Vegmom Moments

Someone Like Me

Really... its true... ..... I talked to a Mom today whose child also has Migraines, also Gut problems, and a multitude of other things which I won't say publicly.  I will say publicly that this poor child has gone through what my kiddo went through, and then multiply that by 1000!

I was shocked, I mean SHOCKED!  To hear the misdiagnosis after misdiagnosis for 9 years!!  9 YEARS!! 

And if I could tell you what these doctors/specialists diagnosed, you would be SHOCKED too!!  But his mom took matters in to her own hands.  She is his advocate, his hero, she is giving this child a normal life where they pretty much would have had him anything but normal.

She changed his diet, filtered all the water in her house, she searched for Homeopathics, Natural, Herbal remedies, probiotics, all natural cleaners.... Amazing stuff... Turns out his body sucks in things and doesn't rid it properly.  Such as Chlorine and chemicals in the standard house hold.

One day, I hope to type her story on here, as it is soo inspiring, and proves that what goes in our bodies really and truly determines how our bodies live.  And for some little boys I know, It determines IF they live...

When we shared our stories it was if a cloud had lifted.  We were meant to talk today...  We were not alone.  We could joke about what we've gone through and our quest to find solutions for our kids.   She said "no one understands, I just stopped talking about it".....  Until now... We talked for A LONG time... and I'm looking forward to talking some more.   We agreed that Doctors couldn't help us, but we could help those kids.

We each ended up at the same place, (hers more strict then mine based on need) but took different paths getting here.  She's going to check out my Dehydrator and Mr. Vita-mix.  Also my lettuce plants when she comes to visit.  I look forward to seeing her Sprout garden and learning about the raw foods she eats....  I think we may have some thing in common...

There really is someone else in the world (this town) that is like me... its odd, but it is true!!

HOW I STOPPED LATE NIGHT EATING

This happened by accident.  When eating healthier and more all day... including breakfasts which I didn't used to eat, and tons of veggies... My dinner ended up being a small meal.  I was already full.

So after Dinner, I'd brush my teeth and be done for the night... I wasn't hungry.  And if I was, then I would eat.  But it wasn't often.  Because of the clean diet, I was sleeping better and getting tired earlier...  So I didn't have a chance to be hungry or munch.

One night, I was up late and with habit, went toward a snack.... then caught myself, I realized I wasn't hungry.  It was the behavior of being up late and crafting that made me want the snack...  Every time I sit down to craft or at my computer for work, I'd grab a bowl of snacks.

Stop the late night crafting or working, and surprisingly the need for snacks went away...

And so there ya go!!  Changing the behavior, Changed the result!!  I think this goes with lots of things actually...

What are you doing?

I've had a few people ask me lately what I'm doing besides exercise..  Many feel I was eating healthy before (as did I) so what could I possibly be doing now that is making such a difference???

Well here is a list:

A PANT SIZE DOWN

I've never been "thin", my bones and genetics just don't do that kind of thing...  I've been "fit" before, I've been "healthy" before, but never a thin person.  So I've always had a little bit larger pant size.  I like to be comfy.  I like "relaxed" fit...  I don't like to paint on my clothes, and sucking in my tummy all day is not my thing.

Wow lots of "quotes" in this post :-)  

But a few years ago while being "fit" I got a few smaller pair of jeans and capris.   Slowly, I couldn't wear them...Eventually I just gave them all away, except two pair. (one of each)...

Last night for the heck-a-doodles, I tried a pair on!!  WOW!  They fit!   I couldn't pull them up past my Calves 6 months ago.  This means I've lost an entire pant size!  How exciting!!!  They even had a little bit of baggy room in the legs.

So I tried on my capris... YUP!  Same goodness... Then I tried on some dress pants.  Which I didn't even remember the size since I haven't used them in years. (kept for business meetings)... And guess what??

They fit!  Not the kind of fit they did before, where you could see the inside of the pocket popping through the outside... No, I mean Really fit!  As in how they were when I bought them.

I think my Body is really happy with my diet!  This must be what it needed all along!  Now I know... and I will not change!

WHY DON'T THEY TELL??

I am not a doctor, and I am not a professional of any kind, so take this for what its worth...

I'm a MOM!  And I'm annoyed!...  So hold on to your eyeballs because this Mom is about to hop on a soap box!!!

People joke that I should write a book based on what I've learned, and maybe I would if I could find someone to publish it and knew anyone would read it.  But for now, I have this blog, and its my blog so I can say what I want to!

I have seen and heard and read stories of child after child with chronic allergy, illness, asthma, breathing issues, behavior problems, sinus..... ACK!  The list goes on.... Why oh why don't their doctors say

"Lets try changing their diet and see if that helps?

IT'S A NEW YEAR

My time off from work the past few days have been Wonderful... A little sleeping in, some crafting, some accomplishments, some decluttering, some exercising, some being unplugged.. Bowling with the Vegman, some great food, good chats with the Hubs, a couple movies, some un-cooking, lots of organizing, some financial planning, coupon finding and sooo much more!!

My outlook for this new year is a whole lot of that!!  A whole lot of improving what I've already started and some relaxing, some family time, good food, lots more un-cooking, more exercising, of course work, and who knows what else will be thrown my way.

I don't like Resolutions... I think it gives people an excuse to make a pretty list, but not necessarily encourage the results of that list.   Now if the resolution said "I will stop smoking and this is how" then there is some hope.  If the Resolution says, I will lose weight and improve my health by stepping away from the computer and doing this or that and start eating Vegetarian effective tomorrow (*wink) then it has a lot of promise.

What I do know, is that if there is something in your life that needs changing, now is the time to start.  New Year or not!  

Making excuses, procrastinating, waiting for someone else, and standing still is only hurting yourself.  Moving forward, making positive improvements and changes that Stick, are what will help yourself long term.

In Mid-2009 I issued some 30 day challenges, and I learned that each 30 day challenge changed the rest of my life..  The experience was amazing and each had more results then I ever imagined.  I didn't need a grand New Year's Eve or a special New Year's Day or a resolution list to tell me what my body needed.  I just had to listen to my body.  And learning that, was the best gift I could have ever given myself (and my family)...

----challenges are listed in my categories to the left if you are wondering what I'm talking about----

Well today, I was glancing through Hubby's Newspaper, and saw the current issue of Parade.  It had some great articles about making changes that last.  My favorite part being the one about changing your environment to help your changes last.. found here... 

