Remember last week when I wrote about Acceptance with Joy?
I’m really getting to practice accepting change with joy these days…can I share just a minute about some big changes in my life?
*****
Last June and July while the temperatures soared to near-unbearable, I worked nearly round-the-clock on my redecorating my downstairs living space. Days and nights ran into each other as I’d sometimes sleep for just a few hours before getting up at two in the morning to paint. I had lots of energy and loads of enthusiasm for my project. During that time I lost 15 lbs. I’m 49 and menopausal…I do not lose weight without divine intervention. I knew something was amiss. There were some strange pains in my abdomen so I started the long rabbit-trail to find answers. It’s been 12 months, 5 doctors, 5 rounds of blood tests, 8 scans/procedures later and I think I have an answer.
I was diagnosised recently with Celiac Disease. Celiac Disease is an auto immune disease. The Mayo Clinic defines Celiac Disease this way: People with celiac disease who eat foods containing gluten experience an immune reaction in their small intestines, causing damage to the inner surface of the small intestine and an inability to absorb certain nutrients. Over time it’s caused me to have very low iron, which explains why this June there’s no way I could work around the clock on a project…I’m simply too weak and exhausted.
Celiac Disease is so common now days, I read that 1 out of every 133 people will be diagnosised with Celiac. Because of this there are thousands of websites, cookbooks and support groups out there that help with the monumental job of completely changing what you eat. My friend Julie, who also has Celiac, is helping The Husband and I work out the details. (The Husband says he and I are one…if I have to give up gluten he’ll do it too. I love that man.)
Julie went from eating a normal diet to going completely gluten-free with such grace and joy. I want to emulate her attitude. I’ve been doing really well until a few days ago when I had a monumental melt down. I kept thinking: I’ll NEVER again have a Krispy Kreme Donut or a hot out of the oven oatmeal cookie, or bake during the holidays all those recipes that make me feel like home.
I completely understand that I have to turn my focus to what I CAN have. And I’m working on it. Really, I am. But at this moment I’m a tiny bit sad and a whole-lotta overwhelmed with the magnitude of the change. My doctor told me if I even share a toaster with The Husband and get bread crumbs w/ gluten on my gluten free bread my immune system will cause a set back in the healing process… Holy (I-will-miss-my) Cannoli…this is drastic.
*****
So…. this diagnosis along with wanting to spend time with my 3 granddaughters has helped me make the decision to take a blog-break this summer.
If you’re subscribed to the blog I hope you hang with me, I’ll post here and there through the summer months and then when the dust settles and I have my wits about me I’ll see you in the fall…
ps…there’s another granddaughter due in November…that will be FOUR! Four granddaughters 2 and under! The Husband and I are going to spend the summer loving on those babies and learning how to eat gluten free…
*****
Oh, by the way…I’m still counting gifts…
#624-finally finding the doctor who gave a name to what’s ailing me….
~love to you my friends~
Petra says
June 3, 2011 at 6:34 amI didn’t subscribe, what won’t avoid me from waiting for next post! Happy resting!
Robin says
June 6, 2011 at 8:17 amPetra…hugs and smooches my friend.
Deanne M says
June 3, 2011 at 6:46 amHi Robin, we follow each other on twitter. Thanks for sharing, as I was reading, it brought me back. A few years ago, I too, quickly became sick. Lost 20lbs, went from high energy to 0. If I ate anything, even a bite, I’d find myself in the bathroom. The doctors couldn’t figure it out?? We were all thinking cancer, but didn’t say it out loud. The Dr finally thought, it’s got to be Celiac disease. Went for more tests, came back negative. At this point, the negative answer was not what I wanted to hear (if you can believe that). I think it bothered me more, the not knowing. It seems the unknowing is scarier than if you finally knew what you were dealing with.
Feeling that I was on my last leg, I drove myself to a small near by hospital, where in a few hours and some more tests, had me in and out. A couple days later, my Dr. calls and said they found out what was wrong. They found a parasite. Then asked if I had been camping (no), eaten at any restaurants (no). Finally asked if I had been drinking out of any streams or puddles (no). I do remember that my dog was sick and I cleaned that up (maybe a germ there)?? So I was on the mend within a week or so, with the help of a few little pills. Why couldn’t this have happened sooner. (All in His time) Thanks be to God!
