head of cauliflower.
1 cup of reserved water
2TBSP of oil (my favourite is PC's Omega Oil)
Cover vegetable with water. Bring to a boil. Once cook, keep one cup of liquid, drain and mash together with oil and water.
Middle
1 bag of frozen corn
Bottom
2lbs of ground meat
2 small portabello mushrooms.
1 cup of cooked quinoa
Cook meat until no longer pink. Add mushroom. Cook until soft.. blend in Quinoa.
Cooking instructions:
Preheat oven at 350
In a 13x9 pan
Layer meat mixture at the bottom
Cover with Corn.
Cover with mashed potato mixture.
Cover pan and cook for 35 min.
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Donating Blood
Here are my reason why I donate blood:
1. My children
2. My daughter, she needed IVIG to recover from Encephalitis
3. My father in law, who required blood transfusions before passing away
4. My family
5. J and E, children my daughter's age, who need monthly IVIG to combat their illness/conditions.
6. M and E who had a stroke and needed it.
7. Cancer patients that has required it.
8. You will never feel as good as you do after you donate blood.
9. M and J who need it after being hit by vehicles.
10. Someone needs blood every 3 seconds
11. 60% of the population will need blood at some time in their lives
12. Just one donation, to save up to three lives!
This is beside the fact that I am O negative, universal donor, and my blood type is the most sought after.
Good Night,
Take care,
MommaBear
1. My children
2. My daughter, she needed IVIG to recover from Encephalitis
3. My father in law, who required blood transfusions before passing away
4. My family
5. J and E, children my daughter's age, who need monthly IVIG to combat their illness/conditions.
6. M and E who had a stroke and needed it.
7. Cancer patients that has required it.
8. You will never feel as good as you do after you donate blood.
9. M and J who need it after being hit by vehicles.
10. Someone needs blood every 3 seconds
11. 60% of the population will need blood at some time in their lives
12. Just one donation, to save up to three lives!
This is beside the fact that I am O negative, universal donor, and my blood type is the most sought after.
Good Night,
Take care,
MommaBear
Hard times
Every parents of children with acquired brain injury have some aspect that are harder to deal with than others.
I can handle most of my daughter's day to day things. The emotional outburst can be testing some times especially when I've had a hard and/or testing day.
Yesterday, we had her three month follow up with her neurologist and then came the news that we had Botox to do once again. This is the third time. I was prepared for that what I wasn't prepared for was that she would be getting the injections in her calves as well as her hamstring.. The hamstring was a given because her posture is not quite there yet but the calves was my big surprise. Her walking as come a long way but they explained to me that the red marks on her feet wasn't because she was more active it was because the increased tone was creeping back and she wasn't walking heel toes like we do.. She's walking toe heel which create more resistance again the straps of her braces.. So my daughter has six injections and she screamed for all of them. I tried to comfort her the best I could but we needed to get this done.. I feel for her every time and that is my "don't you know she has brain injury" reminder. Every single time, I break down but this one I have no one to bail me out.. So I swallow my tears and paste this great big smile on my face and offer my daughter and helium balloon that gives her great pleasure..because I don't want her to feel that this is a bad thing... It's not but it's sure is hard for a parent to say that this isn't a big deal.. Because it is it's a reminder that she went through so much and has more to come.
The doctor says " You have an amazing little girl and I'm not just saying that". This neurologist was who treated her when we first arrive in March of 2009 and still didn't know what the road ahead would be like.. I wonder if she says this to all the parents. I mean everyone in their own way is amazing. I really don't know what to make of why this doctor needs to reiterate this at every visit. My daughter is a real miracle of life, one that when against all odd and keeps going. She's a happy child even though she's going through a lot and has been through a lot.
On the way home, the heaven cried hard for me.. So hard that I couldn't even see out my windshield. Maybe even God is sadden by what this small child has been through.
Take Care,
MommaBear
Monday, May 31, 2010
Little Boys ....
My little boys turned 2 last Tuesday. I really don't know where the time as gone.
I sometimes wonder if I don't pay enough attention to him given the circumstances but then I realize:
1. He's a happy little boy
2. He's an inquisitive little boy.
3. He's sociable
4. He will find everyday something new to get into ( I guess that the same as #2)
5. He's included in most of the events except if it's going to be too long of a wait for him.
But when he gives me those heart melting hugs and kisses.. I know that he loves me and that he feels loved.
So to my happy, boisterous, inquisitive little boy.. I say " Happy Birthday" and whisper "Don't grow up too fast"
With this, I've come to realize that every mother borned with guilt.. not being there enough, not having enough money to do things, having to work.. the list grows as your children grows.. So I think and say.. enjoy the moments that you have and cherish the memories that you have made.
