Our weekend

We had a very busy weekend! Saturday was the day we celebrated Amelia's 6th birthday! Instead of a store bought cake, I decided to try and make/decorate one myself. The good news....it turned out round (after all...the cake pans were round). The bad news, I tried as hard as I could to make "pink"...but I ended up with this gross orange color. She insisted on chocolate frosting so the only thing I could do was to add some decorations. I dug out all of my cake decorating supplies and got to work! The icing was too thin and my hands were too shaky. I don't think Amelia noticed! She had a great time with friends and family!

Sunday, we took a nature walk as a family! The weather was perfect...not too hot...not too cold! However, it would have been nice if the sun made an appearance.
At the beginning of the trail, I noticed that one of God's little creatures had met with an unfortunate demise! All that was left was a foot and some feathers. There wasn't enough of it left to be able to tell what it was....but we think it was an Egret.

All I can say is that whatever it was....it fought the good fight...FOR SURE. It made whatever attacked it WORK for it!

My beautiful family.....I think you can click on the pictures to make them bigger (can you see Amelia?).

Some critter uses this for a shelter. Dan thought maybe it was a fox or a raccoon.

We must stop and do our exercises along the way!

Interesting little sign post on the way out! I always remember my eighth grade teacher (Sr. Madeline) talking about the Beatitudes. She used to remind us that the Beatitude does NOT say "Blessed are the peace keepers".....it says "Blessed are the peace MAKERS". She always said that meant we are to rock the boat a little. I agree!

And finally, tonight I decided to make breakfast for dinner! I have been so inspired by Amanda at I Am Baker and I Am Mommy, that I had to try these.....Rainbow Pancakes!! This was a lot of fun...even for me! Now...Amanda's are much prettier than mine! Her colors are much more vibrant. The kids LOVED them! They expect them to taste different though and it's hard to explain to Amelia and Olivia that...the food coloring doesn't change the flavor.

Incidentally....Amanda got some very interesting responses from her readers regarding these lovely pancakes. Some people really need to lighten up! BIG TIME! You can read what some readers wrote if you click here.

One other funny story about the pancakes. After we had finished eating, I got a call from a friend of mine who lives in Texas. I was sharing with her about my rainbow pancakes. She asked me if it had anything to do with Gay Pride Month! Are you kidding me ?????? I didn't even know they dedicated an entire MONTH to this group! Since when did the rainbow become exclusively owned by homosexuals? I mean, really!! Honestly, the first thing I think of when I see a rainbow........is Noah and his ark! So there!

Update/Update/Update!!!!! Please pray.....

My good friend, Therese from Aussie Coffee Shop, is at the hospital.....her baby is on the way! This will be baby #8 for she and her husband, Steve. Please take a few minutes to pray for a safe delivery!

UPDATE: Here is the information that Therese's husband, Steve, sent...


Joseph James was born about 12 hours ago at 21:30 Sunday night. Every thing went well although the final stages of labor seemed long. At 9cm dilation contractions began to decrease so they gave her more drugs to get it going. Spent several hours at 8 cm dilation. He was 8 pounds.

Can't remember how long or how big his head is but it was the biggest so far.

Got some video a few seconds after she delivered him so Therese might put it up later this week.

Thanks for your prayers.

Steve

Congratulations to the entire family!!!

********2nd update with pictures posted just minutes ago. Click here to see Joseph!!!********

....A couple of things....

• I don't think I have ever been so glad that today is FRIDAY! For me, it's been one of those weeks where I am emotionally and physically drained. I'm on the edge and I'm really not sure why. It seems that for the past several days, I've been on the edge of tears constantly! I know the answer is prayer...to draw myself closer to God. I hate the desert.
• We're having a small birthday party for Amelia tomorrow. This means I'm going to stress out about how clean the house is! When I'm expecting company is the one time in my life I develop OCD!
• Today ends Catholic Schools Week! It has been very busy. Our school is celebrating Grandparents Day with a special Mass and visits to each child's classroom by their grandparents. Dan's parents can't make it today....this is actually a good thing. Amelia has a follow up appointment with the dentist to check her caps. I thought about keeping all of them home because they are out at noon anyway. Sometimes the logistics of daily life is the one thing that can throw me over the edge! Thank God Dan is off today as I've got to work.
• I love my job! Well, what I mean is...I love (and am so grateful for) having a job! We live within 3 miles of where I work and where the kids go to school! However, I work with a lot of non Catholics....or...rather...ex Catholics. This can be hard sometimes. They have a lot of anger at the Church and sometimes, I get the brunt of this. I realize that some consider this a blessing...that being persecuted for your beliefs is an honor....a step closer to martyrdom. Here's the thing.....I don't want to be a martyr.
• There are many in my life that are suffering right now with illnesses. A lot of them with cancer. They are young and old. Some days I can accept this better than others. Today is not one of them. Please pray for all of those who are sick. Thank you.
• Whining over now. Thanks for listening.

