Did Everyone Have A Safe, Happy Easter?

I was just thinking the same thing! Yes, we had a safe, Happy Easter. I have 4 yr old triplets (one who is PA) and the Easter Bunny filled all of their baskets w/small toys,Vermont Nut Free, and other safe candies. We are lucky in that both my husbands family and mine understand the limitations of the allergy and chose to give them baskets w/books,crayons,etc. Earlier in the week I attended and helped make the treats for their preschool party so that went smoothly also. Only "bad" spot, our neighbor (who knows about the allergy as she came down to watch my other 2 when my PA son had to be rushed to ER) filled up Easter Bags for them...not ONE thing was safe (some even had labels with "may contain"). However, I just replaced all the stuff in there w/good things, and I will return the unused candy to her today. However, I am not mad because her heart was in the right place, and she always gives the bags to me first. Oh well, you can't have everything!!!

Hi Cindy! We had a good Easter. I had told everyone not to bring any Easter chocolate as I didin't know which ones were safe or not. Instead I bought some moulds and made my own chocolate bunnies. Unfortunately, my mother-in-law (even after I told her not to) came with two big Easter baskets (one for my PA son and for my non-PA son). Everything in the basket was labelled "may contain pn.." My PA son who is 3 got disappointed when I had to tell him he couldn't eat anything in the basket. I quickly replaced the "poison" with my safe goodies. Still, I was sssooo mad!!! Thanks for the opportunity to vent a little!
Take care,
Tina

We had a nice "safe" Easter. I did allow (after much deliberation) Wade to eat the "safe" Trebor Allen Easter chocolate as well as the Dare Jelly Beans. Funny thing was though, all he did with the jelly beans was collect them and put them in his basket. He had no desire to eat them at all.

We also spent Easter with just the 5 of us, my large family tends to only get together on Mother's Day and at Christmas and my mom's birthday. It was nice not having to stress over what food would be around for a change. The only downer (if you can call it that...lol) is I now have enough left over turkey to feed a small army! Can you say left overs! LOL

Regards,

Katiee (Wade's mom)

we also had a quiet, just immediate family, easter. It was very nice, the day before we had an egg hunt with some of our neighbors and then dyed the eggs saturday night. Sunday the kids woke to their easter baskets and found the hidden eggs we had dyed the night before.Then the whole familyh was off to church, both dd's in their new easter duds.
Usually just I take the oldest as the youngest is really too young and dh stays home with her but for the holiday I insisted./
Well, in our church the priest has the little kids walk down the aisle in the beginning of the mass with little crosses. Its very cute and gets them quite caught up in it all. As older dd was walking my dh and I and little dd got seats in the pews. Lo and behold right where the oldest dd was going to be sitting was a discarded wrapper of a peanut butter easter egg by reeses!! You could still see the remants of peanut butter and chocolate in it. My dh quickly got rid of it and wiped his hands with baby wipes. There was a service immediately before the one we were at.
EEK, you never know where this stuff is gonna pop up!!
Some little kid, all excited with his/her basket sneaked some candy into church.
I know my older dd (5.5) and she would have immediately picked up the wrapper to throw it away or say "whats this doing on the floor"
sigh. constant vigilance!

Katiee, left over turkey is quite welcome at my house! LOL! Actually, I did post a recipe under Snacks, Recipes right after Christmas for a turkey soup that came out wonderfully when I thought I had nothing to make a soup with except the turkey. You might want to check that out.

It sounds like everyone had a fairly safe and Happy Easter and there weren't THAT many unpleasant situations to deal with. As I said, I have still to receive the package that my MIL sent so that might be a separate post in itself!

Best wishes! [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/smile.gif[/img]

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We are oh-so-fortunate to have friends in town with a peanut/milk/egg allergic son that is also 10. We went to their house for Easter and the meal was well coordinated to meet everyone's needs. No pn, tn, soy, milk, egg, or msg. It was great and our son's have long gotten over the candy/holiday thing and we focus on the fun!!! Jumper in the backyard and easter baskets with skate and summer supplies. It was great! The California sun cooperated too. No relatives, no problems....Our "family of choice.."for the day. I highly recommend it.

Hi cindy, Yes we did have a wonderful Easter. The kids were great and the food was all safe. Later in the day the kids received their bags of treats from my MIL and guess what was in the bag for Christopher. M&Ms. I have told her for 13 years he can not have them. My 3 year old thanked her for his treat the following day and told her that she should not have given christopher the M&M candy because they have nuts. My FIL told us they no that he can have them and acted as dumb as he always does. I did not want to get into the argument with him because I need to be more intelligent than him. We just threw away the candy and let the ignorance go. I figure that if I just throw it away it is her money loss and she is loosing out on the money she spent. They will never get it anyway. My husband I could tell wanted to scream. I told him if they don't want to get it after all these years and we get the headache from dealing with them just as long as we are aware at the ignorance we will continue throwing away their money. Well sorry Cindy I needed to vent about the stupidity they have. Then in the next breath they are wondering why Christopher never talks to them. It should not take a brain surgeon to figure it out. My 3 year old knows completly how the peanut deal works. Take care claire

my MIL finally came through this year! She likes to give her 3 grandchildren baskets and has a dinner. This year she gave my daughter a beautiful Easter basket filled with a fancy dress, the slippers she so wanted, a doll, raisens, and bunny ears! she gave the other (older) cousins their baskets earlier in the day and had them put all the candy away before we arrived. This is a big change from earlier years where she just drew a blank on what you could possibly put besides candy. Success!

