Wow, I'm back. What a week we've had around here. My sisters were here from Wednesday evening to Sunday and we had such a nice time together. They were able to go with me to my second chemo treatment. We had a fun and noisy time over there together! :)
We did some Christmas shopping on Saturday. Sunday morning, we all got up and went to chuch together. Except Leigh. She had come down with a flu bug and and had spent the night throwing up with chills and the whole 9 yards. She stayed home and by the time we got home from church, Carleen was feeling ill. Those poor girls had to catch the plane back to Colorado that evening and had to endure a bus ride down there and a few hours waiting in the airport all while sick. Yuck!
Monday evening I came down with the flu. I have to say that I don't believe I have ever been that sick in my entire life and I hope to never repeat it again. I seriously wished during the night of vomiting that God would just take me home right then and there. Kylie threw up on the stairs and then moved into our bedroom. It was her and I going at it all night. My dear husband didn't get much sleep that night. By Tuesday, I was semi-upright but feeling very rough still.
I really had a tough time with my thoughts during this time. Wondering if I can do this and if I really wanted to. I can't describe the feelings because I am by nature a pretty positive person most of the time. I recognized that I had these same feelings during the triplets birth and it was associated with the steroids I am on and was on then. Unfortunately, I have to continue the steroids but have been prescribed something to help.
I also heard from many of my dear friends who had encouraging words and verses for me. My friend, Amanda texted me this after receiving news that I was having a hard time. "I will definitely pray and if there is one person I know who can get through this it's you! I've always looked up to you. Your faith and trust in the Lord is all you need! You can do it, I know you can! I love Isaiah 40:31, "but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint!" I love you so much and hope things get better!" Thanks Amanda and so many others for your encouraging words.
I found out that we picked up the bug over at the hospital at chemo on Friday. It took out a whole slew of doctors and nurses and with a incubation period of 24-48 hours the timing was right.
Currently, Macy and my mother threw up last night. Levi and Shelby are down for the count right now. My Dad has had a sour stomach all day and Dan and his parents are fine. This really feels like a spiritual attack with all the other things going on beside so please continue praying for us.
The good news is that I feel awesome today! Chemo took from 9 - 2 instead of all day and that was a blessing in itself. I got to spend the day with my sweet man and we even did some Christmas shopping afterward.
I think I'm ready for Christmas. We will have soup and appetizers tomorrow night and attend our Candle Light Christmas Eve Service. We will open gifts Christmas morning.
We have so much to be thankful for! There's lots of white snow on the ground, I have TWO christmas trees up and my house is fully decorated, we are surrounded by incredible friends and family, we have a wonderful, new house we are settling into, and above all, we have a gracious, good, loving heavenly father who fights for us every day! What more could we want? :)
Merry, merry Christmas to you all!
And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full. And he was...asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, "Master, carest thou not that we perish?" And he arose and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, "Peace, be still." And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. Mark 4:37-39
Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you. Isaiah 46:4
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
The Port is in...
I went this morning at 7:30 to have my port put in. I was home by 12:45 or so. I just have to say that the health care professionals at my hospital are incredible! They make things as painless as possible and I like that. :)
I was given an iv - the last one for quite awhile since I now have a port. Then, it was over to the operating room. I told them that they needed a few Christmas decorations over the operating table and I would be glad to assist them with that and then it was lights out for me for awhile.
I have an area on my left shoulder just below my collar bone that houses this thingy. It's a raised area under my skin that is a large target for needles. It is sutured to my muscle and attached to a vein that goes over the top of my heart.
On Friday, when I get my next chemo, they will stick the needle into the port and, wha-la, we're off and running.
So, I've checked another thing off the list. I don't know about you, but most of the time fear of the unknown isn't half as bad as the actual deal. I don't think I was actually fearing it but I wasn't looking forward to it with great enthusiasm either.
Anyway, I'm glad it's done and over with.
I wanted to just say thank you, thank you, thank you. I have the best friends and family in the world. The cards, emails, letters of encouragement, books, meals, taking my children to do special things with them, hats, wigs, money and all the other thoughtful ways you have reached out to me are so appreciated. I love you all and feel extremely blessed to know you. No, I'm not just saying that because I'm high from surgery. :) Thanks again!
I was given an iv - the last one for quite awhile since I now have a port. Then, it was over to the operating room. I told them that they needed a few Christmas decorations over the operating table and I would be glad to assist them with that and then it was lights out for me for awhile.
