Well, my Mother-in-law got as far with the Induction Chemo that her body would allow her. She got through the 2nd and then to the first does of round 3 (there are 5 doses, one day after another) when her heart and kidney started to fail, so to speak. So they pulled her off of the chemo and gave her a day for her heart and kidneys to rest. The next day, they were reading normal (as normal as somebody flushing terrible toxins out of their body can be) and her heart seemed fine.
She took it as a sign that her body was just done with chemo, that it had had enough.
Now we are waiting until the first week in January to decide further treatment. As far as we know, there are only 2 options:
1.) Surgically remove the tumors (there are 3, not 1 as I had been led to believe and Zack (her own son) and I have just been informed last week that there were really 3 tumors) from her tongue and then proceed with radiation to kill any left over cancer cells.
2.) Proceed with radiation to shrink the tumors more and save more of her tongue (with each tumor, 50% of the size of the tumor will need to be removed from her tongue as well to ensure that they get any straggling cells) but then that is it. Radiation is so powerful that there won't be another shot to receive it. If any of the cancer cells are left behind... then who knows what the options are.
After she receives her treatment,they will take a skin graph off her leg and use it to reconstruct her tongue.
I really can't wait to begin blogging regularly. I have so many ideas but life has been so rough recently. I went to a really thorough doctor and she did some blood testing and other testing and actually found why I have been feeling so terrible and now we have a treatment plan to get my body back in shape! I am super excited to start feeling better! I start all my treatment tomorrow!
Hope everybody is having a merry, wonderful, family-filled Christmas!
Enjoy you family and presents but always, always, always keep in mind the reason for the season: Our desperate need for the Savior, Jesus Christ!
Thursday, December 25, 2014
Thursday, December 11, 2014
Seasons
I've not felt well and life has been hard. I'm on a supplement that is suppose to help level out my progesterone and balance out my adrenal glands. This week I am feeling amazing! I am feeling normal!
My sister-in-law confessed her exhaustion for being primary caregiver to our Mother-in-law and now all three able sister-in-laws (there are 5 of us. One lives in Minnesota and the other has three children and 2 are school aged and she needs to be present with them and their school work/activities) are going to be rotating taking care of her.
She received her 3rd induction chemo and is currently in the hospital. It is so life threatening the first week after chemo that she must be in the arms of skilled, life-saving professionals, so she spends close to a week in the hospital. She is then pretty sick and in pain for the next two weeks and that is where the three of us will rotate. All three of us live in Northern Arizona, so being away from our husbands and homes deems way, way too difficult so we will need to take our child/ren down to Phoenix and go on 4 day shifts.
I begin my first shift this Tuesday.
I am scared beyond measure. I've memorized their address and will likely need to call 911 often.
When somebody has a trachea and a feeding tube, it makes the already hard and challenging nature of chemotherapy that much more difficult. When vomiting must come through a small trachea opening and food must be administered slowly, every 3 hours... it pretty much means that she will vomit every 3 or so hours.
But God is good. He gives strength to the weary and gives power to the powerless. These are the days where I will have to release my own capabilities and strengths to God so that He can make my weaknesses build up in strength.
My sister-in-law confessed her exhaustion for being primary caregiver to our Mother-in-law and now all three able sister-in-laws (there are 5 of us. One lives in Minnesota and the other has three children and 2 are school aged and she needs to be present with them and their school work/activities) are going to be rotating taking care of her.
She received her 3rd induction chemo and is currently in the hospital. It is so life threatening the first week after chemo that she must be in the arms of skilled, life-saving professionals, so she spends close to a week in the hospital. She is then pretty sick and in pain for the next two weeks and that is where the three of us will rotate. All three of us live in Northern Arizona, so being away from our husbands and homes deems way, way too difficult so we will need to take our child/ren down to Phoenix and go on 4 day shifts.
I begin my first shift this Tuesday.
I am scared beyond measure. I've memorized their address and will likely need to call 911 often.
When somebody has a trachea and a feeding tube, it makes the already hard and challenging nature of chemotherapy that much more difficult. When vomiting must come through a small trachea opening and food must be administered slowly, every 3 hours... it pretty much means that she will vomit every 3 or so hours.
But God is good. He gives strength to the weary and gives power to the powerless. These are the days where I will have to release my own capabilities and strengths to God so that He can make my weaknesses build up in strength.
Tuesday, November 25, 2014
I Lied
I lied. Not intentionally... But I lied nonetheless. This is the hardest week to sit down and blog. Between shopping for my part in Thanksgiving (going to my Mom's) and preparing to make not one but two trips to Phoenix, I'm swamped! Next week I'll have to get going on blogging.
Such is life.
Cheers
Such is life.
Cheers
Thursday, November 20, 2014
Update on Mother-in-law and Us
My mother-in-law, Cheryl, is still in Gilbert undergoing chemo. The tumor isn't shrinking like they would like to see and it and so she has to keep her trachea and feeding tube in. They started her on an even more powerful induction chemo. She ended up in the hospital last week because it was so intense that even the medicine meant to keep her from vomiting wasn't working at all and she needed help with IVs and hospital administered only anti-vomiting medicine. Please keep her in your prayers.
We are going down to Phoenix tomorrow for the weekend to care for Cheryl while my sister-in-law takes a much needed break from her care giving responsibilities but I plan that next week I will be blogging and socializing with other blogs every weekday. I have several fun ideas and outfits to share and I think I am finally going to be able to be a responsible (daily) blogger! It's been a very emotional few weeks and it has been too difficult to blog.
An update on us?
I went into a natural path doctor yesterday to start on my thyroid and adrenal panels. I've been sugar and grain-free for over a month and still feel so bad that Zack and I decided that it was finally time to figure out what is going on with me. The doctor actually had a free thyroid and adrenal test kit she had been given to give to a patient and asked if I wanted it. I promptly agreed. So I will have about $670 of tests done for free (we are still trying to figure out insurance for our family so most things are done out of pocket)! Feeling very fortunate because natural paths aren't cheap nor do they take insurance! If this one doesn't yield the results we're looking for then I will have to pay for other testing, but please say a prayer that this kit is able to give light to how I am feeling!
Zack and Janni still as cute and fun and sweet as ever!
I look forward to blogging daily come Monday!
Cheers!
We are going down to Phoenix tomorrow for the weekend to care for Cheryl while my sister-in-law takes a much needed break from her care giving responsibilities but I plan that next week I will be blogging and socializing with other blogs every weekday. I have several fun ideas and outfits to share and I think I am finally going to be able to be a responsible (daily) blogger! It's been a very emotional few weeks and it has been too difficult to blog.
An update on us?
I went into a natural path doctor yesterday to start on my thyroid and adrenal panels. I've been sugar and grain-free for over a month and still feel so bad that Zack and I decided that it was finally time to figure out what is going on with me. The doctor actually had a free thyroid and adrenal test kit she had been given to give to a patient and asked if I wanted it. I promptly agreed. So I will have about $670 of tests done for free (we are still trying to figure out insurance for our family so most things are done out of pocket)! Feeling very fortunate because natural paths aren't cheap nor do they take insurance! If this one doesn't yield the results we're looking for then I will have to pay for other testing, but please say a prayer that this kit is able to give light to how I am feeling!
Zack and Janni still as cute and fun and sweet as ever!
I look forward to blogging daily come Monday!
Cheers!
Saturday, October 25, 2014
Partners in Crime Edition 2: Bringing Frodo Home
As I get older, I am beginning to realize a lot of traits and things about myself that I am sure have been around for some time but I have been blind to. A few of those things are:
1. I hate exercise. I know I say I enjoy it, but after my last walk with Janni, and my overwhelming desire to turn back, I admit now that I don't. I spent the whole entire 30 minute walk singing to the tune of Finding Nemo's "Just Keep Walking, Just keep walking, Just keep walking, walking, walking..."
2. If I could mentally handle it, I'd skip the whole getting ready for bed thing. I hate it. I like being clean and knowing I'm not taking any daily dirt or bad breath to bed with me, but let's face it... By the end of the day, I don't feel like brushing my teeth, combing my hair, or washing my feet/face. I'm just ready to collapsed into bed and call it a night.
3. I am not a pet person. Oh, I love animals! But I don't like owning one. I don't like them living in my home, leaving their fur behind, training them, or taking care of them. I love our dog, Frodo but it took some time to warm up to the idea that I would be being responsible for his care and upbringing for the next 10-15 years.
This is the story of bringing him home!
The cuteness of a puppy enamored everybody’s heart, even before the sweet moment when we threw out the voice of reason and Zack said we could get the very last puppy being sold in front of a local grocery store. No hesitation. No regret. Zack seemed thrilled to be able to give me such a sweet gift (it’d been a tough week). Even Janni squealed with delight as soon as Zack showed the puppy to her. She grabbed him by the back of the neck and shook him side to side as the puppy yelped and hollered. After a stern correction, Janni slowly learned that puppies are not animated stuffed animals! We named him Frodo
Good ol’ Albert Einstein (and God Himself) could have been heard laughing at me that first night when I had to get up with Janni twice and the puppy THREE times. That night, Einstein’s quote was caught staring me in the eyes, “Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I’m not sure about the universe.” Clearly, I had done a stupid thing. I had gotten a puppy, which resulted in Emily, mommy of TWO!!! I lay in bed that night with a snoring husband. I didn’t know whether to be more upset that Zack was snoring or that Zack let me get a puppy. The third round of puppy cries, I seriously considered putting him out in our then not fenced backyard and letting whoever found him keep him.
