On the lighter side

Again, I'm late with this.  Yesterday's blog was just to long to add this in.  No loss, but I am happy with a hold.  I'd still like to get to my goal so I will have a few pounds to spare over the holidays.  Right now I'm back in the clothes I wanted to get in so that is a positive thing happening when others are very challenging right now.

I have a new obsession.  I've been eating sweet potatoes for quite a few months now.  I'd never liked them in the past.  When I started counting calories before WW's I decided to try one since I hadn't in years.  Every since then I have one at least 3-4 times a week.  Earlier this week I was browsing through some WW recipes and saw sweet potato chips.  I changed up a little bit.  I used coconut oil instead of EVVO and I omitted the salt.  I sliced them to thin the first time but I have it down to perfection now.  They are so tasty just from the coconut oil.  For me, no need to add anything.  They were very tasty plain.  I don't add butter to my sweet potato but I do sprinkle cinnamon for a little spice and cinnamon is good for you.

sweet potato chips

Yesterday I made some muffins that you've heard me talk about many times. I've had some people ask me the recipe so here goes.  I change them up a lot by using different fruit and some time a kick with some semi sweet chocolate chips.  So yummy for breakfast.  Tastes like your having a dessert.  I discovered on Pinterest but the real credit goes to "Greenlitebites" Adventures in healthy eating.

Here is what you need.  I tend to get everything out and measured before I even start to put together.  Long ago I was dumping all kind of ingredients in a bowl and got to the last one and oops, I didn't have it.  I've never made that mistake again and this is one of the ways I prevent it.  My brain is easily overwhelmed by to many ingredients so this is how I roll.  I tend to shy away from any recipe that looks complicated.  

1. 3 cups of old fashion or rolled oats
2. 3 mashed bananas (the riper the better) notice how dark you can let it get in pic
3. 2 eggs
4. 1 tbsp of baking powder
5. 1 cup of almond milk (any will do, I use the unsweetened vanilla)
6. 1 tsp of vanilla extract
7. 1 cup of blueberries, raspberries or your favorite berry
8. 2 tbsp of Nestle chocolate chips

RASPBERRY/CHOCOLATE CHIP LOWFAT MUFFINS/ Preheat your oven to 375.  You can't really mix it wrong but here is my order.  I mash bananas well with a potato masher.  Then I mix the two eggs (room temp) add vanilla extract in the egg mixture and add both to bananas.  Since the vanilla almond milk is unsweetened I add 1 packet of stevia to it.  ( I tired this after baking a few times and it makes the muffins a little sweeter ) Add the baking powder to the dry oats and mix well.  Next, I add both milk and egg/banana mixture to oats and mix well.  I like to cut my blueberries in half.  A personal preference I guess.  This was my first time to use raspberries and I cut in 1/3's.  Add chocolate chips then slowly fold in berries gently so they don't smash.  Bake for 25-30 minutes or when edges are brown.

The point value for each muffin is 5 points if you use larger muffin tin based on serving size of 9.  (that is the amount the mixture makes)  If you use the smaller muffin pan that has 12 without the chocolate chips the point value is 3.  ( I've only made smaller muffins with just berries so I do not know the point value of smaller muffins if you add in chocolate chips).  Make sure you eat one while they are warm!  I let them cool and put each in a sandwich bag then in a gallon freezer bag.  When I want one for breakfast I take it out the night before and put in the fridge.  

I had an OT appointment with W today.  She is the best!  Such a genuine person and always encouraging me.  Even though I'm impatient wanting this to be over she is able to help me see I've had improvement and help me stay positive.  Unlike some therapists she gives me her complete attention.  That really means a lot to patients.  If you live in my area and find yourself needing a great OT please contact me for her information.  You'll be so pleased you went there.

Our little Ninja

Our Strawberry Shortcake

TGIF my friends!  Waking each day with H.O.P.E.