I have an area on my left shoulder just below my collar bone that houses this thingy. It's a raised area under my skin that is a large target for needles. It is sutured to my muscle and attached to a vein that goes over the top of my heart.
On Friday, when I get my next chemo, they will stick the needle into the port and, wha-la, we're off and running.
So, I've checked another thing off the list. I don't know about you, but most of the time fear of the unknown isn't half as bad as the actual deal. I don't think I was actually fearing it but I wasn't looking forward to it with great enthusiasm either.
Anyway, I'm glad it's done and over with.
I wanted to just say thank you, thank you, thank you. I have the best friends and family in the world. The cards, emails, letters of encouragement, books, meals, taking my children to do special things with them, hats, wigs, money and all the other thoughtful ways you have reached out to me are so appreciated. I love you all and feel extremely blessed to know you. No, I'm not just saying that because I'm high from surgery. :) Thanks again!
Friday, December 10, 2010
One Chemo Treatment Under My Belt
Well, one of the treatments is over and done with. It wasn't too bad. They put my iv in on the first go.
It was a long day. I checked in at 9 a.m. and didn't finish the last bag until 5 p.m. They have comfy Lazy Boy recliners to sit in and windows across the whole room. I ate a great meal from the hospital cafeteria - didn't know that was even possible! :)
I had a small reaction to the medication so it was slowed down and that accounted for the extra couple of hours.
Overall, I feel pretty good just a little weak.
I am planning on Christmas shopping tomorrow! Pray for strength and endurance for me that I may run the race, you know the one in the crowded shopping mall. :)
2 Corinthians 12:9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.
It was a long day. I checked in at 9 a.m. and didn't finish the last bag until 5 p.m. They have comfy Lazy Boy recliners to sit in and windows across the whole room. I ate a great meal from the hospital cafeteria - didn't know that was even possible! :)
I had a small reaction to the medication so it was slowed down and that accounted for the extra couple of hours.
Overall, I feel pretty good just a little weak.
I am planning on Christmas shopping tomorrow! Pray for strength and endurance for me that I may run the race, you know the one in the crowded shopping mall. :)
2 Corinthians 12:9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.
Thursday, December 9, 2010
MOA
We took a break from cancer and went with the Mall of America with the whole family - all eight of us. My mom and dad are here from Colorado to help with appointments and all the kids we have running around this house.
We left yesterday about 9 and returned last night at 12:30 p.m. We spent the day shopping and letting the kiddos ride the rides at the Nickelodeon Theme Park. The mall is decorated beautifully for Christmas and the shops are so varied and cool.
I had my fingernails buffed by some guy with a really bad accent who tried his hardest to sell be some priceless stuff from the Dead Sea. Run, if you see them coming at you! :)
We ate at the Rainforest Cafe for the kids.
For just a little while we all forgot about cancer. We laughed and ate and screamed (right, Shelby?). What a great day and such a nice getaway.
_______________________________________________
Today, I went to the doctor for an echo cardiogram. It was to check my heart because the chemo meds can be hard on the ticker apparently. I found out my heart is strong in good shape. Then I met with my regular doc to talk a few things over.
I have a blood clotting disorder called factor 5 that I didn't even know about until I was in the hospital in labor with the triplets. Chemotherapy can cause clotting disorders also. Please pray that blood clots don't even become an issue for me.
Anyway, chemotherapy starts tomorrow morning at 9 a.m. I was told to prepare for about 6 hours this first time because they give it slowly to see how well I tolerate it.
I started on steroids tonight. They are suppose to help with chemotherapy. Last time I was on steroids I had just had the triplets and I was a little bit of a fruitcake. Ask Dan sometime for the full story. Suffice to say that we are praying that doesn't happen this time. :)
I get a port put in next week on Wednesday and I'm told that is a much nicer way to go than having an i.v. inserted each and every time I get chemo.
Ok, enough of the cancer talk.
Thank you, thank you, thank you to my dear family, friends and church family that have reached out during this time. We have so much to be thankful for!
So do not fear, for I am with you: do not be dismayed for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you: I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaian 41:10
We left yesterday about 9 and returned last night at 12:30 p.m. We spent the day shopping and letting the kiddos ride the rides at the Nickelodeon Theme Park. The mall is decorated beautifully for Christmas and the shops are so varied and cool.
