The other night my daughter had a bad reaction, to what we don't know. Just started coughing, breathing rapidly, nose and eyes going. No hives but all respiratory. I thought I was going to have get the epi pen out again. I gave her some benadryl and got her on the nebulizer and between the two it cleared her completely. So frustrating not knowing what causes the reactions, back to the allergist for 2. My other two kids are coming up on their checks as well. Looks like I will get them scheduled a little bit ahead of time. So many dr appointments, still have to schedule neurologist, pulmonologist, allergist, psychologist and therapists. Constant checks, rechecks etc. My oldest goes in on Monday, praying they can find out was his reaction was from. Then there are the regular dr checks. Both my second son and third daughter had there yearly checks with the pediatrician. Both growing well, said they might have a late growth spurt, like both my father and I. They are at the low end of the weight scale, but my husband and I were as well. My daughter had to receive 3 vaccinations, first time she really remember them for more then a few moments after. She was so upset asking why they had to give her the pokes as she phrased it. Lots of hugs and kisses and carrying her around yesterday to make the booboos better.
We are all looking forward to the holidays and plan on taking our time and committing to some volunteer work. I think it is good for the kids to know you can help in more ways in addition to donating money, but time and care are vital for causes as well. Just got a paper this morning and found a cause, am looking forward to calling this afternoon. Lots of other traditions coming up. Have a good portion of the Christmas shopping done, just a few gifts to mail off. The month of December always flies by so fast. Found some great deals this year. My daughter will probably find a few extra things under the tree. :-) What can I say when you find a website for 40% off, free shipping and no tax, you just can't beat that deal. Hope every ones holidays are memorable and full of lots of hugs.
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Cranberry Sauce
1 cup sugar
1 cup water
12 oz fresh cranberries or about 4 cups
give or take a 1/4 cup blueberries
about 1/2 tsp cinnamon
Boil the sugar and water, stirring until sugar is dissolved and it is brought to a boil. Add fresh cranberries. Return to a boil and continue to stir. Reduce heat and It will thicken and you will hear the cranberries start to pop, simmer for ten minutes . Add the blueberries and cinnamon and simmer for a couple of minutes more. This was a great treat during Thanksgiving.
1 cup water
12 oz fresh cranberries or about 4 cups
give or take a 1/4 cup blueberries
about 1/2 tsp cinnamon
Boil the sugar and water, stirring until sugar is dissolved and it is brought to a boil. Add fresh cranberries. Return to a boil and continue to stir. Reduce heat and It will thicken and you will hear the cranberries start to pop, simmer for ten minutes . Add the blueberries and cinnamon and simmer for a couple of minutes more. This was a great treat during Thanksgiving.
Challenging Times
It seems like things are stable for a while, you know your challenges and goals. Then something steps in and decides to see if you can take the next challenge, as if you are sitting in front of a video game and testing you to see if you can handle the next level. Recently my second son was diagnosed with Tourettes. We have had it confirmed by several doctors. The bright side to this is that his asthma meds are being reduced and we know the challenges he will face so we can prepare him and now can find out how to handle things better. I will write more of this later and how this came to light.
About ten days ago my oldest son, the least allergic had a severe reaction. To what we don't know and can not find out until they are able to run the rasp tests. The doctors have also said there is a chance we may never know if it is not food. He ate about 6:30 pm, went to basketball and came home, showered, went to bed and by about 12:30 am came into my room with a very worried voice saying, " mom, I can't stop itching." I turned the light on and he was literally covered in hives from his toes to his neck and it was moving onto his face. The hives were so large and so many, his entire thigh appeared to be one massive hive. His back and arms were similar in presentation. I gave him the meds and watched him. I took him to the dr first thing in the morning. He had no trouble breathing and he slept on a cot next to me. The dr prescribed more meds but on Sunday evening the hives were much worse and he vomited and said his throat was tightening. I grabbed the epi pen and gave it to him. Never have done that before and to be very honest giving that to him just jarred me. My husband took him to the ER. It was the worst feeling not being able to be there and hold his hands and just know how he was doing. Made me feel completely helpless. I stayed home to take care of my youngest son who was on the nebulizer having trouble, his oxygen was running low and was on steady breathing treatments. He had been sick for a while and was not doing well himself. At that point all I wanted was to be able to be at two places at once. Once my oldest was home with additional new meds, he re hived again at 3 am. Next morning I was able to get him into the specialist. They said they can RASP in 2 weeks, but it could be anything. He is on 5 different meds. Histamine blockers, antihistamines and orapred. This could be anything from chronic hives, to a reaction to a virus or even another food. In our guts my husband and I both think it is a food. So during Thanksgiving we had more things to be thankful for, that the epi pen worked, that we were able to help him through this, that we were able to get into the drs right away, and simply put just all of us being together and there to support and love each other. Now just saying a few prayers to get him off all these meds and find some answers. Saying this is a scary situation completely minimizes what everyone has gone through over the last week or so, but it is at least simple to say.
About ten days ago my oldest son, the least allergic had a severe reaction. To what we don't know and can not find out until they are able to run the rasp tests. The doctors have also said there is a chance we may never know if it is not food. He ate about 6:30 pm, went to basketball and came home, showered, went to bed and by about 12:30 am came into my room with a very worried voice saying, " mom, I can't stop itching." I turned the light on and he was literally covered in hives from his toes to his neck and it was moving onto his face. The hives were so large and so many, his entire thigh appeared to be one massive hive. His back and arms were similar in presentation. I gave him the meds and watched him. I took him to the dr first thing in the morning. He had no trouble breathing and he slept on a cot next to me. The dr prescribed more meds but on Sunday evening the hives were much worse and he vomited and said his throat was tightening. I grabbed the epi pen and gave it to him. Never have done that before and to be very honest giving that to him just jarred me. My husband took him to the ER. It was the worst feeling not being able to be there and hold his hands and just know how he was doing. Made me feel completely helpless. I stayed home to take care of my youngest son who was on the nebulizer having trouble, his oxygen was running low and was on steady breathing treatments. He had been sick for a while and was not doing well himself. At that point all I wanted was to be able to be at two places at once. Once my oldest was home with additional new meds, he re hived again at 3 am. Next morning I was able to get him into the specialist. They said they can RASP in 2 weeks, but it could be anything. He is on 5 different meds. Histamine blockers, antihistamines and orapred. This could be anything from chronic hives, to a reaction to a virus or even another food. In our guts my husband and I both think it is a food. So during Thanksgiving we had more things to be thankful for, that the epi pen worked, that we were able to help him through this, that we were able to get into the drs right away, and simply put just all of us being together and there to support and love each other. Now just saying a few prayers to get him off all these meds and find some answers. Saying this is a scary situation completely minimizes what everyone has gone through over the last week or so, but it is at least simple to say.
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Yummy Pumpkin Pie
I love this recipe and I can smell the pumpkin pie spice coming from my oven right now. This is a great holiday treat and you wouldn't even know it was free of all the allergens we avoid.
Gluten free pie Crust
3/4 cup Ener-g gourmet flour blend
1 teaspoon honey
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon xanthan gum
1/3 cup Spectrum Shortening - palm oil
2 tablespoons water
I double the recipe and press half of it into the pie tin. Fill it then press out second half on wax paper, flip it on top of pie and peal the wax paper off then press edges of the crust together. With pumpkin pie you don't even need the top crust, just press bottom crust in bottom and be sure to grease your pie pan with spectrum palm oil first, very lightly.
Pumpkin Pie Filling
1 15 ounce can of pumpkin
1 cup vanilla hemp milk
3/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup corn starch
1/4 tsp salt
1 tsp vanilla
2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
Empty the pie filling into the crust. I wrap aluminum foil around the edge of the pie for all but the last 15 - 20 minutes to avoid it from over browning. Bake it at 425 degrees for 15 minutes then turn the temperature down to 350 degrees for 40-50 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool. This is a great pie.
Gluten free pie Crust
3/4 cup Ener-g gourmet flour blend
1 teaspoon honey
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon xanthan gum
1/3 cup Spectrum Shortening - palm oil
2 tablespoons water
I double the recipe and press half of it into the pie tin. Fill it then press out second half on wax paper, flip it on top of pie and peal the wax paper off then press edges of the crust together. With pumpkin pie you don't even need the top crust, just press bottom crust in bottom and be sure to grease your pie pan with spectrum palm oil first, very lightly.
Pumpkin Pie Filling
1 15 ounce can of pumpkin
1 cup vanilla hemp milk
3/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup corn starch
1/4 tsp salt
1 tsp vanilla
2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
Empty the pie filling into the crust. I wrap aluminum foil around the edge of the pie for all but the last 15 - 20 minutes to avoid it from over browning. Bake it at 425 degrees for 15 minutes then turn the temperature down to 350 degrees for 40-50 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool. This is a great pie.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
The Holidays!
It has been so long since I have sat down to write. I seem to reflect during the holidays and always strive to make each one special. During Halloween the kids were ill but we made the best of it. We had a very nice and creepy party with just our family , Mom, Dad and kids. At times it weighs heavy on my mind that it is rare to have extended family over for the holidays. I wanted to give my children some of the treats I experienced as a child. Walking in the door getting smothered with hugs and kisses, playing with my cousins, smelling raisin sauce, turkey or blueberry pie cooking. My holidays as a child were set, routined and consistent. There were no divorces. I had the privilege of knowing my Grandparents and Great Grandparents rather well. The children's husband and wives (in -laws) were permanent, they were like one of the kids. In fact at one of my family Christmas they all use to gather around the table before leaving to figure out the next years Christmas. I believe my grandparents made a significant impact in my life, my aspirations , attitudes and dreams. Attending collage was assumed in my mind because my Grandmother was a nurse and my great Grandmother a teacher. Education was presented as important on both sides. I think my belief in a happy loving family came from them.
I have never believed in people being perfect and therefore never believed in the perfect family nor wanted it, white picket fence , whole image etc etc etc. I believe that trying to attain an image of perfection makes so many miserable and masks the perfection that exsists right where they are, so they never step back enough to look at the whole picture and see what they have. Creating a life full of drama and never ending emotional battles and decisions. Basically your daily soap opera. Did you ever notice that a fence row of trees never looks imperfect. Are the trees naturally symmetrical, even or perfectly balanced? When you see nature you see it in its full context with the blue sky and clouds behind it, You don't simply see a crooked tree, you see it as part of something larger and it is unmistakably perfect. Your kids funny comments, the annoying thing your husband does that you shake your head at but realize it makes you giggle, the way you try so hard to make something just right and something happens last minute to provide that comic relief that could not have been planned. Knowing not everything has to be on your terms, true love allows this. Knowing that balance does not always mean 50/50 but a fair combination that reaches 100 across the board. It is more then ok to have your own things and contribute a little more in your own way because each person does that and it balances out. We use our strengths to build a stronger whole. Then the surprise of flowers for no reason and Thank yous out of the blue. Call me a simpleton, but those are the images that get you through the rough times and the history you build and work through is what leads to those older couples holding hands traveling together oh so gently.
So as the holidays fast approach it remind me that our extended families live miles and miles away. Holiday travel is expensive and difficult with the kids medical issues. Our family members are also spread out across the US, which makes trips challenging. My husbands parents have been divorced a number of times each and are at opposite ends of the country. My family primarily resides in one state, but issues with my sibling makes visits difficult. I think the kids not having the extended portion of our families around reminds me to make the holidays that much more special for them. There is always lots of creative cooking, decorations, memory building moments ( like our memory book we wright in every Thanksgiving about what each of us is thankful for), reading of stories ( I have read them the original Christmas Carol since they were tiny) , our surprise visit from Santa on Christmas eve, Christmas Eve Service, just time together appreciating who each individual is and our prefect imperfection as individuals. God made us all different for a reason and the holidays are a reason to remember that we are given a gift, our family and friends, and that there is something greater then ourselves and because of that we never have to feel alone. I wish everyone a joyous holiday, lots of good eats and many happy memories. Just remember each day open your eyes a bit wider, take in what you can, give an extra hug and kiss. We will miss all of our family we are unable to visit with this holiday season and wish them a beautiful thanksgiving and Christmas where ever they reside. I hope some of the new recipes I post will help during this holiday season. Happy Holidays to all!
I have never believed in people being perfect and therefore never believed in the perfect family nor wanted it, white picket fence , whole image etc etc etc. I believe that trying to attain an image of perfection makes so many miserable and masks the perfection that exsists right where they are, so they never step back enough to look at the whole picture and see what they have. Creating a life full of drama and never ending emotional battles and decisions. Basically your daily soap opera. Did you ever notice that a fence row of trees never looks imperfect. Are the trees naturally symmetrical, even or perfectly balanced? When you see nature you see it in its full context with the blue sky and clouds behind it, You don't simply see a crooked tree, you see it as part of something larger and it is unmistakably perfect. Your kids funny comments, the annoying thing your husband does that you shake your head at but realize it makes you giggle, the way you try so hard to make something just right and something happens last minute to provide that comic relief that could not have been planned. Knowing not everything has to be on your terms, true love allows this. Knowing that balance does not always mean 50/50 but a fair combination that reaches 100 across the board. It is more then ok to have your own things and contribute a little more in your own way because each person does that and it balances out. We use our strengths to build a stronger whole. Then the surprise of flowers for no reason and Thank yous out of the blue. Call me a simpleton, but those are the images that get you through the rough times and the history you build and work through is what leads to those older couples holding hands traveling together oh so gently.
So as the holidays fast approach it remind me that our extended families live miles and miles away. Holiday travel is expensive and difficult with the kids medical issues. Our family members are also spread out across the US, which makes trips challenging. My husbands parents have been divorced a number of times each and are at opposite ends of the country. My family primarily resides in one state, but issues with my sibling makes visits difficult. I think the kids not having the extended portion of our families around reminds me to make the holidays that much more special for them. There is always lots of creative cooking, decorations, memory building moments ( like our memory book we wright in every Thanksgiving about what each of us is thankful for), reading of stories ( I have read them the original Christmas Carol since they were tiny) , our surprise visit from Santa on Christmas eve, Christmas Eve Service, just time together appreciating who each individual is and our prefect imperfection as individuals. God made us all different for a reason and the holidays are a reason to remember that we are given a gift, our family and friends, and that there is something greater then ourselves and because of that we never have to feel alone. I wish everyone a joyous holiday, lots of good eats and many happy memories. Just remember each day open your eyes a bit wider, take in what you can, give an extra hug and kiss. We will miss all of our family we are unable to visit with this holiday season and wish them a beautiful thanksgiving and Christmas where ever they reside. I hope some of the new recipes I post will help during this holiday season. Happy Holidays to all!
Monday, November 9, 2009
More allergies
Here are some new ingredients I use as staples. My children have been further diagnosed with more food allergies, so we are now wheat, gluten, soy, nut, milk, egg, oat, sunflower, and shellfish free. Some ingredients I have found to be wonderful are the following.
Hemp milk - can't tell the difference in recipes
Gourmet blend of flours from Ener g
Spectrum palm oil shortening
Ener g egg replacer but I more often avoid recipes where egg is called for at all or use a combination of other ingredients.
Hemp milk - can't tell the difference in recipes
Gourmet blend of flours from Ener g
Spectrum palm oil shortening
Ener g egg replacer but I more often avoid recipes where egg is called for at all or use a combination of other ingredients.
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Fruity Chicken Kabobs
INGREDIENTS
1 cup lemon juice
2 (8 ounce) cans pineapple chunks, juice reserved
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
3 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves, cubed
1 cup spectrum shortening or other butter substitute melted
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
24 large strawberries
salt and pepper to taste
DIRECTIONS
Mix together in a shallow bowl the lemon juice, juice from pineapple can, salt, pepper and 1/2 of the cinnamon. Place chicken in mixture to marinate in the refrigerator approximately a hour. Heat grill to a medium temperature. In another small bowl combine the melted spectrum shortening or other butter substitute , 1 teaspoon cinnamon, brown sugar and nutmeg. Lightly oil grates. Using metal or soaked wooden skewers arrange chicken, pineapple chunks and strawberries on each stick. Brush kabobs with butter substitute mixture and grill, turning on all sides, strawberries are sizzling and chicken is cooked. Approximately 8 to 10 minutes.
1 cup lemon juice
2 (8 ounce) cans pineapple chunks, juice reserved
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
3 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves, cubed
1 cup spectrum shortening or other butter substitute melted
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
24 large strawberries
salt and pepper to taste
DIRECTIONS
Mix together in a shallow bowl the lemon juice, juice from pineapple can, salt, pepper and 1/2 of the cinnamon. Place chicken in mixture to marinate in the refrigerator approximately a hour. Heat grill to a medium temperature. In another small bowl combine the melted spectrum shortening or other butter substitute , 1 teaspoon cinnamon, brown sugar and nutmeg. Lightly oil grates. Using metal or soaked wooden skewers arrange chicken, pineapple chunks and strawberries on each stick. Brush kabobs with butter substitute mixture and grill, turning on all sides, strawberries are sizzling and chicken is cooked. Approximately 8 to 10 minutes.
Friday, June 6, 2008
Recent Activities
The storms in Kansas have been a bit scary. Last night the air force base tornado sirens were going off. We very orderly grabbed supplies and headed into the basement. When the sirens stopped and the warning was over, we preceded upstairs to eat dinner. The rain was coming down so hard it actually came in under the front door. While everyone was downstairs I ran upstairs for a second to grab a sweatshirt and some socks for everyone. I stepped out on the front porch for a second and it was so ominous outside. Makes you realize how furious nature can be and how much we are at its mercy. The kids did very well. They were nervous but acted pretty calmly and orderly. My laptop helped keep my third son in the correct area of the basement with the other kids.
