DeAnna gave me some ceramic-glazed stoneware/ovenware for Christmas that I finally got around to using this last weekend. I LOVE THEM!! I cannot rave about them enough. They cook like a stone (duh), but they are dishwasher safe!! And they clean up so quickly even just while serving! The funeral potatoes just slid right out. They are called Temp-tations stoneware and I am really impressed.
I must admit, these beat Pampered Chef stoneware hands down, though I confess I haven't used the PC glazed edition. From what I can tell, it has all of the benefits and none of the drawbacks. Hello!! Dishwasher SAFE?? And these are CHEAPER. And the designs are so pretty. I have been using Pampered Chef stoneware for 7 years. Stay tuned, but I'm predicting a pretty solid conversion to these new pans. I'm blown away.
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
Latvian CTR Rings
Finally! Several months ago I purchased 40 little green CTR rings to send to the branches in Latvia. I stumbled upon them while strolling through the Distribution Center one afternoon. I couldn't believe my eyes to see CTR rings in LATVIAN!! My well-intended soul battled with my scatterbrained personality until today they united together in a great cause!! Hallelujah, they are IN the mail on the way to Zane (pronounced Zonn-eh) in Riga!!
On a sour note, I'm very frustrated at the moment with Ringmasters. They have decided they will NOT be producing the "real" Latvian CTR rings--the kind you can purchase in silver and gold. I worked a lot last summer collecting contact information from interested parties willing to purchase the rings. Ringmasters made the Lithuanian rings and the Estonian rings, which is why I set out on my quest in the first place. Same mission, same number of members, etc. They sounded optimistic, but never got back to me with the official approval.
They have been completely unresponsive to my emails, so I called them today and learned that they have decided not to make them after all. Apparently they aren't making enough profit on some of the other smaller language rings (oh, like Pangasinan? Where the heck is THAT? Ilokano? Are you KIDDING me? Hilgaynon? WHAT? Is that a lanuage??) so Latvian gets the shaft. Figures. I never would have gotten my hopes up if they hadn't already produced Lithuanian and Estonian versions...
I'm so disappointed. More than that, actually. Pretty torked.
On a sour note, I'm very frustrated at the moment with Ringmasters. They have decided they will NOT be producing the "real" Latvian CTR rings--the kind you can purchase in silver and gold. I worked a lot last summer collecting contact information from interested parties willing to purchase the rings. Ringmasters made the Lithuanian rings and the Estonian rings, which is why I set out on my quest in the first place. Same mission, same number of members, etc. They sounded optimistic, but never got back to me with the official approval.
They have been completely unresponsive to my emails, so I called them today and learned that they have decided not to make them after all. Apparently they aren't making enough profit on some of the other smaller language rings (oh, like Pangasinan? Where the heck is THAT? Ilokano? Are you KIDDING me? Hilgaynon? WHAT? Is that a lanuage??) so Latvian gets the shaft. Figures. I never would have gotten my hopes up if they hadn't already produced Lithuanian and Estonian versions...
I'm so disappointed. More than that, actually. Pretty torked.
Breaking Habits
Kinley has been working on breaking her nail-biting habit. She no longer bites her toe-nails at all, and she has been making a lot of progress on her fingernails. To reward her for her great efforts toward self-mastery, we had a nail-painting party this morning!
Sunday, January 28, 2007
Friday, January 26, 2007
7! Yes!!
I wasn't going to workout today because we have dinner plans and won't be back until later tonight. I knew I wouldn't feel like Ramping it Up when we got home.
But! I changed my mind!
So... I put the kids down for a nap and left the house in a shamefully messy state while I worked out in the basement. It's mostly still a disaster, but I have a salad to make and kidlets to scrub down in the tub, so the laundry pile can just take a number. Why oh why can't I just do it all? Nevertheless, all things considered, exercise was definitely the best choice for today.
But! I changed my mind!
So... I put the kids down for a nap and left the house in a shamefully messy state while I worked out in the basement. It's mostly still a disaster, but I have a salad to make and kidlets to scrub down in the tub, so the laundry pile can just take a number. Why oh why can't I just do it all? Nevertheless, all things considered, exercise was definitely the best choice for today.
6 Workouts Down!
I made it through lucky workout number 6. That means I have finished one whole week of Slim in 6. I'm five pounds down. I have no idea how much I may or may not have shrunk, though, because Tanner walked off with my tape measure...
It's getting easier to eat well and do the exercise. I'm not craving KFC, at least. And that's a major improvement!
However, one of Justin's former co-workers is coming to Sunday dinner and I'm feeling the need to make my chicken alfredo recipe...
Chicken Alfredo
INGREDIENTS
· 1/4 cup butter
· 1 cup heavy cream
· 1 clove garlic, crushed
· 2.5 oz freshly grated Parmesan cheese (Do NOT use the grated cheese in the green can)
· 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
· Diced fresh tomatoes to taste
· Diced chicken
DIRECTIONS
Heat up chopped, cooked chicken with: 1 part “dale’s sauce", 2 parts “57 sauce”, 1 part water. Melt butter in a separate medium saucepan over medium low heat. Add cream and simmer for 5 minutes, then add garlic and cheese and whisk quickly, heating through. Stir in parsley and serve immediately. Top pasta and sauce with chicken and tomatoes. Makes approximately enough for 2 adults and 2 children or two very hungry adults. Serve over fettucini or rigatoni noodles.
There is nothing redeeming about this recipe except for the tomatoes, but DANG, it is delicious!!
It's getting easier to eat well and do the exercise. I'm not craving KFC, at least. And that's a major improvement!
However, one of Justin's former co-workers is coming to Sunday dinner and I'm feeling the need to make my chicken alfredo recipe...
