I am not feeling very good today. I went into the doctor yesterday for what I thought was a UTI and found out it was a borderline kidney infection. Today, I think that it has gone into my kidneys for sure because my back hurts and the medicine they gave me isn't helping yet. I will be going bck to the doctor sometime today when I can.
The weather outside really matches how I feel, so I'm staying indoors working on laundry and trying to take it easy. A nap would be good but I am babysitting so that is out of the question. I am also entering all my loose recipes into my computer.
On a lighter note, Zennek is super excited that he learned how to tie his own shoes last week and I couldn't be more proud of him. It only took the one afternoon of him and I sitting together and he got it. It really is amazing how fast they grow. Hannah and Zennek start school on the 7th of September so that is just around the corner. I will be happy when they go back to school simply because it makes for a much more routine schedule and I tend to get more done when I'm home with just Jade.
Jade will be starting school next year. It really is amazing how fast time flies. Hannah is starting second grade and is thrilled to find out that she got the teacher she was hoping to get. Zennek is going into the 1st grade and has the same teacher that Hannah had last year.
Well, I'm off to go work on the tasks I can. Then, hopefully back to the doctor later for this pain.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Friday, August 27, 2010
Lsagna Soup
I just love Paula Deen. Everytime I get a chance to watch her show I find a recipe to try and they are always good. I saw a magazine of hers about a year ago and one of the recipes in it was Lasagna Soup. I have made this recipe three times and each and everytime it has come out great. It really does taste just like lasagna. So since I love it so much I fiugured I would share it with whoever wants it. I hope you try it, because if you do, trust me you won't make it just once.
Tastes like Lasagna Soup
Makes 8-10 servings
1 pound ground chuck
1 onion, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 (32 oz) boxed chicken broth
2 (14.5 oz) cans petit diced tomatoes
1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
1 tbls firmly packed brown sugar
2 tsp italian seasoning
1/2 tsp salt
2 cups broken lasagna noodles
1 (15 oz) package grated parmesan cheese
1 (5.5 oz) box italian seasoned croutons
2 cups shredded mozzarella
1. In a large pot, combine ground chuck, onion, bell pepper, and garlic; cook over medium-high heat, 8-10 minutes, stirring occassionally until beef is browned nd crumbles. Drain well.
2. Stir in broth, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, brown sugar, italian seasoning, and salt. Bring to boil over medium-high heat; reduce heat, and simmer 15 minutes. Add noodles, and simmer until noodles are tender. Stir in parmesan cheese.
3. Preheat broiler. Ladle soup into 10 ovenproof bowls. Top with croutons; sprinkle evenly with mozzarella cheese. Broil soups, 6 inches from heat, 3 to 4 minutes, or until cheese is browned and bubbly. Serve immediately.
Tastes like Lasagna Soup
Makes 8-10 servings
1 pound ground chuck
1 onion, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 (32 oz) boxed chicken broth
2 (14.5 oz) cans petit diced tomatoes
1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
1 tbls firmly packed brown sugar
2 tsp italian seasoning
1/2 tsp salt
2 cups broken lasagna noodles
1 (15 oz) package grated parmesan cheese
1 (5.5 oz) box italian seasoned croutons
2 cups shredded mozzarella
1. In a large pot, combine ground chuck, onion, bell pepper, and garlic; cook over medium-high heat, 8-10 minutes, stirring occassionally until beef is browned nd crumbles. Drain well.
2. Stir in broth, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, brown sugar, italian seasoning, and salt. Bring to boil over medium-high heat; reduce heat, and simmer 15 minutes. Add noodles, and simmer until noodles are tender. Stir in parmesan cheese.
3. Preheat broiler. Ladle soup into 10 ovenproof bowls. Top with croutons; sprinkle evenly with mozzarella cheese. Broil soups, 6 inches from heat, 3 to 4 minutes, or until cheese is browned and bubbly. Serve immediately.
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
A New Day
A new day and all new challenges to go with it. I woke up this morning and was once again bitten by the productive bug. I did have to give it a little push to take a nibble, but it finally did. I have lots of baking to do today. I was given two of the largest zucchinis I think I may have ever seen and I found two great recipes for a zucchini bread (both by Paula Dean both linked below).
Zucchini Bread
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/paula-deen/zucchini-bread-recipe/index.html
Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bread
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/paulas-home-cooking/chocolate-chip-zucchini-bread-recipe/index.html
I am happy to see the sun out today because I can open up the windows in the house and get some sunshine and fresh air. I am also happy that my sweetie bought me two potted day lilly plants and they are starting to produce flowers which are beautiful!