One more down

A little more progress.  Down one more pound.  This is going to be a slow process I can tell you.  Heres what's happening.  I have a calorie limit which I don't meet then add in the exercise and I have a bit more added to daily allowance.  So what do I do?  I feel free to eat more.  Not because I'm hungry but because I CAN!  This can't be good.

The program I switched to has an awesome support system if you need it.  I don't really think I do, but I decided I needed to justify my unjustified behavior.  I started a conversation about it and within minutes I had numerous responses.  Well what do ya know, everyone said, "It's your calories, eat them and don't feel bad about it."  Just what I needed to hear.  One thing I don't like about the layout of this application is when I add in the exercise it adds to my daily limit.  Of course this is what I will try and blame this bad habit on.  On weight watchers you just earn them and they are there.  It's not so enticing if you don't see them within your allowance.  Does that make sense?

I find it easier to cook something healthy than not.  Sunday for dinner I had a 6oz grilled breast which I had marinated over night.  It was nice and tender.  No knife needed.  A baked sweet potato and some corn on the cob that was off the hook.  We had some friends over on the 4th that brought fresh corn to put on Dru's grill.  We've grilled corn before but not this way.  He soaked in cold salt water (husk on) in a pan for 15 minutes.  The husks stayed on while on the grill.  I did everything the same but in my rice cooker instead.  That corn was so awesome.  Didn't need anything.  No butter, salt or pepper.  I assume leaving the husk on makes the difference.

I know my chicken looks really funny but I cooked in an iron skillet and I let it brown pretty good.  It was still juicy and tender.  It cut it in strips after cooking because it was 12oz and I only wanted 6.  I ate the other 6 in a salad the next night.

That evening I finally got around to making me some more breakfast egg muffins.  I love making these because it's so nice to have something quick and easy to eat that's not frozen out of box. This time I added broccoli florets in them.  It added some texture and additional flavor to a food that I'm really not that crazy about to start with.  For some reason I like them like this though.  Not scrambled, fried or boiled but baked!

Now they go in baggies and into the refrigerator where they are good for a week.  I have one with two slices of turkey bacon.  So quick and easy.  Everything in the microwave.

My son stated a new job yesterday and I'm so happy and proud both for him.  He is learning a trade and working on getting back on his feet and not dependent of his family so much.  It is a real change for him to leave a world of something he is so comfortable doing.  I personally hate leaving my comfort zone.

Hump day tomorrow!  Good night everyone.  Gentle hugs!

I'm guilty

I admit I have no good reason for not writing in over a week.  I have a reason, just not a good one.  I've got myself addicted to a television program I can't stop watching.  In the evenings I spend time in the pool.  Watering every day now. With the heat here in LA and no rain, our plants and herbs will not survive without it.  By the time I come in from outside and fix dinner,  I'm anxious to watch the next episode of this program.  After that I convince myself tomorrow night I'm not watching and I'm going to post on my blog!  I've been reading a little of a great book each night also so by then I'm getting sleepy.

A couple of weeks ago in the wee hours of the morning when I couldn't sleep I was channel surfing for something to watch on TV.  I stopped on "The Closer".  I'd never seen before and this particular episode was a rerun of the SERIES Finale.  Two hour special of course.  I fell for the main characters personality.  It's a crime drama but so funny at times.  The entire cast is full of great actors.  I was shocked to discover when I looked it up being I'd never heard of it before that it ran for 7 seasons! I decided to go back and watch 1st one to see if it was good as the first. From then on I've been hooked.  I'm on season 3 episode 5.  Check it out, you won't regret it.

Last Sunday I baked a whole chicken that turned out so awesome.
My husband said, " it's remarkable". It was so tender and juicy.
I can take partial credit but not entirely.  I don't remember the show but it was a contest between two chefs on to brine or not brine.  The chef that didn't brine stuffed inside and under the skin.  I've baked a lot of whole chickens before and put seasonings inside and seasoned outside but not this particular combination.  It's amazing what a few fresh herbs will turn out.