Looks like I forgot to re-raise last year (or maybe another thread was running), but re-raising for this year. [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/smile.gif[/img]

Happy Easter and best wishes! [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/smile.gif[/img]

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We had a great Easter Day - so far! We too live way too far away from any family so it's just our small family of 4. Only SAFE candy, and mostly little toys & such things.

This year's biggest hits? The water guns we got them. Oh my goodness are we ever wet around here [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/smile.gif[/img]

PS - For dinner, I'm making the Turkey Breast in the slow cooker like I learned about on PA.Com [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/smile.gif[/img] Hope it turns out well! And I'm also making home made ice cream in the Cuisinart Ice Cream maker that I also learned about here - see what hanging out here has done for us?

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Sherlyn
Mom to 3 year old twins Ben & Mike - one PA & the other not.
Stay Informed And Peanut Free!

So far good

DD had reaction to a candy
I made sure I cked all labels before.
She still had a small reaction on her face
I am rereading the lables to find out what could have caused it
They only thing I can think of is soy.

She ate some much candy all at once I am
not sure I'll ever know.
There was only 4 0r 5 kinds

She is fine,just a small reaction.

All in all it was a great Easter.

Love this site

So far, yes! Now I just have to figure out how to pick them off the ceiling with all that candy & chocolate they have eaten! [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/biggrin.gif[/img]

Vanessa

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Mom of 2 cuties...3 yr old daughter who has peanut allergy and 7 yr old son who has no allergies.

We had a good Easter! Thankfully we had dinner here at my house, so didn't have all the usual anxiety feelings that we have at MIL's She (granny) also brought them toys instead of candy.

I'm positive the dinner being here and the toy was was b/c of my constant educating/talking of PA and they just figured it be better that it was here, which I was thrilled b/c that meant I didn't have to be chking Cam every 5 mins. It was nice though and for once a holiday family get together w/out all the anxiety.

Synthia, how is Little V (and you?)? I hope she is ok.

Hope everyones Easter was a nice one as well.

Lana [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/smile.gif[/img]

We were safe too. My mom gets it mostly, and she ran all food items through me first. Everything was fine. Not stuff I would buy at home though, but for a special holidays, I let it go (bread and croissants exposed to almonds, but technically DS is not allergic to almonds)

As far as chocolate goes, we had two commercial ones that are made in a peanut/nuts free place, and I made the rest. But oh boy... it was good

I made vanilla ice cream with chunks of chocolate cake in it, the whole shaped as an egg. I had an 'egg' recipe, sugar-center coated in chocolate with frozen leftovers from last year. I made chocolate covered cherries that my family goes crazy about. And a chocolate cake with whipped cream.

SUGAR HIGH!!!

Safe here too, thank goodness. We are also far from extended family and quite enjoy the holidays with just us four.

We are spending the weekend putting laminate flooring in DS room because of his dustmite allergy.
Cynde

We also had a wonderful Easter...though, DD did have a reaction to something. The only thing I can think of is the animal cookies she ate - (see post on main topic board) and the hives went away immediately with Benedryl.

We weren't very happy that we had to give it to her though...since she was pretty fussy at dinner.

Anyhow, all in all, it really was a good day.

Kris

We had a great Easter. Chris had to work in the morning so we went to a brunch next door at my inlaws. Now mind you all I have told them all about what happened to chris on the bus Monday. My mother inlaw had the counter all lined up with the brunch and stuck in the breads she made are posty notes "NUTS". OK now I have told her he had an allergic reaction to airborne stuff this time. She had the nerve to sit at the table and tell everyone how serious the allergy is. I was a little ticked at the fact she would even serve nut products thinking he was coming. Thank heavens he had to work.
Then we went to my parents. about 20 of us there and had an awesome time. tons of food and everyone there thinking of Chris as the were making theirs. My mom had a confirmation cake for him and he had such a good time. We watched the kids play and search for eggs. Things went very nicely and we took some great photos of the kids.
I myself ate so much i didn't think i would be able to function all day today,but i am thinking about all the left overs at grammas house. today we will go help them get their yard in order for summer.
I hope you all had a great Easter as well as i did. take care Claire

Yes,and it was at my home. My Mom came for the weekend and we had time enjoying each other's company and to prepare ahead for Sunday. My boys were altar servers and my Mom even went with us to church. (She doesn't go to church when she's entertaining at her home which has been most Easter's) My brother and family came and sister and one daugther came. We celebrated 3 birthdays too.

