tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13704199469218278742024-03-13T06:32:16.089-04:00Taste of Allergy-Free LivingWendy Mondellohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14688524523815409159noreply@blogger.comBlogger57125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1370419946921827874.post-33438606927826902532022-05-12T11:58:00.001-04:002022-05-12T18:34:42.964-04:00Food Allergy Awareness Week<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvLEr7sk2ecYbY0HdMv7pFnsHjK1uD7HFPFyi2H98cW-1xDfJ9pQpgYYEvGu3shMvPKpx4pgVl06s0oKKWDTMbWhXODkH5P7Z4T8GRHejBQE9jHIeZdtaFIkdvJAUyKsSooc8hn-C8QvFieqxJU1hqT0LVuFtwW0O0Vfok9sg3w4ssu55NAH2ZCYqX/s4032/J19bdayz.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvLEr7sk2ecYbY0HdMv7pFnsHjK1uD7HFPFyi2H98cW-1xDfJ9pQpgYYEvGu3shMvPKpx4pgVl06s0oKKWDTMbWhXODkH5P7Z4T8GRHejBQE9jHIeZdtaFIkdvJAUyKsSooc8hn-C8QvFieqxJU1hqT0LVuFtwW0O0Vfok9sg3w4ssu55NAH2ZCYqX/s320/J19bdayz.jpg" width="240" /></a></div></div><span style="font-family: arial;">May is a busy time in our house with birthdays, Mother's Day, my daughter's dance recital and many end-of-school events. It is also allergy and asthma awareness month, conditions that both of my children deal with on a daily basis. It is appropriate that my oldest's birthday, May 7, always falls right around Food Allergy Awareness Week (FAAW). It was an anaphylactic reaction to milk when he was 9 months old, that started our journey navigating life with food allergies. <br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">This year we spent the weekend celebrating Joey's 19th birthday and Mother's Day, leading us right into FAAW, which is May 8-14. I am happy to see so many resources and so many people raising awareness about food allergies. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span>Allergic Living is running a series of inspiring articles throughout the week with the theme, "Let's Make the Invisible So Visible". <span style="background-color: white;">Check out the Allergic Living lineup: </span><a href="https://www.allergicliving.com/2022/05/04/for-food-allergy-awareness-week-making-the-invisible-so-visible/?fbclid=IwAR0ZoKyGEzeMlBxT4YzdcEBGN342oiKSHhShe3YXMk7IVYFMzEWLD_F7ZG4">For Food Allergy Awareness Week: Making the Invisible So Visible</a>. You can also find resources and posters in the Allergic Living </span><a href="https://www.allergicliving.com/2022/05/04/food-allergy-celiac-and-asthma-awareness-month-tool-kit-2022/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: small;">Food Allergy, Celiac and Asthma Awareness Month Tool Kit 2022</span></a>.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">I had the honor of talking to Merrill Debbs of <a href="https://www.redsneakers.org/" target="_blank">Red Sneakers for Oakley </a> about the upcoming International Red Sneakers Day (May 20). <span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Debbs created created Red Sneakers for Oakley to raise awareness about food allergies after experiencing their own tragic loss. </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; white-space: pre-wrap;">I continue to be inspired by families like the Debbs, along young advocates also featured in my story, who are working to make the world safer for families like mine as we navigate life with food allergies. </span><a href="https://www.allergicliving.com/2022/05/04/red-sneakers-day-2022-soccer-social-media-and-child-ambassadors/">Red Sneakers Day 2022: Soccer, Social Media, and Child Ambassadors</a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAmM-HRPy158PuuZGZZQZf9_5fympdXVk3ww8ZL5kvItwiimXzLWiC1AP1u_YCFDZAUAtamgcrleyoxh-vK5vfbYYE4h_iuUbMJiu4pDiZAxgpGec1PqiuZed-qnEMTIV_S3xxNtKK1Nei-5O4Vmg-yJcd6H0L4EcteEvwesZNY0XBaKj-wRKot1ny/s4032/JmPMothersday2022.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAmM-HRPy158PuuZGZZQZf9_5fympdXVk3ww8ZL5kvItwiimXzLWiC1AP1u_YCFDZAUAtamgcrleyoxh-vK5vfbYYE4h_iuUbMJiu4pDiZAxgpGec1PqiuZed-qnEMTIV_S3xxNtKK1Nei-5O4Vmg-yJcd6H0L4EcteEvwesZNY0XBaKj-wRKot1ny/s320/JmPMothersday2022.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div><br /><p></p>Wendy Mondellohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14688524523815409159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1370419946921827874.post-8873733099038353092021-10-24T10:04:00.000-04:002021-10-24T10:04:58.351-04:00My family’s sweet pumpkin picks<p><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11px;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div dir="rtl" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ICfyxeoDEYM/YXVYKaL8JWI/AAAAAAAABGk/IfGpH7X2c8UlqHpRaMziBNQcFazriHt-gCLcBGAsYHQ/s960/PumpkinPickin.jpg" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="412" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ICfyxeoDEYM/YXVYKaL8JWI/AAAAAAAABGk/IfGpH7X2c8UlqHpRaMziBNQcFazriHt-gCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h412/PumpkinPickin.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></div><p></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: x-small;">Pumpkin picking, 2021</span></b></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"></p><p style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">My daughter Pamela sighs as a photo memory pops up displaying photos of a fun apple-picking outing that we had enjoyed several years ago soon after we moved back to New York, which is home<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>to the apple as its official fruit. As soon as the fall season begins, so does excitement for apple picking and various recipes for sweet and savory dishes that can be made with the bounty of apples. Our family used to share in the excitement, and we all loved trying lots of recipes using those fresh apples from pies, to fritters, muffins, cake and more.<br /></span><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F3wjgkadigU/YXVfQQLnieI/AAAAAAAABIA/HeFSF-WajnoLD7UQpA7vOaUvUMc6iK7GQCLcBGAsYHQ/s876/ApplePicking2.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="516" data-original-width="876" height="188" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F3wjgkadigU/YXVfQQLnieI/AAAAAAAABIA/HeFSF-WajnoLD7UQpA7vOaUvUMc6iK7GQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/ApplePicking2.png" width="320" /></span></a></p><div style="text-align: left;"><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">But our autumnal appetites changed when Pamela, 13, developed Oral Allergy Syndrome <a href="https://www.allergicliving.com/2016/06/16/oral-allergy-syndrome-why-raw-fruit-can-make-the-mouth-itchy/"><span class="s1"><span style="color: #ffa400;">(OAS)</span></span></a> a few years ago. It started with cherries and peaches, then apples came along shortly after. When she first felt the tingly mouth sensation while eating a bowl of fresh cherries, I had a feeling OAS was the culprit. My oldest child, Joseph, now 18, developed OAS to strawberries, watermelon and cantaloupe at about the same age Pamela was. Joseph also is allergic to peanuts, tree nuts, wheat, milk, egg, soy, sesame and mustard. Little did I know when I was writing <span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://www.glutenfreeandmore.com/issues/oral-allergy-syndrome/"><span class="s1"><span style="color: #ffa400;">this story</span></span></a> </span>about OAS, that I would soon become even more familiar with the condition with both of my children now reacting to different fruits from each other.</span></p></div><p style="text-align: left;"></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Thankfully both of my kids love to eat pumpkin creations! And Pamela loves everything about the season, including<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>our annual pumpkin picking outing at <a href="https://www.dykemanfarm.com/"><span class="s1"><span style="color: #ffa400;">Dykeman Farm</span></span></a>. So my autumn baking focuses on the popular orange fruit, instead of red.<span> </span></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Here are some of our favorite pumpkin recipes. For all of these, I use a gluten-free flour mix that I make using the recipe from <a href="http://cybelepascal.com/weights-for-my-basic-gluten-free-flour-mix/"><span class="s1"><span style="color: #ffa400;">Cybele Pascal</span></span></a>; and I substitute ingredients in the recipes as needed (i.e. using egg replacer, and my homemade oat milk). Whatever<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>popular fall flavor is your favorite, I hope you enjoy some fall baking this season!</span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13px; text-align: left;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b>Some of our favorite pumpkin recipes:</b></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><br /></b></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kkJb7wj9LI0/YXVdsSdUlAI/AAAAAAAABHY/-JBiqo7H3ucj_By8e5G6Eu4Xa95300QvwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PumpkinPie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2009" data-original-width="2048" height="314" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kkJb7wj9LI0/YXVdsSdUlAI/AAAAAAAABHY/-JBiqo7H3ucj_By8e5G6Eu4Xa95300QvwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/PumpkinPie.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: "Apple Color Emoji"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">🎃</span><span class="s3" style="color: #ffa400;">Pumpkin pie</span> I use the crust recipe from <span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="http://cybelepascal.com/"><span class="s1"><span style="color: #ffa400;">Cybele Pascal’s</span></span></a> </span>cookbook <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Allergen-Free-Bakers-Handbook-Cybele-Pascal/dp/1587613484/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr="><span class="s1"><span style="color: #ffa400;">“The Allergen-Free Baker’s Handbook”</span></span></a>; and the pie filling from the recipe for<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="https://minimalistbaker.com/vegan-gluten-free-pumpkin-pie/"><span class="s1"><span style="color: #ffa400;">Vegan Gluten-free Pumpkin Pie</span></span></a> from <span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://minimalistbaker.com/"><span class="s1"><span style="color: #ffa400;">Minimalist Baker</span></span></a>.</span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #ffa400;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gK7_BoFhRmg/YXVd2B7boPI/AAAAAAAABHg/BVZ_a1GMXB0Zuv7HG_H-UzsiJ_C2JLjIACLcBGAsYHQ/s1188/PumpkinBread.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1188" data-original-width="1114" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gK7_BoFhRmg/YXVd2B7boPI/AAAAAAAABHg/BVZ_a1GMXB0Zuv7HG_H-UzsiJ_C2JLjIACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/PumpkinBread.png" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: "Apple Color Emoji"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">🎃</span><span style="color: #ffa400;"><span class="s3">Pumpkin bread</span> </span>Recipe for <span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://allergylicious.com/vegan-pumpkin-bread/#mv-creation-23-jtr"><span class="s1"><span style="color: #ffa400;">One-Bowl Vegan Pumpkin Bread</span></span></a> </span>from <a href="https://allergylicious.com/"><span class="s1"><span style="color: #ffa400;">Allergylicious</span></span></a>.</p><p class="p1" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qXETrDNvJag/YXVd2GbTleI/AAAAAAAABHc/zcNym8Y-EMciL4e30cgDogTfYm_Y1jikgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1128/PumpkinBar.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1114" data-original-width="1128" height="316" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qXETrDNvJag/YXVd2GbTleI/AAAAAAAABHc/zcNym8Y-EMciL4e30cgDogTfYm_Y1jikgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/PumpkinBar.png" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: "Apple Color Emoji"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">🎃</span><span class="s3" style="color: #ffa400;">Pumpkin bars</span> Recipe for <a href="https://handletheheat.com/pumpkin-bars-with-brown-sugar-frosting/"><span class="s1"><span style="color: #ffa400;">Pumpkin Bars with Brown Sugar Frosting</span> </span></a>from<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="https://handletheheat.com/"><span class="s1"><span style="color: #ffa400;">Handle the Heat</span></span></a>.</p><p class="p1" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zvuPHR8Q-9I/YXVd27HHGLI/AAAAAAAABHs/qV0OpKD8VsccHa7vtAU2-ojPs-jiT7OeQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PumpkinSkilletCookie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1897" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zvuPHR8Q-9I/YXVd27HHGLI/AAAAAAAABHs/qV0OpKD8VsccHa7vtAU2-ojPs-jiT7OeQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/PumpkinSkilletCookie.jpg" width="296" /></a></div><p></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: "Apple Color Emoji"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">🎃</span><span class="s3" style="color: #ffa400;">Pumpkin chocolate chip skillet cookie</span> Recipe for<a href="https://www.glutenfreepalate.com/gluten-free-pumpkin-chocolate-chip-skillet-cookie/"><span class="s1"> <span style="color: #ffa400;">Gluten-Free Pumpkin<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie</span></span></a> from <a href="https://www.glutenfreepalate.com/"><span class="s1"><span style="color: #ffa400;">Gluten Free Palate</span></span></a>.</p><p class="p1" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rxbIIvLZUJA/YXVd2emNXMI/AAAAAAAABHo/d1OClAw_Ga4vObpSNQKW8ZiM5S1VFuFXACLcBGAsYHQ/s1440/PumpkinPancakes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rxbIIvLZUJA/YXVd2emNXMI/AAAAAAAABHo/d1OClAw_Ga4vObpSNQKW8ZiM5S1VFuFXACLcBGAsYHQ/w320-h320/PumpkinPancakes.jpg" width="320" /></a></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: "Apple Color Emoji"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">🎃</span><span class="s3" style="color: #ffa400;">Pumpkin waffles and pancakes</span><span class="s3" style="color: #fd8008;"> </span>- I use the recipes for <a href="https://www.mamaknowsglutenfree.com/gluten-free-pumpkin-waffles/"><span class="s1"><span style="color: #ffa400;">Gluten-Free Pumpkin Waffles</span></span></a> and <span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://www.mamaknowsglutenfree.com/gluten-free-pumpkin-pancakes/"><span class="s1"><span style="color: #ffa400;">Gluten-Free Pumpkin Pancakes</span></span></a> </span>from <a href="https://www.mamaknowsglutenfree.com/"><span class="s1"><span style="color: #ffa400;">Mama Knows Gluten Free</span></span></a> I usually add <a href="https://enjoylifefoods.com/"><span class="s1"><span style="color: #ffa400;">Enjoy Life </span></span></a>chocolate chips to the pancakes.</p><p class="p1" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f_Br17ejXxo/YXVd2EADgzI/AAAAAAAABHk/H76LKm3HyhUQcVQhaPNYm3NcrP70wLCtwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PumpkinCupcakes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1998" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f_Br17ejXxo/YXVd2EADgzI/AAAAAAAABHk/H76LKm3HyhUQcVQhaPNYm3NcrP70wLCtwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/PumpkinCupcakes.jpg" width="312" /></a></div><p></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: "Apple Color Emoji"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">🎃</span><span class="s3" style="color: #ffa400;">Pumpkin cupcakes with maple frosting</span> I use a recipe from a 2013 mini cookbook that you get in the checkout line. The cover is missing, so I don’t even<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>know the name of it, and the page of the recipe is ripped right through the ingredients since I’ve made these so much. But I substitute ingredients for most of the recipe and these cupcakes come out moist and delicious every time (I don’t always add the nutmeg and ginger and they’re still so good). I’ve included the recipe below. Since the recipe makes 24 cupcakes, I often freeze half of them unfrosted so they’re ready to use when I don’t have fresh pumpkin puree on hand.