Saturday Photo Scavenger Hunt

THEME: PARTY

Here is Caleb opening all his presents with his Daddy at his 1 year birthday party back in July. It is amazing how much he has grown in only 7 months.

Doing Much Better!

I haven't written until now because I didn't want to jinx myself by writing about it here.

I went to the doctor on Thursday to have my sinuses checked and I arrived convinced that I had a sinus infection, I would get an antibiotic and perhaps some decongestant, and I would be fine in a few days. Well, that just goes to show what I know.

The current Resident and the main Doctor both agreed that this is apparently "my season" for allergies and it is just my time to suffer. Ugh! Thankfully, they gave me a nasal spray steroid to snort everday to help keep things at bay. They said that I really should stay on it through May to get me through the heavy pollen season which is about to start here. I got the first month's worth of doses through office samples to try out and then I will get a prescription if I want to continue with it.

Well, I've been snorting each morning since Thursday and I have to say that I am MUCH BETTER. I have gotten so used to having a snotty head that having a regular, dry head felt too dry. I have gone at least two days without a sinus headache and I am loving it. So, this is what normal feels like?! I LIKE IT!

Thank you for any prayers that were offered for me!! They are working!!

SO CUTE!!

OH MY GOODNESS!



Caleb and I went to the library yesterday to pick up a couple DVD's I put on hold for him. He got a Baby Einstein and a Little Einsteins video. Just let me say that Little Einsteins is BEYOND cute. The children in the video are adorable. The music is beautiful and it is so educational.

I have a feeling Caleb is going to get all the viewing he can out of this video before we have to turn it in. I already can't wait till the next one is available.

Finally Going

I am never one to be excited about going to the doctor. Who is? But, today I am beyond thrilled that I will be sitting in a sterile waiting room, questioned, and poked and prodded. I just have to wait till 2:45 pm. I just pray that this doctor's visit is the end of all these sinus issues. I am tired of walking around with a mucus head.

The only thing I am really not looking forward to today is the fact that the doctor will probably have to touch my nose. I HATE for anyone to touch my nose!!! That includes Chris. When Chris is giving me one of his coveted face massages (a life saver during these icky sinus days) he knows to steer well clear of my nose. I could be fast asleep and if he touches my nose I will wake up with a quick, "Don't touch my nose!" I don't know why I am this way...just am, always have been.

Another thing is interesting about going to the doctor. Have you ever made an appointment for an ailment because you can't stand it anymore and when it is time for the visit your ailment is pretty much gone?? "Does this hurt?" "Um, No, but it would've really hurt two days ago." The symptoms are gone so you think "Maybe I should cancel the appointment, save the copay and my time." But, you know the moment you cancel the symptoms will come roaring back and probably worse and then you have to wait a week or two for another appointment. Needless to say, my sinuses actually feel pretty good day. No pain. No mucus head. I am still going though. Oh no! I know how this goes. I will go and describe my "alleged" sinus pain to the best of my ability.

Please pray this will be WIPED out and I can get back to normal...whatever that is.

See ya! Details later!

Breaking Stereotypes on the Road

This morning I was driving home from running errands and exercising at the YMCA and I saw a fancy car riding my tail. I sighed and thought "Hot Shot! I'm not going to speed up for you!" (Note: the part of road I was on has a rather odd change in speed limits that I too don't agree with but that doesn't change the fact that it is the law and I should obey it). I figured this person was probably young and thought he/she was in bigger hurry than me. Can you tell I really don't like tailgaters?

Well, I looked again and saw that the "Hot Shot" was an elderly lady and presumably her husband in a Cadillac with a handicapped sign hanging from the rear view mirror. She was even making gestures at me.What in the world?! I turned onto the next road and that couple actually PASSED ME and zoomed away breaking all kinds of speed limits. HUH??

I guess this goes to show that stereotypes are no good. Lessons from the road.

When Will This Ickiness Be Over?!

Right when I wrote my last post about being "Sick and Tired of Being Sick and Tired, I go and catch a stomach virus. Ugh!

Chris and I traveled to my home town for my Dad's 65th birthday. Along with my stepmom, we planned a lovely surprise birthday party for him. Their Sunday School and dancing friends were there along with my sister and her family and my brother. We totally got him! Ha! It was a great event.

Unfortunately, about an hour before Chris and I left for the party I got slammed with queaziness. It was like a sledgehammer. I figured it would go away as quickly as it came. Wrong! I spent the party sitting in a corner trying to not throw up. Finally, I requested to go back to my Dad's house and rest. I apologized to everyone profusely and off we went.