I rubbed entire chicken with kosher salt.  Stuffed inside lemon wedge, fresh rosemary (whole sprigs), and quartered onions. Under the skin I stuffed with lemon slices, fresh basil leaves and rosemary chopped.  I then cut another lemon into slices and laid around pan with onions.  I added a little chicken broth to keep the onions and lemons from sticking to pain and to braise the chicken during cooking.  425 for hour and half. (5 pd ) It is the juiciest chicken I've ever eaten. It literally melts in your mouth.  Matter of fact, I have another in the oven as I type. This time I added mint leaves to the combination of seasonings.  Can't wait to see what difference they make. 

It's time to hook up with Mr. R again.  Most of my programs have moved around again.  I have two out of 9 I'm using.  Everything else has moved to my stomach and these two are working their way there also.  My granddaughter is coming tomorrow to visit a few days so it will wait until she goes back home.  

I've went to the walking path to walk a few times.  It's the hardest out of the three things I try to do for exercise.  I sweat (excuse the pun) it out but it's really hard.  I'm so glad when I get it done though.  Swimming is the easiest but I'm aways so sore and hurting after because I don't realize that I continue to over do it each time. 

My grandson's last tee ball game was Monday evening.  He put on a show for us.  He is so stinking funny some time.  

proud of his little trophy 

in the dug out

You may recall in a previous post (one before last) I posted a couple of pictures of us eating out with A at a Mexican restaurant.  When we returned home we remembered we'd never checked the mail that day.  In it was a small bubble manila envelope with a strange return address that we didn't recognize. Addressed to both my husband and I both.  It said "open together" 

And so we did.  It was a puzzle.  We started putting together and it took a bit to figure out the message but right away I had clues and guesses.  Those beautiful eyes on P stood out right away on a piece of the puzzle.  Then next I come across two pieces that make a bow tie!  P and my daughter were both in a wedding back in May so I thought maybe it was a puzzle of him in his tux.  Then I was guessing a puzzle made from professional picture taken at Easter.  Maybe one she didn't show me yet.  

Here is Poppa and A working while I step back and take a picture.
I'm so glad I did that.  Just wish I had one with me in it.  So in the end when all together this is what the puzzle told us.

I'm sure you can figure this out.  Right?  Nonna is so happy and excited for P to be a big brother.  Thrilled to know that my daughter and son in law are blessed to have the gift of life given to them once again. This past week she sent out original pictures of this puzzle to family.  I believe next week she'll be ready to share with everyone so until then.  It's a secret! Ok? We're planning to wait and be surprised. Boy or girl?  Now my son in law is not to keen on this idea, but we'll see if he honors B's wish.

I'll try to be back sooner.  I know it won't be before A goes home on Tuesday.  Tonights a walk night.  Pushing myself to do this because the day I quit fighting I loose. 

God is awesome...
Living in H.O.P.E. (hold on pain ends)
Theresa

The Test

Somehow it continues to be once a week.  I just don't know where the time goes.  I hope everyone enjoyed their Memorial Day week end.  "The start of summer".  For me, a few days shy of being able to get back in the pool.

Saturday my SIL and son came to help my husband put flooring down in our living room.  We got the carpet, padding and floor tacks out of the way on Friday so it was nice and clean when they showed up to work.  The only thing we had to do was remove the electric plate in the middle of room before starting.

Almost done.

They did an awesome job.  I'm one happy camper to have the carpet gone.  Not sure Dallas likes it to much.  I left at some point during the work to go and get him from the vet.  He had stayed over night for bladder stone surgery.  He did much better than the first time.  He took the vets advise and took it easy a couple of days.  Next Friday he'll get his stitches out.