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p><p class="p3" style="background-color: white; color: #1d1d1d; font-family: Helvetica; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13px;"><b></b><br /></p><p class="p4" style="background-color: white; color: #1d1d1d; font-family: Helvetica; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b>Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes</b></p><p class="p4" style="background-color: white; color: #1d1d1d; font-family: Helvetica; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">1 1/2 cups sugar</p><p class="p4" style="background-color: white; font-family: Helvetica; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #1d1d1d;">3/4 cup dairy-free butter (I use soy-free/dairy-free </span><span style="color: #032858;"><a href="https://earthbalancenatural.com/spreads/soy-free-buttery-spread">Earth Balance</a> </span><span style="color: #1d1d1d;">margarine)</span></p><p class="p4" style="background-color: white; color: #1d1d1d; font-family: Helvetica; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">3 egg substitutes</p><p class="p4" style="background-color: white; color: #1d1d1d; font-family: Helvetica; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">15 oz pumpkin puree</p><p class="p4" style="background-color: white; color: #1d1d1d; font-family: Helvetica; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">1 cup dairy-free milk</p><p class="p4" style="background-color: white; color: #1d1d1d; font-family: Helvetica; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">3 cups GF flour</p><p class="p4" style="background-color: white; color: #1d1d1d; font-family: Helvetica; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">1 tsp xanthan gum (if not in your GF flour)</p><p class="p4" style="background-color: white; color: #1d1d1d; font-family: Helvetica; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">1 Tbl baking powder</p><p class="p4" style="background-color: white; color: #1d1d1d; font-family: Helvetica; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">1 1/2 tsp baking soda</p><p class="p4" style="background-color: white; color: #1d1d1d; font-family: Helvetica; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">2 tsp ground cinnamon</p><p class="p4" style="background-color: white; color: #1d1d1d; font-family: Helvetica; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">1/2 tsp salt</p><p class="p4" style="background-color: white; color: #1d1d1d; font-family: Helvetica; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">1/4 tsp ground nutmeg</p><p class="p4" style="background-color: white; color: #1d1d1d; font-family: Helvetica; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">1/4 tsp ground ginger</p><p class="p4" style="background-color: white; color: #1d1d1d; font-family: Helvetica; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">(Maple Frosting recipe follows)</p><p class="p3" style="background-color: white; color: #1d1d1d; font-family: Helvetica; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13px;"><br /></p><p class="p4" style="background-color: white; color: #1d1d1d; font-family: Helvetica; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Preheat oven to 350F. Line 24 muffin cups with cupcake wrappers.</p><p class="p4" style="background-color: white; color: #1d1d1d; font-family: Helvetica; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Beat sugar and butter at medium speed until light and fluffy. Add eggs substitute, beating well.</p><p class="p4" style="background-color: white; color: #1d1d1d; font-family: Helvetica; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Combine pumpkin and milk.</p><p class="p4" style="background-color: white; color: #1d1d1d; font-family: Helvetica; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Whisk dry ingredients. Alternately add flour mixture and pumpkin mixture, beating well after each addition, ending with flour mixture.</p><p class="p4" style="background-color: white; color: #1d1d1d; font-family: Helvetica; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Spoon batter into prepared muffin cups, filling about two-thirds full.</p><p class="p4" style="background-color: white; color: #1d1d1d; font-family: Helvetica; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Bake 20 minutes. Cool in pans 10 minutes, then cool completely on wire racks before frosting.</p><p class="p3" style="background-color: white; color: #1d1d1d; font-family: Helvetica; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13px;"><br /></p><p class="p4" style="background-color: white; color: #1d1d1d; font-family: Helvetica; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b>Maple frosting</b></p><p class="p4" style="background-color: white; color: #1d1d1d; font-family: Helvetica; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Beat 3/4 cup dairy-free butter until light and fluffy. Beat in 3 Tbl maple syrup and 1/2 tsp vanilla. Gradually add 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar, beating until light and fluffy, adding 2 or more Tbl dairy-free milk to reach desired consistency.</p>Wendy Mondellohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14688524523815409159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1370419946921827874.post-52889592453043853682019-02-16T18:26:00.000-05:002019-02-16T18:26:33.304-05:00Heart-filled thanks to my first Valentine<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GQkZ-rYMlAg/XGibMg1ybXI/AAAAAAAAAgk/ArgUtPI0kJMaCK9Rejp8R0Bn_K76xayvgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_7606.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GQkZ-rYMlAg/XGibMg1ybXI/AAAAAAAAAgk/ArgUtPI0kJMaCK9Rejp8R0Bn_K76xayvgCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_7606.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dancing with my dad on my wedding day.</td></tr>
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Happy Valentine’s Day to my first Valentine — the guy who loved me from my first breath of life; whose face lit up when he handed me a cuddly stuffed animal or a new pack of Crayons (and continued the tradition with my kids); who supported me through all of my activities, performances, and academic and professional pursuits from childhood through adulthood; my secret admirer who sent me a sweet anonymous Valentine in the Pennysaver one Valentine’s Day when I was in elementary school; my biggest fan, who saved every article and blog post I ever wrote, proudly showing it to everyone around him; the life of the party who knew how to help me get through heartbreak, hurt or disappointment with a joke; who fell in love with Penn State as much as I did and became its biggest fan; became a huge fan of my husband, too; and who fulfilled the duties of both parents during 20 years of highs and lows after my mom died, including my wedding, and the births of both of my kids.<o:p></o:p></div>
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So to my dad, thank you for a lifetime of love, and for a final lesson that has changed my life. It is appropriate to thank my dad during the American Heart Association’s Heart Month because his big, loving, generous heart is what ultimately failed when he died in October 2015 after suffering a heart attack following years of heart health problems. Through the pain of losing him, I couldn’t shake the feeling that I was traveling down the same path. I had gained a lot of weight, and while I acknowledged that it put me at risk for heart disease and many other diseases, I wouldn’t take the leap to do anything about it. When my dad died, I had to face the fact that my weight was putting my health in jeopardy. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Heart disease and stroke cause 1 in 3 deaths in women each year, according to the American Heart Association, which places cardiovascular disease as the No. 1 killer of women. Among the steps the <a href="https://www.heart.org/" target="_blank">American Heart Association</a> <o:p></o:p>recommends to help prevent heart disease is to lose or manage your weight. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PL2o3HuSBis/XGibP-gwXyI/AAAAAAAAAgo/BQrRsx-scZkQCerE7nWoUyAJJozqJVv5ACEwYBhgL/s1600/MeandPLovePic.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="953" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PL2o3HuSBis/XGibP-gwXyI/AAAAAAAAAgo/BQrRsx-scZkQCerE7nWoUyAJJozqJVv5ACEwYBhgL/s320/MeandPLovePic.JPG" width="190" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hanging out with one of my loves.</td></tr>
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It took me a couple of years after my dad’s passing, and more weight gain to have the courage and the will to really commit to making my health a priority by losing weight. So I joined <a href="https://www.weightwatchers.com/us/" target="_blank">Weight Watchers</a> (now WW) Freestyle on Jan. 28, 2018. The app makes it so easy to see what foods will fit into my daily needs and to track everything I eat without having to count calories. I do not feel like I am being deprived, especially because the program doesn’t make any food off-limits. I can even still enjoy a sweet treat, but WW helps me do so in moderation. I love to bake because it is one way I show love for my family, especially by baking treats that are safe for my food-allergic child. But now I don’t indulge in so many of those treats I make for my family, instead I allow myself a sample of the baked goods every once in a while.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I was so proud to step on that scale on my one-year anniversary and see that I had lost 60 pounds in my first year on WW! Yes, it feels so good dropping clothing sizes, but more importantly I feel better physically. My knees, which had been bothering me to the point that I needed physical therapy for them, feel better. My energy level is higher, and I feel like I am more present in my kids’ lives and more comfortable participating in activities with them. I can also track my activity on the app. I haven’t been as successful in sticking to a regular exercise routine, but I certainly do more knowing that I can track the activity on my app and because I know that it is a big part of ensuring that I’m doing everything I can to help my heart health.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I miss hearing the pride in my dad’s responses as I tell him about the various goings-on with my kids; I miss talking to him about Penn State’s highs and lows on college football Saturdays; I miss hearing his hearty laugh; I miss knowing he has my back, even if we disagree; and most of all, I miss his big heart. <o:p></o:p></div>
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So to my dad, who gave me the confidence to know that I could accomplish anything I set my mind to, even learning from a lesson that came from heartache — Thank you!<o:p></o:p></div>
Wendy Mondellohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14688524523815409159noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1370419946921827874.post-61473208727565052982016-01-08T15:27:00.002-05:002016-01-08T15:40:51.297-05:00Baking comfort into our day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CF_y7wI-YQc/VpAa8GSRvNI/AAAAAAAAAcM/qQb8lpv297k/s1600/IMG_8996.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CF_y7wI-YQc/VpAa8GSRvNI/AAAAAAAAAcM/qQb8lpv297k/s320/IMG_8996.jpg" width="261" /></a></div>
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I have lots of fun memories of jumping on sleds to race down
the big hill in our yard, constructing snow forts for epic snowball battles,
and making snow people during winters while growing up on Long Island. I can
almost hear the laughter and squeals piercing the cold air in our neighborhood
as my sister and I played with our friends. But I didn’t love the snow and
cold, I still don’t. So after a while, I was happy to retreat to my warm house
where I was sure to find my mom ready to greet me with a warm slice of homemade
bread or a chocolatey brownie, fresh out of the oven. It was comforting to know
that I could relay tales about my adventures in the snow to my mom, while
enjoying a warm treat and some hot cocoa.<o:p></o:p></div>
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My mom’s homemade cinnamon braid bread was a favorite in my
family and, for me it always evokes a feeling of comfort. Something I
especially need today, the 20<sup>th</sup> anniversary of my mom’s death. My
mom died during the blizzard of 1996 after a short battle with breast cancer. So
while the historic snowstorm buried New York in several inches of snow, my
family was getting ready to bury my mom.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My mom and dad celebrating my birthday 40 years ago</td></tr>
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A lot has changed during the past 20 years since I was a
23-year-old beginning to make memories without my mom in my life, such as
marriage, the births of my two children, job changes, a move south and back to
New York, various trips, new friends and family members, along with the loss of
friends and family members, most recently the death of my dad in October. There
have been many times that I wish I could call her to share in a happy moment or
to gain comfort or advice. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I tell my kids a lot of stories about my mom so that they
can get to know her through my memories. They also feel a connection to her
through my baking. I have converted many of my mom’s recipes so that they are
allergy friendly. When I make my mom’s pancakes, blondies or cinnamon braid, my
kids know that they are special in addition to being tasty because the recipes
came from their grandma. Now they are just free of the foods to which my son Joseph
is allergic (peanuts, tree nuts, wheat, milk, egg, soy, sesame, mustard,
strawberry, cantaloupe and watermelon). <o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zPDsMv1KkOg/VpAa7t87hoI/AAAAAAAAAcI/ZlA-K04leig/s1600/IMG_8988.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zPDsMv1KkOg/VpAa7t87hoI/AAAAAAAAAcI/ZlA-K04leig/s320/IMG_8988.jpg" width="204" /></a><o:p> </o:p></div>
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Every year on January 8, I bake something that I enjoyed baking
with my mom. Because baking was a hobby we shared, it makes me smile on a sad
anniversary. My son is happy to taste the finished product, while hearing
stories about the grandma he never got to meet. My daughter Pamela (my mom’s
namesake) enjoys baking with me, excited to make the dough for cinnamon braid
as soon as we woke up this morning. <o:p></o:p></div>
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In 20 years I have not developed a love of snow, but I
appreciate the joy and excitement it brings my kids. And I am thankful for the
comfort of an allergy friendly cinnamon braid that evokes memories of my mom on
those snowy days so long ago. <o:p></o:p></div>
Wendy Mondellohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14688524523815409159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1370419946921827874.post-86545463105406083532015-11-03T14:00:00.000-05:002015-11-03T14:00:32.280-05:00Thankful for fun scares instead of food frights<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BCgqG8_5Ei4/VjkCvw8UglI/AAAAAAAAAbE/OtX5fYd9_Uk/s1600/IMG_8027.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BCgqG8_5Ei4/VjkCvw8UglI/AAAAAAAAAbE/OtX5fYd9_Uk/s400/IMG_8027.jpg" width="252" /></a></div>