But this family doesn’t give up on difficult situations. So the puppy stayed.
If there are two things I know about puppies, it is that they are stinky and they like stinky things … For some time, Frodo quickly became my dirty diaper radar; equipped with a magnetic nose that became stuck to Janni’s diaper when filled with smelly content. When Frodo was seen following Janni’s diaper with his nose, we knew that it was time for a change. That was helpful but has since ceased. He also still likes trashcans, bathrooms, and any and all food that Janni decides should be thrown on the floor. He is also deadset on stealing Janni’s caterpillar stuffed animal and relentlessly snatches Janni’s no longer used pacifiers.
One night, a week or so after we got Frodo, as the puppy wimpered from his kennel (before you judge, at the time, he still treated the ENTIRE house like it was his bathroom), I confessed to Zack that getting him was a horrible mistake. “Why did you let me get a puppy, Zack?” Zack spent part of the conversation chuckling and the other part admitting the with such a young baby (Janni was all of 8 months old at the time), it was the wrong season to get a puppy. Another conversation, another conclusion: the puppy stays.
Slowly (and by that, I mean sssslllooowwwlllyyy), Frodo began to mark a place in my heart. His peepees on the carpet still made me cringe, his poopies on the carpet still made me scream, and when Janni got a hold of one of his turds, I cried (you better believe I had poison control on the phone in about .0378 seconds). But his silliness, lightheartedness, energy, and the joy he gave my Janni made all the hard feelings slowly melt away.
He started to become a little less dependent and I started to become a little more patient with him.
So, here’s to our family dog, Frodo … stealer of pacifiers, smeller of Janni’s behind, eater of sand, barker at the neighbors (we’re still working on this), and snuggler of our hearts!
And why do I write this you ask? Because yesterday was Frodo's first birthday!
Happy Birthday, You Crazy Animal!
Frodo, we're so glad you're home!
1. I hate exercise. I know I say I enjoy it, but after my last walk with Janni, and my overwhelming desire to turn back, I admit now that I don't. I spent the whole entire 30 minute walk singing to the tune of Finding Nemo's "Just Keep Walking, Just keep walking, Just keep walking, walking, walking..."
2. If I could mentally handle it, I'd skip the whole getting ready for bed thing. I hate it. I like being clean and knowing I'm not taking any daily dirt or bad breath to bed with me, but let's face it... By the end of the day, I don't feel like brushing my teeth, combing my hair, or washing my feet/face. I'm just ready to collapsed into bed and call it a night.
3. I am not a pet person. Oh, I love animals! But I don't like owning one. I don't like them living in my home, leaving their fur behind, training them, or taking care of them. I love our dog, Frodo but it took some time to warm up to the idea that I would be being responsible for his care and upbringing for the next 10-15 years.
This is the story of bringing him home!
The cuteness of a puppy enamored everybody’s heart, even before the sweet moment when we threw out the voice of reason and Zack said we could get the very last puppy being sold in front of a local grocery store. No hesitation. No regret. Zack seemed thrilled to be able to give me such a sweet gift (it’d been a tough week). Even Janni squealed with delight as soon as Zack showed the puppy to her. She grabbed him by the back of the neck and shook him side to side as the puppy yelped and hollered. After a stern correction, Janni slowly learned that puppies are not animated stuffed animals! We named him Frodo
Good ol’ Albert Einstein (and God Himself) could have been heard laughing at me that first night when I had to get up with Janni twice and the puppy THREE times. That night, Einstein’s quote was caught staring me in the eyes, “Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I’m not sure about the universe.” Clearly, I had done a stupid thing. I had gotten a puppy, which resulted in Emily, mommy of TWO!!! I lay in bed that night with a snoring husband. I didn’t know whether to be more upset that Zack was snoring or that Zack let me get a puppy. The third round of puppy cries, I seriously considered putting him out in our then not fenced backyard and letting whoever found him keep him.
But this family doesn’t give up on difficult situations. So the puppy stayed.
If there are two things I know about puppies, it is that they are stinky and they like stinky things … For some time, Frodo quickly became my dirty diaper radar; equipped with a magnetic nose that became stuck to Janni’s diaper when filled with smelly content. When Frodo was seen following Janni’s diaper with his nose, we knew that it was time for a change. That was helpful but has since ceased. He also still likes trashcans, bathrooms, and any and all food that Janni decides should be thrown on the floor. He is also deadset on stealing Janni’s caterpillar stuffed animal and relentlessly snatches Janni’s no longer used pacifiers.
One night, a week or so after we got Frodo, as the puppy wimpered from his kennel (before you judge, at the time, he still treated the ENTIRE house like it was his bathroom), I confessed to Zack that getting him was a horrible mistake. “Why did you let me get a puppy, Zack?” Zack spent part of the conversation chuckling and the other part admitting the with such a young baby (Janni was all of 8 months old at the time), it was the wrong season to get a puppy. Another conversation, another conclusion: the puppy stays.
Slowly (and by that, I mean sssslllooowwwlllyyy), Frodo began to mark a place in my heart. His peepees on the carpet still made me cringe, his poopies on the carpet still made me scream, and when Janni got a hold of one of his turds, I cried (you better believe I had poison control on the phone in about .0378 seconds). But his silliness, lightheartedness, energy, and the joy he gave my Janni made all the hard feelings slowly melt away.
He started to become a little less dependent and I started to become a little more patient with him.
So, here’s to our family dog, Frodo … stealer of pacifiers, smeller of Janni’s behind, eater of sand, barker at the neighbors (we’re still working on this), and snuggler of our hearts!
And why do I write this you ask? Because yesterday was Frodo's first birthday!
Happy Birthday, You Crazy Animal!
Frodo, we're so glad you're home!
Monday, October 13, 2014
Bumps in the Road Called Life
I've felt a little bad because I have seen my page view count go up and up and have had no new posts for a few days now.
I really want to start some DIY posts up for the Fall season but it's been such an emotional week that I have had a really hard time completing any post. We've spent a few days 100 miles away down in Gilbert, AZ. My Mother-in-law had a tracheotomy and a feeding tube put in because she has a tumor on her tongue about the size of a crab apple that is obstructing her breathing.
Today Cheryl, my Mother-in-law, starts what is called Induction Chemo Therapy. I'm a little shaky on the details but my understanding is that it is a very strong chemo that will be delivered through a port in her chest, directly to the cancerous tumor. She will stay in the hospital until Friday and deliver the chemo there because having a trachea makes this intense kind of chemo very dangerous due to the high potential of vomiting and it needing to be done through the trachea. Suffocation is a huge concern. My sister-in-law will be staying with her starting next week, in a rental near the hospital and will have to learn how to save her life if, God forbid, her breathing through the trachea is in jeopardy. This is a difficult time on our family.
I really want to be authentic about our life. It is lovely and wonderful and I feel unbelievably blessed to have such a caring husband and a sweet little girl. But life is often hard, and I think that if I only show the good times in life, I will end up hating blogging because I don't feel like I am being real.
So for the above reasons, I am choosing to update about my Mother-in-law and her cancer treatment.
I will post DIY and other categories sooner than later so keep looking. :)
I really want to start some DIY posts up for the Fall season but it's been such an emotional week that I have had a really hard time completing any post. We've spent a few days 100 miles away down in Gilbert, AZ. My Mother-in-law had a tracheotomy and a feeding tube put in because she has a tumor on her tongue about the size of a crab apple that is obstructing her breathing.
Today Cheryl, my Mother-in-law, starts what is called Induction Chemo Therapy. I'm a little shaky on the details but my understanding is that it is a very strong chemo that will be delivered through a port in her chest, directly to the cancerous tumor. She will stay in the hospital until Friday and deliver the chemo there because having a trachea makes this intense kind of chemo very dangerous due to the high potential of vomiting and it needing to be done through the trachea. Suffocation is a huge concern. My sister-in-law will be staying with her starting next week, in a rental near the hospital and will have to learn how to save her life if, God forbid, her breathing through the trachea is in jeopardy. This is a difficult time on our family.
I really want to be authentic about our life. It is lovely and wonderful and I feel unbelievably blessed to have such a caring husband and a sweet little girl. But life is often hard, and I think that if I only show the good times in life, I will end up hating blogging because I don't feel like I am being real.
So for the above reasons, I am choosing to update about my Mother-in-law and her cancer treatment.
I will post DIY and other categories sooner than later so keep looking. :)
Tuesday, October 7, 2014
Fairy Tales Teach Children that Monsters Can Be Killed.
