Our Hearts Cry Out: A Response to Newtown Shootings

Yesterday, I was standing in line for Confession before Mass started, trying to complete my Examination of Conscience.  As I did, the names of the victims of the Newtown school shootings were read, as a bell tolled for each one of those souls. Twenty-six souls, twenty-six times the bell tolled for each one.  It struck me, especially juxtaposed to the examination of my Conscience — which arguably seems a slightly used and even slighter formed faculty these days.

I’ve not added more “noise” on the subject of school shootings for good reason, until now, as there’s been more than enough already; but, that doesn’t mean I haven’t thought, prayed, grieved, and done considerable soul searching.  Down in Texas, when my husband and I heard of the news of 26 lives slain in such a horrific and blatant attack on the innocent and defenseless, we held each other and cried.  As we’ve been trying to start our own family, it hits us very hard to see the world that we want to bring new life into with slight to little decaying moral fabric intact.  We are all aware that these are tough times, and at some point I’m sure we all question how much worse it will become before it gets better.

Politicians, Media, the NRA – they all so quickly say what the “problem” is and what laws or changes need to happen to address it.  But, the sad thing is, so many point to the symptom of the problem, and not the actual root of the problem.  The scriptures and moral Theology and Philosophy tell us that no object is evil in and of itself — it is our fallen nature and inclinations from the human heart that all too often tend towards evil.

What does that tell us? The gun and access to it is unfortunately not the biggest problem we have. It is addressing what is in the hearts of people. And that, friends, is a much bigger and challenging problem to tackle.  No law from man can change the human heart–only God’s laws–which would be his teachings and specifically the 10 Commandments.

Yes, the good ol’ 10 Commandments.  Today, the Commandments may mainly (and unfortunately) be known as the things prohibited from being displayed in public.  That’s certainly making our nation a better place now, isn’t it? While some people view them only as a set of antiquated negatives – “thou shalt not this” and “thou shalt not that” – I have learned a bit of their ancient wisdom. God’s laws aren’t meant to cut off our freedom and suppress us like human laws can; no, they are meant to guide us into the best form of freedom – where we are not enslaved by our passions or inclinations towards evil!!

In prayer this morning, I asked the Lord what more can we do, besides have our hearts cry out, send money and gifts, and pray for the families and community of Newtown. In morning prayer today, this scripture spoke to me:

“It is now the hour for you to wake from sleep, for our salvation is closer than when we first accepted the faith. The night is far spent; the day draws near. Let us cast off deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light.”

Cast off the deeds of darkness. The more people try to push God, the light in the darkness, out of public places – especially schools – the more the darkness spreads. How does God say we combat that? Put on the armor of light. Armor is defined as coverings formerly worn by soldiers to protect the body in battle. Light can most basically be defined as transmitting a reflection of God’s light. We must cover ourselves in God’s light and love, and transmit it to others.

One more thought from Proverbs 12:20

“Deceit is in the hearts of those who plot evil, but those who promote peace have joy.”

It doesn’t say create an arsenal and have everyone pack heat.  It tells us to become promoters of peace. Am I saying that a gun should never be used to protect someone? No. But is that the answer that will solve all of our problems? Is it? Think about it… I sure have been.

Non-Extreme Home Makeover: Dad’s House

Dad asked for help in picking out paint colors for the interior of the house.  People do this all the time–run out to the paint or hardware store, pour over paint chips, bring them home and pour over them some more, narrow it down–and then choose their colors.  But it is different this time.

It will be two years in January that Dad will have lived solo in the home that he and Mom built in Florida to enjoy retirement over a decade ago.  Sometimes it can be hard to agree on paint colors, and then life gets nuts, so the walls have remained white all these years.

White walls.  There are things on the walls, and other colors all around, but they are still cold, white walls.  Looking back, I guess that somehow my Mom’s bubbly presence, and all the yummy smells from the kitchen, didn’t make them seem as stark as they now can sometimes feel.

There are still many “touches” of Mom that remain here, some to his liking, and some not as much. Odd how a thing that they picked out together at a time and place in the past can serve a dual purpose at times – a painful reminder.  Ah, GRIEF – a strange and unpredictable “companion” at times.

Picking out paint colors is another step in this journey alongside Dad.  The goal is to make this a place Dad feels is homey and to his liking; definitely not to remove Mom from this home.  I do happen to love decorating, so it’s a lot of fun for me and good practice for when we are blessed with our first house.

All things serve a purpose. Yesterday, as we drove back from dropping my brother and Godson off at the airport, I debated one last time to try to hustle out some Christmas cards still (yes, I’m well aware that Christmas BEGINS in 3 days, thank you).  This year has been one of s-t-r-e-t-c-h-i-n-g, and amidst the rush of too many big and small things, cards became low priority.  So we stopped at TJ Maxx to scope out the possibility of making my last ditch effort a reality.

We walked out with 2 new Comforter options for Dad instead, and I feel much better about the whole thing now, HA!

NOTE: That was your heads-up to look out for my Annual Christmas letter, well wishes, and photo shares here on my blog instead of in your mailbox, please and thank you

Now back to the fun stuff — the Non-Extreme Home Makeover: Dad Edition

This was the original comforter in Dad’s room

Dad had already picked up a new red blanket that matched this option, so we picked this up, as 1 of his top 2 choices, knowing one would be returned.

But this is the one we decided on. Dad likes how it brightens up the room. I like how it’s simple and clean, yet masculine.

Well, that’s step 1 of however many in this Non-Extreme Home Makeover. We’ll see where it leads – just glad to be along for the ride!

