January 21, 2013

Outside Temp: 41 F (started out at 15 and heated up to 55 today... awesome)

What I cooked today:
Nothing... Grandma did all the cooking, which is good since I was working today!

Update:

Happy 9th Birthday to my youngest, Ryan!

It may be hard for most people to realize how amazing it is that Ryan is even here, for this birthday.  When he was about 19 months (just shy of 2 years old), he was dying from liver failure.  He had been in the hospital almost continuously from birth, and had multiple (about 15) surgeries to try to repair his intestines.  They had all failed, due to an unknown blood clotting disorder, that we didn't know about until he was about 2 1/2.  We had been on the transplant list since June 2005, and in November 2005, we got the call. 

While his transplant of his liver and small intestine was a success, we had multiple set backs and infections, the most significant was a clot in the intestine that caused about 50% of the transplanted intestine to die.  We have never been able to determine if the remaining intestine worked enough for him to live on. 

Since he was born, Ryan has been on TPN, which is an IV solution that is given to him every night through a permanent IV catheter in his chest.  Which means that every night, he is hooked up to a pump, which gives him all the nutrients and vitamins that he needs to survive.  Of course, he is also on some immuno-suppression drugs, but those are insignificant compared to his TPN.  We are constantly aware that if he does not get his TPN tonight, and every night, really bad things could happen.  There are some signs that his intestines are starting to work, but it will be years (if ever) that he could eat enough and digest enough to live without his nightly TPN.

However, in a lot of ways, Ryan is just like any other kid.  He gets ready for school with his backpack, and his snow pants, and his boots, just like any other kid.  He loves playing Lego X Box games (he's currently addicted to Lego Batman and Lego Lord of the Rings...).  He goes skiing with us, although he doesn't want to listen, he just wants to go fast.  And when I tell him that it's bedtime, he begs me to let him have 'five more minutes, please!'. 

Of course, for Ryan, getting sick means a trip to the hospital.  And bedtime means getting a shot in the leg, and getting hooked up to his TPN.  And, we spoil him rotten, letting him get away with things that I would NEVER let his siblings get away with.  But I wouldn't have it any other way, because he is here.  And that is enough to make up for any little inconveniences along the way. 

January 12, 2013

Outside Temp: 10 F (We got as low as -12 last night, but it warmed up to the mid teens today... no complaints!)

What I cooked today:
German Chocolate Cake: It was Patrick's Dad's birthday today, and he requested a German Chocolate cake.  Easy enough, since I relied on Patrick's Mom's stockpile of Betty Crocker cake mixes...

Update:
We had a great dinner up at the Grandparent's house for Grandpa's birthday.  Otherwise, we spent most of the day relaxing (with the exception of the 2 hours in which I requested the kids help me pick up the house.  I did manage to get about 4 loads of laundry done, so that's always good!) 

November 14, 2012

Outside Temp: 37 F (it was almost 50 today!!  The snow is melting, but I've promised the kids that it will be back!)

What I cooked today:
Nothing!  Woo hoo!

Update:
Thank you so much for all the wonderful birthday wishes!  I love facebook!  I got to re-connect with so many friends and family!  I would say I wish I had a birthday every day, but then I'd get really, really old, so I'll just be grateful for my once a year thing!

 

Katie made this cute little guy in our front yard yesterday afternoon... The snow is melting fast and she wanted to make at least one snowman, while she could.  I keep trying to tell her that the snow will be back, but I don't think she believes me.  This morning, she asked if we could have a white Christmas, because "I've never had one before!".  How do you argue with that logic?

 

So, I was welcomed this morning by multiple 'Happy Birthday's" on my email and facebook, which I just love!  As the day went by, I looked forward to checking my e-mail or facebook page, to see if I had any more messages.  I love it!   At the school, our (totally fabulous) secretary told the entire school, over the PA system, to wish me a happy birthday!  Heheheh, I feel so loved today!

 

After school, Patrick and I headed into town with the kids to get our shopping done, and have a great family dinner out (which means that not only did I not have to cook, but I didn't have to clean either!  Score!).  I even picked up our monthly meat order from our wholesale guy, so I have a freezer full of protein. 

