And now....Sawyer!
Monday, September 26, 2011
Introducing...Sawyer!
Tonight was a very special night...Sawyer and I finally got to meet in person! He is tiny prefection. He has long skinny fingers and cute little feet. He is getting oxygen through tubes in his nose right now and the amount of oxygen he needs is slowly decreasing. The next steps include Sawyer getting strong enough to breathe without extra oxygen and eating through his mouth. Let's pray for these next steps in his recovery.
And now....Sawyer!
And now....Sawyer!
Saturday, September 24, 2011
Sawyer update and a game day treat!
More good news on baby Sawyer! He had surgery on Friday and it was a huge success. The hernia was able to be easily repaired with minimal bleeding. The doctors said his lungs look great and anticipate they will fully inflate now that they have the room to. Sawyer's bowels had moved around because of the hernia and once they settle back into place, he will be able to start eating. The plan is for Sawyer to go home within the next two weeks! The power of prayer is amazing and I know Sawyer and his family are so grateful for all of the prayers that have been said. Let's keep praying for Sawyer's complete recovery and that he goes home soon!
In celebration of Sawyer, the fighter, a fun tailgating treat! I am re-naming these to...Sawyer Snacks! The original recipe came from Taste of Home...but I used sausage instead of beef....because sausage is for fighters...like Sawyer!
Sawyer Snacks
1 lb ground sausage
1 can green chilis
8 oz cream cheese
cumin and chili powder to taste
3 cans crescent rolls
Combine sausage and green chilis and cook until sausage is done. Add cream cheese and stir until melted. Add seasoning to taste. Seperate cresecent rolls into triangles. Place a heaping tbsp of mixture in each triangle and roll up, sealing the seams. bake at 375 for 14 minutes or until golden. Enjoy!
In celebration of Sawyer, the fighter, a fun tailgating treat! I am re-naming these to...Sawyer Snacks! The original recipe came from Taste of Home...but I used sausage instead of beef....because sausage is for fighters...like Sawyer!
Sawyer Snacks
1 lb ground sausage
1 can green chilis
8 oz cream cheese
cumin and chili powder to taste
3 cans crescent rolls
Combine sausage and green chilis and cook until sausage is done. Add cream cheese and stir until melted. Add seasoning to taste. Seperate cresecent rolls into triangles. Place a heaping tbsp of mixture in each triangle and roll up, sealing the seams. bake at 375 for 14 minutes or until golden. Enjoy!
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
A sweet treat...
In celebration of good news for Sawyer...a fabulous dessert recipe! I found this one on Pinterest, aka my obsession. Be warned...this recipe is very rich and makes a boatload of trifle. I recommend either inviting over 30 people to help eat this, or cut back on ingredients:)
This recipe came from Taste of Home...Peanut Butter Brownie Trifle!
1 box fudge brownie mix
1 package (10 ounces) peanut butter chips
2 packages (13 ounces each) miniature peanut butter cups cut in half
4 cups cold milk
2 packages (5.1 ounces each) instant vanilla pudding mix
1 cup creamy peanut butter
4 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cartons (8 ounces each) frozen whipped topping, thawed
Prepare brownie mix according to package. Stir in peanut butter chips. Bake until done. Once cool, cut into small pieces.
Combine milk and pudding mix and whisk for approx 2 minutes. Let sit until soft set. Fold in peanut butter, vanilla, and 1 1/2 cartons whipped topping.
Now, we are ready to assemble! Start with a layer of brownie. Top with peanut butter cups...then add your pudding mixture. Repeat until ingredients are gone. Top off with remaining whipped topping and peanut butter cups. Enjoy!
This recipe came from Taste of Home...Peanut Butter Brownie Trifle!
1 box fudge brownie mix
1 package (10 ounces) peanut butter chips
2 packages (13 ounces each) miniature peanut butter cups cut in half
4 cups cold milk
2 packages (5.1 ounces each) instant vanilla pudding mix
1 cup creamy peanut butter
4 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cartons (8 ounces each) frozen whipped topping, thawed
Prepare brownie mix according to package. Stir in peanut butter chips. Bake until done. Once cool, cut into small pieces.
