Tyler's Triumph

It's that time of year again

2009-09-20T12:07:00.003-06:00

Every year, the third weekend in September is a time Mr. O and look forward to meeting with parents of Deafblind children.

However, Ty started this past week off with a terrific head cold/cough and has stayed home. We are on Day 9 of his cough. Apparently it's contagious and now Spielberg, Mr. O and I are sick. We tried attending the conference and looked forward to dinner, great speakers, game night and conversation with parents, and a quiet hotel room.

However, by the end of the evening we both felt so cruddy we decided to come home and sleep (or try to sleep) in our own bed rather than risk infecting everyone. Good thing we did - we're both wasted, downing the Sudafed, and considering buying stock in Kleenex with Lotion.

I haven't run since Tuesday night. Wednesday I picked up my sister from the airport, Thursday I helped babysit another sister's kids, on Friday and Saturday I felt like death warmed over, and the prospects for tonight aren't looking much better. I am determined to run again before Tuesday.

Harrumph

2009-09-20T11:33:00.002-06:00

Ty has gone back to school and it has been an interesting start to the year. He has an amazing teacher and a great new Communication Intervener, and we count ourselves fortunate for this.

However, we had a nurse who felt a little out of her comfort zone having Ty on her files. She called the district head nurse who, in turn, called me. It was not a pleasant phone call. She pretty much told me that she was recalling his IEP to determine placement options. In other words, she wanted to move him to the self-contained school that has nurses on site everyday to reduce her nurse's liability. The very same place I had fought so hard to have him removed from back in second grade as he pretty much shut down there.

We had just had a meeting this past Spring with a roomful of people to determine that the local high school was the appropriate place for him, so I wasn't too worried. But I'm frustrated that I let her get under my skin - she was completely inappropriate in how she handled the situation - and for that matter, so was I. I ended up raising my voice and using an actual (although mild) cuss word.

I try never to do that with the professionals that work with my son, as it costs me some serious respect points if I do. She said she didn't have to continue to listen to me, instead she was going to call her higher-up (with whom I am very well acquainted, and I knew she'd have my back) and give them her two cents. I told her to go right on ahead.

Even though Ty had been perfectly fine at the local junior high, she felt high school was a whole 'nother matter. Her reasoning made no sense to me. None. And I was furious. I think I actually saw red. Do not, I repeat DO NOT mess with my kid. She should never have called me directly except to update his medical file and she has no actual authority to determine his placement on her own. I had a moment of panic and extreme frustration (to put it mildly) and called for reinforcements.

I wanted to make sure the teacher was still comfortable with having Ty in his class (he was) and that things were going well (and except for a case of butterflies and nausea on Ty's part, it was). In fact, the teacher, his coordinator and intervener were all surprised and unaware that I'd been called. They all reassured me that he was staying. And stay he has.

Seminary is my next battle. It's a complete philosophy change from the junior high to high school. One that I'm hoping to change.

It's Probably Nothing...

2009-08-23T22:44:00.002-06:00

but Ty's legs appear to be swelling. I'm not sure if he's just bulking up from the new formula or if it's fluid retention. I'm not used to seeing him so filled out.

My mothersense is tingling, so I'll probably take him in to the doctor this week.

He starts High School this week. I can hardly believe it, I have butterflies in my stomach for him. Since it's a new school, new teacher, and new intervener for him I'll be attending school for the first couple days with him to show everyone the ropes.

We go over how to communicate with him, feed and change him, how to reposition him no detail is overlooked, but still my heart skips a beat when I turn him over to the faculty. And then I go home and try to remember how to breathe.

On decisions

2009-06-13T19:50:00.004-06:00

I tend to over analyze everything where Ty is concerned.

Okay, maybe I over analyze everything, it's just how it is. I like to cover all the angles before making any big decisions. What follows here is one of these situations. I apologize that it is long and most likely boring to any who read it, but it is our latest conundrum.

We visited with Ty's rehab doctor this week and the subject of his increasing clonus and focal clonic seizures came up. Increasing his oral baclofen is not an option, he is on a maximum dose which leaves him fatigued much of the time and affects his ability to void urine (aka pee). His doctor suggested that we attempt placing a baclofen pump on the other side of his abdomen. The one opposite his tumor, the one that developed the last time he had a pump placed. I KNOW.

Theoretically, the tumor was a one in a million (well actually 2 in a million) occurrence. We know he does not have the syndromes associated with desmoids so it developed from trauma (surgery or pump), but he has had numerous surgeries that have healed normally.

We thought that once he had his spine fused that he would not be a candidate for a second pump (makes it sort of challenging to get tubing into the intrathecal space when a steel rod, bone graft, and associated wires are all in the way). But no, the doctor mentioned that they have the option of threading the tubing from the pump over the top of his fused vertebrae. Meaning that they would insert the tubing at C7, but thread it down through the intrathecal space until it reaches the level of the spine that would specifically address the muscle tone in his lower body.

The advantage of delivering baclofen in this manner is that he can be on a micro-dose which will not have the same side effects (fatigue, bladder issues, etc). Currently the medication has to cross the blood-brain barrier so he takes a very large oral dose.

All of this to say that
a) if they can do the surgery without disturbing the tumor (a very big IF - it's the sort of tumor that will wake from its deep sleep and likely become aggressive again and this time he wouldn't be able to have any more of the chemo that actually worked to shrink the tumor and it could necessitate major surgery to resect it. big breath)

b) it will provide more pain relief to his hip without the nasty side effects of narcotics which may be triggering his seizures

c) but no one knows if it will produce a second tumor or flare up the one asleep

I honestly don't know what to do. We both don't.

I think I am a little bit immobilized by fear. Fear of the unknown. Fear of leaving him in pain. Fear of stirring up the hornet's nest that is a now-asleep, yet formerly aggressive tumor. And lastly, fear of putting my own currently calmed down life ahead of my son's potential pain relief/comfort.

Right now I'd like a lightning bolt or a crystal ball, but most especially a strong whispering in my heart.

Run, do not walk

2009-05-31T18:22:00.003-06:00

You must go here and read Lisa's post.

I wish I could print it out and carry it with me to have on hand. I'd wager that most parents of disabled children feel most of these things at some time or other. In case you've ever wondered what do I do, what do I say - read this post.

Dreams and such

2009-04-25T15:15:00.003-06:00

I routinely dream about Ty. And they are such vivid dreams, too.

There is the one where Ty is not quite ready when the bus arrives to get him for school. Normally his bus driver just waits for us if the garage door is up, but in my dream there is a substitute bus driver. He only waits the requisite two minutes before pulling away.

I end up giving chase in my pajamas, arms waving wildly hoping to get his attention. Sometimes I am successful and he pulls back around to pick up Ty. Inside the house, it is a mad dash to get him in the chair and out the door before the driver gets impatient and takes off again.

There are also the dreams where he is a regular teenager and does regular teenager stuff. He drives a car, hangs out with friends in the basement family room, drinks milk straight from the carton, has real homework, and talks to me about girls. I love these dreams.

Recently, I've been having one where he is young again - about 10 or 11. He is on the floor and as soon as I dress him and tell him it's time to get in his chair, he rolls on to his side. Then I help him roll to his stomach and kneel up. He leans against me and hugs me tight while I help him slowly rise and then sit in his wheelchair. He looks directly at me and gives me a huge smile filled with appreciation. The hug and the smile are my favorite part.

He is not healed in this dream, but because he interacts with me more than he does in real life, it's one I hold dear. Ty is one of the most patient, loving people I know. I don't care that it sounds strange, but I think these dreams are his gift to me. They are his way of reaching out to me and communicating on a deeper level.

Remember back when I asked for a nice slice of Boring?

2009-03-18T21:59:00.003-06:00

It turns out that such a thing does not exist (or if it does, it is not very filling nor is it long- lasting). I have taken Ty to the doctor at least 6 times in the past three weeks. We are trying to solve the mystery of his pain. So far, we have been unsuccessful.

We have tried shots and a new medication with fewer side effects, all to no avail. Add to the mix his bronchitis, which is finally coming around after 3 doses of antibiotics (one of them he had an allergic reaction to - lovely!) and the fact that he is having difficulty with peeing. I've had to cath him for several days, but his urine samples test negative for any signs of infection (phew!). So, mystery. The good news is that his g-tube has stopped leaking so much now that his cough is subsiding.

During Ty's chemo and major surgery recoveries, we put the other kids' lessons on hold - it just wasn't logistically possible to be so many places at once. We're making up for it now with volleyball 4 nights a week and dance 3 times a week. Throw in some church callings, service, regular errands, doctor appointments and we are hardly ever here. I'm not complaining. I'll take this kind of hectic over watching a child go through chemo any day. Any day.

It's just getting the best of me. I am still feeding the family, staying ahead of the laundry (as much as one can), and even occasionally sweeping a few dust bunnies into the bin. But! I am sick. I've been ill, except for a 3 day reprieve, since early February and I am just tired. Very, very tired of being sick. So I'm telling this mung to take a flying leap. Leave! Be gone with you!

Anyone think that will work?

Update

2009-03-10T14:31:00.002-06:00

The roads were sufficiently icy this morning to tack on another 20 minutes to our hospital commute. We met with the surgeon who was actually very impressed with Ty's g-tube site. He has ordered one with a slightly longer stem and we'll see if it slows down the leaking.

The surgeon feels that because Ty is sick right now his stomach is taking longer to empty, and that the leaking will most likely resolve itself once his cough is gone. Or it could be the pain meds slowing things down. We did find out that he won't perform a third Nissen on Ty, so if the current one fails and he is able to vomit via his mouth again we'll have to explore a different option. One of our options is to put him on continuous pump feeds and a second option is to bypass his stomach and have a j/g-tube placed. Which ever it ends up being, I hope it's a very long time before we have to consider either one.

G-tube complications

2009-03-06T12:58:00.003-07:00

First, let me say that I love the fact that Ty has a g-tube, it's our back door, so to speak. He used to eat whatever we ate, just blended up with a little milk to thin it. But then chemo changed his mind about eating anything other than Pop Rocks and Cotton Candy. Now we feed him an enteral formula every three hours from 9 AM to midnight.

This latest round of bronchitis has somehow changed how his button (g-tube) functions. He is swallowing a lot of air and it is trying to escape around the opening for the button. Last night, formula and stomach acid began leaking out a little (and by that I mean profusely). We now have an appointment to meet with the surgeon early next week. He's going to measure Ty for a new button size. Meanwhile I need to keep Ilex cream on his stomach around the opening and feed him smaller amounts every 90 minutes. Oh joy!

Hopefully, he'll get rid of his cough in the next couple of days and that will slow down the leaking.

The House of the Rising (Fever?)

2009-02-25T14:55:00.003-07:00

Ty has joined the ranks of the sick and afflicted. Everyone but me and Spielberg has had a fever of 103 (or 104) in the past week. Ty's came on suddenly and was accompanied by a horrible cough and boatloads of mucus.

He has, so far (knock on wood and all that jazz), never had pneumonia. I'm keeping a close watch though. The past two nights I've been playing Florence Nightingale and lifting his head to his chest every time he coughs (it's the only way to get any of the crud out). This means I do not keep conventional hours. I think it was somewhere in the neighborhood of 4:27 AM that he finally rested enough for me to feel comfortable with hitting the sack. Mr. O is home sick with it as well and took the morning shift with Ty, and I squeaked in 4 hours of shuteye.

Ty usually only gets sick once per year, so this is it. He's giving it his all.
***
In other news, he recently had both a cortisone shot and a phenol shot to his left hip joint in hopes of lessening the pain he's been experiencing. Something has happened since his surgery, we're not sure what, that is causing his hip to grind bone on bone whenever we move him.

The shots seemed to have helped with decreasing his pain when we move his leg from side to side, but when we move it up and down (like when we are dressing him or putting him in his chair), we still have to scrape him off the ceiling.

I think we can call it a success

2009-01-05T19:32:00.002-07:00

Ty went back to school today for the first time since his hip surgery last year. And he did okay. I didn't have to go get him early - he made it.

He is still in a lot of pain, so I can't say the surgery was a success yet, but I'm still hopeful.

If he keeps going to school, I might get to leave the house during the day.

Hip Update

2008-12-12T13:21:00.004-07:00

Before

After - it's still not ideal as there's a bit of bone-on-bone causing pain, but we're hoping the arrows align as his muscles heal and tighten up. You can see the plate in his right leg as well. He has more metal in him than an Ace Hardware store.

Sweet 16 - Sweet, but hard

2008-11-14T20:45:00.004-07:00

Edited to add: I thought it fitting to use this for my Wordfull Wednesday post (more entries at Chocolate on my Cranium) because even though it's hard, it's also amazing to be Ty's mother.

Tyler's 16th birthday came and went last week without the usual accompanying 'Sweet 16' celebration. In fact, I hate admitting this, I didn't even wish him a Happy Birthday on his birthday. (I know! What is wrong with me?) Ever since I filled in the dates on the fridge calendar last month I have been thinking about it, so it's not that it hasn't been on my mind - it has. Oh, how it has.

I remember when we first started taking him to Early Intervention-speech, physical and occupational therapies-he was 6 months old. A case worker brought a video for us to watch entitled, Mourning the Loss of your Dream. She expected us to break down and sob, let it all out so we could "move on."

It's strange, but at that time we felt no real sense of loss for the life he might have had if he'd never had his shots at 2 months resulting in a life-altering brain injury. Instead, we had a strong feeling that he would lead us on a journey of much growth and love. And oh, how he has.

However, that sense of loss has snuck in like a stranger in the night a few times since then:

when the neighbor's baby started walking
and talking

when the kids in his class started being invited to birthday parties
and reading, writing and learning arithmetic

when the kids in his scout troop (the one he would've been in) started getting their Eagles
and, now, when they are driving, dating, and discovering their talents

I think about how it might have been - the friendships he'd have made, the girls he'd be crushing on (or who'd be crushing on him), the kind of big brother he'd be (definitely sweet), the miles of running and walking he'd have done by now, the sports he'd have loved to play, the food he'd be devouring during his teenage growth spurts, and yes, even the musical instruments he might have taken up.

On milestone birthdays, these thoughts and dreams raise their heads and give me pause. I am sad for him and also, selfishly, sad for me. Sad that the only conversations we have are the ones in my mind or with our eyes, sad that he cannot (right now) have the dreams in my heart for him or become independent and have these same dreams for his own future children.

I let myself mourn what might have been and then, carefully, I tuck those dreams back into their treasure box to store up against some far distant future where God will breathe Life into them. Then I come back to how it is, rejoicing today in the many lessons he's taught me, all the many ways in which he has stretched the corners of my soul - filling them up with love and gratitude for a life so precious.

He is my Sweet 16. Happy Birthday son!

We're home

2008-10-31T01:28:00.002-06:00

I got a bit confused and

posted about the difficulites of only being one person here

and the craziness of transporting Ty home

at Positively Organic (my other blog). Sorry, I blame it on hospital brain/lack of sleep/lack of any kind of decent food.

Tachy is tacky

2008-10-29T00:01:00.000-06:00

Ty was moved to the floor (off PICU) this afternoon after they removed his art line. All day he was tachy (high heart rate in the 170s and 180s, not good) and generally felt pretty crummy -moaning and holding his breath. His peripheral IV blew, but we figured it out before it infiltrated and gave him elephant arm.

Meanwhile, his fever got up to 103.2 around dinner time. Currently, it's come down to a reasonable 100 and his heart rate is in the 120s (much better). His blood pressure is a bit low - 92/48, but it's probably due to all the pain meds finally working.

Did you know that the effects of Valium last longer when it's given orally rather than via IV? Neither did I, but it seems to be doing the trick for him. He is relaxed enough to sleep and that does my heart good.

Textbook

2008-10-28T09:32:00.004-06:00

You know things are going well when the residents/groupies do rounds and they only discuss the kid in the next bed before moving on.

Ty still has a low grade fever of 38.4/101.1 and is feeling the pain, but otherwise he is a textbook post surgery patient. This kid is resilient - I wish I could say the same for me. If only I would've brought something to do besides a Sudoku book, as he seems to need no more than for me to sit next to him and offer an occasional soothing word.

Well, I'm off to queue up for my *textbook* hospital shower as soon as I can figure out how to stand again (thank you hospital bed/cot).

Better than expected, which is always a bonus!

