Trip to the Movie Theater

An outing for us all.

Tom is only up to short trips as he can't ride long in the car without being totally uncomfortable --- and he can only do sitting activities.

He was kind of miffed this weekend as the weather was so beautiful - we have for years camped every Memorial Day weekend and more times than not we have been poured on - and it has been cold and not so nice. This Memorial Day weekend was fabulous. How ironic is that!

So Tom was feeling blue about not being able to camp. I knew we all needed to do something special to chase away those blues --- earlier this week the package had show up - on a friend's blog I had been the winner of a Shrek movie package (ya - thank you!) - that included a $25 gift card to go to the movies. It seemed like this was just the thing - a special outing to chase away the blues.

We invited my parents to come grill out for lunch and join us for the movie. They came for lunch but opted out of the movie. Mom has Dad working on some house projects. She wanted to price the items to see if her wishlist was do-able.

The younger kids and I saw Shrek. My oldest really wanted to see Prince of Persia --- my husband wanted to see both but I really didn't want my oldest to have to sit there by himself - that just isn't fun. So Tom went with him to see Prince of Persia. I would have rather that we were all together but this made everyone happy - and it was a special day for us all. Both movies were showing at the same time so it worked. Shrek ended a bit earlier so we had time for a trip to Michael's (I got a vanilla candle for $1.88 - I was thrilled! Plus I got a coupon for 50% off one item as of June 6th --- my middle child is thrilled as he wants a calligraphy set! He wanted it right then but I told him to wait a few days as 50% off is a big deal! He is impatiently waiting!)

Shrek and Prince of Persia both were very good movies. I really liked Shrek. I appreciated that they showed witches as evil (don't believe in 'good witches'). One of the main themes is that Shrek didn't realize how good his life was and how good he had it until he lost everything. I think we all sometimes look at the glass as half empty instead of half full. We forget to be thankful for what blessings we have and only look at the fact we don't have something or that others have more (and if all we do is compare ourselves - there will always be someone with more or with bigger toys or better house or more money). Shrek finally realizes that the love and family he had are really the blessings to be strived for, fought for and treasured. A movie with a moral I can actually approve of - how rare!

The Secret - by Beverly Lewis

This was a great book but it is the first in a series of three. To be honest, the first one leaves you hanging - so if you are up to reading three books - then this is a good one to get.

The book is about an Amish family and their relationships with each other. The mother has a secret and finally can't live with it - she leaves but doesn't say where she is going or why. The family doesn't know if she is okay either. This causes the daughter to question her relationship with her fiance - she wonders if marriages are ever happy and if he is the one she should marry.

As I said it is a good book but will leave you hanging. At the end of the book some of the issues are resolved but the mother is not home yet. So on to book two - I start reading today! I will let you know how the other two books in the series are after I finish them.

Memorial Day video - Freedom's Not Free

Let us not forget

Thankful Fridays

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is

good;

his love endures forever.

Psalm 106:1

I have so much to be thankful for and decided to try to do Thankful Fridays where I list specifically the things that happened this week that I am thankful for.

1) I am extremely thankful that Tom's tumor was not cancer and while he will be laid up for awhile it is all fixable.

2) I am thankful the tumor was caught in time - we have heard of someone that had a tumor in their shoulder and ended up with a prosthetic.

3) I am extremely thankful for our wonderful friends in our bible study group that have been so great. We had a pizza party tonight and it really lifted my husband's spirits to be with other men - talking guy stuff. Thank you guys - you all rock!

4) I am also thankful for the women (and Steve - he makes the pizzas and they are soooooo goood!) in our bible study group that made such terrific food tonight - and understood that I just wasn't up to bringing anything. So much going on and making food was beyond me and they graciously understood. They were just glad we were there and it was so great to see everyone.

5) I am thankful for my kids that are terrific - they have been so helpful - especially great at running errands for Dad. They have been great at helping Dad with all his needs.

6) I am thankful for the German class that my kids are involved in and the wonderful teacher. She is fabulous and I am so thankful she has been willing to share her talents with our children. She is just such a great person, a Christian and an incredibly great teacher.

7) I am thankful for wonderful neighbors - especially one - right next door who has been a great help. He is just willing to do anything we need. We haven't needed much but just knowing he is available if needed is peace of mind. Yesterday, he took the two youngest to a driving range --- it gave them something fun and productive to do - and they so enjoyed themselves. I am so thankful he thought to ask them to go. What a wonderfully nice man! I am thankful he is my neighbor.

8) I am thankful we got our broken windows fixed and I am thankful (and amazed) that I was able to get them installed. That is normally the husband's job and I was actually able to do it. (Okay Tom - confess - it shocked you that I was able to do it!! Go ahead say it - you never thought I could do it!)

9) I am thankful that I have a job at the church that has such flexibility - I can take work home, I can work around all the chaos going on in our family. I have a wonderful boss who is a Godly man that puts family first and the job second. I am so thankful for the little bit of extra income and thankful I can work around all the other important things in my life - my kids, my husband and homeschooling.

10) I am thankful for movies that give my husband and our family something to do --- while he is laid up.