I pray that God will envelope you with the peace and comfort as you strive to make major changes. Keep your eyes on Jesus! I know you know this already. Sorry if I sound like a broken record. I’ll be praying for you! 😉
And by the way, I love your blog. You inspire me! I’ll be watching for your next post. Thx.
Blessings Robin to you and your family. <3
Robin says
June 6, 2011 at 7:53 amDeanne…thank you for sharing and for your prayers my friend…xo
Jane says
June 3, 2011 at 6:56 amA friend of mine was diagnosed last year and has made the huge change in her diet. She is feeling great now. I know you can do it, and will be cheering you on! I will sincerely miss your blog. Happy summer, dear friend. Enjoy loving on those precious babies and eating your way to feeling better.
Robin says
June 6, 2011 at 7:53 amThanks Jane…love to you. xo
Cindy says
June 3, 2011 at 6:59 amI was diagnosed with celiac last summer, right before a triathlon, it does get easier. I often wonder why no one discovered I had it before I turned 50, the symptoms have been there all along. In the process of healing, I found I also can’t have dairy, so my diet is somewhat restricted but at least I can have all the fruits and veggies I want. I still take iron pills, I guess it takes a while to recover from the anemia. Elizabeth Hasselbeck has celiac and has written a good book for those just going gluten free, http://search.barnesandnoble.com/The-G-Free-Diet/Elisabeth-Hasselbeck/e/9781599951881
I tried keeping half the 4 slice toaster for myself but realize I do need to either buy another one or give up toast. (Udi’s is the best I’ve found.) I gave up baked goods, which was hard because I like to cook, I still make some for the guys in the house but not all the time.
You are blessed to have a husband who is willing to give up gluten with you, mine thinks it’s a joke and offers to pick up Pizza Hut for dinner!
Good luck trying to absorb all the info out there on being gluten free and congratulations on the newest grandbaby!
Robin says
June 6, 2011 at 7:54 amCindy … I’ve been thinking about getting her book and I heard there’ll be an app to go along w/ the book out soon…xo
You’re story encourages me…thank you.
Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions says
June 3, 2011 at 7:06 amWell, if you ever need anyone to talk to Robin, I had to go gluten free 4 years ago {at 43!}. Not fun and believe me I’ve had plenty of pity parties! I can tell you how much better I feel though. It took 9 years to get a correct diagnosis and I had to figure it out myself! {the only plus to working a day job at a med mal law firm!} Unfortunately, you have to read everything. Did you know Twizzlers have wheat in them? I discovered that as I sat on the couch eating like 5 and read the back of the package. I had to have one of my prescriptions changed because it bothered my stomach and had to go with a different pharmaceutical company.
It’s tough and it’s hard sometimes, but it can be done. After 4 years, I am used to it now and I still try different things and I’m still looking for that perfect loaf of bread {I think that was the hardest}.
Robin says
June 6, 2011 at 7:56 amOh Kathy! I’d love to talk!!! I was going to hide away in a mid-week movie the other day and bought Twizzlers…knowing they CAN’T have gluten! 4 Twizzlers later my gut twisted. I looked at the ingredients and wow…why in the heck do they need to add gluten to Twizzlers?
So encouraging to hear you’ve been at this for 4 years…kuddos to you and thank you for sharing.
Jennifer says
June 3, 2011 at 8:17 amRobin,
My Husband just found out he has PKD and in order to help him I said I would change how we cook. I want to help him and I will do it as well but as I need to change everything it hit me hard ..how am I going to do this? I understand how you feel change is hard but we have God on our side. I love your site and enjoy your posts so if its once a week or once a month it will be a treat. You should write a book. 🙂 Love the girls and play with them. I hope you can feel God’s peace- Shalom
Jen
Robin says
June 6, 2011 at 7:57 amJen…yes, I agree…God is on our side. love to you~
Jennifer Clause says
June 3, 2011 at 8:22 amRobin…I have had so many friends with this…praying for quick healing…I am going to miss your posts, that is for sure….I love reading them and seeing your ideas I never have time to do….I love your thoughts and your books that you recommend! Your husband is a sweetie to do that with you…what a man! Have fun loving on your grandchildren…that is the best therapy I know of….
Sending you a big hug!
