It’s been a bit of a stressful week. We received a call in the middle of the night this week that my grandpa had been airlifted to Iowa City for emergency surgery, his aneurysm had ruptured. Scary situation for several reasons, many people have too much internal bleeding and do not make it to the hospital and another factor was my grandpa has been on blood thinners for the last 6+ months, which made surgery more risky and would make for much more blood loss. Aaron and I left for Iowa City early, got there right when Grandpa had finished surgery.
About an hour after surgery we were allowed in to ICU to see him. He had a breathing tube down his throat (could not speak) and was sedated. Even thought he was sedated, he was responsive and opened his eyes when we would speak to him. He seemed to be resting at ease and doing well.
A few concerns developed while in recovery thus far, an infection has developed in his lungs. He is on antibiotics for this. Another is just keeping an eye on his blood pressure; they want it to be lower than normal to keep the blood from pumping too quickly thru the area where the aneurysm was. Another concern is that he was relying too much on the ventilator for his oxygen. Good news is he is now off of the ventilator and his lungs are functioning on their own.
When we got back home that night, I decided to do some more research on abdominal aneurysms. I definitely knew when I was at the hospital it was serious but after some research of ruptured aneurysms, I realized even more so that it is a miracle he survived this. No doubt in my mind that God was at work.
I remembered back to a verse I had read before: “If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer." Matthew 21:22. Never underestimate the power of prayer.
Be sincere in prayer. Believe whole-heartedly that God answers prayers. I believe we witnessed a miracle, that my grandpa was safe in the hands of God. My grandfather is doing well in recovery but will be a long recovery as this was massive surgery. Please pray for his recovery. I thank you for each of those prayers.
Friday, July 30, 2010
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
I received this email from a friend. I thought the ‘food for thought’ line given makes a valid point.
I am friends with a family who owns a handful of BP stations in town. There’s a story in the Register explaining the ties these local business owners have with BP.
Many people are boycotting the stations, when in reality; owners make a penny or two per gallon of gas, and have no ties to the company except for a multi-year contract they have with BP to sell their fuel. The bulk of their business earnings are from convenience stores sales like food, beer and cigarettes.
I just wanted to mention in case it came up in your conversations…and also, to research where the gas at other stations comes from if you are interested…because it may be BP related as well. Food for thought….BP will end up paying an astronomical amount of money to clean up this mess, do we want to give our money to someone else?
Just thought I’d mention, find it interesting.
I am friends with a family who owns a handful of BP stations in town. There’s a story in the Register explaining the ties these local business owners have with BP.
Many people are boycotting the stations, when in reality; owners make a penny or two per gallon of gas, and have no ties to the company except for a multi-year contract they have with BP to sell their fuel. The bulk of their business earnings are from convenience stores sales like food, beer and cigarettes.
I just wanted to mention in case it came up in your conversations…and also, to research where the gas at other stations comes from if you are interested…because it may be BP related as well. Food for thought….BP will end up paying an astronomical amount of money to clean up this mess, do we want to give our money to someone else?
Just thought I’d mention, find it interesting.
I love recipes with cream cheese in it, any excuse to add cream cheese is a good idea. :) One of my friends posted this recipe on her blog so I decided to give it a try and it was a big hit for us. So yummy and so easy!
Cream Cheese Chicken
Ingredients:
8 oz block of cream cheese (I use 1/3 less fat, easy way to cut calories and not taste)
1 16 oz jar of black bean and corn salsa (I use the Target brand jar)
1 package of chicken breasts (4-5 chicken breasts)
In a crock pot, place the chicken in the bottom and pour the jar of salsa over top. Place lid on crock pot and turn on high for 5 hours, depending on your crock pot. My crock pot I turn on high for 3 hours, and then turn on low for the reminder of the time. During the last half hour or so, drop cream cheese in crock pot and let it melt over the chicken mixture.
Serve over rice (my favorite), in corn tortillas (Aaron’s favorite) or with tortilla chips! Makes for delicious leftovers! Sometimes I add extra cheese such as shredded cheddar.
Useful Tip… use Uncle Ben’s whole grain boil in the bag rice. It controls portions and takes only 10 minutes. Love it! I’ve also tried Uncle Ben’s whole grain rice in a pouch that takes 90 seconds in the microwave, the taste of this rice was better than I thought it would be.
When I do make it, I make a big pot of this Sunday night and then eat it for lunch for the week; healthy, easy and tasty! Hope you enjoy as much as we do!
