Doctor Visit and Life

I think my stress must still be somewhere off the charts.  {sigh}   I wonder why life sometimes can't be just easy.   Would covet your prayers for our family. And yes, I do know it could be much worse.  And I'm thankful it is not!

Stephen came with me to my appointment yesterday.   So thankful for that, kept my mind busy on the long drive there.  He {obviously} doesn't come in the exam, but his prescence was a comfort to me.

Dr. Shwaiki is just an outstanding guy.  I'm thankful that I was directed to him since that is the way things panned out.  He is funny.  He wasn't feeling good at all, but he was thorough as always.

No scans or anything like that, so In Jesus Name all is still clear.  God knows.   I do go for a PET Scan in May.  I don't have to see him again until then, unless something is going on.

He told me that my case/cancer had him mad and crazy!   It wasn't the norm.  He did say that it ended up being littler than he thought and that he was much happier in the end with everything.  I think he expected it to spread / or have already done so last year.   But, our FIRST prayer was that God would contain it.

Cancer doesn't just get cut out -- it doesn't work like that at all ... and unless you've had to deal with it you probably don't know.  I always "thought" it was just a matter of cutting it out, but its not.
But we believe that God did contain it -- tumor, cells and all.   

It is truly a walk by faith.  It was before, but now its just so much more apparent.

We didn't get the answer we wanted from a certain situation .. which stinks ... but I know the Lord knows and has something better.

Someone (s?) acquired our debit card information and managed to charge some things to our account.  I am thrilled.  NOT.   It's been a great week, but can I be like ... done already??/

House!

The bank ACCEPTED the offer.   

Thank you Lord!!

Closing Date:   26 March 2010

Pizza Cups

The kids didn't have anything for lunch today -- so I made a pan of those Pizza Cups in about 15 minutes, start to finish.  Super EASY. 

They decided that the cheapy Aldi biscuits are better than the Grand's.   Last time we used the Reduced Fat Wheat (because I had them from a coupon) but I took one bite to try them.  Nope.    This is a pretty good low-fat lunch as well.   I didn't take any today and left it all for them, but I am thinking I should make a few pans full and pop them in the freezer and they would be an ideal snack and/or lunch options at a decent price.

I'll try to get a photo next time!  

P.S.   I go see Dr. Shwaiki tomorrow -- and the stress begins.  LOL!  Thanks for your prayers!

National Pancake Day -- 2010

Interupting regularly scheduled menu planning (yeah, right!) with Pancakes for Dinner today.

Do something fun today and make breakfast for dinner!

Keys to a successful pancake breakfast for dinner

Nate the Great's Pancake Recipe

February 19th -- Answered Prayers.

Healing

House

Thank you Lord.

Snow and House

The auction was interesting, the auctioneer egged another guy on to bid more, but the kids did get the high bid.  Now they wait to see if the bank accepts the offer.   If something is major wrong with the house, then we're hoping they will reject it, but otherwise, let's do this!   It's a great little house for them.   Well, not that little, but 1544 sq ft.   2 car garage, 2 baths, laundry room, 3 bedrooms and an extra sitting room.  

Snowed a bunch yesterday, so all is white out there.  Late start for federal employees on post ...

No school for the boy.  

I started the Tortilla Soup in the crockpot and have a pot of spaghetti sauce simmering on the stove.  Will freeze some for future use.  

I've been feeling pretty good lately, and I give God all the glory for it!   I see Dr. Shwaiki this week ... but all will be well.    IJN!

Menu Plan Monday -- Feb 21

I didn't keep to the plan that much  -- mainly because I was a little lazy and ended up going somewhere Wednesday, so I left them to fend for themselves after cooking some fries and turkey sausage.

I thought I'd just make a list of meals I can make and then decide that day or the night before -- most times its what I do anyway.  I have all these in the pantry.  Its a good week to use my budget to stock up on cereal and or other things that are a great price.

More snow is on the horizon .. JOY.

Shredded Chicken Tacos -- Chili's Style

Homemade Chicken Enchiladas -- I read this tip where you spray the corn tortillas with PAM Spray and then put them in the oven to crisp up.  Going to try that.