Mom’s Christmas Goodies: The Best of Her Best

If there was just one thing that my Mother was renown for, it was her Christmas baked goods. Whether they were fresh out of the oven, on a Christmas platter wrapped and ready to travel to a party, or still frozen out of the huge chest freezer in our basement — they were never “un” anything — and by that I basically mean, uneaten or unloved.

We are at my Dad’s, and I asked the 3 men here – Husband, Brother, and Father – which cookies were their top picks for me to bake.  All three of the fellas heartily agreed that the Peanut Butter Blossoms with the Hershey Chocolate Kisses needed to be near the top of the “must-bake list”. Betty Crocker’s version is wonderful.  To enhance them with a touch of Christmas cheer, I roll the peanut butter dough balls in the red and green sugar prior to baking.  After pulling them out of the oven – you press the Hershey Kisses into the hot cookie, and let them cool for a good while.  The kisses will take quite a while to re-solidify atop the cookie as they both cool.

I even love how the Peanut Butter Cookies crack a bit when you put the Hershey’s Kisses on top. Yum yum!

But, if you’re a chocolate lover, and a Paula Deen type of butter advocate, this next Christmas recipe is definitely for you.  I have no idea where Mom originally got the recipe, so I don’t know who should receive the credit for this masterpiece, but thank you to the ghost-chocolatier who graced us with Napoleon Creams.

Napoleon Creams  

Yields: (1) 9×13 pan; These are cooked on a stove-top & chilled in the fridge – no baking required.

Ingredients for Crust (Bottom Layer):

1 cup butter
1/2 cup cocoa
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 egg, slightly beaten
2 1/2 cups finely crushed graham cracker crumbs
2 cup flaked sweetened coconut

Ingredients for Filling (Middle Layer):

1 cup butter
6 Tablespoons milk
2 (3 1/2 oz) packages of vanilla instant pudding mix
3 1/2 cups powdered sugar

Ingredients for Topping (Top Layer):
1 12-oz bag of semisweet chocolate chips
2 Tablespoons butter

Directions:

How to make the Crust:

1. In the top pan of a double boiler, combine the butter, cocoa, sugar and the vanilla extract.
2. Cook over the simmering water in the bottom pan, stirring until the butter melts.
3. Add the eggs.
4. Continue stirring until thickened, about 3 minutes.
5. Add graham crackers and coconut, mixing well.
6. Press into a greased 9×13 pan (you can use butter or cooking spray). I use a piece of waxed paper and my hand to pack it down into the pan firmly.

Your crust will look something like this when it’s pressed in the pan. You can see that I have some chunkier bits of Graham Crackers in there.  The Coconut adds a wonderful flavor, even if you’re not a big fan of Coconut.

Set aside the Crust, to work on the Filling:

1. Cream the butter well with a mixer.
2. Stir in the milk, dry pudding mix, and powdered sugar.
3. Beat until fluffy.
4. Spread evenly over crust, but don’t mess with it too much, or the crust will start to break up and mix in with the filling.
5. Cover and chill in the refrigerator until firm.

Butter is the central ingredient here.  The pudding mix gives it a rich color and flavor.  I let my butter soften on the countertop for at least a 1/2 hour to make it cream nicely.  Make sure to chill this layer spread over the crust well, or it will blend with the top layer – not good.

Make the top layer (it’s almost like a frosting)

1. In the top pan of a double boiler, melt semi sweet morsels and butter over the simmering water in the bottom pan.
2. Cool slightly.
3. Spread over pudding layer.

The semi-sweet chocolate chips & butter create a type of frosting topping. I like using the semi-sweet, as I think with the decadence of the dessert, the milk chocolate would be too much or the dark chocolate would be too harsh.

To finish off the Napoleons

1. Chill until set.
2. Cut into small bars to serve.

Look at all those lovely layers of Napoleon Cream goodness! These take some time to prepare, but will not disappoint.

Migraines and Neck Pain: What I’ve learned

PREFACE:  My health issues really aren’t something I like to blog or even talk openly about — I find people much prefer silly anecdotes, juicy updates, recipes, or even religion (gasp!).  But, I just heard today of another poor soul trying to find a way to manage as well.  While I don’t like dwelling on my own pain, I’ve learned a lot since I’ve suffered with Migraines and neck pain for many years, and pray that even just that one woman may benefit from my journey through the past 20 or so years.

If you can relate to my “medical maze” below in any way, I sincerely hope you have or can find something and someone to help, and if you have other tips or treatments to add, please do.  By no means can one blog post comprehensively cover this huge topic (or all the docs or meds I’ve tried), but I did this (1) in thanksgiving for the many people who have helped me along the way; (2) to pay it forward.

This has not been a “cheap” journey; and I had gone a few years without health insurance.  If you do not currently have health insurance, and cannot afford it, I do have some tips at the end (and interspersed throughout) that you may also benefit from.

DISCLAIMER: This is not to have you diagnose yourself, or be convinced that any of my specific treatments will necessarily work for you; but perhaps it may help you or your friend/sister/coworker (INSERT whomever in your life suffers with Migraines) along their path to healing.

So,  here goes a long post with a lot of (personal) information…  P.S. I inserted lots of hyperlinks throughout the post, so you can learn more specifics as necessary.

THE BEGINNING:

My onset of Migraines started at some point in Junior High.  I had no idea what was happening, but it would start in my eye with an aura - which would impair my vision.  Shortly thereafter, I would throw up – after which my stomach would feel better – yet leave me with an excruciating headache for the rest of the day.  My pediatrician at the time suffered with Migraines as well, so was able to describe on my level what essentially was happening in my body:

Everyone has different “triggers” (causes) for their Migraines, and I need to pay attention to discover what mine were.  For some it may be wine, food allergy, stress, bright lights, lack of sleep, dips in blood sugar, sugar substitutes…etc.  When my triggers occur (which took me some time to figure out), then my brain and body react.  The blood vessels in my eye constrict (causing the auras – which could go on for about 20 minutes) and then the vessels eventually get very big and this affects the surrounding nerves, causing the rush – resulting in nausea/vomiting, afterwards leaving my head throbbing very sharply on one side.