 

As my 37th birthday draws to a close, I am so grateful for my life, and all those in it.  With all the crap going on in the world, I am so utterly blessed to have my family and friends.  I firmly believe that every moment of your life, both good and bad, has brought you to who and where you are today.  And, since I am thrilled with my life right now, I have all those people who have existed in my life (at one point or another), and all the moments prior to this one (both good and bad) to thank.  So, Thank You! 

October 6, 2012

Outside Temp: 37 F (it was 19 degrees this morning... we're already into the teens... amazing!)

What I cooked today:
Nothing: We had a great lunch at the grandparent's house, and I just didn't feel like making dinner... Does that make me bad?

Update:
HAPPY 40th BIRTHDAY to my wonderful husband, PATRICK!

We started the day with a family lunch at the grandparents, in which we invited our priest.  It's always nice to be able to spend some time outside of the church with our priest, getting to know him in an informal way. 

After that, we had church at 1pm, and then home to just veg out.  We watched TV, played video games, read books and munched on junk food.  I kept thinking that we had something special to do today, but perhaps that was just because it was Patrick's birthday.

Tomorrow, we might head into town for some shopping and maybe a movie. 

September 16, 2012

Outside Temp: 43 F (it was cooler today, in the 70's... which was great because I could open up the windows and air out the house!)

What I cooked today:
Steaks and Potatoes: We had steaks on the Grandparent's bbq tonight for Allen's Birthday.  So yummy!

Chocolate Cake: We finally made a cake for the birthday party.  Grandma made some homemade frosting, and I made the cake. 

Update:
Today was our first day to sleep in for the last week or two.  And what time do my kids get up and start playing on the computer?  7:45am.  And, being a mom like I am, I woke up and made them breakfast.  So much for my sleeping in day!

Allen, Grandpa and Patrick went into town today to get Allen's new glasses.  His eyesight isn't awful, but I think they will help him see the board better in class, and read his books more accurately, especially the plus and minus signs in math.  I forgot to get a picture today, so I'll make sure to take one tomorrow.  Of course, Katie was worried that with Connor and Allen both getting glasses, that she would be next....  I'm sure I'll be setting up an appointment for her soon!

This evening, we had dinner up at the Grandparent's house for Allen's birthday.  Grandma's brother came by, so we could make it a family dinner.  Amazingly, Grandama spent most of the day making syrup and jam from her strawberries, and she still managed to have a family dinner on the table. 

September 15, 2012

Outside Temp: 55 F (it was less than 80 today, which is perfect.  It was still a little smoky, but not as bad as yesterday.)

What I cooked today:
Burgers and Pasta: I asked Allen what he wanted for his birthday, and he asked for burgers and pasta.  No complaints from me, since it was so easy!  Woo hoo!

Brownies: I asked Allen if he wanted a cake or brownies, and he said he's rather have brownies.  If only I could remember how to make them... They turned out a little crispy on the edges, but not too bad. 

Update:
Happy 14th birthday to my oldest.  Which means that he can get his learner's permit in 6 more months.  I can't even imagine him driving, but I guess every parent has to deal with this feeling.  And, at least there are less cars on the road here than in that place we used to live.  Although there are more deer.

Today was a busy day of sports!  Allen had a game at 10 in Stanford, which meant that we were up and moving at 8am.  I was able to stop over at the Farmer's Market and pick up some rolls and nectarines, which were really good.  They had some really pretty jewelry, but I chose not to get anything this time... maybe next time.

After Allen's game, we had lunch in Stanford and then headed home.  Only to jump back in the car an hour later to bring Katie to her game.  Yes, if we had been thinking, we could have brought Katie's game clothes to Allen's game, and then we wouldn't have had to run back and forth.  Oh well, it meant that I got an hour nap, so I had no complaints.

Katie's game was over by 4ish, so we headed back home, to get ready for church.