We are going to church regularly now and the kids have a three week session of Sunday school, starting this Sunday. I am hoping everyone is well enough to go. All four kids have got a nasty cold. I just came down with it the other day. During this time of year it is very hard to tell how much allergies are complicating this bug. It has been extremely humid here from all the storms and so thick outside. We will just have to wait and see how everyone is feeling on Sunday. Each of my boys will be in their own Sunday school class. The class for my daughter does not start up until fall. I have also applied for my oldest to be in a technology camp this summer. Both of our oldest boys have another session of swim lessons that start up soon. We are wrapping up the school year as well. I have most of the books for my second son already for next year and am starting to get the curriculum together for my oldest and third son for their 2008-2009 year. My daughter is a sponge and is picking up bits of all the curiculium.
My third son is carrying books around with him all day. He asks, "Me read to you?" He means will you read to me, but that is how it is coming out. He is talking so much more and I am so glad to see him taking to books like this. It can only help with his speech. Reading to all of my kids has been a joy and I think it helps in so many ways. With our third boy it is a wonderful way to ask questions and help him with his speech. I know he knows so much, yet can't fully express what he knows, how he feels.. I often think how frustrating that has to be for him. One of those magical little moments is when your child learns something and they share that with you. He is having more and more of those. He is a wonderful little boy.
My daughter is full of energy and such a talker. She imitates so much. She is potty training right now. I have found it is a bit different with girls. She is so particular. She asks for very specific color or prints of things. Everything from her drinking cup to her underwear. She loves rainbows, butterflies, pink and purple. Every time I sit down she imitates the way I sit. She has the sweetest little voice and when she smiles, the world stops spinning and she just glows. She is such a sweet girl. Mind you very determined and particular with a heart of gold.
I am really glad they are getting more involved with things and people in the area. It is a good feeling to start to branch out and get involved. They grow so fast and it is such a privilege to be able to take part and watch the kids growing into such kind hearted individuals. Not a day goes by I don't thank my lucky stars.
We are going to church regularly now and the kids have a three week session of Sunday school, starting this Sunday. I am hoping everyone is well enough to go. All four kids have got a nasty cold. I just came down with it the other day. During this time of year it is very hard to tell how much allergies are complicating this bug. It has been extremely humid here from all the storms and so thick outside. We will just have to wait and see how everyone is feeling on Sunday. Each of my boys will be in their own Sunday school class. The class for my daughter does not start up until fall. I have also applied for my oldest to be in a technology camp this summer. Both of our oldest boys have another session of swim lessons that start up soon. We are wrapping up the school year as well. I have most of the books for my second son already for next year and am starting to get the curriculum together for my oldest and third son for their 2008-2009 year. My daughter is a sponge and is picking up bits of all the curiculium.
My third son is carrying books around with him all day. He asks, "Me read to you?" He means will you read to me, but that is how it is coming out. He is talking so much more and I am so glad to see him taking to books like this. It can only help with his speech. Reading to all of my kids has been a joy and I think it helps in so many ways. With our third boy it is a wonderful way to ask questions and help him with his speech. I know he knows so much, yet can't fully express what he knows, how he feels.. I often think how frustrating that has to be for him. One of those magical little moments is when your child learns something and they share that with you. He is having more and more of those. He is a wonderful little boy.
My daughter is full of energy and such a talker. She imitates so much. She is potty training right now. I have found it is a bit different with girls. She is so particular. She asks for very specific color or prints of things. Everything from her drinking cup to her underwear. She loves rainbows, butterflies, pink and purple. Every time I sit down she imitates the way I sit. She has the sweetest little voice and when she smiles, the world stops spinning and she just glows. She is such a sweet girl. Mind you very determined and particular with a heart of gold.
I am really glad they are getting more involved with things and people in the area. It is a good feeling to start to branch out and get involved. They grow so fast and it is such a privilege to be able to take part and watch the kids growing into such kind hearted individuals. Not a day goes by I don't thank my lucky stars.
Monday, May 26, 2008
On the Grill!
2 Recipes this time around.
I received lot's of requests for a BBQ sauce to go with the Chicken Nugget recipes I sent last time.
Plus, A new treat. Grilled Zucchini
BARBECUE SAUCE
One (6 ounce) can tomato paste
1/4 cup cider vinegar
1/4 cup molasses
1/4 cup brown sugar - packed
2 tablespoons honey
1 cup water
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 chopped onion
1 teaspoon salt
DIRECTIONS:
Add all ingredients in a saucepan and stir. Over medium heat bring to a boil, then simmer for an hour on low heat, stirring occasionally. This recipe makes approximately 1 1/2 cups of barbecue sauce. This is a wonderful barbecue sauce for your summer time grilling.
GRILLED ZUCCHINI
4 8-oz zucchini, cut lengthwise into halves
1 cup chopped red bell pepper
1 cup chopped onion
2 teaspoons minced garlic
1 medium tomato, seeded, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh basil (or 1 tsp. dried)
15 ounces canned chickpeas or 1 1/2 cups cooked, dry-packaged chickpeas
1/2 teaspoon salt (optional)
DIRECTIONS:
Hollow out zucchini with a sharp knife, leaving 1/4 inch shells, set shells aside. Chop zucchini flesh. In a large non-stick skillet, sauté chopped zucchini, bell pepper, onion and garlic until crisp-tender, about 8 minutes. Add tomato and basil and saute, about 5 minutes. Mash half of the drained and rinsed chickpeas and set aside. Add the chickpeas to side of skillet and mix chickpeas into zucchini mixture.
Spoon mixture into zucchini shells cover and grill, over medium-hot coals. They are done when the zucchini shells are crisp and tender, about 10 to 15 minutes.
Chickpeas can be replaced with pinto or other beans.
I received lot's of requests for a BBQ sauce to go with the Chicken Nugget recipes I sent last time.
Plus, A new treat. Grilled Zucchini
BARBECUE SAUCE
One (6 ounce) can tomato paste
1/4 cup cider vinegar
1/4 cup molasses
1/4 cup brown sugar - packed
2 tablespoons honey
1 cup water
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 chopped onion
1 teaspoon salt
DIRECTIONS:
Add all ingredients in a saucepan and stir. Over medium heat bring to a boil, then simmer for an hour on low heat, stirring occasionally. This recipe makes approximately 1 1/2 cups of barbecue sauce. This is a wonderful barbecue sauce for your summer time grilling.
GRILLED ZUCCHINI
4 8-oz zucchini, cut lengthwise into halves
1 cup chopped red bell pepper
1 cup chopped onion
2 teaspoons minced garlic
1 medium tomato, seeded, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh basil (or 1 tsp. dried)
15 ounces canned chickpeas or 1 1/2 cups cooked, dry-packaged chickpeas
1/2 teaspoon salt (optional)
DIRECTIONS:
Hollow out zucchini with a sharp knife, leaving 1/4 inch shells, set shells aside. Chop zucchini flesh. In a large non-stick skillet, sauté chopped zucchini, bell pepper, onion and garlic until crisp-tender, about 8 minutes. Add tomato and basil and saute, about 5 minutes. Mash half of the drained and rinsed chickpeas and set aside. Add the chickpeas to side of skillet and mix chickpeas into zucchini mixture.
Spoon mixture into zucchini shells cover and grill, over medium-hot coals. They are done when the zucchini shells are crisp and tender, about 10 to 15 minutes.
Chickpeas can be replaced with pinto or other beans.
Friday, May 9, 2008
HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!
I just want to say Happy Mother's Day to everyone. I know what I am looking forward to this Mothers Day. My husbands gift of a family picture (Thanks Honey, means a bunch!) and some special one on one time with each of the kids. In the past, I have really enjoyed when each of the kids have picked an activity to do with me. Whether it is us planting a flower that they each pick out, playing a video game, or even making a special desert in the kitchen with them. I am looking forward to our house being filled with activity and maybe a few relaxing moments at the end of the day with my husband! I wish everyone a beautiful Mothers Day filled with many hugs and kisses. Thanks for everything you do!
I had received the following article in the Schafer report yesterday and decided I would post it for Mothers Day.
Happy Mother's Day: Mothers Lie
By Lori Borgman
Expectant mothers waiting for a newborn's arrival say they don't care what sex the baby is. They just want to have ten fingers and ten toes.
Mothers lie.
Every mother wants so much more.
She wants a perfectly healthy baby with a round head, rosebud lips, button nose, beautiful eyes and satin skin.
She wants a baby so gorgeous that people will pity the Gerber baby for being flat-out ugly.
She wants a baby that will roll over, sit up and take those first steps right on schedule (according to the baby development chart on page 57, column two).
Every mother wants a baby that can see, hear, run, jump and fire neurons by the billions.
She wants a kid that can smack the ball out of the park and do toe points that are the envy of the entire ballet class.
Call it greed if you want, but a mother wants what a mother wants.
Some mothers get babies with something more.
Maybe you're one who got a baby with a condition you couldn't pronounce, a spine that didn't fuse, a missing chromosome or a palate that didn't close.
The doctor's words took your breath away.
It was just like the time at recess in the fourth grade when you didn't see the kick ball coming, and it knocked the wind right out of you.
Some of you left the hospital with a healthy bundle, then, months, even years later, took him in for a routine visit, or scheduled him for a checkup, and crashed head first into a brick wall as you bore the brunt of devastating news.
It didn't seem possible.
That didn't run in your family.
Could this really be happening in your lifetime?
There's no such thing as a perfect body.
Everybody will bear something at some time or another.
Maybe the affliction will be apparent to curious eyes, or maybe it will be unseen, quietly treated with trips to the doctor, therapy or surgery.
Mothers of children with disabilities live the limitations with them.
Frankly, I don't know how you do it.
Sometimes you mothers scare me.
How you lift that kid in and out of the wheelchair twenty times a day.
How you monitor tests, track medications, and serve as the gatekeeper to a hundred specialists yammering in your ear.
I wonder how you endure the clichés and the platitudes, the well-intentioned souls explaining how God is at work when you've occasionally questioned if God is on strike.
I even wonder how you endure schmaltzy columns like this one-saluting you, painting you as hero and saint, when you know you're ordinary.
You snap, you bark, you bite.
You didn't volunteer for this, you didn't jump up and down in the motherhood line yelling,
"Choose me, God. Choose me! I've got what it takes."
You're a woman who doesn't have time to step back and put things in perspective, so let me do it for you. From where I sit, you're way ahead of the pack.
You've developed the strength of the draft horse while holding onto the delicacy of a daffodil.
You have a heart that melts like chocolate in a glove box in July, counter-balanced against the stubbornness of an Ozark mule.
You are the mother, advocate and protector of a child with a disability.
You're a neighbor, a friend, a woman I pass at church and my sister-in-law.
You're a wonder.
I had received the following article in the Schafer report yesterday and decided I would post it for Mothers Day.
Happy Mother's Day: Mothers Lie
By Lori Borgman
Expectant mothers waiting for a newborn's arrival say they don't care what sex the baby is. They just want to have ten fingers and ten toes.
Mothers lie.
Every mother wants so much more.
She wants a perfectly healthy baby with a round head, rosebud lips, button nose, beautiful eyes and satin skin.
She wants a baby so gorgeous that people will pity the Gerber baby for being flat-out ugly.
She wants a baby that will roll over, sit up and take those first steps right on schedule (according to the baby development chart on page 57, column two).
Every mother wants a baby that can see, hear, run, jump and fire neurons by the billions.
She wants a kid that can smack the ball out of the park and do toe points that are the envy of the entire ballet class.
Call it greed if you want, but a mother wants what a mother wants.
Some mothers get babies with something more.
Maybe you're one who got a baby with a condition you couldn't pronounce, a spine that didn't fuse, a missing chromosome or a palate that didn't close.
The doctor's words took your breath away.
It was just like the time at recess in the fourth grade when you didn't see the kick ball coming, and it knocked the wind right out of you.
Some of you left the hospital with a healthy bundle, then, months, even years later, took him in for a routine visit, or scheduled him for a checkup, and crashed head first into a brick wall as you bore the brunt of devastating news.
It didn't seem possible.
That didn't run in your family.
Could this really be happening in your lifetime?
There's no such thing as a perfect body.
Everybody will bear something at some time or another.
Maybe the affliction will be apparent to curious eyes, or maybe it will be unseen, quietly treated with trips to the doctor, therapy or surgery.
Mothers of children with disabilities live the limitations with them.
Frankly, I don't know how you do it.
Sometimes you mothers scare me.
How you lift that kid in and out of the wheelchair twenty times a day.
How you monitor tests, track medications, and serve as the gatekeeper to a hundred specialists yammering in your ear.
I wonder how you endure the clichés and the platitudes, the well-intentioned souls explaining how God is at work when you've occasionally questioned if God is on strike.
I even wonder how you endure schmaltzy columns like this one-saluting you, painting you as hero and saint, when you know you're ordinary.
You snap, you bark, you bite.
You didn't volunteer for this, you didn't jump up and down in the motherhood line yelling,
"Choose me, God. Choose me! I've got what it takes."
You're a woman who doesn't have time to step back and put things in perspective, so let me do it for you. From where I sit, you're way ahead of the pack.
You've developed the strength of the draft horse while holding onto the delicacy of a daffodil.
You have a heart that melts like chocolate in a glove box in July, counter-balanced against the stubbornness of an Ozark mule.
You are the mother, advocate and protector of a child with a disability.
You're a neighbor, a friend, a woman I pass at church and my sister-in-law.
You're a wonder.
Monday, May 5, 2008
A Week Goes By!
Last week ended with a recheck on my surgery. I had to be put on an antibiotic. When my OBGYN gave me an exam she found a second lump in my other breast. This Thursday I have to go in for a mammogram and ultra sound. Basically, I have discovered that with what I was originally put through I should have had the mammogram and ultra sound done first. Then have been sedated and had a breast specialist do the surgery. It still has not sealed completely. So , now I am going through this all over again. This has become incredibly frustrating. In all honesty, I just don't have the time to deal with this and go through this. Not to mention having my mind wonder when I find or the doctor finds a lump. These doctors appointments, surgery and tests are simply taking to much time and that is something there never seems to be enough of. My husband has been very supportive and says getting this stuff done is more important. I just worry about him having to take time off work. I will know more on Thursday but the doctor also wondered if the first one was removed all the way so this is really just a mess. She assured me she would send me to a breast specialist to have any further surgery done. I guess the reason I went to my MD with this was we were not planning on our family getting larger so I figured the MD could watch my feminine stuff. Apparently, not the right assumption.
So, it was a rough last half of the week. Saturday was nice. Sunday morning we went to church. It was a very nice service. The boys were all dressed in ties and were perfect gentlemen. My daughter was adorable in a little satin white and rose colored summer dress. My oldest handled it beautifully. My third son started stimming right before service. Fortunately, they had a nursery that you could see right in from the chapel. He really did well and played with a couple other children. My daughter handled the service very nicely for about 30 minutes then I went into the nursery with her for the last 15.
I think for most they walk into a Church and can just pop their kids in the nursery, Sunday school etc etc etc. Not here. Before I let my son stay I had to explain his situations and food allergies and I had to visibly see him in case he got aggressive. Also my daughter being allergic to wheat and soy could simply not be in there without us. Crackers and goldfish were being eaten. Well, you know how kids eat! Anyway, we decided not to put the older kids in Sunday school until we checked the church out and got a feeling for the messages it was teaching. I also have to contact the Sunday school teachers, show them how to use the epi pens explain the situations and allergies. This church has a very nice set up and the pastor seemed to be teaching a very up beat, inclusive, positive message.
On a different subject. My third son constantly walks on the balls of his feet, sensory issue. He can do some damage by doing this so I decide to come up with a little game and try some inventive stuff to help him learn to correct it. You can buy special shoes for it, but I am trying to get him to learn a different behavior and recognize the behavior. Also it is important to recognize he exhibits a behavior because he has a need for that sensory input. So as he walks I kneel down in front of him and scoot backwards as he walks forward. I wrap my hands on his feet and apply some gentle pressure and we say flat feet, flat feet, flat feet HUG. The pressure is what he is getting and it is the stimulus that is causing him to walk like that. He actually does really well with this. He giggles and after a few steps gives me a hug. I think the root of correcting behaviors needs to be based in recognition of the behavior and this has done that. Now I can say, "flat feet, flat feet," and he can correct it himself for short periods of time. Wednesday, I am going to share this little trick with his OT specialist. Maybe it could work for someone else too.
I have to get back to school, but swimming tonight. The boys are really loving the lessons! We have a busy week ahead and lots to do.
So, it was a rough last half of the week. Saturday was nice. Sunday morning we went to church. It was a very nice service. The boys were all dressed in ties and were perfect gentlemen. My daughter was adorable in a little satin white and rose colored summer dress. My oldest handled it beautifully. My third son started stimming right before service. Fortunately, they had a nursery that you could see right in from the chapel. He really did well and played with a couple other children. My daughter handled the service very nicely for about 30 minutes then I went into the nursery with her for the last 15.
I think for most they walk into a Church and can just pop their kids in the nursery, Sunday school etc etc etc. Not here. Before I let my son stay I had to explain his situations and food allergies and I had to visibly see him in case he got aggressive. Also my daughter being allergic to wheat and soy could simply not be in there without us. Crackers and goldfish were being eaten. Well, you know how kids eat! Anyway, we decided not to put the older kids in Sunday school until we checked the church out and got a feeling for the messages it was teaching. I also have to contact the Sunday school teachers, show them how to use the epi pens explain the situations and allergies. This church has a very nice set up and the pastor seemed to be teaching a very up beat, inclusive, positive message.
