Thursday, October 30, 2008

Friday Fill Ins #2


1. My favorite food seasoning is GARLIC.
2. Giggles are music to my ears.
3. Lucky is not reaping what you are due.
4. My Christian beliefs are something I take very seriously.
5. Many people need to learn how to truly forgive and let go, myself included.
6. A Sword was the last thing I bought at the store.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I’m looking forward to trick or treating, tomorrow my plans include watching my oldest perform in a band competition.

Love Does Cost


Love Does Cost

God’s pure Love is free to all
For Jesus paid the cost.
He left the throne of His blessed Home
And came to save the lost.
He showed us what God’s pure Love is,
For that He was despised.
He hung in love upon the cross
For us He sacrificed.

If we want to let His Love
Flow through us from His Life
We must share the cost with Him
And give to Him our life.
If we take for us our life
His love can never flow,
For then we feed upon our greed
And love from Him can’t grow.

When you think you cannot feel
Love for fellow man
Just as God’s love to flow through you
And into every man.
It matters not what ‘err you feel
Your will releases love.
Don’t let the cost deter your will
Or God’s love will be lost.

When you love you may get hurt
They spat in Jesus’ face.
But even when they rant and rave
There’s nothing you need fear,
For if you’ve given Him your life
He’s filled you with His Life
And as you let His pure love flow
it soon will change all lives.

Love Does Cost


So many relationships are broken because someone no longer “feels” love for the other. We cannot control the way we feel. God has commanded us to love each other. Why would He command us to do something over which we have no control? Love is more than just a feeling. Love is an action. God commands that you act out love for one another even when you don’t feel like it. The action of love may be costly to the way you feel but you will find that if you act in love because you love God, you will begin to yield more to Him and enable Him to change your feelings.

It may not be too difficult to love someone who love you and strives to please you but what about someone who always seems to irritate you? Spend time praying for someone you have a difficult time loving and then choose to act in love to that person. If they refuse to accept your love, consider it a sacrifice of love to God and continue in it, allowing God to work a miracle in the relationship.

You will find that the more love you give others, the more love God will be able to give to you.

This is a devotion written by my mom. She's awesome isn't she?

Wednesday, October 29, 2008

Quote


If you want to catch something, running after it isn't always the best way.
~Lois McMaster Bujold

Laundry


With a minimum of seven people in this house and eight when my step daughter is with us, laundry can be a nightmare. Also, the bigger they get the bigger their clothes get (who woudda thought).

I try to do a minimum of at least one load of wash every day. I have a WONDERFUL washer though. I can even program is to start up to eight hours away or soak for 8 hours.

I fold straight out of the dryer too! Then I have four baskets...the three boys, the three girls, mine & Dad's. The boys are responsible for putting their stuff away and weeding out what is theirs. I usually do the girls' still. That's probably why there are two baskets of clean clothes in their room RIGHT NOW! LOL!

Socks however will definitely be another posting!!! Anyhow, that's how this mom of six does it...how do you do it.

A Real Kitchen


I want this!! A real kitchen! Not a kitchen without drawers and missing two cabinet doors. a stove you have to rock back and forth to get the burners to work. A refrigerator that just barely keeps the mile cool enough to not spoil. A sink that won't let go of all the pipe underneath at least once a month. A DISHWASHER and GARBAGE DISPOSAL would be wonderful! Yeah, I know I'm dreaming but hey! maybe we can find another house to rent, huh?

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Monday, October 27, 2008

Lion Meat

Tonight we went to Sam's Club! My 9yo and 11yo boys begged and begged to buy the LION meat and cook it tomorrow night! Poor guys I had to tell them it was loin not lion!

Closet Tackle

This week I went through the three boys one closet. It was a very scary occasion! I tossed and tossed and tossed. Donated and have about 40 more items to go to the consignment store. They are getting too old for toys anyhow. I kept their little cars. Now they were here for the sorting out part. They did not finish their bin fast enough so they didn't get to go through the rest it just WENT. I just LOVE getting rid of things. Five 55 gallon trash bags OUTTA HERE! Am I nuts or am I the only one who really gets a massive sense of accomplishment tossing stuff???

Giggles

An older, tired-looking dog wandered into my yard; I could tell from his collar and well-fed belly that he had a home and was well taken care of.
He calmly came over to me, I gave him a few pats on his head; he then followed me into my house, slowly walked down the hall, curled up in the corner and fell asleep.

