Feels like Kansas

I had to check a map today. It is 60 degrees and rainy and windy. Thought a tornado had picked me up and took me back to Kansas. Nope I was still in California. It is funny to see people in heavy coats, hats and scarves when it is 60 degrees. In Kansas that is sweater weather but not heavy coat weather. I think my blood must have thinned out. I would have killed for a pair of gloves when I was picking up Drew this afternoon.

Long Day

The first Sunday in November...the day many wait for to grab that extra hour of sleep. Unfortunately I did not get mine this time around. At 3 the phone goes off. It is Scott down stairs - same symptoms as the last Pulmonary Embolism. I rush down stairs. Grab the phone. He agrees to let me call 911. At least they didn't come with lights and sirens blazing. They took Scott to the hospital. I stayed and got Drew up and dressed. He was surprisingly very cooperative give it was 330 in the morning. Drove to the hospital downtown. they can't figure out what is causing the problems and why he is clotting. He is on anti coagulation therapy that is monitored daily. Strange thing. Yesterday it was 2.6 and 12 hours later it had dropped to 2.2. Very strange.

thank goodness for Facebook. I didn't want to call and bother my family in Kansas at that horrid hour.

Before I left the house I posted I was headed to the hospital. I knew my sis always checks her Facebook in the morning and would see it. I I was right. She called me at the hospital early. She also got ahold of my dad. He will be here tomorrow. Mary Lou left yesterday.

So while many were enjoying an extra 60 minutes of sleep, I had an extra 60 minutes to be Thankful for modern medicine that kept my husband alive yet again. And for modern technology that alerted my family that things were not well here in California.

Always have

Faith, Trust and lots of Pixie Dust

traditions

Well Halloween has come and gone. time to start thinking about Turkey and stuffing. Time to start thinking about tiny tots with eyes all a-glow, and folks dressed up like eskimos - OK I know we are in California but I am with all my midwest friends in spirit.

I wanted to start a new tradition but Scott getting sick kind of messed it up. But hopefully next year, it will be come tradition that Drew, Scott and I go on a vacation over Thanksgiving break. We were to go to Disney Land this year but not happening now.

I also wanted to start the tradition of going on the Polar Express during Christmas but I missed getting tickets because - you guessed it - Scott was sick. Boy, does he know how to mess my ideas. LOL.

Last year Scott and I took Drew to Toys R us and had him pick a toy. while he was picking it we explained it would not be something he could keep. It would be given to the Marines outside who would make sure a boy or girl who didn't have Christmas presents would get it. He has already asked when he gets to buy that present again. Makes my heart warm.

I was looking at Pottery Barn Kids catalog today and I got a cool idea. They have a large Santa bag that can be personalized. I am going to get one with our name on it. It will sit empty under the tree and on Christmas morning that is where every one will find their Santa presents. This is something we will be able to do for years. Someday if my boys decide to have kids I will get to do it with my grandkids. Mastercard 30.00. Memories - priceless.

I wish my family could be together this year. We are hoping next year to be in Kansas. My dad and sis will be together with their spouses. Mary Lou will have her sisters join her from the East Coast. Phil will get here at some time. Jsut don't know when yet. It seems funny not to be with my dad and sister again this year. But we will all be together in spirit and our memories of Donny Osmond records, doll houses, chickenpox, and crayons in ears.

May you always have
Faith Trust and Pixie dust
C

Knitting Cheers

Making your way in the world today, Takes everything you've got; Taking a break from all your worries, Sure would help a lot

Wouldn't you like to get away? All those night when you've got no lights,The check is in the mail;And your little angelHung the cat up by it's tail;And your third fiance didn't show;

Sometimes you want to goWhere everybody knows your name,And they're always glad you came;You want to be where you can see,Our troubles are all the same;You want to be where everybody knows your name.

Roll out of bed, Mr. Coffee's dead;The morning's looking bright;And your shrink ran off to Europe,And didn't even write;And your husband wants to be a girl;

Be glad there's one place in the worldWhere everybody knows your name,And they're always glad you came;You want to go where people know,People are all the same;You want to go where everybody knows your name.