Combine milk and pudding mix and whisk for approx 2 minutes. Let sit until soft set. Fold in peanut butter, vanilla, and 1 1/2 cartons whipped topping.
Now, we are ready to assemble! Start with a layer of brownie. Top with peanut butter cups...then add your pudding mixture. Repeat until ingredients are gone. Top off with remaining whipped topping and peanut butter cups. Enjoy!
Baby Sawyer Update!
God is good! Sawyer has a diagnosis and treatment plan. He has a diaphragmatic hernia which will be repaired with surgery on Friday at 1. Because of this hernia, one of Sawyer's lungs was being compressed. The doctors feel that Sawyer's lungs ARE fully developed at this time...which is excellent news. They will know more once they do the surgery, but they are very hopeful. Sawyer was intubated this afternoon to give him a break. He has been working very hard to breathe with one lung being compromised, and intubation gives him more support and a chance to rest before his surgery.
I was able to spend some time with Sawyer's mommy this afternoon. She is so grateful for all the prayers and knows they are working! Please keep the prayers going for Sawyer and his doctors. Also remember Sawyer's mommy and daddy and family members and all the friends he has who can't wait to meet him!
I was able to spend some time with Sawyer's mommy this afternoon. She is so grateful for all the prayers and knows they are working! Please keep the prayers going for Sawyer and his doctors. Also remember Sawyer's mommy and daddy and family members and all the friends he has who can't wait to meet him!
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Pray for Sawyer
A good friend of mine gave birth to a beautiful baby boy today. Once Sawyer was born, the doctor's discovered that he had an undeveloped lung. Sawyer is now at a local children's hospital and my friend is still in the hospital she gave birth in. I ask that everyone say a prayer for Sawyer, his lungs, and the doctor's caring for him. Also pray for my friend..that she has comfort and strength during this difficult time. As I have updates on baby Sawyer, I will post them.
Thanks for your prayers!
Thanks for your prayers!
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Dementia Awareness
When I typed this post up the first time, it was long and angry. It didn't make me feel better to go on the rant like I thought it would. So I thought about what it was that really upset me...for a few hours. Then, I deleted everything I had typed and started over. Hopefully, I am able to make my message clear.
Earlier this week, Pat Robertson, television evangelist, made a comment about Alzheimer's that did not sit well with me. He was asked by a viewer his opinion on a man choosing to date someone new after his wife was diagnosed with Alzheimer's. Pat Robertson's response was "I know it sounds cruel, but he should divorce her and start all over again, just make sure she has custodial care." When asked about marriage vows which include "for better or for worse, in sickness and in health," Pat said “Alzheimer's is a kind of death.”
I am so blessed to be able to work with amazing individuals who have a dementia diagnosis. Alzheimer's is one of many forms of dementia. It is a cruel disease. I see firsthand everyday the heartbreak experienced by the spouses, children, and friends of individuals with dementia. If a man or woman makes the decision to marry again after a spouse is taken by this disease, it is not my place or anyone else's to judge them for that. No one knows the heartbreak of this disease like a spouse. What broke my heart about Pat Robertson's response is his lack of knowledge about this disease and his comparison of Alzheimer's to death.
A person stricken with dementia may forget people's names and faces. They may forget how to brush their teeth or chew food. They will need constant supervision to ensure their safety. One thing they never lose, however, is the ability to feel emotion. Just like an infant, they still feel love and warmth and compassion. They can also feel resentment, frustration, anger, etc. In my line of work, I get to show love and compassion to individuals with dementia every day. It is an amazing privelage that I never take for granted. Dementia is becoming more prevalent every day and the chances of developing some form of it myself are very high. I hope that if I ever find myself in that position, that I will be surrounded by people who take care of my emotional needs.