<span style="text-align: center;">Spooky music greeted us as we walked through the dimly lit
room, ghostly beings swinging above our heads. Pamela tightened her grip on my
hand when she heard the sound of rats squeaking as they feasted on severed
hands during a dinner party attended by a stylish skeleton and pumpkin head
creature. As we rounded the corner, we saw a skeleton that had donned a witch’s
hat to sit and read the local newspaper. Then, through dark strings that formed
a type of curtain, we spotted the creepy face of a Guy Fawkes mask staring at
us while the person dressed all in black clutched a skull and knife. He
startled us as he suddenly stood up. Some kids ran from him screaming,
especially when he would pretend to be a statue then jump up as they
peered for a closer look. Once the secret was out that there was a live person
behind the intimidating mask, he started to show up at random spots to scare
people walking through the haunted house at the </span><a href="http://www.pawlingfreelibrary.org/" style="text-align: center;">Pawling Free Library</a><span style="text-align: center;">.</span><br />
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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My 12-year-old son Joseph had a blast watching people’s
reactions to him from behind his Guy Fawkes mask during the library’s haunted
house. He worked with other kids to plan the event and set it up on Halloween. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Halloween can be extra scary for kids with food allergies
because of the ubiquity of candy and treats that are filled with potentially
life-threatening allergens. While lots of kids revel in the huge piles of candy
they collect trick-or-treating on Halloween night, kids like Joseph focus more
on costumes and fun that doesn’t relate to food. He is allergic to peanuts,
tree nuts, wheat, milk, egg, soy, sesame, mustard, strawberry, cantaloupe and
watermelon, along with having asthma.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--Vgb1LuX3Cs/VjkDI3KGjDI/AAAAAAAAAbM/85Z-JWrBhlU/s1600/IMG_8021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--Vgb1LuX3Cs/VjkDI3KGjDI/AAAAAAAAAbM/85Z-JWrBhlU/s400/IMG_8021.jpg" width="323" /></a>Over the years, Joseph has enjoyed dressing up and checking
out other people’s costumes. When he was younger and we lived in North Carolina,
we enjoyed food-free Halloween parties through <a href="http://www.ncfaces.org/"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">the local
food allergy support group</span> NC FACES (Food Allergic Children Excelling
Safely)</a> where he could play games and get fun prizes instead of candy. We
have always made our own treats free of all of the foods to which he is
allergic, such as Halloween-themed cupcakes, cookies and chocolates in the
shapes of pumpkins, witches, bats and ghosts.</div>
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<br /></div>
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As for trick-or-treating, he did that, too. But his goal was
to collect candy to leave for the Halloween witch, who would replace the candy
with a gift for him to find the next morning. This year, my daughter Pamela
collected lots of candy trick-or-treating — enough to leave for the Halloween
witch to bring gifts for her and her brother.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This year, Joseph decided to focus on the fun scares that go
along with a haunted house. Nicole, the youth services programming coordinator
at the Pawling library who was leading the teens in planning the haunted house,
made the extra effort to ensure that the event would be safe for him. Especially with
Joseph being there for several hours, I had worried that kids might be eating
candy during setup or while walking through the event, and she had no problem
making sure that wasn’t the case. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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As we begin the month when giving thanks plays a prominent
role, I am so thankful for the empathy exhibited by people like Nicole who help
make it easier for Joseph to enjoy events like the haunted house. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was thrilled to be able to dish out fun
scares instead of facing candy-filled frights. <o:p></o:p></div>
Wendy Mondellohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14688524523815409159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1370419946921827874.post-62955801001679742542015-10-03T09:54:00.000-04:002015-10-03T09:54:08.109-04:00Sibling support for food allergy walk<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zTCi4-3M1qA/Vg_duonKaQI/AAAAAAAAAZA/iK8u76IHa24/s1600/IMG_7580.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zTCi4-3M1qA/Vg_duonKaQI/AAAAAAAAAZA/iK8u76IHa24/s400/IMG_7580.JPG" width="351" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><i>In one week our team, <a href="http://www.foodallergywalk.org/faf/search/searchTeamPart.asp?ievent=1132271&lis=0&kntae1132271=122AAB770E3B45FEB5B23F82AB1F77D4&team=6522497" target="_blank">"Nuttin' We Can't Overcome"</a>, will participate in the Westchester FARE Walk for Food Allergy. My 7-year-old daughter, Pamela, wrote why she walks each year and donates her own money to support my 12-year-old son, Joseph, who has multiple food allergies. Here is what she wrote: </i></span><br />
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<!--StartFragment--><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I
think it is important to support my brother in the FARE Food Allergy Walk because I love my Joey. I feel bad that he misses out on eating some food
because of his allergies. I also get scared sometimes because
I don't want foods to hurt him.</span><!--EndFragment-->Wendy Mondellohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14688524523815409159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1370419946921827874.post-26808588834638536292015-09-16T13:46:00.001-04:002015-09-16T13:46:26.338-04:00Annual walk a reminder of kind gestures<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BWPSwdVTbww/Vfml7tFDBKI/AAAAAAAAAX0/mjVmNFRJfYA/s1600/IMG_3707.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BWPSwdVTbww/Vfml7tFDBKI/AAAAAAAAAX0/mjVmNFRJfYA/s320/IMG_3707.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pamela and Joseph at the 2014 walk <br />in New Rochelle, N.Y.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The arrival of a package is usually greeted with excitement.
Is it something fun, a new outfit, or one of our favorite allergy-friendly
products? My favorite packages represent kind gestures, such as a letter, funny
item or gift from a great friend or family member. Those packages bring an
instant smile no matter what is in the box because they let us know that the
person who we likely haven’t seen in a while and miss terribly, is thinking of
us.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cKKss8kkfpU/VfmqL0Zy-UI/AAAAAAAAAYI/af-wO3gml0s/s1600/IMG_7419.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cKKss8kkfpU/VfmqL0Zy-UI/AAAAAAAAAYI/af-wO3gml0s/s320/IMG_7419.JPG" width="251" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My sister Linda during the walk this year<br />in Indianapolis.</td></tr>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4CBwQuqkWRU/VfmktLzUEKI/AAAAAAAAAXc/-9P2v1FL85M/s1600/ry%253D480.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a>We recently received such a package from my sister Linda.
The box was full of coupons for allergy-friendly brands, a <a href="https://www.foodallergy.org/">FARE (Food Allergy Research & Education)</a>
Walk T-shirt, snack samples and a gift card to fuel my caffeine obsession. The
package was a tangible representation of my sister’s support for my family as
we navigate life with food allergies. She sent the items after recently
participating in the FARE Walk for Food Allergy in Indianapolis in honor of my
12-year-old son Joseph, who has multiple food allergies and asthma. While she
started attending the walks with us when we all lived near each other in North
Carolina, she has made a point to attend the Indianapolis walk since moving to
Indiana.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
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<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i6ivnwdRhGQ/VfmksGm09YI/AAAAAAAAAXQ/pJquHSu90hE/s1600/ry%253D480-1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i6ivnwdRhGQ/VfmksGm09YI/AAAAAAAAAXQ/pJquHSu90hE/s200/ry%253D480-1.jpeg" width="169" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; text-align: center;">My dad and Linda with<br />Stormy, the Carolina Hurricanes mascot<br />at the walk in Cary, N.C., in 2009</td></tr>
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We are so grateful for the support we have received from
Linda, other family members, and friends through the years for our team <a href="http://www.foodallergywalk.org/faf/search/searchTeamPart.asp?ievent=1132271&lis=0&kntae1132271=122AAB770E3B45FEB5B23F82AB1F77D4&team=6522497">“Nuttin’
We Can’t Overcome”</a>, whether they have walked with us, made a donation, or
sent well wishes as we take our annual walk to raise money for food allergy
research. The support for our participa</div>
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tion in the annual event is one of many
ways others have shown us consideration and kindness.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4CBwQuqkWRU/VfmktLzUEKI/AAAAAAAAAXc/-9P2v1FL85M/s1600/ry%253D480.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="147" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4CBwQuqkWRU/VfmktLzUEKI/AAAAAAAAAXc/-9P2v1FL85M/s200/ry%253D480.jpeg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My sister Beth and Joseph<br />during a rainy walk in Cary in 2012</td></tr>
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During a recent discussion with my children about kindness,
we listed the many ways our friends, family, colleagues, and community members
have exhibited kindness regarding Joseph’s food allergies. They include
ensuring only safe food is served at an event; washing hands without complaint
after eating unsafe foods while hanging out with Joseph; taking the time to
find a non-food treat or prize that Joseph would appreciate, especially on
candy-heavy holidays like Easter or Halloween; learning how to administer his
life-saving epinephrine; being cautious about safety measures we have in place
in our home or at a restaurant; or even just taking a minute to listen. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our family bundled up for a cold walk in Cary in 2011.</td></tr>
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When we walk along the water during the Westchester FARE
Walk for Food Allergy on October 10, I will be reflecting on those many kind
gestures. Like the package my sister sent, they all will make me smile.<o:p></o:p></div>
Wendy Mondellohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14688524523815409159noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1370419946921827874.post-5610559794033362812015-09-07T10:00:00.001-04:002015-09-07T10:00:20.078-04:00Nostalgia often an ingredient in my kitchenNostalgia snuck up on me while I was shucking a dozen ears
of corn from the local farmer’s market this weekend. Suddenly I was transported
back to my childhood patio, sitting with my Grandpa Al and a big pile of corn,
removing the husks and placing the cobs in a huge pot, ready to cook. <div>
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8pVouec4SoM/Ve2VsoLsRtI/AAAAAAAAAWI/G8SiJrq5yc8/s1600/IMG_7391.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8pVouec4SoM/Ve2VsoLsRtI/AAAAAAAAAWI/G8SiJrq5yc8/s320/IMG_7391.jpg" width="191" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grandpa Al feeling patriotic <br />at a summer cookout</td></tr>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QsHntkXe_Po/Ve2V9Za198I/AAAAAAAAAWg/2ulxgOFjGA4/s1600/IMG_7386.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="186" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QsHntkXe_Po/Ve2V9Za198I/AAAAAAAAAWg/2ulxgOFjGA4/s200/IMG_7386.jpg" width="200" /></a>Patient
and kind, my grandpa was always happy to sit and chat, listening to my tales
and showing genuine interest in what I had to say, while also sharing some of
his own wonderful stories. I have many fond memories of Gramps, whether he was
dancing around the room with me on his feet, teaching me about the flowers in
his yard, or playing shuffleboard in his neighborhood. We spent many summer
days with my grandparents, enjoying fresh produce from the farms in eastern
Long Island. When I think about all of those family cookouts, the warmth my
grandpa exuded glows brighter in my memory than the summer sun.<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My dad, me and Grandpa Al </td></tr>
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<br /></div>
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I suppose it is natural for some wistfulness to linger at the
unofficial end of summer that comes with Labor Day weekend. As colder weather looms,
we reminisce about the carefree summer days and fun outings. Naturally,
thoughts of my grandpa made me think of my mom. When I take a glimpse of my
childhood summers, it is so easy to picture my mom donned in her bright bathing
cap, happily swimming back and forth through the Long Island Sound water at our
town beach, where we spent every day each summer. I love to look back and
picture the joy on my mom’s face as she soaked up sun at the beach or bustled
about the kitchen preparing food for our family gatherings. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another summer memory: <br />My mom and me when I graduated from Penn State</td></tr>
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Melancholy sometimes creeps into those memories, too, since
my mom died almost 20 years ago. I miss her every day, but I like to share my
memories with my kids so they can get to know her through my stories. I think making
food from her recipe collection also helps my son and daughter feel a little
closer to her. I wasn’t sure I would be able to share my mom’s recipes with my
kids when I changed my cooking habits 12 years ago to feed my son Joseph, who
is allergic to peanuts, tree nuts, wheat, milk, egg, soy, sesame, mustard,
watermelon, cantaloupe and strawberries. But successfully substituting
ingredients allows me to share my mom’s recipes along with those memories. I
smile at least a couple of times a week while making pancakes using my mom’s
recipe, switching out ingredients to make them safe for Joseph. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-S0VSLkemP9E/Ve2V1weQ0KI/AAAAAAAAAWY/r9NlmwLO_nI/s1600/IMG_7361.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-S0VSLkemP9E/Ve2V1weQ0KI/AAAAAAAAAWY/r9NlmwLO_nI/s320/IMG_7361.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pamela at the farmer's market</td></tr>
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The comfort of one of my mom’s recipes was just what I
needed during my nostalgic reverie this weekend, so I made an allergy-friendly
version of her cinnamon braid. I always chuckle as I look at my mom’s recipes
with vague notes in the steps like “add some flour” because they are a reminder
of a habit we share to often wing it in the kitchen. As my kids gobbled down
the yeasty bread coated with cinnamon and sugar, I told them how my mom would
greet us from a day of sleigh riding with warm cinnamon braid and hot cocoa.
