Posts

Kitchen Swaps to Reduce Aluminum Intake

Two years ago, riiiiight before Thanksgiving, we got test result confirmation that our daughter had a high level of aluminum in her system. Aluminum is known to be a risk factor for several bodily systems, particularly neurological, so we immediately began a new expedition to limit our family’s aluminum exposure. Thanksgiving season brings back the memories of that first year, trying to find swaps for annual traditions and daily standbys. I decided to write up the biggest changes we’ve made and share in case anyone else is looking to learn about this or would like ideas. :)  Any Amazon links are affiliate links, but I am only linking items that we personally use and repeatedly love.  Here are our main kitchen swaps to reduce aluminum intake: Reading labels: A free and simple swap! I now read nutrition labels even more carefully and avoid anything that includes Sodium aluminum phosphate, Sodium aluminum sulfate, Sodium aluminosilicate, Aluminum potassium sulfate, Calcium alumin...

September 2025 Presidential Remarks on Autism

  The September press release was another one of those “historic” days where autism was discussed publicly and then was the topic of the week. The release was helpful for getting out information about risks and factors in autism but, there wasn’t and isn’t a “key” – not one specific thing ”causes“ autism every time. And while the 4ish factors they brought up are so valuable, they hardly explained WHY they’re factors or gave listeners reasons to believe them. Over the last two years, the opinion I’ve come to is that autism runs in genetics, but environmental factors bring out the detrimental aspects of it. In our daughter’s case: before 2 years old, she knew all her letter sounds, spoke in long, clear sentences, and came up with the wittiest comebacks. She was withdrawn and wouldn’t sit with other kids. She had sensory struggles from birth, and didn’t sleep more than 10-45 minutes at a time until she was 4 months old. There were other more personal characteristics/symptoms that we n...

The Spiral

Breath catches, brace position, Blindsided by the spiral, Not knowing why it started, Wondering when it ends. Child held, brace position, How do you hold a spiral? Stretching, calling, humbling me, Working towards the door. Forgive and take notes, Remember and research. Try this, that, and the other. Yet, love. Love covers all offenses. Forgive for the public scene, Forgive for the pain caused. Leave no room for bitterness - Mercies new every morning. Celebrate the growth, the love, the will. Celebrate the gifts, the focus, the wit. Celebrate the “thank yous” and the hugs. The goodnights, the love. Breath catches, loosen control.. How does the Father hold my spiral? Stretching, calling, humbling me. “We do not run in vain or labor in vain.” The love. A time to mourn, And a time to dance; Tomorrow is yet another chance. Thankful for mercies new every morning.