A MOTHER’S LOVE- SEMI-GOOD UPDATES

Happy Earth Day everyone. Well boys and girls, as you know its super crazy around here. I have a smidgen of good news on both topics of mass frustration I alerted you to yesterday.

First the thing with CPS… I met with the caseworker (standard) and talked to her for awhile. She told me it was originally reported in February from an anonymous tip from someone who didn’t even have my address! ARE YOU SERIOUS? She said she thought it was stupid, so once she got some more information, then she finally got around to acting on it. She said it was low priority and now having talked to my kids, met them, and met me and DH and talked to us and saw our house, etc. she can say there is no cause and it is just someone with a grudge against us. She was very nice… I offered a tour of the house to see the clean clothes, the food, etc. The lady is just doing her job and I proved that whoever said this stupid crap obviously is just abusing the system. It is true… A mother’s love is like no other! It is amazing what we will do and endure for our children… and our mothers!

Ok, now on to the other important topic… my mom. I want to thank everyone for the outpouring of support you have all shown for her. The comments, the emails, the phone calls, just everything! Even the nurse from the clinic where my mom was when all this happened called to check up and let me know that the whole clinic is praying for and thinking about my mom and our family. They are really nice people. Or could it be a CYA thing?? Maybe something they did caused all this and they are just acting really concerned? I have one of those sickening gut feelings (and I am usually right 99% of the time unfortunately) that this is more the reason they are calling… to make sure they didn’t kill her! I just have to figure how one would go about finding that out or proving that. I’ve also had emails asking if people can send a get well card, gift, etc. If you would like to do that, let me know via email and I will give you an address, ok? And I appreciate it very much. I have the best readers in the world!

As for her condition… she has improved drastically. Her vitals are darn near perfect (you’d think she should be up dancing around!) and they removed the breathing tubes a few hours after she became awake. Her throat is very raw because of the tubes but this is normal and should be better soon. She can talk some, but it is still more of a raspy whisper. The Respiratory Therapist gave her an Albuterol treatment to help her breathing. But they are keeping her in TCU overnight because she is still having the difficulty breathing. TCU, for those who don’t know, stands for Transitional Care Unit. It is not quite ICU, but the next step down… better than a regular ward but not quite as good as ICU LOL. The doctors are going to get their Pulmonary Specialist to come by and check on her breathing and lungs. They’re also going to bring in a Pain Management Specialist and Neurologist to work on the pinched nerve issue that started all this. They performed a cat scan last night to see if they could see why she had the seizure or if there was any damage from it and the results were negative on both issues… THANK GOD! The doctor gave his OK for her to start eating (if she wants to) and was able to drink some cool water today. She was also CHEWING ON CRUSHED ICE! (She LOVES crushed Ice LOL!) Then I got notice from my Dad that said:

While I was out, the Pulmonary Specialist came by and did his examination. It appears that she has amassed some fluid on her lungs, which is why she is having some trouble breathing. They’ve set her up for additional Albuterol treatments every 4 hours, and have decided to keep her in the TCU overnight. When I came back in at 8pm, she was taking one of the treatments. Afterward she sounded a bit better – not quite so “raspy” as before. They’ve also started her back on some of her regular meds. They’re having to crush them up and mix ‘em into some sugar-free pudding so she can swallow them. They’re also working on getting her blood sugar back under control. She’s getting her regular doses of insulin and a third kind which is supposed to take some of the “swing” out of her sugar numbers. She’s down to the low 300’s (still high, but doing much better). Hopefully, if all goes well tonight, she’ll be in her own room by tomorrow.

So, fluid on the lungs... not good! I have read about some of the reasons and it scares the crap out of me! And they are hoping to move her to a regular room sometime today… which is good cause I really need to see my mommy. I cry at the drop of the hat and it’s hard to focus on everything I need to get done. Trying to stay strong, help everyone, take care of everything, and answer all the phone calls is proving a tough battle. My mother is one tough cookie, let me tell ya! I’ve always respected my mom (and dad) and everything they have done, but this… wow!

I do have a bit of “normalicy” for you today. As you know, today is Earth Day and there are actually some things you can get for free today. Also I hope you are planting some trees out there peeps! Go to this Yahoo Article and see some of the free stuff you can get today… from tote bags to hats to park admissions! And don't forget to go to HEB today with your 5 plastic bags for a free reusable shopping bag!