I have a long list of tasks for today and so far my body seems to be cooperative. Things are looking good for my day and I couldn't ask for more. Purging your house of unwanted and unneeded things really does a lot for the moral. I'm off to shed more clutter from my life.
Zucchini Bread
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/paula-deen/zucchini-bread-recipe/index.html
Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bread
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/paulas-home-cooking/chocolate-chip-zucchini-bread-recipe/index.html
I am happy to see the sun out today because I can open up the windows in the house and get some sunshine and fresh air. I am also happy that my sweetie bought me two potted day lilly plants and they are starting to produce flowers which are beautiful!
I have a long list of tasks for today and so far my body seems to be cooperative. Things are looking good for my day and I couldn't ask for more. Purging your house of unwanted and unneeded things really does a lot for the moral. I'm off to shed more clutter from my life.
Monday, August 23, 2010
A hitch in my get-along...
I was bitten early this morning by the productive bug and was ready to get on task the minute I got up out of bed. I wrote myself a list of everything I wanted to get done and started my day. I got a few things done and started having pain, so I had to stop and rest. Once again, I got started but the pain keeps coming back, so I am doing what I can while it doesn't hurt and taking breaks or working while sitting down when it does. (No need to worry, it is a normal pain, but one I just have to live with when it comes around.) The only thing that really bothers me is that I just can't do everything I had hoped to do today that involves standing up.
On another topic altogether, I will be going in for my small intestine biopsy on the 8th of September. The GI doctor is working me up to confirm or disconfirm the celiac sprue. They have found that I am not allergic, but sensitive to milk. I can eat cheese and yogurt and many other things with lactose in them, just not straight milk because it is so concentrated and doesn't agree with me.
I can't help the situations that I am given, but I can learn to work with each thing as it arises. I will take life easy when I can't do anything else, but I am happy that I aside from the occasional set-back, I have had a great deal of energy and motivation to make my life better. Organizing my life and home are my top priority right now and I think I am doing pretty good at it if I do say so myself. The only thing that will make things easier for me to do all this is when the kids return to school (not until the 7th) and I have a better grip on the daily routine without having to entertain them while trying to get everything else done. I love having them home, but life is much more predictable and scheduleable during the school year.
Well, I'm off to go get a few more things done while I can. I hope everyone is having a good afternoon. :-)
On another topic altogether, I will be going in for my small intestine biopsy on the 8th of September. The GI doctor is working me up to confirm or disconfirm the celiac sprue. They have found that I am not allergic, but sensitive to milk. I can eat cheese and yogurt and many other things with lactose in them, just not straight milk because it is so concentrated and doesn't agree with me.
I can't help the situations that I am given, but I can learn to work with each thing as it arises. I will take life easy when I can't do anything else, but I am happy that I aside from the occasional set-back, I have had a great deal of energy and motivation to make my life better. Organizing my life and home are my top priority right now and I think I am doing pretty good at it if I do say so myself. The only thing that will make things easier for me to do all this is when the kids return to school (not until the 7th) and I have a better grip on the daily routine without having to entertain them while trying to get everything else done. I love having them home, but life is much more predictable and scheduleable during the school year.
Well, I'm off to go get a few more things done while I can. I hope everyone is having a good afternoon. :-)
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Hard Work Does Pay Off...
I feel like I haven't sat down in nearly forever. I have been working on getting rid of all sorts of stuff in my house and organizing it at the same time. When I'm not doing that, I'm doing one of three things: eating, sleeping or I'm not at home.
I have decluttered my desk and I now have enough space to put together a puzzle and still have room to work. Over a year ago, when the kids weren't home for a little while, I put together this same puzzle and had intended to glue it together and frame it to put on my wall. It is a Thomas kinkade painting of the cottage of the Seven Dwarfs (and as most people know, I am an avid Snow White collector.) As soon as I got it completed (I believe it's approximately 5000 pieces) I received the call that I needed to come and get my kids and finally bring them home, so back in the box the puzzle went; the trip was immediate and I had no time to do anything else. Now I don't have anywhere to put together a puzzle, especially one of that size, without it being in the way so I am thrilled to have the desk space.
Along with accomplishing my desk, I have defeated both bathrooms with great success. I have gone through all the towels and taken out all the worn and unneeded items. I have organized my bedroom and only have a little bit more to go on it. My kitchen is coming together, but I am still trying to figure out a few things since there just isn't enough cupboard space (I have a lot to store, and most appliances are not small.)