Jennifer
Robin says
June 6, 2011 at 7:58 amJennifer…I’m praying God will heal quickly too…I’m looking forward to feeling a bit of energy as my body starts absorbing nutrients again…xo
(you are an inspiration to me dear one…)
Gabrielle says
June 3, 2011 at 8:39 amI wish you the best of luck Robin, I know it will be a brand new way of cooking/baking for you. A good friend of mine had to do the same for her hubby last year and she has done wonders. She says it has been trial and error finding what they like best with gluten free recipes.
If you like pizza, here is a recommended gluten free pizza crust her whole family enjoys. http://consumer.kinnikinnick.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/products.home/productcategoryid/34#
Have a great Summer and enjoy your grand-babies.
Robin says
June 6, 2011 at 7:59 amGabrielle…thank you bunches for the website! I have been sad about pizza…xo
Kathy says
June 3, 2011 at 8:51 amOh, I am so sorry to hear about your diagnosis. May you feel God’s presence and grace like never before as you adapt to this new lifestyle. How hard to give up gluten!! Enjoy every minute of your summer with your sweet granddaughters. What a tremendous blessing to be close to them. Have a joyful and Jesus filled summer!! Blessings!!
Robin says
June 6, 2011 at 7:59 amKathy…thank you my friend. love to you…xo
Gina says
June 3, 2011 at 8:51 amAwww, I’ll miss your blog Robin but completely understand. I hate to hear of your diagnosis and the difficulty getting a diagnosis but like you said there is so much information out now about Celiac Disease. Prayerfully you’ll make the transition easily. And the husband is a real keeper! 😉 Enjoy your summer. 🙂
Robin says
June 6, 2011 at 8:00 amGina…that husband of mine is pretty amazing. Much more than I deserve. xo
Tom says
June 3, 2011 at 9:01 amLove to you and thankful Julie is there for you. All of us fans of Robin are too! God sized hugs to you. Always.
Robin says
June 6, 2011 at 8:00 amTom…thank you for encouraging as always…hugs right back at cha!
Chris says
June 3, 2011 at 9:06 amMixed emotions…so sad you are going through this, and happy that you finally know how to work along with our Great Physician to bring about your healing and health. Remember that God is in this new chapter of your life, and He is writing a beautiful story of His grace in and through you! Enjoy your summer loving on your sweet grands!!
Robin says
June 6, 2011 at 8:01 amChris…I’m so thankful that as you said I know how to “work along with our Great Physician to bring about healing”…lovely way to put it dear one. love to you…
SouthernScraps says
June 3, 2011 at 9:15 amI’ll miss your encouraging post, but pray that you do find rest and healing. Have fun this summer and enjoy those sweet babies!
Terry says
June 3, 2011 at 9:37 amSending prayers and thoughts your way! My hubby has some gastro issues with food and finding foods that he can handle, and I know the struggle you are facing!! Though his condition is different, the process of change is daunting. It’s been 4 years for us and we still struggle. Some times I think it would be easier if there was something to avoid. As it is, we never know how a food will treat him. Some times it’s a safe food, yet he has a bad reaction. It’s a difficult process!!
There are so many great recipes, companies and products out there and I am confident that you will find peace with this faster than you can imagine. I have a friend of a friend who runs Gluten Free Mama, http://glutenfreemama.com/ and her CC cookies are AMAZING!!! :o) Peace and Rest my dear friend!! :o)
~Terry
Robin says
June 6, 2011 at 8:02 amTerry…oh thank you for the website! I ca’t wait to have a look and subscribe! xo
Hugs to you my friend…xoxo
Nancy says
June 3, 2011 at 9:37 amI will look forward to your sporadic posts!
Take care of yourself! My cousin was just diagnosed in January, she had many of the same symptoms that you did. She is beginning to adjust and is feeling so much better!
Enjoy your time with your family!
Robin says
June 6, 2011 at 8:02 amNancy…oh I love it that your cuz is feeling better! Encouraged!!! xo
Annie~Savor This Moment says
June 3, 2011 at 10:37 amKudos to you for recognizing that you need the time to regroup and take care of yourself and your family! If you jump into this new chapter of your life like you have tackled everything that you have on your blog you will do great. I have friends and family who have been diagnosed with celiac, and once you get the hang of cooking and eating that way it gets much easier and you’ll feel so much better! There are tons of resources out there for you.