I sometimes wonder if I don't pay enough attention to him given the circumstances but then I realize:
1. He's a happy little boy
2. He's an inquisitive little boy.
3. He's sociable
4. He will find everyday something new to get into ( I guess that the same as #2)
5. He's included in most of the events except if it's going to be too long of a wait for him.
But when he gives me those heart melting hugs and kisses.. I know that he loves me and that he feels loved.
So to my happy, boisterous, inquisitive little boy.. I say " Happy Birthday" and whisper "Don't grow up too fast"
With this, I've come to realize that every mother borned with guilt.. not being there enough, not having enough money to do things, having to work.. the list grows as your children grows.. So I think and say.. enjoy the moments that you have and cherish the memories that you have made.
Friday, May 28, 2010
Grieving what could've been..
Today, I had a meeting with the school board for my daughter because of the severity of the brain injury left by encephalitis. We need to plead our case for her to have an educational assistance (EA).
Here's what I realize.. my daughter is universally loved which I already knew but was just reconfirmed. The biggest shock was how emotional I still was about this whole situation.. I wonder when you get use to this new life it's been almost 15 months and I still can tell her stories without tears but today was worst.. It knocked the breath right out of me... I couldn't breath.. I literally forgot for a few seconds when all these emotions and memories came rushing back at me.
The other big realization is that she will never have that normal childhood that we all had.. She won't climb monkey bars because she can't.. She'll need her walker in the school yard because if she gets bumped by another child.. She'll fall over.. To go to the park or outing, they will need her to use her wheelchair so she doesn't tired out during the day.. I'm so sad about this.. I've come to realize that I'm grieving what could have been.
I know that my daughter is adaptable, she more than willing to be different and work at what she needs to do to accomplished what she originally set out to do. She will have a terrific childhood with friends that will hopefully admire her and respect her. She will play in her own way and will learn to adapt and work at being who she wants to be.
Neither one is really related to one another is just sometimes you have to grieve the "normal" to be able to appreciate the "spectacular" or "different".. It's not a bad thing even though I have mix feeling about it.. I just needed to recognize these feelings so I can work with my daughter to help her achieve her goals.
Take care,
MommaBear
Here's what I realize.. my daughter is universally loved which I already knew but was just reconfirmed. The biggest shock was how emotional I still was about this whole situation.. I wonder when you get use to this new life it's been almost 15 months and I still can tell her stories without tears but today was worst.. It knocked the breath right out of me... I couldn't breath.. I literally forgot for a few seconds when all these emotions and memories came rushing back at me.
The other big realization is that she will never have that normal childhood that we all had.. She won't climb monkey bars because she can't.. She'll need her walker in the school yard because if she gets bumped by another child.. She'll fall over.. To go to the park or outing, they will need her to use her wheelchair so she doesn't tired out during the day.. I'm so sad about this.. I've come to realize that I'm grieving what could have been.
I know that my daughter is adaptable, she more than willing to be different and work at what she needs to do to accomplished what she originally set out to do. She will have a terrific childhood with friends that will hopefully admire her and respect her. She will play in her own way and will learn to adapt and work at being who she wants to be.
Neither one is really related to one another is just sometimes you have to grieve the "normal" to be able to appreciate the "spectacular" or "different".. It's not a bad thing even though I have mix feeling about it.. I just needed to recognize these feelings so I can work with my daughter to help her achieve her goals.
Take care,
MommaBear
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Last one I swear
Alright, this is the last one for tonight I have to go to bed.
My daughter is finally for the second time potty training after 14 months of recovery.. She can finally wear underwears again! She has however had two accidents but I am told that even a typical child will have accidents! I can't remember she was potty trained for 8 months prior to her illness in a blurr of postpartum.. I don't remember if that was the case.. So one big step.
Another big step.. she's had written her name without assistance! horray, she traced it but still no one was holding her hand.. She has the concept now she just need the practice! Ladies and maybe, gentleman, she's a lefty...
And finally, I've realized today that she can associate song to movie.. .. maybe I'm undereducated in this matter but I think that this is no small feat.. Of course, she got all the little mermaids songs but she also name pinocchio and Toy Story (she called it woody)...
Not to say, that I'm not impress with my son.. For an almost two, he follows directions very clearly. He seems to thrive on this.. He's got my photographic memories.. When I can't find something, I ask him... and more than often, he finds it.. He's potty training too.. He's getting pretty good at it.. He now tells me when he's gone in his diaper and gets all upset.. How can you just not love that.. He's not even two!
Wishful thinking, but it would be nice to be diaper free for the summer! or maybe even just a little part of it! Well actually, I'd take diaper free by Christmas!
Good Night to you all.
