Anyone who knows me knows I've said for a long time - like, I'm talking years - that I want to lose weight.
I lost a bunch of weight in college - 40 pounds, I think. It's been so long ago that it's hard to remember. That was doing Weight Watchers. At that time, you had a point "range" you tried to eat each day.
Not long after that, they changed the plan. I've tried to go back to Weight Watchers several times over the years, but it has never worked as well as that first time. Now, they've updated the plan (again), so I decided to check it out.
Hopefully this will work - I've been feeling really bad about myself (look-wise) lately, and I'm constantly exhausted. I find that when my weight really starts to bother me, it begins to effect every part of my life, and I'm tired of it. I remember the first time around, I focused on making eating changes first - when I had that under control, I worried about adding more exercise into my routine. I'm planning on taking the same approach this time.
On another, happier note - I just realized my last post was supposed to be about planning. Um, yeah, notsomuch.
I've been thinking a lot about Brooke's 2nd birthday. I'm having a hard time figuring out what to do because she is only going to be 2 - so it seems crazy to do some "over the top" thing involving a lot of kids whose parents I don't really know - but at the same time, we don't have family down here to do a "family only" party like I had when I was young. Here are the thoughts I've been tossing around:
1) Brooke's daycare will let us have parties there. I could have a party (they're always in the afternoon) and bring in one of many vendors - Elmo, face painting, something else that a bunch of 18 month - 2 year olds would love. (Note: I'm considering bringing Color Me Mine - see below).
- Pro: All of Brooke's class would be there, and I don't need to worry about not knowing the parents. It is probably the least expensive of all of the options!
- Con: If we have family that comes down for her birthday (as I expect we will), I'm not sure they would all be able to attend and we'd have to do a second party.
2) Have a party at home with snacks and cake/ice cream. I could have the Color Me Mine To Go come - they bring the pottery, paint, etc. for the kids to paint a piece of pottery (that I would choose), then take it back to the store to be fired and glazed. I would pick something small for each child and perhaps a large platter for them to all put their handprints on as a keepsake for Brooke!
- Pro: Brooke had a GREAT TIME painting the pottery - and it's a favor and activity all in one!
- Con: Can you imagine the mess of a bunch of 2 year olds painting (very breakable) bisque pieces? If I do it at home, I have to decide whether to invite her whole daycare class, the kids she plays with the most, or limit it to family/friends that have kids her age - which I don't have many of. Plus, all of the other kids live near where I work - so I don't know how many would trek to the Kendall area for her birthday party!
3) Have the party at an indoor playground.
- Pro: Brooke loves playing at these places! They do all the decorating & clean-up.
- Con: I'm not sure we'd have enough kids to make the expense worthwhile (unless we invite her whole daycare class - and I don't know whether people do this for 2 year olds!).
So, if you had a child turning 2, that talks about several of the other kids at daycare, what would you do for their birthday?
Monday, February 28, 2011
Saturday, February 26, 2011
New Recipes and Planning
I've lost count of what week I'm on for my recipes for my Bucket List - but here are a couple:
So Simple Supper!
I've been promising this for a while now, and I finally made it a couple of weeks ago. It was so good, in fact, that it's cooking away right now.
Ingredients:
1 Roast (3 to 4 lbs)
1 envelope au jus gravy mix
1 envelope mushroom gravy mix
1 envelope onion soup mix
3 cups water
Assorted vegetables
Directions:
Place roast in slow cooker. Combine soup, gravy mixes, and water. Pour over roast. Cover, cook on LOW 4 hours.
Add vegetables. Cook 4 hours more or until meat & veggies tender.
Verdict: A definite keeper! I simply use potatoes & carrots. I accidentally left the onion soup out the first time I made it, so I am making it that way again today. Love it!
Slow cooker lasagna: This was a big FAIL. My mom made it before, but mine was burned and completely inedible. I think it's because it cooked from 7 am - slowcooker turned off 8 hours later, then it was on "warm" until I got home at 6 pm. I'll be giving this recipe another shot, eventually - on the weekend, when it won't cook so long!
Curry Chicken
This is my own invention! I just sprinkled chicken cutlets with curry powder, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, and salt & pepper & cooked over medium heat in a skillet coated with extra virgin olive oil.
Verdict: Jim and I loved this! We have this Chinese restaurant we must go to when we go home to visit about 1.5 hours from my mom's.....they have awesome curry chicken that's really spicy. This was my take on the flavors....it worked pretty well, although it didn't taste anything like the restaurant's, really! But the flavors were good together, and you can control how spicy/curry-ish the dish is, ha.
So Simple Supper!
I've been promising this for a while now, and I finally made it a couple of weeks ago. It was so good, in fact, that it's cooking away right now.
Ingredients:
1 Roast (3 to 4 lbs)
1 envelope au jus gravy mix
1 envelope mushroom gravy mix
1 envelope onion soup mix
3 cups water
Assorted vegetables
Directions:
Place roast in slow cooker. Combine soup, gravy mixes, and water. Pour over roast. Cover, cook on LOW 4 hours.
Add vegetables. Cook 4 hours more or until meat & veggies tender.
Verdict: A definite keeper! I simply use potatoes & carrots. I accidentally left the onion soup out the first time I made it, so I am making it that way again today. Love it!
Slow cooker lasagna: This was a big FAIL. My mom made it before, but mine was burned and completely inedible. I think it's because it cooked from 7 am - slowcooker turned off 8 hours later, then it was on "warm" until I got home at 6 pm. I'll be giving this recipe another shot, eventually - on the weekend, when it won't cook so long!
Curry Chicken
This is my own invention! I just sprinkled chicken cutlets with curry powder, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, and salt & pepper & cooked over medium heat in a skillet coated with extra virgin olive oil.
Verdict: Jim and I loved this! We have this Chinese restaurant we must go to when we go home to visit about 1.5 hours from my mom's.....they have awesome curry chicken that's really spicy. This was my take on the flavors....it worked pretty well, although it didn't taste anything like the restaurant's, really! But the flavors were good together, and you can control how spicy/curry-ish the dish is, ha.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Potty training (don't read if you don't want to hear about bodily functions...)
The time is really here - time to work on potty training!
I started "training" Brooke around Thanksgiving when she first started showing interest in the potty - at that time, she said pee, poop, and potty, although it was usually after she was finished. Nonetheless, she would sit on the potty and use it at least once a day.
It's been hard to keep up with it since the daycare doesn't really start until they're 2 unless the kids can tell them they need to use the potty. We have so many errands every weekend that I don't do it then.
The past couple of weeks have been driving me crazy. Brooke tells me now "Gotta poop!" but won't poop on the potty (yet). Once she poops, she will not sit down until the dirty diaper is off. But she's also asking to get changed every time she pees, no matter how small the amount. One night over the weekend, I went through 3 diapers in less than 15 minutes. (1. She was due for a regular change. 2. Literally 2 seconds later, she pooped and had to be changed. 3. About 10 minutes later she peed (just a normal amount, diaper wasn't too heavy) and wanted changed.)