"Fairytales don't teach children that monsters exist, they already know that monsters exist. Fairy tales teach children that monsters can be killed."
-G.K. Chesterton
This is one of my favorite quotes to date. I still, at 27 years old, love a good fairy tale. I have fond memories of lying in bed or on a grassy backyard during a cool Spring's day and getting lost in an adventure regarding a rather large Lion and 4 brave children. Or a Princess with 7 little men following her around. And as a parent, I really cannot wait until my sweet Janni is able to sit still and listen long enough for me to introduce her to my beloved stories.
But why do we like fairy tales? What draws us so near to them? I really think that as human beings, we really tend to root for the underdog and we're joyous when good over trumps evil. Even in the most evil of worlds, we want what we perceive as evil to be killed. We want what we perceive as good to ride victoriously through the streets as a cheering crowd proclaims their victory!
So, with that said, I want to share some of my emotions as my Mother-in-law battles cancer because, just like my quote, cancer is an ugly monster. And just like when we were children, monsters still scare adults. I don't expect the Boogie Man to jump out from my closet or under my bed as I did when I was a child, but I still know that they are very real. And my heart, as an adult, wants my quote to ring true. That this monster called cancer can and will be killed. I want it with all of my heart.
But as a Christian, I know God is in control. I know that our days are numbered from the beginning of creation. And this fight doesn't look so good for my Mother-in-law. Without going into too much detail, she waited too long before she sought help and now they want to remove her tongue. They want to take it out, put her on a feeding tube (because she won't be able to eat without a tongue), and then proceed with radiation.
I really want to go deeper into detail but alas, I don't want to bore you. Just know, things look bad. Very, very bad.
I am really trying to have child-like faith. I really want to have an overwhelming belief that this monster, that this ugly, awful, terrifying monster called cancer can and will be killed. That Janni and all future children will have not 1, but 2 doting grandmothers. And mostly that Cheryl will ride victoriously through the streets as her family and friends cheer her on. Cancer defeated, life restored.
Please prayer for her.
 |
| Cheryl holding Janni at just a few hours old. |
Monday, October 6, 2014
Rest
I have not felt well all weekend. As a matter of fact, I didn't feel well Friday either. In these cases, I tend to let the house go a little more than I would like. And by this, I mean the dishes were half-done. The living room floor was covered in toys, neither of the beds were made, and the bathroom was frightening (via, 3 people trying to look decent for church).
By Sunday after church, we had somebody coming by to buy a CD Burner Zack's work had asked him to sell on Craig's List. We came home from a Sunday lunch and I went into panic mode because the entire house was an absolute wreck and I couldn't fathom the thought that a total stranger who we will never see again would see our house in such a state of disaster! I put Janni down for a nap and then began picking up the living room, organizing the desk, doing dishes, and clearing the kitchen table. I begged Zack to clean the bathroom and pick up our bedroom.
By the time I had started to sweep the kitchen floor, I was overwhelmed because the adrenaline that had kick started my overwhelming desire for all things clean had worn off and the house was still a good 30 minutes from being clean. I began to sweep the kitchen and Zack came in and said, "Well, he's not stopping by, he just cancelled."
I stood there on a Sunday afternoon, the day the Lord has given us to rest, speechless and telling myself that this will not happen again because from here on out, I will no longer being doing laborious chores on a Sunday. I will no longer stress out because on Sundays, no matter how bad the mess, I will be resting (although, our beds will still be made and dishes will still be done because, you know, that's just gross). I won't worry about toys on the floor or whether or not the refrigerator needs a good spruce. And I intend to put away all electronics and things that distract us from meditating on the Words we learned in church and the things of Christ. Everything that needs to be done to maintain our home is going to have to be done on Saturday.
Aside from fighting something this weekend, I have been complaining so much about exhaustion and it's so clear that one of the reasons I am exhausted is because I am not taking my day off as my body was designed by God to do. I also am not saturating my heart into the Word of God. I need to have a personal devotional on Sundays (and throughout the week) so that God can work on my heart and bad habits and behaviors that need to change. The rest of the day will be spent as a family.
So, this post is to kick off relaxation and meditation and family starting this Sunday!
And I will rest.
Cheers!
Saturday, October 4, 2014
Late Night October 3, 2014
Early in the Morning on October 3, I got a message from my sister-in-law. She was having contractions and this was it, the baby was on the way. She gave birth to a little boy, the 13th grandbaby, late last night (I don't have all the details yet). Welcome to the world, Baby Jude. We're so happy you are here! Can't wait to snuggle and get to know you!
Momma Cara is well and recovering. Baby Boy is healthy and likes to eat. I wish I had more details to offer you.
Janni used to be the youngest grandbaby until yesterday! I feel a little sad because Janni and I both used to be the youngest grandbaby (I am youngest of 30). It was fun to share this position together. Of course, I knew it wouldn't last but it was fun anyway.
As for my Mother-in-law: she is receiving pressure relieving treatment for her tongue in order to help bring the swelling down. Things look bad but God is good and faithful. I'll write more about what is going on with her and her cancer but right now, we are rejoicing over the birth of Baby Jude!
I truly do love Zack's family like I love my own. Life is so funny. We're rejoicing and weeping at the same time and yet, our joy is greater than our sorrow.
Hold your family members tight and never forget to tell them how much you love them.
Cheers.
Momma Cara is well and recovering. Baby Boy is healthy and likes to eat. I wish I had more details to offer you.
Janni used to be the youngest grandbaby until yesterday! I feel a little sad because Janni and I both used to be the youngest grandbaby (I am youngest of 30). It was fun to share this position together. Of course, I knew it wouldn't last but it was fun anyway.
As for my Mother-in-law: she is receiving pressure relieving treatment for her tongue in order to help bring the swelling down. Things look bad but God is good and faithful. I'll write more about what is going on with her and her cancer but right now, we are rejoicing over the birth of Baby Jude!
I truly do love Zack's family like I love my own. Life is so funny. We're rejoicing and weeping at the same time and yet, our joy is greater than our sorrow.
Hold your family members tight and never forget to tell them how much you love them.
Cheers.
Thursday, October 2, 2014
A Rough Day
Janni is coming down with something. She woke me up last night coughing, so I went in to checked on her and she wanted to nurse. I nursed her and she went back to sleep just fine but she's had a bit of a fever and has been cranky all day.
We went to get my hair cut and I caved in and gave her a dumb-dumb that they had on the counter. She was happier and I ignored the fact that sugar is the worst thing to eat when your body is coming down with something. Our former church's pastor happened to be there getting a haircut and came to say hi to us. He has a special place for Janni in his heart because when she was about 6 months old, he was holding her and she locked eyes with him and smiled a huge smile. He was sold! So he always makes a big deal about her and she was thrilled to receive the attention.
We did a quick run to the library to pick out some books for both of us. There wasn't really anything too interesting for me, but there were plenty of good picks for Janni. I chose all of the available Eric Carle board books because she seems to enjoy the pictures and colors that he offers.
Janni being sick isn't the only thing that has been hard in our life this week. My mother-in-law is battling oral cancer. She was suppose to see a specialist today but we have yet to hear from her. This likely means that things are getting worse. Between waiting to hear news from my Mother-in-law and dealing with a cranky child, I just want a nap but I am the kind of napper that when I do manage to fall asleep during the day (which isn't very often), I wake up feeling worse than I did before I went to sleep. So, I resisted the urge and took ibuprofen instead.
Zack has to work late tonight. He is taking his Mother being ill very well but I do worry about him. He says this week has been difficult to focus on any side work and I suspect it's because of his concern over his Mother.
I just want Zack home.
I want dinner to be cooked, the dishes to be done, and to lie in bed with Zack, playfully harassing each other, as we 1-up each other over a competitive game of Words with Friends! Right now, this is my happy place.
When things are difficult in your life, where is your happy place?
We went to get my hair cut and I caved in and gave her a dumb-dumb that they had on the counter. She was happier and I ignored the fact that sugar is the worst thing to eat when your body is coming down with something. Our former church's pastor happened to be there getting a haircut and came to say hi to us. He has a special place for Janni in his heart because when she was about 6 months old, he was holding her and she locked eyes with him and smiled a huge smile. He was sold! So he always makes a big deal about her and she was thrilled to receive the attention.
We did a quick run to the library to pick out some books for both of us. There wasn't really anything too interesting for me, but there were plenty of good picks for Janni. I chose all of the available Eric Carle board books because she seems to enjoy the pictures and colors that he offers.
Janni being sick isn't the only thing that has been hard in our life this week. My mother-in-law is battling oral cancer. She was suppose to see a specialist today but we have yet to hear from her. This likely means that things are getting worse. Between waiting to hear news from my Mother-in-law and dealing with a cranky child, I just want a nap but I am the kind of napper that when I do manage to fall asleep during the day (which isn't very often), I wake up feeling worse than I did before I went to sleep. So, I resisted the urge and took ibuprofen instead.
Zack has to work late tonight. He is taking his Mother being ill very well but I do worry about him. He says this week has been difficult to focus on any side work and I suspect it's because of his concern over his Mother.