Do you need to make changes?  Willing or able to do so?  What plans do you have in place to make them?

Family, Parenting, Health, Behavior, Finances....So what is it?  And what are you going to do about it?

THE HOUSE DETOX - HOW WE GOT HERE

I posted the other day about NeeNee's "spa" like vacation when she visits our home, and then mentioned the no-yelling.. but I don't want it to seem like we are this perfect little family in a perfect little house with out any issues... because if you've read my blog for any amount of time, or if you know my family, WE HAVE ISSUES...

But I'll start with the story of my Mom and how I grew up... She lives in a house where there is smoking.  There is a TV on, even if people aren't in the room, and there is noise.  Electronics, fans, appliances, NOISE!  She also cleans, A LOT... and uses her tried and true all time products... the kind that aren't so good for you, and she takes care of everyone around her.  Neighbors, friends, family, spouse..  And she works, and she cooks, and she.... Well lets just say, when she gets away she needs and deserves a BREAK! 

So when she comes to our home its like an Oasis... but it Hasn't always been that way. 

Meat, Toxic Cleaners, TV, Video Games, HFCS, artificial stuff, junk, junk, junk was every where you looked.   We'd stop for fast food as in junk...  We didn't know what a label was, let a lone reading it. 

And then the story goes that I became Vegetarian for health reasons..  and a little non-dairy...  Eventually I became allergic to eggs, so I eliminated those too... and one day I got Pregnant... I was told not to clean with the certain ingredients...But that my Hubby could... Great excuse for me not to clean, but got me thinking... If its not good for me to touch, inhale, or breath around those cleaners, then why would I want them in my house.  Why would I use them once I dropped my cargo and have them around my baby... But I was still learning...

Over time, I began eliminating and replacing cleaners with more healthier options.  I began eating more pure foods and feeding my baby only the best... If a label wasn't understandable then it didn't need to be in our bodies.  I gained more access to Organics.

More time went on and I started reading, learning, taking in data.... Wondering what these foods were that I was eating or was about to feed my child.  Wondering why I was still feeling bad some days..  I learned more about chemicals, preservatives, fake sweeteners, artificial colors and flavors... I realized that an Artificial Christmas tree is grand, but putting something without a name, just that it is ARTIFICIAL in my body... NO THANK YOU!!  What is that really?  ARTIFICIAL??  

I started realizing that when something said "Made with real apples", if the apple was the very last ingredient, they could still say it had real apples in it.  Or "made with 100% juice"  sure.. and 90% other stuff... but there was 100% juice in a part of it.  I looked at more labels and learned more hidden things.  Or sugar free, yeah don't get me started on that one...  Fat free... OY!

And over time, my pantry and fridge became void of these ingredients that I decided didn't need to be in our bodies..  I now read ALL labels. 

Sure, we eat out a lot, and that food is not in its pure form.  But what is in our home is void of all that other yuck.  What I can control, I do.

Eventually we got a big health food store.  I started replacing all my bathroom stuff.  Shampoos, Conditioners, Soaps, to their all natural, no animal products or bi-products counter parts.  

And one day we went through a bummer with my Young one, where he had to be hospitalized... There was NOTHING good about that torturous experience, except I learned what Doctors were and were not capable of.  

Many doctors, specialists, tests, later, and it all came back to me needing to figure out what was wrong with my child.  It came to me to say ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!!!   And to make a difference... Up to me to get him off the Medication roller coaster they put him on.  And there was no looking back.

This experience pushed me over the edge in to finding ways to help our bodies fight sick bugs, help us stay well, boost our immune systems, find what triggers caused my child's episodes.   And I learned that as a Mother and a Woman and a Human, that it was up to me to be his advocate.  My advocate.  It was up to me to make a difference in our lives and make us feel better naturally. 

And most recently the Raw food journey... in addition to the removal of our Cable and "accidentally" never getting the service changed ... (whoops..silly me, *wink*)   And so we now have Fridge full of fruits and veggies, and no TV :-)

I'd say this has been about a 12 year journey.  (or more) its been a little dibble here and a dabble there, and learning as I go.    It was certainly NOT an over night shift...  But it is what works for our family.

And coming home always feels right!  I wouldn't have it any other way.

A COLD AND AN UPDATE

This has been an amazing Thanksgiving break.  Seriously, the best I can remember for all my days... I got some alone time, some family time, some shopping time, lots of sleeping time, some movie and snuggles time, even a little crafting.  I let all the chores go (which I'm making up for today)... We went for long walks almost every day.. Veg got some Park time, and we all had lots of Green Goodness... 

But, even with all that goodness, I had a cold bug try to strike me yesterday.  Really, how dare a bug think it would live inside my body?  THE NERVE! 

Here is the story:

It was sudden with no warning, I was out with the guys on a walk yesterday when the sneezes hit, and my nose started running uncontrollably, with in 20 minutes I felt horrible, feverish and achy even, and just all over yuck, getting home was a chore, up the big hills and my body going down hill.  I couldn't believe how fast it was hitting me.

Well I'm not one to take sick bugs lightly and went in to action as soon as I got home...   I even took a 3hr nap. Then it came back in the evening.. so I did everything all over again... went to sleep and slept all the way until 8:30am... this morning I feel great! no sniffles, no cough, no sign of anything! I'll keep up with a few of my remedies today just to make sure the bug is dead for good.

Here is what I did:

Downed a TBS of Apple Cider Vinegar, and dabbed some in my nose, then jumped in the steamy shower for a while with Kiss My Face cold and flu menthol'ish soap. Out of the shower and put a drop of oregano oil under my tongue, swallowed a garlic capsule and drank lots of water. Later I drank a shot glass of Lemon juice straight. Rubbed garlic oil on my nose and behind ears. (yes you wouldn't want to be around me). Also added Elderberry to my smoothie.

Laid down with my Eucalyptus and Rice sock on my head. Ooh felt so good. Later I drank some Herbal Cold Care tea.

Food stayed light yesterday afternoon and evening. Lots of apples,carrots, bananas and greens and water.

And at night took another shower with the steamy and menthol'ish soap. Another drop of oregano oil under my tongue, another rub of garlic oil on my nose and and an elderberry chewy thing. Then grabbed my jar of eucalyptus & Tea Tree Goodness and rubbed it on my feet and curled up in to bed.

Woke up this morning, able to breath, no sniffles, no head ache, no fever, no cough, no aches, no Nuthin!!!