This was first Easter without Dad who died in Nov. There are still moments when that hurts for the family. my Mom has done so well and is focused on getting things done correctly.
We had a nutless Easter meal and multiply allergic son went through the food line first skipping over egg contianing (two casseroles)-- everthing went well--so glad we didn't go to brother-in-laws event re he has cat son is allergic to and son is in another asthma flare. At least we know what we are dealing with ( ie not air-brone food exposures etc) I've increased his asthma med's as usually recommended and will FYI allergist to double check re reduced peak flow scores.

Take Care,
Jan

Well, EB was nice enough to bring candy that mom could eat too [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/biggrin.gif[/img] There's to much for one little guy anyway.

Had a great day, right up until the soccer ball came through my front window [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/frown.gif[/img]

We made it!

Safe and sound after an Easter spent camping (in the rain, mostly...) on a 2400 km round trip to visit our Nanas in northern NSW.

Family we stayed with were great (about everything, including pa) and we had a fun time.

Now we're cooking a special dinner (rack of lamb) for our 6th anniversary. This one has been very special, seeing as Hel had anaphylaxis on a Qanas jet coming home from the US on our 5th...

Best wishes,

Geoff (Helen's hubby)

PS Thanks again Syd's Mum for the chocolate treats!

Simply re-raising. [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/smile.gif[/img]

Best wishes! [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/smile.gif[/img]

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You're ahead of the game. Easter bunny treats or treats from others haven't arrived yet!!

Okay, EB came and left. At 6:30am, the kids were eager to find all the treats. Easter Bunny hid chocolates, money and a note in plastic eggs. The note told the kids to go to a particular spot to find a present. My daughter had to check out her bathroom cupboard and found new pants, my son had to open the piano bench and found new pj's.

[i]Shhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh.[/i]

Cubs are still in bed, it's 7:30 am. They are curled up snoring in [i]our bed[/i]. Got home from work early this morning, showered, put out the easter baskets, and hid the eggs.

Got two of those "Toys of the Year" deals for each of the cubs ([b]"The Big Thing"[/b] in each "basket"). Found them at the local bulk store.

PapaBear has two items hid in his truck. He should be home from work in about an hour. (too big for the baskets) GrandmaBear is also sleeping (or pretending) and I'm putting out her gift. Cash in an egg. (she wouldn't have it any other way. [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/tongue.gif[/img])

Hoping Papa makes it home before they wake up. I boiled eggs to color red this morning [i]just in case[/i]. [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/smile.gif[/img]

Waiting to put the rib roast in until later. I picked it out at a market that had [i]a real butcher[/i]. Wow. You never realize the little perks that get chipped away in the name of [i]progress[/i]. I think he was a Samurai in a previous life. [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/wink.gif[/img] Answered every question I had. A tall order, I tell ya. I might even switch markets because of it.

Acutally, the Easter Baskets are some wicker hollow hinged containers about a foot and a half tall. Purchased them on a previous Easter at the local discount store. Real neat. An elatic loop and wood button holds the lid shut. Easy to get in and out of. And reusable. Cubs seem to cherish them. Make nice "grab run and hide" containers for their loot.

This year I found oodles of items my cubs can have. It also seems there were many new items introduced. Never had a particularly hard time finding candy for them, but this year proved to be especially bountiful. [i]I Stocked Up on the Seasonal/Limited items, as I found them quite delicious. I mean, just [i]how much candy/chocolate[/i] can/ should an Easter Basket hold? [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/wink.gif[/img] Nothing like dropping chocolate covered mint in your first cup, [i]hmmmmmmmmmm.[/i] possibly sixth cup of coffee. [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/biggrin.gif[/img]

Maybe I'll start some rice pudding. [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/cool.gif[/img]

Blessed Easter, everyone,

MommaBear

Codyman, yes, I re-raised the thread early so I wouldn't forget! LOL! You know me! [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/biggrin.gif[/img]

Funny thing, both of my children got up in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom. They never do that. Jesse isn't well. He has a cold. [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/frown.gif[/img] Anyway, both of them were accompanied downstairs by me so I could cover their eyes, because I had a sense that the Easter Bunny had come and left (something to do with the dog acting like he'd gone mad).

Baskets were opened this morning and much candy has been consumed. Not just chocolate, but candy candy. Some kind of explode in your mouth candy that made my brain feel funny when I tried it.

Momma Bear, yes, the butcher. It's many years ago now, but my parents used to go to a butcher (meat store) to get their roast for Sunday dinner. First DH and I would drive quite a distance in Toronto to go to the same butcher. My then DH would watch the butcher and say that the man had such a zen quality about him and his work. The roasts were beautiful. I'm not sure if they're still there or not, I'd have to ask my Aunt who lives fairly well in that area of Toronto if they're still in business or not.