So there you have it. This weekend is the time. We are going to spend Saturday and Sunday really trying to get this potty thing started. It's still hard since I work - I feel like if I were a SAHM, the potty training would be done already because she is so clearly, definitely ready. She is so over the whole diaper thing - and who can blame her?
I'm going to let her lead the way. I think she's ready but if she's not, I'm not pushing. So far, that's been what I've done with other things (like no longer using the bottle) and she may not do it on my ideal timeline, but she gets there and is happy doing so.
All that said, I will gladly take any advice anyone has to offer. My goal: get rid of diapers during the day by the time she's 2.
I started "training" Brooke around Thanksgiving when she first started showing interest in the potty - at that time, she said pee, poop, and potty, although it was usually after she was finished. Nonetheless, she would sit on the potty and use it at least once a day.
It's been hard to keep up with it since the daycare doesn't really start until they're 2 unless the kids can tell them they need to use the potty. We have so many errands every weekend that I don't do it then.
The past couple of weeks have been driving me crazy. Brooke tells me now "Gotta poop!" but won't poop on the potty (yet). Once she poops, she will not sit down until the dirty diaper is off. But she's also asking to get changed every time she pees, no matter how small the amount. One night over the weekend, I went through 3 diapers in less than 15 minutes. (1. She was due for a regular change. 2. Literally 2 seconds later, she pooped and had to be changed. 3. About 10 minutes later she peed (just a normal amount, diaper wasn't too heavy) and wanted changed.)
So there you have it. This weekend is the time. We are going to spend Saturday and Sunday really trying to get this potty thing started. It's still hard since I work - I feel like if I were a SAHM, the potty training would be done already because she is so clearly, definitely ready. She is so over the whole diaper thing - and who can blame her?
I'm going to let her lead the way. I think she's ready but if she's not, I'm not pushing. So far, that's been what I've done with other things (like no longer using the bottle) and she may not do it on my ideal timeline, but she gets there and is happy doing so.
All that said, I will gladly take any advice anyone has to offer. My goal: get rid of diapers during the day by the time she's 2.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
No words
This weekend was one of the best I can remember having in a long, long time. There really are no words for how I feel after this weekend - just so refreshed and hopeful about the future.
Friday after work, we went to Dave & Buster's for dinner and then played in the arcade. Brooke had a blast playing the games - she even hit the jackpot on Skeeball!
Saturday morning, we had a quick visit to the pedi to follow up on her ears. She has a little cold now, so I was afraid it was another ear infection - but it wasn't! She's on nebulizer treatments again (I had started them last Thursday) to try to help keep things moving - she still has a cough and stuffy nose, so I'm going to increase the frequency of those and try to avoid taking her back. We did find out that there is a study we're going to try to get Brooke in - it's a "dietary supplement" called Xylitol that is supposed to help prevent/lessen ear infections. She was previously taking this (Xylarex) but the liquid form was discontinued. When she's admitted to the study, it will last 3 months and they'll provide us the meds - if it works for her, we will then have to have the pharmacy compound the capsules into a liquid dose for her. I feel good about it, because the next step is tubes in her ears - I really want to avoid that, so I feel like giving us this study is God's way of taking care of us and helping us avoid tubes.
After the appointment, we went to Friday's for lunch and painted pottery at Color Me Mine. Brooke LOVED it. I'm thinking of just having her birthday party at my house this year and doing the pottery "to go" - they come to the party location for 2 hours and at the end, they take the pottery back to their studio to fire and glaze it. I did a plate and Brooke did a trinket box - too cute!
Sunday, we went to get Brooke's 18 month pictures and had lunch at Johnny Rockets. She LOVED our waiter and even wore the hat the he gave her the entire time we were there.
Friday after work, we went to Dave & Buster's for dinner and then played in the arcade. Brooke had a blast playing the games - she even hit the jackpot on Skeeball!
Saturday morning, we had a quick visit to the pedi to follow up on her ears. She has a little cold now, so I was afraid it was another ear infection - but it wasn't! She's on nebulizer treatments again (I had started them last Thursday) to try to help keep things moving - she still has a cough and stuffy nose, so I'm going to increase the frequency of those and try to avoid taking her back. We did find out that there is a study we're going to try to get Brooke in - it's a "dietary supplement" called Xylitol that is supposed to help prevent/lessen ear infections. She was previously taking this (Xylarex) but the liquid form was discontinued. When she's admitted to the study, it will last 3 months and they'll provide us the meds - if it works for her, we will then have to have the pharmacy compound the capsules into a liquid dose for her. I feel good about it, because the next step is tubes in her ears - I really want to avoid that, so I feel like giving us this study is God's way of taking care of us and helping us avoid tubes.
After the appointment, we went to Friday's for lunch and painted pottery at Color Me Mine. Brooke LOVED it. I'm thinking of just having her birthday party at my house this year and doing the pottery "to go" - they come to the party location for 2 hours and at the end, they take the pottery back to their studio to fire and glaze it. I did a plate and Brooke did a trinket box - too cute!
Sunday, we went to get Brooke's 18 month pictures and had lunch at Johnny Rockets. She LOVED our waiter and even wore the hat the he gave her the entire time we were there.
Thursday, February 17, 2011
19 months!
I decided to post this a few days early because I know I have a busy day at work tomorrow and we have a jam-packed weekend planned!
On Sunday (2/20), Brooke will be 19 months old. Time is just flying light-speed ahead...I feel like if I blink, I will miss it, and my beautiful baby will be a teenager. It has been amazing to watch her grow, and I am so proud of her.
At 19 months, she:
-"Counts" - and I put that in quotes because she thinks counting goes 1,2,5,6,7,8,9,10.
- Knows her ABC's - she doesn't sing from start to finish, but you can stop at any time and she'll fill in the letter.
- Talks a TON. I'm planning on making a list of all the words she says on her own to just keep track of it - and she will try to repeat anything I ask her to (as long as she's not around "strangers")
- Tries to dress herself whenever I let her.
- Drinks everything from sippy cups and eats all solids. (She especially loves mac 'n cheese and peanut butter sandwiches).
On Sunday (2/20), Brooke will be 19 months old. Time is just flying light-speed ahead...I feel like if I blink, I will miss it, and my beautiful baby will be a teenager. It has been amazing to watch her grow, and I am so proud of her.
At 19 months, she:
-"Counts" - and I put that in quotes because she thinks counting goes 1,2,5,6,7,8,9,10.
- Knows her ABC's - she doesn't sing from start to finish, but you can stop at any time and she'll fill in the letter.