Chicken Alfredo
INGREDIENTS
· 1/4 cup butter
· 1 cup heavy cream
· 1 clove garlic, crushed
· 2.5 oz freshly grated Parmesan cheese (Do NOT use the grated cheese in the green can)
· 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
· Diced fresh tomatoes to taste
· Diced chicken
DIRECTIONS
Heat up chopped, cooked chicken with: 1 part “dale’s sauce", 2 parts “57 sauce”, 1 part water. Melt butter in a separate medium saucepan over medium low heat. Add cream and simmer for 5 minutes, then add garlic and cheese and whisk quickly, heating through. Stir in parsley and serve immediately. Top pasta and sauce with chicken and tomatoes. Makes approximately enough for 2 adults and 2 children or two very hungry adults. Serve over fettucini or rigatoni noodles.
There is nothing redeeming about this recipe except for the tomatoes, but DANG, it is delicious!!
Thursday, January 25, 2007
New Jello
Unbelievable. I went to our healthy recipes mini-enrichment exchange and was able to taste a vast array of highly impressive dishes. Don't laugh, but the one I fell absolutely in love with was the Jello with a kick. Basically, you just substitute Fresca for the cold water portion in your jello-making activities. Then add fruit or whatever. The Fresca makes a huge difference. I totally loved it.
I wish I had been more hungry that night. I had just spent the entire afternoon taking "just another super-duper-small-small spoonful" of my own chicken feta pasta salad...Not that I didn't eat my share at Enrichment, of course, for shame.
I wish I had been more hungry that night. I had just spent the entire afternoon taking "just another super-duper-small-small spoonful" of my own chicken feta pasta salad...Not that I didn't eat my share at Enrichment, of course, for shame.
DONE With Winter
I won't bore you with the details and rantings of a CRAZY woman. Suffice it to say: I AM SICK OF WINTER. Maybe global warming will usher in an early spring... Is that sacrilege?
Monday, January 22, 2007
Sunday, January 21, 2007
Sunday Sunday
Tanner was a dream-child in church today. Oh wait...Tanner didn't GO to church today! He's getting over his snuffies, so he stayed home with Justin, who has a sore throat. Kinley was well behaved and had a great time in Primary. Her Sunbeam teachers said she didn't share any big family secrets this week (like "Mommy thinks my brother Tanner has a really big head") so the day was a success.
I wish the new church building rooms were bigger. There are more classrooms, but everything is smaller. By the time I have taken Kinley to the bathroom, dropped her off in Primary, convinced her to stay sitting in her chair, and delivered the Enrichment binders to the various auxilliaries, there are no seats left in Sunday School, so I end up wandering the halls looking like a schmo. What I would have given to have Tanner as a prop today!
But I got a good seat in Relief Society. And that's important.
This week is the great Healthy Recipes Exchange mini-enrichment! I'm so excited! I'm going to make my "chicken and feta cheese pasta salad". It is SOOooooo delicious. My mission companion taught me a variation on the theme many years ago and I have been slowly tweaking it to my taste ever since. I have it exactly the way I LOVE it now.
Here's the recipe:
Chicken Feta Pasta Salad
INGREDIENTS
· 1 large package of rotini noodles
· Cooked (and cooled) frozen peas
· Diced onion
· Green pepper
· Red pepper
· Diced tomato
· Peeled, diced cucumber
· Sliced olives
· Catalina with honey dressing
· Italian dressing
· 8 oz package of Feta cheese (cheaper to crumble it yourself)
· Chicken
· Salt to taste
DIRECTIONS
1. Boil noodles
2. Cook chicken on the stove or in the oven with a little of the Catalina w/ honey and the Italian dressing
3. As the chicken is almost done, add onions and peppers, cook until peppers are slightly soft.
** Do not overcook veggies!!
**If you are baking the chicken in the oven, you can sauté the onions and peppers separately on the stove with a little of the dressings for “marinade”.
4. Chop the chicken at any point of this process
5. Mix chicken, peppers, and onions with noodles
6. Mix in all remaining ingredients
7. Add EQUAL parts Catalina and Italian dressing to taste
It's very delicious. Jenna has inspired me to take a picture of this dish when I make it on Tuesday.
I wish the new church building rooms were bigger. There are more classrooms, but everything is smaller. By the time I have taken Kinley to the bathroom, dropped her off in Primary, convinced her to stay sitting in her chair, and delivered the Enrichment binders to the various auxilliaries, there are no seats left in Sunday School, so I end up wandering the halls looking like a schmo. What I would have given to have Tanner as a prop today!
But I got a good seat in Relief Society. And that's important.
This week is the great Healthy Recipes Exchange mini-enrichment! I'm so excited! I'm going to make my "chicken and feta cheese pasta salad". It is SOOooooo delicious. My mission companion taught me a variation on the theme many years ago and I have been slowly tweaking it to my taste ever since. I have it exactly the way I LOVE it now.
Here's the recipe:
Chicken Feta Pasta Salad
INGREDIENTS
· 1 large package of rotini noodles
· Cooked (and cooled) frozen peas
· Diced onion
· Green pepper
· Red pepper
· Diced tomato
· Peeled, diced cucumber
· Sliced olives
· Catalina with honey dressing
· Italian dressing
· 8 oz package of Feta cheese (cheaper to crumble it yourself)
· Chicken
· Salt to taste
DIRECTIONS
1. Boil noodles
2. Cook chicken on the stove or in the oven with a little of the Catalina w/ honey and the Italian dressing
3. As the chicken is almost done, add onions and peppers, cook until peppers are slightly soft.
** Do not overcook veggies!!
**If you are baking the chicken in the oven, you can sauté the onions and peppers separately on the stove with a little of the dressings for “marinade”.
4. Chop the chicken at any point of this process
5. Mix chicken, peppers, and onions with noodles
6. Mix in all remaining ingredients
7. Add EQUAL parts Catalina and Italian dressing to taste
It's very delicious. Jenna has inspired me to take a picture of this dish when I make it on Tuesday.
