Mome reads Mommy, My daughter's way to spell it when she was younger... It stuck. My son calls me Mome... just like it looks. I now sign all my notes to them "Love, Mome". It's our inside secret and makes them smile. I always want them to smile.

Thursday, July 31, 2008

What's your favorite seafood dish?

With the Great American Seafood Cook off approaching in New Orleans(August 2-3), I thought I would post MY favorite seafood recipe and encourage others to post their's here as well. I know I could always use a few new recipes. I have to be honest, while I am extremely adventurous in my eating habits, my husband and son are not. The only seafood they will eat is popcorn shrimp, and salmon patties. It's such a shame. My daughter, fortunately, enjoys my enthusiasm, but she's 2, so she may outgrow it. At least I have friends and "other" family that let me experiment for and with them. Okay, here's my recipe...



Beer Mussels

3 lbs live mussels

2 cups beer (I prefer to use Killians, but any will do)

2 chopped onions (white or yellow, medium size)

5 cloves of garlic (chopped)

1 serrano chile (I like it HOT)

8 oz of fresh diced tomatoes

2 tbsp fresh chopped cilantro

Clean the muusels and discard any with broken shells.

Put beer, onions, garlic, chile and tomatoes in a large pot and bring to a boil.

Add mussels, cover, and cook over medium heat for 10 minutes (or until shells open)

Discard any unopened mussels.

Ladel into a bowl and top with fresh cilantro

Enjoy with a nice white wine and a good loaf of bread.



Although I am not A 5 star chef, I truly believe this recipe is worthy. Too bad it is not mine, but one passed down from my Grandmother.

Living in Virginia, I am fortunate to have a wide variety of fresh seafood at my disposal. I am also lucky that my Father in Law goes fishing weekly and is good at sharing! Nothing is better than the blissful taste of fresh, local seafood consumed the day of "catching".

Please comment with your favorite recipe so I can add it to my collection.

Knowing Hubby

So, how long does it take in a relationship before you know the other person better than they know themselves? I don't know when it happened, we've been together 14 years and I swear it really cuts down on arguments, because rather than argue about things he wants to do, I know he usually won't, so I just smile and nod. For instance, it could be my morning to sleep in and him to get up with the kids (I usually get one of these a month) and the night before he'll come up with this great idea to go to church, or to the park, or to his parents or whatever, early, and not allowing me to sleep in. I'll say "sure" and KNOW that there is no way that he is going any further than the couch in the morning. It works well.

So yesterday, he decided that he was going to go back to work today. Since he can't drive, I asked what time he wanted to leave, and asked that he not sleep until it was time for HIM to get ready. I wanted him to get up and help get the kids ready since we would all have to take him to work. Well, he took a nap yesterday afternoon from 1-6 and during that time I realized he WOULD NOT be going to work today. I knew he woud be up all night and be tired. I asked him again before bed what time he wanted to leave and he said 8:20. I smiled on the inside, because I KNEW he wouldn't go. The kids got up at 7:00 and he stayed in bed. He came down at 8:00 and said he was tired and NOT going to work. How is it that I knew this yesterday, and he didn't know until he woke up this morning? I really want to know how this works? Anyone else have the same situation?

Knowing Hubby

So, how long does it take in a relationship before you know the other person better than they know themselves? I don't know when it happened, we've been together 14 years and I swear it really cuts down on arguments, because rather than argue about things he wants to do, I know he usually won't, so I just smile and nod. For instance, it could be my morning to sleep in and him to get up with the kids (I usually get one of these a month) and the night before he'll come up with this great idea to go to church, or to the park, or to his parents or whatever, early, and not allowing me to sleep in. I'll say "sure" and KNOW that there is no way that he is going any further than the couch in the morning. It works well.
So yesterday, he decided that he was going to go back to work today. Since he can't drive, I asked what time he wanted to leave, and asked that he not sleep until it was time for HIM to get ready. I wanted him to get up and help get the kids ready since we would all have to take him to work. Well, he took a nap yesterday afternoon from 1-6 and during that time I realized he WOULD NOT be going to work today. I knew he woud be up all night and be tired. I asked him again before bed what time he wanted to leave and he said 8:20. I smiled on the inside, because I KNEW he wouldn't go. The kids got up at 7:00 and he stayed in bed. He came down at 8:00 and said he was tired and NOT going to work. How is it that I knew this yesterday, and he didn't know until he woke up this morning? I really want to know how this works? Anyone else have the same situation?