Sunday I went to meet my granddaughters mothers to pick A up.  She hadn't seen me in a while and was so quite at first.  A few miles down the road she was over that and keeping me company.  The first hour we were home I didn't even know she was here.  She always goes to check on her babies and explore in the play room to see if there have been any changes.  

outside on the deck

Memorial Day

Monday a couple I've been friends with since our children were little came over to visit.  My husband boiled some crawfish and my granddaughter was the entertainment.  My friend had 3 grandchildren so she's used to cutting up with little ones.  Just the time the crawfish were done it started cooling off a little outside.  It won't be long and it be to miserable to eat anything outside.

On Tuesday morning Aunt B and P came to visit for awhile.  P loves the pool and never misses a chance to get in.  A not so thrilled.  She hasn't been around water a lot to she will get more comfortable as she comes back.  We had lunch together and when it was just A and I she was ready to get in and play around.  I was so happy for her she really enjoyed herself  Kind of hard to get a picture when your in the pool without a free hand.

I got in the pool that afternoon with her.  It was so nice to just walk around and do some stretches and even just float around.  The only time the screaming pain in my back takes a back seat.  I could stay in forever.

P with one of A's clips in his hair.

After resting later her and I went to watch P at his tee ball game.  What fun to see 3 and 4 year old trying to be organized. :-)

I promise you if they would have let A out on the field she would have went for it.  She had all the rules and what to do after hearing us tell P a few times.  Then she suddenly became a coach.  (see video on google+)

on first base

Snowball after game

See you soon cuz

Wednesday A and I baked some cookies for my doctor.  Later durning day was my 3 week check.  He said incision looked fine.  Not impressed with the rash all around it and asked me to start putting something on it now that everything seemed closed.  Minor compared to the hives thats been annoying me.  He also gave the ok for walking, swimming and low impact on the recumbent bike.  I haven't tired walking yet but I've been in the pool the last two days.  In there it feels great.  I've been sore everywhere especially in my back from new activity but hoping in the long run it will be for the good.

Tonight for the first time I rode my recumbent bike.  It was a world of difference in my battery site.  I couldn't feel a thing.  Of course it's uncomfortable for my back but at least now I don't have the burning pulling, pushing into me with my IPG.  Keeping my fingers crossed it lasts.  I'm so sore everywhere but won't let it stop me.  The more I move the better I'll feel.  I'll be back in tomorrow morning.  

I have a few errands after I spend some time swimming in the morning tomorrow then I have a wedding to go to tomorrow evening.  Saturday I plan to just relax and hang out by the pool.  It's been a long busy week end for me.  My husband is spending some time with some college friends so I plan to spend some time with my friends here. 

Donna, hope your enjoying your the rest of your trip.  Are you taking advantage of the pool there?

Janet, hang in there.  It's finally time.  I want to know how your doing as soon as you feel up to typing.  Take care and listen to your doctor.  Let me know if I can help in any way.  Surgery day is not to bad but the next 24 hours after are the hardest then it gets better each day after that.  

God Bess everyone

H.O.P.E. 

Theresa

The day after

I'd like to say I had a good night and day today, but it wouldn't be true.  After finishing  the post I wrote last night (which may have not made any sense because I was in a lot of pain) I tried to lie down and get some sleep.   It was a long night awake and uncomfortable.  I could only lay on my right side.  A tried on my back with a pillow wedged to keep any pressure off of my incision side.  Swelling set in so on and off during the night I tried some ice. 

I finally starting dosing around 2.  At 6 I got up and turned on the news.  4 ibuprofen and 7 am I'm baking blueberry oatmeal muffins. A cup of Hazelnut coffee.  Ah, that helps anything.  Ran the dishwasher, put un a load of clothes and roamed around in my back yard for awhile enjoying the birds, plants and flowers.  And no, I didn't unload the dishwasher....left that for my helping husband. 

Being up was much more comfortable than trying to sit or lay on the couch or bed.  When I did have to sit down I rigged up a way to put something behind my lower back and it kept my lower area to touch anything.  It's hard to explain, but even doing that I could feel the  pressure from the bottom area.  I just made the best of it and got through the day.  It always seems to get worse at night.  Why is that?

