The Results are in...

I finally have the official results for the biopsy...and the GI doc confirmed it...I have Celiac Sprue. No more gluten for this girl. I am happy to have some answers for some medical issues, but disappointed for the fact that there are so so many things I can no longer have now that I love so much.

I am on the other hand trying to look on the bright side about things going on in my life. We did get bad news from the lender we spoke to...he denied us a loan so we had our hopes up and got then taken away, but we are speaking to a second lender that works a little differently, so cross your fingers for us.

Aside from that, nothing else is going on around here that is exciting. I am hoping things start looking up. I could really use some good news. We'll see.....

So Excited!

Chris went the other day to talk to someone about fixing our credit because the last time we checked it, it wasn't the greatest. Come to find out, it has gotten much better and it doesn't need to be fixed! We are both so excited because this means that we can start looking for our own house! Buying your first house (or even being able to) is a great feeling. I'm sure once we find one and then get it, it will feel even better.

We went out looking at a few houses today and it was so much fun. I can't wait to own my own home where we are getting something for the money we are putting into it. I am also thrilled to be able to do what I want with it. It feels so liberating. I am definately greatful to be able to have a roof over my head now, but knowing that the next roof we will be under is going to be OUR roof is such a calming feeling.

If you can't tell I am excited! I am still very nervous though because I am new to all this, but we are trying hard to work with a dear family friend who is in the business, so it will be nice to know someone has our backs. We'll see what happens...

Still Waiting

I am still waiting on the official results back from the doctor for the biopsy I had done yesterday. I Should know within two weeks. I do however have the tenative results. When they wheeled me into the room for the procedure the doctor came in and asked if I had any questions and then proceded to tell me that he had the results from the blood work that they had drawn. He told me that he had never seen levels so high. So, that right there is a strong indicator of having celiac sprue. Also, when the procedure was over and I woke up, he went over what he had seen and from a visual inspection thinks that I have it as well.

They still have to do a workup on the piece(s) they biopsied, but from the looks of it I am thinking I am going to permanantly have to go on the gluten-free diet. It is not exactly the easiest diet to follow (because gluten is in nearly EVERYTHING), but I know it can be done. There will also be some more blood work to be done, but all depends on what the biopsy results say. I'm trying to enjoy my current diet and not worry about it until I have to (that is what I've been directed to do.) Life is full of many little surprises and you just have to deal with each one as it comes long. I will definately keep everyone posted.

Update

Just thought I'd update everyone on what is going on...

Well, I just thought I'd let everyone know that my biopsy was re-scheduled for today instead of next week like it was planned for. Anyway, I did go back into the doctor the other day and it did progress to a kidney infection so they gave me stronger anti-biotics. Everything is fine, but I'm just not feeling up to par. I'll let everyone know how the biopsy went after I find out the results for it. I am supposed to come home tonight, so this is a pretty routine thing. Talk to you all soon.

Not Feeling Too Good

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.

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.

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.