- Her favorite songs are still If You're Happy and You Know It, Itsy Bitsy Spider, Wheels on the Bus, and the I Love You song. Her favorite songs on the radio are the ones that go "If I said I want your body now, would you hold it against me?" and "Sticks and stones may break my bones, but chains and whips excite me." (Um, is this bad? I don't even know the song names, and my daughter loves songs about sex. LOL - it's what is on our top 100 station on the way home from school---and these ALWAYS make her dance) She also loves Lady Gaga and New Kids on the Block! (What can I say? She is my daughter! She always dances more to Donnie's voice too, LOL).
- Talks a TON. I'm planning on making a list of all the words she says on her own to just keep track of it - and she will try to repeat anything I ask her to (as long as she's not around "strangers")- Loves toys you ride on - bikes, swings, rocking horses.....
- Loves her doll babies and stuffed animals - she hugs them, kisses them, wipes their faces, and changes their diapers. She LOVES the baby she has that goes in the bathtub with her!
- Wipes her own nose, mouth, hands, and brushes her own hair and teeth.
- Knows red, blue, and yellow.
- Loves to draw/fingerpaint. (I am so excited to take her to paint pottery!)
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Valentine's Day
As always, Jim and I had a great Valentine's Day. He always makes the day special.
We started our celebration on Saturday, when we went to dinner at Tony Roma's. Brooke was an angel and enjoyed her food! Then we bought her her "gift" of new shoes.
Yesterday, I came home to find beautiful red roses on the table and Blue Bell ice cream in the freezer. (Several weeks ago, I bought myself Blue Bell ice cream - and Jim ate it all except for one tiny scoop that I shared with Brooke. I was upset about it, so he replaced it for Valentine's Day).
I told Jim to pick a dinner, so he picked my spicy chicken and mashed potatos - it's too long for after work, so I'll make it this weekend. He is also taking me to paint pottery with Brooke's handprint (a bucket list item!) on Saturday.
We've had some awesome V-day's over the years - a look back:
2002 - Bruno's and Holiday Inn.
2003 - Calvin House :-)
2004 - I can't believe I can't remember the name of the restaurant - it's a really nice Italian place in Altoona that used to (or still does?) the food at Scotch Valley, where we had our wedding reception.
2005 - Johnstown Brewing Company
2006 - ?
2007 - ?
2008 - This year, we were supposed to go to a really nice dinner at the Hard Rock and stay up there. But, they had a gas leak - we ended up at IHOP at 10 pm due to all the traffic!
2009 - I was pregnant and had the flu :(
2010 - Nice meal at home with our baby girl :-)
Valentine's weekend started off with Brooke and I attending a Valentine's party at Busy Bee Kidz with our friends Adriana and Gaby. We had a great time! Brooke kept asking for party! Bab-by! the whole way home. She even got to meet Elmo! Pictures are on my facebook - I'm planning on taking her to another indoor playground this weekend since she enjoyed it so much on Friday.
Please keep one of my best friends Jacqui in your thoughts today - she is having a bone marrow biopsy today since it has been 6 months since her transplant. Also, today would have been the due date (last year) of her baby - unfortunately, she had to terminate the pregnancy due to her leukemia diagnosis. It's a hard day for her, her husband, and they're family, and I know they would appreciate your thoughts and prayers. We love you, Aunt Jacqui!!
We started our celebration on Saturday, when we went to dinner at Tony Roma's. Brooke was an angel and enjoyed her food! Then we bought her her "gift" of new shoes.
Yesterday, I came home to find beautiful red roses on the table and Blue Bell ice cream in the freezer. (Several weeks ago, I bought myself Blue Bell ice cream - and Jim ate it all except for one tiny scoop that I shared with Brooke. I was upset about it, so he replaced it for Valentine's Day).
I told Jim to pick a dinner, so he picked my spicy chicken and mashed potatos - it's too long for after work, so I'll make it this weekend. He is also taking me to paint pottery with Brooke's handprint (a bucket list item!) on Saturday.
We've had some awesome V-day's over the years - a look back:
2002 - Bruno's and Holiday Inn.
2003 - Calvin House :-)
2004 - I can't believe I can't remember the name of the restaurant - it's a really nice Italian place in Altoona that used to (or still does?) the food at Scotch Valley, where we had our wedding reception.
2005 - Johnstown Brewing Company
2006 - ?
2007 - ?
2008 - This year, we were supposed to go to a really nice dinner at the Hard Rock and stay up there. But, they had a gas leak - we ended up at IHOP at 10 pm due to all the traffic!
2009 - I was pregnant and had the flu :(
2010 - Nice meal at home with our baby girl :-)
Valentine's weekend started off with Brooke and I attending a Valentine's party at Busy Bee Kidz with our friends Adriana and Gaby. We had a great time! Brooke kept asking for party! Bab-by! the whole way home. She even got to meet Elmo! Pictures are on my facebook - I'm planning on taking her to another indoor playground this weekend since she enjoyed it so much on Friday.
Please keep one of my best friends Jacqui in your thoughts today - she is having a bone marrow biopsy today since it has been 6 months since her transplant. Also, today would have been the due date (last year) of her baby - unfortunately, she had to terminate the pregnancy due to her leukemia diagnosis. It's a hard day for her, her husband, and they're family, and I know they would appreciate your thoughts and prayers. We love you, Aunt Jacqui!!
Monday, February 14, 2011
Valentine's Day
Today's a day all about hearts and love.
It's also the last day of CHD Awareness Week. I missed several days to being generally busy and suffering from a migraine yesterday and today - plus, I think if I had done more posts like I wanted, maybe it would have been overkill. Clearly, you've seen enough facts to see the importance of CHD Awareness. And I told you a few ways to help - but go here to see more (written by mom to Chase, a beautiful boy who also has HLHS).
So, for the end of CHD Awareness week, I want to direct you to some stories that have touched MY heart that I haven't yet shared:
Meet Annabelle, a 6-month old who has several heart defects. She has never been able to go home, and she's currently in the ICU waiting for her new heart. They're also waiting on a second opinion for a possible treatment in Boston. Please pray for her and that God will show her family the path to her optimal health.
Also, meet Bodie. I have just fallen in love with this little boy, who turns 1 next week. He had a rough beginning, spending 4.5 out of his first 5 months of life in the hospital, but is now doing so, so well. His mom has also written a beautiful post about why CHD awareness is so important to these families.
Finally, remember I shared the link to Logan's story? His mom has continued featuring other stories on her blog, and she is also touching on the OTHER effects of a child being born with CHD - financial issues, relationship issues, etc., for the families of these kids.
Did anyone see Grey's Anatomy Thursday? They (briefly) mentioned caring for a hypoplastic heart baby - that's what many of these kids have, HLHS or HRHS. On the show, they delivered the baby early because they had a transplant heart for it - I don't think that would happen in real life, but I do wish that the show would have spend more time on the HLHS since it was CHD Awareness week.