11) I am so thankful I won the prize that one of my blog friends was giving away. We rarely go to the movies and I won a $25 gift card to go to the movies - I am thrilled as it is a special treat for the family that Tom can do and handle. So much seems to be not doable for him right now - and this is something he can do. Whoo hoooo - a special movie this weekend sometime.

12) I am thankful for our dog that is truly man's best friend. He has been such a love and joy to have in our family.

13) I am thankful for Grandparents. My parents called to invite my oldest to come camping with them for about 10 days in June - he can't wait and is so excited to have something special to do and he deserves it - he has been a great help to Dad but deserves some time to himself. He will get time to fish, canoe, bike, hike and just have time to read and relax. I think it is great. I am so thankful they are willing to take him for some special time away.

14) I am thankful for technology that allows me to blog , to do virtual co-ops, and to stay connected with friends all over the country.

15) I am thankful for my family and very, very grateful that we still have our Dad (my husband). There would just be a huge hole without him.

I would love to hear what you are thankful for!

Just yesterday

I was thinking of all the stuff that has gone on this week --- and honestly it has been such a crazy week. To see just a slice of what I have been up to --- here is today:

Up at 7:00 --- had to wake Jared - so he could get ready for his online class

Got dressed and ready - get JJ up and moving --- so he could come with me.

Then I put in a load of laundry. And cleaned the bathroom - (what is up with boys and not being able to hit the big round opening?!!) Couldn't take it - needed to clean that up.

Left to take the windows in - we have had three of our thermal pane windows break over the winter and it was time to get them fixed. We had them measured last week and now the glass was in - I dropped off the windows. Picked up the windows later in the afternoon and installed them. (yes I did it myself!)

Went to work for a few hours - at work to get a big mailing done. Later at night I spent 3 hours stuffing the envelopes and putting the labels on.

Went to the DMV to get a temporary disabled tag for hubby.

Did several more loads of laundry. Decided to wash the kitchen floor - seems like the great outdoors has been dragged in on the kids shoes.

Also after installing the windows realized I got window spray on our bed (one of the windows is above our bed) --- so changed the sheets. Did another load of a laundry.

Dearest neighbor was running to Walmart - asked him to pick up some Ortho bug spray - we always spray that around the base of the house - all the way around as it helps prevent the infestation we had a few years ago with carpenter ants. Don't want them again!! I sprayed 3/4 of the house but couldn't get behind the bushes. Asked middle son to do it. He did a great job!

Went to the Christian bookstore - I wanted to get two books - for two of our nephews - one is graduating from high school and one just got confirmed. Plus I found cards and we included some $$ with the book.

Stopped at Walgreens for a mailer for the gifts. Tom got to fill it all out - as he is sitting in a chair - and that is an activity he can help with. Then on the way to pick up windows I stopped at the post office and mailed them.

After dinner I took the boys and Tom to boy scouts. They all went and I got to enjoy an hour to myself. I was joking with my Mom when she called that I was all alone - I could dance naked in the house if I wanted to - I can't imagine doing it but I could if I wanted to. Mommy time!! I spent it talking with my Mom. It was very nice.

Well that is just what I can remember from yesterday. I am sure there was even more but doesn't that alone seem like enough. It was alot. I just don't know how single people do it. I am exhausted and can't wait for my spouse to be my active partner again. It is exhausting doing it all.

Tom update

Well Tom is definitely feeling better. At the beginning of the week, he was really grumpy (sorry honey but you were!). Some of our wonderful friends from our bible study came over Tuesday night. Bill came to visit with Tom and Lori helped drive the kids to and from swimming lessons. (I had to work at the ballpark that night.) While the purpose of the visit was so the kids would have a ride to swimming - the end result was that Tom had time to visit with Bill. And that visit so lifted his spirits. (Thank you so much Bill and Lori! You guys rock!) It was just what Tom needed. Some guy time! They watched the ballgame, hung out and just talked guy talk.

Then the following day, another guy, Tony, from our bible study stopped by - and spent time visiting with Tom. And again - having that guy time was so wonderful. It just lifted his spirits so much.

I simply can't thank them all enough but those guy visits were EXACTLY what Tom needed --- his whole sour attitude really did a 180! It was amazing. Grumpy gus is gone! I think that Tom was getting stir crazy and having visitors just gave him so adult time - helped his mind to be active and just lifted his whole spirit.

Tom has decided that he needs to get out in small doses so he is 'ready' to go back to work once he is given the okay from the doctor. Tonight he went with the boys to scouts. I dropped all the kids and Tom off. And now I am having some alone time. It has been a crazy week so the alone time is fabulous. I needed to not be chattered at for just a moment! To not be needed for just a moment. Ahhhhhhhh - it is a small slice of heaven!

Picasso

Our local university has classes at their art museum on Picasso. It was really inspiring. I have to say that I developed a new appreciation for him. He hadn't really been one of my favorites but honestly after studying him and learning more about his works - I really find him more interesting. The program had three parts --- first we had a PowerPoint presentation on Picasso. Then we broke up into two groups - a younger aged group and an older aged group. The older kids went on a tour of the museum and the younger kids got to try their hand at creating a work of art using some of Picasso's techniques. Then we switched and the older kids made their art work while the younger ones toured the museum.