With everything that has been going on my comfort has been taking a few minutes from time to time to run to my fave yarn store in the area. The women at the Yarn Shoppe are just wonderful. The first time I walked in there a few months ago I felt so at home. There was a big table with woman just sitting and visiting and knitting. they immediately invited me to join their weekly group.

Since Scott has been sick this place has been a god send. They always ask how Scott is and if I am taking care of my self. One day I just needed to get away and I just went in and sat down at the table and like usual there were people at the table doing all kinds of projects. It was so warm and inviting. Anna, the owner, even had her boxer, Roxie there. It was theraputic to sit and just pet the dog and get Boxer slobber on my toes.

I have found since Scott got sick that I feel better being surrounded by bright colors, and different textures. It gives me a sense of calm and peace.

I have had a great time knitting lately with Alpaca yarn. It is so soft and sensual. I hope to make an afghan out of it after the holidays. Something I can wrap up in and feel safe and protected. Kind of like when you are little and you need your mommy to hug you and make it all better. That is what I need right now.

At the Yarn Shoppe I feel like I am walking in to Cheers. Everyone knows my name.

Update on Scott

For everyone who has not heard from me I am sorry. Scott went back into the hospital Thursday afternoon. He had a Pulmonary Embolism. Pretty scary stuff. We caught it in time. Thanks to a remarkable Dr. Hacker. Who was also the one who convinced Scott to go to the hospital 2 weeks ago when he was in pain and didn't realize his colon perforated.

Scott has some guardian angels watching out for him. He is home. He is receiving shots twice a day of a drug that was over 1700.00 for an eight day supply. Thank goodness for insurance. He is also on Coumidin for the next 6 months so his second surgery to repair his bowel has to be postponed for a while. At least he is alive and home.

Mary Lou is still here. She will be leaving next weekend barring anything unforeseen. She figures since she is here she should enjoy Halloween with us. She and I both have colds which have knocked us for a loop. We are trying to get rest and stay hydrated (I am listening Anna).

There is so much paperwork to do for disablity. Even short term. I feel inundated. I am very thankful for the support of all of our family and friends thru this. Your support and kind thoughts words, prayers, and deeds have been greatly appreciated.

Always have
Fatih Trust and Pixie Dust.

Lay a way

Well it is that time of year again. time to start thinking of Christmas shopping. I used to use Walmart for lay a way. For the simple fact that I could "hide" the presents there until right before the holidays. It made it very easy to keep prying eyes away from things. I was very very upset when Walmart stopped this practice. it was the main reason they got my holiday money.

I thought with the economy the way it is that Walmart would reinstitue their lay away plan. I was wrong. I emailed them and was told that it was not on their long term goals to do layaway.

Then last night I found out another chain has lay away. good old blue light special Kmart. I am headed there today to put Drew's presents on lay away. I think Walmart is really missing an opportunity. But I never liked the evil giant anyway. I haven't been to a Kmart in years. I am more than willing to spend my Christmas dollars there.

Phil is rearrangign his plans for the holidays. He has decided to come to California in December. This illness with his dad has made him really homesick. He plans on coming mid December - right after finals. He will be here about a month. I am thrilled. I know he wanted to spend the holidays with the Stevens clan but he says he sees them all the time and needs a hug from good ole mom. I am still holding out hope that Yoo Sung is able to come as well.

Scott is doing well. He came to the breakfast table this morning. I think he will be back at work paqrt time this week. Working from home. he is really nervous about going back full time - esp the ostomy.

I just finished filling out my ballot for the election. mailing it in a few mintues.

Please keep our friends the Gaumer family in your prayers. Rex had a stroke this week and now looks like he has a PE and may not survive.

Thanks
FTPD
Cathy

Friday

Scott is home. Home Health care is due sometime as well as PT. Insurance sucks. I love my mother in law. I have great friends. I am in need of major me time. Trying to get some of that this afternoon.