It's also the last day of CHD Awareness Week. I missed several days to being generally busy and suffering from a migraine yesterday and today - plus, I think if I had done more posts like I wanted, maybe it would have been overkill. Clearly, you've seen enough facts to see the importance of CHD Awareness. And I told you a few ways to help - but go here to see more (written by mom to Chase, a beautiful boy who also has HLHS).
So, for the end of CHD Awareness week, I want to direct you to some stories that have touched MY heart that I haven't yet shared:
Meet Annabelle, a 6-month old who has several heart defects. She has never been able to go home, and she's currently in the ICU waiting for her new heart. They're also waiting on a second opinion for a possible treatment in Boston. Please pray for her and that God will show her family the path to her optimal health.
Also, meet Bodie. I have just fallen in love with this little boy, who turns 1 next week. He had a rough beginning, spending 4.5 out of his first 5 months of life in the hospital, but is now doing so, so well. His mom has also written a beautiful post about why CHD awareness is so important to these families.
Finally, remember I shared the link to Logan's story? His mom has continued featuring other stories on her blog, and she is also touching on the OTHER effects of a child being born with CHD - financial issues, relationship issues, etc., for the families of these kids.
Did anyone see Grey's Anatomy Thursday? They (briefly) mentioned caring for a hypoplastic heart baby - that's what many of these kids have, HLHS or HRHS. On the show, they delivered the baby early because they had a transplant heart for it - I don't think that would happen in real life, but I do wish that the show would have spend more time on the HLHS since it was CHD Awareness week.
Thursday, February 10, 2011
CHD Awareness: Funding, Research, and How to Help
I have so much more information to share about CHDs - but today, I want to share the sad truth about funding for research of these issues - and what we can do to help.
Remember the other day, when I told you that CHDs kill twice as many kids as all childhood cancers combined? Well, what if I now tell you, pediatric cancer research gets FIVE TIMES the funding of CHD research.
Shocking, I know - let me just give you a minute to digest that.
As I said the other day, I'm not suggesting anything should be taken away from pediatric cancer research, that's serious and devestating, too. But why isn't the funding at least equal for pediatric CHDs? My theory is this - you can't "see" CHDs. For the most part, these kids look healthy - unless you catch a glimpse of their surgical scars or if they're looking blue at that moment (from lowered oxygen levels). Even if you see them on oxygen or something, you would need to ask why they were on oxygen to find out about the CHD.
But kids with pediatric cancer - well, you can often see they're sick. Their pallor may change, their hair may fall out....like I said, so incredibly sad and deserving of research, for sure - but I think that "visibility" is why people donate more to causes like that. Well, that, and the average person just doesn't know about CHDs.
But there's more - for every donation made to the American Heart Association (a wonderful cause, by the way), only $0.30 per dollar goes to research for CHDs - and only $0.01 of each dollar goes to research for pediatric CHD patients!
I'll do the math for you - if I make a $100.00 donation to the AHA, $30.00 goes to research for CHDs. $1.00 goes to research to benefit pediatric CHD patients. Stunning, right?
Clearly, great advancements have been made in the last 30-40 years despite this less than optimal funding for research. Imagine what can be done with proper funding! So how can we make a difference?
1) Monetary donations. There are some great organizations out there that raise money for research. Check out CHF, C.H.I.N., or Hope for BraveHEARTS.
2) Walks. There are Congenital Defect Walks (like the Race for the Cure) around the country. Check your area, see if there is one - walk, raise money, volunteer. These walks are so much fun and for a great cause! (If there's not a Congenital Defect walk, why don't you look into March of Dimes March for Babies? They help fundraise to benefit premature/sick babies generally. I've had a few friends who have benefitted from their services!)
3. Donate items to heart centers. Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) is home of a very well-known pediatric heart surgeon. As is Stanford, University of Michigan hospital, a hospital in Indianapolis - you get the idea. The heart momma blogs I read all make mention of how much it means when their children receive new blankets, etc., in the NICU - you can always find ways to donate items to benefit the babies of your local NICU. Another great way to donate items is to check out Sisters By Heart, which was started by several heart mommas to gather supplies and items they found helpful for new heart families - you can donate monetarily or donate specific items.
4. Spread the word. Perhaps the #1 most important thing I want to stress is knowledge - arm yourself and your friends, loved ones, strangers with knowledge. Talk about CHDs. Talk about the statistics, even though I know they are scary. Tell people that only 75% of kids born with HLHS live to see their 5th birthday. Tell them the facts about CHD and Downs Syndrome, the facts about CHD and pediatric cancers. Hug your heart healthy children close and be so grateful - but never forget the children who are suffering and what they have been through.
Today's heart family is a very special one. Meet Owen, a sweet little boy who just celebrated his 3rd birthday. He is undergoing open heart surgery today, and is expected to have another open heart surgery later this year. Like many heart babies, he is on oxygen and battles eating issues. Please stop by his page and support his family - and say an extra prayer for him today and during his recovery!
Remember the other day, when I told you that CHDs kill twice as many kids as all childhood cancers combined? Well, what if I now tell you, pediatric cancer research gets FIVE TIMES the funding of CHD research.
Shocking, I know - let me just give you a minute to digest that.
As I said the other day, I'm not suggesting anything should be taken away from pediatric cancer research, that's serious and devestating, too. But why isn't the funding at least equal for pediatric CHDs? My theory is this - you can't "see" CHDs. For the most part, these kids look healthy - unless you catch a glimpse of their surgical scars or if they're looking blue at that moment (from lowered oxygen levels). Even if you see them on oxygen or something, you would need to ask why they were on oxygen to find out about the CHD.
But kids with pediatric cancer - well, you can often see they're sick. Their pallor may change, their hair may fall out....like I said, so incredibly sad and deserving of research, for sure - but I think that "visibility" is why people donate more to causes like that. Well, that, and the average person just doesn't know about CHDs.
But there's more - for every donation made to the American Heart Association (a wonderful cause, by the way), only $0.30 per dollar goes to research for CHDs - and only $0.01 of each dollar goes to research for pediatric CHD patients!
I'll do the math for you - if I make a $100.00 donation to the AHA, $30.00 goes to research for CHDs. $1.00 goes to research to benefit pediatric CHD patients. Stunning, right?
Clearly, great advancements have been made in the last 30-40 years despite this less than optimal funding for research. Imagine what can be done with proper funding! So how can we make a difference?
1) Monetary donations. There are some great organizations out there that raise money for research. Check out CHF, C.H.I.N., or Hope for BraveHEARTS.
2) Walks. There are Congenital Defect Walks (like the Race for the Cure) around the country. Check your area, see if there is one - walk, raise money, volunteer. These walks are so much fun and for a great cause! (If there's not a Congenital Defect walk, why don't you look into March of Dimes March for Babies? They help fundraise to benefit premature/sick babies generally. I've had a few friends who have benefitted from their services!)