All the while, I am still cooking, cleaning, doing laundry, raising three kids, running errands, and babysitting 5 other children. I don't always get as much done as I had planned on each morning, but I am still very happy with my work.
A Side Note: Please, for all of you who appreciate someone, let them know it. It isn't always obvious and not being appriciated can really hurt sometimes. I propose to you that you go out of your way and let 10 people you appreciate, know that you do. I also propose to you that you take time out of everyday and let your significant other know three things that you appreciate that they did that day. Your life will be much happier and you will receive back more than you ever imagined!
I have decluttered my desk and I now have enough space to put together a puzzle and still have room to work. Over a year ago, when the kids weren't home for a little while, I put together this same puzzle and had intended to glue it together and frame it to put on my wall. It is a Thomas kinkade painting of the cottage of the Seven Dwarfs (and as most people know, I am an avid Snow White collector.) As soon as I got it completed (I believe it's approximately 5000 pieces) I received the call that I needed to come and get my kids and finally bring them home, so back in the box the puzzle went; the trip was immediate and I had no time to do anything else. Now I don't have anywhere to put together a puzzle, especially one of that size, without it being in the way so I am thrilled to have the desk space.
Along with accomplishing my desk, I have defeated both bathrooms with great success. I have gone through all the towels and taken out all the worn and unneeded items. I have organized my bedroom and only have a little bit more to go on it. My kitchen is coming together, but I am still trying to figure out a few things since there just isn't enough cupboard space (I have a lot to store, and most appliances are not small.)
All the while, I am still cooking, cleaning, doing laundry, raising three kids, running errands, and babysitting 5 other children. I don't always get as much done as I had planned on each morning, but I am still very happy with my work.
A Side Note: Please, for all of you who appreciate someone, let them know it. It isn't always obvious and not being appriciated can really hurt sometimes. I propose to you that you go out of your way and let 10 people you appreciate, know that you do. I also propose to you that you take time out of everyday and let your significant other know three things that you appreciate that they did that day. Your life will be much happier and you will receive back more than you ever imagined!
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Kitty Cat Alarm clock
Early this morning I was abruptly awoken by what I think was two cats fighting under the back porch that is by my bedroom sliding glass door. I know for sure there was one cat involved, but I never saw the other animal. I guess that is my cue to get up and get going for the day. I have a long list of things to do today and it works out for me because I don't have any extra kids at the house today. I have two appointmets to go to this afternoon, laundry to work on (it never ends), and many other various tasks that involve de-cluttering and downsizing all over the house.
I am flat out tired of having so much stuff. Is it weird that I want a label-maker for my birthday? I know it is an odd birthday present, but I am now thinking a lot more practically when it comes to these things and I could really use one.
I have already gotten five boxes packed up of things to either put in a yardsale or to donate to a Goodwill store. One room at a time and I am slowly getting there. I still have so much stuff to go through, but the progress is always nice to see. This task is somewhat challenging with all the extra kids running around, but it is still manageable. Babysitting is a good way to make a little extra money, but it sure makes other tasks harder, so I'm learning to balance the two.
Well, I'm off to start my day a bit early, not so much by choice, but because the kitties think it is a good idea. I'm hoping this means I either get to stop earlier tonight or I get a lot more done; we'll see. :-)
I am flat out tired of having so much stuff. Is it weird that I want a label-maker for my birthday? I know it is an odd birthday present, but I am now thinking a lot more practically when it comes to these things and I could really use one.
I have already gotten five boxes packed up of things to either put in a yardsale or to donate to a Goodwill store. One room at a time and I am slowly getting there. I still have so much stuff to go through, but the progress is always nice to see. This task is somewhat challenging with all the extra kids running around, but it is still manageable. Babysitting is a good way to make a little extra money, but it sure makes other tasks harder, so I'm learning to balance the two.
Well, I'm off to start my day a bit early, not so much by choice, but because the kitties think it is a good idea. I'm hoping this means I either get to stop earlier tonight or I get a lot more done; we'll see. :-)
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
More Doctors
So, right after giving birth to the last baby, the doctor drew about two dozen viles more of blood to do investigating on. The results were that I had two other factors (other than the factor V leiden) that cause blood clotting. At least one of these can be affected by the hormones of pregnancy so when I went in for my checkup a week ago, they re-drew the blood to retest; come to find out, the hormonees weren't the reason for the levels being off.