Ok, I’m trying to keep myself busy as best I can really. I have washed 18 loads of laundry, painted all their door jams, cooked, cleaned, fed and watered animals, and tons of other things. Keeping myself busy keeps me from sitting here balling constantly. I think I will be much better when I can see her. Until then, it’s the jelly brained busy bee for me! My mom surprised me by going online, before all of this happened, and bought the fabric I wishlisted on Amazon for my kitchen! I should never have taught her how to pull that up LOL! So now, my kitchen will be extra super special because she bought it for me. She said it was a “thank you” for all I have done. No thanks necessary! So maybe I will work with that some… of course maybe not cause I might just cry all over it! Not sure yet… just have to see what the day holds. I might just go and wash more clothes and such… which I really should do! Yea I think I will. DH can take care of this house today! Anyway, let me get off here and try to get moving. Thank you all again for such kindness you continue to express! HUGS!

ENERGIZED

Good morning children. How are you doing this day of days. I am dragging but what else is new LOL! Mom’s got a doctor appointment today, so I am going to go over and straighten and work at her house while the DH works on ours.

I am sad to report that I didn’t continue cooking yesterday after the kids went to school. Having taken my meds, I laid on the couch and took a nap. I guess my body needed the extra sleep. By the time I woke up, it was time to go get the kids and then I headed out to my mom’s house. I’m heading out there today too to work all day, so I won’t be cooking and crafting until maybe after I get home.

My DD went and told my other “band kids” that I hurt myself real bad, so now I have them rallied to help me around the house and such as well. They all came out to the car yesterday when I was picking my DD and DS18 and were “checking” on me LOL! They are some good kids, let me tell ya… I’ve trained them well LMAO!! They have the Spring concert coming up, so I am seeing some jam sessions coming soon. Good thing I am doing mass cooking right? Tons of hungry teenagers in the house is always a dangerous thing LOL!

OK now with me on the go constantly, I have been looking for ways to both lose weight and have enough energy to make it through everything that is going on lately. So, I have been researching and I found this article on yahoo… tell me what you think.

10 Breakfasts that Slim and Energize
By Lucy Danziger, SELF Editor-in-Chief - Posted on Wed, Apr 14, 2010, 1:48 am PDT

Did you eat breakfast today? If your answer is yes—good job!—you’ve already done something pretty fantastic for both your weight and your health and your desire to slim down for spring! Breakfast eaters consume fewer calories and less saturated fat through the day than those who don’t have a morning meal, research shows. Morning munchers also have flatter abs and a lower risk for heart disease.
For these reasons and others, I’m a big fan of breakfast. In fact, I sometimes have two—a quick bite before my workout and then a fiber- and calcium-filled “second breakfast,” such as my favorite parfait of Greek yogurt, granola and fruit, at the office a couple of hours later. A high-fiber, calcium-rich mix of whole grains, protein (including eggs and dairy) and fruit keeps my energy up and my weight down.
If you want quick, healthy breakfasts you can whip up before dashing out of the house, post this list of 350-calorie meals on your fridge door. (Don’t let cholesterol worries keep you away from the egg options—research shows you can eat up to three eggs daily without raising LDL, the harmful cholesterol.) Get set to rise and shine—and slim!

SPEEDY WEEKDAY BREAKFASTS (about 350 calories each)

Breakfast Burrito
Cook 1 Amy's Breakfast Burrito as directed on package. Top with 2 tablespoons plain nonfat yogurt. Serve with 1 orange.

Bacon, Egg and Cheese Sandwich
Order 1 Starbucks Reduced-Fat Turkey Bacon and Egg Whites English Muffin sandwich.

Cream Cheese, Fig and Nut Wrap
Roll up a whole-wheat wrap with 2 tbsp light cream cheese, 4 dried fig halves and 2 tbsp chopped walnuts.

Cherry-Vanilla-Almond Smoothie
Blend together 1 cup frozen cherries, half a medium banana, 1 cup skim milk, 1/2 cup plain nonfat yogurt and 1 tbsp sliced almonds. Add a few ice cubes to make it more frothy.

Strawberry Almond Oatmeal
Prepare 1 packet instant plain oatmeal with 1/2 cup skim milk instead of water. Top with 3/4 cup frozen strawberries, thawed; 2 tbsp sliced almonds and 1 teaspoon brown sugar.

Apricot, Almond and Ricotta Toast
Spread 2 slices whole-wheat toast each with 2 tbsp part-skim ricotta and 1 tsp apricot preserves; top each slice with 1 1/2 tsp sliced almonds.