3. Donate items to heart centers. Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) is home of a very well-known pediatric heart surgeon. As is Stanford, University of Michigan hospital, a hospital in Indianapolis - you get the idea. The heart momma blogs I read all make mention of how much it means when their children receive new blankets, etc., in the NICU - you can always find ways to donate items to benefit the babies of your local NICU. Another great way to donate items is to check out Sisters By Heart, which was started by several heart mommas to gather supplies and items they found helpful for new heart families - you can donate monetarily or donate specific items.
4. Spread the word. Perhaps the #1 most important thing I want to stress is knowledge - arm yourself and your friends, loved ones, strangers with knowledge. Talk about CHDs. Talk about the statistics, even though I know they are scary. Tell people that only 75% of kids born with HLHS live to see their 5th birthday. Tell them the facts about CHD and Downs Syndrome, the facts about CHD and pediatric cancers. Hug your heart healthy children close and be so grateful - but never forget the children who are suffering and what they have been through.
Today's heart family is a very special one. Meet Owen, a sweet little boy who just celebrated his 3rd birthday. He is undergoing open heart surgery today, and is expected to have another open heart surgery later this year. Like many heart babies, he is on oxygen and battles eating issues. Please stop by his page and support his family - and say an extra prayer for him today and during his recovery!
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
CHD Awareness: Diagnosis
This post is going to have a little less facts and a little more of my (layman) understanding.
Some CHDs are diagnosed in utero, when the baby is sent for what I have always known as the "anatomy scan." This is done at approximately 20 weeks. They check the organs, baby's growth, and this is often the ultrasound where they can tell you the gender of your unborn baby! One of the things the specifically look for is to see if the baby's heart has all 4 chambers - so in the case of some CHDs, they may be able to pick up an abnormality.
From what I've read on these amazing mommas' blogs, if something is detected, the babies are sent for a fetal echocardiogram to get a better idea of what's going on. While they may not pin down the exact diagnosis until birth, this is enough to give them an idea of what they will be looking at and an idea of treatment after birth.
Only after I started reading these stories did it hit me - when we were having Brooke, they couldn't get a good picture of her heart at that first ultrasound because we had it super early at 17 weeks. At the time, they told me that it was because it was so early and she wouldn't turn around - I remember saying to Jim in passing that I hoped everything was OK, but I never once entertained the thought something serious could be wrong. I was chatting with other mommas on the What to Expect (WTE) website and many of them were needing to go back a second time, too - so it was no big deal. (FYI: We had to go back 4 times. The first time, they couldn't get heart/spine. The second, still couldn't get spine. The third, couldn't get kidneys. The fourth, they finally got everything We must have a stubborn one ;-) ).
It's a proven fact that the earlier the diagnosis, the higher the survival rate. (March of Dimes).
My take on this is that these babies have the best chance of survival if they're diagnosed before birth so the proper treatment/tests are arranged to be in the labor room/available upon birth. And yet, this isn't the case - Sometimes the diagnosis isn't made until days, weeks, or months after birth - sometimes the diagnosis isn't made until adolesence or adulthood. (March of Dimes)
There is a simple, non-invasive test that can be done at birth that, while not foolproof, can certainly give an indication there is something wrong with the baby's heart - a Pulse Ox test. Everyone knows what these are - for adults, it's that really annoying thing they clamp on your finger when you're at the hospital. For babies, it's simply a band-aid looking thing they wrap around the babies toe - that's it - and it tells them the amount of oxygen in the blood. The number (in a heart healthy baby, they're looking for close to 100) will be lower in babies with heart defects because not as much oxygen gets into the lungs. (Again, this is my very layman understanding and may not be completely accurate - if you have questions, you should ask your healthcare professional!) It doesn't hurt - Brooke had this at the ER a couple of weeks ago and it didn't bother her one bit.
There are bills in some states regarding making pulse ox screening mandatory upon birth. If yours is one, please become involved - write to your legislator in support of the bill. The life saved someday could be the life of your baby!
The first Momma's story I want to send you to today is Logan's mom. Logan was diagnosed after birth with his CHD. This week, his mom is featuring interviews each day with other heart moms and heart dads - and some of these stories are about kids who were diagnosed after birth rather than in utero.
And, I have to warn you, this story is heartbraking, but I think it's an important story to share. Go read Cora's story. Cora passed away at home in her mother's arms from an undetected CHD - only 5 days after being born. Had she had the pulse ox test, she could have received the treatment she needed.
Some CHDs are diagnosed in utero, when the baby is sent for what I have always known as the "anatomy scan." This is done at approximately 20 weeks. They check the organs, baby's growth, and this is often the ultrasound where they can tell you the gender of your unborn baby! One of the things the specifically look for is to see if the baby's heart has all 4 chambers - so in the case of some CHDs, they may be able to pick up an abnormality.
From what I've read on these amazing mommas' blogs, if something is detected, the babies are sent for a fetal echocardiogram to get a better idea of what's going on. While they may not pin down the exact diagnosis until birth, this is enough to give them an idea of what they will be looking at and an idea of treatment after birth.
Only after I started reading these stories did it hit me - when we were having Brooke, they couldn't get a good picture of her heart at that first ultrasound because we had it super early at 17 weeks. At the time, they told me that it was because it was so early and she wouldn't turn around - I remember saying to Jim in passing that I hoped everything was OK, but I never once entertained the thought something serious could be wrong. I was chatting with other mommas on the What to Expect (WTE) website and many of them were needing to go back a second time, too - so it was no big deal. (FYI: We had to go back 4 times. The first time, they couldn't get heart/spine. The second, still couldn't get spine. The third, couldn't get kidneys. The fourth, they finally got everything We must have a stubborn one ;-) ).
It's a proven fact that the earlier the diagnosis, the higher the survival rate. (March of Dimes).
My take on this is that these babies have the best chance of survival if they're diagnosed before birth so the proper treatment/tests are arranged to be in the labor room/available upon birth. And yet, this isn't the case - Sometimes the diagnosis isn't made until days, weeks, or months after birth - sometimes the diagnosis isn't made until adolesence or adulthood. (March of Dimes)
There is a simple, non-invasive test that can be done at birth that, while not foolproof, can certainly give an indication there is something wrong with the baby's heart - a Pulse Ox test. Everyone knows what these are - for adults, it's that really annoying thing they clamp on your finger when you're at the hospital. For babies, it's simply a band-aid looking thing they wrap around the babies toe - that's it - and it tells them the amount of oxygen in the blood. The number (in a heart healthy baby, they're looking for close to 100) will be lower in babies with heart defects because not as much oxygen gets into the lungs. (Again, this is my very layman understanding and may not be completely accurate - if you have questions, you should ask your healthcare professional!) It doesn't hurt - Brooke had this at the ER a couple of weeks ago and it didn't bother her one bit.