Photo credit: http://www.lifescript.com/health/centers/migraine/basics/facts.aspx

1st TREATMENTS:

She prescribed Anaprox, which is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, to take immediately when the auras begin.

My Pediatrician also told me some things to when I felt my first symptoms (for me that’s the aura, which not everyone gets), utilizing Biofeedback.  For Migraines, there are specific types of recommended Biofeedback.  She shared with me some of the things occurring in the body as the Migraine forms, here are a couple:

• Hands getting cold
• Cheeks getting hard
• Tension on the forehead (between eyebrows)

In order to combat those, there were some techniques I could utilize, such as:

• Cold hands: Try to keep my hands warm – run under hot water, even…
• Hard cheeks: Puff out my cheeks (like you’re blowing up a balloon)
• Tension on forehead: Using my fingers, press down on my forehead (above and between eyebrows) – massage it. Don’t lift eyes (like surprised) – keep it down.
• Try muscle relaxation technique: Inhale, hold breath for 10 seconds, tensing all the muscles in my body.  Exhale, and relax all the muscles. Repeat a few times.

There’s certain chemicals in foods that can can be triggers, as they have an effect on blood vessels — the expansion and contraction of which press on the nerves — that eventually causes the pain of Migraines.  For me, super sweet drinks/foods can be a trigger, i.e. Orange Juice, too much refined sugary-snacks.

Also, at some point in Junior High, I remember my first lower back (right side) injury occurred in Gym class:  Learning to jump hurdles.  I hated hurdles then, I hate them now.  In high school, I started to join sports teams.  I can remember having a bad flare-up after a Volleyball game in that same spot — lower right.  It was so painful, even breathing in made the pain radiate out.  I iced it, and did whatever the trainer and parents instructed me to do.  But at some point in my high school years, my neck began to really hurt, and I’m still not exactly sure when or why.

Doctors weren’t sure either, and never really knew how to address my neck pain – so they didn’t do much.  My Dad was seeing a Chiropractor, and recommended that I try Chiropractic as well.  That Doctor told me that I had lost the natural curve in my neck.  I don’t know when I lost it, or how I lost it, but there it was on the X-rays – straight as a board.  They did lots of adjustments on me, and different techniques to try to help.  Relief was felt at the time, but would fade as the days went by.

THE MIDDLE:

Skipping ahead to my college days, where we had lots of fun and stress side-by-side.  But there was a few particularly rough patches, where my Migraines began to get out of control – occurring daily, inability to sleep, couldn’t think straight, etc…  My parents began to work through our General Practitioner to see my first Neurologist.

Dr. Aurora also suffered with Migraines.  She asked me to explain what they were like, from onset to finish.  She did MRIs, talked about triggers, etc.  At that point, my Migraines had spiraled out of control, and there apparently was some brain swelling, and my headaches were rebounding one after the other.  Dr. Aurora, from India, wasn’t a fan of Chiropractic and strongly urged me to stop them from “cracking” my bones. On the other hand, she definitely approached it from the brain chemistry angle: Basically, Migraines are “related to disorders of a specific nerve called the trigeminal nerve, as well as changes in the level of a specific neurotransmitter called serotonin. As a neurotransmitter, serotonin allows neurons within the brain to send signals to each other. One of the signaling pathways in which serotonin is involved is the communication of pain” (Read more: http://www.livestrong.com/article/15984-do-migraines-cause-brain-damage/#ixzz2CdQwNZn6.)

So, I took a low dosage of Pamelor daily, and then a regimen to take at the onset of a Migraine including an anti-nausea med, Reglan, and I can’t even remember which Migraine drug… I’ve tried Maxalt, Imitrex, Relpax…etc. Honestly, some of the side effects of the drugs were as bad or worse as the Migraine (Relpax made me feel like an Elephant was sitting on my chest, but then again, I do have Asthma as well).  Since everyone is different, and responds differently to medications, much of the process is trying different meds to see what works best.  I did get through that bad patch of Migraines with her help, definitely feeling better at the time – experiencing relief. I even earned mention as “one of her favorite patients” – not too shabby!

After college, there were different things tried at different times, with different types of doctors, in different states (sounds kind of like a Migraine variety show, doesn’t it).  There were a couple of times that I felt relief for a time using Beta-Blockers daily, I think Propranolol, which relax the blood vessels.  Again, things would help – for a time.  I’d apply what I learned, take the meds until they ran out, etc. But what appears to the root of the problem had yet to be discovered…

CURRENT DIAGNOSIS/TREATMENT:

I had a bad flare up of Migraines this past June, and my neck pain has persistently gotten worse. Pretty much daily, since I can remember when, I’ve been dealing with different forms and levels of headaches, (radiating) neck pain & extreme muscle tightness, bad pain behind my eyes, etc.  I’ve learned to adapt, and push myself to function through it, but it does affect my concentration at times and inhibit me from doing things I want/like to do – including different forms of exercise (a few tips on exercise below).  If I do mention that I have a headache, it’s got to be bad, because I’m so used to them by now.

That being said, you can imagine my gratitude (now, looking back) that my Primary Care Physician referred me to a specialist, who is now my Neurologist.  It seems like such a simple thing – to refer a patient to a Doctor with a specialty concerning their issue; but, based on my experience, I feel certain that my PC Doctor would’ve diagnosed and treated my Migraines differently then the way my Specialist is approaching them.  But believe me, at the time I was very skeptical of going to see another Doctor who likely had another approach to try to fix my Migraines.

