Microwave casserole

Another food blog.

THIS is one of my favorites!! It is the easiest thing in the world to make.
(I didnt take pictures...oops)

1 lb hamburger meat
1 can Vegetable Beef Campbells soup
1 small can of french friend onions
1 large thinly sliced potato

Cook hamburger meat, season with salt & pepper
Drain and put meat in a deep microwave safe dish, place sliced potato in and pour the soup over that and stir around, then pour 1 can of water over the top of that, cover with saran wrap and microwave in 4 min increments until potatoes are soft.
Once potatoes are soft pour french fried onions on top and microwave an additional 45 seconds

That is IT! Then serve with corn on the cob and some crusty bread!!
SOOO good!!

Beer chicken

So today I decided to ACTUALLY cook. SO I got on Pinterest, as we all do these days and found a recipe for Beer chicken in the crock pot! So I wanted to share....

Here is what you need

 

4-5 Frozen Chicken Breasts

1 can or bottle of beer (This is what we had in the fridge, after having now eaten the chicken I will use a light or even lime beer next time I make it)

paprika

Garlic Powder

Salt

Pepper

Basil

Dry Minced Onion

 

Now just throw it all in the crock pot and cook on low for 6-8 hours (Or High for 3-4)

This is what it looked like about an hour into cooking :)

Now I served my beer chicken with roasted red potatos

(This is a picture before they went in the oven)

I just quartered some red potatoes, put them in a bowl with about 2 tbl spoons of olive oil and about 1/4 of an onion soup mix package

 

Put in the oven for about 40 minutes until golden and crispy on the outside and soft on the inside

Yum!

SO I also served with Hawaiian sweet rolls (My fav, AND the only bread I had available!)

And steamed cheesy veggies. These microwable steam bags are AWESOME!

 

Here is Lukes plate. He LOVED It, then again he LOVES Shiner beer! It was pretty good, but I did put a little ketchup on mine to dilute the kinda sorta bitter beer taste. Light Beer would have made a MUCH better flavor, and maybe a little more salt! :)

 

 

Cleft Mommy

I belong to an amazaing support group, more like a family, of Mommy's and some Daddy's of Children born with clefts (and also some people who themselves were born with a cleft). THis family of men & women have become such an amazing source of love and support for me, and such a source of knowledge!

Anyway on our page we share our cleft journey (as we call it) and I recently updated ours and wanted to share it with anyone else who might be interested in reading it.

 

 

