Why Gluten Free?

We are going on 1 month of gluten free living and I couldn’t be happier with the results! I never talked much about the struggles we would encounter in our day with little Miss K.Bear. Not because I was trying to “hide” anything but simply put it was our “normal”. K.Bear has always been our spunky, ‘spirited’, strong willed, and just ‘more’ everything child. She is super bright, cute, funny, and a “little mommy” at heart. K.Bear has never “really” slept through the night (yes, she will be 4 in August) that means very little sleep for Mommy! She always seemed to “fly off the handle” at the blink of an eye and I truly couldn’t do anything right at times! She nearly potty trained herself at just over a year old…normal? She has been my tiny little ball of ‘spunk’ for years!

None the less, I am her mother and God blessed us with this beautiful baby girl….we trudge along…what is a mother to do? Things were getting worse by the day and I was quickly reaching a breaking point.  “Night waking” and “night tantrums” 2-3 times a week at 1:00/2:00 in the morning for nearly a year has been the norm. I would literally get up at that time out of “routine” and pray she would sleep through “it” tonight. Taking her to the van (yes, in the cold) to “shock” her out of “it” (while, this was certainly not a cure it did help a little). Exhausting, draining, emotional, and confusing…I was riding a K.Bear roller coaster!!

The bottom fell out; it was Saturday night (tantrum…hit 1:00AM lasting 30-45 minutes…in a freezing van) back to bed for some sleep…normal?!?

Sunday…a tired, exhausted child is never fun to deal with….the day seemed to be going “as usual” a cranky moment here, some play, and some more whining… nothing really out of the ordinary for a Sunday afternoon. K.bear requested a snack before dinner (animal crackers) so I proceeded to give her some while I prepped dinner. The initial requested immediately turned into I want more (mind you she hadn’t even eaten one yet!) …rolling on the floor because I only have her 2 more in the bowl (it is dinner time after all)…and I quickly watched my child “lose it”…for 2 1/2 hours!! She never recovered….

and there began our gluten free journey!

I share our story with you in hopes of helping others in a similar situation. This is just a ‘glimpse’ of the puzzle I began to piece together…and look forward to sharing so much more with you in the near future!

A Story of Mary

Yes, it is the end of February and I have not been on the blogging world in what seems like forever. However, I will say it has been with good reason….back in early December little did I know I was about to begin a new chapter in my life! One of complete “Faith” !
Growing up as a child I always played “house”, had the most “babies”, was the neighborhood babysitter, and the church babysitter. My life has virtually revolved around kids! Fast forward 8 years….my lovely husband and I now have 3 beautiful children of our own and my love cup is overflowing.
As I lay in bed one night I found myself beginning to look forward to the next chapter of my life “Preschool and Beyond” leaving behind the chapter of “Diaper Duty”!
I prayed a very simple prayer; 
“Dear God, my mind and heart are in what seems to be a constant battle….one of moving forward and one of living in my ‘comfort’ baby zone. As I look ahead to what you may have planned for me and my family I pray that my mind, heart, and soul be open to all things.”
Fast forward a couple more weeks; 
Sitting at church listening to the story of Mary (one I have heard 100 times)

“Behold thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and shalt bring forth a son; and thou shalt call his name Jesus. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of David his father; and he shall reign in the house of Jacob forever.”

The priest proceeded to ask the congregation; “Could we too be as brave and fearless as Mary to go forth and do what the Lord asks of us?” Sitting there I thought…how strong Mary had been…to not question or have any self doubt….how admirable!! Could I be as brave? Could I do as I was asked without hesitation?

Little did I know….I already had!!
Three + One = Four
That’s Right! The Wednesday before Christmas we found out we were going to be a family of “6” “Dear God!!” this is what I wanted, right? Questions, fears, and self doubt (can I seriously handle 4 kids under 7?) have filled my mind over the months all to be comforted in knowing these few things….
We have a family that is full of love!
We have shelter!
We have food!
We have water!
And yes, “Faith”!!!
I know by “faith” in doing the things we are “called” we will have peace within ourselves. The greatest gift of all! When we desire the things in life that are not ours or were never meant for us it is only then that we experience feelings of failure, uncertainty, and jealousy! Traits which are not nearly as admirable… 
Baby Blessing #4 looks forward to meeting everyone in August 2012!

From baby to big boy!!

Mr. Smiles is in a toddler bed  he is doing great and we couldn’t be more proud of our little man!


 He is 18 months going on “3” (at least). He wants nothing more than to be like the big kids. When mommy walked in to find him horizontal on the front of the crib it was time to take down the rail. He is our youngest crib to bed transitioner (is that a word?) but so far so good.

He has even mastered the in and out! Naps are a bit more tricky these days as the toys in his room are ever so tempting. However, Im happy to say when the sleepy sand starts to come…our smart little guy will make his way into his bed for a snooze! Nice job buddy 🙂

 Keep up the good work!! Love, Mommy and Daddy

O’yes, and the stats on our man;
Tooth number 9 is popping through as of today
Weighing in at 23lbs (10-25%)
Height 32 inches (50%)
Say’s Momma, Dadda, T, Nonna, Papa, Ball, Uh-O, Santa, Tree, and sign language of coarse (our saving grace with all of our kids!)
Loves; his sisters, balls, trains, trucks, to eat, and play babies with his big sisters 🙂