Oct. 7, 2008 Shingles Treatment - Hippie Style
Despite Lucy's wonderful treatment options, I decided to go my own route. Cause...that's what I do! I noticed today that even though the blisters look just as bad, there are less of them. I'd say the diameter of the spot is reduced by about one fourth. The spot in my mouth is gone.
I post this here in case it might be helpful to any of you. Also, so I can find it again later when someone asks me how I treated it. ;o)
The doc said it was too late to try any of the drugs they have, so I'm on my own. I'm really ok with that, I would have done it my own way anyways.
In addition to lots of rest and eliminating as much stress as possible, I'm following this regimen twice a day.
On empty stomach:
Red Clover capsules (follow directions on bottle)
L-Lysine 500 mg
B6 50 mg
C 100 mg (I'm using Emergen-C)
Olive leaf
Decaf Green tea
On full stomach:
Cayenne capsules for pain
On the blisters:
I made a mixture of 2-3 drops of eucalyptus essential oil & 1 Tablespoon coconut oil
The only non-hippie thing I've done is to use neurontin for the nerve pain. I take it for another condition, and noticed it lessened the pain in my back. Dr. told me to up the dosage and use it to control the pain from this. Honestly, my spine has hurt much worse than the blisters. |
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Sep. 22, 2008 What a Weekend
We spent some lovely time on Friday with new friends who live about an hour from us. They invited us for dinner, and then our girls spontaneously decided to spend the night. We've never been comfortable enough to do that with anyone before. The whole evening was such a breath of fresh air, I can't even describe.
After we left, their son wanted to know where Seth had gone? lol
Anyways, the older girls had Honor Guard practice the next day in this town, so we let the girls stay, and I went back the next day to take Mo's uniform, etc. I ended up being there for most of the day. Noelle and the younger girls spent most of the day in the hot tub and pool. She slept really well that night.
Meanwhile, back at the ranch, Steve was working on the roof. It's a really high, really steep roof. Blech. Not a blessed thing I can do to help him, unfortunately.
On Sunday, we found out that Jake is having a family health emergency.
So, everyone is on alert, with nothing to do but wait for updates and pray for the situation.
I'm doing what I do. Praying, comforting, cooking, making a sanctuary to escape the stress for those that need it. Steve is doing what he does. Counseling, helping, praying, working, going to school...so many things for one person to be handling.
That's it, in a nut shell. Time for school... |
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Sep. 22, 2008 Menu Plan Monday
It's been a BUSY weekend! I'll post about that later.
For now, here's my menu plan, such as it is. It appears to be Family Favorites week at Organizing Junkie, so I'll post a favorite recipe below.
Monday: Chicken/Stuffing Casserole
Tuesday: Pulled Pork BBQ, crock pot mac & cheese *Family Favorite*
Wednesday: Leftovers
Thursday: Chicken Legs, mashed potatoes, mixed veggies
Friday: Homemade Pizza
Lots of favorites this week. Hmmm...
I'm not big on recipes, but I'll give my best descriptions.
For the chicken/stuffing casserole, I make stuffing, put it in a pan, layer chicken breast on top, then make a basic white sauce w/garlic added and pour that over the top. Bake til chicken is done.
I'm calling this our family favorite for the week. For the BBQ, we start with a pork butt roast. I do it in the crock or oven w/red pepper, tons of onion and some salt, covered half way with water. When it's done, I drain the water, remove fat and shred it, put it in the crock w/bbq sauce. Wonderful on a nice roll. Comfort food, and some of us are needing some comfort this week. |
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Sep. 15, 2008 Menu Plan Monday
Been a while since I've been organized enough to plan a menu!
Monday Rotisserie Chicken, crock pot mac and cheese
Tuesday Lasagna
Wednesday Crock pot enchiladas
Thursday Oven pork chops, cauliflower
Friday We've been invited to a friend's house for dinner
Check out http://orgjunkie.com/ for more menus! |
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Sep. 7, 2008 16th Bday pics Sep. 7, 2008 Another Labor Day Tradition Sep. 7, 2008 Happy Birthday, Riah!!
My baby girl is 16. Sigh...
I wanted to post some little girl pics, but I can't find them!
The pic w/pirates is from her 14th bday. (She's in the grey.) |
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Sep. 7, 2008 Lemanizing Our Kids
Lemanizing Our Kids
We've come up with our own term for discipline in our household. We call it Lemanizing our kids. This is affectionately named for Kevin Leman, who is possibly our favorite parenting 'expert.' This summer, we got to go to a couple of his seminars again at Kingdom Bound. The marriage one was hilarious in it's own right, but the parenting seminar was on his newest book, Have a New Kid By Friday.