Saturday, January 20, 2007
Friday, January 19, 2007
Naughty Girl
Well, I definitely spoke too soon. After documenting the many virtues of my eldest child, particularly focusing on her loving and gentle manner so consistently displayed toward my youngest child, Kinley spent the entire afternoon squeezing Tanner's head in a bear hug until he cried, stealing his toys, poking him on top of the head, and generally getting all up in his grill until he begged for mercy. She did major time in the clink more than once this afternoon. *sigh*....
Kinley and Spencer
Kinley had Spencer come over to play recently. He's a man who is comfortable in any environment, as can be seen here!
Kinley Puzzles
This is an assortment of puzzles that Kinley puts together all by herself. We have something like 8 little puzzles for her now. She can put together a puzzle with 25 pieces in less than 20 minutes, less than 10 sometimes, if she's done the puzzle before. We have a few puzzles with 63 pieces, and they still seem to be a bit beyond her. She can make a big dent, but can't finish it off. I wish we had some with 40 pieces or something. She still finds the 25-piecers quite fun, but they seem less challenging every time she does them. I don't think she'll be ready for the 63-piecers for a while.
Tanner's Bambi
The relationship that Tanner is developing with his "Bambi" (blanket) is getting absurd, though I must admit I find his obsession with it quite adorable for the time being. I'm glad we have three of these Bambi blankets (thank you, DeAnna!) He drags them all over the house, like a little Linus Bradshaw. Bethany told me the other day that he was wandering around whining to himself, then all of a sudden she heard him start into a really demented cackle/giggle. She came around the corner and found him nuzzling his blanket that he had just found. It reminds us all a little of Golem and his "Precious".
Precocious Little Kiki
Kinley really is a joy. Sometimes I wonder how in the world I'm going to be a good parent to her. She is wise beyond her years. And spiritual in ways that humble me at times. Yesterday she got angry at me during breakfast. The tv was on, I was running around like a chicken with my head cut off, I threw food at her and was trying to corral Tanner toward his high chair. She turned to me and sternly said, "Mommy, why do I always have to remind everyone that we need to say prayers over our food!" We've been in survival mode for several weeks, and I'm ashamed to say that a few of the necessities of life have been slipping.
This morning I read to her "Because I Love You" by Max Lucado. I haven't read this particular book to her in probably a year (it was in the closet, waiting for a more mature mind) but we read it this morning and she loved it. We both were touched and had tears in our eyes at the end. When we were finished, she said, "Mommy, can you please read to me my scriptures?" How can I say no to that? She got her little blue missionary Book of Mormon that we gave her for Christmas off of the shelf and I opened it to 3 Nephi 11. I said, "I know just which story I want to read to you today." She turned to me and said matter of factly, "Mommy, these are NOT stories. These are scriptures. These are my plates."
She is a special little girl. She treats Tanner with such love that I marvel. She'll do anything she can to make him laugh (or stop crying), even if it means disobeying me (which is kind of a problem, but she means well). I feel very blessed to have her, and sometimes a little awed. She has her mother's passion for socialization and friendship, and her father's neurosis about messes and orderliness. And she doesn't seem hampered by either of them!
I love this kid!
This morning I read to her "Because I Love You" by Max Lucado. I haven't read this particular book to her in probably a year (it was in the closet, waiting for a more mature mind) but we read it this morning and she loved it. We both were touched and had tears in our eyes at the end. When we were finished, she said, "Mommy, can you please read to me my scriptures?" How can I say no to that? She got her little blue missionary Book of Mormon that we gave her for Christmas off of the shelf and I opened it to 3 Nephi 11. I said, "I know just which story I want to read to you today." She turned to me and said matter of factly, "Mommy, these are NOT stories. These are scriptures. These are my plates."
She is a special little girl. She treats Tanner with such love that I marvel. She'll do anything she can to make him laugh (or stop crying), even if it means disobeying me (which is kind of a problem, but she means well). I feel very blessed to have her, and sometimes a little awed. She has her mother's passion for socialization and friendship, and her father's neurosis about messes and orderliness. And she doesn't seem hampered by either of them!
I love this kid!
Bradshaw Updates
Well, this week has been a whirlwind, to put it mildly. Finally a chance to update.Tanner has been stuffy the last few days and last night Kinley, Justin, and I started in with sore throats. Kinley and I started in right away with the oils and Airborne and I already feel much better. Justin didn't inform me until it had already grabbed hold of him, so he'll be harder to fight. Like Tanner. I never know when Tanner is sick until he's SICK. Kinley can at least tell me when she's starting to feel yucky.
Since I started using essential oils in 2005, the illnesses in our home have dropped in half. Since we added Airborne to the mix a year ago, it has dropped in half AGAIN. It doesn't seem to prevent stomach flu (yikes, tell me what does!) but sniffles are a rarity around here these days. We can't seem to prevent 100% of the creepies, but pretty darn close. And when we do get sick, it tends to not last as long. If you have any frame of reference on Bradshaw Boogers in days of yore, you'll know what a miracle that is.
Yuck, his nose is running like a lime-jello faucet. Glad I didn't have playgroup at our house this morning.
We had Joy School at our house this week. It went really well. Kinley and her little friends love it, and I enjoy it too. I enjoy it maybe a little more when it's someone else's week...
So I worked on Monday and Wednesday, we had Joy School on Tuesday and Thursday, on Wednesday night we went to Hormone Balance Mini-Enrichment (what a great night!) where Tanner wandered around and got into everything and made friends with Marla's husband. Justin took Kinley to his city-league basketball game.