An hour later, he went to the door, and I let him out. The next day he was back, greeted me in my yard, walked inside and resumed his spot in the hall and again slept for about an hour. This continued off and on for weeks.

Curious, I pinned a note to his collar: "I would like to find out who the owner of this wonderful sweet dog is and ask if you are aware that almost every afternoon your dog comes to my house for a nap."

The next day he arrived for his nap, with a different note pinned to his collar: "He lives in a home with 6 children, 2 under the age of 3 - he's trying to catch up on his sleep. Can I come with him tomorrow?"

Our Fair Adventure

Well, we bit the bullet! After 4 years of pleading and begging we finally took the kids to the fair! It was partially my birthday gift. We had a blast! Nathan said it was the funnest day of his life! Josh met his "friend" there! We spend an OBSCENE amount of money! AND the fair false advertised their prices! Humpfh! Their website said $8 to enter $15 for wristbands but i reality it was $10 to enter and $20 for the bands! GRRRR! That makes a huge difference with seven people. Anyhoo....fun was had by all! We didn't get home until 12:02 am!!!
Apparently the quality of my phone's camera leaves a lot to be desired.
But here are some photos:

Quote


Everyone has the key to happiness - you just have to pick out the right lock.

Lymphedema

Lymphedema (pronounced LIMF-eh-DEE-ma) is a side effect that can begin during or after breast cancer treatment. This condition involves swelling of the soft tissues of the arm or hand. The swelling may be accompanied by numbness, discomfort, and sometimes infection.

Taking proper precautions you CAN greatly reduce your chances of developing the condition.

Don’ts:
1. Subject yourself to extreme temperature changes.
2. Use instuments on affected limb in manicures, or pedicures.
3. Allow blood pressure to be measured on affected limb.
4. Allow injections / vaccinations on affected limb.
5. Receive accupuncture on affected limb.
6. Wear constrictive clothing or jewelry (watches, rings, or bracelets).
7. Lift heavy objects with affected limb.
8. Take unnecessary risks in the kitchen or garden

Dos:
1. Practice good skin care.
2. Use insect repellent when appropriate.
3. Follow a good nutritional program.
4. Avoid table salt and fatty foods.
5. Limit your protein intake.
6. Maintain optimum weight.
7. Exercise
8. Elevate the limb - sleep with pillows under the affected arm
9. Carry antibiotic solutions with you at all times for cuts, scratches, or bites.
10. Treat infection seriously and immediately.
11. Seek treatment at the first sign of lymphedema.

Sunday, October 26, 2008

Quote


Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.
~Thomas A. Edison

Friday, October 24, 2008

Heart Giggles


When was the last time your heart giggled?

Mine was on Wednesday. My third son was oh so excited when he got off of the school bus. My birthday was this past Sunday and he had been waiting to get his latest art project out of the kiln at school. He presented me with a Smiley Face mug, beautiful fall Autumn leaf drawing and this amazing ceramic creation! He was oh so proud. AND he made my heart giggle!

SO..When was the last time your heart giggled?

Thursday, October 23, 2008

Quote-Unquote


There comes a point in your life
when you realize:
Who matters,
Who never did,
Who won't anymore...
And Who always will.
So don't worry about people from your past,
There's a reason why they didn't
make it to your future.

Be kinder than necessary
Because everyone you meet is
fighting some kind of battle.

~Author Unknown

A Comfortable Place to Heal

I'm not an zen master, nor anywhere near an expert on anything in that category. I do know in order to heal, your environment must be conducive to a healing process. Here of some of the things that I believe help to speed up the healing.

Declutter and eliminate: Stuff can take it's toll on me. I get overwhelmed if there is stuff everywhere. It is amazing how relaxing it is when there is less clutter. There is nothing nagging at me (I need to put this away; I need to file this; I need to donate this; I need to fix that; Why do I even have this still). Peace and tranquility cannot be found in disorder. It is also very frustrating trying to locate things in chaos. Keep only things that make you feel happy and positive.

Emphasize the things you love: Things I love bring me peace and joy which promotes healing. I love flowers and plants. If you love tulips, like I do, surround yourself with them (fresh ones, photos of them, artificial ones, fabric pillows with tulip decor). I love, love, love candles. Nothing relaxes me like dimming the lights, lighting every candle in the room and putting on my favorite music. Don't worry about any decorating code. This is your your comfort and healing alone. Do what makes you have joy and peace. It is your home after all, not the Hollywood designers.

