Young and old love to receive a genuine note in the mail.  It stands out past the advertisements and bills.  It’s the envelope that you sit down for and carefully open in hopes of something wonderful.  So . . . find your favorite pen and buy some stamps – some cute ones and yes, they are now 45 cents now, but the happiness a stamp will bring is priceless!

School begins for most students within the next few weeks — some are already in full swing.  School lunches do not  offer much in the way of gluten free.  SO . . . write in and tell us your favorite, best, easiest, etc. home-packed school lunch for your GF student.  We’ll be compiling the best of these into a book to download.

The most important thing that I have learned after spending a week with the celiac kid is that he depends on me to make 100% gluten free decisions.  Although food is huge in creating menus or eating out, it is also critical to be aware of keeping his entire body gluten free.  We all washed our hands if we came in contact with gluten before we touched the celiac kid.  His champion brother is extremely vigilant about this.  I think that his brother has the cleanest hands of any 5 year-old on this planet!

As a grandma, along with the celiac kid’s mom and dad, there’s a huge responsibility to protect him from gluten and teach him to make wise choices.

What an AWESOME week!!!

During the celiac kid’s visit with grandma, we planned a family breakfast.  We had a great menu: GF french toast, hash browns with eggs, bacon and grated cheese, fruit and a favorite — chocolate milk.  As we were getting out the syrup, we realized that we hadn’t checked for gluten in the syrup.  Sure enough, it contained gluten!  We had 4 different brands of syrup and not one could we totally rule out gluten.  So . . . the celiac kid’s super Dad ran to the store and grabbed some Mrs. Butterworth’s original syrup that IS GF and saved the day!  YEAH Mrs. Butterworth!

If you know of any other GF syrups let us know.

Planning excursions with my grandsons was most fun!  Because one of them is a the celiac kid we packed GF lunches and were on our way.  No matter where we were at lunchtime — lunch was right with us.  I am so grateful for “Go-Gurts” and peanut butter — the kids loves them!

In preparation  for my grandson’s visit — the celiac kid, I called several of my favorite restaurants to check about GF availability.

I was pleasantly surprised at how many knew about celiac and GF, the person I talked to was GF or a close family member was, and many had at least a few GF items on their menu.  I was careful to mention about gluten contamination.  Stopping for an ice cream, fruit smoothie or a root beer float was a fun, easy and safe way to end our adventures each day!

Within a few days, another display of GF foods appeared at Dan’s Food.  There are hamburger buns — fresh, frosted cookies — bakery fresh, as well as sliced bread and other treats.  I am so thrilled to see this easy access to GF foods.  I look forward to my grandson’s next visit.  He will be able to go to the store with me and choose from a variety of foods that are safe for him to eat!

A Paper Hug for Dad — WWII and Korean Conflict Veteran.

You will never be forgotten!

A Polish immigrant sacrificed much to raise his family in America.  Four sons were proud to serve in WWII.  Not long after this article was published, five stars hung in the family’s window.  Memorial Day — Remember those who served!

There is nothing more patriotic and powerful than a flag covering a soldier.

Remember them this weekend!