My miracle baby!

Happy 6th Birthday, Amelia! Mommy and Daddy love you more than you will ever know! You are our miracle baby. I will never forget the day you were born....not ever! It was the first time in my life that God was tangible to me! You are so special! Hugs and kisses on your special day!!

I'm Torn!

As most of you know, I'm a HUGE Lost fan! I've been waiting forever for the final season to begin! Well, the season starts tonight! I'm so excited! However, last night I got a call from a good friend reminding me about another commitment I had made for tonight. Yikes! You see, a couple of months ago, some friends and I had made the decision that we would go see the Bill O'Reilly/Glenn Beck show "The Bold Fresh Tour". Unfortunately, they weren't coming to Jacksonville....but they would be in Tampa. Well, to make a long story short....the tickets sold out in about 3 hours! We never had a chance!

Then we heard they were going to do a live simulcast of the show at various movie theatres around town. *Sigh*, we couldn't get tickets for that one either! However, they are replaying it tonight. I must not have been thinking straight when I said I would go because I'm sure I would have never said "yes" if I knew it was the SEASON OPENER FOR LOST! Ah, such is life! Dan said he would record it for me. But, if I had to choose between Beck/O'Reilly and Jack /Sawyer.....I'd pick Jack & Sawyer EVERY TIME!

Father/Daughter Dance

I thought I would post some pictures from Amelia's very first Father/Daughter Dance. She really had a great time. I would say Amelia is somewhat of a free spirit and to be able to dance around a huge room and "let loose"...well, let's just say this is right up her alley!

Amelia in all her glory!

Amelia and Daddy

The theme for the dance was "Winter Wonderland"!

Amelia and her best friend, Kate.

Amelia....trying to line dance!

A couple of things...

1. I lost 3.4 lbs this week! That's a total of 13.2! I'm on a roll. According to previous weight-loss history....I lose it quickly at first...and then s-l-o-w way down as the weeks pass. In the end, I think it's better to lose it slowly. What is most different about this time around is that, I have a goal! My goal is not just to lose the weight, but to actually run a 5K! Ok, you can get up off the floor now! I have decided to begin a new program called Couch-to-5K. I know that any kind of running program might seem pretty drastic for someone like me (who views exercise as a disease), but, you start out very slow and work your way up. I'm pretty excited about it, actually. I bought new running shoes today (haven't had a new pair of shoes in almost 3 years!)....they were on sale and I had a coupon. I now have a really nice pair of Women's Nikes for barely $17.

2. Friday night was the annual Father/Daughter Dance at school. This was Amelia's first time! She and Dan had a great time! I will post some pictures when I have a chance to upload them. Next week is Amelia's 6th birthday! I can't believe that exactly 6 years ago today, Dan and I were visiting a funeral home and cemetery as we were told that she might not make it once she was born. One of these days I'll have to write a post about her birth story...but for now, just know that she is a living, breathing, walking MIRACLE! I kid you not! I will forever be grateful to the Infant of Prague for her healing!

3. Speaking of Amelia....this afternoon while we were on our way to the shoe store, we passed a housing development near our home that has a huge brick-like sign stating the name of the neighborhood. As we passed by, Amelia shouts out....."Look mom, there's a purgatory stone...and it's a big one!" I was confused! "What is a purgatory stone, Amelia?", I asked. She replied, "You know, where they bury all the dead people!". I was still not getting it. Nathan had to clarify..."Mom, she means a 'cemetery stone'...you know...a HEAD STONE!" Oh, now I get it!

