Update: More to come...

Hi All!

FIRST, thank you for all of your prayers today! I certainly felt the Lord give me peace, comfort and favor today!

Just a quick note... I have a lot to tell you about my appointment today. Don't worry... it's all good!

I'll post ALL of the details tomorrow morning! Now, I'm off to a Halloween Outreach hosted by my church.

More to come...
Love, Erica

Friday Fodder

I scoured the internet for funny Friday Fodder. Enjoy!

Disclaimer: The materials and information you find on "FRIDAY FODDER"
do not [always] represent the expressed opinion of the author.
In addition, the materials found on Friday Fodder are
oftentimes mass distributed, thus credit is not known.)

Excuse the mess!

You could never accuse my little girls of not having fun. This is how they play. All weekend long.

This set up is called "Lands" and each girl is responsible for setting up shop in each of the houses. The occupants are various Polly Pockets, Littliest Pet Shops and Barbie's.

They will literally play upstairs all day long. Only seldom do we hear complaints from them and it usually consists of "Mommy, Elisan (or Kyla) won't share a bed (or dress, or car, or whatever...)."

Oh, and don't think we spend gobs of money on these toys. Most of these playset houses were purchased at Goodwill for super-cheap.

AFTER

I'm often asked about our storage shelves. They are from Ikea, the Expedit collection. $89.99. My friend Amanda, over at So Many Joys turned me onto them.

We paid $79.99 for them a year ago. Darn that inflation!

Further Confirmation!

You may recall from a previous post that I decided to change surgeons for my breast biopsy, due largely in part to a conversation with a woman, who I believe was placed before me by God for a reason.

Well, it just goes to show you how awesome my God is... and here's why...

I was volunteering at the church today and I ran into a friend of mine, Melanie, who was also volunteering. She is also in my Bible study group that meets bi-monthly and the last time I saw her, I was asking for prayer about my upcoming visit to the gynecologist to check out the mysterious lump. That was a month ago. She said today that she has been thinking about me and wanted to know what ever happened with the lump.

I updated her with all the details and told her that I was meeting with the surgeon on Friday to schedule the biopsy.

What I didn't know about Melanie was that before she had kids, she was a oncology radiation technician. She asked me who the doctor was that I was seeing on Friday and when I told her a big smile spread across her face. She said that the doctor that I'm going to is well-regarded in her field and that she has only ever heard fabulous praises about her.

I'm so fortunate to not only have 1, but now, TWO professional recommendations on the surgeon I'm seeing on Friday.

Again, God confirmed to me today that I'm walking in his guided path. His ordered steps. His way. Not my way... His way.

Thank you Jesus!

Such a cute idea!

I subscribe to "Scrapbooks Etc." and it is one of my favorite magazines. Always full of ideas and great new crafting products - not just for scrapbooking.

I came across this idea for a "So Thankful" brag book and decided it would be a really neat idea for both of the girls. I also did some internet digging around and found the blog of the gal who submitted the idea. She is at http://www.littlepaintedpiggies.typepad.com.

She offers a digi-kit for her idea for the low price of $3.99 that can be found on her blog.

However, if you are digi-capable, you can create your own. Here's my version:

I love how it turned out and both girls love them!

Fall Fun!

I make no excuses for the fact that we do not acknowledge Halloween at our house... but we do love pumpkin carving!

Here are the girls posing with their pumpkin (before and after).

For those interested in a book that uses a Biblical perspective regarding carving pumpkins, check out this great read by Liz Curtis Higgs called "The Pumpkin Patch Parable."

Friday Fodder

More pumpkin fun! That's one big hamburger patty!

Total Brainwashing

I blame this on my husband, so here I go!

I'm going to give you the breakdown of my husband. He is a gun-toting libertarian redneck. I don't know how I missed all of this before we got married. Must have been the stars in my eyes that got in the way. (Naw, I'm joking... Love you long time, baby!)

But seriously, back to Randy... he is very opinionated and daily brainwashes Elisan into believing just as he does. I'm not as focused in my attempts at brainwashing, or rather de-sensitizing Elisan to Randy's beliefs, so Randy clearly has the advantage over me. If anything, I just want her to be balanced and accepting of other people's beliefs and views. I think that will carry her a long way and help her to avoid playground arguments this coming election season.

