Recall undeclared MILK - Healrh Valley No Salt Added Split Pea Soup

Faribault Foods Voluntarily Recalls Three Lots of Health Valley Organic No Salt Added Split Pea Soup Due to the Presence of an Undeclared Allergen
Thu, 17 Dec 2009 11:15:00 -0600

Faribault Foods announced that it is recalling Health Valley Organic No Salt Added Split Pea Soup (15 oz.) with the lot codes 22JUL2011, 18AUG2011, and 11SEP2011 because of the presence of an undeclared dairy allergen. This soup contains butter and potatoes, which are not listed on the ingredient statements of the affected lots. No other lot codes of this product or any other Health Valley product is affected in any way.

Recall by Simple Foods Inc. - Undeclared allergen (milk)

What happened? Still no new updates but for the recall alerts...I cannot belive how time flies.. 

In any case this recall was just released.  Pls click on link for details.

Simple Foods, Inc. - Undeclared allergen (milk)
Mon, 14 Dec 2009 12:38:00 -0600

Simple Foods, Inc. ISSUES ALLERGY ALERT ON UNDECLARED DAIRY (traces of milk) IN Carob Peanut Butter Cups, Carob Almond Butter Cups, Carob Mint Crème Cups, Pre-packaged Carob Brown Rice Crunch, Pre-packaged Carob Peanut Butter Squares, Pre-packaged Crispy Carob Peanut Butter Squares, Pre-Packaged Carob Coated Rice Cakes, Pre-packaged Carob Mint Coated Rice Cakes, and Pre-packaged Carob Almond Butter Coated Rice Cakes.

Rock Creek Nut Co. Undeclared MILK And Soy in "Quick Fix" Trail Mix

Rock Creek Nut Company Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Milk And Soy in "Quick Fix" Trail Mix
Tue, 08 Dec 2009 14:59:00 -0600

ROCK CREEK NUT COMPANY of Union, Oregon is recalling all "Quick Fix" trail mix, because it contains undeclared milk and soy in the carob chips. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to milk and/or soy run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products.

Recall by Snax in Pax - undeclared milk in Carmel Corn and Caramel Puff Products.

It has been so crazily busy around here that sems all I currently do is just post allergen recalls...hopefully I will be back this weekend. In any case this recall was issued this am. Pls click on link for details

Snax in Pax, Inc. Issues a Nationwide Allergy Alert on Undeclared Milk Allergen in Caramel Corn and Caramel Puff Products.
Fri, 04 Dec 2009 07:50:00 -0600

Snax In Pax, Inc. of Topeka, Indiana is recalling the following products because they contain undeclared MILK on their label. People who have an allergy or sensitivity to MILK run the risk of a serious or life threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products.

La Espiga de Oro, Inc. Recall due to Undeclared Whey in Flour Tortillas

This recall was just released. 

La Espiga De Oro, Inc. Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Whey in Flour Tortillas
Tue, 01 Dec 2009 07:57:00 -0600

La Espiga de Oro, Inc. of Houston, Texas is recalling Fiesta brand Flour Burrito Tortillas in 12 count packages, because they may contain undeclared whey (milk allergen). People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to milk allergens run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume this product.

RECALL Superior Foods, Inc. - Cajun Style Marinated Catfish may contain MILK Allergens in Fish Product

This recall was issued yesterday. It appears that "only" the marinated Cajun style is an issue with CG.

Please click on link for details.

Superior Foods Co. Issues Allergy Alert On Undeclared Allergens in Fish Product
Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:25:00 -0600

Superior Foods Co., Grand Rapids, MI. is recalling Lemon Pepper Marinated Catfish because it may contain undeclared soy and FD&C Yellow #5. In addition, Superior Foods Co. is recalling Cajun Style Marinated Catfish because it may contain soy and milk that is not declared on the label. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to these run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products. 

RECALL NASSAU CANDIES on Tasty Dish Snack Tubs Chocolate Almonds, Chocolate Raisins and Sour Neon Worms

This recall was issued today

Nassau Candy Issues Nationwide Allergy Alert Because Of Possible Undeclared Allergens on their Tasty Dish Snack Tubs of Chocolate Almonds, Chocolate Raisins and Sour Neon Worms
Thu, 19 Nov 2009 10:22:00 -0600

Nassau Candy Distributors of Hicksville, New York, is voluntarily recalling possibly unlabeled pegable snack tubs because they contain the following undeclared allergens; Tree Nuts {Almonds}, Soy and Milk and may contain the following undeclared allergens Peanuts, other Tree Nuts {brazil nuts, walnuts, filberts, hazelnuts, pecans, pistachios, macadamia nuts, cashews and coconut}. People who have an allergy to any of these specific types of allergens run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products.

RECALL Snacks on Rack Inc. Allergens including Milk in Their Gourmet Snacks Pack Product Line

This recall was released this afternoon. Please click on the link for details

SNACKS ON RACKS, INC. Issues Nationwide Allergy Alert because of Undeclared Allergens in Their Gourmet Snacks Pack Product Line
Tue, 17 Nov 2009 18:14:00 -0600

Snacks on Racks, Inc. of Parkville, Missouri is recalling products from their line of Gourmet Snacks Packs because they may contain undeclared milk, peanuts, tree nuts, soy, egg, sulfites or wheat. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to milk, peanuts, tree nuts, egg, sulfites, soy or wheat run the risk of serious or life-threatening injury. 

Recall of 15 oz Tubs of Blue Bonnet Light Spread due to undeclared MILK

This recall was released yesterday afternoon.  Please click on link for details.

Conagra Foods Issues Nationwide Allergy Alert on a Limited Number of 15 oz. Tubs of Blue Bonnet Light Spread
Fri, 13 Nov 2009 13:38:00 -0600

Today, ConAgra Foods, in cooperation with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is voluntarily recalling a limited number of 15 oz. tubs of Blue Bonnet Spread that were inadvertently mispackaged—the lid is for regular Blue Bonnet Spread and the tub portion describes the product as Blue Bonnet Light Spread. The product inside of the tub is regular Blue Bonnet Spread. As a result, the product tubs do not declare the allergen whey (milk), as an ingredient.

RECALL Charlston Cookie Company undeclared BUTTER in Cookies produced for Dean & Deluca

This recall was just issued.  Please click on link for details. 

Charleston Cookie Company Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Butter in Almond Cookies Produced for Dean & Deluca
Wed, 04 Nov 2009 08:26:00 -0600

Charleston Cookie Company of Charleston, SC is recalling packages of Almond Cookies which were sold as a component of the Dean and Deluca "Americana" cookie tin because the cookies contain undeclared butter (milk).

Our treats...

The butterflies a.k.a. our children had so much fun trick or treating. The costumes turned out great - wings all glittery - and Alena was so excited to ring the door bells. "Trick or Treat please..." and then both girls just loved to look at each candy to decide which one they wanted. They just loved to decide whether they wanted the yellow, or orange package. Alena told a few people "I cannot have this, but it's fund to pick a piece of candy out..." It was so sweet...OK, OK I know every mother says that about her own kids, but it really was sweet. Our route was up-and-down our block and towards the end I had to carry Mia Rosie's bag. It was THAT heavy :) Back home we first looked through Alena's huge pile. Alena and I sorted out the "Good" from the "Bad". Amazing to me that she knows most of the candies she cannot eat. In the end she traded 30 "Bad" candies for 30 "Good" candies (OK - Alena did not get 30 pieces in return but around 20), besides that she still had 20+ "Good" candies. Mia Rose had a little over 20 "Bad" candies... they certainly made out very well. Oh, and if you are wondering the "Bad" candy is now being consumed mainly by me...and I certainly don't need it ;)

Unfortunately they did not only pick-up candy treats, but also picked-up a nasty cold. Alena came down with a bad cough and fever yesterday. Today both girls have a fever and both slept almost the entire afternoon. FYI - we did go to our physician's office today and she was quite sure that it is not H1N1. We just hope that it is not and that we can keep the flu away until we get the vaccine....