Tomorrow is a new day so if I sleep a little more tonight even that will make tomorrow a little better.  The day after surgery is always the hardest to me.  Which means it should get a little easier each day.   If not I'll just have to find some more things to do standing!  I have some ironing I've been putting of for some time now. 

A while back I ordered a glass water bottle what has a reamer on top to add fresh lemon, lime, orange or whatever mixture you want to try.  I drank a full bottle of lemon water first.  Then I had a bottle of lime water.  I put lime or lemon in my water a lot to add some flavor to it.  I don't really care for flavored bottled water.  I've never liked putting the lemon down in my glass.  The built in reamer allows you to keep the water free from germs and pesticides on the skins.  For some reason it always taste better from glass instead of plastic.

Lime water

With drinking lid off

• 
  
• Why Lemon Water?
• Lemon water is a natural detoxifier for your 
• body
• Aids in digestion
• keeps your skin youthful and glowing
• Freshens your breath
• Fights colds and infections
• Aids in weight loss

My new signature:

H.O. P. E. {hold on pain ends}

Theresa

lemon reamed and lid on

I should be sleeping

When I was young and we had a family vacation planned, a camping trip or an out of town visit with family my mom was always last to bed and first to rise.  She could never rest her head knowing something needed to be done.  Some things never change, she's still the same.  Guess what?  So am I.  As an adult I've learned that it's part of being a mother.  Making sure every thing is right for our children, our husband.  I handled things the same way.  Always up late with last minute things.  For me I'd rather be up late than have to get up early to get it done.  It takes me hours to get to sleep so why not finish what I'm doing so that's not on my mind while trying to get to dream land.

So here I am tonight. Partially packed.  Still with things I need to take care of. (don't worry, it's all written down, I won't forget anything) Especially my medicine. I couldn't make this drive without them.  My back and legs just won't carry me any longer.  I wanted all my plants and flowers watered.  My neighbor will come and water for me Saturday.  Dinner, watering, packing for Dallas to go to doggy day care.  It just didn't seem to end.  Everything is laid out that needs to go in suit case.  Bathroom and food is packed.  Everything from fridge needs to go in ice chest in the morning is all together so D doesn't have to ask me in the morning, "what goes in the chest?"  He means for me, he knows what he needs.  Beer, check....margarita mix, check....bloody mary ingredients, check...diet coke, check.  

I've given in to laying down to check my email and rest.  I'm crying and I have absolutely no idea why.  Simple things overwhelm me sometime.  Every time D and I hit the highway I get nervous about traveling.  I hate the interstate.  The harder I push myself the more cranky I get.  So I'm venting and then I'll do a little more and maybe I'll be feeling sleepy by then.  D will be up bright and early.  Refreshed and smiling.  I drag myself out moaning and groaning to the Keurig. 

Oh yeah, back to the email.  Two email from friends.  One a fairly new friend via this blog.  She always seems to email me at the right time and say the right thing like she just knew what I needed to hear.  My ailments are so minor compared to hers.  Yet she constantly encourages all of us.  She truly understands, and for that...I love her.  The other email from a long time friend had a couple of sayings that she said reminded her of me.  Thank you dear.  Your being kind.  I really try hard not to complain to much but honestly if you'd listen I would all day.  I don't do it near as much as I do on here.  

A Strong Woman

She can deal with stress and carry heavy burdens. She smiles when she feels like screaming, and she sings when she feels like crying. She cries when she's happy and laughs when she's afraid. Her love is unconditional. There's only one thing wrong with her. She forgets what she's worth!  I love you girl .  

Joyce Meyer wrote :

A strong woman knows how to keep her life in order. Even with tears in her eyes, she still manages to say 'I'm Ok' with a smile. 

I'd heard the Joyce Myers before.  I used to faithfully watch her every night.  I even went to one of her conferences in St. Louis with my mom and a friend a few years back.  I've also read and own many of her books.  If you need a fire lit under you and some inspiration and or encouragement look her up and get some information.  She's great!  