Elisan brought home a worksheet assignment this week regarding the election process. Her assignment is to contrast and compare the candidates.

Oh boy.

I told Randy that this was going to be his assignment to help her with, because rest assured, my contrasting and comparisons would not meet his expectations. I warned him to keep it on a second grade religious school level, please!

Luckily for him, there is a third candidate section for a write in candidate and I know he intends to write Bob Barr, the Libertarian candidate's name there. I'm just glad there IS a third candidate section because I can just see him writing a note to the teacher stating that "Elisan will not be forced to choose between a two party system!"

So, I can't wait to see what he tells Elisan to write on that worksheet. I'm sure Elisan's teacher will have a new appreciation for her... I'm almost positive.

And I leave you with this...

The other day we were in the van on the way home from school talking about one of Elisan's friends from church. We were kidding around that Elisan could go and live with her friend and attend her school, etc., etc. And she said, "But mommy... she goes to a republican school!"

(Okay, she meant public school, but do you see what I'm talking about? She has politics on the brain! And... she's sad because her friends go to government run schools. She has the making of a Libertarian afterall...)

Afterthought: 28 years ago, I was in second grade during the election of Jimmy Carter and Ronald Reagan. Hmmm...

Ken

Kyla had some birthday money burning a hole in her pocket so we all made a trek out to Target to let her spend her $10.00.

We spent 20 minutes in and out of all of the aisles looking for a toy that she wanted. She finally decided to get the formal wedding attire Ken doll. She said she wanted the "boy Barbie" so he could marry all of the "girl Barbies". (That's going to be one busy man!)

Once we got in the van, she wanted it opened up. So, I struggled getting him out of the package. That alone took over five minutes. It's a Ken doll, not the Hope Diamond.

Anyway, I handed the doll to her and not 2 minutes later, she had Ken completely undressed and was checking out his butt and crotch!

(Giggling from the backseat ensued...)

It's all God! Plus, a little Friday Fodder!

Today I was introduced to a gal at the gym who has had everything imaginable done to her regarding breast biopsies, breast cancer, chemo, radiation, reconstructive surgery, etc. She is a friend of a friend and my friend thought it would be a good idea for me to get acquainted with someone who has "been there, done that".

So, I was talking to this gal and in the course of the conversation she began telling me how her journey all began. She was telling me about her first doctor (a general surgeon) who was very wishy-washy about wanting to do a biopsy and then when she finally (practically) forced him to do it, the results were inconclusive, etc., etc. Basically what it all boiled down to was... she was not happy with him and didn't feel he was proactive enough about her health and condition. When it was finally learned that she did in fact have breast cancer, he phoned her up and said, "Well, this isn't what I expected at all." She was like, "Well, yeah!" and she's so glad she finally became her own health advocate and because of that, changed doctors ASAP!

The reason why I'm telling you all of this, is because the doctor she fired is the same doctor I was referred to by my GYN. WHAT?! Okay, freak out time! I don't want a doctor who is not going to be an advocate for my health, you know?

So, the short of the story is this... I was referred to a doctor by the mammogram tech who performed my mammogram last week and she said this doctor is amazing. So, I called up her office and I'm set to see her at the end of the month!

The gist of the story is this... GOD put that lady in front of me for a reason. I will honestly admit I don't know diddly squat about surgeons, breast disease, etc., and this gal that I met today quickly informed me that that doctor was not my best bet! So, I found someone else! I'm so thankful that I am seeing God work this out for me.

I have a feeling that I'll be an expert in this after it is all said and done, but I have no fear because I know MY GOD is directing my paths!

Okay... enough health talk. Today's Friday Fodder is brought to you by my husband. This was passed along to him at work. I don't condone or support any of this, by the way, but it is kind of funny!

Say it ain't so...

I got an email today from a children's clothing store that said this:

"__________ is serious about fashion, even during hard times.

We know the economy is struggling BUT please don't make your children’s style suffer! Especially during all those holiday PAPARAZZI moments!"