Pizza Cups -- I thought this would be good to have in the fridge for them to heat up for snacks/lunches.

Lemon Pepper Tilapia, Rice, Salad and Veggies  (going to have fish once a week from NOW on.)

Roast in the Crockpot   (will put in crockpot for ease ...)

Tortilla Soup  (won't use oil to saute the veggies/chiles though)

I'm also going to try a new recipe for Fried Rice, I will let you know if that comes out good.  Also going to cook a pot of black beans to put in the freezer -- I LOVE black beans.  Yumo.

Creole Rice with Sausage and Shrimp

House

Since we were so close to the auction date and the realtor submitted the bid incorrectly, they couldn't accept the offer.   {sigh}

It looks like we'll be headed to the auction tomorrow ....  Thanks for your prayers!

Josh & Lexi

Have put an offer on a house ... we are praying if the Lord wills, He will open the door.
It goes to auction this Friday, so its cutting it close.  It's a SUPER DEAL for a great house in a great neighborhood.   Basically they will be paying 1/2 of what it sold for in 2006.  Which is awesome.
It doesn't need anything major -- the furnace works great -- but we don't know about the air conditioning because obviously it wasn't on!   It's a foreclosure, but someone put care and love into that house.

Josh has been a 'cheerful giver' to say the least, and the Lord is blessing them.

The back of the house backs up to a farm/field.  When you turn down the street its the last house in the cul de sac.   It has an odd layout, but it's perfect for them.  Please pray with us if the Lord wills, the door will open.   Thank you!

Dr. Shwaiki's office called me yesterday, how that man remembers what he does is amazing.  He wants to see me...so I go next Thursday.  Here I thought I had another month, but .... In Jesus Name all is well.

Menu Plan on Tuesday ...

I know its Tuesday, but I didn't work yesterday and was a little busy.
I think the Ladies Valentine Tea went exceptionally well.  The decorations and food were awesome.  It was a lot of work, so I'm glad its over but wouldn't mind doing it again someday ... we need to do something for the men now.




Sunday -- We went to Lone Star Steakhouse - I had a salad, sweet potatoes and a 6oz steak. Yum.

Monday -- Chicken Fried Steak, Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans, Biscuits, Veggies

Tuesday -- Hamburger Special, Orzo, Salad/Veggies

Wednesday -- Spaghetti and Meatballs, Bread, Salad / Veggies

Thursday -- Grands Taco Melts,  (using chicken) Mexican Rice in the Slow Cooker

Friday -- Healthified Chicken Breast Cacciatore

Saturday -- Lemon Pepper Tilapia, Rice and Salad and Veggies

Sunday -- Ranch Style Chicken ( I won't fry it in oil) Fluffy New Potatoes, Salad Veggies

Found this recipe -- which I might replace something else with!  Quick and Tasy Mexican Casserole!

Most of our menu I adjust to make it less fat and healthier, but i just link to the recipes in case you want them!

Please pray for Michelle, Jack and Bennie

I guess the Lord wanted Katie-Bug home with him.  =)   Katie passed away earlier today, and I know my friend Michelle and Jack are heartbroken.  I think that would be putting it mildly.

(Katie and her brother Bennie)

My heart breaks for them ... I'd like to think that Katie and Taco finally have met and are playing and running around the streets of gold waiting for their mamas to come.   I know the Lord has a special place for animals -- after all he created them.  

I miss Taco today ... I have been all week. 

Thanks for your prayers.  They lost their friend today....

Here's a new week!  I didn't keep to the plan that much, but at least we had one.   It is going to be a busy week with the International Flag Ceremony and the Valentine Ladies Tea at church on Saturday, plus my hub's birthday on Sunday!!

He wanted some goats for this birthday ... he's so weird.  Gotta love him and I do.
He also has a job interview this morning at 1000, so please pray the Lord will open or close this door according to His will.

