A Change of Plans

As if the past few days haven't been trying enough with all of the focus on what Addie Claire can and can't eat...cue option of biopsy. Now, we originally decided on the DNA/fecal test because we were tired of going to the doctor and being given another medicine to try. We now know that she has a gluten sensitivity and the celiac gene, but does that mean celiac disease? Ummm, no. We have tossed around whether or not to have a biopsy to either confirm or deny the celiac diagnosis...after all, the diet change would be the same, right? Not necessarily, and yes. Confused? Good, so am I!! Well, not really, but I was!

Going completely gluten free is a HUGE undertaking, which involves new pots and pans, appliances and so forth in order to avoid cross contamination. I just can't even explain the dramatic change this is. Now...if she has the disease, the change is non-negotiable. However, if she is simply intolerant then we will not have to necessarily freak about getting a bit of gluten here and there.

After a long conversation with a good friend today, whose daughter happens to have celiac...we are choosing to have a biopsy. We simply want to know how strict to be with the gluten removal! This is a life long strict altering of diet for Addie Claire if she is celiac, and something we want to be sure of before we tackle it physically and emotionally. Stay tuned....

Model Behavior

If you are a parent, you are very aware of how your children model your behavior. The good and the bad...they pick up on it all! Last night, my oldest daughter attached a scripture with her tooth to leave for the tooth fairy. Including a scripture with a card, a note, a gift...this is something she has seen me do many times. Today, as I thought about that, a light turned on for me, thank you God.

A couple of weeks ago, I was driving and texting. Now...while this is something I very rarely do, God spoke to me through the eyes of my almost 10 year-old daughter. As I completed my message and hit send, I felt eyes upon me. I glanced back and saw something so vivid and clear...my child learning how to text and drive at the same time. Not only was she learning how to master the task, but I was the one showing her how to do it!

Today, I watched a program full of families left behind to deal with the devastating effects of someone using a phone while driving. From being too engaged in a phone conversation to texting their friends...the results were all the same. Death. Plain and simple. The studies and results were very enlightening, and are something I think everyone should know. Using a phone while driving makes you FOUR times more likely to have an accident while driving...which are the same percentages for driving at the legally drunk limit! Texting while driving makes you EIGHT times more likely to have and accident! EIGHT!!! Essentially, we are constantly among "drunk" drivers because if you look around most everyone is on the phone while operating such potentially deadly machinery. You use a bluetooth you say? It made no difference...it was the state of the mind and it's focus. Although the brain is capable of many things, research shows it simply does not function at the level it should when driving is married with texting or phone conversations.

While my oldest child is still 5 years away from driving, she will be entering that stage of life with texting being such a commonplace activity that an actual phone conversation may in fact be obsolete. In all honesty, based on one of the teenagers on the show, it is already more common for someone to text than to call among that age group. For now, my children are still impressionable and learning basic ways of life. It is my goal to teach them respect of the driver's seat which includes no more texting or talking on the phone while our car is in motion.

If you call me or text me while I am driving, please expect to get my voicemail. No more digging in my purse to find a ringing phone while I'm driving, texting to have someone save me a spot in Power class, or even picking up the phone to call and "say I love you" to someone. It is BECAUSE I love so many I am choosing to forego this behavior, and be a better model!

I Can Do This!

Before the cold weather settles in once again tomorrow, we decided to get outside one last time and enjoy the sunshine. Hollis wanted to ride his "motorcycle", but has not been able to figure out how to ride continuously. He, as most children his age, has a habit of pushing the pedals the wrong way and applying the brake unintentionally.

So here we go, out onto the sidewalk. The girls were laughing deliriously as they zoomed around on their plasma cars, and Hollis mounted his bike with a world full of confidence. He assumed the position and took off!! As I walked closely to make sure he didn't fall over, his words were clear and demanding..."No momma, I can do this!". I'm sorry..is this my not even 2 1/2 year old son telling me he doesn't need me???? Why yes, it certainly is.

While part of my heart was crying profusely, the rest of it was beaming with pride. As his sweet little words, as stern as they were, echo in my ears...I am forced to think of him not being my baby anymore. As tears well up, and I want to hang on to him with everything that I have...I am reminded by Hollis himself that I can let go..."I can do this".

The Run

This past weekend I was able to watch hard work and determination come to fruition at the Dallas Rock N Roll Half Marathon. My friend, Angie, and I decided for reasons unknown to begin training for the race in January. We looked at several different training schedules and went to work...never looking back!

Just as planned, we crossed the finish line together, and having my family there to watch me approach the finish line was absolutely priceless! It truly was an amazing experience, but I have to give complete credit to God. When life tried to get in the way of training...He was my determination. When, within the first mile, we headed downhill and I feared running back uphill...He was the voice inside me saying "I did not give you a spirit of fear". When my joints screamed from pain... He was the one who carried me. You see, HE was the best training plan I could find, and I totally relied on Him for success!

Why the Name?

I've contemplated a blog for a while now because I am a person of many words! So here I am taking the leap!! As I sat and wondered what to name my blog and what would best describe my life...other than sheer and utter chaos on most days...I came up with "Life On My Way Home".

1 Peter 2:11 describes me best as a temporary resident...an alien. My faith and hope are in Jesus Christ, and therefore my home is in heaven and each day I spend on this earth is part of my journey to eternity. Also in 1 Peter, as a Christian I am called to speak out about what God has done for me and so my prayer is that while I share everyday life with you...the reader... I am obedient in sharing God's work in my life!!