Overall, I have to say that it was really a very, very good program. We were very thrilled to take part in it and amazingly it was all FREE! Paid for by the university. Isn't that awesome. It is part of their outreach program and they go into schools in the area. They tailored the program to work for us homeschoolers and did it on site for us. Isn't that wonderful! We were thrilled.

field trip - to tour Catholic church -

Is this just a beautiful church? Catholic churches are just so beautiful - inside and out. Plus this is one of the oldest churches in our city - the kids are standing by the cornerstone that dates it to 1893. The church community started before that time - but this building wasn't built until 1893. Still, in our area it is one of the oldest or close to the oldest church. (I know there is one older but it was picked up and moved to a historical re-enactment place. So it is not really in its original place but it would be older than this one.)

My pictures really don't do the inside of the church justice. It was so beautiful. The stain glass windows were incredible and this one shown below depicts the saints.

Father - who gave us the tour - was simply a wonderful man. He is 89 years old. There are three priests assigned to this church - he is the oldest at 89 but the other two are also in their 80's. Kind of makes me wonder what the plan is for this church in the next few years as these priests who have led it start to pass on. It seems there is no new young blood to take over. That is very sad because it is such a beautiful church and is right in the heart of the city. We need churches in the heart of cities to take the lead --- and lead cities in a Godly direction. I find it sad to think this church may struggle without new young priests to replace the three that are currently there. I do hope and pray there is a plan for succession.

Isn't this a beautiful altar!

Psalm 13

For anyone suffering from illness Psalm 13 is really wonderful. A friend of ours that is a pastor recommended reading it and when I opened it up - I realized that at one point I had studied it because I had notes in my bible.

Psalm 13 is a cry to the Lord. It was written by David during a serious illness. His death would have given his enemies victory. While reading it you can see that even David, someone chosen and well loved by God, felt that God's presence wasn't close at times. Isn't that something that we all feel at times - especially during times of illness or when we are struggling. We feel so distant, so apart from God. We want and need His closeness but can't seem to find it or feel His presence.

David cries out in the Psalm asking God how long will God hide from him? And how long will he struggle and suffer? As I read this to Tom every time I read one of the how long passages - he said "6 months"! "Six months!!"

Psalm 13 ends with this:

But I will trust in your unfailing love;

my heart rejoices in your

salvation.

I will sing to the Lord,

for he has been good to me.

still reading

Finished another book! I have so many really good literature books I have found -- lately I can only read more light hearted literature. I have a bunch that are sitting in a pile waiting for me to be ready for more in depth and 'heavier' reading.

This one is good but different from any I have read lately. It is written by T.D. Jakes and I really like him.

The Memory Quilt A Christmas Story for Our Times (Yes I am reading a Christmas story in May!) But I really liked it. Still it was different. The setting is in a rougher area of the Southside of Chicago. The main character is a zany lady, Lela - who is older - has grandchildren. She is a Christian and tries to follow God's leading in her life but isn't always successful (oh I can relate!). She never makes baby quilts and yet feels called to make one. As she is making it she is in the process of a bible study on Mary. The quilt ends up reminding her of the life of Mary and her willingness to follow God's leading in her life. I really enjoyed this book.

How are we doing?

I have had several people ask how we are doing so I thought I would respond.

Tom is doing much better --- physically. He is in alot less pain. He does get throbbing at night so he seems to end up being 'up' at night more and sleeping / napping more through the day.

I think the hardest thing for us is that we now have Dad camping out in the living room and while we love having him around --- it makes it harder to do school at times. He will turn the TV on because he is bored and pretty soon I have 3 kids and a Dad all watching TV. Not really conducive to getting school work done. So that has been an adjustment. He often times will listen to Netflix -- and will use his computer and headphones. That is wonderful as it is less distracting to the children.

At times it seems easier - I can run errands and trust that he will 'get after the kids' to stay on task. He has been very helpful at grading home work and working with the kids on their school work. That has been wonderful and extremely helpful. He has also gotten to SEE what I deal with every day -- how difficult our 6 year old can be at times with listening and following through and why by the end of the day I am crabby after dealing with him all day! Having Dad to discipline and really realize what I have to deal with has been extremely eye opening for him and helpful for me. (As I am typing this our 6 year old is now in the midst of throwing a huge temper tantrum. All because we asked for math to be done. Welcome to my world!)

It has been hard trying to get the kids to their things --- when I am the only driver.

We have noticed that the youngest is rather upset at times --- and we think it is just so much for him to process. He was really worried about Dad having surgery and actually thought Dad's whole foot was going to be cut off. So we are noticing some behavior issues with not listening, being rather destructive and rambunctious at times. We are working through that.