I'd love to say that I've finished reading the book, but I have not. (School, etc.) But the key points are, 1.) Say it once, turn around, walk away. 2.) Have fun and be creative with real consequences.
So I thought, for fun, I'll fill you in every once in a while on what we're trying, what works and what doesn't.
Today's was particularly interesting, and time will tell if it works long-term.
My ds was given his science review sheet, which I had printed for him. Kind of like a pre-test. When he couldn't find it, we were not surprised, as he's always misplacing things, sometimes very important things. He wanted us to just print him another one. But dh and I decided that he'd need to make his own copy. So he spent almost two hours hand copying the review sheet (2 pages, if type-written.) He asked repeatedly, "Haven't I done enough, can't you print one off for me now?" We'd just respond, "Nope." I think he might have gotten the point, we'll see if it sticks. |
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Sep. 3, 2008 Catching Up #11 - CAP Ball 08
Civil Air Patrol Ball 2008
 I never can get these to line up right, but I'll try to label them as I'm able. Oh, all the dates are messed up. They really WERE all taken last night!
Terrific group of kids. I have to say, I like my dd's friends!
 OK, group shot is of our Squadron, but there were 4 Squadrons represented in the Group.
Riah is the girl all the way on the right in front. Her best friend is next to her, Jake is behind her in the Blues Jacket.
There was karaoke, so where you see microphones, there was some singing going on. 
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Sep. 3, 2008 Catching Up #10 - Time Travel
You’re probably thinking to yourself, “why would anyone want to go back and remember a fight?” Well, I’ll tell you… When we were at the anniversary dinner Saturday evening the topic of a last fight before the big wedding came up. Seemed like everyone had one. I guess getting ready to be married is a stressful time, causing all sorts of fighting (sorry Lauren… I’m sure you and Ted won’t fight before your wedding). So, how about it? Did you and your beloved have a blowout before exchanging vows? Come back and tell us about it, or brag about how sweet you were to each other and how you never had a single fight (before marriage of course!)
Well, there were plenty of tiffs, but it wasn't usually dh and I that were fighting!
Let's see.
*When my dad's tux fitting annoyed him, he called to yell at me, because somehow it was MY fault that his pants were too long. That is the point that Steve and I almost decided to elope. I think everyone reaches that point during wedding plans. (Resist the urge!)
*When we were decorating the hall for the reception, a bunch of people came in from the bar who knew my soon-to-be inlaws. They wanted to know what was going on and someone informed them that we were getting ready for Steve and Leni's wedding! Dead silence. It would seem that these were second cousins who were now insulted that they weren't invited. That was awkward, and for some reason, they were peeved with ME, like I was the one who made out that list.
*At the rehearsal, my dad picked a fight with the pastor. That was just peachy. Thankfully, our pastor was a diplomat and didn't take the bait, but it was pretty dicey there for a while.
*I almost flipped a lid when I discovered that my parents had gone behind my back and ordered alcohol for the reception. In retrospect, not that big of a deal, but at the time I felt very disrespected.
Now I know that I have memory issues, so I might be forgetting something (which Steve will certainly correct, I'm sure) but I don't remember having any arguments with Steve. We were frustrated and stressed out with other people, but not really with each other. |
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Sep. 3, 2008 Catching Up #9 - 50 Things
1) Do you like blue cheese?
With Buffalo wings.
2) Have you ever smoked heroin?
Not a chance.
3) Do you own guns?
Yup.
4) What flavor do you add to your drink at sonic?
Sonic? (Yes, I know what Sonic is, we just don't have them around here.)
5) Do you get nervous before doctor appointments?
Nope. I've spent WAY too much time in dr offices to be nervous.
6) What do you think of hot dogs?
On a grill, about twice a year.
7) Favorite Christmas song?
Mary Did You Know, Carol of the Bells.
8.) What do you prefer to drink in the morning?
Hot tea.
9) Can you do push ups?
Not any more.
10) Can you do a chin up?
Ha! Never could.
11) What’s your favorite piece of jewelry?
Sapphire engagement ring.
12) Favorite hobby?
Reading.
13) Ever been in a car wreck?
Yes.
14) Do you have A.D.D.?
So I'm told.
15) What’s one trait that you hate about yourself?
Lack of Mercy.
16) Middle name?
Pilar
17) Name 3 thoughts at this exact moment?
Ellie is up!
Steve is going to be late for work.
I wonder how late Riah will sleep?
18) Name 3 things you bought yesterday?
Not a blessed thing.
19) Name 3 drinks you regularly drink?
Tea, water, coffee
20) Current worry?
Getting alterations done properly on dd's dresses. A seamstress, I am not.
21) Current hate right now?
Needles.
22) Ever had a lightsaber battle?