I got a call this morning from the professional at the surgery center who is working with my insurance company.  I was so nervous when I saw the number.  Hoping for good news I answered.  Turns out not good or bad.  He said he'd talked to them and they were supposed to have an answer for him by end of day.  I don't know how he knows but he said it looks good for them to approve  a new battery for me.  He was just waiting for medical advisor to sign off on it.  He promised to call me first thing in the morning if he didn't get an answer today.  I've been fussing about getting an answer so I can get it over but I admit I'm not looking forward to being cut on again.  It's really getting old.  But dealing with this additional unnecessary pain is also.  

Guess I should get back to packing.  I'm so slow in the morning.  I need to push myself  a little more.  Sometime you wonder....is it worth it?  When I get there and I'm on the beach I'll then say YES!. 

I baked some Nutella cookies for some friends last night.  Husband and wife.  Their anniversary was last Wednesday, Friday her birthday and his was today.  The cookies were a bit hit. If you've never made them please do.  They are seriously delightful.  I made sure not to leave any behind because I can't keep my hands off of them.  

After everything is mixed it looks like ice cream.  Then chocolate drops before baking.  When they come out soft and gooey like brownies.  Yummy.  They don't stay soft, but a nuk in the microwave and they taste like right from the oven again.  Of course they are good crunchy too!

I'll catch up with everyone while I'm relaxing on the beach.  
God Bless and love to all. T

all ingredients mix together

tablespoon drops of mixture

Ta da, yummy!

Disability update

My mom mentioned to me that I never followed up about my disability.  She informed me my last entry regarding disability news was the day of the hearing and I said I'd believe it when I see the paperwork confirming it.  I'm sorry that I never filled you in mom.  I really never really talk about that topic much.  Two weeks later I received a letter from the judge who heard my case with all the notes from the hearing. The letter ended by stating that she was recommending I be approved for disability.  It said I should receive another letter stating my monthly direct deposit amount,  and when it would start.  Another letter came within 10-12 days with  information on my back pay.  The amount I'd receive and the amount that was being sent to my attorney. (big chunk) There is a 5 month waiting period from file date to acceptance which made my monthly payments start in December of 2011 to January of 2013.  After that payments are to be direct deposited on the same date each month starting in February.   I also had a bill from attorney's office for charges that they were billed for record requests.  So....now your updated on the disability. I probably won't be talking about that subject much anymore.

This is what $148 dollars of doctor notes looks like!

Only from June '11- Dec '12

On Saturday my daughter and grandson came to hang out with A and I.  They were happy with just chilling around here.  Neither A or myself had any desire to get in a car.  It was the cutest thing ever when P came in and went right up to A and opened his arms to hug her.  She was hesitant, looked at me and I nodded and she opened her arms back.  Oh I wish I'd have had my phone or camera.  We had lunch together and later in the day went for a wagon ride and took Dallas for a walk.   After B and P went home I put A down for a nap and I laid down myself.  My back was so sore from the day before.  She slept for 2 hours and Nonna relaxed 2 hours.

watch Mickey Mouse

Unfortunately when Sunday night rolled around she started showing signs of her respiratory  problems so her maw-maw and I decided we should get her home and nip it in the bud.  I think she was ready anyway.  You know, when you don't feel good you always want your mommy :-)  It was a nasty rainy drive for both maw maw and Nonna. 

I decided to take it easy today as much as possible.  Still gloomy but very little rain.  I did go out to the post office to send P and A a Valentine package.  Wasn't expecting the long line on Mardi Gras day.  I hope they enjoy getting something in the mail with their name on it!