Eastons Birth Story  Luke and I were married on March 19, 2011. On our honeymoon I decided I was so sick of the birth control I was on and stopped taking it, we decided that if it was God’s will for us to have a baby then we would have a baby but that we’d also just be careful and not plan it but not prevent it either. A week before my 28th Birthday I told Luke there were weird things going on inside my body,  I was way more exhausted than usual,  there were some odd little pains in my lower abdomen,  and overall I just felt strange. On Friday July 29th I took a pregnancy test and it was negative, I took another on July 30, my birthday I took another, negative. The morning of July 31 I took one first thing, around 7 AM and it was positive, the second line was SO faint, that Luke definitely didn’t believe it and he went to the store and bought another box of tests. I took probably 5 tests, both the lines and digital and my suspicions were confirmed,  we were most definitely pregnant. The next few months flew by fast and furious I started a new job in August,  and we had to wait until September before we could go to the OBGYN and get a confirmation.  We did just that, went to the Dr in September, and for the first time we saw this little ball of cells and a heartbeat that was almost 10 weeks old and the sound of that heart beat was the most amazing sound I’d ever heard up until that point in my life. We were so proud, terrified, but proud. At 16 weeks we chose to have an elective ultra sound to determine the sex of the baby, and found out we were having a sweet boy. Immediately we narrowed down the names we liked and we decided on Easton Landry, it was actually a pretty easy decision once we knew he was a boy. At 21 weeks we went in for an anatomy ultra sound to measure all of his bones and organs and take a good look at  the babys physical development. We were so excited to see him we were almost giddy going in to that appointment, I just knew they were going to tell us he was perfect and amazing and wonderful and beautiful. Instead we were told the baby has a cleft lip, possible palate,  his kidneys seemed to be enlarged and that his heart had a spot on it. I panicked. My blood pressure shot through the roof and the Dr sent me home to rest. I went home and I bawled, I never ever ever expected to be told my baby would have something “Wrong” with him. We scheduled another Ultra sound a couple of weeks later to look at his heart & kidneys again. When we went in for that ultra sound there were no changes so we were referred to a Perinatologist for further assessments of the babies development.  We went in for an appointment with the specialists and they confirmed that we had a cleft lip & palate, his heart did have an echo but they were not at all worried about his kidneys which gave us a little relief. At this point we scheduled an appointment with a group of fetal heart specialists who come to town once a month. When we had that heart scan, the specialists found NOTHING abnormal with his heart, and I never ever ever have felt the amazing sense of relief like  I did that day. Now we just could focus on the cleft. In February we traveled to Fort Worth and met with the craniofacial surgeon at Cooks childrens hospital who we have decided will work on Easton once he has his surgeries, and we got the info we needed from him. The whole pregnancy we watched and monitored my blood pressure, and how thankful we are that it never got in to high, dangerous levels, it stayed elevated but never shot up enough to be hospitalized for. I never went a day with out worrying about his cleft, what obstacles he would have to overcome, crying over why our baby has to have this “abnormality”, what did I do wrong to cause this? Will people judge him for this? Will he be able to eat or talk….I cant tell you how many nights I cried and cried and Luke so lovingly held my hand and promised me it will be ok.  In the last month of my pregnancy I seemed to be gaining weight like crazy, and my tummy was getting larger and larger. My dr decided to have one last sonogram to get an estimate on his size, and that confirmed what we already knew, he was going to be a big baby. At this time we decided with the Dr to schedule a C-section and not attempt a natural birth. On April 4, 2012 at 10AM we traveled across the street to the hospital to be admitted. They immediately took me in to a room and got me in a gown and started Ivs on me. I was asked a MILLION questions while they prepped my body to go in to the OR. Luke was getting dressed in his scrubs and my family and Lukes mom were all there waiting to meet the newest member. At about 12:15 I walked across the hall to the OR and Luke waited in the hallway while they gave me a spinal and got me numb and got the sheet up. They brought Luke in, there were so many ppl in that room, and I knew they were working on me as I listened to my Dr talk to a medical student who was observing, I suddenly hear my Dr say “Get Dad” and they stood Luke up so he could watch them pull Easton out of my tummy and into the world. Immediately I heard him cry and a wave of relief and love rushed over me and I started crying. It was the most amazing sound I’ve ever heard. I couldn’t see Luke face but I imagine he was grinning bigger than he ever has. All I heard was the nurses/doctors say “he is such a big boy” and “Such good color” My OB told me “Katie he has the cleft, but he looks real good”.  The pediatrician brought him over wrapped in a blanket, told me briefly he looks really good, the cleft looks pretty severe but he looks healthy, I kissed him and they whisked him and Luke away to the nursery. I was in recovery for a few hours, they brought Luke in after a while and he told me how beautiful Easton was, and how wonderful he is, and how all the family cried when the nurses held him up in the nursery for everyone to see. I was taken to my room  around 2:30-3:00 in the afternoon to relax, and my family was all there. I didn’t get to see Easton until they brought him to me at 7:30 PM. He is the most beautiful, incredible little angel I’ve ever seen. I can’t believe that God blessed me to be the mother to this amazing creature.    I don’t even see his cleft. I was so concerned before he was born that I would see it and be upset by it, I don’t even see it, he’s so beautiful and perfect. There are NO imperfections or abnormalities on him, he is not capable of being abnormal or imperfect. Its amazing how God shows his miracles. Easton is definitely our little miracle baby, he is perfect and amazing, and in his own little way has already touched so many peoples lives.

10/10/2012

On October 9, 2012 Easton had his first surgery, lip/nose "repair" as they call it. As I type this I am sitting up, at 5:00 AM on one end of the couch, Luke, Eastons father, is laying here asleep. At this point I can honestly say the "repair" feels like they have dont nothing but ruin his face. THat sweet, amazing smile, that is plastered on  everything I own, is gone. He will never have the smile he was born with again, and it breaks my heart.

THe road to get here has been long and stressful, but the silver lining is we never have to do THIS exact thing again. Never will his face change so drastically, never will we have a "first" surgery again with him. THe first time we were supposed to have this done was in Mid August, we got here to Cooks Hospital in FOrt Worth and they turned us back because of bronchitis that I didnt know he had. After that we had 3 more dates but had to call and reschedule, ear infection, thenanother ear infection, pink eye twice, upper respiatory infection, sinus infection.....finally he was well enough today, sounded good, and they went through with it. Never have I been so scared or worried in my life as I have been leading up to and during this surgery.