Dementia care is something I have become very passionate about. I could go on much longer...but I don't want to take away from the main message. Alzheimer's, or any form of dementia, is not death. Death is death, that definition is pretty clear. Someone with Alzherimer's has the ability to feel love until the very end...and they deserve to feel that love. That is all...for now:)
Earlier this week, Pat Robertson, television evangelist, made a comment about Alzheimer's that did not sit well with me. He was asked by a viewer his opinion on a man choosing to date someone new after his wife was diagnosed with Alzheimer's. Pat Robertson's response was "I know it sounds cruel, but he should divorce her and start all over again, just make sure she has custodial care." When asked about marriage vows which include "for better or for worse, in sickness and in health," Pat said “Alzheimer's is a kind of death.”
I am so blessed to be able to work with amazing individuals who have a dementia diagnosis. Alzheimer's is one of many forms of dementia. It is a cruel disease. I see firsthand everyday the heartbreak experienced by the spouses, children, and friends of individuals with dementia. If a man or woman makes the decision to marry again after a spouse is taken by this disease, it is not my place or anyone else's to judge them for that. No one knows the heartbreak of this disease like a spouse. What broke my heart about Pat Robertson's response is his lack of knowledge about this disease and his comparison of Alzheimer's to death.
A person stricken with dementia may forget people's names and faces. They may forget how to brush their teeth or chew food. They will need constant supervision to ensure their safety. One thing they never lose, however, is the ability to feel emotion. Just like an infant, they still feel love and warmth and compassion. They can also feel resentment, frustration, anger, etc. In my line of work, I get to show love and compassion to individuals with dementia every day. It is an amazing privelage that I never take for granted. Dementia is becoming more prevalent every day and the chances of developing some form of it myself are very high. I hope that if I ever find myself in that position, that I will be surrounded by people who take care of my emotional needs.
Dementia care is something I have become very passionate about. I could go on much longer...but I don't want to take away from the main message. Alzheimer's, or any form of dementia, is not death. Death is death, that definition is pretty clear. Someone with Alzherimer's has the ability to feel love until the very end...and they deserve to feel that love. That is all...for now:)
Saturday, September 10, 2011
ahhh...organization
I recently joined Plum District...a website full of great deals for moms. My first purchase from the website was a coupon for Erin Condren...a website full of beautiful planners, stationary, gift lables, calling cards, and so much more. I used my coupon to get a Life Planner...and it arrived today! I am so excited to dive in and start filling it out. I chose the design that includes a personal photo on the front cover. Everyone knows I can't get enough of Hayes's sweet face. I love everything about this planner....the layout, color scheme, font. My planner also came with some fun goodies...personalized gift labels! I am so happy with Erin Condren's customer service and my finished product. Everyone should check her products out!
Bloomin' Onion Bread
I found this recipe on Pinterest...my newest obsession. This recipe came from a cute blog.."The Girl Who Ate Everything." It was easy to assemble, smelled heavenly baking, and tastes yummy!
Bloomin' Onion Bread
1 loaf sourdough bread
Monterey Jack Cheese slices (I used Colby Jack)
1/2 cup butter, melted
1/2 cup green onions
2 tsp poppyseeds
Slice the sourdough bread lengthwise and widthwise, but don't cut all the way through the bottom. Transfer the bread onto a foil lined baking sheet. Place cheese slices in between cuts. Mix butter, green onions, and poppyseeds. Drizzle over bread and cheese. Cover with foil and back at 350 for 15 minutes. Uncover and bake additional 10 minutes. Enjoy!
Tailgating Fun!
It's the most wonderful time of the year. College football season is here! Ryan and I decided to host Hayes's first tailgating party this year. Ryan and I share a love for college football and thought it was only fitting to break Hayes in to the excitement of football season. We shared the day with family and friends and had so much fun! We attempted to take pictures of Hayes and Landen...again. Maybe one day we will get a cute picture of the two of them together. This will do for now!
They were dressed in coordinating outfits. It wasn't planned, but they looked pretty cute together.
And the important part...the menu! Lunch was simple, sandwiches and fresh potato salad. Fun appetizers included corn dip, man dip, cheese ball, sliders, and veggies. For supper, BBQ shredded chicken, jambalaya, and asian noodle salad.