Tom has been in much better spirits than when he first came home. He was really depressed about the length of time and how painful it was. As he has healed and the pain has diminished - his spirits have been more up. Still, he has moments of really grumpy -- and feeling stir crazy. It has to be hard for him too - when the kids and I are too much - he can't just decide to go for a ride - or run an errand or go for a walk to get away from it all. He has to just sit and take it. (YUK!) That is hard on him and therefore hard on us at times.

We still feel so thankful that this wasn't cancer and that it was caught in time. We just ran into someone else that had a tumor in her shoulder and ended up with a prosthetic. Yet, due to catching it just in the nick of time and the skill of the surgeon - Tom's heel bone has been saved. I am not sure how they would have rebuild that and if he would ever have walked normal again. As it is this is expected to heal up and be just fine. (God certainly made our bodies with amazing ability to heal itself!) It will just take time.

People have asked if this was the result of an injury - nope - the doctor said that people that grow these - just grow them. We should be aware that Tom is one that grows tumors in his bones as what tends to be seen is that in about 10 years he will find one somewhere else in his body. People that grow these just grow them. Not much that can be done to stop it or prevent it. It just is. (That is not happy news for Tom - but it is just the way his body is and not much we can do about it.)

Teachable moment???? Ya think?

I am STILL up doing my Powerpoint as I am teaching history for our virtual co-op tomorrow ---- life has been waaaaaay too busy for me to be prepared too far ahead.

My son - who has found me difficult to live with because I am a do it now rather than later person - a don't put off until tomorrow what can be done today person

And he is much more of the wait until it is on fire to deal with it kind of person -

He is finding it TOTALLY hilarious that HE is done with HIS work and I am NOT done with MINE!

Yep there you have it race fans --- even Moms can get behind on some things.

Wednesday

Meetings this morning - ran home --- fix lunch for everyone.

Ran to work for the afternoon.

Ran back home --- kids had the home-aid pizzas all cooked!

Whole family went to Toastmasters this evening ---- the two oldest are in the class and were giving speeches tonight. Both did fantastic.

Now it is 9 pm and I still have to create my powerpoint presentation for our virtual TOG co-op. I am teaching rhetoric history. Hopefully, it won't take me too long.

What a day so far!

Tom update

We saw the doctor today and after looking at the x-ray he said that Tom is healing well. There is not enough bone growth for him to put any weight on it yet though. Not even a toe touch yet! We expected this. He wound is still seeping just a bit. This is normal for such a major surgery. The doctor does want the wound to be completely closed before Tom is 'released' to go back to work. He thinks that should be at the 6 week mark like we had planned but not sure. He has another doctor's apt. on June 1st. So we shall know more then. If it is closed he might head back on June 2nd. But it all depends on how the healing progresses.

And we probably over did it a bit for Tom today - he is having alot of throbbing now - he does find that anytime he has his foot down and not propped up for an extended period of time --- he pays for it at night with massive throbbing. This too is a concern for heading back to work. Still, two weeks is a long time and lots of healing can take place in that amount of time. From a mental standpoint - Tom would like to be heading back so that his mind is challenged again. He is somewhat going stir crazy.

beginning to dislike Tuesdays

Tuesdays are just NUTS for us. I don't know that I would have signed up for all this had I KNOWN that we would be having doctor visits.

Friday, Saturday and Sunday I worked at the ballpark.

Monday, I got up early and my oldest and I had dentist appointments. Went grocery shopping to pick up new bandaids for Tom. Came back made lunch - I wanted to make a fried rice dish to use up the pork I had from a previous dinner --- and found out I had forgotten to buy soy sauce --- and it was needed for the recipe. So I ran back to the store. (Ahhhhhh!) Finally, lunch was done. We did some school. Made the chicken pot pie (see below) for dinner. Then ran to church to work for a few hours. Came home by 10:15 and did bills. Long day!

Then today (Tuesday)

Up by 7:15 - shower

8:20 leave to drop off bills at post office

9:00 - doctor apt for Tom --- he needed x-rays this time to check for bone growth and to check that all is healing well. This turned the apt. into a 2 hour ordeal!

11:00 - get home and yell at the youngest for being a holy terror while we were gone. Honestly, he was a monster.

11:30 - eat lunch

12:15 leave to take the two youngest to piano lessons

While they are at lessons, I run to the bank. Then come back to pick up the oldest to take to his piano lesson. I bring the two younger ones home. Then go back and pick up the oldest.

2:45 - finally home

Realize that we have 3 broken windows in the house (the glass guy said it was from stress due to extreme cold outside and it being warm inside). So Tom researched a place to get them fixed. If they came to our house it would be $60 more a window. (x 3 windows - not happening - I will drive them over to be measured). So Tom and the oldest pop the windows out and Tom stays to watch over the house --- the oldest and I run the windows in to get measured. The glass will arrive in about a week. We will have to pop the windows out again and run them over. At least this is being done while Tom has nothing to do but sit and watch over the house.

4:30 - home to make dinner. Spaghetti - it is easy and I needed easy.

6:00 - leave to drop Tom off at Sears with the two oldest - we realized today that our vacuum cleaner's cord is frayed - not good and dangerous. It was a very old vacuum so we opted for replacement and not fixing. They looked for a new vacuum while the youngest and I dropped off library books and picked up the new ones. Then I drove the youngest to swimming lessons.