I had my fingernails buffed by some guy with a really bad accent who tried his hardest to sell be some priceless stuff from the Dead Sea. Run, if you see them coming at you! :)
We ate at the Rainforest Cafe for the kids.
For just a little while we all forgot about cancer. We laughed and ate and screamed (right, Shelby?). What a great day and such a nice getaway.
_______________________________________________
Today, I went to the doctor for an echo cardiogram. It was to check my heart because the chemo meds can be hard on the ticker apparently. I found out my heart is strong in good shape. Then I met with my regular doc to talk a few things over.
I have a blood clotting disorder called factor 5 that I didn't even know about until I was in the hospital in labor with the triplets. Chemotherapy can cause clotting disorders also. Please pray that blood clots don't even become an issue for me.
Anyway, chemotherapy starts tomorrow morning at 9 a.m. I was told to prepare for about 6 hours this first time because they give it slowly to see how well I tolerate it.
I started on steroids tonight. They are suppose to help with chemotherapy. Last time I was on steroids I had just had the triplets and I was a little bit of a fruitcake. Ask Dan sometime for the full story. Suffice to say that we are praying that doesn't happen this time. :)
I get a port put in next week on Wednesday and I'm told that is a much nicer way to go than having an i.v. inserted each and every time I get chemo.
Ok, enough of the cancer talk.
Thank you, thank you, thank you to my dear family, friends and church family that have reached out during this time. We have so much to be thankful for!
So do not fear, for I am with you: do not be dismayed for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you: I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaian 41:10
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
oncologist visit
I met my oncologist today. Seems like a pretty nice guy and he dumbed it down enough for us that it wasn't too difficult to follow. :) This is what I learned:
I start chemo on this Friday (12/10). I will have it every week for 8 - 18 weeks depending on how my cancer responds. Then, I will have the mastectomy followed by more chemotherapy and then radiation.
My cancer stage is 3B.
We asked about a prognosis and he wasn't ready to give one yet. He said he would see after awhile but this kind of cancer has a tendency to come back.
One huge praise is that I had no insurance and I found out today that I will be covered under a program for breast/cervical cancer patients. Completely covered, 100%, for a lifetime! Wow, God is so good!
Pray that I will tolerate the medication well because the list of side effects he went through today is frightening.
I think both Dan and I came out of our meeting with our heads spinning but I really feel much peace this evening. I can do this, one day at a time. Looking too far into the future can seem so bleak but I can do today. Thank goodness I serve a God who is not constrained by prognosis or stages or cancer. He has a plan for me and I'm good with that.
Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged for the lord your God will be with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9
In his heart a man plans his course, but the lord determines his steps. Proverbs 16:9
I start chemo on this Friday (12/10). I will have it every week for 8 - 18 weeks depending on how my cancer responds. Then, I will have the mastectomy followed by more chemotherapy and then radiation.
My cancer stage is 3B.
We asked about a prognosis and he wasn't ready to give one yet. He said he would see after awhile but this kind of cancer has a tendency to come back.
One huge praise is that I had no insurance and I found out today that I will be covered under a program for breast/cervical cancer patients. Completely covered, 100%, for a lifetime! Wow, God is so good!
Pray that I will tolerate the medication well because the list of side effects he went through today is frightening.
I think both Dan and I came out of our meeting with our heads spinning but I really feel much peace this evening. I can do this, one day at a time. Looking too far into the future can seem so bleak but I can do today. Thank goodness I serve a God who is not constrained by prognosis or stages or cancer. He has a plan for me and I'm good with that.
Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged for the lord your God will be with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9
In his heart a man plans his course, but the lord determines his steps. Proverbs 16:9
No Matter What by Kerrie Roberts
I’m running back to your promises one more time,
Lord that’s all I can hold on to,
I gotta say this has taken me by surprise,
but nothing surprises you.
Before a heartache can ever touch my life,
it has to go through Your hands,
and even though I, keep asking why, I keep asking why,
No matter what, I’m gonna love You,
no matter what I’m gonna need You,
I know that You can find a way to keep me from the pain but if not,if not,
I’ll trust you,
no matter what, no matter what.
When I’m stuck in this nothing-ness by myself,
I’m just sitting in silence,
there’s no way I can make it without Your help,
I wont even try it.