And I have been pleasantly surprised.  So, here’s where I’m at currently with things, for my fellow Migraine-sufferers.

Neurologist: Dr. Brian Sorin, MD

Treatment location: North Texas Neurology & Headache in Plano, TX

Testing completed:

MRIs – Brain/C-spine – with and without contrast.  Results: My Brain looks good at this point, despite years of Migraines, YAY!

Nerve Conduction Test. Results: no signs of pinched nerves or nerve damage, YAY!

My Diagnosis (glad to finally have what appears to be the most comprehensive one!):

(1) Dystonia = my muscles involuntarily contract.  It seems like a back injury may have moved up to my neck and locked down there.

(2) Occipital Neuralgia = irritation of the 2 occipital nerves that emerge from between bones of the spine in the upper neck, which go through muscles at the back of the head and into the scalp. This causes radiating pain, mainly in my right eye.

(3) Migraine

(4) Neck pain

Preventative regimen (conservative approach, per my request):

(1) 2x Daily supplement: Magnesium sulfate/Riboflavin/COQ10 (Dr. Sorin’s compound that I pick up in the Pharmacy in the building)

(2) Physical Therapy: Traction, stretching, massage, and optional Chiropractic. I did 6 weeks of that, 2x per week.  Considering the length of time I’ve had the issue, and the types of issues I’m dealing with, they prepared me for little results from the beginning. I estimated improvement of approximately 30%, but I was doing a combination of things, so hard to pin-point what precisely has helped – probably all of it.  They want me to go through 6 more weeks of PT.

(3) TENS Unit: 20-30 min/day, or as needed.  Note: If your neck muscles are stiff as (what mine have been called) a tire, do yourself a favor – if your Doctor doesn’t prescribe one for you, I’d say pick one up.  They aren’t that expensive, and the massage stimulated by the electrodes will definitely relax even the those of us requesting elbows to be driven into our knots.

(4) Trigger Point injections - provides relief (instants) in that it relaxes the muscles, but that length of time will vary from person to person.

Then I have a Headache/Muscle Spasm regimen: Which included an anti-inflamatory, if my muscles spasm or at the first sign of aura, which is Naprelan.  For my Migraine – 30-45 minutes after Naprelan – take muscle relaxer, Baclofen (which I’ve not tried yet).  Step 3 in treating the Migraine is to take Zomig, which I’ve not tried yet either.

I’ve found Deep Tissue Massage to be very helpful in the past.  My Doc wrote a script for me on my last visit, to see if it will help once again.

The Trigger point injections haven’t provided long enough relief, so the next thing I have just agreed to try (pending insurance) is a form of Botox injections into specific points in the neck and head.  I think I may be the only woman in Dallas skittish to get Botox, ha HA!  But the results have been very good with Migraine patients – can be 3 months of relief – and Dr. Sorin has yet to see issues with it.  So, we will see…

A FEW TIPS (things that help me, advice I’ve gathered through the years, besides my preventative regimen above):

• I try to stick to a schedule. Since sleep deprivation and big dips in my blood sugar can be 2 of my triggers, I try and get 8-hours of sleep and have more frequent smaller meals/healthy snacks, so something good to eat about every 3 hours throughout the day
• My PT and the Chiropractor advised against strenuous physical activity/exercise.  My Scalene muscles are a big issue, and so from my abs down, I can utilize more – but no running – as it jolts the neck.
• Stretch, everyday.  I learned a lot of stretches from my PT, and Dr. Sorin also taught me some quick and easy ones to do, yes, every day.
• Ice, not heat.  Heat packs feel so nice, but ice relieves swelling.  Putting the base of my neck, and down my shoulders, on an icepack provides relief – especially when the muscles begin to spasm.
• They say to avoid caffeine in general; yet a strong cup of black coffee immediately when the Migraine is starting can help some people.  I did it before, and the caffeine did help me.
• A friend of mine with bad Migraines takes and has found great relief through natural Reliv shakes.  If you are interested in learning more, let me know so I can put you in touch with her.
• Do whatever you can  (my view is outside of drugs) that works towards relax your muscles. Use a foam roller, roll on tennis balls in a sock or golf balls in your shoulder-blade, gentle and calming yoga (no standing on your head!), Epsom Salt baths, deep tissue massage, daily stretching, etc…
• An Asian Doctor told my friend to drink soup when the Migraine begins – the high salt content can help. If you wait too long, it may make you sick though

Well, I gotta get off to work, and that’s all I’ve got on the subject for the time being. As always, I love to hear from readers, so feel free to leave comments if you have questions or additional thoughts on the subject of Migraines and Neck Pain.  I like to learn, and I like to help people – I’d be blessed if both occur through opening up on this topic!

Hometown Visit for Grandma

My husband had been saying for the past few months, with me nodding in agreement, that we really needed to plan a visit to see my Grandmother back in Michigan.  Our only surviving Grandparent–who just celebrated her 89th birthday in October–we were convinced that the ability to visit with our family’s Matriarch is not something that should be taken for granted.  Then a couple weeks ago, my Aunt informed us that Grandma had been to the ER three times in the past three weeks with vey high blood pressure – which we later learned were spikes resulting from her Parkinsons, followed up by 1 to 2 mini strokes.

Upon receiving the news, I immediately asked my Hubby, “When are we going to go and visit Grandma?”

“In two weeks,” Mike responded on our way back from a wedding in Louisiana.  His answer likely would’ve been sooner, had he not been leaving for a week long business trip in California the following day, and I preparing to work a weekend conference in Dallas.