Have a wonderful and blessed summer!
Robin says
June 6, 2011 at 8:03 amAnnie…thank you sweetie for the encouragement and for the title of your last blog post that made me giggle! xoxo
Vicki says
June 3, 2011 at 12:12 pmThank you God for providing us with doctor’s who have answers! I will definitely hang in there with ya girl. Good luck and much prayer for your life style change. So hard, yet we learn so much about ourselves. Lean on God and your hubby when it gets difficult. I know you will succeed! Much love!
Robin says
June 6, 2011 at 8:04 amVicky…love to you…
Nan says
June 3, 2011 at 12:33 pmWe are expecting our first grandchild in July and we are so excited! Take care of yourself and enjoy your grandbabies. Rest in Him and be refreshed and renewed.
Robin says
June 6, 2011 at 8:04 amOh Nan~!!! Hang on my friend being a grandmother is quite a ride! love love love your way!
sophia says
June 3, 2011 at 12:57 pmcongratulations to you honey! wish you all the best and keep sharing with us 🙂
Robin says
June 6, 2011 at 8:05 amSophia…thank you Sweet one…hugs.
sophia says
June 7, 2011 at 8:54 amyou’re welcome 🙂
Ann says
June 3, 2011 at 12:57 pmRobin, I’m glad the mystery is solved and now you can work on staying healthy! I must admit I will miss your fabulicious gluten-packed recipes, but look forward to the new. Last summer I hosted a large family barbecue that included 2 with celiac, it was a challenge to work the recipes but everything turned out great.
Stay healthy and congratulations on your growing family!
Hugs,
Ann
Robin says
June 6, 2011 at 8:06 amAnn…love hearing that you adjusted the menu to accomadate your 2 friends/family with celiac…I am thinking I’ll have to take a little picnic basket everywhere I go!
xo
Vicky says
June 3, 2011 at 1:37 pmIt will certainly never be the same without you here on a regular basis, but hoping this will be the time you need to heal and rediscover your health and spend time with those grandbabes! Will look forward to those sporadic posts! love and hugs!
Robin says
June 6, 2011 at 8:06 amVicky…I love you. xo
bill (cycleguy) says
June 3, 2011 at 3:50 pmGlad and sorry to hear this Robin. Glad they found out and that i now have a more specific way to pray each morning. Sorry to hear that you have this and that your blogging will be sparse. But just know you are loved by a whole lot of people. Hugs to you and those kiddos.
Robin says
June 6, 2011 at 8:07 amBill…your prayers mean so much to me dear friend…love to you and every day…thank you.
Tanya says
June 3, 2011 at 4:20 pmRobin, I am so glad that you have an answer now to your health problems. Any change in our lives takes some time to get used to. But this is no surprise to your Heavenly Father. Be assured he is in control, and will help you adjust. You have a nice “blogging break” this summer, and we will be here waiting for you, come Fall!!
Robin says
June 6, 2011 at 8:07 amTanya…YES! This is no surprise to God! This gives me such peace…xo
Pinky says
June 3, 2011 at 7:29 pmOh GF, I am going to MISSSSSSSSSSSSS you!!!! I am glad they figured out what is wrong but also sad for you as I know how you love to bake!!!!! I know God will see you through this adjustment. Mike is such a sweetheart to do this with you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I seriously wonder if my Joe woulod be so accomadating:):) Maybe. Love on those babies and be grateful for every minute. I will never have grands so I have lived vicariously through you and my friends. God bless. MUCH, much love, Pinky
Robin says
June 6, 2011 at 8:08 amPinky..you DO know me don’t you? The baking…for comfort and therapy …sigh. I will learn to bake gluten free maybe. I love you dear friend.
Paula Chaffin says
June 3, 2011 at 11:27 pmRobin,
I am so thankful that you are taking a break. I would rather you rest that be gone forever.
I will be praying for you and The Husband as you both adjust to your new lifestyle. Having an auto immune disease myself, I do under the change myself.
Congratulations on the new blessing due in November, how exciting for you all.
Rest in His arms as you seek guidance!
Robin says
June 6, 2011 at 8:09 amPaula my friend…thank you for praying. love to you~
Robyn Kiler says
June 4, 2011 at 12:23 amHi Robin
We talked a little at the beginning of this year, you gave me some support with some BF issues I was having. I am still with him, btw!