Monday -- Dorito Casserole, Salad, Corn

Tuesday -- Grands' Taco Melts (using chicken), Salad, Mexican Rice in the Slow Cooker

Wednesday -- Lipton Chicken Noodle Soup, Grilled Ham and Cheese Sandwiches, Veggies/Fruit

Thursday --Lemon Pepper Tilipia, Rice, Veggies, Fruit, Salad

Friday -- Chicken Spaghetti or Hamburger Special (will let hub decide!)

Saturday -- Ladies Tea

Sunday -- Roy's 50th Birthday -- probably out to eat. / Happy Valentine's Day too!

Have a great week!!    I subbed for Sunday School yesterday.  I love our teens, they are not perfect, (who is?)  but they are awesome individuals!   Missed them. 

Doctor Day ...

Headed to see the Radiation Doctor today -- I haven't been to the doctor since December 23rd.  
(except for the scans on the 30th ...)

My hub is going with me for moral support ... I need it.

I don't go back and see the oncologist until March 23rd or so.  He wants to see me every 3 months.
I've been taking those super dose Vitamin D pills, so I hope that level is better.  It's one of the after/side effects of chemo.     I will do scans every 6 months for a while...

Believing and trusting God.   My friend Michelle told me something that I'd forgotten.  Thanks Sis!
"You know I don't believe in luck good or bad or fate either. Life is just life good and bad and it rains on the just and unjust."    I guess I just need to get over it, and realize people just don't think... =)  

Appreciate the prayers for clear scans from this day forward and for years to come!   For the glory of God.

Have a blessed day! 

Overwhelmed ....

...feeling a little overwhelmed (again!) -- not sure what brings it on, except possibly not feeling well.
I have these "new" pains/twinges throughout my body, well, I've had them since the surgery and they always scare me. {sigh} I had them before the PET scan and MRI -- but they let doubt creep in.

I'd just like to go through the day without worrying and stressing. I didn't sleep well thanks to my brain not turning off and the dogs wanting out at 0130 and 0330. Of course when I left this morning, they were all curled up in the bed asleep. {eye roll}

Things are quiet at work right now, which is okay. My work place isn't perfect (by far) but in hearing how things at other people's, makes me thankful for where I am. Plus the added benefit of meeting about 125 people a year and calling them friends, and being considered a friend by them.

Heard from a past Sri Lankan officer and he posted a photo of Jason, Noah and I with him and his wife on facebook. His caption "Some of the best human beings I have ever met in my life." What an honor, he is a pretty awesome human being himself.

Katie doesn't have congestive heart failure (thank you Lord!) but she does have a bad case of pneumonia. I told Josh what happened, he said "That's because of prayer, God changed the outlook." Amen to that.

He also answered a prayer (MANY prayers) about a missing passport. Yup, our (U.S.) state department visa office lost it; at least for a while, it amazingly showed up after being missing for about 7-8 weeks. Thanks Lord.

Stephen decided he wanted to move to Austria because of the snow (for snowboarding) -- I told him, I think in the grand scheme of the country, if the people that live there DON'T want to live there but move here, you might want to rethink that thought.

We found a home for one of the two Great Pyrenees we have. How heartbreaking. And yes, I am a sucker. Even my hub said he looked totally bummed about leaving. He has been together with his mom his entire life and now he gets shipped off to an 80 acre farm in the middle of nowhere. But he was impossible to keep in and the neighbors didn't much care for that. Of course, the mom carried on last night missing him. Poor babies. If you don't think animals "feel" sadness and grief, you can just keep that opinion to yourself. I've witnessed it -- and frankly don't care if you don't think they do. THEY DO ANYWAY. {grin}  They really are loveable dogs -- very very sweet. 

Nothing much going on -- my vacuum quit working, so that has to go in the shop for repair. I vacuum everyday with the animals and the boys that live in my house. Hub cleaned the carpet in the hallway for me last night. Thanks Babe!!

I was working on a baby blanket for a sister in our church -- and I hate the fabric! Ugh. Needless to say, I didn't make much progress. I was so frustrated; I just folded it up and put it back in the bag.

