A fun filled week end

Better late than never.  I should have had this up Wednesday but I honestly have not even looked at my email or much of anything else since then.  I weighed and measured that morning.  Had a very busy day then went to dinner with my girlfriends.  I really had to be picky seeing it was the beginning of the WW's week for me.  The food was delicious but the company even better.  

These ladies are great.  They didn't mind posing in different areas of restaurant before I found the best back ground.  Then we grabbed our server and had him capture a few shots.  He even let me check and make sure we were ok with them.  What a sport.  Thanks Brigitte for adding the festive boarder.  

The previous day my second appointment of the day was with the OT.  Durning treatment I was pretty uncomfortable.  She had another therapist who does the Dry Needling also known as  intramuscular stimulation  evaluate me.    I was really hoping that after Friday's session we would be able to determine there was not a need for it any longer.  I did have improvement, but not enough to change her mind about having it done.  It hurts so much in that area I can't imagine having needles inserted into these tendons or muscles. 

The session lasted longer than usual so I got a late start on my Chicken Enchilada soup when I got home.  So late I was putting it up in bowls to freeze and some for the week pretty late that night.  It was worth every minute though.  It was so good.  I entered everything in the WW recipe builder.  I made a double batch and it totaled 6 points per cup.  A cup doesn't sound like much but when you add some cheese and sour cream it is very filling.  What I was missing was the chips I enjoying dipping in when I'm not "watching it".  

Most of what goes in

Then I remembered these tortilla wraps that I like to make a turkey wrap with for a change up from bread.  I also love to make fajitas with them.  The tomato basil flavor is 1 point.  Yes, you read right.  ONE point.  The wheat is 2.  Weird, I know.  Most tortilla wraps or flat bread are 2 points.  I get them at Wal Mart but you know how that is.  Some Wal Mart's carry them and some don't.  I can't always find them when I want them.  Anyway, I decided to toast one instead of just warming to get it it crispy.  I broke into pieces and it worked lovely as "chips" to dip in my soup.  Above is most of the things that make everything come together to taste wonderful.  The chicken and the fat free half and half are missing.  The recipe calls for heavy whipping cream but I promise you it's no different with the fat free.   

Ole Mexican Foods "a better choice for your health"

toasted and broken into chips

On Thursday I kept a friends little girl at my house all day.  She is super active and kept me busy and my mind working.  She is a talker like my grandson.  Full of questions and only stops talking when she is sleeping!  An hour and a half after she left my home my granddaughter came.  Lucky for me, her mom brought her to my house and I didn't have to drive and meet her like usual. 

Tomorrow (Monday) is her birthday and she was going out of town for some "me" time.

Of course it was fine by me that A wanted to spend some time with Nonna.  Unfortunately she had to go to therapy with me on Friday morning, but I smoothed it over by stopping by the library to pick out some books she had in mind to choose.  She is starting to recognize some words so loves to read a book that has them so she can tell me the words.  

enjoying the computer

  
After OT was over we met my daughter and grandson at Chick fil A for lunch.  The kids loved it because the play area was unusually empty.  I'm glad they got to visit because the rest of my daughters week end was packed.  We had lunch and a nice visit before we each moved on to our next item on the list.  Just so happened it was Wal Mart for both of us.  The necessary evil :~{

best part of my day <3

We finally made it home around 3:30.  My friend who I mentioned earlier wanted to let her daughter and A visit because they love spending time together.  Her name starts with an A also so I'll call her A2, laugh out loud.  Her week end was full except for Friday evening.  I had told her we'd see what time we got home and how tired each of us was.  A rested and watched a movie while I put everything away then I kicked back in the recliner on the heating pad for awhile.  Shortly after they came to visit.  A2 grabbed my A and hugged her.  She said, " I love you A".  So sweet.  We took them for a wagon ride and to swing and slide next door.  Then we had supper together.  It was enjoyable for us all.  A2 and A had a great time playing together.  Neither wanted to stop.