But it was wonderful. You'd go in and could get fresh bacon, fresh eggs, cheese that had been packaged at a farm, and all of the different cuts of meat. Haven't found anything like that since.

Yes, the things we do lose in the name of progress. Something to do with the need for simplicity and also nostalgia for the past, but really the need for simplicity where when you wanted meat, you went to the meat store, etc. A wonderful feeling. I know what you mean. And to have found it in 2004 and hopefully close to you, well, simply great! [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/smile.gif[/img]

Happy Easter everyone! [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/smile.gif[/img]

Best wishes! [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/smile.gif[/img]

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Kids were up at 6:30 a.m.! DD loves her new Monkey wearing Bananapajamas! Too cute. DS can't wait to get out and try out his new kite (too bad its -11C! - I'll have to get the mittens out again!)

Cooking a 10 pound turkey for dinner tonight and DS has requested Apple pie.

MB - we're coloring our eggs this morning too. Apparently coloring eggs "is" Easter, according to DD! [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/wink.gif[/img] Eggs are boiling away now..

Found the cutest egg cups with legs and pink bunny slippers. [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/biggrin.gif[/img] Can anyone tell me how long one boils an egg for to get that perfect soft-boiled egg? I always seem to slightly over or under cook them....

Happy Easter!

Quote:Originally posted by Alternative to Mainstream:
[b]Funny thing, both of my children got up in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom. They never do that. Jesse isn't well. He has a cold.
[/b]

Blessed Easter, Cindy. [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/smile.gif[/img]

Remember the illness that traversed through my family weeks ago? I mean, it's still lingering. That and youngest cub was diagnosed with "Asthma" last week. (no surprises here. [i]completely straight face[/i].

Now I have a "Matched Set". (But 4 years apart [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/tongue.gif[/img]) (Lemons, Lemonaid) [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/wink.gif[/img] Both PA, Both with Similiar Gifts, and [i]Both with Asthma[/i]. Dr. prescribed the same meds too. Heads up, [i]it's working.[/i] [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/cool.gif[/img]. As of late, youngest wasn't springing back from respiratory illnesses as well [i]as the oldest with "Asthma", who was recieving prescribed intervention/lifestyle modification for the same[/i].

Wishing you Joy,

MommaBear

[i]He is Risen[/i] (raising a red egg in your general northern direction) [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/smile.gif[/img]

Quote:Originally posted by mae:
[B]

MB - we're coloring our eggs this morning too. Apparently coloring eggs "is" Easter, according to DD! [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/wink.gif[/img] Eggs are boiling away now..

Found the cutest egg cups with legs and pink bunny slippers. [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/biggrin.gif[/img] Can anyone tell me how long one boils an egg for to get that perfect soft-boiled egg? I always seem to slightly over or under cook them....

[B]

Not sure if this is "soft", but how *I* do them.

I place refrigerated eggs gently in cold water, non-aluminum pan, slowly bring to a boil, [i]simmer/very low boil[/i] 3 minutes, turn off heat, cover, let cool till warm, rinse in cold water. Eat. [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/smile.gif[/img] Rarely get cracked shells. Might be a little "done" for some folk.

Well, no broken window so far. [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/biggrin.gif[/img] (knock wood)

ds was quite happy with his morning find. EB again found all candy safe for mommy. (thank you Dare), and some science kits. gs will get his trucks when he gets here later today.

Now, I'm doing a quick check on computer since I didn't get on at all yesterday, and waiting for a friend. He's bringing over his daughter, who I used to babysit, and we haven't seen them in almost a year. ds is sooooo excited. He plans on marrying her.

Thanks MB - I'll give the 3 minute thing a try. How come egg cartons don't come with instructions.... [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/wink.gif[/img]

BTW- sorry to hear about your cubs asthma diagnosis. We always said if DD was PA it wouldn't really make life much more difficult...

It wouldn't suprise me if DS has asthma - with our family history. Both his cousins with PA were diagnosed with asthma in their early teens. He complains of shortness of breath and wheezing in PE. Next respiratory problem, I'm going to ask the doctor (again) to have him tested....

[This message has been edited by mae (edited April 11, 2004).]

My daughter has had asthma attacks since Friday. Hopefully by tonight the steriod medication will start working. She coughs so much that she gets sick, although she tells me she just has to go pee, she doesn't want anyone -- brother and Dad to know she is sick.

Momma Bear, thank-you for your Easter wishes, they were very much appreciated. [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/smile.gif[/img]
I hope you and your family had a wonderful and safe Easter. [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/smile.gif[/img]

Codyman, Jesse is very sick with another cold right now and he has a terrible cough. I asked him tonight, because I think he can verbalize about his asthma okay, if he thought he was having trouble breathing or if the cough was separate. He thinks the cough is separate but I asked him to go into my bed so I can hear him better.