Oh make sure you check out All Thumbs. Great post about a new site. YouData.
FTPD

Insurance

Frustration is all I can say. I met with the wound care people at the hospital yesterday. I was told that I needed to find out who covered DME and wound care supplies so they could be ordered for home use. TALK about a flipping nightmare. the woman yesterday at the insurance company said we were covered but couldn't tell me who the contract was with. She wasn't even sure what ostomy supplies were. She gave me some names. I called the insurance company back today to ask about some other supplies. The person told me that another company could handle it all. so I called them and was told they don't cover the items thru my plan. They gave me the name of another place and I called them - they are contracted with my insurnce company but not my specific plan.


I am now back on the phone with the insurance company. They gave me 3 more #'s. One is out of service, one doesn't handle what I need and the third does not answer the phone. so back to the insurnace company.

they have Nordstom as a contracted provider. LOL. I can't believe they can't just pull up ostomy contracts. This is insane.

there latest idea? Go talk to the wound care nurse - she has to call the insurnace company and request use of an out of network provider but allowing pay at an in network provider scale.

don't get me started on the healthcare in our country. I just want what our United States Congress has. I bet they don't have to call for in network vs out ofnetwork coverage. Or worry about it being covered.

Long week

It has been a long week. Short of it. Scott ended up with a perforated colon. He had emergency surgery on Thursday night. He will get out of ICU today. He won't be out of hte hosptial until late next week. Dad and Andrea should be here tomorrow and ML will be here Wed. ML told me my job was Scott and her job would be Drew and the house. If she found out I cleaned or did laundry before she got here she would turn around and go home. No argument from me. Me who hates house cleaning arguing with someone who actually WANTS to clean my house. I really wish she would move in.

I did win the soap give away on AllThumbs. Thanks Lori and Chicklet Right now they are having a salsa give away. Stop by and check it out. The three best sob stories win. They have such a great site.

HEre is a link to a Youtube video featuring Phil. He was chairperson for Homecoming at Washburn for his Fraternity this year. They were partnered with theDelta Gams. The link is their campus wininng dance sequence at Yell Like Hell pep rally. the theme was "give our regards to broadway" They got the float finished at 5 this morning and I am waiting to here how it did. In the video, Phil is on the far left of your computer screen as it starts so you can follow him.

Thanks to everyone for their thoughts and prayers for us and Scott right now. I will keep everyone updated.

Faith Trust and Pixie Dust.
C

Soap

My buddies over at All thumbs (see right side of page for link to their site) are having a new contest. I won their Melting Pot contest.

Lori and I have lots in common but I just found out she has the same affinity for soap. I love the aroma of a good soap. I particulary like soaps that are citrus smelling. I use lavendar to relax at night but citrus smells to wake up. I also hide soap in my "unmentionable" drawer. Every bath room has to have a collection of different soaps for my guests. I could spend hours in soap stores. There is just something about them. I have had an affinity for soap since I was little and discovered Crabtree & Evelyn.

Check out the new contest and if you win and I don't - you have to share the prize with me.

Faith Trust & Pixie Dust

C

allergies and Dining

Drew has developed an allergy to most nuts. Nothing serious but we have been told not to go out of our way to give him peanuts. I have an allergy to pork. It makes eating out a challenge. I have found a wonderful website. Worry Free dinners. I found them after reading an article on CNN about them. Right now it appears that they serve the NY area but will soon be in CA. I will be jumping on board the WFD train as soon as it arrives. I have our applications for membership. There is no cost to join. They sponser restaruant outings for those who are allergy challenged. Check out the blog above for more info.

I have found orginally 2 now 3 places that that really seem concerned about allergies. Disney is very onboard with taking care of guests with allergies. all you have to do is tell them when you make reservations and remind them when you check in to eat. usually the chef will come out and visit with you and make special dishes that will accomadate your alleriges.

Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen in Albuquerque is great about allergies as well. I have never had such attention about my allergy before. i mentioned it to the waiter and the next thing I knew the manager was at my table assuring me that my food would be cooked in new pans, to ensure no cross contamination. the chef delivered it to my table. he even brought a few other tidbits for me to try that were pork free.