I just want Zack home.
I want dinner to be cooked, the dishes to be done, and to lie in bed with Zack, playfully harassing each other, as we 1-up each other over a competitive game of Words with Friends! Right now, this is my happy place.
When things are difficult in your life, where is your happy place?
Wednesday, October 1, 2014
Potty Training...
Janni is about 17 months and 1 week old. She is sweet and loving and good and fun and full of mischief! We love her so!
The past week or so, she has been telling me when she needs to go number 2 (not number 1) or has already gone, pretty consistently. Just yesterday, she had not fallen asleep for her nap and was just in her room jibber jabbering. I went into her room to check on her and as soon as she saw me, she proceeded to tell me that she had gone number 2, using choice words and hand motions. I checked her but nothing. I got her up, figuring, "hey, she fell asleep in the car long enough, this nap isn't going to happen." She played around and then in about 10 minute, she came to me to tell me she had a number 2 and ran to her bedroom and lied down on the floor to be changed (these days, she refuses the changing table). I checked her and sure enough, she was right!
I got to thinking, maybe she is old enough to begin potty training...
Any advice from Mommas who have been there would be greatly appreciated!
Cheers!
The past week or so, she has been telling me when she needs to go number 2 (not number 1) or has already gone, pretty consistently. Just yesterday, she had not fallen asleep for her nap and was just in her room jibber jabbering. I went into her room to check on her and as soon as she saw me, she proceeded to tell me that she had gone number 2, using choice words and hand motions. I checked her but nothing. I got her up, figuring, "hey, she fell asleep in the car long enough, this nap isn't going to happen." She played around and then in about 10 minute, she came to me to tell me she had a number 2 and ran to her bedroom and lied down on the floor to be changed (these days, she refuses the changing table). I checked her and sure enough, she was right!
I got to thinking, maybe she is old enough to begin potty training...
Any advice from Mommas who have been there would be greatly appreciated!
Cheers!
Tuesday, September 30, 2014
A Simple Morning Routine
The meal that we had last night didn't turn out as I wanted, so I am going to have to keep working on perfecting the recipe. I always feel so disappointed when I the meal doesn't turn out because it's money down the drain.
Lately I have been working on housekeeping and how to spend the least amount of time doing it.
I hate the idea of not being able to be as attentive as possible with Janni, since she is constantly getting into EVERYTHING!
I've found that if I follow these simple steps in the morning, that I am able to just do all the cleaning during her naptime.
After Zack and I do our morning devotional, I put a load of laundry in the washer. I didn't have to separate my load because I do that the day before, right after I put that day's laundry in the washer.
Second, as soon as Zack gets into the shower, I begin his breakfast and in between cooking, I put several dishes from the night before away. While Zack is eating (I wait to eat with Janni later), I put the rest of the dishes away.
Zack gets ready and I get his lunch and everything he needs together and ready to go. We say a morning prayer for safety and to glorify the Lord through our action and deed and Zack is on his way. I immediately go and make our bed.
I try to shower before Janni is up and then once I am fully ready, I wipe down the bathroom counter and pick up the bathroom.
Once Janni is up, I go into her room and we make her bed together. This involves putting a comforter over the edge of her crib and setting her pillows up nicely (Janni loves to help).
That's it!
The house is always going to need a good pickup throughout the day, actually, several good pickups, but the house is usually in ready to play order because I do a final pickup after Janni is sleeping.
So the 5 things I do in the morning:
Cheers!
Lately I have been working on housekeeping and how to spend the least amount of time doing it.
I hate the idea of not being able to be as attentive as possible with Janni, since she is constantly getting into EVERYTHING!
I've found that if I follow these simple steps in the morning, that I am able to just do all the cleaning during her naptime.
After Zack and I do our morning devotional, I put a load of laundry in the washer. I didn't have to separate my load because I do that the day before, right after I put that day's laundry in the washer.
Second, as soon as Zack gets into the shower, I begin his breakfast and in between cooking, I put several dishes from the night before away. While Zack is eating (I wait to eat with Janni later), I put the rest of the dishes away.
Zack gets ready and I get his lunch and everything he needs together and ready to go. We say a morning prayer for safety and to glorify the Lord through our action and deed and Zack is on his way. I immediately go and make our bed.
I try to shower before Janni is up and then once I am fully ready, I wipe down the bathroom counter and pick up the bathroom.
Once Janni is up, I go into her room and we make her bed together. This involves putting a comforter over the edge of her crib and setting her pillows up nicely (Janni loves to help).
That's it!
The house is always going to need a good pickup throughout the day, actually, several good pickups, but the house is usually in ready to play order because I do a final pickup after Janni is sleeping.
So the 5 things I do in the morning:
- Put a load of laundry into the wash
- Separate the load of laundry for the next day
- Put the dishes away from the night before
- Wipe down bathroom counter
- Make beds
Cheers!
Monday, September 29, 2014
Happy Monday with a Recap to a Nice Sunday Outing
I really don't mind Mondays.
By Monday, Janni and I have had "Daddy" home all weekend and although we would like to have him home longer, I understand his desire to provide for us. So letting him go back to work isn't so bad. Friday will be here before we know it!
Yesterday was a nice day.
We ended up going to our old church (long story short, my mother-in-law has cancer and we have been going to her church in order to spend as much time with her as we can) and it was nice. Janni always loves this church's nursery and its toys, and since our new church is family-integrated, we actually don't have a nursery, so she was thrilled to play in a playroom.
After church, we went out to eat at Culvers. We did grain-free and didn't have their delicious butter buns, which was sad, but since we have started our full-fledged diet in hopes to lose some weight and actually feel better, it was a huge win that we both said no to a bun!
They were out of highchairs, so Janni got to sit in a booster. She thought this was the greatest thing in the world. I, on the other hand, did not. I spent most of our meal making sure she didn't slide off of it and face dive into the table. But she ate a lot (music to my eats- pun intended) and was very well-behaved; even the couple next to us noted how adorable she is and how it was actually pleasant to sit next to a family with a young child. So, another win!
We went to the mall and Janni got to play in the play area for a while. So, she had double the fun between church and the mall. Double win for Janni! We also looked for a new pair of church sandals and a Thanksgiving dress, both for Janni, with no luck.
We came home and put Janni down for a late nap, I picked up the house, and Zack did a few things.
It was such a lovely way to start the week.
Today I have accomplished to following:
I have this week's meal plan and grocery list written out.
I have grocery shopping just about done (I still need to run to Costco for meals later in the week).
I got an unexpected 45 minute nap in and feel fantastic!
The house is clean and ready for Zack to come home.
I am trying a seemingly yummy twist on a popular meal in our house and if it turns out, I will post the recipe tomorrow.
Happy Monday Evening!
Cheers!
By Monday, Janni and I have had "Daddy" home all weekend and although we would like to have him home longer, I understand his desire to provide for us. So letting him go back to work isn't so bad. Friday will be here before we know it!
Yesterday was a nice day.
We ended up going to our old church (long story short, my mother-in-law has cancer and we have been going to her church in order to spend as much time with her as we can) and it was nice. Janni always loves this church's nursery and its toys, and since our new church is family-integrated, we actually don't have a nursery, so she was thrilled to play in a playroom.
After church, we went out to eat at Culvers. We did grain-free and didn't have their delicious butter buns, which was sad, but since we have started our full-fledged diet in hopes to lose some weight and actually feel better, it was a huge win that we both said no to a bun!
They were out of highchairs, so Janni got to sit in a booster. She thought this was the greatest thing in the world. I, on the other hand, did not. I spent most of our meal making sure she didn't slide off of it and face dive into the table. But she ate a lot (music to my eats- pun intended) and was very well-behaved; even the couple next to us noted how adorable she is and how it was actually pleasant to sit next to a family with a young child. So, another win!
We went to the mall and Janni got to play in the play area for a while. So, she had double the fun between church and the mall. Double win for Janni! We also looked for a new pair of church sandals and a Thanksgiving dress, both for Janni, with no luck.
We came home and put Janni down for a late nap, I picked up the house, and Zack did a few things.
It was such a lovely way to start the week.
Today I have accomplished to following:
I have this week's meal plan and grocery list written out.
I have grocery shopping just about done (I still need to run to Costco for meals later in the week).
I got an unexpected 45 minute nap in and feel fantastic!
The house is clean and ready for Zack to come home.
I am trying a seemingly yummy twist on a popular meal in our house and if it turns out, I will post the recipe tomorrow.
Happy Monday Evening!
Cheers!
Friday, September 26, 2014
New Series: Partners in Crime
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| Hey Momma, let's go down the slide! |
 |
| Are you coming? |
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| Almost to the top! |
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| Weeeeee! |
 |
| Heeeey Frodo, let's go and cause some mischief! I hear it makes Mommy's hair fall out! |
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C'mon, Frodo! Let's find something bright and shiny!  |
Wednesday, September 24, 2014
10 Things I'm Excited For
- My In-Home Daycare is on its way to actually hosting children. It'll be a good 60 days before I actually have children other than Janni!