Thankfully, it is not snowy and cold yet, but that bread gave me a delectable
hug while putting grins on my kids’ faces that reminded me of the sweet smile
my grandpa would share on my childhood patio. After enjoying the warm bread, my daughter Pamela said she wants to learn exactly how to make her grandma’s yummy cinnamon
bread so she can bake it for her kids when she’s a mommy. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And with that my melancholy melted away.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Wendy Mondellohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14688524523815409159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1370419946921827874.post-5148363306625251792015-09-04T21:20:00.000-04:002015-09-04T22:02:13.438-04:00Friday fritters for carnival cheer<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YzNnupVygWY/Veo-UYwO39I/AAAAAAAAAVs/fX7bz2fCZmU/s1600/IMG_7039.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YzNnupVygWY/Veo-UYwO39I/AAAAAAAAAVs/fX7bz2fCZmU/s320/IMG_7039.jpg" width="240" /></a>Football beanbag toss, spin the wheel, paddle ball with
balloons, and Nerf darts were all part of our school day today. I thought it
would be fun to finish our first week of school with a carnival theme after
Pamela read a fun, quick story, “Cam Jansen and the Mystery of the Carnival
Prize”. We used the book as an example of the elements of a mystery story
during our writing workshop. Then the kids aimed their Nerf dart guns at cards
with words like “alibi”, “interrogate”, and “hunch” to reinforce the mystery
vocabulary. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-R_73oJOwsxo/Veo-ShjD2oI/AAAAAAAAAVc/3vDkJZcYzN0/s1600/IMG_7065.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="217" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-R_73oJOwsxo/Veo-ShjD2oI/AAAAAAAAAVc/3vDkJZcYzN0/s320/IMG_7065.jpg" width="320" /></a>The theme also conjures images of popcorn, ice
cream, fried food and cotton candy, as crazy carnival creations are often stars
of the outdoor fun fests. While those foods are not safe for my 12-year-old son
Joseph to eat, we still enjoy seeing what carnival cooks come up with and use
those dishes as inspiration to make our own allergy-friendly treats. For
example, the Food Network show <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/shows/carnival-cravings-with-anthony-anderson.html">“Carnival
Cravings with Anthony Anderson”</a>, brings us to carnivals around the country,
including one in our former home state of North Carolina, to see the wacky
combinations that take flavors and deep-fried concoctions to new levels. But
when we lived in the South, we avoided the fairs at which nuts seemed
ubiquitous, making the events unsafe and certainly not fun for Joseph. He is
allergic to peanuts, tree nuts, wheat, milk, egg, soy, sesame, mustard,
watermelon, strawberry and cantaloupe, along with having asthma.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aSNvmrcGddY/Veo-TDhcIdI/AAAAAAAAAVg/4j-Dq6IJ0f8/s1600/IMG_7060.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aSNvmrcGddY/Veo-TDhcIdI/AAAAAAAAAVg/4j-Dq6IJ0f8/s320/IMG_7060.JPG" width="320" /></a>As I look back on the summer during this holiday weekend, I
am reminded of a night our family spent enjoying the local firefighters parade
and carnival. Our focus was on fun, rather than food, whether trying to win a
prize or getting a thrill from a ride. A big bonus, which allowed us to soak up the atmosphere, was the lack of peanuts boiling and crushed nut shells all over
the place. Joseph could play traditional carnival games, such as shooting a
water gun to make his character race to the top the fastest, and throwing darts to
pop balloons. He even let his little sister talk him into spinning around in a
big, silly dragon. Sure, we went through a bunch of wipes to ensure remnants of
melted ice cream or other allergens didn’t affect Joseph, and as always he had
his Auvi-Q epinephrine auto-injector and inhaler in case of emergency. But as
we walked home, arms full of stuffed prizes, spotting fireflies flittering
through the dark sky, we all carried memories of a fun night experiencing a
summer tradition.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Gx9hAzSwnOU/Veo-BHoer0I/AAAAAAAAAVU/4qSmLGYx0l0/s1600/IMG_7358.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Gx9hAzSwnOU/Veo-BHoer0I/AAAAAAAAAVU/4qSmLGYx0l0/s200/IMG_7358.jpg" width="195" /></a>We did include fun food for the mini carnival in our homeschool. We made dairy-free
vanilla ice cream and allergy friendly <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ree-drummond/apple-fritters.html">apple
fritters</a> using a recipe from the <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/shows/the-pioneer-woman.html">Food Network’s
Pioneer Woman Ree Drummond</a>, just using substitutes for the ingredients to
make them allergy safe. It was a yummy way to finish the first week of school,
plus we enjoyed whetting our appetites for the fall flavors on the horizon. <o:p></o:p></div>
Wendy Mondellohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14688524523815409159noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1370419946921827874.post-58157026888401317752015-08-18T07:06:00.000-04:002015-08-18T07:07:32.049-04:00Empathy and enjoyment at our local library<div class="MsoNormal">
The big smile on my son’s face as he bounded out of the
library said it all: The Minecraft Teen Lock-in was a success. Like many other
kids, Joseph loves playing Minecraft, so it’s no surprise that he would enjoy a
two-hour event focused on the game. After all, he had been attending the
Minecraft club and Minecraft directors club at our local library at least a
couple of times a month throughout the year. But when he first heard about this
event, he considered not attending.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C1a69d9n6Pw/VdMOLiU0Z6I/AAAAAAAAAT4/Yb1L68-6h5o/s1600/IMG_6943.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C1a69d9n6Pw/VdMOLiU0Z6I/AAAAAAAAAT4/Yb1L68-6h5o/s320/IMG_6943.JPG" width="320" /></a>Joseph assumed the event would include food. There have been
times at other locations when food has made Joseph feel unsafe or excluded at
an event because of his multiple food allergies to peanuts, tree nuts, wheat,
milk, egg, soy, sesame, mustard, watermelon, strawberry and cantaloupe. That
anxious feeling when other kids are eating unsafe food around him undermines
the fun. This time, he didn’t have to worry. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In addition to planning amazing programs for teens
throughout the year, Nicole, the youth services programming coordinator at the <a href="http://www.pawlingfreelibrary.org/">Pawling Free Library</a>, has been
wonderful about ensuring that any event Joseph attends is safe for him in light
of his food allergies. Food is not part of most of the programs Joseph attends
anyway because they mostly revolve around computers. But when food has come into play, Nicole has taken Joseph's needs into account, for example making sure to only bring the brand of chips
that Joseph could have when she was having snacks at the end of one session. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Minecraft event was no different. Nicole assured Joseph
that there would only be snacks that are safe for him. She even offered to get
all safe ingredients and make cupcakes that would be fine for Joseph. My
comfort level is to make the cupcakes for the event myself, but I thanked her
for being so willing to go the extra mile to accommodate Joseph. When I
explained to her that her empathy for my 12-year-old and her efforts to ensure
that he could safely enjoy an event is so appreciated because that is not what
we often experienced, she was incredulous. She wondered, how could people think
that the type of food at an event is more important than a kid’s enjoyment and well
being? <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UbTOuHZzeEk/VdMOUfBQcfI/AAAAAAAAAUA/vxpWbDcql6w/s1600/IMG_6622.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UbTOuHZzeEk/VdMOUfBQcfI/AAAAAAAAAUA/vxpWbDcql6w/s320/IMG_6622.jpg" width="250" /></a>I am so happy to have found such support for Joseph at one
of my favorite places. The library has always been an integral part of my life
and it continues to be for my family. The library was one of the first places
we visited as we got acquainted with our new town after moving here a year ago.
The books lining the library shelves were a comfort to us, wrapping us in a
familiarity when everything was so different. Both of my children are voracious
readers, so they would have loved the library just because it held so many experiences
and worlds for them to explore safely between the covers of both well-worn and
brand-new books. But the friendly faces that greet us each day when we enter,
the help we know we can count on to find just the book, and the amazing
programs that both of my children continue to enjoy make the Pawling Free
Library extra special. In addition to Minecraft club, Joseph has taken classes
in computer programming and 3D printing, worked on the library teen newsroom,
and created a blog, <a href="http://pancakedomination.blogspot.com/">"Pancake
Domination"</a>. Pamela, 7, has enjoyed book clubs, craft activities and
learning to sew, in addition to finding her wonderful Girl Scouts troop through
one of the programs.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I felt so blessed as I decorated the Minecraft cupcakes for
the teen lock-in. I have probably made thousands of allergy-friendly cupcakes
during the past 12 years and it is especially gratifying to make them for an event that involves someone like Nicole, who has been so supportive. Joseph said that he had a blast
at the Minecraft event, noting that he could enjoy his favorite part
— playing Minecraft — because he didn’t have to worry about the
food.</div>
Wendy Mondellohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14688524523815409159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1370419946921827874.post-55941531979763151232015-08-04T10:39:00.000-04:002015-08-04T10:39:01.449-04:00Some summer fruits not so super anymore<div class="MsoNormal">
I put out bowls of cut-up cantaloupe with warm, homemade
chocolate chip cookies just as my husband and son were pulling up. My son was
having a rough day, so I thought it would be nice to surprise him with his
favorite cookies and fresh cantaloupe to cheer him up a little when he got home
from an appointment. Well, that was a major fail.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4r0e47ox7BA/VcDNYB_ET8I/AAAAAAAAATQ/5x35h-a4RFM/s1600/IMG_6413.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4r0e47ox7BA/VcDNYB_ET8I/AAAAAAAAATQ/5x35h-a4RFM/s320/IMG_6413.jpg" width="284" /></a>As soon as Joseph started eating the cantaloupe, he looked
at me in fear. He said his mouth was feeling extra itchy and his lips felt
funny. Then he realized it was the same way he felt when his mouth and throat
got itchy after eating strawberries a year ago. He has also reacted in the same
way to watermelon. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The reaction to these fruits is different than the more
serious, life-threatening anaphylaxis that Joseph, 12, has experienced with
other foods to which he is allergic. Instead the fruits on his list of
allergies are part of his Oral Allergy Syndrome (OAS), common in pollen allergy
sufferers, especially those allergic to birch, ragweed and grass pollens. A
reaction occurs when “the immune system treats proteins similar to those in
pollen that are sometimes found in fruits or vegetables the same way. This
‘cross-reactivity’ is a result of the immune system recognizing that the
proteins in these foods are similar (although not exact) and an allergic
reaction is the result,” according to the <a href="http://www.aafa.org/display.cfm?id=9&sub=20&cont=728">Asthma and
Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA)</a>.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Each allergic reaction is unique, even for the same person
to the same food. There’s no guarantee that the next reaction won’t be more
serious, even with OAS. While most OAS patients suffer itchy mouth, scratchy
throat or hives, there are patients for whom an anaphylactic reaction to those foods
is possible, according AAFA.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Although OAS is usually considered less severe, it does not
take away the fear when he bites into a food that previously was safe for him
to eat and his body starts to react. At the moment he starts feeling the
tingling in his mouth and throat, he doesn’t know whether this food will send
his body into an anaphylactic reaction. All he knows is it doesn’t feel right. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Once the fear of a larger reaction passed, the
disappointment set in. Cantaloupe is yet another food that Joseph now must
avoid, in addition to peanuts, tree nuts, wheat, milk, egg, soy, sesame,
mustard, watermelon and strawberries. His list of food allergies seems to keep
growing and the fruits that have been added in the past few years as part of
OAS are in some ways tougher for him to accept. He has enjoyed those fruits
before so he knows what he’s missing, unlike the other allergens that he never
had. He’s never tasted a hot slice of pizza from the local pizzeria, a peanut
butter and jelly sandwich or a treat from the ice cream truck. But homemade
strawberry shortcake? Yes, that he will miss. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pilpA-43vfI/VcDNZg10P4I/AAAAAAAAATY/NsD7LRNyqD8/s1600/IMG_6611.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pilpA-43vfI/VcDNZg10P4I/AAAAAAAAATY/NsD7LRNyqD8/s320/IMG_6611.jpg" width="227" /></a><o:p> </o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As I looked at all of the fabulous ways people are using
watermelon on National Watermelon Day yesterday, I was reminded of a blog post
I wrote five years ago titled <a href="http://www.glutenfreeandmore.com/blog/watermelon_smiles-2215-1.html">“Watermelon
Smiles”</a> . In that post I heralded the joys of the juicy, sweet fruit as a
wonderful, natural allergy-friendly food. Well, the salad I mentioned making so
often back then had three fruits that Joseph can no longer eat.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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The bounty of fruits available during the summer has lost a
little bit of luster as Joseph looks at each fresh fruit as a possible OAS
offender that might join his growing list of allergies. Still, there are still
plenty of fresh vegetables and fruits that he enjoys, and Joseph always uses
his wonderful sense of humor to put a witty spin on any disappointment. But the
next time I want to give him a treat to lift his spirits, perhaps I’ll just
stick to his favorite homemade chocolate chip cookies.<o:p></o:p></div>
Wendy Mondellohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14688524523815409159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1370419946921827874.post-35461013849191911112015-05-06T22:28:00.003-04:002015-05-06T23:31:05.995-04:00The taste of nostalgia <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p6TILTYZoo4/VUrJ-_GMfRI/AAAAAAAAARU/lJuivPH33WE/s1600/IMG_4743%2B-%2BVersion%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p6TILTYZoo4/VUrJ-_GMfRI/AAAAAAAAARU/lJuivPH33WE/s1600/IMG_4743%2B-%2BVersion%2B2.jpg" height="320" width="243" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“This tastes like nostalgia.” A recent dinner featuring
grilled chicken carried my son back to his younger days when his favorite meal
was grilled chicken with applesauce. He ate that meal a lot, as in most of his
meals for lunch and dinner were grilled chicken with applesauce plus a steamed
vegetable like broccoli and perhaps a sweet potato with some brown sugar on it.
Some other meals such as those featuring rice pasta, bacon or grilled steak, also
made the cut for Joseph’s meals, but grilled chicken was the clear favorite. His
multiple food allergies certainly limited his meal choices, but not that much. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uTErCiStICE/VUrQReeLVKI/AAAAAAAAASc/bFf0esrF-Tg/s1600/ry%3D480-1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uTErCiStICE/VUrQReeLVKI/AAAAAAAAASc/bFf0esrF-Tg/s1600/ry%3D480-1.jpeg" height="320" width="264" /></a><br />
I have spent a lot of time searching for and researching foods
that would be safe for my son, who is allergic to peanuts, tree nuts, wheat,
milk, egg, soy, sesame, mustard, strawberry and watermelon. Every new product
means I have a chance to expand his diet just a little bit more. I’m happy that
there are so many more options now than when I started this journey almost 12
years <o:p></o:p><br />
ago, and some brands have been with me all along. For example, I still
use the Whole Foods 365 Organic applesauce I started using when Joseph was a
toddler because it has one ingredient — organic apples. Nothing is added, thus
lowering the risk that it could contain an allergen.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KdsCRxJJzvk/VUrKfGkTL7I/AAAAAAAAARs/FKVEwWzBbNM/s1600/procserv-1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KdsCRxJJzvk/VUrKfGkTL7I/AAAAAAAAARs/FKVEwWzBbNM/s1600/procserv-1.jpeg" /></a><o:p> </o:p></div>
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My determination to make Joseph’s birthdays special has
always been a big part of my efforts in the kitchen. His birthday is the only
time that the dessert everyone is eating is safe for him and he does not have
to feel the sting of exclusion. As he turns 12 this week, it is a time for me
to be nostalgic, too. I looked back at the treats I made each year for his
birthdays and also for my daughter Pamela’s birthdays because I serve only
treats that are safe for Joseph at her parties, as well. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--lL1YNbuX_0/VUrKoGXIznI/AAAAAAAAAR0/vyFNPp-Fp-A/s1600/procserv-2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--lL1YNbuX_0/VUrKoGXIznI/AAAAAAAAAR0/vyFNPp-Fp-A/s1600/procserv-2.jpeg" height="177" width="200" /></a>I give props to my family and friends for bravely tasting
each year’s creations. Some were successes, while others — especially in the
early years — were fails. For Joseph’s first birthday, I made delightfully
dry cupcakes whose only saving grace were the Bob the Builder cupcake wrappers.
