When a love one is in pain...

Why is it that we can take so much pain, but when a loved one is in pain, we are at a loss as to how to help them?  My son tore his Achilles’ Tendon and it pains me to see him walking on crutches.  He doesn’t want any help and has to do everything for himself.  Sounds familiar?  Sounds just like me.  So how do we help others when they are in pain?  We do the best we can and understand that we can be a little too helpful.

Today was a crazy insane day.  I took Robbie to the doctor for his foot, thinking they would send us straight for an MRI, but no one could get us in for that until Monday evening.  So back to school he wanted to go, and I realized that I needed to take my 9 year old to the doctor for a sinus infection. Off to the elementary school and back to the doctor.  I knew that he would need a prescription and figured I would make one run into town instead of two.  Gas prices are just to high. After six hours out of the house for errands, I am smoking exhausted. 

SO for dinner tonight we are having breakfast for dinner.  YUMMY, a great recipe from either Hungry Girl’s newest cookbook “300 under 300” or the Pioneer Woman”.  Just something warm for the tummies in my house on this cold, dreary and rainy evening.  What’s for dinner at your house?

Butterfly hugs and lilac dreams to all.

Oh My Stars.. Thank You for visiting my blog!

First off I want to give a fabulous big thank you for all the readers that hit the blog yesterday.  I know it doesn’t seem like much but I appreciate each and every one of you. We hit 119 readers yesterday  WOOT WOOT !!!!

Ok, so I am going to blog today about what I did yesterday for the track meet.  A prime example of why my nickname is The Betty Crocker Mom.  At lunch time yesterday I started grilling chicken, got the cooler ready, buns, mayo, mustard, carrot sticks, chips, salsa, napkins, cookies, drinks, silverware and paper plates.  Loaded up the car and on my way I went.

When I got to the meet, I loaded up my luggage carrier with the bleacher chairs,  camera bag, and cooler went to the stands and they are steep.  Robbie helped me get it to my seat.  However, while he was stretching he pulled something in his foot and was not able to run.  So I loaded everything back up and started up the bleachers and don’t you know the cooler went one way and the camera bag another, tumble, tumble, tumble down the steps they go.

  I was devastated since I have quite a bit invested in my camera and my Temptations dishes was in the cooler.  (I will do a product review on these soon).  However, everything is fine as far as I can tell, my dishes are still intact.  I haven’t had time to dig in my camera bag, but I will try today. So now we wait and see what the trainer says today about Robbie’s foot to see if we have to go to the doctor or just give it a rest until next Tuesday for the next meet. 

Today as I was getting ready for Aqua class, which by the way is doing fabulous things for my body and its range of motion, I learned that someone at the college knew about my blog.  YEAH!! I am glad that I am getting the word out.  I can’t figure out how, but I am not kicking the gift horse in the mouth.  So I am giving a big shout out to the College of Southern Maryland and as soon as I get this blog updated I am signing up for my next aqua class.  I was able to reach behind me and clasp my hands for the first time in over a year today. I am so excited about what this class is giving me.  It is giving me my life back, thanks to the College and Michelle for being a fabulous trainer.

Butterfly hugs and lilac dreams to all.

New Thoughts, New Ideas, and New Life

I had a fabulous comment on one of my blogs and it was a great "AHA" moment for me.  Why not start a page to give my opinions for parents that may need help with issues at home with their children.  With my background I figure why not use my education and experience and add to the website and blog. Even parents with disabilities can benefit since it is making my life a little easier. Something as easy as a chore chart also reminds me of who is responsible for what chores need to be done.

I am so excited about this new page and would ask that if you have questions please let me know so that I can answer and respond with my suggestions, hints and tips.  My background is explained on the top of the page titled "Questions about childhood issues".

I am off for now, we have a track meet and I am going to grill some chicken to make sandwiches for the meet to save money and control what we are eating.  Less preservatives and calories than what they sell at the concession stands.

Butterfly hugs and lilac dreams to all. ;)

Pet and Disabilities = Love and Health

When preparing for any type of surgery or procedure that requires fasting the night before and anesthesia, be prepared to take any night time medication early so that you are not missing that dosage.  I was not thinking and missed my night and morning dose of medication since I have to take them with food.  Wow, I did not realize how much Lyrica helped with my Fibro pain.  When I was finally able to eat and take the Lyrica and pain medication, I was so thankful I was in tears.  I am glad that I have this procedure behind me, it was not as horrible as I had thought, but if you ever do this make sure you have some diaper rash cream available for prep day, you will thank me later lol.  So far the doctor says everything looks good, we are waiting on some test results coming in next week.

While thinking about today’s blog, I was petting my dog Liberty.  He is supposed to be a mix of a Poodle and a Chihuahua  we call a Chioodle or Poowawa lol.  He really brings me not only joy but also helps keep my health during the day.  How you ask?  I have to get up and take him outside, play with him, walk him. That helps me to exercise and not be so stiff when I have been in one spot for long periods of time.  On top of that he really acts goofy and he makes me laugh, and he is an awesome listener. 

I know this sounds funny, but believe me it makes a difference when you spend most of your time at home and no adult or even kid conversation to have. At least I can say I was talking to the dog instead of talking to myself right?  Now many people have cats of which I am severely allergic, or other animals and that is fine, whatever works for you.  Just be sure you are ready for the commitment and the joy that they will bring you.  Liberty rides in the car with me, he has his own doggie car seat, and when I am going on errands he loves to sit on the dash while I run in the store.  If I am going to be in the store for a while longer than a quick run, I take his kennel and let him take a nap while I am gone.  He would rather go with me than stay home. 

I have been considering getting him a play mate, but honestly I am not sure if I am ready for the commitment of another dog when I know Liberty and I work so well together.   He literally sat with me all day yesterday while I was under the weather and is right this moment laying on my legs sleeping bringing me comfort. 

If you consider a pet consider a rescue dog, there are also many classifieds on www.petfinder.org as well and a great way to find your forever best friend, and believe me they will never tell you that that shirt makes you look fat, and they will always keep your secrets. 

Butterfly hugs and lilac dreams.