2008-10-27T22:22:00.003-06:00

Mr O and I awoke at 4:30 am today, and with my Aunt M's help got Ty off to the hospital at 5:20. I still felt like maybe we'd just be turning around again to come home (due to some unforseen something or other), but we arrived to standing room only in surgery check-in.

Fortunately, Ty had the same anesthetist that helped out when he had his baclofen pump removed (due to the tumor, which we thought was a hematoma, but wasn't - you can read more here) for his surgery today. She remembered him, and was very careful about his tape allergies - he is practically covered in Mefix and Tegaderm (the only two he hasn't reacted to so far).

The surgery went quicker than expected. Hardware was removed from the last hip repair and a Schanz Osteotomy performed on his left hip. That is the third procedure for this hip, hopefully, it's the charm! He also had to have his right femur shortened because it was already 4-5 inches longer than the left - with the osteotomy it would've been about 7-8 inches longer and that is not good for fitting in a wheelchair or going through doorways.

Our surgeon truly is one of the best I've had experience with. If you live in my area or anywhere within driving distance, I highly recommend him. He always talks to Ty as if he is a regular kid, and that is something that warms my heart.

Ty did not require any blood transfusions, his crit going into the procedure was about 42 and only ended up coming down to the low 30s (which is awesome). He did require some ground bone tissue at the surgery site to help him heal, but they were able to use the portion of his own bone that had been removed from his right leg. Normally, cadaver bone powder would be used.

Instead of putting him in a spica cast, he has a full-length wedge strapped between his legs to help keep them from going back into the old position he prefers. I have no idea how we will get him home.

Right now he is resting peacefully in ICU, perhaps a little too peacefully as his oxygen levels have dropped a couple of times to 80. He is still hooked up to various lines and beeping machines, as well as spiking a small fever. Hopefully he will be moved to the regular floor tomorrow.

Thanks all for your kind thoughts and prayers, things have gone so well.

Big day tomorrow

2008-10-26T18:15:00.003-06:00

It will start at the crack of dawn. We'll arrive at the hospital around 6am, and surgery will start at 7:30-ish. The repair to his hip and the shortening of his right leg should last about 4-5 hours.

In the back of my mind, I have been anxious about this operation. Instead of packing for both of us, I've turned to sorting through Ellie's clothes. I haven't planned menus for the week or bought groceries, or even exactly planned out who will be taking care of the kids. I know all those things will work out and be okay without me having to micromanage it all.

I recognize that I'm in surgery denial. Maybe, because it was cancelled the last time, I have a hard time thinking it will actually happen tomorrow. Ty may need a unit of packed RBCs tomorrow so we went in to have a type and cross-match drawn today. Maybe it is going to happen after all. Sigh...

7 Things

2008-10-17T22:11:00.003-06:00

I was tagged by krisijo of Mamma Mia to tell you a few things, so here goes

1. I'm the oldest of 7 (6 living), and I'm pretty sure I'll never live it down. It seems I'm the meanest big sister in history. TOUGH as NAILS.

2. I had a fab garden this year

3. I've never broken a bone, but I have dislocated one

4. I'm a sucker for Aussie/Kiwi/British accents

5. I've got a weakness for chocolate, Dr. Pepper (diet now), and Bajio's Shrimp Salad

6. Must, must multi-task

7. I aspire to be clutter-free

Oh! and I have another blog, Positively Organic - go read my entry for Scribbit's Writeaway contest and tell me what you think.

Feel free to play along.

Traits you can learn from children

2008-10-03T23:04:00.000-06:00

REPOST from October of last year

First the positives, then the creative spin on things:

1. Love - it seems all children have hearts big enough for the whole world. Any stray animal, anyone less fortunate than they are, every relative, and any baby - all can be loved in the same capacity. There is no place in them that can understand why anyone would ever let a holocaust happen.

2. Faith - When Spielberg left his bike out overnight and it was missing the next day, he just knew it had been stolen. We prayed. He looked everywhere he could think of. We drove around looking on all the side streets - all to no avail. We prayed more. The next day, I had a feeling I should drive down a side street before going on my errands, and then another feeling to turn around and go down a street I had passed earlier. There it was; his bike was laying next to the sidewalk in a bush. He just knew it would come back to him. Faith in those smaller things can be very encouraging for parents facing seemingly bigger challenges.

3. Forgiveness - the ability to forget their parents' or friends' wrongs against them, to embrace them, and accept apologies is an amazing gift (too bad it doesn't always extend to siblings).

4. Priorities - last year when Ty was really struggling because of the tumor, Spielberg commented to me that the tumor in Ty's body was like a war. I thought he meant that the good cells were fighting the bad cells, but he was really referring to the fight between our family (all of us, even Ty) and the tumor. He took it a step further and mentioned that it was like WWII when rationing was put in place. He explained that we were having to ration our time with the children because the tumor was requiring so much of our time and energy to fight it.

5. Ambition - are most kids this enterprising? Spielberg has run a lemonade stand/golf ball shop, a small vending machine, and an honor box (which is like a vending machine run on the honor system); Michelle has sold peaches from our tree, cucumbers and zucchini from the garden, toys she didn't want to play with any more, and lemonade; Nicole has tried to sell rocks, her inkblots and paintings, and crafts she's made. Michelle wanted a dog and she saved her pennies, spent hours thumbing through dog books and internet pages of shelter dogs, and she got one! Adria reminded me that after Michelle watched "The Secret," this was her dream. (see #2, above)

6. Imagination - Once, after recent dentist visits, I could hear the water running in the hall bathroom and the girls were giggling. I opened the door and there Michelle was, donned in latex gloves and one of those tie-on surgical masks, and wielding a toothbrush with Nicole sitting on a chair, and a towel draped around her neck. She was giving Nicole the "finer points of dental care" lecture and snapping digital xrays by sticking a baggie-covered popsicle stick into her mouth.

7. Helpfulness - (the double-edged sword) Nicole came running down the stairs screaming and crying, "I think I broke the computer!" She was hysterical and once she calmed down a bit, we discovered that she thought it would be a good idea to dust the inside of the computer tower - WITH A PIPE CLEANER.

"There were fireworks, and now my hand stings." We discovered black marks on her hand and when we turned off the power, we found the pipe cleaner had welded in 5 places to the frame of the computer - but it survived and Nicole was only shaken, not stirred.

8. Talents - Doing what you're good at, doing what you love. I routinely find Michelle in the midst of holding a preschool, gymnastics class, art group, or play group for the 3-4 year olds in our neighborhood. She is a natural teacher, a loving caregiver, and a miniature mom. She loves it, and so do they. Have I mentioned that she loves to administer tube feedings for Ty? I think she'd do IV flushes if I'd let her (don't worry, I won't - yet).

9. The Joy of Discovery - I remember when Ellie discovered her shadow. She was standing in front of the fridge, and the sun was streaming in through the window behind her. The lighting was just right to cast a life-size shadow right in front of her. She would point, then slowly walk toward her shadow. As she got closer, her shadow would move and seem to slip into that space between fridge and cabinet. She'd peek into that space, trying to see it, then back up and say, "Bye, bye," only to have her shadow reappear. She repeated this numerous times and then pointed to her shadow and said, "Geesie" (meaning herself). She was so excited about that little discovery.

10. Language Arts/How to Tell a Story - and by this I mean creativity with words. The ability to be tactful starts with a little white lie. This is also the origin of CYA in the adult world. Better have a good story, at least one better than the other guy.

11. Negotiation - every great lawyer has taken this trait and honed it to perfection, but it all started when they were a kid. Any boy who has ever convinced his mom to let him have a BB or Air Soft gun knows how this works (or any girl who has convinced her parents to let her have a dog). You ask for the sun, and you hope for the moon. You promise extra chores performed until graduation from college or eternal good behavior.

12. Persistence - (also known as the "Chinese Water Torture" or the "Can You Hear Me Now? How About Now? Now?") this trait is best developed in combination with Negotiation (see #11 above). If mom (or dad) says no, ask again. And again. And again. Ask it a little differently. Ask please with cherries on top, and whipped cream, and chocolate sprinkles, and please? Please?

13. Resilience - So what if you just ran headlong into the wall, turfed it off the swings, or skinned your knees? A kiss from mom and a band-aid are enough to get you up and running again. It's more fun to jump up, dust your self off, and play than it is to sit around and feel sorry about your owies (now that is a class I need to retake).

A brief history and a new plan

2008-09-27T13:49:00.007-06:00

So here's how his hip looked in June. Most people have a 120° angle where the head of their femur turns to go into the hip socket, Ty's is 90°. A normal hip socket usually looks like this.

Only 3 months later, things are drastically different. Taking the same picture, try to imagine making the two arrows line up, and that is what his hip looks like now. There is no cartilage, and the ball has moved to the North 40 - I mean it is all the way out there in its own zip code!

This is what the surgeons think will fix it and significantly reduce his pain. The only catch is that the process will shorten his left leg. It is already 6 inches shorter than his right leg, so they will shorten his right leg in an attempt to even them out.

How do you ever plan for these sorts of things? Ten years ago, I had no idea he'd be as tall as I am, require major back surgery and five hip surgeries, not to mention the tumor and chemo. Through it all, he is still mostly pleasant (I am not sure I can say the same for me).

One of the only good things I can think of to come from all of this is his increased desire to communicate his needs and wants. I have heard him call for me by saying mom over and over - I wish it were more like "Mom, mom come check out this new song on my Ipod." Or "Mom, mom, I sit next to the cutest girl in my English class." Or, "Mom, mom how about this idea for my Eagle Scout Project?"

But you know what they say about wishes...come on, let's all have a fish fry! What do you wish for your children?

Update

2008-09-22T11:16:00.001-06:00

Results: clean labs, no bacteria.

I'm not sure I believe it, but now we can schedule a surgery date. Yes!

Abort, Abort!

2008-09-03T20:22:00.003-06:00

At the last minute, I discovered that Ty's infection is not cleared up. In fact, he has a whole new organism and a high WBC.

I happened to see the doc when we were checking in, I motioned to him through the glass and he made his way over. Any doctor who gives you a hug and a smile, gets down on eye level with your child, puts his hand on that child's shoulder and asks him how he's doing (even though he'll only respond with a smile) is awesome! I brought up the high white blood count and we decided to wait until the current antibiotics have run their course and Ty has a clean lab culture. Better safe than sorry.

The surgeon has also come up with another idea for repairing his hip (it will take more time to complete, but will hopefully be more than a temporary fix.) Here's hoping this round of meds works.

Man about town

2008-07-13T03:05:00.005-06:00

The two year old had been begging me to take her somewhere all day. I mean ALL DAY. And I kept giving her reasons why we couldn't go anywhere - Dad wasn't home, the girls weren't home and we couldn't just leave Ty.

Then it hit me - I bet he was ~~bored as hell~~ dying to get out and go somewhere too. I had my little girl help me get him ready, she even knew to bring me the hair gel so I could touch up his spikey flat top.

I got him in the wheelchair and just like that - we were off. I decided to surprise her by walking to the park. It's her absolute favorite place. On our way, we ran into neighbors - scads of them. And it was nice.

Ty wasn't too happy, his hip is dislocated and sometimes it causes him a lot of pain, but he managed so much better than I thought he would. We all had a lovely evening: the two year old on the slides, the girls on the swings, Ty holding my hand, and me watching them all from the park bench and chatting it up with neighbors. Imagine that!

Tumor Update!

2008-06-17T18:40:00.001-06:00

Ty had his 1 year tumor follow up appointment today. Basically the scan showed no change (neither increase nor decrease) in tumor size. Which is really great news - although a little disappointing, as it is the first time since last March that the tumor has not shown shrinkage. This is only a little worrisome because I have been having to cath him more lately. That is exactly what happened during the 6 months leading up to us discovering the tumor. The doc is very much encouraged that his tumor is stabilizing and we are scheduling to have his chemo port come out during the surgery in August.

I froze a screen shot from today's scan so you can see overall just how far he's come. Today the tumor measured 11.6 x 8 x 2.6 cm - it is outlined in red, and that's roughly the size of two pancakes, stacked. When you look at scan images, imagine the patient is sitting or lying facing you (so your left is his right, and vice versa) The white highlighted portions are parts of his pelvis/hips and spine.

In February of 2007, it measured 18cmx16.5cmx11.5cm - also outlined in red, and that's about the size of a bowling ball (or a very round NFL football). At this point, his right kidney was freaking out and causing him to have high blood pressure - think 179/97 and he had to go on medication to block the signals from his kidney. His internal organs were smooshed over to his left side, and it made him very uncomfortable and nauseous. Poor thing, he could only lay down at that point. Finally, the chemo kicked in when we switched types, and after four cycles it had already showed significant shrinkage.

Here's hoping next year holds even better news!

It's Official

2008-06-01T12:01:00.003-06:00

I am old. Ty is old. Ty is tall (5'2"). My arms are not what they used to be or rather, Ty is not the light, tiny thing he used to be.

I can no longer just pick him up and carry him where ever. Mostly it's the rod in his back, but he is also a young man and heavy. The wheelchair is my new best friend, I have to use it even for short distances, putting him in there to haul him downstairs for a shower, to the cot on the deck, or back to his room for the night.

It really bothers me not to be able to just pick him up and go where I want to quickly. Instead, it takes an extra 5 minutes (I know that's not really very long, but in mom-time it feels like hours). I am not a patient person by nature, I like to be busy doing - not busy getting to the point where I can maybe start doing soon.

One of friends found herself in a similar situation and just kept right on lifting her son until her shoulder rebelled and had to be repaired via surgical means. Of course, I should learn from her experience (my back is trying to tell me to listen), but I remain, as ever, convinced of my invincibility.

If only I had those super powers of strength, endurance and bending time to my will that I've always wished for.

I would actually settle for just two more arms. That's not to much to ask for, is it?

The latest

2008-05-13T10:42:00.003-06:00

Ty is dealing with an infection, one that is supposed to be relatively easy to cure. But for now, he is tired and uncomfortable.

We have no idea how it developed, but thankfully it should be much easier to fix than the one he had during chemo.

The World is at Your Fingertips

2008-05-08T19:33:00.001-06:00

A little cross-posting here, sorry.

Yesterday, I was able to help (in a small way) representatives from the State Schools for the Deaf and Blind to simulate a deafblind experience for the peer tutors at my son's school. About 3 or 4 years ago we were able to do this for his entire elementary school of 750 students and a couple of news reporters.

The tutors were split into two groups - sighted guides and deafblind individuals. To make the students deafblind, they each put in foam earplugs, donned an eye band and eye mask and topped it off with headphones. The sighted giudes were asked not to speak during the simulation to aid in the deafness of the experience. While it isn't possible to make them completely deaf and blind - they were able to get a taste of what it feels like. You might want to try this sometime - my kids have all done it. Try eating a meal like this or getting ready for bed, it's not as easy as you might think.

For those of you who don't know, my son has significant hearing and vision disabilities, and since most of these students work with him we decided to show them a little bit of what it's like for him. They were given tasks to accomplish that they had never seen or felt before. Minimal assistance and no instructions were given to them.

They had to rely on their hands (and other senses) to figure out what to do, and just when they were finished their work was taken apart for them to do over or else put away. This sort of thing can happen a lot to people with disabilities. People (parents included) who work with these individuals some times get wrapped up in the goals they are supposed to be accomplishing, and the personal achievements and relationships can be lost or put on the back burner.

I asked the kids how many of them used to play Legos, and then followed up with asking if their creations were ever destroyed by a sibling or when they were in the middle of a project - did their mom tell them to put it away. I wanted them to realize that it's a universal feeling to want to share what you've done with others.

Some of the students were led around the school and some were taken outside (and rained on a bit). They were also left alone for about 30 seconds - 1 minute. Some of the deafblind students did not know why they were left alone and began feeling around 'looking' for their sighted guide. At one point, two blindfolded students found each other and each thought the other was a sighted person. Then one of them grabbed the hand of the other and began walking. It took them a few seconds to realize that neither one of them could guide the other (I'm sure there's a parable/metaphor in there somewhere). It was intriguing to watch.

They were given food to eat, some of it was unceremoniously shoved into their mouth and some was given to them to explore before eating. Random loud noises sounded in their ears, their arms and faces were brushed with feathers or baby wipes without and warning.

All in all, it was a very 'eye-opening' experience for those involved (my appreciation to the staff at the school for making it possible). It's a bit tricky to debrief the junior high crowd - they are not the most communicative bunch, but all of them acknowledged that it was frustrating to have things happen to them without any way of knowing what was coming next. We talked about communication and sign language.