So There you go...  Today, I'm on a cleaning and disinfecting spree (natural disinfectants of course)  And everyone got some elderberry or Echinacea in their smoothies for preventative.

Hope to post more soon with pictures!!  And hope your Thanksgiving Holiday was a great one!

RAW FOOD AND HEALTH UPDATE

I recently realized that its been 5 months since I changed my diet to the extreme...  There was a challenge issued.  Those mere 30 days, changed my eating as I knew it....Funny enough, I thought my 100% Vegetarian diet was pretty good....  But when the challenge came to an end, I posted this:

Raw Food Challenge comes to a close

And now its been 5 months since the start, which just amazes me... 

I've slacked on some of the Raw Goodness variety... With being busy, seasons changing and no more Farmers Market, I'm getting in a rut of the same foods all the time.  And I suppose that's not so bad.

BUT... I'm still eating Fruits and veggies EVERY Morning.  Delicious Green and Veggie filled smoothies almost EVERY morning..  Salad variations for lunch.  Most of my snacks are Raw treats... Nuts or veggies or fruit...  Still trying one new thing each week also. 

And then mostly a light Vegan dinner of some sort...  I have had some bread lately, and some tofu, also probably two total bowls worth of pasta this past month with a little bit here or there. 

Last month had some Brown Rice....  Need to make some more this month, it was tasty with some organic dried fruit. 

Portion control of cooked foods is key now.. Too much and I'll get an upset stomach.   It amazes me that I used to eat THREE plate fulls of my Vegan Pasta dishes in ONE sitting.  Or that Hubby and I could sit down and eat an Entire Pan of Mexi-Bean dip with a whole bag of chips... Now, a small bowl is all I need... I'm sure that is all I needed then too, but I just didn't know it.

I can get a 1/2 sandwich and that be plenty...  A giant salad is even better.  And And And... I don't get hungry at night anymore.  When I'm done with dinner or a raw dessert, I brush my teeth and that is all I eat for the evening.  I'm hungry and eat so much during the day, that by night time, I'm full.  And that's how it should be. 

I'm far from 100% Raw still, as you can tell, but my diet has now permanently shifted from Straight Vegetarian, to Mostly Vegan and lots of Raw. 

I don't have a label...  Maybe I'll call myself a Regantarian (raw/vegan/vegetarian)  Hey, I like that?  Anyone with me?  ha ha, 

So, back to my update...Currently I'm down 15 pounds.  My pants are more then sagging, my shirts are comfortable again.  I no longer look like I need a bra on my back.  I'm even starting to see some muscles forming.  And a few curves.  Not the kind of curves that occur when I bend and all my thigh dimples mush together.  Nooooo, I'm talking about the curves that separate your top half from your bottom half.

My skin and hair...Well, lets just say, if the hair on my head gets any thicker, I'm going to have to brush it with a weed wacker...  And my Skin... Oh my skin... *smile*  Even when I break out on my face it is no where near what it was.  But the rest of me... I could actually wear a tank top and not be embarassed by my arms and back.  YES this is all TMI, I know that... but I must share... It is AMAZING!!!   Even the scarring is repairing itself...

The rings, circles, bags under my eyes?  GONE!   G-O-N-E....  GONE!  I have genetic bags under eyes they come with the family.. As in a large suitcase size bags.  But no more... The family genetics can keep them bags, because mine got lost in an airport somewhere.

I'm alert and happy and enjoying every minute....  I'm sleeping better then I ever have in my whole life.  As in, I can hit the pillow at 9pm and sleep all night long.  Or hit the pillow at 11pm and crash without 1000 thoughts going through my head.  I'm sleeping SOUNDLY, and waking up refreshed.  My Moods are pretty constant (except when its that time of the month)  But that time of the month shows NO other symptoms.  

I don't crave foods anymore except apples... for some reason, I HAVE to have an apple every day.   But sweets, Sugar, Salt, pastas, NOPE!  I'll eat them if I do feel like them but rarely feel like them.  I don't "NEED" caffeine anymore.

The craziest I go is a Chocolate coffee beverage or Vegan shake... And thats walking on the wild side, I tell ya!

I've enjoyed reading about some super cool Bloggers, have gotten some awesome recipes, ideas, suggestions and inspiration...

Have to admit the Detox was no fun... But soooo worth it on the other side.

I'm still learning and this is a work in progress... But I can tell you without a doubt, at this 5 month check up... there is NO GOING BACK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

CLOTHES GETTING BIGGER

The Hubby is doing an Amazing job sticking with exercise the past few months.  He's walking outside or doing something inside on the equipment at least 4 days a week, but mostly 5 days.  

Recently, he dropped one scoop of his morning coffee sugar In addition to all the other diet changes he's made lately..  But the coffee sugar is a HUGE step.  And while going out to eat, he's getting tea or water, and stopped ordering Pop.  This is also HUGE...  And of course he is still meat free.  I'm really really proud of this Hubby of mine.

So with all the inches lost, he is facing a dilemma.  He's down to the last hole on his belt.  Which means the next option is buying smaller pants or punching new holes in his belt.  I'm sure he will go with option B. 

Hmmm..... Now, If I could only decrease the cheese in his diet....  Oh Yeah, I have... Silly me... 

Isn't it fun, when your the only person who does the shopping, you can choose what they eat while they are in the house...

Muah ha ha!!!  *wink*

MOUTH SHUT (NOT EASY)

While on vacation, I watched a family member with his Acid Reflux, stomach and Heart Meds in one hand, being chugged down with a glass of Soda and a bag of Doritos in the other hand, after just finishing a pot of coffee, 1/2 carton of ice cream and adding salt to his already salty dish......

In case you were wondering, Pop, coffee, ice cream, and Doritos are not so good for reflux or stomach issues.  And by the way.. none of that stuff is so good for heart problems....

Can ANYONE believe that I didn't say a word?   And how absolutely gut wrenching it was to keep my mouth shut?

Really, I had to hold my lips shut, then fasten with my hand, and then cover with a pillow, and wrap with a blanket...

Keeping my mouth shut is NOT easy during normal circumstances let alone this amazing moment to say:

"What the heck are you thinking?"

But I didn't... because by a certain age, people have to take responsibility for how they feel...  And it is easier for them to pop a pill then change a lifestyle...  Maybe avoiding the poor food choices of the day would have removed the need to take those pills in the first place.. But hey, since he's there, why not add more to the mix?

Watching this happen to someone you love is beyond frustrating!