4. Not to be outdone by her sister....Olivia, when told it was time for bed, told me that she didn't want to go to bed...that she wanted to "stay up earlier" tonight! See....I'm not crazy! There really is a reason why my brain is mush most of the time!

5. THE SIXTH AND FINAL SEASON OF LOST AIRS IN JUST 2 DAYS!!!!

Wordless Wednesday (sort of)

I was looking through some old pictures and found this picture of Nathan from February of 2001! He was 5 months old! He was my little 49er baby! They don't call me "Niner Nancy" for nothin'!

Important Announcement!

I really hate loathe despise don't like not having a dishwasher! That is all! You may now return to your regularly scheduled programming!

Some Answers

$170.14 !! This is how much we've spent in medical/pharmacy copays in just two days! Don't get me wrong, I'm very happy with our health insurance coverage (NO Obamacare for us, thank you), however, I share this with you only to illustrate why I am an emotional wreck!

I shared in an earlier post about how the girls have been somewhat "under the weather". Frankly, I'm not feeling that great either (laryngitis, sore throat, cough...but I digress). Olivia had to see an ENT after about 15 months of ear infections...the most recent one ended in a ruptured ear drum.
First, they did a very thorough hearing evaluation. She has mild hearing loss in her right ear, and mild-moderate hearing loss in her left. This is caused from the residual fluid that remains in her ears even after the infection itself has cleared up. The fluid is NOT supposed to be there. She also has the problem of having HUGE tonsils! They are so big that they actually touch in the back of her throat! There is only a small area of space that air can flow back and forth. To make a long story short, Olivia needs to have tubes placed in both ears and she needs to have her tonsils and adenoids removed. This will all take place on February 22nd. I'm a nervous wreck! I had so hoped that my children would escape any need for surgery until they were well into adulthood. Olivia is only four years old! I know she will be in a lot of discomfort and pain for the first few days. I don't want her to have to go through this!

Amelia, on the other hand, has had problems with severe headaches over the last few days. So bad that they wake her up from a sound sleep in the middle of the night. She complains that her eyes hurt and that she feels like she might throw up! I usually give her some Motrin and a cool washcloth and withing a few minutes, the headache is gone and she is back to sleep. She never complains of headaches during the day...only at night. After a thorough eye exam, blood pressure checks and lab work....her doctor thinks it might be sinus issues. Phew! Although, I am instructed to keep a "headache diary" for the next two weeks. She is also on a heavy anti biotic (***sigh***) and a nasal spray. Last night was the first night in almost a week that she did NOT wake up with headache! This is good news! The doctor was concerned about an inter cranial involvement that would have been much more serious! My nerves have just HAD IT this week!

On a happier note, I lost 5.2 lbs this week! That makes a total of 9.8 (with 93 to go)! I know that the losses will begin to slow down now...but that's ok! I'm 10 lbs closer to my goal.

Today, I'm thanking God for our medical insurance, for our personal physicians who take such good care of our family and for my blog....so I can get all of this off of my chest!!

Before....

Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I dedicated you, a prophet to the nations I appointed you.

Jeremiah 1:5

***Barbara from Praying for Grace has posted a beautiful message on her blog today! Please take a few minutes and CLICK HERE to read it! Pray for Life!! Thank you, Barbara!*****

This & That

I've got both girls home with me today. Olivia has an appointment with an ENT. She's had 5 ear infections in the last 15 months, including an eardrum rupture about a month ago. In addition, she snores like a .....like a.......like....her grandfather (my dad)! Growing up, our entire neighborhood knew when my dad had gone to bed! Anyway, they are going to do a hearing test and then take a look at her tonsils. I don't really want her to have to endure surgery at four years old.

Amelia lost her voice yesterday. She says her throat doesn't hurt...but for the last 3 nights, she's awakened with a terrible headache that she states makes her eyes hurt. I figure it's time to have them both looked at....again.

Tonight is my second weigh in for Weight Watchers! I'm exited! I think I've done relatively well! I'm determined, even more so than last week! I'm trying to keep focused. So far, so good. My immediate goal is to lose about 28-30 pounds by the end of April. I think I can do it. I need to exercise more! I will talk more about that later...because I read a book once that gave me an

excellent idea about how to get fit and grow closer to God at the same time! I'm re-reading this book right now and will write a post on it as soon as I can.