Little monkeys 

A & A2

Saturday was P's official day of birth.  His party is next week end so I'll wait and do his birthday post with his party pictures!  4 years old.  They are both 4 and we have another on the way.  When I think back where I was 4 years ago I'm a little disappointed.  I know I can't dwell on it, but I can't help but wonder what things would be like if I wouldn't have ever had the first surgery.  I know I can't look back.  I have to keep looking forward.  That's where the H.O.P.E. comes in.  I keep telling myself that and I will as long as I have to.  It would be nice if I could get rid of some of these other ailments though.  

I brought A back to the library for Cliffard's 50th birthday.  It was nice.  They played games, sang happy birthday, made a craft and then had treats and lemonade.  I'm happy for her we went. She really enjoyed it. 

Happy 50th Cliffard

A snack after craft.

I brought her to meet her mom this evening.  Even though while loading up she was asking over and over,  Why do I have to go home?  I can tell you when she saw her mommy her story changed.  She was so happy to see her and go with her.  

So it is now Monday morning.  I was watching the nail biting World Series.  St. Louis 2 Boston 2.  Every game has been close.  Needless to say I thought I could do both.  When the game ended I gave this 100% UNTIL...I fell asleep with my laptop on my lap.  I woke up at 2 am with my fingers on the key board and my neck very uncomfortable.  I'll end here as to not delay another day waiting until tonight.

Happy Monday and to everyone a great week.

Full of H.O.P.E.

Theresa

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

It's over with...

At the risk of sounding like all I do is complain....I'm going to update you all on my visit with my MP doctor ( he did the SCS implant).  I hadn't seen him since the last post surgery check after implant.  I did have an appointment a few months (Oct) back but he ended up just speaking with me at the surgical center where they did the x ray to see if my leads had moved.  I saw him Friday which  had been scheduled for 6 weeks.  I put it off as long as I could hoping that something would change and I would go in praising him for changing my life.
On the video they give you to view from St. Jude to watch when considering a stimulator all the testimonies say just that.  Having the Spinal Cord Stimulator has changed my life.  Some cases were much worse than mine.  An injured solider, a person in a horrible car accident and many more.  Maybe that's why my expectations were so high.  

I gave him the good news first.  I told him at my last meeting with Mr. R we'd finally made a little progress.  It's so close I told him.  I'm optimistic that as I approach a year (May) it will be even better.  Possibly the unwanted areas going away.  Then the bad...trouble with my battery.  I explained how uncomfortable it has been.  Well uncomfortable is not quite it....painful.  "Please tell me some people take this long to rid of the soreness"?  He said, no I should be fine in that area.  I explained the burning sensations and how I feel it's moved.  Kind of twisted like.  One corner in upper right is protruding out.  
He was puzzled about the heated feeling especially that it happens when stimulator is not even on.  Then he took a look at surgery area.  Oh yeah, he agreed.  I don't remember the exact word he used but definitely confirmed its shifted out of the "pocket".  My theory is that if I would have had the battery I chose implanted I'd be fine right now.

He said he was going to consult with St. Jude about the heating sensation.  I told him I have been in touch with Mr. R about having trouble charging.  He fixed it last time we met but when I went to charge again I had same trouble.  This week I received a package from St. Jude and it was a new charger.  I guess Mr. R took care of that.  After seeing the doc I'm now thinking my charger was fine and my battery shifting has something to do with it.  It probably isn't "making connection".  The wand has to lay flat over the battery when charging.  That is kind of hard to do now that it's moved.  I plan on consulting with Mr. R on this theory tomorrow.  Guess I'll know for sure after trying to charge with new charger.   

I didn't get a clear answer of what we will do if my battery continues to be a problem.  I guess he wanted to talk to St. Jude first.  The nurse told me she has seen this before and they just had to reposition.  OK, there is only one way to get to it.  YUCK.....I don't want to go through that again.  For temporary relief he gave me some samples of Lidoderm patches. (Lidocaine patch 5%)
I put to the test yesterday and today.  It really doesn't help my battery area but I noticed a big difference for 2-3 hours on my back.  He said if they worked he'd write me a script for them.  Of course I looked on my Rx plan and their not covered. I'll check with my pharmacist tomorrow to see what they will cost out of pocket.  I'm just glad the appointment is over, the least favorite office I have to go to. 

