Goofy Internet... Or Goofy Me

That last post was missing some stuff that I'd originally written. It didn't dawn on me that putting things in brackets would make the website think I had included some HTML. So, if the post didn't really make sense to you, please read it again. LOL Sometimes the simplest bit of information makes everything crystal clear. ;)

Marriage

I can hardly believe it's been so long since I last blogged, but the dates don't lie. So many times I've thought, "Oh, I have to blog about that... it was too funny not to share!" However, I then got busy doing something else and didn't get it done. Being so ill for the first 6 months of the year (and a couple of months before that) didn't help matters either. I have a cute one for you, though, and will try to keep up better again.

Andrew: *After a HUGE kiss* I just MARRIED you, Mommy!
Me: Oh yeah?
Andrew: I'm jus' kiddin'!! *Insert the cutest giggle you've ever heard* I married Snow White on the Disney Cruise already!!!

Yep, my boy thinks that you marry somebody by kissing them, and that his wife lives on a cruise ship with Mickey and the gang!! Hmmmm... I wonder if we can get a family rate.

Please pray for my girls

The girls are going to the Teen Leadership Conference with our youth group this week. They leave tomorrow morning and return very late Thursday night, nearly Friday morning. I'm not happy about the road conditions on which they will be travelling, but at this time the roads aren't bad enough for me to feel okay telling them they can't go.

I know this is going to be an amazing trip for them. I have such great memories of TLC when I was a teen. I know they will learn great things and will come back with a deeper knowledge and hopefully more secure in their role in Him.

Please pray for open minds and hearts, a good time, and safety for all those attending the conference.

Sixteen Years Ago...

I had a beautiful baby girl. She had ten adorable toes and ten long fingers. She was so perfect in so many ways, except she wasn't healthy. She was having seizures, having problems breathing, couldn't regulate her temperature, and the doctors were baffled. They told us they were going to do everything they could to figure it out and to help her, but to be prepared. They'd already had to resuscitate her several times. We could visit her in the NICU, and look at our precious little girl, but we couldn't hold her. We prayed, as did so many people all over the country.

Soon we were able to feed her by holding a syringe that drained through her nose into her stomach. Then we were able to hold her and feed her with the syringe. Then finally she was able to nurse and we could take her into the family room for half an hour at a time, on monitors, of course, so we could spend time alone with her, cuddling and nursing. Two weeks later, our baby, whose life was in such peril before, was able to go home... on meds, but doing well.

Now our sweet little girl is SIXTEEN!!! She is still so beautiful, and such an amazing young Christian woman. I'm so proud to call her my daughter. She's a great sister, a great daughter, and a great person. We have been so blessed to have these amazing children!

Emily, I know you'll read this... I am so proud of you! Thank you for being such a sweet young lady! Please always remember that we love you, your siblings love you, but most importantly, God loves you! Always turn to Him in all things. I love you! Happy Birthday!!!

Mom! Something's wrong with Drew's back!!

That's what I heard a few minutes ago. I glanced up and saw that Drew did, indeed, have something weird all over his back. Upon closer examination, it looked like a flat rash, almost like broken blood vessels. Then I had this thought, "That reminds me of the hot chocolate I just cleaned off the foyer floor." Sure enough, it washed right off! How in the world does a little boy get spots of hot chocolate all over his back? And how do I stop the adreneline rush that is now speeding through my body at the thought of my son having some weird rash??? Ahhhhh... time to finish my grocery shopping, I guess. ;)

Josh's new Bible

My parents bought Josh a Children's Bible to celebrate his salvation. He received it in the mail this week and was so very excited. He was thrilled when he saw his name on the front, then giddy when I read the inscription they wrote in it, then beside himself when he started exploring the book and found pictures. So we're in the van, and he's exploring his Bible. Suddenly he screams, "It has a MAP!!!!!" Why a map is exciting to him is beyond my understanding, but it was just so cute.

We then talked about how this isn't like his story Bible. We talked about how this new Bible has all the same stuff in it that Mommy's Bible has. He then asked if it has the same stuff as his teacher's Bible at church. When I told him yes, he got this sheepish grin on his face and said, "But my teacher doesn't have PICTURES in her Bible!" He couldn't wait to show off that Bible and proudly took it to class with him this morning.

He's growing up. Sniff Sniff

Josh's New Body...

I'm supposed to be going to bed, but want to share this before I forget.

Brooke accidentally caught Josh on the cheek with her fingernail this evening, taking off a chunk of skin. It wasn't terrible, but it sure did bleed and look nasty. In the midst of me trying to control my instant urge to lose my dinner, Josh just patted my arm. He said, "It's okay, Mom, 'cause I'm going to die soon and then I'll get a brand new body!"