So over time, he has to pop more pills because the ones he was taking weren't strong enough, or they've caused other symptoms, which now have to be treated.... And then those pills cause more problems and he has to be treated for those symptoms.. and it goes on and on and on..... Until people like my Family Member are taking 15 pills a day just to function.  

It is the never ending cycle of feeling like C.R.A.P...

C.R.A.P. = Clueless. Run Down. Aggravated. Pathetic (just made that up if you couldn't tell)

Really it all makes no sense to me... I was talking to a friend today about a similar topic which got me thinking of the one I just typed, and I don't understand...  Maybe you can't fix years of bad habits.  Maybe you can't fix damage already done (although sometimes you can)....  But you can fix how you feel from this day forward!

Its a Good thing I have this blog, because keeping my Mouth shut is too hard without it!!!

P.S. Typing doesn't count... mouth still closed

P.S.S. Hopping off soapbox

   

STARE IF YOU WILL

I was sitting around a conference room table this morning... with all the sniffles and coughs happening around me.... 

The table was filled with top of the morning drinks....Regular Sodas, Pop (what ever you call it) Diet Sodas, Green-Yellow Diet Sodas, ,   a couple with coffee and their artificial sugar packets... You know, all those great things that will help guide nutrition for the day, offer bounds of energy and offer immunity to those sniffles..... NOT!!!!!!!  

And then there was me...

I had my Green Smoothie..  filled with Lettuce, Zucchini, Spinach, Coconut water, ice, apples, bananas, grapes and hemp seed.  Man was it good... but that's another story!

The funny thing is that, I was the one getting stares for my odd colored Green Drink.... But no one said a word... They just looked at me as if to say "Really, she's drinking that?"  Yes, Yes I am!!  Thank you for asking?

And I shall happily chug down every single bit of my Green Goodness filled with Nutrients, Immune power, and energy greens....

Say what you will, Look if you choose... Stare as much as you want!   Hey, Take a picture it will last longer, and then make one for your self, This is the Good Stuff!

APPLE CIDER VINEGAR

The coolest little office land food blogger Allison from KubicleKitchen had a suggestion about my friend Apple Cider Vinegar...  While it is true that I've posted lots of details on this subject, I don't have a good "GO TO" place with a list...

And since my lunch plans have been averted, I shall take this opportunity to chow on some yummies and try to recall the things I've used Apple Cider Vinegar for. 

Here all together, in one handy dandy go to list.  Thanks Allison for the Suggestion!

• Poured in tub or foot bath with water for Gout and/or Arthritis pain for Hubby
• Poured in tub or foot bath to take out swelling from a regular hurt foot
• Put on wet cool wash cloth or in tub with water to soak or dab for Sunburn
• 1 Tbs with a cup or two of water in a bottle in the shower.. I used on my hair in place of conditioner
• Used straight on bug bites (same with regular vinegar)
• I put a teaspoon in some soy milk to make buttermilk for recipes that call for buttermilk.  Everything from pancakes, to cupcakes to scones, etc.
• 1Tbs straight up will stop a sinus infection for me with the quickness if caught in time.  If not, may take a couple doses along with other remedies.
• 1tsp diluted with apple juice will kick a cold, sore throat, sinusy stuff, etc. for the Vegman.  He asks for it when he is starting to catch something.  Works almost every time.  Even for pressure headaches.
• 1Tbs straight up has stopped reflux or heartburn for Hubby
• 1Tbs straight has stopped my Mom from some kind of unable to breath issue while visiting last year, she said reflux so I went for the ACV.  Not sure what it really was but the ACV worked.
• I use it in place of wine vinegar and cooking sherry in recipes that call for it (or should I say, I did use it for those things)
• Use it to soak my raw veggies in for flavor and disinfecting
• I used it to kill warts (yuck)

Hmm, that is all I can think of right now.  I will add to the list as I remember.....

Happy Day

ONE OF THOSE THINGS

**NOTE THIS ONE IS NOT FOR BOYS, close your eyes and move on to next post..... **

Thank You --- now that we have that covered...

I'm going to talk about the Girly Monthly Visit...  WHY?  Because its changed and I must share.... All girls have the monthly girly thing and there is just nuthin you can do about that..... So talking about it publicly to whom ever may see doesn't bother me....  Especially with good news to share.

Anyway, so this girly thing... The monthly visit, the annoying days of grossness that graces the presence of most of the female human species during a certain age span.. I fall within that age span... And I don't like them..

We should have a support group... Anyone who doesn't like them raise your hand!   I'm one of those that everything swells.  My skin, my chest, my fingers, my gums.  I get bloody gums for petesake... what does one have to do with the other?  I have no idea...  My shoes even get tight.  I would get really bad skin (worse then normal), even my throat would swell and sinuses as if I was getting sick each month but didn't.  Headaches, cramps, cramps cramps... I was MISERABLE!!!

But now suddenly, I don't mind them... here's the deal....

Oh Yes, I've made them better over time.  Vegetarian Diet helped... Switching to my Diva friend helped.  (yes its gross but it works)....  Finding Lemon Juice avoids swelling and helps with water retention, this really helped... But I still gained about 3 pounds with each one.  Water weight galore... and I was miserable,  Did I mention, I just don't like them!

NOTHING has changed them like eating more raw foods and changing my overall diet the past few months....  Each has been a little better.  Maybe a day of cramping 2 days of the yuck and done... I can totally handle that...  I only gain 1/2 pound now if that...

Well, this month, NO CRAMPING... AT ALL, No swelling, I didn't even know I had it until.... Well ya no, I had it!  But NO CRAMPS, not even the one day... NOTHING... No pain at all... NOT A SINGLE SYMPTOM

except a little moodiness... but hey, I deserve a day of freakin' moodiness.... you gonna try to tell me I don't?  I dare ya.....  Oops... sorry... must contain moodiness..

Seriously, I was waiting for the bad stuff... knowing it was coming... and it never did..... The Moodiness I could handle (Hubby, maybe not so much)  But I was good......    And it passed.... 

So if your one of those with Bad Girly monthly visits, I'm here to say, it doesn't have to be that way... What we eat and drink makes SUCH a difference.  Its just a matter of doing what is right for our bodies and sticking with it.  A lifestyle change, that really does affect all parts of our life...

And thats all I have to say on this subject!  :-)  (Until next time)  I now return you to your regularly scheduled non-gross blog posts.

