Kate Update

So for anyone who cares...Kate definitely does not have Celiac Disease. It was confirmed by blood work and biopsy, so...pretty certain. It's great news...except that we still don't know what's going on with her. Some of her symptoms are worse; some are better. I read online that sometimes with chronic hives the cause is never determined, and it can take up to 5 years for the hives to go away on their own. So far it has been about a year and a half. The hives appear virtually every day, and are getting progressively worse. I've been taking a break from the doctors ever since her upper GI procedure turned out no results. She's on a probiotic, and we have been trying essential oils from a company called doTerra. We really like the oils we've tried, but so far the only results we've seen for the hives is that when we rub lavender and melaleuca on the rash she gets immediate relief from the itching and the swelling goes down. Don't get me wrong, that's great news, and it's more than I can say for all the OTC antihistamines we have tried, but honestly I was hoping the oils could cure her; not just relieve her symptoms. Other oils that seem to help her with other stuff like digestion, asthma and nausea/vomiting have been lemon, peppermint and a blend for breathing. Also the peppermint oil has helped reduce the kids' fevers when they have been sick. It feels great to be able to treat their everyday ailments naturally. Plus it smells yummy!

In summation: We are frustrated. We are grateful for the oils. We are trying to be patient...

1st Grade Thanksgiving Play

1st Grade Thanksgiving Play: Katelyn was Pocahontas, I was the pianist, and Zach was at every rehearsal. He made very good friends with the lady who painted the backdrop, and after the play Kate's teacher called him up in front of everyone and gave him a bag of licorice for being such a good sport. By the end, he could sing all the songs right along with the entire 1st grade. Very cute!

Have a Happy Thanksgiving!!