The rest of the night was spent lying in bed or "worshiping the porcelin god." I was miserable. Then, Chris came down with it too. The majority of the "bad" symptoms were gone by Sunday morning but we were both terribly weak with dehydration and achiness. We came back home and sipped our Ginger Ale or Gatorade and slowly muched our Saltines. We were in bed by 7:30 pm.

This morning I felt a good bit better because of the sleep. I go to get Caleb from his room and see that he has thrown up all over his crib. I strip him and his entire crib and both get thoroughly washed. I think this one episode is the extent of his sickness. He has been drinking his Pedialyte and eating crackers.

Chris and I will attempt a real meal tonight and retire early again. I have made my doctor's appointment to get my sinuses checked for Thursday. Hopefully, all this ickiness will be gone for good soon. Until then, I keep plugging along.

Sick and Tired of Being Sick and Tired

I have this sinus issue that just won't go away. It has been lingering on the left side of my face for well over two months. It is like a headache that starts right above my teeth and radiates up my cheek, behind my eyeball, and well into my skull. Ugh! It is a headache that will not go away. I've been taking a sinus medication and it has been working but I think it has finally lost its potency. I've tried using my "Feel Better Bag" to help break up all the ickiness and drain the sinuses. That worked great...for awhile. Neither one works now. So, I am stuck with this headache. I have thrown in the towel and I am hoping to get into my doctor's office sometime next week.

I am just sick and tired of being sick and tired. Because of this sinus thing I am not sleeping well at night and that, of course, affects the rest of my day. I'm also greatly unmotivated during the day. I am unmotivated to work on the house, blog, or even work on losing weight. I am just BLAH!

I am sorry for my absence. Now you know why. Chris, Caleb, and I are going to see my Dad this weekend and hopefully that will help to lift my spirits. I will see you when I get back. Please pray the doctor is able to knock this junk to kingdom come. I actually miss my regular self.

What Will I Say Next?

I am learning that as Mom you will find yourself saying the darndest things to you child(ren).

This morning Caleb and Eowyn were fighting over Eowyn's most treasured squeakie toy, Mousers. Caleb would steal it and run away and then Eowyn would return the favor. Whenever Eowyn stole Mousers back, Caleb would come running to me, fussing, like he was saying, "MOM!! She won't let me play with Mousers!" There was a lot of fussing, barking, growling, etc.

When I finally had had enough I yelled across the house, "If you don't stop fighting over that toy I am going to have to take it away from BOTH of you!!!!"

Note: This is to my 19 month old son and DOG!

What will it be like with more children?

Reading and Treadmills

I have been exercising at the YMCA for the past six months now. I try to get on a treadmill or elliptical machine (or lift weights if I'm feeling extra jiggy) about four times a week. I usually bring my headphones so I can tune into one of the tv's and I also pick one of the magazines on the wall. Those magazines haven't changed for the past six months!! I have read every savory and unsavory article there is to be had. I have come to being bored while I exercise because there is nothing to do and I can't stare into space.

I had an epiphany the other day. While it is nice to "tune out" for about 45 minutes, I could really be using those 45 minutes to edify myself. Caleb is being taken care of and I don't have to worry about him. Why don't I bring a book every trip to the YMCA? I would probably be impressed how many books I could finish over time.

So, I'm going to start a list of books that I will call my "Treadmill Books." There will be a list on my sidebar of the books I plan to read and the books I am currently reading. I might even share my thoughts on these books. This is exerciting! I will be getting fit physically and mentally. Whoohoo!




Graphic From AllPosters.com

Sugar Refinery Explosion--Please Pray

Not too far from where I live there was a major explosion at a Sugar Rifinery Plant last night. There are people who are still missing and many more are severely burned. Some of them have been airlifted to Augusta where the best burn center in the area is located. Many of those people are in critical condition. The fire is still burning this afternoon. We don't know what caused the explosion and subsequent fire. They are thinking it could be sugar dust that apparently is quite combustible. (Who knew!) Lots of unknowns right now.

You can read the story here.

There are reports of workers coming out the plant with 3rd degree burns all over and all they wanted to know was that their friends were okay.

Please pray for the workers and their families. Also, pray for the rescue workers and the medical teams treating the workers.

Thanks!

Better Than JiffY?!

A HUGE event occurred last night that I just had to share with everyone and their brother, sister, whoever. I made some homemade cornbread (from scratch) last night to help lift up some leftover chili from the freezer. I've tried homemade cornbreads in the past but they turned out kind of blah, not sweet enough, or just too dry. A couple of times Chris has said to just make Jiffy from now on. But, I'm trying to make more and more things from scratch and not depend on "prepackaged" stuff. I have been determined to find "that cornbread" that would push Jiffy off the pedestal in Chris' mind.