Take Care
MommaBear
My daughter is finally for the second time potty training after 14 months of recovery.. She can finally wear underwears again! She has however had two accidents but I am told that even a typical child will have accidents! I can't remember she was potty trained for 8 months prior to her illness in a blurr of postpartum.. I don't remember if that was the case.. So one big step.
Another big step.. she's had written her name without assistance! horray, she traced it but still no one was holding her hand.. She has the concept now she just need the practice! Ladies and maybe, gentleman, she's a lefty...
And finally, I've realized today that she can associate song to movie.. .. maybe I'm undereducated in this matter but I think that this is no small feat.. Of course, she got all the little mermaids songs but she also name pinocchio and Toy Story (she called it woody)...
Not to say, that I'm not impress with my son.. For an almost two, he follows directions very clearly. He seems to thrive on this.. He's got my photographic memories.. When I can't find something, I ask him... and more than often, he finds it.. He's potty training too.. He's getting pretty good at it.. He now tells me when he's gone in his diaper and gets all upset.. How can you just not love that.. He's not even two!
Wishful thinking, but it would be nice to be diaper free for the summer! or maybe even just a little part of it! Well actually, I'd take diaper free by Christmas!
Good Night to you all.
Take Care
MommaBear
Gluten Free Dairy Free Cupcakes
Surprise! Surprise! These cupcakes are moist and keep you coming back for more.
Gluten Free Dairy Free Cupcake
2 cups of Bob's Red Mills All Purpose flour
4 eggs
1 tsp of xanthan Gum
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 cup of canola oil
1 3/4 cup of sugar
2 tsp pure vanilla extract
1 1/3 cup Ryza's Original Rice Milk
Preheat oven at 350C
In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking soda, baking powder and xanthan gum set aside.
In a large bowl, cream oil and sugar until light and fluffy
Add vanilla and eggs one at a time
Add flour and milk until smooth.
Bake for 25min
I have now tried this as a cake.. you need to add another 20 minutes of baking.. It has a banana bread texture but very tasty..
Gluten Free Dairy Free Cupcake
2 cups of Bob's Red Mills All Purpose flour
4 eggs
1 tsp of xanthan Gum
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 cup of canola oil
1 3/4 cup of sugar
2 tsp pure vanilla extract
1 1/3 cup Ryza's Original Rice Milk
Preheat oven at 350C
In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking soda, baking powder and xanthan gum set aside.
In a large bowl, cream oil and sugar until light and fluffy
Add vanilla and eggs one at a time
Add flour and milk until smooth.
Bake for 25min
I have now tried this as a cake.. you need to add another 20 minutes of baking.. It has a banana bread texture but very tasty..
Honey Chicken with Potatoes
This one wasn't a hit with the kids.. but I like it and even ate the leftovers cold the next day in a salad!
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- Salt and ground black pepper
- 1 1/2 pounds baby potatoes
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 to 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped or grated
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup chicken stock or water
Preparation
In a skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper, and brown on both sides.
Scatter the potatoes, onion and garlic in the bowl of a crock pot. Season with salt and pepper. Lay the browned chicken over the veggies and drizzle with honey. Add stock, cover and cook, undisturbed, for 4 hours on high or 6-8 hours on low.
Served with steamed vegetable.
Serves 4
Cream Corn Sauce Recipe for Fish.
I have to say I was a bit apprehensive when I tried out this recipe.. I was longing for a sweet tropical island taste.. I serve fish at least twice a week and for some reason always on Friday.. I'm not overly catholic.. It just so happens this way.. I won't put too much thought into that.
The recipes wasn't a total hit with my kids.. I think they were intimidated by this adult looking plate were everything is not mashed up together! But they did eat it that always a good start.
Fish with cream corn sauce
Cream corn sauce recipe.
2 Tbsp VEGETABLE OIL
2 cloves Garlic, minced
1 large Onion, chopped
1 tsp Ginger, chopped
1 cup stock (vegetable)
1 Tbsp Sesame Oil
1/4 cup of Vinegar
2 Tbsp Sugar
1/4 cup Green Sweet Pepper, julienne
1/4 cup Red Sweet Pepper, julienne
1 can CREAM STYLE CORN
In a saucepan heat oil, add minced garlic, onion and chopped ginger and saute for 2 minutes.
6. Dissolve egg powder in stock. De glaze pan using stock . Add sesame oil, sugar, vinegar and sweet peppers; allow to simmer.
7. Add cream style corn, combine well and continue to simmer for an additional minute.
8. Drizzle over fish fillet
Serve with rice and mixed green salad.
Cabbage Rolls without the Fuss
My kids loves this recipe it's simple to toss together and its full of good vitamins that they would normally not touch.