Do you have a Whole Foods Market near you? I work there and we have a ton of gluten free products, for you to try. If not, then try any natural foods grocery store.
Robin says
June 6, 2011 at 8:10 amRobyn….of course I remember you…I was at Whole Foods twice last week, will probably be there every week from now on! Maybe I’ll get a job there too! xoxo
Elizabeth says
June 4, 2011 at 1:21 amOh Robin, so sorry to hear the news of your diagnosis. Isn’t it odd that this is so prevalent? I know several people with Celiac. Makes you wonder if it’s in the way they process the wheat or something. Anyway, I know this has to be so hard. Love and prayers my friend, and will look forward to whatever and whenever you can post.
Robin says
June 6, 2011 at 8:11 amElizabeth…it IS odd that it’s so prevalent! I wonder about it too…Thank you for acknowledging the magnitude of it…and for your sweet prayers. love to you~
Candy says
June 4, 2011 at 5:44 amI am very sorry to hear about your diagnosis. Robin, I am really going to miss you! You introduced me to 1,000 Gifts and you have been such an inspiration. Enjoy your summer and loving on those babies.
Robin says
June 6, 2011 at 8:11 amCandy…let’s keep counting gifts this summer my friend…xoxo
Sharon @ Elizabeth & Co. says
June 4, 2011 at 8:10 amYou must be so relieved to finally have a diagnosis. Sending you best wishes for a smooth transition to the changes you’ll be making. You are blessed to have such a loving and supportive husband and friends. Take a deep breath and enjoy your summer!
Robin says
June 6, 2011 at 8:12 amSharon…I am relieved. God was so sweet to send me a name for the issue. love to you…I’m breathing deep.xo
Beth says
June 4, 2011 at 10:04 pmRobin, I am a newcomer to your blog. I will truly miss it, but I totally understand. Have a wonderful healing summer with your family!
Robin says
June 6, 2011 at 8:13 amBeth…Welcome to my little blog-home which will be quieter than usual this summer… love to you and yours and I’m so happy to meet you…xo
Jojo says
June 5, 2011 at 7:43 amI’m so sorry Robin. I know several people who have been dealing with Celiac’s Disease for years and I’ve witnessed the personal struggle. One of the people I know dealing with it often plays a martyr role and it can make socializing difficult (or at least not fun). At times when I hear her, I think if all the children who discover they are diabetic and have to give up sugar and change their eating habits at a time in their lives when sweet treats are often the greatest form of reward. Nowadays there are so many options out there and so many restaurants are adding gluten free items to the menu. It’s so much better than it used to be. Wishing you good luck and good health.
Robin says
June 6, 2011 at 8:15 amJoJo…thanks for sharing Sweet One. I could be your friend that plays the martyr at this moment! I’m working through the stages of grief and The Husband says that over the weekend I was placed squarely in the middle of ANGER! But that’s how I transition…slow. I’ll get to acceptance and I pray it’ll be acceptance with joy…
love to you~
Emma says
June 5, 2011 at 4:39 pmAs someone who has followed your blog for a while enjoy your break and time with family!
I’ve been diagnosed coeliac for 12 years now (though probably had it for many more before this). At first it can be tough and a bit of an adjustment, but as I felt better and got my strength back it was life changing in a positive way. I felt so much better than I had for years! We did find a second toaster and two pots of butter/margarine on the go at a time for gluten and gluten-free have made life a great deal easier. I still bake and cook lots, if anything more than before and there are plenty of great blogs out there with good recipes around, especially for christmas. I also managed with a little trial and error to convert most of my existing recipes, proper Yorkshire pudding still evade me though. The baking beauties blog had a lovely ebook of christmas recipes free to download http://www.thebakingbeauties.com/2010/11/new-2010-gluten-free-holiday-baking-e.html
Robin says
June 6, 2011 at 8:16 amEmma…oh honey 12 years!?!?!? You are my hero! And you’ve given me such a gift w/ this website…I can hardly wait to visit them! love to you my dear friend~
Julie Garmon says
June 5, 2011 at 5:27 pmHonored to be walking this path with you (and Mike!)