It had been two years since our last trip to Michigan, and that was amidst a whirlwind of a wedding and introducing Mike to as many family and friends that could be squeezed in over a few short days. Since Grandma was the reason for this trip, it had a very different pace due to that purpose. Between Grandma visits, it was a blessing that reconnections worked out with just a few family members and old friends that we weren’t able to see either during our last visit to MI or at our wedding.  In fact, I got to meet a couple of friend’s kiddos that I’d only seen pictures of, and visit with a couple of dear childhood friends that I hadn’t seen in decades.  Wow — I suddenly feel old!  Wish we could’ve seen everyone we wanted to, but it’s never possible with quick planning and short visits…boo…

We were also excited that we could put the new camera that we scored recently, especially for business purposes (thank you Ritz/Wolf Camera, and sorry it was on account of your going-out-of-business sale), the Sony a77.  The more that we use it, the more we learn, and enjoy the benefits of a phat D-SLR camera that we’ve been dreaming of for years! Yes, this is far cry from my original Canon Sure Shot that I toted around Europe in 1997, featuring the world’s slowest shutter – HA!  Besides our Sony’s slick photos (24.3 megapixels) – the highlights of which I’m posting here (along with few iPhone photos interspersed) – we also were able to do something I’ve talked about for years:  We recorded an “interview” with Grandma, collecting family history and memories that we can cherish for years to come – on Blu-Ray!  The interview needs to be edited still, which has some classic Grandma moments, but photos are ready now.

Me and Grandma

Our visit with Grandma, at her apartment in Assisted Living

Aunt Nancy and Uncle John, my Mom’s youngest sister and her husband, joined us out for a great burger at Bagger Daves – courtesy of Grandma.

3 out of 5 of the Bialowicz family joined us for dinner. Glad my cousin came out, so I could quiz her for her test on diseases — great dinner conversation LOL!

Our waitress offered to take our photo – and ended up standing on a chair behind a booth to capture this family moment. She said we were one of her favorite tables she had served – how sweet!

Last time I was around this little guy, he was in Romina’s tummy when she was in my wedding last year! Look how much he’s grown up — I love the curls and those cheeks!

Glad we got together at the Profeta’s on Saturday night, so the kids could play while the adults could try to catch up on the time that we’ve been apart.

Oh my goodness! The youngest Ruselink, I totally enjoyed meeting the little boy who shares the same name as our Godson – Jacob Richard!

Jeff and I served up beverages in the basement, courtesy of Charlie Sheen

If Charlie Sheen as Bartender wasn’t unsettling enough, Romina suddenly sprouted a pair of horns

And if the last 2 pics weren’t disconcerting enough, Beatle pulls out the big guns here with the Sheen ear kiss…

Old friends reunited! We tried to FaceTime in our 4th compadre, Sarah, but missed each other this time – boo

Boys will be (cute) boys!

What a great family! Thanks for coming out, Ruselinks!

Grandma and her Grandson, Brian, during Sunday family get together at Chris & Jen’s

This is how we all “get together” in my family, since we all so spread out: Utilizing technology to chat, and all get an opportunity to wish my Dad a very “Happy Birthday” on his actual birthday

Some of the Michigan men of the family, chatting with the Florida family

Yeah, this usually happens at some point in the conversation as well. Classic. Love my nieces!

Our cousins, Marie with little Bianca, and new friend London!

I was so glad that my cousin, Krystal, and her little Bianca also came to join us — I can’t remember when I last saw Krystal, and never had met sweet and funny Bianca!

We wished a Happy Birthday to Grandma, Jennifer, and Dad

How nice of Aunt Karen and Uncle Bob to come into town for a visit! Wish we would’ve had more time to visit, but really enjoyed the time we had nonetheless!

Our great host & hostess, Chris & Jen, with Grandma

I love this pic of two that I love!

After all these years, childhood friends back together again. So great to visit with Jenny again, and pick back up where we left off

Another dear childhood friend, Heather, that we were able to reconnect with. You know it’s been too long when you can’t recognize each other’s voices! So glad we could see you this time around!

And one BONUS PIC… My cousin, Marie, ever so thoughtful, so sweetly finds new ways to honor the memory of my Mother. Besides Au Gratin potatoes and a delish Lemon Cake for lunch, she brought this great photo for me to have. It is of my Mom and Grandma together at a wedding in what we think was 2007. Simply beautiful!

Mom and Grandma – they resembled each other so much!

Thanks, friends and family, for the wonderful time to reminisce over old memories and make fabulous new ones!

Our Big Announcement!!

No, we’re not pregnant…yet… But admit it, that’s kinda what you were thinking, right?  Trust me, you’ll know when that’s happening .  You will be literally be able to hear certain people shouting it from the rooftops, ha ha ha!

Moving right along, this announcement is about somethings else we’ve been working on behind the scenes.  Talking about things since last year, consulting with folks, planning, preparing, wishing, dreaming, slowly crossing tasks off the growing list, working on after our “day jobs”…

And guess what — we’re getting close!

This is the special preview of just one of the things we’ve been working on…

This is the logo (I’m also now dabbling in Graphic Design–not bad for my first logo, huh?!) for what will be my own little online boutique, called Little With Great Love.

The name was inspired by my two favorite Theresas, St. Therese the Little Flower and Mother Teresa, that “we cannot all do great things, but we can do small things with great love.”  This little online boutique will feature beautiful handmade goods. The driving force behind this is my Mother-in-law, Josie, who is a crocheting machine.  I’m telling you, this woman can crank out a hat or a scarf before your visit is over!!