Then it went on to advertise shirts on sale for $48.75 and matching skirts for $46.49. (This was the sale price. The original price on the shirt was $65.00!)

It's no wonder our nation is in financial shambles. Say it ain't so...

Pity Party is Officially Over!

I've had it! I'm tired of this pity party I'm throwing for myself! It's time to move up and on and stop the crying and the "what ifs?" The thing about it is this: I can't do anything about it right now anyway, so there's no use GOING THERE... because THERE is no where I want to be! Right?

And, I've lost 4 pounds in less than a week. That's no good. It's time to get on with the business of living!

So, a brief update: Doctor appointment on Tuesday, October 21st. Less than a week away. I can handle that. But, still, please continue to lift me up in prayers! I am definitely needing the courage and strength that only God can provide!

So, last night we were sitting at the dining table and Randy cracked (what we thought was) an inside joke saying, "Oh man, I'm soooo hot!" I chortled a bit and didn't think anything about it until Elisan said, "Daddy, I know that hot has two different meanings. Hot, like when you are sweaty and then Hot, like that person looks good, like 'that girl looks hot.'"

Um...What? I demand to know WHO IN SECOND grade is filling my daughter's little innocent mind with trash talk? I mean, it's one thing for Randy and me to joke around, but for 7 and 8 year old kids to be using the word "HOT" as a descriptor of other 7 and 8 year old kids? Well, that's just wrong, wrong, wrong!

What's next? Going steady? Dating? Ugh!

Thank you

Thank you my internet and real life friends for your words of encouragement and prayers. Every day, I have to pray for peace and comfort, and each time I do, I feel the Holy Spirit come over me like a wash of rain water. God is good, isn't He?

The latest news is that I've been referred to a general surgeon whom among other things, specializes in breast diseases. I'm now awaiting his office to confirm an appointment. We'll discuss the biopsy then.

I'll be honest here... just saying, writing, thinking the word biopsy brings waves of nausea to me. But, I stand on the Word knowing that God is faithful.

"The Lord is good to those whose hope is in Him, to the one who seeks Him." Lamentations 3:25

Ordered Steps

The last few days have been a very emotional and stressful time for me. But, out of my sorrow, I am rejoicing over how God is working in my life. I'll warn you in advance, this post is going to be long, but if you can, please stick around until the end. It will also have some intimate details, so please bear with me.

About a month ago, I felt a lump in my right breast. In fact, it was on Saturday, September 13th. I remember being very scared that day and I could feel a shroud of darkness come over me. That Monday, I phoned my doctor to speak to the nurse about it and find out what I needed to do. She asked me if I was about to begin my period, (which I was) and told me that they customarily wait to see patients with lumps after their period is over. So, she said, call us back in two weeks if the lump is still there. She reassured me that is was likely hormones that were causing an irregular lumpiness in my breasts and that it could possibly go away in a matter of days. Whew! That as good news.

But, after two weeks, the lump was still there. The lump was there, but it wasn't as hard and/or fixed in place as it was just two weeks ago. I was upset that the lump was still there, but glad that the composition of it felt as though it were changing - which from all that I've read about breast lumps - good news! But, nonetheless, since the lump was still there, the doctor agreed it was time to see me.

I couldn't get in to see the doctor until a week and two days later... a long time to wait when you've already been waiting two weeks. So, a little over three weeks later, I was into see the doctor. That was Wednesday, October 8th.

She felt the lump and thought is was nothing more than breast (or breast fat) tissue, or even possibly a cyst. She didn't seem concerned at all, but could detect the anxiety in my face and demeanor. So, to ease my worries, she scheduled me for a diagnostic mammogram. That was set up two days later on October 10th.

I arrived at my appointment at the hospital and was feeling really good about everything and was anxious to get the results and move on. I had the mammogram, which was not bad at all! The mammography tech was awesome and I felt totally comfortable with the entire process.

She immediately sent my results to the radiologist and he looked at my films right away. Unfortunately, the lump that was detected needed further evaluation to determine if it was solid or fluid filled, so he ordered an ultrasound. I had the ultrasound about an hour later and the doctor concluded that the lump was not fluid filled, so that ruled out a cyst.