- That soon, in about 2 years (opposed to 10-15 years on average), my student loans will be paid off!
- For my current natural laundry detergent, Boulders, to run out! Boulders bombs. It has very little scent and my clothes don't have that, "oh so fresh" smell and it annoys me to no end. Costco stopped selling my beloved Ecos in the big bottles but I just found out that Sam's Club does sell it. My sister-in-law has a membership to Sam's Club (as we do not) and is willing to allow me to purchase it off her account! I am thrilled to tears! Here's to fresh smelling laundry!
- My living room carpet is oooh so clean and every time I look at it, I get super excited! Carpets in rentals just seem to get dirty and nasty quick and Janni loves to roll around on the carpet! So, the idea that my carpet is now very, very clean makes my Momma Sized Heart very glad!
- Zack got another website side-job, which means that without a doubt, I am going to Florida in January for my bestfriend's wedding!
- Going to Florida to be a Bridesmaid! I've never actually been anywhere near the east cost! The furthest East that this Western Born and Raised girl has ever been is Texas.
- That the house is spotless and all I really need to do today is make the beds and do a few dishes!
- That it is after 8 a.m. and Janni is still asleep (she will awake soon but usually she is up at the 7 o'clock hour).
- That tonight's dinner will be via slow cooker! Nothing brightens my day like a slow cooker meal!
- That it is still September and that means it's still okay for me to buy gifts for myself!
What are some things you're excited for?
Cheers!
Tuesday, September 23, 2014
Giveaway Postponed and The Giver
I really want to have a giveaway but we're still working on a nice layout and more posts. I think I will wait until I reach a decided number of hits. So sorry, but keep reading and tell a few friends, soon enough I will have regular giveaways!
Yesterday was my birthday, though. I'm 27! My birthday was very low key. Zack gave me my birthday card in the morning after we did our Devotional. Janni and I visited the new TJ Maxx store that opened two days and I bought my niece (we share our birthday) her birthday present and Janni a board book with colors because we are really working on her colors and she has utterly destroyed her other colors book. We took Zack his lunch and had a nice lunch as a family. I didn't really do any cleaning except for making the beds and picking up the house. I just took the day off from chores even though my in-home daycare home visit is today and I really need to mop the kitchen, bathroom, and entrance way floors and also steam clean the living room carpet.
Zack took me to see a movie, The Giver, and we left Janni with our sister-in-law at her house for the first time. We've only left Janni two other times with my mother-in-law and that was at our house. We were worried she would be upset and left her with heavy hearts, but lo and behold, she did fantastic! Once the movie was over, we rushed to get her but she was happy and really wasn't bothered that we were gone. Zack and I were a bit saddened that she didn't seem to miss us but happy that we know we have a future babysitter!
I really enjoyed The Giver. Zack said he liked it but it was confusing to him and he was having a hard time figuring out how to categorize the movie. I think that I found it more appealing because my 6th grade teacher read us the book and it has been forever dear to my heart.
About 4 years ago, when I was nearing the end of my degree, we received several books for our classroom library and The Giver was one of them, so I reread it and thought, "This is such a wonderful read, why haven't they made a movie out of it?"
Ask and you shall receive?
But I didn't ask, I just went on my merry little way and then saw that the movie was coming out. I have to admit, even though I thought it would be nice to make it into a movie, I was nervous to see it. There were several things that were changed in the movie that made me irk, but overall, they did a good job keeping to the script. I would suggest reading the book first (it's meant for middle school kids, so it's a quick read) and then seeing the movie.
Cheers!
Yesterday was my birthday, though. I'm 27! My birthday was very low key. Zack gave me my birthday card in the morning after we did our Devotional. Janni and I visited the new TJ Maxx store that opened two days and I bought my niece (we share our birthday) her birthday present and Janni a board book with colors because we are really working on her colors and she has utterly destroyed her other colors book. We took Zack his lunch and had a nice lunch as a family. I didn't really do any cleaning except for making the beds and picking up the house. I just took the day off from chores even though my in-home daycare home visit is today and I really need to mop the kitchen, bathroom, and entrance way floors and also steam clean the living room carpet.
Zack took me to see a movie, The Giver, and we left Janni with our sister-in-law at her house for the first time. We've only left Janni two other times with my mother-in-law and that was at our house. We were worried she would be upset and left her with heavy hearts, but lo and behold, she did fantastic! Once the movie was over, we rushed to get her but she was happy and really wasn't bothered that we were gone. Zack and I were a bit saddened that she didn't seem to miss us but happy that we know we have a future babysitter!
I really enjoyed The Giver. Zack said he liked it but it was confusing to him and he was having a hard time figuring out how to categorize the movie. I think that I found it more appealing because my 6th grade teacher read us the book and it has been forever dear to my heart.
About 4 years ago, when I was nearing the end of my degree, we received several books for our classroom library and The Giver was one of them, so I reread it and thought, "This is such a wonderful read, why haven't they made a movie out of it?"
Ask and you shall receive?
But I didn't ask, I just went on my merry little way and then saw that the movie was coming out. I have to admit, even though I thought it would be nice to make it into a movie, I was nervous to see it. There were several things that were changed in the movie that made me irk, but overall, they did a good job keeping to the script. I would suggest reading the book first (it's meant for middle school kids, so it's a quick read) and then seeing the movie.
Cheers!
Sunday, September 21, 2014
Black Widow Dilemma
Last night, I was brushing my teeth and finishing up getting ready for bed, when Zack came in to the bathroom and asked me to come outside to see something.
When Zack had put our dog, Frodo, out to use the bathroom before bed, he noticed that we had several black widow spiders with webs in our backyard! When I had first gone out and seen them, I froze, but within a minute of registering the urgency for me to act, we managed to kill all three of them and decided to search for more black widows. We lifted the dog house and ahhhh! We found two more hiding underneath it! This seriously makes me sick to my stomach! How many times have we taken Janni out back to play? So many times! And it has never really occurred to me that, "hey, there may be bugs out here that could very well impose death on my toddler!" I am so grateful that we haven't had any bites from the spiders because Janni is typically in to E.V.E.R.Y.T.H.I.N.G!! Thanking the Lord that He protected my sweet girl!
When we made a call to the landlord about our neighbors, we made sure to inform him about our current deadly spider situation He plans to send out an exterminator (I am not going to get into how deeply I dislike the idea of toxins mingling in my home), so that will at least keep Janni and my future daycare kids safe!
After our bug killing fiasco last night, we decided that we needed to clean the backyard up so Zack is currently outback, cleaning the backyard of any items that the black widows may use as a hiding place.
I haven't done any chores since it's Sunday and the house does need a good pickup, so while Zack safe-ti-fies (yes, I just invented a really cool word, you're jealous, huh?) our backyard, I am going to go be productive, too!
Cheers!
When Zack had put our dog, Frodo, out to use the bathroom before bed, he noticed that we had several black widow spiders with webs in our backyard! When I had first gone out and seen them, I froze, but within a minute of registering the urgency for me to act, we managed to kill all three of them and decided to search for more black widows. We lifted the dog house and ahhhh! We found two more hiding underneath it! This seriously makes me sick to my stomach! How many times have we taken Janni out back to play? So many times! And it has never really occurred to me that, "hey, there may be bugs out here that could very well impose death on my toddler!" I am so grateful that we haven't had any bites from the spiders because Janni is typically in to E.V.E.R.Y.T.H.I.N.G!! Thanking the Lord that He protected my sweet girl!
When we made a call to the landlord about our neighbors, we made sure to inform him about our current deadly spider situation He plans to send out an exterminator (I am not going to get into how deeply I dislike the idea of toxins mingling in my home), so that will at least keep Janni and my future daycare kids safe!
After our bug killing fiasco last night, we decided that we needed to clean the backyard up so Zack is currently outback, cleaning the backyard of any items that the black widows may use as a hiding place.
I haven't done any chores since it's Sunday and the house does need a good pickup, so while Zack safe-ti-fies (yes, I just invented a really cool word, you're jealous, huh?) our backyard, I am going to go be productive, too!
Cheers!
The Neighbors are Back
I wrote earlier about our neighbors leaving early yesterday and leaving their dogs kenneled for over 24 hours.
We gave our landlord a call and let him know about our concern. He told us that they were actually going to a wedding and would be back soon.
They are now home safe and sound. I'm glad they are safe. I'm not glad that I had to listen to the dogs bark for the last 24 hours.
Multifamily living dilemmas!
Cheers!
We gave our landlord a call and let him know about our concern. He told us that they were actually going to a wedding and would be back soon.
They are now home safe and sound. I'm glad they are safe. I'm not glad that I had to listen to the dogs bark for the last 24 hours.
Multifamily living dilemmas!
Cheers!
Our Neighbors
We currently live in a four-plex. We all pretty much keep to ourselves. We're friendly to each other but do our own thing.
Yesterday morning, around 7:30 a.m., I ran to a department store, desperate to get the twins, whose birthday we attended yesterday, presents. On my way home, I saw our neighbors driving the opposite way. This was around 8.