P.S.: I would love to hear your trick or treat stories :)

Trick or Treat - Happy Halloween

Wow - it is already Halloween, what happened to the time. We know have a child in Kindergarten and time just flies. I hope everyone has been well, drop me a line when you have a chance.

Halloween Eve - both of our girls are so excited. I am writing this on my computer in the basement while the girls are already so excited to go trick or treating. Both are butterflies this year. Pictures to follow later :) - I actually feel somewhat prepared this year. We made the wings, and I bought the candy at Target already a couple of weeks ago. I got two giant bags all with CG safe candy. Skittles, Nerds, Sweet Tarts, Sunburst, and Junior Mints. We will have plenty of candy for kids in the neighborhood but will make sure to save a lot for our girls. When we go "trick or treating" both girls get to pick what ever candy they want. We never eat any of the treats when we are outside, but when we get home we exchange the "unsafe" candy with the "safe" candy. It works out great. - Earlier today we went shopping and both girls got candy there. I actually had a couple of Skittle treat bags with me and we swapped the candy right away when we got back to the car. It is so wonderful to see that the girls have no problem with that. Both of them know that they cannot eat candy with "Kuhsmilch" and they happily give it up for something they like...

Happy Halloween everybody. I would love to hear from you.

RECALL Mrs. Rios issued recall Whey in Flour Tortillas

Please click on the link for details about this recall. Happy Friday

Mrs. Rios Corn Products Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Whey in Flour Tortillas
Thu, 29 Oct 2009 16:23:00 -0500

Mrs. Rios Corn Products in San Angelo, Texas is recalling its flour tortillas because they may contain undeclared Whey. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to Whey run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products.

Pop's Bakery RECALL Whey (Milk) in all Flour Tortillas

This recall was release today. Pls click on link for details

Pop's Bakery Inc. Issues Allergy on Undeclared Whey (Milk) in all Flour Tortillas
Wed, 28 Oct 2009 09:48:00 -0500

These products may contain undeclared whey (milk). People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to whey (milk) run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products.

Recall undeclared MILK on Brauenschweiger Liversausage due to mislabeling as Bologna

This new recall was just released.


FYI - the increase in recalls is probably due to a change in FDA regs & increased FDA scrutiny. At least that is what I think is happening.

Missouri Firm Recalls Sausage Products Due to Mislabeling and an Undeclared Allergen
Thu, 24 Sep 2009 19:35:34 -0500

Frick's Quality Meats, a Washingto Mo., establishment, is recalling approximately 756 pounds of Braunschweiger liver sausage products because they were inadvertently packaged with a premium bologna label and contain undeclared milk ingredients.

Recall due to undeclared MILK - Price Rite 25 ct Beef Bouillon

This recall was just released. Pls click on link for details.

Price Rite 25 Ct Beef Bouillon is Being Voluntarily Recalled Due to Allergy Alert
Thu, 24 Sep 2009 18:11:00 -0500

Associated Brands Inc. of Medina, New York is voluntarily recalling 320 cases (3,840 selling units) of "Price Rite Beef Flavored Bouillon Cubes", lot code 22 JUL 11, as the lot has the potential to contain a dairy allergen which is not declared on the label. Consumers who have an allergy to milk may run the risk of a serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume this product.

Halloween...candy...Alena is all prepared :)

How is everyone? Sorry it has been so long, but I have just been very busy working late almost every single evening. I cannot believe that it is already the end of September and Halloween is just around the corner. Time flies...wow seems that I just wrote about this :) OK, I stop writing about me but the topic. Halloween, candy and Alena. This evening we read two Halloween books for bed-time. In one of the books it talked about how the weather gets colder, costumes are made, kids go trick-or-treating, and then go home to eat the candy. To me Alena's comments was quite amazing. When we were done with the book she said to me "...well, a lot of the candy has Kuhsmilch in it. When we go home, we sort through the candy and Mama & Papa swap the Kuhsmilch candy with candy we can eat..." - I am so proud :) and am just a wee bit worried about Halloween...Really, I should not be worried at all because at least Alena has her diet down. Amazing for a five year old....

RECALL - undeclared MILK, Garden-Fresh Foods Archer Farms Potato Salad

This recall was just sent out today
Please click on link for details


FYI - I will not be updating the side panel anymore, unless you tell me otherwise :)

Garden-Fresh Foods Issues Allergy Alert On Undeclared Milk in 16-Ounce Archer Farms Potato Salad
Mon, 21 Sep 2009 11:47:00 -0500

Garden-Fresh Foods, Inc. of 726 South 12th Street, Milwaukee, Wisconsin is recalling 16-ounce containers of Archer Farms Potato Salad with an expiration date of 10/04/2009 because they may contain undeclared milk allergens. People who have allergies to milk run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume this undeclared product.

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RECALL due to Milk "Crown Cookie" (Choco Sanddo)

This recall just came in....click on the link for more details


I hv been super busy working every night, I am planning to post this weekend...

Y.S.Trading Corp. Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Milk Allergies in "Crown Cookie" (Choco Sanddo)
Fri, 18 Sep 2009 08:54:00 -0500

Y.S.TRADING CORP, of Long Island City NY, is recalling its 161 gram waxed cardboard boxes of "Crown cookie"(Choco Sanddo) because they may contain undeclared milk allergens. Consumers who are allergic to milk allergens may run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reactions if they consume this product.

Linguisa Brand frozen Sausage RECALL due to undeclared mill

This recall was released last might. Please click on link for the details.

Ps.: regular posts to be back next week

Washington Firm Recalls Frozen Sausage Products Due To Undeclared Allergens
Fri, 11 Sep 2009 19:41:48 -0500

Cascioppo Brothers Meats, Inc., a Seattle, Wash., establishment, is recalling approximately 2,000 pounds of frozen sausage products because they may contain undeclared allergens, milk and soy.

RECALL - Petri Baking Stop & Shop Molasses Cookies

Please click on the link for more details.  

PETRI BAKING Products Issues Allergy Alert On One Code Of Stop & Shop Molasses Cookies
Mon, 31 Aug 2009 23:24:00 -0500

Petri Baking Products, Inc. is issuing a voluntary recall on one code of Stop & Shop Home Town Bakery Old Fashioned Molasses Cookies, Net Wt. 8.9 oz. The affected packages actually contain Peanut Butter Cookies that have peanut butter and milk which are undeclared allergens. People who have an allergy to peanuts and/or milk run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume this product.

RECALL Chef Pierre Gourmet Lemon Meringue Pie Day Code 9159 Only

This recall was just announced. Pls click on link for details

Voluntary Prodcut Recall: Chef Pierre® Gourmet Lemon Meringue Pie, Day Code 9159 Only
Sat, 29 Aug 2009 13:29:00 -0500

Chef Pierre® is voluntarily recalling a partial production run of the following foodservice product as a precautionary measure as the product may contain milk, an undeclared allergen, posing a potential serious and life-threatening health risk to milk-allergic individuals. This recall affects 4,380 cases of Chef Pierre Gourmet Lemon Meringue Pie labeled product that actually contained chocolate meringue pie.