But now almost 24 hours after surgery, Easton is doing well, we are giving him tylenol with codeine every 4-5 hours (depends on when he is awake) to keep his pain under control and he is eating about 4 oz od formula every few hours. All things look good, no fever or major swelling or anything, so we should be released this afternoon sometime.

THe outpour of support and words of encouragement is astounding. The sheer number of people who have been praying for us up until this week and today (yesterday I guess) is incredible.

This is our life, this will continue to be our life, and now we have a whole new smile to love.

 

His very first picture the day he was born 4/4/10

One month old 5/4/12

4 months old 8/4/12

The week before surgery 10/2/2012

The day of his surgery 10/9/12

Just after recovery 10/9/12

Released from the hospital 10/10/12

1 week post op 10/16/12

 

Surgery #1, finally home

We are almost 3 days post op, and finally home.
We were released from the hospital yesterday (10/10/12), but we stayed in Ft Worth one extra night to be close to the hospital (just in case) and to get some rest before we drove home.
Im so glad to be home.
Easton is doing well, he sleeps a lot because we are giving him tylenol with codein every 4ish hours. He is eating well though, and that is really good news. Every time he wakes up, we give him his medicine and then he eats 2 or so ounces of pedialyte and 4-5 oz of formula!
We are getting used to his face looking different. Its hard for me to see him in pain and discomfort. He had smiled a few times for us, showing off his dimples. His lip is covered in a glue substance so he can't move it at all so when he does smile we really only know that because of those amazing dimples.
Im so amazed with him. He is so strong and brave. He just acts like he is fine (but a little stoned :) ) he pulls his No-no's (Arm restraints) off and flails them around. THe only thing he really hates is when I have to clean out his nose. I have to take a q-tip soaked in peroxide and clean out his nostrils and around his lips and he is definitely NOT a fan of that.
I have so many new fears now. Will I clean it right, am I doing what Im supposed to, is it ok to let him do this or that. Im trying to just let instinct mixed with the Drs notes guide me.

I still have some emotions to work through with him having this new face and having to put him through all of this. But I think Luke and I are doing a good job with supporting each other.

We are incredibly humbled by the support and love we have received. We love you all so much.

 

 

The Night before surgery

Reading before bed with Daddy

Getting ready for surgery

With his Monte!

After surgery sleeping with Daddy

New face!

Before surgery being weighed! (18lbs 12 oz!)

 

The day he got to go home!

Showing off the dimples

Sitting with Nana in the hospital

 

 

Surgery #1

24 hours ago we were packing up the car to head to Cooks Childrens hospital, a few miles from our hotel, to check in for Eastons first surgery.
Here we are, about 21  hours post surgery, its 5:15 AM, Easton is sleeping pretty peacefully, Luke is asleep, and Im sitting looking through pictures and mourning the smile we just lost, and trying to rejoice in the new smile we will soon see and love.
Its an odd thing, these emotions I am feeling. On one hand I am incredibly relieved to havet his behind us. Glad to have the "first" surgery done, Glad for him we have almost gotten through the first 24 hours wit out incident, so incredibly thankful that we have had no complications, no fever, he is eating well....but I am so sad. Sad that he has to endure this pain and confusion, sad that the smile he was born with, that beautiful wide smile that I love so much is gone. Mad that this had to happen to MY child, selfishly wishing I had a child that didnt have to go through this. And all the while unbelievably humbled by all the prayers and words of encouragement we have received in the last few days.
If all continues to go well we will be released this afternoon, we plan to spend one more night in a hotel here, then head home tomorrow morning. One reason for that is so that Luke and I can try and get a little rest before driving, and also to be close just in case something happens.
Its been an emotional day. I think I've handled it pretty well, I have had two breakdowns but Ive been able to keep myself together for the most part.
At this point I'd just like to fast forward time a couple of weeks to get Easton past the pain and have my happy boy back in the full swing of life.
What a blessin he has been. What an incredibly strong little guy he is. It really is true, children are so resilient and strong. God bless him

Appreciation

I have so much in my life that is stressful, so many things that I wish I could make easier, or different. But I was reflecting on THOSE things this morning and I had a realization that I really have no right to want to change anything!
My life is perfect! Sure improvements could always be made, I could lose weight, we could make more money, buy a house, I could be a gourmet cook in the kitchen lol
But in reality are those things that important?
I am so incredibly blessed and I really do appreciate what I have.