Have a great Thursday, everybody!!!

Couldn't do the red!

Well, although many of you said you liked the red....I just couldn't do it anymore! It was way too bright and overwhelming for me. This is the background that I'm going to go with...at least until the spring. Thank you for all of your comments!

UPDATE: Tonight's Dinner

Update!!!!! These were terrific!! I added 2 packets of Splenda to the dipping sauce to balance the sauce a little. I served them with Jasmine rice and stir fried zucchini. I will make this again!!!

This is what's on our menu for tonight! I found this wonderful website as I was searching for Weight Watcher ideas! The nutrition information and point values appear with every recipe! I also subscribed to the website and now I receive meal ideas in my email on a regular basis. Here
is the recipe for tonight's dinner....


Asian Turkey Meatballs With Lime Sesame Dipping Sauce
Gina's Weight Watcher Recipes
Servings: 4 • Size: 3 meatballs • Calories: 229 • Points: 4.75 pts


1/4 cup panko crumbs
1-1/4 lbs 93% lean ground turkey
1 egg
1 tbsp ginger, minced
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
3 scallions, chopped
1 tbsp low sodium soy sauce
2 tsp sesame oil
Dipping Sauce

4 tbsp low sodium soy sauce
2 tsp sesame oil
2 tbsp fresh lime juice
2 tbsp water
1 chopped fresh scallion


Preheat oven to 500°F.
Mix ground turkey, panko, egg, salt, scallions, cilantro, 1 tbsp soy sauce, and 2 tsp oil and mix with your hands until combined well. Shape 1/4 cup meat mixture into a ball and transfer to a baking dish. Repeat with remaining mixture. Bake until cooked through, about 15 minutes.

For the dipping sauce mix together lime juice, water, soy sauce, and remaining 2 teaspoons of oil in a bowl. Add scallions.

Transfer meatballs to a serving dish. Stir sauce, then drizzle meatballs with 1 tablespoon sauce.
Serve meatballs with remaining sauce. Chances are you won't use all the dipping sauce.
Makes 12 meatballs.

I'll let you know how it tastes!

Weight Loss Wagon!

Well, I'm back on the weight loss wagon...again! This has been a yearly thing with me ever since I can remember. Some years have been more successful than others. Motivation seems to be the key that, at times, has been missing. It seems to be harder than I thought to lose the weight I gained during cancer treatment (steroids), although, I haven't really tried that hard. I am (always have been) an emotional eater. When stressed...I eat. When happy...I eat.

You should know that I'm not all that motivated right now. "Resolved" is the word I'd use to describe my attitude currently. I'm happy that I've managed to lose 4.6 lbs this week...but I always do well the first few weeks. It's after that when I start to lose interest instead of pounds.
Keeping the cancer away is my real reason for starting this journey again! I need to do all I can to stay as healthy as possible. It also occurred to me the other day that losing some weight might help the HOT FLASHES! They are relentless, I tell ya!

So, I've added a weight loss ticker to the top of my blog. Hopefully, this will remind me every time I log on that I have a goal! I also added one on my side bar for double protection and accountability.

In the past, I've never really prayed about my weight loss. It seemed silly to me with all of the needs of the human race, to be praying for myself to be thinner. I've been thinking about this lately and I've decided that God DOES care! He cares about my health and He wants me to consider my body the temple of the Holy Spirit. I'm sure His desire for me is to live a long and healthy life so I can "be about His business". No one knows when their time is up. I surely don't know when mine will be....but....I should be just as ready to live a long healthy life as a short unhealthy one. Besides, all of my Weight Watcher buddies were glad to see me!

Well, here we go again!

Tylenol Recall 2009/2010

Have you heard about the Tylenol products recalled? I hadn't heard anything about it until this morning. Click here for the list of products (and the Lot #'s) that have been recalled.

Apparently, it started last month with the Tylenol Arthritis product and has now been expanded to include most of the other products as well. I'm not very good at keeping up with things like this. I do give our kids some of these products when they are sick. Thank goodness none of what is in our cupboard is part of this recall.