Sunday a Day of Rest

Well tomorrow is the day for the colonoscopy, yuck, and today is the day for the prep before the procedure.  Whew, if you have never had this done, DON’T leave your house, or even the level of your house that has the bathroom in it :) lol. So I am laying on my bed watching David Vendable on QVC.  I enjoy the tips and hints that they share on the show and I can read or work on the computer at the same time.  Even on Fibro fog days I can still multi task. 

While we didn’t make it to DC on Friday Darling Hubby was still too sick, we had snow last night, and maybe we will be able to make it next weekend.  The Cherry Blossoms are frozen today anyway haha.  The kids are inside since two of them have sinus infections and it is in the 30’s today and they are going stir crazy.  So I am working on chore charts for them, maybe they will settle down after that. 

We had an issue yesterday and my 9 year old ended up getting in trouble and as his punishment he was not allowed to help with chores.  I know it sounds weird but he loves to do chores.  I think that hurt him more than any other punishment I could have dished out.  I thought that was ingenious until I realized that I had to do the chores lol.  ;) Oh well, no problem, it was taken care of and I really don’t think he will do that again. 

Well, I am now going to say good day for now since I am hoping to take a nap so on that note…

Butterfly hugs and lilac dreams to all.

Friday is suppose to be the end of the work week right?

Friday is supposed to be the end of the work week right?  Can someone please tell my daily schedule that, PLEASE??  Between scheduling doctor appointments, cleaning out the car in stages, working on laundry, and catching up on paperwork,  (meaning bills) I am slammed today.  But I wanted to share about our trip out to the track meet yesterday.

As I was getting ready for the meet, which was an hour and a half away one way, I loaded up my bleacher seats, blankets (it was in the low 40’s and cloudy), umbrella’s, my Kindle,  my camera and my rolling cart to strap everything to.  Since this was our first time to a sporting event in Maryland, we walked up to the bleachers and NO ONE has anything to be comfortable.  WHAT?  They are dancing around with no blankets cold and sitting on icy bleachers.  Hmmm… wonder why? Track meets are horribly long and boring if your child or children you do not know are not running. 

After an hour or so, the blankets start coming out of the cars and we are asked where we got the bleacher seats.  LOL  Sometimes comfort is better than fashion.  Wonder how many bleacher seats will pop up Tuesday at the next meet? 

For those who are just getting to know me, my great friend Carrin dubbed me The Betty Crocker mom when our oldest was 5 and our children were playing football.  I would show up with a cooler full of snacks, camera, chairs, etc… Anything to make it easier on me and the young one that was not on the field.  So yesterday I pulled out all the stops.  I made sure that we had a wheeled cart (luggage type) that carried all of our gear and it was fabulous.  No more struggling and hurting arms when I get to finally sit down, just fabulous and the greatest thing was that I had it in my storage already.

So today thinking about things outside of the box, and being prepared is an absolute must.  If you are prepared being comfortable makes being in the cold damp weather worth it so that we can see our children in their sporting events or their school activities.  

**I have posted the new logo I am so excited.  Enjoy**

Butterfly hugs and lilac dreams to all.

What happened to Spring? Brr.. It's Cold Outside.

We are expecting snow flurries over the weekend.  What in the world?  I know it is only the third week in March, but when we have had 80 degree days, well one anyway, I was hoping spring was here to stay.  We hopefully are going to see the Cherry Blossoms blooming in DC this weekend, however with the snow flurries and rain, wind, sleet and thunderstorms this week, the weather man says that the optimum time to see the blooms are next week during the work day.  Wow that hurts A LOT!!! So I was thinking a little hooky may just be in order for tomorrow. Until darling hubby got sick, UGH best laid plans and all that….. :)  Shhhhh, don't tell the teachers, and the doctor wrote darling hubby out to rest and relax tomorrow. 

Anyway, as I sit here watching Rachael Ray it occurs to me that I am tired of seeing all the cooking shows cook with nothing but red based sauces.  I want freshness and vegetables but the cost is so high it is hard to have a fresh looking dish. YUCK.  SO I am bound and determined to see if the Farmers Market is open this weekend and if so I am going to visit it so that we can have some fresh vegetables for a reasonable price.  As I typed this I figured I had better check out online and don’t you know they are not open until mid-April. DRAT, dagnait.  Now I am on the hunt for recipes using canned goods that don’t look like they are mashed and cooked beyond recognition.

I heard something today on the radio while I was waiting for the bus with the kiddos, there wasn’t any hint as to who may have said it first.  “Kind words can be short and easy to speak but their echoes can be endless”.

Butterfly hugs and lilac dreams to all.

Teaching the teenagers to cook on the grill... hmmm... is it safe?

So this week had been a little calmer than the last few weeks, not by much, but a little.  In aqua therapy today our instructor asked if anyone could feel the difference in our core from the last few weeks of class, and I honestly could.  I have lost a few pounds and seem to have more stamina when I am doing things around the house and running errands. YEAH!!! That’s the whole point of therapy right?  I am already looking at signing up for the next class over the summer so that I don’t lose what I have gained over the last few weeks. 

SO how are things in your neck of the woods?  We are teaching our older boys how to grill.  Wow, testosterone and an open flame, run for the hills lol. They don’t understand the concept that one day I am going to have daughter-in-laws who will thank me for making sure my boys can cook, clean and do laundry.  HAHA, wouldn’t you thank your in laws for that?  They are really doing great, not well enough to leave them alone with that fire so close to the house, but they are working on it. :)

This year we have set a goal of trying something new every week.  We are discovering things we do like and some things not so much.  Kale, some of us like it and some of us don’t.  Quinoa is also a hit or miss, however, grilled red onions drizzled with olive oil and a little salt is a hit all across the family, except Ryan of course.  Ryan is an inside out vegetarian, he prefers not to eat any vegetables only  meat. Lol  But he is even finding out that he likes some things as well. 

We made inside out Bacon Cheeseburgers tonight and he went bonkers over them.  Grilled onions, cheddar cheese, and bacon bits (real ones), included in the hamburger patties, and it was a hit all around.  Trying new things can be a good thing,  and when we find a family winner we add it to the family cook book.