And yipee!!!! Another granddaughter!! I’m sooo excited.~~~
Robin says
June 6, 2011 at 8:16 amYou’ve already been so much help…Mike will be calling you more, I promise. love you to the moon~xo
twyla says
June 6, 2011 at 10:00 pmGod Bless You and your family as you go through this valley. You are such an inspiration and a blessing to me. You will be in my thoughts and prayers this summer. ~ much love, Twyla
Anna says
June 7, 2011 at 8:28 amI get you! I was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis about a year and half ago. I was 30 at the time, with 4 young children, and it hit me hard. It is also an auto immune disorder. It’s been a bumpy year, but I’m snapping out of it. I know you’ll make it!! You are amazing!
Life still has so many great gifts and blessings to offer and I am hoping this disease will only make me a better person. Good luck!
Robin says
June 11, 2011 at 5:02 pmAnna…hugs…thank you for sharing your story. RH is a rough road…any autoimmune issue is kinda profound isn’t it? Something that will just be with you for the rest of your days. But God is not surprised and He has a plan…I’m praying that like you said, it will make me a better me! xoxo
Lindsey @ Harpersville Home says
June 7, 2011 at 6:51 pmI’ve been reading your blog for a while but don’t think I’ve commented yet. So, “hi!” Just wanted to say, glad you finally found an answer and I hope the transition to a new lifestyle will be much easier than it seems right now! I think in the end when you’ve completely switched to your new diet and become accustomed to it, you will probably feel so much better that it will be one of those things that you will never want to change, and there will be joy in finding that comfort! My Dad just fought through colon cancer that is 100% genetic at 52 and it’s been like a wake up call for me. They want me to start getting tested 10 years earlier than normal… So, I too am letting go of foods I love in an effort to protect myself. That’s kind of how I’m trying to look at the whole experience of ignoring Krispy Kreme donuts and the like… God is giving me the opportunity to protect my body, and to have a reason to eat healthier! I probably wouldn’t have just up and dropped Krispy Kreme from my diet without that kind of reason, haha!!! Like any big change it will take some time to adjust I know. 🙂 In any event, thank goodness for the internet and the ease of finding new recipes and support for this kind of diet change!! You definitely don’t have to go through it alone! And, just wanted to say – We have 6 granddaughters under 2 in my family, my daughter being one! 🙂 It’ s an absolute blast and her grandparents are so thrilled to have so many girls running around! Enjoy your summer! Look forward to your next post~whenever that may be! 🙂 Blessings to you!!
Robin says
June 11, 2011 at 5:13 pmLindsey…thank you for sharing your story. I love that you see it as an opportunity to protect your body…wonderful thought.
So glad your dad is okay….
And wow! 6 granddaughters under 2!!!!! Oh my goodness!!! How deeelightful!
love to you~xo
Anita @ Cedar Hill says
June 7, 2011 at 11:36 pmSorry to hear about the diagnosis, but you can do it. I love bread, pizza, cake, etc. A few years ago, when I took my daughter off of ADD medication, we tried a glutten free diet. It helped her tremendously. I said that I would do it with her so she wouldn’t have to watch me eat pizza and pasta. Long story short, I went without glutten for so long that now I really don’t tolerate it very well, but she is doing so well, that she eats it now. How’s that for irony? Any way, if I do eat glutten, I take an enzyme like papain (from the health food store) and I am fine. (Don’t know if it would help you.) I found many ethnic breads that were glutten free. We started eating idlies (Indian) and papads (also Indian.) I feel for you.
Robin says
June 11, 2011 at 5:16 pmAnita…I’ve heard so many people say the GF diet helps ADD…what a concept! I so appreciate you sharing your story with me…and it is ironic that your little one can eat gluten now and you cant!
The enzyme wouldn’t help someone w/ Celiac because gluten triggers my immune system to fight my small intestine…true, it really hurts my ‘gut’ to eat gluten but that’s not the real damage…love to you~
Jen says
June 8, 2011 at 7:24 amA good friend of mine was diagnosed a few years back. Big changes yes, but he tells me he hasn’t felt this good in a long long time. So I guess all the changes – as hard as they can be- will be worth it in the long run. I am amazed on how many products you can buy now that are glutten free which is a good thing. Good luck and have a nice blog break!
