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Sunday, June 21, 2009

Grains of Gratitude

When Kayla was first diagnosed with Celiac disease I wondered how hard it would be to follow the gluten-free diet, how hard it would be to make sure her foods were gluten-free, I wondered if we'd ever be able to eat out again (not that we eat out that often) and I was saddened at the thought of never just going out for pizza as a family...or even just ordering pizza in. Thankfully restaurants are starting to become more aware of the gluten-free diet and offering acceptable menu choices; other well-known companies are also starting to offer gluten-free products.

1. I'm grateful that we can go out and have pizza as a family! Someone told me that Uno Chicago Grill offers a gluten-free pizza crust, but there isn't a restaurant close to us. Then a few weeks ago I found out Bostons started offering the gluten-free pizza crust - and there is a Boston's right near us, so we went out for pizza last week and I was so grateful Kayla could eat pizza with us :)

2. I'm grateful that some companies are changing the ingredients in their products to make them gluten-free. Chex now has 6 gluten-free cereals! This is great because I can use these in the Chex mix recipes. And this month Betty Crocker is coming out with 4 gluten free dessert mixes.

3. I'm grateful I was able to go to the Mom's Club "Mom's Night Out Banquet" on Friday. The theme was "Black and White" so I was able to borrow a pair of dress pants from my sister (and even took the time to paint my finger and toe nails!) and go out for a nice kid-free dinner with nothing but adult conversation (of course a bit of the talk revolved around our kids!). I'm grateful I'm here with my mom so it allowed me to get out for some grown-up time...and I'm grateful the kids didn't give her any problems at bedtime!

4. I'm so very grateful for my husband and the wonderful father he is. For the most part I live day-by-day feeling pretty comfortable with where Joe is at - meaning I don't spend every minute worrying about him or what he's doing. I feel secure in the knowledge that, all things considered, he is relatively "safe" where he's based at. I don't mean that to sound like I'm not taking the potential danger of what is happening in Afghanistan seriously, because I am. But I know Joe's job - I know he's not on convoys, or flying, or patrolling in villages - and compared to those duties he is relatively safe.

Attacks on the actual bases are rare, but it can happen, and it did happen - this morning actually. Rockets hit a US base in Afghanistan and 2 US service members were killed. This isn't the base Joe is at, but he is near there, so it does hit close to home for me. It's like reality slapping me in the face that this very easily could have been his base that was attacked.

So while I'm so, so very thankful that it wasn't his base, and I could talk to Joe this morning, my heart is heavy knowing 2 families will be notified of their loved ones loss. My prayers go out to those families.

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16 comments:

Melanie D. said...

It is always so hard to hear about lives lost in war. Today must be so bittersweet for you in many ways.
Prayers and Hugs, Michelle.
~Melanie

Anonymous said...

You look beautiful, I'm glad that you had a great time! I'm always thinking about you and Joe and wishing for his safe return. It's tragic that anyone has to die by another's hand.

Danyele Easterhaus said...

girl, you are rocking out those pants! you look great!

Anonymous said...

i'm glad the pants fit you better than they fit me! ... p.s. ... i got those when i was in high school (like a freshmen or sophmore!!!!)
oh! and we so do have an UNOs - there is one in laplata & waldorf!

<3 aunt kelly

chelle said...

You are looking fabulous!

eeps on the scare. Big Hugs!

AZ Chapman said...

oh boy glad joe was safe I will try asking my mom again about visiting with u guys and if things change will email u through fb

Corey~living and loving said...

So much to be grateful for. I'm happy to hear that your sweetie is relatively safe.

Think of you.

Nancy M. said...

I'm glad that Kayla is able to go out and actually eat with y'all. It is wonderful companies are starting to change.

I'm glad you were able to go out and have some fun the other day!

Barb said...

You look great, Michelle. A night out with adults is refreshing isn't it? I'm glad that Joe is in a reasonably safe place, but I know you worry anyway. I would.

Angie said...

I will keep Joe in my prayers, as I pray for our soldiers. We owe them so much......

Tricia said...

Keeping Joe in my prayers. And you.

Jill said...

You look great - how fun to get out by yourself!

And I just noticed that one of the brands of chips my father in law buys at the store is gluten free... Kettle Chips... and they're SO yummy!

Izzy, Emmy 'N Alexander said...

Aww, you looked great!! Glad you had such a wonderful time out!

And finding the gluten free stuff is so good!

The Mom said...

I am grateful that Joe is safe and whooo hoooo for Kayla on reading - that is awesome!!!

Loved your grains!

Hugs!

Sue said...

That is so sad I'm glad Joe is doing well and you are handling it well also. (as well as can be expected at least)

There are so many more options for dietary restrictions now. It is good. We have one restaurant we are comfortable with, so I know what you mean.

You look great - glad you had a nice night out.

Beck said...

You're so pretty!
Wars are so sad, aren't they?
I just remembered that I totally had promised to send you the gf cheesy cracker recipe AND I FORGOT! I'll see if I can dig it out tomorrow.