Earlier in the day I made some muffins.  I've been on this kick of muffins/cookies with oatmeal and using the fruit or whatever I have in my pantry.  I think they are quite tasty and filling for breakfast.  Not to mention no added sugar. This batch I did some blueberries, cranberries, and I had some dried apricots that I cut in little pieces to put in some.  To make that clear it was 3 different kinds not one with all flavors in them.  This time I used the vanilla almond milk instead of original and they were a bit tastier.  Banana's, oatmeal, eggs, vanilla extract, rolled oats, fruit or candy of your choice and the almond milk.  I love pinterest.

Oatmeal muffins

I'm sure I mentioned in a previous post that we replaced the cumquat tree and navel tree we left behind at our previous home.  They were producing big that fall.  Our new ones will need time to reach that point.  We planted a couple of blueberry bushes.  We also replaced herbs we had on hand to just go out and pick when called for in a recipe.  Rosemary, basil, chives, mint and parsley.  I have these tiny windows in my kitchen.  No view just the neighbors brick wall. It adds some sunlight on the countertop.  I've had watt nots there but trying out two of the herbs in their place.  Just need to keep an eye on them to make sure they are getting enough sunlight. 

I guess I need to start making notes because I had things in my head to write about and they have left me.  Another day, another post.  My husband is always up to something.  He is off again tomorrow.  He ordered a kit to make your own BEER.  Watched the video today on how to do it.  It's a big deal to him but I think it's hilarious.  After whatever he has to do tomorrow then it has to sit for 5-6 weeks.  Better be good to wait that long to  enjoy something I make.  

Getting started

Silly girl

Loves her Minnie things <3

Still no word from my son.  I continue to pray along with many of my friends and family.  I still have strong urges to text him and I do.  Just not what I really want to say.  Prayers and support letting him know that no matter what we all love him and want the best for him.  Yesterday made a week since the officer made contact with him and informed me.  That's 7 days that anything could have happened since then.  Just wish he'd at least get word to me he is ok on a regular basis. 

Love is not written on paper, for paper can be erased.  Nor is it etched on stone, for stone can be broken.  But it is inscribed on a heart, and there it shall remain forever.  unknown

Take care everyone and thank you for your continued support and prayers.  I couldn't go through this without you.

God Bless,
Theresa

What's going on....

My stimulator:  Spent some time with Mr. R this morning.  I'm happy to say for the first time in a long time that we had some success.  We added 3 new programs.  I had one that was the best of the 8 that I mostly used.  It was a program that runs for 20 minutes off for 10 then continues that cycle.  He tweaked that one a bit and made some improvements. The three new ones I'm excited about.  2 of them reach the area we've been trying to achieve for months. If I turn it up to high it does get into my stomach. It's very mild and 

nothing like the "pinching" and "zaps". I hope nothing moves.....please stay put and I think we're good for awhile :-)

My granddaughter:  Thank you to everyone who asked about her via emails.  We were all praying for her to fight through this.  It could have been much worse.  I went to stay with her a night in the hospital.  Seemed like I drove forever especially being dark.  I'm not night driver.  I try to avoid if all possible. 
The look on her face when I walked in made it all worth while.  She was starting to look and feel better but if you heard her cough or sat next to her while quite you could hear the nasty stuff in her chest.  She slept well that night and I got to meet her pediatrician the next morning.  She went home that day.
(Thursday)  Her doctor said she was still a sick little girl and needed to stay still and calm.  Activity starts her coughing and wheezing.  Between mom, maw maw and paw paw G they took such good care of her she's doing much better. Her mom text me this morning and said her x ray was clear today!  We are all so relieved she continues to show improvement.  

The day before I went.  A chance to get out of that bed.

doing her treatment <3

My Hives:I'm almost scared to mention that since early October I haven't had any hives! I continue to take the regimen the dermatologist has me on.  I do believe however a previous therapist was wrong about my hives being caused by stress.  If anything I'm under as much or more before the stimulator surgery and I'm hive free.  It may exacerbate them, but not the cause.  In all my research on hives during the three years I dealt with them I read numerous times that when you have chronic hives lasting more than several weeks they are not likely to go away and can last up to 3 years then be in remission.    That's what I believe has happened. The chances are likely they will return sometime during my lifetime. 

