By Lisa Ellingford
Christmas was always a very happy and festive time of year in our home. One of our yearly traditions was going caroling as a family. As a little girl, I particularly liked to sing “Jolly Old Saint Nicholas.” It seems Brian liked “Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer.” At each home we would sing a few songs about Christ, such as “Away in a Manger” or “Silent Night,” then we would sing some of our other favorites. We would always end by singing “We wish you a Merry Christmas!”
This particular year must have been around 1971. Christmas was just a few days away. I would have been 6 years old; my sister, Denise, was 12, Margo was 5, and my brothers, Brad and Brian, were 10 and 8. The Sunday before Christmas our car had been stolen from the church parking lot. Unbeknownst to the children, Santa’s delivery was in the trunk. I’m sure my parents were very concerned, with heavy and prayerful hearts. I look back now and I think of our young, growing family, my dad’s job change, my mom’s frugality and ability to make things stretch, and I realize there was not excess.
Here it was Christmas time and our family was in a dilemma. The decision must have been made to go forward with faith, carry on and trust in the Lord.
Thus, our caroling tradition would not be postponed. We bundled up to protect ourselves from the cold, snowy Idaho weather and walked to various homes in our neighborhood where we were invited in. We would sing four or five songs, extend our love and Christmas wishes, and be on our way.
When we had finished singing and were preparing to leave Bishop and Sister Hansen’s home, the Bishop pulled an envelope out of his pocket and handed it to my dad. They quietly exchanged a few words. The envelope had a substantial amount of money in it. My parents were very grateful.
Two days before Christmas our car was returned with the trunk’s contents undisturbed. When my parents went to return the money in the envelope to the Hansens, they would not receive it. Bishop Hansen instructed them, at some future time when they could, to do likewise.
I have never forgotten the feelings of unconditional love, brotherly kindness, and service that were embedded in my heart as I became aware of the situation surrounding our family and I learned of Bishop Hansen’s charge to my parents to “do likewise”. When I became aware of his mandate the spirit bore witness to me that this request extended to me as well.
I do not remember what I received for Christmas that year. However, the lessons I learned from this thoughtful and caring act of our neighbors has become clearly and forever written in my heart. I am grateful for the feelings of love that always come when I take the opportunity to follow the mandate which comes from our Savior and “do likewise.”
Lisa Ellingford
Friday, December 14, 2007
Saturday, November 24, 2007
Primed for the Holidays
I believe that the holiday season actually begins on Halloween. We are seasoned with an abundance of sugar priming us for the Thanksgiving to New Years Eve stretch. The children are overly excited and impatient allowing us to have opposition in all things to be strengthened. It really is just a growing opportunity. This year was a perfect primer at my house with school the following morning. We all grew that morning.
I personally spent my Halloween night with my back out at home with my 18 month old. We are blessed in my neighborhood with clones of my family providing a continuous knock or ding of the door for 2 hours. Each time I hobbled to the door my 18 month old would make a run for it.
The highlight of the evening was when a bird flew in my home. My ceiling is 20 feet high. It would fly from wreath to swag to ficus tree. Probably the scariest moment on Halloween for my little 3 year old neighbor Emily was when she looked up in awe to see the frantically fluttering bird I pointed out to her mother. I proceeded to explain that if that bird drops any tricks I'm gonna give it a treat to remember. Little Emily looked at me horrified. Perhaps she's never seen this side of her Primary Chorister.
Halloween really can be a ugly and scary at times. Especially after I have done costumes and makeup for the 4th time in a week because it would be "fun" to have the kids come in costumes to their lessons. I really don't find it a sweet dream come true to hear my 10 year old son asking for the prefect hatchet for his costume.
The nature of the non-Christian Halloween allows us to be ourselves without the cloak of the "holiday spirit". Although I wore my smile and did the parties, for the first time ever I wasn't "feeling it" this Halloween. I even dressed up as a Christmas present with bells on for the 1st grade party. The holiday thrill never jingled its way in.
Because we are blessed with so many food allergies in my home we are on a constant alert status from October 31st to January1st. But I find it no accident that right in the middle of these holidays is a big fat turkey day to be grateful. In fact, last week my number 1 hit song has been Count Your Blessings. It has been my replacement thought and stress easer as my To Do list has been multiplying like rabbits in spring as the big day approaches. I've been feeling a little tempest tossed.
However, as I sat at the Thanksgiving Day table and all eyes fell upon me to state what I was grateful for, I did feel something. And then an overwhelming something. I felt grateful for what I wake to each day. Life itself and my family. All of the comforts and opportunities we enjoy. It's a good life. Bring it on!
I personally spent my Halloween night with my back out at home with my 18 month old. We are blessed in my neighborhood with clones of my family providing a continuous knock or ding of the door for 2 hours. Each time I hobbled to the door my 18 month old would make a run for it.