5-Minute Egg and Smoked Salmon Sandwich
Crack 1 egg into a microwave-safe bowl. Cover with a paper towel and microwave until egg is cooked through and not runny. Layer 1 wedge The Laughing Cow Light cheese, egg, 2 oz smoked salmon and 1/4 cup raw baby spinach on a Whole Wheat Arnold Sandwich Thin. Serve with 1large apple.

LEISURELY WEEKEND BREAKFASTS (about 350 calories each)

Portobello and Pesto Egg Scramble
In a medium sauté pan, cook 1 sliced portobello mushroom cap with 1/4 cup chopped red onion in 1 tsp olive oil until soft, about 5 minutes. Whisk 4 egg whites with 1 tbsp water and add to pan. Scramble mixture over medium heat until eggs are no longer runny; add salt and pepper to taste. Just before removing from heat, fold in 1/4 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella and 1 tsp prepared pesto. Serve with 1 slice whole-wheat toast.

Peanut Butter Waffle-wich
Top one toasted whole-grain waffle with 2 tsp peanut butter, 2⁄3 cup sliced apples and a sprinkle of cinnamon. Top with another whole-grain waffle. Serve with a café au lait made with 4 ounces coffee mixed with 4 oz steamed skim milk.

Spinach and Smoked Gouda Egg Sandwich
Sauté 1 cup fresh spinach with olive oil cooking spray until wilted (add pepper and garlic powder if desired); set spinach aside. In same pan, fry 1 egg plus 1 egg white in cooking spray until no longer runny. Top eggs with 2 tbsp shredded smoked Gouda. Sandwich eggs, cheese and spinach between 2 sides of a toasted whole-wheat English muffin. Serve with 1 orange.

Some of those don’t sound too appealing to me, but hey… at this point I’m willing to give it a shot! Now let’s talk crafts! We have 2 more days until Earth Day, and I hope you have been enjoying the recycled craft ideas. I have another one for you today that I just thought was super cute (and just happen to fit with my recipe discussion too… LOL Go figure!).



Craft Idea of the Day: Chopstick Wrapper Bookmark

Materials:

2 Pretty Chopstick wrappers
1 Piece of Card stock or Oaktag Paper
A Pencil
Scissors
A Glue stick
Clear Packing Tape
Standard Hole Punch
Grommet & Grommet Installation Tool
A tassel

Directions:

These are very easy to make and are fabulous for small last minute gifts, housewarming trinkets and even stocking stuffers during the holidays! Ready to get started?

Take one of the chopstick wrappers and trace it with a pencil on your piece of oaktag or cardstock paper.
Cut out the cardstock that you've just traced and use the glue stick to glue both chopstick wrappers to it, one wrapper on each side of the paper.

Set it aside and allow it to dry for about an hour. Use clear packing tape to laminate each side of the bookmark. Do one side at a time and then use the scissors to trim away any excess plastic.

Use a hole puncher to punch a hole at the top of the bookmark where you would like to place the grommet.
Lastly attach the grommet with the grommet tool and then string the tassel through the center and tie it on.

Cut off any excess string.

Tips & hints: There are lovely grommets in all kinds of colors and styles in the scrapbooking aisles at your local craft store, so experiment with different looks that strike your fancy!

Ok, its time to munch! WOOHOO! Ok, I’ve already confessed I have this Asian thing ya know… well today’s dish I have seen my mother eat at Szechaun a lot so I searched for a at-home DIY and I finally found one. Of course, to please mother’s palate, there will be a few changes, but the concept is the same. Check this out!



Moo Goo Gai Pan

Ingredients

1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1/4 pound sliced fresh mushrooms
1/4 pound snow peas
1 (8 ounce) can sliced water chestnuts, drained
1/4 pound sliced bok choy
salt and black pepper to taste
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1 teaspoon minced fresh ginger root
3/4 cup skinless, boneless chicken breast meat - thinly sliced
1 teaspoon white wine
1/4 teaspoon white sugar
1/4 cup chicken broth
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons water

Directions

Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat. Stir in the mushrooms, snow peas, water chestnuts, and bok choy; season to taste with salt and pepper. Cook and stir until the vegetables are just tender, about 5 minutes. Remove the vegetables from the wok and wipe the wok clean.

Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in the wok. Stir in the garlic and ginger; cook a few seconds until the garlic begins to turn golden brown. Stir in the chicken and cook until the chicken is no longer pink, about 5 minutes. Add the wine, sugar, and chicken broth; bring to a boil. Dissolve the cornstarch in the water and stir into the simmering sauce. Once the sauce returns to a simmer, stir until thick and clear, about 30 seconds. Return the vegetables to the wok and toss until hot and coated with the sauce.

OK kids, that’s it for me today. I gotta get myself out of here and go help out around mom’s place with laundry and such. I will chat with all my fellow blogheads tomorrow! Peace, Love, and lots of HUGS!

BARGAINS BARGAINS EVERYWHERE!

Well good morning everyone! It’s the dreaded TAX day! Have you gotten your taxes completed and mailed in yet? Me… done, not worried… gonna have a better day than most people LOL! So how you doing today, really? So glad you came by! Here, would you like a cup of coffee or tea? Let’s chat shall we…

I’m sorry I am a bit tardy today… I’ve already been a busy camper. I dropped off the kids at school and stopped by the little store I told you about, Zieglers, because they have whole fryers on sale again for 79c a pound. Picked up some birds and a beautiful pork roast for $1.09 a pound… it was inspiration for dinner LOL! Then I came home and set up the beloved crocks, threw some birds in the oven to roast, chopped veggies, etc. and now I am here for your entertainment! LOL! I have 2 crock’s of todays recipe, Carnitas, going, one of a mesquite beef stew, a T-bone marinating, chickens roasting, chicken legs soaking, and ribs resting LOL! I still have to make some homemade Pico De Gallo and do some other things but it will be interesting. I also want to run to Food Town at some point today because they have leg quarters on sale for 29c per pound in a 10lb bag! WOOHOO! Its chicken roundup/stockup time! I have no problems with that because boy can these people eat some chicken LOL! I also heard HEB has chicken THIGHS on sale 5lbs. for $5… so I might try going there too… as my dad is a serious thigh lover- nothing but thighs LOL! We shall see… I think I might also squeeze in trying to make some jelly (if I even have pectin LOL)! The rest of this week I think will be a “Use-it-before-you-lose-it week”! So got some marathon cooking ahead gang! FUN FUN!

Ok my little bargain hunters… you may not be able to get the good meat deals at Zieglers or my Food Town, but you need to watch your emails for the Home Depot Garden Club email… guess what you get free this time! A TREE! Yes you heard me… Buy 1 Get 1 FREE TREE!!!!!!! OMG I am so super stoked! Remember I talked about planting a tree for Earth Day… well there ya go! There are lots of places to get free stuff this tax day! Check this out!

Free treats and more for taxpayers

NEW YORK (AP) -- Few truths are more universal: No one likes to pay taxes, and everyone loves to get things for free.

Restaurants and other retailers are offering freebies to reduce people's angst over their income taxes -- which must be postmarked or e-filed by Thursday.

From cupcakes and pancakes to dinners and coffee, the offers are meant to help people feel better as they help companies drum up business. No paperwork or proof is required for most of the offers.

Ice cream chain MaggieMoo's is giving away pieces of its new ice cream pizza in its second annual tax day giveaway. The company won't say what it cost to give away thousands of free scoops of ice cream at its 160-plus stores in 2009, but a spokeswoman says such promotions bring in new guests and new sales.

"They'll have free ice cream and then they'll get a drink or a smoothie or something else or take home an ice cream pizza," says Jenn Johnston, senior vice president of marketing for NexCen Franchise Management, the parent company of MaggieMoo's, Pretzel Time, The Athlete's Foot and other chains.

Here are some of the freebies and discounts on offer for tax season 2010.

-- FREE COFFEE AND TREATS

CINNABON: Get two free bite-sized cupcakes from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday at participating mall locations as part of "Tax Day Bites!" Flavors include Chocolate Passion, 24-Carrot Cake, Vanilla Bliss and Cinnacake Classic.

MAGGIEMOO'S: Get one free slice of ice cream pizza -- ice cream with red frosting to look like sauce and white chocolate to look like cheese -- at participating locations from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday.

STARBUCKS: Get free brewed coffee all day Thursday if you bring your own mug, a promotion the cafe chain says is friendly to the environment as well as taxpayers.