Color: White is out, sorry! Neutrals are fair but color is stimulating and peaceful at the same time. Color releases emotions and memories. Surround yourself with color. Repaint the room you spend the most time in and be bold. Make it cheery and lively, no depressing dreary colors here. Brighten up the room and brighten up your attitude.

Light: Try to let in as much natural light as possible. Remove bulky curtains and raise the blinds completely. Raise the valances if the cover the windows too much. Try to invest in a storm door to let in volumes of natural light.

Fresh Air: Open the windows and door every day at least for fifteen minutes. If the weather is conducive, place a fan in the window to blow the fresh air in. It's worth the cost of a little extra air conditioning or heating for thirty minutes afterwards.

Comfort: If finances are available buy a new duvet cover or comforter and some new fluffy pillows. Everyone I have ever know loves the feel of freshly washed sheets. If your bed is comfortable and relaxing you can rest easier.

Fragrance: Surround yourself with aromas you love. If you are going through chemotherapy heed this warning: Do NOT use your favorite scents! The scent will trigger the memories of chemo after your treatment is over. No matter how much you love it, find something else you can love for right now. Believe me on this one, I speak from experience.

I didn't get the opportunity to do a lot of this because we were so strapped financially while I was going through my cancer treatments. I sure wish I had though. Just remember it is hard to heal under stress. Make yourself as comfortable as possible.

What ever happened to Humility?

What is it with Pride anyhow! Where is humility in today's world. It seems every day humility is becoming a rare trait. What happened to repentance and compassion. All this one-upping is really getting old. Can you imagine how the Lord feels. Watching us, yearning to steer us in His pathway yet knowing our own false pride keeps us at a distance from him.

I try to instill the traits of humility and repentance in my children through my own standards and actions. I do not believe I am the least bit arrogant. Is it arrogant to make that statement? I acknowledge my faults. Well, some of them at least. I feel guilt when I know I'm in the wrong.
Some people seem to be so disconnected from reality and there is no standard left for them. At what point does your own self created version of reality become a prison out of which you cannot escape? Self-imprisonment. Worse yet, voluntarily separating yourself from God! Though not intentional this is the outcome.

When you speak inaccurately, you begin to believe it, explain it, encourage error and yes it grows and grows and grows. If only humility had it's hold it could bring you back from the edge. Realize that what you believe to be the truth actually isn't the truth, actually far from it!

I am certain no one ever intends to go down this pathway but once that first wrong turn is made, if you do not turn around and start weaving through the entanglement of error there is no way out, you are just lost! All it takes is acknowledgement that you are going down the wrong path and a very simple about face. That's not so hard is it. Well, it obviously is.

I have to continually battle to erase the damage this kind of attitude is inflicting upon my children. If I'm this tired of it I cannot believe how the Lord feels! What do you think about all of this? Is this a escalating problem? How do you handle it? I know--pray. I mean a more active role.

Quote- Unquote

I'd rather be a failure at something I love than a success at something I hate.

~George Burns



The Real Age Test


I took the RealAge Test this morning to see what the supposed biological age of my body is. I am surprised when it really was not bad considering I had cancer and live with a smoker. My RealAge is 41.0 with only 4.4 difference from my calendar age. Not bad eh for a 2 year survivor? And I only have these problems because of the following reasons: breast cancer, not wearing a seatbelt everytime, not getting enough exercise, and, the root of all problems, stress. If I rectify these problems then I think I will be good. At least now I know where I should start.

They gave me some great tips in the cancer follow up I want to share:

Because of your history of breast cancer, keep in close contact with your doctor. You indicated that you were diagnosed with preinvasive breast cancer. Although the prognosis for this type of cancer is very good, make sure you remain in close contact with your doctor, and ask about the most important recent advances in breast cancer screening and treatment.

Here’s why: There are many treatments for breast cancer and many options for helping prevent the cancer from returning. Obviously, the longer you stay healthy and have no symptoms of a recurrence, the better in every way -- even in terms of your RealAge. In general, if you’re young, breast cancer of any type makes your RealAge older. However, if you’re over 55, this form of breast cancer has very little effect on RealAge.

Visit our Living with Cancer Center for more information on staying healthy.