Folks, I have found it!! It is called Grandmother's Buttermilk Cornbread and I got it off of Allrecipes.com. Perhaps it is the buttermilk or even the whole stick of butter, but Chris said that it is far better than Jiffy. He said it is just right in sweetness and moist. He even said I can put this recipe in the "Permanent Recipe Collection" to be made from now on. I have reached a milestone in my "Make It From Scratch" journey.

Here's the recipe:

Ingredients:
1/4 pound butter (1 stick)
2/3 cup white sugar
2 eggs
1 cup buttermilk
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup cornmeal
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Grease an 8 inch square pan.

2. Melt butter in large skillet (I just nuked in the microwave in a safe bowl). Remove from heat and stir in sugar. Quickly add eggs and beat until well blended. Combine buttermilk with baking soda and stir into mixture in pan. Stir in cornmeal, flour, and salt until well blended and few lumps remain. Pour batter into the prepared pan.

3. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

ENJOY! I would love to hear from you if you have great success like I did!

Lose Weight and Save the Earth

I came to a wonderful realization today. As I endeavor to lose weight I am also helping to save the earth! Not only am I getting smaller bit by bit but I am also reducing my "footprint" in the process. Ha!

How is this possible you ask?

Well, one of the habits I have adopted in my weight loss journey is to drink a TON of water everyday...a gallon to be exact. Needless to say, I have to go to the bathroom a hundred gazillion times a day.

I have found that I try to get through my errands as fast as possible and then I go straight home and I stay home. I just don't like to go potty in public restrooms if I can avoid it especially now that I have a wiggly toddler.

So, I am saving the earth by reducing how much I run my car and that saves energy, reduces fuel consumption, and reduces exaust in the air.

Who would've thought drinking so much water and having to pee every minute could do so much good!!

Who Do I Believe?

Ever since Caleb and I heard from the doctor that he is underweight I have been talking to friends and family and there seems to be a consensus that Caleb is just fine and I have no reason to worry about his weight. He "comes by it naturally" everyone says because Caleb's Daddy is a smaller guy. Don't worry about his weight and don't try to make him gain too much weight too quickly. The doctor is crazy, they say. One friend even said we should go shopping for a new doctor! Gee Whiz!

Who do I listen to?? Do I listen to the person who has an education in pediatrics or do I listen to my friends and family? There is a huge agreement on the side of the friends. {SIGH!}

I have come to the conclusion that I will encourage Caleb to eat more but I will only offer him healthy foods with good-for-you ingredients. At least I'll know I'm not clogging up his arteries.

I plan on taking Caleb for his weight check in a couple of months but perhaps I'll request another doctor in the practice to get a second opinion. We'll see what happens!

Here's to yummy, healthy snacks!

My Little Guy is Lucky!

Today was Caleb's 18 month appointment and it went pretty well except for the finger prick and the two shots he got. We also found out that my little string bean is underweight. He is almost 19 months old and he only weighs 22 pounds!! That would've been a good weight 6 months ago.

We feed him all day long. He eats whatever we eat and apparently that is keeping his weight down. He loves green beans, corn, noodles, bread, etc. Remember that I am trying to lose weight and that is reflected in my choices in lunch and dinner and since Caleb eats our table food, he is getting "lose weight" food. When given the choice between a chicken nugget and a green bean he will pick the green bean every time. Chris and I thought that was a great habit to be starting this early. We were wrong apparently. Beans have no fat and hardly any calories and an active 18 month boy needs calories, fat, and protein.

We also thought it was great he was drinking his whole milk throughout the day. Nope! Apparently, the whole milk is filling him up and he doesn't want to eat a decent amount of food which is where most of his calories need to come from. Milk in the morning and evening and water/juice during the day from now on. I guess that will help us stretch our milk budget farther.

I wish I was in Caleb's shoes. Instead of cutting out the sweets and the hamburgers, to hear the doctor say "Bring it on!" would be a dream of mine. He is so lucky! ;-)

The doctor told us to come back in two months for a weight check and she wants him to have gained 5 pounds by then. That is a lot for such an active little boy. I guess this is a great excuse to pick up my baking. I don't mind one bit, Buddy!

Guess What Today Is?!

Happy Birthday
To Me!!