I learned a little about crochet from my Grandma when I was young, but it had been years since I even thought of doing it again.  Last year when Josie visited us in Dallas and we took her to get supplies, I asked her to show me how to crochet once again.  Although I’m definitely much slower with a crochet hook, and still need to consult YouTube “how to videos” (shout out to all the crochet videographers – you’ve saved my project more then once! Learning to read crochet patterns is like learning a new language), I’m coming along little by little.  But they are all made with great love, I assure you!

Our website will be littlewithgreatlove.com.  It’s just the logo there right now – but a shop will take its place once we are able to finish building it!  Since I just got the second shipment of more Little With Great Love goodies from Josie, and we now have a real digital camera to take pics with, I wanted to share a quick special sneak peak preview here!

Little with Great Love hats of many colors!

More hats, headbands, in lots of styles and colors

Close up so you can see the quality craftsmanship of these handmade scarves

A couple things I’ve learned to make – Pumpkin Hat for infants, adult hat with matching neck warmer, and accent flowers

We are excited to get the shop up and running, and hopefully just in time for cooler weather and sweet Christmas gifts too. Our handmade gifts can be customized too – with your choice of colors, sizes, styles (if you have seen something on Pinterest that you must have, we can search for the pattern to make it).

Crochet will not be the only thing we feature, but it is what we will be putting up in the shop first – since obviously we have it in stock!

I’ll keep you posted about the kickoff of Little With Great Love.  Your support would mean so much to us as we work to get things off the ground, so I’d love to hear your comments about things you’d like to see in the shop as we build.  Helping us spread the word would be just lovely too.

P.S. If you see something you like, or want something before the shop is online, please let me know! We’d be happy to oblige.

Thanksgiving Recipes – Happy Thanksgiving Canada!

Happy Thanksgiving to our neighbors to the north, in Canada! I’ve never celebrated Thanksgiving in Canada, but from what I hear, they share similar foods as those that will be featured on tables across America on our Thanksgiving next month.  We love celebrating Thanksgiving – –I have so many fond memories with my family, such as the ones found in this post.  But part of the reason why we love Thanksgiving is because we love food—good food, like the kind that many busy family members spend hours preparing for the special meal we share together on that day.

I’m sharing a couple of recipes from my baking collection, in honor of Canadian Thanksgiving and in preparation for ours.  I’m a Pumpkin Pie advocate, believe me, but not everybody is.  So, if you’re wanting to change things up, or offer some other options, here are two delectable choices.  The first recipe is Nana Deane’s Pecan-Coconut Pie, shared by the Food Network’s Alton Brown, and is an amazingly delicious Coconut and Pecan Pie, courtesy of Ray’s Dairy Made, Burton, Arkansas.  If it’s a Southern pecan pie recipe, you know it’s gotta be good!

Nana Deane’s Pecan-Coconut Pie does not disappoint

Nana Deane’s Pecan-Coconut Pie

Servings:6-8     Difficulty: Easy
Cook Time: 30-60 min

Ingredients

10 1/2 ounces granulated sugar

3 large whole eggs

2 ounces unsalted butter, melted

4 ounces buttermilk

3 ounces pecans, chopped (approximately 3/4 cup)

1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

3 ounces sweetened coconut flakes

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Pinch salt

1 pie crust (pre-baked)  NOTE: I linked to a good crust recipe that I’ve used before on allrecipe.com

Cooking Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the sugar, eggs, melted butter, buttermilk, coconut, pecans, flour, vanilla and salt.

Pour this mixture into a 9-inch pre-baked pie crust.

Bake for 45 minutes or until the pie is golden brown and the center is barely set.

Cool for 40-45 minutes before serving.

Another yummy option would be to make Pumpkin Cookies.  Who doesn’t like cookies, right? Although I haven’t tried making these cookies, they were a recipe of my Mom’s; and since her baking became legendary in our parts, I’m gonna trust that these cookies are equally fabulous.

Pumpkin Cookies

Makes about 5 dozen

Ingredients

1 cup shortening

1 cup sugar

1 egg

1 cup canned pumpkin

1 teaspoon vanilla

2 cups flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

1/2 cup raisins, soaked in 1 cup of boiling water and drained

Cooking Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

With a mixer, cream shortening and sugar until fluffy.

Add egg, pumpkin and vanilla – mix well.

Stir in dry ingredients.  Chill.

Drop on greased cookie sheet.

Bake approximately 15 minutes and cool on a cooling rack.

If you try these recipes, I’d love to hear how they turned out!  If you have any questions, please just let me know.  And Happy Thanksgiving – today if your Canadian, and in November if your American

5 Ways to Beat Breast Cancer

This logo is totally something that would have made my mother laugh, so that’s for you, Mom. But I digress…  I love the beginning of October–there are so many of my favorite Saints to celebrate–St. Therese of Lisieux, St. Francis of Assisi, St. Faustina…etc.  But the one that I think about and talk to the most, especially in asking for help, is my Mom.  Although it has been 20 months since Breast Cancer claimed her life, I can remember like it was yesterday the incredible attitude and faith in which she fought the good fight.  Breast Cancer took her life, yet she did not let it rob her of her joy, her faith, and her pure love for others–Mom did not let Breast Cancer win!

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month.  I love seeing pink, from the grocery store to the football field, but if I learned anything from my Mom, it takes more than sporting a pretty color to battle an ugly disease.  Learning from the best, here are 5 ways to not let Breast Cancer win.