There are bills in some states regarding making pulse ox screening mandatory upon birth. If yours is one, please become involved - write to your legislator in support of the bill. The life saved someday could be the life of your baby!
The first Momma's story I want to send you to today is Logan's mom. Logan was diagnosed after birth with his CHD. This week, his mom is featuring interviews each day with other heart moms and heart dads - and some of these stories are about kids who were diagnosed after birth rather than in utero.
And, I have to warn you, this story is heartbraking, but I think it's an important story to share. Go read Cora's story. Cora passed away at home in her mother's arms from an undetected CHD - only 5 days after being born. Had she had the pulse ox test, she could have received the treatment she needed.
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Build-a-Bear
Later in the week, I'll be doing a post on what we can actually do about all this CHD stuff - but for now, here is a super fun way to get our kids involved: Build-A-Bear
Build a Bear is raising money for the Children's Heart Foundation. When you build your animal (creature), you can donate $1. That's it, $1. Last year, Build-A-Bear raised $230,000 for the CHF! Their Love Bug is super cute this year, and you get free gifts when you go from now until Valentine's Day. I think I just found Brooke's Valentine's Day present - her first trip to BAB (well, the first one she can make her own stuffed animal at.
* They are also collecting money from their online sales if you don't have a Build-a-Bear near you.
Build a Bear is raising money for the Children's Heart Foundation. When you build your animal (creature), you can donate $1. That's it, $1. Last year, Build-A-Bear raised $230,000 for the CHF! Their Love Bug is super cute this year, and you get free gifts when you go from now until Valentine's Day. I think I just found Brooke's Valentine's Day present - her first trip to BAB (well, the first one she can make her own stuffed animal at.
* They are also collecting money from their online sales if you don't have a Build-a-Bear near you.
CHD Awareness: The Scary Truth
Again, facts (in italics) are from the Children's Heart Foundation:
CHDs are the #1 cause of birth defect related deaths. Each year, over 1,000,000 babies are born with CHDs worldwide. 100,000 of them will not live to see their first birthday - and many more die before adulthood.
I'm skipping some information between the number of diagnoses and deaths that I'll come back to later in the week (detection, treatment, the amazing improvements in life expectancy of these babies, etc). But, you see, this week is about awareness - do I have your attention now?
Can you believe that 10% of babies born with CHD's (worldwide) don't even see their first birthday? I know from my experience with Brooke that that day is kind of bittersweet - you miss the days of your "little baby" but are so excited for that special milestone. I can't even imagine how that day would feel if you were remembering the birth of the baby you lost - how much more intense those bittersweet feelings must be. My heart aches for all of those mothers just thinking about it.
91,000 lives a year are lost to CHDs in the US.
Now, we're not just talking about the kids. There are adults, too - some that aren't diagnosed until adulthood, some that are survivors of CHDs diagnosed in adulthood. This means that yes, improvements have been made in the treatment of CHDs - but there is so much further to go.
In the US, twice as many kids die from CHDs than all forms of pediatric cancer combined.
We've all seen the ads on TV - the kids suffering from leukemia or other cancers. Yes, that's devestating - and I am in no way advocating that attention (or funding, which will be another day) should be taken away from pediatric cancers - I simply believe more people should see CHDs as well. More should be known about CHDs - because there is no prevention or cure for any CHD. Parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles - all should know the truth that CHDs kill more than childhood cancers. Period.
The link to today's heart mommy is a sad story - and, unfortunately, I've read quite a few - in fact, it was hard to choose which to include here. Ultimately, I chose three - and this is narrowed down from all the stories I've read.
First, the story of Jill, who lost her approximately 7 week old son to HLHS several months ago. I have blogged about baby Joshua before, and the backlash that came after his death (circumcision controversy), but, to me, that backlash only shows how little people understand about CHDs.
Second, the story of Kristin, who I believe I've also blogged about. She is the mother to Luke, who also lost his battle to HLHS - at 12 days old. She and her husband are now expecting their second child.
Finally, the story of Megan, who lost her baby Cohen to HLHS at 11 days old. I am amazed at her strength that flows through her writing when she writes about Cohen.
*For the record, I don't really mean to scare you - OK, maybe just a little - sometimes fear is the best motivator of change.
CHDs are the #1 cause of birth defect related deaths. Each year, over 1,000,000 babies are born with CHDs worldwide. 100,000 of them will not live to see their first birthday - and many more die before adulthood.
I'm skipping some information between the number of diagnoses and deaths that I'll come back to later in the week (detection, treatment, the amazing improvements in life expectancy of these babies, etc). But, you see, this week is about awareness - do I have your attention now?
Can you believe that 10% of babies born with CHD's (worldwide) don't even see their first birthday? I know from my experience with Brooke that that day is kind of bittersweet - you miss the days of your "little baby" but are so excited for that special milestone. I can't even imagine how that day would feel if you were remembering the birth of the baby you lost - how much more intense those bittersweet feelings must be. My heart aches for all of those mothers just thinking about it.
91,000 lives a year are lost to CHDs in the US.
Now, we're not just talking about the kids. There are adults, too - some that aren't diagnosed until adulthood, some that are survivors of CHDs diagnosed in adulthood. This means that yes, improvements have been made in the treatment of CHDs - but there is so much further to go.
In the US, twice as many kids die from CHDs than all forms of pediatric cancer combined.
We've all seen the ads on TV - the kids suffering from leukemia or other cancers. Yes, that's devestating - and I am in no way advocating that attention (or funding, which will be another day) should be taken away from pediatric cancers - I simply believe more people should see CHDs as well. More should be known about CHDs - because there is no prevention or cure for any CHD. Parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles - all should know the truth that CHDs kill more than childhood cancers. Period.
The link to today's heart mommy is a sad story - and, unfortunately, I've read quite a few - in fact, it was hard to choose which to include here. Ultimately, I chose three - and this is narrowed down from all the stories I've read.
First, the story of Jill, who lost her approximately 7 week old son to HLHS several months ago. I have blogged about baby Joshua before, and the backlash that came after his death (circumcision controversy), but, to me, that backlash only shows how little people understand about CHDs.
Second, the story of Kristin, who I believe I've also blogged about. She is the mother to Luke, who also lost his battle to HLHS - at 12 days old. She and her husband are now expecting their second child.
Finally, the story of Megan, who lost her baby Cohen to HLHS at 11 days old. I am amazed at her strength that flows through her writing when she writes about Cohen.
*For the record, I don't really mean to scare you - OK, maybe just a little - sometimes fear is the best motivator of change.
Monday, February 7, 2011
CHDs: The Shocking Truth
So here it is, CHD Awareness week. I've been thinking a lot about what I'm going to do to spread awareness - even though I'm blessed to have such a healthy baby girl, anyone can see how important awareness of this issue is - and how, even more important, is the advocacy that needs to go on for those babies. Since I'm sure that many of you have about as much knowledge of these issues as I do (which was basically none just a few short months ago!), each day I'm going to present you with some interesting facts - as well as my thoughts on them.
