The ever curious - and argumentative - Drew brought me a sock and asked me what it says on the bottom.
"It says, Baby Hanes." I replied.
"No it doesn't!" was his emphatic response, to which I suggested he ask his daddy to read it.
Upon getting the same answer from his daddy, Drew became very indignant and yelled, "It is NOT Baby Hane's sock, it is BIG ANDOOS!!!" (That's Andrew, for any of you who don't happen to speak 3 yr old boy)
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Roasted Chickpeas
We also made these recently and I really enjoy them! I snuck some into the movie theater (shhhhhh) so I had something to crunch on while Stu was eating popcorn. I ended up having to give the three and five year olds their own container of them, 'cause they enjoyed them so much! The three year old carried his around snacking. :D I'm looking forward to experimenting with different seasonings.
We made the canned chickpea recipe, but I'll include both. These are also from fatfreevegan.com.
Roasted Chickpeas Two Ways
You can use different spices in both of these recipes or leave out the seasoning altogether.
Chili Roasted Chickpeas from Dried Beans
1 cup dried chickpeas
2 teaspoons chili powder
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 tablespoon lime juice
Pick over and rinse the chickpeas. Cover them with water 2 inches above the level of the beans and let soak overnight.
Drain and rinse the chickpeas. Put in a pot with enough water to cover and bring to a boil. Turn down the heat, add 1 1/2 teaspoons of the chili powder and simmer for 10 minutes. Drain. Place in a bowl and toss with the lime juice.
Preheat the oven to 400F. Lift the chickpeas out of the bowl with a slotted spoon and place them in a single layer on an oiled baking sheet. Stir after 15 minutes, brushing them with the lime juice remaining in the bowl. Repeat three times, the last time sprinkling them with the remaining chili powder and salt. When they are golden brown and crispy (about 50-60 minutes in total) remove from the oven . Cool completely before serving.
Makes 6 servings. Per serving: 125 Calories (kcal); 2g Total Fat; (15% calories from fat); 7g Protein; 21g Carbohydrate; 0mg Cholesterol; 549mg Sodium; 7g Fiber. Weight Watchers Core / 2 Points.
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Curry Roasted Chickpeas from Canned Beans
1 1/2 cups canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1/2 teaspoon curry powder
1/4 teaspoon cumin
1/8 teaspoon cayenne
1/4 teaspoon salt (optional)
Preheat oven to 400F. Combine all ingredients in a mixing bowl and mix well. Spray a baking sheet with canola oil and spread chickpeas out in a single layer. Bake, stirring every 15 minutes, until golden and crunchy, about 45-50 minutes. Cool completely before serving.
Makes 6 servings. Per serving: 72 Calories (kcal); 1g Total Fat; (8% calories from fat); 3g Protein; 14g Carbohydrate; 0mg Cholesterol; 180mg Sodium; 3g Fiber. Weight Watchers Core / 1 Point.
We made the canned chickpea recipe, but I'll include both. These are also from fatfreevegan.com.
Roasted Chickpeas Two Ways
You can use different spices in both of these recipes or leave out the seasoning altogether.
Chili Roasted Chickpeas from Dried Beans
1 cup dried chickpeas
2 teaspoons chili powder
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 tablespoon lime juice
Pick over and rinse the chickpeas. Cover them with water 2 inches above the level of the beans and let soak overnight.
Drain and rinse the chickpeas. Put in a pot with enough water to cover and bring to a boil. Turn down the heat, add 1 1/2 teaspoons of the chili powder and simmer for 10 minutes. Drain. Place in a bowl and toss with the lime juice.
Preheat the oven to 400F. Lift the chickpeas out of the bowl with a slotted spoon and place them in a single layer on an oiled baking sheet. Stir after 15 minutes, brushing them with the lime juice remaining in the bowl. Repeat three times, the last time sprinkling them with the remaining chili powder and salt. When they are golden brown and crispy (about 50-60 minutes in total) remove from the oven . Cool completely before serving.
Makes 6 servings. Per serving: 125 Calories (kcal); 2g Total Fat; (15% calories from fat); 7g Protein; 21g Carbohydrate; 0mg Cholesterol; 549mg Sodium; 7g Fiber. Weight Watchers Core / 2 Points.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Curry Roasted Chickpeas from Canned Beans
1 1/2 cups canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1/2 teaspoon curry powder
1/4 teaspoon cumin
1/8 teaspoon cayenne
1/4 teaspoon salt (optional)
Preheat oven to 400F. Combine all ingredients in a mixing bowl and mix well. Spray a baking sheet with canola oil and spread chickpeas out in a single layer. Bake, stirring every 15 minutes, until golden and crunchy, about 45-50 minutes. Cool completely before serving.