Both children have been asked on a playdate for tomorrow which includes going in the hot tub (la dee dah) and I told Jess tonight when he went to bed that I hope he won't be disappointed tomorrow if I say he can't go. I already spoke with the Mom to-day and told her Jesse had a cold and she said it was okay because she has one as well (it's actually her daughter who is friends with Ember and turns out there is a son the same age as Jesse, a grade younger).

So, I'll see how he is in the morning. We, touch wood, haven't had to have liquid steroid for at least three years now for his asthma, but I tell you, I can't stand it.

Now, in answer to the original question - yes, we had a "safe" Easter (especially considering what I posted last night).

Oh, and Momma Bear, yes, also sorry to hear about your youngest cub's "official" diagnosis of asthma. Even if different things are suspected, something about confirmation is still not great, although you seem to be dealing with it perfectly. The one thing I can't remember though is when your youngest cub was diagnosed "officially" as PA (this from someone whose PA child has never been "officially" allergy tested for PA).

Best wishes! [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/smile.gif[/img]

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Quote:Originally posted by Alternative to Mainstream:
[b] The one thing I can't remember though is when your youngest cub was diagnosed "officially" as PA (this from someone whose PA child has never been "officially" allergy tested for PA).

[/b]

D@#^!

Neither can I. (remember an "official" diagnosis, I mean.)

[b]He does not have one.[/b] (an official diagnosis). My mistake. I'll remember to use: "Incomplete Diagnosis" for future reference.

[b]Good memory, Alt to M.[/b]

Um, gotta ask myself: "What would change?" (although I think some things might)

Off the top of my head, but not limited to:

He has a lab test indicating antibodies to peanut.

I've been instructed not to give him Peanut Products (never did anyway, for various reasons, not all PA related).

I was also given a prescription for this particular cub for injectible emergency medication. (This was at physician discretion based on several variables, not as advice in any manner or form. Just stating the particular history of events only with respect to *my own child, in his *unique*, highly personal and individual situation. I mean, is it possible to recieve two (or more) different [b]Professional Opinions[/b] related to the same set of circumstances (from the same field of interest) that are both (or all) justifiable/supportable (rationale)? (At least at that particular moment in time?) I mean do we live in a static environment?

Trying to figure how to word this...........

I mean, I was told, among some other things ---- lol...........: "Currently, I am not making a diagnosis of lupus or MS (maybe some other items were discussed offhand, well, maybe not, there were alot of antibody tests)" (I meet certain/many symptoms/diagnostic tests/documentable criteria)"......."but I cannot guarantee you will not be diagnosed with either, in the [i]future[/i]."

*Personally?* I was satisfied with that. I saw *3* physicians of the same specialty (many different physicians [i]kept referring me back to them[/i]). I mean, are certain events necessary to make an "official diagnosis"?

Anyone?

Would you believe *I still* have a [i]fourth referral[/i] to the [i]same[/i] *specialty*. I feel like I'm part of "duelling medical specialties*.

Disclaimer: I am not giving advice in any manner or form. Just contemplating, asking questions about things that I myself do not have answers to. Even if only to ask.

[This message has been edited by MommaBear (edited April 12, 2004).]

Quote:Originally posted by MommaBear:
[b]
I mean, I was told, among some other things ---- lol...........: "Currently, I am not making a diagnosis of lupus or MS (maybe some other items were discussed offhand, well, maybe not, there were alot of antibody tests)" (I meet certain/many symptoms/diagnostic tests/documentable criteria)"......."but I cannot guarantee you will not be diagnosed with either, in the [i]future[/i]."

*Personally?* I was satisfied with that. [/b]

Although honestly..................

I was looking to "rule them out". I was looking for someone (with the *authority* to do so) to say: "Nah, put your mind at ease, [i]this (as in something else)[/i] is what *it means*...........no big deal, here is what you need to do to *fix it*.

So much for being grounded in reality, huh? [b]ROFLMAO.[/b] No one can laugh at myself like I can. [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/biggrin.gif[/img]

edit to add: (with the *authority* to do so)

[This message has been edited by MommaBear (edited April 12, 2004).]

Cindy: The steriods are working!! Last night, my daughter asked me why she needs her pufers (Flovent and Serevent) when she isn't having trouble breathing (at the moment), had to explain all her medications to her. Last night, she had a great night and she is currently still sleeping, she rarely sleeps past 7am!

Hope my son's asthma doesn't flare up, haven't had both of them on their medications at the same time in a long time!!

Easter dinner at my sister's went well. My sister was disappointed that the Smarties Chocolate bars, that she had originally bought for my kids had "may contain" on them. She had to eat them the night before my kids were over and ended up buying them regular smarties. She didn't think the smarties chocolate bar was a good product to have "may contain" since sooooo many children like smarties.