On a different subject. My third son constantly walks on the balls of his feet, sensory issue. He can do some damage by doing this so I decide to come up with a little game and try some inventive stuff to help him learn to correct it. You can buy special shoes for it, but I am trying to get him to learn a different behavior and recognize the behavior. Also it is important to recognize he exhibits a behavior because he has a need for that sensory input. So as he walks I kneel down in front of him and scoot backwards as he walks forward. I wrap my hands on his feet and apply some gentle pressure and we say flat feet, flat feet, flat feet HUG. The pressure is what he is getting and it is the stimulus that is causing him to walk like that. He actually does really well with this. He giggles and after a few steps gives me a hug. I think the root of correcting behaviors needs to be based in recognition of the behavior and this has done that. Now I can say, "flat feet, flat feet," and he can correct it himself for short periods of time. Wednesday, I am going to share this little trick with his OT specialist. Maybe it could work for someone else too.
I have to get back to school, but swimming tonight. The boys are really loving the lessons! We have a busy week ahead and lots to do.
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
What a Great Evening!
Last night was swimming. My husband stopped at the health food store after work to pick up a pizza crust and my daughters calcium supplements. After he pulled in and shared his "HI" and kisses with everyone he raced in to change from his work attire. Then we all loaded in the car to head to swimming. It is such a great feeling to be with my husband at these things, knowing we are experiencing lifes treasured moments together.
After watching the boys for a while, we headed over to the basketball courts. My husband and I played basketball with our third son and little girl. It was so much fun. They had such a blast. My daughter is very active and sports oriented. I can not wait to coach something for her. She just loves everything. My son was having a good time too. I believe at 7 he can start taking part in a special olympic sports program and I am very eager to be involved with that as well. It was so adorable seeing them try to dripple these big balls. It was nice and my husband and I got to shoot couple hoops as well. I love seeing the kids take part in what ever they choose, not limiting things to boy vs. girl.
I have often used my daughters big doll house and dolls to practice social stories with my son and it works great. I have always taught the boys how to play with dolls. To be honest homeschooling has one great effect not often talked about. Kids emulate what they see. If they see little ones being mothered all day it is something they pick up and just do brilliantly. My boys are wonderful with little kids. Even my daughter helps tuck my sons in at night. Anyway back to the swimming evening.
I talked to my oldest sons coach before class and she was very understanding and noticed she worked much better with him. Both boys would look up at us as they would do something new. We would see a big smile and giggle. My second son is moving a bit faster, which we expected. They had him jump of the diving board last night. He would walk to the end bounce a little and sit down. He seemed very nervous. Bounce sit down, bounce, sit down. Finally he plopped in. It was kind of a half plop. As though only a portion of his body was willing to leave the diving board. This caused him to catch and scrape his arm on the diving board. Both my husband and I cringed. Took my breath away for a moment. He really handled it well. For the last couple of minutes he sat on the edge of the pool. He didn't shed a tear, but it looked like it hurt when he showed me it. The scrape covered most of his inner arm. I was eager to get him home and get that cleaned out. The boys were both very proud and excited about the swimming and everyone had a good time. My husband was giving our second son a pep talk on the way out and I was doing the same for our oldest. The 6 of us headed toward the car and home sweet home.
As part of our nightly routine I read to the kids for about an hour. I read some kind of classic or children's novel for the older boys. Something ongoing, they can become immersed in. The smaller kids are into the shorter stories and kids books. This is a wonderful time and I have always done this with my children from birth on. Before we began reading I asked my son if he was ok about the diving board. He said, he was scared and wasn't sure he wanted to try it again. I told him I understood and made him promise me he would talk to his teacher first thing on Wednesday and tell her honestly how he was feeling and what he was thinking. I think honest communication is so vital. I know it is sometimes not what we like to hear or easy to say, but sometimes we just have to. In this case I wanted to make sure his coach was understanding how he was feeling so he doesn't become so scared he gets hurts worse. I think the sign of a good parent, coach or teacher is to ask questions on questions. Unfortunately, you cant always rely on that. So, I believe it is really important to teach your kids it is of the utmost importance to express their feelings. All I can say is that they are turning into wonderful young men. He seemed ok, with a hug and a kiss. I also promised him we would work on it outside of class. As I kissed their cheeks and tucked them into bed, I told all the kids how proud I was of them.
After watching the boys for a while, we headed over to the basketball courts. My husband and I played basketball with our third son and little girl. It was so much fun. They had such a blast. My daughter is very active and sports oriented. I can not wait to coach something for her. She just loves everything. My son was having a good time too. I believe at 7 he can start taking part in a special olympic sports program and I am very eager to be involved with that as well. It was so adorable seeing them try to dripple these big balls. It was nice and my husband and I got to shoot couple hoops as well. I love seeing the kids take part in what ever they choose, not limiting things to boy vs. girl.
I have often used my daughters big doll house and dolls to practice social stories with my son and it works great. I have always taught the boys how to play with dolls. To be honest homeschooling has one great effect not often talked about. Kids emulate what they see. If they see little ones being mothered all day it is something they pick up and just do brilliantly. My boys are wonderful with little kids. Even my daughter helps tuck my sons in at night. Anyway back to the swimming evening.
I talked to my oldest sons coach before class and she was very understanding and noticed she worked much better with him. Both boys would look up at us as they would do something new. We would see a big smile and giggle. My second son is moving a bit faster, which we expected. They had him jump of the diving board last night. He would walk to the end bounce a little and sit down. He seemed very nervous. Bounce sit down, bounce, sit down. Finally he plopped in. It was kind of a half plop. As though only a portion of his body was willing to leave the diving board. This caused him to catch and scrape his arm on the diving board. Both my husband and I cringed. Took my breath away for a moment. He really handled it well. For the last couple of minutes he sat on the edge of the pool. He didn't shed a tear, but it looked like it hurt when he showed me it. The scrape covered most of his inner arm. I was eager to get him home and get that cleaned out. The boys were both very proud and excited about the swimming and everyone had a good time. My husband was giving our second son a pep talk on the way out and I was doing the same for our oldest. The 6 of us headed toward the car and home sweet home.
As part of our nightly routine I read to the kids for about an hour. I read some kind of classic or children's novel for the older boys. Something ongoing, they can become immersed in. The smaller kids are into the shorter stories and kids books. This is a wonderful time and I have always done this with my children from birth on. Before we began reading I asked my son if he was ok about the diving board. He said, he was scared and wasn't sure he wanted to try it again. I told him I understood and made him promise me he would talk to his teacher first thing on Wednesday and tell her honestly how he was feeling and what he was thinking. I think honest communication is so vital. I know it is sometimes not what we like to hear or easy to say, but sometimes we just have to. In this case I wanted to make sure his coach was understanding how he was feeling so he doesn't become so scared he gets hurts worse. I think the sign of a good parent, coach or teacher is to ask questions on questions. Unfortunately, you cant always rely on that. So, I believe it is really important to teach your kids it is of the utmost importance to express their feelings. All I can say is that they are turning into wonderful young men. He seemed ok, with a hug and a kiss. I also promised him we would work on it outside of class. As I kissed their cheeks and tucked them into bed, I told all the kids how proud I was of them.
Monday, April 21, 2008
It is Spring!
Thank goodness for some warm weather and a chance to get out and have fun. The boys love their weekly swim lessons. They get so excited and it is great exercise for them. I need to talk to the teachers tonight about my oldest. It is really important that when auditory processing takes a while teachers are given an alternative means to help in the processing of directions and such. So many people just tell kids with these issues they are not listening. A hand on the shoulder, giving the processing time instead of vocal bombardment, can make a world of difference. My younger two want to go in the pool during the lessons too. After my surgery heals I think we will all be in the pool.
My daughter is talking up a storm. We even went this weekend and got her some little girl lip gloss. She picked her own out. WARNING, watch the ingredients. I found soy in a bunch. It is hard, she has both the gut allergies and food allergies. It is very special having someone who loves such a variety of different things. I guess people call girls who like a bit everything tom boys. But I have to say, I call it well rounded. She is so much like me growing up, in that she loves to play dress up but give her a bat and ball and she has a great throwing arm. She loves to ride her bike, play baseball, and loves the written word like my oldest boy.
Things are going well. My second son is a great reader and enjoying it. Every time I see him sit down with a book I think about the hours and frustration he went through to get to this point. I am so proud of him. I love teaching the kids and seeing this just makes my heart illuminate and flutter. I love summer and it is a great time to get out and study nature and science experiments. Being out and making observations is great for my third son. He is looking more and more at books. Even being a bit of a prankster. He has a delightful personality and I believe the writing work we are doing is helping his speech and definitely his pronunciation. He has a new OT therapist and having all therapies and allergy shots on one day has worked out great.
We are now in the process of looking for a church to attend. I have found a couple to look into locally. Both United Methodist with contemporary services. Lots to do and not a minute to waste. These kids just grow up to fast.
My husband has been working on a political blog. He is wonderful writer and feels very passionately about things. We have a ton of projects to get done this summer and most importantly to do them as a family. The nice thing about our family is we are side by side for our struggles and all enjoy in each others accomplishments.
My thought for today. Sometimes I think in an effort to remain independent parents put up a wall to their children, claiming such separate lives that it leads to a serious lack of invovlment and distance. Then there is the flip side. A parent who lives through their child, pushing the child to do what they would have done. I take each day for what it is worth a gift and remember to live WITH my husband and children ( not through them or completely independent of them). It is so much fun watching the kids do what they enjoy, swimming, baseball, etc. It isn't just that though, it is letting them know you are there for their struggles as well. It is my hand in my husbands and the sense that as a team we will be there for our family. It is like taking in a deep breath of fresh air. Knowing you may not always smell roses but that the wind changes and life holds to much not to embrace every moment. Every smile is a new fragrance blowing the breeze and every huge accomplishment is a double rainbow. May everyone enjoy many rainbows this spring!
My daughter is talking up a storm. We even went this weekend and got her some little girl lip gloss. She picked her own out. WARNING, watch the ingredients. I found soy in a bunch. It is hard, she has both the gut allergies and food allergies. It is very special having someone who loves such a variety of different things. I guess people call girls who like a bit everything tom boys. But I have to say, I call it well rounded. She is so much like me growing up, in that she loves to play dress up but give her a bat and ball and she has a great throwing arm. She loves to ride her bike, play baseball, and loves the written word like my oldest boy.
Things are going well. My second son is a great reader and enjoying it. Every time I see him sit down with a book I think about the hours and frustration he went through to get to this point. I am so proud of him. I love teaching the kids and seeing this just makes my heart illuminate and flutter. I love summer and it is a great time to get out and study nature and science experiments. Being out and making observations is great for my third son. He is looking more and more at books. Even being a bit of a prankster. He has a delightful personality and I believe the writing work we are doing is helping his speech and definitely his pronunciation. He has a new OT therapist and having all therapies and allergy shots on one day has worked out great.
We are now in the process of looking for a church to attend. I have found a couple to look into locally. Both United Methodist with contemporary services. Lots to do and not a minute to waste. These kids just grow up to fast.
My husband has been working on a political blog. He is wonderful writer and feels very passionately about things. We have a ton of projects to get done this summer and most importantly to do them as a family. The nice thing about our family is we are side by side for our struggles and all enjoy in each others accomplishments.
My thought for today. Sometimes I think in an effort to remain independent parents put up a wall to their children, claiming such separate lives that it leads to a serious lack of invovlment and distance. Then there is the flip side. A parent who lives through their child, pushing the child to do what they would have done. I take each day for what it is worth a gift and remember to live WITH my husband and children ( not through them or completely independent of them). It is so much fun watching the kids do what they enjoy, swimming, baseball, etc. It isn't just that though, it is letting them know you are there for their struggles as well. It is my hand in my husbands and the sense that as a team we will be there for our family. It is like taking in a deep breath of fresh air. Knowing you may not always smell roses but that the wind changes and life holds to much not to embrace every moment. Every smile is a new fragrance blowing the breeze and every huge accomplishment is a double rainbow. May everyone enjoy many rainbows this spring!
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Allergy Free Chicken Nuggets for Kids
INGREDIENTS
1 1/2 cups quick-cooking oats (certified gluten free)
1/8 or less tsp Red pepper
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon salt
3/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon pepper
Chicken tenders
2 tablespoons Spectrum All-Vegetable Shortening
DIRECTIONS
Coat a 13-in. x 9-in. x 2-in. baking dish with Spectrum All-Vegetable Shortening; set aside. In a large bowl combine oats, red pepper, chili powder, salt if desired, garlic powder, cumin and pepper. Dip chicken in water, then coat with oat mixture. Press chicken into mixture firmly on both sides. Place in prepared baking dish. Bake, uncovered, at 375 degrees F for 45-50 minutes or until juices run clear. Flip once half way through baking.
1 1/2 cups quick-cooking oats (certified gluten free)
1/8 or less tsp Red pepper
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon salt
3/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon pepper
Chicken tenders
2 tablespoons Spectrum All-Vegetable Shortening
DIRECTIONS
Coat a 13-in. x 9-in. x 2-in. baking dish with Spectrum All-Vegetable Shortening; set aside. In a large bowl combine oats, red pepper, chili powder, salt if desired, garlic powder, cumin and pepper. Dip chicken in water, then coat with oat mixture. Press chicken into mixture firmly on both sides. Place in prepared baking dish. Bake, uncovered, at 375 degrees F for 45-50 minutes or until juices run clear. Flip once half way through baking.
Thank you
Thank you for all those who supported us on the Autism CARE walk. It was truly a wonderful experience as a family and community. For some great photos of the event go to http://www.autismcarewalk.org/Photo-Gallery
One Thing Turns into Another
Yesterday was a busy day. Wednesdays are always so hectic. Started out rushing around in the morning getting everyone ready. We dropped my husband at work, then off to OT and Speech therapy with our 4 kids. After my sons two therapies we ran across town to allergy shots. Then raced back home to make lunch, cookies and raced off again to pick my husband up. We picked him up and raced over to my appointment. I found a lump in my breast a few weeks ago and was told last week the doctor thought it was a sebaceous cyst. Not harmful and not even sure it was part of the breast tissue itself. The removal of a sebaceous cyst turned into a lumpectomy. Apparently it was a fluid filled cysts in the breast. He took a margin of healthy tissue around it for a biopsy. I just wasn't prepared for that. Actually I was holding up fine with the numbing he did on it until I heard the scissor snipping sound. Then I felt a bit of one snip toward the end.
I was a blubbering mess after, not sure why.
The kids and my husband waited in the car during the procedure. When I got in the car I wasn't really sure how I was feeling, but told my husband I could handle taking the kids to swimming so he could make an interview his boss wanted him to give. Thank goodness my husband is a caring husband. He said he was taking the rest of the day off and took us home.
We loaded into the house and started getting dinner around. I was in a lot of pain, even my arm hurt. I sat on our reclining chair with my daughter and I felt blood gush from the stitches. I lifted my shirt and it bleed right through my shirt. We really were not sure what to do so my husband took us into the ER and that was our evening. They said I had a hemostasis and gave me some pain medication, cleaned and redressed the stitches to help. Last night was like a half sleep. I had to sit up and try and sleep and my little princess was up and down and up and down.
Today my husband stayed home and has done a wonderful job taking care of everyone. He is quite a man. I think he has gotten a crash course in dealing with our daughter. Very self determined, a bit indecisive and incriedibly persistent. She is wonderfully independant, very empathetic, loving and sensative. She melts your heart with her cherib face, but dont let that fool you, my girl knows how to take care of herself. We joke around and make muscle like body builders and say GO GIRL POWER!!! My husband is doing a great job and I really appreciate the help.
At the moment I am trying not to think about getting the results back, I am a bit scared. Right now I am just concentrating on keeping the stitches clean and doing school work with the kids. I am so use to giving the kids big bear hugs, not being able to feels like torture, but hopefully this will heal quickly. As many struggles as we go through, I am always thankful for the love, compassion and commitment of my husband and children. I am hoping to sleep a bit better tonight.
I was a blubbering mess after, not sure why.
The kids and my husband waited in the car during the procedure. When I got in the car I wasn't really sure how I was feeling, but told my husband I could handle taking the kids to swimming so he could make an interview his boss wanted him to give. Thank goodness my husband is a caring husband. He said he was taking the rest of the day off and took us home.
We loaded into the house and started getting dinner around. I was in a lot of pain, even my arm hurt. I sat on our reclining chair with my daughter and I felt blood gush from the stitches. I lifted my shirt and it bleed right through my shirt. We really were not sure what to do so my husband took us into the ER and that was our evening. They said I had a hemostasis and gave me some pain medication, cleaned and redressed the stitches to help. Last night was like a half sleep. I had to sit up and try and sleep and my little princess was up and down and up and down.
Today my husband stayed home and has done a wonderful job taking care of everyone. He is quite a man. I think he has gotten a crash course in dealing with our daughter. Very self determined, a bit indecisive and incriedibly persistent. She is wonderfully independant, very empathetic, loving and sensative. She melts your heart with her cherib face, but dont let that fool you, my girl knows how to take care of herself. We joke around and make muscle like body builders and say GO GIRL POWER!!! My husband is doing a great job and I really appreciate the help.
At the moment I am trying not to think about getting the results back, I am a bit scared. Right now I am just concentrating on keeping the stitches clean and doing school work with the kids. I am so use to giving the kids big bear hugs, not being able to feels like torture, but hopefully this will heal quickly. As many struggles as we go through, I am always thankful for the love, compassion and commitment of my husband and children. I am hoping to sleep a bit better tonight.
Friday, March 28, 2008
What a day!
First thing in the morning my second son jumped into bed with me, school books in hand and said, " I am going to get ahead on my homework." So with pride in my heart and sleep in my eyes I sat up and went over his English lessons, phonics and writing. He is very self motivated and just takes to things. I was not only proud because of his self motivation but he brought me the subjects he struggles with the most because of his dyslexia. After that we rushed around to get my husband to work.