(by the way, I know I posted about this before, but with each one getting better when I didn't think it could get any better, I must spread the news)

SIT UP STRAIGHT

As part of the "New improved me" I'm trying to force my self to sit up straight while at the office... Desk life can wreak havoc on a bod, and I'm trying to undo years of bad habits.  Including slouching...

In theory, strengthening my back for later years and helping with my toning over all.

I started by concentrating on it during meetings... and then little spats through the day... Even left my self a note that says "SIT UP".   So every time I look to the right, I see the note and pop up straight.

Its been a couple months and now, if I start slouching, I feel the discomfort and pop back up on my own...Without even thinking about it.  Just hit me a couple times and I started laughing at how funny I must look...

SIT UP STRAIGHT!! (if health wise your able to)  It really does make a difference!  Try it...

THE TRIALS OF 4AM

Its been a long time since we saw our friend Pukey at 4am... Sadly, without warning, the mean guy reared his ugly head last night, this morning... what ever you wanna call it.  Was 4am....

The waking sound was the same... FIRST THE.."MOooooooooooooom"  and then the YOU KNOW WHAT!!!   Thankfully his faithful companion Sick Bucket is always near by.... And my Vegman is all too familiar with that wake up call.

He will wake up,  jump up, grab his bucket and be spitting out bile before I even make it to his room anymore. He's that quick!  Or I've become that slow?  Not sure which.

Ah, the joys of a child with Cyclical Vomiting..... 

What caused it this time? 

• A food Trigger that seeped in without our knowledge? 
• His dinner with Daddy at a local grocery? 
• Is there a new Food Trigger that we need to look out for? 
• Was it just a growth spurt, or  the Stress of Camp.
• Did he hit his head during the day or have a flash of bright light?
• Did he not drink enough water or forget to wear his hat in the sun...

The cause this time is Unknown...But there it was, at 4am. 

We were excited that he's been symptom free for so many months... and  this episode only cycled itself twice.   This means he was only awakened from a deep sleep, in pain, twice instead of what could be 5 or 6 times.  It also means he fell back in to his Deep sleep and was able to grab 4 more hours of rest in a dark room with a Damp/Tea Tree washcloth on his noggin.

So he woke up, ready to start his day, and all was forgotten.... Each time, I hope will be the last.  No Mom wants to see her child in pain or sick...  But my guy is a trooper, and he plugs along. 

I'm just thankful that his mostly natural diet, Naturally keeps away most of the triggers.  And keeps his symptoms far and few.  I'm also thankful that his always happen at night, so he is OK once he sleeps it off.  Instead of feeling it all day like some other people report.  I'd much rather get the 4am wake up call by Pukey and miss a little sleep, then have him hurting all day.

In case you were wondering what this is I'm talking about... Here is a great article from the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse and this one from associated content...

I do hope he outgrows this annoying little piece of inheritance, we are at the 3 year mark, I think.  Can't believe he's been dealing with it that long.....  Maybe some day soon it will go away.  For now, we just clean out Mr. Sick Bucket and move along.

RANDOM'NESS DAY TWO

I guess I'm just in one of those random moods this week, but am happy to report there will be no Poo talk in this post!

My disappointment in camp yesterday was quickly averted by hearing from the leader of the school... I'm totally OK with it now, and thankful that we have such a great option for our Vegman.... 

I'm seeing Raw nuts and Green smoothies popping up all over my office this week, how exciting!!!

That time of the month came (which I'm sure you really needed to know) and I'm soooo pleased with how it went.  IF I have to have the visitor, the least it could do is enter kindly and exit without a fuss.  That is all I ask of any of my visitors.  Oh and that they don't smoke, drink, use bad words, wipe the seat when they are done.....

Well OK, I guess I ask a lot of my visitors.  Hmmmm, Maybe that is why I don't have many! 

OK, back to this one monthly visitor... As annoying as she is, I was sooo happy with how this one went...  Quick, Virtually Painless (REALLY) no skin break outs, no laziness, no headaches, no moodiness....  In general I feel great!  Even walked 4 miles each of the 2 1/2 days... yes I said 2 1/2 days!!! 

Eat Well - Feel Well.... I'm convinced!!!

The most exciting news of my day is that I ordered a Vita-Mix over the weekend... Yes, it cost more then any other appliance in my kitchen.. Yes, I could have used the money better elsewhere... But here is how I came up with the money for it:

• Changed our insurance policy which provided us unexpected funds

• Birthday Money

• No more buying Vegan Ice cream, which will save me $9 per grocery stop, multiplied by a year.

• Less purchasing of natural home remedies (or doctors visits) because we will be healthier from all the goodness that will come of it

• Better foods, and fresh, and easier to clean then my existing items, saves on water and electricity....

• Not cooking/baking has saved me $30 per Electric bill...

• Eating out less

The list goes on.. which more then pays for every bit of what the vitamix cost in the first couple months.  And then considering it will last me many years.  That is all just bonus savings which can go straight back in to my bank account.

After all, I have to save money to go see NeeNee this fall...  And debt free is the way to be!  *smile*

Speaking of Debt Free, have I mentioned lately that I really like this Cash Only thing... I forgot how nice it is  to not deal with receipts and check book and the security of no one seeing my card or my signature or my pin number....  The few times I don't have cash and have to use my card, I cringe now!

Ah, What a great year this has been... Making life long changes one snippet at a time...... You should try it?  Really, no pressure, but really, you should really try it!!!

No Pressure!!!

GOUT AND ACV

We are currently a NON-Medical Medicine house... and with the Gout coming back yesterday, Hubby once again had to make the decision of Medical Care or not...  He chose NOT!! 

Soooo...  He is eating cherries, lots and lots of cherries.... Fresh, Frozen, juice.... all cherries....  And last night, I convinced him when his ankle was too swollen to move, and he was in more pain then he could bare, fever racing up and down... All the joys of this YUCK!!  To sit in a tub with Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) and water.

Between that and the Cherries he saw relief... Even slept through the night, and woke up this morning able to walk.  Another dunk in ACV and a couple times through the day... swelling is gone and pain is gone...  He's still a little gimpy and sore, but 80% improvement....

Have I mentioned lately that I LOVE ACV!!!   

GOUT IS BACK

Hubby had Gout attacks (very painful - see here)

Hubby went Vegetarian

Hubby had no more Gout (for 17 months)

Hubby ate fish this week

Hubby woke up at 5am with a Gout attack (very painful)

Hubby won't be eating any more fish

Yippeee for the fish....