Went back to pick up Tom and the two oldest. Put vacuum in back of Jeep.

Ran the two oldest to swimming lessons. Tom wanted to watch a moment. I get the youngest out of the pool and washed up / dressed. Tom is at his end and needs to go home to prop up his foot which is now throbbing. I run him and the youngest home while the other two are still swimming. Then go back and pick up the oldest two. Run home.

Shower (again - so I am ready for tomorrow as tomorrow has no time for a shower in the morning)

That was my last several days. I am exhausted. And I teach this Thursday in our co-op. I need to get working on that. So far who has had time?!

And the best comment - my oldest asked very nicely several times - can we JUST run over to Barnes and Nobel - the next book in the series he is reading came out today and he just has to get it. Seriously! Are ya kidding?! Not happening, bud. Sorry. He was really good and I felt badly I just couldn't do it for him.

Creamy Chicken Pot Pie

I googled a recipe for Chicken Pot Pie and found this one from Kraft. It was simply wonderful.

1 pkg. (8 oz.) Philadelphia Cream Cheese, cubed

1/2 cup chicken broth

3 cups chopped cooked chicken

1 pkg. (16 oz.) frozen mixed vegetables, thawed

1/2 tsp. garlic salt

1 egg

1/2 cup milk

1 cup bisquick baking mix

Heat oven to 400 degrees.

Cook cream cheese and broth in large saucepan on low heat until cream cheese is completely melted and mixture is well blended, stirring frequently with whisk. Stir in chicken, vegetables and garlic salt.

Spoon into 9-inch pie plate. Beat egg and milk in medium bowl with whisk until well blended; stir in baking mix just until moistened. Spoon over chicken mixture. Place pie plate on baking sheet.

Bake 25-30 min. or until golden brown.

love that snuggle time

One of the best things about having a Dad laid up (and probably the only thing that Tom finds good) is that there are wonderful opportunities for snuggling! And sometimes Dad needs the hug as much as JJ does.

I feel spoiled! It is wonderful

I had to work at the ball game tonight and when I came home --- the house was NOT a disaster!

The two children that are home (one went camping for the weekend) --- vacuumed, picked up the clutter and did the dishes. I was so impressed and thankful. It just makes my head spin to come home after working to have to pick up after everyone.

It was simply a wonderful homecoming.

Plus my oldest had a candle lit in the bathroom, towels out for me and a cup of my favorite tea --- all ready - so that I could just take my shower and relax. I feel simply spoiled. :)

Chicken Ham Casserole

A friend of mine asked for this recipe and I thought I would post it here. It is one of our absolutely favorite dinners. It is very, very good.

1 package (6 ounces) long grain and wild rice mix

2 cups cubed cooked chicken*

1 cup cubed fully cooked ham*

1 can (10-3/4 ounces) condensed cream of chicken soup, undiluted (I have also used cream of celery)

1 can (12 ounces) evaporated milk

1 cup (4 ounces) shredded Colby cheese (I usually use cheddar)

1/8 teaspoon pepper

1/4 cup grated Parmesan Cheese

*Since I use leftovers the amount of chicken and ham will vary when I make it - sometime I end up with 2 cups ham and 1 cup chicken.

Cook rice mix according to package directions. Transfer to a greased 2-qt. baking dish.

Top with chicken and ham.

In a bowl, combine the soup, milk, Colby cheese (or cheddar) and pepper; pour over chicken mixture.

Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Bake, uncovered at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes or until bubbly.

well lunch was interesting (NOT)

My husband was just sitting down to eat his lunch - we had actually taken him lunch in his recliner in the living room. He choked on his food and proceeded to throw up. Had to throw it up - as it wasn't going down and he was choking. It was rather frightening. Still, it pretty much put a real damper on lunch. One child and I can't take the noise, sound or sight of it all --- weak stomachs ---- very weak ---- and we were out on the back porch. My wonderful, oldest son brought his Dad a bowl and then proceeded to clean up his Dad, the floor and the bowls. He has a very strong stomach (completely doesn't bother him) and he is the only one that then finished his lunch. He just shrugged his shoulders and said - whatever!

He certainly needs to chew his food better. He says he does but honestly none of us had even sat down to eat yet and we hadn't prayed. The food was still very hot --- he was eating a pizza bite --- I bet it was two chews and a swallow! He is always the first one done and I have said for years that eating next to him is like eating at the races. I find we all starting trying to keep his tempo and it is awful. It is unlikely this was a learning lesson though --- even after it happened he told me - he did chew his food. Growing up my Mom always used to say food should be chewed 32 times. Now as a kid I thought that was ridiculous as some food just can't be chewed that long - for example jello or yogurt. But clearly the point is that food should be well chewed.

As it is my lunch (a very nice salad) got wrapped and put in the frig. Just couldn't stomach it.

Wild Rice Soup

I made this soup over the weekend. It is one of my favorite! And it is great for vegetarians!