I also tried to make his 1<sup>st</sup> birthday cake look like a book to go
with the story time theme we had. It made him cry. After that, I realized that
cupcake toppers were an easy, allergy-friendly way to coordinate the dessert
with the theme, whether I used soccer balls, little Hot Wheels cars, beachy
toppers or tennis rackets. I also often make cookies decorated with melted
chocolate or a sugar glaze to accompany the main dessert. Chocolate candy made
using melted <a href="http://enjoylifefoods.com/">Enjoy Life chocolate</a> in various
shapes, such as Wii remotes or ballet slippers, is always a hit, too. I like to
provide options because it is fun to try out different flavors and designs, but
also because I figure if one dessert fails at least there is another sweet
option.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ezc4RGuWRLs/VUrKuqO5H4I/AAAAAAAAAR8/1BLvpiCX2VQ/s1600/procserv-3.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ezc4RGuWRLs/VUrKuqO5H4I/AAAAAAAAAR8/1BLvpiCX2VQ/s1600/procserv-3.jpeg" /></a>I started to exercise my decorating muscle by the time
Joseph turned 5 and we had a mini golf party. The cakes were tastier by then,
thankfully, as I learned how to better bake without gluten, dairy and egg. By
the time Pamela turned 4 and had a princess party, I had so much fun making a
doll shape cake. Joseph says his favorite was the snitch cake I made for his
Harry Potter party when he turned 8. Last year for a video-game party I made
Wii remote cakes that were a big hit. Joseph is eschewing the idea of a theme
this year, so flavor might outshine design. He wants a <a href="http://cybelepascal.com/allergy-free-boston-cream-pie/">Boston cream pie</a>
for his actual birthday and a <a href="http://cybelepascal.com/allergy-free-red-velvet-cake-with-velvet-frosting/">red
velvet cake</a> for his party. Both yummy family favorites are Cybele Pascal
recipes. I just hope they give him big birthday smiles.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RXz21GMYMWI/VUrK2NGCSXI/AAAAAAAAASE/Fg2i_mdKq7M/s1600/ry%3D480.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RXz21GMYMWI/VUrK2NGCSXI/AAAAAAAAASE/Fg2i_mdKq7M/s1600/ry%3D480.jpeg" height="213" width="320" /></a>I get a double dose of nostalgia this week, as Mother’s Day always
conjures memories of my mom, who died 19 years ago. She loved to bake, so it is
natural that certain desserts like brownies, blondies, cherry pie and chocolate
chip cookies always remind me of her. The pancakes I am making for Joseph’s
birthday breakfast are an allergy-friendly version of her recipe. I make those
pancakes every week and think of her every single time I’m measuring out my ingredients,
wishing she were here to enjoy them, too. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Chicken also plays a role in my nostalgia. The other
day I was trying to figure out what chicken dish to cook for dinner when I
looked at the homemade croutons I had just made to freeze for the tomato
panzanella salad I’ll be making for Joseph’s party. Those croutons reminded me
of the creamy baked chicken my mom used to make using a stuffing mix for the
crusty top. Then I remembered my late Aunt Marguerite’s creamy chicken divan
that I always loved and thought that leftover steamed broccoli in the fridge
would work for that. Thanks to Cybele Pascal’s dairy-free Alfredo sauce recipe, and <a href="http://us.daiyafoods.com/products/dairy-free-cheese-shreds/mozzarella-style-shreds">Daiya
mozzarella and cheddar style shreds</a>, I was able to combine two dishes that
brought back fond memories to create a new chicken dinner option that my kids
loved. Now I have to make a new batch of croutons, but making my kids happy
with another take on chicken was totally worth it.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-F6XOz4fMYvI/VUrJ_oXZHGI/AAAAAAAAARY/ZifAeNT2cQY/s1600/IMG_3193.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-F6XOz4fMYvI/VUrJ_oXZHGI/AAAAAAAAARY/ZifAeNT2cQY/s1600/IMG_3193.jpg" height="200" width="148" /></a><o:p> </o:p></div>
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Joseph still enjoys grilled chicken, but he has come a long
way from his days of that being his primary meal choice. For his birthday
dinner I will be making his favorite meatball Stromboli, and for his party he has chosen another
favorite, chicken piccata. As new dishes make their way into
our meals, I can’t help but wonder if one day my kids will say they too taste
like nostalgia.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F1.bp.blogspot.com%2F-p6TILTYZoo4%2FVUrJ-_GMfRI%2FAAAAAAAAARU%2FlJuivPH33WE%2Fs1600%2FIMG_4743%252B-%252BVersion%252B2.jpg&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p6TILTYZoo4/VUrJ-_GMfRI/AAAAAAAAARU/lJuivPH33WE/s1600/IMG_4743%2B-%2BVersion%2B2.jpg" --><!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F4.bp.blogspot.com%2F-F6XOz4fMYvI%2FVUrJ_oXZHGI%2FAAAAAAAAARY%2FZifAeNT2cQY%2Fs1600%2FIMG_3193.jpg&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-F6XOz4fMYvI/VUrJ_oXZHGI/AAAAAAAAARY/ZifAeNT2cQY/s1600/IMG_3193.jpg" -->Wendy Mondellohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14688524523815409159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1370419946921827874.post-39658771711523419832015-02-14T10:42:00.002-05:002015-02-14T10:43:25.172-05:00Allergy-friendly wishesMy friend Sally, a registered dietician who shares her thoughts and experiences at <a href="http://www.realmomnutrition.com/" target="_blank">Real Mom Nutrition</a>, asked me to share my thoughts about what I wish others could understand about living with food allergies. Check out my post on her blog, <a href="http://www.realmomnutrition.com/2015/02/12/what-to-know-kids-with-food-allergies/" target="_blank">"What This Food Allergy Mom Would Like You To Know"</a>. Be sure to take a look around Real Mom Nutrition while you're there. Sally shares real-life experiences and offers honest, helpful advice and recipes that are easily adaptable for families navigating food allergies. Lots of families with food allergies can especially benefit from her section on <a href="http://www.realmomnutrition.com/snacktivism/" target="_blank">Snactivism</a>.Wendy Mondellohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14688524523815409159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1370419946921827874.post-6921787656974945662014-10-06T21:35:00.002-04:002014-10-07T07:31:25.138-04:00Reining in my fears<div class="MsoNormal">
The rain pelting my windshield, water splashing with each set of tires trudging through the puddles and wet leaves blowing across the roadways reflected the turmoil I was feeling. I was freaking out about the task ahead as I drove to my sister-in-law’s house with a bag of peanut butter cups in my car. Eleven years after my son’s diagnosis with a life-threatening allergy to peanut, it was time for me to face a food that could take my child’s life.</div>
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I was finally ready to feed peanut to my 6-year-old daughter for the first time in an effort to prevent the potential for her to develop a peanut allergy. Pamela, who has no food allergies, safely eats all kinds of foods when we eat out that contain wheat, milk, egg, soy, sesame, mustard, strawberries and watermelon, the other foods to which Joseph is allergic. That’s not to say Joseph’s allergies to these foods are any less serious than his allergy to peanuts and tree nuts. He has been hospitalized from anaphylactic reactions to milk. But I feel like it is easier to remove milk and the other allergens from Pamela after she eats rather than sticky peanut butter or nut dust. Joseph has broken out in hives just from being near someone eating peanuts and had an asthma attack from walking near an eatery where peanut was being cooked in a food court.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j82j5WyGtTA/VDNA6z_K9lI/AAAAAAAAALQ/b53n6R1Afg8/s1600/RainPic.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j82j5WyGtTA/VDNA6z_K9lI/AAAAAAAAALQ/b53n6R1Afg8/s1600/RainPic.JPG" height="400" width="266" /></a>Pamela was tested for food allergies as an infant due to her higher risk of developing food allergies as the sibling of someone with food allergies. Everything came back negative. But I was concerned, especially in light of <a href="http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424127887324662404578334423524696016">current thinking about when to introduce highly allergenic foods</a>, that her avoidance of peanuts would sensitize her to the allergen, possibly setting her up for an allergy. Despite my trepidation, I knew I needed to give Pamela nuts. I was worried that my 11-year avoidance could also sensitize me to peanuts.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I certainly don’t want my daughter to find out that she is allergic to peanut by accidentally eating it and having an anaphylactic reaction. So after a recent negative allergy test, our allergist advised us that Pamela should consume peanut in some form a couple of times a month.<o:p></o:p></div>
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We decided to keep the peanut butter cups, along with a washcloth and toothbrushes, at my sister-in-law’s house so that we could clean off any peanut residue before returning home, keeping my house a safe zone for Joseph. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I looked at the tiny peanut butter cup with disdain as I cut it in half for Pamela’s first taste. I put the other half in my mouth while I kept my eyes on my daughter, ensuring that she was OK. After lunch, we ate another peanut butter cup. Physically, we were both fine. Pamela said she liked the candy but that she felt so weird eating something that she has always known she is not even allowed to touch.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The turmoil in me subsided a bit. I was relieved that, as expected, my daughter did not have an allergic reaction, and I knew that we took the necessary steps to ensure we did not put my son in danger. We chose great company for our peanut consumption, too. I really appreciated having family there to calm my nerves while distracting Pamela and me.<o:p></o:p></div>
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When we got home, Pamela was full of glee as she jumped up and down in huge puddles, using her pink rain boots to splash as far and high as possible. Her carefree spirit lifted the cloud I was letting hover as we faced another allergy-driven challenge. </div>
Wendy Mondellohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14688524523815409159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1370419946921827874.post-57400437282704717012014-09-12T16:04:00.002-04:002014-09-12T16:05:19.250-04:00Dishing up comfort during relocation<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Comfort food has been the star of my home menus lately. It’s
no coincidence that dishes including chicken noodle soup with turkey meatballs,
roast chicken with mashed potatoes, turkey meatloaf, beef stew and apple
cobbler have graced our table during the month following our recent move out of
state. Don’t worry, vegetables such as corn on the cob, roast cauliflower and
tomato panzanella salad, made it into my family’s bellies, too. But let’s face
it, the vegetables are not the part of the meals that offers the most emotional
support.</div>
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After more than 18 years in North Carolina, we returned to
New York for my husband’s job. The move capped a crazy year during which my
husband lived with his sister in New York, while I was still in North Carolina
with our children. So reuniting on a full-time basis was the best and happiest
part of the move. We also are excited to be closer to our family members and
friends in the area, along with being able to share with our children many of
the wonderful parts of New York, a state in which we both grew up and met. But
a move is always a big transition. Of course we are missing our family and
friends in North Carolina, and we are missing the familiarity of an area we
loved. While the kids are adapting to their new surroundings, it’s not easy to be
the new kid, whether entering a new dance class or taking a swing on a new
tennis court with all new kids. <o:p></o:p></div>
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So allergy friendly comfort food has been in order. But
there was a method to one particular week’s lineup. I wanted to make a family
favorite, chicken piccata, but I had no chicken broth. So I started the week
making a roast chicken, then I used the chicken carcass to make broth, which
also turned into the chicken noodle soup for that night. After a few days I was
able to use the broth to make chicken piccata, much to my family’s delight.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CYZZ04QzWx4/VBNRVSAcQ-I/AAAAAAAAALA/6fYnFUCoILA/s1600/IMG_3883.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CYZZ04QzWx4/VBNRVSAcQ-I/AAAAAAAAALA/6fYnFUCoILA/s1600/IMG_3883.jpg" height="400" width="260" /></a>Because of Joseph’s multiple food allergies to peanuts, tree
nuts, wheat, milk, egg, soy, sesame, mustard, strawberries and watermelon, I
make homemade broth and freeze it in proportions ready to use for cooking.
Frozen broth did not make the move with us, as our cooler was filled with all
of the foods Joseph would need to eat during the week we stayed in a hotel
while we waited for the moving truck to deliver our belongings. I brought a few
pans so I could cook a some things at our house before all of my kitchen items
arrived and packed lots of meals that I had cooked and frozen before we left,
such as pizza, baked ziti and turkey meatballs. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I prepared for the travel part of the move, much like I
prepare for our annual weeklong trip to the beach, which I wrote about in
Living Without’s Gluten Free & More magazine in the 2013 article, <a href="http://www.livingwithout.com/issues/4_26/road-trip-3313-1.html">“Road
Trip”</a>. The difference was that this time, I also had to make preparations
ahead so that I could start to make our new home a safe zone for Joseph and to
find an allergist so he could have an appointment and receive his immunotherapy
shots (for environmental allergies) on schedule. I felt like I was transporting
a top-secret product as I packed up his serum in a cooler for the long drive
North to bring it to the new allergist. Thankfully, the local food allergy
support group offered recommendations for an allergist, leading us to allergist
we already love.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As we navigate our new surroundings and the weather starts
to get cooler, I will continue to feature comfort foods on our menu. We are
planning to visit an apple orchard this week, so I’m sure pork chops with
apples will go a little way toward comforting my family in our new home.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
Wendy Mondellohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14688524523815409159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1370419946921827874.post-10883777165403824782014-05-13T06:14:00.000-04:002014-05-13T06:14:13.044-04:00Allergy friendly birthday celebration in focus<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sy0qDwVdTnc/U3HtpKXwM6I/AAAAAAAAAKM/1kJ1T4k3qbM/s1600/IMG_3146+-+Version+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sy0qDwVdTnc/U3HtpKXwM6I/AAAAAAAAAKM/1kJ1T4k3qbM/s1600/IMG_3146+-+Version+2.jpg" height="320" width="267" /></a>My childhood was filled with fun birthday parties featuring
my mom’s homemade touches. When my son was born 11 years ago, I envisioned the
same type of special celebrations for him. I was sure I’d be whipping up a
batch of pancakes to start his day, cook his favorite meal for dinner, then
throw a party complete with friends, family, cake, and fun and games just like
my mom did for me. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OobJFi7I9Ns/U3HtxsOQvXI/AAAAAAAAAKk/bNHNUBxuQWw/s1600/IMG_3193.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OobJFi7I9Ns/U3HtxsOQvXI/AAAAAAAAAKk/bNHNUBxuQWw/s1600/IMG_3193.jpg" height="320" width="237" /></a>But when Joseph was diagnosed with multiple food allergies 9
months after coming into this world, my vision for his future celebrations blurred.