So my pinterest idea for this week end was "ice cream for breakfast".  I ate as a snack not for breakfast but you could.  It's just frozen banana's, good for you!  2 ingredient treat.  Freeze 4 sliced banana's and when completely frozen
pulse in food processor.  It will look like gravel at first but just keep pulsing and it will eventually get smooth, creamy and light like you see here.  You can find original recipe on the bloggers address if you follow me on pinterest under "things I've tried" or "something healthy"

you'll need to stop and scrape sides a lot

Next step....here is your 2nd ingredient.  2-3 tablespoons of peanut butter, almond butter, whatever your preference.  (next time I'm going to try Nutella, there goes healthy!)  Continue to pulse until well combined.  She also recommended coco powder and peanut butter together.  I stuck just with the coco since I do not care for peanut butter.  It taste good plain with just the banana's but not every one cares for banana flavor.  For breakfast, I'm good with it.

with the coco added

Tried a little taste, yummy.  Especially for a healthy treat what ever the time you want it.  You can eat right away or freeze for later.  She recommends if you put in freezer to let it sit out a while before trying to serve.

a close up in the bowl

I read some comments following the post and a lot of readers tried strawberries added or chocolate chips.  I think I'll stick to the healthy stuff.  Most importantly make sure the bananas are completely frozen.  She said an hour, but it took 2 in my freezer.  I tried to soon and believe me it doesn't work.  Also the banana's need to be ripe but not black.  Just starting to have brown spots on them.  

So long friends.  This has been a rough week I'm praying for a better one this one.  We're having some bad weather here and from the sound coming from the kennel I'm not sure Dallas will not let me sleep.

God is Good....Always,
Theresa

Rock & Worship

Last night at the RiverCenter in Baton Rouge, LA. a friend and I went to The Rock & Worship Roadshow.  We definitely did some rocking and some worshiping.  It was fantastic!  Not to mention the fabulous artists that were there and it was moving to see such a diversity of people.  Elementary age, adolescences, families with their children and yes grandparents.  There were some acts that we enjoyed more than others but the "enjoy" outweighed the "others".

It cost $10 a person to get in.  Most artists were selling their cd's for $5 or $10.  Even new releases.   Your probably asking yourself why only $10.  They want you to be able to come if you have $10 in your pocket or $100.  No one left out.  If parents want to bring their whole family it wouldn't break the bank and they could even afford to purchase some music too.  I know they can't possibly make any money at $10 a ticket but that is not their purpose.  They know God will provide and help them to continue to let everyone that wants to come and see their favorites preform live.  A documentary that features behind the scenes of "The Rock & Worship Roadshow its being filmed now.  It tells the story of what it takes to put the show together and their challenges.  Lights, audio, weather,  life on a bus and putting on an amazing show.  Roadshow-The Film.  Check it out @ Roadshowfilm.com 

I've been to see this tour before, so I knew how great it would be both spiritually and entertaining.  Both times I was able to see some of my favorite Christian artists.  No different from a regular concert...loud music, people singing, even dancing.
Amazing lights, smoke, videos playing in the back ground and even some rapping.  My friend and I weren't quite sure what they were saying but we did hear "Believer" and "God" in there somewhere so it passed as Christian.  If the good lord is willing, it will be back next year and so will I!

I love the bags of mini bell peppers.  They are great for a snack and I love them in salads because they are so easy to cut up.  I actually like to just slice them just like a cucumber in little circles for my salad.  Easy to pick up with your fork!

The problem is I usually end up with waste because I never eat them all before they go bad.  I decided to not let that happen this time.  I have a couple of things to experiment with.  Tonight I tried "Mini stuffed peppers"  They were stuffed with a mixture of several things combined and topped with panco, olive oil and parmesan.  Every thing is good topped with Parmesan....yum.

stuffed

with topping

baked

These little peppers were so tasty I had to stop myself from eating them all in one sitting. They would be perfect as an appetizer when grilling or hosting a shower or party of some type.  I used fat free cream cheese and fat free cheddar to help reduce the calories.  I actually mixed half ff cheddar and my WW 3 cheese mix.  The actual recipe called for goat cheese.  You can use what ever you have on hand or like, or double the cream cheese and I think it will still taste great.  Next I want to make a meat stuffing to try.