He gave me several options that I would need to discuss with my GYN. They were: wait and see for about 3-4 months for any changes, biopsy to determine the cell content of the lump or complete removal of the lump. He said the lump was not characteristic of cancer, but wouldn't know anything until the tissue was sampled. Scary stuff, right?

So, I left the hospital with some decisions to make. I'll admit it, I was scared. But, since the radiologist said he didn't think it was cancer, I was relieved. I was also relieved that I had some options available to me.

I headed home, exhausted and needing to eat some lunch. But, on the way home, the mammography tech called me and said, "Erica, the radiologist noticed something in your left breast and he wants to get more images of your left breast." (Um... my other breast? What?!)

I returned to the hospital and they took me right in. I had four more images taken of my left breast and the doctor looked at films right away. He called me into his office and we went over the results of the new images. This time, the results were not good.

He found some calcification in my left breast, which is pretty normal. In fact, macrocalcifications occur in about half the women in the U.S. who are over 50, and in about 10 percent of women under the age of 50.

However, there was one area of calcification that formed a line/rod and he described it as microcalcification and "they are specks of calcium that may be found in an area of rapidly dividing cells. The residue of the dividing cells can appear as microcalcifications. When seen as a cluster (in the shapes of a circle, tear-shape or rod) they may indicate a small cancer. And about half the cancers detected appear as these clusters."

He told me I would need a biopsy to determine the content of the tissue in that area. This time, the only option he gave me was biopsy. Once the results of the biopsy were known, the next step, if necessary was lumpectomy/removal of the bad tissue. And of course, careful monitoring for the rest of my life.

But you know what? When I left the hospital this time, I was rejoicing in the Lord. Here's why:

• Women at age 35 do not typically get mammograms unless it is doctor ordered. Most often, the typical age to even begin mammograms is 40.
• I found a lump that caused my doctor to order a mammogram.
• The mammogram detected something in my breast that would have NEVER been detected in a breast exam, had I not gotten a mammogram.

So, you see? That lump in my breast could have quite possibly saved my life! Thank you Jesus for ordering my steps in this process!

My God protected me and I know that I will get through the next few weeks and months because of Him. I am so thankful!

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct your paths.(Proverbs 3:5)

Now, a few words about early detection... please, please do self exams!! It is so important!

My favorite Prayer/Verse

A lot is going on these days and I wanted to post some encouraging and uplifting verses from the book of 1 Chronicles. This is my favorite prayer and lately, I've been praying it non-stop!

1st Chronicles 29:10-13

David's Prayer

10 David praised the LORD in the presence of the whole assembly, saying,
"Praise be to you, O LORD,
God of our father Israel,
from everlasting to everlasting.

11 Yours, O LORD, is the greatness and the power
and the glory and the majesty and the splendor,
for everything in heaven and earth is yours.
Yours, O LORD, is the kingdom;
you are exalted as head over all.

12 Wealth and honor come from you;
you are the ruler of all things.
In your hands are strength and power
to exalt and give strength to all.

13 Now, our God, we give you thanks,
and praise your glorious name.

A sweet card

Kyla received this card from our friend in Denmark, Charlotte!
Charlotte makes the best cards ever! Her cards find a special home here in our keepsake box!

Picasa and other stuff

I've had a lot of people ask me how I make my photo collages so I decided to tell everyone about the software I use, which is Picasa. It's a free down loadable software package by none other than Google! (Those people at Google got it going on!)

So, the other day I was using Picasa (as I do everyday) and I thought it was high time they come out with a newer version of this awesome software. I mean, it's great, but it could use some improvements.

So, I checked and low and behold, there it was Picasa 3 Beta version ready to download! Yeehaw! I'm all about beta software... not sure why...

So, I immediately began using the new version and it's fabulous! Not only does it have the previous features, there are some cool new tools too!

The collage tool has much more flexibility and it is awesome! There is also a movie presentation tool with is really neat too, although I haven't delved too much into that aspect of it. And, did you know you can upload pictures straight from Picasa to Blogger? Yep... love it!

So, go get your new Picasa download here and go forth and collage!