Okay, so we had to discuss the fact that he's not likely to die for a very long time, but he again told me, "Yeah, but when I'm really old, I'm going to die. Then I'll go to Heaven and get a brand new body that won't ever hurt!"

Gosh, I just love that boy so much!!!

Morning Star...

No, I'm not going vegetarian, at least not yet. However, since my body is adjusting to working without a gallbladder, I have to really watch my fat, or I'll get ill. The problem is, I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE burgers!!! My wonderful surgeon, however, recommended the Morning Star brand Spicy Black Bean "burgers" because they are low in fat, but still leave that hamburger craving satisfied.

These things are GREAT!!! I really like them better than beef burgers! Emily even asked for one last night instead of a beef burger patty, because she likes them so much. We've had them several times now and I can't believe they are so low-fat and so incredibly tasty! Last night we had them with some salt and pepper microwave potato chips and I felt like I was getting such a treat.

We've also tried their Buffalo Wings, which are higher in fat, but delicious, and another brand's spicy chicken patties, which are great on a bun. If you're watching your fat/calories, you might want to consider trying some of these. One of my friends, who used to be vegetarian, has told me that Morning Star is her favorite, but to not EVER try the bacon substitute. So keep that in mind. LOL

Hmmmmm... I might consider going vegetarian if there was a good alternative for medium rare steak!!

The secret...

Okay, so I've been the only one who could get Drew to go to bed at night lately. Before now he just kind of ran until he passed out, much to our horror. A few weeks ago, though, I decided I'd had enough and attempted the Super Nanny's bedtime routine. That didn't work well, but adjusting it just a bit did. However, I've been the only one for whom it worked. LOL My family looks at me in awe and I think Stu has actually had to restrain himself from getting on his knees and bowing in worship of me. ROFL

Well, tonight I gave up the secret. You just have to make a deal with him! We say our prayers, I tuck him in, then I tell him I want him to stay in bed. He gives me a thumbs up and says, "DEAL!" Then I tell him I don't want him to talk, and he does the "DEAL!" thing again. Next I tell him I want him to go to sleep, which is met with... you guess it, his "DEAL!"

Yep, you just have to make a deal with him! Unfortunately my family no longer thinks I'm the "Baby Whisperer" ;)

YAY!!!

We have referrals for Emily, Josh, and Drew to see our neurosurgeon, Dr. Ellenbogen! We may finally get some answers! Brooke also needs to get her yearly MRI done in Feb, so Dr. E's assistant said we'll just schedule all four children for MRIs on the same day. Stu will have to take the day off, so one of us can stay with the boys while they are sedated and the other can go with the girls, who won't need sedation. This will probably all be delayed until February, but since it's been 6 months in the works, I think we can wait a couple more.

Thank you all for the prayers you've already said for us! I'll let you know when we have a date.

Baby Hanes

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)

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.

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.

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!!

It has happened already!!!

Me - "I love you so very much, Andrew!"
Drew - "I love Snow White!"

Sigh...

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!

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

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.

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. :)

YAY, Tricare!!!

I've been trying to get our PCM to put in referrals for the other three to be tested for Chiari. They all show symptoms, and Dr. Ellenbogen felt like it would be wise to get them checked. All three have severe headaches, in the front and back of their heads. Josh and Emily see spots with their headaches. We know Josh does because the other night, when he was suffering from one of them, he tripped and said, "It's so hard to see with all the blinking lights." Emily and Josh both also suffer from leg pains nearly every day, often waking with them, not just suffering from them after an active day. Emily now also suffers from a tingling, needly feeling on her back/shoulders, and hand/wrist pain. Her pain is very similar to what I feel with my fibro, and she may very well end up having fibro, but if it's Chiari, we need to know NOW, before she ends up with permanent damage of paralysis.

I got a call, late yesterday afternoon, from our PCM's nurse, saying she was getting ready to put in the referrals. She put in a referral for a head/neck MRI for each child, as well as a spine MRI for each. Cysts of cerebrospinal fluid are common in Chiari patients, as is tethered cord syndrome. It is so common, they like to check the spine in all Chiari patients to rule out those things. All three head/neck MRIs are approved, and the spinal MRIs are all still being reviewed. I am so relieved!! I feel like a huge weight has been lifted off my shoulders now that they will finally get these tests!!

Of course I hope the MRIs don't show any issues, but if they do, I want them taken care of while we are stationed here. Dr. Ellenbogen is one of the top doctors in the country for this condition, and we truly feel that God paved the way for us to be stationed here right before Brooke got so sick and was diagnosed. It's almost time for sea duty again, and while we are trying to be stationed here for that, there is no guarantee. So I've been a bit anxious about getting this done in a timely manner.

I know several people have been waiting and praying with us, for these MRIs, so I'll keep you updated on the progress.