Somehow I don't think that will be as quick and easy. 

Over the week end I had some strawberries to finish off so I went searching for something low fat to do with them.  Found a low fat strawberry muffin recipe.  (Forgot to take a picture) They didn't taste low fat at all to me.  Of course I changed a thing or two.  I didn't have the unsweetened applesauce so I used 2 very ripe bananas.  I also added a little almond milk for flavor.  Another time I had to control myself.  Somehow when you know it's low fat you convince your self to have 2 instead of 1.  Maybe even 3???

Have a great week and I'll be back to chat soon.

Fighting back, Theresa

    The things you take for granted someone else is praying for.

Stronger

It has been so nice to see some sunshine stay around for several days.  Even better that it's been a little warmer.  On Sunday I decided to try and cook for several nights.  Made a pot of chili and my husband grilled so that gave me food for several nights this week.  I also made some egg muffins from a pinterest post.  I'm not taking credit, just sharing for any reader who don't follow pinterest.  I changed it up a little but for the most part everything the is same.  I'm trying to get some protein in for breakfast because I'm always hungry again an hour after eating.  Which is usually cereal or toast and then later some yogurt.  Before lunch time I'm starving again.  These taste great and very filling.  The pinner said two are good for her.  I agree.  Stays good in refrigerator for a week.

Started with a dozen eggs.  Added a little spice (optional).  The recipe calls for the eggs, cheese and green onions as a must.  Meat optional.  I decided to add turkey sausage.  That went in first then I added the cheese and green onion.  I realized after that they had added cheese to beaten eggs but I don't see that it made a difference.  

Then pour your egg to fill 3/4 of muffin cup.   Stir each one a little to mix ingredients with a fork.  Recipe said optional to add some half and half to egg mixture.  I chose not to but plan to try next time.  You can also choose anything that's a favorite instead of the sausage.
veggies...bell peppers, zucchini, broccoli etc. 

Ready for the oven.  I had some egg mix left so I put left over into a muffin pan that makes large muffins.  I made two like that.  In that case, one will be fine for breakfast instead of two small.  (my opinion) Make sure to put your eggs into large measuring cup or bowl with a pour spout to simplify things.  375 for 25-30 minutes.

and here they are

I followed instructions and after cooling put two each in ziplock and store in refrigerator.  Of course I had to sample a warm one.  The next day heated in microwave they tasted just as good.  I did find the large ones heat better if you break in the middle before heating.  So tasty and easy.  I also did some oatmeal cookies using no flour or butter method.  Also all over pinterest.  I used bananas, applesauce and almond milk in place.  Also added cranberries instead of raisons because that's what I prefer.  They had a different texture but taste great.   I don't feel so guilty having these!

My granddaughter is in the hospital with RSV pneumonia.  Poor thing just can't stay away from being sick.  She just recovered from bronchitis earlier this month.  Under the circumstances she has been a great patient I hear.  Maw Maw and mom have been keeping me posted.  

We still have not talked to her daddy.  For peace of mind and mainly because he NEEDS to know his daughter and his dad is sick I had to take drastic measures to find out why he is not responding.  For the last three days his phone has been going straight to voice mail and the carrier let us know no calls went out or in since these last four days.  I talked to a couple of his friends over the week end.  They haven't seen him.  I reported him missing so at least I will know he is ok.  If he doesn't want to talk to us that's fine but we need to know.  If something is wrong, I need to know that too.  He is deeply depressed so that alone is enough for me to think the worst.  He's has a lot of prayers going out for him.  I get up, go through another day and be thankful no bad news came and take the next day as it comes.  Same way I deal with this chronic back condition I deal with.

On a good note my psychologist moved me to every three months instead of every month.  I'm excited to have one less appointment in a month.  Next Tuesday I see Mr. R  for another try at reprogramming.  So many people who have a stimulator go to their doctor frustrated with it not working but they haven't seen their rep for adjustments.  I have it documented every time I've met with Mr. R and Lovely so he can't say that I haven't tried.  