The doctor has now put in for me to go to a hemotologist to see if they want to put me on an aspirin daily or possibly even blood thinners on a daily to keep me from clotting. They have determined that I will never again take any estrogen containing medications because these also cause clotting. So, we'll see what happens from there.
I also have an appointment to consult with the GI doctor to see if I really do have Celiac Disease or not. I'm not too concerned with this appointment because it is just a consult. After that, I'm a little nervous because I'm pretty sure they plan on doing a biopsy on my small intestines and the word biopsy anywhere just sounds a bit scary.
I also have to take Jade in for her next set of shots pretty soon and I am pretty sure she won't be very happy with that. I will be happy once school starts and I only have one child to take to the mulitude of doctor's visits. For now, I've got a ready bag of coloring books, snacks, and a few toys to keep them all occupied. I'm also looking forward to next year when all the kids are in school and I will be able to either go to school myself or something else like that; the possiblities are endless really.
Well, one day at a time and I am getting a lot done, so I am happy.
The doctor has now put in for me to go to a hemotologist to see if they want to put me on an aspirin daily or possibly even blood thinners on a daily to keep me from clotting. They have determined that I will never again take any estrogen containing medications because these also cause clotting. So, we'll see what happens from there.
I also have an appointment to consult with the GI doctor to see if I really do have Celiac Disease or not. I'm not too concerned with this appointment because it is just a consult. After that, I'm a little nervous because I'm pretty sure they plan on doing a biopsy on my small intestines and the word biopsy anywhere just sounds a bit scary.
I also have to take Jade in for her next set of shots pretty soon and I am pretty sure she won't be very happy with that. I will be happy once school starts and I only have one child to take to the mulitude of doctor's visits. For now, I've got a ready bag of coloring books, snacks, and a few toys to keep them all occupied. I'm also looking forward to next year when all the kids are in school and I will be able to either go to school myself or something else like that; the possiblities are endless really.
Well, one day at a time and I am getting a lot done, so I am happy.
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Another Day of Being Busy...But Excited Fot It
I have been a very busy lady lately. Over the last month and a half, I have thoroughly cleaned my living room and kitchen while packing up things that I no longer need. I have traveled across country to take the kids to visit their dad. I have traveled out of state to visit family. I have caught up with two cousins that I hadn't seen in years. (Both of these visits were entirely too short, but well enjoyed.) We have also, been camping. Today I have been going through the mountains of stuff that has consumed my bedroom for many months now. I've also been working on the laundry intermittently.
I also started babysitting Monday-Friday last week. This weekend Chris and I are going to a marriage workshop where the kids have their own fun stuff to do while we are busy. (We aren't in need of any marital help, but it is always nice to hear different stratigies to keep a marriage happy.) There is a waterpark and many other fun activities for the kids at the hotel. Next weekend, I am sitting two other children (not the two I watch M-F) while Chris goes out to an offroading event. After that, I think I may take a weekend off and just spend it at home.
I have had a bug to clean my house and luckily it hasn't decided to leave. I am very proud of how much I have accomplished in such a short time. It is really strange what tragedy can do to a person's frame of mind. I had been fairly depressed for a little while and wasn't physically able to do much during the pregnancy due to complications. After loosing the baby, I was upset for a few weeks, but then something just switched off and changed how I viewed things. I am happy to say that I have a pretty clear vision of what I want in my future and I am working hard to get there. This includes enjoying my life day to day and taking care of the things I need to take care of to make it all run smoother.
I'm not so sure what the future has planned for me, but I know now that I will be prepared for whatever it is. Will you....?
I also started babysitting Monday-Friday last week. This weekend Chris and I are going to a marriage workshop where the kids have their own fun stuff to do while we are busy. (We aren't in need of any marital help, but it is always nice to hear different stratigies to keep a marriage happy.) There is a waterpark and many other fun activities for the kids at the hotel. Next weekend, I am sitting two other children (not the two I watch M-F) while Chris goes out to an offroading event. After that, I think I may take a weekend off and just spend it at home.
I have had a bug to clean my house and luckily it hasn't decided to leave. I am very proud of how much I have accomplished in such a short time. It is really strange what tragedy can do to a person's frame of mind. I had been fairly depressed for a little while and wasn't physically able to do much during the pregnancy due to complications. After loosing the baby, I was upset for a few weeks, but then something just switched off and changed how I viewed things. I am happy to say that I have a pretty clear vision of what I want in my future and I am working hard to get there. This includes enjoying my life day to day and taking care of the things I need to take care of to make it all run smoother.