2lbs of ground meat (beef, pork, chicken or turkey)
1 cup of onion
2 garlic clove
1 jar of favorite spaghetti sauce
1 1/2 cup of water
1 cup of instant rice
3 cup of cabbage
3 cup of bok choy
preheat oven at 325C
cook meat; add onion and garlic; cook until onion are transparent. Stir in spaghetti sauce, water and rice.
Put cabbage in oven safe dish. Pour meat mixture over.
Cover and cook for 1 1/2 hour.
Gluten/Dairy Free Pot Pie Bowl
Gluten/Dairy Free Pot Pie Bowl.. The kids couldn't get enough of this one.
Recipe:
Ingredients:
* 4-5 potatoes, scrubbed and cut in small chunk
* 2 cloves garlic, smashed
* 5 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
* 1 pound of chicken, fish or any meat you have on hand. cut into small pieces
* 1 small, finely chopped onion
* 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
* 2 cups gluten-free chicken broth
* 1 cup frozen mixed vegetable
* 1 cup small broccoli florets
* 2 tablespoons cornstarch
* 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
* Salt and pepper
Preparation:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine the potatoes, garlic and enough salted water to cover. Bring to a boil, then simmer until the potatoes are tender, about 15 minutes; drain, reserving 1/4 cup of the cooking water.
2. Meanwhile, in a medium skillet, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the gluten-free chicken and cook for 4 minutes each side.
3. In the same skillet, add the onion and thyme and cook, stirring over medium-high heat for 2 minutes. Add 1 1/2 cups chicken broth and bring to a boil, scraping up any browned bits. Lower the heat to medium, add the peas and carrots and the broccoli; cook for 2 minutes. In a bowl, stir the cornstarch into the remaining 1/2 cup gluten-free chicken broth, then stir in the mustard; season with salt and pepper. Keep warm.
4. In a bowl, mash the potatoes with the remaining 3 tablespoons olive oil and the reserved cooking water. Divide mashed potatoes among 4 shallow bowls; make a well in the center and top with the chicken and vegetables.
Serves 4
Recipe:
Ingredients:
* 4-5 potatoes, scrubbed and cut in small chunk
* 2 cloves garlic, smashed
* 5 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
* 1 pound of chicken, fish or any meat you have on hand. cut into small pieces
* 1 small, finely chopped onion
* 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
* 2 cups gluten-free chicken broth
* 1 cup frozen mixed vegetable
* 1 cup small broccoli florets
* 2 tablespoons cornstarch
* 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
* Salt and pepper
Preparation:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine the potatoes, garlic and enough salted water to cover. Bring to a boil, then simmer until the potatoes are tender, about 15 minutes; drain, reserving 1/4 cup of the cooking water.
2. Meanwhile, in a medium skillet, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the gluten-free chicken and cook for 4 minutes each side.
3. In the same skillet, add the onion and thyme and cook, stirring over medium-high heat for 2 minutes. Add 1 1/2 cups chicken broth and bring to a boil, scraping up any browned bits. Lower the heat to medium, add the peas and carrots and the broccoli; cook for 2 minutes. In a bowl, stir the cornstarch into the remaining 1/2 cup gluten-free chicken broth, then stir in the mustard; season with salt and pepper. Keep warm.
4. In a bowl, mash the potatoes with the remaining 3 tablespoons olive oil and the reserved cooking water. Divide mashed potatoes among 4 shallow bowls; make a well in the center and top with the chicken and vegetables.
Serves 4
Dairy Free Ice Cream Popsicle
A picture would not do justice to these fabulous treat. Both my kids are dairy intolerance..I'm talking major cramping, fussiness and loose bowels.. So I had to come up with a treat that the whole family could enjoy.. Here's one that I found was a great hit..
Tropical Coconut Bliss
1 can of organic unsweetened coconut milk
2 ripe bananas
1 cup of frozen mango
Toss in the blender.
Pour into your Popsicle mold and Voila! you've got dairy free (high in iron) ice cream bars!
Both kids devour there within 15 minutes which is a record in my house!
Enjoy
MammaBear
Tropical Coconut Bliss
1 can of organic unsweetened coconut milk
2 ripe bananas
1 cup of frozen mango
Toss in the blender.
Pour into your Popsicle mold and Voila! you've got dairy free (high in iron) ice cream bars!
Both kids devour there within 15 minutes which is a record in my house!
Enjoy
MammaBear
Simple Days
Remember when we just worried about what we were going to do tomorrow. That was the life before kids. Even if you were strapped for cash, you never really worried about it. Why would you, you only had to take care of yourself.