But first, each day I want to link you to the blog of a mother of one of these amazing children, many of whom are doing events to spread awareness. Today, I am going to link you to the first blog I found about a child with a CHD - this mother is the one I've contacted to ask where to get accurate information on CHDs. Meet Jenny, mother to a beautiful little girl named Aly, who has HLHS. This week, Jenny is featuring other's children's stories.
The facts (in italics) are from the Children's Heart Foundation:
Congenital Heart Defects are America's #1 birth defect. Nearly 1 of every 100 American babies will be born with a CHD.
These statistics literally blow my mind. I think it's something like 1 out of every 800 babies in the US will have Downs Syndrome.
I don't have much to say, because this statistic speaks for itself - 1 out of every 100 babies in the US. That's approximately 40,000 babies each year - just in the US.
Obviously, CHDs vary in severeness. They can be simple like a heart murmur or as serious as HLHS, where one half of the heart is severely underdeveloped and cannot do its job.
A couple is so much more likely to have a baby with a CHD than Downs Syndrome - and yet, how many of us "know" more about DS- and I'm willing to bet it's because of the physical features that go along with DS, physical characteristics that are absent from children with CHDs.
This statistic has gotten me to thinking - I am sure that, sometime during our lifetimes, we have each known individuals with CHDs that we weren't aware of.
It's time for those 40,000 babies each YEAR to have an even stronger voice - the parents of these babies may each be Superwoman or Spiderman in human form for all they do for their babies, but they should not have to do it alone. It's time for the rest of us to join our voices in spreading awareness and seeking funding.
But first, each day I want to link you to the blog of a mother of one of these amazing children, many of whom are doing events to spread awareness. Today, I am going to link you to the first blog I found about a child with a CHD - this mother is the one I've contacted to ask where to get accurate information on CHDs. Meet Jenny, mother to a beautiful little girl named Aly, who has HLHS. This week, Jenny is featuring other's children's stories.
The facts (in italics) are from the Children's Heart Foundation:
Congenital Heart Defects are America's #1 birth defect. Nearly 1 of every 100 American babies will be born with a CHD.
These statistics literally blow my mind. I think it's something like 1 out of every 800 babies in the US will have Downs Syndrome.
I don't have much to say, because this statistic speaks for itself - 1 out of every 100 babies in the US. That's approximately 40,000 babies each year - just in the US.
Obviously, CHDs vary in severeness. They can be simple like a heart murmur or as serious as HLHS, where one half of the heart is severely underdeveloped and cannot do its job.
A couple is so much more likely to have a baby with a CHD than Downs Syndrome - and yet, how many of us "know" more about DS- and I'm willing to bet it's because of the physical features that go along with DS, physical characteristics that are absent from children with CHDs.
This statistic has gotten me to thinking - I am sure that, sometime during our lifetimes, we have each known individuals with CHDs that we weren't aware of.
It's time for those 40,000 babies each YEAR to have an even stronger voice - the parents of these babies may each be Superwoman or Spiderman in human form for all they do for their babies, but they should not have to do it alone. It's time for the rest of us to join our voices in spreading awareness and seeking funding.
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Bucket List - New Recipes
I've fallen behind in updating the recipes, but not in trying them. So I have 3 for you today:
#1: Macaroni & Cheese
Brooke, who used to love veggies, has stopped eating them pretty much altogether. Every once in a while, I can trick her by hiding the veggies, but that's it. This recipe is from a cookbook called "Deceptively Delicious":
Ingredients:
1 and 1/2 cups elbo macaroni
Nonstick cooking spray
1 tablesppon olive oil
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1/2 cup nonfat milk (I used reduced fat because that is what I had on hand)
1/2 cup butternut squash or cauliflower puree
1 and 1/2 cups shredded reduced fat Cheddar Cheese
4 oz reduced fat or nonfat cream cheese
Salt & Pepper
1/8 teaspoon paprika
Instructions:
Cook macaroni according to package directions & drain. while macaroni is cooking, coat large saucepan with cooking spray and heat over medium heat. Add oil and then flour and cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture resembles a thick paste but has not browned, 1 to 2 minutes. Add the milk and cook, stirring every now and then, until the mixture begins to thicken, 3 to 4 minutes. Add the vegetable puree, cheeses, and seasonings, and stir until cheese is melted and`sauce smooth. Stir in macaroni.
Results:
Brooke LOVED this!!!! She ate 2 platefuls and was still asking for more! I wasn't thrilled about the consistency, although the taste was good. I think next time I'll add less cream cheese and more cheddar cheese for a more traditional cheese-y taste. I'll be trying again though, for sure.
#2: Banana Peanut Butter Whoopie Pies
Growing up, I loved, loved, loved the Amish sweet treat known as Whoopie Pies (I've always known them as Gobs). My favorite were the chocolate cakes with peanut butter filling. When I saw this recipe for banana cakes with peanut butter filling, I knew I had to try them.
Ingredients:
CAKE:
1/2 Cup butter, softened
3/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup mashed ripe banana
1/2 cup buttermilk
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
ICING:
1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
1 cup creamy peanut butter
3 tbsp butter, softened
1 cup confectioner's sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. In large bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in egg and vanilla. In a small bowl, combine banana and buttermilk. Combine the flour, salt, baking powder, and baking soda; gradually add to creamed mixture alternating with banana mixture.
2. Drop by tablespoonfuls 2 in. apart onto parchment paper-lined baking sheets. bake at 350 for 12-15 mins or until set. Cool for 2 mins before removing from pans to wire racks to cool completely.
3. For filling, in a large bowl, beat cream cheese, peanut butter and butter until fluffy. Beat in sugar and vanilla until smooth. Spread filling on the bottom half of cookies, about 1 tbsp on each; top with remaining cookies. Dust with additional sugar. Store in fridge.
Result:
The cake was super good. Brooke loved them. I might make the banana cookies with chocolate filling for our anniversary (part of our wedding cake was banana with chocolate filling!). The peanut butter icing was OK, although I prefer a more traditional peanut butter icing - which I will be making next time. This is a really good Whoopie Pie, though.
As a side note, do you know why they're called "whoopie pies"? After working all morning in the fields, the Amish men would open their lunch pails, see these sweets, and yell "Whoopie!!!"
#3: Beef Barley Soup
Ingredients:
2 tablespoon vegetable oil
2 onions chopped
10 oz white button mushrooms, sliced
2 lb lean beef stew meat
6 cups canned low-sodium beef broth
2 carrots chopped
1 28-oz can diced tomatoes with juice
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
2/3 cup pearl barley
salt and pepper
Instructions:
1. Saute onions and mushrooms in 1 tbsp veggie oil, about 7 mins. Scrape them into slow cooker. Warm remaining 1 tbsp veggie oil and brown meat. Scrape into slow cooker. Put 1 cup beef broth into skillet & scrape with wooden spoon to release brown bits. Add to slow cooker. ( I skipped this because everything cooks so long while I'm at work - 10 hours - so I just put everything in the slow cooker raw)
2. Add remaining broth & all other ingredients to slow cooker. Stir, cover, and cook on low until meat is tender, 6-7 hours.