5 Ways to Stay Healthy

Get follow-up care. Even if you are in remission or are cancer-free, your doctor will perform periodic blood tests, imaging studies, and breast exams to make sure the cancer hasn't returned.
Check yourself. Do a breast self-exam at least once a month to look for troublesome signs, such as the emergence of a new lump, changes in breast appearance, or nipple discharge. Also, monitor yourself for bone pain, sudden weight loss, headaches, or difficulty breathing. If any of these occur, see your doctor immediately.
Keep in touch.

Researchers continue to find new ways to detect and treat breast cancer, including better ways to enhance the immune response to tumor cells. New chemo drugs are also being researched. Ask your doctor for the latest information.

Live a healthy lifestyle. Eating well, resting, and exercising can help you deal with the physical and emotional stress of cancer. If you are in remission, early research suggests that exercising and eating a low-fat diet may reduce the risk of recurrence as well. Ask your doctor about these strategies.

Get support. Consider joining a breast cancer support group. It may improve your quality of life and help you manage stressful feelings.

For more information, take the RealAge Breast Cancer Screening Assessment.

What about you? Do you know your RealAge? You might be surprised with the result. So what are you waiting Take the RealAge Test! It's free!

I Won, I Won!!! Woo Hoo!

I entered a contest at SNS Blog Design for a free blog design during her Mega Blog Design Giveaway! I was drawn first so I got to have first pick! Thank you Shera!!! And thanks Christy for telling me about her contest. If you are considering a new look for your blog please go by and check out her designs. She's great!

So, what do you all think? Isn't it groovy? I also want to thank Amber and Cathy for brainstorming titles and tag lines! You are both phenominal women!
Leave me a comment let me know what you think!

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

Magic Eraser

I love my Magic eraser! I really do.
I shine my sink with it.
I clean my tub with it.
I wash those nasty doorjambs with it.
I clean the doors with it.
I wash the walls with it.
I clean the fridge with it.
I clean the kid’s sneakers with it.
I clean my coffee pot with it.
I clean scuffmarks with it.
I clean the white trash can with it.
I clean my cabinet faces with it.
I clean the rims of my tires with it.
Click on these icons for more


God’s Garden

God’s Garden

God is the Master Gardener
which grows within my heart.
He seeks to walk within me,
and as He walks, He talks.
But weeds and briers from past sins
can block His walk and talk,
so I must let Him weed and dig
and cultivate my heart.


And they heard the voice of Jehovah God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of Jehovah God amongst the trees of the garden. Genesis 3:8

My heart is God’s garden. Do I allow Him to walk in my heart? Do I hear His voice or hide myself from His presence. There are many things that can be in my garden which would hide His voice. I can have weeds of unconfessed sin. I can have business. I can allow bitterness and unforgiveness fill my heart. It is up to me to allow the Master Gardener weed out anything in my heart that would make it difficult for Him to walk in it or block my hearing. In the cool of the evening, as I lay on my bed, I check daily with God and ask Him to cultivate the soil of my heart that it will be a pleasing garden for Him.

Prayer: Father, keep weeding and pruning and grow Your garden in me according to Your pleasure.

My mom wrote this. She has been writing devotions for as long as I can remember.

Ki's Speech Therapy

Ki just complete her second week of speech therapy. She has been loving it! Immensely! Ms. Barbara just finished retesting her and she tests at 1 yr 11 months, she's 2 yr 7 months. That's not as bad as her earlier testing revealed.

On Monday, she was in my room and pointed to a covered box on my dresser and said fairly clearly, "Thissa box?" Oh, this momma was so proud!

Ms Barbara says she is one of her brightest students EVER! Atta Girl! She's picking it all up very fast. She's mimicking the syllables now as well. Way to go pumpkin! I'm proud of you!

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

Wednesday's Photo - Major Flashback!

Guess Who?? I was in the newspaper!