We finished up some chores had a few more school lessons, then had lunch. I am in the kitchen all the time. I hate when I can't come up with things everyone likes. Some days you just can't though. The day before I came up with a great chicken oatmeal tender recipe (will post soon) my second son loved, but my oldest hated. Then for lunch that day it reversed. Eventually I will find things that are hits for everyone. Try, try and try again.
After lunch we raced to our doctor appointments. My oldest for his 11 year check and my 5 year olds check up. When we were in the office it was a bit chaotic. My daughter had just woke up from the car ride over and was a bit edgy. As the nurse took us back and checked the kids weight and height my daughter showed her disapproval of the situation. With a a big hug and some comforting she calmed down by the time we were in the room.
The nurse told my two boys to strip down to the undies and put a paper robe on. Of course my oldest didn't wait for the door to shut or her to leave, just started stripping down. She scurried out and said, "guess he is not modest." We were both red in the face and I laughed and said, "guess it comes with being in a big family."
When the doctor came in my second son was doing some rather odd things. Purposefully trying to get my goat. To the point where the doctor started giving looks and I had to count and tell him to start behaving. He was in quite a mood. This was so odd because he had such a good morning and this was a 180 degree turn. I try and have specaial talks with him often. About having brothers with disabilities and such. It is not difficult for me to understand his perspective. My father is so much like my older son. As I walk around the house and watch him, it takes me right back to living at home. Right from his addiction to the written word, stimming , blocking out things around him. It is one thing to be an avid reader, but another to read so rapidly you read from cover to cover regardless of the length of the book, that is my father and my son. Both run on few hours sleep. My son literally carries a book open around with him all day and falls asleep with it in his hands. I use to see my Dad asleep on the couch holding a book the same exact way. I also have a brother who was a handful, who has now been diagnosed with a mental illness. So we relate well when we talk and I can tell he feels better. Back to the doctor visit.
When the doc was checking my oldest son out he said, "changes are a happening, the big P word, PUBERTY". My reaction, Yikes, I am not ready for that. He said it is a train and it is coming down the track, watch out. I said, " well, if I know I am not ready for it my eyes will be open that much wider." We both laughed. Truthfully I knew but hearing it had a whop of a impact. I actually had to acknowledge it! YIKES!
When it came to my third sons check. The doctor noticed the extreme difference in him. He tested him for 5 year old stuff. Scattered on what he knew and didn't . He was stimming most of the time. I would bring him in with our clap to three technique I came up with. He would respond to the doctor and go back to stimming. Actually it was much louder than normal because he was wearing the paper robe that made a ton of noise as he went back and forth and hand flapped. He did really well and the doctor seemed really happy to see how much progress we have made. He knows I homeschool and work with Heartsprings. He has several doctors and specialist and they keep very good track of sending records and coordinating his care. He has neurology, psychology, OT, Speech, allergy and his regular MD. So it was a good check up and all went well. I bit chaotic, noisy but we coasted through. At the end of the check he did something he had never ever done before. I actually had to hold back the tears. At one of the points where he was near the doctor he grabbed the doctors stethoscope and pushed it to his cheek. Slightly off on the positioning but the doctor smiled. He said,
"I WANT TO BE A DOCTOR." I told the doctor he had never said anything like that, ever. He kept repeating it as he would grab the stethoscope. This was the most sponatious age appropriate thing he has ever done. Such a complexity of events. Him showing such progress in some areas and deficits in others, continuous darting back and forth while hand flapping, and then displaying one comment that just blew me away!
I think this describes most of our days, bit of a roller coaster. Always special things to remember and be thankful for.
We finished up some chores had a few more school lessons, then had lunch. I am in the kitchen all the time. I hate when I can't come up with things everyone likes. Some days you just can't though. The day before I came up with a great chicken oatmeal tender recipe (will post soon) my second son loved, but my oldest hated. Then for lunch that day it reversed. Eventually I will find things that are hits for everyone. Try, try and try again.
After lunch we raced to our doctor appointments. My oldest for his 11 year check and my 5 year olds check up. When we were in the office it was a bit chaotic. My daughter had just woke up from the car ride over and was a bit edgy. As the nurse took us back and checked the kids weight and height my daughter showed her disapproval of the situation. With a a big hug and some comforting she calmed down by the time we were in the room.
The nurse told my two boys to strip down to the undies and put a paper robe on. Of course my oldest didn't wait for the door to shut or her to leave, just started stripping down. She scurried out and said, "guess he is not modest." We were both red in the face and I laughed and said, "guess it comes with being in a big family."
When the doctor came in my second son was doing some rather odd things. Purposefully trying to get my goat. To the point where the doctor started giving looks and I had to count and tell him to start behaving. He was in quite a mood. This was so odd because he had such a good morning and this was a 180 degree turn. I try and have specaial talks with him often. About having brothers with disabilities and such. It is not difficult for me to understand his perspective. My father is so much like my older son. As I walk around the house and watch him, it takes me right back to living at home. Right from his addiction to the written word, stimming , blocking out things around him. It is one thing to be an avid reader, but another to read so rapidly you read from cover to cover regardless of the length of the book, that is my father and my son. Both run on few hours sleep. My son literally carries a book open around with him all day and falls asleep with it in his hands. I use to see my Dad asleep on the couch holding a book the same exact way. I also have a brother who was a handful, who has now been diagnosed with a mental illness. So we relate well when we talk and I can tell he feels better. Back to the doctor visit.
When the doc was checking my oldest son out he said, "changes are a happening, the big P word, PUBERTY". My reaction, Yikes, I am not ready for that. He said it is a train and it is coming down the track, watch out. I said, " well, if I know I am not ready for it my eyes will be open that much wider." We both laughed. Truthfully I knew but hearing it had a whop of a impact. I actually had to acknowledge it! YIKES!
When it came to my third sons check. The doctor noticed the extreme difference in him. He tested him for 5 year old stuff. Scattered on what he knew and didn't . He was stimming most of the time. I would bring him in with our clap to three technique I came up with. He would respond to the doctor and go back to stimming. Actually it was much louder than normal because he was wearing the paper robe that made a ton of noise as he went back and forth and hand flapped. He did really well and the doctor seemed really happy to see how much progress we have made. He knows I homeschool and work with Heartsprings. He has several doctors and specialist and they keep very good track of sending records and coordinating his care. He has neurology, psychology, OT, Speech, allergy and his regular MD. So it was a good check up and all went well. I bit chaotic, noisy but we coasted through. At the end of the check he did something he had never ever done before. I actually had to hold back the tears. At one of the points where he was near the doctor he grabbed the doctors stethoscope and pushed it to his cheek. Slightly off on the positioning but the doctor smiled. He said,
"I WANT TO BE A DOCTOR." I told the doctor he had never said anything like that, ever. He kept repeating it as he would grab the stethoscope. This was the most sponatious age appropriate thing he has ever done. Such a complexity of events. Him showing such progress in some areas and deficits in others, continuous darting back and forth while hand flapping, and then displaying one comment that just blew me away!
I think this describes most of our days, bit of a roller coaster. Always special things to remember and be thankful for.
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
CARE Walk
Please support us as we participate in The Autism CARE Walk at Heartspring on April 12.
How can you help? Just visit My CARE Walk page at: http://www.autismcarewalk.org/Reva and click the 'Sponsor Me' tab to make a donation on my families behalf.
Funds generated from this event will help benefit local children who are on the autism spectrum through workshops and programs offered by Heartspring's Community of Autism Resources and Education (CARE) program.
Thank you!
How can you help? Just visit My CARE Walk page at: http://www.autismcarewalk.org/Reva and click the 'Sponsor Me' tab to make a donation on my families behalf.
Funds generated from this event will help benefit local children who are on the autism spectrum through workshops and programs offered by Heartspring's Community of Autism Resources and Education (CARE) program.
Thank you!
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Summer Plans
What is new for the upcoming months. Swimming, swimming and more swimming. Fortunately we have access to several pools in the area so, swimming it is. The kids are starting to ride their bikes, play football and baseball in the yard and will start swimming class next week. The boys love the water and I hope they will really learn how to swim this year. I have a feeling my little girl has a bit of me in her and will be a little fish. So my mission this summer, fins for all! These little bits of warmer weather have made us all eager for warmer weather and summer fun!
I have found a few good grilling recipes I am eager to try out. I also love summer because of the fresh summer fruit, a real treat with all of our dietary restrictions. I hope we get our garden going this year. One of my favorite things at are old house was our strawberry patch and fresh tomatos from the garden. The kids had such a good time learning from watching the garden grow and picking everything from green beans to strawberries. I am not much of a gardener but it sure is fun trying!
I have found a few good grilling recipes I am eager to try out. I also love summer because of the fresh summer fruit, a real treat with all of our dietary restrictions. I hope we get our garden going this year. One of my favorite things at are old house was our strawberry patch and fresh tomatos from the garden. The kids had such a good time learning from watching the garden grow and picking everything from green beans to strawberries. I am not much of a gardener but it sure is fun trying!
Friday, February 29, 2008
Roasted Chicken with Artichokes and Tomatoes
1 package frozen artichoke hearts, thawed
1 can of diced tomatoes (29 oz)
1 large onion, chopped
garlic powder
2 teaspoons olive oil
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 teaspoons dried rosemary
2 teaspoons dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon salt
Black pepper to taste
1 cup water
2 1/2- to 3-pound whole chicken (you can also use chicken quarters)
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place rinsed chicken into a roasting pan, season with pepper inside and out. Add tomatoes, onion and artichokes.
Sprinkle with spices. Pour the water, oil and lemon into the roasting pan.
Bake, covered, for 1 hour. Baste chicken and vegetables occasionally with pan juices, adding a little water if it starts to seem to dry.
Increase oven temperature to 450 F. Roast, uncovered, for about 20 minutes, until chicken is brown and juices run clear.
Transfer the chicken to a serving platter. With a slotted spoon, transfer artichoke hearts, tomatoes, and onions around the chicken. Use drippings and add water and cornstarch to bring to a boil and make a gravy. Cover with foil or the top of the roaster to keep warm while gravy is being made.
1 can of diced tomatoes (29 oz)
1 large onion, chopped
garlic powder
2 teaspoons olive oil
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 teaspoons dried rosemary
2 teaspoons dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon salt
Black pepper to taste
1 cup water
2 1/2- to 3-pound whole chicken (you can also use chicken quarters)
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place rinsed chicken into a roasting pan, season with pepper inside and out. Add tomatoes, onion and artichokes.
Sprinkle with spices. Pour the water, oil and lemon into the roasting pan.
Bake, covered, for 1 hour. Baste chicken and vegetables occasionally with pan juices, adding a little water if it starts to seem to dry.
Increase oven temperature to 450 F. Roast, uncovered, for about 20 minutes, until chicken is brown and juices run clear.
Transfer the chicken to a serving platter. With a slotted spoon, transfer artichoke hearts, tomatoes, and onions around the chicken. Use drippings and add water and cornstarch to bring to a boil and make a gravy. Cover with foil or the top of the roaster to keep warm while gravy is being made.
Friday, February 22, 2008
Maple and Apple Porkloin
2 one pound boneless tenderloins
5 Red Delicious apples, remove core and quarter
Real 100% Maple Syrup
Cinnamon
Salt & pepper to flavor
Place pork loins on a small baking sheet. Add apple slices to the pan. Season with salt, pepper, and cinnamon. Drizzle with syrup. Broil for 10 minutes on the medium rack. Turn and broil 10 more minutes. Check for doneness, broil a few more minutes if necessary. When done let set at room temperature for about 5 minutes. Slice into 1 inch thick slices. Place on platter and cover with cooked apples and fresh maple syrup.
5 Red Delicious apples, remove core and quarter
Real 100% Maple Syrup
Cinnamon
Salt & pepper to flavor
Place pork loins on a small baking sheet. Add apple slices to the pan. Season with salt, pepper, and cinnamon. Drizzle with syrup. Broil for 10 minutes on the medium rack. Turn and broil 10 more minutes. Check for doneness, broil a few more minutes if necessary. When done let set at room temperature for about 5 minutes. Slice into 1 inch thick slices. Place on platter and cover with cooked apples and fresh maple syrup.
Things to make you smile
My children decided to spend a break after lunch pretending to be a train. My second son in front, baby girl behind, third son behind her and my oldest was in the rear. As they choo chooed around the house they would stop in the kitchen, look up at me and say, "emergancey refueling"! I then handed them raisins as they choo chooed by. Some things just make you laugh!
Saturday, February 9, 2008
Raisin Sauce
6 tbsp orange juice
1 1/2 cup apple juice
1/2 tsp all spice
1 cup raisins
2 tbsp cornstarch
1/4 cup brown sugar
Add all the ingredients to a medium sauce pan, whisk. Then heat to a rolling boil. It will turn a nice deep brown color and thicken. Serve hot over warm honey baked ham, chicken breast or other meat dish.
1 1/2 cup apple juice
1/2 tsp all spice
1 cup raisins
2 tbsp cornstarch
1/4 cup brown sugar
Add all the ingredients to a medium sauce pan, whisk. Then heat to a rolling boil. It will turn a nice deep brown color and thicken. Serve hot over warm honey baked ham, chicken breast or other meat dish.
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
2008
Last year ended eventfully and this year has begun in the same fashion. Around the Holidays we witnessed a leak from our ceiling in two rooms. Apparently we had a snow drift form in the attic from the roof vents. Got to love that Kansas wind when it creates a tornado effect out of snow in your attic. I was quite shocked but we have since gotten it repaired.
Then we traded in two cars for a full size van. We so desperately needed this for room. Second reason, we needed to cut down on insurance and car payment cost. The one thing we did not count on was a full size van not fitting in a 3 car garage. Sounds odd, but not when you find the van to tall to get in. So, we have one vehicle a three car garage ,but no garage for our van. Setting aside that fact. Having the van has been a gift and is so nice for everyone to travel in, well worth it.
This year I had to pull my daughter out of speech therapy. My sons four therapies a week doubled in cost , so we had to make a tough choice. Fortunately, they are sure it is just a speech delay with her. So we are working hard on repetition to increase her speech skills.
My Autistic son has made leaps and bounds. He is four and knows all the ABCs and sounds, can write his first and last name and I am starting him on some reading. His communication is still very limited but I have actually seen him start to pull himself out of some of his stimming behaviors at times and even pick up on a facial expression on occasion. My older boys are just angels with him, even my 2 year old daughter is eager to help.
At times I worry about the older boys. They are so understanding. This year I am trying very hard to make sure they have some special things for them. We are planning a trip to Florida and the boys are just so excited about that. Also, things like family bowling and setting up an art studio in the basement. Come spring baseball will start and my second son is talking about soccer this year as well.
I have also been in touch with a friend from high school. It has been so nice chatting with her. I think the last time we saw each other was maybe our freshman year of collage. She was always and still is so much fun to talk to and be around.
This year I am doing couple of more things, distress, organize and create a small business. The link to Graphic Treasures is by my links. I also have created a poetry blog listed under Reva's favorites. So this year I am hoping to increase our income a bit ( help with special diets and copays that sky rocketed), and plan things out a bit better and keep organized.
I am also looking for a homeschool group for the kids to socialize with regularly. My son with Aspergers would really benefit from more interaction with his peers. He reminds me so much of myself. He is so good with little kids and adults and older kids. Kids his actual age seem to be the most difficult for him. I think I find that as an adult I feel myself. As a child I often felt like a little adult a bit trapped by my young face. I see that so much in my son. I was always so determined and never saw a gray area, my son the same. I often tell him what gets you through things is knowing yourself and being true to yourself because one day it will fall into line. I know it will for him, he has such a true heart.
My second son is about at a year for his allergy shots so we are hoping to see some positive effect from them this spring. Diets are going well and hopefully everyone will stay healthy the rest of the winter.
AS I read my children a story last night, they each pleaded for one more chapter. As I left the room I just thanked god for each day we are given the gift of another chapter and another opportunity to end each with a hug, a kiss,a good night and an I love you.
Then we traded in two cars for a full size van. We so desperately needed this for room. Second reason, we needed to cut down on insurance and car payment cost. The one thing we did not count on was a full size van not fitting in a 3 car garage. Sounds odd, but not when you find the van to tall to get in. So, we have one vehicle a three car garage ,but no garage for our van. Setting aside that fact. Having the van has been a gift and is so nice for everyone to travel in, well worth it.
This year I had to pull my daughter out of speech therapy. My sons four therapies a week doubled in cost , so we had to make a tough choice. Fortunately, they are sure it is just a speech delay with her. So we are working hard on repetition to increase her speech skills.
My Autistic son has made leaps and bounds. He is four and knows all the ABCs and sounds, can write his first and last name and I am starting him on some reading. His communication is still very limited but I have actually seen him start to pull himself out of some of his stimming behaviors at times and even pick up on a facial expression on occasion. My older boys are just angels with him, even my 2 year old daughter is eager to help.
At times I worry about the older boys. They are so understanding. This year I am trying very hard to make sure they have some special things for them. We are planning a trip to Florida and the boys are just so excited about that. Also, things like family bowling and setting up an art studio in the basement. Come spring baseball will start and my second son is talking about soccer this year as well.
I have also been in touch with a friend from high school. It has been so nice chatting with her. I think the last time we saw each other was maybe our freshman year of collage. She was always and still is so much fun to talk to and be around.
This year I am doing couple of more things, distress, organize and create a small business. The link to Graphic Treasures is by my links. I also have created a poetry blog listed under Reva's favorites. So this year I am hoping to increase our income a bit ( help with special diets and copays that sky rocketed), and plan things out a bit better and keep organized.