These days, between figuring what dairy free, gluten free meals, I am going to prepare for the days. I need to fit into my weekly schedule my daughter's physio, my own physio (recovering from a car accident), the meals, the 30 hour work week and maybe get some cleaning done. By the weekend, I'm exhausted and I just want to have a quiet day but you still need to fit time in for your family and yourself. Yeah, my self... I haven't figured that one out yet..I use to scrapbook but I don't have time for that anymore when I do have time.. My imagination or motivation has taken a sabbatical. I use to bake for the fun of it and now I look at my kitchen counter and either it needs to cleaned first or it just been cleaned. I'm not sure that I want to tackle that mess again.
I often find myself wishing for that simple life, a small house in the middle of no where close to family, with a yard that goes on for miles and the only thing I need to do is take care of my children, my house and my husband. Is it bad that I don't want to be a career woman after all? Where did all that drive an ambition go? Did our grandmothers know something we didn't? It just seemed more simple then.. lots of work, needless to say, but simple.
Just food for thoughts.
Take Care,
MommaBear
These days, between figuring what dairy free, gluten free meals, I am going to prepare for the days. I need to fit into my weekly schedule my daughter's physio, my own physio (recovering from a car accident), the meals, the 30 hour work week and maybe get some cleaning done. By the weekend, I'm exhausted and I just want to have a quiet day but you still need to fit time in for your family and yourself. Yeah, my self... I haven't figured that one out yet..I use to scrapbook but I don't have time for that anymore when I do have time.. My imagination or motivation has taken a sabbatical. I use to bake for the fun of it and now I look at my kitchen counter and either it needs to cleaned first or it just been cleaned. I'm not sure that I want to tackle that mess again.
I often find myself wishing for that simple life, a small house in the middle of no where close to family, with a yard that goes on for miles and the only thing I need to do is take care of my children, my house and my husband. Is it bad that I don't want to be a career woman after all? Where did all that drive an ambition go? Did our grandmothers know something we didn't? It just seemed more simple then.. lots of work, needless to say, but simple.
Just food for thoughts.
Take Care,
MommaBear
Sunday, May 2, 2010
Brain Injury
My 4 year old has brain injury and there's time that I swear that I have it too!.. She's having a hard time with transition and gets frustrated easily, I've been told that this is common for 4 years old. But I'm not convinced, our daughter use to have the longest attention span known to her age and she used to ask from help if it was required. Now, sometime, I have to intervene if I see a storm coming.. Sometimes, I just let it happen so she can learn to control these things. I'm sure that there's all these kinds of support group but that would mean that either I take more time off (that I can afford) or do it later at night ( I already don't spend enough time with the kids).
There's a lot of causes from brain injury and lots of different areas that can be affected. My daughter's injury is on the brain stem which means that it can affect everything. But the hardest part for me is that she gets so easily upset and it takes a good five minutes to calm her down. She can also be easily set off once she's had one of these outburst.. This also happens three to four times a night because she's stuck in the blanket, thirst or just work up. My days are busy and my nights are interrupted but this is my life.
So here I am trying to see how I can help her get better. I've started the whole family as a mean of support on a gluten free lifestyle. This as help her to remain focus and a drop down her outburst but if we derive from this lifestyle (ie. we visit someone, go out and are not prepared, or birthday parties), it can take up to three days for her to get back to her normal self.
When she first was sick, I research what kind of food would be beneficial for her the only recommendation, I found where the following:
1) Eliminate all alcohol and wine.
2) Eliminate all sugar and sugar substitutes, instead eat fruit with low sugar content.
3) Eat lots and lots of protein
4) Eat lots of vegetables
5) Drink plenty of water
Well the first one doesn't apply but the other one is just part of a sensible diet.. So I was not very impressed. A year later, I found myself a Naturopath and she recommend that we eliminated dairy which was already being done since I had just discovered that my son was dairy intolerant. She explained to me that since most dairy product are pasteurized a lot of the digestive enzymes are eliminated. Making it hard for people to digest hence compromising our immune system. And since, our daughter acquired this conditions from Influenza B. It would be certain that I would give this a try.
The second recommendation was to go gluten free. Celiac disease is on the rise and if we can eliminated the over consumption of this product at a young age, we can help their health in their adult life. Also this type of diet is recommended for the following: those suffering with joint pain, brain fog, loss of balance but I would check with a naturopath or a family doctor before making any change in my diet.
Since we started the kids on this lifestyle in march, there as been no cold and fewer stressful moments.
This is just things to ponder.
Take care for now,
MommaBear
There's a lot of causes from brain injury and lots of different areas that can be affected. My daughter's injury is on the brain stem which means that it can affect everything. But the hardest part for me is that she gets so easily upset and it takes a good five minutes to calm her down. She can also be easily set off once she's had one of these outburst.. This also happens three to four times a night because she's stuck in the blanket, thirst or just work up. My days are busy and my nights are interrupted but this is my life.