Wonder what we will cook up tomorrow night?  Any suggestions???

Butterfly hugs and lilac dreams to all.

Just a Thought

When I was riding though town, and the cell phone and radio is off, my thoughts go rampant.  Thinking about what I didn’t do or say in the past few days of blogs.  I was just thinking about all the things that I hadn't thought to include in my blog over the past few weeks, and as I sit down to write this I can’t remember a one LOL.  :)

Spring sports have finally begun and Robbie has his first track meet on Thursday. I can’t wait to go and see what he has been practicing and how he has improved, along with meeting his new friends and their parents.  However, track in NC there were not very many parents that came to the meets, lets see if this is different in Maryland.

Okay, I need some help, as I am driving through the roads, I am starting to see purple boxes up high in the trees around here and I am curious as to what the heck they are.  Any ideas?  This is driving me nuts, when I ask the locals they just look at me like I am crazy and go about their business.  I promise you there are purple boxes tied in trees with white ropes and they are pretty high up.  Help me please figure out what these are.

I was talking with my mom tonight and she has been using her steam inhaler and says it is really making a difference in her sinuses. YEAH!!  Nana is reporting that it is helping her also.  I am so glad that I can help give some relief for their allergies, especially in this time of pollen and blooming season.

Well, I will sign off for now, I need to figure out how to make a text button for other sites to link back here for more advertising, anyone know how to do that?

Butterfly hugs and lilac dreams to all.

Rainy Monday

I woke up this morning to thunderstorms and lightening.  Been quite a while since we have seen this type of weather.  Spring has Sprung.  After going to aqua therapy today, and running errand after errand, I am tired, bone tired.  Then my darling hubby goes to swap out my cell phone since it is giving me fits, and when he comes in I have NO contacts at all in my phone, “WHAT THE WHAT?”  SO I called the store back and have to go back again tomorrow UGH!!!

I am sitting here enjoying time with my darling hubby and my 18 year old watching “Dancing with the Stars”, keep in mind that Hines Ward, Steelers player is dancing, hence the only reason Robbie is watching with me lol  I have to grab these moments while I can, because they grow up so fast. 

I am going to be short tonight since I am so late with the blog today and I am tired, plus I want to spend time with my family. 

Butterfly hugs and Lilac dreams to all.

What a Beautiful Day...

I was able to sleep with the window open last night and what a wonderful sound to wake up tp this morning, the chirping of the birds.  I was able to get up before the kids and actually have a shower before everyone was saying, “What’s for breakfast?”  Sunday I usually cook for the family, however after yesterday I was feeling too sore and darling hubby got up and cooked for me.  :)

After making sure the kids were fed, and the chores were started I am now relaxing on the couch waiting for my David Vendable time on QVC.  Don’t hate me, this is my relaxing time.  I have a new book downloaded on my Kindle by Karen Kingsley and I am looking forward to reading it today and pretty much doing nothing but having the kids help with laundry and grill some chicken for dinner later this afternoon.

It is a little chilly this morning, but I have some beautiful purple hyacinths blooming in my living room and the smell is fabulous.  Darling hubby says it is too much, but it reminds me of Grandma Maxine and they are such sweet memories, I will have to keep the plant in the house for now.  The blooms won’t last long, and when I open the windows later it will dissipate a little.  I am loving spring this morning.

I hope everyone has a fabulous day and am sending Butterfly hugs and lilac dreams to all.

A Challenge for those who want to save money

Today was  a pretty good day, however I am feeling that I have over done it yet again unfortunately.  But I feel great about what I have done.  I had to take the little ones to get notebooks for school, and took Ryan since I was going by the Salvation Army and second hand store for him and his brother.  They are growing SO fast I cannot seem to keep up.  So off to town we went. 

At the Salvation Army close to us, it is pretty clean and they have dressing rooms, so that the kids can try on their clothes.  I found for my little girl 2 pairs of pants and 2 pairs of Capri’s that turn into shorts, along with a sweatshirt for my 9 year old, 3 pairs of pants for my 14 year old and spent a little over $16.00.  They were having half off green tag day and 25% off everything in the store.  We also found a bike for my 14 year old, an 18 speed mountain bike in fairly great condition for $30.00 he is getting so tall, his old bike is too small for him. 

So off to the second hand store we go and as I walk in there is a rack that says “ME, ME, ME” I looked and found 9 American Eagle(BRAND NEW) t-shirts for $40.00, keep in mind that I am looking for teenagers that are picky as can be and this is exactly their style.  Got darling hubby two pairs of pants for work, and all in all felt absolutely fabulous about my finds today.

While many people scoff at visiting second hand stores and Salvation Army, I say the more the merrier.  I may not find everything I need in one visit, but the values I do find are amazing.  If I plan ahead and keep a running list of things I am looking for I can plan ahead and score great deals.  There is a Goodwill being built and will open soon, I LOVE a Goodwill, they are generally open on Sundays too. 

If you have never been to a store like this, I challenge you to visit and see if you can find one thing you are surprised that is there, ALL the clothes I purchased today were, American Eagle, Gap, Old Navy, OP, Dockers, Land’s End and Carters.  Everything is a name brand and if you bought it new you would wash it first anyway, so give these stores a chance.

Butterfly hugs and lilac dreams to all.

I see the weekend peeking at us..

It is a beautiful day and I am trying to get caught up on everything that I have gotten behind on during the week.  Laundry is a never ending story with 6 people in the house, and while it may have been caught up on Wednesday, now I am working on it again today.  I am sitting on the couch debating whether to actually work on the laundry or wait until tomorrow when it is supposed to rain.  I have a beautiful breeze coming in from the window and it should be about 75 today  YEAH SPRING!!!

Laundry is calling, I can wash and dry it, and save the folding for the kids right  lol.  I was talking with my step-mother yesterday about a vase I had purchased from IKEA.  We are calling it our Maryland Memory Vase.  We are going to collect shells, sea glass, rocks and anything that we can store in the vase to remind us of the times we have in Maryland found or purchased.  My children are forever collecting rocks, so now they will have a place to put them.  It is about 12 inches high, clear glass and has four points like a star look, four kids, four points, get it?  Lol.  ;)

I hope to take the kids to the waterfront this weekend, we are very close to the Potomac waterfront and while we may not have the ocean waves, we will have the same smell.  And anyway we can see Quantico from across the bay, so a history lesson will be included.  Ready to come along for the ride?