Lunch date at Por Que No Taqueria with Mia Rose

Mia Roses' school is closed for a couple of weeks. So that I could get a couple of hours of work done, a friend invited her over for a play date (thank you so much!!!). When I picked her up I asked her if she wanted to go on a lunch date for taco's with me. Mia wanted taco's so we went to Por Que No Taqueria on Hawthorne. We have been there before, but I never realized just HOW friendly their menu is to the CG diet. It is wonderful. All food is fresh, sustainable, and if possible local. There are a bunch of tacos which do not even have cheese on them, the "Pollo Verde" is one of them an it is delicious. We ordered one "Pollo Verde" for Mia Rose, one "Porque Tingua" for myself, and a side of beans without the cheese. Quite delicious. Mia Rose also loves chips, I think probably all kids do :), and guacamole. The chips are made fresh, and the guacamole is also CG safe. It is FANTASTIC. They have homemade juice, and Horchata. Both are safe for the kids. But you know what? There is even dessert the kids can eat. Isn't that great?! They also have pop sickles...just wonderful because it just does not happen often that there is a dessert the girlies can eat :)

Please check out Por Que No Taqueria. They have two locations in PDX. One right here in SE, and the other one is in North PDX. Here is the link http://www.porquenotacos.com/

Update on the Pizza Party at Mia's School...

...you may remember my post from last week about the party at Mia Rose's school. In the end it worked out fine. We started the day with our German playgroup at Sellwood Park, and at 11 drove to Pizzicato to order the pizza for the girls. But you know what? They do not open until 11:30, but a delivery person just walked into the restaurant to drop something off, so I decided to just try and see whether they would make a pizza for the girls. The three of us went in, and I plead my case by telling the nice gentleman that the girls were going to a pizza party, that they love pizza, but that they cannot have pizza with cheese. And you know what?! - I am sure you are already guessing this one right, he said "yes" and I ordered one kids pizza with peperoni without cheese for take-out. It just shows that you just have to ask and plead your case. The Sellwood store really went above and beyond. They could have easily said no, but now I have them dear to my heart (a little too "cheesy"?! no pun intended...) Anyway, if you feel like pizza and you are in Sellwood (or just in PDX) go and give Pizzicato a try. Really yummy pizza, and CG safe too ;))) http://www.pizzicatogourmetpizza.com/

Now back to the party. We arrived with our pizza in hand and everybody had a ton of fun. Everybody was eating together. The girls ate their pizza, and the other kids had the cheese pizza. It was so nice to see everybody at the table eating together. The only thing I did not think about was that there might be cookies. Well, there were and of course had milk products in them. The girls were not the least bit bothered...but I am sure you are guessing that it bothered me. And yes, it did...

RECALL - KROGER KIDS SUPER ENRICHED WHITE SANDWICH BREAD

This recall was just issued. I will update the sidebar soonest.

Kroger Recalls Super Kids Enriched White Sandwich Bread Due to Undeclared Milk in the Product
Sat, 22 Aug 2009 20:56:00 -0500

The Kroger Co. is recalling Kroger brand Super Kids Enriched White Sandwich Bread sold in 13 states because it may contain milk not listed on the label. Customers should return the product to stores for a refund or replacement. 

Uncalled for reaction...sometimes it just stings a little

Strange title?! Maybe I think of something better as I write this, but for right now it stands. Do you want me to keep you in suspense ;)...So first of, the uncalled reaction was by me. Here is what happened. Today was Mia Rose's last day at her little preschool (she will graduate to the "big" house in September). To commemorate the end of the year there will be a little celebration tomorrow at 11:30 at Mia Rose's school. The teacher's made sure to invite us (as Mia Rose usually is home on Friday's). When I picked Mia Rose up her teacher came up to me and said "...I just want to let you know that to celebrate tomorrow we will have cheese pizza. So maybe your girls could already have eaten lunch...". And here comes my totally uncalled for reaction I said "...Fine. We will not come!!!..." It came out just like that. Wow! I shocked myself. What a strong uncalled for reaction. Why did I react that way?! Well, truth be said I honestly felt like crying. Crying because my kids are excluded from a very fun kids thing. Pizza with their friends. True, I always say it they are not excluded there is a ton of non-cheese pizza out there but they are different and cannot take part exactly as the others do. Just like I cried out of happiness a couple of weeks ago when Megan made sure to include Alena, I could have (***note I did NOT) cried. But instead of having tears came up, there was stubbornness...Ron came along to pick-up Mia Rose and he did not understand the way I reacted either. Sometimes it just still stings...

We worked things out and actually go to the party tomorrow. I will pick up a slice of pizza from Oasis for the girls to take along to Mia Rose's school, and party with the rest of the group. In retrospect I feel all guilt ridden and hope that the girls did hear what went on. Surely I do not want them to feel left out...OK now I have to get back to happy thoughts and have to remember that the glass is always half full :).

Ice "Cream" - Coconut Bliss by Luna & Larry's

Shopping this week I bought a different kind of ice cream. http://www.coconutbliss.com/. It comes in a ton of different flavors. We got "Chocolate Hazelnut Fudge" and let me tell you it is delicious. The whole family LOVES it. It is creamy, just like the Hemp ice cream, and just delicious. You really do not miss any dairy here. - It is not yet available in Canada, but it looks like it will be available across the border in 2010.

As always, please let me know what you think. By the way, Alena, the chocoholic :), loves the chocolate hazelnut fudge ;)

Eggplant "Lasagne"

Now that we are getting our local produce delivered once a week, I am really getting pushed to cook a lot of different foods. It is pushing me a little outside of my comfort level. I do see that as a good thing so :) How can it not be better for you to eat a much more varied diet?!

In any case, yesterday's box from Organics to You included a couple of eggplants. Interesting....I was stomped what on earth would I make with Eggplant. Eggplant Parmisiana, Mousakka, etc. were recipes I thought of but all of the recipes I found had mozzarella, or other "young" cheese in it. I thought that taking out the cheese would change the recipe too much. I first looked on the web, but then looked through my quite extensive cook book library. The recipe I adapted is Pasticcio Di Melanzane Con Lasagne - Eggplant and Lasagne Casserole (so really not lasagne, but it certainly looks like it when its done :) ) by Julia Dell Croce, The Vegetarian Table, Italy.
It turned out fantastic, a little bit of work, but very well worth it. I did take a couple of short cuts, and went to buy fresh lasagna sheets from Pastaworks (absolutely CG friendly) http://pastaworks.com/. You can either make the tomato sauce from scratch, or you can use a jar if there is one that you really like. FYI - I used Parmigiano Regiano but I think that it will also taste great if you leave the cheese out. I would not use a fake cheese (I do not really like that anyway). Here is the recipe:-

2 Eggplants (about 2 lbs.)
Salt
Olive Oil
6 oz. of lasagna (if using "boil" pasta cook pasta not quite al dente before assembling"
1 Cup of Parmigiano Regiano grated (if using)
2 large eggs lightly beaten
2 tablespoons PLAIN Silk Creamer
2 tablespoons Parmigiano Regiano (if using)
1 - 2 large jars of Pasta Sauce, or make your own using canned tomatoes, onion, garlic, olive oil

- Trim navel and stem off the eggplants
- Cut eggplants into rounds
- Sprinkle eggplants with salt, put them upright into a colander for about 40 minutes (liquid will
drain from eggplant)
- Make sauce, or heat pasta sauce using gently
- Heat Olive Oil in pan - when Olive Oil is hot add eggplant (should sizzle)
- Fry eggplant from each side until they get color (browned) from each side
- Set fried eggplant on paper towel
- If using "boil" type pasta bring water to boil now, and cook pasta sheets
- Preheat oven to 400 F
- Pour a little bit of sauce in a 9x12 baking dish (the one I used was larger it still worked OK)
- Place about 1/2 of the eggplant on top of the sauce
- Put a thin layer of sauce on top of the eggplant
- If using sprinkle about 1/4 of the cheese on top of the eggplant/sauce
- Place one layer of pasta sheets on top of the eggplant/sauce/cheese mixture
- Spread layer of sauce on top of pasta sheet
- If using sprinkle about 1/4 cheese on top of the sauce
- Place remaining eggplant on top of the sauce
- Top with a little bit of sauce
- If using sprinkle with 1/4 of the cheese
- Place second layer of pasta sheet on top of the eggplant/sauce/cheese mixture
- Top with remaining sauce
- If using top with rest of the cheese (but for 2 reserved tablespoons)
- TOPPING
- Lightly combine the beaten eggs with the 2 tablespoons of the PLAIN Silk Creamer, and (if
using) 2 tablespoons of Parmigiano
- Pour the topping evenly over the assembled "lasagna"
- Bake in oven at 400 F for about 20 - 25 minutes

It turned out fantastic and is well worth the effort. I ended up using more sauce as I made my own and then ended-up also using a jar. That may have been due to the fact that may baking dish was larger. Using fresh pasta is not only a time saver, but it also tastes fantastic. But I am sure that this will also turn out fantastic with the regular "boil", or even "non-boil" sheets.

