Welcome to Holland

  Yesterday started like any other Saturday, we fed the kids breakfast, got ready for the day and checked FB.  Mr. Holland  had a busy week and he wanted to go do something. It was a surprise on where we were going. Normally everyone is ok with this type of road trip, but with Tink med free, we didn't know what to expect.    We got in the van as  Mr. Holland  followed us in his car to Horsey's house, Hulk & Doc were going to spend the day with her so we could spend some needed time with Mr. Magnificent & Tink. We said our goodbye's and joined  Mr. Holland  in the car. Tink was full of questions, "When will we be there?", "Why do we have to go?" I know that she has a hard time with  transitioning and other new situations, so I reassured her that everything was ok and asked her what she saw out her window. The anticipation was driving her nuts, the car ride was too long ...

Almost a 4 weeks on the Feingold diet - We were doing great, and then Tink's school thinks they're doing an awesome thing by handing her an APPLE!  Well.. she came bombing in the house after school, loud and obnoxious as can be. Couldn't sit still and her journal said she was jumping a lot in school. She told me the"heathy"snack was.....apples. They are a no-no on stage 1 of FG. I was amazed (still a little shocked) that some kids are THAT sensitive to salicylic acid. I will definitely be packing her a healthy snack from now on... She did calm down just in time for bed by the way.

In Dec my husband had surgery for reoccurring polyps and was diagnosed with Samter's triad . He was told to follow a salicylic acid free diet. At the same time our kids were very hyper (two on ADHD medication) and I was leaning toward trying the  Feindgold diet .  So on February 22nd we purged our cabinets and haven't looked back. At first shopping was overwhelming for us. - Searching through our new "bible" to see if a product was approved while  Tink, Hulk  and Doc were running up and down aisles. Cold lunches would soon be added to the daily routine as well.   Mr. Holland and I noticed a calmness come over us after about one weeks fully on it. As for the kiddos it took them about 3 weeks.  I love spending my weekends with them now. - Normally our weekends would consist of shipping some of them to Horsey's house aka grandma.  They are happier & calmer than ...

So today I signed the family up to do a 5K in April "Walk for Autism".  I have been wanting to do a 5K and supporting a cause like Autism is a win - win for me.  A month ago today Tink was diagnosed with Autism - it has been a slow process so far, but I know help & support is coming soon for her. This walk will not only help raise money for families who struggle each day with challenges, but bring our family closer to each other.      Advocate ~ Educate ~ Love ~ Support