-- DISCOUNTED MEALS

BOSTON MARKET: For a "last-minute tax break" -- one free meal for each one you buy Thursday through Sunday -- show this coupon: http://bit.ly/d1YlRO

IHOP: Expanding on the tax deduction parents get for kids, the restaurant chain is offering free dinner for one child age 12 or younger with each adult meal purchased 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. all month long.

MCCORMICK & SCHMICK'S: The seafood restaurant is offering $10.40 dinner and drink specials in the bar on Thursday -- a nod to the 1040 tax form. Bar guests who come in April 15 also receive a $10.40 gift certificate for a later visit. And professional tax preparers, who may have to work right until the midnight deadline Thursday, get their freebie Friday: dessert on the house plus a $10.40 certificate if they show a business card.

P.F. CHANG'S: Get 15 percent off food purchases for dine-in or take-out, excluding alcohol and happy hour food and beverages.

-- STRESS RELIEF

HYDROMASSAGE: Get a free massage Thursday through Sunday at participating locations. The mall-based massage chain suggests calling ahead to book an appointment. Find a location at http://www.hydromassage.com/taxday.

Now sticking with the Earth Day, recycling to me is fun and helpful. I am a big believer in repurposing things that still have life! SO, guess what today’s idea for a craft is? It’s a use for those old coats… either you or the kids outgrew them but you can’t bare to get rid of it? Well now you won’t have to (Hmmm… wonder if I am actually contributing to the hoarders of the world LMAO! J/K)!



Craft Idea of the Day: Recycled Coat Messenger Bag

Materials:

1 old, full length Parka.
Any bright lining, contrast fabric you want
Matching Sewing thread and machine

Directions:

1) Lay out your coat flat on floor and take a good look at it, imagining it in peices, not a whole.

2)Cut a large front section with pocket to be the front of the bag.30cm wide x 40cm long.

3)Cut a long back piece to be the back of the bag, including the part that will fold down over the front.
30cm wide x 60cm long. plus a matching size in the contrast fabric.

4) Cut the sleeves cut to width 20cm, for the side panels, I included the cuff buckle.

5)Cut 68cm length of buttonhole section from down the front of the coat as a handle. Plus a matching length of contrasting fabric

6) Sew the two ends of sleeves together, leaving the cuff end as the top part of bag sides.

7) Attach front panel(with pocket) to what you designate as front of side panels, fold over any spare at top and sew, do this double thick stiching.

8)Attach contrast fabric to back panel (face both back to back, stitch, turn right way round) and do same to buttonhale handle.

9) Stitch back panel to side panel so you have a long flap hanging over the front.

10)Attach handle to side panels, add velcro to front as easy fastener.

Isn’t that just slouchy cool? Ok its time to eat ladies and gents! Tonight is another slow cooker love affair LOL! One of the things I am making is a “fix your own taco” bar tonight, because after UIL, I anticipate some of the kids “coming home” for dinner and celebrations LOL! One pot, I am making Carnitas. Carnitas means 'little meats' and is traditionally fried then braised. This recipe is made much easier using the slow cooker but the results are just as tasty. This makes a great filling for tamales, enchiladas, tacos and burritos. This filling is also great combined with your favorite barbecue sauce and served on buns



Slow Cooker Carnitas

Ingredients

3 teaspoon salt
3 teaspoon garlic powder or 4 fresh minced garlic cloves
3 teaspoon ground cumin
1 1/2 teaspoon crumbled dried oregano
1 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 (4 pound) boneless pork shoulder roast
2 bay leaves
2 cups chicken broth

Directions

Mix together salt, garlic powder, cumin, oregano, coriander, and cinnamon in a bowl. Coat pork with the spice mixture. Place the bay leaves in the bottom of a slow cooker and place the pork on top. Pour the chicken broth around the sides of the pork, being careful not to rinse off the spice mixture.

Cover and cook on Low until the pork shreds easily with a fork, about 10 hours. Turn the meat after it has cooked for 5 hours. When the pork is tender, remove from slow cooker, and shred with two forks. Use cooking liquid as needed to moisten the meat.

Ok kids… my house smells amazing already and I think I need to go check my golden yard buzzards LOL! Then maybe do some sewing while the kitchen works for me… I know its hard to slave all day in the kitchen to make my family a fabulous feast and still get so much else done LMAO! Gonna think about running to grab some more birds and bird parts while the hubby guards the pots LOL! Dunno yet what the day will hold in store for me LOL! Either way, it will be interesting! So be safe, have fun, and I’ll meet you back here tomorrow! HUGS!