Protect Your Daughters from Breast Cancer

Recently, scientists studied the effects of diet on mice that were genetically modified to develop breast cancer. Once bred, they fed female mice a diet high in either omega-3 fatty acids or omega-6 fatty acids throughout pregnancy and while breastfeeding their young mice. Once weaned, the young female mice continued on either the omega-3 or omega-6 diet. All of the baby mice on the omega-6 fatty acid diet showed tumor development by 6 months of age, while those on the healthy, omega-3 fatty acid diet had only 13% incidence of tumor development. Most people's diets are high in meat, eggs, poultry, snack crackers, chips, sweets, baked goods, vegetables oils, and margarine--foods high in omega-6 fatty acids--and low in omega-3 fatty acids. This type diet may actually increase the risk for breast cancer.
Action Sparked: Your daughter's risk of developing breast cancer is likely reduced when you: eat foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids during pregnancy and lactation, and continue to feed her a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids after weaning. Include 2-3 servings of foods high in omega-3 fatty acids (foods such as flaxseed, flaxseed oil, canola oil, soybeans, soybean oil, walnuts, fish and shellfish) each week.
Source: © 1999-2008 SparkPeople, All Rights Reserved

CLR Challenge

I elected to participate in the 5 Minutes for Mom's CLR Challenge. I am glad I did. I really wanted to put this cleaner to the test so where did I take it? To my DH's grimy, cigaretty, greasy truck. Ewwwy!
I wanted to test it well so I just sprayed the product on, I did not even let it have the chance to soak or sit, just wiped it off immediately.
Before CLR:
After CLR:


My DH is a mechanic, this took me a total of about 30 seconds and that nasty stuff was crusty! 

I know, we were supposed to do kitchens or bathrooms. I let the gunk build up on my tub for a solid week (that's a lot of gung with seven people in the house and one a mechanic). I scrubbed and scrubbed and scrubbed! NOPE! I didn't care for the product at all in the bath, sorry CLR! I let the product soak and soak. After about AN HOUR I had to get out the Comet, bleach and my trusty Magic Eraser and finish the job. The photos were WAY too embarrasing to post so sorry, guess I'm out of the challenge. If they throw a ton a bleach in their product I may try it again, otherwise not enough power for this Mom of Six!

Monday, October 20, 2008

Awe....Shucks!

Sandi over at Pregnant with Cancer awarded me with TWO awards! You guys need to check out her blog it is extremely informative! She too was pregnant while she had cancer but she had to have chemotherapy while pregnant!

Here are the awards she gave me:



I would like to share my awards with some blogs I admire:
Rachel at Mom to 3
Vanessa at ChefDruck Musings
Christy at Shake the Salt
and...
Christi at Polka Spot Farm
Congrats ladies! If I missed you (it was hard narrowing it down to seven) I'll try to get you next time!!!



post signature

Sunday, October 19, 2008

My Favorite Monday #1 - Snickers


This week the question is our favorite Halloween candy.
I must admit I'm not a candy lover, HOWEVER...I can snack on them if they are around! Snickers it is! I dislike milk chocolate so the combination of the nougat(?), peanuts and gooey caramel definitely make it worth the milk chocolate. But, best frozen.

What is yours?

Free Starbucks Cappuccino

How's about a Free Starbucks Cappuccino?
Click on the image below!

Menu Planning Monday


It will be another very tight grocery week. Ground beef dishes again even after My Saturday's Post about Dangerous Red Meat. Hey, I can get it for 1.43/pound, its affordable.

Here are the Dinner Suggestions for the week:

Meatloaf & mashed potatoes
Curried Spaghetti
Leftovers
Mexican Casserole
Chili & Crackers
Burgers, Beans & Coleslaw
Grandma's Casserole

Snacks:
Leftover Birthday Cake (there are two of them!)
Brownies
Ice Cream
Peanut Butter Cookies


Friday, October 17, 2008

Dangers of Eating Red Meat

Many studies have proven that women who eat the most red meat have an 88 to 330 per cent increased risk of breast cancer. Alarming!

When animal protein is cooked structural changes in the protein, amino acids and creatine in the meat creating dangerous carcinogens. One study found that red-meat protein is associated with a 220 to 770 per cent increased risk of breast cancer.

The animal fat in red meat raises insulin levels also increasing risk of breast cancer by 283 per cent.
Growth hormones and stimulators is linked to an alarming 700 per cent increased risk of breast cancer.

Cooking at high temperatures (grilling and frying) to well-done also had a significantly higher risk of breast cancer.

This is scary stuff ladies! I still eat some red meat, but I have drastically reduced my consumption of it. After researching this...it will be reduced even further!

The Perils of Eating Red Meat, Christine Horner, MD,article in Breast Cancer Wellness Magazine, Fall 2008.

One Life to Love - 33 miles

You all have to listen to this new band, they are awesome!
Thanks Tara @ My Life With 6 Boys!