These neighbors are similar to us. They have a 2 year old boy and a newborn girl; we have a little girl. They also have 2 small dogs; we have 1 small dog.
When they leave, they kennel their dogs. If they go on a long trip, somebody comes by and gets their dogs.
Yesterday wasn't the case. They have yet to return and nobody came by to get their dogs. Their dogs are so desperate to get out of their kennels that they are barking constantly. We heard them barking some last night, but just figured they would come home later. Luckily for us, we did not hear them when we went to bed because the bedrooms are on the opposite side of the house.
This morning, I got up and went to the living room to hear their dogs barking over and over again.
It is now about 8:45 the next morning. Over 24 hours later. This isn't like them. There should have been somebody who came to get the dogs.
I really hope our neighbors are okay and that they didn't get into a car crash or have some sort of freak accident!
We've decided that after we get home from church later this afternoon, around 1 p.m., that if they have not returned, we are going to call our landlord and let him know the situation. Since he has their number and we don't, we'll have him call and do a welfare check on them.
Say a prayer that they are okay and this is just an out of the ordinary situation!
I would end by saying my normal Cheers! but that just isn't the most considerate things to do in a situation like this!
Yesterday morning, around 7:30 a.m., I ran to a department store, desperate to get the twins, whose birthday we attended yesterday, presents. On my way home, I saw our neighbors driving the opposite way. This was around 8.
These neighbors are similar to us. They have a 2 year old boy and a newborn girl; we have a little girl. They also have 2 small dogs; we have 1 small dog.
When they leave, they kennel their dogs. If they go on a long trip, somebody comes by and gets their dogs.
Yesterday wasn't the case. They have yet to return and nobody came by to get their dogs. Their dogs are so desperate to get out of their kennels that they are barking constantly. We heard them barking some last night, but just figured they would come home later. Luckily for us, we did not hear them when we went to bed because the bedrooms are on the opposite side of the house.
This morning, I got up and went to the living room to hear their dogs barking over and over again.
It is now about 8:45 the next morning. Over 24 hours later. This isn't like them. There should have been somebody who came to get the dogs.
I really hope our neighbors are okay and that they didn't get into a car crash or have some sort of freak accident!
We've decided that after we get home from church later this afternoon, around 1 p.m., that if they have not returned, we are going to call our landlord and let him know the situation. Since he has their number and we don't, we'll have him call and do a welfare check on them.
Say a prayer that they are okay and this is just an out of the ordinary situation!
I would end by saying my normal Cheers! but that just isn't the most considerate things to do in a situation like this!
Saturday, September 20, 2014
I Am Ready For Another Baby
We went to a birthday party for twin boys today. They turned 2! I got to hold their 5 month old sister and I was in Heaven!
I am sure it was the baby pheromones, but ever since holding that baby, I have had baby fever so badly that I get mad thinking about the fact that I indeed am not pregnant this month.
I got to thinking, since their sister is 5 months old, that means that when their sister was born, they were 19 months old! Janni is just about 17 months old now and if I were pregnant this very day, she wouldn't be a big sister until she was 26 months old!
I really, really, really want another baby!
Hello there, Baby Fever. Unless you're going to bring me another baby asap, if not sooner, please go away!
I guess I will count my blessings! I have a sweet and healthy Angel and a husband who loves and cherishes my baby girl! I guess that this baby fever has blinded me. I am going to go hold both my babies!
Cheers!
My sweet girl at about 8 months!
I am sure it was the baby pheromones, but ever since holding that baby, I have had baby fever so badly that I get mad thinking about the fact that I indeed am not pregnant this month.
I got to thinking, since their sister is 5 months old, that means that when their sister was born, they were 19 months old! Janni is just about 17 months old now and if I were pregnant this very day, she wouldn't be a big sister until she was 26 months old!
I really, really, really want another baby!
Hello there, Baby Fever. Unless you're going to bring me another baby asap, if not sooner, please go away!
I guess I will count my blessings! I have a sweet and healthy Angel and a husband who loves and cherishes my baby girl! I guess that this baby fever has blinded me. I am going to go hold both my babies!
Cheers!
27 and a New Feather/Down Pillow
My birthday is this Monday. September 22. It's actually, to my knowledge, the only date with more than one family member calling it their birthday - there are not two, but three of us that the date marks their entrance into the world. The other two are my Mother-in-law and my nearly 2 year old niece.
There's just something special about September. The air just seems different and I always seem to splurge. You know, it's like the air is telling me it's okay to buy that skirt, bag, shoes, that shirt for Janni! I come home during September with a new bag of a new something and when Zack raises his brow, I say, "That September and her air! It's like she whispers through the air to me that it's okay to buy that skirt, bag, shoes."
September, you sneaky, sneaky month!
So far my Mom has sent Janni winter clothes per my request. I am such a Mom! I prefer receiving things for Janni than things for myself and since my Mom lives aboout 90 miles away, she really enjoys the opportunity to spoil her only grandbaby!! So far, Zack has bought me some very practical things: a phone charger meant for my phones because mine died and a really nice feather/down pillow! He gave them to me early and I was thrilled with both. I am sure he has more surprises where they came from! My Mother-in-law is going to watch Janni and Zack and I are going to do a dinner and a movie.
In the Spirit of September, I am going to sponsor a giveaway of something (maybe a bag, purse, makeup) that starts on my birthday! Let's see how this goes!
So excited!
Now, I'm going to bed with an oh so soft pillow. Good night!
Cheers!
There's just something special about September. The air just seems different and I always seem to splurge. You know, it's like the air is telling me it's okay to buy that skirt, bag, shoes, that shirt for Janni! I come home during September with a new bag of a new something and when Zack raises his brow, I say, "That September and her air! It's like she whispers through the air to me that it's okay to buy that skirt, bag, shoes."
September, you sneaky, sneaky month!
So far my Mom has sent Janni winter clothes per my request. I am such a Mom! I prefer receiving things for Janni than things for myself and since my Mom lives aboout 90 miles away, she really enjoys the opportunity to spoil her only grandbaby!! So far, Zack has bought me some very practical things: a phone charger meant for my phones because mine died and a really nice feather/down pillow! He gave them to me early and I was thrilled with both. I am sure he has more surprises where they came from! My Mother-in-law is going to watch Janni and Zack and I are going to do a dinner and a movie.
In the Spirit of September, I am going to sponsor a giveaway of something (maybe a bag, purse, makeup) that starts on my birthday! Let's see how this goes!
So excited!
Now, I'm going to bed with an oh so soft pillow. Good night!
Cheers!
Friday, September 19, 2014
How I Keep a Laundry Schedule
Or How Do You Eat an Elephant? One Bite at a Time! or Ten Things That Make Me Feel Unloved: #1 Asking Me To Help with Laundry.
I was just joking about that last one, but it's true, my least favorite chore is laundry! Not the putting it into the washer and dryer part. I can manage that. I really, really, reeeeally hate having to fold and put away laundry! I can't explain it. It's just not fun for me and for that reason, I do one of two things. 1.) I put off laundry and get backed up to the point where Zack is begging me for clean socks and underwear or 2.) I have piles and piles of clean, wrinkled laundry that get shuffled between our bed and the top of our dresser. It's actually super embarrassing how long I have gone without actually putting the laundry away. We've literally worn an entire pile of clothing without it actually seeing the closet or dresser drawers.
Then one day I had this brilliant (or at least smarter than what I was doing) idea. I thought that maybe I could manage the awful, daunting task of laundry if I broke it up into sections rather than try to conquer is all in one day ... and I was right!
I found limiting the amount of laundry that needed to be done by categorizing them 1.) made the task easier to do and 2.) actually made each load of laundry smaller because I was routinely cleaning say, the darks or whites, and it never actually had the time to accumulate to no return! Putting laundry away has never been such a pleasant task (as pleasant as it can get)!
Here's what my schedule looks like:
This picture reiterates me need to get a high quality Canon or Nikon but my husband has really encouraged to keep blogging regardless of my camera quality. So, as we look for an affordable, high quality camera, this is what I have. :)
Weekly Laundry Schedule:
Monday: Jeans
Tuesday: Colors
Wednesday: Janni's Clothes
Thursday: Darks
Friday: Whites
Saturday: Linens/Towels
Sunday: Rest
I write mine out by hand to make it more personal. I then place it in a plastic paper protector and tape it into the top of my washer (I have a top loader, but if you have a front loader then just tape it on the wall to the side or wherever you can always see it) ) so it's there to remind me what gets washed that day.
It takes a week of faithfully doing your laundry and putting it away on the day it's scheduled to be done to experience the benefit of a schedule and to see smaller piles of laundry to put away. When I told Zack that I had planned to start a laundry schedule, he agreed to help me put the laundry away every evening for a week, so it made it easier from the get-go. You may want to have somebody commit to helping you put the laundry away for the first week.
So, how do you eat a massive elephant? One small, beautiful bite at a time!
Cheers!