Tuesday, July 29, 2008

Hubby took a spill

I’ve been absent for the last couple of days and I apologize. My husband collapsed on Saturday and we’ve been at the hospital since, trying to figure out what happened. He was in our son’s room feeding the fish and just fainted, I guess, he doesn’t remember a thing. Our son found him on the floor and “woke” him up, and then came to tell me that daddy had something red on his face and coming out if his eye. He must’ve crashed into the stand that the fish tank is on, got a nice lump and one stitch to his forehead, and two stitches on his eyelid. He most likely would have been released if he had remembered the incident, but even when I went up and asked if he had fallen or tripped he looked at me blankly and told me no. When I informed him that we were going to have to go to the hospital he wanted to know why and insisted he was fine and just sitting watching the fish. I ended up having our neighbor (Thank you Troy) help me get him downstairs, and we made the decision to call 911, since he was having trouble staying awake.

They have run a battery of tests the last 2 days, mostly heart related, as they assume this is the reason he passed out without warning. All tests have come back without incident, and I’m not sure we’ll ever know what happened or what caused it. For now, though, apparently the Doctor must notify DMV of the “fainting” and Hubby will not be allowed to drive for 6 MONTHS!

We just brought him home from the hospital and just in time for Hunter’s birthday. He’s 5 today, and just glad to have Daddy home, even if his party got “postponed.”

Hubby took a spill

I’ve been absent for the last couple of days and I apologize. My husband collapsed on Saturday and we’ve been at the hospital since, trying to figure out what happened. He was in our son’s room feeding the fish and just fainted, I guess, he doesn’t remember a thing. Our son found him on the floor and “woke” him up, and then came to tell me that daddy had something red on his face and coming out if his eye. He must’ve crashed into the stand that the fish tank is on, got a nice lump and one stitch to his forehead, and two stitches on his eyelid. He most likely would have been released if he had remembered the incident, but even when I went up and asked if he had fallen or tripped he looked at me blankly and told me no. When I informed him that we were going to have to go to the hospital he wanted to know why and insisted he was fine and just sitting watching the fish. I ended up having our neighbor (Thank you Troy) help me get him downstairs, and we made the decision to call 911, since he was having trouble staying awake.
They have run a battery of tests the last 2 days, mostly heart related, as they assume this is the reason he passed out without warning. All tests have come back without incident, and I’m not sure we’ll ever know what happened or what caused it. For now, though, apparently the Doctor must notify DMV of the “fainting” and Hubby will not be allowed to drive for 6 MONTHS!We just brought him home from the hospital and just in time for Hunter’s birthday. He’s 5 today, and just glad to have Daddy home, even if his party got “postponed.”

Friday, July 25, 2008

Why NOT to spank our children
Sureshrani PaintalSureshrani Paintal is Associate Professor, Early Childhood Education, Chicago State University, Chicago, Illinois.
Consequences of Corporal PunishmentAccumulated research supports the theory that corporal punishment is an ineffective discipline strategy with children of all ages and, furthermore, that it is often dangerous. Corporal punishment most often produces in its victims anger, resentment, and low self-esteem. It teaches violence and revenge as solutions to problems, and perpetuates itself, as children imitate what they see adults doing. Research substantiates the following consequences of corporal punishment:
Children whose parents use corporal punishment to control antisocial behavior show more antisocial behavior themselves over a long period of time, regardless of race and socioeconomic status, and regardless of whether the mother provides cognitive stimulation and emotional support (Gunnoe & Mariner, 1997; Kazdin, 1987; Patterson, DeBaryshe, & Ramsey, 1989; Straus, Sugarman, & Giles-Sims, 1997).
A consistent pattern of physical abuse exists that generally starts as corporal punishment, and then gets out of control (Kadushin & Martin, 1981; Straus & Yodanis, 1994).
Adults who were hit as children are more likely to be depressed or violent themselves (Berkowitz, 1993; Strassberg, Dodge, Pettit, & Bates, 1994; Straus, 1994; Straus & Gelles, 1990; Straus & Kantor, 1992).
The more a child is hit, the more likely it is that the child, when an adult, will hit his or her children, spouse, or friends (Julian & McKenry, 1993; Straus, 1991; Straus, 1994; Straus & Gelles, 1990; Straus & Kantor, 1992; Widom, 1989; Wolfe, 1987).
Corporal punishment increases the probability of children assaulting the parent in retaliation, especially as they grow older (Brezina, 1998).
Corporal punishment sends a message to the child that violence is a viable option for solving problems (Straus, Gelles, & Steinmetz, 1980; Straus, Sugarman, & Giles-Sims, 1997).
Corporal punishment is degrading, contributes to feelings of helplessness and humiliation, robs a child of self-worth and self-respect, and can lead to withdrawal or aggression (Sternberg et al., 1993; Straus, 1994).
Corporal punishment erodes trust between a parent and a child, and increases the risk of child abuse; as a discipline measure, it simply does not decrease children's aggressive or delinquent behaviors (Straus, 1994).
Children who get spanked regularly are more likely over time to cheat or lie, be disobedient at school, bully others, and show less remorse for wrongdoing (Straus, Sugarman, & Giles-Sims, 1997).
Corporal punishment adversely affects children's cognitive development. Children who are spanked perform poorly on school tasks compared to other children (Straus & Mathur, 1995; Straus & Paschall, 1998).
Parental corporal punishment is associated with higher levels of immediate compliance and aggression, lower levels of moral internalization and mental health, delinquency and antisocial behavior, quality of parent child relationship, and likelihood of becoming a victim of physical abuse (Gershoff, 2002).