No, but trust me when I tell you, I have watched my fair share of them. Oy.
23) How did you bring in the New Year?
Game night at church.
24) Where would you like to go?
Ireland.
25) Name three people who will complete this?
Maybe Mo, but probably not.
26) Do you own slippers?
Yes! Wonderful down-filled slippers.
27) What shirt are you wearing?
Purple and white striped T-shirt.
28) Do you like sleeping on satin sheets?
Wouldn't know.
29) Can you whistle?
Yes.
30) Favorite color?
Green.
31) Would you be a pirate?
Yes, but I'd be a very fun pirate.
32) What songs do you sing in the shower?
None.
33) Favorite girl’s name?
My girl's names.
34) Favorite boy’s name?
My boy's name.
35) What’s in your pocket?
Kleenex.
36) Last thing that made you laugh?
Last night when JT pulled one over on sleep-deprived Riah. Beautifully played. She and I were both laughing so hard we could barely get a breath.
37) Best bed sheets as a child?
Oh, my rainbow sherbet room. It was great.
38) Worst injury you’ve ever had?
Work injury. I tore all the tendons and ligaments in my knee. Technically, the guy kicking the daylights out of me tore them.
39) Do you love where you live?
Not really. Looking forward to not being in the middle of town some day.
40) How many TVs do you have in your house?
Four.
41) Who is your loudest friend?
Sally.
42) How many dogs do you have?
Two
43) Does someone have a crush on you?
Yup. ;o) The feeling is mutual.
44) Do you zip your pants then button it,or button it then zip it?
Button then zip.
45) What is your favorite book?
That's like asking which is my favorite child! Let's leave it at 'books are my favorite.'
46) What is your favorite candy?
Not a big candy person.
47) Favorite Sports Team?
Rochester Rhinos?
48) What song do you want played at your funeral?
I actually have a list in my Bible, but it's not handy at the moment.
49) What were you doing 12 AM last night?
Drifting off.
50) What was the first thing you thought of when you woke up?
WHY am I awake at this horrid hour??? |
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Sep. 3, 2008 Catching Up #8 - Prom and Wing Conference
Prom Pics
 No idea how all these pics will lay out, but I think you'll be able to figure it out!
The red dress is from today.
Mo with her siblings. Ellie was so happy that Mo let her use her shawl for the pic! She can't wait to be able to wear some of these formals.
The pink dress is from last week's Wing Conference. Thanks to Katie for sending the picture.
I knew the red dress would look wonderful with JT's Class A's.
JT's dad loaned them his '62 Corvette for the evening. I'm sure by the time I'm done posting they'll be busy swing dancing, one of their favorite things to do!
Oh, and I forgot to take a picture of the back of her hair! We put it in a French Twist, but left the top cascading over the twist. I then spent an hour and a half putting in tiny little curls. It came out really nice. |
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Sep. 3, 2008 Catching Up #7 - Memorial Day Sep. 3, 2008 Catching Up #6 - Revenge is Sweet
Revenge is Sweet
A couple of months back, Mo and her daddy got into a bit of a frosting war, where she fought to the death to avoid having her picture taken with frosting all over her face. She lost. Devious child that she is, she erased all evidence of such pictures from our camera and computer.
Upon hearing this story, JT decided to replace the pics for us, and waited for the opportune moment. This became a bit of a bonding experience for JT and Steve, as they ganged up on her. Pitifully, she didn't even try to fight back. Not sure if she knew she was beat, or if she was just putting on a good show for JT.
The evidence...
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Sep. 3, 2008 Catching Up #5 - Ellie's Photography Sep. 3, 2008 Catching Up #4 - AWANA Carnival 08 Sep. 3, 2008 Catching Up #3 - The Lighter Side of Parenting Your Parents
My mother stopped by anannounced today, which she never does (though I'm glad that she did.)I'm trying to figure out why, when it becomes abundantly clear what her plan was!
As she's going out the door:
Mom(whispering): Guess what? I have a date this weekend!
Me: What?
Mom: Yup, and that's all I'm telling you! Bye!
Me: You can't do that! Details! What would you have done if I did that to you?
Mom: I would have grounded you.
Me: OK, you're grounded.
Mom: That's ok, the date's at my house! *giggle*
Moriah (laughing): Wow, I just caught a glimpse of what grandma must have been like as a teenager! |
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Sep. 3, 2008 Catching Up #2
Important notes:
* No teens were harmed in the filming of this evening.
*You can play Pudgie Bunnies by force
*Sometimes you just need to eat s'mores and blow off some steam with friends.
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Sep. 3, 2008 Catching Up #1 |
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These two sisters came to visit today! The brown one, yet to be named, is coming to live with us on Sunday!!!