Thursday, October 16, 2008

Guest Post

Yesterday I mentioned I had a guest posting at Post Parent. I thought I might share some of the comments I received with you. In case you missed it I have created a link here.

*Comment by Danielle - You are so amazing and strong Tammy!! Thankyou so much for sharing your story!

*Comment by Claire - This is truely an amazing story! Tammy you are such a strong woman and an inspiration to us all. Thank you so much for sharing your story with all of us. I'll will be praying for you and your family... NO MORE CANCER EVER!

*Comment by The Posh Parent Jen - Thanks Tammy for sharing your story...we truly appreciate you and your strength!

*Comment by Jennifer - Thank you for sharing your story with us. You are an inspiration to us all.

*Comment by The Posh Parent Clarissa - WOW! You are such a strong woman! Thank you for sharing!

*Comment by Renée - Thank you for sharing your story. You are an inspiration.

*Comment by Jodie - Wow! I can barely make it through the day with 6 kids WITHOUT cancer, chemo and radiation (half step kids, half "birth kids"). I'm so sorry for what you you went through and the things you might have missed with Ki and the others because of your illness. (I feel guilty for things I miss just by being busy.) You are incredible. I'm so happy for you that things are all clear. Yay you!!!

Quote - Unquote #4


Without forgiveness life is governed by...
and endless cycle of resentment and retaliation.
~Roberto Assagioli

I'm a Guest Writer

Good Morning all! I just wanted to let you know that I'm a featured guest over at Posh Parents today! They are featuring one of my breast cancer articles. Stop on by and check it out.

Quick! Company's Coming!

The phone rings! "Hi, thought we'd drop by for a minute......." You never hear a word after that, do you? Just lists of thing that HAVE to be picked up and cleaned QUICK!!!! Here are some helpful tips:


  1. Laundry baskets are your friends. Run through the house and pick up everything that is out of place and toss it in the basket!
  2. Pour bleach or Pine-sol down your kitchen sink drain. Makes it smell like you’ve been cleaning everything.
  3. Put out fresh towels in the Bath and Kitchen.
  4. Swish the toilet and wipe down the vanity.
  5. Kids are helpful. Use them. Bribe them with ice cream.
  6. Cram the dish washer as full as it will go.
  7. Give yourself a pat on the back.
  8. Spray scented oil or air freshener in the cold air return.
  9. Light some candles.
  10. Sweep the front entryway.
  11. Make coffee.

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

Thursday 13 - My Accomplishments

My birthday is Sunday, I will be 41 (deep breath here). Today I am addressing thirteen things that I am glad to have accomplished in my 41 years:
  1. Brought J into this world.
  2. Brought G into this world.
  3. Brought N into this world.
  4. Brought M into this world.
  5. Brought Ki into this world.
  6. ???????
  7. Received my Bachelors of Science degree.
  8. Survived Breast Cancer.
  9. Kept my faith, despite rough times.
  10. Honored my parents. (I hope!!! Did I?)
  11. Raised my children to the best of my ability.
  12. Loved through thick and thin.
  13. Didn't let all those bumps in my road of life get the best of me.

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

Photo Wednesday


I know it's a horrible quality photo but this is from our wedding in February 2007.

Don't you love my chemo hair-see why I waited???

J is now about six inches taller than I am. Boy they have all gotten sooo much bigger!

But this one is cuter, aren't they all beautiful??????



Giggles

There was this lady who always thought LOL meant "Lots of Love". She managed to go through computer life without incident for a while. One day, the mother of a dear friend of hers passed away. She sent her the following message: "Sorry to hear about the death of your dear mother, LOL" For some reason she never heard from her again!

Consignment

This past week My Project has been to take all the extra winter clothes to the consignment shop! I rewashed 4 loads of clothes and cleaned a box of shoes. De-wrinkled all and hung on hangers. I double checked for stains (that weeded out a lot of kid clothes). I wound up with a large HEAPING laundry basket full and two large heaping boxes full.

A brand new shop just opened up so I decided to take everything there. I checked it out a few weeks ago and the product looked great and the prices looked good too. I had been considering selling on Ebay but I think this will be much, much less hassle. I'm a little nervous since this is a new place and these shops (excluding my regulars) sure seem to come and go. Boy would I love to open up my own!!! Anyone wanna back me? LOL It'd be a great way to earn an income and still clothe all 6 kiddies! ;)




Just A Thought


A reputation is based not so much on what you stand for, as on what you fall for.