Wine at 5?
Tisdale, Merlot

ChildFoundation.com

Featured Child
Child Foundation Charity

Child Foundation Charity Donate to Children Birth Defects

Samoa's "Miracle" Tina Julie Nanai
Born September 1, 2007, Baby Miracle was not expected to survive for more than a few hours. Her doctors on the island of Apia in Samoa had even decided she should not be fed. Nevertheless her family refused to let her die. Baby Miracle clung to life despite her deformities with the help of her parents who would sneak nourishment to her.

We at the Child Foundation are dedicated to raising funds to help with her medical expenses. With the help of generous donors like you, we are committed to helping Baby Miracle take steps towards the rich and beautiful life that every child deserves.



Child Foundation Charity Mission Statement

ChildFoundation.com Helping children worldwide born with birth defects

Child Foundation Charity a 501 (c) (3) is dedicated to helping children worldwide born with birth defects. CFC is comprised of physicians who donate their services, corporate executives, and volunteers. We raise the necessary funds to help defray hospital expenses that are incurred in treating these precious children. We also provide necessary pre- and post operative follow-up services in connection with their surgeries.

CFC helps give these children a more positive self-image, and the quality of life every child deserves. CFC documents children needing surgery and monitors their progress throughout the healing process via our website.

Donors have the option of directing their donations toward a specific child's care. Donors may also connect with the children by sending e-cards through the website, www.childfoundation.com, during the surgery and recovery period. This will enable the donor to interact with the children and have a positive influence on their lives.



What an amazing Foundation. You can donate to the foundation by check or money order, credit card or PayPal. You can also bid on charity gifts through their e-bay donations page.

Won't you do something to help?

Child Foundation Charity Donate to Children in Need

Thursday, July 24, 2008

Jessie Hall

I've spent the last 3 days reading the blog of a 6 year old little girl who in the span of 10 months, went through more than most of us will in a lifetime.  She was diagnosed with Rasmussen's Encephalitis and recently had the entire right side of her brain removed.  Yes, you read that correctly, the entire right side of her brain.

 

This little girl has brought together an entire community with her smile and spirit, and I could not stop reading her story during all the free moments I had over the last few days.

The disease is awful, the treatment, worse, and yet Jessie and her family have found a way to share their story as well as set up a foundation to help others who have gone through the same procedure. 

It is inspiring, humbling, and an incredible tale of one little girl and all the lives she has touched and will continue to touch as she grows.

Check out Jessie's blog as well  as the Hemi Foundation

Then get yourself to the Pinkalicious Boutique and order a bracelet or shirt to help the Foundation and support Jessie through hercontinuing rehab.

 

Caring is Sharing

Well, in my research today I came across a very interesting website that I felt was somewhat relevant or possibly could be in the future.

While I chose to donate the cord blood from the birth of my 2 children, apparently new research has determined that stem cells collected from menstrual blood may also be the key to treating life threatening diseases, not only in ourselves, but in our parents, siblings, and children as well. Such life threatening diseases as Alzheimers, Osteoporosis, heart disease, strokes, and Parkinsons.

C'elle, a service dedicated to helping women collect the precious stem cells in the privacy of their own home, has come up with a non-invasive method of collecting and preserving these cells each month. These menstrual cells are processed and cryo-preserved (stored at a very low temperature) for potential cellular therapies that may be used in the future. These self-renewing cells one day may even be used for sports medicine or cosmeceutical treatments, such as anti-aging therapies.

For more info check out C'elle Client Testimonial


C'elle is currently running a "Caring is Sharing" promotion where a woman can order C'elle for herself and get a second for free to give to a friend or loved one.

While some may find this controversial, I find it fascinating and encouraging that something this simple could save the life of a loved one some day, or even my own life. If I knew that I could help cure one of my children from a life threatening illness, you can bet that I would NOT think twice about doing anything.

I encourage you to check out the site at http://www.celle.com/ and use promotion code 241 to get the "Sharing is Caring" offer.

C'elle's goal is to empower women to not only take care of their own future health, but the health of those closest to them.

Tuesday, July 22, 2008

The Month of Birthdays!

Wow, so the cul de sac we live in houses 4 kids between the ages of 2 and 8, and 3 of them, one of mine and the 2 others all have July birthdays. We had a bowling birthday on Saturday. We have an Indiana Jones party on Thursday (a friend out of the cul de sac), An Olympic party on Saturday, and our Spiderman/Chuck E Cheese party on Tuesday! Well, at least we get them all out of the way in a week and a half.