I am also looking for a homeschool group for the kids to socialize with regularly. My son with Aspergers would really benefit from more interaction with his peers. He reminds me so much of myself. He is so good with little kids and adults and older kids. Kids his actual age seem to be the most difficult for him. I think I find that as an adult I feel myself. As a child I often felt like a little adult a bit trapped by my young face. I see that so much in my son. I was always so determined and never saw a gray area, my son the same. I often tell him what gets you through things is knowing yourself and being true to yourself because one day it will fall into line. I know it will for him, he has such a true heart.
My second son is about at a year for his allergy shots so we are hoping to see some positive effect from them this spring. Diets are going well and hopefully everyone will stay healthy the rest of the winter.
AS I read my children a story last night, they each pleaded for one more chapter. As I left the room I just thanked god for each day we are given the gift of another chapter and another opportunity to end each with a hug, a kiss,a good night and an I love you.
Friday, January 18, 2008
The Photograph
There is a moment, when time stands still.
It is the moment when you and your kindred spirit stand tranquil,
Gently supporting each other.
When you see the creation of your souls combined,
Twinkling toes and actions sublime
and oh what thoughts and words flow from their beautiful minds.
All is faded back
Except for those in the photograph.
This image can not be torn nor fade,
For it is in the safest place for which it may stay
In your heart and mind to keep.
But then another image comes and cuts deep,
It is the image of a Mother and a Father,
Which time has aged as no other.
For you see a future and feel what has passed
and know that the images taken by the mind are what makes magic last.
By Reva Carpenter
It is the moment when you and your kindred spirit stand tranquil,
Gently supporting each other.
When you see the creation of your souls combined,
Twinkling toes and actions sublime
and oh what thoughts and words flow from their beautiful minds.
All is faded back
Except for those in the photograph.
This image can not be torn nor fade,
For it is in the safest place for which it may stay
In your heart and mind to keep.
But then another image comes and cuts deep,
It is the image of a Mother and a Father,
Which time has aged as no other.
For you see a future and feel what has passed
and know that the images taken by the mind are what makes magic last.
By Reva Carpenter
Friday, January 11, 2008
Beef Tips over Noodles
Here is a great recipe!
Ingredients
1/4 cup cornstarch
1/4 tsp pepper
2/3 tsp salt
2 lb pot roast
1 tablespoons olive oil
2 cups water
a handful of fresh parsley chopped
1/2 tsp thyme
1 bay leaf
3 carrots, cut into small pieces
2 celery stalks, cut into small pieces
1 large onion, chopped
i bag of Mrs. Leepers vegetable twists (gluten free)
In a crockpot on low add all ingredients except the pasta. Let it cook for 6-8 hours. Pull the roast out and cut it into small pieces, put back into crock pot for 1/2 hour or so. Before serving cook Mrs. Leepers pasta according to cooking directions on package. Once the pasta is done, place aside. Then on on a seperate dish take out meat from crock pot and cover immediatly so it does not dry out. Place the rest of crock pot ingredients in a pan on stove heat and add more cornstarch as needed to make a gravy. When serving, place noodles on plate, then lay beef over that and cover with gravy. Serve with a baked potato and green vegetable. This is a huge hit and very filling!
Ingredients
1/4 cup cornstarch
1/4 tsp pepper
2/3 tsp salt
2 lb pot roast
1 tablespoons olive oil
2 cups water
a handful of fresh parsley chopped
1/2 tsp thyme
1 bay leaf
3 carrots, cut into small pieces
2 celery stalks, cut into small pieces
1 large onion, chopped
i bag of Mrs. Leepers vegetable twists (gluten free)
In a crockpot on low add all ingredients except the pasta. Let it cook for 6-8 hours. Pull the roast out and cut it into small pieces, put back into crock pot for 1/2 hour or so. Before serving cook Mrs. Leepers pasta according to cooking directions on package. Once the pasta is done, place aside. Then on on a seperate dish take out meat from crock pot and cover immediatly so it does not dry out. Place the rest of crock pot ingredients in a pan on stove heat and add more cornstarch as needed to make a gravy. When serving, place noodles on plate, then lay beef over that and cover with gravy. Serve with a baked potato and green vegetable. This is a huge hit and very filling!
Oatmeal Meatloaf
Ingredients
1 cup tomato sauce
3/4 cup certified gluten free oats
Ener-G egg replacer - one egg worth.
1/4 cup chopped onion
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
1 1/2 lb. ground beef
1 lb. bacon
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine tomato sauce, oats, onions, salt and pepper. Add in ground beef, mix well. In a separate cup add 1 1/2 tsp egg replacer to 2 tablespoons water. Stir and add to beef mix. Mix lightly. In a 9 x 13 pan shape beef mix into a large brick shape. Lay bacon strips over top and wrap sides. Bake 1 hour. Drain, let stand about 15 minutes. I found after this is cooled for a while it tastes the best.
1 cup tomato sauce
3/4 cup certified gluten free oats
Ener-G egg replacer - one egg worth.
1/4 cup chopped onion
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
1 1/2 lb. ground beef
1 lb. bacon
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine tomato sauce, oats, onions, salt and pepper. Add in ground beef, mix well. In a separate cup add 1 1/2 tsp egg replacer to 2 tablespoons water. Stir and add to beef mix. Mix lightly. In a 9 x 13 pan shape beef mix into a large brick shape. Lay bacon strips over top and wrap sides. Bake 1 hour. Drain, let stand about 15 minutes. I found after this is cooled for a while it tastes the best.
Delicious Chocolate Covered Cherries
Ingredients
1 Large jar of Maraschino cherries
3 tablespoons Spectrum Palm Oil Shortening
3 tablespoons Light corn syrup
1/4 teaspoon Salt
2 cups Confectioner's sugar
2 bags of Enjoy Life Semi Sweet Chocolate Chips
Miniature Candy Liner (tiny cupcake tins)
1 Box of Toothpicks (if cherries have no stems)
Drain maraschino cherries. In a medium bowl combine shortening, corn syrup and salt. Stir in confectioner's sugar. Knead mixture until smooth. Shape about 1 teaspoon of the sugar mixture around each cherry. Place on a waxed-paper-lined baking sheet, chill. Melt chocolate in microwave for 30 seconds then stir. Take chocolate out about every 15 seconds and stir until melted. Holding cherries by stems or by tooth pick, dip one at a time into the chocolate. Place each cherry in the miniature candy liners. Refrigerate until chocolate is hardened. Store the candies covered in the refrigerator. The Enjoy Life Chocolate melts easily. These are a wonderful treat!
1 Large jar of Maraschino cherries
3 tablespoons Spectrum Palm Oil Shortening
3 tablespoons Light corn syrup
1/4 teaspoon Salt
2 cups Confectioner's sugar
2 bags of Enjoy Life Semi Sweet Chocolate Chips
Miniature Candy Liner (tiny cupcake tins)
1 Box of Toothpicks (if cherries have no stems)
Drain maraschino cherries. In a medium bowl combine shortening, corn syrup and salt. Stir in confectioner's sugar. Knead mixture until smooth. Shape about 1 teaspoon of the sugar mixture around each cherry. Place on a waxed-paper-lined baking sheet, chill. Melt chocolate in microwave for 30 seconds then stir. Take chocolate out about every 15 seconds and stir until melted. Holding cherries by stems or by tooth pick, dip one at a time into the chocolate. Place each cherry in the miniature candy liners. Refrigerate until chocolate is hardened. Store the candies covered in the refrigerator. The Enjoy Life Chocolate melts easily. These are a wonderful treat!
Pork Loin
Ingredients
1 3-4 lb pork loin
1 flat red or white onion, sliced in circles
1 bag frozen chopped spinach thawed and water squeezed out
1/2 lb bacon cut in small pieces plus 1/2 lb bacon put aside
salt
ground pepper
1 tsp dried basil
1 hand full of chopped fresh cilantro
a couple of sprinkles of dried red pepper
garlic powder
1 small drained can sliced black olives
1 small drained can of diced tomatoes
On a large cutting board place loin front to back (not long ways) with a sharp knife make a long slice like a sub sandwich bun. Lay it open and in this order lay and press the following ingredients on the meat evenly.
First the onion, spread the spinach, sprinkle garlic powder on top, olives, lay the bacon pieces evenly, season with all herbs. Press all ingredients down onto the meat. Roll tightly and use butcher's twine to wrap it.
Rub top with olive oil and garlic powder garlic. Place in low roaster on rack and lay a few bacon strips over the top. Add tomatoes last 10 minutes. Cook at 350 degrees for about 2 hours or until meat thermometer reaches 160 degrees. After removing it from the oven let it rest for about 20 minutes. Use the drippings to make a gravy with cornstarch and water. Slice and serve!
1 3-4 lb pork loin
1 flat red or white onion, sliced in circles
1 bag frozen chopped spinach thawed and water squeezed out
1/2 lb bacon cut in small pieces plus 1/2 lb bacon put aside
salt
ground pepper
1 tsp dried basil
1 hand full of chopped fresh cilantro
a couple of sprinkles of dried red pepper
garlic powder
1 small drained can sliced black olives
1 small drained can of diced tomatoes
On a large cutting board place loin front to back (not long ways) with a sharp knife make a long slice like a sub sandwich bun. Lay it open and in this order lay and press the following ingredients on the meat evenly.
First the onion, spread the spinach, sprinkle garlic powder on top, olives, lay the bacon pieces evenly, season with all herbs. Press all ingredients down onto the meat. Roll tightly and use butcher's twine to wrap it.
Rub top with olive oil and garlic powder garlic. Place in low roaster on rack and lay a few bacon strips over the top. Add tomatoes last 10 minutes. Cook at 350 degrees for about 2 hours or until meat thermometer reaches 160 degrees. After removing it from the oven let it rest for about 20 minutes. Use the drippings to make a gravy with cornstarch and water. Slice and serve!
Thursday, November 8, 2007
Cajun Chicken
3 Tablespoon black pepper
2 Tablespoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon nutmeg
2 Tablespoon parsley flakes (crunched)
4 Tablespoon red pepper (ground) (cayenne)
2 Tablespoon chili powder
1/4 cup brown sugar
pinch of salt to taste
1 to 2 whole fryer chickens
Place all ingredients in a bowl and mix. Place chickens in a roasting pan with 1/2 inch of water. Take mixed ingredients rub in and on chicken. Pull skin back and rub underneath (try to rub everywhere between the skin and meat without ripping too big a hole in the skin). Use as much or as little rub as you like. Cover and place in oven for about an hour at 375 degrees or until done. Once done pull out of oven and place chicken on serving platter and cover. Optionally, take broth in roasting pan and place in a saucepan, whisk in 1-2 Tablespoon(s) of cornstarch and bring to a boil whisking often. Serve with baked potato and fresh vegetables!
2 Tablespoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon nutmeg
2 Tablespoon parsley flakes (crunched)
4 Tablespoon red pepper (ground) (cayenne)
2 Tablespoon chili powder
1/4 cup brown sugar
pinch of salt to taste
1 to 2 whole fryer chickens
Place all ingredients in a bowl and mix. Place chickens in a roasting pan with 1/2 inch of water. Take mixed ingredients rub in and on chicken. Pull skin back and rub underneath (try to rub everywhere between the skin and meat without ripping too big a hole in the skin). Use as much or as little rub as you like. Cover and place in oven for about an hour at 375 degrees or until done. Once done pull out of oven and place chicken on serving platter and cover. Optionally, take broth in roasting pan and place in a saucepan, whisk in 1-2 Tablespoon(s) of cornstarch and bring to a boil whisking often. Serve with baked potato and fresh vegetables!
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
Inspirational Moments
Your Baby Girl says, "I need you Mama" for no reason ,just out of the blue and then follows with an "I love you".
Your son runs to you and Giggles, Giggles, Giggles and gives you the biggest hug.
Your son remembers you love snowman decorations so he makes sure he brings you home a snowman ornament for the Christmas tree.
Your oldest son says , "no matter what Mom we will always be friends".
As you watch the stars with your husband you both see the brightest shooting star you have ever seen.
Your son runs to you and Giggles, Giggles, Giggles and gives you the biggest hug.
Your son remembers you love snowman decorations so he makes sure he brings you home a snowman ornament for the Christmas tree.
Your oldest son says , "no matter what Mom we will always be friends".
As you watch the stars with your husband you both see the brightest shooting star you have ever seen.
Saturday, October 13, 2007
Other Halloween treats!
Try this out!
Bugs, Bugs, Bugs!
ENJOY LIFE chocolate chips
9 ounces raisins
1 small pack shredded coconut
6 ounces lime gelatin powder
Use a double boiler to melt the chocolate and let set for 5 minutes to cool. Melting the chocolate can be done in the microwave if you are extremely careful to heat and stir slowly and watch continuously. Spear raisins on each tine of a fork. Dip the fork into the melted chocolate. Then place the raisins on a cookie sheet lined with waxed paper. Use this method to cover the rest of the raisins with chocolate. Stick 2 pieces of shredded coconut antennae onto each raisin and freeze for 20 to 30 minutes. Prepare the gelatin according to the package. Pour into individual cups and set in the freezer for 20 minutes, or until the gelatin begins to harden. Arrange little bugs on top when Gelatin is partially set. Then refrigerate.
Bugs, Bugs, Bugs!
ENJOY LIFE chocolate chips
9 ounces raisins
1 small pack shredded coconut
6 ounces lime gelatin powder
Use a double boiler to melt the chocolate and let set for 5 minutes to cool. Melting the chocolate can be done in the microwave if you are extremely careful to heat and stir slowly and watch continuously. Spear raisins on each tine of a fork. Dip the fork into the melted chocolate. Then place the raisins on a cookie sheet lined with waxed paper. Use this method to cover the rest of the raisins with chocolate. Stick 2 pieces of shredded coconut antennae onto each raisin and freeze for 20 to 30 minutes. Prepare the gelatin according to the package. Pour into individual cups and set in the freezer for 20 minutes, or until the gelatin begins to harden. Arrange little bugs on top when Gelatin is partially set. Then refrigerate.
A quick pick me up!
I love fresh fruit and smoothies are a big hit in our house. Here are a couple of our favorites, blend all ingredients and ENJOY!!
Smoothie #1
2 kiwi fruits
1 banana
1/2 cup orange juice
1/2 cup frozen mango chunks (or other frozen fruit chunks)
Smoothie #2
30-60 strawberries
9-13 medium or large bananas
7-8 cups fresh squeezed orange juice
1 cup flaxseed meal
Blend until Creamy.
Smoothie #1
2 kiwi fruits
1 banana
1/2 cup orange juice
1/2 cup frozen mango chunks (or other frozen fruit chunks)
Smoothie #2
30-60 strawberries
9-13 medium or large bananas
7-8 cups fresh squeezed orange juice
1 cup flaxseed meal
Blend until Creamy.
Friday, October 5, 2007
What the Holidays Mean for Us
Every year the excitement fills the house as the holidays approach. Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, etc. Normally for families it means candy, treats , food, food, food, and loads of family gatherings. For us reality is a bit different.
By my age I always expected to be having elaborate gatherings for my cousins, aunts, uncles, grandparents and parents. Reality is that we live hundreds of miles and many states away from our closest relatives. So, I try extra hard to make the holidays special for our kids and something they will cherish forever.
Halloween is particularly difficult. The kids love to dress up and trick or treat. We have always made them special bags with things they can have and they trade their bags in and we give them the goody bag they can actually eat out of. Then the candy they collected would be handed back out to trick or treaters. Well, our dietary restrictions have increased significantly this year. I have been struggling trying to think of how to handle Halloween. I might try a spooky night of creating monster creations out of stuff they can have. Simply setting the things out and letting them be mad scientist. I often think it isn't the same as doing all that trick or treating and immediately getting to bite into the rewards. On the flip side, I remember my Halloweens were always spent just getting tons of candy and then getting a very sick stomach after. My kids get family time and a lot of interactive fun.
This year will be a bit of extra fun. My husbands parents are coming to visit the weekend before Halloween. Therefore, I have turned it into a Halloween party. My in-laws, husband and I are all going to dress up with the kids and have a small but very fun Halloween party. Complete with hand made spooky decorations (no cost stuff, just from things you keep around the house) and creepy food. Music and games, "the whole nine yards" as my son would say! I am hoping all the excitement will make up for there missing out on the typical Halloween candy explosion!
I am making the decorations early and having them around for the kids to see. Nothing really creepy just cute and fun. But even cute and fun can be a challenge for my youngest boy. I am hoping that him seeing everything around will help him adjust to change when the decorations all go up. Transitions are so hard for him and things out of place can set him off easily. I am trying to think ahead and be proactive so everyone can enjoy the party. These times are very special and I want all the kids to enjoy it equally!
Now I have just a couple of weeks to finish planning for a family visit, head to our 7 doctor and therapy appointments a week and continue our current homeschool schedule. My husband has been doing loads of extra work trying to get things ready for company too! Busy, busy, busy. So, as we scurry along I wish everyone out there a night of fun, family, friends and a safe allergy free Halloween experience!
By my age I always expected to be having elaborate gatherings for my cousins, aunts, uncles, grandparents and parents. Reality is that we live hundreds of miles and many states away from our closest relatives. So, I try extra hard to make the holidays special for our kids and something they will cherish forever.
Halloween is particularly difficult. The kids love to dress up and trick or treat. We have always made them special bags with things they can have and they trade their bags in and we give them the goody bag they can actually eat out of. Then the candy they collected would be handed back out to trick or treaters. Well, our dietary restrictions have increased significantly this year. I have been struggling trying to think of how to handle Halloween. I might try a spooky night of creating monster creations out of stuff they can have. Simply setting the things out and letting them be mad scientist. I often think it isn't the same as doing all that trick or treating and immediately getting to bite into the rewards. On the flip side, I remember my Halloweens were always spent just getting tons of candy and then getting a very sick stomach after. My kids get family time and a lot of interactive fun.