Jeannette
Robin says
June 11, 2011 at 5:17 pmJen! Oh thank you! I love hearing that he feels so good! Such an encouragement! xo
Carolyn | homework says
June 8, 2011 at 11:49 amWishing you the best during your healing process. I would also be really sad about baking and all the food that I like but I hear there are a lot of new gluten-free recipes. Feel better and enjoy those grandkids!
Robin says
June 11, 2011 at 5:18 pmCarolyn…I hope I can find some really good GF recipes! xoxo
MarieElizabeth says
June 8, 2011 at 10:13 pmHello! You will survive this adjustment, I promise. I learned that starting with all the healthy naturally gluten free foods was the best way (fruit, veggies, dairy, meat,seafood, etc). Then after your cravings and habits are broken, you can try some of the processed gluten free products, like brownies and such. You can make oatmeal cookies with GF oats (in most grocery stores) and GF all purpose flour. I add extra dried cherries or choc chips to boost the flavor. Really good! It is a taste-tester process. Some of the GF pre-made food is terrible, but don’t give up, you can find some wonderful things too.
Robin says
June 11, 2011 at 5:19 pmMarie Elizabeth….thank you for sharing this…it does make sense and I’m going to make this work! I’ve been using Palemas Baking Mix and it’s pretty good! Love to you…
Susan says
June 9, 2011 at 5:29 pmI’m doing a little “catch-up” in my blog reading and have just read your last post. Wow! I feel your pain for all the things you’ll be giving up, but you’re going to feel SO much better because of it! Give yourself time and I’ll bet you’re presenting all of us with some wonderful gluten-free recipes in the future. Enjoy your summer and your family. We’ll all still be here when you get back!
Best,
Susan
Robin says
June 11, 2011 at 5:19 pmSusan…thank you for the sweet well-wishes! love to you my friend…xo
Judy says
June 9, 2011 at 5:39 pmI hope you enjoy your summer and get the condition you were diagnosed with under control. I will miss your parties and stopping by. Looking forward to any updates you have and hopefully having you back full time in the fall. Until then…best wishes.
Robin says
June 11, 2011 at 5:20 pmJudy…Hoping you have a delightful summer too! sending love~
Kathleen Ellis says
June 9, 2011 at 9:14 pmHi Robin~
I’m so sorry to hear about your situation…and I will add that I am glad to hear it is not a terminal illness and that you have identified it and are learning how to live forward!
Having spent 20+ years with a “mysterious” illness, I know what a relief it is to finally find an answer and be able to be proactive on the road to health!
You will be in my prayers, I will miss your lovely posts…and if ever you need a word of encouragement or someone to agree with you in prayer…just let me know…I’ll be right there!
Congratulations on all the grand-daughters…how FUN! I am about to be a “grammy” for the first time…my youngest daughter is due the first week of December!
Take good care of yourself and remember you serve a God who has provided healing through his Son….and “by His stripes you are healed!” Keep believing in and trusting Him!
xoxo Kathleen
Robin says
June 11, 2011 at 5:10 pmKathleen…thank you for encouraging me my dear friend. I so appreciate your prayers…love to you. xo
Gigi says
June 10, 2011 at 2:03 amI somehow missed this post in the rush of my own life last week, Robin! I’m so glad you’re going to take a rest. I will miss your posts this summer, as we all will, but it’s wonderful that you’re taking care of yourself! Several people I am close to have Celiac disease and other auto-immune diseases like Lupus and Crohn’s that tend to be exacerbated by gluten, so I cook and bake a lot of gluten-free foods now. I’ve found, too, that there are certain companies, like Bob’s Red Mill, that make this much easier.
My husband was diagnosed with a very rare skin disease two years ago, also an auto-immune disease, that makes his immune system reject his skin. It has been a long, slow process of recovery for him, and he will always have this disease, but we’re hoping that with his next doctor’s visit this month he’ll be declared officially in remission. He can only spend very short periods of time outside now because he is essentially allergic to the sun. I haven’t ever talked about this on my blog because he prefers to be private about it for now, but I mention it here only to let you know that I so understand what a big change a diagnosis like this can be. It’s so good to have a name for the problem, and to learn ways to deal with it, but it’s scary, too! And I know from our experience that rest and living as stress-free as possible really, really helps, so I’m glad–truly glad–that you’re letting yourself have some time. I’ll be thinking of you, my friend, and I’ll pass along any favorite gf recipes that come my way!