I know that most of them felt a real impact and new appreciation for those with sensory disabilities.

Castaways on Cancer Island

2008-04-02T22:51:00.007-06:00

More botox for Ty and still none for me - they are so stingy with that stuff! He had his port flushed (4 pokes in one day and he didn't complain a bit). He also didn't experience any nausea - and that was wonderful for both of us.

In other news, the baby is still coughing (and puking due to coughing so hard and long), but the doctor's office has assured me that she's not contagious now that she's finished her antibiotics. Strangely, I remain unconvinced - if she's still coughing, aren't those particles of contagion being flung about in her immediate vicinity?

****
On Sunday, two women came and presented to our church/ward about including people with disabilities. They were from the state school for the deaf and blind - we have 4 disabled males in our neighborhood and all but one have lived here from the beginning. Two of them are considered to be deafblind (although they are quite different in their abilities and in their deafblindness - they both, however, have some comprehension of spoken speech). As mothers of children with disabilities, it has been harder to watch our boys grow older and less included in the youth activities, but we realize it has also become more challenging to include them.

I don't know the answer to helping these boys become a part of their church family. He had a helluva year last year and I don't know how it could've been much different, but the other boys, especially the one turning 12 soon, could be more actively included. I think of the mother of that 12 year old, of how capable he is and yet how socially vulnerable he is. Junior high is hard enough for "normal" kids, I can't imagine how it will be for him.

I do know that our neighborhood has an opportunity before them to stretch, to put themselves out of their comfort zone and be a support system for that boy and his family - I hope we do it.

During that presentation, I silently cried my eyes out. I didn't think I would, but the thought kept coming to me that if Ty had been one of the other boys in the neighborhood going through the same struggle with a tumor on the rampage, the response would have been different. There would have been visits from friends, from adult youth leaders, neighbors even. It breaks my heart to think that people didn't know what to say to him and so they said nothing. They didn't know what to say to us, and so they said nothing. And so for a year and a half, we hung on by our fingernails.

Don't get me wrong, there were numerous anonymous acts of kindness and service performed for our family. Bits of I don't know what to do, so here is ____ (a plate of goodies, money!, some christmas cheer) were left on our doorstep. A little part of me is sad that I hadn't done my part to make his impact felt more keenly in our church family. I know how great and wonderful my son is, but I don't know that I've helped others to see that, to feel that. So, when he went missing from life for about a year and a half - it seemed no one knew he was gone. It felt that way for me too - I don't think I've made an impact in my neighborhood, at least not one that could be felt when I went missing too. It was a sort of a Dickensian moment for me during that presentation.

The realization hit me that it's not enough to be his mom, to serve him - there are still other people out there. Instead of turning inward and focusing more on my family, I suppose I should've maintained some aspect of serving others outside the microcosm of our home - it would have been soul-feeding and may have kept me grounded in the larger perspective of life.

I used to think of myself as a social person. I genuinely enjoy the company of others and hearing about the joy in their lives (sometimes other people's joy can be a lifeline), but people tend to feel guilty about their relative good fortune and that means they tend to withdraw as well. I don't really feel dramatic in saying that this last year has been a deserted island for us; we have been cancer castaways who've suddenly found a life raft and been plunked back down into civilization.

In our absence, things have changed; our children have felt it too. After adapting ourselves to life on the "island" and necessarily eating with our fingers for so long, suddenly we've a plethora of silverware from which to choose. The weight of a spoon or a fork is awkward in our hand, and it feels easier to keep using our fingers. Returning to a more social way of life is just as foreign.

But this time, I had better make it count for something.

Nekkis

2008-03-27T23:44:00.006-06:00

So tonight the baby is doubled over coughing uncontrollably while she's trying to eat a snack before bedtime and my son says, "Yep, she's got the Whooping (as in pertussis)."

She completely stops coughing, turns and looks at him and says, "I am not poopy!"

Oh my goodness, we couldn't stop laughing.

This same brother just got his braces Wednesday morning. I asked the baby to look at him and tell me what was on his teeth. Her answer? Nekkis! (as in necklace)

I wonder if she got confused and thought braces were bracelets. And from there to necklace isn't a far jump. For what they're costing us, there ought to be a diamond solitaire in there somewhere! (and seriously, I am gonna tear myself away from here and start hanging out here).

My whole life is built around reverse psychology...

2008-03-27T18:06:00.004-06:00

or is it superstition? Wouldn't you know, it failed me for the first time.

The baby's results came back positive for Pertussis today. For the most part she is fine, but the nights are difficult. Luckily we suspected she was contagious early on and minimized her exposure to others.

Now I'm off to the pharmacy to fill prescriptions for all 7 of us.

Yes I know this was a risk I took when I didn't have her vaccinated, but considering Ty's experience can you blame me for waiting to start her shot series?

Hopefully, the antibiotics will work and everything will get back to some semblance of normal.

Dang it!

Le Pizza Vegetarian - healthy and fast!

2008-03-21T20:39:00.004-06:00

One half of this homemade pizza is vegetarian and the other is completely non-vegetarian chicken bbq. I love this pizza crust recipe because it's fast and easy and does not require any sort of kitchen machinery besides good old-fashioned elbow grease.

Mr. Triumph is not really a meat eater anymore, so I have been trying my hand at more vegetarian fair. Even though I really like my chicken bbq pizza, this veggie pizza just may replace it as my favorite. The kids however, are content to stick with pepperoni or cheese.

Troy's Pizza Dough
In a bowl, mix 1 Tbsp. yeast, 1 tsp. sugar, 1 1/2 c very warm water; stir a little and let sit for 5 minutes. Add the following ingredients, mixing well:

1 c. wheat flour (I used kamut flour)
2 3/4 c. white flour
1/2 tsp salt
1 Tbsp oil (I used olive oil)

I like to knead it a little to make sure all the flour is mixed in and then put it into a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a towel and let it rise for 1 1/2 hours (if you are in a hurry - as I was - you can stick it in an oven that has been heated to 150 degrees and then been turned off for about 20-30 minutes).

Punch the dough down, turn it out onto a floured or lightly oiled counter, and knead a couple of times. Divide the dough in half, roll out, and place on a baking pan that has been dusted with cormeal. For the veggie pizza, I spread a little Contadina pizza sauce and then sprinkled mozzarella cheese, artichoke hearts, grape tomato halves, and slices of yellow bell pepper, zucchini, and mushroom. For the bbq pizza, I cooked the chicken with some pressed garlic, bbq sauce and a splash of pineapple juice. I spread the dough with bbq sauce, cheese, chicken, and pineapple. I topped the whole thing with a little more mozzarella and fresh, grated parmesan cheese.

This next part sounds a bit strange, but put the pizza in the oven on the very bottom rack, and then turn the oven on to bake at 500 and set your timer for 18 minutes (check it at 15 minutes). By the time your oven gets up to 500 degrees, your pizza will be done.

Sorry, the pictures of the finished pizza did not turn out because I was shaking and drooling with anticipation or something like that, yah? Suffice it to say that the veggie pizza is the best thing I've tasted since our trip to San Francisco.

Somehow, this has turned into a

2008-03-20T14:09:00.007-06:00

food blog. I guess I have just been busy in the kitchen, experimenting like a mad scientist. To the right is Overnight Apple French Toast which we enjoyed last weekend.

It was like eating a caramel apple on toast - a bit sweet, but yummy.

And because I have been devoting gray matter to ensuring I mix ingredients in proper order and increments, I haven't an idea what to post other than more food pictures.

Here's what it looks like right side up

and who can resist these eyes?

Family dairy

2008-03-18T00:00:00.000-06:00

I'm recycling this post for Talk About Tuesday because today is yogurt day and I didn't want to take all new pictures. Read more about why we use raw dairy.

Lately, I've been experimenting with making some of our family's dairy products from raw milk; it's fresh from pasture-fed cows (although this time of year they're eating hay) that have not been given hormones or antibiotics.

Behold, the butter:

Yogurt is very easy to make, if you follow the directions (ahem). I borrowed my aunt's yogurt maker and used a sweet culture from our local health foods store, but you can just use a couple tbsp of plain yogurt for culturing. Basically, you heat the milk to 110 (or 180 if using pasteurized, then let cool to 116) and add in the culture. Afterwards you put it in your yogurt maker or a covered container and keep it around 95-100 degrees for 8-12 hours. Stick it in the fridge as soon as it has set; let cool. Add fruit or a little sweetener if it's too tart for your liking, and enjoy.

Easy, Yummy Granola

2008-03-15T16:42:00.008-06:00

This is an old favorite, and I like it much better than the recipe I tried last week (probably because that other recipe is better for you). This is a recipe from my neighbor, the same one I got the bread recipe from,; I like to refer to it as "Souped-up Wheaties." I've only omitted one ingredient - sesame seeds.

It's sweet and chewy enough that you don't need to add any dried fruit like raisins or dates, but I'm sure you could could toss them in after baking it.

In a large bowl mix together 8 cups oats, 1-2 cups wheat germ

8 cups of wheat or bran flakes (I used Wheaties, but if they still made Team that's what I'd use - remember that cereal?)

1 cup of slivered almonds

2 cups of coconut

1 cup of sunflower seeds

At this point, realize that your bowl isn't large enough to allow you to actually mix the ingredients and switch it for the lid of the cake holder. Mix well.

Meanwhile, in a saucepan, bring 2 cups brown sugar,

1/2 cup water or apple juice (I actually had some leftover apple syrup and used 1 cup),

and 2/3 cup oil

to a boil.

Remove from heat and add 2 tbsp vanilla, stir. Pour over dry ingredients and mix thoroughly.

Pour onto two large cookie sheets.

Bake at 300 degrees for 15 minutes. Rotate cookie sheets and place the bottom sheet on the top rack and top sheet on bottom rack. Bake for 15 minutes more. Cool, break apart and store. Or pour yourself a bowl and enjoy!

I definitely recommend using the apple syrup in place of the water or apple juice - it makes for a better tasting granola and holds it together better.

Apple Syrup
Boil the following until well mixed:
1 C. applesauce
1 10-ounce jar apple jelly
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/8 tsp ground cloves

Delicious over french toast!

For purple mountains' majesty...

2008-03-02T20:53:00.007-07:00

This mountain is the view from my neighborhood, and it 's very nice,

but this is the view I grew up with

It's pretty hard to beat that. The peak on the left, obscured by clouds, is where Spielberg and Mr. Triumph hiked last summer.

The mountain/hill in the first picture obscures the view in the second one, but I know it's there. There's probably a metaphor in there somewhere, but today I'd rather just enjoy the view.

She's a big girl now...if only!

2008-02-25T15:50:00.008-07:00

Lately, Ellie has developed an interest in being a big girl - which entails wearing cutie patootie underwear, but most decidely does not include keeping them dry. She talked her older sister into letting her wear underwear yesterday, and even produced a substantial amount of the fine yellow liquid in her junior potty.

However, things took a dark turn after that. It became a little too quiet, the kind of quiet that has me thinking she's fallen asleep in of her creative nap nests, but not this time. We found her standing buck nekkid over a darkened spot of carpet in her bedroom. She kept saying, "Ah s'gusting, mommy."

Mr. Triumph cleaned up the floor, I did some laundry, and Michelle cleaned up Ellie - no harm done. That is until Ellie kept crying in her sleep last night. I got her up and made her a midnight snack, but somewhere in there she had stripped down to her skivvies and put her jammie pants back on. A couple hours later she was inconsolable and s'gusting again. Only this time the darkened spot managed to drench her pillow, sheets and comforter. Gah! What was this, what was going on?

I still haven't figured it out, but just a few minutes ago, my mothersense (like spidey sense for moms whose children who are getting into mischief) started tingling - clanging, really. I sent Michelle on a mission to locate Ellie, and I caught a glimpse of her very nekkid bum (creative spelling very much intended) running into the bathroom.

If your guess is Miss Ellie, in the bedroom (again), with the pee (in the heater vent, I might add)....give yourself 50 points because you are brilliant! And since you're so brilliant do you have any suggestions for us, because we haven't been in the potty training business for six years or so. I'm thinking of lining her room with newspaper.

It worked on the dog.

ReEntry

2008-02-20T00:10:00.003-07:00

Today was Ty's first time back to school since October 2006 (when the whole chemo saga began). He has been receiving school services at home during a lot of that time, but it's just not the same atmosphere here. We were there for 90 minutes, and it seemed to go really well.

It felt like he remembered the Art room and his teacher, he was so at home in there he nearly fell asleep. I think it will take some adjustment time for one of his classmates who doesn't particularly like change. But! He has put his toe back in the waters of junior high and it's okay; the world did not stop turning, my heart did not stop beating. It is going to be okay.

Ty has been my constant 24/7 companion these past 16 months and I've become very accustomed to having him with me. It almost feels like sending him to school for the first time all over again. It is not that I don't have any confidence in his teacher or intervener (because they are wonderful), but mostly that I am feeling the pain of losing his company. I've pretty well been basking in the glow of his spirit, and I'm going to miss having it all to myself.

Sharing is hard.

Baby Bliss

2008-02-19T00:16:00.004-07:00

I darkened the door of a yarn shop this weekend and this lovely yarn was a steal. I just had to take the opportunity to begin stocking up on baby sweaters. Having 50 cousins pretty much assures me of an unending supply of babies for whom I can knit lovely things like this -

The pattern can be found in The Baby Knits Book by Debbi Bliss.
Wouldn't a star embroidered on the front be the perfect finishing touch?

To see what others are TATing about, visit Lara at the Lazy Organizer - she just made the cutest hat for her daughter, you must go see it and tell her how adorable it is!

Cake Roulette

2008-02-18T10:56:00.000-07:00

I love the taste of this cake, but the bakeability - is not so reliable. The last three times I've made it (which spans about as many years), it's fallen in the center. So baking it is like playing a game of high stakes Roulette. To keep it interesting, you could place wagers for chores or favors.

Fallen centers aside, this cake tastes divine.

Fruit Cocktail Cake
Assemble the following:
1/2 C melted butter
1 - 17 oz. can fruit cocktail
1 1/2 C sugar
1/2 C brown sugar
2 eggs
2 C Flour
Dash salt
1 tsp vanilla
2 scant tsp baking soda

Melt the butter

Drain the fruit cocktail

and blend/puree it

Add it to the melted butter

Add the white sugar

Add the brown sugar,

2 eggs and a

dash of salt.

Add the flour

And baking soda

Don't forget the vanilla

Blend for 2 minutes on medium speed

Pour into a greased and floured 9 x 13 pan and put in a 325 degree oven for 1 hour

Now for the icing -

Melt one cube butter and pour in 1/2 C evaporated milk,

3/4 C sugar,

a dash of salt,

Don't forget 1/2 tsp vanilla. Heat this up and take out about 1/2 c of the liquid

put in one egg yolk,

and whisk together (this will keep you from having scrambled eggs in your icing)

Pour the egg mixture pack into the saucepan and bring to a boil for 2 minutes

Remove from heat and add 1 C flaked coconut. Beat by hand and pour over warm cake.

Serve and enjoy!

If you make this and it turns out beautiful as well as tasting sinfully delicious, let me know.

Harmoans

2008-02-15T09:26:00.007-07:00

It's funny isn't it, how hormones can make or break a day, a person, a life. Back when I was completely off my thyroid, my universe was seriously out of whack, none of my planets aligned and it was doubtful if the sun would rise again.

I remember one day in particular, I was bereft. There's no other word for it, I was completely spent emotionally and physically, and the tipping point was probably something as inconsequential as a little spilled milk. My husband tried to offer his support, to give me a reassuring hug - even though I'm pretty sure I didn't deserve it. In fact, I pushed him away and asked him if he could take the kids somewhere and retreated to my room. I began tidying up, which is how I normally deal with stress and overwhelming feelings. Something about ridding my environment of clutter seems to purge my mind of emotional clutter as well.

I went through my clothes, throwing them in a stack on the closet floor, intent on throwing them away, but later deciding to donate them. I grabbed book after book off my shelf, briefly weighing their fate before replacing them on the shelf or therapeutically ripping page after page from its binding. As I ripped, the grief found its way out of me, trickling at first then building to a torrent of pent-up frustrations and ending in sheer exhaustion.