So here I am trying to see how I can help her get better. I've started the whole family as a mean of support on a gluten free lifestyle. This as help her to remain focus and a drop down her outburst but if we derive from this lifestyle (ie. we visit someone, go out and are not prepared, or birthday parties), it can take up to three days for her to get back to her normal self.
When she first was sick, I research what kind of food would be beneficial for her the only recommendation, I found where the following:
1) Eliminate all alcohol and wine.
2) Eliminate all sugar and sugar substitutes, instead eat fruit with low sugar content.
3) Eat lots and lots of protein
4) Eat lots of vegetables
5) Drink plenty of water
Well the first one doesn't apply but the other one is just part of a sensible diet.. So I was not very impressed. A year later, I found myself a Naturopath and she recommend that we eliminated dairy which was already being done since I had just discovered that my son was dairy intolerant. She explained to me that since most dairy product are pasteurized a lot of the digestive enzymes are eliminated. Making it hard for people to digest hence compromising our immune system. And since, our daughter acquired this conditions from Influenza B. It would be certain that I would give this a try.
The second recommendation was to go gluten free. Celiac disease is on the rise and if we can eliminated the over consumption of this product at a young age, we can help their health in their adult life. Also this type of diet is recommended for the following: those suffering with joint pain, brain fog, loss of balance but I would check with a naturopath or a family doctor before making any change in my diet.
Since we started the kids on this lifestyle in march, there as been no cold and fewer stressful moments.
This is just things to ponder.
Take care for now,
MommaBear
Friday, April 30, 2010
Love notes.
Most of the time, life overwhelms me. How can I balance a career? young children? a husband? and the never ending house chores?
On those days, I normally put all the chores aside and start looking for the reasons why I'm doing what I doing? Am I looking for validation? Justification? A need for self-fulfilment? Then out of nowhere, as I'm walking around the house figuring what's the next thing I need to do.. I heard the soft snores or the gentle whispers of my kids sleeping.. that when it hits me... This is why I signed up for this circus act.. for these little humans, that loves you unconditionally, they leave little notes all over the house .. A strand sock on the side of the sink, a reminder that they need to know where you are at any given moment... that trail of cheerios across the house that crunches as you go because they wanted to be there with you... doesn't matter what you are doing, they just want to make sure that you are there.. those sticky handprints on the windows, doors and more so your clothes are also part of those little love notes..
Do I need to get away? yes, like any other parents of busy young children. Can I afford it? No, like any other parents of busy young children.
I have not yet reached or found a solution to reaching that balance act in the circus of my life.. The main reason is that I keep getting distracted by these little love notes that I see everywhere.
Take care for now.
Love MommaBear
On those days, I normally put all the chores aside and start looking for the reasons why I'm doing what I doing? Am I looking for validation? Justification? A need for self-fulfilment? Then out of nowhere, as I'm walking around the house figuring what's the next thing I need to do.. I heard the soft snores or the gentle whispers of my kids sleeping.. that when it hits me... This is why I signed up for this circus act.. for these little humans, that loves you unconditionally, they leave little notes all over the house .. A strand sock on the side of the sink, a reminder that they need to know where you are at any given moment... that trail of cheerios across the house that crunches as you go because they wanted to be there with you... doesn't matter what you are doing, they just want to make sure that you are there.. those sticky handprints on the windows, doors and more so your clothes are also part of those little love notes..
Do I need to get away? yes, like any other parents of busy young children. Can I afford it? No, like any other parents of busy young children.
I have not yet reached or found a solution to reaching that balance act in the circus of my life.. The main reason is that I keep getting distracted by these little love notes that I see everywhere.
Take care for now.
Love MommaBear
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Chocolate Banana Bread
This is a delectable dessert. I've tested it on my husband, my babysitter and the numerous kids at day care and they all love it.. It's dairy free and gluten free.
Ingredients
* 1 cup canola oil
* 2 cups white sugar
* 4 eggs
* 6 bananas, mashed
* 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
* 3 cups Bob's Red Mill all-purpose gluten free flour
* 1 tsp Xantham Gum
* 2 teaspoons baking soda
* 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (Fry's at a dairy free version)
* 1 cup soy yogurt
* 1 cup enjoy life chocolate chips
Directions
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease two 9x5 inch loaf pans.
2. In a large bowl, cream together margarine, sugar, sour cream and eggs. Stir in bananas and vanilla. Sift in flour, Xantham Gum, baking soda and cocoa; mix well. Blend in chocolate chips. Pour batter into prepared pans.
3. Bake in preheated oven for 60-90 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into center of a loaf comes out clean.