Poor Hubby!

MY ACHIN' HIP

THEM BONES THEM BONES THEM ACHY BONES....

Since when do I get Achy bones?  I'm not old enough for Achy bones....  I should not, would not, will not eat green eggs and ham... nor have Achy Bones...

And yet, suddenly about 9 PM last night I came to the realization that I had an Achy Bone... A Hip Bone to be exact.  And I have NO idea where it came from.

The bowling was rather calm yesterday, it was Just me and Veg, no competition and we even had bumpers.. Can't go wrong when you have Gutter Bumpers... 

The Tennis was a lot of sweaty heat, some running after balls that went the wrong direction and catching them before getting in to the nice people's court next to us...

Or the one that Veg hit Clear over the gigantic fence and hit the roof of our car... It couldn't have been that??  After all, what would any of that have to do with my Hip.

It couldn't have been the Slip and slide water thing, because while Veg should have lots of achy bones from that adventure... I did nothing but set it up, and then sit down and play referee, while he pretended to be 6 different people.  I had to rate them on their style, finish, and whether or not they got mud on the run way.  It was a very in depth scoring system of 1-10....  None of which would hurt my hip.

It couldn't have been my kitchen time of making home made Vegan Biscuits and using the extra dough for Dinner Calzones..... Granted I was on my feet for the better part of 90 minutes with cutting veggies etc.  But why would that hurt my hip?

And yet, at 9 PM last night, I stood up and realized it hurt to move... As in, I couldn't move... I had an Achy Bone... Not sure where it came from or why... but it spread the distance from hip to knee... and shocked me back in to sitting... I wasn't expecting to stand up and feel pain....Hubby was calling me Gimpy.  

And Gimpy I was....

I finally got comfortable enough to sleep around 1AM with my leg out just so and rised up on a pillow...

Hubby used to not take my hurts seriously because a paper cut would send me in to shock once upon a time.... But after getting through natural birth, unmedicated broken bone, Steel falling on my foot, and training for the 1/2 Marathon, he now knows that when I say something hurts... I mean it!! 

Now, show me blood and I'll still pass out any day... but plain ol' hurts, I can take...

Once I get moving, its not so bad today..... Surely it will be gone by tomorrow... It must be gone by tomorrow, because I have finally gotten comfortable with an exercise routine... Achy Bones DO NOT fit in to the equation......

FRIDGE SHELF WITH SPRING COLORS

I started chopping veggies and washing fruits in bulk to make it easier for grab and go moments....

Doesn't my top shelf look so colorful?  Brocolli Slaw, Romaine, Carrots, Cucumbers, Grapes, Berries...

Nothing says Spring like yummy looking produce!

30 DAY JUNK FOOD CHALLENGE - DAY 1 ENDS

I'm so excited.... Seems there are many people ready for our challenge... several posting on another board that I'm reading... so I'll keep you all up to date on their progress here... 

We currently have 16 people taking the challenge and everyone made it past day ONE without Dessert/Junk Food... Thats a lot of Goodness!!!

My friend had a great tip:  She is going to bed earlier to avoid the late night sugar cravings!!  BUT WOW, that is good for so many other reasons...   Go NB... how awesome is that!!

Mary from the comments said that she is going to shy away from High Fructose... That is a wonderful thing! 

For those that don't know, not only is High Fructose Corn Syrup not so good for our bodies, but recently the message went out that it contained Mercury...  And by the way, its not so good for the environment either according to this Washington Post Article...   So avoiding this stuff, not only keeps away the calories but does some other good too....

I made this tonight for some munching.... Broccoli Slaw...Easy Crunchy Goodness..... YUM!!  Should last me a couple days...

If you have any tips,  post them in the comments...  Here's for a great day two...  We have one Mom that said she is taking it one day at a time... well she just made it this one day! 

And the challenge rolls on!!

30 DAY JUNK FOOD CHALLENGE DAY 1

YAY!!  ITS HERE!!  Monday, the first day of our 30 Day Junk Food Challenge.......  This is what I brought for lunch today... A little bit of sweet and a little bit of Salty... Not sugar or carb free by any means... but no "junk" to keep me challenge compliant!

I also made my self a container of Iced tea and brought a cup of water to the office...  There is still a bucket of snacks on my desk for people who come to visit, but I have the motivation to keep my hands away....

For Breakfast, some natural oatmeal filled my tummy and a glass of Grapefruit juice.....

HAPPY MONDAY EVERY ONE!

30 DAY JUNK FOOD CHALLENGE

                                          4/16/09 UPDATES ---  We are now 18 Ladies strong.. On day 4....  We've had one lady fall off the junk wagon because of a sore throat so we let her hop back on..        

One Mom is still taking one day at a time.  And each day she has made it (even if the cadbury egg was haunting her)...  2 more joined us today.  Welcome to the No junk challenge!!          

My personal challenge with my friend has yielded no T-shirts to be purchased....

Chocolate on my desk at work is still there.... And the Soy Ice cream in the fridge is still there.... 

We are now Junk food free for 4 days and counting..... 

It's not too late to join..  Leave a comment if you'd like to track your own progress... Copy the image and put it on your own blog if you'd like... Invite others to join.

If your new... read the info below to see what I'm talking about!!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

  ***UPDATES***  Several have joined the No Junk Food Challenge since my original post...  Via this blog or other ways...Feel free to pass this along.   I now have a button in the side rail so you can always find this thread to post progress.....  How Fun!!  *smile*

PS - one of my friends and I have upped the Auntie with each other...  The first one of us to cave before 30 days has to buy the other a Life Is Good shirt...

OH- its on now!!!!  *smile*

(keep reading if you have no idea what I'm talking about)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------                                                       

Desperate Times call for Desperate Measures.... I tried Not eating past 8:00pm (which was much harder then I thought by the way)....  I tried exercising many days.....  I tried giving up my favorite Frozen Coffee Beverages....Even tried running a 1/2 marathon....(which wasn't that easy).....

And yet still, my pants grow tighter, shirts begin having less elbow room, my double chin is becoming a triple, and it is time to say ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!!!!!!!!!!  Even my socks are getting snug....

Note to self, when your Socks are getting snug, stuff is traveling south and not in a good way!!

Although my version of "junk food" may be different then others... After all mine is "Healthy Junk Food" haha, or so I tell myself.... If it is Vegan, and all natural, I consider it OK for my body... Well even too much of "healthy junk food" is not so good for my trunk! 