My point is that during that time it felt like the hopelessness and oppressive sadness would never leave me, that somehow it had become my new reality. I began to wonder at my sanity and whether I was capable of nurturing any relationships with my husband or children. I was hoping a hospital somewhere would take me, administer heavy sedatives, and lock me away.

During this time I reached out to a friend who reminded me that this was not permanent, rather it was most likely related to the lack of hormones in my system and the subsequent upheaval and chaos. In my mind, I knew she was right but part of me still doubted the possibility that life could ever regain some semblance of normalcy, or whether I could last long enough for that to occur. Pity parties are a lonely, lonely place.

It has been three months now and I can safely say that my friend was right. The light at the end of the tunnel is more than a promise, it's a reality.

Wouldn't it be fun if the middles could be pink?

2008-02-14T12:44:00.002-07:00

It certainly would. I tried to make pink, white, pink but the color layers dry to wrinkly. The milk chocolate looks the smoothest. Anyway, here's a little eye candy -

Wherein I make the best bread I've ever made

2008-02-11T23:45:00.000-07:00

Edited to add: bread recipe at the bottom - I promise you'll love it and how easy it is to make.
and that's according to my husband, so you know it must be true. Because husbands never say things just to make their wife feel good, nope - it's all about the truth.

Actually, it does taste pretty amazing even if I do say so myself. I have made our family's bread off and on for years. When I started, we were just scraping by and all I had to grind the wheat was a hand grinder. Do you know how long it takes to grind wheat for four loaves by hand? Long enough to have amazing biceps (don't forget to switch off so you're not lop-sided and start walking in circles).

About 5 years ago, our neighborhood did a group buy on Nutri mills and Bosch machines. Wow! What a difference pushing a button makes. You might think that my biceps have suffered without all that hand grinding, but Ty is making sure that I still have Biceps of Steel - lifting 80 lbs routinely will do that for you.

Recently, I've been experimenting with different grains and stumbled upon kamut. I really love the flavor of this grain although it is a little different to bake with. I generally use about a cup less of this flour, grind it more coarsely, and make sure to add more gluten to the recipe I'm using. My favorite recipe is also the easiest I've tried so far. If you have a favorite bread recipe, I'd love a copy (please email me). I also enjoy making Ezekiel Fasting Bread - it is a sweet, batter bread sort of like zucchini bread but dense like wheat bread. Try it and see if you like it. I don't recommend it for sandwiches, but it makes lovely toast or a healthy dessert.

Julie's Mom's Wheat Bread
8 C. kamut flour or white wheat flour
2 T. yeast
3/4 C gluten (increase to one cup if using kamut flour)

Mix a little until yeast is mixed throughout flour, then add:

6 C. hot water-not boiling, but hot from tap

Mix this together for 1 minute with a mixer or constant stirring, then let the mixture set, with a cloth over the bowl, for ten minutes (set timer). Then add:

2/3 C honey
1/2 C oil (2/3 cup if not using gluten, or if you want it extra moist)
2 T. salt

Mix a little and keep mixing while adding 6 more cups of white wheat flour (only 5 if your first 8 were kamut flour) for 6 minutes, or knead constantly by hand for 10 minutes. Turn oven onto lowest setting (170 degrees), and spray bread pans with Pam or use butter to grease. Divide into 5 loaves for 8" pans or 4 loaves for 9" pans. If you want to make cinnamon bread, roll one of the loaves out very thinly and sprinkle cinnamon over the entire surface, then sprinkle with raisins and roll up tightly. Pinch the ends to seal and place seam side down in the loaf pan. Arrange the bread pans in the oven and set timer for 20 minutes. When the timer goes off, turn oven up to 350 and bake for 30-35 minutes more. When the bread is done, take it immediately out of the pans and lay the loaves on clean dish towel until they are cool (approximately 45 minutes). Then put in bread bags and freeze the bread that you will not be eating within the week.

I usually only make one loaf of cinnamon bread per batch, but my family likes it so much I've decided to make half the batch cinnamon loaves. Before using kamut, I had to use half white flour and half wheat in order for my kids to stomach it, but now they eat it just fine (half wheat/half kamut). There is less gluten in kamut, but more protein and the taste is really pleasant. Bon appetit!

This has been a Talk About Tuesday post, to see what others are TATing about click here

Sweets for the Sweet

2008-02-10T19:58:00.002-07:00

As promised: Chocolate Therapy

I like to work with imported Mercken's chocolate since it's so creamy, it costs about $8.10 per batch and I get 4 boxes per batch. It's a yummy splurge. We traditionally make them at Christmas time and for Valentine's Day.

You will need to gather the following:
jelly roll pan, wax paper (cut 4 inches longer than the pan), peppermint oil (not extract), 3 oven safe bowls with 10.5 ounces of chocolate in each one, spatula, sharp paring knife and a yard stick

Set the oven to the lowest setting (100 to 150 degrees) and place the bowls of chocolate inside to melt for about 20 minutes

Remove the first bowl and dab chocolate under each corner of the wax paper to secure it

Like so

Add 7 drops of peppermint oil to the melted chocolate

Then stir

Spoon chocolate onto waxed paper and working quickly, spread in an even layer

Remember, work quickly

As soon as you've spread it, grab each end of the pan and pound repeatedly on the counter top. (I have video of this if anyone wants to see it, it's the therapeutic part of the activity unless you count actually eating the chocolate, but its extremely noisy). This gets the little air bubbles out of the chocolate and smoothes out the layer. Let it set until it loses its shine, then repeat with the middle layer of chocolate. Add 7 drops of flavoring, stir, spoon it out on top of the first layer.

Quickly spread it out (notice in the right hand corner what happens if you push hard or work too slowly - the chocolate layers will blend) and pound, pound, pound!

Green layer has lost its shine and is ready for the final layer

Add 7 drops of peppermint oil and stir until smooth, pour over chocolate and spread smoothly and lightly with a spatula

Layer is spread and ready for pounding - go ahead, pound the tar right out of it.

All pounded out and almost ready for cutting

After marking your pan every 1 1/2 inches on the long sides and 1 3/8 inches along the short sides, use a T-square or yardstick to guide a sharp paring knife as you make your cuts. (You can begin cutting as soon as the chocolate loses its shine).

Admire your lovely straight lines, put on gloves and...

Package in cute little gift boxes

You can also use cookie cutters for a fun mint shape, but you might want to dip them in softened butter for an easier release.

To check out other craft ideas, see Scribbit's Winter Bazaar

A sunset

2008-02-09T20:40:00.000-07:00

The day I took this, I happened to be up early and see the most glorious sunrise. The mountains and their snowy cliffs were basking in a delightful shade of rosy peach. Unfortunately, I did not have my camera with me (if only they came attached to your arm.) I was able to capture the sunset.

I am so grateful for the gift of a day with perfect blue skies and sunshine that warms my soul (if not the earth).

When things get really quiet around here...

2008-02-08T12:45:00.000-07:00

I know to go looking for her. She will be sound asleep some where; she just can't seem to make it all the way through the day. Sometimes she'll even announce, "I going to bed. I so tired mommy."

Yes! Blue skies today. I am saving these for when the next group of storms is due, because even though I enjoy the thick blankets of snowy white and the stillness they bring, it does my heart good to see some sunshine too. Enjoy!

Because a haircut and a shave can be

2008-02-05T21:24:00.001-07:00

so exhausting....

I turned my inner hair stylist loose on Ty today, I even attempted it solo. Ty hates getting his haircut and it is a two person job for sure, but I couldn't take his 2 inch faux-hawk any longer and decided to just go for it. If you want to talk quantity, I'd say there there was at least 3 cups worth of curls on the floor when all was said and done.

And then I couldn't help myself, I just had to shave his mexi-stache, and then I noticed his peach fuzz Luke Perry sideburns and they had to go too. I am sure he was hoping for a lightening bolt to wrest the razor from my hands. He was a pretty good sport until the last 5 minutes when he let me know he was absolutely finished with me and my beauty school dreams.

And now, a little snow dog who does her best to ward off the snowstorms with her very scary bark. You know, "How dare the heavens pour out that white stuff in my yard!"

I'm kinda hoping somebody up there is listening to her. How about you, had enough yet?

Where I become hot, but not hawt

2008-02-01T15:08:00.002-07:00

continued from here

Since my surgery, I had been unable to raise my voice. To call my children in for dinner, I'd step out on the deck, tuck my chin in an attempt to lower my voice further, and then ina booming deep voice call out their names and say, "Dinner!" My voice was beyond husky, it was straight up masculine.

I'd had my thyroid out on October 4th and by October 26th my TSH was measuring 57 (extremely high and doubling every week). This meant that I was sufficiently hypothyroid to undergo my wholebody Radioactive Iodine Scan. I had been told that I would still be able to breastfeed Ellie after the radioactivity had left my bloodstream (40 days). One of my friends had even offered to take Ellie and continue to nurse her for me so that she wouldn't have to bottle feed in the meantime (that is a true friend).

But when I double-checked this with my oncologist, she informed me that I would not be able to breastfeed Ellie anymore after taking even the small dose of Radioactive Iodine (RAI). My RAI scan dose was scheduled for November 4th, the scan and hospital admission for the larger RAI treatment dose for November 7th. She also mentioned that I could possibly increase my risks for breast cancer by still producing breast milk when I received the large dose and to start taking antihistamines (benadryl) to help dry up my breast milk.

Thinking back, I can't believe I went ahead with the treatment so soon after having Ellie. I was going to have to be away from her for 3 weeks in order to minimize exposure to her thyroid and she was barely two months old. Even more than not being able to nurse her, the separation from her tore at my heart.

On the morning of the 4th of November, I nursed Ellie for the last time. I looked down at her face, at her little fingers grasping my thumb, listening to her satisfied swallows and wondering how these next three weeks were going to be without her. I handed her to my mother and drove myself to the hospital to take my scan dose.

When I arrived, they wanted to know when my last menstrual cycle had been. I told them I had just had a baby and hadn't had one. They insisted on drawing blood for a pregnancy test, even though I told them there was no possible way I was pregnant. I reminded them that one has to have intercourse for that to occur and according to memory that hadn't happened since before her arrival. Because when you are a Franken-neck in terrible pain, drained from childbirth and the rigors of parenting and feeding a newborn baby, it is all you can do to collapse into bed at the end of the day, nevermind being more intimate than cuddling. But it didn't matter and of course, the test came back negative.

I was given a pill to take, a cup of water to swallow, and a page of precautions to follow. I went home and fell into bed. I went through the pain of abruptly stopping nursing. I had tried to gently phase out breastfeeding Ellie, but as soon as she took the bottle, I would have a hard time and nurse her again. To say I was ambivalent about my decision to go ahead with treatment is an understatement.

But go ahead with it - I did. When I arrived to take my dose, I was led up to the 6th floor of the hospital to a room tucked in the corner by the emergency stairs and an adjacent empty room. I hadn't eaten anything in case of nausea. It would be considered a nuclear cleanup if I "tossed my cookies." The radiologist informed me that there hadn't been enough RAI to put in pill form, so I would have to sip mine. It was like drinking flat alka seltzer - metallic and nauseating. I was given a does of Phenergan to combat the nausea and told that I couldn't eat for a few more hours. That metallic taste stayed with me for the next few days.

I had brought needlepoint to work on and a magazine to read, but mostly I laid around and watched TV because it was brainless and I was so very tired. I remained nauseous my entire stay in the hospital and the feeling was not helped by the fact that everything they brought me to eat had to stay in my room the entire time. I sat there in my room among the stacks of hazardous waste - queen of the nukes. My phone was covered with a plastic bag so that the moisture from my breath wouldn't contaminate the mouthpiece. The radiology tech taped a line on the floor 12 feet from where I sat, and anyone who crossed it had to wear disposable booties that they removed before leaving. A bright yellow Hazardous Materials/Radioactive Warning sign was taped to my door, no one could be in my presence for more than 20 minutes a day. That meant the nurses only popped their heads in to deposit a tray of food on the table next to the door, and I wasn't allowed to get my tray until they had left. The techs came in to take my temperature and blood pressure periodically (I wondered if the other patients knew they were sharing medical devices with me).

Twice a day, morning and night, a radiology tech would bring in a geiger counter and a measuring tape. He would take a measurement of the rads I was emitting at 3 and 12 feet away. I filled the intermittent time with taking numerous showers, drinking quarts of water (flushing the toilet 3 times each time I used it), and obssessively washing my hands.

Yes, I was queen of my own tiny kingdom - the corner room of the 6th floor.

For Your Entertainment

2008-01-30T10:17:00.001-07:00

Last night, while I was reading aloud from Big Red, R made three short films. I thought I'd share them with you, especially because he asked me to. So without further adieu:
Clay Animation

Line Animation

Cookie Gone

Hope you enjoy them & I'll probably be back tomorrow or Friday in full swing, because sleeping is impossible. The insomnia is back with a vengeance - ah, the joys of being hyperthyroid.

These boots are made for walking...

2008-01-27T22:02:00.001-07:00

continued from here

There ought to be a rule for surgeons - no haircuts the day before surgery. Some young rookie lookin' doctor showed up to discuss my surgery with me minutes before I headed back to the OR. Underneath all that mountain man hair, my doc had a baby face - who knew?

I'm not sure which look was worse, mountain man or newbie. Once I got over the shock of that, we went over the particulars again. My nurse could not place an IV in me to save her life - 3 blown veins. So I asked if the anesthetist could do it, he knew his stuff and got it on the first try.

The next thing I knew, I was waking up to the sensation of someone squeezing my feet and pointing my toes - first the right, then the left - back and forth. It was a pair of mechanized booties designed to simulate walking and deter any blood clots (good for your health, but not so much for sleeping). I could not talk, had a throbbing ache at the base of my neck, and felt like I had eaten a pair of wool socks - so scratchy was my throat. I was vaguely aware that it hurt to turn my head. One thing they are quick to do in post-op care is to get you on pain meds. You have only to blink funny and they will bring you a darvocet or some other such pill of peaceful oblivion.

The surgeon told me that the tumor had invaded some nearby neck muscle and he'd had to remove a strap muscle. There were numerous tumors in the left side of my thyroid as well. The cancer had been headed for my voice box next, so it was lucky we got it out when we did (not too sure the kids feel the same about that). The frozen section came back positive for papillary thyroid cancer. He had been able to save my parathyroids, but they monitored my calcium levels to make sure they had not been too traumatized by the surgery.

Because I was under 45 when I was diagnosed the survival rate to 5 years out was 97% - very good news. I stayed in the hospital for about a day and a half and then went home to rest up. In the days that followed, we heard back from pathology that one of seventeen lymph nodes taken was positive for the cancer and the size of my tumor was 1.6 cm in diameter. An appointment was made for us to meet with an oncologist.

One other thing, no one had told me about the wonder that is a surgical drain. I went home with a test tube on the end of a length of catheter tubing poking out of my neck. It was a surgical drain stitched into place. I was to change the tubes and record the fluid amounts and colors as it filled. I have done some pretty grody stuff in my life, but that one is up there near the tippy-top.

I remember feeling good enough to help out in Michelle's class at school, while there a remarkably astute 2nd grader looked up at the dressing on my neck and the tube disappearing into my shirt (where the vac-tube was nestled in my bra) and asked me about it. I told him I had had an operation on my neck. He thought about that a moment and then said, "Lady, they forgot to take some of that stuff out of you." Like I didn't know I had a 12 inch length of catheter tubing hanging out of me. Just for kicks, I pulled out the test tube full of surgery drainage and showed it to him.

Was that evil? Nah, but perhaps a whole lot of misguided fun. I'm blaming the pain killers.

Maybe collecting the ooze from my neck was nasty, but it was nothing compared to the feeling when the surgeon said this might hurt just a bit and he snipped a stitch and pulled that tube out. It must've been buried about 3 inches into my neck and fished around my esophagus. I cannot describe it but I never want to go through that again. Gross.

Usually I heal fine and my scars turn out lovely, but this time was different. The doc likes to look at my neck and tell me he can fix it (um, no thanks - I'm okay with my Franken-neck).

I met with the oncologist - a woman whose typical patient suffers from breast cancer. The first thing she told me was that I had the "good" cancer. This was the third doctor to tell me this and I was not amused. I can appreciate the fact that she sees several women far worse off than I everyday and that I will most likely not die from this cancer - but it really isn't something 'good' to have. Nobody says, "Hey, can I have me some of that? That's the good cancer you know - I'd like double."