We went to Melting Pot this weekend with Drew for dinner. They brought Drew extra white bread because they weren't sure which onesof the dark breads might contain peanut residue. Scott and I had the dinenr for 2 and it contained BBQ pork. They actually put it on a seperate plate to ensure no contamination of the rest of the food. Scott said it was delish.

There are several restaurants I can't eat out. One that sticks out is Red Robin. Even tho I have told them about the allergy, I found out that the burgers and bacon are cooked on the same grill so if you have a burger it may have remnants of bacon fat on it. A big problem for me.

If you know of restaurants that accomadate allergies - let me know. I get tired of eating at home because of the worries about what might be cross contaimnated.

FTPD

C

Twilight

I thought I talked about this before but I can't find it so....

My sis got me hooked on a new series of books. Twilight. Vampires? Werewolves? Being 17 forever? HMMMMMM?

I became even more intrigued when she started sending me "flair" on Facebook with hints from the books.

I am actually enjoying it very much. I have finished the first 2 and will be picking up # 3 this week. I have even joined an online book club to discuss the books. If you have read the books or want to know more about them or the book club check this out.

Some people compare them to Anne Rice or Harry Potter. Nope not even close. This target audience is for teen to college age girls. HP is for younger kids and Rice's novels are for us old folks. But after reading Twilight I was taken back to my teen days when I didn't quite fit in, didn't have any close friends. I could have used an Edward to sweep me off my feet and protect me from the cruelties of high school. I could have used an Alice to confide all my secrets to. Who wouldn't want Emse and Carlisle for parents?

I found my self in book 2 wanting to rush thru to find Edward. But I made myself read each page and I am glad I did. It made the reappearance of Edward all that more special.

To whom ever posted the transcript to book 5 on the web, I don't like you. I feel you stole some special information that could have been revealed about Edward and his past.

Meyers writing had me turning the pages as fast as I can. I am drawn into the feelings and thoughts of all the characters. When I finish a book I can't wait to get the next one so I can be drawn back in to Forks and the small town atmosphere where everyone knows everyone and wonders about the town secrets.

I have come to the conclusion that even at 41 I am secretly in love with Edward. Sorry Scott.

PLDP

C

Accept

When do you let them grow up? When do you say I have done all I can? When do you realize that you have given them your values, morals, your all and know they have to make their own decisions? I guess now is that time.

Phil has talked off and on about going into the military for some time. He talks about it, then drops it, then talks about it again. I have told him my feelings. I know we need people to fight for our country, but why my kid? I raised him to believe in right vs wrong. To stand up for the little guy. To believe in himself. To do the right thing in all instances.

He came to me this week and said he was considering joining the Marines. WTH?!?!?! He had been talking to a Marine recruiter and found a program where he can spend the next 2 summers in VA getting trainins and then when he gradutes be a 2nd Lt.

He proved to me he really wanted this when he had to go get a PFT to show his asthma would not be a problem. He had the PFT with in 24 hours of being told by the recruiter he needed to get it. First time in a long time I have seen him motivated to get something done.

I am a typical mom. I worry, I fret. Everyone knows what a bond we share. What would I do if something happened to him? I can't imagine my life with out him around. Doesn't he understand there is a war on 2 fronts and he would be sent there, in harms way? Does he really understand it is an 8 year commitment? I know he sees this as a stepping stone to his ultimate career goal but isn't there another way to get there?

I have to accept that I raised him to do the right thing, to follow his heart and his head, to fight for the little guy. I have to accept I can't keep him my little boy forever. I have to accept this is an adult decision and one he has to make. I have to accept this is the path he wants to choose for himself.

I have to accept he is a man. A man I am proud to call my son.

Broken nose

Not me. Drew. He was at school today on the playground and turned around and ran right into another little boy who was running. They cracked foreheads and Drew got a bloody nose. They took him to the office and tried to call me. I was out shopping and my phone had fallen out of my purse onto the floor of the car. when I found it I had 7 missed calls from the school and from Scott. I raced home while breaking several speed limits and the cell phone laws. I called the doc and got him in at once. they sent us for Xrays. The nurse called a little while ago with the news. It is broken and we see an ENT on Monday. Keep Drew quiet for the weekend - obviously she doesn't have a 6 year old. Ice it 5-6 times a day. This to the kid who hates cold? Plus it is broken and the last thing he wants is ANYTHING heavy on it. Keep his head elevated when he sleeps. That should go over well. Drew has been a little indignant about the this. His problem. The other kid didn't get hurt nor did he say he was sorry.