The highlight of the evening was when a bird flew in my home. My ceiling is 20 feet high. It would fly from wreath to swag to ficus tree. Probably the scariest moment on Halloween for my little 3 year old neighbor Emily was when she looked up in awe to see the frantically fluttering bird I pointed out to her mother. I proceeded to explain that if that bird drops any tricks I'm gonna give it a treat to remember. Little Emily looked at me horrified. Perhaps she's never seen this side of her Primary Chorister.
Halloween really can be a ugly and scary at times. Especially after I have done costumes and makeup for the 4th time in a week because it would be "fun" to have the kids come in costumes to their lessons. I really don't find it a sweet dream come true to hear my 10 year old son asking for the prefect hatchet for his costume.
The nature of the non-Christian Halloween allows us to be ourselves without the cloak of the "holiday spirit". Although I wore my smile and did the parties, for the first time ever I wasn't "feeling it" this Halloween. I even dressed up as a Christmas present with bells on for the 1st grade party. The holiday thrill never jingled its way in.
Because we are blessed with so many food allergies in my home we are on a constant alert status from October 31st to January1st. But I find it no accident that right in the middle of these holidays is a big fat turkey day to be grateful. In fact, last week my number 1 hit song has been Count Your Blessings. It has been my replacement thought and stress easer as my To Do list has been multiplying like rabbits in spring as the big day approaches. I've been feeling a little tempest tossed.
However, as I sat at the Thanksgiving Day table and all eyes fell upon me to state what I was grateful for, I did feel something. And then an overwhelming something. I felt grateful for what I wake to each day. Life itself and my family. All of the comforts and opportunities we enjoy. It's a good life. Bring it on!
Thursday, October 11, 2007
WAKING UP TO FOOD ALLERGIES
When we wake up in the morning, we get to make so many choices from snooze buttons to sneakers. Freedom is empowering. But for over two million kids in America choices are limited. Each day they awake allergic to food. No choice.
You probably have or will have a child in your life who is allergic to food. They may be a child’s classmate, a child in your neighborhood, or a grandchild in your own home. I have two little ones in my home who are allergic to multiple foods. We also interact with many other children who have food allergies. I am learning that a basic knowledge of, or at least sensitivity to food allergies is becoming essential in our circles.
An allergy is an actual immune response to a food that the body sees as harmful. There are varying degrees of responses that range from a tingling mouth to the throat swelling or throwing up. Other responses are breaking out in hives, stomach pains or losing consciousness. It is possible to have difficulty breathing or even immediate death. A child’s reactions may be mild during one occurrence and then severe another time.
Allergies are not contagious. But it is important to know that when a child has an allergic reaction they need help quickly. A child with severe allergies will be given a prescription for epinephrine, more commonly known as an EpiPen® or Twinject®. Any care provider for a child with severe allergies should be trained by that child’s parent in the proper usage of this life saving tool.
The list of possible food allergies is endless. The most common food allergies are to peanuts, tree nuts, milk, soy, fish, eggs and wheat.
Allergies are frequently confused with intolerances. Intolerances, as uncomfortable for the digestive system as they may be, do not involve the immune system at all. Intolerances may cause a child to feel even sicker than a mild food allergy and are to be taken seriously. Also, it is common to have both allergies and intolerances.
When a child has a food allergy and/or intolerance they have to learn early to show their body respect in order to keep it healthy. It helps when those around you have an understanding of the situation and can help make a safe environment.
It is tricky for kids with food problems. Food is everywhere: home, school, play dates, church and parties. Kids are always getting treats pushed at them from sports, banks and doctors. Even Santa at the mall has a candy cane to give. Food is a big part of life.
How do kids with food issues keep themselves healthy? They must learn to be flexible, smart and creative. I explain to my children that this is not flexible like putting their legs behind their head, but flexible like being able to bring their own food or going without sometimes, and that it is OK.
It is essential, sometimes even a matter of life and death, to teach children how to keep themselves safe. They need to be brave and smart by using their voice of power and say “No, thank you” to a food that is not safe for them. They must learn this response particularly if they are not absolutely sure of the ingredients. Ingredients change unexpectedly and frequently in many products.
My children have had to learn very early, around 3 or 4 years old, to be accountable for their own health. They speak up and say “No, thank you, I am allergic to that. But, I can have this instead.” Or “No thank you, I have allergies and I am not sure if I can eat that.” They have too many encounters with food where I am not with them. They have to learn to be responsible. It is ultimately their health and problem for life not mine.
In most food encounters, the solution is being smart enough to plan ahead and ask questions. For example, if my young children are going to a birthday party we will call the party parent ahead of time. We’ll ask, “What food and drink will be at the party? Will there be cake? What color will your frosting be? Will you have a piñata or party favor bag?” We usually bring our own cupcake and try to match the party cake.