Ingredients
* 1 cup canola oil
* 2 cups white sugar
* 4 eggs
* 6 bananas, mashed
* 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
* 3 cups Bob's Red Mill all-purpose gluten free flour
* 1 tsp Xantham Gum
* 2 teaspoons baking soda
* 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (Fry's at a dairy free version)
* 1 cup soy yogurt
* 1 cup enjoy life chocolate chips
Directions
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease two 9x5 inch loaf pans.
2. In a large bowl, cream together margarine, sugar, sour cream and eggs. Stir in bananas and vanilla. Sift in flour, Xantham Gum, baking soda and cocoa; mix well. Blend in chocolate chips. Pour batter into prepared pans.
3. Bake in preheated oven for 60-90 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into center of a loaf comes out clean.
Encephalitis - What is this?
As promised here is the info on encephalitis, this information is available on http://www.encephalitis.info/ .. This site has a lot of information but is based out of the UK which means that there is not much support in Canada. Even thought the occurence of encephalitis is getting more and more prevalent.
Encephalitis is an acute inflammation of the brain. There are many types of encephalitis, most of which are caused by viral infection. Encephalitis can be contracted from Influenza A, Influenza B, chickenpox, West Nile and many other viral infections. Encephalitis causes brain injury. Our daughter's inflammation was mainly in her brain stem and pons area. The brain stem controls all information sent from the brain to the rest of your body.
The symptoms for encephalitis are the following: confusion, drowsiness, headache, irritability, light sensitivity, loss of consciousness, memory loss, muscle weakness, poor judgment, seizures, stiff neck and back, sudden fever, sudden severe dementia, unstable walking and vomiting. If you compare this to any flu, a lot of the symptoms are similar which is why it makes this life-threatening illness so hard to diagnose. My daughter’s only early symptom was unstable walking, which at the time, we thought she was simply a bit dehydrated from the flu and lack of response which we attributed to also being tired and sick.
This illness is not new when I've research it which still happens now and again. You can see stories of these illness dating back to the early 1900's. There is no known cure for this illness and the doctor will never give you a prognosis. The best you will get out of them is that she is doing well.
What are the changes of reoccurence? this is not known either. I'm not sure why..
This leaves me with mix feeling about our medical system. If as a parent, you cannot turn to anyone get some answer it's makes coping even harder. Our family doctor is dismissive of our naturopath recommendations.. Which is better western medicine or eastern medicine? It's really hard to say both had great attributes but I can say that our naturopath is more forth coming with information then our family doctor is.
Having said this, you need to trust your instinct and keep questioning. Don't back down as a parent you need to be able to say that you've made the right decision because in the end, you have to live with the choice you've made for your family.
On this I say, take care for now.
MommaBear
Encephalitis is an acute inflammation of the brain. There are many types of encephalitis, most of which are caused by viral infection. Encephalitis can be contracted from Influenza A, Influenza B, chickenpox, West Nile and many other viral infections. Encephalitis causes brain injury. Our daughter's inflammation was mainly in her brain stem and pons area. The brain stem controls all information sent from the brain to the rest of your body.
The symptoms for encephalitis are the following: confusion, drowsiness, headache, irritability, light sensitivity, loss of consciousness, memory loss, muscle weakness, poor judgment, seizures, stiff neck and back, sudden fever, sudden severe dementia, unstable walking and vomiting. If you compare this to any flu, a lot of the symptoms are similar which is why it makes this life-threatening illness so hard to diagnose. My daughter’s only early symptom was unstable walking, which at the time, we thought she was simply a bit dehydrated from the flu and lack of response which we attributed to also being tired and sick.
This illness is not new when I've research it which still happens now and again. You can see stories of these illness dating back to the early 1900's. There is no known cure for this illness and the doctor will never give you a prognosis. The best you will get out of them is that she is doing well.
What are the changes of reoccurence? this is not known either. I'm not sure why..
This leaves me with mix feeling about our medical system. If as a parent, you cannot turn to anyone get some answer it's makes coping even harder. Our family doctor is dismissive of our naturopath recommendations.. Which is better western medicine or eastern medicine? It's really hard to say both had great attributes but I can say that our naturopath is more forth coming with information then our family doctor is.
Having said this, you need to trust your instinct and keep questioning. Don't back down as a parent you need to be able to say that you've made the right decision because in the end, you have to live with the choice you've made for your family.
On this I say, take care for now.
MommaBear
Surprise this is life.
Hi Everyone,
I've started this blog to share my views as a mother, spouse, friend and full time employee in hope that I can bring inspiration or help to anyone looking for support in regards to the similar matters in their life. I am not a nurse or a doctor nor do I possess any medical degree or educations. I am a simple mom that has been dealt more than she could have every expected in her life and is trying to understand and hopefully help other parents find some kind of solutions or inspirations too.