Trying to figure out what all these kids want is next to impossible. I like to go with the Discovery experiment kits, but Indiana Jones already has them all. We're venturing into the land of legos for ours. He loves to play with them at school but never asks for them. I could do without 400 pieces of anything.

It's gonna be a busy week so I'll try to get a new "child" up soon. In the meantime, please do what you can for the ones already posted, and spread the word to others.

Thanks

mommyto2

Monday, July 21, 2008

Need Glasses


I'm not sure if it's all the time I'm spending on the internet or just age, but recently I've been getting a little blurry when trying to read for extended periods of time. I can't remember the last time I had my eyes checked, I guess I better add that to my list of things to do.
Interestingly enough, I recently saw, on Fox News, a company, ZenniOptical.com , that sells prescription glasses starting at $8.00. Holy smokes, that is a great deal. I checked out their website and was completely amazed at the styles they have available.
They have a full range of perscription lenses including single vision, bifocals, tinted sunglasses, photochromic, and progressive.
They also have a full variety of frames for adults and children.


These are just 2 of the styles I really like. Since Zenni optical uses only their own unique frames, they can offer glasses so much more affordable then any place I've heard of. I would definately recommend visiting their site.

Betty Crocker?

Okay, so yesterday my darling son was watching TV and came across a commercial for, I believe, a Betty Crocker cake decorating set. Now, while I'm no Betty, I did promise myself that each year I would make the kids cakes, I think I get better each year?



Hunter's 1st was an Elmo cake.

He had a regular chocolate cake for his 2nd.

Thomas for his 3rd!

Lightening McQueen for his 4th.
And this year is (was) supposed to be Spiderman.
Chelsea had brownie ice cream cakes for her 1st,
...And Dora for her 2nd!
Anyway, after watching the commercial, my son asks me if I would like one of the kits. I explained that I already had most of the stuff that was in it. He told me the Betty Crocker one was really easy to use. I explained that often in commercials they say things that may not always be true to try and get you to buy things. I also explained that the "supplies" I had were enough for now, adding "Don't you like the cakes Mommy makes for your birthdays?" He replied, "They taste great, mom, but they don't look as good as those." referring to the ones on TV.
So, should I really spend the time to make his cake...or just buy a nicer looking one? That will be my pondering today.
Wine at 5?
Tisdale, Merlot
A great wine I stumbled across for $3 a bottle!

Sunday, July 20, 2008

Caiden Webb

Langerhans cell histiocytosis
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis (LCH) is a rare disease involving clonal proliferation of langerhans cells, abnormal cells deriving from bone marrow and capable of migrating from skin to lymph nodes. Clinically, its manifestations range from isolated bone lesions to multisystemic disease.
The disease is part of a group of clinical syndromes called histiocytoses, which are characterized by an abnormal proliferation of histiocytes (an archaic term for dendritic cells and macrophages). These diseases are related to other forms of abnormal proliferation of white blood cells, such as leukemias and lymphomas.
Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis used to be called histiocytosis X, until it was renamed in 1985 by the Histiocyte society.

Hello Everyone!! Welcome to the site for our Miracle Baby Caiden Webb
He is a miracle baby in every sense of the word....he has had a difficult start, from being growth restricted in the womb, to dealing with the rare disorder, Langerhan Cells Histiocitosis after birth. God has blessed us, despite all of these obstacles!
My husband and I welcomed our first child, Caiden, on August 30th, 2006. He was a preemie born just about a month early weighing only 4lbs at birth. I had a very difficult pregnancy which required me to be on bedrest for 6 months! Caiden was growth restricted as a result of my complications during pregnancy.
Caiden spent a few days in the NICU but he was a fighter from the start and he was discharged with me from the hospital. I also spent sometime in the ICU.
In December of 2006, Caiden was diagnosed with Langerhan Cells Histiocitosis after having a biopsy sent to the lab because he had a mysterious rash that refused to go away.
After seeing a hemotologist/oncologist, and following several tests, we were told that Caiden's LCH was localized to the skin, but that he would require monitoring every month and testing every three months. Caiden's LCH still seems to bother him from time to time and we often have to take him to the Doctor for medications to relieve the itching and irritation caused by the LCH.
Caiden is now 10 months old and he is still pretty small, he weighs 17lbs 5 oz, but the Doctor's say that he will catch up.
God has truly watched over us during this past year which has been an extremely difficult one for us. We are blessed with a WONDERFUL family and Caiden is surrounded by so much love!
At times I become sad because it hurts me that Caiden has gone through so much, even in the womb!!!! but I have to thank God because Caiden is a miracle baby in every sense of the word!
He was delivered via C-Section, and the umbilical cord was wrapped around his neck three times!!....he is definitely a fighter and I thank God for our precious miracle baby
Won't you check out Caidens page and do whatever you can to help?

Thursday, July 17, 2008

Rough Day.