Makes 6 servings. Per serving: 72 Calories (kcal); 1g Total Fat; (8% calories from fat); 3g Protein; 14g Carbohydrate; 0mg Cholesterol; 180mg Sodium; 3g Fiber. Weight Watchers Core / 1 Point.
Microwave Potato Chips
This recipe is from fatfreevegan.com. We had them with dinner the other night and they are AMAZING and only have trace amounts of fat!!!
Microwave Potato Chips
1 medium russet potato
parchment paper
salt
optional seasonings: chili powder, Creole seasoning, Old Bay seasoning, etc.
Using a mandolin or v-slicer, slice one medium russet potato (peeled, if you like) as thinly as possible, taking care that all slices are the same thickness. Line the turntable tray of your microwave with parchment paper and place the potato slices on it without overlapping. Salt lightly and sprinkle with your choice of seasonings.
Microwave at full power--watching closely--until spots of brown begin to appear, about 4-6 minutes. Turn off the microwave for 1 minute. Microwave again at full power until the slices are golden brown. (Be very careful not to over-brown or they will taste burned.) Remove from the microwave and allow to cool. Repeat until all potato slices are cooked.
Salt and Vinegar Chips:
Dip each potato slice into cider vinegar before putting it on the parchment paper. Sprinkle with salt before microwaving.
Makes two servings. Per serving: 30 Calories (kcal); trace Total Fat; (1% calories from fat); 1g Protein; 7g Carbohydrate; 0mg Cholesterol; 2mg Sodium; 1g Fiber. Weight Watchers Core / 0 Points.
Microwave Potato Chips
1 medium russet potato
parchment paper
salt
optional seasonings: chili powder, Creole seasoning, Old Bay seasoning, etc.
Using a mandolin or v-slicer, slice one medium russet potato (peeled, if you like) as thinly as possible, taking care that all slices are the same thickness. Line the turntable tray of your microwave with parchment paper and place the potato slices on it without overlapping. Salt lightly and sprinkle with your choice of seasonings.
Microwave at full power--watching closely--until spots of brown begin to appear, about 4-6 minutes. Turn off the microwave for 1 minute. Microwave again at full power until the slices are golden brown. (Be very careful not to over-brown or they will taste burned.) Remove from the microwave and allow to cool. Repeat until all potato slices are cooked.
Salt and Vinegar Chips:
Dip each potato slice into cider vinegar before putting it on the parchment paper. Sprinkle with salt before microwaving.
Makes two servings. Per serving: 30 Calories (kcal); trace Total Fat; (1% calories from fat); 1g Protein; 7g Carbohydrate; 0mg Cholesterol; 2mg Sodium; 1g Fiber. Weight Watchers Core / 0 Points.
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Still in awe...
About 6:00 Friday night, Josh came to me and in a very somber voice, he said, "I wish Jesus lived in my heart, Mommy!"
Mind you, I had a feeling this was coming, because he has said little things, and has been asking some questions over the last three weeks or so, that made me believe that the Holy Spirit was working on his little heart.
So, we spent some time talking about Jesus. We talked about who He is, about Him dying on the cross for our sins, how he rose again, etc. I made sure that Josh understood that Jesus died on the cross for JOSH, because he knew that Josh would be born and would do things that were wrong, and He wanted Josh to live in Heaven anyway. We talked about how He did that for all of us.
We also talked about how all we have to do to accept Jesus into our lives and have Him live in our hearts, is to pray. I then asked him if that was what he wanted to do, and he emphatically said, "YES!"
So, Stu and I prayed with our first son, helping him to accept Jesus into his heart and life, and confessing that he has sinned, but he knows that Jesus gave His life so that his sins won't send him to Hell.
Afterward, I asked Josh how he felt and he told me he felt WONDERFUL. I told him that now Jesus is living in his heart. He told me, "And when I die, I will go to Heaven... but not on a cross, when I get really old!" ROFL The way children think is just so sweet and innocent!
My son is saved! He is so excited to tell everybody! We called the grandparents immediately, and he can't wait to tell his teacher at church today. :D God is so VERY good!!! I'm so glad that both Stu and I were here for this very special, life-changing time!!