As always, please let me know if you like this. I think it can also easily adapted for a meat lasagna. I will let you know when I try it out...one thing that cannot be omitted here however are the tomatoes. They are good for you, and good for the kids. :)

One excited little summer-camper...

When I picked Alena up from preschool/summer camp this afternoon she was so, so, so very excited. She ran to me almost screaming "...Mommy, Mommy guess what?! I had a Cutie. Smell!!!.." Ok, ok I know that sounds a little gross but then she literally made me smell her mouth :) Yup, it surely did smell like Vanilla-Chocolate Cutie!!! - Honestly, it made me teary eyed all over again...thank you so much, Teacher Meagan.

You wonder why this gets me so excited? Well, when Alena was first born I was just totally happy. One week later we were totally sick with worry. We had received this strange diagnosis of Classic Galactosemia and our little Applehead (as we called her) had developed E. Coli Mengengitis and Sepsis. It was pure horror. We did not know if our baby would survive. The following week she stabalized and we slowly researched what Classic Galactosemia meant. It was sombering what we found on the Internet. Next we looked what the diet for a child with Classic Galactosemia was supposed to look like. - I first did not think that it would be difficult. Just avoid cheese, butter, etc. Then I looked further and saw how restricted the Acosta diet really was. No tomatoes, no legumes, no apples, no soy milk, no strawberries and the list went on, and on, and on, and on...In my mind there was no way that I ever could send my child to school without a constant worry. So at first we were determined not to allow our child anything that remotely had any amount of Galactose in it. But then we got more and more comfortable..and here we are today...both children go to Preschool, both children eat every vegetable, fruit, and legume there is, both children even eat Paremsiano Reggiano, both children eat Soy Ice Cream...and both children have GREAT LEVELS! They are healthy little girls. Both girls LOVE school, and everything is A-OK. Of course, they may have more blood draws than other kids, and maybe see a physician a little bit more than other kids. But what is that in the scheme of things, from the point when we first found out about Classic Galactosemia. Really, its nothing. Its a piece of cake, and it only proves to me that anything can be accomplished just as long as we keep a positive attitude, are willing to try new things, and don't ever give up.

Yikes, I think I kind of got carried away with this entry.

Childswork has preschool spots available for the 2009/2010 school year

We love Childswork. It's the most amazing school, and everybody has been so wonderful about learning about Galactosemia, making sure that Alena is included and never feels left out. So if you are in Portland and are still looking for a great Preschool check out Childswork. This is a great school for any young child. Just wonderful. Alena has grown so much in this school...There are still spots available for the up-coming school year. http://www.childswork.org

Today I cried...the most wonderful teacher & preschool

I could not help myself this morning but cry. Tears of joy, which I could not stop...What happened?! OK - let me tell you. When I brought Alena to camp this morning one of the teachers asked if I had a moment. Of course, I had a moment to talk. The teacher told me that it today is the B-day of another teacher and that she had gotten a treat for the afternoon class. She bought Tofutti Cuties, and wanted to make sure that Alena can eat them. Of course...when I asked why she got Cuties her response was "...I wanted to make sure to get a treat Alena can have as well and I thought she (Alena) told me before that she likes them..." Is that not the most thoughtful, sweetest thing ever...I cried. Later I talked to the Director of Education to share this great story. The philosophy of the school is to make sure everybody is included...

There is something else I want to say. When we first got the diagnosis I would never thought that any of this is possible. Never, did I think it would be possible for my child to have the same treats in school and just be a regular kid. I am just so, so overwhelmingly happy :) Thank you for reading ;)

Check out the school http://www.childswork.org...

Mia Rose is ready to hike into the cave

Our little explorer...

The girls favorite camp dinner...baked beans and hot dogs

Alena was jumping up and down when she heard that it was "Baked Beans with Hot Dogs" for dinner...

Alena the explorer

Alena exploring the area of the cabin site...BTW - this is right by the cabin...

View out of the cabin

The view from our cabin during the huge Thunderstorm

Our cabin at Lake Billy Chinook

It really is that amazing...

We went camping in Central Oregon

This past weekend and part of this week we went on a camping trip to the High Desert. The first night we stayed in a "Deluxe Cabin" at Lake Billy Chinook Lake. Amazing! We experienced a very violent Thunderstorm, saw a ton of lizards, us adults were amazed by the landscape , and the effect of the change in light...We cooked out and had great fun. Here is a link to the park, if you are interested to see what the cabins look like just click on "more pictures" http://www.oregonstateparks.org/park_32.php. BTW - the picture I posted yesterday is taken at the Marina of Lake Billy Chinook.

The next day we drove about 30 miles to Tumalo State Park which is only about 5 Miles away from downtown Bend. We set up our tent, but went into town for dinner on one night. Great campground. It is right of the Deschutes River where it is really slow. The girls had a ton of fun playing in the water, or on the playground. Check out Tumalo State Park here http://www.oregonstateparks.org/park_45.php. Once we ate at Bend Brewing Company and it was such a great experience http://www.bendbrewingco.com/. Eating out has become pretty low stress for us by now. The girl's diet is just second nature to us and we feel that you have to put some trust into people. Also, we know that their levels are great and that they will not go into any type of shock should they mistakenly get a bit of whey, etc. In any case, the server was great. She made sure that their food was safe, and we all enjoyed a great outdoor dinner.

The next day we visited the Lava Butte, and Lava Flow http://vulcan.wr.usgs.gov/Volcanoes/LavaButte/Locale/framework.html. Again, amazing...on our way back to the campground we stopped to get ice cream at a store. Fully expecting to only be able to offer Popsicles for the girls, we actually found Rice Dream Chocolate Covered ice "cream" bars...The following day we went back past the Lava Butte to hike the Lava Cave. Alena almost hiked the entire way in, Mia Rose however was really scared and decided to nap instead in the Ergo on Ron's back :) http://http://www.fs.fed.us/r6/centraloregon/newberrynvm/dayuse/lavariver-du.shtml, after we cooled off in the 42 degree temperature we headed to the High Desert Museum for lunch and a visit. Just one word fun :)

The staff at the cafe was also wonderful. The girls shared a kids Turkey Sandwich which they brought out on two plates. Also there the staff was so helpful when I asked about ingredients, and we checked out the labels. It is so empowering to be able to go out, eat out, and not worry...Oh, and here is the link to the High Desert Museum. http://http://www.highdesertmuseum.org/. - I will post more pictures later...Better get going and make the girlies some waffles for breakfast now :)

Flag Cake 2009

finally, the picture of this year's Flag Cake :). Featuring the girlies and the cake

Camping at Lake Billy Chinook

Here is a picture of two happy girls enjoying the morning...

FYI - my computer was out, and then we went camping for a almost a week :)

Great visit to the Metabolic Clinic

Today we all went up to see our friends at the Metabolic Clinic at OHSU. After almost six years you would think that we are all totally used to the drill. Of course we are, but there still is that little nagging tiny feeling in my heart saying "what if something is not right?" And of course there is Mia Rose who said in school the day before "I am sick that's why I have to go to the doctor tomorrow", and Alena who asked the receptionist "no shots, right? No Blutabnehmen (blood draw), right?"...So yes, it still pinches me every time.