1) Be honest. Cancer is not like a Common Cold, where one could perhaps carry on a type of normalcy in the day-to-day while addressing it.  Honestly, Breast Cancer is a serious disease with serious forms of treatment.  A gambit of emotions will roll over you and your loved ones throughout the course of dealing with it, and avoiding the feelings is not going to cure or help anyone.  Now that’s not a license to say or do anything, or dwell in what could become a negativity that could suck you into depression; rather, its acknowledging whatever feelings arise — fear, anxiety, loss of functionality, etc — talking about it, praying through it, and moving along in due time.  There were times when Mom was feeling ok with things, and there were times when she was not — and we were able to talk about it either way.  But if someone with Cancer needs to talk, remember to try not to fix everything – listening to someone be honest is what is really important.  And trust me, they will talk about some topics that you would rather not discuss – like being afraid of dying.  Let them. They obviously need to.  And guess what, you probably need to as well.   

2) Surround yourself with love. We all need each other to help us to carry on, but when you are battling for your life, it’s even more important.  Cards, emails, Facebook, phone calls, visits, text messages – there are so many ways to connect with people.  Having the love and support of the people that mean the most to you during this time makes the journey easier – you can share the load.  Note to the loved ones: I encourage you to continue to reach out over the course of treatment – a card, a call, a visit can really lift the spirits of someone who may feel completely awful that day and do more than you know.  My Mom kept all her cards on her bedroom door during her 1st bout with Cancer, and they were a cheerful reminder (especially on a hard day) of just some of the people whose love and prayers were behind her.

The first time Mike met my Mom – a few months after she was diagnosed with Bone Cancer, when the Breast Cancer returned in her bones.

3) Have a sense of humor.  Going through Chemo, Radiation, surgery, or whatever kind of treatment it is, probably will not put you in a joking mood.  Find reasons to laugh anyway.  Besides the fact that laughing and smiling actually lift your mood, losing all ability to laugh or even joke about the situation will contribute to the tendency to want to cry and sink into self-pity.  My Mom had a great sense of humor, and that made a huge difference.  I remember one time, a side effect from the Chemo made her voice sound super strange for about a month.  They finally figured out that in losing all her hair – yes, even in her nose – it was causing a post-nasal drip that ended up making her sound kinda-like that little Poltergeist lady.  We were talking on the phone, and I was trying not to laugh to avoid hurting her feelings, but I couldn’t help it.  My laughing made her laugh, and we just laughed for a few minutes straight on the phone.  I told her I was sorry as my laughter dissipated, but she told me that it was good – she hadn’t laughed that hard in awhile, and it was what she needed.

Attitude is what changes up the game.

4) A good attitude is crucial. The TV host Brian Lacy said, “You cannot control what happens to you, but you can control your attitude toward what happens to you, and in that, you will be mastering change rather than allowing it to master you.” How true that is. At the beginning of my Mom’s second bout with Cancer, the majority of her kids and grandkids went to be with her.  She planned a “surprise” for us not long after we all arrived, telling us to meet by the side of the house in our swimsuits at 1:00 pm.  There were bottles of whipped cream for everyone to squirt on each other, dozens of eggs for an egg toss, and coolers full of water balloons to pelt – it was time to get dirty and have some fun!  For whatever reason, she had always wanted to smash a pie in my Dad’s face – so that’s where the whipped cream became especially fun for her.  Afterwards we swam in their pool, and she shared that she wanted to show us that we could laugh and have fun, even during hard times.  

5) Keep the faith.  Never, never, NEVER let go of hope!  If there is nothing to believe in, to hope for, to me, the battle would seem futile.  The miracle we all pray for is healing, but for whatever reason, a physical healing may not be part of God’s plan.  Not having faith, a bigger purpose, would have made this journey 100% more difficult on my Mother.  Mom was a woman of faith throughout everything that life brought her, so Cancer was nothing different.  Her journey brought some very hard times, definitely; but despite it all, I did not see her waiver.  I never heard her curse God for allowing her to get Cancer twice, never saw her walk away from the Church (when she couldn’t leave the house, she would watch Mass on EWTN and have a Eucharistic Minister bring her Communion), never witnessed her stop living her faith, never did she turn away from the Bible or stop praying, never watched her let go of a bigger purpose that her suffering could serve.  She eventually came to be at peace with whatever would happen, and kept the Faith to the very end. And in my heart I know that the Angels carried her home to a Father who said, “Well done, good and faithful servant. Come, and live in my Love.” 

I saw the impact that these 5 things had–not only on my Mother, but on those around her–and can say most undoubtedly that Breast Cancer did not win.  People were inspired by her, they loved her, they wanted to be near her.  The Doctors told her that she could come back to the office anytime to talk to patients during their Chemo, because her way made people feel at ease.  She taught me all of this, so I thank her and dedicate this post, during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, in memory of Eve Sanchez.

Now, go and do your part to “Save the Ta Tas”!

Leaving Everything Behind

The Inspiration of Saint Matthew (1602), painting by the Italian master Caravaggio

Happy feast of St Matthew, apostle and evangelist!  There aren’t many instances where Matthew is written about in the scriptures, although he did author the first book in the New Testament.  We do know that Matthew was a Jew from Cana, working for the occupying Roman forces as a Tax Collector, later known as “publicans”. As Romans were not concerned about what publicans took as their own cut from an already excessive tax, they were generally despised–second to executioners–by their fellow Jews.

While on the Mediterranean Damascus road along the Sea of Galilee, Jesus first encountered Matthew.  Walking by, Jesus saw something in this ‘notorious sinner’, and simply invited him – ”follow me.”  What happened next was almost as shocking as Jesus asking this outcast to become one of his apostles…Matthew arose, decided to leave everything behind, and followed Him.