On Tuesday afternoon, I spent time researching catering options for brother-in-law Matt's wedding luncheon, coming up in February. They were having troubles with their original plans, so we have it scheduled now in our new chapel close by our house. We're going to have BBQ beef sandwiches. My mother-in-law is understandably annoyed that she actually has to BUY the beef for this extravaganza. They don't have enough Bradshaw Beef (they are cattler ranchers) in the freezer to feed lunch to 75 people.
I did get my kitchen floor scrubbed yesterday afternoon during the kids' naps. Then I had a melt-down during dinner when I saw Tanner had thrown all his dinner onto my nice clean tile. Later that night before bed I saw little oily footprints from Kinley's slicked-up little feet making their way across the kitchen. Sometimes I wonder why I bother.
My new favorite CD at the moment is one that my sister Heather sent to me for Christmas. It's Nashville's Tribute to Joseph Smith. The title frightened me, I'll be honest. But, loving country music as I do, I gave it a whirl. LOVE IT. Kinley can sing some of the songs with me.
Well, with the whole family suffering from the stomach flu the first week of January, then my bizarre eye injury last week, now the busyness of this week, I keep making excuses to not jump back into my exercise goals. Now with my mild sore throat (which feels better from yesterday, thank goodness!) I find myself making yet another excuse -- "I don't want to overdue it and get myself REALLY sick!" Well, at least I'm eating well.
And I started a new water-drinking plan. I hate drinking water, I really do. BUT, I found that I can do this. I did it all day yesterday and I think it gave me more energy just in the one day. I set the timers to go off every half hour and I drank one cup of water every half hour until just before dinner. One cup is tasty, more than that at a time is a chore. I did it all day long and I do believe I felt a difference. Even if the extra energy was in my head, hydration is a benefit to my body regardless. And I can't lose 20 pounds by April 15th without plenty of water!!
Another one down. Kayla is officially a bonafide Twilight groupie. I knew it was only a matter of time! I'm out to convert one friend at a time... ooooh oooh oooh, aaah aaah aahh (evil laugh)....
Since I started using essential oils in 2005, the illnesses in our home have dropped in half. Since we added Airborne to the mix a year ago, it has dropped in half AGAIN. It doesn't seem to prevent stomach flu (yikes, tell me what does!) but sniffles are a rarity around here these days. We can't seem to prevent 100% of the creepies, but pretty darn close. And when we do get sick, it tends to not last as long. If you have any frame of reference on Bradshaw Boogers in days of yore, you'll know what a miracle that is.
Yuck, his nose is running like a lime-jello faucet. Glad I didn't have playgroup at our house this morning.
We had Joy School at our house this week. It went really well. Kinley and her little friends love it, and I enjoy it too. I enjoy it maybe a little more when it's someone else's week...
So I worked on Monday and Wednesday, we had Joy School on Tuesday and Thursday, on Wednesday night we went to Hormone Balance Mini-Enrichment (what a great night!) where Tanner wandered around and got into everything and made friends with Marla's husband. Justin took Kinley to his city-league basketball game.
On Tuesday afternoon, I spent time researching catering options for brother-in-law Matt's wedding luncheon, coming up in February. They were having troubles with their original plans, so we have it scheduled now in our new chapel close by our house. We're going to have BBQ beef sandwiches. My mother-in-law is understandably annoyed that she actually has to BUY the beef for this extravaganza. They don't have enough Bradshaw Beef (they are cattler ranchers) in the freezer to feed lunch to 75 people.
I did get my kitchen floor scrubbed yesterday afternoon during the kids' naps. Then I had a melt-down during dinner when I saw Tanner had thrown all his dinner onto my nice clean tile. Later that night before bed I saw little oily footprints from Kinley's slicked-up little feet making their way across the kitchen. Sometimes I wonder why I bother.
My new favorite CD at the moment is one that my sister Heather sent to me for Christmas. It's Nashville's Tribute to Joseph Smith. The title frightened me, I'll be honest. But, loving country music as I do, I gave it a whirl. LOVE IT. Kinley can sing some of the songs with me.
Well, with the whole family suffering from the stomach flu the first week of January, then my bizarre eye injury last week, now the busyness of this week, I keep making excuses to not jump back into my exercise goals. Now with my mild sore throat (which feels better from yesterday, thank goodness!) I find myself making yet another excuse -- "I don't want to overdue it and get myself REALLY sick!" Well, at least I'm eating well.
And I started a new water-drinking plan. I hate drinking water, I really do. BUT, I found that I can do this. I did it all day yesterday and I think it gave me more energy just in the one day. I set the timers to go off every half hour and I drank one cup of water every half hour until just before dinner. One cup is tasty, more than that at a time is a chore. I did it all day long and I do believe I felt a difference. Even if the extra energy was in my head, hydration is a benefit to my body regardless. And I can't lose 20 pounds by April 15th without plenty of water!!
Another one down. Kayla is officially a bonafide Twilight groupie. I knew it was only a matter of time! I'm out to convert one friend at a time... ooooh oooh oooh, aaah aaah aahh (evil laugh)....
Friday, January 12, 2007
Tanner the Charming
Tanner appears to be out of his teething phase for a while. We have two new monstrous molars and another lateral incisor on the bottom. That was a trying few weeks for the entire family! I had begun to strongly fear that he had simply developed a new personality. A much whinier, needier, fit-pitching personality.
He has returned once again to our delightful, happy-go-lucky little buggle boy. I have missed him so. I'm glad he has returned. He has been ridiculously charming all week long (except for church, of course). It's a good thing; if there was ever a week I needed him happy and sweet, it was this week!
He has returned once again to our delightful, happy-go-lucky little buggle boy. I have missed him so. I'm glad he has returned. He has been ridiculously charming all week long (except for church, of course). It's a good thing; if there was ever a week I needed him happy and sweet, it was this week!
Emergency Candyland
Who knew that Candyland could be so dangerous?