In any case, our visit turned out to be wonderful. The girls are growing beautifully, live feels nice and soft (or however this is really described), eyes are clear, speech is good, LEVELS are FANTASTIC, and overall our physician was very pleased with both of our sweet little ladies...The best news of all? We currently go up to OHSU for an appointment twice a year, however because they are both doing so well we are switching to annual appointments! Yeah!!! Of course, this does not include the draws. Those are still at least twice a year for both girls, but this great appointment just shows to me that it is possible to live a normal life, include as much food as possible, and be HAPPY...as I said before Galactosemia is part of our life, but it certainly is not our life, and does not rule our life.

We celebrated today by going out for dinner to Deschutes Brewery Pub, followed by a visit to the Jamison Square Fountain, and ice cream at Ben & Jerry's in the Pearl (Lemon sorbet for Mia Rose & Mango Sorbet WITH chocolate sprinkles for Alena). The perfect ending to a great day.

Homemade easy Gnocchi & Pesto recipe

We love Gnocchi. They are delicious, and filling; some of the store bough ones contain whey, or another milk derivative, and I just do not like the frozen ones. Plus the homemade ones just taste so much better :)

Here is the recipe

Gnocchi

• 200 gr. (about a good 1-3/4 C) Flour
• 500 gr. (2-1/4 C) Potatoes (I used red potatoes as they should stay somewhat firm when cooking)
• Salt
• 50 gr. (3-1/2 Tbl.) Earth Balance melted

1. Peel potatoes and boil in salt water until done
2. Pour flour into a bowl
3. Push potatoes through ricer onto the flour
4. add Salt
5. add melted Earth Balance
6. Put everything gently together (I use a scraper) until it becomes a firm dough - this process should take about 5-6 minutes; very gently knead dough
7. Divide dough into four equal parts
8. Form, and shape each one into a long skinny roll with about 1/2 inch (1 cm)in diameter
9. Cut each roll into equal gnocchi, each about 1 inch, or longer (2.5 cm)
10. Bring water with salt to a boil
11. Add the entire Gnocchi batch at once to the boiling water
12. turn down heat to a simmer
13. Cook for about another minute once they float to the surface
14. Take out of the water

You can serve Gnocchi just with garlic & olive oil, crispy fried sage leaves, tomato sauce, etc. Since I had a bunch of basil, I made Pesto...

PESTO

• Bunch of basil (leaves only) - about 2 packed cups
• 3 garlic cloves
• 1/3 Cup of pine nuts, or walnuts
• 1/2 Cup of Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• 1/2 Cup of Parmesiano Regiano (optional - if you use, pls be sure that it is the imported version - FYI - Grana Parmsiano is not aged as long)

1. Put garlic in food processor and pulse until finely chopped
2. Add basil leaves and pulse
3. Add pine nuts and pulse (if you use walnuts, then process them before the basil)
4. Add Olive Oil and pulse
5. If you do not add the cheese it is done and delicious - you may want to add salt
6. Add Parmesiano and pulse (no additional salt is needed)

FYI - I did not have any nuts in the house and the pesto still turned out great.

Please let me know if you like it...Happy eating :)

Stuffed French Toast & Apple Syrup

This past weekend we hosted brunch for friends. I like it because its early in the day and a lot of it can be prepared ahead of time. Plus, the big confession ;), I really love bubbly and isn't brunch the perfect time for a nice glass of bubbly? Maybe a Mimosa?! Anyway, so there is bubbly for the adults along with Fruit Salad, Apple Chicken Sausage, Marionberry Jam (so very proud to announce that its from the fruit we picked last week), French Toast, and apple syrup.

Our girls like fruit, but also (this seems to be a given) the French Toast along with the apple syrup and Jam. The recipe is easy and it can be prepared the night before. Just pop it in the oven 45 minutes before you want to serve it. Well, I have not posted recipes in a while so here we go.

Stuffed French Toast Strata

• 1 1-lb. loaf French Bread
• 1 8-oz. package of Tofuti "Cream Cheese" cubed
• 8 Eggs
• 2-1/2 Cups "milk", or "creamer" (I use Soy and like plain the best)
• 6 Tablespoons Earth Balance melted
• 1/4 Cup Maple Syrup

1. Cut bread into cubes,
2. grease a 13x9x2 inch baking dish
3. Place 1/2 of the bread cubes into the baking dish
4. Top with "Cream Cheese"
5. Top with remaining bread cubes
6. In blender mix together eggs, "milk", margarine, and maple syrup until well combined
7. Pour mixture evenly over the bread & "cream cheese"
8. Press down lightly to moisten all layers
9. Cover with foil and let rest in fridge for 2 - 24 hours

When you are ready to bake the French Toast

1. Preheat oven to 325
2. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, until center is set, and edges are slightly golden
3. Serve with Apple Cider Syrup

Apple Cider Syrup

• 1/2 cup Sugar
• 1 Tablespoon Cornstarch
• 1/2 teaspoon Cinnamon
• 1 Cup apple cider, or apple juice
• 1 Tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 Tablespoons Earth Balance

1. Stir sugar, cornstarch, and cinnamon together (in small saucepan)
2. Stir in juice, or cider and lemon juice
3. Cook and stir over medium heat until mixture is thickened and bubbly
4. Cook and stir for 2 more minutes
5. Remove pan from heat and stir in margarine until melted (I actually did not add more margarine and it turned out good)

I have had this recipe for a very long time and adapted it to fit the galactosemic diet; unfortunately I do not have the name of the author, title, etc.

I love Kale, Mama...

As of last week I am no longer buying produce on the Farmer's Market, or in the store. What is going on? Did we give up on veggies? Wow, that would be terrible...no, of course not, we just started to get our veggies delivered. It is too late in the season to get a share in a CSA, but it is never to late to join "Organics to You". So, last Tuesday was the first time we got a box full of veggies. Let me tell you, it is very, very, very impressive. Mushrooms, Snap Peas, Lettuce, Garlic, Fresh Onions, Carrots, Potatoes, Broccoli, Zucchini, Tomatoes, Basil, and Kale. And yes, the girls eat everything, we do not exclude one single vegetable. They love tomatoes...Mia Rose actually ate an entire pint of cherry tomatoes the other day :)

In any case, so we have had the Mushrooms with new Onions and Pasta; Tomatoes with Basil, Garlic and Couscous; home made Gnocchi with home made Pesto (pls let me know if you are interested in the recipe & I will post it...and yes, the pesto I made was with Parmesiano Regiano); Kale with black beans and rice...So why, the title? Today we had black beans, rice, and Kale for dinner. Alena loves black beans, Mia Rose on the other hand sees her plate looks at it (so imagine one pile of rice, pile of black beans, and pile of sauteed kale) and says "Mama I love Kale..." It was just so cute that I had to share it :)

Lately it seems that my posts have nothing to do with CG. Well, on one hand this one certainly does not but on the other hand it does. Just like with earlier posts about the berries it goes to illustrate that we live a normal life. The girls eat all fruits & veggies, even Parmesiano Reggiano and they are doing fine. I used to be so frightened that something terrible would happen if they would eat certain food which are not allowed under the Acosta Diet. I remember when Alena was first eating solids how I analyzed every single ingredient. Poor girls, she did not have any apple sauce, nor carrots...I sound like a broken record now, but I have come a long way. Remember the glass is always, always half full...

P.S.: Here is the link to Organics to you...http://www.organicstoyou.org/

Vanilla "ice cream" with chocolate sauce and raspberries

We love summer. Long days, walking barefoot, kids in swimsuits, sunshine, Oregon berries...