WFMW--Rising Bread Dough

The one thing that I really don't like is waiting for my bread dough to rise. It seems to take FOREVER!! It is slow especially this time of year because we keep the house at 68 degrees. I don't have the time to wait around for my bread to rise...things to do...places to go.

But, guess what?! I discovered a cool way to make my dough to rise quicker and it is super easy. This is not one of those fancy "proofing boxes." Nope! Super Easy!

All I do is take a microwave safe measuring cup and I pour some water into it. I then put the measuring cup in the microwave and nuke the water for about 30-45 seconds. The water is slightly bubbly and the microwave is full of lovely warm humidity.

I then stick the dough in the microwave and close the door.



The dough probably rises twice as quickly as before.


Using my warm, humid microwave to rise my bread dough Works For Me!

I Exercised My Civic Duty Today

Caleb and I made a trip to Chris' office this afternoon so we could go vote in the primary as a family. The official primary is not till February 5th here in Georgia. But, today was the day you could go to the Registrar's office for advance voting. I can't resist an opportunity to skip long lines.

There were only two items on the ballot this time. The Presidental Primary was the first. I voted in the Republical primary and I voted for XXXXXXXXXX. Nope! Not gonna tell. It is called a private ballot for a reason and I really don't want this blog to become a political platform. I'll just say that I voted my conscience and for whom I thought had the most Biblical policies.

The second item on the ballot was a local issue. It was to vote yes or no on whether distilled spirits can be poured by the drink in this county. Yes. My county is still a "dry" county. Believe it or not! Hard liquor cannot be sold in any place within this county. Beer and wine can be sold in the grocery stores and in the restaurants but not hard liquor. The county is growing like crazy and there are some rather large restaurants that have voiced interest in coming in but can't due to the "liquor law." Needless to say, this is a rather hot topic around here especially among the church-going crowd. The options were to vote "yes" to allow the liquor and "no" to not allow it. I voted XXXXXXX. Once again, I don't want to start a debate. Thanks for understanding.

I felt good as I was leaving that I exercised my right AND duty to vote. Now I have bragging or griping rights however this primary turns out. ;-)

GO VOTE!!!


Graphic From AllPosters.com

Slow But Fairly Steady

It has been about four weeks now since I started my journey in weight loss and if you look to the right you will see that I've lost six pounds so far. I've gone from 176 to 170. I was really hoping to have crossed over into the 160's this morning but alas, it wasn't meant to be. I only lost one pound this past week and I blame it completely on PMS and how our bodies just LOVE to hold onto every ounce it can for dear life. I ate very healthfully and I worked out like crazy and yet it was only a pound. But, that is OKAY!!! One pound is much better than zero and even better than gaining.

The trip to Atlanta with Chris during his Insurance class was expected to be a setback because I was out of my normal routine and surroundings. I could've gone to the YMCA that was walking distance away but I kept telling myself that it was just too cold to make the trek over there. I was dreading coming home and stepping up on the scale. But, I was extremely happy to find out that I had gained nothing. I didn't lose, but I didn't GAIN either. I was jumping up and down after that. I think it was the walking up and down all the stairs after Caleb that saved me.

This week was difficult because I craved everything that wasn't in my pantry. I ate more apples than I would like. I think apples have lost their intrigue. That's too bad because they do such a great job filling me up during that mid-afternoon slump. Chris and I also had a volunteer appreciation banquet to attend on Friday and the catered was Mmmm-mmmm GOOD. It was very hard to control portions. Then we went to Sonic after church because I was craving a cheeseburger and don't forget our weekly trip to McD's for our Sunday morning family date. Ugh! The one thing I did really well this week is that worked out FIVE times and I worked out hard on the elliptical machine at the YMCA each time. That's how I got that pound squeezed out after all. ;-)

It is now a new week and I have a clean slate. I will eat right, drink my water, and exercise like a maniac. Those pounds better run away in fear because I'm coming after them.



Graphic From AllPosters.com

Saturday Photo Scavenger Hunt

THEME: OLD-FASHIONED

WOW!! It has been way too long since I've done the Photo Hunt. Sorry for my absence. But, I am ready to be joining everyone each week. Here is my "Old-Fashioned" pick for this week.


I know my husband will just love me for this one. ;-) This is a picture of him receiving his very first Personal Computer for Christmas. The times and computers sure have changed, haven't they? Check out those clothes!! Hee hee! I Love You, Honey!

Give 'Em A Belly Scratch

I get tears in my eyes every time I see it. ;-)

Now, Go Hug Your Dog!!!!!

Note: Sorry about how the video shows up before you hit play. ;-) I guess that's just part of being a dog...and we're for that too, huh?