Mind you, I had a feeling this was coming, because he has said little things, and has been asking some questions over the last three weeks or so, that made me believe that the Holy Spirit was working on his little heart.
So, we spent some time talking about Jesus. We talked about who He is, about Him dying on the cross for our sins, how he rose again, etc. I made sure that Josh understood that Jesus died on the cross for JOSH, because he knew that Josh would be born and would do things that were wrong, and He wanted Josh to live in Heaven anyway. We talked about how He did that for all of us.
We also talked about how all we have to do to accept Jesus into our lives and have Him live in our hearts, is to pray. I then asked him if that was what he wanted to do, and he emphatically said, "YES!"
So, Stu and I prayed with our first son, helping him to accept Jesus into his heart and life, and confessing that he has sinned, but he knows that Jesus gave His life so that his sins won't send him to Hell.
Afterward, I asked Josh how he felt and he told me he felt WONDERFUL. I told him that now Jesus is living in his heart. He told me, "And when I die, I will go to Heaven... but not on a cross, when I get really old!" ROFL The way children think is just so sweet and innocent!
My son is saved! He is so excited to tell everybody! We called the grandparents immediately, and he can't wait to tell his teacher at church today. :D God is so VERY good!!! I'm so glad that both Stu and I were here for this very special, life-changing time!!
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
It has happened already!!!
Me - "I love you so very much, Andrew!"
Drew - "I love Snow White!"
Sigh...
Drew - "I love Snow White!"
Sigh...
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Eating my own words...
When I found out the naval hospital had grabbed the referral for my surgery, I was horrified. I have heard so many horror stories about military hospitals and we've had our own horrible encounters with the ER at naval hospital. I know there are some wonderful military doctors, but there are so many that are NOT wonderful by any shape of the imagination, and I don't like the concept of not being able to fire my doctor! I equate it to playing Russion roulette when trusting my family's health to the military health care system.
However... I didn't have an option that was really going to work for us. I could change to a different insurance plan, but that meant big bucks that we really don't have, especially when we're trying to pay off all debt before retirement. I could also just go to a civilian surgeon and stay enrolled in my current insurance plan, but that would mean even more money.
So, being in pain, I made the appointment and got the doctor's name so I could do research on her. I really liked what I read about her education, and looked forward to meeting her. My first appointment with this doctor really helped me relax about what was ahead. The doctor took plenty of time with me, explaining the options we had as far as treatment, and the risks associated with each. She explained how the whole liver/gallbladder/digestion system works to make sure I had the info I needed to make an educated decision. She even released me from the naval hospital so I could go to a civilian physician and be more comfortable with the system.
After meeting her, praying about the right thing to do, and the pain continuing, I decided to go with the naval hospital after all. I'm so glad I did! The care I received there, from the nurse scheduling the appointments and surgery, to the corpsman who wheeled me to the door of the hospital after my stay, was absolutely wonderful, with the exception of only three people. Even the food service was amazing!!
I will continue seeing my civilian physician, and avoiding the naval ER with every bone in my body, but it's nice to know that I can expect wonderful care if I ever have to have another surgery (or... gasp... another child) at Bremerton Naval Hospital!
However... I didn't have an option that was really going to work for us. I could change to a different insurance plan, but that meant big bucks that we really don't have, especially when we're trying to pay off all debt before retirement. I could also just go to a civilian surgeon and stay enrolled in my current insurance plan, but that would mean even more money.
So, being in pain, I made the appointment and got the doctor's name so I could do research on her. I really liked what I read about her education, and looked forward to meeting her. My first appointment with this doctor really helped me relax about what was ahead. The doctor took plenty of time with me, explaining the options we had as far as treatment, and the risks associated with each. She explained how the whole liver/gallbladder/digestion system works to make sure I had the info I needed to make an educated decision. She even released me from the naval hospital so I could go to a civilian physician and be more comfortable with the system.
After meeting her, praying about the right thing to do, and the pain continuing, I decided to go with the naval hospital after all. I'm so glad I did! The care I received there, from the nurse scheduling the appointments and surgery, to the corpsman who wheeled me to the door of the hospital after my stay, was absolutely wonderful, with the exception of only three people. Even the food service was amazing!!
I will continue seeing my civilian physician, and avoiding the naval ER with every bone in my body, but it's nice to know that I can expect wonderful care if I ever have to have another surgery (or... gasp... another child) at Bremerton Naval Hospital!