In other news, Kyla had a great day yesterday. Her actual party isn't until Saturday, but we went on ahead and gave her her birthday present. A new bike!

I'll be sure to post birthday party pictures over the weekend. I know, I know... you will be waiting with bated breath.

And lastly, jewelry. I'm making a whole new batch of necklaces for some upcoming birthdays. Fun, fun!

Happy 5th Birthday, our sweet Kyla Mae

 

Wonton Soup, with Pictures!

I posted a while back that I made a super delicious wonton soup from this recipe and I made it again, but this time I took pictures! I'm a visual kind of gal and if can see how to make something, rather than just reading it, I'm more likely to make it!

With that said, go forth and make some yummy wonton soup! You won't regret it!


WONTON SOUP
Ingredients:

• 18 - 24 won ton wrappers
• Filling:
• 1/2 pound boneless lean pork, chopped finely (I used ground turkey breast)
  
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• a few drops sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon sherry
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar
• 1 green onion, finely minced
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 2 dashes of white pepper

Other:

• Water for boiling won tons
• 4 1/2 - 5 cups chicken stock

Optional Ingredients:

• green onion, thinly sliced, as desired
• a few drops sesame oil
  
• fresh spinach or bok choy leaves
  
• sliced fresh shiitake mushrooms

Preparation:

Combine all the filling ingredients in a bowl, mixing well. Lay one won ton skin in front of you. Cover the remaining won ton skins with a damp towel to keep them from drying out.
Filling the won tons. Moisten all the edges of the won ton wrapper with water. Place a heaping teaspoon of won ton filling in the center.

Fold the won ton wrapper in half lengthwise, making sure the ends meet. Press down firmly on the ends to seal. Use thumbs to push down on the edges of the filling to center it. Keeping thumbs in place, fold over the won ton wrapper one more time. Push the corners up and hold in place between your thumb and index finger. Wet the corners with your fingers. Bring the two ends together so that they overlap. Press to seal. The finished product should resemble a nurse's cap. Repeat with remaining won tons.

Alternate method: Place the teaspoon of filling in the middle of the wrapper and twist to seal. The final result should resemble a money bag or drawstring purse.

Boiling the won tons: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the won tons, making sure there is enough room for them to move about freely. Let the won tons boil for 5 - 8 minutes, until they rise to the top and the filling is cooked through. Remove from the pot with a slotted spoon.
(I just boiled the wontons in the soup broth - one less step!)

To make the soup: bring the chicken stock to a boil. Add the won tons and bring the soup back to a boil. Add the green onion, remove the pot from the heat and add the sesame oil, stirring. Ladle into soup bowls, allowing 6 won tons per person.

God Bless Texas

Only in Texas would you find a Wildlife Expo that featured
clay pigeon shooting open to everyone!

Here are the girls checking out a stream simulation.

I love this sign, "Beware of Attack Turtle"
Who knew?

Here are the girls getting to see buffalo bones and pelt. We also saw
beaver, wolf, fox and bobcat pelts and skulls.
Neat stuff!

Randy and I were commenting how expansive the Texas Wildlife Expo was and his comment was, "God Bless Texas." So true, so true!

Friday Fodder

The Redneck Fire Detector
(Please do not try this at home... well, unless you are indeed a redneck.)

Today's Friday Fodder was sent to me by my very own redneck husband. Thanks, Randy!

Disclaimer: The materials and information you find on "FRIDAY FODDER" do not [always] represent the expressed opinion of the author. In addition, the materials found on Friday Fodder are oftentimes mass distributed, thus credit is not known.)

Yummy Hair Candy

I bought some $1.00 grosgrain ribbon (5 yard) rolls at Michaels last week and I made these bows today to match some new fall clothes I bought for the girls. Aren't these yummy?

I'm just sayin...

I'm concerned that the government is bent on fixing the mortgage/housing/financial crisis when the outpouring of opinion is that these financial institutions should not get a free pass. Yeah, yeah... call me whatever you name you like, but that's how I feel.

Bad loans to bad credit... and that's MY problem? I'm just sayin...

So, how do YOU feel? Take part in my (anonymous) poll on the right!