And so today I am issuing a 30 DAY NO JUNK FOOD CHALLENGE to anyone that wants to join me...  I know I get lots of views from people who have never left comments... Feel free to do so.  You don't really have to leave your email address (just skip that part of the comments thing) and you can post a web link only if you choose.  An alias is fine as you will know who you are....

Of course since its my blog I have the right not to publish comments for any reason, but have rarely found the need to do so!

Starting Monday  April 13th, I will NOT be eating any "Dessert type Junk Food" for 30 days....  You don't have to start Monday though, feel free to track your progress in my comments section.  And let us know how many days you made it....Failure is not an option even if you make it 2 days that is better then none... so be sure to come back here and let us know...  I'll post progress if anyone shows interest.  Also let us know in the comments of good things you find to eat that are NON Junk, to keep your cravings at bay. 

Also feel free to grab the Lame-O image at the top of this post or side bar for your own blog to show others your progress.

Are you in???

WHAT DOES SHE USE PART 3

So YES, I went a little crazy with the homeopathic stuff.. But once I saw it working, I couldn't help my self... 

Because of the cost involved, I decided every couple weeks, I'd buy one more, so eventually I would be stocked for all common ailments....

The fun part is now Veg will actually tell me if he needs a "remedy" and which he feels like.... You'll also notice a Bug Bite Dark Chocolate Square in our Non-Medicine Cabinet. 

We have discovered thanks to a local Mom, that by Veg eating a piece of Dark Chocolate at the first sign of a Migraine, the Migraine goes away!!!  The other option is Coffee, but I'm using the chocolate as long as its working.  And if he doesn't outgrow it, then he'll probably have to switch to coffee at some point..  He'll also ask for the Headache Remedy now or Tummy one depending on where the migraine settled.  The last two went away in 20 minutes with no Vomitting!  WooHoo!!!

Thankfully Kroger put all their Bug Bites on Clearance, so I stocked up and have a cup full of them in our Non-Medicine cabinet instead of the snack drawer.  They are for Migraines ONLY!!  that way we dont' run out when needed.

My current favorite is the SNIFFLES... My sinuses are acting up again and that is keeping them draining...6 drops in the morning and I'm clear head all day.

And as always the Garlic Willow Oil...  Add to that, our cabinet is always stocked these days with Echinacea/Goldenseal Drops, Elderberry, Garlic (vegan capsules of course), Oregano.... 

Ah the list goes on!!   And Over the counter or Prescription Meds are no where to be found!!  (except in the basement bathroom where all our old stuff got stockpiled.. until they expire... I'm never sure how to properly dispose of that stuff...  Besides visitors sometimes need something and don't necessarily want to dabble in plants)

ALOE AND GARLIC

Not too long ago, I posted this about ALOE and how it is one of my best plant based friends...

Since then I have used it on a cotton ball for my dogs ears every couple days and it is really and truly keeping his yeast and bacteria infections at bay.  His scratching has been kept to a minimum and the smell hasn't come back... Now if I can only remember to do that for him at least once a week, I bet we will be rid of that chronic issue he's been prone to since we found him in a ditch all those years ago.

NOW to the GARLIC that I promised to post about!!    Yes, it is for eating.. Yes it is great in recipes... But this little clove jewel has many more wonderful qualities then giving taste to a pasta dish....

They say it can help with Cholesterol, Tri-Glyceride's, Blood stuff, and may other things, but I've recently discovered that it has been shown to kill bacteria that is antibiotic resistant.  It has also killed strains of bacteria faster in a dish then an antibiotic fighting the same strain.  I've discovered that it will boost my immune system while it is under attack...

But more then that I've seen it work for Veg's Ear infections time and time again...  He still gets those little agonizing beasts but maybe once or twice a year now and each time we cure them without antibiotics.  Each time we have gone Antibiotic free....  Thanks to Garlic!

I've brought up the ear oil before, so why am I bringing up Garlic again.. Because I started taking the capsules (vegetarian of course) only as needed instead of just rubbing the oil on skin.  (*note - I've heard that garlic on skin can cause burns, so I only use the proper safe for skin oils when using on skin)

And I've seen a pending cold disappear.  I'll come home from work with a drainy, runny, drive me crazy nose... take a capsule of garlic and within 10 minutes my nose is dry and happy...and cold is gone.  I've watched it clear up Hubbies last chest congestion (his takes a little longer because he doesn't catch it in time)....  And while everyone has had the flu around me at work, I've stopped the pending doom, by taking a garlic pill.  Not saying anyone else should use it as I'm not professional in any way... But really research all the benefits, the next time you take a bight of your garlic butter... *smile*

Now granted it can make ya stink... maybe not so appealing...  But the pill is better then eating a clove whole when it comes to the stink factor.  But I notice myself cooking much more with real cloves of Garlic and will request them on pasta dishes at restaurants. 

I'm not saying I won't get sick and that our family doesn't get sick.. But if I can keep the bad stuff at bay most of the year.... then a couple bouts of annoyance isn't so bad.

And so that is my story about Garlic and why it is my favorite Bulb friend!

BUT ITS GYMNASTICS

So my guy is officially sick.. Bound to happen sooner or later this year I suppose...  this is his first time out of school because of sick all year, and his first "non-food related migraine" day of feeling bad in a long time...

I think this may even be his first fever since this time last year.  I don't remember, but regardless, he feels bad... And is so pitiful... but so sweet....

In his fever induced sweetness he looks at me and says "Mom, your so great"....  "Mom, I just love you"

As I'm wiping his brow with a cool wash cloth or filling the tub or making his special tea.... "Thank you Mom, your my favorite person"

And then it hit him.... The Being a guy thing.... The "Ooooo I can't move"  "I'm tooo sick to get off the couch, can you hand me that paper on the table"..... 

"Mooooom, I need your help"  I came running thinking this was an emergency, to find him lying on the floor, "I have to go to the bathroom".... SO GO, I say.... "I can't" he says.....  Apparently he just can't walk when he's sick....

OK, so I know he isn't feeling good, but it sounds like he's read another chapter in the Guy Manual..... Because when he asked if he could go to Gymnastics.... I said..

"You can't even walk yourself to the bathroom and you want to go to Gymnastics"

He jumps up and says BUT ITS GYMNASTICS...And he shows me how high he can jump.... "See, I'm all better" he says....

Needless to say we won't be going to Gymnastics, but its funny how fast he healed himself....