Momma Bear, it was okay, you didn't need to explain to me about your youngest cub. I just couldn't remember there being an "official" diagnosis that you posted about, but then, as I said, this is coming from someone whose child has never been "officially" tested for PA.

Codyman, I agree with you about the Smarties chocolate bars. I'm okay with Jesse, because he does read labels (age appropriate stuff I'm talking about here), but I do think it is confusing for everyone, not just children.

With all of the new products that Nestle recently brought out, it was great that erik posted about them here, but I still continue to be confused. Is the dark KitKat "safe" for example since regular KitKat is? (I may or may not know the answer, I'm just using it as an example). Until you purchase them on a regular basis, like I have Aero Caramel (a habit I quickly got rid of - I was eating one a day for awhile), it doesn't get imbedded in your brain which ones are "safe" or not.

Of course, with the Smarties bars, and much clamouring from children that do love Smarties, found out right away that they aren't safe, know it, and don't even look at them now.

I'm not complaining. Nestle did add quite a few "safe" products to the new line they came out with as well (that Aero Caramel is yummy). But it can be, yes, confusing when they all come out at the same time, and as I said, particularly with Smarties because probably every kid wants to try one.

Then, when I feel punky/funky about the kids not being able to try the Smarties bars, I remember that day that we thought we wouldn't be able to eat Smarties anymore period and that puts things in perspective for me. However, again, it is disappointing.

Codyman, glad to hear that your daughter is feeling better. Hope your son will be okay as well. Jesse is not great to-day at all. Actually, I don't feel super either. His sister is getting ready for her play-date and he really wants to go as well (he has an invitation as well) but if he doesn't stop coughing non-stop, I don't think it's okay for me to say yes. I am also concerned that his immune system is compromised and he's going to a home that wouldn't be peanut/nut free. I told him I'd have to wait and see how he is after he's been up for a bit. [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/frown.gif[/img]

Best wishes! [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/smile.gif[/img]

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codyman- good to hear she is on the mend!

DD and DS have been enjoying the Vadaboncouer chickens, safe eggs and other assorted treats.

Dinner was really good, but-
The colouring of the eggs was a bit of a disaster. Next time I'll read the box before I buy the kit!

The "Swirl an Egg " kit contains an oil- based dye containing natural resins. So part way through - our hands are getting really sticky - kids are complaining that their fingers are sticking together...

Get some wet cloths - makes things worse. Read the warning on the bottom of the box as we are finishing up...

Tried using the last bit of rubbing alcohol to get this stuff off our hands...phone BIL to ask if he can bring solvent over when he comes for dinner.

Re-read the box - it says vegtable oil will also work...What a mess!!! Then it took me 10 minutes to get the bowls clean and free of the resin! First time I've tried cleaning something with vegetable oil!

Next year I'll get the Egg Colouring for Dummies Kit! And I'll do start earlier, not 20 minutes before company is coming! [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/smile.gif[/img]

Simply re-raising. [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/smile.gif[/img]

Yes, a couple of days early. [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/wink.gif[/img]

Best wishes! [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/smile.gif[/img]

Simply re-raising. [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/smile.gif[/img]

My kids are doing their chocolate egg hunt Monday morning because of Ember's early morning visit Easter Sunday to the Fracture Clinic, so I won't answer 'til it's over for our family officially, just in case, touch wood.

Best wishes! [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/smile.gif[/img]

My family and I had a nice quiet Easter. The bunny left tracks all over the house.

The weather was nice and all the neighborhood kids got together for a game of hockey. I got to sit outside drinking coffe with the neighbors, haven't done that in a while! Totally relaxing day for a change, no big meal, just us hanging out and playing!

Simply re-raising for in a couple of days.

I hope everyone has a safe and Happy Easter! [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/smile.gif[/img]

Best wishes! [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/smile.gif[/img]

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"That was Polanski. Nicholson got his nose cut."