I am off to Michaels to pick up some crafts to get us thru the weekend. Like that will work but I have to say I tried.

Red Chile - or label your ziplocks

I decided to "invent" a new dinner tonight. I had some ground Turkey, canned corn, potatoes, black beans, and diced tomoatoes. I thought I would add some Pedro Lopez chili powder and serve it over Frito Chips - Kind of a Mock Chili pie.

I grabbed a ziploc bag from the pantry and tossed a bunch into the ground beef. I took a bite and thought it didn't taste so spicy.I thought that doesn't smell to spicy eitherso I added more powder. All of a sudden my mouth from the taste started to burn. I couldn't figure out what was going on. So what do I do next? I grab the baggie and I did it I inhaled. Scott walked in about that time and after a five minute sneezing fit I asked him to smell what was in the bag.

He said "are you crazy. That is pure Chile Powder that Tom and Faith (our friends in ABQ) gave us." No wonder I had 3rd degree burns in my nostrils.

Moral of the story? Label you ziploc bags. Dinner was good but a little on the spicy side. Drew opted for Chicken Noodle Soup.

Saturday

Here is Drew on the first day of Kindergarten

Here is Drew being silly in the loft.

Here is a picture of Drew with his new haircut. Since Phil doesn't live here I can't put up the latest pics of him.

Not much going on here today. Taking it easy and getting ready to go back to mom duty as of Monday. I have two more days of "vacation". I think Scott is ready to get back to his normal routine as well.

On the Sarah Palin thing. I have to add this - I would feel the same way if a man had so much going on in his personal life. I would feel that he needed to dedicate himself to his family and not throw them in the center of attention.

Surgery and Palin

I had my gall bladder taken out Tuesday night. I feel pretty good. I am sore at the 4 insision sites but my gut doesn't hurt anymore. I am hoping this solves my health problems and things get back to some semblence of order.

I have never tried to make my blog about anything but my life as a mom but for the first time I am going to weigh in on a canidate for office.

Sarah Palin. Yes she is a woman but I think she is letting her political ambition get in the way of her family. I can't imagine having a pregnant teen daughter and throwing her in front of the world to be torn a part. This kid needs a mom. Hey all kids make mistakes but that is when they need their parents to guide them not the media to tear them apart. And I can't even begin to discuss the parents of the father. Letting him be a part of this circus? I applaude the young lady for choosing to have this baby. But is she keeping it because she wants to or because she HAS to for appearance sake. Has anyone thought about the Casey Anthony saga? She wanted to put Caylee up for adoption but grandma wouldn't hear of it so now the whole country is drawn to this horrible story of searching for a little girl who could be having a wonderful life with adoptive parents but because of the selfisheness of others this little girls life has been cut short. I am not saying that the Palin teen is in this league but Sarah Palin needs to put the needs of her family above her own.

I am also the mother of a special needs child. Once again I think Palin is being very selfish by persuing political office while putting her child on the back burner. I know the husband is capable of taking care of Trig. My husband does great with Drew but their are times Drew needs the comfort of mom. All kids do. What is she going to tell him - or any of her children - 'Sorry, Mommy can't hold your hand while you are going thru a horrid time - she is too busy cutting budgets or fighting for off shore drilling etc?"

I am all for a woman in the President's chair but I think it has to be the right woman at the right time. And this is not the right woman.