I shouldn't even be able to say that...Rough day. What do I know about a rough day.
I recently changed direction on another blog of mine. It started as a documentation of a website I was trying to create, and mid stream, I found a more deserving cause (of my time). I recently started Because Someone Cares, and it is about kids in need. I've come across stories of some pretty courageous kids and their families. My goal is to find one story per day and to post about the illness or tragedy that has put these children in their current positions in life and the people who support and take care of them. It is very heartbreaking to read about these precious children and their families.
The blog is new, and the early posts are still about the previously mentioned website, but I felt I needed to do something to help these children. Fatal illnesses affect us all, and while I'm not insensitive to the adult illnesses, (My mother passed away from M.S. and my step mother is aflected with it as well) as a Mother, I know that I pray to God daily, that if he has any tragedies in store for my children, he rethink it, and give them to me. I'm sure the Mothers of these children would take the illness on themselves if they could, so I will focus on the children.

My "rough day" is just due to being tired and not having the patience I should with my children. They were tired as well, I knew this, I need to watch what I say, I need to be more creative in getting their help in picking up and NOT creating more messes. I need to spend more time with them doing things and not just "in the room" on the computer or on the phone.

Wine at 5?
Angove's, Nine Vines
94%Shiraz, 6%Viognier

Addi and Cassi

In my research today I came across the most adorable twins with a rare illness, NPC. It's called "Pediatric Alzheimers" and these girls and their family have endured so much. I am going to be making curecaps for their fundraising efforts and encourage you to take a look at their story and their website and see what you can do to help.
Child Alzheimer's? Disease Attacks Twins' Minds
Addison and Cassidy Hempel Were Diagnosed With NPC at Age 2
By CATHY BECKER and IMAEYEN IBANGAMay 1, 2008
Twin 4-year-old girls Addison and Cassidy Hempel are similar to their contemporaries in many ways: They love nursery rhymes; "Humpty Dumpty" is the family favorite; they go to school and play house.
(Watch the video)
But the identical siblings differ from other children in one major way. The girls' world of childhood fantasy is haunted by a heartbreaking reality that they are fighting a disease that seeks to steal their memories.
Like a pediatric version of Alzheimer's disease, Niemann-Pick Disease Type C (NPC), from which the girls suffer, causes patients to slowly lose their motor skills and then their minds. Rarely do children with NPC live past their teenage years.
In fact, the National Niemann-Pick Disease Foundation says NPC always is fatal and the vast majority of children die before age 20 -- with many not making it to the age of 10.
"You can't tell your kids they're dying," said a sobbing Chris Hempel, Addison's and Cassidy's mother. "They'll never know."
The disease stems from a genetic mutation that causes cholesterol to build up in the body, according to the National Niemann-Pick Disease Foundation.

Niemann-Pick Disease stems from a genetic mutation that causes cholesterol to build up in the body, including in the liver, spleen and brain.(Getty)
NPC patients are unable to metabolize the cholesterol properly within their cells so the excessive amounts accumulate within the liver, spleen and brain.
The illness is so rare that only about 500 cases have been diagnosed worldwide, according to foundation.
Even with the grim news, the Hempels refuse to give up hope. In fact, Chris Hempel has become a self-described "medical detective," searching for any tidbit of information that could help her family.
"We have this death sentence hanging over us, but we want to do something about it," she said. "I'm just turning over every stone. It's like a forensic expedition is really what it's like. You're on this expedition for your children. Get other people to get a fresh look. See if they can solve it."
Chris and Hugh started a Web site about their girls and also began talking with other parents to compare notes with researchers. Addison and Cassidy even had their brains scanned by Alzheimer's experts, all in the hope someone would be able to help them.
"It's a fundamental belief we have that scientists working on neurodegenerative diseases can learn from each other," Hugh Hempel said.

Religious Beliefs

So the kids are 3 days in to VBS. They are staying up way later than they should, but it's one week and it makes the in laws very happy to take them. I, as I mentioned, was raised Jewish, and really never felt a strong calling to continue going to services once I was no longer "forced" to go by my parents. My husband and In laws are Southern Baptist and take their faith very seriously. I personally have issues with organized religion but feel it is important for my children to make their own decisions.
I believe in God, and do not think that he would prefer one religion over another. The God I believe in, loves us all no matter what Religion we are.
It is a hard subject to discuss with people as we all have our different beliefs and levels of faith. I think we should all do what is right for "us" and refrain from judging others who may have different beliefs.

Tuesday, July 15, 2008

Vacation Bible School

So, the kids have VBS this week. Mima and Papa pick them up at 6pm and bring them home at 9pm. seems kinda late for my 2 and 4 year old that usually are asleep by this time, but after last night, 3 hours of alone time with hubby, adult tv, and no interruptions, I'm all for it!
I was discussing this with a lifelong girlfriend of mine who was confused, I was raised Jewish and she didn't understand how I could let my children go to VBS. It brought up some good points that I will discuss tomorrow, as I really want to enjoy the alone time now (with Hubby).