Cancer or disease in any form is a major inconvenience and usually it's still painful. Please doctors, don't discount your patients and what they are dealing with.

Okay, off the soapbox now. The oncologist, which is a fancy name for bad a** cancer doctor, told me that I would have to allow my pituitary to realize that I didn't have a thyroid anymore, thereby making it send out signals to tell existing thyroid cells to make more. While it sounds counter intuitive to force the cancer cells to reproduce, it is what lets them know you are ready to nuke the hell out of the cancer.

With thyroid cancer, you don't do chemo and rarely do you do beam radiation, rather you nuke it from the inside out. Literally. But, I'm ahead of myself. Your thyroid is an important part of your body, it takes the iodine found in different foods and converts it to thyroid hormones, and releases them into your bloodstream where they control your metabolism. Every cell in your body needs thyroid hormones to regulate their metabolism. Know what happens when you don't have enough thyroid circulating?

Everything sl o w s d o w n.
Like that. And when you are thyroid deprived and getting prepped for a Radioactive Iodine scan and potential treatment - you must eliminate as much iodine as possible from your diet. Which is actually quite a healthy way to eat, but requires mucho effort on the part of the patient.

Some of the side effects of being hypo (very low) thyroid are slow reflex times, poor concentration and memory, depression, hair loss, extreme fatigue, feeling cold all the time, and last but loveliest - potential tremendous weight gain. It is basically like you are living under water in a very cold swimming pool. Everything moves slowly and you freeze your butt off, and you can't spell to save your life.

continue reading here
*****

Sorry, that's it for now. I'm halfway throught the bloggy hiatus and I'm getting all sorts of necessary stuff done. I'm afraid I don't have any new links for you, but if you click thru on some of the links in the blogroll you'll find lots of great things to read. 'Til next week - have a good one!

The induction and arrival of one Miss Ellie

2008-01-19T14:31:00.003-07:00

continued from here

The surgeon's office called and set an appointment for me to be seen the following Wednesday. With any luck, our daughter would be here on September 10th.

We arrived at the hospital early on the morning of the 10th, even though I was only dilated to 1 and hardly effaced, the doctor thought some prostaglandin gel might speed things up.

It didn't, really. By 2 that afternoon, nothing had changed so they started me on Pitocin. The baby was super high (I think she just wasn't ready yet). I walked and walked around the halls, all the while trailing my IV bag of Pit - this was not how I had envisioned this birth.

Every so often they would crank up the dose of pitocin. By 5 p.m. it was as high as it could go, and, though they weren't painful, my contractions were every 2 minutes.

The doctor was going to send me home and have me come back to try again on Monday. He checked me once more and she had finally dropped. He broke my water then - there was no going back. All our children had been born 2 hours after my water had been broken, so I was anticipating holding her very soon.

But it was not to be. I was so sure she'd be born before September 11th, but at midnight I was only dilated to a 4. I asked for an epidural. I'd had it and was in a lot of pain. Alot of unproductive pain. I slept for an hour or two and was awakened by the realization that the epidural was no longer working. The anesthetist was called in because I was suffering so badly. They checked me and I was finally dilated to a 7. This is where I know I would've died had I been a pioneer woman on the plains. Zero childbirth pain threshold.

I paged Sarah, my wonderful friend and doula (I know they are there to help you through the pain, not an epidural, but she had been through this much with us and she deserved to see the birth. Besides, I was only numb from the birth canal down). My uterus was completely awake and irritated with me - who did I think I was having a baby before it was ready? Sarah really helped me through it. It felt like an hour of pushing, but it was really only 5 or 6 pushes and the very large, very purple Ellie had arrived (for about the first 5 minutes she was Sophie, then we decided Ellie suited her better). I held her briefly before the nurse took her and rubbed her briskly. I was never so happy to hear a cry in my life! She had taken over 20 hours to get here, all the others - no more than 6.

I felt so good I wanted to go home later that day. They kept us at the hospital for 48 hours because I had once tested positive for strep B and they just wanted to observe her. Good thing, because her bilirubin levels ended up being very high by the time we left. We brought her back for another test the next day. They were high enough that we had to put her under the bili lights. They basically look like an old Samsonite suitcase turned into a baby tanning bed.

It was all to no avail, the next day her bili levels were so high she had to be admitted to the hospital. They put her under their hi-tech lights. She was so dehydrated it took 6 or more tries to place an IV. It ended up being on her head and believe it or not, at just 2 days old she reached up and pulled it out. It took another 2 hours hours to get one placed on her foot. We were there just over 1 1/2 days. My mom was so helpful through everything. She even stayed overnight at the hospital so I could rest and continue to recover.

We kept up the bili lights at home for an additional three days, and my mom took the night shift. It was just about impossible to keep the blindfold on Ellie, she'd squirm until it came off and we'd have to wrestle it back on.

While she was at the hospital, we had my surgery consult and found out that my type of cancer is very curable, but that my thyroid had to come out. He scheduled me for his next surgery date - three weeks out. When we met the surgeon, he looked somewhat mountain man-ish. His hair was out to here and he may have even had some facial hair, but when he talked about how careful he would be during the surgery to preserve my parathyroids (which are embedded in your thyroid but are responsible for the calcium levels in your body) and my voice, I felt a little more confident in him.

He explained that while I was under, he'd send a frozen section to pathology to confirm the cancer diagnosis and then remove the whole thing if it was positive.

Another update on the boy

2008-01-14T22:35:00.000-07:00

His incision is healing very nicely, all 18 inches of it.

His hair has grown back rather thick and curly since chemo.

He even has a mustache - I've softened it out of the picture, but it's clear that we'll be shaving his upper lip soon. Judging by how much he enjoys the trimmers during a haircut, he's probably going to yell at me.

Which pretty much sounds like a moose. That is, if the moose's voice is changing.

On Pins and Needles

2008-01-13T00:53:00.003-07:00

Continued from here

The pathology tech leaned over her microscope, "We have a winner!"

All I could think was - Thank goodness she had enough of a sample and that needle didn't have to go back in my neck. I wonder what it would've felt like without the numbing agent.

I asked her what her first impression was. She said at first glance it didn't look like the ordinary stuff you'd see in a cyst, but that it didn't jump out and say cancer! either. Also, because it was Friday and just before Labor Day Weekend, I shouldn't expect the results before Tuesday morning.

On the way home, my airway started to feel numb. It was a terrifying experience and I know I obssessed about it - poor hubs, he listened to my anxiety helplessly. It felt like I couldn't swallow or turn my head without some sort of strange sensation, or for that matter, telling my husband all about said strange sensations.

(Earlier that week, he had gone to the doctor with his mom to learn the results of a biopsy she'd had - she was diagnosed with Stage 3 melanoma. So, not a very good week, medically speaking).

His sister and her family come every Labor Day and stay with us - a tradition we really enjoy and a nice distraction from all the waiting. But when I hadn't heard anything by Tuesday afternoon, I called my doctor's office. I was told that the pathologist had not released his report yet, but that it would be available the next day. I called again the next afternoon, all this waiting was killing me - I am not a patient person by nature.

I was at Target exchanging some shoes for Tyler when my doctor's office called me back, and it was my doctor on the line. That was my first clue. He said that the pathologist had just called him personally. That was my second clue. I already knew if he, not the nurse, was calling me that it was cancer. I was wandering around the shoe section slightly dazed, my mind brimming over with questions. The biopsy was positive for Papillary Thyroid Cancer and my thyroid would have to come out. The doctor told me who the pathologist had recommended for the surgery, and to also plan on being induced that weekend. They wanted me to have the baby earlier so I could recover sooner and have surgery within a few weeks.

I managed to hold it together during my conversation with the doctor. Ever practical, I hung up, exchanged the shoes, and called Mr. Triumph as soon as I was in the parking lot. "The doctor just called," - long pause while my throat got a lump in it the size of an egg, "I have cancer." Then I cried.

I was not at all brave, but I think maybe the pregnancy hormone overload had something to do with it. I mean who finds out they have cancer in the shoe section of Target? And then calls their husband from the parking lot? I think cancer is really a face-to-face sort of unveiling thing, not a telephone bomb-dropping deal, and most especially not a voice mail thing.

I cried from the shock of hearing the word cancer applied to me. Cancer is the thing that happens to other people. But it was happening to me, and I felt it was going to rob the spotlight from the baby we had waited for, for so many years. At that moment, I was very upset at the universe and the unfairness of the whole thing, but I guess cancer is never a matter of convenience. No one ever says, "Hey, next year looks good - how about then?"

Mr. Triumph and I talked briefly and agreed we needed more information from the surgeon before making any decisions or telling the kids. I regained my composure. We hung up and I called my mom. I felt like a little girl again, like I had scraped my knee and was going to my mom for comfort and the reassurance that everything was going to be okay - only there's no bandaid and a kiss big enough for cancer.

Of course I cried like a baby. I had no idea what was in store for me or what the outlook was - would I even get to enjoy this baby? I asked her to call and let my siblings know because I was in no shape to speak to anyone. One of my sisters took it almost as hard as I did. That was before we knew anything.

Keep reading here

Thai Spring Rolls

2008-01-11T09:32:00.000-07:00

This is the ultimate hands-on food. I haven't met anyone who doesn't like this recipe from my friend Wendy J. When I make it, I like to prep it in the morning and then put the filling in the fridge. The girls and I roll them just before dinner and fry them up. We like to eat the sauce hot, so I make it while the rolls are frying.

You will need:
Cauliflower
Broccoli
Carrots
Green Onions
2 Chicken Breasts, cooked and chopped (I like mine marinated in soy or teriyaki)
Cabbage or prepared Mung Bean thread for the adventurous
3 eggs, scrambled
Garlic, Soy Sauce to season
1-2 pkgs of Egg Roll Wrappers (usually found in the produce section)

For the Sauce:
1 cup sugar
1 Tbsp. vinegar
1/2 cup water
1/4 Sweet Chili Sauce

First, get out your largest skillet. Heat to medium and pour 1/2 - 1 cup water in the bottom. Chop all the vegetables. I like to use my Food Chopper from Pampered Chef. Add cauliflower and broccoli:

Add carrots:

Add green onion and chicken breasts:

Stir it up, put the lid on. If you are using cabbage, it makes a nice flavor - add it now. I usually add either mung beand thread or cabbage, but not both. It just makes too much filling. Cook until veggies are steamed. Add soy sauce till you get a flavor you like. Scramble up your eggs and throw them in at the end. Now you can put your filling in the fridge or start rolling.

Place about 1/4 cup of filling on the upper part of the roll:

Pull the bottom of the wrapper up and tuck under the filling:

Fold the sides up like a present (see how the bottom edges line up?):

Moisten the top edge with water:

Roll up tightly and seal (repeat about 20 times per pkg):

Heat your oil. Cook about 1-2 minutes per side. Keep a close eye on it. They should be nice and golden brown.

Or else, you'll have burnt offerings:

Combine all the ingredients for the sauce and boil:

It will be quite thin, you can add corn starch. We like to put the sauce in little bowls on each person's plate. Usually we pour the sauce over the eggroll. Bite, pour, bite, pour - like that. It's just not the same if you use a knife and fork; to really enjoy this meal, you need to use your hands. It's like the Thai version of pizza.

A Pain in the Neck...

2008-01-10T11:01:00.001-07:00

A little over two years ago, I walked my mom out to her car and said goodbye. I stood there on the driveway as she pulled out, one hand resting on my lower back in the classic pregnant woman pose.

I had been feeling a sore throat coming on and massaged just under the back of my jaw assessing whether my glands were getting swollen. Phew, they were just normal size. I dropped my hand, lightly brushing either side of my neck, down to my side. Did I just feel something? I touched my neck again, this time more slowly, deliberately. I stood there looking at the mountains and realizing there was definitely something there - something that didn't belong.

I went inside, into my bathroom and looked in the mirror. Could this have happened overnight? How did I not notice this thing bulging out of my neck? It was about the size of a Globe Grape and about halfway between my chin and collarbone on the right side.

I started googling terms like "neck, cyst, tumor, larynx" and most of the results indicated that it might be something to do with my thyroid. I found a self diagnostic test for a thyroid nodule. It told me to tip my chin back (to push the thyroid out), drink a glass of water, and see if the bump moved when I swallowed (it did). I didn't wait for my husband to get home, I got that glass of water and went back into the bathroom to see for myself.

Do you know how hard it is to drink from a glass, swallow, and look in the mirror at the same time? Try it. First, tip your head back so you can see your neck, then move your eyes so they're looking at the mirror, and then swallow - several times. Not too tough? Maybe you have to be a bit anxious and also nearly 37 weeks pregnant.

I knew this was something I couldn't ignore, and was somewhat comforted by the fact that I had an ob/gyn appointment on Monday (this being a Friday, it was relatively soon). Over the weekend I read everything I could about thyroid diagnosis, it's just the kind of girl I am. And also obsessed over the feel of something foreign on my neck.

On Monday, the doctor examined me and told me the rotten news that I was only 1 cm and about 20% effaced. I told him about the lump on my neck. He felt around, said it was common and most lumps in necks are nothing to worry about, but we ought to order an ultrasound and fine needle biopsy anyway. He was able to schedule it for Friday that same week.

I read up on Fine Needle biopsies and neck ultrasounds - I wanted to know what they were looking for and I wanted to be able to tell if there was something they weren't telling me.

My husband missed work and went with me to the appointment. Usually for an utlrasound of your neck, you lie down on your back - unless you're very pregnant. They had me semi-recline and tip my head way back. I can't tell you how hard it was not to be able to see the screen and try to figure out what was going on. He gave me a sort of play-by-play. Every once in awhile, I would tick off the ultrasound tech and turn my head to see what she was doing. I knew that if the ultrasound looked 'hot' or red instead of blue where the tumor was, that it was more likely to be cancerous. I'm pretty sure I saw red.

A doctor came in and shot some lidocaine into my neck. Whenever someone tells you this will sting a bit - brace yourself, because it usually means it will burn like hell. He didn't wait very long before he had me tip my head to the left. He took out a needle (I had to peek, and wish I hadn't). The pathology tech wheeled her cart into the room and told me she was going to take a look at the sample the doctor pulled out to make sure they had enough 'material' for a diagnosis - that way I wouldn't have to come back.

Pretty much the numbing shot was pointless. I felt everything he did. There is nothing fine about a Fine Needle Biopsy. The needly is long and sturdy. And it is not one simple little poke. It seriously felt like he was fishing in there. He told me he was trying to get samples from all over the nodule. He would pull back on the syringe, and then jab some more into my neck. At the same time, the tech was using the ultrasound wand so he could have a guide. About four times it felt like he had stabbed my larynx.

I am not normally a claustrophobic person, but I was starting to panic. It really hurt and each time he hit my airway it really freaked me out. After about ten different jabs, he handed the needle over to the pathology tech. I was hoping, praying that she had enough 'material' for a diagnosis, because I did not want that needle back in my neck.

Keep reading here

Despite his shaky start - we may be going home...

2008-01-07T20:35:00.000-07:00

....four days earlier than expected. Which is awesome! I know we'll both be happier sleeping in our own beds.

The picture below shows you what dopamine does to veins (it really is as hard -between the two black lines- as one of my knitting needles. It's what they gave him when his blood pressure dropped in ICU. I refer to it as an unfortunate, necessary evil.

And, speaking of knitting needles, here's what I've been working on....

new socks for Ty. It's the same brand of yarn I used for these.
To see what others are TATing about, visit Lara at the Lazy Organizer.

How the boy is doing

2008-01-06T23:14:00.001-07:00

Mr. Triumph and I have been tag team parenting this weekend - he stayed with Ty, and I went home. My bed never feels so comfy as when I return from sleeping at the hospital. The only problem? Mr. Triumph wasn't next to me - I've grown very accustomed to his presence. It just doesn't feel right without him there, and it throws a big 'ol wrench into my sleep. I just have to read myself to sleep. I guess the only reason I can sleep at the hospital is because the bed is only 2 feet wide - it just wouldn't be right to squeeze him on there with me - I don't even think it's physically possible.

Ty did really well over the weekend. I can't believe how much the swelling in his face has gone down. His feet are still tight, fluid-filled - like over-ripe roma tomatoes. The othorpedic fellow removed his surgical dressing, and his scar, although long, looks mah-velous! His abdomen is still swollen and his bladder is on strike, but he is doing remarkably well. The fever has disappeared. Tomorrow, he is transferring to a different hospital and we expect him to be able to go him on Thursday or Friday.