So today’s thought is all about changing our attitude to gratitude, I can have a grumpy attitude, however I chose to have gratitude for what I have.  Four healthy kids, a healthy husband, I do not have a terminal illness, my family is healthy and it is a beautiful day.  While there are many things happening in the world that is horrific and sad and I am not in any way saying they are not important, I have to think about the now and here so that I can keep myself in a positive attitude and be grateful for what I have and not worry about what I can’t change. 

Butterfly hugs and lilac dreams to all. 

Happy St. Patrick's

Today was another one of those busy days, running errands in between two doctor’s appointments and a visit to see the youngest kids teachers.  After spending an hour and a half with the little one’s teachers, I am feeling a little better about their progress. 

But back to the doctor’s visits.  I am finally feeling positive about a doctor that actually realizes that Fibromyalgia is a real issue and there are ways to make life more comfortable with it.  I had some blood test run and as we were discussing them, she suggested I see a GI doctor again, I told her I had an appointment after hers and she made me a copy of my lab results and made a note of certain things she was concerned about.  None of this let me call you or fax you or mail you.  More personable and caring, yes caring.  We talked about how I am reinventing myself and making life easier by choosing more comfortable products over others among other things. 

For example, I needed a steering wheel cover, and instead of a flat fancy one, I picked out one with memory foam that cushions my hands.  Therefore, my hands will not cramp when I have to drive.  I also use a cane that has a foam cushion on the handle, therefore again, my hands do not cramp.  I picked up a chef knife with a curved handle and this allows me a better grip.  I had been drooling over Rachael Ray’s knife set for years, but this one from IKEA, works better for my hands and is cheaper in the long run. 

As we talked my thought was, this is amazing a doctor that actually is listening to me and taking my words into account.  I am astonished and amazed.

When I called the second doctor I asked if by chance they had a cancellation for an earlier time, she said yes in 30 minutes, I immediately  went and was treated to yet another staff and doctor that just has me wondering if it is too good to be true.  I was told that the doctor would be right in and wowzer, there he was.  He read my file, listened while I talked and told me that while he had a general idea of what my problem was, he wanted to be sure, so we will be doing the dreaded colonoscopy in a few weeks.  BUT,  tell he cares enough tell me that he wants to make 100% sure before he goes ahead with a treatment that may or may not be needed.  This is astonishing to me. 

After being treated badly by so many doctors, I am pleased at how these visits went.  I am super excited and ready and willing actually to do this dreaded camera up the ….  Especially if it will help solve one more piece of my medical puzzle and allow me to being whole again.

**I was referred to my rheumatologist through the Fibromyalgia Network.  If you have never visited their site, please do, their information is amazing and the magazine is ad free and full of great information**

Butterfly hugs and lilac dreams to all.

An Actual Day off.. What to do?

I got a phone call (message)  this morning from my son’s school saying he got hit in the face with a hockey stick.   He is fine, but a slight bump and cut.  After talking with him and the school nurse,  he said he would be fine and no need for a visit to the doctor.  SO after speaking with the nurse, she said he could hear it in my voice that I was concerned,  OK the message I got on my cell phone, (I was in the shower) my son was “hit in the face with a hockey stick, please call the school nurse”  Wouldn’t you be a little concerned? 

SO after the heart settled down into a normal rhythm, I finished getting ready for the day, checked my appointment book and realized that I have a day off.  WHAT is that? I have appointments tomorrow, but noting today, no homework, no appointments and no laundry.  Just the decision on what to cook for dinner tonight, and we may just have hotdogs LOL.  :)

SO what to do with a day off when gas prices are close to $4 a gallon and a shopping trip is out?  I am going to take a nap!!  I did not want to get out of bed this morning and was a little cranky. The day is dreary and drizzly and I am cold, so a nap it is.  I may come back later and post again today, but with having a day off, I may just relax and read my magazines and Kindle that are sitting here calling my name.  :)

Butterfly hugs and lilac dreams to all.

Doing too much + Planning too much = pain for me

Ouch… Yesterday I had a rousing session of aqua therapy and I pushed myself hard.  Probably harder than I ever should have.  I know, I know I am trying to limit myself, but I felt really great about being able to exercise again.  I will not do that again, it ruins my day for my family and myself and the next day as well.

Today is my darling hubby’s birthday and instead of asking for a cake, he prefers apple pies.  I didn’t have any pie crusts, and I am too tired to make any so I pulled out the pastry puff and make apple puffs.  I have seen many cooking shows using this stuff and while I am not saying it is easy, it is time consuming.  But more about how I cut the time in half later in the week on cooking with the BCM page.

I have finished another course in my Ph.D. Program and I am so happy to have a few weeks off so that I can relax.  I have a stack of magazines sitting here beside me along with a stack of library books and my adored Kindle.  I am eagerly looking forward to relaxing and taking a few days off just for myself.  Although I also am looking forward to uploading some pictures and working on this site. 

So look out new information coming on the pages in this site and more product reviews and recipes that we work together on as a family.  Have a fabulous day.

Butterfly hugs and lilac dreams to all. 

Monday Again?

I woke up this morning after finally sleeping through the night for  the first time in several weeks.  These are the mornings I wish I could sleep in and catch up on the sleep I have missed out on, however school busses were calling.  After getting the kids on the bus and breakfast my darling hubby, (he is off on Mondays) off to aqua therapy we go.

I was looking forward to therapy today since I was in so much pain in the past few days and eagerly got in the pool, UNTIL the water hit me…brrr 83 degree water is not so warm until you warm up a bit lol. :)  Warm up takes about 10 minutes and then we start working out.  This class is great for those needing exercise, but can’t work out on land.  The water helps with buoyancy and really lets you stretch and work the muscles that need to be worked.