(Although sometimes I do add turkey or chicken - but the recipe doesn't call for it.)

From Betty Crocker's New Choices Cookbook

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 cup sliced celery (I add more!)

1 cup coarsely shredded carrots (I add more)

1/2 cup chopped onions (I add more)

1/2 cup chopped green bell peppers (I add more)

(Obviously I love veggies)

3 tablespoons flour (recipe calls for all purpose - I use whole wheat)

1/4 teaspoons pepper

1 1/2 cups cooked wild rice

2 1/4 cups Vegetable Stock (usually the soup thickens up so much that I tend to add extra stock or extra water)

1 cup low-fat milk

1/3 cup slivered almonds, toasted (I don't usually toast them - I just throw them in)

1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (I usually don't have fresh on hand - so when I get the whim to make this I either skip it --- or add dry!)

Heat olive oil in a soup pan over medium high heat. Cook celery, carrot, onion, and bell pepper in olive oil - stirring frequently, until onion is tender.

Stir in flour and pepper.

Stir in wild rice and Vegetable stock.

Heat to a boil; reduce heat. Cover and simmer 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Stir in milk, almonds and parsley.

Heat just until hot. Do not boil.

Sometimes I do add turkey for a wild rice and turkey soup.

But it is great without it, too! Enjoy.

Benefit

Okay - one of the benefits of me working the ball games is that when I work a beer stand - I make tips too! Pretty cool! Since the kids have been helping out ALOT with Dad - I decided that most of my tips would go to them. I asked what they wanted and it was an iTunes gift card.

So tonight when I was grocery shopping, I got them a $50 iTunes gift card. They are very excited. Hubby dear is planning on using it also. Everyone is THRILLED! It was money that wasn't expected or planned for and with all that has been going on - it seemed they all needed something special.

spinning

I have been so busy lately - my head is spinning.

To help pay for hockey, I work concessions stands at the local ballpark. I volunteer through our local hockey organization --- and the money I earn goes to pay our ice fees. It is a fabulous way to make extra curricular activities like hockey affordable. I really enjoy it. I signed up for games for this season back in January when I had NO IDEA that my husband would be incapacitated. I worked Tuesday night, Wed. during the day and this coming Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

This was okay when we had planned on having a second driver in the family. Grandpa came to take all three to swimming lessons Tuesday night. These ended up being cancelled due to 'poop in the pool'.

Funny story - my 6 year old came in and Tom said what are you all doing home so early?

The 6 year old says ' poop in the pool, Dad.' My husband says 'what - you're 6 and you pooped in the pool??" (Shocked and dismayed!)

"No Dad. (sarcasm dripping in his tone - as if to say how could you think that, Dad?) Some kid in the earlier class pooped in the pool so classes were cancelled."

Oh okay then.

At least Grandpa got fresh home-aide Vegetable Beef soup and corn bread. Plus time with the grandkids. What could be better!

Here was my schedule yesterday:

7:15 am get up --- dress and make soup - chop all the stuff and throw in slow cooker. (Have husband set the slow cooker as I have yet had time to figure the new fangled thing out yet!)

9:15 leave for doctor apt.

9:45 Tom's doctor apt.

10:45 - done - leave for J's doctor's apt.

12:00 - fly home to drop off J and Tom - pick up other two for piano lesson.

12;30 to 1:30 piano lessons - drop off and run to Walgreens to get prescriptions filled (doctor put wrong date on slip - Walgreens needs to call to get verification - so leave - and will need to come back later)

1:45 - 3:00 --- home - do the dishes, pick up the house a bit and then have a few minutes to rest. (Thank God!)

3:00-3:30 get read to go to work

3:30 - leave

Gone until 10:30 at night - and on the way home pick up prescriptions.

Shower, load of wash and bed.

And that was just one day. My head is spinning just typing it out.

Tom update

We went to the doctor today. His wound is still not fully closed but it is close. I guess that all the leaking caused a blister (the doctor saw that last week - I was unaware there was a blister). That has now healed up and the area is looking much better. There is still a small hole where there is a bit of leaking still occurring. This is all normal for the extent of the wound.

Interesting though. The doctor did pull out tweezers --- and kind of dug around in the 'hole' and pulled out a very small piece of bone. He said this is also normal - they pack the wound with bone (from cadavers) and sometimes a small amount end up on the outside of the bone once it is closed up --- and this the body will 'expel'. And that is exactly what happened. The digging in the hole / wound was a bit painful for Tom.

He has been told that he can now shower fully - (He has been showering with one leg outside of the tub - sitting on his shower stool.) How he can get his leg and foot wet. But he has to wear a waterproof band aid --- so that water won't get in the hole. And after he is suppose to clean it all with hydrogen peroxide or rubbing alcohol. Then he is to put Neosporin antibiotic cream on it. Still, it seems that it is healing well. We have another check up next week just to be sure there are no issues since he can now get wet.

