Good question.

Due to height limitations being met and basic age progression, we've earned ourselves a new title in the household as of late. None other than the word "chaperone." Now, before you get all 'they-only-show-up-at-dances-to-watch-the-punch' you should know that we're simply trying to use the role to guide young minds. It isn't to spy or pry- it's really to make sure we're keeping the young conscience front and center.

This is why I was very proud of the text exchange I had with an (unmentionable) male head of household today:

Text to me: Hey
Text to him: Hey
Text to me: Does it count as being home if I take a nap?
Text to him: Come onnnnnnnnnnn.
Text to me: Thought not. It was worth a try.

Context: Oldest son has a (girl) friend in the house. Good kid, even better Dad. And sorry, I think our ability to nap is on schedule to return in about 15 more years. By that time, I think we'll have earned a long one!

What you don't know apparently *can* hurt you!

We're still learning over here in Tunetown. Jackson's recent diagnosis has lead us to another mysterious path of testing... this time, relational testing to foods, vitamins and allergies. The good deal? He's doing pretty well! He has the right vitamins and seems to be getting everything he needs to be a strong healthy boy. The not-as-good-deal? He came up with a gluten intolerance (a lot of people refer to it as an allergy, however a TRUE allergy would present much worse symptoms).

So, having been throught he ringer on allergies for a few years running I was questioning the blood test. How can my kid be intolerant/allergic if I don't see hives or usual triggers for allergies? How can he walk around eating bread and countless carbs (and you think I'm kidding... I'm so not) without an allergy symptom? Simple. This blew my hair back... check out how gluten intolerance can present itself... this stuff is wild:

Gluten intolerance, also called celiac disease, is an extreme sensitivity to the protein gluten, which is found in wheat, barley and rye.

Though the symptoms may appear similar, gluten intolerance is not a food allergy but rather an inherited autoimmune disease. The body's immune system mistakenly identifies gluten as harmful. This leads to inflammation and damage in the small intestine. A food allergy to wheat results instead in an allergic response, with symptoms such as itchiness and rash.

More highlights on how it can present itself:
Weight loss or weight gain
Nutritional deficiencies due to malabsorbtion e.g. low iron levels
Gastro-intestinal problems (bloating, pain, gas, constipation, diarrhea)
Aching joints
Depression
Eczema
Head aches
Exhaustion
Irritability and behavioural changes
Cramps, tingling and numbness
Slow infant and child growth
Decline in dental health

Research shows that gluten sensitivity in some form, including celiac disease and mild gluten intolerance, affects approximately 15% of the US population.

We were totally surprised us. We see much of this in any typical 7 day period. And, the developmental pediatrician confirmed kids who have this type of thing often crave it, even though the body says otherwise when it lands in the tummy.

So, what now? Not sure. I need to read and make a strategy. In the meantime, I'll reference another one of the mysterious "God gifts" that have and continue to pave the way on our journey. Remember them? I referenced them in the post about our learning of Jackson's diagnosis. Well, here's the God gift on this one: We have a gluten free bakery that opened just a few months ago about 3 blocks from our house. When we drove by, I muttered under my breath... "Not that, too" - as it was an obvious sign something else was coming. What I should be saying is "Thank you for the amazing, nearby great resource."

Proof!

I have always claimed our kids are best friends and worst enemies. Best friends on a great day, when all is well with the world- it's sunny out, they're jumping on the trampoline, playing, eating, hatching plans to overtake the world. Worst enemies when the day is too long, too hot, the car isn't big enough, a room is invaded... you get the idea. Anyhow, I know what I know... which is deep down these fellas are peas in a pod.

♥ ♥ Dear boys, You can say you don't like your brother, but I have proof (!)... ♥ ♥

What's a girl gotta do to get a date 'round here?

Funny you should ask, I have just the story. I've been hankering for some boy-time, to remove Tyler from his cell phone world and get myself properly wedged between Jackson and his Nintendo DS. The sun, stars and moon must have aligned - because tonight was my night! The boys and I hit Transformers 2, which was a crazy good movie. Lots of action (up the boy alley for sure!) and a teeny love story weaved in for me. ;-p

It did come with a couple hitches though:
- Matt's under the weather... but no worries. We left him in the dust (I mean, to sleep and feel better at home). :-p
- We got the time because Tyler has strep throat (a minor issue). He hit the doc yesterday, who initially diagnosed a cold and did a quick strep test for good measure. Result? Immediate negative, overnight positive. So... he couldn't play baseball without touching 86 things and sharing with the other kids so we suddenly had a free night ahead of us (and a bottle of hand sanitizer in our pockets!).
- Jackson lost a tooth 1/2 an hour before we were ready to go. I'm changing and getting the movie purse all fired up... and he comes to me with a tooth and (heaven forbid!) blood. I kept it together long enough to applaud from a distance, get him cleaned up and we were on our way.
- A car fire in the movie theater parking lot. Strange, but true.

All in all, it was a nice night. We talked, we laughed and saw a great summer blockbuster. So, in my book all is good and I decided that I have a couple of very nice boys.

Baseball!

When we signed up for kids, we signed up for all that came with them. This includes a gaggle of summertime baseball, which has been plentiful these past couple months. So, cheer them on while I share I share my dust-dragging, sliding, pig-pen, pitching, catching, sliding fellas with you! And, good news.... Tyler's team has qualified for 2 state tournaments. A nice payoff for all the hours spent on the diamonds!

Little Buddy gets a haircut.... if you can call it that.

Well, I did it. I cracked under pressure. Repeated, relentless pressure from a darned cute and logical youngster. Oh, did I mention Dad was right behind?

Jackson wanted a haircut... but not just any haircut. He has wanted a mowhawk for as long as I can recall. The heat's been turned up lately (no pun intended) because it's just plain *hot* outside and he was looking pretty shaggy. Responses to 'Hey, pal, it's time for a cut' have been met with 'Ok, I'm ready for my mowhawk.' Easy delay tactic and frankly I've avoided a straight answer for long periods of time because as cute as they can be, they're an odd haircut and I like more 'traditional' cuts. Even a buzz is a step up in my book. But, I digress.

I caved in a weak moment last Friday and we headed to the barber. I can't tell who was more excited- Jackson or Matt. Matt did admit that it was a sort of vindication for all the times his mother said 'NO!' when he was growing up. My theories are two-fold:
- At least there's still one smart woman in the family
- It'll grow

*sigh*

A somber day.

Today is a somber day for our family. My father's dear sister, Arlene, went to heaven shortly after noon today. A victim of a suprise stroke less than two weeks ago, she went from talk of recovery and rehab to neruologist recommendations to do what the family could to make her comfortable.

My Aunt Arlene was a wonderful woman, who made a big impact on my life. Ever showing with a smile and voice of an angel, she *always* took a special interest in us 'little girls.' She doted and dwelled, spending far more time than anyone else at busy family gatherings and functions, just to make us comfortable. And, beyond a heart spanning no bounds she had the voice of an angel that marked the start of each holiday season for years. With her church group, there were performances that I can remember watching from the spot she saved us in the front row. She encouraged us to sing, taught me to whistle and made melody of anything possible.

My heart breaks that she left this world too soon, but also rejoices in her union with God. She walked closely with him each and every day and I have no doubt she, herself, was saved a front row seat next to Him. May she rest in peace.