Thanks again for all your prayers and well wishes, they mean so much.

Everyday...........

2008-01-05T22:46:00.000-07:00

Seventeen years of wedded ~~bliss~~ adventure. Not that our union hasn't had its moments of supreme happiness, but it's really been more like having a seat on an eternal amusement park ride.

The waiting in line part is sort of like the engagement period. All that waiting while hearing the thrilled screams of the other passengers - it must be great right? You get on and there's that first big hill you slowly climb up. You cannot see anything but sky as you hold on tightly to each other; the first plunge comes, and there is a dizzying thrill as your stomach ends up in your throat.

The only way I can describe it is that there are fast and slow parts of the ride - times when you are so wrapped up in the excitement and emotions of the ride that you can't think of anything else, times when you are so sick to your stomach that all you want to do is puke your guts out, times when you slow down, have chance to look in each other's eyes and catch your breath before the ride starts again.

Periodically, the ride stalls out and maintenance is required, or in the case that you have a child with a disability it can be like riding without a seatbelt, and you just cling to each other all the more - imagine that prospect. Some people can't take it, and they opt to get off. But not us - we've chosen to be passengers on that ride for seventeen years.

Honey, it's been a great ride! (Sending all kinds of mushiness your way).

I wanted to post a video of a rollercoaster ride, but do you know how impossible it is to find one without cursing?

It turns out that Ty is the long lost son/brother of Angelina Jolie

2008-01-03T20:54:00.001-07:00

Besides the fact that he has about 3% body fat, his puffy upper lip is all the proof I need. When the surgeon said his face would be puffy after surgery, he wasn't kidding.

They must have the same "lip guy"

Things I forgot to bring this time around

2008-01-03T14:15:00.000-07:00

1. The USB cord to my camera

2. Shower shoes - barefoot showers in any public place? nasty! Coping measure: handtowel on the floor of the shower. And while I'm talking about hospital bathrooms, whose brilliant idea was it not to put a second lock on the parent shower and to then face the toilet so your most vulnerable bits are facing the door? Why, a man of course! Had a woman designed that bathroom there would be shelves to place your belongings on within reach of the shower and a second curtain over the dressing area, something to sit on (of course you would put a towel on it), something besides flourescent lighting for putting on your make-up, there would even be working lights in the shower. And that toilet? It would be perpendicular to the door! These are not luxury spa accommodations, just common sense (but a spa/hospital - that would be something!) I'm pretty sure ICU is a money-maker for the hospital - why not take care of the consumer?

3. Blow dryer

4. Curling or flat iron -if I just step into a steamed up area, my hair makes an audible sproing! as it frizzes up and gives me a sort of halo effect.

5. Socks - how did I only bring 2 pair?

6. A different pair of shoes - I only brought my shootie-tootie boots and my feet are already feeling it. I do have a second pair in the back of the van, but it's 14 freezin' degrees out there.

7. Nail clippers

8. Cotton balls - total luxury item

9. My pillow - I brought it and it's still in the car, but it would require me to wear the boots, and did I mention it's pretty dang cold out there? I may have to hoof it out there and retrieve it, these hospital pillows are no match for my cloud of comfort which is like serenity in a pillowcase. I must fold up the tiny hospital-issue pillowette like a napkin and then it is like sleeping on a tic tac. Except without the minty flavor .

10. My razor - that one was on purpose, so technically I didn't forget it, I just left it.

11. Enough clothes. But it will relieve you to know that I did bring plenty of underwear (Chris). Good thing the nurses tend to change everyday so with any luck no one will notice that I am really rotating two sweaters.

12. My booklight

13. Umm, my coat. As a disclaimer, it was 4am when I got up to finish packing. And I may have had a few things on my mind.

What's the worst thing you've forgotten on a trip?

Good News

2008-01-03T11:21:00.000-07:00

Ty still hasn't woken up. His eyes (eyeballs and lids) are quite swollen from all the fluid yesterday.

BUT! The fever is starting to go away. We are moving to move to the regular floor this afternoon. Yay! He is off of oxygen and they think the seizure was a reaction to the epidural medication.

PICU is a very sad place to be. So many parents I see have tired, tear-streaked faces, and shoulders sagging under a heavy burden of grief. I wish I could do something for them, perhaps carry that burden for them for just 5 minutes so they can feel hope again and a little joy can come back in.

Thanks for all your prayers and well wishes, I know they are making a difference. now, if he would only wake up a bit.

Or so we thought...

2008-01-02T18:00:00.000-07:00

After speaking with the surgeon, we were expecting PICU (Intensive Care) to call and tell us when it was okay to come see him. We waited 45 minutes and heard nothing. I asked the volunteer at the desk, who happens not to be Little Miss Sunshine - but that's another story, if we had missed their call. She informed us that we hadn't and that they wouldn't be calling because they never do, they just expect you go over.

Well, that was not 100% correct. In other words, that lady don't know Jack!

We decided to grab a bite to eat before heading over since they don't let you bring food on the unit. While we were feasting on world-class cuisine (hah!), Tyler's blood pressure was dipping dangerously low (60/40) and he was having what appeared to be a mildly violent seizure. They tried calling the waiting room 4 or 5 times to reach us to know if the seizure was a normal thing for him (it's not).

***
I didn't believe the doctor when he told me that Ty had had a classic seizure; he just doesn't have those. His are more of the staring off into space variety, and he always comes back to Earth when you tap him right between the eyes and say his name. All of that to say, I saw the seizure activity myself a couple hours later; it's reminiscent of the chills you get after childbirth or when coming out of anaesthesia.
***

We arrived 30 minutes into the trauma, and by then things were starting to look better. It is 4 hours later and we still have no explanation for why his heart rate and blood pressures fell, it doesn't make any sense. He had completely normal heart rate and pressures through the surgery, so it most likely isn't a reaction to the anaesthesia. Also, when you're in pain your pressure tends to go up. All his blood labs came back normal, so they are mostly scratching their heads here. Hmmm.

They had to stop his pain medicine and flood him with roughly 4 liters of fluid. You could say he looks a bit like a water balloon. But the strategy seems to have worked - he is bouncing between normal and high.

Now he has an unexplained fever that keeps going up -

39.2 C (103F) and climbing

They are drawing blood cultures to make sure he doesn't have an infection. There is nothing for me to do but hold his hand - he's still completely zonked out. His snore reminds me of a chainsaw motor.

Which very loosely brings me to this.

I hope Ty wakes up soon, I have entirely too much time on my hands.

And now he's through the scary part

2008-01-02T14:12:00.000-07:00

3rd update: Ty's surgery is done (and it's only 1:30). Everything went well, but there was almost a disaster in the beginning. Right before they were going to transfer Ty, the surgeon leaned on the table and the whole front end collapsed towards the floor. The doctor could've broken his foot and if Ty had been on there, he would've been severely injured. As the good dr. said, "It scared the begeezus out of me." (Also they are doing an inservice for the staff - it was some sort of cleaning oversight).

Ty only lost about 3 Coke cans worth of blood and hasn't needed any transfusions because his hematocrit was so high. They actually took some of his own blood at the beginning of surgery and have given it back to him. That makes me happy - I hope he gets through the whole stay without needing any at all.

The even greater news? They were able to get a correction to 30 degrees, which is better than they thought they'd get. He came in with a 120 degree curve - which is HUGE. But now it's very mild. His pelvis is still twisted and there's nothing that can be done for that, but he will be 100 times more comfortable when he's sitting. He is now 2-3 inches taller - isn't that crazy, he's been growing sideways for the last year. Or possibly melting.

Now we just have to watch him for infection over the next month -lucky for Ty, his surgeon has only had two kids get infections over the course of 17 years. He will most likmely get his breathing tube out before we see him - he passed the operation with flying colors! Thanks for all your prayers.

2nd update: Ty is still doing great and he is past the half-way point.

I finally fell asleep somewhere around 2:30 - 4am has never come so fast. Even with getting up so early we still didn't get here until 6:45.

Ty tried to throw up all the way here. I think he knew what was going on. Also, for future reference, it's probably not a good idea to ruffle the feathers of the anaesthesiologist by asking if he's the anaesthetist.

Apparently he's a doctor, not a nurse. I suppose after spending all that money and a zillion years in school, I'd be particular too. (But you'd would think the doctor would choose the shorter, easier to spell version).

Anyway, The anaesth... doctor said he'd be putting in an arterial IV to measure Ty's blood flow and chemistry, a central line in his neck, and a peripheral IV - all this in addition to the port-a-cath in his chest. There's also the possibility that he'll still be intubated when he comes out of surgery (I kinda doubt it, Ty is usually great after surgery and only needs oxygen on blow-by).

Just about the last thing the anaesth... doctor mentioned was the really, really, really, rare possibility that Ty could go BLIND due to a complication with the anaesthesia and being on his stomach for so long. I begged him not to tell me about the rare part because, as you know, we specialize in the really, really, really rare here.

We just received our first update and Ty is doing well. According to the surgical nurse, and I quote, "No reason to be worried at all."

Because we were here so early, we saw alot of babies and parents saying goodbye at the door. I still felt that same tug of worry and my eyes misted up, but I must be a veteran now - I just wanted to hug all those moms who were crying while handing over their infants.

Yep. it's just like that

2007-12-29T13:01:00.000-07:00

On Friday, we went over the details for Ty's spinal fusion surgery with the hospital. During the course of his chemo treatments, we discovered a few more allergies. Thank heavens for the technology to keep track of it all.

The only touchy thing (besides the risk of anaesthesia and infection) is the fact that he will require a minimum of two units of blood. He had an allergic reaction the last time he had a transfusion, so they will automatically give him steroids during surgery.

I am really hoping this is the last surgery he will need. It would be nice for him to get back to the business of being a kid rather than a patient. He is a very patient patient. That sentence doesn't look right, but it's true. He has handled everything life has thrown at him so far with an amazing amount of patience.

I wish the same were true of me.

Ty is the surgeon's only case that day, so surgery is going to be really, really early. (have another comma, won't you?) We had requested a wonderful anaesthetist who will unfortunately be out next week. I am so tempted to email her because my boy is going to be under for 8 hours and she is really that fabulous! And how could she resist coming in to work with Ty? Because he is really that fabulous, too.

Depending on the weather, we may need to leave earlier than 5 am - but that's okay, I won't be able to sleep that night anyway.

It's sort of like the night before the first day of school or the night before grades come out. You lay there looking up at the ceiling, wondering if you'll be able to find all of your classes or be able to open your locker, and hoping that the ground will swallow you up if no one sits by you at lunch except the girl whose milk comes out of her nose when she laughs like Horshack from "Welcome Back, Kotter" or worse! what if you get an "F," how will you face your parents and how long will you be grounded from the phone? Breathe.

Yep, it's just like that.

The absolute worst part of any surgery is when you turn your child over to the anaesthesiologist and they walk through those double doors. And then they close, and the panic-stricken thought comes to your mind: "Will that be the last time I see him (alive)?"

Yes, it's a little dramatic, but it happens every time. Then just a few moments later, I have the calm reassurance that he will be alright. And he always has been. Every time.

But this time, he will be coming out of surgery on a ventilator and going to ICU, I've never seen him that way before. Part of me is feeling a like a big chicken right now. Everything will be alright; it just has to be. Because that's the way it works for Ty.

I recently ran into someone who asked after Ty, and I told her his tumor was still getting smaller. We talked about the natural products he's taking, and then she reminded me that it doesn't hurt that he has 500-600 people praying for him.

She's right, you know. We'll seek every advantage we can get, so please keep him in your prayers. His surgery is Wednesday and he'll be in the hospital for about a week and a half.

First (and maybe the last) Annual Christmas Pinata

2007-12-29T01:35:00.001-07:00

The gang, assembled (note: John has skills)

Shortly before a made for tv moment
How those pajamas turned out

All I Want For Christmas....

2007-12-23T18:24:00.000-07:00

and not in a 'world peace/change the world' way either. That's an entirely different kind of list, and too much in keeping with the reason for the season.

Nope, this is my own frivolous, dreamy-eyed list:

A reading chair. I mean a comfy reading chair. And a foot stool. Or maybe a chaise with the floral cover.

This laptop or this one?

It doesn't exist, but I would love some chocolate with all of the creaminess and none of the calories.

This washer. We no longer need a dryer - we were blessed with one my uncle no longer needed. It works great, thank you! We could hardly believe our ears when we first used it - it hardly made a sound. Our old one sounded like there were 5 tennis balls in it at all times.

A personal trainer - one who will come and personally drag me out of bed, if necessary, and help me get into some sort of shape.

And while we're at it, a personal chef (think Oprah will mind if I just take hers?) to prepare 6 small, nutritious meals a day for me. I'll still cook delicious, slightly more fattening meals for the family.

And last, but not least, this place but, on second thought, I'll just settle for a revamp of the laundry room, family room, wider hallways and a bathroom upstairs for Ty.

That's not asking for much, is it?

Merry Christmas, and may Santa bring you just what you want ;)

I think I remember feeling the same way in Biology 101

2007-12-21T20:32:00.001-07:00

Not that the prof was boring or anything....

Well, it's finally happened...

2007-12-20T03:52:00.002-07:00

every last brain cell is fried, gone - kaput!

I suppose procrastinating Christmas preparations and burning the midnight oil are taking their toll on me, as well as the baby's having been ill. She had 6 days in a row of 103.5 fevers for which Tylenol had no effect and the doctor could find no apparent cause. She was sleeping for an hour and then was listless for an hour - for 6 days! She stumped the doctors.

I knew it was something that just had to work it's way through her, but I also knew the fastest way for her to get over it was to show up at the doctor's office so they could shrug their shoulders and collect $20. Twice.

This time, it took 4 days to work. I was getting a bit worried there for a minute. She was not at all herself. She cuddled, she sat still, and wouldn't eat anything but yogurt or 'proot'.

Everything is now back to normal, and at a much larger volume. Goodness, I miss the cuddles!

One side benefit: no binky the last two nights.

Jammie Pants with Ruffles

2007-12-18T12:25:00.000-07:00

Edited to add directions for Cocoa's pajama pants method (at the bottom)

I've decided that this is the year of the pants. I have thought that little girl bloomers with ruffles were darling for the longest time. Last week I bought a pattern to sew these red bloomers - except I forgot that my kiddos tend to have short legs and longer torsos, so these ended up being full length pants with ruffles.

After reading Cocoa's post on a having a Homemade Christmas, I wrote and asked her about her favorite pattern for making pajama pants. She let me in on a great method for making some without a pattern. Here's my attempt, I think they turned out great. I just added the ruffle at the bottom, because I couldn't help myself.

I guess I will have to exercise some restraint when I make some for the boys.

The best thing about these pants is that they fit her perfectly - 10 times better than the bloomers made with a pattern.

To see what others are TATing about, visit Lara at The Lazy Organizer
Directions for Pajama Pants Cocoa's Way:
Just use a pair of each child's pants to cut out the patterns for each of their PJ's. It's a lot simpler that way.

Just fold the pants in half (back to back) and cut around it with about an inch extra on the sides and bottom and about 2 inches on the top (for the elastic). That becomes the front pieces.
Then fold the pants front to front, cut around it the same way and create the back pieces. Here's the order to sew the pants:
1. Sew inseams (fronts to backs)
2. Sew the crotch seam next, matching the backs together and the fronts together.
3. Then do the weird little flip so that you sew the side seams together (fronts to backs).
4. Next I do elastic casing - fold top edge 1/4 of an inch then fold again 1 inch down. Sew leaving an opening for the elastic.
5. Hem the bottom of the legs last. (I changed this and sewed the ruffle on before sewing the side seams in step #3).

For the ruffle, I just cut a strip 2 inches wide by about 1 1/2 times the width of the legs, folded it in half, pressed it, sewed a basting stitch along the top, gathered it to fit the pant leg, pinned it, and sewed it on. I ironed the ruffle seam and then topstitched just above it on the right side).

I also topstitched along the top of the waistband and zig-zagged the edges of all the seams. Another big thanks to Cocoa for all her help on this project! If I can sew this - you can too!

Sanity check

2007-12-16T20:01:00.000-07:00

The other day, a few of us were discussing parenting. Specifically, the parenting of teens. Parenting teens is a unique experience.