Perhaps some of that blurry vision was from the tears that accompany the
feelings of fear knowing that a tiny speck of food formerly a part of everyday
life could take his life, and the sense of being overwhelmed after his initial
diagnosis by the huge task of figuring out how to keep him safe while
navigating life with food allergies. Tears aside, I had no idea how I was going
to pull off these birthday celebrations I had envisioned because all of the
food featured in the birthdays I had experienced before contained something to
which Joseph is allergic. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eDwDiA8GLp8/U3HtqTa3MKI/AAAAAAAAAKU/qutfmiH6qn4/s1600/IMG_3039.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eDwDiA8GLp8/U3HtqTa3MKI/AAAAAAAAAKU/qutfmiH6qn4/s1600/IMG_3039.jpg" height="320" width="226" /></a>Joseph’s allergies to peanuts, tree nuts, wheat, milk, egg,
soy, sesame and mustard, along with having asthma, have made me even more
determined to make his birthdays special. The celebration should be a time when
the challenges he faces while navigating a life with food allergies and asthma
can melt away.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Dry would be the best way I could describe Joseph’s first
birthday cake. Perhaps it wasn’t just feeling overwhelmed from all of the
guests singing “Happy Birthday” that made him cry so much when I brought that
cake out. Despite that lack of success in the baking department the first year,
we started a tradition for our children’s birthdays that makes sure to celebrate the birthday boy or girl, making him or her feel special
from the theme they pick out, the activities, family and friends in attendance,
and food free of all the allergens to which Joseph is allergic. The birthday
parties we host are the only ones that Joseph does not feel different being the
kid who has to bring his own slice of pizza and piece of cake. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jAexvaTizoM/U3HtsZqsQiI/AAAAAAAAAKc/DdhsPCuPcxs/s1600/IMG_3160+-+Version+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jAexvaTizoM/U3HtsZqsQiI/AAAAAAAAAKc/DdhsPCuPcxs/s1600/IMG_3160+-+Version+2.jpg" height="320" width="137" /></a>As we celebrate Food Allergy Awareness Week on the heels of
Joseph’s 11<sup>th</sup> birthday, I am happy to say that we’ve come a long way
since his first birthday. Last week, Joseph had a blast during our family
outing to a fun park for mini golf, go-kart racing and arcade games. His
birthday fun continued when he and his dad went to see “The Amazing Spider Man
2”. We celebrated with a video game party at our home complete with friends,
family, a video game challenge and other activities. The food, all homemade and
free of the allergens to which Joseph is allergic, included fruit kebabs, chocolate
Wii remote candy bars, two Wii remote cakes and ice cream. On his actual
birthday, I whipped up pancakes and bacon for his birthday breakfast, and we
enjoyed a birthday dinner full of Joseph’s favorites: chicken piccata, roasted
potatoes, corn on the cob and a homemade chocolate chip cookie cake. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
While we were digging into our dessert I thought about the
vision I had for Joseph’s birthday celebrations all those years ago. Even
though the allergy friendly ingredients of all of the food I made to celebrate
his 11<sup>th</sup> birthday were different than what I had in my original
vision 11 years ago, the picture of my son feeling special and having a blast
celebrating his birthday was completely in focus.<o:p></o:p></div>
Wendy Mondellohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14688524523815409159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1370419946921827874.post-13753733037939620142014-03-24T08:46:00.000-04:002014-03-24T08:46:00.585-04:00Kyle Dine's allergy tunes resonate
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RhHxGD5IiZc/UzAoAcofjpI/AAAAAAAAAJ0/NnmL3nyW010/s1600/IMG_2751.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RhHxGD5IiZc/UzAoAcofjpI/AAAAAAAAAJ0/NnmL3nyW010/s1600/IMG_2751.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a>Favorite singer: <a href="http://www.kyledine.com/">Kyle
Dine</a>. My 5-year-old daughter, Pamela, didn't hesitate with her answer as
she was filling in a fun questionnaire. We have been enjoying the infectious
tunes by the Canadian singer and songwriter Pamela's entire life. Both of his
albums, "You Must be Nuts!" (2007) and "Food Allergies
Rock!" (2010), hit plenty of fun notes while teaching about food
allergies. Whether he is crooning about cool medical identification bracelets
or listing all of the foods that might contain eggs, (with the help of
squawking chickens, of course) Pamela is singing along with a big smile.</div>
<br />
Both Pamela and my 10-year-old son, Joseph, were excited to
see him perform recently when he brought his "Let's Go Nuts!" tour to
Apex, North Carolina, thanks to our local support group <a href="http://www.ncfaces.org/">NC FACES (Food Allergic Children Excelling
Safely)</a> and <a href="http://www.foodallergyawareness.org/">FAACT (Food
Allergy & Anaphylaxis Connection Team)</a>. My kids remembered having a
blast three years ago when they saw him perform, and they certainly were not
disappointed with his upbeat concert this time.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fQbodRK5-7k/UzAn-9wnO-I/AAAAAAAAAJs/gmj3SpjYKGs/s1600/IMG_2758.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fQbodRK5-7k/UzAn-9wnO-I/AAAAAAAAAJs/gmj3SpjYKGs/s1600/IMG_2758.jpg" height="320" width="228" /></a>Pamela had fun dancing right up front and she was proud to
hold a Stop sign during Kyle's performance of "Stop! Please Don't Feed Me!"
Both kids loved it when puppets Epi-Man and Epi-Man Jr. took the stage to
perform their own, funny version of "The Fox (What Does the Fox
Say?)"! Joseph was content to clap and stomp his feet to the music from
his seat behind the younger, dancing kids. When Kyle asked kids to raise their
hands as he called out each of the top 8 allergies and more, it was empowering
for Joseph and the other kids with food allergies to see those other hands go up
at the same time. With allergies to peanuts, tree nuts, wheat, milk, egg, soy,
sesame and mustard, Joseph's hand was in the air a lot. His face brightened
when Kyle's hand went up for many of the same allergies. Kyle is allergic to
peanuts, nuts, eggs, seafood and mustard. In addition to the empathy the
concert offered, it also reminded Joseph that someone like Kyle, who Joseph
considers a cool guy, could travel all over the world and succeed at something
he loves to do. Joseph walked out of that room a little taller after Kyle took
the time to talk to him about his tennis playing, too. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SIU7zxatFnY/UzAn1kL6CGI/AAAAAAAAAJk/0Nf5es1XDt0/s1600/IMG_2761.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SIU7zxatFnY/UzAn1kL6CGI/AAAAAAAAAJk/0Nf5es1XDt0/s1600/IMG_2761.JPG" height="320" width="244" /></a>Pamela does not have food allergies. But she is part of
another important group of kids — siblings of children with food allergies. She
wants to protect Joseph when he's exposed to an allergen, she understands why
she can't eat certain foods near him, she is conscientious about following the
rules we have put in place to keep Joseph safe, she gets sad when he is feeling
anxious or down about his allergies, and she gets scared for her brother when
his asthma acts up. Joseph lives with the knowledge that one bite of food has
the potential to end his life. It's important to remember that his sister lives
with that knowledge about her brother, too. Not only do her feelings need to be
acknowledged, but also it is essential that she be an expert on food allergies
just like him. Kyle Dine is helping her be just that. The education he provides
through his music and during his performances is invaluable both for kids with
food allergies and those close to them. His upbeat music enhances the knowledge Pamela has gained at
home with positive lyrics and fun tunes. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Wendy Mondellohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14688524523815409159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1370419946921827874.post-21797832343788899312013-12-16T22:17:00.000-05:002013-12-17T06:54:37.642-05:00Sweet snowballs and snowy travel<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KEtMo6meF1Y/Uq-_R-hzoDI/AAAAAAAAAJU/IFqeCQlscVg/s1600/IMG_1996.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KEtMo6meF1Y/Uq-_R-hzoDI/AAAAAAAAAJU/IFqeCQlscVg/s320/IMG_1996.jpg" width="213" /></a><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
My daughter and I enjoyed making (and eating) the
delightfully, tasty <a href="http://www.livingwithout.com/recipes/chocolate-snowball-cookies-3564-1.html" target="_blank">chocolate snowball cookies</a> featured in the latest issue of Living Without magazine as
a new addition to our variety of holiday treats. Pamela loved rolling the
chocolate balls of dough in powdered sugar to give them all a nice dusting of
"snow." While she gave the cookies a sugary coating, I
was reminded of the way real snow altered our travel plans during our recent
trip to New York. The wintery weather put my preparation skills to the test
while traveling with my son, who is allergic to peanuts, tree nuts, wheat,
milk, egg, soy, sesame and mustard, along with having asthma.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My husband and I, both from New York, were excited to give our
children a taste of Christmas in New York City. They had a blast taking the
train to the city, riding in taxis, walking through the crowded streets in awe
of the tall buildings and lavish window displays on Fifth Avenue, visiting the
huge tree at Rockefeller Center, watching the skaters glide across the ice, and
doing some shopping, taking a turn making music on the famous piano at FAO
Schwarz. The <a href="http://www.radiocity.com/events/2013/november/rccs-2013.html">Radio City
Christmas Spectacular</a> was a highlight for all of us. Both of my children
were enchanted by the show that showcases the famous Rockettes dancing in
perfect time, along with Santa and even a 3-D feature. I was thrilled to share
an experience with my kids that had given me precious memories during my childhood. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I was especially glad that Joseph was able to navigate
Manhattan without letting his food allergies dim the magic. Of course, a lot of
planning and precautionary measures went into making that happen. I employed the preparation that is highlighted in the story I wrote for Living Without magazine about <a href="http://www.livingwithout.com/issues/4_26/road-trip-3313-1.html">road
trips with food allergies</a>. For example, before we hit the road for our
drive to New York, I cooked and froze more than enough meals for
Joseph for the length of our trip. Safe snacks, homemade muffins, bread and
crumb cake that I had sliced and placed in individual containers, along with
plastic cutlery, paper place mats, our safe hand soap, and plenty of wipes were
packed. I ensured that all of my son's prescriptions were full and made sure his
nebulizer with battery and car charger made it into the bag. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bJ2qRkGTfgc/Uq-_E3Lbl-I/AAAAAAAAAJM/qh56rfPAXcI/s1600/IMG_1781.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bJ2qRkGTfgc/Uq-_E3Lbl-I/AAAAAAAAAJM/qh56rfPAXcI/s400/IMG_1781.jpg" width="295" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Each day we took the train to the city, we packed my
husband's laptop backpack with Joseph's lunchbox and nebulizer. He wears two
<a href="http://www.auvi-q.com/" target="_blank">Auvi-Q</a> epinephrine auto-injectors and I carry two <a href="http://www.epipen.com/" target="_blank">EpiPens</a>, along with his
inhaler, at all times. It was important that he felt confident that we had
everything he needed so that he could just enjoy his first trip to Manhattan.
And he did. Both of my kids were so excited with all of the new things they
were experiencing and they loved the time they got to spend with family when we
weren't in the city. We had some fun bowling outings with their cousin, aunt,
uncle and grandpa. That quality time with family was just as special as the
bright lights and big buildings of the city. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But the winter weather threw a slippery wrench into our
travel plans when we saw the forecast for snow and ice blocking our path back
to North Carolina. The smart choice was to stay a day or two longer so we were
not driving while the snow and ice was making the highways treacherous. But did
I have enough food and medicine to keep Joseph fed and safe for an extended
stay? This was the first trip where
the fact that I always pack full prescriptions came in handy, so he had plenty
of his maintenance and emergency medication. The food was another story.
Thankfully, I had packed extra meals so he had enough for two more days with full
meals and he still had plenty of snacks. I figured if necessary, he could have chips and applesauce for lunch on the drive home and he'd be
fine. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So we decided staying two more days was the best option,
until another storm was forecast, again right in our path, again starting early
in the morning preventing us from beating it. When we added yet another day to our
stay to wait out the second wintery blast, I visited the local natural food
store where I found the brand of gluten-free pasta Joseph eats. It was easy to boil water in
the microwave in our hotel room to make pasta that he could eat mixed with his applesauce, giving me two more meals for
Joseph. I don't think he would have complained with chips, applesauce and a few
cookies for lunch, but I felt better that I could extend his meals until we got
home.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My kids were full of glee while they stomped around,
gathering and throwing handfuls of the little bit of snow that fell where we
were staying north of Manhattan. The extra time we stayed gave my kids a fun,
snowy experience to add to their memories of the trip. I'm glad they enjoyed
the snow, but for now, I'm happy to enjoy snowballs of the chocolate, sugarcoated
variety.</div>
<!--EndFragment-->Wendy Mondellohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14688524523815409159noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1370419946921827874.post-58322422517442053782013-10-12T14:25:00.002-04:002013-10-12T14:26:09.741-04:00Coughing choruses fade for food allergy walk<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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Coughing, sniffing, sneezing, nose blowing and the hum of
the nebulizer have been working together to create the soundtrack in my
germ-filled house since the end of August. Bronchitis, sinus infections and
walking pneumonia have been the source of those cough-filled choruses. With at
least one person sick in my house for the past month and a half, I was happy
for a change in tune today when we participated in the FARE (Food Allergy
Research & Education) Walk for Food Allergy. </div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8FLwaERB8eA/UlmTF5VVtYI/AAAAAAAAAI8/TGxQk87dDHg/s1600/FAREWalk2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8FLwaERB8eA/UlmTF5VVtYI/AAAAAAAAAI8/TGxQk87dDHg/s400/FAREWalk2013.jpg" width="298" /></a></div>
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We are proud to walk each year in this fun event that gives
my son Joseph a chance to see lots of other kids like him who navigate food
allergies each day, and know what it's like to sometimes feel scared, sad and
excluded because of a medical condition that he can't control. The walk also
raises money for research that could someday find a cure. Joseph also has
asthma, which studies have shown increase his risk for a severe allergic
reaction. </div>
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<br /></div>
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It is that asthma that has made me listening for one sound
during the past several weeks that is music to my ears — steady breathing.