I know You have Your reasons for everything,
so I will keep believing,
whatever I might be feeling,
God you are my hope, and you'll be my strength,
No matter what, I’m gonna love You,
no matter what I’m gonna need You,
I know that You can find a way to keep me from the pain but if not, if not, I’ll trust you,
no matter what, no matter what.
Anything I don’t have You can give it to me,
but it’s ok if You don’t,
I’m not here for those things,
the touch of Your love is enough on its own,
no matter what I still love You
and I’m gonna need You
No matter what I’m gonna love you,
no matter what I’m gonna need you,
I know that You can find a way to keep me from the pain but if not, if not, I’ll trust You,
I know that You can find a way to keep me from the pain, but if not, if not, I’ll trust you,
no matter what
no matter what
no matter no matter what
Lord that’s all I can hold on to,
I gotta say this has taken me by surprise,
but nothing surprises you.
Before a heartache can ever touch my life,
it has to go through Your hands,
and even though I, keep asking why, I keep asking why,
No matter what, I’m gonna love You,
no matter what I’m gonna need You,
I know that You can find a way to keep me from the pain but if not,if not,
I’ll trust you,
no matter what, no matter what.
When I’m stuck in this nothing-ness by myself,
I’m just sitting in silence,
there’s no way I can make it without Your help,
I wont even try it.
I know You have Your reasons for everything,
so I will keep believing,
whatever I might be feeling,
God you are my hope, and you'll be my strength,
No matter what, I’m gonna love You,
no matter what I’m gonna need You,
I know that You can find a way to keep me from the pain but if not, if not, I’ll trust you,
no matter what, no matter what.
Anything I don’t have You can give it to me,
but it’s ok if You don’t,
I’m not here for those things,
the touch of Your love is enough on its own,
no matter what I still love You
and I’m gonna need You
No matter what I’m gonna love you,
no matter what I’m gonna need you,
I know that You can find a way to keep me from the pain but if not, if not, I’ll trust You,
I know that You can find a way to keep me from the pain, but if not, if not, I’ll trust you,
no matter what
no matter what
no matter no matter what
Friday, December 3, 2010
Inflammatory Breast Cancer
Cancer. A word I never really thought would be associated with me. I have inflammatory breast cancer. I've been living with the news for about 6 days now.
I meet with my oncologist tomorrow and will have lots more information then. I will be starting chemo very soon.
Funny, I don't feel sick. I feel normal, just like me. So hard to believe there is an enemy inside of me.
I have cried and cried. I have picture the worse case scenario. I have worried and wept.
I have come down to this. I am going to trust God on this. I can look back and see how he's cared for me, how he's always provided, how he's loved me. He's always had my best interests at heart and I know that hasn't changed.
1 Corinthians 2:9 says this, "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind imagined what God has prepared for those who love him."
My hope is in him. I will praise him in yet another storm.
Here is an awesome song by Matthew West. Click on link to hear it on You Tube. Listen if you get a chance.
http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%253A%252F%252Fwww.youtube.com%252Fwatch%253Fv%253DswKPS9q7rMU&h=fe9a6&ref=nf
I meet with my oncologist tomorrow and will have lots more information then. I will be starting chemo very soon.
Funny, I don't feel sick. I feel normal, just like me. So hard to believe there is an enemy inside of me.
I have cried and cried. I have picture the worse case scenario. I have worried and wept.
I have come down to this. I am going to trust God on this. I can look back and see how he's cared for me, how he's always provided, how he's loved me. He's always had my best interests at heart and I know that hasn't changed.
1 Corinthians 2:9 says this, "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind imagined what God has prepared for those who love him."
My hope is in him. I will praise him in yet another storm.
Here is an awesome song by Matthew West. Click on link to hear it on You Tube. Listen if you get a chance.
http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%253A%252F%252Fwww.youtube.com%252Fwatch%253Fv%253DswKPS9q7rMU&h=fe9a6&ref=nf
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
The C Word...
You wouldn't know how many times I have started a post and just not finished it. Do I have blogger's block? I just can't seem to complete a thought. I think the last time I posted something was the middle of October. So much as happened since then.
Toward the end of October I noticed a lump in my breast - not a small pea size but a whole area that seemed to be hard. I told Dan and he encouraged me to make an appointment with the doctor. I was able to see one that same day. I was given two mamograms and an ultrasound. Nothing of concern appeared in those images. They told me to come back in six months to have it rechecked. After a few days, the hardened area seemed to grow and it became quite painful.