Yes, Easter went MUCH better this year! Last Easter my DD had her first episode of anaphylaxis because of a candy with traces of peanuts (yes, it was labeled as such and yes, we'd known she was allergic, just not how to handle it), so that was "the worst Easter of my life" according to DD. Lately, DD told me it had been a whole year since then and she hadn't had a bad reaction in that time. So we've made it through each holiday and season with its own special concerns, adjusting how we do things to make them safer. Visiting relatives and trick-or-treating proved to be the most difficult; she had some minor reactions. But Easter went fine this time. The Easter bunny brought all safe candy this year: Cadbury chocolate bunnies, Skittles instead of M&Ms. I'd gotten Cadbury chocolate eggs, but when they were put into little packages, they looked like peanut M&Ms! There's no identifying print on them. So I weighed out the options: telling her that I could tell what brand they were and that they were safe (but really, I could never be that sure by looking at them - bad example to her), cutting out the label and setting it by them (kind of odd), or telling her that I let the Easter bunny know about her allergy (just TOO much of a story, kind of takes away the mystery). So I took the simplest route and didn't give them out. I'll say that I bought them for Daddy and me so we could have some Easter candy, too. So the baskets were not as full as DS thought they should be. I'll have to plan a little bit better next year. But the kids had fun finding candy. Church went well: they gave out dog tags with Christian symbols on them to the kids at the end of the service -- no food! We went to my parents' again for dinner. My mom had cleared the menu with me in advance. She baked the rolls herself instead of buying them from the bakery. She did put out candy like usual, but she didn't have anything with actual peanut ingredients, and she put each kind in an individual container with the brand name stuck on the outside (it always used to be a giant, mixed bowl of candy). And she put a spoon in each container and set out bowls for people to put their candy in. So there were may-contains that DD couldn't eat, but there were also things that we were sure she could, and they didn't come in contact with each other. I'm so grateful to my mom for her carefulness in this. Well, sorry to ramble, but it was kind of a milestone day for me yesterday. Hope your holiday went well!

We had a great Easter! We had our own family and friends hunt which made it safe and the one at school was good too.
I was so proud of DS! He went to visit the Easter Bunny at a bookstore on Fri. and the Bunny was trying to lure him over by holding out a foil wrapped chocolate bunny (he's scared of characters). DS was about to go over, but he stopped and asked me if it was safe and could I check it out. Being only 5, I felt that I must be getting through to him about the allergy. Right there in the store we were explaining to the Easter Bunny about peanut allergy. It was funny!
Anyway,he did manage to at least stand "beside" the bunny, LOL! By that time, he forgot all about the candy. I mean, stand ing close to a big bunny is enough to take your mind off candy anyway! ha!
It was great.

[This message has been edited by TinaM (edited April 17, 2006).]

It was a great Easter for us! The Easter Bunny was smart enough to order safe things from the Not NUTZ website-DD loved eating SAFE gummy worms, gummy lips, gourmet flavored jelly beans, etc. She was so impressed that HE remembered to put a piece of paper in the basket that said the candy was from Not Nuts! [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/smile.gif[/img] Before she saw the paper, she immediately said "Oh no, I can't have these!!" Then she found the paper and read it to her 4 year old brother...then they ate and ate and ate (at 7am). She was so happy to have candy she hadn't had before.

I recommend the jelly beans and gummies from Not Nutz...they are SOOO yummy!

Yes, we had a "safe" Easter. I had one guest in for Easter dinner and the person had asked me beforehand what chocolate was safe to buy for the kids. Great stuff! [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/smile.gif[/img]
A couple in our building, they know about Jesse's PA so they gave the kids money instead (not that we were expecting anything - but I know why they gave money - just to be on the safe side).

My company had asked what to bring for dessert and I said, you know what? Dessert is one of the most difficult things to do PA wise, I'll take care of it no problem.

So, yes, we had a "safe" Easter.

Best wishes! [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/smile.gif[/img]

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If tears could build a stairway and memories a lane, I would walk up to heaven and bring you back home with me.

Simply re-raising. [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/smile.gif[/img]

Yes, we did. Have a good, safe one I mean.

We had dinner at Swiss Chalet. They do have allergy warnings on their desserts if they contain nuts for sure. Not about "may contains". We had to check on the ice cream - came back that it was from Nestle, so we couldn't have that, but really pleased that the server checked for me no problem.

Surviving WalMart (expletive), I managed to get "safe" chocolates no problem - label reading as being squished to death. However.

Really really pleased. [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/smile.gif[/img]

Hope everyone else did as well.

Oh, and I guess the need to say that I didn't have to worry about family gatherings, etc. Some things never change.

Best wishes! [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/smile.gif[/img]

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There but for the Grace of God, go I.

Not as safe as we thought it was going to be and not so happy.

Okay--so the new children's minister, whose child has FA, planned an egg hunt (one of the things I loved was that we never had them). He had told people no chocolate, went through all the eggs before hand that people prepacked and packed all the rest himself. I said this would be okay--DS would hunt and dump. I bought a special $1 basket to throw away afterward. We went through, pulled out stickers, DS gave all his eggs away. Happy camper. It worked out great.

But the day was a downer. I had to leave before the service ended because my adoring husband mentioned my sister's health during the service. We found out this weekend that it's looking like she has weeks, rather than months to live (she's in home hospice w/ cancer). It's just so hard to sing "ours the cross, the grave, skies," under these circumstances. Perhaps it should be [i]easier.[/i] I got through the Hallelujah Chorus and "Filii et Filiae" but couldn't make to the Palestrina. I left the choir loft a puffy wet mess and just left church early before everyone else got out.

A good thing was the lovely picnic inside (too cold outside, ground wet from the day before) by the fireplace w/ champagne, hummus, fruit, stuffed celery, chicken salad for DH and me, cheese, and crackers. Sprite for DS in crystal goblet.