Cream Cheese Chicken
Ingredients:
8 oz block of cream cheese (I use 1/3 less fat, easy way to cut calories and not taste)
1 16 oz jar of black bean and corn salsa (I use the Target brand jar)
1 package of chicken breasts (4-5 chicken breasts)
In a crock pot, place the chicken in the bottom and pour the jar of salsa over top. Place lid on crock pot and turn on high for 5 hours, depending on your crock pot. My crock pot I turn on high for 3 hours, and then turn on low for the reminder of the time. During the last half hour or so, drop cream cheese in crock pot and let it melt over the chicken mixture.
Serve over rice (my favorite), in corn tortillas (Aaron’s favorite) or with tortilla chips! Makes for delicious leftovers! Sometimes I add extra cheese such as shredded cheddar.
Useful Tip… use Uncle Ben’s whole grain boil in the bag rice. It controls portions and takes only 10 minutes. Love it! I’ve also tried Uncle Ben’s whole grain rice in a pouch that takes 90 seconds in the microwave, the taste of this rice was better than I thought it would be.
When I do make it, I make a big pot of this Sunday night and then eat it for lunch for the week; healthy, easy and tasty! Hope you enjoy as much as we do!
Friday, July 23, 2010
Thankful on a Friday!
I’m Thankful For….
My Husband – he gives me lots of love and affection every day! Always makes me feel beautiful; as cliché as it sounds… he completes me.
Family – our family is so supportive and loves us so much!
Friends – I have so many great genuine friends who are great influences/role models
Lutheran Church of Hope – we are blessed to belong to a church that is always challenging us to become better followers of Christ, they motivate us in many positive ways
Small Group – these ladies are very special to me and are great influences
Our Home – we are lucky to live in a nice home in a safe neighborhood
My Job – I am thankful to have a job that provides and to work with a good group of people. When I get annoyed at work, I need to do better at reminding myself that many people are out of work or working a job that keeps them apart from their loved ones, I’m fortunate enough to have a job that allows a good work/life balance
Aaron’s Job – Aaron LOVES his job and I really admire how he is an honest businessman and wants the best interest for the client, even if that means a lesser commission for his pocket. Thankful as well that the recession has not affect us, especially Aaron’s job in any major way
Freedom – thankful to make my own choices and live in a free country
Good Health – so thankful both Aaron and I are very healthy!
I find that it is easy for me to get caught up in this world of ‘wants’ and thinking I deserve more or better. When I start to feel bitter or resentful, I try to remember to recall what I’m thankful for, that list helps to ground me and make me realize that the list above is what makes me the happiest. Take a moment and make your list! :)
My Husband – he gives me lots of love and affection every day! Always makes me feel beautiful; as cliché as it sounds… he completes me.
Family – our family is so supportive and loves us so much!
Friends – I have so many great genuine friends who are great influences/role models
Lutheran Church of Hope – we are blessed to belong to a church that is always challenging us to become better followers of Christ, they motivate us in many positive ways
Small Group – these ladies are very special to me and are great influences
Our Home – we are lucky to live in a nice home in a safe neighborhood
My Job – I am thankful to have a job that provides and to work with a good group of people. When I get annoyed at work, I need to do better at reminding myself that many people are out of work or working a job that keeps them apart from their loved ones, I’m fortunate enough to have a job that allows a good work/life balance
Aaron’s Job – Aaron LOVES his job and I really admire how he is an honest businessman and wants the best interest for the client, even if that means a lesser commission for his pocket. Thankful as well that the recession has not affect us, especially Aaron’s job in any major way
Freedom – thankful to make my own choices and live in a free country
Good Health – so thankful both Aaron and I are very healthy!
I find that it is easy for me to get caught up in this world of ‘wants’ and thinking I deserve more or better. When I start to feel bitter or resentful, I try to remember to recall what I’m thankful for, that list helps to ground me and make me realize that the list above is what makes me the happiest. Take a moment and make your list! :)
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Flowers!
Aaron spoiled me this past week with some flowers, they are beautiful! 28 long stem roses. I asked him why 28, I guess he wanted two dozen originally but then after picking out 2 dozen he saw another color that caught his eye so he decided to just add in 4 more. Love them! Love my husband! They really are brightening up my week, they smell wonderful!
Staining the Deck
Our last big outdoor project is now completed! A few weeks ago we stained our deck. Here is a before and after picture. I think it turned out pretty good and it wasn’t as brutal of a project as I thought it would be. I would highly suggest to anyone who has a deck to buy the deck pads, they work fabulously and are quite an efficient little tool. We were able to use these deck pads for almost the entire deck and they were a lifesaver, I couldn’t imagine doing it by paint brush. I really like the color, it is called 'winning red'. Time to plan our deck party! YEAH!
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