Today we went into the deep end, which is wonderful.  Using a noodle, we were able to float and work without worrying about the stress of the pool floor.  AMAZING, I pushed myself a little harder than I should have, but it was worth it in the end.  I feel great being able to exercise and work the muscles that have hardened up with my Fibro.  I was breathing hard, and sweating in the pool.  Imagine that sweating in a pool.  It was great, I feel good about myself because I can exercise again.  I can’t wait to build my strength back up so I can do the next step up in this class.

I would suggest to those having issues, to talk with your doctor and see if aqua therapy is a good fit for you.  Look at the colleges near you and see if they offer these classes they are generally cheaper if you work through the continuing education classes, unless you need the college credits.  A pair of water shoes, swim suit and a towel and you are ready to go…….

I know I have been a little behind on the product reviews, we have been so busy this last few weeks, I will try to catch up on them this week, I have one more assignment and then I am done with school until April 4th WOOT WOOT!!!  A break, all right!!!

Butterfly hugs and lilac dreams to all.

Total Epiphany...

Since Wednesday I have been getting tighter and sore throughout my entire body.  I thought I was just sore from the aqua therapy.  Then Friday I saw the doctor and that was part of the problem, but I never even thought about how much work I had to put into the consignment sale on Wednesday and the few days before it.  I was so tight yesterday evening that I could barely move.  For those with Fibro or Rheumatoid Arthritis or any disability that makes you tight you can comprehend this.  I was having difficulty lifting my legs high enough to get up the stairs for bed.  When I got there that is where I stayed for the evening. 

As I was laying there freezing and in pain, I realized that I needed a heating pad, and “DING” light bulb, my darling hubby had purchased a heated throw blanket for me and it was in the closet:)   I got that blanket on my bed as fast as my aching body would allow me to(took me about 30 minutes) and aaaaahhhhhhh………  Sleep finally comes and body finally unclenches…

It is now Sunday morning and I am supposed to return to the consignment sale to pick up the things that didn’t sell.  Yeah right…. NOT.  It is not worth the pain at this point for me.  I know darling hubby would do it for me, but what I could do in an hour, (because I could recognize my items faster) he would spend hours looking for everything.  On top of the cost of gas to get there and back and then my mom (MeeMee) and grandma (Nana) are on their way to see me.  So there is no amount of yard sale/consignment items worth missing time spent with MeeMee and Nana.  Anything left over will be donated so I will take a tax deduction for next year.  Win win situation, and then I don’t have to store it again right?

Anyway, I am excited to see the total amount we earn today and would love to do another one, but an hour and a half one way is just TOO far for me.  Have I told you lately that Fibro is hell on a person?  Well it is.  But that is why I am learning my limitations and reinventing myself.

The hills are alive with the green of the grass

I was looking outside my kitchen window last night and saw 8 deer frolicking in my back 120.  I used to call my back yard in NC the back 40, but this yard is big enough to be the back 120 lol. :)  While watching the little ones play, I realized that the grass is finally turning green.  YEAH spring is finally on its way.  ;)

We hit the mid 60’s today and my 9 year old was trying to learn to ride his bike without training wheels.  Now he has issues with balance and my 16 year old and I were getting frustrated, then I told him, don’t you want to show MeeMee how you can ride your bike tomorrow? (She is trying to visit tomorrow), and CLICK the “AHA” moment happened.  He was up and down the road.  He still needs help getting going, and doesn’t handle turns too well, but he tried and I am so proud of him. 

SO I have been complaining about homework all week, and I STILL don’t have it done, I just can’t seem to get into this particular assignment.  But I guess I will have to since it is due tonight lol. ;)

I didn’t do much today just laundry, bathrooms, roasted chicken, one for tonight’s dinner and one for chicken potpie later in the week and took Robbie to football practice.  Yes they are already practicing up here on Saturdays.  He has track during the week, so Saturday’s it is.  However, since I wasn’t able to sleep last night, I should probably cut this short and finish the dreaded homework and head to bed early since I will lose an hour tonight as well.  Just hoping I can sleep for a few hours at least. 

For those who are keeping up with the consignment sale, we are now up to $429.00 in earnings, but if things don’t sell tomorrow, we have to go and pick up quite a few items, but that’s ok, we are still making money on this consignment sale.  

Butterfly hugs and lilac dreams to everyone.

When things don't go as planned...

I had hoped to work on homework this morning before I had to see my new doctor this afternoon, however when we got up my 14 year old Ryan woke up with a fever, sore throat and aches and pains.  So as I waited for the doctor’s office to take phone calls for an appointment, I got everything ready for my appointment as well.  With gas being close to $4.00 a gallon, I have to combine trips into town (40 mins away) as much as possible.

While waiting for the doctor with Ryan, there was a little girl in the waiting room with the name of Journey.  I thought that was a beautiful name and she was a cutie pie.  She reminded me of the laughter, hugs and smiles I used to get on a daily basis from my home daycare.  UNTIL…  she took her shoes off and her dad told her to put them back on and the disobedience began.  Then I remembered what I wasn’t missing lol:)  

As the day progresses Ryan’s visit is over, sinus infection is the outcome, and I run upstairs to my doctor to see if possibly anyone has cancelled and if I can move my appointment up.  Woot woot there has been a cancelation and my appointment is moved to about 50 minutes away.  So we stay and fill out the new patient paperwork, and hope for the best. 

As many of us know when we see new doctors there is quite a bit of anxiety and trepidation.  While I saw many patients go in and come out, go in and come out, go in and come out……. Whew I am tired and hurting worse by the minute.  When it is finally my turn, I hobble into the room,  and the doctor asks what is hurting?  My entire body, since I have sat in those chairs for an hour and a half.  I know, I know I could have left and come back, but the price of gas you know.  I am almost glad to have a bad day, while seeing this doctor, so she knows it is not all in my head :)

After actually listening to me, (GASP) and doing the 18 point touch point test, of which I think she did a 30 point test, lol, she explains that she wants to draw some blood work and will see me in a week to talk about everything in my file. I was okay with this because she had the nurse make copies of the medical records that I brought to her office, and she had spent 45 minutes of her time talking with me about my history and actually listening.  Not answering her cell phone, not returning texts, and not walking out on my time, but listening to ME.  That in itself is amazing.