Yesterday the girls and I went berry picking again. We ate all of the berries from our last trip (yes, all 12 lbs. of blueberries were eaten within 3 days!!!) Good thing there are still blueberries available even so for only another two weeks or so...So we went again and came back home with
12 lbs. of blueberries, 3 lbs. of marionberries, and 3 lbs. of raspberries. Marionberries are so thorny, and Alena's absolute favorite. On the way home Alena kept talking about chocolate with ice cream, berries with ice cream, carrots (?) with ice cream and chocolate...well, you get the picture. How could I resist but to buy the fixings for ice cream sundaes?!

For the first time I bought Vanilla Bean "ice cream" made from Hempmilk. WOW - is that tasty. It is made by Living Harvest Foods, Inc. and the brand is "Tempt"...Here is the link to the "ice cream page" http://www.worldpantry.com/cgi-bin/ncommerce3/CategoryDisplay?cgmenbr=655972&cgrfnbr=3021040. The flavors include Vanilla Bean, Mint Chip, Coffee Biscotti, Chocolate Fudge, and Coconut Lime. So far I can only pledge for the Vanilla Bean. It is delicious...oh, and for the chocolate sauce I bought Chocolate flavored Syrup by Santa Cruz. The girls loved this too :) Check it out, here is the link http://www.scojuice.com/products/dessert_toppings/chocolate_syrup. The girls topped the "ice cream" with the chocolate sauce and raspberries.

Oh, and if you wondered what happened to the berries. 1 bag of blueberries are frozen (yeah!), marionberries = 8 jars of jam, raspberries - most of them are eaten, and I made 2-1/2 jars of jam out of the rest, 1 bag of blueberries will be made into jam, the last bag of blueberries will be eaten :))) - I LOVE Summer!

I love to hear from you, so please let me know if you like this...

Fun day at the pool followed by popsicles

Yesterday we went to Sellwood Pool to cool off...what fun we had. I did not feel like making a second stop at Staccato Gelato. There are snow cones for sale at the pool, but there is also an ice cream vending machine. Guess what? As you can see, there were Popsicles the girls can have...Isn't life great?! :)

This time we had a fun day...

Today we drove back to the place where Alena had a seizure a few weeks ago. Both Ron and I had to go back to feel good again about the place, and know that it had nothing to do with the location. I certainly did not want to avoid the recreation area as I had avoided Emanuel Hospital for over four years because of PTSD. In any case, we went back today and had the absolute funnest day. It was great therapy and I think that it just maybe OK...

It was a very warm sunny day in PDX, and about ten degrees cooler up there. Alena just got a bike with training wheels and we brought that along as well as Mia Rose's bike. Mia Rosie's bike is w/o pedals, she sits on it and uses her feet. Its great to learn the balance thing. We took "Streamwatch Trail", looked at the fish, threw rocks into the Salmon River, waded in the Salmon River, and also brought lunch along. Our fantastic lunch de jour consisted out of PBJ for Ron, Mia Rose, and myself. Alena prefers to just stick apple pieces into peanut butter. She ended up eating 1-1/2 apples with a ton of peanut butter :) (made both of us oh so very happy). We then trekked back up to the car, loaded in the bike and drove to the "Family Picnic" area. There is a huge open field, and also a nice playground. The girls were ecstatic...Perfect ending for a perfect day. Take a look at this great place here is a link to the broshure http://www.blm.gov/or/resources/recreation/files/brochures/Wildwood_brochure07.pdf. Oh, and what does this have to do with Galactosemia? It really has nothing to do with it at, but you know what? We did not think once about CG...Have a great week.

Espos and Nature's Promise Sorbetto Recall due undeclared to milk - specific lot sizes

I just received information about this recall. The panel will be updated by next week.

Hiland-Roberts Ice Cream Announces Voluntary Nationwide Recall of Specific Lot Numbers of Espo brand and Natures Promise brand Sorbettos Due to Containing Undeclared Milk

Fri, 17 Jul 2009 18:59:00 -0500

Hiland-Roberts Ice Cream, Norfolk NE is voluntarily recalling sorbet products manufactured for Espo's Cucina Dolce, Inc. because they contain undeclared milk. The recalled products are pint containers of Espo's Sorbetto and Nature's Promise Sorbetto.

Please click on the above link for detailed information about the recall.

More summer ice cream fun - Staccato Gelato

Friday morning's are our playground days. We meet up with other families in Sellwood Park. Today, after playgroup, we all went to have ice cream at Staccato Gelato. Most children had chocolate, vanilla, or any other type of milk based ice cream you can imagine. Alena and Mia Rose had sorbet. Today they had a selection of four different flavors. Lemon, Raspberry, Plum, and Blueberry. Mia Rose ate (as always) a scoop of lemon, and Alena chose Blueberry. Delicious!!! Honestly, I would have never thought that being around other kids eating chocolate, or vanilla ice cream would be a non-issue. What do I mean by that? Well, I imagined that the girls would have a hard time with other kids eating the flavors they love (OK - Mia Rosie really is a lemon sorbet girl, not vanilla soy cream or anything else :) ). It is no issue at all. Alena told the other kids, no I cannot have that...and I told Mia Rose that it had "Kuhmilch" in it. I am so impressed, on top of that I was not the least bit anxietal. No fear, that they would ingest, or taste from another kids...what a great journey :)

On more thing about Staccato Gelato, homemade, local gelato. The place is such a wonderful east side place...you just have to love. The staff is great, they are helpful, and there is even a play corner in the Sellwood store. :) FYI - there are two locations one in North East Portland, and the other in Sellwood (South East Portland).

- 232 NE 28th Ave. and
- 1540 SE Bybee

Here is a link to their Web-Site http://www.staccatogelato.com/

SO DELICIOIUS - Coconut Milk Ice Cream from Turtle Mountain

We found something new that is quite delicious! On our weekly trip to the grocery store Alena picked out a box of "Mini Chocolate Vanilla Bars" from So Delicious. They are made from coconut milk, super creamy, and very, very good. FYI - I just saw that they are now also offering Coconut Milk in 1/2 gallon containers. It is fortified with minerals and available in plain, vanilla, as well as chocolate. In addition, there are now also coconut milk yoghurt's available. We have not tried the milk, but the yogurt. The yogurt is also quite good, however it runs on the spendy side if you know what I mean ;). What do you think? Would you like to try it too...well, here is the link http://www.purelydecadent.com/. Let me know what you think.

Summer Fun = Yurt Camping and S'mores

Have you ever heard of a Yurt? Yurts are somewhat like a cabin but circular, with a plexiglass dome on the ceiling. Oregon State Parks call it "Camping lite" because you need to bring everything you need for camping but the tent, or RV, or camper. It is really fun, and yes also rustic like any "regular" camping experience. A yurt is somewhat like a tent but it has electricity, a bunk bed, futon, table and chairs. Quite luxurious :))) Here is a link to Oregon State Parks explaining Yurts http://www.oregon.gov/OPRD/PARKS/rustic.shtml#RUSTIC_YURTS . We just got back today from two days at Champoeg State Park. It was so much fun!!! Ron made our "usual" great camping dinner of Baked Beans with Hot Dogs. Honestly, it tastes so good when sitting around the campfire and both girls just LOVE the beans. The after dinner treat is of course a must of either roasted marshmallows or s'mores. This time we made s'mores. Graham crackers usually seem to be a safe food, well so far we have not found one w/o corn syrup in it but besides that, I have not seen any to contain whey, etc. For chocolate we used Lindt 85% Cocoa. I grated the chocolate and put it on the graham crackers while the girls roasted the marshmallows. I then took the roasted marshmallow of the stick, plopped it on the chocolate, put on the second cracker and voila...perfect s'mores. Alena LOVED them and she ate a total of three (!) s'mores...