On Tuesday I was trying to be a great mom, playing Candyland with Kinley. In the excitement of a particularly dramatic move, Kinley giddily thrust her card into my face, with the corner of the card going directly through the center of my eyeball. I believe they called it a "corneal abrasion."
$300 later...
Spent the evening in the ER, where all the sniffly noses and coughs were admitted before me. Justin wasn't sure we should even be going to the ER, but one look under the blacklight at the laceration on my eyeball validated our decision. They prescribed antibiotic drops to prevent infection and percocet for the pain.
I went to the opthamologist they referred me to the next day. Dr. Michael Abrams. I wasn't impressed with his chairside manner, to say the least. It was obvious he felt I was being overly dramatic with my patched eye and percocet. He announced I would be "100%" by the next morning. And though I was skeptical, I determined not to return to him no matter what because he was so dismissive and curt with me.
Little did he know I wasn't suffering from a normal eye injury. By the next morning, feeling still worse, not better, I was convinced something really wasn't right, so I called them back and they said to come in right away. Turns out, as luck would have it, I was ALLERGIC to the eye drops prescribed at the ER. The radiating pain and eye swelling are apparently not part of a normal eye injury. Had he asked further questions, instead of insinuating that I was patching my own eye and taking pain medication for my own amusement, he would have realized it before. He's supposed to be the expert, after all.
He was much more compassionate and sensitive on trip number two, looked at the laceration and realized it wasn't healing one little bit, recommended yet another antibiotic, one that Justin has to help me put in. By this morning I couldn't believe the difference. While I still look like Quasimodo (thanks to the lingering affects of the allergy), I feel very much improved all over. The pain is gone, the puffiness is reducing, and while it is tiring to keep my eyes open for very long, at least it's possible today, which it hasn't been since Tuesday. I have to go back to the opthamologist for the 4th time tomorrow morning, and then I should be done.
So....
The Relief Society has been amazing. Bringing dinners and taking care of my kids while I go to to these endless eye appointments and wander around my house like a blind bat. I feel so blessed to have these wonderful neighbors who have cared for us in our days of need this week. The whole incident is so bizarre -- and a little embarassing. I'm glad that we are finally on the RIGHT path to full recovery. Yea!!
On Tuesday I was trying to be a great mom, playing Candyland with Kinley. In the excitement of a particularly dramatic move, Kinley giddily thrust her card into my face, with the corner of the card going directly through the center of my eyeball. I believe they called it a "corneal abrasion."
$300 later...
Spent the evening in the ER, where all the sniffly noses and coughs were admitted before me. Justin wasn't sure we should even be going to the ER, but one look under the blacklight at the laceration on my eyeball validated our decision. They prescribed antibiotic drops to prevent infection and percocet for the pain.
I went to the opthamologist they referred me to the next day. Dr. Michael Abrams. I wasn't impressed with his chairside manner, to say the least. It was obvious he felt I was being overly dramatic with my patched eye and percocet. He announced I would be "100%" by the next morning. And though I was skeptical, I determined not to return to him no matter what because he was so dismissive and curt with me.
Little did he know I wasn't suffering from a normal eye injury. By the next morning, feeling still worse, not better, I was convinced something really wasn't right, so I called them back and they said to come in right away. Turns out, as luck would have it, I was ALLERGIC to the eye drops prescribed at the ER. The radiating pain and eye swelling are apparently not part of a normal eye injury. Had he asked further questions, instead of insinuating that I was patching my own eye and taking pain medication for my own amusement, he would have realized it before. He's supposed to be the expert, after all.
He was much more compassionate and sensitive on trip number two, looked at the laceration and realized it wasn't healing one little bit, recommended yet another antibiotic, one that Justin has to help me put in. By this morning I couldn't believe the difference. While I still look like Quasimodo (thanks to the lingering affects of the allergy), I feel very much improved all over. The pain is gone, the puffiness is reducing, and while it is tiring to keep my eyes open for very long, at least it's possible today, which it hasn't been since Tuesday. I have to go back to the opthamologist for the 4th time tomorrow morning, and then I should be done.
So....
The Relief Society has been amazing. Bringing dinners and taking care of my kids while I go to to these endless eye appointments and wander around my house like a blind bat. I feel so blessed to have these wonderful neighbors who have cared for us in our days of need this week. The whole incident is so bizarre -- and a little embarassing. I'm glad that we are finally on the RIGHT path to full recovery. Yea!!
Tuesday, January 9, 2007
Monday, January 8, 2007
Another One Bites The Dust!
Ha ha ha! Got another Twilight junkie to add to my list. Make that two, actually. Lydia and Court. So glad to spread the love!
Sunday, January 7, 2007
The Bradshaws Are Going Inactive
That is IT! Tanner the Terror strikes again. He was positively horrible during church today. Like every other Sunday. He was shockingly well behaved for the first half-hour of Sacrament Meeting, probably thanks to his morning nap that we were able to squeeze in today because church starts now at 11. He smiled at me with those big brown eyes eating goldfish until I thought he might explode. I was lulled into a false sense of security, thinking he was going to last. NOPE.
He wants to wander the world, exploring every nook and cranny, seeing what there is to see. Sitting on a lap for even an hour is more than he can bear. Justin puts the blame squarely on my shoulders. He says both of our kids have inherited my "I can't sit still and relax for one minute" gene. He's exaggerating. Really. I'm not THAT bad. Though I suppose that any wanderlust in any of our children probably didn't come from Dad.
But not EVERYONE is out in the hall wandering with their children. I don't understand why there are other children his age that sit happily on a lap for the duration of church--heck, for the duration of sacrament meeting would be nice! When Tanner decides he's ready to be done with the meeting, he'll throw back his head and yell at the top of his lungs. And won't stop until we take him out. I don't have the patience or stamina to sit for the next 2 and a half hours in the lobby restraining him on my lap while he screams bloody murder (I HAVE tried that), so I follow him around while he mosies to and fro, trying (sometimes in vain) to get SOMETHING out of the meetings.