Allergies can foster creativity. “I can’t have a hot dog in a bun, but I can cut my hot dog to have octopus tentacles.” Food can be served on something colorful or in an unusual container for a change. How about carrot sticks in a traveling tooth brush container? You can also substitute non-food items like hair clips or silly putty for the customary edible treat.
Food allergies and intolerances can seem all-consuming, but if food safety is learned and practiced they are manageable. Life is diverse and there is a lot more to a child with food issues than what goes into their mouth. We often hear others refer to my 6 year old daughter, “Oh, that poor thing. I feel so bad for her.” We just respond with, “We eat plenty of good things and there is more to life than food. She can ride her bike, jump on a trampoline, dance and you should hear her read.” The trick is to empower your child and help them have some control over their situation. Help them realize that they still have all kinds of choices--they are just different. We also firmly believe that we are blessed with this opportunity to grow. Everybody is blessed with trials to grow. So, whatever we each wake up to in the morning, one thing we can all choose to do is put on a smile.
You probably have or will have a child in your life who is allergic to food. They may be a child’s classmate, a child in your neighborhood, or a grandchild in your own home. I have two little ones in my home who are allergic to multiple foods. We also interact with many other children who have food allergies. I am learning that a basic knowledge of, or at least sensitivity to food allergies is becoming essential in our circles.
An allergy is an actual immune response to a food that the body sees as harmful. There are varying degrees of responses that range from a tingling mouth to the throat swelling or throwing up. Other responses are breaking out in hives, stomach pains or losing consciousness. It is possible to have difficulty breathing or even immediate death. A child’s reactions may be mild during one occurrence and then severe another time.
Allergies are not contagious. But it is important to know that when a child has an allergic reaction they need help quickly. A child with severe allergies will be given a prescription for epinephrine, more commonly known as an EpiPen® or Twinject®. Any care provider for a child with severe allergies should be trained by that child’s parent in the proper usage of this life saving tool.
The list of possible food allergies is endless. The most common food allergies are to peanuts, tree nuts, milk, soy, fish, eggs and wheat.
Allergies are frequently confused with intolerances. Intolerances, as uncomfortable for the digestive system as they may be, do not involve the immune system at all. Intolerances may cause a child to feel even sicker than a mild food allergy and are to be taken seriously. Also, it is common to have both allergies and intolerances.
When a child has a food allergy and/or intolerance they have to learn early to show their body respect in order to keep it healthy. It helps when those around you have an understanding of the situation and can help make a safe environment.
It is tricky for kids with food problems. Food is everywhere: home, school, play dates, church and parties. Kids are always getting treats pushed at them from sports, banks and doctors. Even Santa at the mall has a candy cane to give. Food is a big part of life.
How do kids with food issues keep themselves healthy? They must learn to be flexible, smart and creative. I explain to my children that this is not flexible like putting their legs behind their head, but flexible like being able to bring their own food or going without sometimes, and that it is OK.
It is essential, sometimes even a matter of life and death, to teach children how to keep themselves safe. They need to be brave and smart by using their voice of power and say “No, thank you” to a food that is not safe for them. They must learn this response particularly if they are not absolutely sure of the ingredients. Ingredients change unexpectedly and frequently in many products.
My children have had to learn very early, around 3 or 4 years old, to be accountable for their own health. They speak up and say “No, thank you, I am allergic to that. But, I can have this instead.” Or “No thank you, I have allergies and I am not sure if I can eat that.” They have too many encounters with food where I am not with them. They have to learn to be responsible. It is ultimately their health and problem for life not mine.
In most food encounters, the solution is being smart enough to plan ahead and ask questions. For example, if my young children are going to a birthday party we will call the party parent ahead of time. We’ll ask, “What food and drink will be at the party? Will there be cake? What color will your frosting be? Will you have a piñata or party favor bag?” We usually bring our own cupcake and try to match the party cake.
Allergies can foster creativity. “I can’t have a hot dog in a bun, but I can cut my hot dog to have octopus tentacles.” Food can be served on something colorful or in an unusual container for a change. How about carrot sticks in a traveling tooth brush container? You can also substitute non-food items like hair clips or silly putty for the customary edible treat.
Food allergies and intolerances can seem all-consuming, but if food safety is learned and practiced they are manageable. Life is diverse and there is a lot more to a child with food issues than what goes into their mouth. We often hear others refer to my 6 year old daughter, “Oh, that poor thing. I feel so bad for her.” We just respond with, “We eat plenty of good things and there is more to life than food. She can ride her bike, jump on a trampoline, dance and you should hear her read.” The trick is to empower your child and help them have some control over their situation. Help them realize that they still have all kinds of choices--they are just different. We also firmly believe that we are blessed with this opportunity to grow. Everybody is blessed with trials to grow. So, whatever we each wake up to in the morning, one thing we can all choose to do is put on a smile.
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