Wine at 5:
Pillar Red Box
A nice Australian blend I am really enjoying, thanks to my parents and the World Market gift card they sent at Christmas.

Great site.

So, I was doing some blog hopping this morning, as I always do, and I came across Mom on a Mission. Wow, I wish I could be this organized. This woman is involved in several charities like Kiva and Heifer International and is a regular user of freecycle. I'm lucky if I get the bag of clothes for the AMVETS out to the curb each month. She's raising two children and really has her act together. I'll be checking in on her blog regularly to remind myself how much more I should be doing. It has inspired me to do a little more to get my kids involved in the recycling process we have at home, as well as getting them involved in some local charity events. We currently are signed up for the Memory walk to support Alzheimer's in October, but we really need to do more.
Check out Stac's blog and her charities. It really is worth your time.

Monday, July 14, 2008

Gwen for a Cure

Another heartbreaking story of a little girl suffering from P.A.
WHAT EXACTLY IS PA?
Propionic Acidemia is a rare disorder that is inherited from both parents. Neither parent shows symptoms, but both carry a defective gene responsible for this disease. It takes two faulty genes to cause PA, so there is a 1 in 4 chance for these parents to have a child with PA.
Individuals with PA can not break down parts of protein and some types of fat due to a non-functioning enzyme called PCC. Without the enzyme propionyl CoA carboxylase, four essential amino acids in protein (isoleucine, valine, threonine, and methionine) are only partially processed. Too much protien causes propionic acid to build-up in the bloodstream. This in turn causes a build-up of dangerous acids and toxins, which can cause damage to the person’s organs. In many cases, PA can damage the brain, heart, and liver, cause seizures, and delays to normal development like walking and talking. During times of illness the affected person may need to be hospitalized to prevent breakdown of proteins within his/her body. Each meal presents a challenge to those with PA. If not constantly monitored, the effects would be devastating. Dietary needs must be closely managed by a metabolic geneticist or metabolic dietician.
Hi, my name is Gwen. I'm 28 months old. Even though I've been admitted to Children's Hospital at least 40 times, I'm a very happy girl & love almost everything in life. Some of my current favorite phrases are: Change dipey (diaper)* I go bye bye * Go Bucks! * Doggie! * I love Barney. I weigh 36 pounds & I'm 36 inches tall. Since January 2007 I've been fed 100% by an enteral feeding pump because I refuse to eat anything by mouth. I've had a j-tube since Aug 2007 that takes my food straight to my intestines (less vomiting), so I wear a backpack to carry my pump & food. Occasionally, I like to drink a sip of water. I can walk quite well, but I'm still heavy on my feet. I'm an expert at climbing. When I'm well, I have a lot of energy! I know I'm super cute, but what I don't yet know is that I'm very brave, I have an endless capacity to forgive, I have an amazing will to live, & I have a beautiful spirit from God that's touched the lives of hundreds.