This year will be a bit of extra fun. My husbands parents are coming to visit the weekend before Halloween. Therefore, I have turned it into a Halloween party. My in-laws, husband and I are all going to dress up with the kids and have a small but very fun Halloween party. Complete with hand made spooky decorations (no cost stuff, just from things you keep around the house) and creepy food. Music and games, "the whole nine yards" as my son would say! I am hoping all the excitement will make up for there missing out on the typical Halloween candy explosion!
I am making the decorations early and having them around for the kids to see. Nothing really creepy just cute and fun. But even cute and fun can be a challenge for my youngest boy. I am hoping that him seeing everything around will help him adjust to change when the decorations all go up. Transitions are so hard for him and things out of place can set him off easily. I am trying to think ahead and be proactive so everyone can enjoy the party. These times are very special and I want all the kids to enjoy it equally!
Now I have just a couple of weeks to finish planning for a family visit, head to our 7 doctor and therapy appointments a week and continue our current homeschool schedule. My husband has been doing loads of extra work trying to get things ready for company too! Busy, busy, busy. So, as we scurry along I wish everyone out there a night of fun, family, friends and a safe allergy free Halloween experience!
Thursday, October 4, 2007
Halloween fun!
I love the holidays and here are a few fun ideas for the family at dinner time on Halloween.
For starters try Witch's Breadstick Fingers using Namaste pizza crust. Take hot tap water called for on the bag for two pizzas and add 4 teaspoons of yeast, a touch of white sugar, oil called for and a 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Stir well then add mix in bag. Stir add extra hot tap water if needed, make sure it is moist, yeast needs moisture. Cover and let set in warm place for 5-10 minutes. Then Grease your hands with canola or olive oil and roll into breadstick shapes. Cut edges of whole black olives and place them on one end of the breadstick as the fingernail. In the center of the breadstick take a knife and make some squiggles for the knuckle. Follow the rest of the directions on the bag to cook. Once they are done take a serving bowl and put in your pizza sauce, stick the breadsticks in olive end up and Voila, Witch's fingers!
Try this one... Meatball Eyeballs. It is a rice pasta with meatballs. This recipe is for the meatballs then make your noodles and sauce for spaghetti as usual. To serve lay spaghetti on platter, sauce over it and lay the creepy meat balls all around it.
1 lb of ground beef
1 small onion, chopped
1 tsp allspice
2 tsp cumin
pinch of cayenne pepper
olive oil
Place all ingredients in a food processor except the olive oil until very smooth. Oil or wet your hands and form small eyeball sized balls. Take olives, slice them in half and press then into one side of the meatball . Heat oil in frying pan and brown meatballs for 5-10 minutes.
Want a decorating idea? Make some great Mummy candy jars, straw or utensil holders. Use glass spaghetti jars. Soak outside of jar to remove label. Take old white nylons and use the brief part to wrap around the glass jar; from there pull the legs in opposite directions winding around the jar and tie a knot. Tuck the knot under and glue a couple of googly eyes on. Add white or silver glitter and creepy plastic spiders (we used spider rings and removed the ring part). Say Happy Halloween to your mummy decorations!
For starters try Witch's Breadstick Fingers using Namaste pizza crust. Take hot tap water called for on the bag for two pizzas and add 4 teaspoons of yeast, a touch of white sugar, oil called for and a 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Stir well then add mix in bag. Stir add extra hot tap water if needed, make sure it is moist, yeast needs moisture. Cover and let set in warm place for 5-10 minutes. Then Grease your hands with canola or olive oil and roll into breadstick shapes. Cut edges of whole black olives and place them on one end of the breadstick as the fingernail. In the center of the breadstick take a knife and make some squiggles for the knuckle. Follow the rest of the directions on the bag to cook. Once they are done take a serving bowl and put in your pizza sauce, stick the breadsticks in olive end up and Voila, Witch's fingers!
Try this one... Meatball Eyeballs. It is a rice pasta with meatballs. This recipe is for the meatballs then make your noodles and sauce for spaghetti as usual. To serve lay spaghetti on platter, sauce over it and lay the creepy meat balls all around it.
1 lb of ground beef
1 small onion, chopped
1 tsp allspice
2 tsp cumin
pinch of cayenne pepper
olive oil
Place all ingredients in a food processor except the olive oil until very smooth. Oil or wet your hands and form small eyeball sized balls. Take olives, slice them in half and press then into one side of the meatball . Heat oil in frying pan and brown meatballs for 5-10 minutes.
Want a decorating idea? Make some great Mummy candy jars, straw or utensil holders. Use glass spaghetti jars. Soak outside of jar to remove label. Take old white nylons and use the brief part to wrap around the glass jar; from there pull the legs in opposite directions winding around the jar and tie a knot. Tuck the knot under and glue a couple of googly eyes on. Add white or silver glitter and creepy plastic spiders (we used spider rings and removed the ring part). Say Happy Halloween to your mummy decorations!
Monday, September 24, 2007
Pumpkin Pot Pies
Makes 6 servings
Ingredients:
6 sugar pumpkins or acorn squash (1 to 2 pounds each)
Salt and ground black pepper
3 tablespoons corn starch
3 cups canned chicken broth
8 ounces frozen mixed vegetables
8 ounces frozen pearl onions or chopped onions
4 cups cooked chicken, cut into bite-size pieces
1 tablespoon dried thyme
1 tablespoon dried leaf sage
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley
Preheat oven to 375°F. Slice tops off pumpkins. Remove seeds and pulp. Sprinkle insides of pumpkins with salt and pepper. Place pumpkins cut side up on a baking sheet. Cover pumpkins tightly with foil. Bake 25 to 30 minutes or just until skin is easily pierced with knife. Remove from oven. Reduce oven temperature to 350°F.
Cook broth and corn starch, stir constantly until mixture is thick and bubbly, about 5 minutes. Add vegetables, onions, chicken and herbs. Add salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and divide mixture evenly among cooled pumpkin shells (approximately 1-1/2 cups per pumpkin). Return pumpkins to oven and bake about 30 minutes, or until filling is hot and bubbly.
Ingredients:
6 sugar pumpkins or acorn squash (1 to 2 pounds each)
Salt and ground black pepper
3 tablespoons corn starch
3 cups canned chicken broth
8 ounces frozen mixed vegetables
8 ounces frozen pearl onions or chopped onions
4 cups cooked chicken, cut into bite-size pieces
1 tablespoon dried thyme
1 tablespoon dried leaf sage
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley
Preheat oven to 375°F. Slice tops off pumpkins. Remove seeds and pulp. Sprinkle insides of pumpkins with salt and pepper. Place pumpkins cut side up on a baking sheet. Cover pumpkins tightly with foil. Bake 25 to 30 minutes or just until skin is easily pierced with knife. Remove from oven. Reduce oven temperature to 350°F.
Cook broth and corn starch, stir constantly until mixture is thick and bubbly, about 5 minutes. Add vegetables, onions, chicken and herbs. Add salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and divide mixture evenly among cooled pumpkin shells (approximately 1-1/2 cups per pumpkin). Return pumpkins to oven and bake about 30 minutes, or until filling is hot and bubbly.
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
A little Halloween fun!
I love the holidays. There is no other way to put it. I am the biggest kid around. I love to decorate, create some yummy treats and there is no better time to go all out. This year I have been trying to think of creative things to do with foods for the kids. It is always easy to throw a smiley face on a hamburger patty. Gives the kids a giggle. I have also been known to combine the foods the kids like into shapes, faces etc. One lunch all my third son wanted was tortilla chips, mustard and olives. So the chip became the face the mustard glued the olives eyes in place and a mustard smile appeared. I think some fresh strawberries are next with melted enjoy life chocolate chips and some white frosting from fast and fresh! Hopefully this year I can come up with some spooky treats the kids can enjoy! Get ready everyone the holidays are coming up fast!!
A Thai rice dish with steak
Thai Fried Rice With Green Beans
This is a simple dish that tastes wonderful on the side of a grilled steak. This can be very hot depending on the type of garlic chili pepper sauce you can use and find. What I love about this dish is I fix extra rice and green beans on the side. So its plain rice and green beans for the kids and this spicy dish for the adults.
Ingredients
4 cups cooked rice of choice, I use a white rice
2 teaspoons canola oil
2 teaspoons garlic powder
1/2 cup cut onions
1/4 cup garlic chili pepper sauce
2 cups fresh green beans
In large skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Then add garlic and onions. Saute 2-3 minutes. Once onions are translucent stir in garlic chili pepper sauce and green beans. Cook on medium to high heat for 5-8 minutes or just until beans are crisp/tender. Finally add cooked rice and stir all ingredients together well. Continue cooking for about 5 minutes or until rice is hot, stirring often. Voila, serve hot.
This is a simple dish that tastes wonderful on the side of a grilled steak. This can be very hot depending on the type of garlic chili pepper sauce you can use and find. What I love about this dish is I fix extra rice and green beans on the side. So its plain rice and green beans for the kids and this spicy dish for the adults.
Ingredients
4 cups cooked rice of choice, I use a white rice
2 teaspoons canola oil
2 teaspoons garlic powder
1/2 cup cut onions
1/4 cup garlic chili pepper sauce
2 cups fresh green beans
In large skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Then add garlic and onions. Saute 2-3 minutes. Once onions are translucent stir in garlic chili pepper sauce and green beans. Cook on medium to high heat for 5-8 minutes or just until beans are crisp/tender. Finally add cooked rice and stir all ingredients together well. Continue cooking for about 5 minutes or until rice is hot, stirring often. Voila, serve hot.
Thursday, September 6, 2007
Sleepy Head
At times I get so scared. What if I am not able to rise to every occasion? What if I miss something? What if all my love , encouragement and prayers are simply not enough. Then I hug each of my family tighter and pray a bit harder as my mind replays our families moments.
My son running up to me saying mama, his arms wrapping around me! My oldest sons words become smoke as he races and zooms back and forth. So excited he becomes a rocket about to blast off. My youngest boy so exhilarated you have to wonder if his flapping arms are going to become wings and soar him into to the air to the highest mountain top. My children helping each other out, protecting each other caring for each other. My beautiful little girl following me around watching me as intently as a bird perch atop a branch watching over its nearby nest. I see my son saying I love you, my other son handing me a picture drawn of him and I holding hands with our names labeled above. I see my daughter in her beautiful play dress and crown with eyes that sparkle, such a radiant soul. My children's hugs, each so special and precious. I see my children needing me, simply not knowing how much I need them. My husbands warm smile, holding a dozen roses in his hands. The births , the holidays the first words and all the magical moments replay in my head. I can now give my husband a kiss and say thank God for all I have and rest my tired head!
My son running up to me saying mama, his arms wrapping around me! My oldest sons words become smoke as he races and zooms back and forth. So excited he becomes a rocket about to blast off. My youngest boy so exhilarated you have to wonder if his flapping arms are going to become wings and soar him into to the air to the highest mountain top. My children helping each other out, protecting each other caring for each other. My beautiful little girl following me around watching me as intently as a bird perch atop a branch watching over its nearby nest. I see my son saying I love you, my other son handing me a picture drawn of him and I holding hands with our names labeled above. I see my daughter in her beautiful play dress and crown with eyes that sparkle, such a radiant soul. My children's hugs, each so special and precious. I see my children needing me, simply not knowing how much I need them. My husbands warm smile, holding a dozen roses in his hands. The births , the holidays the first words and all the magical moments replay in my head. I can now give my husband a kiss and say thank God for all I have and rest my tired head!
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
The Results
We all hustled around and arrived at the hospital on time. I was amazed at the job the staff did with him. They gave him an oral sedative and numbed his hand where the IV went in. They were able to slip the IV in swiftly. Then we were rolled down to the MRI room. There they gave him the sedative in his IV. The first dose caused him to hype up a bit and he thrashed in my arms. They warned me of the possibility of that happening, but it still scared me. Then they gave him a second dose and they got the test done. Then we went back to the room where we waited for him to wake. Our other three children were real troopers and behaved very well while we waited. It took three and a half hours for him to rustle around and that was primarily because we nudged him. He threw up on the way out the hospital, into the doctors office and on the way out of the doctors office.
The doctor was very dramatic the way he dealt with this. We all sat down waiting for him to come in. My son was curled in my lap, thrashing a bit. The doctor put up the images and looked at them in front of us. My oldest said what we all were thinking. "Doc is there anything wrong". We all wanted to know the minute the first film went up. I just sat there imagining him pointing to something and saying see this. My tears welled, somehow I held them back. Finally he turned and said the images were fine. We are dealing with severe Migraines and my PA will go over a plan with you and get him on a preventative. It was probably a good thing my son had a bit of sedative in him because I don't think I have hugged someone so hard in my life.
When we got home he was in almost a drunken state until the next morning. He thought he could walk and wanted to but he was wobbling all over and it was very hard to keep him down, but we did.
The next morning I hugged each of my children a bit harder, looked in their eyes a bit deeper and told each how much I loved them.
The doctor was very dramatic the way he dealt with this. We all sat down waiting for him to come in. My son was curled in my lap, thrashing a bit. The doctor put up the images and looked at them in front of us. My oldest said what we all were thinking. "Doc is there anything wrong". We all wanted to know the minute the first film went up. I just sat there imagining him pointing to something and saying see this. My tears welled, somehow I held them back. Finally he turned and said the images were fine. We are dealing with severe Migraines and my PA will go over a plan with you and get him on a preventative. It was probably a good thing my son had a bit of sedative in him because I don't think I have hugged someone so hard in my life.
When we got home he was in almost a drunken state until the next morning. He thought he could walk and wanted to but he was wobbling all over and it was very hard to keep him down, but we did.
The next morning I hugged each of my children a bit harder, looked in their eyes a bit deeper and told each how much I loved them.
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
MRI
My Autistic son is scheduled for an MRI tomorrow. We took him into his neurologist last Thursday and my husband took of work to meet us there. AT his first neurology visit in Kansas I discussed his eye pain with the doctor and they came to the conclusion it was migraines. I was confident it was not an actual eye problem because I took him to the optomologist, they dialed his eyes and he is seeing 20/20. So I avoided the foods and triggers they told me to etc. To make a long story short it hasn't worked. He is having the eye pain when he wakes up and he has thrown up for no reason in the the morning twice since his last visit. So tomorrow is the MRI and then we take the films straight to the doctor and we will find out on the spot. No waiting, but the fact they are expediting this makes me even more worried about what it could be. We also have found his occipital bone has become increasingly more asymmetrical. The doctor said his skull still has enough give and growth to do that and it could possibly form around something or it could be just him. All this can be caused by some sort of tumor. He is also going to be sedated by IV tomorrow which in itself is enough to make me jump out of my skin. I just pray he does not have any sort of mass or tumor and there are no problems with the sedation.
He is such a love. He would kiss you all day if you let him. He just sparkles. Even on his rough days he is a treasure to behold. He is starting to make so much progress. His comprehension is finally really setting in for somethings and his language use is progressing. He is working so well with his younger sister now, so much better.
When I see our family it feels as if we are a completed puzzle. Each member so unique and beautiful everyone just fits together creating a charming painting. When you see one child walk with his arm around another. When a comical event happens or a group hug takes place. You just pray your masterpiece stays safe and sound unbroken. That is often how I see us. Each member adding so much to each other. Then when things happen you force yourself to hold the image together in your mind, terrified to see those pieces not supported by one another.
So, today I am trying to keep that portrait image whole and in a simple but elegant frame. Praying and giving our little guy all the hugs and kisses I can muster. I am also going to be busy making lunch to take to the hospital and a batch of my sons favorite cookies to eat as soon as he can. It is going to be a long day and I am very worried.
He is such a love. He would kiss you all day if you let him. He just sparkles. Even on his rough days he is a treasure to behold. He is starting to make so much progress. His comprehension is finally really setting in for somethings and his language use is progressing. He is working so well with his younger sister now, so much better.
When I see our family it feels as if we are a completed puzzle. Each member so unique and beautiful everyone just fits together creating a charming painting. When you see one child walk with his arm around another. When a comical event happens or a group hug takes place. You just pray your masterpiece stays safe and sound unbroken. That is often how I see us. Each member adding so much to each other. Then when things happen you force yourself to hold the image together in your mind, terrified to see those pieces not supported by one another.
So, today I am trying to keep that portrait image whole and in a simple but elegant frame. Praying and giving our little guy all the hugs and kisses I can muster. I am also going to be busy making lunch to take to the hospital and a batch of my sons favorite cookies to eat as soon as he can. It is going to be a long day and I am very worried.
Allergy Shots and Patience
One thing we strive to teach our children is patiience. Ironically, I feel as though it is a constant lesson to be learned by all regardless of age. My second son started allergy shots a couple of months back. He takes his shots twice a week and dosen't shed a tear. I call him our little man becasue he trys so hard to be the tough guy. At the same time put an unexpected bug in front of him and suddenly he becomes an animated character. His kness reaching for the sky, leaving his head and shoulders a foot behind. He is a treasure full of personality and charm.
It was very hard to see this gem struggled getting through his baseball season, with constant skin reactions. I am trying very hard to be patient with the allergy shots. I know they only work for 1/3 that try them and they take almost a year to see improvement with. But here is my worry up to know he has just had heightened skin reactions from them. Unfortunatly after last weeks shot he had an asthma attack in the middle of the night. So today we are going for another, but I need to discuss this with the doctor. I am just hoping these work. It breaks my heart thinking he is going through 2 shots twice a week only for nothing. So we will see what the doctor says. I must admitt though my patience is running out a bit and after last week maybe for a good reason. Yet again, I must remind myself Patience, Patience, Patience!