I decided to visit the doctor again. I was given another ultra sound with no conclusion. I was told that I either had a breast infection or inflammatory breast cancer. Doc thought that I had an breast infection so I was prescribed a strong antibiotic. After being on the antibiotic 7 of the 10 days I went back to the doctor because I didn't think there was any change. We talked about it and decided that a biopsy was our next step. The day before Thanksgiving, I went in for my breast biopsy.
I am still waiting for my results. Monday was the day I was suppose to get the results, then Tuesday. Now, tomorrow is suppose to be the day. Yes, it's been stressful. I can't say that I haven't gone through every scenario in my mind and what that will bring to me and my family. I can't say that I haven't felt the cold hand of fear gripping my neck. I can't way that I haven't wondered why.
I CAN say that all of those feelings have been replaced by a surreal sense of peace. When I received the first call yesterday saying that I wouldn't hear Monday but Tuesday and then when I received the second call telling me that I wouldn't hear Tuesday but Wednesday, I felt a bit of frustration but I didn't dwell on it. I had the most awesome time of prayer and time in God's word. The peace really settled in after that. I know that there are people all over this country praying for me. I have had over 100 text messages and numerous calls from friends and family over the past few days. I have felt this incredible love.
It wasn't a mind over matter thing. There is a God and he gives this kind of peace. John 16:33 tells us, "“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” 2 Thessalonians 3:16 says this, "Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.
Let me just say this, I am thankful and feel so blessed no matter what the outcome is tomorrow. I can't believe God has given me an incredible husband whom I love more and more each day. I still am in awe of the four, beautiful children He has allowed me to mother. I can't believe that I live in a country as awesome as the United State of America - as flawed as she may seem at times. I know that God loves me. I know that God is good, all the time. I know that whatever comes tomorrow, God will be with me and he will give me strength.
I will post again when I receive news. Until then, peace to you!
Toward the end of October I noticed a lump in my breast - not a small pea size but a whole area that seemed to be hard. I told Dan and he encouraged me to make an appointment with the doctor. I was able to see one that same day. I was given two mamograms and an ultrasound. Nothing of concern appeared in those images. They told me to come back in six months to have it rechecked. After a few days, the hardened area seemed to grow and it became quite painful.
I decided to visit the doctor again. I was given another ultra sound with no conclusion. I was told that I either had a breast infection or inflammatory breast cancer. Doc thought that I had an breast infection so I was prescribed a strong antibiotic. After being on the antibiotic 7 of the 10 days I went back to the doctor because I didn't think there was any change. We talked about it and decided that a biopsy was our next step. The day before Thanksgiving, I went in for my breast biopsy.
I am still waiting for my results. Monday was the day I was suppose to get the results, then Tuesday. Now, tomorrow is suppose to be the day. Yes, it's been stressful. I can't say that I haven't gone through every scenario in my mind and what that will bring to me and my family. I can't say that I haven't felt the cold hand of fear gripping my neck. I can't way that I haven't wondered why.
I CAN say that all of those feelings have been replaced by a surreal sense of peace. When I received the first call yesterday saying that I wouldn't hear Monday but Tuesday and then when I received the second call telling me that I wouldn't hear Tuesday but Wednesday, I felt a bit of frustration but I didn't dwell on it. I had the most awesome time of prayer and time in God's word. The peace really settled in after that. I know that there are people all over this country praying for me. I have had over 100 text messages and numerous calls from friends and family over the past few days. I have felt this incredible love.
It wasn't a mind over matter thing. There is a God and he gives this kind of peace. John 16:33 tells us, "“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” 2 Thessalonians 3:16 says this, "Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.
Let me just say this, I am thankful and feel so blessed no matter what the outcome is tomorrow. I can't believe God has given me an incredible husband whom I love more and more each day. I still am in awe of the four, beautiful children He has allowed me to mother. I can't believe that I live in a country as awesome as the United State of America - as flawed as she may seem at times. I know that God loves me. I know that God is good, all the time. I know that whatever comes tomorrow, God will be with me and he will give me strength.
I will post again when I receive news. Until then, peace to you!
Saturday, October 16, 2010
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Happy Birthday My Sweet Firstborn!
Today my eldest child turns twelve. It just doesn't seem possible. It seems like I should still have her cuddled up to my breast while I rock and and sing her a lullaby. Time goes so quickly.