My life took a turn for the unexpected last March. Both kids were sick at the time with influenza B. My son was 9 months old and my daughter was three. In the middle of the night, my daughter throw up and wet her bed and was unresponsive through our many attempts to communicate. We rush her to the hospital. Had I not been insistent they would have turn us away. They kept my daughter under observation and when we were going for chest x-ray, she started having seizures. There's no words that can explain what how helpless a mother feels when she sees her child going through seizures, no knowing what is causing it and not being able to help. She was then rushed to an acute care hospital . She was diagnosed the following day with acute necrotizing encephalitis. I will create another post to explain more about encephalitis. We were 6 weeks at this hospital and another 16 weeks at a rehabilitation center. My daughter had to relearn everything. Today she can walk with her AFO (braces) and needs a walker for longer distance. She speaks but in longer sentence the words will be blurred. She is no longer potty train and the battle to get her to this point is still going on. There a lot of reward system implement for this.. She is very emotional and gets frustrated easily.. This one, we are still working on. This one is a long learning curve. As a result of this illness, my daughter has acquired brain injury. This is a new fact of life for us and once that we are still getting use to. She is currently on a dairy free and gluten free diet in hopes that this will help her recovery. So far, she is more focus and less prone to emotional outburst. I can say this from the few slip ups that we have. I've seen the difference.
My son was saved from encephalitis even though he had the same flu and he was just an infant. However, he has been introduced to a whole of therapy that gives him great pleasure to interact within. He's dairy intolerant and we've had to adjust our diets to complement his diet and support his needs. Every day, I hope that by including him in our activities, that he will never feel left out or less important than his sister. After all, I'm sure that most mothers feel this way.
I can say that my life keeps me busy and that at any given point, I have my agenda close by to schedule another meeting to help our family get on track. I'm the one that most of my friends will turn to for advise since I will give them the most truthful and honest opinion that I have or might be able to point them in the right direction. As an individual, I've experience more than most people will have in a lifetime. Is this a good time? I'm not sure but time heals all wounds.
For this, I am call MommaBear because I will protect my family with such a fierceness to ensure that everyone is well taken care. Whether this means staying up late to research new means to cope, recover or adjust our life.
Take care until next time,
MommaBear
I've started this blog to share my views as a mother, spouse, friend and full time employee in hope that I can bring inspiration or help to anyone looking for support in regards to the similar matters in their life. I am not a nurse or a doctor nor do I possess any medical degree or educations. I am a simple mom that has been dealt more than she could have every expected in her life and is trying to understand and hopefully help other parents find some kind of solutions or inspirations too.
My life took a turn for the unexpected last March. Both kids were sick at the time with influenza B. My son was 9 months old and my daughter was three. In the middle of the night, my daughter throw up and wet her bed and was unresponsive through our many attempts to communicate. We rush her to the hospital. Had I not been insistent they would have turn us away. They kept my daughter under observation and when we were going for chest x-ray, she started having seizures. There's no words that can explain what how helpless a mother feels when she sees her child going through seizures, no knowing what is causing it and not being able to help. She was then rushed to an acute care hospital . She was diagnosed the following day with acute necrotizing encephalitis. I will create another post to explain more about encephalitis. We were 6 weeks at this hospital and another 16 weeks at a rehabilitation center. My daughter had to relearn everything. Today she can walk with her AFO (braces) and needs a walker for longer distance. She speaks but in longer sentence the words will be blurred. She is no longer potty train and the battle to get her to this point is still going on. There a lot of reward system implement for this.. She is very emotional and gets frustrated easily.. This one, we are still working on. This one is a long learning curve. As a result of this illness, my daughter has acquired brain injury. This is a new fact of life for us and once that we are still getting use to. She is currently on a dairy free and gluten free diet in hopes that this will help her recovery. So far, she is more focus and less prone to emotional outburst. I can say this from the few slip ups that we have. I've seen the difference.
My son was saved from encephalitis even though he had the same flu and he was just an infant. However, he has been introduced to a whole of therapy that gives him great pleasure to interact within. He's dairy intolerant and we've had to adjust our diets to complement his diet and support his needs. Every day, I hope that by including him in our activities, that he will never feel left out or less important than his sister. After all, I'm sure that most mothers feel this way.
I can say that my life keeps me busy and that at any given point, I have my agenda close by to schedule another meeting to help our family get on track. I'm the one that most of my friends will turn to for advise since I will give them the most truthful and honest opinion that I have or might be able to point them in the right direction. As an individual, I've experience more than most people will have in a lifetime. Is this a good time? I'm not sure but time heals all wounds.
For this, I am call MommaBear because I will protect my family with such a fierceness to ensure that everyone is well taken care. Whether this means staying up late to research new means to cope, recover or adjust our life.
Take care until next time,
MommaBear
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