So as I ran downstairs to get the blood work, right in and out, another shocker. Ryan was starving as only a  14 year old can.  I looked at the clock, just enough time to get medication, a few things from Target, and then home to get the kids off the bus.  Homework, what is that?  Guess I will have to work on that later tonight while I catch up on my shows that I missed throughout the day.  It is getting to the point that I am going to have to schedule a day with nothing to do so that I can catch up on my laundry and homework :)

FYI, for those of you following the consignment sale, as of last night, after ONLY the cosigners and volunteers shopped I have already made $108.55, covers my gas and supplies and about 50 items out of my house WAHOOOOOO!!!!  Betsie, we need to talk :)

Missed You Yesterday!

I missed blogging yesterday.  I was so busy running errands and dropping off a huge load for the kids consignment sale in Gaithersburg MD.  For the past few weeks I have been cleaning, tagging and getting the truck loaded for this sale.  I am hoping to make some money to help with the house hold bills.  With this being the first time doing this we will see.  It was an hour and a half one way from our house and my husband had to take time off to go with me to help. 

On the positive side, my darling husband and I had a fabulous time together and spent an afternoon feeling like we were playing hokey.  We went to one of my favorite stores that I have discovered in the DC area. IKEA!  If you have never been, you should try to visit a store, I am amazed by the ideas and prices.  They are really a huge store, like four Sam’s clubs put together plus. ;)    They even have a restaurant half way through so you can take a rest and have a meal.

So back to the IKEA, my darling husband and I had gone through the catalog and had a list with page numbers, and planned our attack.  We thought that we only had to go through the 2nd half of the store.  However when we finished half of the list, we realized that the other half was in the part of the store that we were trying to bypass.  LOL 
  We tried anyway right?

Anyway, we had so much fun, but this store is so big, it needs to have motorized wheel chairs, which it doesn’t. L  Not a great idea to visit after physical therapy and then after moving all the stuff for the kids sale.   I am paying for it today.  But only in my body.  My heart and mind is feeling great, I have gotten several, 276 items to be exact, at a sale for 4 days, out of my house and can honestly say I have paid off the LAST of our medical bills, which was with our income taxes J  With the exception of our car and monthly household bills, are officially DEBT FREE!!!!!!!!  What an amazing feeling.  $420 extra a month that we are not having to pay out.  Now to send that towards the car to pay it of sooner J

Well, I have a pot roast in the crock pot, watching yesterdays episode of The Talk, with my coffee and after publishing this, I am going to work on homework.  What have you been working on today?

Butterfly hugs and lilac dreams to everyone.

Busy, Busy, Busy

Wow, it is just not noon and I feel like I have done a regular 40 hour work week.  Is it only Tuesday?  I am setting myself up for a flare and I have to stop it NOW!!!  The question is how do you stop it and make yourself rest and relax for what is to come?  I will tell you how, you STOP, REST, and RELAX.  I did so much this morning, after this blog, I am going to my bed to lay down for a nap. 

Here is what I did this morning,got all 4 kids fed, dressed and on the bus, applied for scholarship for darling hubby and myself, got baked potatoes in the oven for twice baked potatoes for dinner tonight.  Cleaned the kitchen, dining room and living room, took pictures of the previous mentioned rooms to post on this site later, and set up dental and eye appointment for the entire family.

I am exhausted.  :)  Now I am watching the Food channel, working on this blog, and hearing my bed call my name.  I generally refuse to lay down in my bed, because I  do not want to ever be someone who stays in bed all day long.  If I need a nap I will generally snooze on the couch.  Not today, the bed it is. 

So about the aqua therapy class yesterday.  WHEW, I am tired, sore and feeling great that I lasted the entire 55 minutes.  I was surprised and pleased with myself because I had not been able to do that before.  Now I only wish I could get in some warm water to ease the muscles today :)  If you are feeling tense, check your local colleges for swim classes, they are generally continuing education classes which are cheaper and less structured. 

Alright, I am off to nap, if you need me check the Facebook page, "The Betty Crocker Mom" and  I will update you as the blog changes :)

Butterfly hugs and lilac dreams to all.

Jenn

***www.fibromyalgiacrusade.com has t-shirts in, I will post a picture when I get mine :)

Aqua Therapy, where have you been all my Fibro Life?

So today was my first day at the college and their reconditioning class.  I was doing aqua therapy through a physical therapy place, but the copay's were KILLING me.  SO I did some research and found a class at the College of Southern Maryland,  where I could go two times a week for two months for $82.00 verses 2 times a week for $40.00 at the physical therapy place. 

Today I was a little scared and skeptical since I was never able to last more than 20 minutes at the PT (physical therapy) pool.  Today the first day of class I lasted 55 minutes.  I was shocked and surprised.  Then I thought I was never getting out of the pool or making it home. 

I not only made it out of the pool, I made it home and I was starving for the first time in a week, since I started my new medication.  I was in a fabulous mood and really hyped that I made it through the whole class.  I told my darling hubby that I was worried about being sore and exhausted.  So far I am a little sore and tired.  You have to realize I did exercises I haven't been able to do in years.  YEAH!! I am excited and ready to go again n Wednesday.

Now, I just have to remember to take some water, even in a swimming pool, I was sweating and needed a drink of water:)  You never realize how much you can work out in the water until you actually take a reconditioning and strengthening class.  Look out seniors this 40 year old is ready to reclaim the use of her arms over her head :)

Teenagers and Fibro

Whew, as you can see from yesterday everyone has a bad day now an then, regardless of how positive you are.  :)  We persevere and move on to the next day. 