I was just joking about that last one, but it's true, my least favorite chore is laundry! Not the putting it into the washer and dryer part. I can manage that. I really, really, reeeeally hate having to fold and put away laundry! I can't explain it. It's just not fun for me and for that reason, I do one of two things. 1.) I put off laundry and get backed up to the point where Zack is begging me for clean socks and underwear or 2.) I have piles and piles of clean, wrinkled laundry that get shuffled between our bed and the top of our dresser. It's actually super embarrassing how long I have gone without actually putting the laundry away. We've literally worn an entire pile of clothing without it actually seeing the closet or dresser drawers.
Then one day I had this brilliant (or at least smarter than what I was doing) idea. I thought that maybe I could manage the awful, daunting task of laundry if I broke it up into sections rather than try to conquer is all in one day ... and I was right!
I found limiting the amount of laundry that needed to be done by categorizing them 1.) made the task easier to do and 2.) actually made each load of laundry smaller because I was routinely cleaning say, the darks or whites, and it never actually had the time to accumulate to no return! Putting laundry away has never been such a pleasant task (as pleasant as it can get)!
Here's what my schedule looks like:
This picture reiterates me need to get a high quality Canon or Nikon but my husband has really encouraged to keep blogging regardless of my camera quality. So, as we look for an affordable, high quality camera, this is what I have. :)
Weekly Laundry Schedule:
Monday: Jeans
Tuesday: Colors
Wednesday: Janni's Clothes
Thursday: Darks
Friday: Whites
Saturday: Linens/Towels
Sunday: Rest
I write mine out by hand to make it more personal. I then place it in a plastic paper protector and tape it into the top of my washer (I have a top loader, but if you have a front loader then just tape it on the wall to the side or wherever you can always see it) ) so it's there to remind me what gets washed that day.
It takes a week of faithfully doing your laundry and putting it away on the day it's scheduled to be done to experience the benefit of a schedule and to see smaller piles of laundry to put away. When I told Zack that I had planned to start a laundry schedule, he agreed to help me put the laundry away every evening for a week, so it made it easier from the get-go. You may want to have somebody commit to helping you put the laundry away for the first week.
So, how do you eat a massive elephant? One small, beautiful bite at a time!
Cheers!
Thursday, September 18, 2014
Cheryl's Broccoli Salad
I never really cooked too much before I got married. Sure, I wanted to try a meal out here and there, but never really anything consistent. When I first got married, I mostly called my Mother-in-law for recipe ideas and help because she knew Zack's taste buds better than I did.
My Mother-in-law had us over one night and made a wonderful dish that I can't recall, but I am sure it was wonderful, because I can honestly say that I have never had a meal at her house that I didn't like! But I do remember one of the sides dishes that night and I enjoyed it so much that I begged her for the recipe. It was a really tasty Broccoli Salad.
Recently, we were over at a Home Fellowship Potluck through our church and I brought this dish. While we were eating, somebody said, "Who made this broccoli salad? Because it is my new favorite thing!" He asked me for the recipe and while I was writing it out, I decided to name it after my Mother-in-law, Cheryl, since receiving accolades from my burglarized meal just didn't seem right!
It's real easy and a sure hit!
Ingredients:
1 head of broccoli
4-5 pieces of bacon
1/2 cup cranberries
1/4-1/2 cup sliced almonds (must be sliced, whole or chopped just don't work right)
1/2 medium red onion, chopped (not diced)
1 cup mayonnaise
1/4 sugar or 1/2 cup honey
Cook bacon until it is crispy, place on a paper towel to remove excess grease and allow to cool.
In a small bowl, add mayonnaise and sugar or honey. Stir together well and allow to sit.
Chop the onion in to small pieces.
Cut the broccoli into bite-size pieces, discard stem.
In a large bowl, add broccoli, onion, cranberries, and sliced almonds.
Once bacon has cooled, dab any excess grease with the paper towel it is sitting on. With another paper towel (or just use your hands), crumble the bacon so that it is in small bits. Add to bowl.
Return to your mayonnaise mixture and stir it. Then add to the large bowl. Stir together well.
Cover bowl with plastic wrap and allow to chill in the refrigerator for about an hour.
Be sure to stir it up really good because everything but the broccoli seems to sink to the bottom! Enjoy!
Cheers!
My Mother-in-law had us over one night and made a wonderful dish that I can't recall, but I am sure it was wonderful, because I can honestly say that I have never had a meal at her house that I didn't like! But I do remember one of the sides dishes that night and I enjoyed it so much that I begged her for the recipe. It was a really tasty Broccoli Salad.
Recently, we were over at a Home Fellowship Potluck through our church and I brought this dish. While we were eating, somebody said, "Who made this broccoli salad? Because it is my new favorite thing!" He asked me for the recipe and while I was writing it out, I decided to name it after my Mother-in-law, Cheryl, since receiving accolades from my burglarized meal just didn't seem right!
It's real easy and a sure hit!
 |
| Not sure what that brownish thing on the upper left hand corner is. |
Ingredients:
1 head of broccoli
4-5 pieces of bacon
1/2 cup cranberries
1/4-1/2 cup sliced almonds (must be sliced, whole or chopped just don't work right)
1/2 medium red onion, chopped (not diced)
1 cup mayonnaise
1/4 sugar or 1/2 cup honey
Cook bacon until it is crispy, place on a paper towel to remove excess grease and allow to cool.
In a small bowl, add mayonnaise and sugar or honey. Stir together well and allow to sit.
Chop the onion in to small pieces.
Cut the broccoli into bite-size pieces, discard stem.
In a large bowl, add broccoli, onion, cranberries, and sliced almonds.
Once bacon has cooled, dab any excess grease with the paper towel it is sitting on. With another paper towel (or just use your hands), crumble the bacon so that it is in small bits. Add to bowl.
Return to your mayonnaise mixture and stir it. Then add to the large bowl. Stir together well.
Cover bowl with plastic wrap and allow to chill in the refrigerator for about an hour.
Be sure to stir it up really good because everything but the broccoli seems to sink to the bottom! Enjoy!
Cheers!
Wednesday, September 17, 2014
Gluten-Free Chicken Pot Pie: Casserole Style
During Zack and my engagement, my now sweet and thoughtful mother-in-law made an effort to invite us over every week to help wedding plan. Each week, she made sure to cook one of Zack's favorite meals. She would always ask me to help so that I would be able to make Zack a few of his favorite dinners once we were married. Clever woman!
One of Zack's all-time most favorite meals is a homemade chicken pot pie, casserole style. It doesn't actually use a pie crust, but you add a biscuit on top of it. I actually make sure that the entire filling is covered with biscuit so that it is more of a casserole (in other words, it doesn't just look like there are separate biscuits on top of it). I had to modify the recipe because I use Bob's Red Mill gluten-free baking flour and the recipes are close but not perfect, because gluten-free flour difficult like that.
This honestly took me months and months to perfect, because I was constantly not making enough biscuit and then trying to cover the chicken mixture and ending up with holes in the casserole due to too little dough!
I finally created the perfect pot pie casserole that can use gluten-free or regular flour.
Ingredients:
Chicken Mixture:
3.5 cups water
2 tbsp better than bullion (or 2 bullion cubes)
1.5 cup frozen mixed veggies
1 cup chicken, shredded (about one medium chicken breast)
1 tbsp of flour
(optional: garlic salt, pepper, onion powder for taste: I do about 1 tsp of each)
Biscuits:
2 cups Bob's Red Mill Gluten-free Flour
3 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
3 tbsp honey
1 egg
4 tbsp semi-soft to soft butter (not melted)
2/3-1 cup almond milk
Preheat oven to 350.
Chicken Mixture:
In a medium pot, bring 4 cups of water to a boil.
Place chicken breasts whole into pot and allow to boil.
When chicken is fully cooked, place onto a plate and allow to cool. Discard water.
Once cooled, use 2 forks to shred.
In the same pot used to boil the chicken, add 3.5 cups of water and bring to a boil.
Add Better than Bullion, and mixed veggies to the pot (if you're using garlic, salt, and onion powder to season, add this now).
In a small measuring cup, add tbsp of flour and 2 tbsp of water and mix until there are no clumps. Add to boiling water.
Allow to cook for about 15 minutes.
Add shredded chicken, allow to cook another 10 minutes.
Biscuit:
5 minutes before the chicken mixture is done, begin to make the biscuit mixture.
In a large bowl, add the flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix well.
Add butter, you may need to use your hands to break in the butter. Wash hands.
Fold in the egg.
Add honey
Slowly add in milk but don't add in all at once, it may be too much and your mixture will not work and you will be so disappointed! Once your mixture is the consistency of dough, you're ready to use it. If you're using gluten free flour, do not allow it to sit and rise. The baking powder causes the flour to get air-filled and it doesn't make too great of a biscuit.
Pour the mixture into either an 8 x 8 or 7 x 11 Pyrex pan (any bigger and you won't have enough biscuit dough).
Using your hands, take a handful of dough at a time. Flatter the dough like this.
Place dough on top of mixture, covering the chicken mixture until the entire Pyrex is covered. You may need to take a utensil spread the mix and cover all the tiny holes as pictured below.