Big hugs,
Gigi
Robin says
June 11, 2011 at 5:09 pmGigi…of course I had no idea your talented hubs was dealing w/ this. I’m keeping fingers crossed and saying a prayer that next month he’ll be declared in remission…
Thank you for sharing your story…I love the link you sent me on FB …what a wonderful and gorgeous website. love to you sweet friend and happy happy summer.
xo
Emma says
June 11, 2011 at 2:02 pmMomma- I love and respect you so much. You have got to be the strongest woman i know. You have been through so much and you always come out stronger. I will ALWAYS be here if you want to vent or complain about this stuff. I know sometimes it helps to let it out. And you always let me do that with you. And if you asked me today to eat gluten free with you i would. I want you to know that. I will do anything for my mamma!
So glad we get to have you all to ourselves this summer 🙂 Sorry blogosphere…but we will give her back in a few months! 🙂
Robin says
June 11, 2011 at 5:04 pmOh Emmmma. Thank you for being so supportive. You are my heart. I love you to the moon and must encourage you to eat gluten until you have reason to stop! Someone needs to nibble cake. xoxo love you to the moon and back~forever and always. xo
Jane Carter says
June 11, 2011 at 3:57 pmOkay, so I am w-a-a-a-a-y behind on what’s going on since we were on vacation for the last week. Came home and started looking to catch up on your absolutely divine and inspiring blog. Oh, my! So sorry to hear about the health issues you’ve had going on. This must have thrown you for a real doozy ’cause you seem to have more energy and stamina than anyone I’ve ever known – you never cease to amaze me with all the projects, baked goodies and sage postings at “All Things Heart & Home”.
Having said that, I am proud of you for taking a “rest”. Let your body heal, establish your new eating habits, and enjoy the Summer with your loved ones! Those of us who cherish and look forward to your written words and fabulous photos will still be around, waiting to see you when the time is right.
Take care and be blessed. ~Jane
Robin says
June 11, 2011 at 5:06 pmJane…I hope your Va-Ca was delightful my friend! Seriously, The Husband had been checking on me to see if I’m dead in the bed! I can’t seem to wake before 6 …which is about 2 to 3 hours later than usual. And I have to nap on most days…hopefully in a few weeks my iron will start going up and I’ll be able to start the forty-eleven projects that I have stacking up! love to you and happy summer Sweetie. xo
gitz says
June 12, 2011 at 5:07 pmHi, babe. Did you ever contact my friend Katie? I know she still bakes cookies and stuff for her family using special gluten free flour. Also, my friend Candy bakes gluten free bread that she says is delish. her blog is steeletheday.com if you want to ask her any questions. love you, sweet girl.
Robin says
June 13, 2011 at 5:08 pmOh I forgot all about Katie! I looked at her blog but had questions for her…now I have even more. holy cow I do need to talk to her. xoxoox
Robin says
June 13, 2011 at 5:09 pmOr am I thinking of someone else? I’ve gotten lots of tips on great gluten free websites and wonderful women…if Katie doesn’t have a blog pls send me her email address…xo
TidyMom says
June 13, 2011 at 8:09 amfirst off………congrats on another grandbaby Robin!!!
I pray that you can rest and enjoy your summer! So sorry you are going thru this, but so glad you found answers as well. I have a friend with a blog you may like to add to your lists, Nancy’s blog is http://www.thesensitivepantry.com/
{{{{HUGS}}}} my friend
Laura @ Our House Of Joyful Noise says
June 14, 2011 at 11:41 pmRobin, I just wanted you to know you are in my prayers, as I know you are in like, 1,000’s every day. My prayer for you is for strength & health, and finding a gluten-free life is WAY easier than you thought it would be. ; ) (How’s that for a prayer request? lol).
Enjoy your summer with your loves. Relax, soak up the rays, and enjoy your blessings.
~ Laura
Amanda says
June 15, 2011 at 11:06 pmOh! I will miss you during your blogging break, but it sounds like it is needed and well deserved. I hope you enjoy your time with the family and I look forward to seeing you again in the fall!
-Amanda
Jean Fischer says
June 16, 2011 at 10:10 amRobin, I’ve been so out of touch lately, working on a book project. I’m sorry I missed this post! I will pray that the adjustment becomes easier for you. Rest in the Lord, and He will bring you comfort and strength.
XOXOXO
Jean