So, as many of you know, I've learned over the past year or so that my body doesn't tolerate gluten. Yeah, it's a pain, but I feel so much better when I don't eat it...not to mention all the long-term effects. In fact, the Celiac could very well have played a part in my big drama episode last year with the multiple clots in both lungs--my doctor is investigating this for me.

Living gluten-free is much easier than it used to be. There are so many yummy products out now. We even have a gluten-free bakery in Grand Rapids! In fact, I just finished the website for Coco Charlotte. The owner, Erin, studied in Paris, so she knows baking! I got a pumpkin cheesecake for Thanksgiving that was totally amazing! I could go on and on...

Also related to this subject, I've also been given the leadership responsibility for our local Celiac Support Network in Barry County. We've just had one meeting since I have been leading it, but it went really well and we had a lot of new people show up. The word is getting out and I think we're going to be able to help a lot of people with our group. We meet on the 3rd Monday of each month...visit the site for more information.

The boys have finished up their first trimester in school and they did an amazing job academically! Christopher has a 4.0 GPA (including one AP--college--class) and Ian is right up there with a 3.94 GPA. They're both great kids and we're very proud of them.

We had a kind of fun week at work this week. We had a cubicle decorating contest and Slipper Day, which was kind of fun. There are pictures on my Flickr site, if you're interested.

I know it's not October (Breast Cancer Awareness Month), but if you haven't had a mammogram recently, please make that appointment! When it hits someone in your family, you realize the importance...just kind of drives it home and you make the call. Don't wait for that, though...make that appointment today!

Have fun getting ready for Christmas! I'll try to post again really soon!

Labels: Celiac, Dramatic Design, family, gluten-free, school, work

I just happened to run across this picture and it made me smile. The boys certainly don't look like this anymore, but they sure were cute at that age! I don't have a very current picture to post, but maybe soon.

Life certainly is busy around here. Christopher is going to be playing football in the fall and Ian is looking toward running track. Both boys did a great job in school this past year--almost all A's with a few B's mixed in. Ian also marched in the Memorial Day Parade...his first marching experience.

Scott's still enjoying his new job and had a chance to go to Orlando for a conference with work a few months ago. Next year, the same conference will be in Washington DC and we are all going along. It will be a great family vacation.

Kim's been busy with websites. Some new sites include: All The Good Stuff, Prairieville Farm Days, and Soggy Bottom Labs. So, if you're looking for some great fudge, some country music, or a puppy, check them out! Special thanks to Vicki for a great job on the artwork for the Prairieville Farm Days site!

Since the last post, we have had to move Grandpa into the Alzheimer's Unit full-time. It was just getting too confusing for him to switch back and forth between the settings. For the most part, he seems happy there, but he does miss Grandma. He is Resident of the Month this month, so they are having a party in his honor, which he should enjoy. Grandma is recovering from a recent fall; she fractured 2 vertebrae in her neck, so it's been a rough patch for her.

Guess that's about it for now. Take care, everyone!

Labels: Dramatic Design, family, friends