Lemon Coffee Cake

I actually really like having cake for the weekend. Its so great to enjoy a cup of coffee for breakfast with some nice coffee cake...unfortunately I do not bake that regularly. This week however I really felt like some type of Lemon Coffee Cake (or is it lemon pound cake, but then again what makes it a "pound" cake?). I found this very easy recipe and adjusted it only to use Earth Balance instead of butter, and Soy Milk instead of milk. - Here it is:

LEMON COFFEE CAKE

- 3 Cup Flower

- 2 Cup Sugar

- 1 Cup Soy/Rice Milk

- 2-1/2 teaspoon Baking Powder

- 4.4 oz Earth Balance (Margarine) FYI - 125 gr

- 3 eggs, separated

- 2 Lemon, juiced and peel grated

***Preheat oven to 350 F***

1. Separate the eggs

2. Beat whites until peaks form

In separate bowl mix:-

3. Flower, with baking powder and add

4. Egg yolk. Earth Balance, and Soy Milk

5. Mix together

6. Add Lemon Peel

7. Add the egg whites and mix carefully (use spoons) under the dough

8. Pour batter in a well greased Bundt Pan (Gugelhupf Pan)

9. Bake for about 1 hour in the pre-heated oven


When the cake is done


10. Mix Lemon with some powdered sugar and brush mixture on the warm cake

When the cake is completely cooled down, sift powdered sugar over it

Please let me know if you like the cake, or made any adjustments. Thank you :)

Berry picking

We all love berries...don't we live in the perfect spot for that?! - Sauvie Island is less than a thirty minute drive away, and picking berries is just so much outdoor fun. The kids, and the mothership (as I have been calling myself today) love it. Anyways, in June we already went Strawberry picking. I ended up making six jars of jam which is quite delicious. Mia Rose is the absolute Strawberry nut...she loves them so much. She basically sat in the field eating one berry after another...Alena of course also loves Strawberries but is not quite as crazy about them. Alena did throw berries in the basket and not just into her mouth ;)

July brings Raspberries and Blueberries. Today was our day to go back to Sauvie Island. Just the girls and me. What fun we had. We first picked Blueberries, which is another of Mia Roses favorites, and then moved on to the Raspberries. The farm we go to has these great carts, so by the time we were at the Raspberries the girls stayed in the cart cuddled in their blanket, eating cookies while the mothership picked Raspberries, dropping the occasional one into their mouths. Funny enough, Alena is a Raspberry nut. Mia Rose likes them but she definitively would not sit in the dirt just to eat them :))). In total we had 12 lbs. of berries and yes, we will be back as Marionberries, and Blackberries are yet to come. Plus can one ever have enough Blueberries? Here is a link to the farm we like to go to http://sauvieislandfarms.com/

So there is really not one point I am trying to make. Maybe one. - When I first read through the documentation on foods and saw that it also included Blueberries I was so, so very sad. Well, here we are five years later, two girls with CG, both with great levels, no issue, and both are total Blueberry lovers. OK the point? Its not all black, and its not all white...and the glass is always, always, always half full...

Alena and Mia Rose

My happy thought...girls hanging out on the couch in the morning :)

Update...she is fine :)

Just a quick update on Alena. We went for our follow-up visit with our pediatrician yesterday and she did not think that Alena had a seizure. Fact is that she never stiffened up and was floppy the entire time. Our pediatrician - and please know that we think the world of her; she had a gut feeling that something was not right when we brought in Alena at 5 days of age and we credit her much with saving Alena's life - thinks that it may have been brought on by Alena being super tired, a little dehydrated but she wants to talk it through with a pediatric neurologist. Alena did seize as an infant when she was a week old in the hospital, right after that she was transferred to the PICU...ahhhh...my mind keeps on going back there now and it really is not a place I want to go right now. In any case, our pediatrician will talk it through with the pediatric neurologist and based upon her recommendation (neurologist) Alena may have an EEG. Oh, and yes she (our pediatrician) will also keep the metabolic team in the loop.

OK - I have to get back to happy thoughts...

Happy 4th everybody...

Before I forget, belated Happy Canada Day ;)...

Another 4th of July and it is hot here in Portland. What does 4th of July mean in our house? Do you want to guess, maybe?! OK I will let you off the hook...its FLAG CAKE DAY!!! Yeah, I already baked the cake, poured the Yell-o on it (just a tiny bit so this year), and frosted the cake. But it's not yet finished. The girlies and I will do that a little bit later before we go to our party :)

For those of you who are interested here is the link to the recipe. http://galactopdx.blogspot.com/2008/07/4th-of-july-flag-cake.html A picture of this year's cake will be posted later :) Have a great day everybody

GREAT lab results...

With all the excitement going on last week I completely neglected to mention the fantastic lab results we had for both girls. Thankfully also the Vitamin D levels are up, not quite there yet but they are up...We are so pleased...this gives us definitive proof that the diet at Mia Rosie's school is 100% safe. Plus there is another thing. Did I mention before that both our girls eat Parmesiano Reggiano? - Both girls have been eating Parmesiano for awhile now (only authentic Parmesiano Reggiano, not Grana, or other type of Parmesan). I think that I mentioned in previous posts that Germans, Austrians, Swiss, and also Italians allow aged cheeses in the CG diet. We actually have friends in Northern Italy whose two children also have CG. Their kids are 10 and 8. Both kids eat Parmesiano. After meeting with our metabolic clinic we first allowed Alena to eat Parmesan, and now also Mia Rose. In any case, going back to the recent labs both girls ate Parmesiano the day before the draw...We are so excited, as neither level was elevated. Calcium is just so important, and if they can get it from cheese it is just so much better.

A good day turns into a bad day and then again good...

What a rollercoaster day we had yesterday...I am still all shaken up. Yesterday we wanted to go hiking up by the mountain. Alena seemed a little cranky but otherwise OK so we figured that a nap on the one hour car ride would be good for her. Both girls napped, we had beautiful weather. Alena slept, as she often does in the car, her head back and her mouth wide open. As we got closer to our destination, Ron noticed that she was in her backseat with her eyes and her mouth wide open. I immediatley checked on her and she started to talk to me about the rides at Oak's Park the previous day. She seemed a little off, but I figured that she was just sleeping with open eyes. In any case we continued on for another five minutes, stopped and a couple of minutes later when I looked at Alena she again had her eyes, and her mouth wide open. Head tileted backwards, and then I could not get her to respond to me at ALL. It was horrible!!! We stopped the car, I pulled her out of her car seat...thought maybe she was dehydrated so I offered her water. She refused it, but her mouth stayed wide open, just like her eyes. I poured water in her mouth, she seemed to slightly chew but it all flowed back out of her mouth. We tried to stand her up, but she just flopped to the side...I put her on my lap in the car and again, her body just flopped back. It was SO HORRIFYING...somebody called 911 and the firefighters came w/i what seemed like an eternity. I knew she was breathing, but had NO IDEA what was going on. I poured water on her, still no response. I told her about shots, no protest. Ron remembers that she did talk a little bit, very softly...I just do not remember that. I was so worried that we would loose her, it was so, so very scary...The firefighters were wonderful. They took her vitals and they were fine. They calmed us down, figured out that she had a temperature, and still Alena was not responsive. When the ambulance came, Alena started shaking which was probably a reaction to her fever...the ambulance took Alena and me to Emmanuel Childrens Hospital back in Portland. Ron followed with Mia Rose in the car. Her vitals were fine, her temperature was around 102 F. She did respond to look at the paramedic, and with single words, but still was not herself. Finally, about ten minutes away from Emmanuel, 45 minutes into the trip back) she started to become herself again. At the hospital they took labs, as well as a cat scan...the GREAT THING is that everything came back OK. Cat scan was clear, labs showed that she was a little bit deydrated, and they are making the assumption that she had a febrile seizure. We don't know for sure so. I am just so glad, that she is OK. On that mountain, I just saw my whole life come to a halt...