Saturday, July 12, 2008

St. Jude

St. Judes is a wonderful hospital that fully treats patients without expecting payment, or at least not more than the family can pay. It costs over 1 million dollars a day to run the facility. Please read Vivian's story and figure out what you can do to help. A prayer, or a kind thought. would go a long way.
Girl, interrupted(copied from the St.Jude website)
Within moments of meeting 13-year-old St. Jude patient Vivian Laws, you’re struck by how determined she is. She doesn’t get grossed out at the sometimes gory medical procedures designed to cure her osteosarcoma, a type of bone cancer. She even jokes about her scab collection, wresting humor from pathos.
But she does have one fear that may surprise you: Forgetting. She wants to remember every bit of her cancer recovery, even the bad stuff.
“People say to me, ‘Believe it or not, you’re not going to remember all of this pain,’” said Vivian. “I’ll be like, ‘Ah, I find that hard to believe,’ but really when you think about it, sometimes things get lost and you don’t remember them.”
She keeps a scrapbook to nudge her memory.
“After I was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, I said, ‘It might be a good idea for me to do a scrapbook because I have a bunch of pictures and everything, and when I grow up, I’ll want to remember this time.’ So my mom got the scrapbook.”
The book gets thicker by the week.
When creating a scrapbook of your battle against cancer, where on earth do you start? Vivian chose the period right before she got her diagnosis, when the cancer was growing in her leg, only she didn’t know it yet.
One page spread is devoted to photos of family vacations from the weeks before her diagnosis. Whether she’s riding a horse or clowning with her two brothers and two sisters, she wears a huge grin. She points to a photo that shows her riding on a roller coaster. “My eyes were closed on this ride the whole time,” said Vivian, “but if I had it to do over again, I would have them open. I want to tell myself, ‘You need to see everything.’” Looking at these photos now, Vivian feels something akin to a sixth sense.
“I look at my leg in these pictures, and I’m like, ‘I know what’s brewing in there,’” said Vivian.
One page is titled, “Hair today, gone tomorrow,” in colorful font. The page chronicles Vivian’s hair loss after she started chemotherapy. It includes photos of Vivian with long auburn hair from her modeling days, as well as photos of Vivian with a mid-length bob, her in-between style as she worked up the courage to get a buzz cut.
“The day after I got it cut into a bob, I was losing my hair fast,” said Vivian. “The whole middle part was practically bald, but the sides were still long. It looked like a backwards Mohawk. The hair had to go. So the next day, I got it buzzed.”
She runs her fingers over the scrapbook page – over the photo of her wearing a wig, and over the photo that shows her bald, like she looks today.
“I can actually remember what every picture is and what I’m doing,” said Vivian. “Scrapbooks help you remember things you might otherwise forget.”
Her journey with cancer hasn’t always been easy. Her first chemotherapy treatment left her with hot flashes. She hurt so bad, she screamed that her head felt like it was on fire.
“I’d like to go back in time to when this picture was taken and hug myself and say, ‘It’s OK. You’re going to be OK,’” said Vivian.
Vivian draws strength from her family. After all, it was her mother who assured her she would still look feminine, even after she lost her hair. It was her sister who lay with her in the hospital bed and hugged her tight during Vivian’s first round of chemotherapy. In the photo, Vivian looks happy, but so tired.
After months of chemotherapy, Vivian had her limb-sparing procedure. The chunk of bone with the tumor was cut out and replaced with a metal rod. She still walks with a brace, and the scab that formed over the wound from the procedure is so large that removing it will require its own separate surgery. The continuing chemotherapy and physical therapy have been grueling, but she’s doing well.
Vivian flips the page in her scrapbook and points to a series of pictures. “This is my wound care nurse at St. Jude,” said Vivian. “She’s awesome. She does everything. This is her taking out the drain that was in my leg. It went down really far. This picture was taken at the beginning of the procedure, and you can see how my face changes in each shot – inch by inch. This is me finally when she’s through. Look how relieved I look.”
Many of the scrapbook pages have themes, like the one that shows her baby pictures, the one that displays the first get-well cards she received from family and friends, and the one devoted to autographs from some of the hospital’s famous visitors, like Miley Cyrus. “I got to spend time with Miley in the Teen Room,” said Vivian. “My picture of her with her autograph is my prized possession.”
Other pages are more of a hodge podge, befitting a life jam-packed with activity.
“That’s me when I won Miss Photogenic or something,” said Vivian, explaining the different pictures that share this particular page. “That’s me practicing for a lip synching contest. That’s me at a family reunion, and I found a snake, and I was like, ‘Look at this snake!’ And they were like, ‘Ah!’”
Staying upbeat can be tough when you have cancer. Vivian’s choice to be positive is just that: a choice. She takes a disciplined approach to her own recovery. She keeps up with the physical therapy, sure, but she works equally hard to keep her head on straight. Maintaining her scrapbook helps. It reminds her of the good times, her accomplishments and just how far she’s come.
“You want to remember where you were and the progress you made,” said Vivian. “The scrapbook can show you how far you’ve gotten. My kids will know what St. Jude looks like and where their mom’s second home was.”
And that’s what’s so great about Vivian’s scrapbook: It catalogs a rich past, but at the same time, it’s filled with so much hope for the future.
Vivian has had fun today, but now it’s time to go, and she waves goodbye and heads outside with her dad. After all, this girl’s got places to go and people to see, and a whole full life to lead.

Childhood memories

I often wonder what my children will remember of their life so far, or if they will remember anything (they are 2 and 4 after all) when they are grown. I know for me, my earliest childhood memory was a dinner of ravioli with my brothers. I was 5, my older brother would have been 7 or 8 (I don't know what month or even what season it was) and my little brother would have been 4. We were eating our ravioli as we listened to the all familiar sounds of our parents arguing upstairs. Then it was quiet for what seemed like a long time. We were all called upstairs. and Mom and Dad were sitting on the bed, and next to Dad was a suitcase. Yep, they were calling it quits, and called us up to inform us that Dad was moving out.
While I wish I had earlier memories of all of us together, I just don't. I do however, take comfort in knowing that maybe some of the mistakes I've made with my own children (yelling, losing my patience, more yelling) will NOT be remembered. I try every day to be patient and understanding and know that since my son will be 5 in a couple weeks, I need to step up my game. We have had lots of fun times together and those are the times I want them to remember, not Mommy losing her temper and raising her voice.

I need Pictures

So, I was just web surfing (does anyone watch Miss Spider? Now that's some web surfing) and came across some beautiful pictures on http://www.photogb-log.com/. Now, I like to take pictures, but don't really get to take the beautiful scenic pictures on this site. I'm mainly the "take a million pictures of the kids" type. The site did make me realize that I needed to get some pics on this blog. I'll share one of my favorites of my son from about 2 years ago.