It is a rainy and dreary day her in Maryland, we are supposed to be getting an inch or two of rain, at least it's not snow :)  Thank Goodness!  While I don't have a migraine, I do have a slight headache, nothing that a little nap wouldn't cure.  However, hubby is taking his final exam, (Thank goodness) and I am sitting here on the couch watching David Vendable on QVC.  Don't judge its one of my guilty pleasures, as long as my credit card and phone is in another room, I am good to go :)

I had already done my blog for this morning, but when I went to check it on the site it had disappeared and I had to redo it.  Must not have been important for today, guess I need to talk about something else :) 

My 16 year old Robbie is helping me make those cinnamon rolls I have been trying to get to since Wednesday.  Teenagers gives us trials and tribulations and some days drive us bonkers.  When they are making us crazy, those of us with disabilities that are aggravated by stress have to learn to pick our battles. 

In today's society, things are different what with the internet, cell phones, and all the new fancy drugs, (not sure how anyone affords them, but they are here).  I understand and can see how difficult it is to grow up in today's world. But really is it so darn hard to pick up your clothes off the floor in the bathroom and place them in the hamper about three feet away?  REALLY???

I keep telling myself while I am getting on to him about this for the thousandth time, one day my future daughter-in-law will thank me for teaching him how to cook, clean, but most of all how to pick up after himself. However, I fear that I am failing in that aspect :(  Oh well, she will have to be happy with Robbie being able to do dishes, laundry, clean a toilet, tub, and know how to wash windows.  lol:)

Gotta run and check in on the cinnamon rolls, pictures to come later in the Cooking with BCM page. 

Butterfly hugs and lilac dreams to all. 

Some Days it seems so hard

Today is my little girls 8th birthday.  I may have gotten 2 hours total sleep last night if I was lucky, darn Fibro.  Some days it just seems so hard to put one foot in front of the other.  I had to run to town to pick up medication, my little girl had to pick out shoes for her birthday, she needed tennis shoes, and my 16 year old needed track shoes.  Thank goodness he can drive. 

But some days it seems so hard to put on a smiling face and join the family and act like life is fine.  Fibro is a pain in the body and it is hurting today.  While I am trying to get ready to make a birthday dinner, I keep telling myself, just a few more hours and I can go to bed.  Ever feel that way.  Like you just want to stay away from everyone knowing you could bite their head off at a moments notice?  That is me today. 

Therefore I am making this blog short and sweet, going to cook dinner for my daughter and curl up in my bed with my Kindle and try oh so very hard not to snap at anyone.

Butterfly hugs and lilac dreams to all.

Friday, Birthday Cakes & Presents YES!!

Tomorrow is the birthday of my soon to be 8 year old.  Let me tell you a little about my little girl.  She came to live with us soon to be three years ago at the end of this month.  She had just turned 5 and had none of the normal things that we would normally give our children, never had books, never had enough food, punished by being locked in her room, and the only thing she had for company was her brother when he was home from school and the television in her room.  She was 5 years old and not even potty trained.  We got a phone call from my brother in law stating that he couldn't handle her behavior anymore and if we couldn't take her she would go to child protective services.  Anyone who knows us understands that that is not an option, she is family, even though we had never seen her or had a relationship with her since she lived in IN and we lived in NC, she came to be part of our family. But not only our close family but our extended family as well, my mom, sisters, nieces and nephews all thought of her as ours.  Thanks to them for making this easier on us.    Fast forward a year or so and we have her in school with a wonderful teacher, we helped her over the summer grow with her social skills, and within one year she turned into a completely different child.  In the summer after that we got her brother also, but that is a story for a different time. SO tomorrow is her birthday and we are excited to say she will be 8 years old no more car seats YEAH!!  She is growing up and no longer letting me chose her clothes as much anymore, but she is getting more into the dresses also instead of the jeans YES!!  SO I am excited that I am cooking her birthday cake today. As I finish putting her hair into pony tails, and we talk about her needing a belt, I think back over the past three years and remember the heart ache and joy that she has brought to us, but mostly its the JOY of having her in my life.  She may not have been born of my body, but God made sure she has been born of my heart.

Today is the hardest day of the week

Today is Thursday and I had intended on cleaning tubs and showers, I have three UGH!!!, However, my kids and hubby requested cookies last night so I decided to make cookies with my energy this morning instead of cleaning the tub and showers.  Not too bad of a choice since I get to do quality control on the cookies :)

A few months ago I ordered a cookbook set from QVC yes I am a cookbook addict and yes I love watching David Vendable from QVC, and I spend many Sunday afternoons listening to his show while I do homework, please don't judge me :)  I can't help it.  SO anyway... the cookbook set I ordered was "500 Fast & Fabulous Five Star 5 Ingredient Recipes" written by Gwen McKee and Barbara Moseley and another one in the set, but I don't have it with me at the moment, it was for party foods and appetizers.  l'lI talk more about this in my Cooking with the BCM page :) 

Last night my 16 year old Robbie cooked with me, we had Italian sausage with whole wheat Penne pasta and homemade sauce.  It is a real simple sauce I learned from watching the cooking channel and one of my step-father's Larry.  As we were eating my husband lifted up the Bay leaf, which is the running joke in our family, for the last 17 years every time, and I do mean EVERY time I cook with Bay leaves, my husband ends up with them.  He is the Bay leaf magnet  in our family, do you have one in yours? :)

Yesterday afternoon my mom and I had a fabulous talk about this blog, after pointing out a few spelling errors, and I am sure there will be more, she said it is helping her understand my Fibro better.  :)  YEAH!!!  I have accomplished some of what I set out to do.  Helping others who do not have Fibro understand it more and helping those who have Fibro reinvent themselves so they can have a fulfilling life even with this disease.  I am so excited that it is making an impact.  YES!! 

I am also getting comments through our contact page and I appreciate and love them, however I can't post them through that page, only through the COMMENT page.  So please send me your comments and lets get this blog noticed.  I have been finishing all the work on my end to get it on the Google search engine, and finding ways to earn a little income with the site. Also, I am working towards doing product reviews and helping others on what works for us with fibromyalgia and other disabilities as well. 

I love everyone and thank you for all your help and support, we are on our way.

Butterfly hugs and lilac dreams to all. 