My son: no change.  I continue to pray every day.  I've continued to text and or call each day.  Most of the time it goes straight to voice mail.  I do know he is alive, my mom has received some texts from him.  Just a few words and when she tried calling right after or texting right back no answer no return call.  On Saturday he text and said he was going to see her but never showed.  Late Saturday night she received another saying he hadn't slept in 2 nights and was too tired and sleepy, will call tomorrow. (Sunday)  She never heard from him.  I've called the detective on his case but no news.

My anxiety:  A few months back in November I was having some chest pain and trouble breathing.  I saw necessary doctors and the gastroenterologist.  I did get answers from the gastroenterologist about the stomach pain I was having but he did not believe that was causing my chest pain and trouble breathing.  I had an anxiety attach that month but he felt my gastritis was not causing the symptoms.  I've stated several times to my husband that every since I've been on the medicine he prescribed I've been symptom free.  Stomach and chest pain. (started with omeprazole, now nexium) So I really thought it did have something to do with it.  

Last Friday it came back....with a vengeance!  It bothered me all week end and seemed to be better Monday but back again today.  I don't know what to think but I'm starting to believe that just because you don't think your anxious about things it shows in different ways.  I've been having to work hard at controlling my breathing so I don't have an anxiety attack again.  The last one landed me in the ER.  What's weird is it does seem to get worse when I eat.  So much so I've been dreading eating anything to avoid the onset.  I'm not about to schedule another appointment with a different doctor.  I've had 6 already this month. I'll manage.  I think I will email my GP.  She's awesome at getting right back with me.  My appointment with LL (my LCSW) was before my meet with Mr. R and of course we spent the entire time talking about my son.  Some days I feel really strong when I leave and somedays I cry all the way home.  Today was a cry day but I had to get over it quick before reaching the surgery center to meet Mr. R.

Pinterest:  To help keep my mind busy I've been on a kick of making things I see that are simple, easy ingredients, (nothing weird I don't already have around) and aren't to dangerous for gaining my weight back. lol.
Last week I told you about the egg muffins. (see last weeks post)  I loved them so much I made more this Sunday but changed the recipe up a little and used a muffin tin that makes the larger size and made the portion 1 instead of 2.
Skipped the sausage and added red and yellow bell pepper, a bit of half & half and some fat free cheese topped with green onions.  I like these better than the first batch.  That's what it's all about right?  Experimenting?

I tried a different kind of oatmeal cookies that I didn't care for.  Neither did D.  We ate a few but pitched the rest.  Never thought I'd throw out cookies. The first ones were awesome.  Next the mexican pizza.  Mine did't look as great as the picture shown but taste great.   Today I made the "no bake granola bars".  Tasty, but a little messy when eating. Best to keep in the freezer until ready to eat.  They soften quickly.

Mexican Pizza

No bake granola bars

Another busy:  I'm hooked on a new program.  SUITS!  If you watch it I know you love it.  If you do, it's worth taking the time to go back and watch the first 2 seasons.  Season 3 just started two weeks ago.  I talked about it enough that I got B interested and she's finished season one.  From Friday to Monday. I started the week end before that so I'm just as bad because I'm finished with season 2 now.  It's such a long wait from Thursday to Thursday now.  It was pretty cool to just pick up and watch an episode when ever I wanted.  You know what they say, "all good things will come to an end".  Not really the end, just a slow ride now.  I love having something good to watch when I'm charging, which I'm doing now, or riding my recumbent bike.

Enough for today.  Have a great hump day tomorrow.  I pray it will be they day I hear from my son as I've been praying for some time now.  My daughter and A's mom sent me some perfect scriptures for this situation that have been helpful to read every day.  I've gotten through another day and that's all I can ask for each day.

Good night and God Bless


A friend is one who knows you and loves you just the same.  Elbert Hubbard