Monday, October 13, 2008

Just a Thought


Did you know listen has the same letters as silent?

Sunday, October 12, 2008

Menu Plan Monday



Our freezer is kinda bare and we have $10 for the week.
Kinda repetitive and I hate beef but I guess this is the plan:

Breakfasts:
Cereal
Toaster Strudel
Granola Bars
Toast

Lunches:
Tuna Sandwiches
Ham Sandwiches
Ramen Noodles (Not me - College did me in on these!)

Suppers:
Sloppy Joes, corn
Quiche with ham, sausage, onions, peppers & cheese and hash browns
Swedish meatballs & noodles
Beef Casserole Supreme
Hamburger Upside Down Casserole
Chili with Rice

Snacks/Deserts
Snickerdoodles
Jello
Birthday cake on Sunday perhaps? (We'll see if they get it together!)
Brownies

Just came across this recipe, it looks delish!!!!

Apple Coffee Cake Bread

1 cup sugar
¾ cup butter or margarine, divided
2 eggs
1 tsp baking soda
½ tsp cinnamon (my addition to the batter)
¼ cup buttermilk
2 cups all purpose flour
½ tsp salt
2 cups all purpose flour
½ tsp salt
2 cups chopped peeled baking apples
½ cup chopped nuts
½ cup raisins
½ cup brown sugar
½ tsp ground cinnamon

In a mixing bowl cream the sugar and and ½ cup butter. Add eggs, one
at a time, beating well after each. Add baking soda to buttermilk;
add to creamed mixture. Mix in the flour, salt and cinnamon. Stir
in apples, nuts and raisins. Pour into two greased and floured loaf
pans. Melt remaining butter; drizzle over the loaves. Combine brown
sugar and cinnamon and sprinkle over the loaves. Bake at 350 degrees
for 45-50 min. Let cool in pans for 10 min. Turn out onto a wire
rack to cool. Makes 2 loaves

Sunday Scripture

Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the LORD.
~Psalms 31:24 (NIV)

Friday, October 10, 2008

My Journey through Cancer

My Cancer Journey

In December of 2006 I was mom to five already and pregnant with number six. Kevin (my fiancée) found a small lump in one of my breasts. I asked my OB/GYN about it immediately. The doctor was certain it was just breast changes from being pregnant. I reminded him that my mother had breast cancer and he responded that my risk factor was low. Dismissed. About a week that small lump was almost twice as large. My OB/GYN again said. “We’ll, just watch it, don’t worry.” Days went by and now my small, turned large lump was four times the size it had been when we discovered it. Where do you think I headed…back to the OB/GYN. Finally, he scheduled me for an ultrasound. Did I mention, finally?

Three days later I’m big, fat, pregnant and at the hospital getting my ultrasound. After that I was sent for a mammogram. They fitted me with a makeshift lead shield with the lead aprons to protect the baby. Then they sent me back to ultrasound again. The radiologist came in and told me I will need to do a biopsy as soon as possible.

Friday, January 13th I had the biopsy. Monday evening we were just finishing dinner. I’m sure you can imagine how crazy it can get with five kiddies in the house, getting them all fed, clean up dinner and all of them baths. My phone rings and it is my OB, remember him? “Sorry Tammy, I sure didn’t see this one coming! You have Invasive Ductal Carcinoma. This is an extremely aggressive type of cancer so we really have to attack this head on. You need to get a lumpectomy followed by Chemotherapy and Radiation”. More was said but my brain seemed to malfunction. So…that was that.

Later that week I had the surgery. I had to have an axillary lymph node biopsy because of the pregnancy and couldn’t have the dye required in the less invasive biopsy. They removed one-quarter of my breast. The pathology report determined that there were clear margins! And my lymph nodes were all clear! I only had eight more weeks until Ki could be delivered full term. The OB, Surgeon, Pathologist, Oncologist, and Radiation oncologist all had a meeting to “discuss my case”. After lengthy discussion they agreed to wait until after the baby came to begin further treatment.

The baby’s scheduled inducement date (to weeks early) came. I chose to have an epidural block. It helped with the pain…way too much. Apparently I had too much medicine and it flowed up virtually hibernating my heart and lungs. Finally they got it all straightened out, of course that meant NO MORE PAIN KILLERS!!!! There she is, the newest addition to our family!