Matthew didn’t tell Jesus to hang on, while he left to go and wrap up a few loose ends.  And it didn’t say that Jesus sat and talked with him for bit or performed any miracles.  It was a simple “call and respond” scenario, and Matthew just got up and followed him.  Can you imagine how scandalous it would’ve appeared when Jesus called such a man to follow him, especially by the Pharisees–who would not even sit at the same table as a Tax Collector?

Jesus knew what they the Pharisees were thinking and muttering under their breath.  ”How could this great teacher associate Himself and His ministry with such an immoral person?”

I love how Jesus responded to their indignation:

“Those who are well do not need a physician, but the sick do. Go and learn the meaning of the words, ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ I did not come to call the righteous but sinners” (Matthew 9:12b-13).

Jesus recalls the words of the prophet Hosea, “I desire mercy, not sacrifice.”  The Catechism tells us that ”outward sacrifice, to be genuine, must be the expression of spiritual sacrifice: ‘The sacrifice acceptable to God is a broken spirit. . . .’ The prophets of the Old Covenant often denounced sacrifices that were not from the heart or not coupled with love of neighbor” (CCC 2100).  Jesus was not denouncing ritual and worship; but, He was saying that loving our neighbors is more important still.

A simple yet sincere act of love from Jesus, asking Matthew to follow Him, completely changed this “enemy of the country”.  Since that time, I can only imagine how many people have also experienced the mercy of God through the Gospel according to Matthew.

One pure act of love can change everything.

Delicious Healthy & Hearty Fall Meal

If you’re looking for a healthy, hearty, and easy fall meal, here’s a great option.  I didn’t plan this meal in advance–it was a lucky night in which I had everything that I needed on hand – score!  My Hubby wasn’t feeling well, so comfort food seemed in order, with a healthy twist.

The cook time (one hour) of the Turkey Loaf is the longest thing that you’ll need to plan for – but it’s worth it. Sometimes Turkey just doesn’t seem to cut it as a tasty substitute – that wasn’t the case here. I found the basic recipe on AllRecipes.com, and following the other reviewers advice, I then “shopped around” for the right glaze (come on, it doesn’t feel like a proper meatloaf without some kind of ketchup-based concoction on top!). The result was so tasty that I’m sharing my version of it.

They say the proof is in the pudding, and I admit that half the loaf quickly disappeared just between the two of us.  Pretty much the same situation with the Carrot-Sweet Potato Mash.  I tossed in some classic Jellied Cranberries into the spread, and well, you can read Mike’s (the Critic) reviews below…

Easiest Turkey Loaf 

by Karen Kay (Lisa’s modified version)
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 1 Hr        Yields: 1 loaf

MEATLOAF INGREDIENTS:

7 oz of Seasoned Bread Stuffing Mix (I used dry Pepperidge Farm)

1/2 to 3/4 cup very hot water

1 lb ground Turkey (I like the lean version)

1 egg, beaten

1/4 tsp garlic powder, approx

1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes, approx

1/2 small onion, chopped

Salt and pepper to taste

Cajun seasoning (I used a few shakes of Earl’s, Tony Chacheres will work…etc) to taste

GLAZE INGREDIENTS: (I borrowed this from Chef John’s Classic Meatloaf recipe)

2 Tbsp brown sugar

2 Tbsp ketchup

2 Tbsp Dijon mustard

Hot pepper sauce to taste (I used several shakes of Texas Petes)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Grease a 5 3/4 x 11-inch loaf pan.
2. In a bowl, mix the stuffing mix with hot water, and let the mixture stand for 2 minutes to plump up the bread crumbs. In another bowl, mix the ground turkey with beaten egg, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, chopped onion, cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix into the stuffing until thoroughly combined. Spoon the loaf mixture into the prepared pan.
3. Begin baking in the preheated oven.  Meanwhile, in a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, ketchup, Dijon mustard, and hot sauce. Stir until the brown sugar has dissolved.  After 15 minutes, remove the meatloaf from the oven. With the back of a spoon, smooth the glaze onto the top of the meatloaf, then pull a little bit of glaze down the sides of the meatloaf with the back of the spoon.
4. Continue to bake in the oven until no longer pink in the center, about 1 hour. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read at least 160 degrees F (70 degrees C). Let stand 10 minutes before serving.

This made one very moist (Note: I used the 3/4 cup of water with the stuffing), mildly spicy Meatloaf.  My husband, the meatloaf connoisseur, reviewed this as:

This recipe will be a crowd favorite for sure–county fairs, sewing circles, social events, office potlucks. Do it.  - Mike

Carrot-Sweet Potato Mash 

by Kristin (on allrecipes.com)
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 min      Yields: approx 4 servings

Ingredients

• 1 (8 ounce) package baby carrots
• 1 sweet potato, peeled and cubed
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/2 cup applesauce, or as needed (I used 1/4 cup and it turned out great!)
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup raisins (optional: I didn’t use)

Directions

1. Place carrots and potatoes into a large pot and cover with salted water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until tender, about 20 minutes. Drain and allow to steam dry for a minute or two.
2. Meanwhile, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat, then stir in the applesauce and brown sugar until dissolved. When the potatoes are ready, transfer to a serving bowl and mash until smooth. (I did this by hand with a Potato Masher for a chunkier texture, as pictured above. If you want it smoother, use a hand mixer.)  Then fold in the applesauce mixture and raisins, if desired.

UPDATED:  The original recipe called for twice as many carrots.  I’ve made it both ways, and my husband definitely liked it with less carrots – it gave more balance to the dish.  The hubby’s review of this delicious and perfect autumn side dish, with only 8-oz carrots, is as follows:

This takes orange foods to the next level! This is everyday, every meal good… take it from someone that doesn’t eat orange foods…   – Mike

Buen provecho! Would love to hear your feedback too.