Recipe Time!
Corn Dip...this is always a party favorite and super easy to whip up!
2 cans MexiCorn
1 can chopped green chilis
1 cup sour cream
1 cup mayo
1 cup shredded cheese
Mix all ingredients together. Chill for a few hours. Add seasoning if desired. Done!
Man Dip...beware, you will become addicted.
2 blocks cream cheese
2 cans Rotel
1 lb ground sausage (spicy if you prefer)
Brown sausage and throw in a crock pot with rest of ingredients. Turn on low for a couple of hours until cheese melts. Stir...and try not to eat it all at once.
Shredded BBQ Chicken...so easy, it's ridiculous.
Your favorite bottle of BBQ sauce
Chicken Breasts
Throw chicken and sauce in a crock pot and cook on low for 8 hours. Shred chicken with a fork. It tastes good on sandwiches, baked potatoes, or just by itself.
Jambalaya....Southern goodness!
This recipe is a combination of so many other recipes with my own personal preferences thrown in.
2 bell peppers
1 whole onion
10 stalks celery
oil
1 lb spicy sausage
2 lbs shrimp
3 cups medium grain rice, dry
6 cups water
green onions
salt, cayenne pepper, Tony's to taste
Chop up your veggies and saute them in oil in a large cast iron skillet until tender. Add sausage and cook until done. Add shrimp and cook until done. Season with salt, cayenne, and Tony's to taste. You can use any combination of meats that you wish. Once the shrimp are pink, add 3 cups medium grain rice. I prefer using medium grain over long grain rice. Medium grain rice makes the mixture more moist...and wonderful. Add 6 cups water and bring mixture to a boil. Cover, reduce heat to medium, and cook for 20-30 minutes or until rice is done. Add green onions and eat until you can't walk.
I'm sure the rest of football season will bring more fun recipes! Geaux Tigers and Go Irish!
They were dressed in coordinating outfits. It wasn't planned, but they looked pretty cute together.
And the important part...the menu! Lunch was simple, sandwiches and fresh potato salad. Fun appetizers included corn dip, man dip, cheese ball, sliders, and veggies. For supper, BBQ shredded chicken, jambalaya, and asian noodle salad.
Recipe Time!
Corn Dip...this is always a party favorite and super easy to whip up!
2 cans MexiCorn
1 can chopped green chilis
1 cup sour cream
1 cup mayo
1 cup shredded cheese
Mix all ingredients together. Chill for a few hours. Add seasoning if desired. Done!
Man Dip...beware, you will become addicted.
2 blocks cream cheese
2 cans Rotel
1 lb ground sausage (spicy if you prefer)
Brown sausage and throw in a crock pot with rest of ingredients. Turn on low for a couple of hours until cheese melts. Stir...and try not to eat it all at once.
Shredded BBQ Chicken...so easy, it's ridiculous.
Your favorite bottle of BBQ sauce
Chicken Breasts
Throw chicken and sauce in a crock pot and cook on low for 8 hours. Shred chicken with a fork. It tastes good on sandwiches, baked potatoes, or just by itself.
Jambalaya....Southern goodness!
This recipe is a combination of so many other recipes with my own personal preferences thrown in.
2 bell peppers
1 whole onion
10 stalks celery
oil
1 lb spicy sausage
2 lbs shrimp
3 cups medium grain rice, dry
6 cups water
green onions
salt, cayenne pepper, Tony's to taste
Chop up your veggies and saute them in oil in a large cast iron skillet until tender. Add sausage and cook until done. Add shrimp and cook until done. Season with salt, cayenne, and Tony's to taste. You can use any combination of meats that you wish. Once the shrimp are pink, add 3 cups medium grain rice. I prefer using medium grain over long grain rice. Medium grain rice makes the mixture more moist...and wonderful. Add 6 cups water and bring mixture to a boil. Cover, reduce heat to medium, and cook for 20-30 minutes or until rice is done. Add green onions and eat until you can't walk.
I'm sure the rest of football season will bring more fun recipes! Geaux Tigers and Go Irish!
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