Anytime Joseph gets a respiratory illness, whether it's just a cold with
congestion or a deep cough, I am on high alert to make sure his asthma is not
flaring beyond control. </div>
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<br /></div>
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I've spent more nights than I can count during his 10 years
staying awake to check on his breathing. Many times he's needed a breathing
treatment and there have been several trips to the emergency room or urgent
care when the home nebulizer treatment wasn't enough. Thankfully, during his
latest sinus infection and cough, followed by another cold, his asthma has been
manageable. I still kept my vigil and he's needed some breathing treatments via
the nebulizer, but so far his lungs are cooperating. That doesn't change the
height of awareness, but it helps me breathe easier.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Unfortunately for him, all of this sickness started just
when Joseph was getting back into the swing of things on the tennis court after
being sidelined for more than a month with three broken fingers. Two months
ago, my son was diving for a ball during a friendly tennis match and he landed
on his hand with his fingers still wrapped around the racquet. His injured hand
and then sickness took him away from his favorite place. The tennis court is
where he feels happy and confident, unencumbered by any of the things that
worry him. </div>
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<br /></div>
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Joseph has gained an extra appreciation for his time on the
tennis court. He is glad that his asthma does not hamper his ability to play
his favorite sport. Sure, he might miss a practice when the air quality is
especially bad or if his asthma is already flaring. But exercising does not
trigger his asthma, and for that I am grateful. </div>
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<br /></div>
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I was so glad to see him smiling on the tennis court again
last weekend before his new cold arrived. In fact, I had almost thought we had
conquered the germs except for a slight cough in my daughter, Pamela. We took
advantage of a few somewhat healthy days to go to the pumpkin patch, play
tennis and see a movie. However, after Pamela's cough worsened and a fever
blossomed, we were back at the doctor. This time with a diagnosis of walking
pneumonia, or as Pamela calls it, walking "puponia".</div>
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<br /></div>
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Today, with Pamela on the mend with her illness no longer
contagious and Joseph healed from his cold, we were happy to exercise during a
walk around a beautiful lake in our area.</div>
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<br /></div>
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I'm happy that the sound of feet walking with a purpose replaced
the germy soundtrack of my house for a couple of hours as we walked to say
"FAREwell to food allergies."</div>
<!--EndFragment-->Wendy Mondellohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14688524523815409159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1370419946921827874.post-64554684489555189752013-05-08T21:49:00.000-04:002013-05-08T21:49:57.534-04:00A decade of love on and off the court
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QD5uArLlpYY/UYr-iBG-TrI/AAAAAAAAAIU/TdMpqz7uzz0/s1600/IMG_2041.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QD5uArLlpYY/UYr-iBG-TrI/AAAAAAAAAIU/TdMpqz7uzz0/s320/IMG_2041.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
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It is not unusual for my son to beat me when we play tennis
and for my score to remain at "love" the entire game. The word
"love" often is used in a positive way, but unfortunately for me, not
when it comes to tennis scoring. That's OK. The tennis court is a place that
makes my son the happiest and for that, I'm fine with having the
"love" score because of the feelings I have had for my son for a
decade. </div>
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<br /></div>
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We just celebrated Joseph's 10<sup>th</sup> birthday. Ten
years ago when my tiny baby came screaming into this world (right along with
me), my husband and I had no idea that we would soon be entering life with food
allergies. He had 10 tiny toes and 10 perfect little fingers. Our biggest
debate was whether he would be a Penn State fan like his Mama or a West
Virginia fan like his Dada. Well, even that turned out to be a surprise
— my child is a Gators fan.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Within Joseph's first year of life he had his first
anaphylactic reaction to dairy. One small teaspoon of yogurt and suddenly we
were going down an unfamiliar, scary path. During the past 10 years, we have
learned so much about Joseph's life-threatening allergies to peanuts, tree
nuts, wheat, milk, egg, soy, sesame and mustard, along with his asthma. As our
son has grown, so has the world of food allergies.</div>
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During Joseph's life, the number of people with food
allergies has increased to about 15 million Americans, including 1 in 13 kids,
according to <a href="http://www.foodallergy.org/">Food Allergy Research &
Education (FARE)</a>. With that growth has come more allergy-friendly products,
advances in research regarding food allergies, laws to require better labeling
and to ensure that epinephrine is required in more schools across the country,
and even more options in the type of epinephrine self-injector available to
save lives. The amount of support and resources has increased too, especially
thanks to social networking. There are several products geared toward food
allergies, such as cookbooks, children's books and even music, especially the
songs written and performed by food allergy musician <a href="http://www.kyledine.com/">Kyle Dine</a>. </div>
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<br /></div>
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But there is still much work to be done. For example, more
research is essential to find a cure for food allergies. There is a need for
more education about food allergies so that our children are not bullied and so
caretakers understand all of the foods and products in which allergens show up,
and that even one tiny speck of that allergen can mean the end of a child's
life.</div>
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<br /></div>
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We have had plenty of challenges (both medically and
emotionally), scares, trips to the emergency room and doctor visits. My love
for Joseph makes my heart break when he feels anxious about unsafe food being
near him, isolated when he's left out because of his food allergies or scared
when he has trouble breathing.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b8S4K2AnLnY/UYr_8DN39FI/AAAAAAAAAIg/kwbkQ95J8Cw/s1600/IMG_9668.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b8S4K2AnLnY/UYr_8DN39FI/AAAAAAAAAIg/kwbkQ95J8Cw/s320/IMG_9668.JPG" width="320" /></a>But those challenges are just a part of living with food
allergies. We have navigated food allergies and asthma while nurturing our
sweet, funny boy and fostering his positive attitude while teaching him how to
safely enjoy his life. As I watched Joseph play in a recent tennis tournament, I
was thrilled to see him healthy and happy as can be running around the court.</div>
<br />
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I am so proud of my 10-year-old boy, whose inquisitive mind
makes him a joy to talk to, whether we are discussing a book he's reading,
trivia he has learned about his favorite tennis player Novak Djokovic or the
latest Lego creation he is dreaming up. Just like lots of kids his age, he
likes when I make pizza for dinner, has fierce competitions with his Dad on the
Wii, cheers for his favorite hockey team, plays with his little sister, rolls
his eyes when I embarrass him and has fun with his friends.</div>
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<br /></div>
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The day before his tenth birthday Joseph wrote in his
journal: "When I'm 10, I want to read more, make more Legos, play more
tennis, have fun and be a kid."</div>
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<br /></div>
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So as Joseph stands across from me on the tennis court and
serves, — 15-love, 30-love, 40-love, game — I'm just happy to be a part of
a game he loves.</div>
<!--EndFragment-->Wendy Mondellohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14688524523815409159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1370419946921827874.post-12724811802166882102013-04-04T20:58:00.001-04:002013-04-04T20:59:28.758-04:00Frozen pizza to the rescue<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;">Last week, I was caught less prepared than I would have liked for an unexpected trip. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;">In a blog for </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><i>Living Without </i>magazine, <a href="http://www.livingwithout.com/blog/meal_planning-3292-1.html?ET=livingwithout:e120491:834a:&st=email" target="_blank">"Best-Laid Plans"</a>, I discuss my concern about my</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"> less-than-stellar backup food supply to feed my son, who is allergic to peanuts, tree nuts, wheat, milk, egg, soy, sesame and mustard, in unplanned situations. </span><br />
<br />
<div style="font-family: Helvetica;">
But tonight, I found one more tool to help in those situations — <a href="http://www.daiyafoods.com/our-products/cheeze-lovers" target="_blank">Daiya frozen pizza</a>. I never thought I'd be able to buy frozen pizza for my 9-year-old son and was so excited to find Daiya's new product at Whole Foods yesterday. We already love using Daiya cheese shreds to make our own pizza, nachos, baked ziti, grilled cheese and more. But to be able to put a pizza in my cart that could be ready in less than 15 minutes for a safe, quick meal is a convenience for which I am grateful.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica;">
Joseph had a bit of trepidation about trying the cheesy slices. After all, he is used to eating only food I make — not a meal out of a box. But I assured him that I spoke to a very helpful Daiya Foods representative about the ingredients. And once I showed him the box that says the product is free of the top 8 allergens and my email from the Daiya Foods representative, who confirmed it also being free of sesame and mustard, he was ready to sink his teeth into a slice. The pizza was a hit with both of my kids, who were also excited about the novelty of eating a frozen pizza.</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica;">
<br />
While frozen pizza won't replace the homemade pizza I already make for my children, I'm glad to have a new tasty option to keep in my freezer. I'm thankful that I can turn to Daiya to rescue dinner on a hectic day or on an unexpected trip.</div>
Wendy Mondellohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14688524523815409159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1370419946921827874.post-53364149015009802852013-03-17T21:32:00.001-04:002013-03-17T21:32:46.647-04:00My Irish eyes are smiling
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fQjS5J5dIrA/UUZoP78w2PI/AAAAAAAAAHM/KJih3nIN5Yw/s1600/IMG_9388.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fQjS5J5dIrA/UUZoP78w2PI/AAAAAAAAAHM/KJih3nIN5Yw/s320/IMG_9388.JPG" width="320" /></a>I'm not sure if it was the luck of the Irish, but I was
certainly feeling blessed today. Shamrocks, leprechaun mischief and
green-colored food mixed with Easter baskets and colorful eggs as we celebrated
two holidays.</div>
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We had already spent some time during the week focusing on
St. Patrick's Day in our homeschool with some writing assignments, learning
games and crafts. Preschool math games, such as shamrock graphing activities by
<a href="http://inspirationlaboratories.com/st-patricks-day-math-graphing-shamrocks/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter">Inspiration
Laboratories</a>, are great because not only do they provide a fun way for my
4-year-old to learn, but also they give my 9-year-old a chance to help guide
his sister with an activity that won't make him roll his eyes. Crafts, such as
the "Roll a rainbow" by <a href="http://www.theeducationcenter.com/">The
Mailbox</a>, also cross the age difference between my kids. They both enjoyed
rolling toy cars in various shades of paint and using them to create a rainbow
with a glitter-filled pot of gold at the end, of course. </div>
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</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WSHq6IU-yt4/UUZqBvzN7JI/AAAAAAAAAHs/-i4kgpu_rDY/s1600/IMG_1733_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WSHq6IU-yt4/UUZqBvzN7JI/AAAAAAAAAHs/-i4kgpu_rDY/s320/IMG_1733_2.jpg" width="239" /></a>It is such a treasure that there are so many ways to
celebrate holidays with fun activities so that Joseph doesn't have to focus on
his allergies to peanuts, tree nuts, wheat, milk, egg, soy, sesame and mustard,
along with having asthma. But we also enjoy baking yummy, safe treats to
celebrate, and I'm thankful that there are plenty of allergy-friendly options celebrate the bit
of Irish in our heritage.</div>
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My children started the day following a shamrock trail to a
green pot with some leprechaun prizes before eating shamrock-shaped toast
topped with green sugar sprinkles, along with fresh fruit. Then we started
planning our treat-baking schedule for the day. We made allergen-friendly
chocolate cupcakes topped with green frosting, then made rolled brown sugar
cookies from <a href="http://cybelepascal.com/">Cybele Pascal's</a> "The
Allergen-Free Baker's Handbook" into the shape of shamrocks. Once those
were covered in green frosting and purple sprinkles, it was time to prep the
turkey shepherd's pie so it would be ready when we returned from the Easter egg
hunt.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1w6UqA-DYi8/UUZoQTusc8I/AAAAAAAAAHU/g7wjSplFsUE/s1600/IMG_9369.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1w6UqA-DYi8/UUZoQTusc8I/AAAAAAAAAHU/g7wjSplFsUE/s320/IMG_9369.jpg" width="240" /></a>As I watched my son help hide eggs for our food allergy
support group's annual food-free Easter egg hunt and my daughter so absolutely
excited to be searching for those colorful, prize-filled plastic eggs, I was
reminded of how lucky we are to be part of <a href="http://www.ncfaces.org/" target="_blank">NC FACES</a> (Food Allergic Children
Excelling Safely), a group that has helped us navigate food allergies for most
of Joseph's life.</div>
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<br /></div>
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When Joseph told me he felt too old for the egg hunt and
would like to volunteer to help hide eggs instead, I wistfully reminisced about
all of the years when he was one of the young kids gleefully running across the
field to fill his basket. But once again, NC FACES came through and gave him a
fun, safe experience. This time, he was proud to be one of the big kids helping
an original NC FACES member, Marysa Gavankar, who ran the event at a local park
today. She had creative crafts ready to keep the little hands busy while Joseph
and a couple other kids found hiding places for the eggs. Marysa also organized
a game that had kids laughing as they threw plastic eggs across a grassy spot
into nets held by Joseph and three other boys. And when it was time for the
hunt, Joseph helped hold the banner for Pamela and the other young kids to run
through as they embarked on their quest to fill eggs. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cxtfaYSE7kk/UUZoS9HpmEI/AAAAAAAAAHc/Pvu_yhGrNmE/s1600/IMG_1775.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cxtfaYSE7kk/UUZoS9HpmEI/AAAAAAAAAHc/Pvu_yhGrNmE/s320/IMG_1775.jpg" width="239" /></a><o:p> </o:p></div>
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Both Joseph and Pamela had a blast in their own way at
today's food-free egg hunt. As my children sipped their green, dairy-free milk
out of shamrock straws and dug into their shepherd's pie, they happily