My coffee pot

**** This is an unpaid review of my fave kitchen product****

A friend of mine who write a review blog told me to write this and she would link it to her blog. She has great give aways - even if her son didn't pull my # for the M&M's give away. You really should check out Lori's site. All Thumbs

Right before we moved to Albuquerque, I was at a friends house and she showed me her wonderful new coffee system. I was intrigued. The System was called Keurig . I loved everything about it. It could brew coffee or tea in single servings. That was a plus. I went home and promptly ordered one. It has become my baby. I love everything about it. I even considered when we moved to Sacramento to put it in my car, wrapped in towels, strapped in the back seat because I was scared the movers would damage it. It was the first thing I unpacked. Our furniture was late and the men in my house can tell you it was not a pleasant house to be in with out my coffee pot.

It is convenient and simple. You put the pod in the top and hit the coffee cup size you want. It brews automatically. I like the fact coffee isn't wasted. Scott and I don't have the same coffee tastes so it is nice that we can each have our own flavors at our disposal. The taste of the other coffee doesn't blend with mine. Same with tea. Those who use a coffee pot for tea know that the coffee flavor "leaks" into the tea. Then your tea tastes like coffee. Unlike peanut butter and chocolate these flavors just don't mix.

There are so many flavors to choose from. I drink Mocha Nut Fudge and Scott drinks Nantucket blend. Both by Green Mountain. I keep 5 packs of various flavors of cofee and tea around for company. My 6 year old loves hot chocolate. Yes this machine even has hot chocolate pods. He can make it himself. He make it on the smallest cup size and add extra milk or whip cream to cool it down quicker.

To me the only drawback is the amount of plastic used. There are two options for this. One buy the MY K CUP reusable filter. This allows you to use your favorite coffee and eliminate the pods. But what I do is when I am done I pull the aluminum top off the K cup and rinse out the plastic disposable pod and throw it in my recycling bin.

Keurig does offer a buying club. For new and returning customers you get 10% off of your order as well as free shipping for orders over 45.00. When you have ordered 500 cups your discount jumps to 15% plus the free shipping over 45.00.

I have convereted 2 friends. They rave about their machines. One friend had a problem with hers and called Keurig. They sent her a new one no questions asked. She drinks coffee and her husband drinks tea.

If you are interested in this machine I highly reccomend it. One thing I will say is if before you order it leave me your email and I can send you an invataion to check it out. If you buy from them you can get 2 free boxes of coffee by using the link I will send you.

If you use this system let me know what you think.

FT&PD
Cathy

dietary changes

The docs are back to thinking Drew may have Asperger's. I really wish they would make up their mind. I decided to take some matters into my own hands. After doing research and talking to Drew's peditrician I have started him on a glutten free diet. I have also taken him off of ice cream and dairy milk products. Usually before bed he gets an icecream cone or small bowl of ice cream. He got a different snack last night and for the first time in I don't know how long he slept thru the night. Don't know if it was a coincincendece or if there is something to it. But it was nice getting a full night's sleep for a change. I have also decided not to fight Drew on what he eats for a while. i will fix him a derivitave of what we eat (hamburger for meatloaf, plain chicken for Fajitas etc) Last night he ended up having a bowl of gluten free cereal for dinner and he didn't ptich a fit about being hungry all evening. Hopefully this will help as well.

From what I read gluten and milk act as drugs in kids with autism and by taking it out of their diet there has been good luck with behavior change.

So I figure if I don't make a big deal about what he eats and also change his diet we may seem some improvement. I will keep you posted.

On another note, I am the lucky person with a gall bladder that doesn't work. so in the next couple weeks I get to have it removed. Yippee!!!!! I have changed my diet and have lost about 10 pounds in the last few weeks. Maybe my reunion in 18 months I will be svelte for the first time in my life.

FT&PD
C

Grace

I have a friend I admire. Her world was turned upside down this month. I don't think I could have handled the situation with the grace and dignity that she has. I know she is questioning her life, self, and love right now. She need not worry. She is showing me how to be a woman who can hold her head high no matter the circumstances and face any adversity that comes her way. She is impacting many lives with her quiet outward demeanor. I know on the inside she is barely holding on but outwardly she is a model of what every woman can be. I love her like a sister and wish I could take her pain.

Her faith in God and what she truly wants will get her through. I think many good things will come from this stumbling block. What ever God has in store she will meet it head on and come through the other side a stronger (if that is possible) happier woman.