Learning to Reinvent Myself

While I fired my doctor on Monday, I am taking control over my life and not allowing myself to dwell on the pity party.  I am NOT someone who will wither away in bed and moan "Whoa is me".  That is not who I am.  Before this disease, and yes it is a disease, I was a very busy and independent person.  Just ask my family, friends and previous coworkers. I was the on the ball, go to person.  Now I am the one who plans her day with pain and fatigue in mind.  BUT that is OK, because you know what I am still here for my family, and I am not having to take radical treatments or have a time line for my life.

Yes I will admit there are times I am to tired or in too much pain that I can not walk to the store and do the shopping that needs to be done without using a wheelchair.  I am a 40 year old woman and look fine on the outside, however, my body on the inside on some days feels like a 90 year old woman.  Think about that for a second.  Imagine that you are walking through something denser then jello and you are close to how much effort it takes to walk on some days, and generally those are the days that I have to go out and visit the doctor or run errands. 

Now that you understand a little better, let me explain how I am dealing with this, hopefully I can help others understand this issue and they can reinvent themselves as well.  When I feel good, I am overjoyed and you can generally hear it in my voice.  My mom is ecstatic when we talk and I have a fabulous day.  I try really hard to keep my bad days from my family, but my darling hubby wants to know.

So yesterday I was dizzy and groggy from the new medications, but about the time I needed to make dinner wowser the energy came and I made dinner for last night and had enough to make dinner for the freezer for another night as well.  That made me feel great :)  Everyone loved the "Dump Enchiladas" Literally we had left over chicken and rice, I threw a can of black beans we mashed, a can of Rotel and we wrapped them in whole wheat tortillas, spread enchilada sauce and cheese on top, and there you go.  They were yummy, the kids loved them and with a salad they were perfect.

So today I am feeling a little better and looking forward to trying to make homemade cinnamon rolls to put in the freezer and have them for bad days, and then my family can still have homemade food that has no preservatives and still I feel good about it.  I can still be the Betty Crocker Mom and live with this fibromyalgia.

Butterfly hugs and lilac dreams to all. 

I did it, I upgraded this site!

I am so excited, please update your bookmarks, this is now the new address for this blog.  www.thebettycrockermom.com.  Keep looking for new information on a facebook page as well.  I am going to also start  a new page for saving tips and ideas for cooking like the Betty Crocker Mom in the next few weeks :) 

Thank you for all your support. 

I pulled a Donald Trump yesterday

I went to my new doctor yesterday my husband and I both had appointments.  He was getting his results from some blood tests, and I needed to discuss five things.  I had a list and everything laid out and ready to go to help stream line my visit.

Well, my husband went first, his test results were fabulous and everything was great.  She examined him and acted like a real doctor.  Then came my visit.  I sat down and she started on how I need to lose weight and exercise more and how I need to take control of my Fibro.  WHAT??  I am researching Fibro more than ever and I need to take control of my problem?  Why am I even at the doctors office, oh I can't write scripts lol :). 

SO we finally got to my list, I was not comfortable taking pain meds 6 out of 7 days, so I felt like my Savella was no longer working.  She wanted to change me to Lyrica, which I am ok with, however, one side effect is weight gain...  So after talking about this she still changes me to Lyrica, I will give it a try.

Then we get to refilling my medication,  She wants to know why I am on steroids?  I explain that I have low cortisol or Addison disease.  "That's why you are pudgy" she says.  Really you don't say...  So she sends me to a endocrinologist.  She seems to be the referral princess, after being the overweight police.  Hint she is overweight herself. 

So, after getting through four of my five things on my list, she gets up and almost leaves, I explain I have one more thing to talk about and she says I need to keep it for another appointment.  NO I am here now, paying now, I need it NOW!  It is not my fault she spent my time talking about her weight loss. 

I left her office with most of the things I needed, leaving the fifth thing with the nurse with a promise I would have it in about two weeks, paperwork I needed filled out. 

On the way home, I reviewed the appointment, and I realized that I don't have to tolerate this, she is FIRED!!  I am now on the hunt for another doctor who gives a care and will listen and actually READ my medical file, unlike this one who took the time to read my husbands medial file, but ignored mine....

SO for those of use with medical problems, DON'T let them walk over you, you have a choice, take control of your life and your medical issues and find someone who cares with you.

Butterfly hugs and lilac dreams to all.
Jenn

I pulled a Donald Trump yesterday..

I went to my new doctor yesterday my husband and I both had appointments.  He was getting his results from some blood tests, and I needed to discuss five things.  I had a list and everything laid out and ready to go to help stream line my visit.

Well, my husband went first, his test results were fabulous and everything was great.  She examined him and acted like a real doctor.  Then came my visit.  I sat down and she started on how I need to lose weight and exercise more and how I need to take control of my Fibro.  WHAT??  I am researching Fibro more than ever and I need to take control of my problem?  Why am I even at the doctors office, oh right I can't write scripts lol :). 

SO we finally got to my list, I was not comfortable taking pain meds 6 out of 7 days, so I felt like my Savella was no longer working.  She wanted to change me to Lyrica, which I am ok with, however, one side effect is weight gain...  So after talking about this she still changes me to Lyrica, I will give it a try, we will see how it goes, so far I am dizzy and tired beyond belief.

Then we get to refilling my medication,  She wants to know why I am on steroids?  I explain that I have low cortisol or Addison disease.  "That's why you are pudgy" she says.  Really you don't say...  So she sends me to a endocrinologist.  She seems to be the referral princess, after being the overweight police.  Hint she is overweight herself. 

So, after getting through four of my five things on my list, she gets up and almost leaves, I explain I have one more thing to talk about and she says I need to keep it for another appointment.  NO I am here now, paying now, I need it NOW!  It is not my fault she spent my time talking about her weight loss. 

I left her office with most of the things I needed, leaving the fifth thing with the nurse with a promise I would have it in about two weeks, some paperwork I needed filled out. 

On the way home, I reviewed the appointment, and I realized that I don't have to tolerate this, she is FIRED!!  I am now on the hunt for another doctor who gives a care and will listen and actually READ my medical file, unlike this one who took the time to read my husbands medical file, but ignored mine....

SO for those of use with medical problems, DON'T let them walk over you, you have a choice, take control of your life and your medical issues and find someone who cares with you.

Butterfly hugs and lilac dreams to all.