Six days after the birth of our sixth child I began chemotherapy. The very first session clashed with my medications because I felt suicidal (which is extremely not me). My meds combined with the stresses of being a mom to six children, still recovering from childbirth, dealing with a newborn, finances and the fact that I was losing my insurance in five weeks, apparently was too much for me. Jeez!

My hair lasted about 15 days, then it all started coming out. Not just a little here and there, by the handfuls. Weird!!!! I tell you some people are really rude too!

The next three and a half months of chemo went like this; total exhaustion, weight gain, weakness, absent-mindedness, clumsiness, nausea….I still did everything I always had done (laundry for eight people, cooking, cleaning, kids, normal stuff).

As soon as I finished chemo I started radiation. I had forty-three treatments of radiation to my right side. I found that radiation made me even more exhausted than the chemo did. It was summer vacation so I had all my children in tow for my treatments. This went on everyday, Monday thru Friday for 43-8 minute long sessions.

Now I am on Tamoxifen for five years. I also had an oophorectomy (removal of my ovaries and tubes). This was in hopes of reducing my estrogen.

You’ve heard about my cancer itself so far but the effects on life and my family in general was a whole other battle.

One of my daughter’s (six at the time) was parading around the house one day in one of my hats and said “When I grow up and get cancer, can I wear this hat?” To hear those words come out of your daughter’s mouth and then rationalize the fact that could be a reality for her.

On a separate occasion my step-daughter who was 5 at the time and myself were sitting on the swing talking. We were in the back yard and I asked her what if we saw a snake right now! She said I have an idea Tammy, you could just take off your hat and you head would scare him away! Was this what my reality was becoming? A scary old snake scarer!

Financially the impact was horrendous and we still haven’t recovered. In order to qualify for Medicaid I had to quit my job. The loss of my income made and is still making it extremely difficult just to pay for life necessities.

Cancer did give me a different view of life: I have absolutely no idea what trials and tribulations others are walking through; There is more to life than just getting dinner on the table, the laundry done and all six kids bathed; I want to enjoy every single day.

Through it all I had a beautiful daughter who thank God was not affected by my cancer and Kevin and I got married in February 2007. As far as I know I’m cancer free. Unfortunately I have been without insurance for some time now so I haven’t had any of my follow up testing done. However, at the end of the day I must say thank you to everyone who was there for me.

One in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer. When breast cancer is found early, the 5-year survival rate in the United States is 98%, which is why there are over 2 million breast cancer survivors today. Whether you are 20 or 80, you need an early-detection plan.

Every month (regardless of your age) you need to do a self-exam. Taking a few minutes to do a breast self-exam a minimum of once a month can make the difference of a lifetime, literally. Nearly 70% of all breast cancers are found through self-exams. Write it down on your calendar. I send out reminders on the 19th of every month (my birthday falls on the 19th). If you find a lump, schedule an appointment with your doctor, but don’t panic—8 out of 10 lumps are not cancerous.

Once a year have a clinical breast exam by a qualified nurse or doctor to check for lumps or other physical changes.

Get a mammogram once a year. A mammogram is an X-ray photograph of the breast and the primary tool in diagnosing breast cancer.

Early detection is essential ladies. If you forget to change the oil in your car…your car may have engine problems….if you skip your self-exams, you just might lose your life for it.

Please CLICK HERE for great instructions for a breast self-exam. THESE ARE SOOO IMPORTANT LADIES!!!


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Weirdest Thing



Please answer the question in the comments section.

As I mention in an earlier post this week, I found a FROG in my freezer this week! I'm still not sure which boy was responsible but none the less it was there.

My Question: What is the weirdest thing you have found in the strangest place?

Popcorn Balls


Traditional Halloween treats that really are the taste of the season.
- Yield 12 to 14 popcorn balls -
Ingredients

* 2 cup sugar
* 1 1/3 cup water
* 1/2 cup light corn syrup
* 1 teaspoon white vinegar
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 18 cup popped corn
Directions
1.In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, water, syrup, vinegar, and salt. Cook over high heat until mixture reaches 255 degrees F (hard-ball stage) on a candy thermometer.
2.Stir in vanilla. Pour over popped corn, tossing gently to coat.
3.When mixture is cool enough to handle, press popcorn into 3-inch balls with lightly greased hands. Cool completely on wax paper.
Courtesy of Paula Deen