Result:
This was FANTASTIC!! I put everything in raw, because it cooks on low 10 hours while I"m at work - everything was perfectly tender. Jim loved this, and Brooke loved it pureed (she wouldn't eat the veggies otherwise). This is definitely one of our new favorites!
Enjoy!
#1: Macaroni & Cheese
Brooke, who used to love veggies, has stopped eating them pretty much altogether. Every once in a while, I can trick her by hiding the veggies, but that's it. This recipe is from a cookbook called "Deceptively Delicious":
Ingredients:
1 and 1/2 cups elbo macaroni
Nonstick cooking spray
1 tablesppon olive oil
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1/2 cup nonfat milk (I used reduced fat because that is what I had on hand)
1/2 cup butternut squash or cauliflower puree
1 and 1/2 cups shredded reduced fat Cheddar Cheese
4 oz reduced fat or nonfat cream cheese
Salt & Pepper
1/8 teaspoon paprika
Instructions:
Cook macaroni according to package directions & drain. while macaroni is cooking, coat large saucepan with cooking spray and heat over medium heat. Add oil and then flour and cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture resembles a thick paste but has not browned, 1 to 2 minutes. Add the milk and cook, stirring every now and then, until the mixture begins to thicken, 3 to 4 minutes. Add the vegetable puree, cheeses, and seasonings, and stir until cheese is melted and`sauce smooth. Stir in macaroni.
Results:
Brooke LOVED this!!!! She ate 2 platefuls and was still asking for more! I wasn't thrilled about the consistency, although the taste was good. I think next time I'll add less cream cheese and more cheddar cheese for a more traditional cheese-y taste. I'll be trying again though, for sure.
#2: Banana Peanut Butter Whoopie Pies
Growing up, I loved, loved, loved the Amish sweet treat known as Whoopie Pies (I've always known them as Gobs). My favorite were the chocolate cakes with peanut butter filling. When I saw this recipe for banana cakes with peanut butter filling, I knew I had to try them.
Ingredients:
CAKE:
1/2 Cup butter, softened
3/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup mashed ripe banana
1/2 cup buttermilk
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
ICING:
1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
1 cup creamy peanut butter
3 tbsp butter, softened
1 cup confectioner's sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. In large bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in egg and vanilla. In a small bowl, combine banana and buttermilk. Combine the flour, salt, baking powder, and baking soda; gradually add to creamed mixture alternating with banana mixture.
2. Drop by tablespoonfuls 2 in. apart onto parchment paper-lined baking sheets. bake at 350 for 12-15 mins or until set. Cool for 2 mins before removing from pans to wire racks to cool completely.
3. For filling, in a large bowl, beat cream cheese, peanut butter and butter until fluffy. Beat in sugar and vanilla until smooth. Spread filling on the bottom half of cookies, about 1 tbsp on each; top with remaining cookies. Dust with additional sugar. Store in fridge.
Result:
The cake was super good. Brooke loved them. I might make the banana cookies with chocolate filling for our anniversary (part of our wedding cake was banana with chocolate filling!). The peanut butter icing was OK, although I prefer a more traditional peanut butter icing - which I will be making next time. This is a really good Whoopie Pie, though.
As a side note, do you know why they're called "whoopie pies"? After working all morning in the fields, the Amish men would open their lunch pails, see these sweets, and yell "Whoopie!!!"
#3: Beef Barley Soup
Ingredients:
2 tablespoon vegetable oil
2 onions chopped
10 oz white button mushrooms, sliced
2 lb lean beef stew meat
6 cups canned low-sodium beef broth
2 carrots chopped
1 28-oz can diced tomatoes with juice
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
2/3 cup pearl barley
salt and pepper
Instructions:
1. Saute onions and mushrooms in 1 tbsp veggie oil, about 7 mins. Scrape them into slow cooker. Warm remaining 1 tbsp veggie oil and brown meat. Scrape into slow cooker. Put 1 cup beef broth into skillet & scrape with wooden spoon to release brown bits. Add to slow cooker. ( I skipped this because everything cooks so long while I'm at work - 10 hours - so I just put everything in the slow cooker raw)
2. Add remaining broth & all other ingredients to slow cooker. Stir, cover, and cook on low until meat is tender, 6-7 hours.
Result:
This was FANTASTIC!! I put everything in raw, because it cooks on low 10 hours while I"m at work - everything was perfectly tender. Jim loved this, and Brooke loved it pureed (she wouldn't eat the veggies otherwise). This is definitely one of our new favorites!
Enjoy!
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Bucket List #10 - Become more involved
I know I said I had something special for heart month, but my plans were just too ambitious for a working momma like myself - but I am still using "Heart Month" as the start of my greater involvement.
Feb. 7-14 of every year is designated CHD awareness month. If you've been reading my blog for any length of time, you know that I've been drawn into this world by reading the stories of several amazing, beautiful babies suffering from various CHDs, but most notably HLHS. I've posted a little about what HLHS is, and I know I've posted a link to information about one of the surgeries.
But, I've also said time and again, that I believe there is a great need for awareness of CHD and all of the issues that they and their families face - some of which are not always obvious. So, for each day of CHD awareness week, I will be posting a statistic or information related to a CHD - some taken from an "official" source, some issues that I've surmised these families deal with - and posting about them, along with my thoughts and feelings on the issue. I'm hoping to have at least one or two of the heart momma's join me and share their views, too, although I know they will all be extremely busy raising awareness themselves.
I hope you'll all join me in learning a little more about CHDs, detection, and how we can help funding and research to make more advancements on behalf of these brave little ones.
Feb. 7-14 of every year is designated CHD awareness month. If you've been reading my blog for any length of time, you know that I've been drawn into this world by reading the stories of several amazing, beautiful babies suffering from various CHDs, but most notably HLHS. I've posted a little about what HLHS is, and I know I've posted a link to information about one of the surgeries.
But, I've also said time and again, that I believe there is a great need for awareness of CHD and all of the issues that they and their families face - some of which are not always obvious. So, for each day of CHD awareness week, I will be posting a statistic or information related to a CHD - some taken from an "official" source, some issues that I've surmised these families deal with - and posting about them, along with my thoughts and feelings on the issue. I'm hoping to have at least one or two of the heart momma's join me and share their views, too, although I know they will all be extremely busy raising awareness themselves.
I hope you'll all join me in learning a little more about CHDs, detection, and how we can help funding and research to make more advancements on behalf of these brave little ones.
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