recounted the day's activities. Once again, I am so thankful to be part of such a dynamic, caring allergy
support group and to be able to attend events like the egg hunt that offer our
kids a safe, fun way to celebrate and make me feel pretty lucky. </div>
<!--EndFragment-->Wendy Mondellohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14688524523815409159noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1370419946921827874.post-71112424639880295042013-01-08T20:41:00.001-05:002013-01-08T21:44:28.256-05:00A positive batch of memoriesToday, I turned to the mixer and a favorite recipe to soothe my sadness. Each year on Jan. 8, I like to do something that my mom and I enjoyed doing together. Most years, I turn to baking and for the past nine years it has been an even sweeter tradition because one or both of my children help me make a sweet treat. Of course, I can always count on both of them to help me eat our creation, and the smiles on my children's small faces make it that much easier to mark my least favorite day of the year.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LshdGG0zJO8/UOzGsfUOEZI/AAAAAAAAAGk/lYnYh5POvn0/s1600/Pamelabaking.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LshdGG0zJO8/UOzGsfUOEZI/AAAAAAAAAGk/lYnYh5POvn0/s400/Pamelabaking.JPG" width="297" /></a>It has been 17 years since the day my mom died after a brief battle with breast cancer. My tradition of doing an activity that brings happy memories of my mom stems from the value she instilled in me to always focus on the positive. Baking was one of the many ways she showed her love to me through the effort to create delicious desserts and the lessons she taught me about baking. But most importantly, the time we spent together mixing up various creations left me with special memories and insight to pass on to my own children.<br />
<br />
Today while my 4-year-old daughter Pamela and I mixed up a batch of allergy-friendly blondies I thought about how blessed I was to have had such a wonderful, positive influence in my life. She taught me through her own example to always look for the positive. Sure, things will sometimes make me mad, frustrated and sad. But it doesn't help to dwell on those negative feelings. Rather, find a way to move forward, turn a situation around, use a not-so-great experience to help someone else, and focus on the positive ingredients in life. That is the mantra I have held onto since my son Joseph's diagnosis with life-threatening food allergies nine years ago.<br />
<br />
Sometimes it is challenging to navigate a life with allergies to peanuts, tree nuts, wheat, milk, egg, soy, sesame and mustard, along with having asthma. And those challenges often make me wish I had a mom to lean on for support. But as the mom Joseph depends on, I have always made sure we focus on what he can have and find creative ways to give him plenty of safe, yummy options. For example, tonight I made homemade pizza for dinner thanks to <a href="http://www.kingarthurflour.com/shop/items/gluten-free-bread-and-pizza-mix" target="_blank">King Arthur Flour gluten-free bread and pizza mix</a>, <a href="http://www.daiyafoods.com/our-products/mozzarella" target="_blank">Daiya mozzarella style shreds</a>, homemade tomato sauce and bacon. Joseph was thrilled to hear he was having one of his favorite meals. There was no whining about not being able to pick up a pizza from the neighborhood pizza place. Joseph is well-aware that the wheat- and dairy-filled pizza delivered in a box could end his life, so not something he's upset about missing. He's much happier expending his energy breathing in the smells of fresh pizza coming from our oven and excitedly asking when it will be ready.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wajVD0P0yHM/UOzZTTP9faI/AAAAAAAAAG4/spHYAqRYEhs/s1600/MomBdady.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wajVD0P0yHM/UOzZTTP9faI/AAAAAAAAAG4/spHYAqRYEhs/s320/MomBdady.jpg" width="269" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My mom and dad and me on my 3rd birthday.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
On days like today, there are moments when a positive outlook simply can't withstand the sadness I feel missing my mom and wishing that my two children could have met her. I know that they would have had so much fun spending time with her and benefitting from her nurturing spirit. I can't put a positive spin on that void, but I can be glad that I have so many happy stories about her that I share with my children. I am thankful that Joseph and Pamela, who is named after my mom, know her through my memories and photographs.<br />
<br />
The blondies Pamela and I made today are from the original <a href="http://www.verybestbaking.com/recipes/29893/Blonde-Brownies/detail.aspx" target="_blank">Toll House Blonde Brownies </a>recipe my mom and I used so many years ago. Of course, I substitute most of the ingredients to make it allergy-friendly, using <a href="http://www.kingarthurflour.com/shop/items/gluten-free-multi-purpose-flour" target="_blank">King Arthur Flour gluten-free multipurpose flour</a>, an egg replacer, <a href="http://www.earthbalancenatural.com/product/soy-free-buttery-spread/" target="_blank">Earth Balance dairy-free, soy-free natural buttery spread</a> and <a href="http://www.enjoylifefoods.com/chocolate-for-baking/mega-chunks/" target="_blank">Enjoy Life mega chunks</a>. But when those blondies come out of the oven, the delicious result evokes happy memories from my childhood and creates new memories with my own children, all while helping my least favorite day of the year become a bit more tolerable.<br />
<br />Wendy Mondellohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14688524523815409159noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1370419946921827874.post-13366537238402393172012-10-02T14:00:00.000-04:002012-10-02T14:00:52.862-04:00F is for food allergies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
F is for…</div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IzbWMms3Yk8/UGsqy7_jihI/AAAAAAAAAGE/8ovTXw_vX20/s1600/IMG_0932.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IzbWMms3Yk8/UGsqy7_jihI/AAAAAAAAAGE/8ovTXw_vX20/s320/IMG_0932.jpg" width="239" /></a><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Food allergies.</b>
The <a href="http://www.foodallergywalk.org/site/PageServer?pagename=Home">FAAN
Walk for Food Allergy</a> in our area just so happened to coincide with the
"Letter F" theme for my daughter in our school this week. We were
among several hundred people, including many from our local support group <a href="http://www.ncfaces.org/">NC FACES (Food Allergic Children Excelling
Safely)</a>, who gathered on a rainy Saturday morning. The committee did a
fabulous job setting up the venue so we could register, peruse sponsor tables
and participate in activities under cover. The rain had slowed to a sprinkle
while we all enjoyed walking around the lake. Even if it were pouring while we
walked together, it wouldn't have mattered. It is a fabulous to feel the
support the walk showcases. </div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Fantastic, not
fearful</b>. The annual event is a chance for my 9-year-old son to feel like
part of the gang. Joseph's allergies to peanuts, tree nuts, wheat, milk, egg,
soy, sesame and mustard don't isolate him or make him feel anxious at the Walk
for Food Allergy. Instead it is a time when he feels support from the hundreds
of other kids just like him, along with friends and family who gather just for
all those kids with food allergies. </div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Fever. </b>Yes,
Pamela really embraced this "F" week theme. Unfortunately, she has
been fighting a bad cold complete with cough and a fever. So she and my
husband, Gary, had to miss the food allergy walk. But she was happy to wear her
walk shirt to support her brother from home. While Joseph missed having them at
the walk, he feels the support from Gary and Pamela in the way help keep him
navigate life with food allergies each day. </div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Fundraising</b>. The
walk allows kids like my son to feel a sense of community, while also raising
money to advance the efforts for research, education, awareness and advocacy. I
am so proud that Joseph contributed his own money that he had saved, and even
his little sister Pamela chipped into the cause with her own cash. My
4-year-old said, "I want to help my Joseph so he doesn't get sick."</div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vyK37FNAacA/UGsqQXv81gI/AAAAAAAAAFs/fjXTRocsZ3o/s1600/IMG_8156.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vyK37FNAacA/UGsqQXv81gI/AAAAAAAAAFs/fjXTRocsZ3o/s400/IMG_8156.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Fall favorites. </b>The
food allergy walk is one of many fun, Fall activities we have been enjoying. Fall
colors and shapes are natural subjects for various crafts that involve lots of
colorful paint, glitter, paper and glue. Pamela especially enjoyed painting a
big fall tree and then throwing colorful leaf confetti onto her creation. We
recently visited a <a href="http://www.djsberrypatch.com/">local pumpkin patch</a>,
where Joseph and Pamela had fun checking out the huge pumpkins in the field and
choosing their own smaller, orange beauties to paint. My favorite find was the <a href="http://www.ediblemanhattan.com/topics/food-dining/recipes/where-to-pick-a-long-island-cheese-pumpkin-how-to-make-the-pie/">Long
Island Cheese Pumpkins</a>. Not only was I happy to find something connected to
my Long Island roots here in North Carolina, but also I was thrilled that the pumpkin
yielded wonderful puree to make tasty allergen-free pumpkin pie and pumpkin
bread. </div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Fresh fruit. </b>Thankfully
Joseph's allergies do not prevent him from enjoying fresh fruit. Each season
brings variety in the fruits we enjoy. Fresh apples and oranges are in abundance
right now and make healthy, simple snacks that we have been eating each day.</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Fitness and football.
</b>The weather, until Saturday, had been sunny and less humid. Perfect for all
of the tennis my son enjoys playing. Whether he's been practicing, competing in
matches or playing with friends, Joseph has been playing tennis about four days
a week. He is having a blast and exercising his lungs, which seems to be
helping his asthma. He also enjoyed playing football in his homeschool gym
class, a sport we especially enjoying watching while we cheer for our favorite
college football teams. So of course, I had to work football into our "F
theme" week and brought out the football beanbag toss game to play in
school. The kids have fun with a little math thrown in.</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Fudge. </b>Pamela was
thrilled when I mentioned that fudge starts with "F." So we pulled
out the allergy-friendly recipe for fudge that we use each year during the
holidays. I use the "Oh Fudge" recipe from <a href="http://www.divvies.com/cookbook.php">"The Divvies Bakery
Cookbook"</a>, using <a href="http://www.gfcf-foods.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=CDP">Vance's
DariFree milk alternative</a> and <a href="http://www.enjoylifefoods.com/chocolate-for-baking/mega-chunks/">Enjoy
Life Mega Chunks</a>. What a treat to indulge in the melt-in-your-mouth
chocolate! It certainly brought a smile to Pamela's face during a week she's
been sad because being sick has meant she's had to miss fun events like the
food allergy walk and her dance class.</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Footprints. </b>Pamela
will be stepping her little bare feet in various colors of paint and walking
across a long sheet of paper to make footprints as one of our "F"
week crafts. It is such a messy, fun craft. I'm sure we will be enjoying more
fun, Fall activities even after "F" week is over. I'm glad that we
were able to participate in the FAAN Walk for Food allergy so that Joseph was
able to feel the support of hundreds of people leaving their footprints of
support for kids like him with food allergies.</div>
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<br />Wendy Mondellohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14688524523815409159noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1370419946921827874.post-73043022324086655702012-09-09T18:20:00.003-04:002012-09-09T19:30:39.962-04:00Fellow chocolate lovers learn patience<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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We have been reading the delightful book, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Betty-Bunny-Loves-Chocolate-Cake/dp/0803734077/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1347225947&sr=1-1&keywords=Betty+Bunny+loves+chocolate+cake">"Betty
Bunny Loves Chocolate Cake"</a> by Michael B. Kaplan, every night for the past week. The story
of a precocious, young bunny who has a tough time waiting to indulge in her
slice of yummy chocolate cake quickly became a favorite for my 4-year-old daughter
Pamela when she borrowed it from the library months ago. She was thrilled to
find it in a bookstore this week. </div>
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So each night, my daughter and I fall asleep dreaming of
chocolate cake. Since we are chocolate lovers just like Betty Bunny, we decided
it was time to make a chocolate cake for ourselves. We also love college
football in this house, so I decided the chocolate cake should have football picks
decorating the top so that I could pass it off as football Saturday cake. </div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kuDh9T1ldaw/UE0UuO7a1mI/AAAAAAAAAFY/0x2rB2vY9g0/s1600/IMG_0778.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kuDh9T1ldaw/UE0UuO7a1mI/AAAAAAAAAFY/0x2rB2vY9g0/s320/IMG_0778.JPG" width="320" /></a>We made the cake using <a href="http://www.kingarthurflour.com/shop/items/gluten-free-chocolate-cake-mix">King
Arthur Flour's Gluten-Free Chocolate Cake mix</a> and Cybele Pascal's recipe
for chocolate buttercream frosting from <a href="http://www.cybelepascal.com/store/">The Allergen-Free Baker's Handbook</a>.
I had told Pamela the night before that we would make the cake, so she had to
demonstrate some of the patience Betty Bunny struggles with waiting for her
cake. The dessert followed homemade chicken noodle soup — another favorite
for Pamela. That meal also requires patience as I make the broth by simmering a
chicken carcass, onion, parsley, celery and carrots one day and then make the
broth, chicken and vegetables into soup with <a href="http://tinkyada.com/">Tinkyada
gluten-free rice pasta</a> the next day. But everyone at the table
agreed that our allergen-free meal of chicken noodle soup with bread made from <a href="http://www.kingarthurflour.com/shop/items/gluten-free-bread-mix">King
Arthur Flour Gluten-Free Bread mix</a>, followed by chocolate cake, was worth
the wait. </div>
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<br /></div>
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Nine years ago, when we embarked on life with food
allergies, I needed patience to make recipes work with
substitutions and to find products that are safe and taste great. Those also were worth the wait as we are eating much better than we did at the start
of this journey. </div>
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We are gearing up for an event this month that help support
my 9-year-old son, who is allergic to peanuts, tree nuts, wheat, milk, egg, soy, sesame
and mustard. The <a href="http://www.foodallergywalk.org/site/PageServer?pagename=Home">FAAN (Food
Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network) Walk for Food Allergy</a>, which is held
throughout the United States, raises money for education, advocacy, awareness
and research for food allergies. Sometimes it tests my patience to wait for
more people to understand what it's like for my son to live with the knowledge
that one bite of food could kill him, or for research to progress to the point
of a cure. </div>
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But each year, when we walk with hundreds of others who do
understand, and who are at an event to support my son and the nearly 6 million children like him with food allergies, it makes it that much easier to wait for change.
We await the food allergy walk each year and it is so wonderful to
indulge in a day of fun and support, just like Betty Bunny enjoyed satisfying
her need for chocolate.</div>
<!--EndFragment-->Wendy Mondellohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14688524523815409159noreply@blogger.com0