**Ps, I tried a new tea concoction and he is sleeping happily and fever is gone... I'll let you know how he does tomorrow and post the recipe if it continues to work with no side effects.

SUCH A WONDERFUL WEEK

I must pause for a moment in my work day to say.... YAY!!!! Only three days of work... (ok there will be more, but only three in the office).... 

On top of that my Crafty Co-Worker Friend brought me the coolest rub-ons for a project I'm working on... Can't wait to finish that up this weekend! 

And a New Co-Worker brought me a Christmas Surprise because she "can't wait till Christmas to give gifts"  AH, That is my kind of Gal...  And better yet, she brought me exactly something that I would want. 

 A life is good Mug.. that says "SMILE"  Perfect for my new attitude!!  Smile and things will be OK no matter what they are!.. And better yet, I'll save on garbage waste because she told me I HAVE TO LEAVE THE MUG HERE!!  So I can't use paper cups anymore...

Hubby tried to steal my new Mug saying he liked it.... Maybe I will buy his own for Christmas, but he can't have mine!!  No No No!!   Yes in marriage whats mine is yours and yours is mine!!  BUT NOT MY NEW MUG!  *smile*  That doesn't fall in to this category.

More good things of the week is Veg's Montessori Feast at school today.  He's been talking about it all week...And jumped out of bed saying "this is the best day ever, its a Montessori Feast"  Basically they line an entire class room with tables and 50 children ages 3-10 eat together.  The younger kids help prepare the feast and the older kids serve the food.   And to be thankful... I'm so thankful for this school and the teachers who do such great things for the future of these children.  It is so much more then a class room!!  And my SIL for telling me about Montessori 4 years ago when I had no idea what it was...  She said "seems like this would be your thing"  Yup!  She was right! 

AND...  I get to leave early today to meet hubby and pick up Veg (school closes early) we are going to our favorite Veggie diner for us to eat and then to the cutest little coffee shop in all the land... I'll finish up work after that and in to the night but sooo worth it!!!

As if all that excitement wasn't enough...  Hubby brought home a new puzzle for us to work on this weekend.  The last one we completed was "Santa Clause Is coming to Town" Characters.  This one is the "Rudolph" Characters...  I foresee us putting in that movie and working on the puzzle tomorrow with some Hot Cocoa and snacks by our side.

OK and a very cool thing that happened by mistake... Someone at a meeting yesterday was talking about drinking Diet Coke.  So I mentioned that we don't ever have diet drinks in our home because of Veg's Migraines (and of course Aspartame has just always been on our NO list anyway) and then I told this story.....

---One day we were out to eat and he was staring at this man, couldn't take his eyes off him and turns out the man didn't have the bottom part of his arm.  I felt horrible of Veg staring and had to say something....Veg says "What are you talking about Mom, I was looking at his Diet Coke, doesn't he know that is bad for his body"---- HA!!  He told me!!

So while telling that story another person walked in the room and sat down to hear the end of it...  Today that same person came up and told me that he was no longer going to have Diet Drinks. He said, If Veg can avoid them so can he.  How Cool is that??

And so I say again... What a Wonderful Week!!!  So much to be thankful for in so many ways!!

Hope things are going well where ever you are.... I'll probably be off here for a couple days.. Finishing up work and then Enjoying Family time...

So Happy Thanks Giving to all of you and your families too!!

WHAT A WONDERFUL WEEK

Changing my take on things, rescheduling my days, Work Improvements Tri-fold and making time for Sleep and Exercise and Crafting... This has been a Wonderful week!!

I ran a total of 5 miles over several days.  I took 10 minutes here and 20 minutes there as I could.  Getting me back in to the groove... 

Veggies from the School Garden prompted me to make things I haven't had in a long time.  I even got some beets at the grocery store to throw in our salad last night.  The prettiest Romaine Lettuce I've ever seen... How cool to have an organic garden so close and dear.  Not to mention all proceeds go to the school.

My Computer was off every night by 12:30 even one night by 10pm.  So the mornings made it easier to wake early and get things done.  One morning I even sat down and made a Card to get me excited for Christmas... With all the cards I made last night, I'm almost done with that part of Christmas Preparedness....

Check out my Crafty Blog to see all the fun things we've been working on.

Vegmom Craft Exchange

Now were off to my favorite Veggie restaurant for an early dinner!!!  A Great Week indeed!

LIGHT LUNCH TODAY

Well its been since May that my guy had a Food reaction... We hoped that he was outgrowing this, and even more so that we had it completely under control.. 

Until last night, when we had our 3am wake up call with the scream, the pain and the cyclical vomiting that followed... Thankfully we kept it to 2.5 hours this time... And he was able to sleep off the migraine for a few more hours before waking up normal and happy as can be.... 

I took him to school "late" Yup another tardy slip!  *sigh*  But he made it before lunch, so I sent him with something light on his tummy just in case.

Cinnamon Toast, Banana, Apple Sauce, and Oyster crackers....

I'm going to hope that this is an isolated incident...  As the cycle can sometimes be daunting. 

There was a small piece of cheesy stuff given to Veg before Bed that I think was the culprit... I won't make mention of who gave him such a thing, but I will say that this person still claims that a little bit can't hurt.

Let me tell you, when you hear your child screaming in pain and crying for his body to make it stop.... for over two hours in the middle of the night... even a little bit CAN HURT!!! 

I'm sad for my guy that he goes through this and at the same time, I'm so thankful that it isn't something worse... I'm thankful that he mostly eats a Vegan, natural, preservative, free diet anyway or we'd really be in a pickle.  

As I sit awake with him on nights like this,  I think about other parents that go through so many things so many times worse and wish I could take away all of their hurt.  I think about those parents and children and find myself feeling selfish for being sad for my child because his goes away each time.

And at the end of these nights, I wish I had half his strength and even a quarter of his ability to bounce back from troubled times.  He's such an amazing young man and I'm very proud to be his Mom.

Update:  Hubby picked Veg up early today from school and I was told that he didn't want to leave, he was feeling great and ate his entire lunch.  They also went to dinner before driving home... And he is playing happily.  So all is well.... This piece of the cycle is complete.

If your child experiences middle of the night pain and vomit attacks, don't let doctors make you feel like your crazy... There can be something wrong.  And there is stuff you can do to not make it worse.

For those looking for more information on what my guy is dealing with you can look up info on Cyclical Vomiting or Abdominal Migraines.. His are more Migraine related but they are very similar.