Friday, November 7, 2008
Home again
I had to be at the hospital bright and early yesterday, then there was a lot of waiting. LOL Wait to be checked in, then wait to be taken to the holding room, then wait for the anesthesia, then I don't remember anything else. LOL Stu, however, spent several hours waiting to hear something while I was in the holding room getting my hands massaged by two young men. They were having a hard time finding a vein in my hands that they wanted to use, so I had a guy on each hand, slapping it, rubbing it, etc. I joked with them that I really needed a pedicure also. For some reason, they just didn't think they'd have the time for that.
They finally found a vein they liked and got the iv set, then in came the anesthesiologist. He put something in my iv and I thought maybe the iv was messed up because I didn't feel anything. Then came the burn, and then I could no longer sit up. I told them I was going to lay down and close my eyes now, and to just let me know if they needed anything. ROFL I remember at some time, somebody put a mask over my face and told me to breathe in deeply so I could fill my lungs with oxygen so I didn't get pneumonia, and the next thing I remember was recovery. I had such a sweet nurse in recovery! He joked with me, didn't mind answering the same question repeatedly, or anything. I remembered asking if they had let my husband know I was okay, but I couldn't remember what he told me. I've decided that men who go into nursing tend to be exceptionally kind, caring people.
Luckily, we'd already planned for me to stay the night, but they would have kept me anyway, because I couldn't stop throwing up. Already having a room waiting, the paperwork filled out, etc. just made things go a little more smoothly.
I'm feeling much better today than I expected to feel. I'm sore, but it's more a muscle soreness than anything. I am so grateful for all the prayers. I know it wasn't a real major surgery, certainly nothing like what Brooke went through a year ago, or what little Riley is dealing with right now, but it was still nerve-wracking and knowing people were praying was very comforting.
Now I'm going to go take a nap. :D
They finally found a vein they liked and got the iv set, then in came the anesthesiologist. He put something in my iv and I thought maybe the iv was messed up because I didn't feel anything. Then came the burn, and then I could no longer sit up. I told them I was going to lay down and close my eyes now, and to just let me know if they needed anything. ROFL I remember at some time, somebody put a mask over my face and told me to breathe in deeply so I could fill my lungs with oxygen so I didn't get pneumonia, and the next thing I remember was recovery. I had such a sweet nurse in recovery! He joked with me, didn't mind answering the same question repeatedly, or anything. I remembered asking if they had let my husband know I was okay, but I couldn't remember what he told me. I've decided that men who go into nursing tend to be exceptionally kind, caring people.
Luckily, we'd already planned for me to stay the night, but they would have kept me anyway, because I couldn't stop throwing up. Already having a room waiting, the paperwork filled out, etc. just made things go a little more smoothly.
I'm feeling much better today than I expected to feel. I'm sore, but it's more a muscle soreness than anything. I am so grateful for all the prayers. I know it wasn't a real major surgery, certainly nothing like what Brooke went through a year ago, or what little Riley is dealing with right now, but it was still nerve-wracking and knowing people were praying was very comforting.
Now I'm going to go take a nap. :D
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Riley update
Riley's blog says his surgery went very well! They also appreciate all the prayers!
Riley is still in pain. Brooke wanted to badly to go visit him and offer him some encouragement, but there's just no time before my surgery tomorrow. It's a bit strange for me to think of Riley's mom sitting up there at that hospital, when her son just had the same surgery my daughter had a year ago tomorrow. I pray that they have wonderful results like Brooke did.
Riley is still in pain. Brooke wanted to badly to go visit him and offer him some encouragement, but there's just no time before my surgery tomorrow. It's a bit strange for me to think of Riley's mom sitting up there at that hospital, when her son just had the same surgery my daughter had a year ago tomorrow. I pray that they have wonderful results like Brooke did.
Saturday, November 1, 2008
Guess I spoke too soon!!
Tricare has now cancelled the children's original MRI referrals, including the one for each that was approved. They each now have four NEW MRI referrals, that are completely different from the ones originally ordered/approved. These new referrals are all "pending review", so we're waiting again. I'm okay with the wait now, though, because I've spoken to the radiology scheduler and they can't get us in for at least 3-4 weeks anyway. I was hoping to get it done before my surgery, but that's not a possibility even if the referrals were approved now. Waiting this long only means I will definitely be healed, have an idea of the types of foods I can handle, and have more energy by then. :)
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