DS starts getting hives on his face--around his mouth. It's 3:30 by the time we eat, so it wasn't from the egg hunt (that was at 9:30). At first he has one. Then I started counting more. I told him to wash his hands and then take a benadryl strip. He took an adult one, and the hives went away. He was stuffier than normal later.

So I'm thinking: chickpea allergy (this would be bad for him, the vegetarian)? Dairy allergy (also would prove disastrous). He hadn't eaten his egg yet. He had grapes, cantaloupe (possible suspect there--never any problems). Could it have been the mirepoix we reconstituted to use in the cream cheese? We've used it before.

These were all new cheeses. We'd bought them before, but I don't think we've called the. DH has had them before, but we had just opened these. So may it was cross contamination.

I don't know--but our house and our lunch was the last place I expected hives on Easter. Ugh.

I'm just happy to have Holy Week and Easter behind us.

Oh, McCobbre, what a difficult day. I know, Easter should be a relief when you're facing losing someone, and on a deep level, it is. But singing about death when it's so close is so difficult. Somehow singing the words myself will always get to me so much more than reading something or listening to someone. I'm sorry to hear that you're facing something so sad.

And it's hard not knowing what caused your child an allergic reaction.

I can report that ours was safe and happy. We went to our own church and they didn't have a children's sermon or hand out any candy, just bracelets. Most of my family came to my house for the 1st time for Easter, so I made most of the food. My mom was very careful in preparing the food she brought. No hives or anything, which is always a relief I should never take for granted.

Easter sunday celebration was at our house this year.

10 kids , and 7 adults,

I arranged the easter egg hunts, as well as craft activies and games to keep them happy while high on sugar!

i used clothes pegs with the childrens names on ( along with four extra surprise pegs)
I hide the pegs all over the garden and left them to it.

I also pinned balloons around the garden and wrote clues on with a black pen.
and cut out 'bunny' shaped card with other clues etc.

The clothes pegs meant that I had complete control over the chocolate and other tooth rotting sweet stuff.
I could keep william's seperate from the others and made sure he had the same amount as every one else and didnt feel left out.

It was a good plan, and it went well.

However on the vent side of things, I organised the hunts , a easter pass the parcel game, the craft table, and all the food. While other adults sat around and relaxed.

Later i slumped on the settee with a strong cup of tea ( and lots of chocolate cake..........sod the diet!) and then the kids started to bicker and fight in the garden.
I refused to get up, and so did every other adult. I made it quite clear my arse was glued to my sofa.

My 15 yr old suggested a compromise and sorted out another game.

I am fed up with having my families kids around. I dont like kids who use the 'f' word, to other children and dont like the fathers comment that you 'cant ' stop children from swearing. Its strange but I have never had this problem, I also dont have children that hit me or tell me to 'f*** o*F'
It must be because i am a 'scary parent' that comment floats around quite a bit these days.

Nor do I like children to thump my children and not get any form of consequence. Other than a mild comment of 'thats not nice'
If the shoe was on the other foot I am sure all **** would break loose.

I dont like children who thinks its ok to hang out of windows, I expect that behaviour in spiderman/superman loving children under 5 , but not 8-11 yr olds.
who wants to see a child smashed to bits on my garden path? Its not nice , and who want to spend easter in hospital?

I dont like children who pocket my kids DS games, or in general steal or break my kids toys.

In fact everytime my neices and nephews come over to play I find there behaviour drives me loopy.

What makes my temper even worse is that I was hoping to have more help as I have not only chronic IBS but have endemetrosis as well. I live on painkillers at the moment.

sorry end of grump, its been a long hols , my kids have two weeks of school at easter, and we have been very busy. Hubby working abroad at the moment. its all rather tireing.

sarah

Quote:Originally posted by williamsmummy:
[b]...What makes my temper even worse is that I was hoping to have more help as I have not only chronic IBS but have endemetrosis as well. I live on painkillers at the moment...
sarah

[/b]

Sarah,

Sounds like the kids had a wonderful Easter at your home. Even if the cousins don't necessarily respect it now, in years to come they will remember it fondly.

And they will remember that their own parents were more concerned with being "friends" and making them "happy" than in parenting. *Yours* will probably be the parenting example they choose to follow, if they happen to have an epiphany and turn out ok.

Glad you "sat" your ground and didn't get back up. You earned a rest; the others are just lazy.

Now about your IBS...with an allergic child, have you ever considered that you might have a touch of allergy, too? Have you ever had a total IgE done?

I was told I had IBS for years before my GI-allergy diagnosis. Since it's just the latest catch-all phrase for "we-really-have-no-clue-for-what-causes-this-but-we-do-believe-you," it's worth a look-see.

Both of my grandmothers had "diverticulitis" or "spastic colon". ???
Never properly tested for these conditions, just labelled by a GP.

Take care,
Daisy