Amazingly, I totally forgot to get out my camera with either game, so I have no pictures.  But we have another home game for each next week, so I will make sure to get pictures next time.  Right now, I'm just looking forward to sleeping in! 

August 13, 2012

Outside Temp: Not sure, but it was in the high 80's today.  Supposed to be cooler later this week.

What I cooked today:
Nothing.  I worked today.  I'm not sure how working mom's actually cook anything.

Update:
Happy 10th Birthday to my beautiful daughter, Katie! 

Today was my first day of training for the USPS.  I've accepted a job as a relief postmaster, so I can help out the post office when they need a relief person (i.e. when the snow is so high, they can't make it in!)

In the last 15 years, since college, I have been a consultant and homeschooled my kids.  Which means that I haven't had to work in a regular office, with normal people (my husband doesn't count), in years.  Lots and lots of years. 

And, working for the federal government isn't exactly like a normal job in the private sector.  I'm not sure what I expected, but it was interesting.  I'm sure there is some confidentiality thing I signed or agreed to, so I can't actually talk about the training.  But I did have to be in Great Falls at 8am (like, in the morning), which means I was up and dressed and out of the house at 7:15am.

Then, I had to stay awake and pay attention until 5pm!  Oh my goodness, I don't know how people do this every stinking day.  It wasn't awful, but I'm not looking forward to the next 4 days.

On a better note, Katie has been asking to have her birthday dinner at the 3D in Great Falls for the last few months.  In fact, I think it's all that she really wanted for her birthday.  So, Grandma and Grandpa brought the family into town and I met them at the restaurant for her birthday dinner. 

We had a great meal and she even got ice cream (which is always a good thing!).

June 5, 2012

Outside Temp: 57 F (Rainy and Thunder and Lightning... Awesome!!)

What I cooked today:
Connor's Birthday Cake (with homemade Butter cream Frosting): I have decided that those boxed cakes that I get on sale, aren't really worth it.  Patrick said the frosting was awesome, but the cake was lame.  Oh well, it was a cake and I made it.

Steak: I wanted to spoil Connor with steak for his birthday.  Usually, I'll make about 3 8oz steaks and slice them into strips.  But I was hungry and I knew that at least 2 of the males in the family would be able to eat a lot, so I made 5 8oz steaks.  I've finally figured out how to make the steaks on my stove and oven, which is pretty cool.  They all turned out nicely medium-rare, just like everyone likes it.  I even paired it with broccoli, which was a nice little extra.

Update:

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO CONNOR!! Wow, 11 years old!  Amazing.

We spoiled him rotten today with his birthday present.  For anyone who has talked with Connor in the last few months, what he really wanted was a laptop, so he could bring his stories with him whenever we have to go somewhere. 

We have been looking at the Asus Tablet with the keyboard for a while, and we made the decision that it would work for him.  It's really light, and portable.  The tablet part has some pretty cool games and he can view his YouTube or Netflix movies.  And with the keyboard, he can write.  I really hope that it will work out for him.  And that he'll share with his siblings!

We also had some awesome weather tonight... thunder and lightning and some amazing clouds.  I love it!

January 21, 2012

Outside Temp: 35 F (Really nice outside today... but the snow is turning to slush and that's annoying to drive in)

What I cooked today:
Pancakes: I'm getting good at making these, such that I don't have to look at the recipe anymore.  But I need to start making more, since my oldest keeps trying to take them all!

Update:

HAPPY 8th BIRTHDAY, RYAN!!

Eight years ago, our lives changed forever.  There were times in the last 8 years that I have wondered if we would ever get to his 8th birthday.  And here we are, with him doing better than ever, in a new world.  I tend to believe that this is God working his magic.  If you have given me the choice, I would never have thought to ask for this crazy life, full of way too much medical information and less money than I thought we would have.  But I can't imagine being any happier than I am right now.  So, as is often the case, God knows what He's doing.

Grandma and Grandpa had a wonderful dinner for us, and Grandma's Aunt made a delicious chocolate cake. Ryan did his best to be gracious for his present, with a little bit of prompting from his mother (Ryan, say Thank You...). I'm so glad we are up here!