It was very hard to see this gem struggled getting through his baseball season, with constant skin reactions. I am trying very hard to be patient with the allergy shots. I know they only work for 1/3 that try them and they take almost a year to see improvement with. But here is my worry up to know he has just had heightened skin reactions from them. Unfortunatly after last weeks shot he had an asthma attack in the middle of the night. So today we are going for another, but I need to discuss this with the doctor. I am just hoping these work. It breaks my heart thinking he is going through 2 shots twice a week only for nothing. So we will see what the doctor says. I must admitt though my patience is running out a bit and after last week maybe for a good reason. Yet again, I must remind myself Patience, Patience, Patience!
Monday, August 13, 2007
A Charity Event
Dear Friends and Family,
Recently our son was diagnosed with severe Autism. We are blessed to have a place in the Wichita area that specializes in therapies for Autism among many others for children with disabilities. The facility is wonderful. They have a special school , live in residence and outpatient therapy. Our son has been making steady progress and I truly believe Heartspring's outpatient therapies have been the catalyst for this. Our daughter is also attending speech therapy at Heartspring. Therapy is very expensive and like us many peoples insurance coverage is very limited. Heartspring is truly unique and raises money to financially help the children of Heartspring . One of their yearly fund raisers has arrived and it is called Pedalfest. Please pass this along to anyone you know who might be interested or able to donate to this charity. It is a very warm, welcoming place filled with patients, understanding and love.
For more information go to:
http://www.pedalfest.org/
Recently our son was diagnosed with severe Autism. We are blessed to have a place in the Wichita area that specializes in therapies for Autism among many others for children with disabilities. The facility is wonderful. They have a special school , live in residence and outpatient therapy. Our son has been making steady progress and I truly believe Heartspring's outpatient therapies have been the catalyst for this. Our daughter is also attending speech therapy at Heartspring. Therapy is very expensive and like us many peoples insurance coverage is very limited. Heartspring is truly unique and raises money to financially help the children of Heartspring . One of their yearly fund raisers has arrived and it is called Pedalfest. Please pass this along to anyone you know who might be interested or able to donate to this charity. It is a very warm, welcoming place filled with patients, understanding and love.
For more information go to:
http://www.pedalfest.org/
Friday, July 27, 2007
To All Those Who Know Somebody
When we first received news of our childrens' diagnosis, I poured my heart out to our families explaining. With the understanding that they to emotionally had to deal with the news. Assuming in the end it was the children who they would be most concerned about. After endless conversations, explanations, and responses, an ominous cloud circled my head. This feeling of a void and an almost emotional bankruptcy from all the energy poured into it. I had no concept of the words I longed to hear from loved ones. Then one morning as my eyes gently lifted, it was as clear as if it had been written on the wall. Those words that anyone could have said, if only they could see.
There were many reactions. "Well, you will do what you have to do". The truth is no one had any concept of what lie ahead for our family. Secondly, what we have to is minimal. We will not do what we have to , we will do everything we can for our children. Many say they do what they have to or could and it is a small fraction of their ability or will. Do not diminish our passion, energy, endless love and will by which we love our children.
I also heard "We love them, no matter what". I do not believe one needs to pat oneself on the back for loving someone inspite of there differences. Love is not possible unless you love someone as a whole for who they are. No matter what, has no place. Our children are who they are. Please do not pray our children away. Pray for people to learn, then there will be fewer lessons for god to teach. Do not pity parents who are able to see a prism of gifts where most see a mirror. As well, do not pity a child of such purity and goodness that they are meant to be the teachers. Our children are our inspiration the magic and music in our lives.
Please do not tell us how capable we are or how great the therapies are now a days. We know therapy, we live by the schedules , participate, extend the therapies, and establish critical relationships. "You will handle it". These comments are simply to allow one to ignore any personal feeling of obligation to help.
I must say worst of all are the comments made out of ignorance. Please do not say things like, "You mean he is not going to just start talking". Do not diminish their accomplishments by diminishimng theirs struggles. Avoid comments such as "It is not like he is rain man, is he?" Such ignorance is infectious and toxic. Please get over yourselves enough not to worry if your genetics played a role, "It is just you and your husbands DNA, it has nothing to do with us". As if being connected genetically was a sort of cancer or scarlet letter.
Please, please, if you love someone do not make them be your personal tutor. Every day it is our job to break down the walls of ignorance and demand respect and treatment for our children. Do not be part of that battle. Love someone enough to educate yourself and simply avoid hurtfull myths.
After all the comments and seeing how each felt some sort of grief with my beautiful children being who they are. After convincing myself deep down each cared for our children in their own way. Reality is they have nothing to accept, nothing to rationalize, they only have miracles to love and yet few have found the ability within them selves to do such a simple thing. So what was my heart aching to hear. Simply this. WE LOVE YOU ALL! IS THERE ANYTHING WE CAN DO TO HELP?
I am not writing this to be cynical. The fact is peoples responses had more to do with them, then anything to do with our children. I simply believe when you truly love someone it dose not mean changing them it is being there to love them and simply offer a hand. The truth is if anyone had asked there would have been a great many things they could have done. But the overwhelming response, without the question being asked, was we simply can't do anything or live to far away. I am writing this so maybe a family member will say those simple words, to someone else. I love our families. For myself, the next time I am given the chance to learn from another I know what I will say!
There were many reactions. "Well, you will do what you have to do". The truth is no one had any concept of what lie ahead for our family. Secondly, what we have to is minimal. We will not do what we have to , we will do everything we can for our children. Many say they do what they have to or could and it is a small fraction of their ability or will. Do not diminish our passion, energy, endless love and will by which we love our children.
I also heard "We love them, no matter what". I do not believe one needs to pat oneself on the back for loving someone inspite of there differences. Love is not possible unless you love someone as a whole for who they are. No matter what, has no place. Our children are who they are. Please do not pray our children away. Pray for people to learn, then there will be fewer lessons for god to teach. Do not pity parents who are able to see a prism of gifts where most see a mirror. As well, do not pity a child of such purity and goodness that they are meant to be the teachers. Our children are our inspiration the magic and music in our lives.
Please do not tell us how capable we are or how great the therapies are now a days. We know therapy, we live by the schedules , participate, extend the therapies, and establish critical relationships. "You will handle it". These comments are simply to allow one to ignore any personal feeling of obligation to help.
I must say worst of all are the comments made out of ignorance. Please do not say things like, "You mean he is not going to just start talking". Do not diminish their accomplishments by diminishimng theirs struggles. Avoid comments such as "It is not like he is rain man, is he?" Such ignorance is infectious and toxic. Please get over yourselves enough not to worry if your genetics played a role, "It is just you and your husbands DNA, it has nothing to do with us". As if being connected genetically was a sort of cancer or scarlet letter.
Please, please, if you love someone do not make them be your personal tutor. Every day it is our job to break down the walls of ignorance and demand respect and treatment for our children. Do not be part of that battle. Love someone enough to educate yourself and simply avoid hurtfull myths.
After all the comments and seeing how each felt some sort of grief with my beautiful children being who they are. After convincing myself deep down each cared for our children in their own way. Reality is they have nothing to accept, nothing to rationalize, they only have miracles to love and yet few have found the ability within them selves to do such a simple thing. So what was my heart aching to hear. Simply this. WE LOVE YOU ALL! IS THERE ANYTHING WE CAN DO TO HELP?
I am not writing this to be cynical. The fact is peoples responses had more to do with them, then anything to do with our children. I simply believe when you truly love someone it dose not mean changing them it is being there to love them and simply offer a hand. The truth is if anyone had asked there would have been a great many things they could have done. But the overwhelming response, without the question being asked, was we simply can't do anything or live to far away. I am writing this so maybe a family member will say those simple words, to someone else. I love our families. For myself, the next time I am given the chance to learn from another I know what I will say!
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Baked Apples!
5 apples
1/3 cup apple juice
1/3 cup oats - USE CERTIFIED GLUTEN-FREE ONLY
1/3 cup raisins
1 1/2 tsp. pumpkin pie spice
2 tbsp. brown sugar plus a bit extra to sprinkle on top of the apples
2 tbsp. applesauce
1 tbsp. Spectrum palm oil shortening
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Wash apples and use a melon baller to scoop out the insides of the apples. Start digging into the apple from the stem. Try and get out as much as you can but make sure the apples are able to be stuffed. Set apples aside. Place scooped out apple pieces in a medium sized bowl and cut them up a bit. Then add the rest of the ingredients to the bowl, stuff the apples with mixture and sprinkle with brown sugar. Place in oven to bake covered for 15 minutes then uncovered for 20 min. Remove and let cool, serve warm! For a touch of whimsy, when you are cutting into the apple from the stem, make a design around the opening. Stars and hearts are easy and it gives it a fun touch!
1/3 cup apple juice
1/3 cup oats - USE CERTIFIED GLUTEN-FREE ONLY
1/3 cup raisins
1 1/2 tsp. pumpkin pie spice
2 tbsp. brown sugar plus a bit extra to sprinkle on top of the apples
2 tbsp. applesauce
1 tbsp. Spectrum palm oil shortening
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Wash apples and use a melon baller to scoop out the insides of the apples. Start digging into the apple from the stem. Try and get out as much as you can but make sure the apples are able to be stuffed. Set apples aside. Place scooped out apple pieces in a medium sized bowl and cut them up a bit. Then add the rest of the ingredients to the bowl, stuff the apples with mixture and sprinkle with brown sugar. Place in oven to bake covered for 15 minutes then uncovered for 20 min. Remove and let cool, serve warm! For a touch of whimsy, when you are cutting into the apple from the stem, make a design around the opening. Stars and hearts are easy and it gives it a fun touch!
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
A Simple Comment
Yesterday was our normal routine. We made sure all lessons were done before speech therapy. My children and I were running behind but only ended up a couple of minutes late. My third son was very excited to show his therapist what he had cut and pasted the day before. A letter A and an apple picture. He gave me a "bye mom", verbally and a "I love you", with sign language and went into his therapy.
My little girl was sleeping in my arms and I pulled our history book out to read to the boys in the waiting area. I began reading, then had a bit of conversation with a kind lady who works at the facility. My oldest was reciting from memory a game manual from one of his favorite games to her. As I was about to go back to reading, another mother asked if my oldest was autistic. She seemed bubbly and outgoing. I responded yes, he has Aspergers syndrome. Then she made a comment about how tired I looked and how they must wear me out. I said, "nope, not really". Her next comment was , "my best friends son was just diagnosed with Autism". She then moved over to me and right next to my son and said, " do you have problems with the violence with him." She pointed to him as if he were a museum exhibit instead of a human being.
My feelings on this comment. First, it was completely out of line and rude to say in front of a 10 year old, who happens to be the most mild mannered kid I have ever meant and has never raised a hand to anyone. My response was absolutely not, but he is a brillant reader. With my children I focus on the positive , their gifts and try to reroute the negative talk. My oldest said, Yes, I am a brilliant reader". I have heard this over and over. Autistic kids do not like to be touched and they are violent. Well, autistic kids have personalities and some may be but people are people and everyone is different . My oldest is so opposite that it just tore at me she said that in front of him, without any concern for his feelings. Both of my Autistic boys loved to be held as babies, are extremely affectionate and it is simply sad they have to fight such ignorance.
Part of me understands where the misconception takes place. With severe autism the inability to understand and speak would inevitability result in your flight or fight mechanism kicking in at times. Some actions are also incredibly reflexive. What would it feel like to live in a foreign film with no subtitles and with the inability or severe struggle to learn the language around you. Any aggression I have seen from my third son has come from an inability for him to understand what is happening around him. Think of how comforting a mothers words can be, what if you could never or barley understood them. These comments have not only been made by strangers but also by family. It becomes very tiring, very quickly. My children have phenomenal hurdles to over come and are doing it everyday. Ignorance and rudeness just increases the number of road blocks they run into.
I was very proud of how my oldest handled the situation. Blessings are blessing!
My little girl was sleeping in my arms and I pulled our history book out to read to the boys in the waiting area. I began reading, then had a bit of conversation with a kind lady who works at the facility. My oldest was reciting from memory a game manual from one of his favorite games to her. As I was about to go back to reading, another mother asked if my oldest was autistic. She seemed bubbly and outgoing. I responded yes, he has Aspergers syndrome. Then she made a comment about how tired I looked and how they must wear me out. I said, "nope, not really". Her next comment was , "my best friends son was just diagnosed with Autism". She then moved over to me and right next to my son and said, " do you have problems with the violence with him." She pointed to him as if he were a museum exhibit instead of a human being.
My feelings on this comment. First, it was completely out of line and rude to say in front of a 10 year old, who happens to be the most mild mannered kid I have ever meant and has never raised a hand to anyone. My response was absolutely not, but he is a brillant reader. With my children I focus on the positive , their gifts and try to reroute the negative talk. My oldest said, Yes, I am a brilliant reader". I have heard this over and over. Autistic kids do not like to be touched and they are violent. Well, autistic kids have personalities and some may be but people are people and everyone is different . My oldest is so opposite that it just tore at me she said that in front of him, without any concern for his feelings. Both of my Autistic boys loved to be held as babies, are extremely affectionate and it is simply sad they have to fight such ignorance.
Part of me understands where the misconception takes place. With severe autism the inability to understand and speak would inevitability result in your flight or fight mechanism kicking in at times. Some actions are also incredibly reflexive. What would it feel like to live in a foreign film with no subtitles and with the inability or severe struggle to learn the language around you. Any aggression I have seen from my third son has come from an inability for him to understand what is happening around him. Think of how comforting a mothers words can be, what if you could never or barley understood them. These comments have not only been made by strangers but also by family. It becomes very tiring, very quickly. My children have phenomenal hurdles to over come and are doing it everyday. Ignorance and rudeness just increases the number of road blocks they run into.
I was very proud of how my oldest handled the situation. Blessings are blessing!
Monday, July 2, 2007
Food Allergies and Medications
I have written a previous post titled Always Double Check. I just wanted to add some information to that topic. The drug companies stance on this issue is no one should take medication with an ingredient they are allergic to. It is the doctors responsibility to know what the ingredients are before they are prescribing it and the risk to the patient. I completely agree and am thoroughly frustrated with doctors passive attitude about ingredients. I have also been told by the makers of these drugs that cases of anaphylactic shock have been reported.
So that being said, here is some info about specific drugs. The advair diskus contains lactose. The advair HFA inhaler does not. Zyrtec liquid does not contain lactose. The zyrtec chewable do contain lactose. The singular 10mg does contain lactose. The singular 4mg does not. Also the flovent inhalers HFA are safe from lactose.
I no longer ask pharmacists because they have to look up the info. I have only run into one doctor so far who was actually aware of ingrediants. I get the scripts and call the drug companies before I fill them. I would encourage every parent of children with allergies to double check with the drug companies. Simply put, no one else is going to look at the details as close as we are. Hope this info helps!
So that being said, here is some info about specific drugs. The advair diskus contains lactose. The advair HFA inhaler does not. Zyrtec liquid does not contain lactose. The zyrtec chewable do contain lactose. The singular 10mg does contain lactose. The singular 4mg does not. Also the flovent inhalers HFA are safe from lactose.
I no longer ask pharmacists because they have to look up the info. I have only run into one doctor so far who was actually aware of ingrediants. I get the scripts and call the drug companies before I fill them. I would encourage every parent of children with allergies to double check with the drug companies. Simply put, no one else is going to look at the details as close as we are. Hope this info helps!
Friday, June 29, 2007
Sometime rainy days can be full of sunshine!
Yesterday seemed to be a typical morning in our household. Each child was bountiful with energy and greeted me with a good morning hug. I fixed bacon and oatmeal for breakfast. While we were eating I read our history lesson about Clovis. Then the kids followed me to look up a grandfather in the genealogy information. We scurried around. "OK kids,teeth, hair, cloths and off we go".
We stopped at the supermarket to get diapers for my third son and off to speech therapy we went.
On the way to speech everyone was content with their own thoughts wondering through their mind, like streams running down mountains. Then my third son (Autistic) yelled out, "mama its a doggie". My mouth hung open with disbelief. He abruptly added, "its a car". This was a completely unprompted comment through his desire and ability to communicate with us. I suddenly remembered his first cry as a baby. That little sound that let me know he had safely arrived. His sweet cherub voice made my heart skip a beat and brought tears to my eyes.
Yesterday was full of hope and success with all my children . I believe when are given days with milestones they strengthen us for any storms that lie ahead. Thank god for our blessings and the sweet sounds we hear from our babies.
We stopped at the supermarket to get diapers for my third son and off to speech therapy we went.
On the way to speech everyone was content with their own thoughts wondering through their mind, like streams running down mountains. Then my third son (Autistic) yelled out, "mama its a doggie". My mouth hung open with disbelief. He abruptly added, "its a car". This was a completely unprompted comment through his desire and ability to communicate with us. I suddenly remembered his first cry as a baby. That little sound that let me know he had safely arrived. His sweet cherub voice made my heart skip a beat and brought tears to my eyes.
Yesterday was full of hope and success with all my children . I believe when are given days with milestones they strengthen us for any storms that lie ahead. Thank god for our blessings and the sweet sounds we hear from our babies.
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
The Baseball Season Begins
Since my last entry our family has been busy, busy, busy. Two new weekly events have been added to our schedule. My second son has started weekly allergy shots. Also, my two oldest boys are taking baseball for the first time. This has been a great experience for the kids and proven to be challenging.
My oldest son (AS) has issues with social skills along with the food allergies and asthma. His coach has been fantastic and very positive. During one of the his practices a team mate voiced an off comment which concerned me. Fortunately, their have been no problems. The kids and coaches have been very supportive. His first game he hit every ball pitched his way and made a nice play in the field. It really did bring a tear to my eye and just pure delight to my heart to see him succeed and surpass every ones expectations. It was wonderful to hear everyone support and cheer him on.