It is when karma bites you in the butt. Everywhere there are parents in their mid 30s-50s doing penance for all the grey hairs, heartache, and high blood pressure they caused their own parents as teenagers. It is the time when you finally appreciate the sacrifices your parents made in your behalf. Especially the one where they placed their sanity on the sacrificial altar of parenthood, as you are now doing the same for your own children.

I've met women who love their kids' teenage years, or at least say they do. I am thinking it's because they have already walked through the fiery hot coals of a savage toddlerhood and the teen years are a cake walk in comparison. But, for a lot of us it is just the opposite.

We have been given children with strong personalities, and when they enter adolescence - it's a setup for an emotional collision of cosmic proportions. It's as if we're giving birth a second time to the same child, only this time it's an emotional birth. There are the same pains of labor, a wish for heavy medication, and desperate prayers for this experience to be over so we can hold this child in our arms, and of course show him off to all who will look.

Do you remember the pain of Transition? There is that to look forward to, because it means it's almost over. It is the time to remember your breathing exercises, to concentrate on your end goal, and work together as husband and wife. It is also the time you're most tempted to scream & throw things, to blame your spouse for all the pain you're in, to throw in the towel and walk away - only you can't, there is only one way out of this, and it's right smack through the middle of the hard stuff.

But wait! what about the baby/teen? Have you ever wondered what that baby was thinking in the middle of his/her birth? I'm sure it wasn't all that pleasant: leaving the relative comfort and security of the womb, getting squeezed from all sides (talk about your pressure), and then taking that first, deep scary breath - not knowing how it's going to turn out. No wonder there's all that crying at the end. It's just as hard on them.

And I came to the realization that teens? they are God's way of making sure we do not forget Him.

Yummiest Chex Mix - with M&Ms!

2007-12-14T13:39:00.000-07:00

Cook yourself up some Holiday Cheer! This is a Chex Mix recipe you won't find just anywhere. Sweet and salty treats are our favorite around here.

This is what you need:
1 1/2 boxes of Rice Chex (or 3/4 each of Corn Chex and Rice Chex)
2 c dry roasted peanuts
2 c coconut (optional)
1 c or 2 sticks butter, softened
1 1/2 c light karo syrup
1 1/2 c sugar
1/2 bag holiday M&Ms

In a large mixing bowl, mix together the Chex, peanuts, and coconut. I like to make some with and without coconut (not everyone likes it as much as I do). Set aside.
In a large saucepan, melt butter, sugar. Stir constantly.
Once it comes to a rolling boil, set your timer for 2 minutes and keep stirring. Shorter than that, it won't set up; longer than that, the candy won't stick together.
Pour it into the Chex, peanut, and coconut mixture.
Stir, stir, stir. Let it cool a bit and then add the M&Ms. Hopefully, they won't melt. Enjoy!

Crikey!

2007-12-12T23:00:00.000-07:00

I used to ride around in the backs of cars/blazers/suburbans without the aid of a seatbelt all the time when I was a kid. No big deal. My dad had even rigged up a sleeping platform on top of the luggage in the back of the suburban - it was the prized spot for road trips.

And I will mention here that I was never, not even once, afraid of dying. My sister and I thought it was fun to lie down and try to guess just by watching the passing scenery if we knew where we were.

All that has changed now. But, it probably didn't help that I was riding on top of a unsecured, backless wheelchair at freeway speeds today. Oh, and the chair was facing backwards. I have a whole new respect (distaste) for tailgaters. People! Back off!

How did I come to be in this position? We picked up Ty's new wheelchair today - FINALLY!

My mom came along as Puke Patrol - moms are the greatest! Ty did fine on the way up and also while we were at the fitting appointment (2 1/2 hours).

However, we had only driven a mile towards home when he began trying to throw up. We pulled over to help him, but what he really needed was to get home and lie down.

The only problem was that there was no way we could figure out for someone to sit by him and help him till we got there as we had both wheelchairs side by side in the middle row of the minivan. The old one was in a state of partial disassembly, but I needed a wrench (that I didn't have) to take it apart enough so I could fit it into the back, in order to have room enough to kneel on the floor next to him.

We know, because we tried to fit that stupid thing back there and it looked just like the whole jamming a "square peg into a round hole" bit. We struck on the brilliant plan to turn the wheelchair around so it was facing backwards and then that way I could finagle my way next to him and sit backwards while holding the puke bucket.

That deal was definitely easier said than done - but we did it! My mom became the driver and I, the puke-meister. In the meantime, we had to go through crazy maneuvers not meant for people of my size and age so we could get his chair reclined and re-secured.

None of this is making any sense as I type this (but maybe that's because I got up at 6:30 today for the first time in...since forever!)

Anyway, so my mom is driving and do you remember that funny thing about the brakes in the van? Well, every time she accelerated or braked, the wheelchair base would roll 2-3 inches underneath me. And goodness, there is a lot of accelerating and braking involved in rush-hour driving.

All this while gripping onto a seatbelt strap for some sort of stability with one hand, holding the puke bin with the other, ducking my head to keep from hitting the roof of the van, and having no back to rest against for forty minutes.

Do I sound like I'm complaining? Do I? Because there are some people who would pay good money for thrills like this. I'm thinking of a new ride for Universal Studios: Ty's Van Ride of Puke and Maybe Even Death. Sounds promising, right?

But, nevermind, because Ty got his new wheelchair today and it's time for a party!!!!

As a side note, it will not be a huge party because the lovely thing cost roughly enough to purchase a very small, very used commuter car. But it's here, and now he can sit!

Pictures to follow as soon as I work out this kink in my back.

Reindeer Fodder

2007-12-11T20:50:00.000-07:00

Mmm mmm good! Even if you think this sounds terrible, you must make it and sample it - because you are wrong, it's delicious! The salty peanuts provide just the right counter balance to the sweetness of the chocolate. Enjoy!

Here's what you'll need:
3 1/2 C Captain Crunch (no berries) cereal (it's the only time I buy this)
3 1/2 C Rice Krispies
3 C Dry Roasted Peanuts
2 C miniature marshmallows
2 lbs white chocolate (or almond bark)

Stir the first four ingredients into a large mixing bowl.

Mix all together.

Break the chocolate into 1-inch chunks, and melt it in a double boiler or a heavy saucepan. Stir regularly.

Hard way to cut chocolateEasy way to cut chocolate

Pour chocolate over the other ingredients, and mix well.

Pour out in a thin-ish layer onto wax paper. Let harden and break into smaller pieces.

See Scribbit's Winter Bazaar for more crafty winter/Christmas ideas and for Rocks in My Dryer for more Works for me Wednesday tips.

If you want to play "Guess the Celebrity" - see this post.

A few of my favorite things (pics)

2007-12-10T14:39:00.000-07:00

I saw this Meme at Kahri's place - Our Peculiar Life. It looked fun, so I thought I'd give it a go. I'd love to see your answers, let me know if you play.
All you have to do is type the answer to each question into a Google image search, and then pick an image from the first page of results.

Here's how mine went-
1. Age at next birthday...

2. place I'd like to travel...
3. favorite place... (sans alcohol and with a book)

4. favorite objects...

5. favorite food...

6. favorite color...
7. nickname...

8. place you were born...

Hope Springs Eternal

2007-12-10T13:56:00.000-07:00

Pinkin' up!

My black thumbs are being held at bay, as this daisy makes slow but steady progress.

Randomology the 2nd

2007-12-07T01:41:00.000-07:00

Here's the first edition

I've been tagged by Speechteach for a 7 Random Things About Me meme.
A reminder of the rules:
1) Link to the person who tagged you and post the rules on your blog
2) Share 7 facts about yourself
3) Tag 7 random people and include links to their blogs
4) Let each person know they have been tagged and comment on their blog.

1) I'm not particularly good at following rules. The ones that are actual legal code - yes, any others, not so much. I am pretty good at reading legalese and using it to the benefit of those I'm helping. (a little strange thing: I love word-smithing)

2) To tie in with #1, I play a mean game of Scrabble, but only if I'm the best speller in the group. Otherwise, I'm crap. I have a friend who used to play every Monday with her sister (dictionaries allowed). I won't play her because I know she'll whup the socks right off me, and she won't even have to crack a dictionary to do it. Hmmm, psychologically, what does that say about me?

3) According to the Hartman Color Code test, I'm a blue (probably with reddish undertones). Maybe that is why I'm a intermittent rule follower.

4) I have a brain that works, and a mouth that works overtime. Alas, there is no filter to keep my mouth in check, so I spend a fair amount of time making apologies or explanations.

5) I used to love to do 'stuff' with my kids. The kind of stuff that means "up to your elbows in messy, hands-on stuff" - now I'd just rather read aloud to them, dance with them, or cook with them.

6) I suffer from leadfootitis, but it is not as severe as it used to be. My boy will have his Learner's Permit in 2 1/2 years, so I better start setting the example of law-abiding citizenship.

7) I just mixed powdered milk for the kids' breakfast, because it's really too late to get to the store for it. And I think it's good for them to realize every once in awhile just how good they have it, by giving them just a taste of how things could be worse.

That's it. My fingers are solid blocks of ice, so I must stop now. Speechteach - thanks for tagging me. I would love anyone who reads this to do it too. If you don't have a blog, leave 7 random things about you in your comment.
And that is my cop-out for rules 3 & 4. Have a lovely Friday.

Hand-dipped Peanut Butter Chocolates

2007-12-05T00:09:00.001-07:00

It just isn't Christmas without making these delicious treats. I learned how to make these when we moved to a rural town when Ty was two years old. It is not as hard as you might think.

Cream together:
1/2 c. butter, room temperature
2 c. powdered sugar
Add:
1 c. peanut butter
2 tsp vanilla
Roll in balls, cool in fridge and dip in chocolate.

You'll need 1-2 lbs of chocolate. I like to buy Guittard Milk Chocolate by the pund during the holidays. Cut it into 1 inch chunks, melt and temper. Here's a link to Guittard's site with tips on how to properly temper your chocolate. I learned a few tricks and realized I had gotten lazy with my chocolate making.
I like to make these itty bitty chocolates, they're cute and you can just pop them into your mouth and there's no melty mess. You can use these dipping tools or a fork, but I prefer to have very clean hands and do it the old-fashioned way. One word of warning, do not get water in your chocolate - that would be disastrous. For best results, double dip your candies.

Check out Scribbit's Winter Bazaar for more Holiday craft ideas or pop by Summer's place for more Christmas treat recipes. If you missed last week, here's a recipe for Cathedral Windows

Quick fixes for when you're in a fix

2007-12-04T23:52:00.000-07:00

Three favorites:
Puck's Chicken (Steve G's invention)
Enchies
Souped-up Minestrone

Puck's Chicken
1 jar favorite spaghetti sauce
1/2 jar of alfredo sauce
2 Chicken breasts, cooked how you like and cut up
sliced mushrooms, if you have them
bowtie pasta

Combine the first 4 ingredients, heat, and serve them over cooked pasta. The kids love it and it's ready in a jiffy. Serve it with toasted bread slices sprinkled with parmesan cheese if you don't have any french bread.

Enchies
2 small cans pork n beans
1/2 can enchilada sauce (we like mild)
1/2 - 1 lb cooked ground beef (I like to cook batches and freeze them)
grated cheese
flour tortillas
any fresh toppings you have: lettuce, tomatoes, salsa, sour cream, avocadoes

Combine the first three ingredients, heat, and serve them over the tortilla (tostada style). Layer with cheese and assorted fresh toppings. My kids especially love to drip a little ranch dressing over the top. Then we cut it into 1 inch squares and eat it - good stuff. I think it's my mom's invention.

Souped-Up Minestrone

2 cans Campbell's Minestrone Soup
1 can water
1 can pork n beans
1/2 lb cooked ground beef

Combine, heat and eat. I like to whip up some cornbread muffins to go with this soup. Yummy!

For more "What do I fix?" ideas head over to Rocks in my Dryer and be sure to see this Christmas recipe for hand-dipped peanut butter chocolates.

If your name is Kelley and you're my sister - No Fair Peeking!!!

2007-12-04T00:27:00.000-07:00

Update: The quilt is done (except for binding)! I dropped it of at Wendy's yesterday around 4 and she brought it back to me this morning at 8. Wow! I think she must have a magic wand somewhere and bippity-boppity-booed it done. And it looks amazing! If any of you need some quilting done, I'm happy to put you in touch.

Remember this quilt block?

I finally assembled the whole quilt top and sent it off to be quilted just this afternoon. The colors in the quilt are most like this small picture to the right (as opposed to the picture at the bottom) - very Shabby Chic.

There's no way I would have ever finished this quilt without the excellent help, suggestions, and very important piece of blue fabric from my friend Chris. Many thanks Chris!

I wish she kept a blog so I could give you a link - because all her quilts are amazing! The next best thing: a link to a fun blog she told me about - Little Cotton Rabbits

I hope to get this bound in time for Christmas.
To see what others are TATing about see Lara at the Lazy Organizer. Oh, and if you haven't yet, check out Trash Ties- the coolest hair accessory around.

I Going School

2007-12-02T17:49:00.001-07:00

Now

Bye, bye see you.

Gimme kiss!

Candlelight Dinners

2007-11-27T20:10:00.000-07:00

The whole month of December, our family eats by candlelight. We take turns lighting and (carefully) blowing out the candles. I grew up with that tradition, back in the old days when we used matches to light candles.

My kids love this tradition. We used to use tapers, but it became to tricky for lighting purposes, then we went the votive route - too messy, now we just use tea lights. Ahhh perfect.

Luckily, we have a dimmer on our dining room light so we can still see what we're eating, but the kids get the feel of eating by candlelight. As soon as Thanksgiving is over, they are begging us to bring out the candle tree.

If you'd like to see other Works for me Wednedsay posts, head over to Rocks in my Dryer or see my Christmas Goodies posts each Wednesday from now until Christmas.

And just for kicks:
IKEA Style closet
Toddler Proofing your Christmas Tree
Organize with a Baking Bin
A little something pink
Beware, attack of the lint!
Pampers diaper review

Cathedral Windows

2007-11-27T19:08:00.000-07:00

I remember making this Cathedral Windows recipe with my Grandma B when I was in junior high. Now, I carry on the tradition with my family.

Cathedral Windows
2 pkg German Sweet Chocolate or
1 pkg semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 cube butter or margarine
1 egg, beaten
1 c. powdered sugar, sifted
1 pkg. (10.5 ozs) colored mini marshmallows
1 c. coconut
1/2 c. nuts (optional)

Melt chocolate and margarine in double boiler or heavy saucepan. Cool slightly. Add egg and beat well. (I like to add the ege when the mixture is still hot. To avoid curdled, cooked egg, add a little chocolate gradually to the egg in a cup. Then whisk it into the pan with the chocolate). Add the powdered sugar; mix well. Fold in the marshmallows (and nuts, if desired).

Lay out a long strip of foil and sprinkle the coconut on it. Drop the chocolate mixture by spoonfuls and shape into a roll, wrap the foil around the roll and freeze.

When you unwrap it, it should like something like this. Slice and eat it, or keep in the freezer to use for your neighbor goodie plates.

To see other Winter crafting ideas, visit Scribbit's Winter Bazaar or my post about a fun Christmas tradition my kids can't wait for.

Attack of the lint

2007-11-27T10:40:00.001-07:00

G is such a cutie, but recently she has developed a fear of anything small and fuzzy. I believe this stems from a recent close encounter with a real life, very large spider. Her sisters were very freaked out about it. The spider was relocated, no not outside - but to his mansion in the sky.

I didn't think anything of it until I was bathing her and she started screaming pie-er, pie-er. I had no idea what the racket and fuss were all about. Then I saw it, it was a speck of lint that resembled a friend of the 8-legged variety.

Suddenly, these fuzzy imposters were everywhere. She refuses to touch them and has become a shower girl since bathtime is too traumatic - all those floating sock fuzzies from between her toes sends her into an absolute panic. And then - Houston, we have another problem, because I am laughing so hard I cannot carry out my lint removal duties expeditiously.

Can you imagine what she'll think after reading Horton Hears a Who?

Right, showers it is.

Pampers Baby Dry diapers review

2007-11-26T22:00:00.001-07:00

Recently, G has been test driving Pampers Baby Dry diapers and Pampers One-Ups! baby wipes.

First, a disclaimer: I have always had my babies use the Huggies Supreme Newborn diapers and as soon as they're out of those, I switch over to Luvs. I did this for all five kids. We are loyal Luvs diaper consumers. At the same time, I have always used Huggies wipes - always.