Twelve years ago, I think I was trying to catch some sleep after an incredibly hard night of labor. Dan and I had attended classes and had chosen a midwife and natural childbirth. We really wanted what we thought was best for our little one but sometimes we don't get what we want.
We went to the hospital on the 27th and checked in. I was in labor. It didn't take long for it to get ugly! Up until a few weeks before, Shelby had been flip flopping and had finally settled head down. Problem was she faced the wrong way. After spending the whole night in incredible pain because of back labor, I begged my husband to talk to whoever he needed to talk to to get me an epidural. As per our plan, he patted me on the arm and said, "Let's wait a half an hour". I spat back at him, "NO, NOW. GET ME DRUGS NOW!" Within the hour, I had my epidural and I was a much nicer person for awhile. I remember sleep finally coming.
After 1 1/2 hours of pushing, our little Shelby announced HER arrival into the world around 3:30 pm on the 28th. I was sure she was a he. I think both of us were rather surprised.
We drove home with her in the big, green truck. She was so small. Our lives would never be the same again!
Now, she's twelve. Gone are the days of pig tails and training wheels. Gone are the sippy cups and sticky kisses. Gone are the nights she would appear at our bedside with a story of being afraid and then promptly wedge herself between her daddy and I. Gone are the days she would get sick in her daddy's truck or on him even though he was the one who could least stomach it. Gone are her pudgy little fingers and chubby cheeks.
In place of those things a young woman has bloomed! She is such a beauty and I'm not just referring to her outward appearance. She has a good heart. She has a love for her heavenly Father that will lead her in all the right places. She is outgoing and adventurous. She makes friends easily and is a born leader. She is a planner and a great party decorator. She's big sister extraordinaire. She's a bit of a drama queen - ok, a lot of a drama queen. She's God's gift to her daddy and I, that's for sure!
Happy twelfth birthday my dearest daughter. You are such a joy to have around! May God bless your coming year. Love Him more and He will bless you abundantly!
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Yummy Summer Recipe
While I should be posting some great summer pictures, or pictures of my new bed that Dan built, I am going to share a great recipe.
This is from my Taste of Home magazine August/September 2010 issue. I just happened to have Italian sausage links in the freezer and was looking for a recipe to use them in. Here goes:
Fire Island Ziti
2 lbs plum tomatoes halved lengthwise (I used Romas because that's what I have in my garden)
3 Tbsp olive oil, divided
2 garlic cloves
1 tsp salt
8 oz uncooked ziti (I used rigatoni I think)
2 c fresh broccoli florets (I used frozen)
1 lb Italian sausage links, cut into 1/2 inch slices
1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (I was more generous with this as we like heat)
1/3 c grated Romano or Parmesan cheese
Toss tomatoes with 2 Tbsp oil, garlic and salt. Place cut side down in a baking pan. Bake at 450 degrees for 20-25 minutes. Chop when cool enough to handle.
Cook pasta according to directions, adding broccoli during last 4 minutes. Meanwhile, in large skillet over medium heat, cook sausage in remaining oil until no longer pink. Add pepper flakes; cook 1 min longer. Stir in tomatoes and heat through.
Drain pasta/broccoli; toss with sausage mixture. Sprinkle with cheese.
Then, we made this bread to go with the pasta.
Monterey Ranch Bread
Brush split loaf french bread with melted butter; broil until browned. Combine 2 c. shredded monterey jack cheese (didn't have that so I used mozzarella) with 3/4 c ranch dressing. Spread over bread. Bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes or until cheese is melted. Sprinkle with parsley.
I don't know if you've ever gone to the Taste of Home website but it is chock full of super recipes to try. Here's the link:
http://www.tasteofhome.com/
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This is from my Taste of Home magazine August/September 2010 issue. I just happened to have Italian sausage links in the freezer and was looking for a recipe to use them in. Here goes:
Fire Island Ziti
2 lbs plum tomatoes halved lengthwise (I used Romas because that's what I have in my garden)
3 Tbsp olive oil, divided
2 garlic cloves
1 tsp salt
8 oz uncooked ziti (I used rigatoni I think)
2 c fresh broccoli florets (I used frozen)
1 lb Italian sausage links, cut into 1/2 inch slices
1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (I was more generous with this as we like heat)
1/3 c grated Romano or Parmesan cheese
Toss tomatoes with 2 Tbsp oil, garlic and salt. Place cut side down in a baking pan. Bake at 450 degrees for 20-25 minutes. Chop when cool enough to handle.