So then the anxiety that comes from my motherly physiological response to incessant fit-pitching combines with intolerable embarassment that I'm the mother of the adorable little monster. It's mortifying. I hate it hate it hate it...
Kinley is positively delightful in church these days. She was almost as bad as Tanner when she was his age, so maybe there is hope. I just pray that Tanner doesn't resist going to nursery, like Kinley did for over a year.
Speaking of Kinley, she went to Primary for the first time today. She is officially a sunbeam! So fun!!! She LOVED it!! After church, after she ate her sandwich for lunch, I told her she couldn't have any more fish crackers. She took some off of Tanner's high chair when I was doing Enrichment stuff on the computer. She came upstairs to confess her deeds and to apologize for disobeying. She complained, "But, Mommy, I'm a Sunbeam now! It's not supposed to be so hard to listen! Maybe when I'm a big Sunbeam like you and Daddy it will be easier."
Ok, so we aren't really going inactive. Yet. ;)
He wants to wander the world, exploring every nook and cranny, seeing what there is to see. Sitting on a lap for even an hour is more than he can bear. Justin puts the blame squarely on my shoulders. He says both of our kids have inherited my "I can't sit still and relax for one minute" gene. He's exaggerating. Really. I'm not THAT bad. Though I suppose that any wanderlust in any of our children probably didn't come from Dad.
But not EVERYONE is out in the hall wandering with their children. I don't understand why there are other children his age that sit happily on a lap for the duration of church--heck, for the duration of sacrament meeting would be nice! When Tanner decides he's ready to be done with the meeting, he'll throw back his head and yell at the top of his lungs. And won't stop until we take him out. I don't have the patience or stamina to sit for the next 2 and a half hours in the lobby restraining him on my lap while he screams bloody murder (I HAVE tried that), so I follow him around while he mosies to and fro, trying (sometimes in vain) to get SOMETHING out of the meetings.
So then the anxiety that comes from my motherly physiological response to incessant fit-pitching combines with intolerable embarassment that I'm the mother of the adorable little monster. It's mortifying. I hate it hate it hate it...
Kinley is positively delightful in church these days. She was almost as bad as Tanner when she was his age, so maybe there is hope. I just pray that Tanner doesn't resist going to nursery, like Kinley did for over a year.
Speaking of Kinley, she went to Primary for the first time today. She is officially a sunbeam! So fun!!! She LOVED it!! After church, after she ate her sandwich for lunch, I told her she couldn't have any more fish crackers. She took some off of Tanner's high chair when I was doing Enrichment stuff on the computer. She came upstairs to confess her deeds and to apologize for disobeying. She complained, "But, Mommy, I'm a Sunbeam now! It's not supposed to be so hard to listen! Maybe when I'm a big Sunbeam like you and Daddy it will be easier."
Ok, so we aren't really going inactive. Yet. ;)
Saturday, January 6, 2007
Crazy Saturday
Tanner ate teeny tiny small-small bits of bbq chicken this evening for dinner, followed by itty-bitty cut up pieces of apple. It's the first time I've been pleased with a meal that he's eaten in more than a week. The pieces were small enough to fit into his wee little nostril and for some reason he seemed to really dig that (again, no pun intended). He ate an enormous amount of both items and I'm so pleased. I'm going to try again tomorrow. Hopefully the worst of the teething is behind us.
Church at 11 tomorrow, at the new building. I hope Tanner will go down for an early power-nap so that he can last until 2. Kinley is very excited to be a Sunbeam tomorrow! We were getting in the car this morning to go to the Primary "meet your teacher" breakfast and as she climbed into the car, she got all excited and said, "Hey, Mommy! I'm a sunbeam now! I can drive the car!" She was very disappointed in my response.
I went to Walmart to pick up a few items. There was a beggar near the exit, standing in the cold with his big cardboard sign. I didn't see him until I was almost right up to him and I wasn't sure how much cash, if any, I had in my wallet with me. I followed everyone else quickly out onto the road, but I took a right and headed back to the other entrance of the parking lot so that I could check. Turned out I had a few dollars leftover from Christmas, so I got back into line to go out again.
I was so pleased that this time, the car ahead of me had pulled over to the side to hand the man some cash out of the passenger side of the car. I pulled in behind him to wait my turn. I looked in my rear view mirror, and every car behind us was pulling over to the side, waiting patiently to pass a few dollars out their window. Another woman was driving by on the road and pulled over on the street to get out and walk back to him to give him a few dollars. It was a chain reaction that I think blessed all concerned.
In the past, I've had a few people get on my case about giving money to street people. I hear a lot of "they'll just drink it" or "it's their own fault", or other similar comments. I figure it's not up to me to determine whether they deserve their misery. I'm so blessed to have been given the opportunities and the blessings that I have in my life. It looked awfully cold and lonely out there today. Anyone who is driven to do what this man does -- for whatever reason -- has my sympathy.
Church at 11 tomorrow, at the new building. I hope Tanner will go down for an early power-nap so that he can last until 2. Kinley is very excited to be a Sunbeam tomorrow! We were getting in the car this morning to go to the Primary "meet your teacher" breakfast and as she climbed into the car, she got all excited and said, "Hey, Mommy! I'm a sunbeam now! I can drive the car!" She was very disappointed in my response.
I went to Walmart to pick up a few items. There was a beggar near the exit, standing in the cold with his big cardboard sign. I didn't see him until I was almost right up to him and I wasn't sure how much cash, if any, I had in my wallet with me. I followed everyone else quickly out onto the road, but I took a right and headed back to the other entrance of the parking lot so that I could check. Turned out I had a few dollars leftover from Christmas, so I got back into line to go out again.