Now we have to figure out what happened. I did call metabolics, and also her pediatrician. It probably has nothing to do with CG, but what was this? I really do not want to ever experience something like that again...it was so scary. And I am not sure, if I can venture away from the metro area for a while ...

Fun Day...

Finally it feels like summer here in Portland. We had such a fun day yesterday. Have I ever mentioned that the girls LOVE hamburgers from Burgerville?! And yes, I am NOT crazy about fast food at all...but oh well, I feel that Burgerville is at least a little bit better. At least we know where the food comes from. In any case, so yesterday we took the girls to Burgerville for Hamburgers, and then we went on a really fun hike (Ok more or less a walk, but for the girls its a hike ;) at Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge. It is such a great little hike in the middle of the city. Blue Herons, Osprey, frogs, fantastic http://www.portlandonline.com/parks/finder/index.cfm?action=ViewPark&PropertyID=490. AND to top it off, there is even a destination to it. Oh yes, Oaks Park Amusement Park....Alena loved it. She went on a few rides, and then we all rode the train. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oaks_Amusement_Park. After the park we hiked back to our car. Both girls were by that time really tired of walking, so it was Ron and I hiking...and how did we end the day? Can you guess it? Yes......OK we went to Ben & Jerry for yummy lemon sorbet.

P.S.: Any point to this...of course, you know that not once I thought about the dietary issue?!

It's summer...camp time

We have been on summer break for a couple of weeks now. School for Alena is out, Mia Rosie's little preschool however continues through the entire year. In order to for me to work a couple of days a week, Alena goes to camp on the two days Mia Rosie is in school. It actually works out very well. The best part is that camp is at Alena's preschool and everybody is aware of her CG. Of course I double checked with all the teachers as we have not met some of them before, but then I noticed this big statement at the end of the daily list stating that Alena cannot eat anything with milk in it, and eats her own crackers, etc. For snack-time I brought in a box of Annie's Graham Bunny Crackers (and which child does not love them ;) ) and we are good to go. Five years ago, I would have never thought that managing the girls diet will become so second nature to me, and that I won't be all anxietal about it anymore...It called growth, right :)

I do not recall if I shared the info on Annie's bunny crackers before; I just have the worst allergies which is now turning into a miserable cold. So I am actually feeling very sorry for myself...ha, ha, ha... OK - enough about me. Here is the link to Annie's http://www.annies.com/bunny_grahams. The flavors available include chocolate, graham, cinnamon, and chocolate chip. They are all very tasty. The girls love the shape and taste of them :) Happy snacking...

What are you doing this summer? I would love to hear from you.

I just updated the recall panel.

So I just updated the side panel "recalls" with the detailed pertinent information about the last two recalls which I just uploaded to the blog. I hope you find the information helpful...Please let me know. I really, really, really love to get feedback. Oh, and does anyone know what happened to the fun "immediate response" buttons (I am sure there is a much more official term for it). I added the regular ones available from Blogger, but they are just not as fun as the others...

Tortillia Chip Recall

This recall was just released. Pls click on link for details

La Mexicana, Inc. Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Milk and Milk Products in Tortilla Chips
Tue, 23 Jun 2009 21:18:00 -0500

La Mexicana, Inc., of Seattle, Washington, is recalling Solena Tortilla Chips with a June 03, 2009 code date, because they may contain undeclared milk and milk products

Pet Peeve...

In the Austrian CG Journal there was an article by a young woman living with CG. The article was about a vacation she took with her family and the dietary issue associated with eating out. A really wonderful, inspiring article...really wonderful. The last sentence however stated something to the effect that "it is wonderful how others deal with people with disabilities...". OK so this is my pet peeve. I do not think of my girls as kids with living with a disability, handicapped children, sick children, children with a disease...I do not want them to think of themselves like that. I want my children to be confident, and feel empowered. Labelling them as "sick" just achieves the opposite. They are perfectly healthy kids. Yes, they lack an enzyme and yes, there can be bad side effects associated with CG, but they are certainly not sick...

Maybe it is a European thing. I noticed it also in Germany. We met with a couple of different parents who have kids with CG. I was shocked to hear that they have "disability passes" for the kids and themselves. The reason for it is that there are tax advantages, and entrance fees to zoos, etc. get waived. But is that a valid reason to label your child as disabled??? - I could rant on about that for a long time, but will get off my soap box now. Please let me know what you think...

Oh, and sorry if I am ranting. I feel that my writing "mojo"still is not completely back ;)))

Recall SMITH'S TEA With LEMON gallon six container

This recall was just released. The sidebar will be updated later. Pls let me know how you like this format for recall info. Thank you ;)

Smith Dairy Announces Voluntary Recall on SMITH'S Tea with Lemon in Gallon Size Only
Tue, 16 Jun 2009 18:55:00 -0500

Smith Dairy Products Company today announced a voluntary recall on SMITH'S Tea with Lemon in gallon size, lot no. 07/07/09

A fast, easy and quick dinner...chicken, asparagus and couscous

Yesterday my head was spinning. This week I have not been able to plan any of our dinner which makes life so much harder for me. So why do have I not planned??? Good question...In any case, I work on Tuesdays and Thursdays while both girls are in school. So I generally do not have time to go shopping during the day, nor think about dinner. What made matters worse yesterday was that instead of having the night off, I still had a business dinner meeting...I felt the pinch and got really, really stressed. In addition to many processed foods not being safe for the girls, I just do not like to feed my family a lot of processed foods. Ron, saved the day by suggesting the Panko Breaded Chicken. Yeah, I have not made it in quite a while and it is just so, so, so very quick, easy and delicious. Here is the link to the recipe http://galactopdx.blogspot.com/2009/01/panko-baked-chicken-thigs.html. Honestly, it took me about ten minutes to coat the chicken with mustard (I actually left the chicken on the paper, slapped on the mustard and rubbed the mustard over the chicken; then I just breaded it and put it in the baking pan), and coat it with Panko Crumbs. Preheat the oven, pop in the chicken and 40 minutes later dinner is ready. OK - so fear not, I did not just feed the family chicken...asparagus and couscous were there as well. I just baked the asparagus in the oven. Quite delicious - here is how I make it

Green Asparagus
Salt (I use Kosher)
Olive Oil

- Snap ends of asparagus
- Put asparagus in baking dish (best in single layer - but two layers are OK)
- Drizzle with ample olive oil and toss
- Sprinkle with salt and toss

I bake the asparagus for about 15 minutes (the last 15 minutes with the chicken) at 400 F. Just check it until you like it...Delicious.

And with all of that there was couscous which is one of my easy stand by sides...and you know what? The entire family loved dinner last night. There was not one piece of chicken, or asparagus left over...

Playdate without Mommy...

OK so I know this has been long, long overdue but Alena just went on her first play date all by herself. I really do not keep her on a "short leash" ;) generally however it just works out that Mia Rose and I just come along. The kids play and mom's usually hang out...Well, a couple of weeks ago I just dropped her off at a friends house. Alena actually told me "you go mommy...no mommy, no mia, and no papa. Just me!" - She obviously goes to school without me, so it does make sense that she wants to be all by herself...it is empowering, right?

Here is how I think we are just a tiny bit different. Before hand, I told the mother of Alena's friend that she has CG and therefore needs to avoid all types of milk sugar. In addition, I also gave a little breakdown as well as a link to the blog entry "about Galactosemia". I certainly do not want to scare parents about it, but need to make them aware...The mother and I talked about that PB&J sandwiches would be great for both kids. I brought along a couple slices of bread for Alena. For treats I made Chocolate Chip Cookies for everybody...the play date was great fun for everybody. The bottom line so is, that there is no need to shy away from play dates or be afraid of them. Its all in the preparation, and of course the child has to be aware of the foods they cannot have. Alena now always asks...

Have a great day everybody.