If you "do" facebook, you may have seen those iHearts that are sent.  They have all kinds of them.  Well, someone I know must have received one from someone -- it was a Breast Cancer Awareness one.  I don't send that particular one, I am well aware of breast cancer and don't care to be reminded, although others really need to be aware that it can touch anyone.  No one is exempt, young or old. Male of female.  If I had been "aware" I was at a greater risk since I had fibrous breast, I definitely wouldn't have put off my appointment by a month after finding the lump and thinking it was just another cyst.  They don't tell you that and THEY SHOULD.  OK -- off that tangent.

I don't mind receiving them either -- because I have a few in my iHeart area.  To me it just means they were thinking of me -- and that's awesome (and appreciated).  Well, in this particular case she posted it to her wall, and put something to the affect "it makes me know or think how lucky I am".  
Not sure why that "hit home" -- but it did.  Josh said that needs to be put on the fail booker site.  (He's been a huge support to me) I don't think I am unlucky because of that stupid cancer, I don't think that the Lord loves me any less because of it.  He will use it for His glory.  And I don't think you are lucky because you didn't get breast cancer yet or ever.  Luck doesn't have a thing to do with it.

I don't know -- it was just like a slap in the face to me, although I know she didn't even think of me when she wrote that.  Yesterday was one of those times, when I wanted to go through my "friends" list and hit the X. 
I mean just like coming here and reading stuff you don't want to read, then just don't come to my blog.  It's all a choice.  It's your choice, just as its my choice.   I need to choose NOT to read those things that bring me down, cause me to hurt and ache and be afraid.   Just like not reading those blogs about cancer -- the bad ones -- the good encouraging ones == well sure.  So -- debating to delete just for the sake of sanity, but I imagine feelings will be hurt in the course of things.  Of course, it matters not if mine were.

I think I rambled enough -- if you would, please continue to remember me in prayer.  My prayer is that the Lord would bless you for that!! 

Please pray for Katie Bug...

My friend Michelle's Min Pin -- Katie Bug was not doing well last night. 

I have yet to hear word, but with the loss of Taco still so fresh -- and I know how much they love Katie ...
thanks.   These pets are friends and companions ....

She hasn't updated her blog regarding Katie, but does on facebook.   

Things to Remember

1.  Your hair WILL grow back, just not as fast as you want it to.
2. Wearing a hat really isn't that bad.
3. God is bigger than cancer. 
4. The devil is just a big fat liar.
5. Don't read blogs about women with cancer -- especially those that are not doing well.  Ugh.
6. Your faith and trust are in the Lord Jesus Christ.
7. He has you in the palm of His hand, and He knows what He's doing -- so quit worrying.
8. Live life to the fullest, wherever you are in life. 
9. Love, live and laugh and smile more.
10. Take time to listen and just enjoy the moments instead of looking for the big things.

Menu Plan Monday

Found this cool MPM image on my niece's blog.  How cool is this?
There I went getting sidetracked with the cares of life, I do so much better when I have a plan.   Keeps me focused.
Please pray for Lexi today, she started her new job.  To be honest, its 98% women over there and women in leadership positions, so there is lots of drama.  ugh.  I'd much rather have a man as a supervisor ANY DAY OF THE WEEK.   Much less hormonal drama.  

Sunday -- Crockpot BBQ Chicken, Cheesy Ranch Potatoes, Cabbage/Peppers/Onions

Monday -- Pork Chops, Mashed Potatoes, Broccoli, Salad and Biscuits (hub requested meal!)

Tuesday -- Tortellini Soup, Salad/Fruit/Bread  (Going to crockpot it ... easy)

Wednesday -- Lipton Chicken Noodle Soup, Grilled Ham and Cheese Sandwiches, Veggies/Fruit

Thursday -- Aldi Oriental Noodles / Rice

Friday -- Homemade Pizza / Salad

Saturday -- Taking two little ladies from our church out to lunch -- so hot dogs/turkey sausage for them if they want it.

When we went to Ladies Night Out they had some food vendors and I tried their cabbage, just a tiny taste.  Boy was it good!   They had cabbage, onions and peppers in it.  I'm sure they used a bunch of oil, but I put all of those ingredients in a big pan sprayed with Pam and after cooking for a while added some water and a teaspoon of the Better than Brouillon Chicken Base.   Even Stephen ate a bunch!