I was so pleased that this time, the car ahead of me had pulled over to the side to hand the man some cash out of the passenger side of the car. I pulled in behind him to wait my turn. I looked in my rear view mirror, and every car behind us was pulling over to the side, waiting patiently to pass a few dollars out their window. Another woman was driving by on the road and pulled over on the street to get out and walk back to him to give him a few dollars. It was a chain reaction that I think blessed all concerned.
In the past, I've had a few people get on my case about giving money to street people. I hear a lot of "they'll just drink it" or "it's their own fault", or other similar comments. I figure it's not up to me to determine whether they deserve their misery. I'm so blessed to have been given the opportunities and the blessings that I have in my life. It looked awfully cold and lonely out there today. Anyone who is driven to do what this man does -- for whatever reason -- has my sympathy.
Friday, January 5, 2007
Bad Mom Squared!
So, today was a mostly really good day, except for the incessant whining/screaming/yelling/crying/fit-pitching from Tanner, who is in the process of getting 3 teeth, possibly more. I couldn't find the Anbesol and Tylenol didn't work for him. Fortunately, ibuprofen finally did the trick, but I didn't try that until 6 pm. Oh well, now I know.
In his tempermental state, Tanner was refusing all foods except his beloved goldfish crackers. I gave up and let him be. Tired of stressing over balanced meals with that kid.
Anyway, my nerves were frayed after several hours of him carrying on and I decided to implement a crazy-mom dinner that I had read about in a magazine and had heard from a few friends:
I decided that tonight I would throw health consciousness (and common sense) to the wind and I asked Kinley if she wanted to have ice cream for dinner. She was so happy, like I had just told her that Dora the Explorer was coming over for a play date or something! She was shocked and delighted, as I had anticipated.
Well...we went to the freezer to make a selection; she was jumping up and down with excitement. And...no ice cream. Not one single spoonful of ice cream in the house to be found. That made for an interesting melt-down (no pun intended) all around, I can tell you that! Note to self: check the freezer before offering your 3-year old ice cream for dinner.
In his tempermental state, Tanner was refusing all foods except his beloved goldfish crackers. I gave up and let him be. Tired of stressing over balanced meals with that kid.
Anyway, my nerves were frayed after several hours of him carrying on and I decided to implement a crazy-mom dinner that I had read about in a magazine and had heard from a few friends:
I decided that tonight I would throw health consciousness (and common sense) to the wind and I asked Kinley if she wanted to have ice cream for dinner. She was so happy, like I had just told her that Dora the Explorer was coming over for a play date or something! She was shocked and delighted, as I had anticipated.
Well...we went to the freezer to make a selection; she was jumping up and down with excitement. And...no ice cream. Not one single spoonful of ice cream in the house to be found. That made for an interesting melt-down (no pun intended) all around, I can tell you that! Note to self: check the freezer before offering your 3-year old ice cream for dinner.
Lost Sleep
What a day this is shaping up to be! I woke up at 2 in the morning because Justin was talking to me in his sleep. I still have no idea what he was saying because he woke up before I could get him to repeat it (I love to tell him the silly things he tries to discuss with me in his sleep!)
I couldn't fall back asleep quickly (no surprise there!), so at 2:30 I went down to the couch to watch/listen to Fox News, planning a quick drift-off. I couldn't fall asleep until 4. At 4:38 I heard the pitter patter of little feet running down the hall to my room, then a wee little voice at the top of the stairs yelling that Tanner had just puked in his bed. Some kids get runny noses when they teethe. My kids puke. Every time. And he's getting some monstrous molars. It doesn't help that when he's teething all he'll eat/drink is milk. That's enough to make anyone puke!
So up we all got, bath was given, linens changed, washer started, then Tanner wanted to be left alone and put back to bed with his Bambi blanket (so glad we have THREE!). The kids climbed into bed and fell asleep promptly, so back to the couch I went. Of course, I couldn't fall asleep right away. So I made Justin some lunch, watched some MORE Fox News and finally fell asleep sometime after 6. Rugrats woke up at 7:15, which is 15 minutes later than normal--apparently they were making up for their 15 minutes of lost sleep.
On more exciting note, it looks like Dr. Laura has a new book out -- the "Proper Care and Feeding of a Marriage". I loved the precursor, the "Proper Care and Feeding of Husbands". I'll have to get this one too eventually. Always good to polish up the ol' relationship, don't you think?
I couldn't fall back asleep quickly (no surprise there!), so at 2:30 I went down to the couch to watch/listen to Fox News, planning a quick drift-off. I couldn't fall asleep until 4. At 4:38 I heard the pitter patter of little feet running down the hall to my room, then a wee little voice at the top of the stairs yelling that Tanner had just puked in his bed. Some kids get runny noses when they teethe. My kids puke. Every time. And he's getting some monstrous molars. It doesn't help that when he's teething all he'll eat/drink is milk. That's enough to make anyone puke!
So up we all got, bath was given, linens changed, washer started, then Tanner wanted to be left alone and put back to bed with his Bambi blanket (so glad we have THREE!). The kids climbed into bed and fell asleep promptly, so back to the couch I went. Of course, I couldn't fall asleep right away. So I made Justin some lunch, watched some MORE Fox News and finally fell asleep sometime after 6. Rugrats woke up at 7:15, which is 15 minutes later than normal--apparently they were making up for their 15 minutes of lost sleep.
On more exciting note, it looks like Dr. Laura has a new book out -- the "Proper Care and Feeding of a Marriage". I loved the precursor, the "Proper Care and Feeding of Husbands". I'll have to get this one too eventually. Always good to polish up the ol' relationship, don't you think?
Thursday, January 4, 2007
Celebration Night!