He was actually hanging off the couch, like little kids do, and I just love the twinkle in his eye. I'll have to get more pics up to humanize my blog. Thanks again to Pho-Tog B-log for sharing her beautiful pics and giving me the idea to post my own.

Gymnastics?

So my darling little girl and I will start our Mommy and Me gymnastics class this morning. I'm not sure what I was thinking when I signed us up. Apparently, I wasn't. Hunter took a class in the Spring and I tried to get her in a dance class at the same time, but the class was full. So when I signed Hunter up for the summer gymnastics class, I did it on the first day of registration and knew I would get Chelsea into her dance class...WRONG. I guess the dance instructor takes the summer off. So, I'm mentally preparing myself for our class. It should be fun. She's 2, so it can't be that strenuous. I consider myself in decent shape for my age, but in no way can I compete with the flexibility of 2 year olds.
Later tonight I have Moms night out with the girls. We're having sushi and other Asian fair and we'll be playing games. Gotta remember to pick up some Sake on the way home from gymnastics.

Sake at Five?

Friday, July 11, 2008

Smart Woman

A woman and a man are involved in a car accident on a snowy, cold Monday morning; it's a bad one.
Both of their cars are totally demolished but amazingly neither of them are hurt. God works in mysterious ways.
After they crawl out of their cars, the man is yelling about women drivers; the woman says, "So you're a man. That's interesting. I'm a woman. Wow, just look at our cars! There's nothing left, but we're unhurt. This must be a sign from God that we should meet and be friends and live together in peace for the rest of our days".
Flattered, the man replies, "Oh yes, I agree with you completely, this must be a sign from God! But your still at fault…women shouldn't be allowed to drive."
The woman continues, "And look at this, here's another miracle. My car is completely demolished but this bottle of wine didn't break. Surely God wants us to drink this wine and celebrate our good fortune."
Then she hands the bottle to the man. The man nods his head in agreement, opens it and drinks half the bottle and then hands it back to the woman. The woman takes the bottle and immediately puts the cork back on, and hands it back to the man. The man asks, "Aren't you having any?"
The woman replies, "No. I think I'll just wait for the police…."
MORAL OF THE STORY:
Women are clever, evil bitches.Don't mess with us.

Just another Friday

We're at home. The kids and I and another little girl I watch on Fridays while her Mom goes to work. Sometimes I think I should be working, but I'm just not motivated to leave my kids with someone else.
I went back to work after my first was born, and my MIL watched him. That worked for 13 months until my FIL had his third heart attack and we all the sudden needed to put Hunter in day care. He was there for 9 weeks and miserable the whole time. That's when I decided that I would rather be in debt, live in a shoebox, whatever, I just couldn't let my baby suffer. I stopped working and cut our income by more than half.
Now we have 2 precious babies and I try to do anything I can to make a little extra money (watching this little girl on Fridays) and try to stretch our money as much as I can.
I figure one more year, and then I can put Chelsea in preschool with an after care program, and Hunter will be in school all day. I just have no idea what I want to do.
I was a restaurant manager for 17 years and that is just NOT an option. The hours are not conducive to family life, at least not for me. Maybe a bank? I don't know. I guess I better add that to my list of things to do.

Wednesday, July 9, 2008

Got a late start

More like wine at 5:45.
My son had a friend over all day and he just wears me out. Always needs something, and is not only impatient, but tattles about everything. I can be sitting in the room and someone accidentally kicks a pillow to the floor and he's telling me about it. It drives me nuts. But my son likes his company, so I tolerate him. He is 2 years older than my soon to be 5 year old and it will be nice in the Fall when Hunter will have the chance to make more friends his age. He is standing up to him more and more, and not tolerating his bossiness, it's great to see him grow more confident but I feel bad for his friend. Enough, it's an old subject.
Today I was pretty unproductive. Sat in my "office" (Chair in the corner of the living room) on the computer most the day. I'm in the midst of "trying" to develop a website, but have lost momentum and honestly have no idea what I'm doing. I have an idea, and am studying the concept of web development, so it's going to be a long process. I'm learning a lot, so it's good for my brain, I just get distracted and lose interest from time to time.
Time to get dinner on the table.
Have a glass of wine on me.
Today's wine: Barefoot, Shiraz

First Post

A new blog.
I have an account with Bravenet and had set up a personal blog, then I changed it to a business blog, completely deleting the first, thinking my life really wasn't all that exciting anyway. Now I miss the personal posts. I actually enjoyed venting and sharing, usually just with myself things that were going on.
So, here I am setting up another blog, just for me, and anyone who wants to join in. I love my wine at 5 and sometimes post after a glass or two, so I apologize in advance for any ramblings. I hope you can connect with some of the things I find enjoyable, interesting, funny and will check back often and leave me some feedback.