I'm not so sure what the future has planned for me, but I know now that I will be prepared for whatever it is. Will you....?
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Photos
It's been a while so, here are a few pictures. Hope you enjoy them.
My Grama Nancy, My Mom Dianna, Me, Hannah, Zennek & Jade
JJ
Jade loved my Cousin Carmen
I just love it when she smiles
Hannah feeding the llamas
Zennek feeding the goats
Jade feeding the goats
Zennek, just relaxing
Jade being a cute little ham
The little lady, the ladies man, and the little princess
Aren't they just adorable?!
Monday, August 2, 2010
Busy, Busy, Busy...But Enjoying it All
I have been running around continueously for weeks now and it is nice to be home. It is especially nice to sit in my living room in the almost total silence this morning, just taking in the little sounds I rarely get to hear. All I can hear right now are the tic-tocking of my clock and my refridgerator; it's very calming. I am really taking it in because this kind of quiet doesn't happen long around here. I am waiting for the two girls I start babysitting today. I have known these girls for about a year, they are my neighbor's daughters and are a delight to have around. Although, I know that everyone will be up and bustling around once they arrive, so here I sit enjoying the peaceful quiet.
Yesterday was very nice; the kids and I traveled to Corvallis, OR and visited some family. The kids were all very happy to meet my cousin Carmen who lives in NY and I haven't seen in 12 years; I was excited too. Jade sang New York, New York for her and it was a hit. I also got to hold a beautiful little angel named Charlotte, she is so precious and is lucky to have my cousin Lissa and her husband Nate for parents. My Aunt Shelley (Carmen and Lissa's mother) opened her home to a crowd of nearly 30 for this occasion and put on a nice lunch. It is always fun to visit, but it was a long drive home so we couldn't stay as long as I would have liked.
I am very excited for Friday, but not because it is Friday; I get to see another one of my cousins that I haven't seen in quite some time. Mandy is my cousin from my other side of the family and I hadn't seen her since Jade was 10 months old (she is now 4). It will be nice to be able to see her because I have missed her on two other occasions in the last couple of years.
After I get to spend the afternoon with my cousin and take her to the airport, I am driving out to Elbe to go camping with the offroading group Chris is a part of. The kids love camping in our back yard and are very excited to go "real" camping this weekend. I will have Monday to recoup before going back to babysitting on Tuesday, for the rest of the week.
Next weekend Chris and I are going to a marriage retreat at the Great Wolf Lodge. The kids are all excited for this because they get to come along too and do other activities with many other children while we are participating in ours. I'm sure it will be fun for everyone and a nice little vacation.
After that I'm sure there will be more to do, but that is enough for now. What a great summer it has been so far and I am looking forward to spending the rest of it playing with my kids all the while juggling babysitting, housework and relaxing at the end of the nights with my sweetheart. I am really enjoying the simple things in life right now, and it is very nice.
Yesterday was very nice; the kids and I traveled to Corvallis, OR and visited some family. The kids were all very happy to meet my cousin Carmen who lives in NY and I haven't seen in 12 years; I was excited too. Jade sang New York, New York for her and it was a hit. I also got to hold a beautiful little angel named Charlotte, she is so precious and is lucky to have my cousin Lissa and her husband Nate for parents. My Aunt Shelley (Carmen and Lissa's mother) opened her home to a crowd of nearly 30 for this occasion and put on a nice lunch. It is always fun to visit, but it was a long drive home so we couldn't stay as long as I would have liked.
I am very excited for Friday, but not because it is Friday; I get to see another one of my cousins that I haven't seen in quite some time. Mandy is my cousin from my other side of the family and I hadn't seen her since Jade was 10 months old (she is now 4). It will be nice to be able to see her because I have missed her on two other occasions in the last couple of years.
After I get to spend the afternoon with my cousin and take her to the airport, I am driving out to Elbe to go camping with the offroading group Chris is a part of. The kids love camping in our back yard and are very excited to go "real" camping this weekend. I will have Monday to recoup before going back to babysitting on Tuesday, for the rest of the week.
Next weekend Chris and I are going to a marriage retreat at the Great Wolf Lodge. The kids are all excited for this because they get to come along too and do other activities with many other children while we are participating in ours. I'm sure it will be fun for everyone and a nice little vacation.
After that I'm sure there will be more to do, but that is enough for now. What a great summer it has been so far and I am looking forward to spending the rest of it playing with my kids all the while juggling babysitting, housework and relaxing at the end of the nights with my sweetheart. I am really enjoying the simple things in life right now, and it is very nice.
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