**is there a limit to how many times I can use the word "product" in this post??*****

Total Devastation

Please, if you can, help these sisters and brothers in Haiti! There are many ways you can donate. I think the American Red Cross is one of the quickest and safest ways to do it right now...but there are many other charities available that are sending aid to this country.

Protect me, O God, for in you I take refuge (Psalm 16:1)

God of the mountains and the seas, the awesome power of nature can be both a wonder as well as a source of tragedy. We cry out to you in this time of great need for all those who are affected.
Almighty and everlasting God, comfort of the sad and strength to those who suffer: Let the prayers of your children who are in any trouble rise to you. We lift up those who have lost loved ones, grant your peace; for those who seek shelter and food, grant your comfort; for those facing illness, grant your healing; for those whose lives have been shattered, grant your strength.
God of wisdom and strength, guide the hands of those who provide emergency relief. We entrust to you those who care for the bereaved, those with the gift of healing, those who carry the burdens of moving debris, and those who distribute much needed supplies. Hopeless as it may seem at times, their work is very important. Give them the endurance that is needed to continue in their good works.
God of all consolation, in the midst of things we do not understand, tragedy too great to comprehend, and grieving too heavy to bear, grant your peace. This is a time when we welcome your Word of hope born into our world. May that hope burn in our hearts.

—From Evangelical Lutheran Church of America

A thankful woman's book of blessings!

My friend, Judy at Benmakesten, hosts a wonderful meme on Wednesdays called "A Thankful Woman's Book of Blessings"! This meme allows a place for us to share all of the wonderful blessings that God bestows on us...everyday! There is no way that I could list them all, but here are just a few:

1. I am thankful for memories of times gone by! I recently received a CD as a gift from a very dear friend. The CD is of his brother's band that used to play in the Bay Area (S.F.) in the early 90's. I had not heard this music in over 15 years! It brought back so many wonderful memories of friendship and good times! It really was a special time in my life. I've listened to the CD while doing dishes and making dinner for the last two nights in a row. The girls and I dance around the kitchen like little kids (hey, the girls are little kids!). Anyway, it's been wonderful remembering and seeing how God was blessing me...even then! Thanks, Paul!

2. I am thankful for my faith! I'm not sure I would be here today if it wasn't for my faith in God and His Church. Seriously. I know that I owe my life to the protection of Our Blessed Mother!

God has given me so much and I realize that it is through the eyes of His Church that I am even able to comprehend what little I do about His love for me. To even fathom that He knew me and loved me for all eternity...leaves me awestruck and very humbled.

3. I am thankful for my blogging friends! I know that it seems strange to call women that you've never physically met "friends", but, it's true! The connection that I feel with these ladies sometimes leaves me scratching my head! These women help me to grow in my faith daily. They inspire me, encourage me, pray for me and share with me...everyday! They mean the world to me!

4. I am thankful for my health! I guess this is one of those things where you don't know what you've got until it's gone! I have learned that taking care of this temple is so very important. I don't do such a great job at this. I need to eat better, exercise more, worry less and laugh a ton!

God has removed the cancer...at least for now! He has given me this time to be with my family and grow in relationship with Him! I pray that I can make good use of this time...whether it lasts for 30 years or 3 years.

5. I am always thankful for my husband and children! They are the reason I get up every morning! They are the reason I have gray hair! They are the reason that I live and breathe!

They are also the reason that I have this strange twitch! They are the reason why I am the happiest that I've ever been in my life! And yet, they are the reason why I need several cups of coffee in the morning and the reason I sometimes contemplate getting in the car and just driving...and driving and driving. They are the reason why I was born...to be a mom and wife! They are the reason I feel so loved! One of them (who shall remain nameless) is the reason I am up right now...posting this at 3:32am! God love em'!

Happy Wednesday, everybody!

Too many choices...

I'm narrowing down my choices. I think the brown on the last one was just too dark. What about this one? Too bright??? It's not very subtle (which is what I wanted)...but....I think it matches how I've been feeling lately! Anyway...I'm going to leave this one for a couple of days...to see if it grows on me. Your opinion is appreciated!

How about this one?

What do you think about this blog design? I don't hate it...but I don't love it either. I can get rid of the flowery header and just leave it brown....what do you think?