Cook pasta according to directions, adding broccoli during last 4 minutes. Meanwhile, in large skillet over medium heat, cook sausage in remaining oil until no longer pink. Add pepper flakes; cook 1 min longer. Stir in tomatoes and heat through.
Drain pasta/broccoli; toss with sausage mixture. Sprinkle with cheese.
Then, we made this bread to go with the pasta.
Monterey Ranch Bread
Brush split loaf french bread with melted butter; broil until browned. Combine 2 c. shredded monterey jack cheese (didn't have that so I used mozzarella) with 3/4 c ranch dressing. Spread over bread. Bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes or until cheese is melted. Sprinkle with parsley.
I don't know if you've ever gone to the Taste of Home website but it is chock full of super recipes to try. Here's the link:
http://www.tasteofhome.com/
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I am starting to enjoy the produce from my garden. It's so interesting but my tomato plants have some sort of disease but they are still producing tons of tomatoes. My peppers are not even blooming yet. I have had lettuce and cabbage from the garden. My one squash plant is going crazy and taking over the whole garden.
The funny thing is that last year I didn't plant one thing in the ground, I just left them in their pots on my back deck and I had a bumper crop of tomatoes and peppers. This year, I did the whole nine yards and my tomato plants are sick and my peppers are not blooming. Go figure!
I've been buying quite a bit of stuff at the local farmer's market enjoying sweet corn, beans, zucchini and peppers. I love this time of year!
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Shelby's Team Takes 1st in Tournament
Ball season is over!
The ending came a week ago when Shelby's softball team played in an tournament to end the season. Her team was in first place for the season and they ended up taking 1st place in the tournament by winning all three games they played.
Her tournament was rained out on Saturday so they moved it to Sunday. That was fortunate because we picked up my sister and nephew in Minneapolis Saturday night and they were able to see Shelby play on Sunday.
Here's a blurb in the local newspaper.
http://www.pineandlakes.com/stories/072910/localsports_20100728109.shtml
Good job Shelby!
The ending came a week ago when Shelby's softball team played in an tournament to end the season. Her team was in first place for the season and they ended up taking 1st place in the tournament by winning all three games they played.
Her tournament was rained out on Saturday so they moved it to Sunday. That was fortunate because we picked up my sister and nephew in Minneapolis Saturday night and they were able to see Shelby play on Sunday.
Here's a blurb in the local newspaper.
http://www.pineandlakes.com/stories/072910/localsports_20100728109.shtml
Good job Shelby!
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Happy 7th Birthday!
Can I tell you that motherhood fills me with one of the deepest senses of satisfaction and serenity. Yes, if you know me, you know that I can have some head spinning, Cybil type moments and these wondeful chilluns of mine have made me angrier than I've ever been before.
Mostly, I'm just filled with such a gratefulness that I've had and have the blessing of raising these four incredible human beings. I look at them, hear their voices, watch them with each other and their daddy and I'm in awe. I fully understand that God has picked me to mother them.
Mostly, I'm just filled with such a gratefulness that I've had and have the blessing of raising these four incredible human beings. I look at them, hear their voices, watch them with each other and their daddy and I'm in awe. I fully understand that God has picked me to mother them.
So, I have been going through pictures to do a tribute to the triplets today. They turn 7 and it's so fun to look back and see how they've grown. It's made me misty eyed several times.
In the beginning, the bumpy road that was these three little one's lives was tough to go down. I still get a certain feeling when I see pictures of them in the hospital. I am right back there, listening to the bells and alarms that were a daily part of our lives for four months.
I know that we both had an incredible peace that didn't come from us. Our situation dictated a much different response. God gave us that peace plain and simple. It didn't mean that we didn't have bad days, like the time they dumped a bunch of my breast milk because I hadn't labeled it properly and I sat there and sobbed or when we found out Levi had a hernia and needed an operation or when the days stretched into months and the loneliness was a constant companion, it just meant that the overarching theme of that time was abundant peace.
Just look at them now. They have grown into such interesting, little individuals. They make us smile and laugh daily. They bring sunshine to our lives. Thank you, Abba Father, for bringing them through their rough beginning to an abundant, vibrant life.
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