First of all, I realize now that I probably never gave my parents the appreciation or showed enough gratitiude that they deserve. Now that I have my own child I see just a small percentage of what they have done for me. WOW! As a kid you never realize what youre parents sacrafice or do for you, to ensure your health & happiness. My parents have done more for me and now for my family then I could EVER even begin to repay. How amazing they are. THey have been such wonderful role models too! almost 50 years of marriage, they raised three kids in different decades, they supported and continue to support and love us unconditionally. THank you Mom and Dad for everything.

Secondly what an amazing husband I have! Sure he gets on my nerves when he stuffs his socks in the couch cushions, or leave his dirty plate in the living room (lol!) But he is sucha a wonderful man. He loves me, and I love him so much. Never could I have imagined a love like we have. I used to be very independent, didnt need a man, didnt think I'd ever be dependent on one, well sure I can survive with out him, but I dont want to, ever. He is incredible, a man of God, a man who strives to be better, provide better, be stronger, for me. No one else on this earth has made me want to be the woman I am and strive to be better than he has.

Third, We have this amazing little baby boy. 1/2 me, 1/2 Luke, he is wonderful. He is the light of my life, he is everything that makes our life together as a family complete. He is strong, happy, healthy (Other than these bouts of colds...) and his smile makes life ok! God has really put a lot of faith in me, and really must have thought Luke & I were special to give us such an inspirational child.

So in appreciation of the people in my life, my family, my friends, God. I just say THANK YOU.
Sometimes I get down and think things are SO hard, but in reality, things could be so much worse, there are people who would give anything to have the things I have, relationships, love, friends...THANK YOU

Wow what a 6 months

Six months ago today I was in a bit of a panic to get things ready, because in 3 days I would be checking in to Midland Memorial to have Easton. We had no idea how our lives would change, and I was terrified. Boy, have our  lives changed!
In the last 6 months I have learned a lot, learned I didnt know as much as I thought; I have seen God's true miracles and beauty; I have seen who really cares about me, and my family; we became parents; I've been an emotional wreck; Easton has been sick almost constantly now for 2 months; I worked part time; Ive worked full time; I've missed a LOT of work; I cried hysterically for days before having to leave Easton in daycare; I've cried hysterically and carried enormous guilt for having to put him through surgery; I've had a small bout of post partum depression and even took medication for it; Luke has changed jobs; he worked two jobs, now he is a teacher/coach; We moved. TWICE, once in with my family for a month, then in to a new apartment. We put an offer on a house, then realized financially we couldnt do it, and had to back out. We have travelled to Fort Worth many times for Dr appointments; We have received bad news from Drs and good news; Family members have had health scares; We have monitored closely Eastons weight gain, after 2 months of NOT gaining weight; We learned out to get "gunk" out of his throat after a couple of choking episodes; We continue to teach people about Cleft Lips/palates; We've dealt with side eye looks and double takes from people who realize his lip is not "normal".  We have had some real disappointment in both situations and in people. But the most important thing is that Luke and I have gone through it all together, we are stronger for it and, WE ARE PARENTS!
Easton's smile brightens my day. He makes all of the lows worth it, and he is the main source of all of the highs. He is an incredible baby. Because of him we have seen some incredible kindness in people, we have also seen some cruelty, but thats ok, because we can try & teach those.
I never in a million years could have imagined what would happen in the first 6 months of being a Mom. I definitely would not have been able to predict what we have been through, the things I have mentioned are just skimming the surface. There have been really emotional and tough nights. But there have been so many jubilant and wonderful times. I dont expect it will ever get any easier, or less emotional for me; I am a woman, I am emotional, and I have very sensitive feelings.
I have come off as a very strong person who knows exactly what I am doing and handling things perfectly well, but in reality I am a mess a lot of the time. But thats ok! God has gotten us through these first 6 months just as he will the next 6 months. He has shown us Love unlike I have ever understood. Love for Easton, Love from Easton. Love from strangers who send us kind words, love from family and friends who support us and do not push their personal opinions on us. and Faith that no matter what people say or do, things will be ok. This is a Faith I had to learn when we first found out Eston had a cleft. A Faith that didnt come so easily for me. But I have it now, and its stronger than I have ever felt.
WOW What a 6 months it has been!