Tonight we celebrated a clean house and a flu-free family with Costa Vida for dinner! Woo hoo!! Who am I kidding? I know I have to start Slim in 6 tomorrow...I needed one "last" hurrah :)
Tanner is officially no longer terrified of the vacuum cleaner, which is cause for additional celebration! On a sour note, he is definitely the whiniest kid in the house at the moment, with the loudest and most persistent hissy fits.
Kinley played with her magnetic dress up dolls today -- thank you, Nana and Papa! She needed a break from the puzzles, you see. We need to invite some of her friends over to play; she thrives on socialization and the hustle and bustle of hanging out with friends. Hmmm... wonder where she gets it. I'm so glad the germs are gone. I spent the day scrubbing everything in the house and washing every blanket we own (which is a surprising number, actually). I threw the toothbrushes all in the dishwasher tonight. I don't know if that will do anything, but it can't hurt! We haven't had any friends over to play since before Christmas and we're all a little lonely!
Tanner is officially no longer terrified of the vacuum cleaner, which is cause for additional celebration! On a sour note, he is definitely the whiniest kid in the house at the moment, with the loudest and most persistent hissy fits.
Kinley played with her magnetic dress up dolls today -- thank you, Nana and Papa! She needed a break from the puzzles, you see. We need to invite some of her friends over to play; she thrives on socialization and the hustle and bustle of hanging out with friends. Hmmm... wonder where she gets it. I'm so glad the germs are gone. I spent the day scrubbing everything in the house and washing every blanket we own (which is a surprising number, actually). I threw the toothbrushes all in the dishwasher tonight. I don't know if that will do anything, but it can't hurt! We haven't had any friends over to play since before Christmas and we're all a little lonely!
Pix of Bradshaw Kids
Here are a few pictures of Kinley and Tanner that were taken in September at Nana and Papa's house.
Sharon Creech
I finished Ruby Holler this morning by Sharon Creech. She's a great author. I really enjoyed this book. I didn't think I'd like it as much as her other book, Walk Two Moons, but it's a close call.
Wednesday, January 3, 2007
Juvenile Lit Night
I just returned from Juvenile (Teen) Literature Recommendation night at Jenna's house (mini-enrichment activity). I'm so excited to start in on some of these books. I borrowed "Specials" to finish off the Uglies Trilogy (Scott Westerfield) and I'll probably stay up too late tonight reading it. Guess it will be couch night for me.
Other books that interested me were Lois Lowry books: The Giver, Gathering Blue, and Messenger. I also want to read another Scott Westerfield set, the Midnighters. I've already read Shannon Hale's The Goose Girl (which I loved), but now I need to read the companion books, Enna Burning and River Secrets. She also wrote Princess Academy, which was really a great read. The Schwa Was Here is now on my list, as well as Son of the Mob and Al Capone 
Does My Shirts.
I'm VERY excited! Juvenile literature really is a wonderful, clean diversion in my life. I'm so happy to have stumbled onto it. It all began with Twilight...who knew?? It's a genre heretofore completely unexplored by this little bookworm. So much fun!
Happy New Year!
Well, so far 2007 has been an adventure in the stomach flu! It started with Tanner on Friday, then moved on to Kinley, then Justin, and finally it hit me yesterday. I count myself blessed that I received only a very light dose of the violent little bug. Today we are resting and recuperating (and apparently Tanner is regressing, as he threw up this morning all up and down the upstairs hallway!) He seems to be doing better and I'm hoping I've cleaned up the last of the flu-bug body fluids! I hope I got it all out of the airvent or we are going to be enjo
ying this delightful scent for a while...
But the day hasn't been a total loss. I taught Kinley how to play Candyland this morning and managed to get some normal foods into Tanner for lunch. He actually ate a couple of grapes and several bites of chicken. I didn't look at him while he was eating, which seemed to help! I got out the juicer and juiced up some apples and grapes for the kids. I told Kinley it was "treat juice", so she was delighted. Tanner drank his share as well, which is probably the only fruit he'll touch today!
Justin is back at work today for the first time since before Christmas. It's been so nice to have him home these last several weeks. Tax season is upon us, though it won't start feeling too crazy for another few weeks. But I have plenty of projects planned to keep me busy while the cat's away! This blog will (sadly) be a way of helping him keep in touch with the daily hilarities that occur on the homefront!
Well, I just called my friend Mindy to help me finish setting up this blog. While I was on the phone, I went downstairs to check on Kinley and found her sitting absolutely stark naked on the couch watching a cartoon. I don't even recall her doing that when she was 18 months old, so that was interesting, and kind of funny!!
I've included a picture of Kinley putting together her puzzles. We gave her several puzzles for Christmas and she has proven to be quite the puzzle master. She put together 5 puzzles of 25 pieces each this morning at the kitchen table.
ying this delightful scent for a while...But the day hasn't been a total loss. I taught Kinley how to play Candyland this morning and managed to get some normal foods into Tanner for lunch. He actually ate a couple of grapes and several bites of chicken. I didn't look at him while he was eating, which seemed to help! I got out the juicer and juiced up some apples and grapes for the kids. I told Kinley it was "treat juice", so she was delighted. Tanner drank his share as well, which is probably the only fruit he'll touch today!
Justin is back at work today for the first time since before Christmas. It's been so nice to have him home these last several weeks. Tax season is upon us, though it won't start feeling too crazy for another few weeks. But I have plenty of projects planned to keep me busy while the cat's away! This blog will (sadly) be a way of helping him keep in touch with the daily hilarities that occur on the homefront!
Well, I just called my friend Mindy to help me finish setting up this blog. While I was on the phone, I went downstairs to check on Kinley and found her sitting absolutely stark naked on the couch watching a cartoon. I don't even recall her doing that when she was 18 months old, so that was interesting, and kind of funny!!
I've included a picture of Kinley putting together her puzzles. We gave her several puzzles for Christmas and she has proven to be quite the puzzle master. She put together 5 puzzles of 25 pieces each this morning at the kitchen table.
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