Comfort & Joy by Kristin Hannah

What a wonderful book. More of a light hearted book. It does cover the subject of forgiveness well. Basically, Joy is now divorced because she walked in on her husband in her bed with her sister. Can you believe? There are not details of this - it is just mentioned as a reason why Joy is sad about the Christmas holidays. Her sister shows up unexpectedly at her door - not looking to apologize but to invite Joy to their wedding! Nice news to deliver to the hurt party just before Christmas.

Joy decides that she can't take it and needs to get away - gets in her car and ends up at the airport. Decides to take a plane ride just to have somewhere else to be for the holidays --- and guess what - the plane crashes. She then walks away from the crash and ends up at a bed and breakfast. The father and son that run it are hurting and Joy sets out to try to help them heal. In the process, she also finds healing and finds a way to forgive her sister.

The ending has an amazing twist that will just surprise you. (I don't want to give it away though. :) You'll have to read it!)

It was a very good enjoyable story.

Ahhhh shoot

I grabbed my book on the way out to the doctor's apt today ----- only to realize once I got to the doctor's office that I was closer to finishing than I realized. I finished it and still had an hour to kill. So I browsed through the magazines. Honestly, that was an hour I will never get back! Yuk! I am just not into all the materialism and garbage that is promoted in magazines. There are few articles --- mostly just ads. And pictures of celebs - like I care about that! Next time I need to be better prepared with a second book!

Lately I have been more into fun books --- as I think it is my escape. I have some really good heavier books to read but haven't been able to dive into them yet.

Oh My

As I look out the back window, I see (much to my surprise) our 6 year old flying by (yep, running at warp speed) with the hack saw!

Whoa! Whoa! Whoa! Whoa!

Upon investigation, I discover that they (the 11 year old and the 6 year old) found a wonderful branch that if they trimmed it down would make a great sling shot. Okay - but no hack saws. Really we don't need a visit to the emergency room today. I am tired of meeting all the medical professionals in the city (great people though they may be!) - I need a break. So no hack saws! You know, I truly believe that mothers of girls just have not encountered the 'no hack saw' rule. They probably believe this just goes without saying. But mothers of boys - this is absolute must - we have the no hack saw rule, the no using hammers and nails without supervision rule, the you should tell me before you get out the screwdriver rule and the rule that you need permission prior to utilizing touching Dad's tools rule.

Tom - an outing - yah!

Yesterday was a big day for Tom.

He had an outing. I had to make a run to Trader Joe's (Rice milk and Almond Milk for the child allergic to regular milk). Tom decided to tag along. He hobbled out to the car on his crutches. Then when we got to Trader Joe's he used his crutches to get in the store. Trader Joe's had one of those powered carts that are for patrons use. He reluctantly used that --- but it worked fabulous. He got around really well and wasn't too worn out.

Tom finds it a sad reality of his life right now that a trip to Trader Joe's is now a big deal outing. I am just thrilled he got out a bit and that he was up more during the day and slept more at night. It is all good!

Book Review - A Man of His Word by Kathleen Fuller

This is a book on the Amish - specifically a group that is part of the Old Order Amish. I thought it was very well done. The story is about Moriah who marries Levi. Shortly after their wedding, Levi decides that the Amish life is not for him and he leave the church and Amish community. His wife is pregnant at the time. It was a very hurtful thing Levi did but it was amazing how the community embraced Moriah and helped her through the event. The community really lived out God's command to love others as themselves. It is sad though as Moriah is facing a life of never being able to remarry. Divorce for any reason is not allowed in her Amish community and so unless Levi returns she will never have the love of a husband or more children. Moriah is deeply saddened by this.

While I certainly don't condone divorce I do believe that the church should allow divorce in certain extreme situations - such as spousal abuse or infidelity. Moriah does find out later in the book that one of the reasons Levi leaves is not only for the worldly things but for another girl that can offer more of the worldly things.

In the book, Moriah really demonstrates forgiveness - while she does struggle with it as it is not easy to forgive this type of betray - she also feels it is what God has called her to do. Some good lessons for all of us.

Distant Shores by Kristin Hannah

I had a very busy day yesterday but decided I needed some ME time. So I went to bed rather early for me and stayed up incredibly late - reading. It was fabulous. I finished this book last night. I have read other books by Kristin Hannah and I like her writing style.

This book's focus was on a woman who was going through a change in circumstances in her life. Her children were off to college. The house was empty. Her husband gets a great job offer - but it is across the country. And she realizes that she has spent her whole life taking care of others and what about her. She questions whether her marriage is working. She decides not to go with her husband when he moves.

While it is a book that questions, I like that in the end she finds reasons to stay - reasons why her marriage is good and why she loves her husband. I don't mean to give away the ending but I also found the ending the most important part. We all question things and marriages have ups and downs - but it is worth fighting for and worth saving. I like that in the end that was the moral of the story.

the latest medical update

I haven't had a moment to post yet. We saw the doctor on Tuesday. It is all healing well but it is draining alot. This is all normal for this major of a surgery. Still the draining is upsetting to Tom. It is a visible sign that things are taking a while to heal. We thought the incision would be closed up enough that he could bathe by this last Tuesday --- and no --- not so much. Sadly, it won't be until next Tuesday - as long as it is totally closed. He has been able to bathe with one leg out of the tub utilizing our new tub stool (thank you Mom! --- she found it at a used medical shop - cheap and it is great - plus Dad came and installed a new shower head - one that you can take off the wall and spray yourself with - it works great for Tom)

Again, this is all normal and he is healing well. The doctor is not worried. There is no signs of infection. All is good. For Tom, though, I think it was a visible sign that healing takes time. And that this won't be a quick confinement. He got visibly depressed after that visit. (see post below about Grumpy gus!)