My second son has done well too and has a little trade mark move before he swings his bat. He is growing up so fast and is all about being cool. Definitely has the sports guy attitude. My son had a wonderful time and did so well. He nailed the ball twice and had an all around great game. After every game I bring the kids a snack because they can't have what each mother brings. My kids have been really understanding and mature about this and I am very proud of them. I baked cookies for his team on the first game. My cookies were made with the namaste cookie mix, egg replacer, apple juice , apple sauce, brown sugar and vanilla. I have already given the recipe out and everyone seemed to love them. My third son and baby girl were so well behaved through the whole evening. I am so grateful for the great memories the boys will have for there first games.
The boys played at the same time for their second game. We were glancing between fields. My oldest son was very distracted from the game. My husband was trying to encourage him to pay attention. We would go from son to son giving positive words and a cold sprite to drink. My second son after taking the catching equitment off walked into the dug out. I noticed his for head was very red. A couple of parents said it was probably from the equipment being tight. We looked him over, lifted his shirt etc to check for hives, no sign of anything anywhere else. I rushed my husband to look at it. Then our son raced back out to play. Another parent at the game started to ask a couple of questions and a conversation started. I was talking but my eyes , heart and mind were on my son. The whole situation placed me on the edge of my seat. When he came back in it was obvious it wasn't from the equipment and I lifted his shirt and saw three big hive son his back. I raced him out to the car gave him his benadryl and inhaler , with the epi ready. My husband pulled my oldest son out of his game and meant us at the hospital. By the time we got there his hives were clearing. The ER checked his peak ox and we did not have to admit him. So, it was a long night, and we felt very blessed it was under control and our babies were safely snuggled in their beds.
So we are busy, busy, busy. We are also about to add 2 other weekly therapies on my schedule. My autistic son is going in for an OT evaluation in addition to his 2 speech therapies a week. Hopefully, we will find an opening to start my daughters speech therapy as soon as possible. Lots of sports, therapies, doctors, cooking and school to do!
My oldest son (AS) has issues with social skills along with the food allergies and asthma. His coach has been fantastic and very positive. During one of the his practices a team mate voiced an off comment which concerned me. Fortunately, their have been no problems. The kids and coaches have been very supportive. His first game he hit every ball pitched his way and made a nice play in the field. It really did bring a tear to my eye and just pure delight to my heart to see him succeed and surpass every ones expectations. It was wonderful to hear everyone support and cheer him on.
My second son has done well too and has a little trade mark move before he swings his bat. He is growing up so fast and is all about being cool. Definitely has the sports guy attitude. My son had a wonderful time and did so well. He nailed the ball twice and had an all around great game. After every game I bring the kids a snack because they can't have what each mother brings. My kids have been really understanding and mature about this and I am very proud of them. I baked cookies for his team on the first game. My cookies were made with the namaste cookie mix, egg replacer, apple juice , apple sauce, brown sugar and vanilla. I have already given the recipe out and everyone seemed to love them. My third son and baby girl were so well behaved through the whole evening. I am so grateful for the great memories the boys will have for there first games.
The boys played at the same time for their second game. We were glancing between fields. My oldest son was very distracted from the game. My husband was trying to encourage him to pay attention. We would go from son to son giving positive words and a cold sprite to drink. My second son after taking the catching equitment off walked into the dug out. I noticed his for head was very red. A couple of parents said it was probably from the equipment being tight. We looked him over, lifted his shirt etc to check for hives, no sign of anything anywhere else. I rushed my husband to look at it. Then our son raced back out to play. Another parent at the game started to ask a couple of questions and a conversation started. I was talking but my eyes , heart and mind were on my son. The whole situation placed me on the edge of my seat. When he came back in it was obvious it wasn't from the equipment and I lifted his shirt and saw three big hive son his back. I raced him out to the car gave him his benadryl and inhaler , with the epi ready. My husband pulled my oldest son out of his game and meant us at the hospital. By the time we got there his hives were clearing. The ER checked his peak ox and we did not have to admit him. So, it was a long night, and we felt very blessed it was under control and our babies were safely snuggled in their beds.
So we are busy, busy, busy. We are also about to add 2 other weekly therapies on my schedule. My autistic son is going in for an OT evaluation in addition to his 2 speech therapies a week. Hopefully, we will find an opening to start my daughters speech therapy as soon as possible. Lots of sports, therapies, doctors, cooking and school to do!
Friday, June 22, 2007
Recipe - Cabbage Rolls
This is a family favorite. For our family of 6, I double the recipe. That way I have plenty of yummy left overs.
12 Cabbage leaves
1 pd ground beef
1/2 cup uncooked rice
1 can tomato sauce
1 teaspoon salt
1/8 pepper
1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
1 medium chopped onion
1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
1 Tablespoon cornstarch
1 can sauerkraut 14 oz
1 can diced tomatoes (28 oz) drained
Soften Cabbage leaves by steaming the head of cabbage for approximately 10 minutes and remove leaves. Drain and set aside.
Set oven to 350 degrees. In a large bowl mix beef, rice 1/2 of the tomato sauce, the salt, pepper, garlic, and onions. In each leaf place about 1/3 cup of the beef mixture and roll the leaf. Place them seam side down in a square baking dish. Then in a small bowl mix the rest of the tomato sauce with lemon and sugar. Pour over cabbage rolls. Then pour sauerkraut over the cabbage rolls. Then drain the diced tomatoes and layer those on top of the sauerkraut. Cover and bake for about 1 hour.
When cooked, place cabbage roll on platter. Strain sauerkraut and diced tomatoes from juices. Place sauerkraut and tomatoes in a serving dish. Place juices in a small saucepan. Add cornstarch and heat to a boil for a minute. Then pour sauce over cabbage rolls.
12 Cabbage leaves
1 pd ground beef
1/2 cup uncooked rice
1 can tomato sauce
1 teaspoon salt
1/8 pepper
1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
1 medium chopped onion
1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
1 Tablespoon cornstarch
1 can sauerkraut 14 oz
1 can diced tomatoes (28 oz) drained
Soften Cabbage leaves by steaming the head of cabbage for approximately 10 minutes and remove leaves. Drain and set aside.
Set oven to 350 degrees. In a large bowl mix beef, rice 1/2 of the tomato sauce, the salt, pepper, garlic, and onions. In each leaf place about 1/3 cup of the beef mixture and roll the leaf. Place them seam side down in a square baking dish. Then in a small bowl mix the rest of the tomato sauce with lemon and sugar. Pour over cabbage rolls. Then pour sauerkraut over the cabbage rolls. Then drain the diced tomatoes and layer those on top of the sauerkraut. Cover and bake for about 1 hour.
When cooked, place cabbage roll on platter. Strain sauerkraut and diced tomatoes from juices. Place sauerkraut and tomatoes in a serving dish. Place juices in a small saucepan. Add cornstarch and heat to a boil for a minute. Then pour sauce over cabbage rolls.
Saturday, May 12, 2007
A Circle of Thought
A rumble in the night, I hear a faint cry.
I wake and rub the sleep from my eyes.
I turn to my blessing my gifts of all gifts
and pick him up and sing for a bit.
He slowly relaxes because he knows it is only I,
The mother that will see clearly into his eyes.
Oblivious by what others may say,
My son is a blessing, I can see him in no other way.
Others talk about pity, sorrow, loss and grief,
For he may not grow to be what they envision as their belief.
I have so much to teach him, so much to say,
Because he is a true reflection of the love I feel everyday.
A hug, a glance and tender nudge of his cheek,
Is his way of telling me, he believes in me.
Nothing is taken for granted, but seen for what it is worth,
Each moment, a blessing, a gift, a snow flake that can not be duplicated on earth.
For my son is my hero, although he may not know the words I say,
His communications are like rainbows upon cloudy days.
BY Reva
I wake and rub the sleep from my eyes.
I turn to my blessing my gifts of all gifts
and pick him up and sing for a bit.
He slowly relaxes because he knows it is only I,
The mother that will see clearly into his eyes.
Oblivious by what others may say,
My son is a blessing, I can see him in no other way.
Others talk about pity, sorrow, loss and grief,
For he may not grow to be what they envision as their belief.
I have so much to teach him, so much to say,
Because he is a true reflection of the love I feel everyday.
A hug, a glance and tender nudge of his cheek,
Is his way of telling me, he believes in me.
Nothing is taken for granted, but seen for what it is worth,
Each moment, a blessing, a gift, a snow flake that can not be duplicated on earth.
For my son is my hero, although he may not know the words I say,
His communications are like rainbows upon cloudy days.
BY Reva
Friday, May 4, 2007
I am glad to hear my blog is being read. Thanks! When I first started homeschooling I signed onto to a Asperger's homeschooling group on line and it was just good to know I wasn't alone and others understood. I hope some of our everyday happenings are connecting with others.
As far as the allergic ingredients in meds. Your gut instinct as a parent is worth ten medical degrees. If she is reactive at all I would insist on a med change. If they are working for her, they are working. I can share what I have been told about the specific medicines my son is on and I hope this helps. The zyrtec liquid has no lactose, the Zyrtec chewble does . I have insisted the kids stay on the liquid. The flovent inhaler is fine, but the turbo inhaler has lactose. The singular is safe in the 4mg chewable, but the 10mg has lactose. I hope this helps.
In regards to "denaturing". My understanding of this is that it has to be heated long enough at a high enough temperature for the proteins to truly break down. I believe the whey of milk is easily denatured but the casein is not. My other line of reasoning is if the doctors are hoping my kids will outgrow some of these through avoidance how can it be ok to allow the proteins in their body.
I guess my next question would be what forms of med is she on and how is she reacting to them. I would also watch for bowel symptoms to clue you in. When you stop eating milk , your body might not digest it as easily after a while. If the lactose is bugging her you might start to see diarrhea. I hope this information helps. I am very sorry this response has taken so long. It has been an extremely hectic week. Hang in there!
As far as the allergic ingredients in meds. Your gut instinct as a parent is worth ten medical degrees. If she is reactive at all I would insist on a med change. If they are working for her, they are working. I can share what I have been told about the specific medicines my son is on and I hope this helps. The zyrtec liquid has no lactose, the Zyrtec chewble does . I have insisted the kids stay on the liquid. The flovent inhaler is fine, but the turbo inhaler has lactose. The singular is safe in the 4mg chewable, but the 10mg has lactose. I hope this helps.
In regards to "denaturing". My understanding of this is that it has to be heated long enough at a high enough temperature for the proteins to truly break down. I believe the whey of milk is easily denatured but the casein is not. My other line of reasoning is if the doctors are hoping my kids will outgrow some of these through avoidance how can it be ok to allow the proteins in their body.
I guess my next question would be what forms of med is she on and how is she reacting to them. I would also watch for bowel symptoms to clue you in. When you stop eating milk , your body might not digest it as easily after a while. If the lactose is bugging her you might start to see diarrhea. I hope this information helps. I am very sorry this response has taken so long. It has been an extremely hectic week. Hang in there!
Monday, April 23, 2007
Always double check
Last week ended with a bit of frustration. My second son has had a horrible barky cough that seems to have originated with his last illness in mid January. He has been on four cycles of antibiotics and they have changed his asthma meds. This is very aggravating trying to explain to new doctors our childrens normal state of health. His asthma can be very triggery but not this consistent for this long. His asthma has not been this out of control since his first diagnosis as an infant. He is the most active of my children and it breaks my heart to see him struggle with this.
So it seems a logical step to try new medicines. Here is a word of wisdom. Never assume doctors know what the inactive ingredients are in medicine. Even after I have firmly asked, they have to look it up or they don't know. This had happened several times in Illinois. In Kansas, I have walked out of doctors offices with two prescriptions that contain lactose (dairy derived). The prescriptions were for both of my children who are highly allergic to dairy. Even our allergists have made these mistakes. Our allergist in Illinois claimed they had never had a problem giving these medicines to their dairy allergic patients. On the other hand, if you call the drug companies they will tell you not to use them if you are allergic to any component of the medicine. I have even been told the insurance company would fight us on giving the liquid zyrtec to my older son because at his age he should have the chewables. That was over-rided because I had double checked on the doctors script and found that unlike the liquid, the chewable had dairy in it. Well, they did it again with my sons new asthma meds. They contain lactose, dairy derived.
Today, I am calling to inform them of their mistake and get a recommendation for a pulmonologist. Neither the allergist or MD have been able to help him. In our previous home we had a very high level of radon we were unaware of until we moved out. The radon level reading was 20 and windows etc were not open regularly due to all the allergies. So, I am hoping the pulmonologist will be able to gain control of his asthma and check him out thoroughly. The down fall is it is a new specialist that could take a month or two to get into. If there is one thing I have learned, if you have a gut feeling , follow it and be aggressive until the issue has improved.
I did receive some uplifting news on Friday during my Daughter's speech evaluation. Although she will require speech therapy once a week the professional evaluating her did not believe she is on the autistic spectrum. After hearing this, I took a deep sigh of relief and the tension melted from my neck and back. IT felt as if my lips had been puckered, cheeks ballooned out and was turning colors from lack of oxygen and had been completely unaware of it. I have learned to try and take deep breaths when we are given blessings, helps us weather the storms.
On another positive note, as a family we accomplished quite a bit this weekend. We set up their play set in out backyard, set up the picnic area, started establishing the picture exchange system for one of my autistic children, cooked on the grill and just spent some real quality time as a family. My husband worked hard making the play area, hauling the picnic table into place and laying the mulch. I have no idea how he was able to dig up our soil. I believe a more accurate description would be clay cement.
Our children played and helped with our projects. It was so good to see them out and enjoying the weather. My second son and daughter were being archaeologists, making exciting discoveries. My oldest son was laughing uncontrollably as his kite would dive bomb at different people in the family. Kansas wind is amazing. Such a look of pure joy and enthusiasm. He was in a state of genuine hilarity. My third son looked like a rocket ship upon lift off to see his play set up. It is so nice to see his angelic smile. It seems to me it is all the little things that make life special.
I also wanted to mention another treat my kids love to gobble up. Take several colors of jello layer them in a glass and put various types of fruit with in the layers. Fresh blueberries, strawberries etc. Another one to try is a smoothie made with fresh banana, frozen strawberries
and apple juice. Tonight is cabbage rolls for dinner. I just ordered from shopbydiet, so as soon as we get our shipment, it is chocolate cookies for everyone. Yum! Guess I have a sweet tooth this morning.
This weeks agenda, lots of speech therapy, homeschooling, more organizing, cleaning, cooking, one GI appointment, one neurology appointment and lots of hugs and kisses for the family. Smile at the little things, you might end up smiling more than you would think!
So it seems a logical step to try new medicines. Here is a word of wisdom. Never assume doctors know what the inactive ingredients are in medicine. Even after I have firmly asked, they have to look it up or they don't know. This had happened several times in Illinois. In Kansas, I have walked out of doctors offices with two prescriptions that contain lactose (dairy derived). The prescriptions were for both of my children who are highly allergic to dairy. Even our allergists have made these mistakes. Our allergist in Illinois claimed they had never had a problem giving these medicines to their dairy allergic patients. On the other hand, if you call the drug companies they will tell you not to use them if you are allergic to any component of the medicine. I have even been told the insurance company would fight us on giving the liquid zyrtec to my older son because at his age he should have the chewables. That was over-rided because I had double checked on the doctors script and found that unlike the liquid, the chewable had dairy in it. Well, they did it again with my sons new asthma meds. They contain lactose, dairy derived.
Today, I am calling to inform them of their mistake and get a recommendation for a pulmonologist. Neither the allergist or MD have been able to help him. In our previous home we had a very high level of radon we were unaware of until we moved out. The radon level reading was 20 and windows etc were not open regularly due to all the allergies. So, I am hoping the pulmonologist will be able to gain control of his asthma and check him out thoroughly. The down fall is it is a new specialist that could take a month or two to get into. If there is one thing I have learned, if you have a gut feeling , follow it and be aggressive until the issue has improved.
I did receive some uplifting news on Friday during my Daughter's speech evaluation. Although she will require speech therapy once a week the professional evaluating her did not believe she is on the autistic spectrum. After hearing this, I took a deep sigh of relief and the tension melted from my neck and back. IT felt as if my lips had been puckered, cheeks ballooned out and was turning colors from lack of oxygen and had been completely unaware of it. I have learned to try and take deep breaths when we are given blessings, helps us weather the storms.
On another positive note, as a family we accomplished quite a bit this weekend. We set up their play set in out backyard, set up the picnic area, started establishing the picture exchange system for one of my autistic children, cooked on the grill and just spent some real quality time as a family. My husband worked hard making the play area, hauling the picnic table into place and laying the mulch. I have no idea how he was able to dig up our soil. I believe a more accurate description would be clay cement.
Our children played and helped with our projects. It was so good to see them out and enjoying the weather. My second son and daughter were being archaeologists, making exciting discoveries. My oldest son was laughing uncontrollably as his kite would dive bomb at different people in the family. Kansas wind is amazing. Such a look of pure joy and enthusiasm. He was in a state of genuine hilarity. My third son looked like a rocket ship upon lift off to see his play set up. It is so nice to see his angelic smile. It seems to me it is all the little things that make life special.
I also wanted to mention another treat my kids love to gobble up. Take several colors of jello layer them in a glass and put various types of fruit with in the layers. Fresh blueberries, strawberries etc. Another one to try is a smoothie made with fresh banana, frozen strawberries
and apple juice. Tonight is cabbage rolls for dinner. I just ordered from shopbydiet, so as soon as we get our shipment, it is chocolate cookies for everyone. Yum! Guess I have a sweet tooth this morning. This weeks agenda, lots of speech therapy, homeschooling, more organizing, cleaning, cooking, one GI appointment, one neurology appointment and lots of hugs and kisses for the family. Smile at the little things, you might end up smiling more than you would think!
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