Martha, please let me know what happened with your appointment.  I'm praying that it wasn't what you were thinking.  

Seems like every day I hear a song that even though I've heard it many times before but that day I hear it so differently.  Like it's being sung just for me this time.  Music is so much like prayer for me.  That night I text the words to my son because it fit for him too.  I've text him every day or night since Jan 3.  I have no way to know if he is even seeing or reading them.

"Stronger"

Hey, heard you were up all night
Thinking about how your world ain't right
And you wonder if things will ever get better
And you're asking why is it always raining on you
When all you want is just a little good news
Instead of standing there stuck out in the weather

Oh, don't hang your head
It's gonna end
God's right there
Even if it's hard to see Him
I promise you that He still cares

[Chorus:]
When the waves are taking you under
Hold on just a little bit longer
He knows that this is gonna make you stronger, stronger
The pain ain't gonna last forever
And things can only get better
Believe me
This is gonna make you stronger
Gonna make you stronger, stronger, stronger
Believe me, this is gonna make you Stronger

Try and do the best you can
Hold on and let Him hold your hand
And go on and fall into the arms of Jesus
Oh, lift your head it's gonna end
God's right there
Even when you just can't feel Him
I promise you that He still cares

[Chorus]

'Cause if He started this work in your life
He will be faithful to complete it
If only you believe it
He knows how much it hurts
And I'm sure that He's gonna help you get through this

When the waves are taking you under
Hold on just a little bit longer
He knows that this is gonna make you stronger, stronger
The pain ain't gonna last forever
In time it's gonna get better
Believe me
This is gonna make you stronger

Pain is inevitable, but misery is optional.  We cannot avoid pain, but we can avoid joy.  Tim Hansel

Crock Pot Day

Only in Louisiana are you using heater on a Friday, air conditioner over the weekend then heater again on Monday morning.
Not to mention it's still raining, along with the cold. Even when it's not a down pour there is this nasty mist hanging around. That equals bad day instead of good day.  

I planned to go to the store yesterday but kept putting it off because I was waiting on the weather to clear up.  Not...never happened.  So today I set off first thing before the rain could start and picked up some ingredients to do some crock pot cooking. I figured since crock pot is so easy I'd do two.  Why not?  Don't you just love when dinner is ready when its time to eat?  I also love having something to eat the rest of the week with out cooking again.

Broccoli Cheddar Soup and Crock Pot Orange chicken.  Oh my goodness that one smells so good!  The Orange chicken came from Pinterest and couldn't tell you where the Broccoli soup came from.  I saw several on Pinterest but most were to rich and heavy for me.  I even made a few changes with this one. I'll let you know how they both turn out.

I have therapy this afternoon with my LCSW.  I plan to bake some oatmeal banana muffins when I get back.  Recipe seems to be healthy with no eggs and flour.  That's a lot of preparing and standing for a period of time for me.  I'm sure your wondering why I'm so excited about having two meals prepared and something for breakfast.  I don't do a lot of cooking any more unless its something I can put on and leave or something quick and easy to fix.  If I have to stand over stove and baby sit it not happening.  

No word from my son since January 3rd.  I text him everyday but no replies.  I know he is in a really dark deep place to not even be in touch with his family and especially his daughter.  It's getting harder and harder to explain things to her.  She's very bright and starting to understand something isn't right with her daddy.  She's even stopped asking when she is here where is and if she will see him. She used to ask every time on our way to my home if she would see him.  Now she only says her daddy lives in Baton Rouge huh?  It's like she knows she isn't going to see him.  

Whatever is keeping him from us and his daughter must have a big hold over him to shut us all out.  We've all put forth offers for help, advise someone to talk to. I feel like he is at rock bottom but apparently he's not.  I'd just like to know he is ok.  I'd also give anything for him to be strong enough to talk to his daughter when she wants to talk with him.  He says he can't handle it.  Nothing I can do or say will make him understand how important this time in her life is and how much she loves, need and want's to spend time with him.  That alone should be enough for him to seek help. I continue along with the rest of my family to pray for him, his daughter and their family.

In sadness searching for joy

 The things you take for granted someone else is praying for.