Overall Impression: Love the Pampers diapers, not so much the wipes. Read on to find out why.

One thing to know about G, she weaned herself from a bottle somewhere around 12-14 months of age. (Just in case you're thinking of reprimanding me, I had a Radioactive Iodine treatment that made our decision for us on the whole breast vs. bottle issue). G is one thirsty girl and drinks vast quantities of water every night just before bed. At least two cups worth, and lately she has been waking up soaked in her Luvs diapers.

We thought we'd give the Pampers Baby-Dry diapers a try to see if they're any better at keeping her dry. At first, I was disappointed because the legs were gappy when she got up from her nap, then I realized that all I needed to do was fasten the tapes tighter.

Things I like about Pampers diapers:
1) They smell like baby powder - I heart that!
2) Not once did she get a sore bum! I'm considering switching for that feature alone.
3) G loves that Elmo is on the back of every diaper (even though she has never seen Sesame Street)
4) They hold a whole lotta liquid
5) They mostly hold all the messy stuff in too (only a couple of teeny tiny leaks by the legs when she had a stomach bug)
6) They are so much thinner than any other diaper

Things that bugged me:
1) The tapes had a way of never feeling tight enough because of the flex feature
2) They hold so much liquid that by morning, it looked like she was dragging a weight between her legs.
3) They're $2 more than Luvs for the same amount of diapers, sigh...

Things I liked about the wipes:
1) They were soft
2) Neither she nor I broke out in a rash from using them
3) I think they'd make great baseboard cleaners

Things that bugged me about the wipes:
1) Too slippery. I like to fold my wipes in half and distance my fingers from the messy stuff. Huggies do that quite nicely and somehow get a bit of traction on a messy bum. These wipes fell short.
2) Any part that was sticking out in the plastic dispenser (even when the lid was closed) dried out, very annoying.
3) The scent. Too powerful and perfumey. Whatever happened to that good ol' fashioned baby powder smell? To be honest, Huggies has recently changed the scents of their wipes too and it's even worse than the Pampers' smell. It used to be that fragrance free smelled worse than the 'lightly scented,' I'm afraid that's not true anymore.

I think you'll be pleasantly suprised if you try the Baby-Dry diapers. No soggy bums in the morning or drenched clothes either. With the pampers wipes, however, you're on your own.
For other Talk About Tuesday posts, visit Lara at the Lazy Organizer

Triptaneous Combustion

2007-11-26T13:17:00.000-07:00

Definition: The absolute need/desire to drop everything, grab a suitcase, the kids, the keys, an atlas and drive until you're too tired or the right hotel presents itself.

This phenomenon usually presents with little to no warning. Attacks may sometimes be overcome by looking at travel sites, planning imaginary trips and itinerary, or by practical, rational thought.

Such as:
There's no way we could take Ty out right now, big surgery date ahead - too risky.

Too many holiday obligations, performances, guests - it just wouldn't work right now.

The kids are in school - remember? These can no longer be considered "fieldtrips."

When we lived in St. George and the kids were younger, we could easily travel 6-8 hours and find ourselves in any number of beautiful locations. Those were the days.

Maybe it's time to move the furniture around again.

Freeze!

2007-11-25T22:54:00.000-07:00

Sorry, you only get to see the 'After' shots on the freezer. Trust me, they were about 10x worse than this - or maybe even a 100x worse. I had some stuff encased in ice crystals - I have no idea what it was, I just had to throw it out. And do you see all the Mozzarella? I am never buying big bags of that again. Besides, do you know that all the pre-grated cheese is packed with cellulose (plastic) to keep it from caking together?

Repeat after me: I shall only buy (small) fresh blocks of mozzarella cheese from now on. Sheesh!

The thing in the black rectangle - that is a frozen bite stick. We use it to ~~torture~~ help Tyler with his bite, chew, & swallow reflexes. That canister with the white lid is where the cornmeal is stored so we can make, from scratch, the ultimate in Cornbread recipes - it is so moist and delicious, and quite possibly the most fattening thing you'll ever eat.

Did I mention it's delicious?

Here are some other GeMoOrgNo people:
Lazy Organizer
Multi-Tasking Mommy
My Pursuit of
Just About Perfect

Turkey Feather Place Cards and Yummy Centerpiece

2007-11-20T19:55:00.000-07:00

In my Aunt Kathy's family, they've had this tradition for years. First, make a regular batch of rice krispie treats, but mold them into the bust of a turkey. We used spice drops for eyes and a wattle.

Next cut feathers out of construction paper or cardstock and write each family member's name on them. Tape a toothpick to the back of the feather. Place the feather on the plate where each person should sit.
Before or after your Thanksgiving Prayer, go around the table and have each family member say something they are especially grateful for and then have them place their feather in the turkey. I think the turkey we'll be poking this year will be covered in more than 30 feathers.

This has been a Winter Bazaar post. Check out Scribbit's place for more Winter Bazaar craft ideas.

Baking Splendor

2007-11-20T14:48:00.001-07:00

Oh! and while I'm thinking about it, see this post for a fun, edible Thanksgiving centerpiece tradition.

Before you don your aprons this Thanksgiving weekend and prepare to put even June Cleaver to shame, you might want to take just a few minutes and assemble a baking bin.

I got the idea from "Confessions of an Organized Homemaker". I keep this bin in a cabinet right under the spot on the kitchen counter where I use the stand mixer.

It has all the odds and ends in it (except for cookie cutters - they have their own bin) that I use for baking and mixing. It doesn't always look this tidy, because my toddler likes to 'bake' too. The bin is a dishpan that cost $1.50 at Wal-meh - there are some great things about that place, if you can overlook all the 'Made in China' tags.

In my pantry, I also have a baking shelf.

It is stocked with flour, sugars, oats, vanilla, baking soda, and just above it are the chocolate chips. Are you wondering why I keep those just out of reach of the littles?

This is a WFMW post, visit Rocks in my Dryer to see what works for others.
This post did double duty as a GeMoOrgNo Post and a Talk About Tuesday post. Here are some other OrgNo people:
Lazy Organizer
Multi-Tasking Mommy
My Pursuit of Happiness
With an Angel on my Shoulder
Just About Perfect

Fresh as a Daisy

2007-11-17T11:57:00.001-07:00

Remnants

2007-11-17T11:46:00.000-07:00

Sensory Garden Skeleton

Organize the Paper stuff

2007-11-16T22:52:00.001-07:00

I have recycled another organizing picture, but this time I want to tell you my system.

If you have anyone in your family that requires frequent medical care, then you know how time consuming it can be to keep track of it.

I keep a three inch binder and a 3 hole punch in the cupboard above the phone. As EOBs come in, I file them in the binder (by date of service) under the family member's name. I use those post-it flags and stagger them down the side, so I can easily flip to each person's section.

As the bills or the Statement of Services Received come in, I match them to the corresponding Explanation of Benefits. I always leave the actual medical bills in the front pocket and the dental bills in the back pocket until I have something to match them up with.

Also, there are several methods for paying off said bills, and ignoring them while hoping they'll go away isn't the best one for your credit score's health.

Ask the office or service provider what arrangements they can make with you. A lot of the time, there is a cash discount for paying in full. If that amount seems to be too much, most places will break it down into 3 monthly payments and will even auto charge your credit card so you don't have to remember to make the payment each time.

Some will only let you do the three payemtns thing if you pay half the balance and then 3 payments (which is really 4 payments).

If this post didn't make any sense at all to you, I either wrote it really poorly or you don't have anyone who requires frequent medical care in your family - and that is another reason to be thankful this Thanksgiving season.

If I can clear things up a bit, please email me. I love this kind of detailed paper work. Really, I do. Maybe in my next life I can be an insurance adjuster - one who is actually nice to people when they call.

This has been a GeMoOrgNo post, to see more organizing fun visit these players:
Lazy Organizer
Multi-Tasking Mommy
My Pursuit of Happiness
With an Angel on my Shoulder
Just About Perfect

GeMoOrgNo - Bathroom Style

2007-11-14T13:25:00.000-07:00

That title might have been a touch misleading. This isn't about the cuteness of bathrooms, but rather the functional, practical side of them. The definitely least glamorous side.

Here's the "girl" drawer. The organizer is one of my favorite $2 finds from IKEA. I also use them to organize my girl's hair stuff.

And dun dun duhdun............The under the sink pic. The cleaning products are in back and the extra hair care products, lotions, and soaps are in the front containers.

I also have one of these on the back of the toilet to hold spare rolls of TP and feminine hygiene goodies. Maybe this was too up close and personal, but it works for us. If you have very young children, you'll still want to store your cleaning products and such up high.

This has been a GeMoOrgNo post, visit the other players for more ideas:

Lazy Organizer
Multi-Tasking Mommy
My Pursuit of Happiness
With an Angel on my Shoulder
Just About Perfect

Easy Centerpiece

2007-11-13T22:46:00.000-07:00

Here's an easy Thanksgiving centerpiece. Purchase a solid (8-10)grapevine ball from your local crafts store, as well as silk fall leaves, mini pumpkins, acorns,and raffia. Hot glue with reckless abandon (but not reckless enough to burn yourself)!

You could also use your own real leaves and nuts. Just realize that your lovely creation will need doctoring up for next year if you do.

Check out Scribbit's site for more Winter Bazaar ideas and Rocks in my Dryer for more Works for me Wednesday posts.

A few of my previous WFMW posts:
Paint like a pro
Organizing bags
Secret to beautiful wood floors
Sunday Jar
Family Fun
Math is fun
Behavior incentives
Road trips w/kids
Job charts
Kids' snacks

Drumroll please..........

2007-11-13T17:17:00.000-07:00

I think the doctor's office really had no intention of ever calling me. I called yesterday, no response.

I called today, and was a little bit ornery - but not overly so. The doctor finally called me at 10:00-ish and told me that if I was going to yell at anyone, it should be her.

She'd had to rush home because her husband is doing chemo treatments (just to clarify, I didn't yell, but I informed them that it was unkind to leave me hanging), it almost made me feel like I was two inches tall.

But through the course of our conversation, I realized she really didn't have any idea of what she had ordered for me so far. She had me mixed up with someone else or with her usual treatment protocol.

Anyway, the results (in which I am not confident at all) are that my scan was clear and I have a very low thyroglobulin count (so mostly no cancer?). But try as I might, I couldn't get her to tell me my antibody count. I know this is all mind-numbing medical speak, but I am definitely seeking a second opinion.

Her closing comment to me?

"Oh! You're hypo, that's why you're so crabby. Go take some medicine."

(That means Athena was closest - Happy Birthday! Thanks for playing).

Leaf Wars

2007-11-11T17:05:00.000-07:00

Willow leaves make great ammunition.

And they are perfect for making leaf angels (like snow angels, but with leaves). Or for burying your brother.

But mostly, they are awesome for leaf wars.

A smoothie that's actually good for you and tastes great!

2007-11-10T20:39:00.000-07:00

Somehow, my camera could not quite capture the fruity goodness of the following recipe:

3 c. 100% fruit juice (I used Dole 100% Kiwi Strawberry)
1 apple, quartered (I used a NZ Pacific Rose)
1 banana, peeled
1 c. frozen fruit, no sugar added (blackberries or marionberries turn it purple)
2 handfuls of spinach (I know it sounds ugh!, but trust me, you don't even taste it)

Blend it until there is no recognizable spinach-ness to it. Drink up! It's really good and makes a healthy breakfast. If you have kids that dislike their dark, leafy veggies don't let them see you make it. I promise they'll drink it right up.

If your kids don't care about how green the smoothie looks, frozen tropical fruit is very tasty.

I'm counting this as a GeMoOrgNo post - you know, organizing your fruits and veggies.f Any takers? I want to hear what you think. I suppose you could also add some protein powder, but my kids don't go for that kind of flavor.

Organize your school lunch

2007-11-09T09:24:00.000-07:00

Since my kids have gone back to school, I've instituted the "Lunch Box." Also, if they want a cafeteria school lunch, they have to buy it with their own money. Mean? I don't think so, it's just one step closer towards personal responsibility and healthier eating (all snacks aside).

In it, I keep juice boxes (only 100% juice) and snack items.

I have graduated from lunch making. My kids are old enough to make their own (ages 8-13). They make a sandwich, grab a fruit from the fridge, a snack, and a juice from the box.

I change up what snacks I include in the Lunch Box to keep a little variety. Sometimes I'll put in some pudding or fruit cups and plastic spoons. Or sometimes I throw in one or two bagged homemade cookies, or granola bars. I have ice packs for their lunch bags, so they can even take a yogurt or turkey sandwich sometimes.

It sure makes my life less stressful when getting them off to school. This has been a GeMoOrgNo post. Other participants:

My Pursuit of Happiness
With an Angel on my Shoulder
Just About Perfect
Multi-tasking Mommy
Lazy Organizer

Bajio's Giveaway

2007-11-09T00:19:00.001-07:00

Edited to fix my french error - I'm blaming it on the TSH. Boy, that's a handy deal.

Unfortunately, being radioactive does not give you that certain "je ne sais quoi," you know that lovely 'glow'. That fake-baked from the inside out sort of luminescence. It doesn't even make you glow in the dark.

Which is too bad really, because it would be a cool party trick and I'd be sure to impress all my kids' friends.

The little blue pill I swallowed on Tuesday (which, by the way, the photo of it mysteriously disappeared from my camera), came in this lovely lead bucket.

The blue harness is what the lead bucket sits in. I suppose they don't want that puppy dropping and spilling the juice inside. That thing was heavy.

All that for a little pill that the tech wouldn't touch, but expected me to swallow. He then told me not to eat anything for at least an hour. That way if I ate something that didn't agree with me and then got sick, it wouldn't necessitate a hazardous waste cleanup.

And also, there is a warning at the bottom of the guidleines sheet he gave me that states if I were to die or be hospitalized in the next three days that someone had better notify their office. Again, I assume it has something to do with radioactive exposure and toxic cleanups, etc. (I'm wondering does that sort of thing happen often?)

Did I mention that I swallowed that thing?

In honor of the little blue pill, I'm offering up a contest. I need at least 15 different commenters here for it to be valid, so tell your friends. I'm trying to keep it interesting and this is the best way to amuse myself.

It's like an office pool. In your comment say whether you think I still have the danged cancer or not (according to the scan and blood work) and a guess for what date and time they'll get around to telling me. The closest guess wins.

I am scheduled to have my scan tomorrow at 5pm, but there is a possibility that they may move it up.

What's up for grabs? Why a $20 gift card to Bajio's - the first place I'm going to eat at when I'm done with the low iodine thing. If you don't have a Bajio's near you, then we'll talk and find a different gift card for you.

You do not need to have a blog to enter, just leave your email address in your comment if you don't have a blog. Canadians feel free to comment. One comment per person. If you've just been lurking, now's your time to delurk and win a night out. May the best guess win.

Also, no pressure or anything, but there better be at least a comment or two on this one - I'm in serious need of amusement.;)

Corn Chowder and a little GeMoOrgNo

2007-11-08T10:20:00.000-07:00

I made a vegetarian soup last night. It even had directions to make it vegan. I didn't go that far, I was too tired.

I was pleased with the recipe. It was a spicy, sweet soup with potatoes, onions, corn, lime juice, chilies, a host of spices and a little cream.

I cut some white corn taco shells into strips and fried them up. I garnished it with salsa and a dollop of Daisy. It was pretty good and the kids didn't hate it. I think I'll fix it again.

Now for the GeMoOrgNo:

I bought these hooks from Osmond Design (I think they were about $20-25 each). They are hung one right above the other and hold our family's coats, bags, and caps.

I love them. Please excuse the curvature - in real life they are straight, but I was unable to get them to photograph that way.

I'd link you to the other participants, but Lara's site appears to be down.

Organize your snow gear

2007-11-07T17:35:00.000-07:00

It's that time again. Time to pack up the beach towels; there'll be no more running through the sprinklers or swimming in the pool this year.
Time to bring up the snow clothes bin. I like to put a clothes pin on each set of gloves or mittens. I also put mittens on one end, scarves in the middle, and hats on the other end.

Then I put the snow pants on top and slide it into the cupboard under the laundry room sink.
Voila! Organized snow gear. The beach towels go down to the storage room to live in a similar bin until next Spring.

Want to see more Organizing Pics? Head over to the Lazy Organizer for GeMoOrgNo all this month.