Please pray that the drainage stops and the wound completely closes - by next Tuesday's visit - so Tom can have a visible sign of progress in the healing area. I think his emotional well being could use the boost.

Grumpy gus!

We have hit upon a new stage in the healing --- I call it the grumpy gus stage.

Tom is just depressed with not being able to move and the whole situation has him very down. Very down.

We have tried to cheer him up but nothing seems to really work or help right now. It is understandable that it is hard to be laid up --- that can be depressing - especially when the weather is just starting to be nice around here.

On the other hand --- I also believe it is all in how you look at things - is your glass half full or half empty? Instead of being upset by the confinement - be excited to do all the things that ya never get around to doing. Personally, I have a stack of books to get to, I have two years of photos to scrapbook, I would love to have time to do lesson plans and be all prepared for next year - and I would love to have time to just finish up all the stuff for reporting to NAHRS for this year.

Hopefully, he will start looking at what he can do and accomplish with this time of confinement and not just focus in on the 'confinement'. Plus positive people heal faster! It is true. So pray for his outlook. I do know and understand this is hard but he needs (for his own well being) to be happier.

Ronald Reagan quotes

• Approximately 80% of our air pollution stems from hydrocarbons released by vegetation, so let's not go overboard in setting and enforcing tough emission standards from man-made sources.

• Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn't pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same.

• Freedom prospers when religion is vibrant and the rule of law under God is acknowledged.

• Government does not solve problems; it subsidizes them.

• Government exists to protect us from each other. Where government has gone beyond its limits is in deciding to protect us from ourselves.

• Government's view of the economy could be summed up in a few short phrases: If it moves, tax it. If it keeps moving, regulate it. And if it stops moving, subsidize it.

• Governments tend not to solve problems, only to rearrange them

• If we ever forget that we are One Nation Under God, then we will be a nation gone under.
  

Confirmation

Sunday was such a special day. My oldest was confirmed. It really meant alot to me because as a kid I was not confirmed. I hope that this is as meaningful to my son as it is to me. I hope he will always remember what he 'confirmed' - that he recognized Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. I pray this is always true for him.

Here he is getting his certificate from his group leader. This wonderful, godly man - led my son's group of boys for 3 years.
Grandma and Grandpa were very proud of him. And thank God for the Grandma's - they knew I was overwhelmed and they got together - and planned the meal for after. I threw two boneless turkeys in the slow cooker. The Grandmas did everything else - cake and tablecloth, plastic plates and silverware so we didn't have to wash. It was so wonderful not to have to do the planning or cooking. It was very easy and simply delicious. We made sandwiches out of the turkey. The Grandmas had baked beans, a veggie tray with dip, chips, seven layer salad, potato salad, rolls, and the cake. It was fantastic. (A big, hug, thank you to the Grandmas!)

The confirmation boy! So very proud of him! Love ya buddy!

Easy Chicken and Cheese Enchiladas

I have had several people asking - how I am? I am okay. Very busy -- much busier than I would like to be but this too shall pass. Unfortunately, it won't pass anytime soon though. I have more to blog about the last few days but wanted to take a moment to share this recipe. It was fantastic. I have been spending alot of time in doctor's offices -- and had a few moments to look at magazines - something I NEVER buy or spend money on -- for many reason. The biggest reason being that I dislike the values presented and just don't want to give my money to support the industry. Still, some have great recipes in them. That is where I found this recipe. I have no idea which magazine it was though.

Brought to us by Campbell's --- my husband and oldest son said it was one of the best dinners they have had in a long time.

1 can Campbell's Condensed Cream of Chicken soup (I used the fat free)

1/2 cup sour cream (I used light)

1 cup Pace Picante Sauce

2 tsp. chili powder (I like things milder - and only used 1 tsp.)

2 cups chopped cooked chicken

1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (I used shredded cheddar)

6 flour tortillas (6"), warmed (I used the 8")

1 small tomato, chopped (I used two large ones - I love tomatoes)

1 green onion, sliced

1. Stir the soup, sour cream, picante sauce and chili powder in a medium bowl.

2. Stir 1 cup picante sauce mixture, chicken and cheese in a large bowl.

3. Divide chicken mixture among tortillas. Roll up tortillas and place seamside up in a shallow baking dish. Pour remaining picante sauce mixture over filled tortillas. Cover baking dish.

4. Bake at 350 degrees for 40 minutes or until enchiladas are hot and bubbling. Top with tomatoes and onion.

Then I made Mexican Fiesta rice package and corn as side dishes. This was our dinner tonight. It was very good. Hope you try it. You will love it.