Put in oven and cook for 30-40 minutes or until golden brown.
Allow to sit for 10 minutes and enjoy!
Cheers!
Tuesday, September 16, 2014
I'm Still the Biggest Burglar I know
When I was attending the Northern Arizona University's School of Education, we read several books
by a man who is considered to be the Education Guru! His name may make
you giggle, but I promise I am not making it up. His name is Harry K. Wong (clearly that middle initial K. was put in their to help distract immature college students, myself included!). Here's proof, if must have! :). Did you click the link? Are you laughing yet? Trust me, there were countless
immature laugh fests during discussions of this man. All this to say,
he said a quote during one of the countless videos we watched that I remember whenever I am getting ready to "borrow" an
idea from somebody.
He said, "When it comes to originality, teachers are the biggest burglars around."
I have tried a million different ways to meal plan, but nothing really seemed to stick with me. I would usually find it too difficult and complicated and I give up within the first week. I've tried everything from monthly planning to weekly planning. I've tried typing it up on a calendar to a printout that you write in yourself ... to no avail. After all this frustration and many, many tears after calculating how much we were spending on groceries each month, I was thrilled to tears when I decided to try one more method for meal planning and it worked! And we saved money! A lot of money! I found this meal planning method from Janssen at Everyday-reading.com. She has an excellent weekly meal planning system, complete with an easy to read menus and a shopping list.
So, yes, I have burglarized and stolen my meal planning system and I love it!
It's super simple.
First, I write out the weekly projected meal plan. I use a notepad that I got from Michael's Crafts for a grand spanking total of $1.00. You can get them from pretty much any store with an office supply sections like Walmart or Kmart.
Next, I take a white piece of printer paper and fold it so that there are 6 sections that look like mini lists. (Hint: I first fold it hamburger style, opposed to hotdog style). I then label each section as seen below. Produce, meat, dairy, frozen, can/dry, and miscellaneous.
I read through my food menu, one meal at a time, and see what groceries I am going to need to be able to make these meals and add the grocery items to the list in the category it should be under. I also write other things we may need as I think of them.
And then I go shopping, usually every Saturday, for groceries. We eat a lot of organic, mostly grain-free foods, which sadly means there are not a whole of coupons for these items. I usually google websites for coupons, check the store ADDS anyway, and hope to get lucky. Sometimes I do and then I do a little cheer for money saved!
So, Emily, you have only planned dinners. Do you only eat once a day?
Not this fatkid!
I get up with Zack every morning to do our morning Devotional and pray together and then once he has gotten into the shower, I make him breakfast and pack his lunch. Later in the morning, when Janni is up and at 'em, I make us the same thing I made Zack that morning and maybe anything else that she is into at the time.
Breakfast:
So, there you go! I'm all for keeping up with teacher stereotypes. Burglar at work and full of pride!
Cheers!
He said, "When it comes to originality, teachers are the biggest burglars around."
I have tried a million different ways to meal plan, but nothing really seemed to stick with me. I would usually find it too difficult and complicated and I give up within the first week. I've tried everything from monthly planning to weekly planning. I've tried typing it up on a calendar to a printout that you write in yourself ... to no avail. After all this frustration and many, many tears after calculating how much we were spending on groceries each month, I was thrilled to tears when I decided to try one more method for meal planning and it worked! And we saved money! A lot of money! I found this meal planning method from Janssen at Everyday-reading.com. She has an excellent weekly meal planning system, complete with an easy to read menus and a shopping list.
So, yes, I have burglarized and stolen my meal planning system and I love it!
It's super simple.
First, I write out the weekly projected meal plan. I use a notepad that I got from Michael's Crafts for a grand spanking total of $1.00. You can get them from pretty much any store with an office supply sections like Walmart or Kmart.
 |
| Categorizing my shopping list has made it less stressful to shop because, say I am in the produce area, I can quickly see what I need from that area and I don't have to scan my list several times to make sure I got everything before moving on. |
I read through my food menu, one meal at a time, and see what groceries I am going to need to be able to make these meals and add the grocery items to the list in the category it should be under. I also write other things we may need as I think of them.
 |
| That mark under produce in from water that was on the table. Sadness. |
And then I go shopping, usually every Saturday, for groceries. We eat a lot of organic, mostly grain-free foods, which sadly means there are not a whole of coupons for these items. I usually google websites for coupons, check the store ADDS anyway, and hope to get lucky. Sometimes I do and then I do a little cheer for money saved!
So, Emily, you have only planned dinners. Do you only eat once a day?
Not this fatkid!
I get up with Zack every morning to do our morning Devotional and pray together and then once he has gotten into the shower, I make him breakfast and pack his lunch. Later in the morning, when Janni is up and at 'em, I make us the same thing I made Zack that morning and maybe anything else that she is into at the time.
Breakfast:
- Eggs and Bacon
- Grain-free granola
- Grain-free muffins (I will post recipe)
- Cut up fruit
So, there you go! I'm all for keeping up with teacher stereotypes. Burglar at work and full of pride!
Cheers!
Monday, September 15, 2014
The Debt Must Get Paid
I am a former elementary school teacher. I loved the year and a half that I got to be in the classroom. I was a nearlywed, first year teacher... and I just so happened to be pregnant, too! I honestly had the sweetest, easy-going class a first year teacher could ever wish for! Teaching them was work, but they made it so easy and were so considerate of me (their teacher the year before was pregnant as well). They were precious. But I had a lot on my plate and a lot of those lovely student loans to pay back (I was stupid, stupid, stupid to take out max!!).
There was no question, after the baby arrived in April of 2013, I would presume the role as stay-at-home-mom. Our finances would work out eventually.
So, here I am in September of 2014, and I love my role as a SAHM! It is so rewarding, and Janni is a jewel! She is such a sweet and affectionate little girl with a mischievous side! And our debt is getting paid via snowball. I've struggled and struggled with the idea that I was the one who foolishly took out my loans for college and Zack, my sweet husband, has been and is more than willing to pay my student loans off - it's just going to take a while.
We're doing quite wonderfully on Zack's income. Zack has his 9-5 job that has always provided more than enough to sustain us and then we're blessed beyond measure all several webdesign, computer repair, nerdy techy side work each month. But I want to pay off my student loans faster and actually help pay them off (since, ya know, I was the smart one to take them out).
I've decided to open up our home and start and in-home daycare. The idea came up months ago, but I turned my nose up to the idea. We plan to open up a separate account for this money to be deposited into and then have an automatic withdraw each month to go towards my student loans. Ideally, we won't have to touch the money at all! The program in which I will be certified and running my daycare through id a government DES program, so it is committed to helping provide struggling parents with safe, high quality childcare.
It's a great program and I have an in-home inspection this Friday. I have been organizing, cleaning, desperately working towards getting this place in an order in which I can prove to the inspector that our home is indeed, a healthy, safe, beneficial environment for children.
I am actually beginning to get very excited about the prospects of this business will be sure to blog the progress and document via picture the transformation of my very large livingroom and Janni's bedroom into an in-home daycare!
I can't wait!
Cheers!
There was no question, after the baby arrived in April of 2013, I would presume the role as stay-at-home-mom. Our finances would work out eventually.
So, here I am in September of 2014, and I love my role as a SAHM! It is so rewarding, and Janni is a jewel! She is such a sweet and affectionate little girl with a mischievous side! And our debt is getting paid via snowball. I've struggled and struggled with the idea that I was the one who foolishly took out my loans for college and Zack, my sweet husband, has been and is more than willing to pay my student loans off - it's just going to take a while.
We're doing quite wonderfully on Zack's income. Zack has his 9-5 job that has always provided more than enough to sustain us and then we're blessed beyond measure all several webdesign, computer repair, nerdy techy side work each month. But I want to pay off my student loans faster and actually help pay them off (since, ya know, I was the smart one to take them out).
I've decided to open up our home and start and in-home daycare. The idea came up months ago, but I turned my nose up to the idea. We plan to open up a separate account for this money to be deposited into and then have an automatic withdraw each month to go towards my student loans. Ideally, we won't have to touch the money at all! The program in which I will be certified and running my daycare through id a government DES program, so it is committed to helping provide struggling parents with safe, high quality childcare.
It's a great program and I have an in-home inspection this Friday. I have been organizing, cleaning, desperately working towards getting this place in an order in which I can prove to the inspector that our home is indeed, a healthy, safe, beneficial environment for children.
I am actually beginning to get very excited about the prospects of this business will be sure to blog the progress and document via picture the transformation of my very large livingroom and Janni's bedroom into an in-home daycare!
I can't wait!
Cheers!
To New Beginnings!
I guess I just never really made myself stick with this blogging thing. Between taking care of my 16.5 month old daughter, Janni, and taking care of the house, I just felt the lack of inspiration to blog... but now I am feeling the fire burning deeper than ever before and whispering, "just do it." And so, I am just going to do it. I plan on writing out a schedule for the rest of September and come October, I will do the same until I have this blogging things on a roll!
Cheers!
Cheers!
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